This method is gaining popularity with computer manufacturers, because it reduces the possibility of user error. You can find out if this option is available to you by logging onto the manufacturers' website and searching for a BIOS update using the exact model of your computer. It is the fastest and easiest way to update your BIOS. Make sure that you are downloading the executable for your precise computer model. Save the executable somewhere easily to find, like your desktop. Do not reboot your computer until requested by the utility. It may simply reboot the computer itself.
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One-sentence summary -- Use the self-contained WinFlash program to flash your BIOS. Download the WinFlash executable from the manufacturers' website. Double-click on the executable to run the WinFlash program. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Start menu will pop up. Click the gear-shaped icon in the bottom-left corner of the Start menu. This will open the Settings window. This laptop-shaped icon is in the upper-left side of the window. It's in the lower-left corner of the window, though you may have to place your cursor on the left-hand sidebar and scroll down to see it. This option is near the bottom of the page. The "Device specifications" section contains information about your computer's processor, RAM, and system type.
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One-sentence summary -- Open Start . Open Settings . Click System. Click the About tab. Scroll down to the "Device specifications" heading. Review your computer's specifications.

Make a plan for yourself that includes a series of steps that are realistic to achieve. Include a timeline for achieving each step so that you can stay focused. Be flexible with your plan. This isn't written in stone, so if a new opportunity or contact presents itself, be flexible so you can incorporate a new direction. Reevaluate this plan every year or two. Determine if you're on track or if you need to make adjustments. There are many paths you can follow in shoe design. For example, you can design shoes for women, men, children, athletes, and so on. What appeals to you most? Consider which aspect of the shoe design process appeals to you most. Do you love designing shoes but you don't care about actually making them? Do you want to actually make your own shoes? Do you want to work for a big company like Adidas or Nike, or do you want to own your own boutique? While it is not necessary to get a degree, a degree can help you develop skills and contacts that will be useful for succeeding in the industry. Enroll in a 2- or 4-year program at an accredited institution. Your degree doesn't need to be in shoe design. Any degree in an art- or design-related field will be applicable. These might include shoe design, industrial design, graphic design, art, product design, fashion design, and accessory design, among others. A great shoe designer will have an interesting and original look to their designs. You can start developing your own style and brand immediately. Limit the elements that you can use, such as restricting yourself to three colors, or two types of fabric or material. This will force you to be imaginative and innovative. Give yourself assignments. Design shoes for different types of people, for example. What are some similarities that resound through each design? Challenge yourself to create something new every day. Design a new shoe every day for a month. You may start to see themes in your shoe designs. You may have a tendency to look at other shoe designs and designers for inspiration, but this risks replicating designs. Look for inspiration in other areas of art or the world. Christian Louboutin, for example, has drawn from archaeology to influence some of his designs. There is more to shoe design than just drawing pictures. The industry is roughly divided into three parts: design or creative, manufacturing, and retail. Design/creative: This is the division where you create your design. But this involves more than sketching a shoe on paper; it also involves pattern making, and for some designers, using or making original lasts to determine shoe fit (lasts are reproductions of the foot, usually made of high-quality plastic or resin). Manufacturing: This is the division that turns your design into an actual pair of shoes. Learn about the chain of manufacturing, from selection of materials to production. Retail: This is the division that sells your shoes. Understanding the retail side involves understanding what consumers are looking for; these are the people who will be wearing your shoes. Who are the consumers you're hoping to target? Also consider what stores and buyers are looking for and how your shoes might suit their needs. Following the industry and trends in shoes will help you figure out where you can be cutting-edge and stand out. This is a competitive industry and being on top of trends is a necessity. Read design and fashion magazines to keep up with trends.
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One-sentence summary -- Create a 5-year plan. Decide on your focus. Get a degree in design. Start developing your style. Find inspiration in the world. Learn about the industry. Keep track of current trends.

You might be tempted to raffle a luxury car. However, the best car to raffle is one that matches the demographics of your audience. For example, if you are an environmental charity, then you might want to buy a hybrid vehicle. If your audience is young, then you might want something sporty. However, if your audience consists mostly of families, then you can buy a minivan or other family-sized car. You can't raffle off a car you don't own. Accordingly, you should identify how you will get a vehicle. You have a few options: Obtain donations. People can donate to your organization and then you can use the proceeds to buy a car. Approach local corporations, such as large hardware stores, Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and any business that has expressed an interest in your organization. Ask a dealer to donate. Some auto dealers will donate a car, provided you advertise that they are the donor. Buy with your own funds. If your organization has money from prior fundraisers, then you might buy the vehicle outright. You need to approach donors strategically. No one will give you money without understanding the purpose of your organization. Make sure to have the following information available for potential donors to look at: Your organization's background: when you were established, how much you have raised, etc. How you will showcase the sponsor. For example, will you mention them on marketing materials? On the raffle ticket itself? How you will monitor and evaluate the raffle. For example, does your organization have an accountant or bookkeeper who will oversee the raffle and keep track of the money raised? How you will use the money raised. Explain how the funds will further your mission. You can increase interest in your raffle if you also offer smaller prizes. This way, more than one person is a "winner" at the raffle. Consider offering these other prizes: cash awards vacation getaways electronics items (laptop, flat screen TV, radio, etc.) gift certificates Some government authorities have strict rules regulating raffles. Accordingly, you should consult with an attorney in your area to discuss whether or not you can hold the raffle. You can find an attorney by contacting your local or state bar association. Many U.S. states limit raffles to non-profit charitable organizations, churches, or volunteer organizations. States may also require organizations to have been in existence for a certain number of years before they can hold a raffle. Check whether you need to pay taxes on the vehicle and whether you need to register it before the raffle. The lawyer can also help you register your raffle, which is required in some states. For example, in California, you must register your raffle with the state's Attorney General. Once you have met with an attorney, you can better assess whether you want to go ahead with the raffle. Consider the time and money involved and decide whether to pursue a different fundraiser. There's always a chance you won't sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the car. For this reason, think carefully before buying the car outright with your funds. If you can't get a dealer to donate a car, then you might want to scrap the raffle. As an alternative, you can hold a raffle for smaller items, such as vacations or cash prizes.
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One-sentence summary --
Decide what kind of car to raffle. Identify how you will purchase the car. Approach potential donors. Offer other smaller prizes. Meet with an attorney. Decide whether to raffle a car.