Another misleading factor in the act of removing spark plugs from the cylinder and trying to observe spark quality out in the open is that the plugs ARE NOT under the influence of compression under those conditions. Compression has a profound effect on whether or not a spark plug (or the rest of the ignition system) can/will throw an arc between the 2 electrodes. Compression can stifle a spark from a weak magneto, but the same plug and magneto might still make a spark out in open air. That entire phenomenon is why Briggs instructs ignition testing to be done using their spark tester. The Briggs tester is an inline apparatus that connects in series between the spark plug and the spark plug cable and testing is done while the spark plug remains in the cylinder. This not only accounts for the compression effect, it also forces the engine to CRANK at its normal RPM, instead of spinning faster (which affects spark too) as it would with plugs out. A "poor boy" way of simulating the Briggs tester can be done by inserting the tool end of a VERY WELL INSULATED Phillips screwdriver into the spark plug cable and then position the metal shaft of the screwdriver about 1/4" away from the boot end of the spark plug. Best have a helper crank the engine while you concentrate on watching for a spark to happen. If the magneto will make a spark capable of jumping the gap at about 1/4" spacing, it will fire the plug. If not, then it is too weak for service.

"What I do not understand is why they charge a monthly fee of 7.95 for up to 4 computers." It may be that the contract you have with them now allows you to connect only a single PC and that they charge extra for multiple PCs to connect. That kind of pricing used to be more common when only propeller headed geeks had home networks, but home networks are pretty common these days, so charging extra seems unusual to me. I'd be in a bit of trouble if I were limited to 4 PCs. I think we've got 5 PCs, a Tivo, 2 game consoles, 2 handheld game systems and 2 iTouches that are all connected (or can be at various times). Fortunately, my ISP doesn't place any limit on the number of devices I connect.

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Ktleey is fair to say what he has to say. Unfortunately in the AV space there are two extremes to it. There are people who will want to DIY everything and put things together to make them do what they want (without the usual original intent of the product). Then there is the other group that doesn't want anything to do with it and just wants ease of use, ergonomics, and a headache free setup. The problem is both sides don't see the other - the DIY sides can't fathom the dollars being spent to do what they think they can accomplish with less and the other side doesn't want the headaches associated with a diy type of setup. Then there are all the people in between who want the most for the least amount of money. The key is the amount of 'tweaking' involved - that and the integrator. The PS3 is a great device. Is it the best for a homeowner that doesn't want any exposure to the underlying things ? most definitely not. Is the the "most powerful", depends on the user. But relatively speaking, for most probably not. I love to tweak. but at the same time, I understand that what goes into the house - needs to be the most user friendly setup for the homeowners (and guests of homeowners). That means that things are limited/controlled as to what can and cannot be done and how things are done. You are talking extremes in price - but I'd venture to say that most people would take a K-scape/Crestron setup over a PS3 setup in a theater almost any day of the week. Granted, it can't handle streaming of blu-ray (yet, announced but not released). But then again, if you want streaming blu-ray Axonix does this now as well, albeit the same as the Sony PS3 - illegally. Managed Copy is the issue for everyone right now. But getting back to the original - how much do you want to tweak is the main question. For a theater - you are free to tweak if you want. If you use the automation for other things in the house (especially lighting), I would highly recommend that you go toward the more reliable, less tweaked options. Your significant other (and potentially future homeowners) will not want to live with light switches not turning on lights reliably. That means 100% of the time without delay - not most of the time, or almost all of the time, or whatever.

My first computer...a Tandy dinosaur bought around 1989/1990...was not internet "ready"...but that's the one I cut my teeth on. ;-) From there...to a top of the line Gateway desktop...and now an Asus Pundit Book End Tower...which I adore...replaces the Gateway that went boots up the day after my husband died. Best investment I've ever made as far as computers are concerned. It's a small, extremely quiet and clean, reliable workhorse. I've been on the internet...at differing levels of enthusiasm...for about 12 years. I've always used it as my major research tool but shied away from personal participation for a long, long time. I found the GW computer forum by accident a long while ago and participated there for a while. Then...my husband became ill and my computer time was slim, little and none. I discovered the KT...and was an active "lurker" for a long time before I worked up the courage to "get involved". I'm still not what I would consider an "active" participant...but I'm a daily "reader" who enjoys contributing when time allows. From all my years of internet observation...I have to add that the KT is the most congenial, caring and kind collection of "friends" that I've ever seen on the internet. It's a pleasure to spend part of my day here...whether I post or not. Anne