That's because of the free Web access. Apple computers, being cutting-edge, are much less useful without internet access, so its dozen-odd floor models are eternally connected to the Web. That's where the kids come in.

A decade ago, when fewer people had their own computers, if you wanted to get online when you weren't home, you had to go to an internet cafe. But today, moneyed people tote Blackberries and wifi-enabled laptops, so the American internet cafe is all but dead. Except that many high school kids are too young to have jobs and usually don't have their own laptops. So they can't get online at Starbucks or Panera Bread, like the rest of us. They go to the Apple Store, where they can borrow the computer without charge or time limit.

That's attraction enough for those too young to have private Web access (and for those with prying parents back home). But then there's the fact that most Apple computers now come with built-in cameras. Lots of kids are hitting the Apple Store just to take shots of themselves with the webcam. Facebook will take and post a shot of you directly from your profile page. In fact, one Michigan teen just started a new Facebook group called "I Only Go 2 The Apple Store To Take Photos and Put Them On Facebook." There are already 68 members.

If you've done any online shopping for electronics or computers recently you've most certainly come across a refurb section with items at deeply discounted prices. Matthew Dillon at GottaBeMobile.com, rounded up a great collection of the different ways you can save money buying refurbished, and also compiled several great sources for finding refurbished electronics.

Types of refurbished products:

• Refurbished - The unit was determined to be defective and given a complete overhaul to fix the problem.
• Scratch-and-Dent - These products will have slight variations on the exterior appearance, but they should function fine.
• Open Box - You'll find these in the corner of a brick and mortar store often missing remotes and manuals. These are usually returns or floor models, the latter taking heaps of abuse at the hands of customers.

The most recognizable source for refurbished goods is the Apple Store, which offers amazing deals on refurbished laptops, iPods and iPhones. I've gotten many great deals on open box items at Best Buy, where returned TVs usually net at least a 15% discount. And during inventory clearance season, savvy shoppers can get an additional 40% off. One of my friends had similar success purchasing a scratch and dent TV from ABC warehouse, negotiating an extra two years of warranty for free, on top of the lowered purchase price.

Still not sure? Keep in mind that refurbished products have usually been looked at and tested more closely than the original units that ship. Just make sure that the return and warranty policy policies are favorable before you purchase. GottaBeMobile has many more tips on getting the best deal on refurbished products.

Do you buy refurbished? Have you had good luck?

If your computer needs new anti-virus protection, I have got a deal for you.

Yesbuy.net is offering McAfee Virus Scan Plus 2008 OEM with SiteAdvisor™, AntiVirus, AntiSpyware & Firewall - Essential & Proactive PC Protection for $8.45 with free shipping.

This software will set you back $23.49 on Amazon. Here are a few of the features:
Caveat emptor: the Amazon reviews vary wildly. Some reviewers call it "outstanding, while others describe the customer service as horrendously bad. The 9 reviews resulted in an average of 3 stars, hardly anything to brag about. But for $8.45, it's worth a try.

The storm season is rapidly approaching for my part of the country, and that got me thinking. Because our locality seems to be rather prone to lightening strikes, we had better make sure we have proper insurance coverage on our computers.

I've already had one modem fried by lightening. Luckily enough the manufacturer's warranty covered that one occurrence. But now, we have two rather expensive computers which are each used for generating income. You can bet that I'll be making sure they're protected by proper insurance before storm season hits.

Generally, homeowner or renter's insurance will provide adequate coverage for the average personal computer in the event of damage or theft. However, it's a good idea to check to see if the policy covers actual value or replacement value. Computers depreciate very quickly once we put them into service. In my own case, I'll gladly pay the modest up-front charge for a policy which provides replacement of my machine at current market prices for new equipment, if something unsavory should happen.

There sure are a lot of tech and gadget minded people out there. From true geeks to just the tech interested people on the user end, we abound in gadget literate people. The bloggers on our sister blog, DIYLife have done a great deal of touring around the blog-holds of the Internet and I would now like to bring you on a tour involving six tech, do-it -yourself, and gadget blogs which they've introduced to us or have helped us to become more familiar with.

There's something in my blog list for almost everyone, you'll have to look at them all to decide which ones are for you. I present them in no specific order of value. Some of these blogs are from our own Weblogs Network and the truth is that they are all great. I'm also providing links to some outstanding material from and about these blogs for you to review.

As the holiday season approaches, we thought you might appreciate some gift suggestions with a twist, appropriate for those on your list who aren't satisfied with the same old, same old.

I don't have to tell to you the kind of gift that would be perfect for the computer nerd on your list, right? You know the type: thumbs the size of tablespoons from gaming, speaks in bytes and teraflops, has hacked his toothbrush to network with his iPhone? Of course, the perfect gift for such a digital guy (or gal) is one that appeals to everyone's true passion: sex.

What then could be better than the USB Humping Dog? This small electronic device plugs into a laptop via the gum-width USB slot, and humps merrily away to remind the computer user what pastime the rest of the world is pursuing while he is busy shooting aliens and piling up his Second Life bankroll.

And to anticipate your question-- no, USB does not stand for U Should Be...