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jumpstart

Michelin Smart Jumper cables for easier jump-starts

We've already shown you how to jump-start your car with standard jumper cables, but if you don't trust yourself to remember all six steps in our guide, Michelin may be able to help with its new Smart Jumper cables. This set of jumpers features inline electronics that take most--but not all--of the guesswork and danger out of jump-starting a car.

There are two physical differences that seasoned automotive enthusiasts will notice between the Smart Jumper cables and, well, dumb jumpers. The first is that where standard jumpers have red and black clamps on each end, marking the positive and negative connections, all four of the Smart Jumper's connections are the same electric blue. So, how do you know what's positive and what's negative? As it turns out, it doesn't matter.… Read more

How to jump-start a car

We've all been there at least once: you've left your headlights on overnight or spent too much time listening to music in your car and when you go to start 'er up, you get nothing. What you need is a jump-start. So, call a friend or flag down a neighbor, because I'm going to show you how to do it.

What you'll need:

your disabled car with a drained battery a donor car with a charged battery jumper cables insulating gloves (optional) eye protection (optional)

Step 1: Note the orientation of the cars' batteries in the … Read more

'JumpStart World': A 'Second Life' for second graders

Summertime conjures visions of endless outdoor activities, but what protects a kid's brain from melting in the day's heat? JumpStart World, 2nd Grade (there's also a kindergarten version) is one of CNET Download.com's many educational software programs to keep students' brains sharp over vacation.

From the beginning, JumpStart World reminds me of a Second Life for second graders--the download and installation are lengthy, and slurp up quite a bit of memory. Users begin by registering, choosing an avatar, and entering an interactive 3D world replete with an orienting tutorial. The main difference is that kids go on "hero" missions at their virtual summer camp, earning shields and gems--the in-game currency--for following instructions, doing good deeds, and mastering fun games.… Read more