Need a new solution for sharing photos? After being repeatedly scolded, my mom finally stopped sending me three megabyte photos via e-mail.

If you don’t know why that’s a problem (tip: three megabytes is a huge file that can clog up e-mail accounts), read on. Here are a few (less annoying) options for sharing your photos:

1. Resize the photo. Alter the resolution or image size before e-mailing it. Also, don’t e-mail more than three photos per e-mail.

Geek-lossary

Resolution: The amount of pixels (or dots) that make up the image. If you want to print the photo as a 12-by-15-inch glossy, you generally want high resolution, which is 300 dpi (dots per inch) for a high-quality image. You can reduce the image to 70 dpi, which still looks fine, but might not look good printed.

Image size: The actual size of the image, generally measured in pixels or inches. For example, a 4-by-3-inch photo is 300 by 225 pixels. For most photo sharing needs, the 4-by-3 size should be sufficient. You can find an image size calculator at www.auctionrepair.com/pixels.html.

2. Send a link to a virtual gallery if you can’t (or don’t want to) alter the size, or if you have a large gallery. Here are some things to consider when selecting your online gallery.

Do users have to create accounts before viewing the images? This may hinder your friends from viewing your images.

Can users save images from the gallery? Your friends might want to save the pictures for themselves, or order a print.

Niemi is a Web consultant for Prairie Mountain Publishing. Check out her blog at www.libbylines.pmpblogs.com.

Check out www.womensmag.com for blogs, photo galleries and links to all of our stories online.

If you’re feeling extra techno-savvy, be our Myspace friend: www.myspace.com/womensmag.

If you don’t know what to get your sweetie for Valentine’s Day, let the Internet help. Here are some Web sites that can help you find the perfect gift.

Amazon.com – To get you in the right direction, ask him to create an online wish list of items he might like. Perhaps even create your own list. (Note: You can even design an engagement ring, if you want to drop an unmistakable hint.)

Redenvelope.com and Rollingidea.com –These two shopping sites allow you to search by occasion, relationship type and interests.

Skinit.com — If he’s a technology guy, customize his laptop, smart phone or MP3 player. Design your own or pick his favorite sports team, nature shot or color scheme.

You can also get his MP3 player or phone engraved. Various companies offer this, so if you can steal away his device for a minute (good luck!), you can return it to him with customization.

Shopcomposition.com — Wallets, pens and watches have never been so exciting. This local company brings great design and style to the basics. The site is fun and interactive. With the click of a button, the items spin onto the page in a clean layout. It lets you quickly drill in deeper, e-mail it to a friend and add to your cart. And, yes, you may just have to pick up a few things for yourself while you’re there.

Cloud9living.com — When you want to give an experience, rather than something tangible, call on local company, Cloud 9 Living to help. Whether it’s a glider rider and brewery tour or ultimate golf package, these guys take care of all the details to give the unwrappable.

– By Libby Niemi

Niemi is a Web consultant for Prairie Mountain Publishing. Her blog is www.libbylines.pmpblogs.com.

Be our Myspace friend: www.myspace.com/womensmag.

Last spring, I decided to try to garden for the first time ever. I could cook, and I even joined a knitting circle. So how hard could it be to grow some plants?

I wanted to plant tulip bulbs in front of the house. I took measurements and headed to the gardening store. It wasn’t until I got there that I realized: I didn’t have the foggiest idea how to leap into the world of gardening. Sunlight? Northern exposure? (Not the TV show.) Nutrition-rich soil?

So I, being a true Internet geek, turned to my computer to help sort it out. Here’s what I found:

Landscaping.about.com

Here you can find plethora of “eCourses,” videos and articles, all related to your outdoor space. From planting for your fall foliage to seaside-scapes, this a great place to start and research all of your questions, such as which plants are poisonous to dogs and cats. You can even sign up for a free landscaping newsletter.

eHow.com

This is a great resource for video tutorials that show you exactly how to plant tulips (for example). Measurements for depth of the bulbs and how far apart is helpful, but actually seeing a video of it was essential for my tulip success. Video: www.ehow.com/video_5049_plant-tulips.html. YouTube has similar videos and tutorials.

Earthandskygardens.com

If you want to give up on trying to garden, inside or out, consider a plant “leasing program.” This may be best for a corporate setting, but could also work for your home. This company will consult with you to determine which plants will work for your space — and even come in once a week to water your leased plants!

Sketchup.google.com

Google offers something called SketchUp, which allows you to use tools like a professional landscape architect — for free. You can download and watch tutorials to quickly become the designer you’ve always wanted to be. Note: There is a little learning curve, but it’s worth it.

Myidealgarden.com

This is a happy medium between going solo and hiring a professional landscaping team. The site offers basic courses, and you can browse images for ideas. Once you know your direction, the site leads you to find affordable landscape designers and contractors. There are some fees associated with the site, but if you’re serious about getting your hands dirty and educating yourself, this may be the perfect start.

Niemi is an online products specialist for Prairie Mountain Publishing. If you need help with your online marketing or if you have a question, email her at libby@womensmag.com.

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