What is a ballast and what is the difference between electronic and magnetic ones?
All fluorescent tubes require a ballast to start - they increase the voltage high enough to start the fluorescent process. Electronic ballasts cost more but have several advantages. They start without flickering, prevent electro-magnetic interference (EMI), start in very cold weather (down to 50 degrees below 0 for some types) and produce more light while using less power. Electronic ballasts also don't have the small amount of radio-active material found in magnetic ballasts.
