Tips & Tricks

Top 5 best and latest Android handsets below Rs 5,000

2013-12-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

1. Karbonn A+ Duple

Karbonn Mobiles adds yet another budget Android 4.2 Jelly Bean handset to its portfolio this month. The latest handset called Karbonn A+ Duple sports a 3.5-inch IPS HVGA display with a 480x320 pixel resolution.

A 1.3GHz dual-core CPU coupled with 256MB RAM fuels the device with a 3-megapixel main and a 0.3-megapixel secondary camera taking care of the photography and selfy needs. Other goodies on board include a 512MB inbuilt memory which can be further expanded up to 32GB using a Micro SD card slot, 1300 mAh battery and connectivity features like 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

Price: Rs. 3,700

2. Spice Smart Flo Ivory 2 Mi-423

The sub 5000 range smartphone market has never been this exciting. With a slew of devices bringing onboard the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS in the segment, consumers on shoe string budget have all the reasons to rejoice. One of the latest devices in this category constitutes of the Spice Smart Flo Ivory 2 Mi-423. Not only does the smartphone pack in the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS but it also combines it with a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor.

The dual-SIM device comes fitted with a impressive 4-inch WVGA display with a resolution of 480x800 pixels along with a 3.2-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front camera. On the storage front, the device supports 512MB of storage with scope for expansion via a microSD card slot, 1,400 mAh battery and connectivity options like 2G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Price: Rs. 4,099

3. Intex Cloud X5

Another device which comes pre-installed with the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and a 1GHz dual-core MediaTek MT6572 processor is Intex Cloud X5. The smartphone features a slightly smaller capacitive display size than Spice Smart Flo Ivory 2 Mi-423 at 3.5-inches with a 480x320 pixel resolution.

Equipped with a 1,500 mAh battery life, 512MB of internal storage along with support for 32GB memory expansion via a Micro SD card slot, the device ensures uninterrupted talktime and takes care of your storage needs. There is also a 2-megapixel rear camera and a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera for initiating video calling and chatting. On the connectivity front, the options provided include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Price: Rs. 4,800

4. Lava Iris 352e

This latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean offering from Lava brings dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) support for consumers along with a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 320x480 pixels, 1GHz dual-core processor and 256MB of RAM.

The storage requirements are taken care of by the 512MB inbuilt storage which can be further expanded up to 32GB via a MicroSD card slot while the connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, EDGE, GPRS, and Micro-USB ensure that you always stay connected to your friends and family. Other goodies on board include a decent 1450mAh battery life, 2-megapixel rear camera and a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

Price: Rs. 4,290

5. Videocon A31

Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the dual-SIM Videocon A31 packs in a 1.2GHz dual-core processor along with a 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory which can be further expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card slot. It also supports dual camera options - a 3.2-megapixel camera on the back and a 1.3-megapixel camera on the front along with 1,550 mAh battery, 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS.

Price: Rs. 5,000

Windows 8 Tips

2013-12-08T20:36:00.003-08:00

1. God Mode

You wouldn't know it by looking at the Desktop or Start screen, but Windows 8 practically bristles with settings you can customize. The problem is that they're scattered throughout Windows 8, and it can be time-consuming to track them down individually.

However, there is one way to find them all in one place: You can use what some people call "God Mode." While the term "God Mode" has a powerful ring to it, the truth is it's not a separate mode that you put Windows into. It's really a hidden folder that gives you fast access to many settings spread out across Windows 8. It's easy to put that folder right on the Desktop.

First, make sure that you can view hidden files in File Explorer, the system navigation app that in earlier versions of Windows was called Windows Explorer. Run File Explorer, click the View tab, and check the boxes next to "Hidden items" and "File name extensions" in the Ribbon at the top.

Then right-click the Desktop and select New --> Folder. That creates a folder on the Desktop named "New folder." Rename the folder:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}]

The folder icon changes, and it has the name GodMode.

(Note that the "GodMode" text isn't what turns the folder into a special folder; instead, it's that long string of letters and numbers inside the curly brackets. You can use any text you want before the period just ahead of the opening bracket, and it still points to the same folder and everything works the same.)

Double-click the icon, and you'll launch a folder filled with dozens of actions, tools and tweaks, from "Change Automatic Maintenance settings" to "View update history." They're organized by category. Expand or shrink each category by clicking the small triangle next to it. Each category displays a number next to it, showing how many settings there are in it.

To start any action or tweak, double-click it in the list. In some cases you'll follow a wizard, in other cases you'll need to fill in dialog boxes, and in yet other cases you'll be sent to the Control Panel or another Windows location to do the work.

2. Hot Corners Are Your Friends

If you're a bit befuddled the first time you fire up Microsoft's newest operating system, we understand. Microsoft's left a number of navigational elements invisible to your eye unless you move your mouse over one of the four extreme corners of your screen. Hover your mouse over the top-right or bottom-right to access the Charms Bar: Windows 8's built-in Search and Sharing capabilities, as well as a list of devices you can send the contents of the current app to and Windows 8's ever-important Settings menu. Hover your mouse over the top-left or bottom-left corners of your screen to jump between open apps on Windows 8's "Switch List," just like you would otherwise do by hitting the combination of alt and tab on your keyboard.

3. Set Up Your Lock Screen

Security aficionados, or anyone with a cute picture they’d like to boot into on a daily basis, will be thrilled to learn that Windows 8 includes a nifty new feature called “picture passwords.” Using this tool, you can use any picture stored in your Windows 8 Pictures folder to log into the OS, rather than a traditional text password. Once you’ve selected the picture you want to use, you can create a geometric password using any combination of circles, straight lines or taps on three areas of the screen. Microsoft encourages you to keep the password simple, tracing a loved one’s glasses, for instance, rather than a city skyline.

To set up a picture password, first search for “picture password” on the Start screen. Under Sign-in Options, click Create A Picture Password (if this button isn’t visible, it means you have to create a text password first). Once you’ve clicked on the button, Windows will give you a brief tutorial explaining how to create a picture password, after which the system will prompt you to select one of your own photos. Finally, choose your three gestures, then perform all three again to confirm your selection.

Windows 8 also lets you set up a unique password for each additional user on the device, which is handy if you have multiple family members sharing a single computer or tablet. And don’t worry if you can’t remember your picture password — you can always use a text password or a four-digit PIN instead.

4.How to run programs as Administrator in Windows 8

Many of you are Window Vista and Window 7 users and you may probably know that how important it is run your programs with Admin Privileges to access and change advanced system settings. But in Window 8, right clicking on a program in the Start screen will not display Run as administrator option.

While running as Administrator option is available when you will right click on a program shortcut on the desktop, the same option does not appear when you will right click on a program shortcut in the start screen. So in this post I am going to explain the useful steps for running your programs with admin rights in Window 8. Below are the steps for the same:

Switch to the Metro Start screen.

Now you have to type the programas name to see your program under Application list.

Now right click on the program name to see advanced option.

Now click on the Advanced and select Run as Administrator option.

(Note: You can also use the good old hotkey (Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter) method to run a program with admin rights.)

5. Task switching

The Metro screen doesn't have a taskbar, so you'll soon lose track of the apps you've run. To see what's running, though, just press Alt+Tab. Pressing Win+Tab will switch from one running app to the next, and on a touch screen, swiping repeatedly from the left also cycles through running apps.

You could also simply launch an app again and, if there's another copy running, that one will be displayed.

If you have a keyboard, repeatedly pressing the Windows key will always toggle you between the Metro screen and the last app.

And if you have a mouse, move its cursor to the far left of the screen (roughly in the centre, vertically) and a thumbnail of the last app you used should appear. Click this to relaunch it.

6. Closing time

Metro apps don't have a "Close" button, and this is intentional: apps are suspended when you switch to something else, and are automatically closed anyway if you need the resources.

If you'd like to keep your system clean, though, you can always close them manually. Press Ctrl+Alt+Esc to launch Task Manager, right-click the surplus application and select End Task.

7. How to shut down

To shut down your system from Metro, call up the Settings dialog (move the mouse cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen and click Settings, or just hold down the Windows key and press I), click the Power icon, then Shut Down.

Or, in the desktop, you can still press Alt+F4, and choose the Shut Down, Restart, Switch User or Log Off option.

8.Spell check

Metro apps all have spellcheck where relevant, which looks and works much as it does in Microsoft Office. Make a mistake and a wavy red line will appear below the offending word; tap or right-click this to see suggested alternative words, or add the word to your own dictionary if you prefer.

9.Hibernate or Sleep

By default Hibernate or Sleep won't appear in the Windows 8 shutdown dialogs, however you may be able to restore them.

Launch the Power Options applet (powercfg.cpl) and click "Choose what the power buttons do" in the left-hand pane.

If you see a "Change settings that are current unavailable" link, then click it, check the Sleep and Hibernate options, click Save Changes, and the new options should now appear in your shutdown dialogs.

10. Windows key shortcuts in Windows 8

The Windows Metro interface is primarily designed for touch screens, but it does also support most of the old Windows key shortcuts, many of which are now more useful than ever.

Win + C : displays the "Charms": the Settings, Devices, Share and Search options

Win + D : launches the desktop

Win + E : launches Explorer

Win + F : opens Search

Win + I : opens Settings

Win + L : locks your PC

Win + P : switch your display to a second display or projector

Win + R : opens the Run box

Win + U : open the Ease of Access Centre

Win + W : search your system settings (type POWER for links to all power-related options, say)

Win + Z : displays the right-click context menu when in a full-screen Metro app

Win + + : zoom in

Win + - : zoom out

Win + Tab : switch between running apps

11. Launch programs quickly

If you're working with a keyboard and don't want to have to scroll through Metro tiles to find the program you need, don't worry, Windows 8 still supports a useful old shortcut.

Open the desktop, launch Media Player, right-click its taskbar button and select Pin this program to Taskbar.

Close Media Player, and drag and drop its taskbar icon to the extreme left, so it's next to the taskbar button, then press the Windows key again to return to the Metro interface.

Now hold down the Windows key, press 1, and you'll see the desktop appear and Media Player launch. You can similarly press the Windows key and 2 to launch the second icon (IE, by default), or 3 to launch the third (Explorer), while adding as many others as will fit.

12. Shutdown shortcuts

The fastest way to shut down your PC is via a suitable shortcut.

Launch the desktop app, right-click an empty part of the desktop and click New > Shortcut.

Enter

shutdown.exe -s -t 00

to shut down your PC,

shutdown.exe -h -t 00

to hibernate it, and click Next.

Type a shortcut name - Hibernate, say - and click Finish.

Right-click the shortcut and select Pin to Taskbar, or copy the shortcut to the C:\Users\<AccountName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder.

Hold down the Windows key and press F to open Search.

Type the name of the shortcut, click Apps beneath the search box, and it should appear on the left.

Finally, right-click the app, select Pin and it should appear on the far right of the Metro screen - just drag it wherever you like.

Protect Your Computer From USB Viruses

2013-08-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

How To Protect Your Computer From USB Viruses

1) FreeCommander

When user double clicks on theUSB drive files pointed by the autorun.inf got executed which copies the virus files on your system.So , you should open your USB drive through FreeCommander , it’s file explorer like windows explorer.

2) Windows Feature Autorun

Mostly USB viruses contains autorun.inf and .bat file or similar . Autorun is windows feature which automatically initiates inserted usb or cd/dvd .

So, to protect your computer from usb threats disable autorun feature.

How To Disable Autorun Feature Manually

1) Go to Run > type gpedit.msc

2) Under User configuration expand Administrative templates and select Windows Components..

3) Go to Autoplay Polices

4) Double click on Turn off autoplay

5) Select the radio button Enable- > Click ok

3) USB Write Protector

These viruses tend to copy themselves to the flash drive whenever system detected new device plug in.

With USB Write Protector, you can turn on/off the write protect to a USB flash drive.

2013-08-27T23:20:00.001-07:00

Samsung's Galaxy Core is now available for Rs. 12900/-

Battery
Samsung Galaxy Core has 1800 mAh battery. Galaxy Core claims 14 hours and 9 hours of talktime on 2G and 3G networks

Memory
Samsung Galaxy Core coems with 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal storage and 32 GB expandable storage slot.

Camera
Samsung Galaxy Core comes with 5 megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera.

OS, Processor
This device runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system. It has a dual core processor.

Connectivity and Sensors:
Samsung Galaxy Core is a dual SIM phone. Besides, it comes with 3G (5.76 Mbps download speed), WiFi (b/g/n), Bluetooth 3.0, micro USB, GPS, and a 3.5 mm jack. It has also Proximity Sensor, Digital Compass, Accelerometer sensors.

Samsung's 4-3 inch screen smartphone Galaxy Core is now available for Rs. 12900. This device runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and has 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal storage.

Full Specification :

Series	Galaxy
Compatible networks	GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850 900 1,800 1,900 MHz UMTS/HSPA 850, 900, 2100 MHz
Form factor	Slate
Dimensions	129.3 x 67.6 x 8.95 millimetres (5.09 x 2.66 x 0.352 in)
Weight	124 grams (0.27 lb)
Operating system	Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8225
CPU	1.2 GHz
GPU	Adreno 203
Memory	1 GB
Storage	8 GB
Removable storage	MicroSD support for up to 64 GB
Battery	1800 mAh
Data inputs	Touch Screen (capacitive), Compass (Magnetometer), Proximity, Accelerometer
Display	WQVGA TFT LCD, 4.3 in (109 mm) diagonal. 480 x 800 px, 217 ppi
Rear camera	5 Megapixels, with LED Flash
Front camera	VGA, 640x480
Connectivity	microUSB 2.0, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi, GPS

Build Confidence with Strategies that Really Work

2012-04-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

Would not it be great if we could wake up every morning, brush their teeth and put on our confidence for the day? Well, for those of us who do not have a drawer full, here are 4 simple strategies that will help you build trust.

Accentuate the positive.

Be your best friend. What do you say to a friend who tried something new, whether it went well? At least you tried something new wellness for you! Highlight the effort it took to do something, rather than the final result. (You'd do for your best friend, does not it?) We all have limits. The key is to accept that you have them without dwelling on them.

Do not be afraid to take risks.

When you are about to embark on a new experience, do you spend your time worrying much about the result you are not enjoying the moment? If you look at things in your new life as an opportunity to learn something, it opens the possibility to get good at that something. If you spend your time fearing the result, you turn any occasion there had been a failure. Moreover, we can not grow when we are frozen with fear. Do you set up to fail. If you do, look at number one, again!

Use self-talk to keep clear of assumptions.

We all use self-talk. The key is to use it in a way that we do not make bad thoughts that can lead to permanent doubts. You catch up with negative self-talk and cancel it with something positive and not based on assumptions! Build confidence by not expecting perfection from yourself at any time. You can do your best at something. Nobody can do everything perfectly, so why do you suppose you should be able to?

Learn to rely on your self-assessment.

If you always rely on the opinions of others, you will always wonder what they think! This does nothing to build confidence - he demolishes, giving your personal power to others. Concentrate on the real you, inside, to know how you feel about your own actions, how you did your job, etc. You will develop a strong sense of who you are. It is important to remember that no one can have confidence in yourself all the time. In fact, you will build confidence faster and easier once your account. Most people with a lack of self-esteem or who are low in confidence in this way because of unrealistic expectations. They expect more of themselves than they do others. A person with low self-esteem will think nothing of calling him or herself a "stupid idiot." They would not dream of saying that for someone else. To build trust, it's a good idea be your best friend.

Home Remedies for Glowing Skin & Smooth Skin

2012-04-16T19:25:00.002-07:00

Eat a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Cut tomato into 2 parts and then do scrub with tomato. After this scrub apply the mixture of basin powder,curd,lemon as pack to face. And leave this pack for 30min and then clean with cold water. u can only observe the amazing change and glow in your face. For better results use twice a week.
Apply honey on your face and neck for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water. Your skin glows and smooth and soft.
Mix some honey and tomato juice to a thick paste. Apply this mixture on face and wash after 15 minutes.
Mix egg white with honey and apply on face for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water.
Make a paste of one teaspoon of walnut powder, honey and lemon juice.Rub the face with this paste and leave for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water.
Rub a piece of papaya on your face and neck for 15 minutes.
Make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoon turmeric (haldi) powder in orange juice. Rub on face and neck and leave for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water.
A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves, applied on the face prevents pimples, blackheads, dryness of the face and the initial appearance of wrinkles.
Make a paste by mixing mashed banana, honey, lemon juice and margarine. Apply to face for the night. Smear hands and feet, and do not leave in the morning (wear gloves in hands and socks in feet).
Boil cabbage in water. Wash your face with this water.
The powdered mango peels and mix one teaspoon of milk powder and rub on the face, neck and hands. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
Mix one cup sugar with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon / lime juice. While taking bath, foam body and face with a very mild soap like Dove. Rub the whole body and face with the sugar mixture over the foam.
After a shower apply vaseline all over his body. Shower again after one hour. Repeat twice a month.
Mash a banana with milk and apply on face and leave for 20 minutes. Wash in cold water for a skin that will glow.
Mix corn (polenta) flour with egg white and apply on face. When your face is dried completely in about 1/2 hour, put your fingers in warm water and massage your face. Repeat daily for 10-15 days.
Hands soft and smooth for life Mix 3 tablespoons of baby oil and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Rub your hands, feet or any part and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water
Put on sunscreen lotion when going outdoor during the day to filter the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sunlight. UV rays not only darken your skin making it unable to glow; UV ray can also cause skin damage.

Funshine Drink Recipe

2012-04-16T02:34:00.001-07:00

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Ingredients:

2 cups chilled orange juice
2 chilled pineapple juice
3 cups orange sherbet
1 cup chilled club soda

Instructions : In a blender, combine the juice and sherbet, mixing until smooth. Add the soda. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.
Nutrition Facts : A portion (1 cup) is equal to 139 calories, 1 g of fat (1 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 32 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrates, trace fiber, 1 g of protein.

Banana Berry Drink Recipe

2012-04-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

3/4 cup orange juice
chilled 1/3 cup pineapple juice
chilled 1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen sweetened sliced strawberries
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 small ripe banana, sliced
Instructions:
Place half of each ingredient in a blender until smooth and process. Pour into chilled glasses. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately. Yield: 5 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup = 100 calories, 1 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 13 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 2 g of protein. Diabetic Exchange: Fruit of 1-1/2.

Raspberry Ice Tea Recipe

2012-04-16T01:58:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

4 quarts water

1-1/2 cups sugar

1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened raspberries

10 individual tea bags

1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Add the raspberries, tea bags and lemon juice. Cover and let stand for 3 minutes. Strain, discard berries and tea bags. Transfer of tea in a large bowl or pitcher. Refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice. Yield: 16 servings (4 quarts). Nutritional analysis: 1 cup equals 83 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, protein tracking.

Gulab Ka Sharbat

2012-04-15T12:40:00.001-07:00

As a child I liked to eat rose petals! Not only the taste (I definitely think so), to refresh the mouth. On a hot summer day, a tall glass, frosted Rose Sharbat can really cool. Another good way of having it in a glass of cold milk. Yummy! This recipe makes about 2 cups of Sharbat - I like mine nice and sweet, but you may want to dilute it more and therefore get more from this recipe.

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Ingredients:

2 cups rose petals (well washed and dried with a paper towel)
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Juice of 2 lemons (strained)
1 cup juice pomergranate (optional)

Preparation:
Coarsely crush the rose petals in a mortar and placed in a glass bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the pasta and add the cardamom powder. Mix well, cover and leave overnight pending. In the morning, strain through a fine sieve. Add sugar and stir until dissolved - not hot. When the sugar has dissolved, add lemon juice and mix well pomergranate. The syrup is now ready and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To serve, pour some syrup in a tall glass, mix with cold water to taste and add crushed ice.

Badam Milk

2012-04-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

I love Badam Milk! Delicately flavored with cardamom, nuts in this cold drink, cooling not only be tasty, nutritious that powerful a punch too! They often do so for my son ... much as I enjoy it. Badam milk cold is a great summer cooler but if you use the hot milk to make it, is a great winter drink too! This recipe yields about 4 glasses of Badam milk.

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds
1 cup pistachios
3 cups of hot / cold milk
Sugar to taste
2/3 tsp cardamom powder
2 tablespoons kewra essence (available in grocery stores in India) - optional
2 teaspoons rose water

Preparation: Grind the almonds and pistachios to a smooth paste in your food processor. Add a little milk to do this. A lot of people like removing the skin from the almonds before grinding. I do not do this as the skin contains many nutrients. You can if you want to soak the almonds in hot water for 5 minutes. When soaked, press the almonds between your thumb and index finger. The skin can easily slide. Add milk, sugar, cardamom powder, kewra essence (if using) and rose water. Mix well. Serve hot / cold in a tall glass.

Angoori Lassi

2012-04-15T12:00:00.001-07:00

This rich and creamy drink is sure to impress all you do for him! It is a thirst quencher fantastic summer! This recipe is for 3 tall glasses of Lassi Angoori.

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 1/2 cups (about 250 ml) unsweetened yogurt creme fraiche
1 cup crushed ice
4 tablespoons sugar
1 cup seedless grapes - red or green, finely chopped -
Pinch of salt

Preparation:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the cumin seeds until a shade darker and fragrant. Remove from heat and grind to a fine powder in a mill clean, dry coffee. Place the cumin (reserve a small amount for garnish drinks), yogurt, crushed ice, grapes (reserve some for garnish drinks) sugar, salt in a blender. Mix until smooth. Pour into tall glasses and cold. Garnish with chopped grapes and a pinch of cumin powder and serve!

Mango Lassi

2012-04-15T11:37:00.001-07:00

Mango Lassi is the perfect cooler on a hot day. You can add extra sweetness to it (if desired) with sugar or honey. If you are doing for children and want to avoid sugar, use unsweetened fruit juice or pulp. This recipe makes 4 glasses of lassi.

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

3 glasses of yogurt (use a glass that will serve the lassi in order to measure)
1 cup crushed ice (as above)
1 mature handle pieces of glass or paste
Sugar to taste / unsweetened fruit juice or pulp
1 teaspoon for each cup sliced almonds
A spoonful of heavy cream to each glass (optional)

preparation:
Put the yogurt, mango, ice and sugar / juice / pulp in a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into glasses, top with a dollop of cream each and almonds and serve.

Summer Beauty Tips

2012-04-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

In some countries, summer is the season of pleasure and relaxation. The warm heat of the sun shares the soft comfort in your body and mind. But sometimes, the heat rises and you are going through difficulties. Usually the summer is not so great for your look. However, maintaining a regime of healthy beauty care, can easily protect the body from the sun. Beauty tips for summer we offer a healthy skin and beautiful hair. Try to follow the advice below summer beauty and celebrate their beauty.

Summer Skin Care Secrets

Apply sunscreen: Here are the basics to be followed during the summer days. To protect the skin from the hands of sunburn and other harmful effects use a sunscreen regularly. An SPF 15 sunscreen that has at least can protect skin from sun damage. You can also opt for hydrating toner instead of moisturizer during the hot summer days.

No sunburn: To get rid of sunburn, you can adapt a useful method. Taking aloe vera extract or lotion and applied to the skin. Apart from the treatment of sunburn, the formula also relaxes the skin. A sunburn cream containing zinc can heal the sunburn overnight.

Rub the skin: To remove any extra skin cell life, you have to choose the method of washing. Once or twice a week, pamper your skin gently with a good wash. During summer days, this method is very effective in effect.

Drink plenty: Water is life, especially during summer days. Drink eight to nine glasses of water daily and hydrate the body naturally. It will also improve its brightness. Also included fruit juices and other green leafy vegetables in the diet.

Wear a hat and sunglasses: Protection for a perfect summer hat and wear sunglasses too. When you go out prefer to use these two essential elements.

Summer Hair Care Tips

Shampoo: Use shampoo to wash your hair properly. In this way, you will be able to wipe dirt and extra oil.

Hair Conditioner: After shampooing hair treated with conditioner effect. Enjoy a soft silk and hair conditioner with such treatment.

Oil hair: Apply hair oil at least once a week. Massage the hair properly to get that nourishing effect.

Summer Makeup Tips

Natural makeup is best during summer days. It will provide the fresh skin tone. Choose matte powder to pamper your face. On the basis of light that can be applied in such dust. Do not prefer heavy foundation, lotion or cream on hot summer days.
Lip Balm SPF 15 containing these days is ideal.
Neutral shade of eye shadow is perfect for eye makeup. Waterproof mascara and liner can be used for best results.

Homemade Fairness Skin Whitening

2012-04-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am getting mails asking to suggest natural beauty tips to increase the fairness of face and body. Those who are with moderate fairness, sometimes they get dark face or dark skin on hands etc. Due to so many various reasons their skin does not show the full fairness. Occasionally they seems less fair. It is natural to think about ways to get back their beauty and fairness. So today I am suggesting a package for homemade fairness skin whitening. I said it is a package means it should be done in one or two weeks as a single course. So this will give an assured result.

Homemade Fairness beauty tips
I suggests four tips in this routine. These fairness beauty tips should be followed one by one with suitable interval. During the process you should take care of sun exposure, usage of other chemicals, soaps etc. During the interval time you should use suitable sun screen when going out in the sun. Stop using harsh soaps. Avoid bleach and unsure store bought products.

Fairness Skin Whitening Tips: One
In this tip I bring forward the homemade skin peel. During this stage the dead cells on your face will be removed as a layer. This will promote new cells to form on the face and increase beauty. As it is natural and homemade and not using chemical peel there will not be any harm in it. The result will be moderate and it is adequate. So go for the tip "homemade skin peel". After doing this skin peel give an interval of minimum three days. For these days take care of your skin as I said above. Use a natural moisturizer like aloe vera. After three days go to the Fairness Skin Whitening Tips: Two

Fairness Skin Whitening Tips: Two
In this stage you are using natural scrub. Here we are scrubbing out any extra dead cells. Smoothing the surface of skin also takes place. Here we don't need a thorough scrubbing. Just use the natural scrub very mildly. So here is the tip for "natural scrub". After this also use moisturizer. After three days go to the Fairness Skin Whitening Tips: Three. The intervals you can make weekly if you want.

Fairness Skin Whitening Tips: Three
During this, you are going to get more fairness and a skin whitening will take place.
How to get skin whitening naturally-here goes the tip, "natural skin whitening". The purpose of this step is to get more complexion. If does properly this tip will rejuvenate your skin. If you are not happy with the result, repeat this step with an interval of one day.

Fairness Skin Whitening Tips: Four
Here we are doing this after just one day from the above step. Preferably do this step on evening. Here skin tightening will takes place. If there is a tendency of sagging or wrinkles this step will take care of that. So do the "skin tightening". After one hour removing the skin tightening pack just put any cold cream very lightly and go to sleep. Next day morning wash face with cold water.

Follow all the tips according to the directions. Give more care to the skin tightening. Those who do not have wrinkles or sagging (not for below 35 - 40 ages) need not do this step. I am suggesting intervals because to avoid doing everything at a stretch. Take intervals according to your convenience but do not do it without intervals. Using these four Homemade Fairness Skin Whitening Tips you can get back your fairness.

Diet and Nutrition

2012-02-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

EASY TIPS FOR PLANNING A HEALTHY DIET AND STICKING TO IT

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.

Healthy eating tip 1: Set yourself up for success

To set yourself up for success, think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think.

Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety, and freshness. This way it should be easier to make healthy choices. Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will become healthier and more delicious.
Start slow and make changes to your eating habits over time. Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart. Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan. Make small steps, like adding a salad (full of different color vegetables) to your diet once a day or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices to your diet.
Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet. The long term goal is to feel good, have more energy, and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let your missteps derail you—every healthy food choice you make counts.

Think of water and exercise as food groups in your diet.

Water. Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins, yet many people go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices.
Exercise. Find something active that you like to do and add it to your day, just like youwould add healthy greens, blueberries, or salmon. The benefits of lifelong exercise are abundant and regular exercise may even motivate you to make healthy food choices a habit.

Healthy eating tip 2: Moderation is key

People often think of healthy eating as an all or nothing proposition, but a key foundation for any healthy diet is moderation. Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to sustain a healthy body.

Try not to think of certain foods as “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods or food groups, it is natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. If you are drawn towards sweet, salty, or unhealthy foods, start by reducing portion sizes and not eating them as often. Later you may find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences.
Think smaller portions. Serving sizes have ballooned recently, particularly in restaurants. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything. At home, use smaller plates, think about serving sizes in realistic terms, and start small. Visual cues can help with portion sizes—your serving of meat, fish, or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards. A teaspoon of oil or salad dressing is about the size of a matchbook and your slice of bread should be the size of a CD case

Healthy eating tip 3: It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat

Healthy eating is about more than the food on your plate—it is also about how you think about food. Healthy eating habits can be learned and it is important to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids.

Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits—particularly for children—and allows you to model healthy eating habits. Eating in front of the TV or computer often leads to mindless overeating.
Take time to chew your food and enjoy mealtimes. Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of our food. Reconnect with the joy of eating.
Listen to your body. Ask yourself if you are really hungry, or have a glass of water to see if you are thirsty instead of hungry. During a meal, stop eating before you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly.
Eat breakfast, and eat smaller meals throughout the day. A healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating small, healthy meals throughout the day (rather than the standard three large meals) keeps your energy up and your metabolism going.

Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet. They are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal—the brighter the better. Colorful, deeply colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and different colors provide different benefits, so eat a variety.Aim for a minimum of five portions each day.

Some great choices include:

Greens. Branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce. Kale, mustard greens, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options—all packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Sweet vegetables. Naturally sweet vegetables—such as corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, and squash—add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets.
Fruit. Fruit is a tasty, satisfying way to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.

The importance of getting vitamins from food—not pills

The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases. And while advertisements abound for supplements promising to deliver the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables in pill or powder form, research suggests that it’s just not the same.

A daily regimen of nutritional supplements is not going to have the same impact of eating right. That’s because the benefits of fruits and vegetables don’t come from a single vitamin or an isolated antioxidant.

The health benefits of fruits and vegetables come from numerous vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals working together synergistically. They can’t be broken down into the sum of their parts or replicated in pill form.

Healthy eating tip 5: Eat more healthy carbs and whole grains

Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart.

A quick definition of healthy carbs and unhealthy carbs

Healthy carbs (sometimes known as good carbs) include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, helping you feel full longer and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable.

Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are foods such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and energy.

Tips for eating more healthy carbs

Include a variety of whole grains in your healthy diet, including whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and barley. Experiment with different grains to find your favorites.

Make sure you're really getting whole grains. Be aware that the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran can be deceptive. Look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” at the beginning of the ingredient list. In the U.S., check for the Whole Grain Stamps that distinguish between partial whole grain and 100% whole grain.

Try mixing grains as a first step to switching to whole grains. If whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat pasta don’t sound good at first, start by mixing what you normally use with the whole grains. You can gradually increase the whole grain to 100%.

Avoid: Refined foods such as breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain.

Healthy eating tip 6: Enjoy healthy fats & avoid unhealthy fats

Good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your brain, heart, and cells, as well as your hair, skin, and nails. Foods rich in certain omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA are particularly important and can reduce cardiovascular disease, improve your mood, and help prevent dementia.

Add to your healthy diet:

Monounsaturated fats, from plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil, and olive oil, as well as avocados, nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans), and seeds (such as pumpkin, sesame).

Polyunsaturated fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and some cold water fish oil supplements. Other sources of polyunsaturated fats are unheated sunflower, corn, soybean, flaxseed oils, and walnuts.

Reduce or eliminate from your diet:

Saturated fats, found primarily in animal sources including red meat and whole milk dairy products.

Trans fats, found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Healthy eating tip 7: Put protein in perspective

Protein gives us the energy to get up and go—and keep going. Protein in food is broken down into the 20 amino acids that are the body’s basic building blocks for growth and energy, and essential for maintaining cells, tissues, and organs. A lack of protein in our diet can slow growth, reduce muscle mass, lower immunity, and weaken the heart and respiratory system. Protein is particularly important for children, whose bodies are growing and changing daily.

Here are some guidelines for including protein in your healthy diet:

Try different types of protein. Whether or not you are a vegetarian, trying different

protein sources—such as beans, nuts, seeds, peas, tofu, and soy products—will open up new

options for healthy mealtimes.

Beans: Black beans, navy beans, garbanzos, and lentils are good options.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are great choices.
Soy products: Try tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and veggie burgers for a change.
Avoid salted or sugary nuts and refried beans.

Downsize your portions of protein. Many people in the West eat too much protein. Try to move away from protein being the center of your meal. Focus on equal servings of protein, whole grains, and vegetables.

Focus on quality sources of protein, like fresh fish, chicken or turkey, tofu, eggs, beans, or nuts. When you are having meat, chicken, or turkey, buy meat that is free of hormones and antibiotics.

Healthy eating tip 8: Add calcium for strong bones

Calcium is one of the key nutrients that your body needs in order to stay strong and healthy. It is an essential building block for lifelong bone health in both men and women, as well as many other important functions.You and your bones will benefit from eating plenty of calcium-rich foods, limiting foods that deplete your body’s calcium stores, and getting your daily dose of magnesium and vitamins D and K—nutrients that help calcium do its job.Recommended calcium levels are 1000 mg per day, 1200 mg if you are over 50 years old. Take a vitamin D and calcium supplement if you don’t get enough of these nutrients from your diet.

Good sources of calcium include:

Dairy: Dairy products are rich in calcium in a form that is easily digested and absorbed by the body. Sources include milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Vegetables and greens: Many vegetables, especially leafy green ones, are rich sources of calcium. Try turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, celery, broccoli, fennel, cabbage, summer squash, green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and crimini mushrooms.

Beans: For another rich source of calcium, try black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans, black-eyed peas, or baked beans.

Healthy eating tip 9: Limit sugar and salt

If you succeed in planning your diet around fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats, you may find yourself naturally cutting back on foods that can get in the way of your healthy diet—sugar and salt.

Sugar

Sugar causes energy ups and downs and can add to health and weight problems. Unfortunately, reducing the amount of candy, cakes, and desserts we eat is only part of the solution. Often you may not even be aware of the amount of sugar you’re consuming each day. Large amounts of added sugar can be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, margarine, instant mashed potatoes, frozen dinners, fast food, soy sauce, and ketchup. Here are some tips:

Here are some tips:

Avoid sugary drinks. One 12-oz soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar in it, more than the daily recommended limit! Try sparkling water with lemon or a splash of fruit juice.

Eat naturally sweet food such as fruit, peppers, or natural peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How sugar is hidden on food labels

Check food labels carefully. Sugar is often disguised using terms such as:

cane sugar or maple syrup
corn sweetener or corn syrup
honey or molasses
brown rice syrup
crystallized or evaporated cane juice
fruit juice concentrates, such as apple or pear
maltodextrin (or dextrin)
Dextrose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, or Sucrose

Salt

Most of us consume too much salt in our diets. Eating too much salt can cause high blood

pressure and lead to other health problems. Try to limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300 mg

per day, the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt.

Avoid processed or pre-packaged foods. Processed foods like canned soups or frozen dinners contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the recommended limit.

Be careful when eating out. Most restaurant and fast food meals are loaded with sodium.

Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables.

Cut back on salty snacks such as potato chips, nuts, and pretzels.

Choose low-salt or reduced-sodium products.

Try slowly reducing the salt in your diet to give your taste buds time to adjust.

Adding a HP printer to Windows 7

2012-02-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

Computer-Keyboard FUN FACES or Facebook Smileys

2012-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

Your Ad Here

Happy emote: :) or :-)

Really happy emote: :D or :-D

Wink emote: ;) or ;-)

Happy eyes: ^_^

Laughing eyes: >:o

Cat smile: :3

Grumpy: >:-(

Sad: :( or :-(

Crying emote: :’(

Shocked emote: :o or :-o

Glasses emote: 8) or 8-)

Cool shades: 8-|

Rude: :p or :-p

Woot?!: O.o

Dork emote: -_-

Duhhh emote: :/ or :\

Devil emote: 3:)

Angel emote: O:)

Kiss emote: :-* or :*

Love emote: <3

Pacman: :v

Shark: (^^^)

Robot: :|]

Weird guy’s face: :putnam:

Dual booting - Windows & Linux

2012-02-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

Dual booting - Windows & Linux

One of the major obstacles a new Linux user faces is the configuration of partitions. Windows and Linux use different notation for hard disks and partitions, which makes this task a bit daunting. Then, the user must know what partitions are and how they relate to one another. All in all, it can make a Linux newcomer hesitate a bit, especially if he is very afraid of destroying an existing Windows installation, with all his favorite documents.

Fortunately, things are much simpler than they appear at first sight.

In this article, I will try to explain how to configure a dual-boot system, running Windows XP and Kubuntu Linux. Please note that although my choice focuses on two rather popular versions of operating systems, the principle holds true for a wide range of versions and distributions with very small nuances. However, to be able to take full advantage of this article, you will need to know some things:

How to install Windows XP; See my step-by-step guide for further information.
How to install Kubuntu Linux; see my step-by-step guide for further information.
How to use VMware Player or Server and install guest operating systems in them; by reading the two articles above, you will have gained enough knowledge to attempt building and running your own virtual machines, however you might want to refer to my article VMware Player - A great friend, which explains the necessary procedures in detail.
I will install the two operating systems inside a single virtual machine. I will install Windows XP first, then Kubuntu. I will not fully detail the installation procedures; instead I will only focus on the crucial matter of partitioning and dual booting.

Getting ready
Install VMware Player / Server first.
Create the dual-boot virtual machine. Create the .vmx configuration file; you may use VMware Server or EasyVMX! online virtual machine creator. Next create two separate virtual hard disks; you may use VMware Server, EasyVMX! or QEMU emulator to create them. Personally, I find QEMU to be the most convenient choice.
Prepare your Windows XP and Kubuntu Linux installation disks; you may also use .iso files as mounted CD-ROMs for the purpose of installation, although it will be more realistic if you use CDs.
Installation setup

My virtual computer has 256MB RAM and 2 hard disks 4GB each. The question is: how do I configure the two operating systems on this machine?
Basic concepts
Imagine hard disk as an apartment. This apartment is used to store things in. Partitions are like rooms. Although they belong to the same entity, they are in fact individual storage spaces. Partitions are distinguished by different letters or names when booted in an operating system environment (you can read more in the guides above). Windows uses alphabetic letters while Linux uses a combination of letters and numbers, based on several parameters.
If you think of a hard disk as a linear storage space (i.e. one room after another in a line), partitions are segments of its length from one end to another. The first partition on any hard disk is called the primary partition. Whatever comes after the primary partition is the extended partition, which can be segmented into logical partitions. When you are booted into an operating system, the partition on which it resides becomes the active partition.
By reading my step-by-step installation guides, you will have realized that I strongly favor separating core system files from personal documents. In Linux, this is usually the default configuration - the system (root) and the personal stuff (home) are written to two separate partitions. We will also want to do this in Windows; install Windows XP on one partition and create a separate hard disk space for documents.
Furthermore, separating Windows from Linux by installing them on different hard disks is also a very good idea. This means that the chance of one operating system affecting the other is much smaller. This can be as simple as a physical failure of the hard disk or deliberate tampering with partitions.
Windows will want to be installed on a primary partition, because it wants to be near the first sector of the hard disk, the 1st sector (called Master Boot Record), where the boot information is written. Linux will want a separate partition for its installation, either primary or logical. Windows needs to be installed first, because whenever Windows is installed, it rewrites the 1st sector. This means that a Linux system already installed on the computer will not be able to boot the next time without repairing the boot sector.
Therefore, the recommended setup for Windows & Linux on a system with two hard disks should be:
Windows installed on the first hard disk, on the primary partition; one or more logical partitions can be created for personal or other data.
Linux installed on the second hard disk, preferably on the primary partition; the partitions will be created during the Linux installation setup, although they can be made beforehand.
Windows XP partitioning
Following the above guidelines, I started with Windows XP. During the partitioning phase, I made two partitions on the first hard disk, 2GB each - one for Windows and one for personal data. Just for fun, I also partitioned the second hard disk, into 3GB and 1GB partitions.

I then installed Windows XP on the highlighted partition.
Kubuntu Linux partitioning
Now comes the supposedly tricky part. After booting off the CD (which is also a live CD, by the way) and starting the installation, you will reach the partitioning stage, which scares so many people. What now?
Selecting the hard disk
As you can see, Kubuntu installer finds the two hard disks and asks us which one to choose. We could safely select the second hard disk (hdb - hard disk b), ignoring the existing partitions. Remember, we want to leave the first hard disk alone (hda).

Select Manually edit partition table and click Continue >.

The image below may seem confusing, but it is a really very simple situation map:

Windows XP is installed on the first hard disk, on the first partition - hence the notation hda1. Please note that Windows partition is active - this means it has an operating system on it.

The second partition on that hard disk is the extended partition, which can contain one or more logical partitions. Indeed, the partition table tells us that - hda2 - extended. Within the extended partition, there is a logical partition, which is currently unformatted and thus its type is unknown. It bears the hda5 symbol.

The reason for this jump from hda2 to hda5 is because a hard disk can contain no more than 4 primary partitions. Logical partitions in the extended partitions will therefore begin at number 5.
The third partition is the tiny 8MB partition for system use (the File Allocation Table - FAT, the 0th sector). Its type stands for free, meaning it has not been partitioned. This explains the hyphen in the partition name (hda-1).
By looking above the table, you can see colored bars. The first one, marked in red, denotes the NTFS partition containing Windows (note even the little Windows logo marking it). Yellow color shows how much of the space is taken. The second partition has a pale gray border, which means it has no file system. The thick blue rectangle denotes the extended partition. The last bit belongs to the FAT, marked in gray and without a border - meaning it is unpartitioned.
All of the above belongs to the first hard disk, which we are not interested in.
Nevertheless, please note how friendly Kubuntu is. It marks everything in colors and even displays a little Windows logo to keep you from doing harm.

To switch to the second hard disk, use the little drop-down button above the colored bars on the right side. Currently it reads /dev/hda. Switch to /dev/hdb.

This is the second hard disk, where we want to install Linux. We can see the partitions we created earlier, during the Windows installations.

Once again, please note the partition table and the color bars. There are no color borders, meaning both partitions are unformatted. The thick blue rectangle marks the extended partition.

For Linux installation, we will require a swap partition of at least 256MB and a root partition of at least 2GB. This means that the arbitrary partitioning we did earlier does not suit us. We will delete the existing partitions and then create our own table, as explained in the Kubuntu installation guide.

Select the extended partition by highlighting it. The grayed-out buttons on the menu above the colored bars will become active. Choose Delete to destroy the extended partition.

As you can see, the previously partitioned but unformatted space is now free. Repeat this with the primary partition (hdb1) so that all of the space is free.

Now, we will create our own setup, with swap, root (/) and home (/home). This is explained in great detail in the installation guides.

Once you are satisfied with the partitioning, click Continue > to proceed.

Our partitions need to be mounted. Again, we will follow the same principles as before.

To make our system truly dual-bootable, we need to mount our Windows partition and the Linux partitions. First, we will mount hda1, where Windows resides. Make sure you DO NOT reformat this partition!

Then, we will mount the three linux partitions, namely hdb1, hdb2 and hdb3. We will also format them. Reformat option stands for partitions that may have existed before and may have been formatted with some other file system. For best results, you should reformat them. Each partition will be formatted according to the file system you chose during their creation.

The information about these mount points will be given over to the boot loader, which will use it to prompt the user about the choices during boot up.

It's time to complete the install.
Dual booting

After Kubuntu installs and you reboot, you will enter the boot screen. By default, Kubuntu uses the GRUB boot loader. As you can see, you have the choice of booting Ubuntu (actually Kubuntu), in a number of modes, or Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

Conclusion

And that's it. You now have a fully dual-bootable machine, which runs two operating system from two separate hard disks. Furthermore, you have personal data stored on separate partitions, which keeps it immune from destruction in case the operating systems become inaccessible.

As an afternote, bear in mind that by default Linux can read from an NTFS partition, but cannot write to one. There are patches that overcome this limitation. Nevertheless, it is usually useful to create a FAT32 partition on the system to use when booted in both Windows and Linux, for exchange of files between the two. Well, now it's time you do this yourself!

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Acid Reflux

2012-02-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Acid reflux (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a physiological condition that causes the content of the stomach to reflux into the esophagus and throat. Although there are many factors that contribute to the development of acid reflux, the main cause is inappropriate activity of the lower esophageal sphincter (muscular valve that seals the lower ending of the esophagus), allowing the stomach acids to reach the upper levels of the body. Additional causes of acid reflux are inappropriate diet, unhealthy lifestyle or other physical dysfunctions and conditions.
Acid reflux can become serious if it is not appropriately treated. The symptoms of acid reflux should be spotted quickly, in order to prevent the development of complications (esophageal inflammation and lesions, damage of the throat, gastro-intestinal disorders, breathing problems). The symptoms of acid reflux are easy to identify and it is best to see a physician as soon as they occur. The condition has a chronic character and usually requires ongoing treatment. For some patients, surgery is best alternative in overcoming acid reflux.

Acid reflux is very common in infants and young children. Although for most babies the symptoms of acid reflux disappear with time, in some cases the condition can persist for years, causing serious harm to the gastro-intestinal system and the esophagus. The most common symptoms of acid reflux in infants are: spitting, vomiting, coughing, irritability, discomfort when feeding and the presence of blood in feces. Other symptoms of acid reflux in babies occur if the condition is severe: pronounced difficulty swallowing, intense pain when feeding, spitting or coughing blood, vomiting blood, presence of blood in stools,Common symptoms of acid reflux in adults are: abdominal pain and discomfort (especially after meals), bad breath, bitter taste in the mouth, excessive secretion of saliva, and sleeping problems. People with acid reflux can also develop apnea, a sleeping disorder manifested through respiratory insufficiency.
The extended symptoms of acid reflux in adults are: difficulty swallowing, chest burn and aching, poor appetite, nausea, presence of blood in vomit and stools, throat inflammation and pain, breathing difficulties. If the symptoms of acid reflux become very intense it is a clear sign of aggravation. Acid reflux can cause serious damage at the level of the esophagus, due to its constant exposure to stomach gastric acid. Acid reflux can cause inflammation, swelling and even scarring of the esophageal soft tissue. It is very important to pay attention to the symptoms of acid reflux, and act quickly in overcoming the condition. If acid reflux occurs frequently, it can cause serious complications.

Low-Carb Diets and Diabetes

2012-02-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

In a low-carb diet, the carbohydrate intake is limited to about 5 to 10 percent, such that protein and fats take precedence in one's eating habits, to be able to keep sated and avoid bouts of hunger. It is in maintaining that feeling of fullness that one is able to avoid craving for sweets, and this is a good reason for diabetics to adopt a diet that is low in carbohydrates to control their condition. Following this type of diet prevents excessive consumption of carbohydrates, which leads to higher levels of blood sugar.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to properly take in starch and sugar. For a diet to work in favor of a diabetic, it has to be low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Keeping to the kinds of food with low glycemic index is also important. Foods that are permitted in low-carb diets are meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, fish, and some selected vegetables.

Although some sources say that to eliminate carbohydrates altogether is not recommended for diabetics, as carbohydrates in the diet are vital, because they serve as the main resource of energy and nutrients within our bodies. In a diabetic's diet, carbohydrates in excessive amounts may be frowned at, but authorities recommend a daily dosage of not less than 130 grams. On the other hand, studies have shown that the low-carb diet caused no undesirable effects on the levels of insulin, glucose, blood pressure or cholesterol. It is also worthwhile to note that one can alter a diet according to his or her specific needs. In this regard, before following any diet, be sure to check with your physician to make sure you will be getting all the right nutrients that will help you control your condition. Doing so will also help you pinpoint areas of the regimen that you should alter for a more appropriate eating habit.
The effects of limiting the amount of carbohydrates in your diet manifest as loss of weight due to a lesser calorie intake, or the successful maintenance of your ideal weight. Remember that with weight loss, the body's blood sugar and insulin levels naturally improve. Even just a 10 percent weight loss is a substantial improvement towards being in better control of diabetes.
Also, when weight loss is part of your goal of achieving better health to make your condition more bearable, then a carefully planned diet is best paired with an exercise routine that is easy enough to follow. Daily walks and a couple of dozen repetitions with free weights are good low-impact exercises you can adopt. Regular exercise doesn't only help combat diabetes; it also promotes a sense of well-being that helps you maintain the right attitude towards living a healthier life for good.

Home Gyms Can Improve Your Relationship With Your Partner!

2012-02-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yes you read it right, home gyms can improve your relationship with your
partner! But how?.... you must be thinking, well if you can carry on reading I
will enlighten you with this important information. Gyms at home are highly underrated, there are a wide choice available on the market, weider home gyms are one of many if you are looking to purchase quality discount home gyms.
So how can a gym improve your relationship? well that is easy. Owning a home gym has many benefits:

*You save money on gym memberships
*You can workout at home any time you wish
*Your own home gym is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week
*You get rid of that unslightly fat and put on some lean muscle
*Your health, strength and stamina increase

Voila! there it is, now your partner can have nothing to complain about ever
again.
There are things you need to take into consideration when buying a home gym.
You need look at your budget, a quality gym thats going to last a lifetime isn't
cheap - but it is a cost you won't have to endure again. The higher end gym
equipment comes with a lot of warranty and some even go as far as giving you lifetime warranties on certain parts of the gym, which considering the price you paid is expected.
You need to think about space. Do you have the room in your home for gym
equipment? you don't want to start setting up your gym and find it is not going to fit! I suppose you could always extend your home to give your equipment room to breath.
Don't always go for the cheap equipment, money saving is admirable but
throwing it away is plain stupid. Look for the discount deals on higher end gyms and there are always discounts and special offers, a little browsing through some great sites will help you find the very best equipment. Finally you want a gym that looks good in your home and doesn't stick out like
a sore thumb compared with the rest of the decor.

Vitamins And Minerals Are Health Magnets For Our Body's Circulatory System

2012-02-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

Our body's circulatory system is made up of the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. This circulatory system transports oxygen, nutrients, water and blood throughout our bodies as well as assists in the removal of waste products. Obviously keeping this system in tip top shape is essential to its efficiency and to our health.
One of the things we can do to help keep our circulatory system healthy is to make sure that we are properly nourishing it with healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin C is responsible for strengthening the walls of the blood vessels throughout the body. This has to do with its role in the production of collagen, which is an essential connective tissue. Copper is a mineral that is necessary for the process of making the body's connective tissue. Biotin is critical to the health of the circulatory system, as well as to the circulatory system's performance, as it has a function in a number of essential enzyme processes.

Vitamin E helps to promote the healthy functioning of the circulatory system in a couple of ways. It helps to dilate the veins and it has a role in the controlling of blood clotting. Another important aspect of Vitamin E is its antioxidant properties, something that it shares with Vitamin C. These vitamins, with the help of other antioxidants, serve in the essential capacity of bringing free radicals, which if left unchecked can damage body tissue, under control.
Potassium, long known as being beneficial to the heart also serves other parts of the circulatory system. One important function of potassium is to control blood pressure and fluid stability in the circulatory system. Sodium shares in these important functions of maintaining the blood's balance and pressure. We hear so much about the negatives of sodium that it's easy to forget that sodium is, in reality, a mineral that is essential to the body's functioning, particularly in the circulatory system. The key to sodium is moderation, a little is necessary but too much could be dangerous.
It's apparent that the circulatory system is essential to a healthy body. It makes sense to support its functions with a diet that meets the recommended daily levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Because the proper balance of nutrients is so vital to the functioning of our bodies and its supporting systems, choose your nutritional supplements carefully. Choosing top quality ingredients will insure that you are doing your body good and not spending money unwisely. Make your circulatory system happy, feed it!

Which New 64 Bit CPU to Buy ?? Choices . Choices

2012-02-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

All of a sudden, Intel's lineup has become difficult to follow. You failed to mention the Core 2 Duo, the newest chip. Which CPU chip to buy?

Why not purchase a bag of potato chips?

At the very worst you can enjoy eating the chips.

OK, enough of that. AMD has been making Intel look bad for three years. Its 64-bit, dual core chips were more advanced than anything Intel had.
Meanwhile, Intel hit the wall trying to produce a 4 gigahertz chip. In October, 2004, Intel said it would stop emphasizing raw speed. That had been a winning strategy for many years. But AMD's chips ran at much slower speeds and used much less power.
With its Core chips, Intel has clearly broken with its speed-demon past. Furthermore, the Core 2 Duo is significantly more powerful than AMD's best.
The Core Solo and Core Duo were introduced in January. Both are used primarily in laptops. Apple also uses these chips in desktops. These are 32-bit chips. That's fine, because 99.9 percent of consumer software is 32-bit.
The words Solo and Duo refer to the number of cores on the chip. A core is basically a complete microprocessor. The Solo has one usable core, the Duo two. Assuming the software you are using can access two cores, two is better than one. For instance, you may be using Adobe Photoshop for your photo editing. Photoshop is advanced; it should take advantage of the two cores.
The Core Solo is a Core Duo chip with one core disabled. So it is likely to be less powerful. But both chips are exceptional.
The word "exceptional" does not do justice to the Core 2 Duo chip. (The number 2 connotes a new generation, according to Intel.) That processor not only has two cores; it also runs 64-bit programs. That isn't important today, but it will be eventually. It also runs at a higher speed than its Core cousins.
Tests online indicate this chip is about 20 percent more powerful than comparable AMD equipment. That is a stunning jump.
Expect AMD to produce muscular new chips. In fact, this competition will result in constant improvements. And it should hold down prices. Indeed on the July 21st weekend AMD announced major (in the of 50%) cuts to the higher end more expensive 64 bit chips. It sure is a great situation for consumers.
So, what should you buy?
The price reductions of the 64 bit AMD chips have been so great. As well the reduction on the older Sempron type CPU has been in the range of only 8 % that the older processors do not seem a good buy in any way.
However you will have to purchase a fancy jazzier 64 bit motherboard.

Perhaps your motherboard is a favorite and is very reliable.
Remember at this point your motherboard is getting older. Although it is often the case that if you get past the first month of use motherboards are reliable that electronic components such as capacitors age with time and become unreliable. Your motherboard is getting "old in the tooth"
As well as it becomes general knowledge of the major price drops the resale value of your motherboard and CPU will drop like a stone. Perhaps it is time to unload it now before it is too late. Trade up.
Trade up to what and for what purpose? At this point, 64-bit capability is unimportant. So do not give that much weight. If you're using Photoshop or other advanced software, a Duo is worthwhile. If you must have speed, the Core 2 Duos will be shortly.
Personally, I'd probably go for a Core 2 Duo. It will be offered in several iterations, based on clock speed. I'd look for one in the middle of the range.

AMD chips are still plenty fast, too. Some laptops have AMD's Turion chip, which is good.

One other thing: It's easy to fall into the trap of waiting. That's because we know something hotter, cooler or faster is coming soon. Unfortunately, that's always the case.

Do your homework. Remember it is never wise to look back after making your decision.

Enjoy your new motherboard / CPU combination and as the famed New York Ranger right winger Max Labovitch ( number 79) said "It is always easy to be a Monday morning quarterback.

How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling On The Leash While Walking

2012-02-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

Dogs which pull on their leash while walking with you is a common problem seen among many different breeds. This problem can be seen in puppies as well as adult dogs. Dogs which pull on their leash while you walk this is more than just aggravating. If the leash breaks, the dog could run and put itself or others in danger. You should want to walk your dog, not have it walking you.

There are a number of different reasons why your dog will pull on the leash. Some dogs are so happy to go for a walk that they are out of control, and are anxious to move about. Other dogs see themselves as being the leader, and will move forward with force because they feel that they are moving ahead of the pack. If you r dog is very happy about going out, it may help to give them some time to calm down. You can stand still with the dog for a few minutes until they become more relaxed.

If the dog feels that it is the leader, this is a sign that you should begin training him. The owner has to show the dog that they are the leader. When you don't have this understanding with your dog, it will be impossible to train them properly. If your dog shows signs of control, it is best to go back to simple obedience training. If you don't have the time to train the dog yourself, it may be best to send them to a dog training school
The instructor can train you as well as your dog, and they can show you how to keep the dog from trying to be the leader. Skilled instructors should always work with both you and your dog. The first step in getting the dog not to pull on the leash is to get it to accept the collar. If the dog is moving around a lot while you are trying to put on the collar, this is a sign that your dog will pull against the leash. Start by commanding your dog to sit or stay while you put on the collar. If the dog gets up after you've put on the collar, make him sit back down quickly.

You should only walk the dog after it sits down calmly and allows you to put on the collar and leash. Once the collar is on, don't allow the dog to jump up and rush ahead towards the door. Gently pull back on the leash. Make him sit back down again, and repeat the process until he gets the message.