News U can Use

Gmail's New keyboard Shortcuts

2007-11-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

When you're viewing a Gmail message, you can archive it AND move to the next or previous message in one keystroke. Use the square brackets:

[ to archive and go to the previous message
] to archive and go to the next message

Alternately, you can press y, then o to archive a message and go to the next one. You must have the keyboard shortcuts enabled in your account (visit Settings to do so) for this to work.
Keyboard Shortcuts [Gmail Help]

This magic folder keep your file organized.

2007-11-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

Windows Vista Only: All too often, quick downloads and working under deadline leave documents, pictures and other file types out of the specific folders so helpfully set up at installation. Free Vista sidebar widget The Magic Folder serves as a kind of maid for your file messes, automatically moving files you drop on it to their correct folders based on file extensions. The widget can be modified to move files to your own folder setups (allowing for some Getting-Things-Done-style filing, perhaps), but the neatest aspect is the option to have it watch a folder you choose and do its file-organizing magic whenever a new file appears. The Magic Folder is a free download for Windows Vista only.

Broadband Speed Test: Know Your Stuff

2007-11-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Your Internet service provider says it’s offering up to 1.5Mbps, but that’s the maximum speed, not necessarily what you’re getting every day. So how do you know if your connection is up to snuff? Go online to speedtest.net. It works by “pinging” an outside server: It fires and times a data request, like a submarine using sonar, then displays the resulting upload and download speeds. Try it a few times throughout the day. If your connection is consistently slow, you might want to talk to your ISP. Or switch to a new one.

Free documents on DocStoc

2007-11-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

Need a template for your business plan, a tutorial on Python programming, or a copy of the Gettysburg address? Document sharing web site DocStoc has more than 12,000 files posted for free browsing and downloads. Registered members can keep personal "folders" on the site with links to useful docs and get notified by email when another user uploads a file type they request. Those looking for straight-up legal forms have other options, but DocStoc's wide range might make it a useful bookmark for when you just need to see an example—or you need a PowerPoint template to modify in a hurry.

Mobile Jammer

2007-10-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Disrupting a cell phone is the same as jamming any other type of radio communication. A cell phone works by communicating with its service network through a cell tower or base station. Cell towers divide a city into small areas, or cells.

How does it work?
A jamming device transmits on the same radio frequencies as the cell phone, disrupting the communication between the phone and the cell-phone base station in the tower. The jammer denies service of the radio spectrum to the cell-phone users within range of the jamming devices.
Jamming devices overpower the cell phone by transmitting a signal on the same frequency and at a high enough power that the two signals collide and cancel each other out. Cell phones are designed to add power if they experience low-level interference. So the jammer must recognize and match the power increase from the phone.

Cell phones are full-duplex devices, meaning they use two separate frequencies, one for talking and one for listening simultaneously. Some jammers block only one of the frequencies used by cell phones, which has the effect of blocking both. The phone is tricked into thinking there is no service because it can receive only one of the frequencies.

Lesser complex devices block only one group of frequencies, while sophisticated jammers can block several types of networks at once to head off dual-mode or tri-mode phones that automatically switch among different network types to find an open signal. Some of the high-end devices block all frequencies at once, and others can be tuned to specific frequencies.

Adding grace to your garden

2007-10-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

Having a neat garden is a luxury today. Swinging in a hammock or lounging on a bench in the garden, is a great stress buster. Make this experience of relaxing in your garden much more enjoyable by investing in some garden furniture and accessories.

FURNITURE A wicker deck lounge chair, which is a single chair, is a good start. Cushions are optional, since you would not want them to get wet when it rains. A perforated metal magazine rack or a side table tea cart or a bar trolley will add to the package. Garden benches, armchairs, dining and patio tables, and planters should be made of dense and durable hardwood. Stylish, durable and comfortable, this kind of furniture will make your garden more beautiful.

BENCH Garden benches serve the purpose of providing one a place to sit and relax in the garden while admiring its beauty. Rustic stone garden benches are one of the more sturdy types of garden benches found. They are usually made from carved stone, cast stones or stone slabs, and do not require much maintenance other than an occasional dusting. If you do think of buying a stone garden bench, it is advisable to get a bench of the right size for your use. Cement benches, mosaic, cast iron ones are good buys too. You should choose the size of your bench based on where you want to put it in your yard or garden. Measure the perfect length for your garden benches to be before making any purchase. Lay back, relax and feel the warmth of the sun in the comfortable and elegant chaise lounge chair. Perfect for pool side, on a deck or porch, these lounge chairs allow you to lounge and enjoy a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea. It is both practical and functional.

UMBRELLAS Designed to protect your outdoor enjoyment from both sun and rain, umbrellas offer many benefits. Select ones made of a sturdy and weather resistant material. The polyester umbrella is light in colour and adds a bright spot of cheerfulness to outdoor dining experience. Details and accessories can make the difference between a good setting and a great setting. For your great outdoor setting, be sure to add planters full of beautiful colourful foliage.

DÉCOR There's nothing like a parasol or hammock to enjoy the beauty of your garden. Cheap and practical, they blend well with the outdoors. Planters that are rugged and have a slatted bottom panel, so you may place a pot within the planter for a seasonal change of flowers, is a good way to enhance your garden. Garden lighting, pole mounted bird feeders, bird houses, garden statues, are some of the other accessories you can add. From rotund garden fountains to wall fountains, creating an artificial stream in one's backyard lends tranquillity unattainable by other means. Some ways to make your fountains more stunning are by surrounding them with brightly coloured flowers, or deep green foliage or moss. Even modest flower gardens are improved by the presence of garden statues, like nymphs, fairies, or persons. Garden statues can truly transform a garden. With the right garden statues, you can change your garden from dull to vibrant. With the right garden statues, you can make your garden into a mystical, magical place, with gnomes and fairies hiding at every corner. Garden decor can be an arrangement of stones and moss to form a path through the garden, or the ornaments that compliment the placement of the plants. It can also be organic, functional, or practically. Let your imagination run riot to create a practical and stylish effect in your garden.

Upgrading your old car

2007-10-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Factors to consider:

According to a recent study of old car slaes in the UK, sales of nearly new cars, under the age of 1 year old, have dropped significantly in the second quarter of 2006. Sales of nearly new cards had been growing sharply each year from 2001 until 2005. Last year this segment saw its first reversal as sales dipped 6.6%.
Analysts said two factors triggered the earlier boom in nearly new car sales. The first were a number of attractive packages from financiers & dealers. The second were a steady stream of nearly new cars making their way into the used car pol. Many nearly new cars were available at attractive discounts & depreciation benefits. So their sales growth went up sharply.
So what has now gone wrong ? Auto industry analysts say it has to do with the sharp increase in the demand for these nearly new cars. As the demand for nearly new cars have pushed up prices, that differential has been eaten up. So there are now fewer takers for these cars.
A good way to figure out if you are buying the right car in the segment of your choice is to check its used car value. If the model you are choosing has a vastly depreciated value in the marketplace it would be a good idea to stay away from it. After all, two or three years down the line you will have to trade it in for your next upgrade and a totally depreciated model will not fetch you very much by way of a down payment relief.
You should also take calls from company-validated pre-used car schemes seriously. A number of these calls now routinely turn up before the car completes its loan duration. while it's definitely a marketing effort on the part of the company to convince the customer to upgrade to the next level as soon as possible. Most B-segment cards depreciate so sharply beyond their 4-5 year loan tenures that their values experience a sharp dip in the after market. So the smart thing to do would be to take a check of the after market value of your car and trade it in just at the right time. Even if you want to move to another brand you can negotiate the best price for your old car as part of the rebate/benefit package on offer. That's the best way to negotiate a deal on your new car as well.

Standby Vs. Hibernate

2007-10-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

What's the difference between putting your PC in Hibernate or Standby mode?

Using Standby : Your machine recovers quickly as your data is stored in RAM. The slower part is waking up the peripherals. Although your machine is in "standby" the power has been cut to items such as your hard drive and monitor. You're running your machine in a very low power mode, but it is still on. This mode can be useful if you're on a notebook and need to conserve your battery while you step away.

Using Hibernate : The big difference is that your PC has shut down and is not pulling power. Another difference is that your data is saved to your hard disk and not RAM. This makes it a safer, but slower option for shut down and resume.

Export PC drivers before format harddrive

2007-10-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

Windows only: Want to format your hard drive and reinstall Windows but you're not sure you have all the hardware driver disks to get everything working again? Free utility DriverMax analyzes XP or Vista systems for installed hardware drivers and exports them to a folder or external drive. Click here to continue download

Hyundai introduces W-100 watch phone

2007-10-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hyundai might be best known in the UK for producing some fairly forgettable cars, but in the Far East, it is knocking out interesting technology like this W-100 watch phone.

It packs in the functionality too, with a 1.3 megapixel camera, touch screen, Bluetooth, MP3 player (with storage on microSD card), video player (likewise) and f course, a mobile phone
No news on price or European availability as yet.

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Basic photography tricks...

2007-10-15T03:47:00.000-07:00

Lights, camera...Action

Some few things & tricks you need to understand while clicking a photo. Lights, Colors, Flash, Time of photography, Zoom, Composition essentials, Foreground, Proportion, Face, Feelings, Focus......all this is here with example of photos in iDigitalphoto

Verify an Email Address

2007-10-15T01:57:00.000-07:00

Free Email Address Verifier

This complete free email verification tool actually connects to the mail server and checks that the mailbox exists.

What is being verified:
Format: name@domain.xxx
Valid domain: "somebody@new.york" is not valid
Valid user: Verify that the user and mailbox really exist

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Cheat DVD regional encoding

2007-10-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

If you've ever bought a DVD that wouldn't play on your DVD player due to region incompatibilities (the film industry's attempt at protecting their distribution system), Wired's guide to cheat DVD regional encoding is for you. The cheapest solution:
If you live in the U.S. or if you simply want a solution that will work on any DVD player—even those which haven't been hacked—your best solution is to burn a copy of the movie.

...what you'll want to do is rip a copy of your DVD using one of the many popular ripping programs on the market (we suggest ImgBurn on Windows and Mac The Ripper for Mac). Make sure that you set the ripping software to produce a "region all" file and then, when you've got a copy on your hard drive, burn a new DVD.

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Securely delete files with DeleteOnClick

2007-10-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Freeware shell extension DeleteOnClick adds a Securely Delete entry to your Windows Explorer right-click menu so you can securely (impossible to recover) wipe files from your hard drive. How securely, you ask? Apparently it's U.S. Department of Defense secure (uses the U.S. DOD 5220.22-M secure file deletion standard).
DeleteOnClick is free to download, Windows only.

Conquering the consumption virus

2007-10-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

Hyper consumerism is raising concerns about the future sustainability of spending. But the solution to limit excess consumption is simple: divide the resource into smaller portions.

Imagine that you are at a theatre to watch a movie, and make your customary stop to buy popcorn and soft drinks. You ask for a large bag of popcorn, but to your surprise the person at the counter hands you your popcorn in three smaller bags saying that the large bags are out of stock. Would this change the amount of popcorn you eat or the speed you eat it at? Our research suggests—Yes!

In our research, we do not wish to contribute to the discussion on why this consumption epidemic happens. Our goal is simple—we wanted to prescribe a simple solution to help curb consumption. We call it partitioning. Quite simply, when a given quantity of resource (food, money, or even other consumables like cigarettes) is divided into smaller quantities by physical partitions, it reduces both the total quantity consumed, as well as the speed of consumption. when we tested our prediction in a series of studies, we found exactly what we predicted.

1). In one study, a number of participants volunteered to participate in a cookie tasting study. Every participant received an identical box of 24 cookies and was asked to consume them over time, noting how much they liked the cookies and when they ate them. Unknown to them, there were differences across participants. Some participants (let’s call them Box A) received 24 cookies in a box. Others, who received Box B, got the same box and the same cookies, but each cookie was individually wrapped in foil. We found that the typical consumer who got Box A took six days to finish the cookies, while those that got Box B took 24 days to finish. A simple sheet of thin foil paper had the power to slow down consumption by a factor of fourfolds!

2).When we partition money, not just food. Students were given 100 cash coupons to participate in a gambling study—an activity that is considered fun but sinful. Some were given all 100 coupons sealed in one envelope, others were given 10 coupons in each of 10 sealed envelopes. We found that once the big envelope was opened, it became easy to spend the 100 coupons. However, with the smaller envelopes, people tended to spend a lot less—in one study, about half as much. We note again the power of glue in reducing spending by 50%!

3).In an ongoing series of studies with labourers who get cash wages, we find that giving them cash divided into sealed envelopes increases their savings rates dramatically as compared to giving them a wad of notes. And in analysis of data from prepaid calling cards, we find that people who purchased five $10 cards rather than one $50 card spaced out their ISD/STD phonecalls over a longer period of time.

In sort we can try it & can call it : DIVIDE & RULE.

Computerized Pillow Reduces Snoring

2007-10-06T02:26:00.000-07:00

A computerized pillow reduces snoring according to German scientist Daryoush Bazargani.
"The pillow is attached to a computer, which is the size of a book, rests on a bedside table, and analyzes snoring noises," said Bazargani.

"The computer then reduces or enlarges air compartments within the pillow to facilitate nasal airflow to minimize snoring as the user shifts during sleep," he said. Snoring is a problem that most people are familiar with; the National Sleep Foundation estimates that as many as one in three Americans snores at least occasionally.

How to tie a tie --- Windsor Knot

2007-10-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Windsor knot is a method of tying a neck tie around one's neck and collar. It is also called as Full Windsor knot to distinguish Half Windsor knot. By following this simple video guide you can master the full Windsor knot. A full Windsor knot looks better than a half Windsor. Try this knot that looks great for your more formal occasions.

Scratched CD/DVD recovery...by Banana

2007-10-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Can’t you play a CD or DVD to watch a movie and to listen to your favorite music album.Here is the way to clean scratches of useless CD or DVD and get them back to working condition by simple home remedy....This video shows you how.

Laptop Vs. Desktop

2007-10-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

The momentum in the indian notebook market is finally in sync with the global trend, where for the first time in 2005 notebook sales surpassed desktop sales.

Laptop Vs. Desktop ?

These days notebooks are competing with desktops with convenience & productivity scoring high, notebook sales having found their way into homes. Industry sources say that desktops which were the symbol of corporate vanity till the other day are slowly becoming passe with notebooks now becoming mainstream.
Once of the biggest factors pushing sales for notebooks is the affordability factor due to reduction in prices. India's personal computer market is undergoing a major transition as premium notebook computers are being brought to the mainstream, at almost half the prices prevalent a year ago.

On-th-Go Computing

Another key driver has been the growth of newer professions that not only require different working styles but also mobile devices for anytime-anywhere computing. For instance many IT-enabled workers or back office workers (like medical transcription workers) need not work out of an old fashioned office anymore. Similarly many financial & marketing sector professionals need to be on the move always.

The government too, now allows duty free import of notebooks as personal baggage that has helped in increasing the notebook penetration with people becoming more aware of these devices. The government's focus on improving the IT infrastructure that has brought n technologies like wider wireless network (WAN WiFi), which allows linking up of mobile devices to the internet at any place, has propelled its sales as well. Also the amalgamation of next generation technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with mobile computing has brought also more utility to notebooks.

Now a PC costing you mere Rs.5000/-

2007-09-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

The $100 computer has finally arrived. For a mere Rs 5,000, the urban employee with a shallow pocket can make his dream of a home PC come true. The home users PC is a product of Novatium, a Chennai-based startup in collaboration with MTNL. The 'Nova' is a Net PC. Then we will get about internet Nova PC.
"The Internet Nova PC is not very different from a TV. Just switch it on and do whatever task you want to do after you connect to it. Then switch it off," says CEO Novatium Solutions, Alok Singh.

A Net PC is a computer which has a central processing device connected through a server. This means, all functions are handled and data stored in a central location, while the computer helps to connect you to it.
Truly convenient, but the question is, what of the security and privacy of the data?
"While the firewalls have been taken care of, the more important thing is the security, especially since there are so many files. No one is given your password, except a few members of the service providers, who do not access the information," says MTNL Executive Director, A K Sinha.
But here's the downside. With just 300 MB in the initial package, it calls for spartan usage of space. And there's no CD or DVD drive. Also the dependence on the connectivity of the service is not a comfortable feeling.

Mini USB becomes standard for chargers of cell phone

2007-09-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

There are so many cell phone manufacturers, and each one seems to have a different-sized plug needed to charge up its phones. Now five of the world's biggest cell phone manufacturers have finally decided on a standard plug size for cell phone chargers. Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson are among the first companies to subscribe to the standard, with the other smaller manufacturers expected to soon follow.

The bad news? That standard size is an uncommon plug known as Micro USB, slightly smaller than the ubiquitous Mini USB plugs. The manufacturers probably picked that smaller size because of the steadily diminishing cross-sections of many of today's ultra-thin cell phones. Now if the same standardization would happen with laptop charger plugs, our world would get just a bit less complicated.

Say Bye-Bye to CDs while on your Car

2007-09-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

The last thing you need to be doing when you're driving on a busy highway is rummaging around in your glove compartment for a CD. That's why the Blaupunkt Melbourne SD27 makes sense. It's the first of many car receivers we'll be seeing in the next few years that do away with CDs altogether. Compatible with SD/MMC cards, it plays MP3 and WMA files while displaying either folder names or ID3 tags from all of your music files right there on its LED display.

Along with this $160 unit, Blaupunkt also offers an optional adapter for your iPod (you can rest it on one of these), cellphone, Bluetooth or GPS navigation device. If that's not enough, it can snag music off any of your USB devices, and it also accepts plain old analog 3.5mm audio plugs. Just about the only thing it's missing is satellite radio capability, and, oh yeah, it also lacks that CD slot, which we're not going to miss one bit.

SECURITY ALARMS

2007-09-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

Intrusion & theft have always been common. However, you are also at greater risk when you're out during the day or away on holiday, as is evident from the recent surge of burglaries taking place all over the country, especially in urban pockets of india. In big cities daytime assaults on ladies and children when they are home alone by forced entry & also by servants who open the doors to their accomplices are rising by the day.

Keeping burglars at bay

Protecting your home/business premises with an intelligent burglar alarm system which will guard your doors, windows, grills and other entry points has become essential. This is achieved by installing security sensors at vulnerable entry points. In the event of an intrusion, an alarm is immediately raised through powerful sounders and an attached speed dialler will call you, your family, your friends, the police & anyone else (upto 15 people) you would like to be notified & deliver an emergency message recorded in your very own pre-recorded voice.

Types

Both wired & wireless burglar alarm systems are available in the market. While wireless systems are more appropriate for smaller apartments and commercial spaces, wired systems provide a more comprehensive and cost effective coverage in larger areas. And surprisingly, these systems do not cost the moon. You could buy a burglar alarm system with a dual message (1 burglary message & 1 additional message of your choice e.g. medical emergency) & a 5 year product warranty starting as low as at a mere Rs. 9000/- Some of these burglar alarm systems can even be controled through your mobile & also have the option of inbuilt remote automation. Which allows you to operate electrical devices by smply pushing buttons on your mobile.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

2007-09-24T01:10:00.000-07:00

What are they?
Noise-canceling headphones reduce unwanted ambient sounds (i.e., acoustic noise) by means of active noise control. Essentially, this involves using a microphone, placed near the ear & electronics circuitry which generates an "anti-noise" sound wave with the opposite polarity of the sound wave arriving at the microphone. This results in destructive interference, which cancels out the noise within the enclosed volume of the headphone. Keeping noise low at the ear makes it possible to enjoy music without raising the volume unnecessarily. It can also help a passenger sleep in a noisy vehicle such as an airliner.

How Effective they are?
Retail nose cancelling headphones typically only cancel the lower-frequency portions of the noise; they depend upon traditional noise suppression techniques (such as their ear cups) to prevent higher-frequency noise from reaching the interior of the headphone.
Before going for a pair, keep the following in mind:

Because of the shorter wavelength of the high-frequency sound. Active cancellation is much less effective at higher frequencies.
They consumer power, usually supplied by a battery that must occasionally be replaced or recharged.
They may not cancel all sound effectively. Some noise-cancelling headphones can be overloaded by low-frequency pressure waves, distorting the desired signal.
They work well for sounds that are continuous, such as the sound of a refrigerator, but are rather ineffective against speech or other rapidly changing audio signals.
They may introduce additional noise, usually in the form of high-frequency hiss.
They are generally more bulky than traditional headphones.

Laptop Data cards

2007-09-19T01:27:00.000-07:00

Facts about Laptop Data cards in INDIA

What are they?

Would you like to surf the net while lazing on the beach ? Or even in your car, on your way? Get yourself a datacard for your laptop. It's a small card - slightly bigger than a credit card with a small antenna.
Insert it into your laptop and browse at length. And its not just the internet - you can also log on to your office LAN or intranet and access your mails and other files. So even while you're travelling, you can stay in touch with the sales, MIS and other automation systems.
Various telecom companies offer different tariff plans for their services. Do a through research and shortlist your options before you decide which one to go for.

Look for...

The single most important feature to be scrutinised is the speed. Well, they may not match the speed of your broadband connection at home or office. But they're not too bad either. The companies claim that a peak speed of upto 100-150 kbps is possible, though they concede that the average speed may be much lower. The average speed is far lower at 33-56 kbps.
Data cards also allow you to make a phone call. Just plug the earphone into the PC and talk on. Charges for these calls are according to the standard plans. and one can not opt for value-added services such as a caller-identification services.
If you want to send and receive messages, that's possible too. The charges for phone calls and SMSes are usually the same as you would pay for your mobile phone. One thing you must always remember to do: charge your laptop battery, and you can use the card wherever you go.