Digital Dreams

Student Laptop Scheme 2008 by ELCOT

2008-07-04T10:08:00.009+06:00

ELCOT is fully owned company of Government of Tamilnadu.In an attempt to bring down the digital divide in Tamilnadu,they have launched the Student Laptop Scheme.

This offer is only for students of Tamilnadu and valid till July 31'st(offer extended on popular demand 2008.

Help Line number for Student Laptop Scheme:044 65512311

Sale of this laptop is via Online Registration

Laptop specification and price sounds good.

"Laptop for all" could be the next election manifesto.

Take a look @ ELCOT's Firewalk test

Watch Student Laptop evaluation procedure video.

How to remove Packed Win32.Monder.gen?

2008-04-19T19:36:00.006+06:00

Virtumonde is an adware skipped by most antivirus programs .

When I ran a Kaspersky scan recently,it detected win32.monder.gen which cannot be disinfected or deleted.

I googled and found out that there is a fix for this adware using F-secure v-mode.zip.

I couldn't download this file.Here is a way of removing this adware

Win32.Monder.Gen resides in System Volume Information folder,where restore points are stored.I turned off System Restore and ran a Disk cleanup.Kaspersky scan did not show any adware in my system.

Win32.Monder.gen gets into our system from Torrent downloads.It reduces system speed,throws pop-up ads and sends anonymous mails from our mail ID.

Readers who have a similar experience with win32.monder.gen can pitch in their comments via comment form.

How to Turn off System restore and run a Disk cleanup.

1.Click on Start and go to run.Type cleanmgr in the text box.Choose your Hard disk drives and check on all radio buttons and start clean up.Disk cleanup deletes all system restore points except the most recent one.

2.Now right click on My Computer icon on desktop and click on properties.Select system restore tab in the pop up window.Uncheck the radio button Turn off system restore.Restart your computer and run a virus scan.Don't forget to turn on system restore after adware removal.

Blogger Custom Domain:Creating CNAME in netfirms for blogspot users

2007-11-01T09:12:00.002+06:00

This festive season (with good offers from webhosting companies) is an ideal time to move blogs to custom domain .

Netfirms is the fast,lowest priced and easy to use domain registrar.

Creating a CNAME is the first step after registering your domain.Here are the steps for creating CNAME in Netfirms for blogger hosted domains.

Blogger and Netfirms

Here are the steps for creating CNAME in Netfirms for blogger hosted domains.

1.Login to Control panel

2.Go to Domain settings

3.Click on the icon shown below to get into forwarding location settings.

4.Enter your domain name in the format(trailing slash at the end) http://www.yourdomainname.com/ and click on Modify.

5.Go to Admin>Cname

Enter your sub domain name as www

Cname as ghs.google.com

6.Click on add.

Please be advised it can take up to 24 hours for a CNAME to begin working as well as over 24-72 hours for a brand new domain to begin working.

Wait for 24hrs and then change settings in Blogger.

Blogger custom domain redirection is a simple process.Remember to enter your complete domain name starting with www in blogger settings.

Please wait for few hours and check your new domain.

If it’s working fine,then add your new domain name in google webmasters tool.

Now your blog template will show changes in RSS feed url .

Add this url or change your blogspot RSS url in sitemap settings.

Note:You may get this error message

" The page isn't redirecting properly.Firefox has detected that the server is redirecting the request for this address in a way that will never complete.* This problem can sometimes be caused by disabling or refusing to accept cookies."

if your CNAME settings are not updated or when there is an issue of load balancing .

Don’t worry about this message.Just wait for few hours and check your new domain.It should work fine.

If this error message re-occurs ,check whether your DNS settings for correct nameservers and lock status.

If your settings are locked,click on unlock and repeat steps 1 to 6.

English language learning resources for BPO employees

2007-09-02T11:03:00.000+06:00

Learning is a never ending process.

The word CALL stands for "Communication Aids for Language And Learning".

Today, companies are setting up their BPO units in tier2 and tier3 cities.

The demand for candidates with good language skills are plenty.I came across certain websites which provide better language learning experience.Language skills help you to expand your career options.

Here are the resources available on the web,
Download free American Accent Training pdf .

Download Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

Interact with Ann Cook by joining American Accent Yahoo Groups

Australia network is offering videopodcasts of learn english program.Explore and download videos for business english,study english,living english at abcasiapacific.

Nexus is a TV program and web site that can help you learn English, and find out about Australian life and culture.

Related links

Telephone Doctor ,English connection ,Language Quest,Direct English ,English Online

Download Books on IELTS,TOEFL,SAT

Study Abroad --A must see link for overseas studies

Learn @ grammar,Better english

Osho's grammar

Online Dictionaries,Slangs,Australian Slangs,quotes

Mariam webster---Online pronounciation guide,Reverse Onelook Dictionary ,World of quotes ,Brownie Locks

American Holidays:Pumpkin Nook ,Aussie Slang ,Koalanet ,Manythings ,Slang City.

Download Call Center terminology

Microsoft Fingerprint Reader on Windows Vista

2007-08-02T13:28:00.000+06:00

Fingerprint Reader and Windows Vista allows to log on to Windows with a touch of a finger when a username and password is required.

Windows Vista blog has a neat demo of how it works.

Features like parental controls,accessing your favorite websites,switching users are more convenient now.

However, we need to check how well it works in multiple browsers,logging on to a domain and in applications like Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger where multiple login's are required.

Downloads,Fingerprint Driver info and Usage instructions are available at Microsoft Hardware

Fingerprint reader extension for Firefox:Fingerfox

Troubleshoot Fingerprint reader using Microsoft Support center KB

More info on Fingerprint reader purchase and compare prices please log on to Microsoft

Read more:"Windows Dream Scene- set your home video as desktop background"

Download :Microsoft Silverlight Dreamscenes for your desktop

2007-05-28T12:48:00.000+06:00

Silverlight is a cross-browser,cross-platform plug-in for delivering media experiences.It is not a desktop application or a stand-alone media player.

Silverlight team has released dreamscene downloads for Windows Vista Ultimate desktop.

The Dreamscene is called "Dusk" and can be downloaded in two formats Standard or Widescreen.

Please check Windows Vista blog and Silverlight for installation instructions.

Read more :"Windows Dream Scene- set your home video as desktop background"

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Day by day business over internet is increasing and more ecommerce web hosting services are needed. Firms now require some reliable partner of their webhosting solutions. For any ecommerce firm dedicated hosting is foremost choice in choosing a technology partner. When you are seeking hosting services it’s always better to have some reliable webhosting reviews before deciding. One of the reliable partners for this kind of deal is hostgator.

Blogskinny:Directory of Blog Directories

2007-05-16T11:24:00.000+06:00

For beginners in blogging,How do I increase free traffic or readership? is the number one question asked.Registering your blog in directories,classifieds,rating sites and forums will help people find your content.

Blogskinny is in the process of building the Directory of Blog Directories.Bloggers can view the updated list of Directory of blog Directories here.

Here are the ways of getting free advertising for your blog.

1.Register at Blogskinny and get your blog listed in their homepage

2.Suggest a directory that blogskinny doesn't have in their database and you will receive 1000 free impressions for your blog.Please send your suggestions to registration@blogskinny.com

3.Write a post about Blogskinny Directory of Blog Directories in your blog and receive 1500 free impressions.

4.Register for a FREE affiliate membership and get your blog listed as Featured Blog at the top of their site.

Related post:How to Drive Free traffic for Blogs?

Nova netPC:The $100 Un-PC

2007-04-03T12:15:00.000+06:00

Nova net PC is a complete desktop with in-built internet access,chat webcam reaching your home just like cable TV service.

A network home computer means you get the benefits of a PC without worrying about maintenance ,security and upgrades

Novatium sells net PC for $100-just within the reach of India's growing middle class.This price is less than the children machine XO.The monthly rental plans begin at $10 with a broad band connection.

Nova net PC supports all Network OS namely Windows 2000,windows 2003,solaris 9 and 10.

How to buy net PC?

You can buy from their website after registration.

Watch a demo of net PC here.

How to add google search bar in header?

2007-04-02T11:44:00.000+06:00

Google adsense search bar can be placed via adding a new page element in the header.However this method increases the header width and sometimes leads to parsing error.

Here is a simple way of adding search bar to your blog header.Use google custom search instead of adsense search.Generate the codes and place your codes in the template editor as shown below.

Link your adsense publisher Id with custom search using the make money tab in control panel

Place custom search codes after

Bloggers interested in placing google adsense search bar in header can use
HTML parser.

Learn how to add an image to your blog's header in this screencast

Incoming search queries:add google search bar in header,free blog traffic,HTML parsing error

Guruji:The Indian search engine

2007-03-11T16:27:00.000+06:00

If you are looking for India related search,Guruji is an ideal search engine.Users can search in Indian languages Hindi,Telugu and Kannada with a easy to use on-screen keyboard.

Guruji is a crawler based search engine with relevant and fast results.The management team is led by IIT-ians and Guruji is funded by Sequoia Capital.

There is an interesting 'Gyaan' section refreshed constantly.Bloggers can submit their blog to guruji and Dmoz here.

Comodo Firewall Free for now:a lock on a door

2007-02-25T13:04:00.000+06:00

Firewalls are tools that can be used to enhance the security of computers in a public network. Comodo has a released a free to use application which requires a registration and license activation

This free firewall is a fully functional product and even the updates are free.

Some of the life time free products from comodo includes Comodo Antivirus,Antispam,Backup,
i-vault and verification engine.
Download Comodo here

ChaCha:The human search engine

2007-02-06T12:23:00.000+06:00

ChaCha is a new way to search with the help of a real person skilled at finding information on the internet.

This morning,I got in touch with a ChaCha guide AaronW with a query on DreamScene for Windows Vista.He got me very precise results and above all it was a wonderful customer service experience.The search was followed by a customer survey which I rated great.

Chacha results are much better as it is hand-picked by human guides.When I asked Aaron,How they picked the name ChaCha? The answer was that it has a dual meaning first "Cha" means search in chinese,second ChaCha is a fast-paced danced.

For info on careers or ads with ChaCha please logon to ChaCha

Windows Vista: PC photo gallery

2007-02-01T11:42:00.000+06:00

If you are planning to buy a new PC,its advisable to have a look at Windows Vista PC gallery.The new Windows Vista homepage features info on upgrade,purchase,compare various editions of Vista and photogallery.Lets have a look at some of the Vista pc's.

Take a Windows Vista Test Drive here

Readers can visit Windows market place for purchase info

Please visit Windowshelp and Solution center for troubleshooting Vista installation problems

Ebooks:Vtc vista training video,CBT nuggets,Vista missing manual,Vista Inside Out are available for free download at flibrary

Windows Vista Celebration

2007-01-25T11:44:00.000+06:00

There are two ways to celebrate the launch of Windows Vista on Jan 29th and 30th.Readers can join the retail celebration at best buy,Circuit City and CompUSA or enter for a chance to win a trip to the BIG GAME.

This is how the invitation looks like and it is available for taking print out here.

The Windows Vista blog announced a promotion that goes on from this Friday until April 30th .Windows Vista Users can take their Mobile PC to any North American T-mobile hot spot between 30th January and 30th April to avail a complimentary broadband connection.Please visit Sky Surprise for more details.

Source-Windows Vista Blog

"Where's the Vista Bus?"

2007-01-20T12:01:00.000+06:00

The Windows Vista Coach Tour is for people who want to know what Vista is all about.The Vista team will meet people across different cities and answer questions ranging from "what's Windows Vista?" to "what's your favorite feature?" to "what are the advances in networking that will ensure my home network is secure?".

In fact, one of their guys has created a list of recurring topics, that customers continue to hit upon.

For more news on Vista tour and to track the position of the bus,logon to Windows Vista Blog

Windows Vista Gadgets are available at Live gadgets

Related info -Latest news on Daylight Saving time changes in 2007

Windows Vista, Anytime Upgrade

2007-01-18T20:37:00.001+06:00

Yesterday,Windows Vista blog announced how windows anytime upgrade works.Current windows users can purchase and download a digital key to upgrade to a more feature-rich edition of Windows Vista.

The user will then complete the upgrade process by inserting theWindows Vista DVD that came with their PC or with their retail purchaseof Windows Vista. The program will be available in the US, Canada,Europe and Japan.

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices to upgrade from a more basic version of Windows Vista are

* Home Basic --> Home Premium: $79
* Home Basic --> Ultimate: $199
* Home Premium --> Ultimate: $159
* Business --> Ultimate: $139

For more info on Windows family discount and vista for french speaking customers,please visit Windows Vista Blog

Readers can buy vista on Jan 30 th electronically at Windows Market Place

Webaroo 1.3 for Smartphones

2007-01-16T18:29:00.000+06:00

Webaroo has released version 1.3, which allows smartphone users to search and browse the web on their handheld without a connection.

The Webaroo search and browse experience is super fast because the content is stored on the handheld, unlike other mobile search solutions that suffer wireless network delays.

Now your friends can read your blog on their laptops/mobile devices in the train or a coffee shop and there isn't even an Internet connection.Bloggers can create a widget from this site and place it in their blog or site.

Download Webaroo 1.3

Widget for Blogs

Supported mobile devices and system requirements.

Source-Webaroo blog

Sounding Keyboard and Mouse

2007-01-14T18:49:00.000+06:00

Sounding Keyboard and Mouse will bring you great enjoyment when you operate computer. It lets you hear magic sound when you press keys or click mouse. The program allows you to hear the sound or the words which you want to hear after your typing or clicking.

With this tool, you can specify wave file and midi note to every key on keyboard or mouse buttons. When these keys are being pressed or released, the wave/ MIDI will be played. Different keys can be specified different sound.

If the Microsoft Speech API and TTS Engine have been install on your computer, the program can vocalise the text you are typing at the completion of each character or each word or each sentence

Using Sounding Keyboard & Mouse means that you can touch-type and have your computer confirm that you have been typing without spelling mistakes.Readers can download this shareware at softboy.

When you run this software ,it may prompt for an email address and registration code.Please click on Cancel and set automatic startup with computer in menu options.This program runs on Windows95/98/Me/Nt4/2000/XP/2003

Sat-go, Direct TV anytime,anywhere

2007-01-11T20:55:00.000+06:00

Sat-go(Satellite-To-Go) is a portable DIRECT TV satellite receiver.The suitcase like carrying case,integrates a TV,Direct TV receiver and a direct TV antenna.Now,users can view television while camping,trekking, sitting at home or anywhere within the line-of sight of satellite receivers.

DIRECTV has set up a web page to collect names of people who'd like to be contacted once Sat-Go becomes available.

The features of this product include a 17" inch LCD screen,standard AC/DC power,100% digital quality picture and a rechargeable battery.Sat-go is likely to be launched this spring.

Be the first to know when DIRECT TV Sat-go is available.Logon @ DirectTV

Incoming search queries:Pen-sized computers, TV,sat-go,direct TV,portable receiver,sat-go battery

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On very simple basis we can built our own home theater by combining tv, dvd and speakers or we can buy custom built dvd home theater. In a home theater we can even use crt tv as a display device. And in most expensive high quality home theaters lcd televisions are used. These large display devices are framed in wall or placed on some plasma tv stand for proper display depending on dimensions of room and audience.

On my way to blogging

2007-01-11T19:49:00.002+06:00

Read our most successful and updated post for driving free traffic for blogs @ WarriorForum

I started blogging to share my technical info, which I have gathered, over the last ten years.Later I found that blogging has more to offer, apart from sharing info.Yes,the ad revenue via google,yahoo,feedburner,blogads,performancing partners,chitika is encouraging.

Never, blogging is a get rich quick scheme.There are many things to learn and few to unlearn..

Traffic for my blog is good.Let me share the ideas for generating traffic.There are many sites offering link exchange,free traffic software etc.I tried these,but they did not generate traffic to my blog.The sources for high traffic are:

1.Join forums. Post a topic, request for a review or start a discussion in the forum.Remember ,always update your posts or topic so that your posts remain on the 1st page of the forum.If you don't update,your post gets dumped. Here is the list of forums you can visit

Warriorforum,Blogcrowds,Blogmod,Bloggerhub,Malaysiabloggers,Anime,
Yahoo answers,Google help

2.Write about bloggingtools,tweaks which you have implemented in your blog. Look at search keyword statistics to check which posts are getting maximum traffic.I use statcounter(an invisible counter),which is very handy.

3.Visit blogs and leave a comment with your blog address.

4.Send email to your friends,asking them to review your blog.You can collect email address from various forums and in forwarded emails(Cc andBcc).

5.Join social networks such as Orkut,Ryze,Minglebox,Zorpia,Facebook.

Look for a specific group and send a message.Please do not spam ,as it may backfire.

6.Get social bookmarking for your blogs.You can get more add-ons in feedburner under the tab feedflare

7. Check your adsense clicks by visitors using Google analytics or Mybloglog.Experiment with your adsense location using these stats.

8.Promote your blog using Zimbio.Join in various group blogs.This improves your page rank.Performancing partners takes a lot of time to get ads for your site,however it creates a link to your blog improving page rank.

9.Place ad's in sites which offer free classifieds.Placing ads in countries where blogs are banned brings more traffic.

10.Although blogger pings via weblog,its better to user Pinging services such as pingoat(pings to even non-english services),autopinger,pingomatic.Provide language translation service to readers.Use google translation, as it indexes these translations.For better indexing,ping google whenever there is a update.