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Google Chrome

The new Web browser that Google Inc. released Tuesday is designed to expand its huge lead in the Internet search market and reduce Microsoft Corp.’s imprint on personal computers.

The free browser, called “Chrome,” is being promoted as a sleeker, faster, safer and reliable alternative to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which has been the leading vehicle for surfing the Web for the past decade. Despite recent inroads by Mozilla Foundation’s Firefox, Internet Explorer is still used by roughly three-fourths of the world’s Web surfers.

“What we want is a diverse and vibrant ecosystem,” Google co-founder Sergey Brin told reporters Tuesday during Chrome’s unveiling. “We want several browsers that are viable and substantial choices.”

Among other features, Chrome’s navigation bar – the space where you type an Internet address – will serve a dual purpose. Users can either enter an address into the space or a search request that will be processed through their search engine of choice.

Naturally, Google bets it will be the default search engine for the majority of Chrome users, helping to build upon its nearly 64 percent share of the worldwide search market.

“You only have 24 hours a day and we would like you to do more searches,” Google’s other co-founder, Larry Page, said at the unveiling. “If the browser runs well, then you will do more searches.”

And more queries generate more revenue for Google, whose search engine is the hub of the Internet’s largest advertising network.

Google also is counting on Chrome to become the linchpin in its effort to distribute widely used computer programs like word processing, spreadsheets and calendars through the Web browser instead of as applications installed on individual machines. If the crusade is successful, it might undercut Microsoft’s profits by diminishing sales of its Office software package.

“Chrome will strengthen the Web as the biggest application platform in the world,” predicted Jon von Tetzchner, chief executive of the company that makes the Opera browser, which ranks a distant fourth in the market.

Microsoft, which crushed Netscape Communications to win the last major browser war in the 1990s, played down the threat from Chrome. The Redmond, Wash.-based software maker predicted that most people will embrace its latest version, Internet Explorer 8, which it released in test status last week.

“IE8 is designed to put users in control of how and where they navigate, improve their day-to-day browsing, keep people safe from real threats … and respect people’s privacy online,” Dean Hachamovitch, Internet Explorer’s general manager, said in a statement Tuesday.

But Benchmark Co. analyst Brent Williams thinks Microsoft has cause for concern. In a Tuesday research note, Williams described Chrome as a “a new, potentially significant, challenge to Microsoft’s Web strategy and to (Microsoft’s) core product suite, and indeed to (Microsoft’s) business model.”

Microsoft shares fell 19 cents to $27.10 Tuesday while Google shares gained $1.96 to $465.25.

Chrome may lure even more users from Firefox, which has grabbed more than 10 percent of the browser market with the help of an advertising and search alliance with Google. The ad partnership was recently extended through 2011.

Because Chrome and Google both are built on similar “open-source” models that share computer coding with outside developers to foster innovation, the products are likely to appeal to similar subsets of Web surfers looking for alternatives to Internet Explorer.

“If there is a casualty in the browser wars, it’s likely to be Mozilla’s Firefox,” the Info-Tech Research Group predicted Tuesday.

Google executives emphasized that they wouldn’t have been able to build Chrome during the past two years without the inroads already made by Firefox, and expressed hope that the two browsers will blend the best features from both products.

“I hope big chunks of Chrome make it into the next generation of Firefox,” Brin said.

In a blog posting, Mozilla CEO John Lilly said he had been expecting Google to enter the browser market for some time and predicted that Firefox would continue to hold its own.

“It should come as no real surprise that Google has done something here – their business is the Web, and they’ve got clear opinions on how things should be, and smart people thinking about how to make things better,” Lilly wrote.

Chrome hopes to set new standards for browsers by enabling Web pages and applications to run on separate tabs that won’t crash if there is a problem on another tab. The tabs also can be moved around on a page or even placed on a computer desktop.

The browser also will remember a user’s favorite destinations and automatically display the nine most visited Web sites in a tab. For users who don’t want someone else with access to the same computer to know where they have been, Chrome includes an “incognito” tab that conceals the Web surfing activity.

Internet Explorer has a built-in advantage over Chrome and other competing Web browsers because it’s pre-installed on the hard drives of most computers running on Microsoft Windows.

Although Chrome currently must be downloaded over an Internet connection, Google plans to explore deals with PC makers to put Chrome on new computers, too. Those arrangements could drive up Google’s expenses, but Brin thinks it will be worth the investment if Chrome encourages people to spend more of their lives online.

“Our business does well if there is healthy Internet usage,” Brin said.

N85

The N85 is just another follow up to the N95 and the more recent N96. This handset has been designed as another gaming device so it’s more of an upgrade to the N81. It has a 2.6-inch OLED screen and smooth, sleek finish. It also comes with N-Gage gaming, music with an in-built FM transmitter, 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with Carl Zeiss optics (dual LED flashes) and geotagging capabilities, three month integrated license for turn-by-turn voice navigation and high-speed connectivity, so yes, the N85 does have GPS with A-GPS support.

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The Nokia N85 is pre-loaded with at least 10 made-for-mobile N-Gage gaming titles and a voucher to activate one full game license. Dedicated gaming keys light up when the device is in landscape gaming mode to further enhance a user’s gaming experience. This handset also supports 3.5G HSDPA and Wi-fi connectivity along with Bluetooth (A2DP). Each Nokia N85 comes with an 8GB microSD card, RDS radio or a wide selection of stations via the internet. The 3.5mm audio jack makes connecting a top-quality headset simple and an in-built FM transmitter lets the Nokia N85 play wirelessly through a car or home stereo.

Though both handsets come with FM transmitters as is, it’s highly unlikely they’ll release those models here in India with that feature.

The Nokia N79 and N85 are expected to begin shipping in October 2008, with an estimated retail price of Rs. 22, 339 (EUR 350) and Rs. 28, 729 (EUR 450) respectively, before taxes and subsidies.

Bloxorz

 

Uploaded a new game on Shared drive check it out..







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iPhone 3G

review bad
Pricing
No A2DP
Incomplete GPS
Basic Features Missing
Still no 3G

View Specifications

It’s been a long time coming. Sure, we’ve had the first-gen iPhone in India in some form or the other ever since it launched in the US, but hey, “official” is always better than “nothing official”. Let’s dive into Apple’s coolness box and see what the iPhone 3G, which is available in India starting Aug. 22nd, brings to the table.

For your convenience, and to make it snappy, we’ve skipped the parts which are similar from the first-gen iPhone to the new 3G variant, you can read a review of the last iPhone here . We’ve split the review into four parts. First, we answer a few basic questions you might have, second, obviously, are the “Good Bits”, then some “Bad Bits”, and finally, the “whys” behind the Rating / Conclusion.

For those of you who are in a hurry to get a confirmation on the prices, our original article about the iPhone pricing was right. Yes, the iPhone is priced at a hefty Rs. 31,000 for the 8GB version, and Rs. 36,100 for the 16GB version. Obviously, that also means you get it without any contract or postpaid plan whatsoever. You can use it with either a Prepaid or a Postpaid SIM card, and pick absolutely any plan you like (though Vodafone and Airtel may also launch some iPhone specific plans as well).

Sadly, the phone is going to be operator-locked. So, if you buy an iPhone 3G from Airtel, you can’t use it on Vodafone, and vice versa. It goes without saying that using it on any other GSM network isn’t possible, so those of you on IDEA, BSNL or any other provider will have to wait a long time till you can get an official iPhone that runs on your network without any hacks.

The iPhone will be sold at Airtel and Vodafone stores nationwide, and some Apple Exclusive resellers may also stock it. From what information we’ve been able to gather, the quantity of iPhones coming to India is pretty small as compared to the demand that the operators have gauged with their Pre-Booking offers, so expect it to be sold out pretty fast, regardless of the price, unless Apple increases their shipments to India (which I am sure they will, once they see the demand).

We also have a confirmation on the fact that iPhone’s cool value added, but operator dependent feature, Visual Voicemail, will not be launching in India. Also, the iTunes store will only work for Application Downloads (i.e. App Store), and will not allow users to buy Music, Videos or Movies just about yet. Obviously, you’ll need an Indian credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) to sign up for iTunes to download applications, even those that are free.

That’s enough of the FAQs, now let’s get down to the good bits on the new iPhone 3G. Move to the next page to continue reading more.

Workplace etiquette: Mind your manners!

officePicture this: marketing executives Arvind Vyas and Supriya Verma are on a client visit. On nearing the glass doors to the office, Arvind pushes his way through first, without taking into consideration that his female colleague is just two steps behind. He lets go of the door, which promptly closes in Supriya’s face!
Understandably, Supriya is quite piqued — Arvind clearly displays a lack of manners. It is customary for a gentleman to not only open any door for a lady, but to politely usher her through before making his own way in. In fact, whoever reaches a door first, irrespective of gender, needs to hold the door open for the person behind. It is such a simple task and yet so many of us fail to do it.
The globalisation of businesses in India has vastly improved manners at work, but there is still much to be desired. In far too many companies, basic courtesies are still overlooked. Every work place has its own complex dynamics but the basic social rules which make people comfortable with each other remain valid in every working situation. An organisation where people are treated well and treat each other well tends to be more successful than others.
Here are certain guidelines to follow in a working environment.
How to welcome newcomers

  • Newcomers should be welcomed by their seniors and colleagues.
  • They should be briefed about their jobs and company practices.
  • Staff at any level should be introduced to any newcomers they encounter.
  • Courtesies should be extended to everyone you meet, irrespective of whether it’s the receptionist or the CEO.
  • Avoid asking personal questions regarding the newcomer’s educational qualifications/ parentage/ marital status/ age/ income etc.
  • Our names are an important symbol of our identity. Do not mispronounce, misspell or mix-up anybody’s name.’
  • Using someone’s first name usually implies that you are superior to him, decidedly equal or friends. Therefore, it is best to start off formally. Use their surnames, preceded by Mr, Mrs or Ms. He/ she can then easily suggest that you use a first name.

How to show courtesy towards colleagues

  • Greet everyone you encounter cheerfully and with a smile on your way into the office. On your way out, remember to thank the receptionist / office boys etc.
  • Good bosses, employees and colleagues don’t forget their manners. Remember ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
  • Always show your appreciation with a smile.
  • Small talk and light chitter chatter at work is essential; it expresses friendliness without demanding attention. Whether you talk about the traffic or the weather, the vital message is that you are all part of the same team.
  • Be polite to hired help like peons, drivers, delivery boys etc.
  • Do not talk loudly when you talk over the phone or to your colleagues. Talk in a soft and clear voice.
  • Take instructions with grace and give instructions gracefully.
  • On occasions like birthdays, staff members should receive a personal gift, good wishes and words of appreciation from the boss and colleagues.
  • Always be considerate. The last person to leave the office should not have to switch off all the lights, air conditioners and computers. For example, when a photocopier runs out, whoever used the last sheet of paper should refill it.
  • When you are going to get yourself a cup of tea, coffee or a cold beverage, offer to bring one for your co-workers as well.
  • How to make yourself likeable and pleasant to work with

    • Don’t be a whiner who is always complaining and miserable with his/ her lot in life.
    • Never use words like ‘can’t’ and ‘won’t’, nor phrases like ‘I’m busy’ and ‘that’s not my job’.
    • Do not criticise anyone — that’s not your job. And if you get criticised, be professional about it. Do not take it personally.
    • Keep personal conversations down to a minimum and keep out of earshot of others.
    • It is shabby to look through people’s computers, emails or letters — and don’t ever make the mistake of sneaking into people’s personal property like handbags or wallets. Be responsible for your own property and valuables. If you lose your expensive items, everybody else becomes a suspect and nobody likes being one!
    • Never borrow anything from someone’s desk without permission and when you do always return it in good condition.
    • Do not misuse office property. Keep your workplace orderly. Do not infringe on other people’s space.
    • Be friendly with colleagues of the opposite sex but know where to draw the line. Don’t get involved needlessly in any situation which could lead to embarrassment and could potentially damage not only your reputation, but that of the organisation as well.
    • Do not get indulge in office gossip or discuss delicate topics (religion, politics, money, sex etc).
    • Do not fidget or make unnecessary sounds which can be distracting to your co-workers.
    • Maintain stringent standards of personal hygiene. Do clean up after yourself when you use the restrooms so the next person using it does not have to scrunch up his/ her nose!
    • Do not convert your desktop into a place of worship. Since you might be working with people who follow different faiths, it might be better to display a vase of flowers instead.
    • Use office privileges like sick leave etc thoughtfully so that you don’t burden your co-workers with extra work.

    Business meeting etiquette

    • Be punctual. If you are late, apologise briefly but sincerely and immediately give total attention to the meeting. Those who wish to leave early should ask their seniors’ permission beforehand. Leave quietly, with an ‘excuse me’ and catch the eye of the person who is talking at that point.
    • Dress well — it gives a good impression.
    • Always remember to switch of your mobile phone.
    • If there is an established seating pattern, accept it. If you are unsure, ask.
    • Do your homework; get all your facts and figures in order. Go prepared.
    • Acknowledge any introductions or opening remarks with a brief recognition of the chair and other participants.
    • When discussions are underway it is good business etiquette to allow more senior figures to contribute first.
    • Never interrupt anyone — even if you disagree strongly. Note what has been said and return to it later with the chair’s permission.
    • When speaking, be brief and ensure that what you say is relevant.
    • It is a serious breach of business etiquette to divulge what has been discussed at any meeting with a third party — consider it confidential.
    • Thanking the person who organised the meeting is not only good etiquette; it is also a sign of respect.
    Keep competition within the organisation healthy

    • A team tends to behave like a human body, accepting what is part of it and rejecting any alien tissue. People are accepted if their behaviour mirrors the group norms.
    • Faults and blunders usually take place due to lack of communication. Find out the cause of the mess-up and solve the problem so that it is not repeated.
    • Curb your annoyance and control your temper.
    • Do not strive to pull a colleague down just to get the approval of the boss. This will backfire on you in the long run.
    • Back-stabbing and petty talk is not only unpleasant, it is in poor taste.
    • A secure and efficient worker never grudges another’s success. Envy and jealousy among co- workers ruins the working environment for everyone. The following notice, seen on several office walls, gets the point across well:
    • ‘This department requires no physical fitness programme. Everyone gets enough exercise:

    • Jumping to conclusions
    • Flying off the handle
    • Running down the boss
    • Knifing friends in the back
    • Dodging responsibility
    • Pushing their luck!’
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12 Expert Google Search Tips

If you’re like me, you probably use Google many times a day.  But, chances are, unless you are a technology geek, you probably still use Google in its simplest form.  If your current use of Google is limited to typing a few words in, and changing your query until you find what you’re looking for, then I’m here to tell you that there’s a better way – and it’s not hard to learn.  On the other hand, if you are a technology geek, and can use Google like the best of them already, then I suggest you bookmark this article of Google search tips.  You’ll then have the tips on hand when you are ready to pull your hair out in frustration when watching a neophyte repeatedly type in basic queries in a desperate attempt to find something.
The following Google search tips are based on my own experience and things that I actually find useful.  The list is by no means comprehensive.  But, I assure you that by learning and using the 12 tips below, you’ll rank up there with the best of the Google experts out there.  I’ve kept the descriptions of the search tips intentionally terse as you’re likely to grasp most of these simply by looking at the example from Google anyways.

12 Expert Google Search Tips

  1. Explicit Phrase:
    Lets say you are looking for content about internet marketing.  Instead of just typing internet marketing into the Google search box, you will likely be better off searching explicitly for the phrase.  To do this, simply enclose the search phrase within double quotes.

    Example: “internet marketing”

  2. Exclude Words:
    Lets say you want to search for content about internet marketing, but you want to exclude any results that contain the term advertising.  To do this, simply use the “-” sign in front of the word you want to exclude.

    Example Search: internet marketing -advertising

  3. Site Specific Search:
    Often, you want to search a specific website for content that matches a certain phrase.  Even if the site doesn’t support a built-in search feature, you can use Google to search the site for your term. Simply use the “site:somesite.com” modifier.

    Example: “internet marketing” site:www.smallbusinesshub.com

  4. Similar Words and Synonyms:
    Let’s say you are want to include a word in your search, but want to include results that contain similar words or synonyms.  To do this, use the “~” in front of the word.

    Example: “internet marketing” ~professional

  5. Specific Document Types:
    If you’re looking to find results that are of a specific type, you can use the modifier “filetype:”.  For example, you might want to find only PowerPoint presentations related to internet marketing.

    Example: “internet marketing” filetype:ppt

  6. This OR That:
    By default, when you do a search, Google will include all the terms specified in the search.  If you are looking for any one of one or more terms to match, then you can use the OR operator.  (Note:  The OR has to be capitalized).

    Example: internet marketing OR advertising

  7. Phone Listing:
    Let’s say someone calls you on your mobile number and you don’t know how it is.  If all you have is a phone number, you can look it up on Google using the phonebook feature.

    Example: phonebook:617-555-1212 (note:  the provided number does not work – you’ll have to use a real number to get any results).

  8. Area Code Lookup:
    If all you need to do is to look-up the area code for a phone number, just enter the 3-digit area code and Google will tell you where it’s from.

    Example: 617

  9. Numeric Ranges:
    This is a rarely used, but highly useful tip.  Let’s say you want to find results that contain any of a range of numbers.  You can do this by using the X..Y modifier (in case this is hard to read, what’s between the X and Y are two periods.  This type of search is useful for years (as shown below), prices or anywhere where you want to provide a series of numbers.

    Example: president 1940..1950

  10. Stock (Ticker Symbol):
    Just enter a valid ticker symbol as your search term and Google will give you the current financials and a quick thumb-nail chart for the stock.

    Example: GOOG

  11. Calculator:
    The next time you need to do a quick calculation, instead of bringing up the Calculator applet, you can just type your expression in to Google.

    Example: 48512 * 1.02

  12. Word Definitions:
    If you need to quickly look up the definition of a word or phrase, simply use the “define:” command.

    Example: define:plethora

Hope this list of Google search tips proves useful in your future Google searches.  If there are any of your favorite Google expert power tips that I’ve missed, please feel free to share them in the comments.

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Trojan Displays Russian Beauty, Steals Info

Experts at SophosLabs, Sophos’s global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have reminded internet users to be on their guard following the discovery of a spyware Trojan horse that displays pictures of a potential Russian love match while secretly stealing information.

When first run on a user’s computer, the Troj/Keylog-HD Trojan horse displays a slideshow of 3 photographs of a young woman called “Victoria Stasova”. Accompanying the photographs is a love heart and an AOL email address.

However, while the pictures are being displayed, the malware steals keypresses and information from the infected user’s PC which could allow hackers to plunder bank accounts and commit identity theft.

“One of the ways in which malware like this could work is that computer users could find themselves being chatted up online by someone who they believe is a potential lovematch, and then be sent the slideshow as the virtual romance blossoms. Having found new love victims may rush to run the slideshow with their head in the clouds, and not realise their finances are being consigned to the gutter”, said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos.

Although Sophos has not seen a large number of reports of the Trojan horse, it recommends that users ensure their anti-virus protection is up-to-date and they exercise caution about which programs they choose to run on their computers.

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