Latest Technology Guide | 2011 2012 2013 and Beyond

People browsing through internet at some point of time or the other would have faced issue where they find websites loading slowly. Apart from network being slow there are also other factors why a particular website takes time to get loaded. Google apart from being a global search engine have taken up the task of improving the browsing experience by improving the website loading time as faster they could load using new software.

Google has introduced a new software mod_pagespeed which can be engineered on apache webservers which is commonly used software for operating websites. What this software mod_pagespeed dose is compress the images and change settings so that webpages are stored in customer’s cache so that customer faces no hassles in reloading the website. This software gets updated automatically.

Why Google provide this software is it doubles up the speed web browsing which would persuade people to use it more which in turn increases the likelihood of using Google services. This software is blessing in disguise for people who run small websites, people who are unable find time to increase the searchablity, performance of their website because this enhances the websites performance and also benefit the users without making any changes in their web server.

Google has been firing in all cylinders to speed up the web in order to take it forward. Apart from providing this service Google is also teaming up with web hosting companies to promote this software which in turn increase their web usage.

More details including steps to configure can be seen from Google Help

Definitely Linux is the one, most professionals prefer today than any other operating systems like Windows, Mac because Linux particularly Ubuntu have got more apps than any other operating system. Ask yourself what Linux can’t do and if you don’t know what Linux can do read some articles from internet and get some knowledge and you will appreciate installing Linux on your system.

We understand that most of Windows users can’t run out of windows life and install Linux as your main operating system. So, you may go for dual-boot option but learning things in Linux is not an easy task. Hmm so what you do now to run Ubuntu Linux apps on windows. You don‘t need any skills to do that but installing an application called “andLinux“ on your windows system can do that job for you. With this application you can run Ubuntu Linux Apps with Windows Apps side-by-side.

Before going to install andLinux you should know what andLinux is?

This version of Linux is a complete Ubuntu running on windows based systems like windows Xp, Vista, 2k, 2003 but all should be 32-bit operating systems. It will not run on 64-bit operating systems. AndLinux is free and this project started for Dynamism. Here I will not depict the history of andLinux. It is not only for development and it runs all Linux applications with out need of modification.

Requirements to run andLinux

• Operating system: Operating could be any of the Windows versions like Xp, Vista, 2k, 2003. Presently andLinux supports 32-bit operating systems only.
• Memory space: 128 MB is the least memory requirement and 192 MB is recommended and at least 256 MB should be allocated for Windows xp, 2k, 2003 and for vista it should be 512.
• Secondary hard drive space: 2.5/4.5 GB depending upon versions. For XFCE version 2.5 GB and for KDE version 4.5 GB. Another important point is your file system should be NTFS because you can not create files larger than 2 GB on a FAT system.
• If you want to install further application via apt-get/synaptic you need a good internet connection.
• To manage Linux some basic skills are required which you can gain by browsing through internet. Try to learn some basic commands of Linux searching through search engines like Google.

You will get the following things with andLinux

• A fully functional Linux system but you will not get usual Linux desktop because you already got windows Desktop.
• A second Panel/Start menu in the system tray next to the clock from which you can automatically Start Linux applications.
• Both Linux and Windows apps can be run simultaneously and you can cut/copy and paste text between them.
• For further installation of apps you will get apt/synaptic.

Installation of andLinux

Downloads:

Now stable version of andLinux is available and you can download it in various versions and from some important websites.
If you want to download andLinux through Torrent then go for LinuxTracker.

Minimal/XFCE Version :

SIZE – 131 MB

Link – sourceforge.net via http

md5 – 9b426a718570ef6b8755c830f8a1b25e

sha1 – 0a635956d265fa4fae505a0e6d41a3644b225f62

KDE Version :

SIZE – 653 MB

Link – sourceforge.net via http

md5 – 46e5298f27c29595fc145514931fdb4b

sha1 -53654bb6937e59fc4a7e6a62ea76052dc753bd27

Installation:

The installation goes through simple but effective steps and make no mistake In following these steps.

• This is the start up version window from KDE Version. Windows installer will configure andLinux automatically. andLinux comes with two options either run it in a command windows or as a NT service in background.

• I will explain these options and you choose according to your necessity and comfort.

1: If chosen option is command window then you have to start it via a shortcut.
2: If you choose NT service option, you have the choice of either starting it from control panel manually or have it utomatically  start as a Windows service.

• Start up version for minimalistic / XFCE version of andLinux is quite different and you can choose from XFCE panel or andLinux launcher to start the applications.
• There are two ways by which you can access files on windows using andLinux.

1: CoLinux File system (COFS)

{or}

2: Windows File Shares (Samba)

• Configuration of COFS is easy and the next option you have to follow extra steps. But if you involve special characters in filenames then you can choose this option.  Setting up Samba is explained in next step.
• Set up a shared folder/drive in windows. You can now configure Samba.

• Enter the name of File share you created in your system. If you assign username and password to file share then type in the preceding boxes. Click Next to continue and don’t care if you get a warning message. This message comes because WinTap driver is not Microsoft Certified

Note: While creating a windows share don’t use spaces in names

Starting andLinux

If you haven’t choose start andLinux automatically, start andLinux from Start menu or from Quick launch.

If you chose run andLinux from command window at setup then andLinux will run in a minimized window which is labeled andserver. Here is an important note for you, don’t close the window if you chose the option run andLinux automatically at the time of setup.

In case you need to restart andLinux manually then you can browse through installation folder and find srvstart.bat and execute it.

Once this Linux is completely running you can start application from XFCE panel.

Screenshots of andLinux running on Windows system

Linux applications on Windows desktop

              Many system users do not know how to update their system device drivers and even don’t know what a device driver is and what is the necessity of it. You need to install a device driver when you format the previous operating system and installed new operating system otherwise the device connected to your computer will not work properly. Some times the new drivers for your devices are released by the device manufacturers, then you have to update the device driver. Here i will teach you what a device drive is and what it is meant for and how to install a device driver for each external device and how to update it.

what is Device Driver?

                  A device driver is also a program that acts as a link between your computers operating system and any hardware you are trying to connect and run it.

                  Consider an example of a Network Adapter – When you install a Network Adapter to your PC/Laptop, the device driver acts as a medium between your pc operating system and the hardware device (Network Adapter) and interpret commands, routines to activate the device.

                  Drivers play an important role and with out them the operating system could not interpret and run all the devices attached to a computer.

 Many device vendors come with their own driver programs. These driver softwares are given by them in a CD or Floppy, Don’t lost them guys. For example, you have bought a printer or a new sound adapter they will come with device drivers in a CD or a floppy disk. you have to install them in your operating system after these devices are plugged to your system.

If you lost your device driver CD then you can search in internet or the device company official website and download them to your system and install it.

Here how you can install or update drivers for their respective device:

• You should have device driver with you either in your hard drive or an external storage media. With out them it is useless to follow this process. If you don’t have the driver with you then download the drivers from the device official website or any other websites. such a website i am mentioning here is driverssoftware .
• Now if you are using windows Vista follow the steps.      start + mycomputer + right click + manage + System Tools + Device Manager.
• You will be presented with list of devices installed on your computer.
• Select the device for which you have to install or update driver.                                                                                                    
• 
• Right click on the device and click on update driver.
  
• Then you are given with search options. Select “Browse my computer for Device software” if you know the location of the software other wise “search for device software on your computer”.
• Now you have installed/updated the device software.

Dell ADEMO ONYX

                 Dell have released its new laptop called ADAMO with a caption “Prepare To Fall In Love” and the meaning for ADAMO in latin is what the caption is. What a great caption from Dell for this ultra-slim laptop and yes Dell have introduce such kind of laptop and when you watch the design of the laptop, i am sure you will fall in love with this laptop. This laptop is engineered well and the design is awesom. I suggest to buy this laptop if you have passion towards the ultra-slim models and you love great designs.What matters in todays generation of laptops greater performance or awesome engineering and design. You will find both of them in a single laptop – Dell ADAMO.

                     ADAMO come in two Gorgeous Designs ONYX and PEARL competing your attention. The Backlit keyboard and tough single piece aluminum chasses will grab the attention of the world to ADAMO. ADAMO comes into the range of luxary products and it will grab the attention with is looks and engineering. High definition edge to edge glass display is striking feature in ADAMO. If  i go on continue with the description of design and looks then simply i can’t share in such a brief words. So, let us continue this post by moving towards technical details.

                            Measuring only 0.65 inches, this ultra slim laptop have powerful features with in it. So, it is not only slim but also powerful and so totally good performer. 

                             Coming to the screen of ADAMO, it is a 13.4 inch 16:9 HD display integrated with 1.3 mega pixel camera. Here you find some thing missing from you high end laptop i.e, 2.0 mega pixel camera. But don’t bother this will not put to you an end.

                             This Laptop have got stunning long lasting battery life of 5 hours upon full charge with battery made up of advanced lithium polymer technology. Experience the long lasting battery to play music and other office works.

                             keep in touch where you go by connecting to internet using Wireless N, one RJ-45 port and optional mobile broadband. Integrated Bluetooth provide us to transfer files from ADANO to other bluetooth devices

                              Now here ADANO is available in 2 varients each differ in processor, RAM and extra feature.

ADMIRE:-

•  1.2 GHZ Core 2 Duo Processor with Intel Centrino Technology.
•  2GB 800MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory.
• 128GB solid state drive.

DESIRE:

         Windows Vista lacks a feature which i like the most in windows XP. Its the turnoff button in Vista that actuall doesn’t make your system to shutdown rather it will go into sleep state. Many of the people who use Vista finds difficult when shutdown windows instantly because the button which looks like turnoff button in vista is not actually do that function, it will make your pc go into sleep mode.

windows sleep button

         If you want to turnoff your pc then you have to move to the button beside sleep button and then choose one from them. ok it is not a problem in normal situation where you are not in hurry but if you are in a situation which makes you turn off the pc quickly but you have to follow the steps in that hurry situation. So, here is a better solution  by which you can reprogram the “sleep button” and make it to function as a power button.

1. Open Control Panel and browse to Power Options.
2. Now go to Change Plan Settings for selected power plan.
3. Choose the option Change Advanced Power Settings.
4. Expand Lid and Power Buttons.
5. Expand Start Menu Power Button.
6. Change setting from Sleep to Shutdown.
7. The last step is to save the changes by clicking on OK button.

              You have done a great job now and the sleep button had turned down to power button. Microsoft have recognized this essential function and have enchanced the power options and customization of buttons in Windows7 and hope this will make our work easier.

            Finally the final version of IE8 is available for download and this new version overcome the flaws in previous release of beta version of IE8 and IE7. Now IE8 is more organized, secure and ergonomic. Beta release of IE8 is unstable but the new version is stable and have many features every web surfer needs.

            IE8 is compatible with Vista, xp, windows server 2003 and windows server 2008 . It is available for 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. Download IE8 new version at Microsoft official website and install it safely.

             Compatibility:-

                                                IE8 is incorporated with 2 display engines first one meeting the standards i.e, css 2.1 and second one is the existing one. By default IE8 uses the new engine and you can shift from one engine to another with out rebooting.

                                                Some features:-

•                                                  If a web page seems to be poor in compatibility issues such as overlapping of text then you can view the page in correct format by clicking on icon Display Compatibility.
•                                                   This browser also remembers the web pages and sites when clicked on Icon Display Compatibility and displays the web page in compatibility mode in future visits.
•                                                    Till now all the web pages and sites are compatible with IE7 so therefore displays all the web pages in IE compatibility mode.

        Auto Suggestions:-

                        A new concept called self-suggestion is introduced in IE8 but the more surprising concept in IE8s auto-suggestion is a community based “suggested-sites”.

                        For having these page suggestions click on Favorites Pane and then move to see the sites suggested link.

                        To view the page suggestion given by the browser go to Favorites pane then click on link see the sites suggested. Then you will see the page with suggested sites.

                        Press [alt]+[x] and right click on suggested sites, then you can browse to the suggested sites.

Productivity Accelerator:

                         The greatest innovative part in this new broswer is the IE Accelerator. This is introduced to simplify the access to interactive webservices.

                          Here to better understand this concept, here i quote an example. you want to locate the address of a coffee bar using google maps or any thing else, you have to copy the site in google maps to locate it. But now this work becomes easy you don’t need to do such a work, you have to only select the address and click on the accelerator so that it display a tooltip with the map to locate that address.

                         you can access various types of web services using different accelerators. The web services may be geographical, stock information and news related to selected text or link, city whether for the selected city and not an exception for promotional offers on ebay, offers on travel etc,.

                         Using the Accelerator is simple and here how you can –  Select the text/word/url/address any thing, there appears an accelerator icon near by and select the accelerator you want and you will see the result displayed in a bubble.

                          By default accelerator in IE8 provides you with some basic services that are related to windows live and you can add more accelerators from other developers.

                          How to add more IE8 accelerators?

The procedure is simple and go for by browsing to PAGE menu then ALL ACCELERATORS and SEARCH FOR ACCELERATORS, the page is loaded with some exisiting accelerators Blogger,Google, Yahoo etc,. Select the accelerator you are interested in and click ADD TO INTERNET EXPLORER, then click on ADD to continue using this accelerator.

          Web Slices:      

Another innovative and exciting feature in IE8 is Web Slices. I will make the description simple and effective so that you can understand. Using Web Slices you can subscribe to a web slice in a webpage or website. Using this is simple, you see a webslice on a website which is freequently updating then simply point out on it and you will see a green icon which will appear on upper right of the slice.

Click on the green Icon to subscribe and add the webslice to your favorite bar so that when that slice updates then you will be notified by highlighting the webslice on the favorite bar. When you click that highleted webslice, it will display relevent content and you can go the page having the updated webslice by clicking on the preview.

Like Accelerators in IE8, webslices are platform-based approach. That means the website should be enabled with webslices by adding few lines of code. Ebay have built in web slices that enable users to monitor an auction. Microsoft is still working with partners to create more web slices available for most of the sites.

Private Navigation:

               Like Mozilla firefox and Apple Safari browsers, IE8 also comes with private Navigation which is also called Private Browsing. During Private Browsing, no traces are left on the user machine so that other person browing on the same machine can’t know what you browse.

                By browsing in private mode in IE8, any traces of cookies or history is not stored on user computer.

                You can enable safe browsing by following these steps:

•                 Browse to SECURITY MENU in IE8 
•                 Enable Browse on Private 
•                 To conform check the INPRIVATE logo on navigation bar.

                             TIP :

Want to Open Window Navigation, then here is the short cut [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [P].

Smart bar:

Most of you guys will visit the previously visited sites/pages. Smart bar in IE8 allows you to find a site already visited. The job is done by searching Rss feeds,history and in favorites.

This saves a lot of time by providing entire url of the site by making use of first few letters.

Place the cursor in the address bar of your browser, type a few letters and a menu is driven providing with hits from favorites,history and rss feeds.

some shortcuts

Access smart bar : [alt]+[d] and type couple of letters

Access search bar: [Ctrl] + [E] and first two letters of query.

Enhanced Protection:

Internet Explorer8 is added with two improved security features. They are listed below:

• SmartScreen Filter
• Domain Highlightning.

         SmartScreen Filter is enhanced version of phising filter in IE7. The features of phising filter in IE7 are extended such as malware downloads,programs that are dangerous and blocks that download code. It will also protect from “Rogues” which pose as antivirus but they are traps by hackers. Now This browser also detects favorite techniques of infilteration of cyber criminals – cross site scripting.

         The next feature incorporated into IE8 is Domain Filtering which detects phising attacks.

Browser anticrash:

IE8 features an innovative design to prevent browser crashes. It do so by using two mechanisms, the first one is by isolating the tabs from each other so that if a tab crashes other tabs will not be affected.In addition to this if one of more tabs are going to crash then browser starts automatically reloading the tabs.

                Another Innovative feature that prevents crash in IE8 is explained. If you thing one or more extensions in browser is causing crash, you can load the browser with out loading any extensions. This can be done in following way.

• Press [Windows] + [R] desktop.
• You will see list of process, enter iexplore.exe -extoff 
• Validate by pressing OK.

           The security restrictions  involved in Windows Vista will be really frustrating to the standard user or even for administrator. For security reasons some operations are restricted for standard user and admin also like deleting some files are restricted or modifying the file is denied.

            So taking ownership on the file/folder/drive/registry key is a simple process but you have to take a note on one thing “Even administrator having full rights cannot modify or delete the system files in windows vista”. If you want to know why you can’t do that to system files in vista here is a small explanation; Vista System files are owned by service named TrustedInstaller and windows file protection system will keep these files safe from being overwritten and if you ever try you will get “Access Denied” error.

             Follow the below simple steps and you will take the ownership on a file/folder :

• Run CMD.exe  ( start -> Run -> type CMD  <-’  )
• Point the mouse pointer on the top of the Command prompt window and make a right click on that and select
  “RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR”.
• UAC prompt will occur, click continue 
• Now type “takeown /f full_path_of_file”                                                                                                                                                      Example:  takeown /f c:usersexample.txt
• After entering the command you will get a message displayed in command prompt saying that the message is completed successfully.
• Now you are the owner of the file.
• You have to execute another command “icacls (full_path_of_the_file) /grant (your user-name):F”                                                                                           Example:  icacls  c:usersexample.txt /grant ram:F                 
• Again you will be displayed with the message command completed successfully. 

You have now the full ownership on the file and you should be able to modify or delete the file.

       Every one wants to test the new operating system from Microsoft i.e, Windows7 which is still in Beta Version. Microsoft have made it available for everyone to download and test the latest operating system. Installing this new operating system which is still in Beta stage and testing this on your computer system which have already an operating system installed is an inconvenient procedure because it is not a stable release. 

      It is possible to install windows7 in duel boot mode with existing operating systems as windows Vista or Xp but why still take chances with the new unstable operating system. But here is a fantastic solution which makes to run Windows7 in virtual machine and this is the better solution. Only thing you have to do is download the free and open source Virtual Box.

     Using Virtual Box you can create a total new machine in the existing machine. Download Virtual Box following the above link and install it on your System. Virtual Box is available for different platforms such as Linux, Windows, OS X and Solaris. 

     When installing Virtual Box a dialogue box appear with a message such as “it is a not tested software which you are going to install”. Ignore the message by choosing CONTINUE ANYWAY.

The important thing you should have is the ISO file of the Windows7 operating system. Microsoft has stopped the distribution from Microsoft website. So, you can download it from Torrents or you can download it from any other site. Then burn the ISO file on a DVD because the file is large and cannot hold in a CD.

Open the VirtualBox and create a new machine as below in the image.

 Move to the next window by clicking on Next where you have to select memory requirements to be allocated for this new virtual machine. For Windows7 the minimum requirement of memory is 1GB and it is enough and set the memory to 1024MB which is equivalent to 1GB.

when you proceed to the next window it asks to create a new virtual drive for this OS. In my best view Select the default option “Dynamically Expand the storage” which helps in reducing disk space on your PC. The size of the disk is should be on arbitrary mode since you want to use Dynamically expanded storage.

So the task of creating memory for virtual machine is over and you have to configure in order to use windows7  that makes use of windows7 iso file. Select Virual machine by clicking on settings and then navigate to CD/DVD ROM option if you have burned the iso file on to cd/dvd else if you have the iso image on your hard drive you can navigate to that point and select the iso image.

You have now configured the virtual machine you now have to click on the start button to make the virtual machine start working.

Now the windows7 installation starts, follow the steps and install windows7 on the virtual machine. You now have installed windows7 successfully and you can now able to install the guest addition feature.This feature will help you in making better video and audio support for the new virtual machine. It also provides better integration of virtual machine with the main machine.

To install guest addition feature,  press the right Ctrl key on your keyboard then enter the Devices menu and select Install Guest Additions.

 Reboot the virtual machine because Virtual devices will start to work only after rebooting.

As you have installed Guest Additions you can now share the clipboard, or have access to files on the main operating system.Press CTRL+F in order to view the entire screen on virtual machine.

              Windows Vista  have now become popular and is installed in most new PCs and Laptops. But this OS from microsoft is not still in stable condition. It takes time to rectify most of the problems and fix these loopholes. But it would become most popular Operating system in the future and i hope so.

               Vista users have discovered the latest problem after installing the latest version of Internet Explorer and i too have faced the problem when IE8 is installed on my Dell Notebook. The problem is what you see in the title “Sidebar in vista disappeared on the next start of my Notebook”. I did one thing which is simple but it is not effective solution for solving this problem. I have restored to the systems earlier state which might be a simple solution but you will loose the usage of Internet explorer 8.

               The latest solution for this problem is discovered and is an effective method to fix this loop hole. The problem occurs because of missing XML registration in the system.

               This problem can be fixed by following the below steps :

+ Close the windows sidebar and this can be done by making a right click on the Sidebar Icon in the Notification area         and click Exit.

+  Then do the following   Start   >  Programs  >  Accessories  >  right click Command Prompt   >  Run as Administrator.

+  Type the following commands

      *regsvr32 msxml3.dll

      *regsvr32 scrrun.dll

      *regsvr32 jscript.dll

On successful registration, You will see the message like this “DllRegisterServer in <filename> succeeded for each command executed”.

Now open Windows Sidebar and now it will be seen. For opening sidebar you can also execute sidebar.exe in cmd prompt.

Play next generation gaming with the new alienware M17 notebook which is exclusively designed for the gamers. This notebook is affixed with ATI CrossFireX and this is the first time ever alienware offers with the advanced graphic capabilities on mobile platform.This notebook is offered with Dual ATI GPUs so it delivers superior graphics and higher frame rates.
This notebook offers extreme processing with latest generation Core 2 Extreme and Core 2 Quad processors. These processors delivers a dramatic leap forward in 3D gaming, multitasking and more on a mobile PC. Learn more about Intel Core 2 Quad and Intel Core 2 Extreme processors on Intel website.
Alienware M17 is equipped with duel 500 GB hard drives. So M17 is capable of storing 1TB of data.The RPM of these drives is 7200 so faster data access. These hard drives have Free Fall Sensors which protect data loss.These sensors lock the drive head if the notebook is dropped and keeps the head from being damaged.
Alienware M17 is preloaded with Windows Vista 64 bit. 64 bit operating system can unlock the hardware’s dynamic features. Wanna know about Windows vista 64 Bit operating system go through this link.
M17 can hold 4GB DDR3 Ram for most resource intensive games and applications. Alienware M17 is designed for extreme entertainment. watch movies and play games in extreme HD environment.
Design of Alienware M17 comes in either the Skullcap or Ripley case designs. Alienware M17 comes in Stealth Black finish.
AlienSense facial recognition software utilizes the 2.0 Mega px cam that confirm your identity to log in to the notebook.
The keyboard in AlienSense M17 is illuminated and you can choose the colors Fusion Red, Astral Blue and Terra Green to be illuminated on the keyboard with single touch.

Technical details:-

• Processor      -       Intel Core 2 Extreme/ Intel Core 2 quad core mobile processor
• Memory         –       Dual 500 Gb hard drives
• Graphics        -        Cross FireX 
• LCD                  -         Clear View LCD : Display Images at extreme High definition 1200p with clear view technology
• Memory         –        4Gb DDR3 
• Security         –        Biometric Facial recognition
• Entertainment  -   TV tuner card with full DVR functionality, an HD LCD and HDMI output
• Case Design  -         Skull cap/Ripley case design
• OS                     –         Windows vista 32 or 64 bit
• Optical Drive-        
  • 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
  • 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW) w/ LightScribe Technology
  • Dual Layer Blu-ray Disc Reader (BD-ROM, DVD±RW, CD-RW)