Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

• What survivor skills #developers need in the current generation ? #ORM, ADO.NET, #Regex, Services, #daemons, and #cron
• Steve Jobs to his employees - Google's "Don't be Evil" is bunch of crap - #Google entering all of #Apple's biz.
  
• Today at Macworld, Microsoft announced Office for Mac 2011.
  
• Video: #iPhone controlled #quadricopter App.
• Five all time notorious #auto #recalls list .
  
• Valentine day's flower economics #infograph.
  
• The samurai spot - Doritos #Superbowl ad drew 116.2 million viewers.
  
• The best so far I have seen on Google #Buzz "Edit" feature.
  
• What to / Not To eat at US fast food places for dietary reasons.
  
• Dungeons and Dragons games on Microsoft Surface.
  
• Washing machine that uses NO water.
  
• Future of UI E-Ink, Microsoft Surface, Multi touch etc..
  
• Windows automatic update patch cripples XP with blue screen, users claim.
  
• New #Toystory3 Video trailer.
• From NPR - A billion people star SRK My Name Is Khan #MNIK.
  
• #Avatar story line is copied from other past movies in bits and pieces.
  
• Amazon Wants To Give A Free Kindle To All Amazon Prime Subscribers.
  
• Politics & Immigration reform 2010.
  

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Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology, Tweets

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

• #India Bengal #Cricket captain angry over LBW damaged glass, mirror, switch boards, dust-bins in the dressing room - bit.ly/9txwaV
• South Africa #cricket Captain #Graeme Smith sustains finger injury - Doubtful for second test ? - bit.ly/aysNYG
• #Olympics will soon have #Cricket probably #T20. Olympic (IOC) Thursday voted to recognize Cricket Council (ICC) - bit.ly/9JlCSp
• Pakistan #cricket team to tour and play against USA in 2010 - bit.ly/cNjbmh
• ICC #T20 Final 2 World Cup qualifiers - #UAE crucial game against #Afghanistan & #Ireland only needing victory against the #Netherlands.

- This is the collection of all tweets from my twitter account. follow me on Twitter

Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology, Tweets

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

• Amazon.com MP3 Downloads: Free Valentine's Day Playlist bit.ly/a6mxB5
• Just saw this on Amazon: 'The Karaoke Channel - Valentines Day Sampler' by The Karaoke Channel (MP3 Do... for $0.00 bit.ly/d1LxLm
• @sai_manda Indirectly Indian companies supplies bodies to local US consulting companies and thus helping them indirectly as body shops
• Free Pampers Gifts to Grow 30pts - GTGPLAY2USA2010
• FREE Juicy Juice Sippy Cup! bit.ly/Fd2kf
• Shopping for best deals for @laptop @netbooks - @Fatwallet has this post with all details - bit.ly/cKyrQ4
• Test-drive the all-new 2011 #Kia #Sorento between Feb 8, 2010, and Mar 15, 2010, and get $25 prepaid card - bit.ly/91eaYv
• #Michaels printable #c oupon 60% off one item thru 2/13 bit.ly/bC6dvW
• #Iran to permanently suspend #Gmail and create own #mail service for its citizens - bit.ly/bB0imQ
• Seven #IPad 2G must have list - bit.ly/ctwqd3
• How to use #iPhone or #iPod touch as sleep aid - bit.ly/bUsYtG
• Save money with Opera mini App on iPhone browsing - tcrn.ch/b2gBpi The App is yet to submit to Apple for approval

- This is the collection of all tweets from my twitter account. follow me on Twitter

Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology, Tweets

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

• Bush's Billboard - "Miss Me Yet" is to make a political statement - bit.ly/9mAhsI
• If you have #Anthem Blue Cross health insurance then this is good news to follow - bit.ly/aHqhwI
• Apple may reduce #iPad prices if product sales doesn't go as expected - bit.ly/brDowz
• More Toyota recalls announced. Where to check #Toyota vehicle recall info model and year ? bit.ly/btsnwL
• #Comcast name changed to #Xfinity for cable, telephone and Internet services bit.ly/caW1i9
• Opportunity cost for eating Free Denny's Grand slam breakfast (this can apply to any free food that keep us waiting) bit.ly/dCqGtN
• RT @GuyKawasaki: Super Bowl sets all-time ratings record om.ly/f EwR
• RT @mashable: Google Buzz: What It Means for Twitter and Facebook - bit.ly/clKJYP
• Daddy and Son Brees after #Superbowl picture and video .. bit.ly/brHJ0D
• #Superbowl 2010 Ads Youtube videos - bit.ly/dqgJgt
• The #Superbowl 2010 interception that #Colts will remember for ever - bit.ly/aDDqax
• Full HD Video recording in new Canon Rebel T2i with 18MP sensor, 1080p - price $800 for only body - bit.ly/aJXEa9
• EA's madden franchise #Superbowl prediction of Saints win is right for the sixth time - bit.ly/aJXEa9
• Countries using/not using metric system picture - bit.ly/9v1hku
• nominees for 2010 world car announced - bit.ly/9v1hku< /li>
• This as bad as it gets - Windows Phone 7 to drop multitasking? bit.ly/d2zJE4
• One more award for #Avatar - Most #Pirated Movie on #BitTorrent - bit.ly/dtseOn
• 15 interesting #scripts from #Google Code Repository bit.ly/ayzpps
• This would turn my Blu-Ray dongle netflix streaming into full HD - Streaming Getting a 1080p Upgrade (Update: Or Not?) bit.ly/chAh9F
• How #Retweet voting button is killing #Digg silently - bit.ly/bvIO4x
• #Motorola #Droid is going to get multi touch in next software update - bit.ly/97xkor
• Question Time : What #Motorola phone does Megan Fox use while bathing in sexy Superbowl 2010 Mot Ad ? MOTOROLA DEVOUR bit.ly/bm4IEO
• Indian #IT firms recrui ting local US talent - bit.ly/a4A6Ls
• A permanent resident can petition only for a spouse and/or unmarried children. Read more: bit.ly/drjQuE

- This is the collection of all tweets from my twitter account. follow me on Twitter

Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology, Tweets

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

• @KAYAK Very good to know that hiring and firing is not done at my best top deal site Kayak .
• Super Hero Bowl - Marvel vs DC - bit.ly/aIMJtZ
• Top 10 social networks - bit.ly/dft2hP .. so socially backward I don't know half of popular social networks
• Great architecture photos - bit.ly/bMzXdm
• Three great #stocks as per Ken #Fisher - Viv, LPL, CRH - bit.ly/cc5Xts
• Superbowl 2010 Ads Accepted & Banned - GoDaddy, Bud, Hyundai www.kalyansuman.com/2010/02/superbowl-2010-ads-accepted-banned.html
• Is Google going to show its Tablet in most discussed Goog. #Superbowl ad ?

- This is the collection of all tweets from my twitter account. follow me on Twitter

Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology, Tweets

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

Cricket:

• Salman Butt apologies to Pakistan cricket fans after humiliating three test matches and four ODIs to Australia.
  
• SouthAfrica captain Smith confident of India series despite their coach resignation & fired selection panel.
  
• For day night cricket test matches announcement soon on trial of pink, yellow, lime green and white balls instead of red.
• Afridi latest ball tampering video.

Deals:

• Crocs.com 75% Off sale at 6PM.com.
  

Other News:

• Useful for deaf people and sound sleepers - Wasabi smoke alarm raises a stink in Japan
• Google is done with IE6 which is used by hackers in cyber attack originated from China
• Barack Obama as a basketball commentator Jan 30 2010 - Here is the video of Mr. President commentary Georgetown Duke.

- This is the collection of all tweets from my twitter account. follow me on Twitter

Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

Technology

• Best file format to save photos in PSD or TIFF or JPEG or GIF or PNG ?
• College Humor video on endless iPad comedy ideas
• Microsoft Corp posted a bigger-than-expected 60 percent jump in quarterly profit, helped by strong sales of Windows7.
• Google wants to see client addresses in DNS queries so network round trips times are saved & location based content.
• Earlier its only Wi-Fi but now Apple now allowing iPhone apps to make VoIP calls over 3G networks
• Google's five privacy principles, GTalk - chat off the record, Youtube make videos private etc
• Hitler - There is nothing manly about it (the #iPad) :).
  
• Man arrested for customizable cable modems and software that could be used to get free Internet service from Comcast.
• Possible video camera in #iPad 2G in OS 3.2.
  

Deals

• The 99 Most Essential Beethoven Masterpieces:

'Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59, "Für Elise"' by Leonard Hokanson (MP3 Downl... for $0.00
'Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, "Fate": I....' by Bamberg Symphony Orchestra ... for $0.00
'Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27:2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio ...' by Elisso Bolkvadze (MP3 Downl... for $0.00

• 'Assassins Creed II' by Ubisoft ($39.99)
  
• 'IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey' by 505 Games ($14.99)
  
• Free & Fee based language learning resources list from NYTimes: The Web Way to Learn a Language.
  
• 10 things not to buy in 2010 and their alternatives listed in this article.
  
• New Costco membership is giving away free rotisserie chicken, Kirkland 48 pk AA batteries & 2 lb coffee bag & more.
  
• Free passport holder from #BCBGMAXAZRIA when you sign up.
  
• FREE DOWNLOAD: HipHopDX Presents...#HipHop Helps #Haiti Ace McClowd 23 tracks - DX included Red Cross donation links.

Cricket

• Willow.TV popular US live streaming site acquired by Global Cricket Ventures Ltd (#GCV) GCV owns IPL & T20 until 2017
• Pakistan Cricket Board says no player will go to IPL this year - tit for tat for not selecting Pak players by IPL franchises.
  
• Dravid getting treated for Jaw bone fracture likely to miss South Africa series.
  
• Abhimanyu Mithun selected to Indian cricket national squad is expert in short ball & the incutter to the RH batsman.
  
• Australia are ICC Under-19 World Cup winners - Aussies beat Pak by 25 runs - Josh Hazlewood is the Man of the Match
• Bengal wicket keeper Wriddhiman Saha selected to national squad. Very slim chances he wld play a match as Dhoni's Sub
• Badrinath selected to Indian cricket test squad - A right hand batsman with a style the video is here.
  

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Labels: Cricket, Deals, Immigration, News, Technology

iPad is getting mixed reviews. My dislikes - No Webcam, No Multi Tasking, No Flash support.

Here are Steve Jobs iPad Video Presentations :

Labels: Apple, iPad, Tablet, Technology, videos

Welcome Back ! The best of the web for the day -

Technology:

Apple releases the news/pictures/pricing of its most awaited/rumored iPad today i.e. Jan 27 2010.

iPad News

• #iPad images are available now -1 , 2 & 3 (NyTimes as expected is on iPad)
• Appie live event is covered by Engadget.
• #iPad Specs - 0.5'' thin, 1.5 lb, 9.7'' display , 1 GHzA4 chip, 16 -64 GB , WiFi 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1, EDR , Speaker, Microphnoe, Battery 10 hrs
• All features I miss in my #Apple iPod Touch 2G - 1, 2 is available in #iPad.
  
• Likes - iBooks, iWork, Accessories (Keyboard), Games, Unlocked, GSM micro sims
  

Pricing:


• Dislikes - No multitasking & notifications
  

Other Tech News

• Make intl calls from iPhone using Vonage home world plan . wht's gr8 ? $0.99 where as Vonage app is $24.99/month.
• No more texting while driving for Bus and Truck drivers in US.
  
• FeedDemon hangups solution - "under File menu, click Manage Cache, then Compact" - - Read 3.1 FeedDemon features too
• 3D TVs photos from CES.
  
• Free movie download - Terminator Salvation Use code TS201023 and Register - If you dont have DivX downlaod DIVX player

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Labels: Apple, iPad, Technology

Now that Apple is allowing VOIP on iPhone and iPod Touch, Applications like Skype and Vonage from App store are preferred for VOIP. It is still a big challenge to set up VOIP with microphone and speakers working. I installed both Skype and Vonage for Mobile. This post details some of my iPod Touch experiences with Bluetooth , Using Microphone, Turning speaker On & making cheap international calls using VOIP.

Unlocking Bluetooth In iPod Touch 2G

Apple did not unlock Bluetooth in iPod Touch 2G version because of software reasons though hardware i.e. Broadcom bluetooth chip supports. OS 3.0 and above which is now available for $4.95 from Apple website has software that unlocks Bluetooth and also has copy & paste functionality enabled. (Look for review of iPod Touch 2G here).

The Bluetooth option is not fully supported as iPod touch 2nd gen does not support Hands-free profile. iTouch 2G with OS 3.0 and above does only A2DP meaning you can only listen to stereo music but not use as regular hands-free on iPod Touch. This is a big blocking issue with Bluetooth if some one wants to use VOIP in iPOD Touch.

Here is the comparison chart from Apple -

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3647

May be its a hidden feature like Bluetooth which Apple took $10 from ipod touch 2 gen users to enable Bluetooth. Now to enable Hands-Free profile may be they will take another $10 in their 4.0 release.

Summary : Bluetooth allows me only to listen to music

Using Microphone In iPod Touch 2G

iPod Touch lacks in-built microphone which is issue for VOIP. There are pricey ones as well as in expensive microphones sold from various retailers. The one from Apple costs around $79. I choose $4.99 capsule size microphone from Meritline. This microphone worked very well with my testing with Skype and Vonage.

Turning speaker On While Using Microphone In iPod Touch 2G

Since Microphone is plugged into audio jack the speaker is muted. There is no way settings wise one can enable this option. Workaround is if one is using Skype then the app gives option to turn on/off speaker. Here is you tube video describing how to turn on speaker with Microphone.



With Vonage the speaker button is still disabled and there is no support to enable it.

Making cheap international calls using VOIP In iPod Touch 2G

Skype charges around 9 cents to call India which is not that attractive deal. Here is the Skypes rates list.

Vonage Mobile is the best so far with $24.99 world plan that includes calling to India and other 60 destinations. But with microphone the speaker is not on, the workaround is use expensive ear phones + microphone that Apple sells.

Conclusion

Hope Apple releases iPod Touch with built-in microphone and FULL Bluetooth support so users can with ease use VOIP apps like Skype and Vonage.

Labels: Apple, iPad, Technology

TuneUp Utilities 2008 is set of tools that improves your PC performance and makes it run faster by cleaning up unwanted files, reducing start up apps and defragging. TuneUp utilities usually cost $30 to download. Thanks to Dottech.org for providing tips on how to get 2008 version for free.

> Download TuneUp Utilities 2008 from Tune-up.com: click here.

If the above link is not working or it is slow, you can try the alternative download link: click here.

NOTE: You are downloading the English version from the links

> Install TuneUp Utilites and run it.

> You should be prompted to either use the trial or enter a registration code.

> Register TuneUp Utilities 2008 with the following serial code (this serial code comes in the download from Chip.de):

> Product Key: RFEAH-CDXKX-UMFBW-GSCES-YFWCM-WUHWB

   (Your registration name can be anything. )

If PC is still running slow then you may download all these 15 freebies to pep your old PC.

Labels: Deals, free, Technology

The best presentation of all web trends in a single location. The image is divided into lines – Application , publishing, Opinion, News, Identity, Creative, Consumption, Broadcasting, Knowledge, Monetization, Sharing, Entertainment and Filter lines.

 

 

Here is the original Flickr image location.

If you follow one lane like say Sharing Line then you can see – Pirate Bay, Craigslist is the most popular besides Creative Commons, download.com, Filefactory etc.

For Monetization line – Adwords, Adsense, DoubleClick are most popular.

Publishing line Wordpress, Drupal and Kindle are most visited or used.

Labels: Technology

If you are a gadgets freak or electronics geek then "Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2009" is the best place to catch on all latest tech. happenings. CES is the world's largest consumer electronics trade show and even got more popular following the cancellation of Comdex.

CES 2009 is scheduled for January 8 through 11 in Las Vegas, and it will feature thousands of exhibitors showcasing their latest tech products. CES is more than TVs and PCs.

Official CES 2009 Up to date coverage is available on Facebook, YouTube , Twitter, Flikr CES2009 photos and CES 2009 Official Blog

Live Streaming of CES2009 from Beet.TV

Keynotes sessions schedule details

Other best parking places to get best reviews/coverages of CES2009 gadgets :

http://ces.cnet.com/
http://ces.engadget.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Electronics_Show
http://updates.zdnet.com/tags/consumer+electronics+show.html

Do you know any other live streaming sites for CES2009 ?

Related articles by Zemanta

• The Incredible Shrinking CES
• Will CES 2009 Weather the Economic Storm?
• CES 2009: Netbooks in M?S for £99
• Programming Alert: Beet.TV to Stream Live Webcast from CES on January 9

Labels: CES2009, Consumer Electronics Show, Facebook, Las Vegas, Technology, Twitter, youtube

iPod touch -- Its a iPod with Wi-Fi and effective app support.



Why did you buy iPod Touch?

I need a compact internet surfing device. Smart Phones to be precise but the monthly subscription service of $30 is overhead. In office anyway there is access to internet. At home or the third place (coffee house like say Starbucks) usually have wi-fi which is more than enough to get connected to external world. If you are always away from home then iPhone may be the best option.

Why iPod touch 2nd gen ?

Because its latest :). The big diff between 1st Gen touch and 2nd Gen touch is added speaker with volume controls. As a person who hates putting ear phones, the 2nd gen is idle pick.

How is the first Apple gadget experience ?

This is my first ever Apple product. Being a deals guy and who is not that into music listening mania, I kept myself away from iPod instead bought some cheap creative MP3 player I hardly used. Now after owning iPod touch, I feel what I miss - the design aesthetics of Apple right from packaging box to the gadget. Easily fits into two hands for good browsing experience. The home control at the bottom of the device take you to home screen where ever you are. The gadget comes up with default icons that can do most of daily tasks. The shiny curvy design feels like you will drop it easily so i went and bought 2nd gen cases to protect my investment along with screen protector.

How is iPod touch Wi-Fi ?

Easy to configure. Comes with pre-loaded Safari browser which appears as icon on the top of screen. Quick time and some Adobe flash versions work but not all versions. This allowed me to listen to all best podcasts like WSJ (Wall Street Journal's) with touch of a button. The speaker is good with no need for ear phones. Youtube videos can be watched with high quality resolutions. While surfing one can tilt the screen and browser rotates accordingly. I preferred more horizontal wide screen browsing rather than a vertical limited text reading. I felt that was one awesome feature.

What's the battery life like ?

If you play lots of videos then the downside is that battery drains out quickly. If you are browsing then its not that significant. With videos I have observed that in 2 or 3 hours low battery pops out. The only way to charge is with USB cord given with the box. It is better idea to buy a power outlet USB iPod touch charge.

Why are people so crazy about iTunes and iPod music ?

Now I understand that all media players lack good music management application. iTunes filled that gap and when ever the device is synced it downloads all music and videos available in iTunes. Make sure you register the iPod otherwise the synch may not happen if you download some games off iTunes store. More than a music player the idea of music management is ultimate killer app that made people buy millions of iPods.

How'z the gaming experience ?

The one I bought came with free $7 worth down loadable EA - Spores. The game selection is key and I liked playing the game with tilting and making this one organism to evolve as you explore more levels.

What is Apple App store ?

Apple unveiled one more best application management system where developers publish their apps and users go buy or install freely these apps with a click. The App store icon on the screen lets you choose category like entertainment, productivity with top tabs as "Top Paid" or "Top Free". The user reviews and information about app helps us decide what app to install. As you install the apps keeping adding to the screen. By just sliding your finger on the screen can go to next page of the screen to launch the apps.

What Apps you downloaded?

Email - Now I can access Gmail and Hotmail with few clicks.
Weather - The winter storm warnings are now on finger tips. The sucking weather makes it more sick seeing these updates regularly.
Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter - Social networking tools. Easy to update and to write on others walls
Flixstar - A movie info. app. This helped me to pick top rated DVDs for rent released this week. My Blockbuster rental subscription is now produtive.
WritePad - A hand-writing recognition tool not at its best but I'm exploring it.


Now, What you didn't like of iPod touch?

> No copy paste functionality - We cannot copy and paste text into the same app or other apps. Meaning If I find something interesting its read only I cannot do anything with that not even copy urls to send via email. This is the most required feature that Apple iPod touch is missing.

> No multitasking - Only one app can be opened - While I'm listening to podcasts online from WSJ, I cannot go do browsing other sites. meaning I can do only one task at a time. There is a twist if you listen to music from iTunes then you can do browsing and all that.

> Too delicate - I developed a phobia that I'll drop it because of its smooth and thin surfaces. Once i got my case I was happy.

> Its expensive - $220 for 2nd gen iPod touch I feel its a bit expensive.

Finally, tell the truth why an expensive gadget?

Okay, I was getting Bestbuy $50 giftcard, one free EA Spore's game and I had couple of other Gift cards from Bestbuy to redeem so I got the iPod touch in a deal so effectively for $170, I wish Apple introduce coupons in near future.

$50 gift card is expired now. Check the Bestbuy link here

Please share your goodies or rants, if you have iPod touch or iPhone

Labels: App Store, Apple, Facebook, iPodTouch, Music, Review, Technology, tips, Twitter, videos

Here is 2008 tech. criminals that ranged from Spamming to bribery to adware injections.

> Robert Soloway - "The Spam King", Crime : Email Spamming
> T.J.Max, OfficeMax, Barnes & Noble customers credit card hackers, Crime : Identity theft
> Randall Craig - Crime : Military Identity theft
> Terry Childs - Crime : Computer tampering in SFO systems
> Paul Little - Crime : Porn related
> Christian Sapsizina - Crime : Bribery
> Robert Matthew Bentley - Crime : adware
> Lillian Glaubman - Crime : Internet Kiosks

Source : Networkworld

Labels: Technology

Surprise your friends with new way of video greeting cards. If you know your friends likes and dislikes then please or annoy him/her with youtube video greeting cards.

Here is step by step process of sending a "you tube" video greeting card.

> First find a video from youtube.com, I've selected the all-time youtube famous "Evolution of Dance" clip by Judson Laipply. In this masterpiece Judson performs dance moves for 12 songs starting from year 1953 with Elvis song "Hound dog" to year 2000 "Bye Bye Bye" song of N'Sync. Here are wikipedia details of this highly rated video.

For sending this video - Check "Send This Video as Greeting Card" link right below share options as highlighted below.



> Select the Holiday theme and enter your personal message as below.




> Add Recipients and click send



> Finally if you want to add your liked music touch to your video then use - audioswap_about

Source : You Tube Video blog

Labels: Google, Technology

If you are using Internet Explorer for internet browsing then make sure you follow this procedure to avoid hackers exploit this newly found bug - "Vulnerability in Internet Explorer Could Allow Remote Code Execution"

Affected IE versions - IE5.01, IE6, IE7 and IE8 Beta 2
Affected Windows Operating systems - Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003 or Server 2008

Here is detailed report on the bug from Microsoft

Check the Microsoft FAQ to patch the bug with given workaround : It seems to be a lot of procedure and I wish Microsoft release the automatic patch so that this can be avoided.

Which of the workarounds should I apply to my system in order to be protected?
Based on our investigation, setting the Internet zone security setting to High will protect users from known attacks. However, for the most effective protection, customers should evaluate a combination of using the High security setting in conjunction with one of the following workarounds.

•Disable XML Island functionality
•Restrict Internet Explorer from using OLEDB32.dll with an Integrity Level ACL
•Disable Row Position functionality of OLEDB32.dll
•Unregister OLEDB32.dll
•Use ACL to disable OLEDB32.dll

For additional workaround details, please see the following post: http://blogs.technet.com/swi/archive/2008/12/12/Clarification-on-the-various-workarounds-from-the-recent-IE-advisory.aspx#workarounds.

Each of these workarounds is equally effective in protecting customers; however, each workaround has different impacts based on the environment in which they are applied. We encourage customers to evaluate which of the workarounds would be least impactful to their environment, based on the impact statements included with each workaround.

Labels: Technology

Blackberries are previously reported to be used by Mumbai gunmen for the attacks on November 26 2008 which claimed 175 innocent lives. There are other technologies that slowly are coming out of 26/11 Mumbai attacks investigation.

Newyork Times reporting that terrorists have become so technologically advanced that they used GPS to reach their destination from Karachi, Pakistan and have used satellite phones to be in touch with the base station. Google Earth aided them to find clear paths of coast to coast movements.

Another interesting technology used is VOIP phones.

The times reporting these interesting abuse of technology by the criminals :

The militant group in Pakistan used VOIP to mask their identities

Indian security forces surrounding the buildings were able to monitor the terrorists’ outgoing calls by intercepting their cellphone signals. But Indian police officials said those directing the attacks, who are believed to be from Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant group based in Pakistan, were using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, which has complicated efforts to determine their whereabouts and identities.

It is difficult to trace the VOIP calls. The difficulty of tracing made it difficult for authorities to trace the calls to prevent the destruction.

In Mumbai, authorities have declined to disclose the names of the VoIP companies whose services the Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers used, but reports in Indian news media have said the calls have been traced to companies in New Jersey and Austria. Yet investigators have said they are convinced that the handlers who directed the attacks were actually sitting somewhere in Pakistan during the calls.

One senior Lashkar-e-Taiba leader who American officials believe may have played a key role in planning the Mumbai attacks is Zarrar Shah. Mr. Shah, known to be a specialist in communications technology, may have been aware of the difficulties in tracing VoIP.

Labels: Google, India, Technology

Zdnet rated Offshoring, H1-Bs as top IT trends for year 2008.

Two different contradicting stories on H1-Bs are highlighted in ZdNet article - 1) High wage IT jobs moving to low wage countries like India 2) US employers finding shortage of IT professions to hire in US.

There has been reports that employers are abusing H1-B system by hiring foreign workers at low wages though US workers are available for same position.

Besides H1-B, Other trends include, 1) IT is surviving the current financial crisis, 3) Go virtual and mobile office to realize cost savings for employers. 4) "Green IT" theme picking up slowly. 5) PCs become efficient and cheaper.

Labels: Immigration, India, Technology