Technology

20GB PS3 Discontinued by Sony

2007-04-29T14:53:00.000+05:30

According to reports, Sony has confirmed the discontinuation of the 20 GB model of
PlayStation 3.

The official announcement from Sony reads,

At launch, we offered two separate models of PlayStation 3 to meet the diverse needs and interests of our PlayStation fan base. Initial retail demand in North America was upwards of ninety percent in favor of the 60GB SKU, so we manufactured and shipped-in accordingly.

The announcement further reads,

Due to the overwhelming demand for the 60GB model from both retailers and consumers, we have ceased offering the 20GB model in North America. In addition to the larger internal hard drive, the 60GB PlayStation 3 features added storage media slots and built-in Wi-Fi not found in the 20GB system Based on retailer and consumer feedback, we have decided to focus our current efforts on the more popular 60GB model.

Apparently, the reason behind discontinuing of the 20 GB model has much to do with pricing and lack of certain features in this model vs-a-vs the 60GB one. The 20 GB model was available for a price of $499, where as the 60 GB model is available for $600.

It's obvious most buyers would prefer buying a bigger and better PS3 for a few dollars (read: $100) more...

However, those who already own a 20GB model need not worry, as the company has reportedly assured these customers of continued support the same as promised upon purchase.

Smart little Orkut Tweaks

2007-04-01T21:24:00.000+05:30

Hey guys check these smart little Orkut Tweaks which may help you to spice up your life in Orkut. Have fun with these tweaks. ( all tested )

Now Comes Community Flooding …. the latest

IF u wanna flood any unwanted topic in an community do the following steps

step 1 : Open the Community Topic on which you want to do this

step 2 : Click the Reply button and then put some abusive subject and message

step 3 : Then Copy this javascript which is below this line into the URL -Bar of your browser

javascript:var field=document.getElementById("textboxBody"); var origText=field.value; function floodIt() { if( field.value.length > 1000) field.value = origText; field.value += ''; if (typeof(Page_ClientValidate) != 'function' || Page_ClientValidate()) __doPostBack('btnSubmit','');floodID=setTimeout(floodIt,500);};floodIt();

step 5 : after that wait for some time …the more you wait the better

step 6 : check the topic it will be flooded

Now u noe …you can only have a text can be of only 1024 words want more ….

do this

first of all open a new topic
now in addressbar where the link is writen.
erase the link and paste this code.

javascript: document.getElementById("textboxSubject").maxLength = 9999; void(0);

hit enter 4 to 5 times.

but write a short message.(e.g Hacking Rulz)

1. Writing a star in your orkut scrap -

Write & # 9 7 3 3 before your scrap without spaces in between these characters. And see a cool star icon that comes up in the scrap on submitting.

2. Writing scraps in reverse -

Add & # 8 2 3 8 before your scrap without spaces in between these characters. The whole text will get reversed on submitting it. Isn’t It Cool.

3. Make yourself invisible on orkut -

In MS Paint, create a smallest image possible and then upload it in internet explorer. It will be unclickable and you are invisible now. Voilla ..!!

4. Adding cool symbols in orkut scrap -

alt + 987 - █, alt + 1 - ☺, alt + 2 - ☻, alt + 3 - ♥,

alt + 4 - ♦, alt + 5 - ♣, alt + 6 - ♠, alt + 7 - •,

alt + 8 - ◘, alt + 9 - ○, alt + 0178 - ², alt + 0489 - é,

alt + 0756 - ô, alt + 0742 - æ, alt + 0719 - Ï,

alt + 0739 - ã, alt + 0729 - Ù

Keep trying different key combinations for more cool symbols.

SE Launches W580 Walkman Phone

2007-04-01T21:13:00.000+05:30

Sony Ericsson has introduced a new model to the Walkman series—the W580. It has a slider design and is equipped with the full Walkman phone features along with gaming, imaging and fitness applications. At just 14mm thin, the W580 is offered in two colors—Style White or Urban Grey both with orange accents. The W580 also has light effects along the side that change as you navigate the music player. The W580 also features a 2.0 megapixel camera and has a 2-inch color display.

The phone also offers radio programming as it's equipped with an RDS-FM radio. The W580 ships with a 512 MB Memory Stick Micro. Memory can be upgraded. With regards to music, this Walkman model also has the Trackid application for recognizing music using GPRS. Sports-wise functions include applications to track your steps, your calories and monitor your running speed/distance/time.

The W580 can be coupled with Sony Ericsson's Portable Speakers MPS-70 and Snap-on Speakers MPS-75 or the Bluetooth Music Receiver MBR-100 that allows you to play music directly through a home stereo. The phone can be used as a remote control for this accessory to change tracks and increase volume.

The W580 Walkman phone is a Quad Band EDGE device (850/900/1800/1900) and will be available in selected markets from the third quarter of 2007. No announcements on the price have been made.

1.8″ 64GB NAND Flash Solid State Drive introduced by Samsung

2007-03-28T21:28:00.000+05:30

Samsung Electronics has announced that it has developed a new 64GB flash solid state drive, which measures just 1.8-inches. This new flash Solid State Drive is based on an eight gigabit single-level-cell NAND, making it able to provide higher performance when compared with conventional SSDs.

Besides, the read and write performance of the new Samsung flash SSD has been increased by 20% and 60% respectively when compared with the 32GB flash Solid State Drive that was introduced by Samsung last year.

The new flash Solid State Drive, which could well be used as a replacement for a hard disk drive, is a secure and reliable storage option. It uses instantly-accessible, non-moving NAND flash memory instead of the noisy, power-hungry, jarring-sensitive rotating disc found in conventional hard drives, allowing it to upload and download data quickly and in a much quieter environment, with minimal power consumption.

The specifications of the Samsung 64GB flash solid state drive are:
# 64MB/s read speed
# 45MB/s write speed
# 15g weight
# 0.5W operation, 0.1W idle power consumption

Searching for sites based on the ever booming Information Technology ??

2007-03-27T16:02:00.000+05:30

Here is the answer

http://information-technology.masterseek.com

Here you will find sites that are in business for information technology. If you are searching for specific information technology businesses, companies, it us better to search in a vetical search engine like Masterseek

Now you must be wondering how a vertical search engine will help..Vertical search engines deliver to businesses what the big sites can’t without the use of complex keyword combinations: relevant and essential content versus an exhaustive return of information.

Business.com their competitors are just directories whereas Masterseek is a search engine plus directory

You can even list your company on Masterseek and get a good exposure based on keywords and additional listing of your products.The price ?? Only 199$ for 12 months..Good isnt it ?? It sure is and for the next three months any basic submission listing is free!!

Understanding Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

2007-03-25T22:07:00.000+05:30

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a set of specifications from Microsoft and it is used to get information about your computer system or network. Say for example if you want to get the information about the physical disks and logical disks at are available on your system, you can very well find it with the help of the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).

WMI is been installed on almost all the computers which has Windows Millennium Me), Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003. It can also be downloaded for computers that are using the old Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 operating systems. WMI provides the users information about regarding the status of the local or remote network computer systems. Moreover, WMI also tend to support actions related to sytem security settings and other changing system properties for authorized users. The Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is very much useful to the systems managers and system administrators in an organization.

About XML Digital Signatures

2007-03-25T22:05:00.000+05:30

You know how important is the authentication and data integrity in the current techno world. XML digital signatures plays a very crucial role in maintaining the authentication and data integrity. With the help of XML digital signatures it is easily possible to sign the specific protions of XML document and transfer the data over the web. Likewise, different users can create differnt parts of the XML document and they can sign those parts of that document at differetn times.

With the current increase in volume of online transactions that is happening today, it is very much important to use digital signatures to verify the authenticity of the documents that are involved in such online transactions. Thus XML Digital Signatures are very much helpful to ensure the authenticity and the integrity of XML data transfer. These are now becoming the evolving standards for almost all types of online transactions.

‘Run’N'Drive 3 in 1′ Game pad for PS3, PS2 and PC unveiled by Thrustmaster

2007-03-25T13:01:00.000+05:30

Thrustmaster, a reputed developer of peripherals for flight simulation and mechanical sports games, has come out with yet another innovative device to make the gaming experience more enjoyable and user-friendly. Thrustmaster’s latest creation is the ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad for the Sony PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PC platforms.

The Thrustmaster ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad has been designed to deliver gamers the competitive edge in multi-event games, FPS, flight simulators as well as in racing games.

The signature features of the ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad is the Optical Wheel, which is fitted with an optical sensor that offers spot on precision. When translated into gamers’ language, it means that with the ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad, gamers will be able to make flawless curves on racing tracks, zoom in for sniping assignments in FPS missions, perform awesome aerial stunts in flight simulations.

Moreover, this optical wheel can be configured to meet the players’ requirements with 2 sensitivity modes. The Mapping feature enables players to switch all buttons, triggers, and mini-sticks, whereas the Optical Wheel functions to suit gamers’ individual needs.

And that is not all! Courtesy the exclusive technology- which is patent pending at the moment- gamers will be able to apply their favorite gaming configurations to their ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad, to make the most of every game genre. All one has to do is simply save the configuration in the game pad’s internal memory. So you can keep changing and adapting as often as you desire.

The ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad has been ergonomically designed, and is thus very comfortable to hold during those long hours of game play. The 7 axis game pad sports 2 curved Triggers with an 8mm stroke for a new level of precision.

The ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1’ game pad and the ‘Run’N’Drive 3 in 1 ‘ Rumble Force will be available from March 23 for a price of 19.99 (approx. Rs. 1700) and £22.99 (approx. Rs. 1950). However, the Rumble Force is only available for the PC.

Kingmax Unveils World’s Smallest USB Drive

2007-03-20T18:25:00.000+05:30

I would love to have this USB thumb drive, it is the world’s smallest and slimmest USB thumb drive from Kingmax. Measuring just 34- x 12.4- x 2.2-mm, it comes in “512MB ($19), 1GB ($29), 2GB ($39), and 4GB ($55)” varieties.

I have a 256 MB Apacer USB Thmb drive it is 3 years old and one of the many problem I face is it won’t fit into certain Dell computer’s front USB panel that is placed vertically.

My USB thumb drive is too long to enter that USB slot vertically and the best part is, I got this free mini 1GB thumb drive when I purchase my Acer laptop .

Reliable Conference Calls

2007-03-15T19:29:00.000+05:30

I spent a lot of time researching conference call services and I was fortunate enough to stumble on a conference calling service that has some amazing rates like only 4.5 cents/min. per person for direct-dial in conferencing. Plus, there are flexible payment options available. You can pay by credit card or have them invoice you. The conference call service is SaveOnConferences.com and I experienced excellent customer service when I used them recently for my conference calls. There are no contracts to sign, no activation fees or hidden charges. Activation is simple and fast—you can be on your first conference call within minutes. Plus, they give you 24/7 access to an online billing center where you can view account activity and invoices. SaveOnConferences.com offers conference call users so much including free web conferencing with every audio call and International conference call access using their GlobalMeet Service. If anyone misses the conference call, that’s fine. With their free recording feature, absentee participants can listen at their convenience for a low cost per person/minute. If you don’t believe me, sign up today and your first 60 minutes of conference calling will be absolutely free! Go to SaveOnConferences.com to see what I’m talking about and take advantage of all their great services.

SE Launches W660 and Snap-on Speakers

2007-03-15T18:43:00.000+05:30

Sony Ericsson has added a new phone to its Walkman range—the W660. The W660 is a 3G phone available in 2 colors Black and Rose Red. This new model also features TrackID. Also introduced are a set of snap-on speakers - The MPS-75.

"The W660 has a finish that stands out among its peers,” explains Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson. “Although the W660 places the emphasis firmly on design, it is also a full member of our Walkman phone family, able to store several hundred full-length songs. That’s important because our research indicates users are listening to more music than ever before – an average of 4.4 hours a day, according to the latest Sony Ericsson Music Monitor.”

The W660 is capable of storing up to around 470 full-length songs (in eAAC+ format) on the 512MB Memory Stick Micro that is included with the packaging. Memory can also be extended if necessary up to 1GB.

The phone is equipped with a 2.0 megapixel camera, Picture Blogging capability at around 3G of speed and can deliver RSS feeds straight to the phone's desktop.

The MPS-75, snap-on speakers, is essentially a small plug-in speaker unit that is powered directly from the phone itself. The unit is available in Black and Orange. This device can be used with Sony Ericsson music phones incorporating Fast port. The unit weighs 107 g.
The W660 Walkman phone also offers Bluetooth Audio Streaming, for wireless connectivity to compatible devices, such as a Music Bluetooth Receiver or a Stereo Bluetooth Headset.

The W660 Walkman phone is a UMTS 2100 and GPRS 900/1800/1900 device and will be available in selected markets in the second quarter of 2007. The MPS-75 snap-on speakers will be available globally around the same time.

Inexpensive Conference Calls

2007-03-14T20:58:00.000+05:30

While I was researching conference companies the other day, I stumbled upon StarConferencing.com. Don't know if anyone has heard of them, but it turns out they have the best conference call rate I’ve seen! No kidding! Here’s the best part…a low monthly minimum of $19.99 gets you 500 minutes of conference calling using toll or toll-free access numbers. And if you go beyond 500 minutes for that month, you pay only 3.9 cents/minute per call. It’s that simple! There are no additional fees and you don't have to worry about writing a check every month because it’s automatically charged to your credit card. It’s definitely a worry-free, hassle-free service for anyone who needs to make conference calls because it’s so easy to use and comes with so many great features.

StarConferencing.com uses only the latest technology, including state of the art audio conferencing equipment. You get the latest features and nothing but clear digital connections from a long distance provider. That translates to the best quality and reliable service available. You can sign up and activate your account instantly but you can also cancel anytime you want. Their online account management is great too because it allows you to have 24x7 access to account activity and invoices.

Don’t just believe me, try their free savings calculator . It'll show you exactly how much you’ll be saving by using StarConferencing.com.

Cheap HP Cartridges

2007-03-13T21:45:00.000+05:30

HP Printers are extremely popular because of their competitive pricing and excellent build quality. It's well known that an HP printer has great print quality that provides great text, colour images and photo prints.

However, when your HP cartridges run out of their ink you will find that buying new HP inkjet cartridges is very very expensive indeed. Luckily you don't have to just pay through the nose ad get on with it!

There are lots of compatible HP cartridges available on the market that work just as well as the original HP cartridge that came with your printer. In fact, compatible HP cartridges often have more ink in them than OEM HP cartridges, meaning you get even better value for money.

So when your HP printer runs out of ink next time round, don't pay for expensive OEM cartridges when you can buy cheaper compatibles instead!

Wespro WK512S

2007-03-05T16:26:00.000+05:30

Names like the Apple iPod, Creative, iRiver are synonymous with 'MP3 Player'. But the question you need to ask yourself is this – 'Is it worth the price considering the features?'

If you’re looking for a non-complicated Mp3/Radio with a low budget, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with Wespro’s new WK512S MP3 player. It has just the right features for just the right price.

Design
The WK512 looks like a miniaturized version Sony Ericsson’s W550i Walkman phone. It comes in 2 colors – Black and White. Its oval design makes it really easy to carry around with you (no edges to tear your pockets). A 5 way navigation pad in front helps simplify your file browsing. It can be used for controlling the volume, scrolling through the menus and changing tracks. The hold and other settings keys are located on the top and although they’re a bit close to one another they are easy enough to manipulate.

The WK512 is an extremely lightweight player, so light, in fact, it seems like it’s just an empty shell. It’s just under 45gms. So all you fitness freaks out there, this is just perfect for you. It’s practically no added weight to your person at all.

The WK512 has a small but clear OLED, dual color display (blue and yellow). Its cuteness quotient is also up there with the iPods of this world.

Conclusion
The bottom line – It’s worth it, even if you don’t want to spend anymore to expand the memory. This is a decently priced player with an FM radio for the people who live in a city that thrives on its radio waves. Transcend has have some serious competition.

The installation CD is provided incase you need to convert files to the acceptable format. As a special offer a set of 2 free music CDs are also added to the pack. For the price of just under Rs. 2000, this is a real steal.

Yea! Just what we need, a 4th DVD format.

2007-03-02T16:08:00.000+05:30

Ugh, as a DVD author I can’t even explain what a huge pain in the ass it is with the one established format out there (DVD) and the 2 HD versions (HD-DVD and Blu-ray). Each is programmed completely differently, need different encodes, and they all have different specs on what they’re capable of. To release on all formats the DVD is done 3 times, with no overlap.

So why did I bother telling you this? Because this week, with no end in the format war in sight, steps were taken to ensure both will succeed in the marketplace. Toshiba announced a 51GB, 3-layer disc, still in development. This follows up the January announcement of a disc with HD-DVD on one side and Blu-ray on the other. But wait, There’s more!

New Medium Enterprises annonced a format that can handle true HD using standard red-laser technology. Versatile Multilayer Disc (VMD) can do dual-format so as to solve the newer blue-laser market but it also offers enough capacity for HD with a red-laser with a new VMD format.

NME has been working quietly and quickly to secure region deals around the globe and have partnered with a company called PC Rush to produce low-cost dvd compatible VMD players for around $200, significantly less than any of the current HD-DVD or Blu-ray players.

What we as consumers (and me as a programmer) need is a single format, not a 3rd. Adding another format adds a huge amount of expense into the creation and manufacturing of these DVD’s. And the movie studios aren’t going to eat that difference, they’re going to pass it onto the consumers.

The Aura Concept Phone Is Fake

2007-03-01T16:33:00.000+05:30

Some while ago we got to see the Aura, a concept phone that came along with a whole series of other mobile phones that were immediately tagged i-Phone killers or rivals.

The mobile phone looked very promising and people were expecting to find out more about it, hoping that ASUS would end up releasing it.

With smashing looks and features that weren't that bad either, the Aura was definitely going to be a choice for people who wanted a handset packing what the iPhone lacks, like 3G capabilities and a MicroSD card slot.

It also featured a slender pop-out keyboard and a sliding control bar that could be positioned at various points along the display. Rumor has it that ASUS has ordered the design prototype for the Aura from the Hungarian design company Egy Studio.

The concept phone does in fact appear on Egy Studio's website so it is more than clear that they designed it. But it looks like ASUS has nothing to do with it. Recently, ASUS have announced that they know nothing about this concept phone and the Aura 'is not sanctioned or supported by our company'. Moreover, according to ASUS, the Aura concept phone is not real.

Now the only thing that remains unexplained is why is the ASUS brand stamped on the Aura. That being said, unless ASUS is planning this phone and trying to keep it a secret, the Aura ends up being just another one of those pretty concept phones we get to see on various designers' websites that no one ever considers to actually manufacture. Although most people would like to see this concept become reality, the chances of Aura going into production and later hitting the stores are very slim.

New Nintendo Wii Game Console Skins unveiled by DecalGirl

2007-02-21T14:54:00.000+05:30

You may be bored with your Nintendo Wii, and do not get us wrong here. We are talking only about the sterile look of the Nintendo Wii that is capable of boring anyone, especially gamers who love all things colorful. DecalGirl is offering a number of brilliantly designed Wii skins just to make your Wii-time much more enjoyable!
Apparently, the web site DecalGirl, and its members have always been huge fans of Nintendo, and have thus taken extra care to make sure that they provide exciting skins to cover the Wii as much as possible and to minimize gaps between panels.
Read more

Moreover, DecalGirl also wishes to give other Wii owners a skin kit that does the pale sterile box justice! DecalGirl also makes skins for various other devices like Microsoft’s Zune music player, Xbox 360 game console, and Nintendo DS and DS Lite.

Basically the Wii skin from DecalGirl has been made from a very thin material, which is big enough to cover both sides of the console. More importantly, the Wii skins are thick enough to protect the Wii console from any unwanted scratches.

You can also get matching skin sets for the Wii Remote or Nunchuck, and what’s more, you will get it at a discounted rate when purchased together with a Wii system skin.

Actually there are so many reasons why gamers would want one of these skins, or perhaps three or four of them for their Nintendo Wii. Another reason is that the Wii skins from DecalGirl come at a reasonable price of $15 only.

Yet another reason, and of course one of the reasons why we would love to get a hold of these Wii skins is that they all have very colorful and geometric designs. There are loads of skins to choose from. Just hearing the names given to the skins are enough to make you imagine them and then want them. There’s ‘Ghost in the Game’, ‘Analysis’, ‘Anarchist’, ‘Apocalyse’, ‘Balance’, and ‘Absolute Power’.

Some advice: Get a leather journal!

2007-02-20T22:15:00.000+05:30

I've been doing a whole lot of traveling recently for work, in and out of airports very often. Because of this, I've been thinking on ways that I can take all my stuff with me, you know, laptop, ipod, clothes, paperword etc.

I like to travel light because it means I can get on the plane faster and don't have to wait for my luggage to slowly make it's way round the baggage carousel at the terminal. I use my laptop on the flight and when my battery inevitably runs out I turn to my trusty leather journal to brainstorm and generate ideas. I would highly recommend you invest in something that allows you to quickly jot down your thoughts, it really improves your productivity.

I bought my leather journal from a company based in the UK called Kiki James. Give them a shot!

Microsoft’s Soapbox ‘YouTube Killer’ is out for Public

2007-02-20T14:43:00.000+05:30

Microsoft has announced a public beta version of its MSN Soapbox video upload service, which is seen as a rival to Google’s renowned YouTube service.

The Redmond, USA-based company had launched the beta version of Soapbox in September last year. It was then available to beta testers only by invitation for several months. However with the release of the public beta, anyone can test out the service by going to http://soapbox.msn.com, reports the LiveSide blog, which follows Microsoft’s Windows Live Internet services.

Like YouTube, Soapbox allows users not only to upload videos to the Web in almost any digital video format, but also to tag and categorize them so other users can find them. However, where Microsoft stands out is that in Soapbox, users can watch videos and browse for new ones simultaneously on the same screen. A feature that’s surely unique to Microsoft’s baby.

In an attempt to give a cut-throat to competition to biggies such as Google and Yahoo, since November 2005, Microsoft has been gathering a raft of Web-based services, when Chief Architect Ray Ozzie launched the company’s Live services program. The company has said it would invest a large amount of money in its Web efforts, and financial analysts expect Microsoft to give an update on this plan during a briefing with analysts in New York Thursday.

Though many believe the Live services will put back Microsoft’s MSN-branded services, the company continues to maintain MSN as a site where it offers entertainment content, which may explain why it branded Soapbox with the MSN name rather than Live. The ‘Live’ mark refers more to actual services such as Windows Live e-mail, instant messaging and search.

Turbo Tax Software

2007-02-17T23:51:00.001+05:30

I’m using Turbo Tax to complete my tax returns this year and I can’t believe how incredibly simple it is. I remember when I used to dead tax time; it was full of stress, anxiety, and pressure. Now, with Turbotax, doing my taxes is a breeze.

The Turbo Tax Software is easy to understand. To begin with, you need to determine which version is best for your situation. For me, I use the basic Turbo Tax online program to complete my taxes online, and then I E-File my return. One of Turbo Tax online programs is a 1040ez. My state doesn’t charge for E-filing and it is absolutely free. However, some states do charge a fee so depending on your situation and where you live, you may be able to file for free as well, but you will need to check first.

One of the best features about using Turbo Tax is that they help you every step of the way. Before you begin, you can use their help system to determine which Turbo Tax version is best suited for your needs. They offer:

· Turbo Tax Basic
· Turbo Tax Deluxe
· Turbo Tax Premier
· Home & Business Schedule C

Once you have selected your program, you’re ready to start. The online program will walk you through every step, and if you have any questions, there is a help button ready to answer your questions. Some of financial institution offers Turbo Tax Promotion Code if you have it You can buy your TurboTax Software with nice discount.

Leaving your tax returns in the middle of completion is fine with Turbo Tax. The program saves your information and you can easily pick up where you left off. In fact, if you continue to use Turbo Tax for multiple tax returns, you will always have access to your prior tax returns through the Turbo Tax program.

When you are using the program, you will notice a little register (button) in the upper left corner, it will tally up your refund amount as you continue to enter your information. This makes it so easy to see what your expected return will be. Another great benefit to using Turbo Tax, is that when you have E filed (or print and mailed) your return, you can access the website and select “Check E File Status”. This option will let you know when the IRS has successfully accepted your tax return and also gives you information regarding when the IRS has mailed (or direct deposited) your refund.

Ecommerce

2007-02-17T23:21:00.000+05:30

Entry into the world of ecommerce requires that the site owner has there components planned:

* Products to sell
* Content to advertise the products
* A site host that will run scripts

These are essential before the site is set up. The first two offer direction to the web site, and give the tone for the whole project. The last one is the mechanism by which the ecommerce site will be set up. It will be used to store the content, and the framework, which serves the content, and provides an interface to the payment processing service provider.

YouTube Phenomenon

2007-02-17T23:08:00.000+05:30

If you browse the web, you'll come across many websites that has one or more video clips embedded in it. News websites such as BBC and CNN fall in this category. But, what about a website that has only video clips and nothing else? This is exactly what the Youtube Phenomenon is all about. To those who have not heard about Youtube, it is a video sharing website where one could upload, share, and watch video clips - Youtube videos - for free. It is owned by Google.

Here is a bit history of what all went behind in the making of Youtube.com. Little had the three former PayPal employees - Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim, and Steve Chen - anticipated about the growth and fame Youtube would achieve in less than one year since its inception, when they first planned such a video sharing website. An out-of-the box idea, Youtube.com was launched as an unknown new website on February 15, 2005 with virtually no promotion. The website with its full features become operational few month later; the first preview of the website was offered in May 2005 and its official debut in November the same year. As it had been with many great path breaking projects in the past, the incubation days of Youtube took place in a modest garage in California, much like its present owner's - Google - beginnings, who started their journey from a leased space in a Menlo Park garage in 1998.

The beginnings of Youtube was pretty modest and its creators more than once at least went through a cash crunch as the visitors to the website grew and the need for better infrastructure and technology became inevitable. Irony it may be that the first helping hand they got which had pulled them out of the financial crisis was that of the venture capital firm Sequoia, the very same firm that had funded Google in its early years. Sequoia invested $3.5 million initially in Youtube, the stake which they upped to $8 million few months later, realizing the vast potential Youtube.com has in the fast growing world of infotainment in the near future.

Another development that had immensely helped catapulting Youtube into the forefront of online entertainment industry came from rather unexpected quarters, in the form of new software tool - the Flash Player 8 by Macromedia - that enabled people to view Youtube videos directly from their web browsers without having to download it into their PCs and view it with the help of third party software programs such as Windows Media Player or RealOne Player. In fact, it not only eliminated the need to view downloaded files in third party tools, but also provided a far improved video quality than its predecessor, Flash Player 7. Had it not been for the new Flash Player, the Flash Player 8, it is unlikely that Youtube.com would have taken off this fast, in such a short span of time.

As of today, Youtube.com, under the umbrella of Google, is the fastest growing video website in the globe and the 10th most popular amongst all websites in the cyberspace, according to the latest Alexa ratings. Nearly 100 million video clips from Youtube are seen by netizens daily and around 65,000 new Youtube videos are added every day into the database. The number of netizens visiting Youtube every month is thought to be anywhere near 20 million. No wonder, Youtube.com is described not as a website, but as a phenomenon by market experts.

The website www.topyoutubevideos.com provides a one-stop destination where you could find and download YouTube video clips. Our team daily search amongst the millions of video clips available in Youtube.com and categorizes and lists only the best, latest, and funniest amongst them for the netizens to watch and enjoy. In that respect, topyoutubevideos.com can be viewed upon as a free video website that provides only the selected best from Youtube's ever expanding database of funny videos. Also, all the amazing videos that are listed under the different categories are updated daily so that the user would get to watch the latest additions to the funny Youtube videos database all the time. You won't be disappointed or bored at the variety and freshness of entertainment you could find in TopYoutubeVideos.com !

HOW TO SAFELY GET RID OF OLD CREDIT CARDS

2007-02-17T12:59:00.001+05:30

Whilst you may not think that it is particularly important, when you receive a new credit card it is essential that you get rid of the older card properly. This is particularly true if you are just getting an updated version of the old one, as the new card will still have all of the same details on it.

So many people simply chuck away their credit cards without thinking and that leaves it wide open for fraudsters to steal your details. It may be hard for you to imagine but there are people who go around at night looking for bin bags and as soon as nobody is looking, they go through them trying to get personal articles, financial details of people. If documents and credit cards are not shredded, it is all too easy for fraudsters to use those details for their own benefits. Even if you are the victim of fraud and the company pays off any debt that the person has accumulated, it still goes on your record. So, it always pays to be extra careful with older credit cards.

There are especially designed shredders which shred credit cards and that is definitely the best way of getting rid of your old cards so purchase one today if you haven’t already got one.

COULD BALLOON LOANS EVER BE GOOD FOR BORROWERS?

2007-02-17T12:58:00.004+05:30

Balloon loans are another type of loan which not many people have actually heard of. It will come as no great surprise to you that these loans are not that popular however when you realise that whilst you do pay small amounts each month to start with, this is only for a certain time period and then you have to pay the rest of the money you owe in full.

Usually a balloon loan refers to a mortgage and the main advantage is that the interest rates are extremely low. This is what draws many people in, but the fact that the full amount is then due in a few years time. It is a long term payment plan but there is still that large lump sum at the end to pay and unfortunately most people are no good at saving their money. If you do not have that large sum of money at the end of the period you could end up in a lot of debt!

So, whilst the interest rates may be extremely low to start with, unless you can afford a large lump sum at the end of the payment period, it is advised that you do not take out this kind of personal loan. If you can afford it then obviously taking advantage of the low interest rates is definitely a great idea!

ARE CREDIT CARDS FINALLY LOSING THEIR POPULARITY?

2007-02-17T12:58:00.003+05:30

One of the latest pieces of news regarding credit cards is that they are quickly losing their appeal amongst borrowers. With so many different borrowing options, people are now opting for other methods of credit rather than credit cards. It is said that over £1 billion was lost by credit card companies in 2006 and the decline is blamed upon people taking out home equity loans instead.

More and more people are taking on mortgages and releasing equity in their homes. It seems that the charges of credit cards are finally catching up with the lenders and people are opting for easier and cheaper ways of gaining credit. Another mistake credit card companies have made is dropping their 0% interest rates for certain time periods. Many people are drawn to offers like that and by taking them away they are losing part of their consumer base.

So, it seems that credit cards are slowly losing business but they do not really need to worry just yet. People are still using them and there is plenty of time to bring back various consumers with more deals. Only time will really tell if this new decline in credit cards is a temporary thing or whether it is likely to continue.