kaputnik

There was a point in tie when bablefish was the only thing I used. Never did quite get my meaning across to a whole bunch of people because of the poor translation. The reason for the low quality I believe is because they wanted people to actually get fed-up with the 'free' service and actually get down to using the premium service - which may (I cant say for sure) have been a lot better. Now however with Google dishing out a service that actually gets the job done better than (and I'm stating this from the reviews posted here) other competing software, we may ave something to look out for. Even though Google has been growing at a phenomanally high rate, the mindset of the organization as a whole has been to base t's revenue model on text ads, so I really do hope that they keep up with all the research and come out with a bunch of exciting software - and keep it free. what I'm really hoping they do is come out with a kickass OS - free of cost, a little simpler thatn Linux as far as installing apps are concerned and a whole bunch safer.

I don't discount the fact if it is for real, that the cells in concern do not have DNA. If they don't, than there is a serious bit of concern for the microboilogists of the world. I don't know where the cells in the bottle have been collected from. But I do have a theory about the red rain. As soon as I read the article I was reminded of a Clive Cussler book called Sahara. In that book there is a situation which threatens world oxygen supply because of the rapid proliferation of little microbial phytoplankton called dinoflagellates. These creatures cause the sea to turn blood red and the phenomenon is observed across the globe where there is warm sea water. Now, you may have heared stories about fishes falling from the sky, when there are strong winds that cause massive updrafts along the sea's surface. Such winds may cause entire sheets of sea water to be lifted up into the atmosphere and mix with rain bearing cloud formations. Quite naturally, any rain falling from a clowd that has picked up large amounts of dinoflagellates would be absolutely blood red. Back to the question of aliens. Every 10 years of so, there seems to be some sort of outbreak of severely viral attacks. Sometimes its on humans and very often such attacks affect the wildstock (like the very recent outbreak of birdflu). My contention is that such outbreaks may infact be causes by viruses/ bacteria that undergoes rapid genetic modifications when they travel into the upper atmosphere and are bombarded by redioactivity from space. Also, there is the definate possibility of tiny cellular creatures that travel through space and come into contact with the earth's atmosphere, wherefrom after a while they settle onto the planet's surface where they may or may not cause harmful effects on the life here.

I looked through a whole bunch of professional sites that I normally utilize for images, royalty free, and I realized how difficult your search actually must have been. I've been using paid for and free images for various uses, since I'm in media, do a whole bunch of images searches as a normal part of my work, I was really surprized at the low number of free to use, quality images for splat. (I also looked through paint, drop, splash, smear etc...). What I really would suggest you do is create the splat yourself. The freeware that I use for image manupulation is called GIMP and you can get it from here (for Windows). What you do is create a sort of random area that looks like your version of a splat and then fill it with some colour. Next, to give it some depth, you need to right click and then click on a distortion option. Experement a bit till you get what you're happy with. After that you're better off to making a copy of the layer you were working on and then making an emboss distortion of the lower layer; and , making the upper layer slightly transparent. This will give the image a very 3D look. Finally save in the format of your choice (GIMP supports a great many formats). If you need help on this, PM me. All the best

AVG's definately got what it takes to make a mark on the internet. Personally I'e been using it for the last 4 years or so. Initially there were times when I found that it was a burden on my system, but that was because I was using a system that was low on RAM and had 700 odd Megz of CPU resource. Off late I've been really impressed with AVG since over the last year, although I've received a whole bunch of virus alerts from various sources, my computer's yet to be affected. This i attribute directly to the fact that AVG updates very regularly, and the fact that it runs an automatic complete computer scan on a daily basis. I do believe that the scan runs only while the computer is not being utilized.Yes, Zone Alarm coming along with the software (at least the limited version) is quite a boon. In fact with all the unauthorized access attempts that the product has stopped (and it's in the few thousand) I actually have a good mind to go in for a paid version. But then again, I'm thinking of getting myself a new computer and ill probably get myself any paid software only when I make the machine purchase.If you're using MS Windows and you require a free antivirus, I'd definately reccomend AVG Free.

My present Toshiba Sattelite is all but nearly obsolete now. It'sbeen 6 years since I've bought it and I think that it's time that I get myself a new machine. Last month I was in Singapore and a friend loaned me her Mac notebook and it was excellent. The peed was great, ans so were the start up and shut-down times. Also, most of the office features were just right for my personal usage. The cost is the one thing that has kept me away from purchasing a Mac. And since I'm considering a notebook, I think that I'm going to have to wait a bit longer before I can afford one. But the piggy-bank's filling up.

Wow, wow.... I actually didn't even know about this. Just tried to do this on my ofice system but it wouldn't work since the admin locks out all hardware and software changes, So I'll have to get home and try this out. Printout ready. If what you're talking about actually works, I do believe that it would really speed up the computer's internet connectivity.

Now, that was really a good laugh. I really would like to figure out how google find's this page the top ranking result for 'failure'. I suppose there's a lot of material out there on the web which relates Bush as being a failure; and that's how it happens.Am going to spend some time hunting around for more stuff like this.

Am going downloading Windows Media Player 11 too so as to give it a shot. The one thing that I do find handy from the Windows Media Platform is i's Encoder. Very often I have to copy sound or video directly off the sound/video card and WMP has sorted this out in it's simplicity. Winamp has however been my favourite media player just because of the right reasons - simple interface, faster response time. Will give WMP a try just to know what it's like though.

Great news, Microsoft is finally getting off it's feet here in India and launching the Xbox 360 in September this year. In the free Gaming Zone at IMAX Wadala in Mumbai, i got to try out the FIFA 2006 Game and it was GOOOoooD.Got some info off the guys and they say that there're over a 150 people coming in everyday to play.Contact Eric at +91 9867350419 to find out more and play there.Cheers

Hey... I think the specs look pretty good. Especially the 17" LCD.. I'f you're into graphics dev, or maybe into 2D and 3D stuff, then a nice and large screen would really be great. The deal you've got with the printer coming in would be really handy. Next about - the 7.1 sound output - now that is definately great. If you're a gamer - or if you like watching High Def vids.. you've got it made...!! Do keep putting in a review on your system every now and then.

Amongst other things, you'll notice from the Vista reviews, that it's expected to use up a lot of resources on rendering Hi-def graphics. In doing so, in the systems that most users are actually using now-a-days, it's concievable that there will be little RAM left over for running other non system applications. Result, most users will hae to dramaically upgrade their systems just to be able to upgrade to Vista. One reason for the late release of visa is probably the fact that they are rying o correct this problem, since the inaility to fully uilize Vista will hae users sticking to XP or even the older versions (and I have friends who are still running Windows 98). this would really hurt Microsoft - should people not actually go out and buy the operating system. Then again, Microsoft is also coming out with it's own hardware - which has already hit markets. The most easily available are the periphirals as of now. It's pretty likely that during the launch of vista, Microsoft may actually institute a scheme, where you're prompted to come by and try vista on similar systems that consumers are already using and then to try out Vista on an MS system. Then consumers may be prompted to swap their systems for a reduced cost - while also picking up the Vista software. All in all - there's probably some trickery brewing.

Before you purchase a new battery, I would suggest a slightly lower cost alternative. The first thing, is to see that all's well with your laptop, the charging port. The easiest way to do this would be to find someone in your locality online and try and sort it out between yourselves to allow for a swap of batteries. This way, you would be able to check if another 'good' battery does actually charge on your machine (if it doesn't then you have a charger port problem) and if your battery fails to function on the other person's laptop, then it's most definately your battery. However, if you fail to locate someone in your area with the same/ similar (some machines from the same company will use the same battery packs) laptop computer, who is willing to spend time helping you, then I would suggest that you opt for a second hand battery off e-bay. This will sort out the cost, since you will pretty likely get a good deal on the battery; next, you'll be able to check with the 'bought' secondhand on how well your computer is able to charge the battery. (Point to look out for here is that you get your battery pack off someone who is well rated so that you don't get dumped with a dud battery). This whole process would cost about the same as a service checkup on your machine. Now, if you're satisfied with the battery you have purchased second hand (considering that this solcves your problem), then you're already sorted out. Should you still want a new battery, you could go in for one and utilize the second-hand one as an additional one (or affix it to your laptop as a second battery (some machines allow for this). Hope you're able to find an effective solution from this.

I'd personally go with the Ethernet connection route. I'm sure your laptop must come with a Ethernet port and it's highly likely you have the same on your deskop, especially if you connect to the internet (in any way becides using a telephone modem. What you will require is a ethernet cable ( should be about $5 - $10) and you'll need to setup your network (home network).Other than this, I'd suggest you try either Wi-Fi (your computers may already be equipped for this) of or the cheaper Bluetooth connection (two bluetooth USB dongles should cost you no more than $15) and require next to no configuration other than the installation CD. Data-transfer through this should be in the range of 70 KBPS (USB1.0) and about greater than 180 KBPS for USB2.0. currently I'm using a USB 2.0 Bluetooth dongle between my laptop, my girlfiend's laptop and the home computer. It's pretty seamless and it's possible to sare internet connections this way.

Discharge is a simple process, leave your machine running without the power cable plugged in. For a really good discharge, I'd suggest you change the power settings of your computer to 3% of Battery before automatic shutdown. The reason for this is that most Li- batteries, tend to hold a charge that is equivalant to the last discharge. Although according to this link, there is a last charge memory only for Ni-Cad batteries and not for Ni-ion batteries. Extract: So I guess, if your battery manual suggests a next to complete discharge every now and then, it's probaly because there's a bit of memory effect latent in your battery pack. Personally, I've been using a Tosiba 3000 Sattelite for the last 6 years (I really need to get a new machine), and the battery life has come down from the previous 2 & 1/2 hours to about 40 minutes. However, after I'd read about the memoy effect and the need to discharge the battery every now and then, I've been undertaking a complete discharge at least once a week (not a problem in India where the power tends to cut out for no apparent reason in most areas of te country at least twice a day); the battery life has increased a bit to about and hour and 20 minutes. This is really satisfying to me personally and I'm going to try a complete discharge more often. This is also the advice I've received for my cell phone from the shop I made the purchase from. I was told that I ought to completely discarge my battery so that the charge lasts me a lot longer. I have personally experienced this. When I charge my battery without a complete discharge, I manage to use my phone for about one day; but, if I let it discharge completely before charging (I force this now-a-days by using all the features available that I don't get charged for lie putting on my bluetooth, infrared, radio with the speaker) and te charges last me a good 2 days.

Yes, Winamp 5.0 onwards has been a real pleasure. I especially like the crossfade feature which is a lot better than Windows Media Player 9. THe crossfade actually does a pretty good job of adjusting beat and tempo between songs so as to make it sound like a smooth transition. WHat I really like about Winamp 5x onwards, are the add-on features that can be downloaded and added (some of these are available for a cost , but much are free), like Visualizations, and sound enhancement features. Also, for developers, entire code, including the interface can be played around with to ive completely new and unique features. Winamp's what I use as my primary audio player.

I'm much of a Age of Empires fan myself, althoug I do like AOM a fair bit too. The games are farely similar and it takes a few games to get used to playing with mythological characters. There's always a dispute about wat the best mix of characters is. What I usually favour is to concentrate on gathering resources - so that means upto a 60 % of my total population at times consists of citizens (in AOM - it's the guys with the donkeys or burros who do all the constuction and gatering work). With this strategy, it's quite important to explore rapidly and to get ahold of enemie's resources. So the way to go with this is to poplate with citizens rapidly and to get through the levels quickly. As soon as resources are located, it's important to dispatch citizens to collect quickly and to construct 2-4 towers with archers so as to take care of and manage opponent's warriors who're sure to come by and attack if you're too close to them or if you're gathering resources from too close to their communities. The next thing to do is concentrate on researc. The better the researc the better the armed units are. This way, as soon as it's necessary to quickly develop an army, the army will already be well researched and the units will be top of the line.

This is most interesting. The last time I was gong around looking for and researching HDDs, I'd run into the 500 GB drive. Now a 750; that is something to look out for. However, with the rate of progress really staming things in the computing world; and, with the a d v ent of gigabit transfer internet capability, and also, the massive ammounts of multimedia that 'normal' everyday folks like myslf play around with, it seems like the general population (whereever in the world) is going to be thirsting for much higher amunts of storage. Not only this. With the possible onset of much faster processors and computers being fitted with very lage abmounts of RAM - seek times for stored data will become the next thing to look out for. As OS's develop and computers become more capable of processing data at multi gigabit speed, drives are goig to be very hard pressed to be able to transmit data and read/write to and from storage. I'm really looking out for 3D Holographic storage (read more about it here), which combined with quantum computing, should push the wrld into a completely new era. For now, the 750GB drive seems just the right thing for me to pick up, just as soon as I've finished saving u for it.

Yup... I've been using GIMP for well over 2 years now, and it quite meets most graphics, minimilistic animation and photo editing requirements. It also supports most formats native to Photoshop and CorelDraw (amongst a massive bunch of others, like you can import and work on PSD, EPS etc..). If you really wnat to get some indepth knowhow on how to best utilize GIMP, I'd suggest you download and install GIMP Help files (from here), and refer to it every time you want to try out something now, or even use it as a tutorial so that you learn from it. GIMP supports most of it's functions through right click, so if you've say selected some area and you want to give that section a video look, the distorts will be available for the selection throgh your right mouse button. Also, GIMP is great fro creating grally good GIFs. You can do this by adding layers, where each layer is a new screen/frame. You'd save this as a GIF, input parameters like length of the animation as well as the speed at which the frames develop (large number of frames with very little changes between them will give you a smooth looking animation if you're changing between frames within a very short time frame (the human eye can discern between 17 and 25 frames per second to interpret as motion). Of course to use a whole bunch of frames results in large GIFs. Other than this there's an animation package that may be of a bit of use to animation starters, although I have come across online references stating that it's best to use a dedicated animation package. PM me if you've any problems with GIMP and we'll try and sort it out.

Well looking at the trends of manufacturing fiber optics - especially those with a very high degree of clarity is increadibly cheap now a days .. read this.. It's the diogital to optical converters that currently pose problems of speed of processing power and also the cost of manufacture. The world in general is still burdened by the physical limitations of chips being able to perform at a limited rate. Light of course is the fastest physical medium in which to transmit data.. however as long as the encoding and decoding pachines at each end are limited by their physical processing power, the use of fiber optics and even light through vaccum will be limited by the sending and receiving medium's processing ability. This is one of the reasons why there's a huge thrust towards quantum computing and computers. This will bring about the ability to undertake the processing that would enable truely high speed processing to enable encoding and translation to and between digital and optical data. I'm talking at over 100's of terabits/sec kind of stuff.

Somehow, this gives me an impression of a complete computing desktop solution that is available online and is free to use, supported by minimilistically invasive advertising.Picture this: you're either, home, at your office, on your handheld computer, at a fiends place, steaming along on the high seas or maybe even travelling in space. You preffer a combination of Linux and MS windows and perhaps some other OS, all running simaltanously. Imagine for a moment, that all you have to do when you switch on your web enabled computer (whereever you are, and whatever type of system you're on) and you feed in your service IP and password, and in a few seconds (over a high speed connection) your system is running a remote OS along with any possible program you can think of (all open source or shareware) - everything remotely. You run office tools and applications, it's run on a remote computer accessed by your client computer/ or maybe you'd like to calculate the million'th 'pi'. Google looks to be aiming towards something like this and seeing the way technology is fast progressing, it wont be very long before all this becomes a reality. Something like an intranet sharing applications and processing services on a mammoth global (and perhaps outerspace) scale.

Microsoft is automatically assuming that people are automatically/ by default going to be online. It really hasn't thought about users who may not wish to go online for whatever reasons. Supposing they do actually purchase the original copy, they'd want to have the complete features, and, Microsoft would have to provide for what users are paying for. However, if the downloadable features are only 'addon' features that are available online, then having only oiginal copy users accessing these is a 'now regular' feature of the Windows Download center. Thre is no way that Microsoft will get off with providing some users (those able to access the internet) with full features and those not acccessing the internet with features (disabled or unavailable), so long as both sections of the purchasing ustomers are paying the same price.

I've been using CoreFTP for a while now and its been a great experience. The LE version is free while the PRO is shareware. The LE version is just right for the normal FTP user. Where features are concerned, it's got all you require of an FTP program, including transfering complete folders (saw a post with FTP programs not allowing this in the free version). The only difference between the PRO and the free version is that in the PRO version, you're enabled with unlimited and unattended scheduling of transfers (also others like encryption during transfer and route tracing..etc..) So far, I've not had a single problem with CoreFTP over the last 2 years and I'd strongly reccomend it to novices and professionals alike.

Another natural extension to Google's already indispensible online search engine. If Google can actually find one, highly relavant results from a few words, it sure must be capable of finding one a person matching one's highly descriptive profile. And with Gmail, the number of Google users who are already registered, gives them a ready platform from which to draw potential users without the added hassle of going through a registeration process. I do hope they keep this free though, because if it does, there's no way it's going to fail (assuming tey have some sort of built in failsafe quality control mechanism).

Now, having anything available online - searchable to anyone who may want to is I believe all for the greatest good. If Google plans on charging for the search, then it's something that may be a bit of a concern as far as Google's business mehods are concerned. As far as the general public is concerned, most folks do not have a clue about what to do with a decoded strand of any gene. This however is very usefuf for people involved in the commercial manupulation as well as the research of genome modification. Now, what results from gene modification, dicing, splicing and the general blending of genetic data is of course left much to debate, and will no doubt be regulated by local laws in diffrent parts of the world. Overall, any information that is available for general public usage through a search, helps in the overall advancement of the human population. Google should endevour to provide information that is not copyright in as many areas as possible. More tha information in varied areas that are available, the more the unique solutions to most problems will be hatched. Something like this will especially help out in TRIZ.

High speed transfer via bluetooth is something that will be quite a boon. At present, I utilize my phone as an MP3 player as well as a handy storage device between which to transfer documents and presentations between my office computer and my personal computer. It currently takes about 4-5 minutes to transfer a complete song decent quality of about 7 MB) and a good 3-4 minutes to transfer a full presentation.Usually whn I have to rush out of office and there's a bit of rush to transfer files, there's always this feeling of inadequecy whle utlizing te bluetooth facility. High speed bluetoth will really sort things out.