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Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer

Posted by Harshad

Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer


Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:10 PM PST

Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This SummerMicrosoft has announced the launch of its Technical Preview program for "Office 15."


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Man vs Machine Breaks Record: 999 Simultaneous Players

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 05:10 PM PST

Man vs Machine Breaks Record: 999 Simultaneous PlayersMuchDifferent was just one player shy from its original 1000-player goal, but landed in the Guinness World Records Gamer Edition nonetheless.


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Intel Adds Seven New Sandy Bridge Processors

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:10 PM PST

Intel Adds Seven New Sandy Bridge ProcessorsIntel has quietly added seven new Sandy Bridge processors in the i5 and Celeron M series.


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Windows 8 on ARM Heading To Devs Soon, Claims Sources

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:10 AM PST

Windows 8 on ARM Heading To Devs Soon, Claims SourcesSources claim that Windows on ARM is now stable and gearing up for a release to developers soon.


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

You Can Edit 4K Video on a MacBook Air (With a Red Rocket)

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:10 AM PST

You Can Edit 4K Video on a MacBook Air (With a Red Rocket)Since you can't even play 4K video on any PC, most of us would not automatically come up with an idea to edit 12-megapixel resolution video on a Macbook Air.


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review: Up Against GeForce GTX 580

Posted by Harshad

AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review: Up Against GeForce GTX 580


AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review: Up Against GeForce GTX 580

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:10 PM PST

AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review: Up Against GeForce GTX 580Is the Radeon HD 7970's £450 asking price too high? AMD now has a less expensive derivative based on the same GCN architecture. At its default clock rates, it's fast enough to outrun Nvidia's GeForce GTX 580 in many benchmarks. And it overclocks like mad.


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi

Posted by Harshad

How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi


How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 05:19 PM PST

Being able to automate tasks is a very convenient option when using computer systems, which is one of the reasons why Apple included its Automator tool in OS X that can various scriptable tasks within applications and therefore do things like organize files and contacts, create documents with specific items in them, and manage calendar events.

While Automator and other scripting options like shell scripting or AppleScript are convenient, they are missing the triggering tool that will run them. Apple supplies its Apple Events options where you can have the system run a script when a folder's contents are changed, or on demand from an application like running an Automator workflow when an iCal alarm sounds, but other options require more details to get running. Apple's main scheduler in OS X is its launchd system launcher process, which can conditionally run various scripts or programs based on the user's or developer's needs; however, this option requires knowledge of launchd and familiarity with the Terminal to get running.

As a result of this complexity, many tasks in OS X that could be highly customized end up going unattended and requiring users to manually start them in order to get completed, but Griffin Technologies, which makes a number of peripheral devices for Mac OS and iOS systems, has a tool called Proxi that makes triggering scripted tasks far easier.

The tool is set up similar to Automator, where you create a list of triggers fol... [Read more]

LastPass now manages Wi-Fi passwords--but it's a pain

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:19 PM PST

LastPass can now help you manage and safe-guard your Wi-Fi passwords.

(Credit: LastPass)

An update to the password managing utility LastPass (download for Windows and Mac) at the end of last week added a useful new feature, and tightened security protocols just a bit more than before.

The new feature lets you manage your Wi-Fi passwords from within LastPass. Unfortunately for existing users, you're going to have to re-install the LastPass dekstop client to get it to work. LastPass explained that this is because the new feature required a new utility with administrative rights before it could access the Wi-Fi password list. It also requires running the binary version of the LastPass browser add-on. Download here Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome, or download here for Opera and Safari.

Once updated, you can import Wi-Fi passwords to LastPass as a secure note via the Import option under Tools. On Windows, you can also export your saved Wi-Fi passwords in all browsers except Safari under Tools, then Export.

Also, ... [Read more]

FingerPrint turns any printer into an AirPrint printer

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:08 PM PST

FingerPrint for Windows/Mac adds AirPrint capabilities to all your printers--and even some apps.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET)

Ever wish you could beam a photo from your iPhone or iPad to your printer?

That's the promise of Apple's AirPrint technology, which debuted way back in iOS 4.2. Unfortunately, few printers support AirPrint, meaning most users are stuck copying photos to their PCs and then printing them.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida)

A little over a year ago, I posted a workaround: Make AirPrint work with non-AirPrint-compatible printers. It works for some printers, but not all--and it's kind of a hassle to implement.

For example, I recently dug out an old HP Photosmart 475 "lunchbox" photo printer, harboring dreams of churning out snapshots right from my iPhone. Alas, my workaround didn't work. And the Photosmart 475 isn't supported by HP's ePrint app.

Then I found ... [Read more]

Yahoo cleaning house, kills a bunch of mobile apps

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST

Yahoo Meme for iPhone has been discontinued.

(Credit: Yahoo)

Online giant Yahoo has killed a host of mobile applications.

The company said on Friday that it has discontinued Yahoo Meme for the iPhone and iPad, Yahoo News for Android, and Yahoo Finance for RIM's BlackBerry operating system, among others. The company said that its decision was a response to the rapidly changing mobile market, and the fact that some of its applications just weren't cutting it.

"Our plan is to keep moving, to keep innovating, and to continuously measure and scrutinize what's working and what isn't--so we can make room for great new products," the company wrote in a blog post on Friday. "In that spirit, today we're decommissioning several of our current mobile apps."

Yahoo doesn't plan to turn its back on mobile applications, though. The company said that this year, it will have a "mobile first" mindset, and plans to launch several new applications, "such as companion experiences for TV like IntoNow, new ways to experience personalized media like Livestand, and some of our most popular and useful mobile apps like Yahoo! Mail, Messenger, Sportacular, and Flickr."

Related stories

Google ratchets up VP8 video quality--but so do video rivals

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:42 AM PST

Google has released "Duclair," the new version 1.0.0 of its VP8 technology that the company says does a better job encoding video and faster job decoding it.

And it's a good thing, too, because VP8 is taking on not only the incumbent H.264, but also a sequel called High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) from the same group that's well under development.

VP8 and H.264 are codecs, technology for compressing video for more compact storage or for more efficient transmission over a network. But the two come from very different backgrounds. Google hopes VP8 will free the Web from patent-encumbered video, but the group building HEVC explicitly permits patents (PDF). And, some members, such as Microsoft and the Frauenhofer Institute, have a strong interest in royalty revenue.

Patents aren't a matter for VP8 allies to brush off lightly. MPEG LA, the group that licenses the pool of H.264 patents on behalf patent holders, has issued rumblings that VP8 violates patents from 12 organizations. But in more than a year and a half since VP8 was first released, the codec hasn't triggered any direct litigation or the formation of a new MPEG LA patent pool whose existence would undermine Google's royalty-fre... [Read more]

How to accelerate downloads in Android

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 03:59 PM PST

Many users don't notice download speed on their mobile device, because most of the files we get are pretty small: 1MB or so. Some users work with larger files, and for them, faster downloads are essential, as is control over the download process. It's nice to be able to stop, restart, and reorder the download queue, and the free AndroGET app does all that while speeding up large downloads. Here's how to use it:

  1. Install the AndroGET app from the Android Market.
  2. Launch it and tap the gear-shaped Settings icon in the top right. The simple settings are pretty good for most users, but you can easily change the default save folder, number of simultaneous downloads, and notifications. Tap Advanced to change proxy settings and more. When you're done, tap the check mark in the upper right to save or the X in the upper left to discard your changes.

    Step 2: AndroGET Settings.

  3. AndroGET works with most Android browsers, so the next time you see a download link, long-press it and select Share link, then select AndroGET.

    Step 3: Share link.

  4. AndroGET pops up and asks you to confirm the download. If a password is required, tap Credentials and enter your info; otherwise, tap Download to confirm.

    Step 4: Confirm download.

  5. The download should proceed in the backgro... [Read more]

ClearTerminal version 1.01

Posted by Harshad

ClearTerminal version 1.01


ClearTerminal version 1.01

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 5.1.3.0832

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Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 2.1

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Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 2.1.2

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Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 9.61

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Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 3.2

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Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 5.1

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.1

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 2.1.2

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 5.1.3.0813

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Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.0

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.4

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.0

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.4

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.0

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)

Posted by Harshad

Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)


Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:05 AM PST

For me, there are two things that should be considered as the starting point of a well thought out networking strategy. The headline of this post gives a good hint on what I’m talking about, so let me just say it upfront: start by setting your goals and understanding the basic rules.

networking 02 Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)

Quick note:
This post is a part of a series titled – Networking Guide for Bloggers. Be sure to check back next week for more! If you’ve missed the previous post(s), here are the links:

A word on setting goals

“Setting goals is an important part of most of our projects, or at least it should be. Goals are a guidance for us on what path we should take.”

It all sounds nice, and surely is true, but what does it really mean, you know, in plain English? Well, my personal approach can be explained by the phrase: “goals are the answer.”

Here’s what I mean. Whenever I’m starting a new project, the very first thing I do is set my goals. From that point on I have an answer to every question I might stumble upon concerning the project.

setting goals Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)
(Image source: Shutterstock)

What I do is simple. When faced with a challenge or a decision I simply ask myself what solution is the most in tune with the goals I’ve set and brings me closer to achieving them.

Even though it’s not that obvious at first, setting goals is as important for networking as it is for any other project.

Before you do anything, and I mean anything, you have to know what you’re aiming for and why you’re trying to reach out to people.

Now, I’m not going to tell you what your goals should be – this is up to you. I’m only going to give you some hints and possible ideas that are somewhat common for most people.

common goals of networking

The word goals is pretty vague and it doesn’t indicate what a properly defined goal should look like. In most cases, goals are answers to the question of what I want to achieve in a given project – what my desired outcome is.

In other words, by the end of the day/week/year what is it that you want? And I don’t mean the material stuff.

For example, most bloggers have very similar answers:

  • “I want to have an established network of friends (other bloggers) who would promote my content to their own audiences and be willing to publish my guest posts every now and then.”
  • “I want to have a group of people willing to participate in collaborative projects with me, and help me with my product launches.”
  • “I want to meet some influential bloggers who could introduce me to some of the A-players in my niche.”
  • “I want to partner with other bloggers in their launches, and be a valuable ally to them.”

These are all valid goals, and they are surely worth pursuing, but what I would advise you to start with, is dividing all the possibilities into two groups.

Short term goals Vs. long term goals

Long term goals are actually better for defining first because they create an overall image of what you’re doing, and point you towards the right path.

Long term goals are also more general in nature, so you can use them as a base for defining short term goals.

In essence, your long term goals are things you want to achieve ultimately. Short term goals are specific milestones that will get you to your long term goals.

For example, your long term goal might be to get to know 5 bloggers and create a strong enough relationship to be able to publish each other’s guest posts and participate in their promotions in the time of one year. To get to this goal you’d have to create a number of short term goals. Things like: contact 10 bloggers and offer them guest posts within the first month. And so on.

Blogging is rarely a strictly business-like activity and, at the same time, rarely a strictly personal thing. That’s why the most common long term goal of networking for bloggers is to simply make friends. To have a small number of good friends with whom you can participate in different kinds of projects, promotions and other activities.

This sort of relationships can be used both for strictly business projects and some personal, social activities. The diverse nature of blogging itself gives you such possibilities. This is something very difficult to achieve in other fields … try to imagine a similar situation in corporate banking, for example.

Here’s what I advise you to do when working on your goals.

1. Pick your final, desirable outcome.

Making friends, in my opinion, is what works best. However, you can also try more business driven approaches. Like building personal expertise in your niche, or becoming the go-to-person for a given (precise) activity.

Whatever you choose remember about two things: your goals have to be exact, and there has to be a deadline.

For example, “I want to meet some bloggers and publish many guest posts on their blogs.” – This isn’t exact. “I want to meet 10 bloggers from my niche and publish 30 guest posts on their blogs.” – This is.

And, of course, the deadline … well, deadlines are deadlines, I’m sure you understand what a deadline is.

2. Try to define a number of milestone goals (Short term goals).

This is where you try to come up with some steps that will bring you closer to the ultimate goals.

Important. You don’t have to design your whole path, so to speak. Short term goals are exactly what the name says, so you only need to define your goals for the next month or so. When the month ends you simply define another set of short term goals.

Continuing the example above; your short term goal could be to “contact 20 bloggers and offer them a guest post within 30 days.” – This is both exact and has a deadline.

However, before you take your goals and do anything with them you need to learn one important thing.

important rule of networking

I won’t keep you hanging here, so I’ll just say upfront that the rule is this: it’s not about you, it’s about them.

Sorry to be the one to break this to you, but … no one cares about you (except for your mom).

OK, it’s not that harsh. Your friends care about you too. But before they can care about you they need to become your friends. Same goes for your online friends.

networking Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)
(Image source: Shutterstock)

Don’t be amazed that some people simply ignore your emails. It’s just life. Strangers ignore each other all the time. And you are no different. When was the last time you deleted an email from an unknown recipient? … umm today?

Whatever you do, remember that you have to give before you take.

Blasting an email to a stranger titled “great business proposition inside” won’t work in a thousand years. You’d be lucky if out of 1000 emails even one gets opened and read.

Now the funny part, giving just like that, out of the blue probably won’t work either. I’d say that there’s another important step before you can even give – introducing yourself.

Remember when your mom taught you never to take candy from a stranger? That’s exactly the situation here.

So finally, here’s a possible real life scenario: introduce, give, take. Actually, a more accurate one is: introduce, give, give, give, give, take … or something similar.

In essence, networking like we’re discussing it here works just like it does in real life. That’s because it is real life, the internet is just a medium, and there are still people on both sides.

As a matter of fact, you have to be even more careful when asking for something online than you’d be in real life. It’s much easier to refuse or even ignore someone over the internet. That’s one of the reasons why some people prefer doing business over the phone to using email. Saying no to someone directly is much more demanding in terms of inner strength than writing it on the screen.

This all makes the whole online environment much more subtle and uncertain; hence the importance of giving before you can take.

It’s time for action, isn’t it? That’s why the next post in the series is going to be all about selecting the right people to contact. Until then don’t forget to subscribe to get the posts delivered straight to your inbox.

I have one more question for you. What do you think about the idea of introducing yourself before doing anything else? Don’t you find giving something out of the blue to be a little strange?