ClipGrab

Program Of The Week

ClipGrab

If you want to download videos from Youtube, to be stored permanently in your PC, here is a marvel - ClipGrab. This software works with other video websites too, if you have a clear-cut and dedicated URL. You will surely yell YUREKA !! 

Simply open its user interface, paste the URL in the given space under DOWNLOADS tab and click on "Grab This Clip". No need to modify the video FORMAT but you better choose the video QUALITY which suits your internet speed and HDD space. 

No need to touch the SETTINGS tab unless you want to see/ change the TARGET PATH where the videos are saved. There is a SEARCH tab which gladly brings the list of videos you want from Youtube with thumbnails !!

Track Courier

Website Of The Week

www.trackcourier.in

If you are frequently sending or receiving items through multiple private couriers, this site is going to be an all-in-one solution for you. Just select the courier name , enter the Airway Bill number (AWB No.) and click on "Track" button. That's it. Only exception is INDIA POST because they insist on human verification code for tracking. I wonder why...

How to calibrate your monitor through Windows?

Question Of The Week

How to calibrate your monitor through Windows?

Have you bought a new monitor for your PC but not calibrated it yet? You don't need a colour calibtrator hardware; that's for professionals only. You can simply set your monitor to emit natural colours through Windows itself.

Go to Control Panel in Windows 7 (Settings in Windows 10), --> Hardware and Sound --> Display --> Change Display Settings --> Advanced Settings --> Colour Management --> Click a tick "Use my settings for this device" --> Advanced --> Calibrate Display.

Believe me; it's going to be a child's play. Just follow Windows' instructions. After calibration, save it somewhere. You should see it named "Calibrated Display Profile" among ICC Profiles under "All Profiles" tab in the Colour Management window. Now Go to DEVICES in Colour Management window, click ADD, select the "Calibrated Display Profile", then "Set as default profile".

Congratulations, You have done it !! Now you can verify the Gamma emission with QuickGamma software or Calibration images downloaded from internet (Check Norman Koren's website). Gamma emission is usually 2.2 for Windows.

Avidemux

Program Of The Week

Avidemux

If you are fed up with the million crashes of VirtualDubMod while importing or exporting MKV/MP4 video files for conversion of file size, codec or file type, then you are in for a treat.

You can feed any file type/ codec in Avidemux and convert it to your choice. Being compatible with most of the video and audio codecs and container file types, Avidemux works like a charm... very smooth indeed. Precision of cutting and joining frames is excellent. In fact, Avidemux is probably based on the source code of VirtualDubMod... or at least it looks like one ! 

91Mobiles

Website Of The Week

www.91mobiles.com

Are you looking to buy a mobile, tablet or laptop? This website gives a fantastic guidance to Indian users. It provides a lot of filters like screen size, OS, camera, RAM, battery etc., to choose from. Results can be viewed in the order of user popularity, 91mobiles' assessment score or the price. Yes, the most important is the price which is updated daily by 91mobiles from various Indian online stores. But, I am not attracted by 91mobiles' 15% cashback coupon for eBay products obviously because it is an not instant benefit.

UEFI Vs BIOS

Question Of The Week

UEFI Vs BIOS

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is an interface between hardware and the operating system. It is similar to BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System ) but is not specific to any processor architecture. BIOS is specific to the 16-bit x86 processor architecture.

BIOS boots by reading the first sector on a hard disk and executing it; this boot sector in turn locates and runs additional code (System OS). UEFI boots by loading .EFI program files from a partition on the hard disk, known as the EFI System Partition (ESP).  

The BIOS system is very limiting because of space constraints and 16-bit code, whereas modern computers use 32-bit or 64-bit without space constraints. UEFI can be faster causing a reduction in the total boot time.

UEFI supports a feature called Secure Boot, as the name suggests, to improve security. Secure Boot requires a digital "signature" of boot loaders, which in turn should require signing of kernels, and so on up the chain. This should make it harder for malware authors to insert their code into the pre-boot process, thus improving security. This sounds good, but it also complicates dual-boot configurations.

UEFI provides a shell environment, which can be used to execute other UEFI applications. Commands available in the UEFI shell can be used to obtain information about the system, to modify boot manager, to load UEFI drivers, to run partitioning programs etc.,

In Windows, the boot disk's partition table type is linked to the firmware type (MBR to BIOS; GPT to UEFI). If it's GPT (GUID {Global Unique ID} Partition Table), you booted in EFI mode, and if it's MBR (Master Boot Record), you booted in BIOS mode. MBR tops out at 2TB (assuming standard sector sizes), which means that UEFI is a practical necessity to boot Windows for larger than 2TB disks.

The Compatibility Support Module (CSM) is a component of the UEFI firmware which provides legacy BIOS compatibility by emulating a BIOS environment, allowing the use of legacy operating systems (those do not support UEFI). CSM also features legacy System Management Mode functionality called CompatibilitySMM, providing USB legacy support for keyboard and mouse, by emulating their classic PS/2 counterparts.

UEFI requires the firmware and operating system loader (kernel) to be size-matched; for example, a 64-bit UEFI firmware can only load a 64-bit UEFI operating system boot loader. 32-bit UEFI is not prevalent since vendors did not have interest in producing native 32-bit UEFI firmware because of the mainstream status of 64-bit computing. Although Windows 8 includes 32-bit support, only the 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7 can be installed in UEFI firmware.

Now you know why you had problems in installing 32-bit Windows 7 in your latest laptop which either had DOS or Linux from the factory !! Try the legacy BIOS compatibility mode in the UEFI settings screen or simply go for Windows 8 (32-bit/64-bit).

GOM Player

Program Of The Week

GOM Player

For long, I was using BS Player (mostly) and VLC Player (occasionally) to watch video files. Recently, I found this GOM Player which has all the features combined together from BS and VLC Players. Moreover, GOM didn't frequently crash like BS Player because I have the habit of Pause n'Play to read lengthy subtitles. But, I still carry VLC Player in my PC just to check missing codecs if a video file doesn't run in GOM. 

Youtube Mp3

Website Of The Week

www.youtube-mp3.org

If you ever wanted to rip the audio from a Youtube video/ song, you will find this website quite handy. Enter that video/song's Youtube URL and just download. That's it. No need to become a member. And no need to install any browser extensions. You can use it with your Mac, a Linux PC or even an iPhone.

Question Of The Week

What is Wi-Fi?

1. Wi-Fi is not related to 2G, 3G, 4G or Bluetooth. It is a unique Wireless Local Area Network (W-LAN) protocol against LAN of wired connections via Ethernet cable.  A WiFi hotspot is simply an area with an accessible wireless network. The term is most often used to refer to wireless networks in public areas like airports and coffee shops. Some are free and some require fees for use.

2. Wi-Fi coverage has a range varying from 30 to 100 metres. Wi-Fi Connection Speed Varies With Distance. Wi-Fi signal may fail to reach even half that distance if heavy obstructions like walls exist on the radio signals' path.

3. Multiple overlapping Access Points (Hotspots) can cover an area of many square kilometers as large as a city. Mysore became India's first city enabled with Wi-Fi in 2004.

4. Wi-Fi is being used in Tablets, Laptops and many other devices which connect to internet via Wireless Access Point, usually a Network interface controller. Wireless DSL Broadband Routers and cable modems can act as Wi-Fi Access Points and connect Desktop PCs. Smart phones act as Wi-Fi Wireless Access Points themselves and reach nearby Wi-Fi station through 2G, 3G or 4G networks.

5. Wi-Fi is less secure than LAN of wired broadband. To keep your network private, you can use one or both of the following methods; 1.Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) of WiFi Protected Access version 2 (WPA2) involves signing on with a password. Use caution when connecting Public hotspots  2. Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering; Each device has its own unique MAC address. MAC address filtering allows only machines with specific MAC addresses to access the network. You must specify which addresses are allowed when you set up your router.

6. You can also set a limit to the number of devices that can connect to your router and even disable remote administration so that only computers plugged directly into your router can change your network settings. You should also change the Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is your network name, to something other than the default

7. Dutch engineer VIC HAYES is known as Father of Wi-Fi. The name Wi-Fi was derived from the term "Hi-Fi" which stands for High Fidelity in audio devices. Wi-Fi networking standard is labelled as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) ranging from 802.11a (oldest), 802.11b, 802.11g to 802.11n (newest). IEEE does not test devices for compliance with their standards. In 1999, a Wi-Fi Alliance was formed as a trade association to enforce the Wi-Fi standard and to hold the Wi-Fi trademark and Logo.

8. Among the types of Wi-Fi, 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b equipments can all network together, but 802.11a standard does not support cross-compatibility with any of the others.

9. Wi-Fi communcation from one particular device to another particular device only is known as Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi. It is used in portable video game consoles, digital cameras etc.,

10. Using Wi-Fi for a year results in exposure of radiation equal to that of 20 minutes of mobile phone call !!

Sumatra PDF and Nitro PDF

Program Of The Week

Sumatra PDF

Nitro PDF

For long, I have been suffering with Adobe Reader to read PDF filetypes. One fine morning, I googled and found these useful but free programs. 

Sumatra PDF is the smallest and easiest PDF file reader software available in the net. It has all needed features of Adobe except one. It lacks the thumbnail page view column on the left side. I don't mind.

Nitro PDF looks ugly but its free version does some extra work. It can extract text and images from PDF files and create PDF files from text. I haven't tried its pro version.

Snapdeal

Website Of The Week

www.snapdeal.com

This website has inarguably become the No.1 among the Indian online shopping websites (simply shown by the fact that eBay purchased Snapdeal shares a few months ago). It is very rare to see a product priced lesser at some other site than Snapdeal. Easy to order and even easier to cancel your order before the item is shipped. Useful reviews on the items are published in the same page like Amazon. Only thing you have to do carefully is to choose from the list of sellers according to their ratings. 

Debit Card Vs Net Banking

Question Of The Week

Debit Card Vs Net Banking

Which is Safer?

Well, you should know the answer if you have tried both methods at least once. In Debit Card transactions either the PIN number or VISA/Master password will be asked along with your card details, of course, through a secure gateway.

Net Banking login procedure starts with a virtual keyboard in which syllables are reshuffled everytime. This helps you to escape the viruses which can identify your strokes on the real keyboard. Once you have entered the transaction details, a confirmation SMS along with a numeric password will be sent to your mobile. Only if you enter that password, Net Banking transaction will be completed.

Since the chances of losing your password and your mobile at the same time to the same person are very less, you should know which is safer. Next time you come across an online transaction, (if both options available) don't choose Debit Card over Net Banking just because Debit Card is easy to go!!

EMI Calculator

Program Of The Week

EMI Calculator

Of course, EMI Calculators are available in most of the bank websites and even in our phones. But, this program gives you certain additional information in one glance. Apart from the EMI value, it also gives you the total amount of interest and the grand total of capital plus interest you have to pay during the loan period. Only con is the dollar symbol. Just forget it and imagine your own country's money symbol there. That's it.

Carbible

Website Of The Week

www.carbible.com

If you are a car-buff and if you have time and interest to know about the various functional parts of cars, this is an excellent website. It gives you quite a lot of information. Although some sub-sections are yet to be written, you have to watch for the links to sub-sections carefully at the end of each webpage. I personally found the Tyre and Engine oil sections useful when I was looking to change them recently.

How To Set Up Personal Firewall?

Question Of The Week

How To Set Up Personal Firewall?

A personal firewall is a module which monitors communications to and from a computer and permits/denies them based on a security policy. You would have already seen Windows Firewall in your PC's Control Panel. A personal firewall differs from a conventional firewall in terms of scale only. Personal firewalls are typically designed by users themselves. Personal Firewall alerts you about every outgoing/incoming connection attempts.

A typical example is the one offered by Eset Smart Security. An outgoing connection attempt is usually made by locally installed software (including Windows). Eset Smart Security will give you two options; 1.Allow, 2.Deny, either temporarily or permanently. If some unknown/new application (Spyware) makes such an attempt you can easily block it. An incoming connection is whenever a remote computer is attempting to communicate with your PC. It may be a well known server or a hacker. Just apply the above mentioned options. Please note that some applications like uTorrent, Firefox, Skype etc., will be making both incoming and outgoing communications.

To get such alerts and modify them yourself, you have to set Eset Smart Security in "Interactive Mode" (Set Up -> Advanced Set Up -> Personal firewall). Also note that whenever Eset Smart Security gives such alerts, it will give you a suggestion by projecting the alert in Red for NO, and in Green for YES. If you find it troublesome, go for "Automatic Mode with Exceptions". 

Personal firewall protection is especially useful for users with "Always On" connections such as DSL or Cable modem. Such connections use a static IP address that makes them especially vulnerable to potential hackers. Personal Firewall can hide your computer from port scans by not responding to unsolicited network traffic (Read about Angry IP Scanner, but don't try it because Port Binding is provided by every ISP nowadays).

The final touch is Personal firewall is not infallible because sometimes viruses can manipulate the firewall. When both are running on the same system, it may be possible to bypass or even completely shut down the firewall !!

Eset Smart Security

Program Of The Week

Eset Smart Security

This is an antivirus program rated among the top five in business. Believe me, I have tried Norton, Kaspersky, ZoneAlarm, AVG and Avast. Those who have experienced, will surely agree with me that Eset Smart Security is a beauty.

It has three components of protection: 1.Antivirus, 2.Personal Firewall, 3.Antispam module. If you visit Downloads section of Eset, along with Eset Smart Security you will find one Eset Antivirus, which contains only the first component above mentioned. Obviously, it is inferior to Eset Smart Security because it lacks Personal Firewall which is very essential to monitor every communication to and from your PC when the internet is on. The third component is only necessary for those who use something like Outlook Express to receive emails into their PC but not for those who use webmails (Yahoo, Gmail etc.,).

Whenever you try to visit dangerous websites which are already marked by Eset, it gives you a red alert in your browser and prevents you from visiting that site. There is also a special feature called Threat Sense which when enabled submits suspicious files to Eset lab and gets feedback.

The most important reason why I like Eset Smart Security is... when you start the computer, this antivirus program takes only a few seconds before allowing other programs to start functioning. There are some other antivirus programs which will make you go for a tea-break after switching on the computer because they take quite a few minutes. And don't forget that Eset Smart Security is quite efficient in its job.

Quillpad

Website Of The Week

Quillpad.in

If you are an Indian, and if you want to express your thoughts (while using internet) in your own mother tongue, you can use this fantastic website. It gives you a choice of ten indian languages including all 4 south indian. You just have to choose the language and then start typing in the box provided. Very useful one.

What is a sticky thread?

Question Of The Week

What is a sticky thread?

If you are a member of one or more internet forums, you would be familiar with this word. A sticky thread remains at the top of a forum and will not move down even if a new thread is posted later by the same or different person. Sticky threads are special because they are either updated regularly, have useful information, or are very important in some way.

The moderators of that section or administrators of that forum only can tag a thread as "sticky" to ensure it always remains at the top and doesn't go down the list to be lost in the shuffle. Of course, administrators and moderators can also make them un-sticky and move or remove these threads.

In fact, most of the threads tagged as sticky come from the administrators or moderators of that forum only. So, don't get surprised if some thread (of massive importance as you believe) posted by you or some other user is not made sticky!

Windows Snipping Tool

Program Of The Week

Windows Snipping Tool

I had already written about a software called Snapshot a couple of years back. Now, Windows itself has included a Snipping Tool in its armoury. START-> PROGRAMS-> ACCESSORIES. You can simply copy whatever part of screen you want by dragging the pointer. That's why your photos are not safe in any website, even if that website prevents copying of a photo by not giving "Save Picture As" option while Right-Clicking on it.

Policy Tiger

Website Of The Week

www.policytiger.com

When I was looking to renew my car insurance last week, I stumbled upon this website. It gives you a detailed comparison of all the premiums and other charges from popular Insurance companies in India. Moreover, it has sections for Life Insurance and Health Insurance Too. Once you choose the best which suits your needs, you can visit that particular company's website to purchase/ renew the insurance if you don't want to do the transaction through policytiger itself.