Everything About Linux

Posted by: Sukhbir Singh 'BinaryGuy'

Linux is an operating system, just like Microsoft Windows - but Linux is free (explained later), very stable and ultra powerful - Google uses a Linux farm (a large network of computers) to perform its search operations, NASA uses it for flight simulations and it was used on the Space Shuttle Columbia. Now you can imagine what we are talking about.

Just what is an OS? You might be using Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows XP. But how do we exactly define an OS?

An Operating System (OS) is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Microsoft Windows is without doubt the most common and the standard OS in use today - simply because its easy to use. And of course, Windows does enjoy a simple click-and-run reputation. But there are certain things that make Windows look obsolete - viruses, system crashes, spyware, not having the ability to modify the system and of course the price.

Continue Reading 6 comments September 30th, 2006

Apple iPod gets sleek, colorful and tastier!

Posted by: Harry

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. An Apple in your hand keeps chicks close and curious. Though the former might be very true we’re still researching on the latter. Anyways it’s time to bug your Daddy for an Apple! Steve Jobs has added more masala to the super sexy iPod babes. If you’re a gizmo friendly human chances are that you’re already an Apple fan and worship Steve Jobs. Don’t go to that extent, worship your girlfriend instead.

Continue Reading 12 comments September 15th, 2006

Everything About Passwords

Posted by: Sukhbir Singh 'BinaryGuy'

Your passwords are the keys you use to access personal information - stored in your computer or your online accounts. It is not easy to break a password - there is no direct way to do this, however certain other methods do exist - if your password is weak (read on to find out more) - it can be recovered in a couple of minutes using an ordinary computer.

Here are a few tips on choosing a strong password. As we proceed, I will explain clearly the difference between a strong password and a weak one. Or rather, how to classify them.

How to choose a strong password?:

A strong password is one which has a random string of characters. It should meet the following criteria.

1. Length - The rule of the thumb is - each character you add to your password increases the protection that it provides by many times over. An ideal password is
8 or more characters: 14 characters or more is recommended.

You can also use a ‘pass phrase’. Since many systems support the use of space bar
in passwords (a space bar is equal to a *, it is counted as part of the password),
you can create a phrase made of many words.

Continue Reading 12 comments September 14th, 2006

Internet Rumors/ Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Posted by: Sukhbir Singh 'BinaryGuy'

1. Email Forwards (my personal best) :

The Rumor:

This is a pretty common rumour (also spread through SMS) - you recieve an email that that has been forwarded thousands of times, stating that if you pass on that particular email someone sick (most are kids suffering from Cancer) will get a dollar for every address you forwarded the mail to.

Explanation:

This needs no explanation - but since people do fall for this; here is a little food for your grey cells. It is possible to track a single email - you can find out from where the mail was sent using the IP address in the header section of the email. But if an email is forwarded to hundreds of addresses and in return forwarded to another hundred - there is absolutely no way to keep track of that email.

Continue Reading 19 comments August 31st, 2006

Exclusive: Introducing Google Love!

Posted by: Princess

Google is introducing it’s own dating service by the end of this summer. The service would be called Google Love. Google aims at making the most of the entire single human population on the planet and hooking them up with their ideal partners. Though the business model isn’t clear as yet, Google aims to make money by either charging a fee each time you find a date for yourself. Google is also drafting strict legal terms for no responsibility in case the date turns out to be explosive, in the other way ofcourse!

Google Love shall implement Google’s popluar search engine algoritm and the users would simply need to enter their keywords and click on Search. There’s still apprehension on whether Google Love would also include a ‘I’m feeling Lucky’ button as on other Google search pages. Google promises an enhanced and promising service along with direct pin-point feature integrating Google Maps and Google Earth. You can locate your partner’s exact location on the planet easily. Google has also tied up with NASA to enable it’s users to drop off roses directly through space on the user’s prospective date! Google hasn’t yet confirmed any date of the launch but there’s a buzz everywhere and let’s hope Google lives up to it’s name! Go Google!

18 comments June 29th, 2006