In pics: Tech @ Beijing Olympics

The Beijing Olympics are set for a grand start on August 8. The games have been in the limelight since the day they were announced, sometimes for right reasons, and many a times for wrong reasons.
The Chinese government's recent decision to censor Internet during the games has once again kicked up a row. As the days inch closer to the Big day, we bring you some interesting tech moments driving the games.

Seeking Olympian branding!
Lenovo is the only Chinese company among the International Olympic Committee's 12 top-tier sponsors. The Beijing-based company is hoping its link to the games will help its efforts to become a global brand name.
Lenovo is supplying 30,000 servers, personal computers and other pieces of equipment for the games and is sending 580 engineers to maintain it.
The company has run some 40 test events and rehearsals for the games, said Chen Xiaopeng, its senior vice president for China.
The company recently showed off a new wireless device, dubbed Beacon, which attaches to a digital camera and allows users to post pictures directly to the Web. Yang said it would be available for some news photographers to test during the games.
Lenovo is planning Olympics-related television advertising campaigns in the United States, Australia and India and will be running Internet advertisements in Europe.

Stop Press!
The Beijing Olympics plunged into another controversy after China's decision to reverse a pledge on allowing unfettered Web access to the thousands of foreign reporters covering the Games.
The International Olympic Committee and the Chinese organisers BOCOG later agreed to lift all Internet restrictions for the Beijing Games.

Someone’s watching you!
An accredited member of the media goes online at the main press centre for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on the Olympic Green in Beijing. Computer security experts have advised visitors to Beijing to protect their data from prying eyes. According to experts, travelers carrying smart cell phones, Blackberries or laptops could unwittingly be providing sensitive personal or business information to Chinese officials who monitor state-controlled telecom carriers.
Data risks
A journalist works on a laptop computer during a Beijing 2008 Olympics press conference. Without data encryption, executives may have their business plans or designs pilfered, while journalists' run the risk of exposing their contact list.

Till curtains go up!

A Chinese performer wraps up the stage in front of the television broadcast tower during rehearsal for the Beijing Olympics at the Olympic Green in Beijing, China, July 30, 2008.
Recently, a US Senator accused China of installing Internet-spying equipment in all the major hotel chains serving the Olympics.

Training Times
Staff train at the audio production room at the new China Central Television's (CCTV) Olympic Broadcast Center in Beijing. Broadcaster CCTV is dedicating 3,000 staff to the Beijing Olympic Games, with over 2,500 hours of programming going out on seven of the 17 channels it controls. CCTV will distribute Beijing Olympics broadcasts to all TV stations across China.

No politics please!
A staff member trains at the new China Central Television's (CCTV) Olympic Broadcast Center in Beijing, July 30, 2008. Although Chinese government has agreed to free Internet access for reporters for the period of the Games, it is still tightly controlled for the rest of the country.
It has also made a plea not to politicize the Games that many hoped would lead the country of 1.3 billion on a path to greater political reforms to match years of breakneck growth that has made China the world's fourth-largest economy.

Dressing up!
A giant overhead screen dominates a retail street in Beijing. Beijing is getting ready to receive a massive influx of foreign tourists during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and is determined to showcase a modern and vibrant capital.
Hu said that as early as 1908 some Chinese were saying their country should host the Olympics, adding that when the Games open on August 8 it would be the fulfillment of a 100-year dream.


Repressive regime
Foreign journalists use Internet services provided at the Main Press Center at the Olympic Green in Beijing.
Claiming that Chinese journalists faced greater repression now than in 2001 when Beijing was awarded the Olympic Games, a US-based think tank has charged that authorities there were accelerating crackdown on media before the opening ceremony for the mega sporting event on August 8.
The blocked Internet was seen as the latest broken promise on press freedom at the Beijing Olympics, which China's authoritarian government is hoping will show off an open, modern country and the rising political and economic power of the 21st century.

Lacking direction?
A passenger walks past a subway map at the new subway Line 8 which opened recently exclusively for accredited volunteers, journalists, staff and athletes in Beijing, July 29, 2008.

Super quotes from the Superstar

There is a joke about Rajnikanth that is doing the rounds in Kollywood and beyond: “When SUPERSTAR does a pushup, he does not lift himself up; he just pushes the Earth down”.

More jokes on these lines are in the making, thanks to the curtains of invincibility that have been woven around the Superstar by his fan-filmmakers. Writers too have contributed in building up the Rajni legend. It’s a habit among Rajni’s writers to jot in a few one-liners, which the star happily shoots off, on screen. No Rajni movie is complete without “the Rajnikanth Punch line”.

Each of these lines is taken in as a commandment by the zealous Rajni fan. Rajni does an MGR with these cleverly poised words. He uses it to communicate to his fans and detractors as to who he “really” is, what he likes, who he loves, who he hates and what his plans are. Here are 10 selected one-liners from the Superstar Rajnikanth encyclopedia.

Enjoy!

'Moondru Mugam' (1982): Rajni plays Alex Pandiyan, a righteous cop.

Ekambaram, the villain, dares to say this to Alex: “Ekambaramnu sonna vayithula irukura kozhandhai kooda vaaya moodum.” (“Say the name ‘Ekambaram’ and even an unborn child will shut its mouth and hush up.”)

Alex retorts: “Adhe kozhandhai kitta Alex Pandiyannu sonna, innoru kaiyale avanga amma vaayayum moodum!” ( “Well, if you say the name ‘Alex Pandian’ to that particular unborn child, it will close its mother’s mouth with the other hand!”)

'Annamalai' (1992): Rajni plays Annamalai, who starts out as a cowherd, and becomes a millionaire by selling milk.(!) He even sings in praise of the cow divine. About his style of functioning, he has this to say: Naan solrathaiyum seiven, sollathathiyum seiven.” ( “I will do what I say, I will also do what I don’t say.”)

'Uzhaippali' (1993): Rajni is the King of Proletarians here.

“Nethu naan coolie.. enniku naan nadigan.. naalaikku... Sila per solranga naan eppadi varuven appadi varuven.. naan eppadi varuvennu andavanukkum mattum thaan theriyum.. (Yesterday, I was a coolie, today I'm an actor; people have different ideas about my future. Only god knows what I will become!!)

'Baasha' (1995): In this cult classic, Rajni plays the undercover Don, who had once roamed the streets of Mumbai, in a car sandwiched by two SUVs. “Manik Basha” always walks in slow motion, with three doting assistants following him, three paces behind.

Apparently, Basha does not want to waste his words on lowlifes and trivialities: ““Naan oru dhadavai sonna nooru dhadavai sonna madhiri.” (If I say it once, it is equal to saying it a hundred times.”)


'Muthu' (1996): Rajni plays Muthu, a village simpleton who is the real “Vaaris” to a millionaire (also played by Rajni) who had given up his castle and all the riches thereof to lead the life of an ascetic!

“Naan eppa varuven, eppadi varuvennu yarukkum theriyadhu, aana varavendiya neratthil correct-aga varuven.” (“No one knows when I will come, or how I will, but when I come I will come in the right time.”)—No pun intented!

'Arunachalam' (1997): Rajni plays Arunachalam, who is given Rs. 30 crore in cash and the golden opportunity to squander it within a month’s time:

“Andavan solran. Arunachalam seiran.” (“God commands, Arunachalam obeys.”)

Padayappa (1999): Padayappa is a Mechanical engineer, who is brave enough to take a Cobra out of its pit. Unfortunately, a scheming uncle deprives Padayappa’s dad of all the wealth. Padayappa is left only with a throw-away real estate, which has a barren hill for an investment. Rajni discovers that it is a “granite malai” (granite hill!!!). He sells all the granite, becomes a millionaire, and avenges his dad.

“En vazhi , thani vazhi.” (“My way is the original (a unique) way!)

To women, who roam the village in min-skirts and flaunt their attitude, Padayappa has this to say (before he quits the scene in slow motion): “Adikamaa aasikkira aanum adhikamaa kopikkira ponnum vazhntha sarithirame kedaythth” (The overtly ambitious man and the overtly angry woman have never succeeded on earth!!!)

Baba (2003)

Plays Baba, who is destined for “bigger things”! Rajni himself has written the screenplay, but he forgets to tell people what the “bigger things” really are!

Baba: Naan leytta vanthalum leyttestta than varuvaan…. (Even if I come late, I will be the latest one to come!). Again, no pun intended.

'Chandramukhi' (2005)

Plays Saravanan, a super psychiatrist who “tames” a schizophrenic shrew. The plot demands Saravanan to play an Andhraite King, who says “Lagalagalagalagalagalaga” every time he enters the shot. The meaning of this word (phrase, idiom) is unknown to this day.

'Sivaji, The Boss' (2007)

Sivaji is a US-returnee, who nurtures the dream of civilizing India’s educational sector. He starts a medical college, gets trapped in huge debts and is rendered penniless. He is offered a One-rupee coin by the villain, just before “Interval”. Sivaji uses this coin to become a millionaire; the screen-time taken for this manoeuvre is not more than 10 minutes.

To the king of goons, who is surprised at the fact that Sivaji had landed alone to fight his monster herd, Sivaji says this: “Panni than daa koottama varum; Singam single aa than varum” (“Only the swine comes in herds; The Lion will always come alone”)

The ‘Discovery Channel’ truth: It’s the lion who always attacks in groups!

To those who literally tremble at the mention of his name, Sivaji roars: Summa peru sonnale adhiruthille???!!! (Doesn’t my name send a shiver down your spine? Ha!)

And when they swoon to his charms, Sivaji says: “Kkkhooooool” (“Cool”)!

How to boost your PC speed

Frustrated with slow computer speed? Hate it when your computer slows down while you access the Internet.

And you simply bang your head when your computer takes ages to search your files. You desperately wish that your PC could gain some speed.

Don't worry. You can easily overcome this.

Here are some easy-to-do tips which can boost up your PC speed.


Clean up disk errors

Whenever a programme crashes or you experience some power outage, your PC may create some errors on hard disk. This slows down computer speed.

For this, check and clean any errors on the computer hard disk.

To run Disk Check go to My Computer. Now, right-click on the drive you want to check for errors and click Properties.

In Properties dialogue box, click on the Tools tab. In the Error-Checking section, press the Check Now button. Access Check Disk to check for errors on your computer.

Depending on the errors, it may take up to an hour to check and clean. This must be followed at least once a week.


Remove temporary files

Your PC stores temporary files whenever you browse through the Web. Also, your PC stores temporary files when you work on programmes like Microsoft Word or Excel.

This ends up slowing down your PC speed. To overcome it you can use the Windows Disk Cleanup screen to rid your PC of these dead files.

To run Disk Cleanup go to My Computer. Right click on the drive you wish to check for errors and click Properties. In the Properties dialogue box, click Disk Cleanup. You can also use Disk Cleanup to clear unused files from your PC.

After scanning, the Disk Cleanup dialogue box lists the files you can remove from your computer.


Organise your data

Often when you search files your PC takes a lot of time to track them. This is because computer breaks files into pieces to increase the speed of access and retrieval.

However, once updated, computer saves these files on the space available on the hard drive, which results in fragmented files. This makes your PC go slow because it then searches for all of the file's parts.

You need a Disk Defragmenter programme to needle all your files back together.

For this, go to My Computer and right click on the drive you want to check for error and click Properties.

In the Properties dialogue box, click the Tools tab, and then in the Defragmentation section, click Defragment. In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, select the disk and then click Analyse.

After analysing your PC, the Disk Defragmenter pops up a message asking whether you need to defragment your computer or not. Once you defragement your PC, it will reorganise files by programme and size.


Install anti-virus

Biggest culprits behind slow PC performance are viruses and spyware. Both end up reducing your PC speed. Not only this they can also destroy your data and tamper files.

Also, with the 24X7 online environment, it is important to have anti-virus and anti-spyware programmes installed for secure online experience.

These programmes need to be frequently updated to avoid any attack on your computer.

You can do a recee of the Net for popular anti-virus and anti-spyware solutions. There are also several paid options like McAfee, Norton Anti-virus and Trend Micro.


Reduce page history

Is your PC giving you trouble while accessing the Internet? Don't worry. For Internet Explorer users, Microsoft has some rescue options for faster Web browsing.

To improve your PC speed, first reduce the size of your Web page history. For this go to Internet Explorer, and on the Tools menu click on Internet Options. Then go to the History section and type in the number of days you want to keep pages in history.

Preferably reduce the number of days as this will reduce the size of your Web page history.


Automate Microsoft updates

For Windows users, Microsoft frequently release updates which may help boost up your PC speed. For this activate automate Microsoft Update so that your computer downloads and installs all the latest updates without giving you any trouble of finding any new releases.

Go to Start menu and click Control Panel. In the Automatic Updates dialog box, check the Automatic check box. If your PC finds any new updates, it will automatically download and install them. This will help you keep your computer up to date.


Courtesy: Indiatimes News Network

Hottest sub-5K cell phones

Been thinking of changing your cell phone for long? However, you don't want to shell out that extra few thousand! Yet looking for a model that packs all the features you need without drilling a hole in your pocket? Don't worry, there are choices galore!

And what's better, the sub-Rs 5,000 category today has a number of good options that can appeal an executive and a student alike.

Most top telecom vendors have launched sub-5k phones that boast high-end features with low price tags. These are not restricted to LG and Samsung and Motorola alone, but even Nokia and Sony Ericsson, all of whom have built a portfolio of budget phones.

We bring you some of the latest, best models from the lot. Read on ...


Nokia 2600 and 1209

Finnish cell phone maker, Nokia, recently launched two entry-level mobile phones, Nokia 2600 and Nokia 1209, in the Indian market.

Nokia 2600 classic allows users to customise their phone with colourful, fully changeable Xpress-on covers and MP3 ring tones.

It comes with an integrated FM radio and a VGA camera. Also, the handset supports MMS and Nokia Xpress audio messaging for recording and editing messages.

Nokia 2600 Classic is available for Rs 3539 approx.

Nokia 1209 comes with cost-tracking application, prepaid tracker, one-piece key-mat, power-saver mode and multiple phonebook that allows users to store nearly 200 numbers.

Also, the phone offers additional cost management features. Nokia 1209 is available for Rs 1789 approx.


Samsung Guru200

Korean giant, Samsung launched its latest handset, Guru200 in the Indian market.

The phone offers FM recording and comes with MP3 ring tones and a mobile tracker.

The dual-band phone is equipped with stereo FM radio, speaker phone, Java games (Cricket and Sudoku), emergency SMS, and nine-hours of talktime.

With this handset, users can not only record songs from FM radio (max up to 5 minutes) but also save them as alarm or ring tones. Also, the phone comes pre-loaded with bollywood ring tones, Indian calendar that displays local holidays, Hinglish database and call time limit to allow users to set a talktime limit per month.

The phone is available for Rs 2,999.


LG KP110

LG rolled out a dual-band GSM mobile phone, LG Bullet KP110.

Among the key features, the phone packs 1.5-inch 65K colours display, 128 x 128 pixels resolution display, MP3 player, integrated FM Radio with recording facility, memory expansion card slot and option for Hindi language in SMS and system menu.

With 64MB of internal shared memory, the phone offers microSD Memory Card Slot for expanded memory with maximum of 2GB storage capacity.

Featuring a MP3 media player, the phone supports AMR and MP3 audio formats.

The candy bar phone allows up to 500 phonebook entries and is available for Rs 2,999 approx.


MotoYuva W270

Motorola has rolled out its entry-level mobile phone, MotoYuva W270 which offers an in-built MP3 player with dedicated MP3 and FM keys.

These keys can be used to adjust the volume for music, change FM channels and MP3 music tracks. The phone comes with stereo FM radio with RDS support that allows to view FM station, artist’s name and name of the song.

At 94gms, the phone is equipped with Hinglish predictive text software, wallpapers and screensavers, along with games like Sudoku and Tetris.

The phone features a 2GB expandable memory and an enhanced battery that provides up to 550 minutes and 450 hours of standby time.

Also, the phone is equipped with CrystalTalk technology that helps reduce ambient noise. MotoYuva W270 comes with GPRS Class 10, and a T-Flash Card support up to 2GB.

The phone has 256MB microSD card, USB cable and stereo headset and retails for Rs 3,583 approx.


Intex IN3333

Intex technologies recently launched a music phone IN3333 in the Indian market.

The phone supports 1.3 megapixel camera along with a video recording. The camera can also be used as a Webcam if connected to a PC via USB.

The handset also supports GPRS and Bluetooth. Other features include four games and twin language support to allow menu display and messaging both in Hindi and English.

The phone comes with an FM radio, music player, sound recorder and dedicated music keys. The company claims that the phone can store up to 1,000 contacts and 300 messages.

The candy bar designed phone comes with 260K colours and a 2-inch TFT screen. The phone retails for Rs 5000.


Spice S-525

Spice Mobiles refreshed its line of music phones with the entry of Spice S-525 handset.

With FM radio, the phone comes with 65-K colour screen, FM recording facility, mobile tracker, scheduled On/Off, Sing-tones, 500 phone-book records and speaker phone.

The phone is priced at Rs 2099.


Xentis

Kolkata-based Xenitis Group has launched a slew of mobile phones within the range of Rs 500 to Rs 2000. The mobile handsets are targeted at entry-level users. The phones will be available in the market by the end of this year.

Founded in 2002, the Xenitis Group expands in areas including infotech, automobiles, telecom and education.

Xenitis Telecommunication plans to invest in a mobile handset manufacturing facility in West Bengal that will manufacture the cheapest mobile handsets in the country. Also, the company plans to come up with a phone featuring dual SIM Card in the next phase.

Courtesy: Indiatimes News Network

Buying a laptop? Look beyond specs

Planning to buy a laptop? However, don't know how to start hunting for the ideal notebook. One that meets your requirements and fits in best into your work regimen.

Remember, while specs are what manufacturers tout -- dual core processor, large screen, size, and lightweight -- there's more you need to consider while zeroing on the laptop of your choice.

These features though may not look obvious, will go a long way in making your purchase enduring.

Display: Gloss or matte?

When you buy a notebook computer, pay special attention to whether the LCD display is "glossy" or "matte". Increasingly, manufacturers are offering glossy screens. While these are great for watching movies on your laptop, they're not optimal for doing traditional office work.

The reason is that the glossy screens are highly reflective. In typical office environments, glossy screens can be hard on both your eyes and your concentration, as you'll have to work harder to ignore the ambient lighting and background objects that are reflected in your screen.

Bottom line is that if you're buying a notebook primarily to get work done and not to watch movies or play games, avoid glossy screens. Also, glossy screens are more susceptible to scratches than matte screens. So if your laptop is likely to go through some rough and tumble daily, this is another reason to go for a matte

Built-in wireless

Most notebooks in the market today come with built-in wireless network connectivity. The trouble is that many still include yesterday's technology.

The wireless transmission standard is about to get a big boost in speed with the official unveiling of the 802.11n standard, which provides Internet and networking connectivity speeds that are about 10 times faster than the wireless standards currently in use.

That's a significant speed boost, and it's one you want in your notebook computer, especially because changing the type of wireless connectivity that you have in a notebook is difficult or impossible once you buy the machine.

Avoid notebooks that offer only the built-in 802.11b or 802.11g wireless cards. Even if the version of 802.11n offered in a notebook sold today is dubbed "draft" or "pre-release", it'll likely still be far faster than the 802.11g standard -- and you'll probably be able to upgrade it later, once the standard is finally ratified.

Rugged exterior

How well a notebook computer is built will likely determine whether you still own it three years from now or whether it gets sold off for parts.

The unfortunate fact is that as competition has forced manufacturers to offer notebooks at rock-bottom prices, quality of exterior construction has suffered.

If you'll be doing a lot of travelling or will be buying a notebook for a youngster, think about buying notebooks that were made to take some abuse. The Dell Latitude series, the Acer TravelMate, or the Lenovo ThinkPad are all highly regarded in terms of durability.

Too hot to hold?

Combine a powerful processor, fast hard drive, and hefty battery, and what do you get? Heat -- and lots of it. There's a good reason why the moniker "laptop" has all but disappeared: Some notebook computers are really not suitable for resting on your lap because they get too hot on the underside to hold comfortably.

But some notebook computers are still designed for those who wish to work from their lap. That's why it's important to find out just how hot a laptop gets on the underside. Either contact the manufacturer and ask specifically about this or visit a store in which the notebook is running, and feel the underside.

Hate noise? Go for SSD

Noise is less of a problem with notebooks than it once was, but it can still be a factor -- especially if you're easily bothered by noise while working.

Noise in notebooks generally comes from two sources: the hard drive and the cooling fan. If you want to eliminate the source of hard drive altogether, consider a new notebook with a solid-state drive.

In-built UPS power

Batteries act like your laptops in-built UPS. They are the lifeline of your machine. So, it is important that you check up how many hours your battery will run. Some batteries last long, but some don’t. There are three main types of batteries:

Li+: Most people get Lithium-ion (Li+) batteries. These are generally good, safe and secure.

NiMH: If you want something cheap, a nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery will do.

NiCad: This probably won't be an option, but if a dealer does try to sell you a nickel cadmium (NiCad) battery, run away. They require constant recharging.

Upgradeability

In these days of technology obsolence it is very important to find out the upgrade options available. Also, one should keep in mind that laptops can be upgraded up to some extent only. While it is possible to upgrade main memory, and removable drives, the upgrades can cost twice as much as a desktop.

It is even cheaper and environment-friendly to upgrade your laptop rather than to discard it. So, before buying try and explore upgrade options available.

Add-ons

Though this may not be that important, still there is no harm in checking the best deal available. Do a recee of the various combo plans being offered by various vendors.

Like presently Compaq is offering WiFi music player free with its notebooks.

Also, check which dealer is offering accessories like free bag, headsets, wireless mouse or some discount coupons.

Courtesy: Indiatimes News Network & Agencies