5 New Features in Microsoft Windows 8 :

1. Speedy Boot Time

The load and boot up speed has improved significantly over Windows’ predecessors. This is partly due to the better resource allocations to applications and the system. When compared to Windows 7 desktop CPU, Windows 8 has an even speedier boot time.

How did they improve so much over Windows 7? Well, Windows 8 employs a technique of hibernating the system kernel (think of it as your OS’s resource manager) when you shut down, such that it becomes almost like a partial hibernation each time. When you reboot the system, the‘memory’ of your previous session gets reinitialized quicker.

2. Innovative & Dynamic Desktop

The tiles-based interface, or the Metro UI, will be the first thing you see upon logging in to Windows 8. At first glance, the UI seems to go intuitively with touchscreen devices like tablets and smartphones. Indeed, in such devices, you tap on those apps to open them. The grid layout seems to facilitate such interactions. Needless to say, you can customize your grid by adding and arranging applications.

(Image Source: JRtheTech)

The coolest thing, however, is that not only does Windows 8 allows you to personalize your desktop with the organization of the apps, it is also able display real-time information through them. Microsoft had demonstrated how the tile for a weather app could reveal the current temperature in a city without having to activate the app. The same goes for emails and such. In one glance over your tiles, you can have access to all that you need to be notified and take action on those which are urgent.

3. Improved Search Function

8 has no search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Heck, it doesn’t even have the trademark Start menu! That doesn’t mean that there’s no convenient search function available. All you need to do is to type anything, and a search box will appear from the right and give you the results. The search capability is even stronger this time, displaying all the matching apps and files instantaneously.

(Image Source: JaisonYR)

Unlike Windows 7, Windows

You can also search within apps that utilize Windows 8′s search function. The search pane that pops out on the right of your desktop will contain the list of apps which you can conduct the search in. For instance, if you’re looking for the emails sent by a particular contact, typing that name and clicking on the email app would allow you to search from within.

4. Windows To Go

Of the entire list here, this is one feature that offers the most convenience to users. Windows To Go allows users to make a copy of their OS complete with their settings, wallpapers, files and even apps, into a USB thumb drive. Plugged it into another computer with Windows 8 already installed, and you can boot up the PC and make it look exactly alike the OS you normally use, with all settings intact.

(Image Source: Engadget)

It sounds rather amazing, doesn’t it? The potential for such a feature is high and possibilities, many. For one, a virus-infected and crashed system could be revived by simply plugging in the USB thumbdrive with your last saved settings, inclusive of all your files, apps, etc. Users don’t have to worry about losing the ability to work on their projects just because their PC is down; they can always rely on plugging in that thumbdrive into another Windows 8-installed PC. Another is that users may simply bring back work from the office with that thumbdrive rather than a much bulkier laptop.

5. Windows Live Syncing

Similar to Windows To Go, the new Windows 8 will provide Windows Live syncing, such that users can login on any Windows 8 PC with ‘Live ID’ and get back their own personalized settings on it. The desktop will look the same every time the user login on a PC with their Windows Live account.Migrating to a new PC is probably made easier when the user has all the essential settings synced.

(Image Source: Windows 8)

How different will this be from Windows To Go? Well, Windows To Go seem to serve more as a controlled device for IT administrators to distribute to employees (with exact duplicates of Windows 8 with the same settings, wallpapers, apps, etc on thumbdrives), while Windows Live Syncing is more to allowing users to keep the basic settings and data available even if they’re away from their primary PC. We can only anticipate how the former and latter will be truly be like until they are unveiled by Microsoft in due course.

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How to Convert Images to Text :

This time I researched in web if there are any free and small softwares that can do the job easily to convert images to text.

Method 1:

Method 2:

You’ll be surprised to know that, this software is 11 years old. The original author of this tool is Steve Seymour.

Let’s have a look what it can do.

First of all download it from here.

You don’t need to install it, its an independent executable file.

The user interface is easily made and with no such hard turns. Click on Open image to load the image you want to convert to text. But make sure that  the image is proper JPEG image.

Once the image is loaded, it will be displayed in the upper horizontal row. Below the right side of image, you can see the resolution and character numbers settings. This will determine the length of the characters in rows and columns. The lowest value 2 gives the highest possible resolution for the image. While the character’s size and resolution goes decreasing for the increasing value of 2+.

Once you are done with the image settings, click on Convert button to convert it to text.

The image will be converted to characters and you can easily copy or save it from Copy Text or Save Text button.

Paste it in any text editor, you’ll get the final result similar to the one below:

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Best Management Degree In 5 Minutes :

Management Degree

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel."

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob.

After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies.

"Great!" the husband says, "did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the story:

If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:

A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak."

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the story:

If you are not well informed in your job, opportunities for advancement will pass right by you.

Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish."

"Me first! Me first!" says the admin clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Puff! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Puff! He's gone.

"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story:

Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4:

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?"

The eagle answered: "Sure , why not."

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:

To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.//\\

Lesson 5:

A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:

Bull shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

Lesson 6:

A little bird was flying south for the Winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and shit on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:

(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.

(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

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Ten Most Anticipated Movies of 2013 :

Following are a ten movies all set to be released next year and are perhaps the most awaited. You should know that it looks like the next year primarily belongs to the science-fiction genre but it still is all set to be absolutely awesome. I hope you enjoy the read. The movies are based on popular opinions and yours are welcome.

10. ELYSIUM

At the tenth spot we have the movie Elysium. It stars Jodie Foster, William Fichtner, Sharlto Copley and Matt Damon. Also, you should be interested to know that this movie is actually a follow-up to District 9. Well, not many details are currently known about this movie but who cares? Look at what the cast is and the movie it actually follows-up. Should be awesome and awesome!

9. 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA: CAPTAIN NEMO

I am sure you have heard about the director Daivd Fincher. He hardly ever disappoints you now right? Remember, the curious case of Benjamin Button? Also, he was the one behind the Social Network and boy was that good. This movie should be all about Nemo. The entire focus is on how he actually created his underwater vessel referred to by the name of The Nautilus. It is actually a remake of Disney but from a David point of view. I have a pretty good feeling about this movie. Enjoy it when it comes out.

8. PACIFIC RIM

If I asked you to take on guess as to who the director of this particular movie is I am pretty sure you would be able to guess it on the second try. You are right folks, the director is in fact Guillermo del Toro. Although he doesn’t really have time to make any movie, at least that’s what we believe based on a very simple reason. His last movie was Hellboy II and it was released in the year 2008. The story is set in the future and there are these weird creatures that threaten our lovely planet. I am just excited to have him direct another movie finally, I hope you guys feel the same.

7. THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN

The Hobbit is supposed to be released in 2012 and already the second part is under consideration and all set to release in the year 2013. The good part about the movie is that it should actually attract all the Lord of the Rings fan so you can technically look at it as an extension to the LOTR series. Lord of the Rings did a great job and I am pretty sure that the studios will do tremendously with these two movies as well. I am sure you are aware of the cast. It is good, though there are a lot of characters that do not belong; characters from Lord of the Rings that is.

6. THE GANGSTER SQUAD

This movie is actually a follow-up to Zombieland if you remember. It was directed by Ruben Fleischer. The movie is set in the 40s and 50s; yeah I know a long time ago, something you’re probably not used to anymore considering the sci-fi movies. Anyway, it is based on an article written by Paul Liberman. It was published in LA Times. It was called Gangster Squad. The reason it is this exciting for me is the absolutely awesome cast. It includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Mackie, Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling. Hulky isn’t it? Yeah, I agree!

5. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2

Now we are not entirely sure if the movie will actually be called that but let’s just assume it is the name. At least we are certain that there will be second part of the movie. You should know that 2013 will be the absolute first time that PIXAR will come up with two animated movies in the same year. It has never happened before. I am sure you must have seen the first movie so there is absolutely no need to recall that what you should know is that according to most people, it was the best animated feature of 2010, so I have high hopes for this one.

4. OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

There really hasn’t been a proper Wizard of Oz movie now has their? Hollywood however, have always wanted to make one and this time around I hope they actually succeed. You should also know that this is not the only one in production, but according to the time tables, this one will probably be released first. The sad part is that Robert Downey Jr. actually turned down a role. James Franco will play the wizard while Mila Kunis will play Theodora. I have actually grown to like Mila Kunis a lot.

3. ROBOPACALYPSE

I am pretty sure you can figure out what this particular movie will be all about. Steven Spielberg actually promised that he will be directing the said movie, which if he does, should actually be an epic movie. The script is written by Drew Goddard and the movie is actually based on a novel by Daniel H. Wilson. The name of the novel is Andromeda Strain and it is critically praised. It goes without saying that the movie is actually set way too much in the future. The robots should fight our wars for us. Later they turn into murderers.

2. OBLIVION

There are two main things about this particular movie that makes it the second most anticipated movie in this list. First, that it is an original movie and the second part is that it is a science-fiction. An original science-fiction is hard to come by these days. The bad part however is that it comes from Joseph Kosinski. He was the man behind Tron Legacy. I am saying it’s a bad part because I absolutely hated that movie. It is a story about the last man on Earth after a war with an alien race. He does find someone else in the lonely world. Any guesses as to who?

1. IRON MAN 3

So I was at a relative’s house in the evening and my cousin told me how Iron Man 3 was absolutely amazing. That shook because I knew for a fact that the movie had not been released yet. Anyway, I am pretty sure you guys are waiting anxiously for the third installment in the Iron Man franchise. You should know though that Jon Favreau will not be returning to direct the third film although Robert Downey Jr. is still the Iron Man and that in my opinion is what matters.

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Everything you Wanted to Know about Windows 8 :

Microsoft released a new version of its Windows operating system this week, one designed to make desktop and laptop computers work more like tablets. It represents the software company’s effort to address the growing popularity of smartphones and tablet computers, namely the iPad.

The new software is a radical departure from previous versions of Windows. The familiar start menu on the lower left corner is gone, and people will have to swipe the edges of the screen to access various settings. There will be a new screen filled with a colourful array of tiles, each leading to a different application, task or collection of files. Windows 8 is designed especially for touch screens, though it will work with the mouse and keyboard shortcuts, too.

Tony Roos, an American missionary in Paris, installed a free preview version of Windows 8 on his aging laptop to see if Microsoft’s new operating system would make the PC faster and more responsive. It didn’t, he said, and he quickly learned that working with the new software requires tossing out a lot of what he knows about Windows.

File photo: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer comments on the Windows 8 operating system. AP

“It was very difficult to get used to,” he said. “I have an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and they never got used to it. They were like, ‘We’re just going to use Mom’s computer.’”

Windows 8 Launch Event

Windows 8 is the biggest revision of Microsoft Corp.’s operating system since it introduced Windows 95 amid great fanfare 17 years ago. Ultimately, Windows grew into a $14 billion a year business and helped make former Chief Executive Bill Gates the richest man in the world for a time. Now, due to smartphones and tablets, the personal computer industry is slumping. Computer companies are desperate for something that will get sales growing again. PC sales are expected to shrink this year for the first time since 2001, according to IHS iSuppli, a market research firm.

The question is whether the new version, which can be run on tablets and smartphones, along with the traditional PC, can satisfy the needs of both types of users.

There will be several versions of Windows 8:

Windows 8 :

Windows 8 Home Screen

Like its predecessors, Windows 8 will run on computers with processing chips made by Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. There’s a basic version designed for consumers and a Pro version for more tech-savvy users and businesses. The Pro version has such features as encryption and group account management. Large companies with volume-licensing deals with Microsoft will want Windows 8 Enterprise, which has additional tools for information-technology staff to manage machines.

Windows RT

Windows RT :

For the first time, there will also be a version running on lower-energy chips common in phones and tablets. That version will run on tablets and some devices that marry tablet and PC features. While tablets with Windows 8 can run standard Windows programs, the RT devices will be restricted to applications specifically designed for the system. Borrowing from Apple, Microsoft is allowing RT to get applications only from its online store, and apps must meet content and other guidelines.

Windows Phone 8 :

Windows 8 Phones

While Windows 8 and RT will be out on Friday, the phone version won’t be available until an unspecified date this fall. Microsoft has an event on it Monday and may announce more details then. Nokia and Samsung Electronics already have announced plans for new Windows phones.

You can get Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 only by buying devices with the software already installed, while Windows 8 can be purchased as an upgrade as well.

Here's how you can get - Windows 8 : 

Buy a new PC:

Desktop, laptop and tablet computers with Windows 8 already installed will go on sale on Friday. Several PC manufacturers including Samsung, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard and Dell already have announced details about their new machines, while retailers have trained staff to explain and demonstrate the new system. Microsoft will also have its Surface tablet with Windows RT out, with a Windows 8 version coming later.

Upgrade your PC:

Those who have bought a Windows 7 PC (other than the Starter Edition) since June 2 will be able to buy Windows 8 Pro for Rs 699. The offer applies to Windows 7 PCs sold until January 31, and the upgrade must be claimed by February 28.

To claim the offer, register the machine at https://windowsupgradeoffer.com. You’ll get an email with a promo code, which you can use to get the Windows 8 upgrade online.

Those who bought a Windows PC before June 2 will be able to upgrade for $39.99 (Rs 2150 approximately). You must already have Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Those who prefer buying a DVD to upgrade will have to pay $69.99 (Rs 3800 approximately).

Before buying the upgrade, check to make sure your machine is strong enough to run Windows 8. Microsoft lists the system requirements here.

Not sure if you have what it takes? Microsoft has an upgrade tool that will stop you if you try to buy Windows 8 without the requirements. The tool will also warn you of software that might need updates to work on Windows 8. Go to http://windows.com starting Friday to get started.

If you’re upgrading from Windows 7, the tool will let you keep settings, personal files and applications. You can migrate settings and files from Vista and files only from XP. You’ll also have the option to start fresh and bring nothing to Windows 8.

Microsoft hasn’t said what the cutoff date for Windows 7 will be, but expect to be able to buy Windows 7 as an upgrade for another year or pre-installed on a new machine for two more years.

After Windows 7 came out in October 2009, for instance, retailers were still allowed to sell boxed versions of the predecessor, Vista, until October 2010. PC makers were able to sell Vista machines until October 2011.

Microsoft plans to continue providing technical support for Windows 7 until 14 January, 2020.

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Apple iPad Mini review :

Apple made its play to dominate the fast-growing tablet market on Tuesday by unveiling an "iPad mini" - a new tablet half the size of its existing iPad - to compete with Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon's Kindle Fire.

Apple iPad Price

But the price may prove a barrier for potential buyers considering it against its rivals: the iPad mini will start at $329 (£269 in the UK), against $159 for the cheapest Kindle Fire and $249 for the Nexus 7.

Even so, Apple chief executive Tim Cook pointed to the momentum that Apple has built up in the tablet market, saying that two weeks ago the company had sold its 100 millionth iPad - "unprecedented for a new product in this category," he said. The first iPad went on sale in April 2010.

The new iPad mini With a 7.9-inch screen, this is perfectly sized to be stuffed in Christmas stockings. Recipients who will discover the pleasure and convenience of being able to take pictures, surf the Web, watch video, read books and listen to music on an exquisitely designed device that's pancake thin.

As the company usually does at its product unveilings, Apple Inc. only provided reporters with limited, strictly supervised access to the iPad Mini on Tuesday. That meant I could only experiment with it for about 15 minutes, but as an experienced user of the iPad 2, I could quickly see that the smaller tablet does just about everything its bigger brethren does.

Even though the Mini's screen is 1.8 inches smaller than the standard iPad, the movie "The Avengers" looked lush, even in a side-by-side comparison with the larger tablet. When I pulled up the latest issue of the New Yorker, I didn't have to strain to see the text or pictures on the smaller screen. A quick check of other websites verified that the Mini's screen isn't so tiny that it's going to cause a lot of squinting. After I took a very crisp picture of another reporter testing out a Mini, I decided to email it to her to test how easy it was to use the keyboard on the smaller screen. No problem there. Best of all, the iPad Mini can be held in one hand and is about half the weight of the larger iPad.

The Mini worked so much like my standard iPad that it immediately caused me to have second thoughts about a decision I thought I had already made. I like my iPad 2 a lot, but it's just too big to carry with me wherever I am. But there have been times I really wish I had it with me, like when I spot something that would make a great picture or when I've needed to check something on the Web. For various reasons, I didn't want a smartphone that would require a data plan, so I had my mind set on buying the latest iPod Touch, which has an iPhone-size screen and superb camera.

Apple iPad Mini VS iPad 

Now, the iPad Mini has me vacillating. Apple isn't making it easier with its pricing strategy. The latest iPod Touch with 32 gigabytes sells for $299. An iPad Mini with 16 gigabytes of storage sells for $329. I'm tempted.

Like others who will no doubt be weighing the same decision, I'll have to make up my mind. Do I want something that can fit in my one of pant pockets like the Touch? For starters, it comes in more colors than the black-or-white Mini and offers more storage capacity for a cheaper price.

Or do I want to pay a little more for another tablet computer that can slip into a coat pocket and offer a richer experience with a screen nearly two times larger than the new Touch?

The iPad Mini is so mighty that I can't believe the iPad 2 will be on the market too much longer. The iPad 2's $399 price now looks like too much, given that the iPad Mini can do just about everything it does on a slightly smaller screen. The iPad 2 still may have some appeal for people who want a larger tablet at a lower price the newest iPads, but I can't see too many consumers buying Apple's second-generation tablet now that the Mini is available.

Consumers who aren't set on buying one of Apple's devices will have even more choices to make. The iPad Mini is clearly aimed at siphoning sales away from the Nexus 7 tablet that Google Inc. began selling four months ago and the longer-established Kindle Fire from Amazon.com Inc. Figuring out which one is best-suited for you (or that special someone on your shopping list) will likely come down to weighing price against performance.

Amazon sells a Kindle Fire HD with 16 gigabytes of storage and 7-inch screen for $199 and a similarly sized Nexus 7 goes for $249. That means an iPad Mini will cost $80 to $130 more, a price that Apple believes is justified because it boasts more features, such as front and back cameras. The Mini's reliance on aluminum instead of plastic for its exterior also makes it look more stylish and more enjoyable to hold.

If the speculation on technology blogs pans out, Google might make things even more interesting - and dizzying for holiday shoppers - by introducing a $99 version of the Nexus 7 in the coming weeks.

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