My Dream PC from ALIENWARE

Aurora™ ALX

Tech Spec

Processor: AMD Athlon™ 64 FX-60 with HyperTransport and Dual Core Technology
Operating System (Office software not included): Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support with Onsite Service
Automated Support: AlienAutopsy: Automated Technical Support Request System
Windows Media Center Enhancements: Media Center Remote Control with Single NTSC Tuner
Chassis: Alienware® ALX Full-Tower Case - Space Black
Chassis Upgrades: Alienware® Acoustic Dampening
Thermal Management System: Alienware® ALX Active Liquid Cooling System
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 850 SLI
Graphics Processor: Dual 512MB PCI-Express x16 NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7800 GTX - SLI Enabled
Video Optimizer: AlienAdrenaline: Video Performance Optimizer
Motherboard: Alienware® NVidia nForce™4 SLI™ X16 Motherboard
Memory: 4GB Low Latency Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 x 1024MB
System Drive: High Performance with Data Security (RAID 1) - 250GB RAID1 (2 x 250GB Serial ATA II 7,200 RPM w/16MB Cache)
Storage Drive: Additional Storage Drive - 250GB Serial ATA II 3Gb 7,200 RPM w/8MB Cache
AlienRespawn: Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive w/LightScribe Technology
Visual Interface: Samsung SyncMaster 320P 32" 8ms HDCP Ready Wide LCD - Dual Displays
Sound Card: Integrated High-Performance 7.1 Surround Sound with S/PDIF and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Speakers: Creative GigaWorks™ THX® S750 - 7.1 700-Watt Speakers
Removable Storage: Alienware® 10-in-1 Digital Media Reader / Writer
ALX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: Alienware® ALX Wireless Optical Desktop Elite by Microsoft®
Power Protection: Tripp Lite LC1200
ALX Out Of Box Experience: Exclusive Alienware® ALX Items
Thumb Drives: Alienware® USB 2.0 4GB Flash Drive
Digital Cameras: Sony Cyber-Shot® DSC-P200 7.2 Megapixel Camera
Flash Memory: 512MB 32x Lexar Secure Digital Card
Alienware Exclusive Offers: Gamespot Complete - Free 90-day Trial (a $20.85 value)
Alienware Exclusive Offers: 10% off your next EB Games online purchase
Free Alienware T-Shirt: Free Alienware® ALX T-Shirt - Black
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® ALX Mousepad (a $19.99 Value!)
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
AlienInspection: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE!

Total Estimated Cost :$ 11,404.00 (Rs.5,24,584 INR)
Ship Date : 6-March-2006
Ordered Date : 27-Jan-2006

Regards,
VINOD M

Microsoft Corp India today announced the launch of its third IT Academy in the state of Karnataka, as part of the Microsoft Partners in Learning (PIL) initiative. The first two Microsoft IT Academy Centers have been set-up in Gulbarga (June 2005) and Dharwad (July 2005), and are already imparting training to teachers.

This according to Microsoft, is about ensuring technology access and affordability; ushering in economic development and new education models. It is also about public/private partnerships, that bridge the digital divide in a local and meaningful way.

The Microsoft IT Academy, according to the company, is a world-class
facility equipped with a state-of-the-art IT lab, comprehensive IT curriculum and well-trained staff for effective delivery of IT training for school teachers. Twenty desktop PCs are going to be used for the routine training process. A laptop has been provided to the IT Academy Manager, who is required to visit various schools across the state to ensure consistency in the delivery process. The overall infrastructure includes 2 class-rooms, a meeting room, library, cafeteria, and DG power back-up supply.

Additionally, the IT training course-ware has been translated in Kannada for ensuring improved understanding of content by teachers. Microsoft will also run a 12 days training program free-of-cost for participating teachers, to equip them to use technology in teaching students in a class-room environment.

The new Academy is a key part of the MoU signed in November 2004 between Microsoft and the Government of Karnataka, for the implementation of the Microsoft Partners-in-Learning (PIL) program that is aimed at accelerating IT literacy among government school teachers and students in the state. Under the MoU, Microsoft has committed to train over 20,000 teachers and 400,000 students (from class III to class XII) across the state of Karnataka over a period of 5 years. Till date, over 2500 teachers have been trained at the two Academies.

The three Microsoft IT Academy Centers together with the Karnataka government are estimated to train 3000 High School Teachers each year. After 5 years, these three Microsoft Academies will be handed over to the Government of Karnataka. The government welcomes a project of this unique nature, and hopes other MNCs will also join hands with the Government to provide computer training.

Rohit Kumar, country manager - public sector, Microsoft India, said "At Microsoft, we have a long-term vision for the cause of IT education, wherein we are committed to collaborate with Governments across the world to ensure integration of IT in the education process. This, we believe is integral for achieving our mission of creating a digitally inclusive society."

R Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Primary & Secondary Education, Karnataka, said, "Computer Training is presently being imparted to 1238 High School Teachers and 765 Primary School Teachers in the state of Karnataka. The Central Government has approved imparting Computer Training to 480 more High Schools, and funds have been released for this purpose, and tenders are also being invited. In order to improve the quality of computer training, Government of Karnataka has signed a MOU with Microsoft India to impart computer training to High School teachers."

Labels: News

In a landmark deal, private airlines Jet Airways on Thursday announced acquisition of Sahara Airlines to become the largest domestic carrier in India.

The board of directors of the company at its meeting held January 19, 2006, has considered and approved, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals as maybe required, the acquisition by the company of 100 per cent of the fully paid up equity share capital of Sahara Airlines," Jet Airways said in a communication to stock exchanges.

Jet Airways, however, did not disclose the amount for which the company acquired Sahara Airlines.

According to informed sources, Jet Airways clinched the deal for an estimated amount of over Rs 2,300 crore.

Labels: News

Motorola has unveiled the SLVR L7; its Gen-Next, ultra-slim handset, which draws upon the company's RAZR V3 platform.

Designed for consumers seeking performance plus style, the SLVR L7 at 86 x 54 mm is narrower than the size of a credit card, and features an illuminated precision cut key-pad with metallic spun finish, chrome-plated side keys, glass display, glass-filled body for rigidity, and an anodized aluminium battery door.

SLVR L7 weighs only 85 grams, and includes features such as 5.0 MB of internal memory for storing photos, ringtones and text messages; 512 MB or removable TransFlash memory; digital audio player; GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Quad Band; 176 x 220 pixels 262k color TFT display; integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom, video capture and playback; support for GPRS, WAP and Bluetooth plus Bluetooth-enabled headsets; full-duplex hands-free speakerphone; and Wireless Village which defines open connections with existing instant messaging providers, and allows consumers access to popular chat programs and clients like AOL, ICQ, Yahoo and MSN.

Tech Spec Summary

GSM Quad Band (1900 /850/ 900 / 1800)
Weight 85g
Dimensions 113mm x 49mm x 11.5mm
Display 256k colors
Battery Talk Time: 400 mins
Standby: 350 hrs
Camera VGA
Wireless Data GPRS, Bluetooth
Package Contains Battery, AC adapter
Price Rs 12,820.

Labels: Mobile

Hi All I had recently been to Antarctica, Great Place No Pollution, No Noise, No Tension, No Traffic, In fact no people too !. Meet a Bunch of Penguins very Entertaining Creatures and very friendly too, one of them was Pingu very cute fellow but a little dumb, he wanted to Skate like all other penguins and was very worried, to cheer him up I decided to teach him a few lessons on Skating!

Initially it was very difficult for me, then Pingu was not bad after all, he took my Instructions real quick and in no time he learnt to Skate!. It was fun trust me, There is nothing like teaching a penguin how to Skate! Later on I though him few stunts as well! Well, Well, What do you know, he was a champion already!. To bad I had to come back to Bangalore, Pingu decide to do few cool stunts and I also recorded all of them, finally all the penguins applauded on seeing Pingu`s stunts, he became very famous (Celebrity) in no time, there was a huge crowd gathered to collect autographs and I left Antarctica with some memorable moments.

Regards,
VINOD M

Click Here See the Stunts by Pingu

Wish You All A Very Happy Bhogi Pongal, Kaanum Pongal and Maatu Pongal.

The great diversity of Indian religious beliefs and the varied cultured traditions of the different states are very interesting and this is seen in the festival of Pongal.

"May the pot of prosperity boil over
May the Pongal that we cook,
the fragrance of turmeric
the taste of sugarcane, ginger and honey
Bring the joy of Pongal into our homes
May the blessings of the Sun God flood our lives.

With many other verses like this the people of Tamil Nadu greet the great festival of Pongal celebrated all over the South as Makar Sankranti, in Tamil Nadu it has an additional significance as Pongal welcomes the occasion of the incoming harvest.

The Puranas, usually prolific in legends connected with festivals, have little to say about this Pongal festival. It is in all probability a Dravidian harvest festival that has survived the preponderant influence of the Indo-Aryan religion in the South.

There is a beautiful Tamil composition of the ancient Sangam period which was known for the ancient Tamil Academics. This charming composition describes the joy of a love-born young woman on the return of her husband from the battlefield. Her happiness is likened to the month before Pongal. When, with the end of rains, the "kaya" flowers blossom, the tender `Konrai' flowers shower their golden polen on the ground, the white "kandal" flowers blossom, the tender `Konrai' plant is in full bloom and with receding clouds the female and male deer are making love in the fields. This poem describes the mood of anticipation and excitement of the people in Tamil Nadu which gets its main rains from the north-eastern monsoon in October and November and the harvest is gathered in the period just preceding this Pongal festival.

This festival of Pongal falls in the month of January after the winter solistice and as such this Pongal festival marks the favourable course of the Sun. It is a three-day festival and the fourth day is a day for outdoors and excursions.

The first day is celebrated as the BHOGI PONGAL and is usually meant for domestic activities and of being together with the family members. This first day is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds that give rains. Homage is paid to Lord Indra for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land.

An interesting story is told that Indra, being worshipped by all on this day, became proud and arrogant Lord Krishna to teach him a lesson asked his shepherd friends to worship Mount Govardhan instead of Indra on Bhogi Pongal day. Terribly enraged, Indra sent forth the seven clouds to bring forth thunder, lightning and heavy rains to cause deluge to destroy the shepherds. But Lord Krishna lifted up the Govardhan mountain under which the shepherds and their cattle got full shelter. Then Indra begged Krishna's forgiveness and once more Lord Krishna allowed Bhogi celebrations to continue in honour of Indra. There is a beautiful carving at Mahabalipuram showing Krishna lifting Govardhan.

On this day before sunrise a huge bonfire is lit in front of the houses and all the useless household things are thrown into the fire. The burning of all that is old is symbolic of the starting of a fresh new year. The bonfire is kept burning throughout the night while boys beat little drums known by the name "Bhogi Kottus" made from the hides of buffaloes.

Homes are cleaned till they literally shine and are adorned with "Kolam" designs drawn with white paste of newly-harvested rice and outlines of the Kolam designs with red mud. In villages yellow pumpkin flowers are set out in cow-dung balls in the middle of the designs. The harvest of rice, turmeric and sugarcane is brought in and kept ready for the next day's festivities.

The second day of Pongal is known as SURYA PONGAL and is dedicated to the Sun God. On this day the granaries are full, sun shines brightly, trees are in full bloom, bird-songs resound in the air and hearts overflow with happiness that get translated into colourful and joyous celebrations. A plank is placed on the ground and Kolam designs are drawn on its sides. In the centre of the plank is drawn a large figure of the Sun God with his effulgent rays. The "Puja" of the Sun God starts after the auspicious moment of the birth of the new month THAI. Prayers are rendered to the Sun God to seek his benedictions.

The word `Pongal' literally has two connotations. Firstly it is the name of the special dish cooked on this day and secondly the word "Ponga" means "boil". So the word 'Pongal' means that which is overflowing. The preparation of this special dish needs a new mud-pot called Pongapani on which artistic designs are drawn. The village fair where these pots of different shapes and designs are sold is truly an aesthetic treat for the eyes to behold as also the specially set up colourful sugarcane market. While the `Puja' is being performed, the neck of the Pongapani is tied with fresh turmeric and fresh ginger saplings with tender green leaves. The green leaves are symbolic of prosperity, the turmeric of auspiciousness, ginger for the spice of life. The special dish called "Sarkkarai Pongal" is cooked in this mud-pot. After the rituals of puja are over "Sarkkarai Pongal" with sticks of sugarcane is offered to the Sun god as a thanksgiving for the plentiful harvest. Sugarcane that is offered is symbolic for sweetness and happiness in life. It is said that on this day Lord Sundareshwar in the Madurai temple performed a miracle and breathed life into a stone elephant who could eat sugarcane. The carving of this event is in Meenakshi temple. From this month of THAI starts the marriage season in Tamil Nadu.

The THIRD day is MATTU PONGAL which is the festival of cattle. To the village people cow, the giver of milk and the bull which draws the plough in the fields are very valuable and therefore the farmers honour their dumb friends by celebrating it as a day of thanks-giving to them. The cattle are washed, their horns are painted and covered with shining metal caps. Multi-coloured beads, tinkling bells, sheafs of corn and flower garlands are tied around their necks. They are fed with pongal and taken to the village centres. The resounding of their bells attract the villagers as the young men race each other's cattle. The entire atmosphere becomes festive and full of fun and revelry. Big commotion is seen when the game "Manji Virattu" starts in which groups of young men chase the running bulls.

In some places "Jallikattu" is arranged. It is a bull-fight in which money bags are tied to the horns of ferocious bulls and unarmed young men are asked to wrest them from the bull's horns.

On the Mattu Pongal day Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati are worshipped and Pongal is offered to them in the `puja'.

This day is also known by the name of Kanu Pongal when coloured balls of cooked rice are placed in the open air by girls for the birds and crows to eat. With each ball of rice that the sister makes she prays for her brother's happiness and the brothers and sisters wherever they may be remember each other.

Community dinners are also held when rich and poor, the landlord and the peasant, the old and the young, women and children all dine together forgetting the distinction of caste or class. All share in the spirit of fonhomic.

Pongal is a festival when god is praised with a simple faith and sincerity. Old vices are all washed out and all that is good is welcomed in this New year. This festival is of all living things, of man, his beast and his crop and of the birds that fly in the sky making man look up to the heaven in joy and thankfulness to God for everything that He gives to man specially peace and happiness and the feeling of brotherhood.

SARKKARAI PONGAL
Ingredients :
2 litres milk
10 almonds
1 1/2 cups newly harvested rice
1/4 cup moong dal
15 cashewnuts
1 1/2 cup jaggery grated
30 kishmis
1/4 level teaspoon nutrieg powder
1/4 teaspoon saffron crushed 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoons ghee.

Method:

Chop almonds and cashewnuts.
Clean kishmis
Pour milk in the earthen pot called `Pongapani' and place it on fire.
When the milk starts boiling add rice and dal, after washing.
As soon as the rice and dal are cooked to softness, add jaggery and ghee.
Let cook on medium fire for some time and then put in almond and cashewnut bits, saffron nutrieg and cardamom powders.
Lastly put in the kishmis.
Bring to one or two good boils.
This SARKKARAI PONGAL is cooked in the Sun in courtyard and served directly from the pot.

SAN FRANCISCO--Addressing a packed crowd of the Mac faithful, Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday served up the first Intel-based Macs, introducing a new high-end laptop and a revamped iMac.

The new machines both include Intel's Duo dual-core chip. The iMac will come in the same sizes and sell for the same prices as the current models, but the Intel chips make it two to three times faster, Jobs said. A new laptop computer, called the MacBook Pro, will be available in February, he said.

In addition to the crop of new Macs, Jobs announced a new version of the iLife suite that adds a tool--iWeb--designed to make it easy to create Web sites with video, audio and blogs, and new features meant to simplify the sharing of photos over the Web and the creation of podcasts.

Jobs said Apple would transition to an all-Intel lineup of Macintosh computers by the end of 2006.

"We're a little ahead of schedule," he said, with Intel Chief Executive Officer Paul Otellini joining him onstage dressed in a head-to-toe "bunny suit," the protective suits that workers wear in chipmaking facilities. "These things are screamers."


The release of the new Macs comes just seven months after Jobs shocked the computer world with an announcement that Apple would move to Intel chips, after years of using the PowerPC hardware made by IBM and Motorola.

Jobs said last June that Apple would have computers ready to ship by June of this year. Beating that mark by almost half a year will help ease a transition some feared would result in several quarters of diminished sales, analysts said.

"The critical thing they delivered on is what people, including analysts, were expecting," said Charlie Wolf, a financial analyst at Needham. "They have begun the Intel transition sooner rather than later."

Still, Jobs took pains to dispel any notion of a current slowdown in Apple sales. In an uncharacteristic announcement, he said the company had a record $5.7 billion in revenue for the quarter that ended in December. Apple's retail stores alone accounted for $1 billion in revenue, he said.

That included sales of 14 million iPods in the holiday quarter, with more than 32 million of the music devices sold over the course of 2005. Those figures, at least as much as the new products, impressed analysts.

Labels: Technology

War Driving : A method of breaking into a private wireless network and stealing Internet Access.

War Driving Tools
http://www.wardrive.net/wardriving/tools

Findout how it is done and How to Protect yourself.

Labels: Technology

A Hacking Workshop by Ankit Fadia

Contents of the Workshop

Various sessions of the workshop are,
Session I: Computer Hacking
Session II: Mobile Phone Hacking
Session III: ATM Machine Hacking
which includes,
LIVE Demonstrations
Interactive Question & Answer session

Venue : Not Known.

For More Info Visit :
http://www.pragyan.org/workshops/hacked!.php

Labels: Technology

Microsft Announces Windows Vista Beta 1 and Windows 2003 R3.

For More Info Visit:

Microsoft Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.mspx

Micrsoft Windows 2003 R2

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/default.mspx

Labels: Technology

Wish All a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year - 2006.