Sunday, April 28, 2013

Record Fall in Apple's Profit within Last Decade!


Fall in apple's profit


Smartphone giant apple faces a record fall in their quarterly profit within last decade! In the first quarter of this year, Apple earned profit $9.5 billion. And in the previous year, it was $11.6 billion! Gross margin for the quarter was 37.5% compared to 47.4% in the last year. 


Market analysts said, Apple could face huge fall in their profit. But the profit earned from iPhone and iPad has saved Apple this time. To be honest, the results were better than many had expected, as strong sales of iPhone and iPad boosted revenues to $43.6 billion. Expert says, due to the increase in competition and declining demands for the products, Apple is facing such challenge.


Apple reported its second quarter result in April 23, 2013. The sales volume of iPhone and iPad were 37.4 million and 19.5 million respectively. In the previous year the number of iPhone sold was 35.1 million and iPad was 11.8 billion. The number of Mac sold is less than 4 million which was exact 4 million in the last year. 


Apple CEO, Tim Cook Said- 
“We are pleased to report record March quarter revenue thanks to continued strong performance of iPhone and iPad. Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software, and services and we are very excited about the products in our pipeline.”

Slowing demand for Apple's products during the time of increased competition hurts its share price recently.
   
"Though we've achieved a credible scale and financial success, we acknowledge that our growth rate has slowed and our margins have decreased from the exceptionally high level we experienced in 2012,"
                                                                                                                        - Tim Cook, Apple CEO


Tim Cook, while demanding that Apple had always met its own estimates, also mentioned that others had been disappointed recently - and seemed eager to calm investors' fears.
But he also made it clear that the next few months will be a lean period, with teams working hard to introduce new products "this fall and throughout 2014".
Apple's boss is promising that innovation isn't over at his company - but investors' patience will be tested through the summer.




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Saturday, April 27, 2013

32-bit Vs. 64-bit Windows: Remove your Confusion


What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows


Windows has two types of operating systems running currently. Many of you are already know about them. One is 32-bit and another is 64-bit. In this post I would like to discuss about them. After reading this post you will know about the following issues: 
  • What type of operating system you're currently running (32 or 64 bit) 
  • What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit windows
  • What is the advantages/ disadvantages of 64-bit OS
  • Problems regarding application software, hardware drivers caused by the OS type


Is your Windows 32 bit or 64 bit? 

If you know your system type then it's okay. But if you don't then follow any of the system below: 
  • Right click on My Computer/ Computer Icon > Choose Properties > Then Look at the System Type > It could be either 32 bit (x86) or 64 (x64) bit
  • Or, Press Start + Pause to open Properties Window. Then check it.
  • Or, Press Start + R > Type dxdiag > Look at the Operating System > System Name with bits will be available there. 


Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows:

One of the basic differences between the 32-bit and the 64-bit version of Windows relate to  the handle of primary memory or RAM. A 64-bit version of Windows operates RAM in a different way than a 32-bit Windows does. 
  • 32-bit Windows can't handle more than 4 GB RAM. But a 64-bit Windows can manage up to 128 GB RAM! 
  • A 64-bit version of Windows can process a larger volume of data compared to 32-bit version of Windows. 
  • A 64-bit version is more secured than 32-bit version of Windows. 


Advantages of 64-bit Version of Windows: 

  • More Processing Power
  • Greater Performance and Accuracy
  • Improved Security
  • Ability to Address More RAM (Up to 128 GB) 
  • Ability to handle heavier programs (Video Editors, Graphics Design Applications, High Resolution Games etc.) 
  • Most importantly, 64-bit version of Windows is great for multitasking!


Disadvantages of 64-bit Version of Windows: 

  • Compatibility Issues of Hardware Drivers
  • Consumes High Volume of Hard Disk Space and Memory
  • Compatibility Issues of Application Software


Factors to be Considered While Choosing System Type . . . 

  • Do you work with heavier programs like Illustrator CS6, Video Editor or High Resolution Games? 
  • Is your processor 64-bit? (Press Start + Pause to check) 
  • Do you have the 64-bit version device drivers for all of your devices? 
  • Are all of your necessary application software have 64-bit version or they compatible with 64-bit OS? 
  • Do you have more than 4 GB RAM installed on your PC? 

If the answers are yes to all the above questions, then you can easily install a 64-bit version of Windows on your PC. If you're confused then have a try. If you feel problem, then get back to the 32-bit version. (Even I don't use 64-bit OS yet due to the compatibility problems).

Still Confused? Remove your Confusion . . . 

  • A 32-bit OS will work fine with 64-bit processor.
  • A 32-bit application will be compatible with 64-bit OS.
  • But a program specifically compatible with 64-bit system will not run on 32-bit OS. 
  • A 16-bit application will not run on 64-bit OS.
  • A device driver designed for 32-bit OS will not work with 64-bit OS and vice versa. 


Hopefully, after reading this post, you have a good idea about the 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. If you're still confused you can comment below. But my suggestion is- have a try both the system. Definitely you will gain practical experience. 

Best of Luck. :) 



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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Google Home Page is Getting Changed!


Android Phone PNG Image


The search giant Google may change their home page! Google named this project as Google Now. The new screen will look like iGoogle. Users will have the choice to select the gadgets that they want to be appeared on the screen. And Google has already announced that the iGoogle will not be available after November 01, 2013. 


Actually Google is trying to compete with Facebook. Facebook is so popular that Google can't beat it even after having a large number of product and service categories. People are continuing to increase their time on social networks. To catch the people's attention, Google launched the Google plus two years ago. At the beginning, it seems that Google Plus will be able to knock down Facebook. But reality was quite different. Still Google is trying to improve their service quality. Maybe the new project, Google Now, is a part of this effort.  

Google Now Weather Card


If the new home page, Google Now, is launched then it will be look somewhat like yahoo. Yahoo home page shows different types of gadgets- Sports News, Weather, Political Issues etc. The new homepage of Google will include different types of information at the home page. And users will be able to add or remove cards as they like. This will be the basic difference between Google and Yahoo Homepage. 


Google Now Flight Card Image



Google is now working to introduce this new service in Android Phones and Chromebook Pixel. 



Important Features of Google Now

  • Get the right information at the right time - Cards appear when they're needed most
  • No digging required 
  • You're in control - choose what you need and what you don't!  
  • More than 25 cards with more to come
  • Manage your day - Get informed about what's happening in your daily life, including what you need to do, where to go, how to get around.
  • Stay Connected - Keep up with your interests: Sports, Movies, Concerts, Stocks . . .
  • By a local, anywhere - Get information about any place where you're visiting now! 

Actually most of the users of Google don't like to use iGoogle. It is less popular because of delay in loading the page. And it is relatively complicated too. As a result, Google is going to stop the iGoogle within this year. And trying to promote the new service- Google Now. 


But introducing such a service at the home page may be a great risk for Google. Because most of the people are used to search information at Google Home Page. People like fast loading sites. When the new screen appears, it will not be as usual as we want. In that case, Google may loose its popularity as search engine! And it could be a great opportunity for bing



As a precautionary measure, Google can let people choose whether they want to see the new look or old. But I'm quite sure more than 70% people will be choosing the old look. Because most of the people use Google for searching information. And when they will see the new look, they will feel bore. 


Google should launch the new screen in such a way so that it never bother the users. If Google forces users to continue with the new look, it will loose popularity as a search engine. 


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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

CFO Peter Klein is Going to Leave Microsoft


Microsoft Ads in Beautification



The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Peter Klein, is gonna leave Microsoft within next month. Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, had said a new CFO will be named within few weeks from their Finance Leadership Team. Peter said he is willing to spend his time with the family after working for over the last 30 years. 


Peter Klein is leaving Microsoft after working for 11 years!


Peter Klein is an 11 year Microsoft Expert. And he is working as CFO for more than 3.5 years. He said this is a perfect time for him to resign from the Microsoft. Because the financial position of the organization is very strong at present. 


Klein contributed a lot in the acquisition of Skype and Yammer. He has also exhibited good oversight on Cost Controls as CFO. 


Microsoft's profit has been boosted by revenue earned from Windows, Office, Video Games etc. Earnings rose to $6 billion, or 72 cents per share, from $5.1 billion, or 60 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue improved by 18 percent from $17.41 billion to $20.49 billion a year ago. But European Union has fined the company ($732 million) for breaking promises relating to expanding the choice of Internet browsers on Windows.


Peter Klein's Resignation Letter:
One noteworthy characteristic of Finance is the regularity of its rhythm – month end, quarter end, year end. Every one of those milestones marks the passage of time. And as time passes, and milestones are marked, we all periodically reflect on our lives, our goals, and our priorities. As we approach the end of the fiscal year, I have been reflecting in that way. And I have decided that now is a good time for me to step away from Microsoft and take some time to spend with my family in a way that I haven't had the opportunity to do in the 30 years I have been working.
This has not been an easy decision. I love Microsoft. I love my job. When I joined Microsoft 11 years ago I had this loosely held belief that people were one of the most important elements of any job or any company. I had no idea how profoundly true that is, but I do now. People are everything. Microsoft is the most amazing collection of talented, passionate and caring people I could ever imagine being associated with. It's been an honor and my good fortune to have been part of that.
I am proud of the work that Finance has done and the impact we have had on the Company. One reason that now is a good time to leave is that the organization is very strong, and I am delighted we will be naming an internal candidate. I couldn't be more optimistic about both the Company's and Finance's future.
Looking ahead, I have no specific plans. In the short term I will work to ensure a smooth transition. After that I intend to spend time with my extended family which is dispersed throughout the country and hopefully get to some long deferred travel. For the last 11 years Microsoft has been my family and now I am going to focus on my other family.
Thanks for being such a great team – I will follow your success with great interest and pride.
Peter


Steve Ballmer's Announcement to Employees:
Today in our earnings release, we announced that after nearly four years as CFO and 11 years at Microsoft, Peter Klein has decided to step down as CFO and leave Microsoft at the end of our current fiscal year. I will be naming a new CFO from our finance leadership team in the next several weeks.
Peter has been a key part of my leadership team and a strong advisor to me during his tenure. He helped drive the successful Skype and Yammer acquisitions, has had a profound impact on the finance profession overall, and exhibited good oversight on cost controls as CFO. I have really enjoyed working with Peter, and appreciate his many contributions to the finance organization, to Microsoft and to me.
I'm sure all of you have seen media coverage from the last two weeks. As I said in our earnings release, our long term bets on the cloud are paying off, and while the mobile device environment is challenging, the decisions we made with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 set us up well for long term growth. Highlights of our earnings are below. I encourage you to listen to our earnings webcast at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time today at http://microsoft.com/investor.
Steve

Analysts expressed their opinion as- Klein's resignation will not be good for Microsoft as the overall situation was satisfactory during his time. And if any reason, Steve Ballmer follows the path of Klein, then it will be a real trouble for Microsoft. 


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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Chuck Anderson- The Best Theme for Google Chrome!


Chuck Anderson - The best theme for Google Chrome


Which one is the best browser- this debate is absolutely unnecessary now. Undoubtedly Google Chrome (or Chromium Browsers) is the best and most used internet browser right now. More than 50% net users are currently using Google Chrome. 

Few days ago I wrote about the problems of Google Chrome. And as an alternative to Google Chrome, I proposed the name of SRWare Iron


Today I'm gonna share a nice theme designed for Google Chrome. The theme I'm talking about is Chuck Anderson. In my eyes, this is the best one. It works with all Chromium Browsers- Google Chrome, SRWare Iron, CoolNovo etc. 


My personal opinion is that- Chrome and Chuck Anderson is made for each other! The style of Chrome is absolutely matched with Chuck Anderson. I've been using this theme just from the beginning. I search for other themes on Chrome Web Store, but none of them are as beautiful as Chuck Anderson.


Compared to Firefox, Chrome has a very little space at the top. When more than 4 tabs are opened at a time, there is actually no space above the title bar. In this little space, this is very tough for any theme to decorate a browser. But Chuck Anderson have done this amazing job!


Chuck Anderson has few color combination. Red, Green, Magenta, Blue etc. And there are some white spots maybe 7 or 8. The mixture of these elements, believe me, will give your browser an amazing look.  And when you close or open tab, minimize or maximize the browser window,  depending on the space at the top, the color will change automatically.  


If you think that I am giving too much credit to Chuck Anderson, then have a look at the image above. Hopefully this will give you a clear idea about the theme. 



Okay, too much talking is not good for health! Let's add it on Chrome:

Add to Chrome PNG Button
  1. Open Google Chrome or any other Chromium Browser. Or download it from here: Google Chrome, SRWare Iron
  2. Now go to the Chrome Web Store- Theme Page. Or click on the Add to Chrome button.
  3. After visiting the page you will be able to see the details about Chuck Anderson. 
  4. Click on the ADD TO CHROME button. 
  5. If you're successful then you will see the button has been changes as ADDED TO CHROME. That's it. 

So far I know, restarting the browser is not necessary after adding this theme. But if it asks for, then restart it. And enjoy new theme. 


Chuck Anderson is being used by 4,37,893 people. You're not alone! Its rating is almost 4.6 out of 5 (1100 Votes). And definitely the number of users is increasing. 


Now you may think What is Chuck Anderson? Or who is Chuck Anderson? Doesn't it sound like a person's name? Yes it is! 


Chuck Anderson is an artist and designer. He has worked with clients such as Vans, Reebok, Mountain Dew, Microsoft, Warner Brothers, and ESPN. So you can easily understand- this theme is designed by someone special! :) 


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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Blog Vs Website: The Basic Difference


Basic Difference between Blog and Website


Have you ever thought about the difference between a website and blog? Or do you know what they actually are? Few hours ago I was thinking about the difference between a blog and website. To be honest I had no clear idea about this issue. So I searched it on Google, visited 3/4 sites and got a clear idea. Now I am gonna share my knowledge with you. 


You may think that a blog something which is created either by WordPress, Blogger, TypePad or something like that where the coding knowledge is not essential. And about a website your opinion may be just opposite. Actually you're 50% correct. Let's find out the fact below: 



What is a blog actually?

In fact a blog is a type of website. But it is different from a complete website in following aspects: 
  • The contents of a blog are updated regularly. Posts are generally current and informative. 
  • Normally a blog is an informal way to communicate with the audience. It is interactive in nature. Visitors can express their opinion and communicate with the owners or other visitors. 
  • Anyone may have a blog whether it is an organization or individual. 
  • Blog is considered as Digital Magazine as the recent contents are shown at the top. 
  • A blog has a definite layout and shape. It is not as flexible as website. But you can easily change the design and layout just by using a different template!
  • You don't need to be an expert to maintain a blog. 

Most of the famous organizations have their official blogs. Even Google, Microsoft, Twitter use blog to communicate with their consumers. As the contents of blogs are regularly updated with fresh topics, they can easily get higher rank in the search engines. An organization usually publishes new offers, news updates, notices for the customers through blog. 

An individual may also have a blog. A personal blog may be created by Bloggers, WordPress etc. Personal opinions, experience can be shared by these types of blogs. 



What is a Website? 

A website is normally owned by an organization that contains the information about products and services of that organization. Normally a website doesn't publish new posts like a blog. Rather it adds data to the pages. To have a clear idea please look at the points below:
  • Normally a website is more versatile and flexible than a blog.
  • Coding knowledge is crucial for developing a website. As it is coded by a trained developer, the website can be customized according to the requirements. 
  • Interactivity doesn't exits in a website usually. Because most of the websites excludes comment option. 
  • It is a formal way of communication about products and services. 

A website is a perfect way to present the organization in the web. Consumers can easily surf the site and get required information from it. Some companies also sale their products using their websites. Companies like Apple, Microsoft sell their products online. You know about online sales sites like Amazon.com, eBay etc. take orders from their customer by their websites. 


By this time you should know both blogs and websites have some advantages and disadvantages. As a result many websites are now developed including the features of a blog. Specially WordPress provides such an excellent facility. Many websites are now developed by WordPress due its high customization opportunities. WordPress let you easily customize the contents of the site. A website developed by WordPress has the advantages like a blog too! 


The last thing I would like to say - A blog is a type of website! That's it :) 



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Sunday, April 14, 2013

Useful Windows Logo Key (Start Button) Shortcuts !!



Windows Logo Key, Start Button, Start Key


If you want to be an expert in Windows Operating System you should be familiar with the Windows Keyboard Shortcuts. Certainly shortcuts are very useful to operate a PC perfectly. If you know the shortcuts it will be very handy to use the Windows. 

I personally always value the shortcuts. Because I have a lot of works to do and those shortcuts are very useful for me. Keyboard shortcuts enhance my PC experience. 

A common example: Press Windows Logo Key + Pause to open Properties Window. This is very handy in compared to Right Click on My Computer Icon > Choose Properties from the menu. 

Today's topic is the Shortcuts related to Windows Logo Key or Start Button Shortcuts. Don't make mistake. This list contains the most useful shortcuts related to Start Key. There are other shortcuts too. But I think those are not essential. I summarize the essential part for you. Source: Microsoft 



Windows Logo Key/ Start Key Shortcuts
Try to Memorize them (Good Luck)

Key Combination Action
Description: Picture of Windows logo key Open/ Close Start Menu
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + C Open the Charm (Win 8)
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + D Show the desktop
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + E Open Computer/ My Computer
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + F Open Windows Search Option
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + G Cycle through Gadgets (If any)
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + I Open the Settings Menu (Win 8)
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + L Lock Computer
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + M Minimize all Windows
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Shift + M Restore Minimized Window
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + P Choose a Presentation Display Mode
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Q Search Apps (Win 8)
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + R Open the Run
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + T Cycle through Programs Pinned to the Task bar
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + U Open Ease of Access Center
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + W Search Settings (Win 8)
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + X Windows Mobility Center/ Power Menu in Win 8
Description: Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Numeric Key Open app on the Task Bar (Start + 1/ 2/ 3 etc.)
Description: Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Print Screen Take Screenshots and Auto Save to My Picture
Description: Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Pause Display the System Properties dialog box.
Description: Picture of Windows logo key+ Tab Cycle through running programs
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Spacebar Preview the desktop/ Switch Language
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Up Arrow Maximize the window
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Left Arrow
Maximize the window to the left side of the screen
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Right Arrow Maximize the window to the right of the screen
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Down Arrow Minimize the window
Description: Picture of Windows logo key + Home Minimize all Windows except the Active One


Note: Most of these shortcuts are compatible with all versions of Windows (from Win XP to 8). But some of them are very specific to Windows 8. And some of them are not compatible with Windows 8. 


Tips to Memorize: Sometimes shortcuts are very difficult to memorize. Few of them are not memorable at all. Because you find no meaning to them. 

For example- Start + E to open Computer. What is the relation between E and My Computer. Here E means Explorer. That means Start + E to open Windows Explorer to explore your files and folders in your hard disk drives! 

Thus you can relate most of the key combination with the desired action. Some of them are as below:

  • Start + D means Desktop
  • Start + M means Minimize
  • Start + F means Find
  • Start + L means Lock


Related Posts: 

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