Whether we like it or not, we are addicted to facebook. Looking into personal life of other becoming more and more easy. Facebook making it more aggressive with so many updates.

Earlier they released a sorting feature where you can filter incoming stories, video chat in collaboration with skype, and the most annoying sidebar ticker.

This little box consumes lot of time of us. We always look into this box to get what other are liking, who is commenting where, who tagged who. Who who who who. i personally feel that this ticker is very annoying sometimes and i don’t like it to be there.

Today I figured out that i can disable this ticker very easily. In a very recent update facebook has given us this choice.

If you look at the corner of this ticker you will see a small upward arrow sign. When you click this upward arrow you ticker will be disabled and now you will see a down arrow sign which will get back your ticker. Whenever you feel like disabling it, you can do it.

Hooray!!, now I can devote my valuable time to more productive work. Believe it or not but Facebook is killing our hours and making our life shorter. If we spend daily one hour on facebook (which can be more for some FB lovers) and assume that if we yet live 50 more years then FB will take around 2 years from our life. Addiction man addiction. Its like smoking, you wants to quit but you can’t.

Recommended reading: Best facebook chat app

Moral of the story: Find ways which helps you minimize your time spending on facebook.

Your social networking site must be waiting for your new album but your internet speed sucks. It would not allow to upload such heavy chunk of images and will keep your friends waiting until the next weekend when you will finally find time to upload them.

Thinking to reduce or compress the photos but don’t know which solution or software will do it quickly and efficiently. Don’t worry we have got the best and easy way to compress photos in bulk. Its like select the source folder, select the destination folder and click compress.

Solution 1: FotoSizer : This is a nice and very easy software to process all your images. Simply add images from different folders or select a single folder. Select your choices like resizing to a specific width and height in pixels, or by a percentage of the each image width and height. You can choose include all sub folders. Select destination folder and click START.

Best feature of FotoSizer:

Apart from just resizing you can give various effects like all images in Black & White, Negative or Sepia.

You can give a rotation setting. Its good as an addon feature because we all have a bad habit to click photo vertically and on screen we need to rotate our head I love this feature.

Recommended read: Best Book Style pdf reader

Solution 2: Free Picture Resize Starter: Its not just a resizer but an overall photo optimizer too. you will find a built-in image editor with basic features, such as drawing tools and a rotation utility. The included tools for creating slide shows and icons are fairly basic, but we consider them nice bonuses.

Features of Free Picture Resize Starter:

Very simple interface. Easy to understand by anyone. No annoying options.

You won’t loose any quality of the photo which is the best part among all photo resizer software.

There are no flashy things. Straight to the point options.

Supports batch processing.

You are being watched. Stop Being Tracked Online.

Don’t look around, I am talking about cookies in your PC or laptop. Website are reading your behavior and search patterns through cookies they set in your PC.

Some big online companies are sealing these search patterns from your PC and using them to show customized advertisements based on these stats. Well, if you love watching ads similar to your search behavior then there is no worries let companies use your stats because they are doing good for you and advertisers too. But if you are worried that these companies are actually stealing your personal data then you really need to worry about this.

Remember how Facebook is selling your personal data like in which city are in right now, do you love travelling, you watch lot of movies etc to advertisers. Wondering, how Facebook get to know whether I love watching movies, Its your status messages. Yes, they are being recorded to personalize the advertisements being showed to you.

Yes, this is really bad. Why would somebody can just keep an eye on you every time you work online. I think its time to shout on them and say “STOP TRACKING ME”. Well, that is not enough, because no one is listening that.

Lets face this very serious issue and try to find some good solution.

Search Engine market is getting bigger and bigger and now these companies are disturbing our lives by tracking our behavior. We all love Google and its great browser Google Chrome. But do you know that Chrome is being used to track your patterns and sending this data back to google so that when next time you search on google they can personalize ads.

Solution: You can stop sending your stats to google by a making this small change in Chrome browser.

Open Chrome (If its not already open) and go to Tools sign  > Options > Under the Hood (at the left) > uncheck “Automatically send usage statistics and crash reports to Google” (by default its checked).

Thats all now chrome will not send your stats to google.

But these arises another problem, If you are logged in to gmail or some other google service like picasa, docs etc. (there are more than 40 google services and now they all have same privacy policy) then still google is watching you and your google search stats are being recorded. This also includes which type of mails you are sending or receiving etc. Its primary job of google now a days to personalize the ads and thats the only way this could be done by stealing your privacy.

Solution: Be logged of or signed out while using google search.

There are other companies yahoo, bing etc who are doing the same business but the giant (Google) is doing this more aggressively.

Some tips to save yourself.

Clear your cookies daily.

Don’t be logged in while searching on search engine.

There are some serious researchers getting ready to stop all this stealing stuff. For more reading go to Do not Track

We all has a big big problem, we all copy files here and there on computer and then waste lot of time to find them.Finding all mp3 files is a big hassle when computer is not organised. Well it not true with windows 7 anymore. If you are unorganized then windows 7 will organize your stuff. I am talking about the unique search feature in windows 7.

MP3 files has file extension .mp3 so we will use this extension with a keyword type like this type:mp3

Click Start and start typing in the search bar of start menu and write type:.mp3. you will be amazed to see all the mp3 files in your computer or laptop.

Thats not enough guys you can filter more by combining more parameters.

Example: Wana search for a mp3 file name Kalimba (its a free mp3 file come with win 7). you need to write type:mp3 AND name:kalimba on search bar.

Lets see what is this about..

Type is a parameter. There are many more parameters you can use for example Kind, Datemodified, type, size

AND is an operator to sort files. You can use operators like AND, OR, NOT (Remember write operators in capitals only)

Name is again a parameter which is used to find files which has a specific string like name:britney will find all the files named britney and when we combine it with type:mp3 then only mp3 files named britney or having britney in their name will come out.

Days are gone when you have to search by inputting just name of the file. With windows 7 you can search files like: Finding all images at once. Sort all images with name with multiple parameters. It getting little technical and boring. Lets understand with an example.

Suppose you like to search Images in your PC or laptop.

Click start and start writing: “kind:pictures” (without quots)

This will search all the pictures in your hard disk no matter whatever their names. Is it not interesting. Well not enough

Suppose you need to search Images with certain name like “john”.

Click start and write : kind:pictures AND name:john (Yes AND operator)

You can search with AND, OR, NOT operators too. Is it not interesting now.

NOTE: Remember you need to write these operators in capitals (AND, OR, NOT and not like and,or,not)

There are lot more filters you can use with windows 7 search. for more filters click here

Windows 7 is full of exciting features and one of them is How to Find Images in Windows 7

One obvious reason is that these are permanent storage materials and no Virus can destroy data in a CD or in a DVD, but what if your CD or DVD-Drive is not working like mine. You can transfer data with USB but what if you need to install a windows?

You feel like what should I do now???

You need to worry little bit but not much. If you are still reading then I am going to reveal the secret about

How to Make Windows 7 Bootable USB (Pen Drive)

Prerequisites:

A Pen Drive (USB) minimum 4GB. Windows 7 is little big ( little or big.. Hehe ).

A DVD drive  to copy Win7 DVD in Pen Drive. (If your DVD is not working, call your friend who has a working DVD Drive).

Little knowledge about how to change Boot Sequence to set USB as Primary Boot. (Don’t worry, I will explain this step too (After-all I am your friend, Right )).

Lets Start the Process:

If your DVD drive is not working, use your friends computer for this step:

Make ISO file of your Windows 7 DVD. Use Magic ISO for creating ISO image for free. If you already have any other ISO making software use that.

Time to use Windows 7 USB DVD tool ->  Download  OR Alternate Link.

Download it and Install.

Run Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool from All Programs.

Now follow these steps below:

Browse already Created ISO file here.

Choose USB Device because you need to transfer ISO file in USB. Remember directly copying .iso file in Pen Drive (USB) will not work.

Choose already plugged in Pen Drive here. ( Caution: All data will be lost from the Pen Drive )

Let the Process complete. This will create Bootalbe Windows 7 USB / Pen Drive.

Now you have Bootable Windows 7 Pen Drive and you are all set to install windows via Pen Drive (USB).

Follow steps below on computer which is supposed to be formatted.

Go to your boot menu.

You need to change the Boot Sequence. Because we want USB at First Boot.

Save Boot Settings and System will Reboot. Don’t unplug Pen Drive.

Now your computer will start booting with USB Drive which contains Windows 7 setup.

Install Windows Normally.

Thats all. Easy haa!!

We all use mobile a lot but sometimes this device becomes very irritating when some companies or a person send junk SMS. Sometimes I feels like killing them. But there is no escape from this situation because there is no govt policy to block these junk messages and that is why i am coming up with this article where i will tell you a sure – shot way to block these junk messages.

I have tried it on my mobile and  can assure you that you can do it very easily too.

The trick is block these messages at your end because your service provider (like Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Tata Indicom, Reliance etc.) can’t block these messages although they can do it.

So slap such spammers with this software called SMS blocker.

The features include:
• Unique anti spam logic- inbuilt intelligence to detect and block cunning spam SMS, automatically.
• ‘One-Click-Block’ to block in single click from home Screen.
• Fully customizable. Modify your blocking/allowing preferences as you want.
• Blocked SMS logs deleted automatically by the app itself, once that reach the limit of 100.
• Seamless Integration with phonebook, SMS inbox.
• Selective SMS block based on content, bulk spam SMS, sender’s title or a specific number.
• Detailed log of all blocked SMS.
• Blocked SMS storage to review & restore at your convenience.
• Insanely easy to set up and use.

Currently this software is FREE for andriod mobiles only.
For Nokia you need to buy it. Go to OVI store on your mobile search SMS Blocker and download it for Rs. 125/=

My Review:

I have used it and i am feeling very relaxed after installing it.

No more Junk messages on my device. I have got some junk messages which were sent from a mobile number and not by a company, I can easily add that number in block list.

If you are feeling irritated with such junk messages then i advise you to install this little smart piece of software.

To install apps on our mobile devices we usually go to market, search app and then we install that. But if we are working on a PC then installing apps like the traditional way (Pick up your mobile go to market, search app, read reviews, install, give permissions etc.) becomes a pain.

But we have a nice solution for you. This little secret may be known to most of the advance android users but if you are a new user like i was few months ago then this will really surprise you.

Prerequisites:

Android mobile with internet (Wifi or 3G )

A Google account. (Same account you are using on your android device).

Ready for surprise !! Here we go.

Step 1: Switch ON your PC. (heheh. I know you are on a PC or a laptop right now).

Step 2: Go to -> Android market and make sure you are logged in with your google or gmail account.

Step 3: Search any app you like to install on your device. (There can be many ways to do this. I like to search the app on different sites who actually publish a detailed review and give market link for example this site -> Android Apps Review).

Step 4: You will see a install button to install the app. Click that.

Step 5: Confirm it by clicking INSTALL again.

Step 6: You will see this line “This app will be downloaded to your device shortly.”

If your device is connected to the internet then app will be installed within few seconds but if your device is offline then whenever it will come online again app will be installed automatically. Is it not nice!!

I always like to install apps like this. Searching apps on small screen is really tiring and google has done a great job by giving us this option, why not use that.

Now you know the little Android Apps Installation secret too

Its very simple and you can do it easily. For wordpress users: you can use this trick to embed a Facebook video on your website without using any plugin (Using many plugins utilizes valuable resources which slow down site performance ). So i prefer no-plugin way to do such tasks.

Step 1: Open Facebook and select any video you like to embed on your blog.

Step 2: Play the video and wait until it finishes because only then we can go the video page.

Step 3: Once the video is finished, you will see “Go to Video” button. Click that. This will take you to the video page.

Step 4: Copy that page URL: for ex: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=xxxxxxyyyyyzzzzz

Step 5: Edit this url like this http://www.facebook.com/v/xxxxxxyyyyyzzzzz

Step 6: If you will copy paste this edited url to the browser then you will see a full screen ready to play video. Now we need to make the embed code so that we can use it on a website or blog.

Step 7:

<object width="400" height="224" >
 <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />
 <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />
 <param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/xxxxxxyyyyyzzzzz" />
 <embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/xxxxxxyyyyyzzzzz" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
   allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224">
 </embed>
</object>

You need to change only “xxxxxxyyyyyzzzzz” to your video code.

Just paste this code to the your site and you are good to go.

For WordPress users: Make sure you paste the code under HTML tab and not under Visual tab while making a post. Pasting the code under Visual tab will only paste the code and will not embed the video. So be little careful.

Step 8: Time to embed a video now as I am embedding one now.

Explore more Tips and Tricks at www.PickTheTrick.com

Some simple yet powerful tips

Choosing the right colors- The color of your clothes plays a significant part in conveying the kind of a person you are. Wearing wrong colors or combinations to office can instantly transform your image. Others may not consider you professionally competent if you shock them by your appearance. In the same vein, people may ignore you as an introvert if you appear too dull.

People who wear Red are presumed to be excitable, impulsive and energetic in whatever they do. While Pink signifies an affectionate, sympathetic and loving nature; Orange stands for a self-oriented, competent and independent approach. Yell

ow would make your personality look spontaneous, inspiring and stimulating; Brown suggests honesty, a down-to-earth personality and also bottled-up emotions.

White stands for possibility- it is simple and pure but also extremely positive and suggests that you have a well-balanced and confident personality. Black is a representative of a strong-will, discipline and authority but also, of inflexibility or stubbornness.

Make up and Jewelry (Makeup Tips for Office)- Wearing heavy make-up and jewelry to office would brand you as loud. Keep your appearance simple and light. Don’t try to exaggerate your appearance rather stick to the naturally attractive and fresh look. Eyeliner even if colored would add volumes to your personality. The color of the lipstick should not be too vibrant and glossy. Glittery cheeks look cheap. Heavy eye lids don’t work in a professional set up. Choose to carry neutral or pastel shades in your facial make-up.

Jewelry that jingles and distracts others should not be worn at all. Stud earrings and small pendants look professional. Instead of bangles you may choose to wear single bracelet and a watch. Anklets look nice but not the traditional heavy jingling silver ones.

Bags and Phone- Slouchy oversized handbags look clumsy. Choose a style that may project your image as a true professional. Sequined and glittery bags don’t suit an office goer. You surely don’t wish to appear sloppy forever seen diving into the bag and not finding anything at the right time. Choose a structured style for your bag so that you are comfortable. It would project your image as that of an organized, sorted and well-balanced person.

The ringer volume of your phone should be such that others are not disturbed by it. You must always put your phone on silent vibration whenever in a meeting. Avoid playing music in office. A professional must carry a professional phone with features that would help you rather than distract you from work. Phones especially designed for gaming and playing music don’t suit a professional.

The Detailing- Your general appearance is constituted by intricate details. Your overall look depends on a lot of other things than just clothes and make-up. If you look closely, for a person to look confident, organized and non-clumsy one has to take care of the details. You must always look presentable. Personal hygiene comes first, closely followed by etiquette.

Body odour is a dangerous put off. Manicured nails, waxed arms and well-kept feet give out positive signs for your personality. Neatly done hair, creaseless clothes and no- nonsense shoes place you in the good list. Your shoes should not make noise while you walk and your fallen hair should not find its way onto your colleague’s desk.

Your desk should be clutter-free and organized. It should not have any rolled paper balls, useless markers, chewed pen caps or broken pieces of your pen stand. You must always stand straight while talking to someone and not slouch while in your chair. Watch your body language carefully so that you do not offend anybody. Be confident and careful at the same time.

Always wear a pleasant smile and be a cheerful sport with others and try not to lose your temper at paltry issues. Avoid indulging in sarcasm, rumors and back-biting to maintain a healthy and competitive office environment.

Author: Priyanka S. Rana