TIP-OFF

Here is some freeware software that could be of help during everyday computer usage.

Dictionary Software (the first two)

WordWeb 5.5 (Size 7.44MB)

This is a one-click English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows that can look up words from almost any program. It works off-line, but can also look up words in web references such as the Wikipedia encyclopedia. Features of the free version include: Definitions and synonyms, Proper nouns, Related words, Pronunciations, 1,50,000 root words, 1,20,000 synonym sets, Fixed web reference tabs etc. It can be downloaded from http://wordweb.info/

Merriam-Webster Concise Dictionary (Size 1.59MB)

This contains more than 40,000 entries, clear and concise definitions, written pronunciations, and variant spellings. The iFinger engine under the hood works both online and offline, checking spelling automatically or allowing you to run manual text searches for specific queries. Internet required while installing this software. Download from

http://www.download.com/Merriam-Webster-s-Concise-Dictionary/3000-2279_4-10059666.html

Mozilla Firefox 3.0 (size 7.14 MB)

A small, fast and easy to use browser, it includes tabbed browsing and pop-up blocker. The new version 3 has improved performance, Add-ons manager, download manager, Smart Location Bar, better password manager and malware protection. Please look up

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2248

Gadwin PrintScreen (Size 2.75 MB)

This captures the contents of the screen with a single keystroke. The captured screen can then be sent to the printer, or saved to disk as a file in six different graphics file formats (BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, TGA). Gadwin PrintScreen can capture the entire Windows screen, the active window, or a specified area, when the hot key is pressed. The hot key defaults to the PrintScreen key but users can define other keys too to initiate a capture. Gadwin PrintScreen allows you to e-mail the captured images to recipients of your choice.

http://www.gadwin.com/download/ps_setup.exe

ExplorerXP (Size 410 KB)

This is a fast, small, compact file manager for Windows 2000/XP. Unlike the regular Windows Explorer, it displays the total size of each folder and allows you to browse multiple folders from a tabbed interface. It also supports Multi rename, split and Merge, etc. You can download it from http://www.explorerxp.com/

ExtractNow (Size 1MB )

This utility allows you to extract multiple archives quickly and easily. Supports ZIP, RAR, ISO, BIN, IMG, IMA, IMZ, 7Z, ACE, JAR, GZ, LZH, LHA, TAR, SIT archive formats. Extract files into current directory, named folder, or favourite folder of choice. Integrates with Windows Explorer via special context menu items

http://www.extractnow.com/

Stickies 6.5a (Size 975 KB)

Stickies is a PC utility to try to cut down on the number of Post-It notes you leave stuck to your monitor. It is a computerised version of those notes.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download5501.html

Recover Files (Size 1.17MB)

This is file recovery software that allows the user to recover accidentally deleted files, even files removed from the Recycle Bin, network drive, compact flash card, portable drives, in a DOS window, or from Windows Explorer. Download from http://www.download.com/Recover-Files/3000-2094_4-10715455.html

FlashGet (size 4.4 MB)

This is a download manager. It uses MHT (Multi-server Hyper-threading Transportation) technique, supports various protocols such as HTTP, FTP, BT, MMS, RTSP and has document management features.

FlashGet can call anti-virus automatically to clean viruses, spyware and adware after finishing download. Check it out at http://www.flashget.com/index_en.htm

PM to take up fuel price issue, need for action plan at G8 meet

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, plans to highlight at the G8/G5 outreach summit not only the impact of the sharp rise in fuel prices on the global economy but also the need for joint action by both producing and consuming nations to control it.

In a statement issued on the eve of his departure for Japan to attend the G8 summit, the Prime Minister said that India’s perspectives on a wide range of global issues, including the state of the world economy, development, trade, transfer of technology, energy security and food security would also be presented at the meeting. During the visit the Prime Minister will also attend a meeting of the G5 group of outreach countries, being hosted by the President of Mexico.

“Over the years, India’s participation in the G8/G5 dialogue process has enabled us to articulate our concerns on a wide range of issues in a forthright manner, on an equal footing. Today, India’s views are heard with respect, and there is recognition of the fact that solutions to global issues require India’s involvement,” Dr Singh said. During the visit, Dr Singh will have bilateral meeting the Prime Minister of Japan, the US President, and the leaders of Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia and the Secretary General of the United Nations.

The Prime Minister will also participate in the meeting of the leaders of major economies at which the issue of climate change will be discussed.

“I will convey to the international community India’s belief that climate change, energy and food security are interlinked, and require an integrated approach. The National Action Plan on Climate Change, which was released recently, underscores our commitment to address the challenge of climate change, and outlines concrete steps to meet this challenge,” he said.

Nadal beats Roger Federer to win Wimbledon title

WIMBLEDON, England (AP): Rafael Nadal ended Roger Federer's five-year reign at Wimbledon on Sunday, winning a riveting, five-set marathon to claim his first title at the All England Club and signal a changing of the guard in men's tennis.

Nadal held off a stirring comeback by Federer from two sets down to prevail 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 to become the first man to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

Nadal, the first Spaniard to win Wimbledon since Manolo Santana in 1966, avenged his losses to Federer in the last two finals here and snapped the Swiss star's All England Club winning streak at 40 matches and overall grass-court run at 65.

The rain-delayed contest ended in near darkness after 4 hours, 48 minutes of play _ the longest men's final in Wimbledon history _ when Federer slapped a forehand into the net on Nadal's fourth match point and second of the game.

Nadal fell onto his back in exhilaration at the baseline and, after congratulating Federer, climbed into the players' box to embrace his entourage. With his tears in his eyes, he grabbed a Spanish flag and went over to the edge of the Royal Box to shake hands with Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain.

Federer, who converted only one of 13 break points in the match, fell short in his bid to set two historic landmarks: He failed to surpass Bjorn Borg by winning a sixth consecutive title or match Willie Renshaw's all-time record of six in a row from 1881-86.

Nadal won his fifth Grand Slam title, adding to his four consecutive French Open championships. Federer, meanwhile, remains two shy of Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam wins.

Watching it all from the front row of the Royal Box was the silver-haired Borg, who won 41 straight Wimbledon matches during his 1976-80 title runs.

Mendis stars as Sri Lanka retains title

Karachi: An old tale of capitulation against Sri Lankan spinners was replayed on a forgettable Sunday for M.S. Dhoni’s men. And as defending champion Sri Lanka defeated India by 100 runs in the final and retained the STAR Asia Cup at the National Stadium here on Sunday, memories of botched chases flitted past.

Vinod Kambli’s tears and the 1996 World Cup semifinal, Asia Cup final 2004 and India falling short by 25 runs. These are scripts spun together by the guile of Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan and Upul Chandana.

Add Ajantha Mendis (six for 13) to these names as he flummoxed the Indians and helped Sri Lanka’s 273 in 50 overs, assume alarming proportions in a tournament where 300 plus scores was the minimum yardstick. India scored 173 in 39.3 overs with Virender Sehwag’s 60 (36b, 12x4) atop the order and Dhoni’s (49) sanity in the middle being the exceptions as Sri Lanka cruised to its fourth title triumph in the Asia Cup.

Chase starts

The chase started with Sehwag scattering Chaminda Vaas, the lofted drive over the bowler’s head being the pick. Vaas, however, found relief in scalping Gautam Gambhir and India’s steady ally of good opening partnerships was cut adrift. Sehwag’s upper cut of Kulasekara assuaged nerves but he gave Mendis the charge and was left stranded as the spinner pitched it a shade wide past a flailing bat.

Mendis struck again two deliveries later as he bowled Yuvraj, who was all tentative feet and a late bat coming down and across. Suresh Raina played an ugly hoick, Rohit Sharma was rooted to the crease. Mendis had spun his web with a mix of deliveries that held their line and hurried off the pitch and those that turned just a wee-bit to nudge out reluctant batsmen busy looking at the giant television screen to figure out their mode of dismissal.

Dhoni hung in grimly while Muralitharan ruffled Robin Uthappa’s pads and Mendis prised out Irfan Pathan and R.P. Singh. The fire had died long back and when Vaas bagged Dhoni, the embers of defeat smouldered.

Power and placement

In the evening, Sanath Jayasuriya’s 125 melded power and placement and gave Sri Lanka compelling reasons to believe in hope and rebirth. Struggling at 66 for four in 12 overs and with Ishant Sharma finding rhythm against a top-order that erred in its shot selection, Sri Lanka banked on Jayasuriya for deliverance.

And the man from Matara readily obliged. Jayasuriya’s 27th ODI ton, and his 131-run fifth-wicket partnership with T.M. Dilshan ensured that Sri Lanka managed a challenging total after Dhoni opted to field and belied pre-final hints from both camps of batting first on winning the toss.

After the first over bowled by R.P. Singh went for 11, Ishant’s next over led to a collective intake of breath as the Indians celebrated Kumar Sangakkara’s dismissal. Jayasuriya tapped straight to Suresh Raina, Sangakkara charged from the non-strikers end and never returned.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene had four fielders in his gaze and yet failed to ground his cut. Ishant then surprised Kapugedera and induced the leading edge and two deliveries later, had Chamara Silva chopping on to his stumps.

26 in an over

Jayasuriya (125, 114b, 9x4, 5x6) meanwhile rocked back to cut and pull Ishant and Irfan Pathan and pummelled R.P. Singh for 26 in an over. The ease with which he flexed his forearms and swivelled his legs to generate power belied his 39 summers. And in Dilshan (56), Jayasuriya found sustenance.

Jayasuriya glanced Sehwag to short fine-leg for his hundred and fell with a slog-sweep but it was a supreme innings though the lone discomfort was when Ishant got one to dart past his rib-cage early in the innings. For India, Ishant bowled a good first spell, Pragyan Ojha was steady but Irfan frittered away, gifting width and got punished as Jayasuriya reigned.

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka: S. Jayasuriya c Ishant b Sehwag 125, K. Sangakkara (run out) 4, M. Jayawardene c Rohit b Ishant 11, C. Kapugedera c Raina b Ishant 5, C. Silva b Ishant 0, T. Dilshan c Dhoni b Irfan 56, C. Vaas b R.P. Singh 19, N. Kulasekara (not out) 29, T. Thushara lbw b R.P. Singh 5, A. Mendis b R.P. Singh 8, M. Muralitharan c Dhoni b Irfan 2; Extras: (lb-8, w-1) 9; Total: (in 49.5 overs) 273.

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-34, 3-66, 4-66, 5-197, 6-213, 7-236, 8-256, 9-264.

India bowling: R.P. Singh 9-1-67-3, Ishant 10-1-52-3, Irfan 9.5-0-67-2, Pragyan 10-1-38-0, Sehwag 8-0-30-1, Rohit 3-0-11-0.

India: G. Gambhir c Dilshan b Vaas 6, V. Sehwag st Sangakkara b Mendis 60, S. Raina b Mendis 16, Yuvraj b Mendis 0, M.S. Dhoni c Sangakkara b Vaas 49, Rohit lbw b Mendis 3, R. Uthappa lbw Muralitharan 20, Irfan c Jayawardene b Mendis 2, R.P. Singh b Mendis 0, P. Ojha (not out) 6, Ishant b Kulasekara 8; Extras: (b-2, w-1) 3; Total: (in 39.3 overs): 173.

Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-76, 3-76, 4-93, 5-97, 6-135, 7-154, 8-154, 9-160.

Sri Lanka bowling: Vaas 9-0-55-1, Kulasekara 6.3-0-26-1, Thushara 8-0-51-0, Mendis 8-1-13-6, Muralitharan 8-0-26-1.

No summer jobs available for Indian students in America

Indian grad students studying in the US are finding the summer hard.

Those who chose not to go back to India for the summer break, hoping to get summer jobs, are finding that for the first time there are no jobs...not even in grocery stores and fast food eateries.

Employers cut 62,000 jobs in the month of June as soaring fuel prices and a slowing economy forced companies to reduce costs.

The US Department of Labour reported that the economy has lost about 438,000 jobs since the beginning of the year. The unemployment rate was at 5.5 per cent.

Amar, a sophomore student at George Washington University, realized that he could not stay in DC this summer and went home to Karachi.

The eatery he was working in the downtown area shut down when the owner was unable to make his lease payment.
"The collapse of the housing bubble is slowly sinking more and more sectors of the economy," said Dean Baker, co-director of the Centre for Economic and Policy Research.

The Labour department report states that 5.4 million Americans, about 3 per cent of the workforce were working part time either because their hours had been cut, or because they could not find full time employment.

Charles Page, a real estate agent in Centerville, Virginia once sold 5-6 million dollar homes. In barely a year, he has gone bust and now works for a realty company, that too part time.

The political criticism of the economy has been bipartisan.

Senator Obama said yesterday " The American people are paying the price for the failed economic policies of the past eight years, and we can't afford four more years of the same."

Not to be outdone by the Democratic candidate, Senator John McCain said: "We must enact a jobs-first economic plan that supports job creation, provides immediate tax relief for families, enact a plan to help those facing foreclosure, lower health care costs...."

Across the political spectrum, there is concern growing into a near panic that the there is need for a more aggressive action by the federal government to prod economic growth.

nfotech hiring shrinks 40%

BANGALORE: The boom element in hiring seems to be substantially diminishing. Thanks to the economic turbulence in the domestic and international markets. Tech hiring has shrunk upto 40%. Subprime crisis, unprecedented rise in oil and commodity prices and the Indian economy reeling under a double-digit inflationary regime, its no surprise that the people-boom is taking a beating, said Mohan Menon, CEO, Sentient Consulting, a corporate advisory firm.

The country has over a million tech workers of which IT services alone accounts for almost 7 lakh, on an average, 15%, that means 1,05,000 people are on the benches.

“Ideally, no company wants to have people on benches. So, there is a huge amount of focus on moving the bench out into productivity. That's where a lot of tech firms are going to save on additional hiring. And this will definitely eat into the quantum of hiring,” said Amitabh Das, MD Vaticonsulting, a recruitment process outsourcing firm.

“In the coming quarters, many tech firms are likely to revise their people outlook downwards. It’s already happening unofficially. Hiring is almost nil among BFSI firms, IT consulting too has impacted greatly. The industry in general is reworking on hiring outlook. The line up of additional inputs (talent) is pretty thin for many,” observed B S Murthy, CEO, Human Capital.

According to Manish Sabrawal, founding partner, Teamlease, “There is something weird going on in this downturn. There has been a clear blunting in salary growth but unlike most slowdowns where lower attrition is almost a leading indicator, this time attrition continues to chug away. Well, may be that's the only silver lining in the cloud.”