Just hours after Haiti was hit by the massive earthquake, con artists were booking domain names related to the quake in order to set up authentic- looking sites. Oftentimes these sites claim to be associated with charity organizations and ask the users to give their credit card number and other important personal information.

Security experts are also noticing that the scammers are using search engine techniques to rank higher for searches related to the Haiti quake. People when clicked on such sites are presented with a fake warning about viruses in an effort to trick them into downloading malware so that their computer is infected.

To protect oneself from such scams it is advisable to use the most recent available version of your web browser, up-to-date anti-virus software and make sure that all security patches and updates are installed for the web browser and other web-based programs.

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Google has launched its sleek, touch screen Android phone called Nexus One on 5 Jan 2010. Nexus One comes after nearly three years of immense speculation over whether Google would manufacture its own phone. The handset has been manufactured by Taiwan-based HTC however all the specifications were ordered by Google.

The online search and advertising giant has always been innovative in attracting consumers and this time it has done it again. Google has decided to sell the new phone and future models directly to consumers, unlocked, via their website. Thus, it is not tied to any particular wireless carrier. Well some think going direct to consumers is a smart move taken by Google. However, other analysts are of the opinion that bypassing a carrier and directly selling the Nexus One is a risky choice that Google is opting for.
The Phone will cost $529 unlocked or $179 from T-Mobile online with a 2-year US service plan. An unlocked Nexus One would be able to work on AT&T’s network as well.

It has a 3.7-inch AMOLED and runs a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor. In addition it has a 5 MP camera which includes an LED flash and takes MPEG 4 videos, light and proximity sensors, a compass and accelerometer, 3.5mm headphone jack and two microphones for noise reduction.
Many believe that launching Nexus One is a big step that Google has taken in the mobile arena. The company had previously designed mobile software like Google maps and released its Android operating system in 2008. We all must have heard the buzz going around about mobile computing becoming the new paradigm shift. As more people are depending less on their laptops and are relying more on their mobile phones to access internet it is obvious that their surfing habits will change. It has the potential to transform the economics of internet business. This means in the future Google’s position as the leading search engine and advertising giant could be put into question.

According to many analysts Google saw it coming many years ago and was preparing itself for the shift. Vic Gundotra, vice president of engineering at Google who oversees mobile applications said in an interview that they were incredibly excited about the opportunities in the mobile arena. Google has invested a considerable amount, and with Nexus One it aims to provide a compelling mobile experience, Gundotra added.
Well does Nexus One succeed in providing a rewarding mobile experience or not, time will say!

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Trading has become easier with the revolution in stock trading. The tough, toilsome financial trading has come online. It has become easier for people who are internet savvy to trade in the financial market. It is simple and convenient to the traditional photo or paper trading. It has picked up pace and has become one of the most demanding online markets.

With innovative marketing options online, the IT developers have come up with very secure trading systems. The best options for online trading must be a secure platform with low charges and user-friendly technology. The online stockbrokers definitely have an edge over the traditional brokers. The former has a virtual as well as individual presence.

Its edge over convention:

1. Speed
2. Ease
3. Systematic
4. Economic
5. Real time stock quotes online
6. Lower commission structure
7. Interaction with other players in the market
8. No middlemen

The entire process is based on software that has transformed real into virtual. Wondering what is stock trading software?

Stock trading software

Stock trading software helps the traders, brokers, and investors in many ways. It is particularly important for those who want to organize, develop, and access regular options for investment. Internet has expanded the scope of professionals and the non-professionals at the same time. The traders look forward to the analytical and structural tools offered by stock trading software. Buying and selling stocks becomes convenient through user-friendly software.

Financial software or stock trading software are available for free download and also for purchase. If you intend to buy, you may end up paying quite a lot. However, free downloads too have their limitations. Check out various investment sources where you can easily access free software for stock trading. Before downloading such software, make sure you check the rating. Only a good rating ensures better functioning because, sometimes, these freeware come with trackers that makes your computer accessible to others.

Personal finance management software are also available and are used by many. This enables complete personal and familial financial management. It can be used to store banking and investment details as well as credit card transaction data.

The difference is that, a personal finance software comes with a wider opportunity by accommodating all individual and familial financial management, whereas a stock trading software assists online stock traders with sophisticated investment management system.

Again, a professional software for trading brings forth sophisticated programs that analyze and chart out various stock options. These software systems provide latest updates You, as an online trader will easily be informed about the market its current state. These software are made for different purposes and traders can purchase in line with their needs.

Options to consider before buying:

• The host computer must have higher capacity hard drive to support the software. Pentium II chip is the best for such programs.
• The software must have options for analysis, evaluation and transaction.
• Undergo training in investment if you are not an expert in the field.
• Choose user-friendly software that includes extended customer support.
• Check whether the software package includes data feed. This is responsible for giving market updates.
• Compare prices for to strike the best deal.

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Security is a necessity. It is imperative in case of information storing and protection. Protecting information, its privacy, integrity and availability, is precisely known as information security. Today, various companies store highly confidential data and private information on their computer systems.

Most companies are information-based and store the same on their computers. Data, like bank details, employee salary, personal staff details are stored on the machines. Firewalls are not sufficient to protect information from hackers.

One of the major threats to information security is the employees who use the computer systems. However, simple change in password and use of tough combinations make it difficult for hackers to access private information.

Information security audit and risk assessment

Security risk assessment is performed at the initial stage to identify and implement security measures as per requirement.

Information security audit is a process of regular scrutiny to ensure proper implementation and functioning of security measures.

The first step to assess information security risk is to identify and evaluate the consequences associated with susceptibility followed by the implementation of a cost-effective program for security. This entire process consists of structuring security guidelines and policies as well as assigning responsibility of security and employing protections for technical security. This is again followed by cyclic reviews of compliance, along with upgradation in tandem with rapid enhancement of technology. The following points are also necessary for information security.

• Implementation of proper security measures

• Promoting awareness of security to cultivate employee commitment

• Providing employee training for security skills

• Maintaining security incident reporting and handling procedure

• Monitoring the security practices regularly

• Holding intermittent security audits

Process of audit and risk assessment:

The systematic process of risk assessment has been elucidated below:

• Assessing assets and processes associated with the system

• Determining potential threats to integrity, confidentiality and availability of the computer system

• Assessing the vulnerabilities of the system

• Analyzing potential risks and consequences from threat activity

• Determining the protection requirements for risk control

• Selecting and implementing appropriate security procedures

• Interviewing the admin, network operators and users who may provide further information

The process of information security audit is given below:

• Obtaining checklists for inventory and auditing that covers network architecture, web application, and wireless network among others

• Reviewing in order to figure out loopholes in security measures

• Implementation of technical support for proper functioning of audit system

• Preparing a status report to emphasize on conformance and gaps between implementation of security measures and security policies

Protecting information

Once your information audit is complete, protecting the audit data and tools become imperative. You cannot keep it online. The best possible way to handle the situation is by encrypting data and storing it in a secondary media storage device. The physical documentation must be obtained directly from the unauthorized users.

Maintain audit tools through regular monitoring. Eliminate these tools from the operational and developmental systems after use.

Secure your data through proper risk assessment and thorough information security audit.

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The Game development industry:

The game development industry thrives on the high demand across the entire globe. Starting from a child or a teenager till a young professional or a senior citizen, the games industry has allured and engaged all. The attraction is tremendous and the craze stupendous. It is noteworthy that the console games industry, the largest category in games, earned a whopping USD 24.9 billion in the year 2007 and is expected to reach USD 34.7 billion by 2012. It is a surprise to see that an industry, which targeted children few decades ago, has opened up to the entire demographic. It is growing in leaps and bounds and is expected to surprise even industry specialists.

The PwC reported that the video games industry is expected achieve a global sales of USD 68.3 billion by 2012. The online and wireless games will also reach new heights though PC games may face a lag behind.

With such promising numbers, the industry expects to cope well with the recession. It is sheer shocker that despite recession and consumers going frugal, the game industry is steadily reaching new heights. How incredible the demand must be that an industry thrives even during recession.

Game development process:

The word “game” sounds interesting. It instigates good thoughts and an immediate sense of connection. But, do we think about what goes behind the few minutes of relaxation that we get? It is sheer hard work and constant brainstorming by developers. The process is quite complicated and involves strategic thinking, collaboration as well as marketing.

• Idea: The fun starts with ideating a game. It can be inspired from a popular character or it can be based on a particular situation like a war or treasure hunt.
• Implementation: Next is implementation that is based on the financial capabilities of the game developing company. The name behind your game may not be your developer. Usually the company who funds a game has brains working behind it. The developers approach such publishers who fund the entire developmental process and distribute the same in lieu of the profits. There are other ways of funding like pitching the game, negotiation, alternative funding by giving away equity to investors, so on and so forth.
• Designing: The story ad design of the game are two different aspects. Designing the game consists of detailing like camera works, the story, the controls, characters, their weapons and various other props required within the game. Each step is documented for further reference.
• Programming: This is required to implement the design. The programmer refers to the designing documentation followed by a round of question and answers with the designing team. Once the idea and the design details are clarified, the process of programming begins.
• Art: As soon as a game is ready, it requires styling. Visual impact is the most important part of the game. The colors, the detailing, the 3D or 2D requirements, animation, are all take care of by the art team.
• Production: This team works on the schedule and budget. It is behind time estimation for each step of game development. Sound testing comes at the end of the production process. The ambiance is adjusted along with modulation in sound. This involves voiceovers, character dialogues, background music so on and so forth.
• Game testing: This is the final over. Before the game is launched it is manually tested for bugs and various issues. The management takes the final decision of launching.

Some technologies used in game development:

• Microsoft Visual Studio: This is used to develop games for Xbox or Windows.
• XNA: Developed by Microsoft, this platform can be run on Windows as well as Xbox
• CodeWarrior: This Integrated Development Environment (IDE) supports the development of extremely complex applications.
• Unity 3D Indies: AN exciting engine that is been used by Cartoon Network, Lego and various game developers. This supports both Mac and Windows.
• Unity 2.6: This is unique in the sense that it supports third party control like Perforce and Subversion.

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Services offered are built upon a solid system of core beliefs, including a commitment to integrity, treating each client (and their needs) as unique and important, as well as embracing and incorporating change to ensure LTech India will remain a leader in the IT consulting world. This company recognizes that the success of their organization relies upon the success of their customers.

LTech India’s highly-skilled and diverse staff works tirelessly with clients to find customizable solutions to fit each client’s specific needs.

LTech India offers many services, including:

1. .Individualized client/server solutions
2. .Specific web applications and support
3. .B2B portals
4. .Customized software development

Clients seeking consulting in any of the following areas are guaranteed to receive guidance from the finest IT professionals in the industry.

Consulting Services include:

• Offshore consulting is perfectly suited for software consulting firms, companies that specialize in development and IT departments who want to explore or implement offshore development. IT software firms do not have to navigate the “offshore” waters by themselves. Instead, they can work with a partner, LTech India – who has worked with many, many firms to establish a successful offshore presence.
• Build and Transfer consultation is offered to assist in complete facility set-up and provide complete staffing solutions for offshore development facilities. L Tech India is dedicated to registering new offshore facilities and handling all aspects of transferring assets as well as working with clients until the complete operation is handed to clients – when the client is comfortable. As L Tech India is committed to complete customer satisfaction, transfer of operations will never take place until the client feels they are ready.
• Joint Venture consulting is specifically targeted to leverage the strengths of all parties involved. With the guidance of their professional staff, companies are empowered to explore new business opportunities, while continuing to grow existing operations.

State-of-the art technology, coupled with unsurpassed expertise is a winning combination that allows LTech India to encourage clients to “Experience the LTech Difference”.

To receive a free evaluation, visit www.ltechindia.com. The site also consists of a comprehensive breakdown of services and solutions to any firm’s IT needs.

• Onsite consulting offers organizations assistance with project expediting, goal identification and support in reaching identified goals. Onsite consulting allows clients to access the many resources this firm has to offer; on their timetable and at a location of the client’s choosing.

Other Related Links:

• http://beta.ltechindia.com/brochures/

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Source: telecomtv.com

The arrival of the lightweight and old-school feature phone client OneApp foretells of a whole new way Microsoft will engage with the worldwide mobile industry, reports Kirk Laughlin.

First came news a few weeks ago that Nokia and Microsoft were breaking through years of turf protection by joining together to allow Microsoft Office apps to run on Nokia devices.Now comes another intriguing announcement out of Redmond, Wash – the software giant is to launch a simple little client for feature phones that triggers access to dozens of carrier-selected mobile apps, like Facebook, Twitter and Windows Live Messenger.

Blue Label Telecom, based on South Africa, will be the first carrier to use the system. Dozens more are expected to follow in the next 12 months, almost all, presumably, in emerging markets.

In analysing the development, there are a couple of pertinent facts to consider. The launch is not coming from Microsoft’s dominant mobile group – Windows Mobile – but instead from a lesser- known unit called “Unlimited Potential” which is charged with providing social, educational and technology benefits to less lucrative markets around the world.

There is a philanthropic tone to the mission of Unlimited Potential but, of course, we’re talking here about one of the most competitive, free-market enterprises ever to appear on the global landscape. To dismiss Unlimited Potential OppApp as a socially-conscious initiative would be to miss the point entirely.

The fact is Microsoft is looking to seed emerging markets with the OneApp platform, and then entice developers to be part of a true app-development ecosystem.
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A software development kit is planned for release at the end of 2009.

OneApp will read standard programming languages likeJavaScript and XML and the pitch for developers will go something like this: “You don’t have to worry about writing for dozens of discrete mobile operating systems, instead you can write just once – for us.”

Jeff Orr, a mobile industry analyst for ABI Research, is not convinced that a critical mass of developers will follow suit and support OneApp. Instead, he envisages a more open discussion developing between operators themselves and application developers.

In the United States, for example, each of the carriers is trying to attract more interest from the developer community through events and promotional campaigns. Still, Orr believes that carriers generally lack the awareness of how much end-users want to establish personalisation on their devices.

The other noteworthy fact about OneApp is that the concept is not new. Orr points out that Handmark has been busy offering a single client portal - called PocketExpress - to dozens of apps on smart phones in industrialised markets. Orr adds, “I would look at OneApp in more developed countries as what’s offered in carrier portals”.

The larger question is what does OppApp say about Microsoft’s Windows Mobile? Analyst house Canalys recently found that Windows Mobile’s share of the worldwide smart phone market has fallenl from about 14 per cent to under 9 per cent with Apple and Android responsible for most of the erosion.

It is highly likely that Microsoft recognises the battle for the mobile OS is going to be long and hard. A little mobile platform that populates emerging economies, where roughly 5 billion individuals live and work, is probably not a bad plan B.

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So we at LTech decided to do just that. Kill two birds with the same stone. Relax ourselves and at the same time, gain from our esteemed colleagues, seniors and peers.

We had to really start early as the resort was some 40 kms away from our actual office site. You Know, you could see, people coming in at 7:30 in the morning, even though they are used to working late. No one wanted to miss the fun and excitement.

We started from our office in Inova - a spacious SUV, armed with tea & snacks for the short trip to the Shivgarh resort. The journey to the resort was uneventful. We all had arrived in one piece.

Arrangements for breakfast, Lunch, evening snacks and dinner was handled by the resort. Resort also offered us lot’s of facilities like swimming pool, cricket kit, billiards, table tennis etc..

(Bhaskar Roy, Director, Ltech India playing a different ball game)

Once in the Club, we all had a nice and filling breakfast. After that the team spent almost 2 hours playing cricket. After a tough match, we decided to have a relaxing time in the swimming pool. We enjoyed playing handball, and water sports for almost another 3 hours. We were finally a bit tired and were feeling hungry so decided to have lunch.

We headed towards the Lunch table. Food was exotic and catered to both veg and non-veg. We enjoyed our food, while chatting and catching up on the office gossip. After a heavy lunch, we all relaxed for a while and then all were left to their own devices for quite a time. We saw some real use of the facilities provided by the CLUB.

(We believe in winning all games, the winning team cheers)

Amidst all this we had an event organizer, who had us in splits of laughter making us do all sorts of exercises, giving us a reason to celebrate. We had many games like three-legged race, bursting of balloons. After this, the team headed to burn the dance floor. We were dancing into the sunset.

(It is always great to have a good team that enjoys everything)

After a day of enjoyment, we headed back to our buses and to our office. Thus ended an eventful day, full of fun and frolic, a day to cherish and look back.”

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