MICROSOFT INTRODUCES NEW IMAGING APPS FOR WINDOWS PHONE 8.1

With all the attention towards the recent developer preview release of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, it is easy to overlook the fact that the Lumia Cyan update is arriving on handsets across the globe.

And it brings a slew of improvements, including plenty of camera enhancements.

Mobile photography and imaging is an absolute forte of the Lumia lineup from Nokia (or Microsoft Mobile, what have you). The newest version of the operating system brings along a series of refinements that make snapping images fun.

Users can enjoy a better overall imaging experience thanks to the simplified UI in Nokia Camera. There is also the improved Camera Roll, along with streamlined access to video and manual controls.

But along with these tweaks, Microsoft have also released a series of new applications that take the whole experience one step further. The company talked about this on the Nokia Conversations blog, while also highlighting a few other mobile applications that also got refreshed.

These include Living Images, Facetune, Walgreens, SNAPCAM, PhotoMart, and Creative Studio 6.

The blog post goes into elaborate detail into the features new to these abovementioned applications, and is worth a read if you are into photography on your Lumia device — who isn’t? The new apps are set to be made available on the Windows Phone Store later today.

Excited? Let’s hear your imaging experience on Windows Phone 8.1.

NOTE - If you would like to find out more about the next version of Microsoft Windows - Windows 9, here are some links you should probably check out.

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"

Raheel Ahmed Khan

System Engineer

send2raheel@yahoo.com

send2raheel@engineer.com

sirraheel@gmail.com

send2raheel (skype id)

My Blog Spot 

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/

50 Open Source Replacements for Windows XP

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. That means the company is no longer patching newly discovered security vulnerabilities in the operating system, and people who continue to use it are opening themselves up to security risks. However, according to NetMarketShare, more than a quarter of all PCs (27.69 percent) were still running Windows XP in March of this year. Why would people continue using a twelve-year-old operating system that would put them at risk? No doubt, many are home users who simply aren't very technology savvy and/or may not have the desire or the money to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Some probably have older, underpowered PCs that can't run Windows 7 or 8. And others have specific software—often custom business applications—that only runs on Windows XP. Fortunately, the open source community has free operating systems that meet the needs of users in all of these situations. This month we've put together a list of 50 different applications that can replace Windows XP. It's organized into several different categories. Those that are easiest for beginners to use come first, followed by lightweight operating systems that can run on old hardware, then operating systems that are particularly tailored for business users and open source operating systems that aren't based on Linux. The list ends with a few applications that aren't complete operating systems but do allow users to run their existing XP software from Linux. As always, if you have another Linux distribution or other application that you think should have been on this list, feel free to write a note in the comments section below. Before we get to the list itself, here's a some quick background for Windows XP users who aren't familiar with Linux or open source software. Linux is an operating system that anyone can use free of charge. In addition, anyone can see the source code for Linux and modify it however they like. Because anyone can tweak it, it comes in thousands of different versions, which are known as "distributions." Different Linux distributions use different interfaces or "desktops," which determine how the operating system looks on the screen. Unlike Windows, Linux distributions generally come with lots of free applications already built in, so users don't have to pay extra for office productivity software, security software, games or other applications. Beginner-Friendly Linux Distributions 1. Linux Mint Many people consider Linux Mint to be among the most intuitive operating systems for Windows XP users. It supports several different desktop interfaces, including Cinnamon, which users can configure to look and feel a lot like XP. 2. Ubuntu Very easy to use, Ubuntu is likely the most widely used Linux distribution in the world. The desktop version offers speed, security, thousands of built-in applications and compatibility with most peripherals. 3. Zorin OS Built specifically to attract former Windows users, Ubuntu-based Zorin is probably the Linux distribution that's the most similar to Windows. It includes a unique "Look Changer" that switches the desktop to look like Windows 7, XP, Vista, Ubuntu Unity, Mac OS X or GNOME 2, and it includes WINE and PlayOnLinux to allow users to keep using their Windows software. 4. Robolinux Also similar to Windows, Robolinux promises to allow users to run all their Windows XP and 7 software without making themselves vulnerable to malware. It also includes more than 30,000 open source applications. 5. StartOS Formerly known as YLMF, the interface for StartOS looks an awful lot like Windows XP. It's managed by a group of Chinese developers, so the website is in Chinese. However, English versions of the OS are available. 6. Pinguy OS According to the Pinguy website, "PinguyOS is very much designed for people who are new to the Linux world; many people coming from both a Windows or a Mac background will find plenty of familiar features along with some new ones that aren’t available in either Windows or Mac." It's based on Ubuntu and uses the Gnome-Shell desktop. 7. MEPIS Popular with new Linux users, MEPIS aims at providing a Linux distribution that's very stable and very easy to use. It comes with hundreds of applications preinstalled and you can easily dual-boot it alongside Windows so that you can continue using XP software. 8. Antergos Previously known as Cinnarch, Antergos is based on Arch Linux, which is popular with hard-core open source users, but Antergos much easier for beginners to use than Arch. It comes with a graphical installer that allows the user to choose from among several interfaces, including some that look quite a bit like XP. 9. Manjaro Like Antergos, Manjaro aims to be a more user-friendly version of Arch. It comes with desktop environments, software management applications and media codecs pre-installed so users can get right to work after installing it. 10. PCLinuxOS Like many other OSes on this list, PCLinuxOS was designed with usability in mind. It can run from a LiveCD, meaning you can try it out while still keeping Windows XP installed on your PC. 11. Edubuntu For those looking to replace Windows XP on a PC primarily used by kids, Edubuntu is an excellent choice. It's based on Ubuntu (and supported by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu), so it's very user-friendly. Plus, it adds plenty of software tailored for use by schools or home users with children. 12. Mageia Forked from Mandrake (which was later renamed Mandriva), Mageia is a community-driven Linux distribution with a good reputation for being beginner-friendly. Because it's updated very frequently, it tends to include more recent versions of software packages, and it has excellent support for several different languages. 13. OpenMandriva Like Mageia, OpenMandriva is a community-managed Linux distribution based on Mandrake/Mandriva. It attempts to be simple and straightforward enough for new users but also to offer the breadth and depth of capabilities demanded by advanced users. 14. Kubuntu Kubuntu's goal is to "make your PC friendly," and it's fairly easy for new Linux users to figure out. It combines Ubuntu and the KDE desktop and includes plenty of built-in software, like a web browser, an office suite, media apps and more. 15. Netrunner Netrunner is based on Kubuntu, plus some interface modifications to make it even more user friendly and some extra codecs to make it easier to play media files. The project also offers a second version of the same OS based on Manjaro. 16. Kwheezy Kwheezy is based on Debian, which is popular with advanced Linux users, but it's designed to be more accessible for Linux newcomers. It comes "with all the applications, plugins, fonts and drivers that you need for daily use, and some more," and it uses the intuitive KDE desktop. 17. Point Linux Also based on Debian, Point Linux uses the Mate desktop, which should feel comfortable to most Windows XP users. It aims to be a "fast, stable and predictable" desktop operating system.

18. Korora Project

			Korora Project Innovation Innovation and invention are key precepts of Korora. Efficiency, elegance and empowerment drive our development processes. Community
			View on kororaproject.org	Preview by Yahoo

Based on Fedora, Korara "aims to make Linux easier for new users, while still being useful for experts" with an operating systems that "just works." Several different desktops are available, so users can choose the interface that seems the most comfortable and familiar.

19. Ultimate Edition

This Ubuntu remix aims to provide the "ultimate" computing experience. It offers an intuitive interface for newbies and improves on Ubuntu's software management and wireless capabilities.

20. Sabayon

This Linux distribution focuses on providing an excellent "out of the box" user experience where everything "just works." At the same time, it attempts to incorporate the latest releases of open source software. And in case you were wondering, the name comes from an Italian dessert.

21. Trisquel

Trisquel is a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution aimed at home users, small enterprises and schools. The interface resembles the traditional Windows look and feels very similar to XP or Windows 7.

22. Knoppix

If you just want to give Linux a try without installing anything on your hard drive, Knoppix runs from a Live CD. You can download the code and create your own CD or order a very inexpensive pre-made CD from any one of a variety of vendors.

Lightweight Operating Systems

23. Lubuntu

If you have an older system that doesn't meet the system requirements for Windows 7 or 8, Lubuntu might be a good option for you. It's a lightweight version of Ubuntu that's very fast and energy efficient, and it's a particularly good choice for underpowered Windows XP laptops.

24. LXLE

This variation on Lubuntu was specifically designed to help users give new life to older PCs. It has four different desktop paradigms (basically different looks), including one that mimics Windows XP. Users who have grown tired of XP's long boot times will also appreciate the fact that LXLE boots in less than a minute on most systems.

25. Peppermint

Also based on Lubuntu, Peppermint prides itself on "welcoming new Linux users." It's extremely fast and takes a web-centric approach to computing.

26. Xubuntu

Like Lubuntu, Xubuntu is a lightweight version of Ubuntu. It uses the Xfce interface, which is clean, modern and easy to use. It also runs well on older hardware.

27. Elementary OS

According to Distrowatch, Elementary is among the ten most popular Linux distributions. It's very lightweight and fast, and the interface, while more similar to OS X than Windows XP, is highly intuitive.

28. Joli OS

This cloud computing-focused OS aims to "bring your old computers back to life." You can also install it alongside Windows with the option of selecting an OS on startup. It works with the Jolicloud service that stores your files in the cloud.

29. Puppy

Puppy is super small—just 85 MB—so that is usually loads into RAM on most systems and runs incredibly fast, even on older systems that might have been running Windows XP. Despite its small size, it includes a full graphic interface designed for new Linux users.

30. CrunchBang

Because it's fairly lightweight, CrunchBang (sometimes written #!) is a good option for older or underpowered systems that might be running Windows XP. It's based on Debian but uses the OpenBox window manager, which will feel familiar to Windows users.

31. Simplicity

Simplicity is based on Puppy Linux and offers a slightly different look and feel. It comes in four different flavors: Obsidian and Netbook are lightweight versions suitable for older systems, Media is built for PCs that are used as media centers, and Desktop is the standard, full-featured version.

32. Bodhi Linux

Another lightweight variation of Ubuntu, Bodhi is a true minimalist distribution that installs only a few pieces of software by default. That makes it great for users with older hardware or users who want to have a lot of say in which applications are installed; however, it might not be as good for new users who don't have familiarity with open source applications.

33. Linux Lite

As its name implies, this is another lightweight Linux distribution. Its website states, "The goal of Linux Lite is to introduce Windows users to an intuitively simple, alternative operating system. Linux Lite is a showcase for just how easy it can be to use linux."

34. Tiny Core Linux

If you have a really, really old or underpowered system, you may want to take a look at Tiny Core Linux. It weighs in at just 12MB but still offers a graphical interface, but doesn't include a lot of hardware support or applications. It's highly customizable, however, so users can easily add in just what they need while keeping the OS footprint small.

35. AntiX

Designed specifically for older systems, AntiX claims it can even run on old 64 MB Pentium II 266 systems. It comes in full, base and core distributions, with full being the best option for Linux newcomers.

36. Damn Small Linux (DSL)

Just 50MB in size, DSL can run on old 486 PCs or can run within RAM on newer PCs with at least 128 MB of memory. It comes with a surprising number of applications built in, and it can also run from a live CD or USB thumb drive.

37. Nanolinux

In the race to create the smallest distribution of Linux, Nanolinux comes near the top of the list. Although it's only 14 MB in size, it includes a browser, text editor, spreadsheet, personal information manager, music player, calculator, some games and a few other programs. However, it's not as newbie-friendly as some of the other distributions on our list.

38. VectorLinux

The self-proclaimed "best little Linux operating system available anywhere," lightweight VectorLinux aims to be very fast and very stable. It includes tools that will be popular with advanced users but it also has an easy-to-use graphic interface for newbies.

39. ZenWalk

Formerly known as "Minislack," ZenWalk is a lightweight distribution that focuses on fast performance and support for multimedia. It includes some special features that appeal to programmers, and the desktop version can also be tweaked to function as a server. Note that the website is organized like a forum, so it can be a little tricky to navigate.

40. Salix OS

According to the Salix website, "Like a bonsai, Salix is small, light and the product of infinite care." It's based on Slackware, but it's simplicity makes it more accessible for Windows users.

Business-Friendly Operating Systems

41. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat is probably the most well-known enterprise-focused Linux distribution. It comes in both desktop and server versions. However, unlike many other Linux distributions, you'll need to pay for a support subscription in order to use it.

42. Fedora

If you like Red Hat but don't want to pay for support, check out Fedora, which is the free, community version of Red Hat. It comes in different "spins"—versions that are tailored to particular uses like science, security and design.

43. CentOS

This "Community ENTerprise Operating System" is another free version of Red Hat. It aims to be highly stable and manageable to meet the needs of business users without requiring that they purchase support.

44. SUSE

Used by more than 13,000 businesses around the world, SUSE counts the London Stock Exchange, Office Depot and Walgreens among its users. The website primarily emphasizes the server versions, but it does also come in a desktop version. Like Red Hat, it requires a paid support subscription.

45. openSUSE

OpenSUSE is the free, community edition of SUSE for those who don't want to purchase support. It comes in both desktop and server versions and aims to meet the needs of both beginners and advanced users.

Non-Linux Operating Systems

46. Chromium

Chromium is the open source project behind Google's Chrome OS—the operating system used on Chromebook devices. It's best for users who use Google's cloud services heavily. Less technical users may find it challenging to install Chromium on a former Windows XP machine.

47. PC-BSD

Users interested in trying a desktop operating system that isn't based on Linux can also check out PC-BSD. It's based on FreeBSD, which is known for its stability, and emphasizes user-friendliness. Older versions supported the KDE desktop only, but the latest update allows users to select their choice of desktop interface.

48. ReactOS

Unlike most of the other operating systems on this list, ReactOS isn't a version of Linux or BSD; instead, it's a completely new free OS designed to be Windows-compatible. At this point, it's still an alpha release, but it shows promise.

Other Applications

49. WINE

WINE (which stands for "Wine is not an emulator") allows users to run Windows programs on Unix-based systems, including Linux distributions and OS X. It offers very fast performance and excellent stability. A supported version known as Crossover Linux is also available for sale.

50. QEMU

This emulator can run applications made for any operating system on any other operating system. In other words, you can use it to run Windows XP software on Linux systems or to run Linux applications on Windows (in case you want to try them out before you install Linux on your hard drive). It's best for more experienced users; less technically savvy folks should probably stick with Wine.

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"

Raheel Ahmed Khan

System Engineer

send2raheel@yahoo.com

send2raheel@engineer.com

sirraheel@gmail.com

send2raheel (skype id)

Not Getting Interview Calls?

Getting a rejection may not be as disastrous as you think. It could be very fruitful for the time to come. But, many times we don’t realize things that we can’t see.

Often a job seeker believes that he is the perfect candidate for a vacancy. However, he is hit with a shock when another applicant gets the job. It often happens. Even with the perfect education and experience and a perfect portfolio to brag the skills, things can go the unexpected way. It is definitely not the ideal case but this situation can prove to be prolific in future when you try for other jobs.

Read on to see why some potential job seekers miss on the opportunities and how the problems could be corrected.

A Cover Letter…Icing on the Cake

A well-shaped Cover Letter can make a difference. It could make you stand out in the crowd and make you the lucky one who gets selected. As it is rightly said that the first impression is the last impression, a cover letter is the first impression that is cast upon the employer as he starts reviewing your application. A cover letter is the company’s first exposure to you. It decides whether your application lands in the trash bucket or is shortlisted.

While writing a cover letter, don’t go the traditional orthodox way with “Dear Sir/Madam” followed by a generic script. The cover letter has to say something that makes you different from the rest of the applicants and it makes you a promising candidate. Don’t just copy and paste the conventional lines; be yourself and let yourself shine in the Cover Letter.

Poor English could be a Setback

You might be in a field where good communication skills or good English does not mean much but it certainly means a great deal when hunting for a job. An employer prefers those applications that are written in flawless English. Grammatically incorrect phrases and low level vocabulary can make your application land into the trash bin. You might be the most qualified person but bad English could prove dangerous! Double check for vocabulary and Grammar, it is worth your time. If you are still not sure, hire someone to write a flawless application for you.

A Perfect Resume is Crucial

You come across a job opening and you send an email with your application against it. Many other people would find the job too attractive to ignore and they’ll do the same. In a few days’ time, the employer’s Inbox is stacked with hundreds of job applications.

Upon going through the applications, the employer starts becoming drowsy because reviewing a big pile of resumes is actually quite boring. Then, he comes across a resume; there is something good about it. He becomes perky and interested. The other resumes got a quick scan followed by rejection, but this one is put aside for further consideration. Yes, this has to be your resume!

Your resume is your personal advertisement. It either wins you an interview or not. A good resume not only highlights experience and achievements but also presents you in the best light. It points out that you are the perfect choice for the job.

Do Not Write up a Novel

A CV should not be a personal biography; it should rather be a chronicle of your career experiences and professional success. The employer is not really interested in the crash courses you took, he is rather looking for the projects you did afterwards because he wants to measure your professional capabilities. But do not start off from your amateur endeavors. Throw light upon the best ideas and results that you have produced so far. Do not write long stories about the experiences that you have had, just be precise and short so that the prospective employer could get to the very end of your CV.

The Age of Keywords

As mentioned earlier, in today’s cut throat economic conditions, every vacancy is showered with a huge number of applications. Recruiters of today use scanning software that looks for “Keywords” in every CV to find the right people (the candidates who have all the skills and qualities they are looking for) for interview calls. Many times, keywords could directly be deduced from job description. Terms such as “Microsoft Office,” “Accounts Payable and Receivable” and “Certified Network Administrator” are examples. Look for these words and nail them into your resume so that not only does it catch the employer’s eye but also that of the scanning software.

Your Application is far Behind in the Queue

It might be the case that the employer could not get to your application. As cited earlier, in today’s job market, a single job opening could get a flood of job applications, it is quite possible that while scanning through the CVs and applications, the recruiter picks out ten best applications from the first fifty applicants and doesn’t get into the hassle of reviewing the rest, with the hope that he would find the suitable candidate from the chosen CVs. It is advisable to send the job application as soon as a job opening comes up. With every passing day, the chances of getting a call become dim.

The Job doesn’t Suit You

If a victim of unemployment or ‘unhappy’ employment, candidates desperately apply to every job opening that comes their way.

Recruiters are real smart people. Most of the times, they don’t call an over qualified person because they can’t pay what they deserve. Similarly, if your CV portrays you as an under experienced or under qualified person, most likely you won’t get a call because the recruiter feels that you can’t handle the task at hand. Not getting an interview call might mean that the job doesn’t suit you!

No Follow up on Your Part

Every opportunity has a shelf life. You need to be extra diligent during the process of job hunting. A little slackness on your part could mean missing a dream job. Check your email inbox every now and then; don’t even spare the Junk Mail. Unrequited mail simply means that you are not interested!

Keep an eye on your mobile phone. Missing the call because the phone’s battery was discharged is a very lame excuse. Don’t ignore calls from unknown numbers (you are a grown up now!). If you didn’t respond to an employer’s calls, it is most likely that they won’t call again and your name from the potential candidates’ list is stuck off.

There isn’t Any Job

We live in an unfair world and we all fall prey to the injustice every now and then. A job opening could just be an illusion created by the company for many reasons.

Sometimes due to eleventh hour budget cuts, a vacancy is decimated long before it is even filled. Other times, the company might just like to fill in a large database of applicants because that would help in future employment process.

Sometimes, a vacancy is internally filled. Sometimes the place is taken by the buddy of a HR Manager. In such cases, the job opening advertisement is just a formality to legalize the process and make the recruitment appear moral, natural and formal. However, it is pretty unfair as it gives rise to false hopes.

Don’t Give up and Keep Trying

A few rejections or ill responses should not break you. Keep waiting for the right opportunity and keep on trying. Never giving up is the key to success in this tough world. Some people might fail to see the talent in you, but you might get noticed by others.

Job Hunting and Recruiting are painstaking processes. Sometimes, undeserving and incompetent people get good jobs. But, it is not for eternity. Talent always comes up and speaks for a person. It is important to be talented, hardworking and diligent. Good opportunities automatically follow!

New Information On Windows 9 And Windows 10 Revealed

Windows 8.1 is just a couple of months away, and while we do not know exactly what Microsoft is planning for the future of its flagship operating system, rumored details occasionally leak out.

While some have suggested that a Windows 8.2 could still be in the pipeline, most believe that Redmond has already started work on the upcoming version upgrade of Windows, namely Windows 9. And according to this latest information, it may not just stop there — Windows 10 is also a possibility.

These new alleged details come from Ru-Board forum member WZOR, who some of you may remember has revealed fairly accurate information on new Microsoft products in the past. WZOR now claims that both Windows 9 and Windows 10 are in development at the technology titan.

The company is also looking into some major changes for these two operating systems.

First up is Windows 9, the first successor of the company’s modern OS, Windows 8. The way things are shaping up, it appears that Windows 9 will not bring major visual updates. But Microsoft is said to be working to bring back the Aero UI — again, with some changes.

Previous reports on the matter indicated that Windows 9 was on track to arrive as early as November 2014, with the first early beta of the operating system to be launched in January next year, with the RTM version on track for the middle of 2014.

Microsoft is apparently planning a lot of new features for Windows 10, however. The software titan is said to be preparing to move the operating system closer to the cloud environment.

And this means that Windows 10 could be Redmond’s first cloud operating system, one that would allow users to access their desktops from basically any device and computer, as long as they’re connected to the Internet.

The best part is that we will not have to wait much longer to see how this works. The first concept of this cloud connectivity is expected to be unveiled next month with plenty of details, according to WZOR.

Obviously, when talking about the future, Windows RT cannot be discounted. And it appears that the future of Windows on ARM is also under consideration right now. And once again, sources are claiming that Microsoft may actually merge the RT and Windows Phone platforms together.

None of this is official, and considering the recent big changes at Microsoft, it may be a while before we get confirmation straight from the source.

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"

Raheel Ahmed Khan

System Engineer

send2raheel@yahoo.com

send2raheel@engineer.com

sirraheel@gmail.com

send2raheel (skype id)

My Blog Spot 

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/

New Rumor Claims Windows 9 May Be Pushed To Early 2015

 Windows 8.1 has one foot in the door now. Microsoft has put it up on the Windows Store for Windows 8 users to download, and the new operating system will officially go live tomorrow for all users, all over the world.

And it only makes sense to talk about the next version of Windows on this occasion, eh?

While Microsoft is getting ready to debut Windows 8.1, people are getting ready to talk about what is next for the popular operating platform.

Next up on the menu is Windows 9 — and speculation that Redmond already started development work on the next version of Windows is not new. But there are conflicting reports on when it will hit the store shelves, with most pointing to a late 2014 debut.

Mary Jo Foley has chimed in on this, citing sources close to the matter, and writes that while fall 2014 was said to be the initial launch date of Windows 9, Microsoft is actually reconsidering the schedule.

Long story short, the release of the operating system may be pushed to early 2015.

As for the features to be included in Windows 9, reports indicate that the new version of Microsoft’s flagship operating system is set to bring it closer to Windows Phone. Previous reports have suggested this much, so this is not exactly something new.

The merging of the Windows Store and the Windows Phone Store has been on the cards for some time now, and this report only endorses it further.

In terms of some technical details, Windows 9 is said to be based on the NT 6.4 kernel.

No other information is available for the time being, except the fact that Microsoft is committed to embrace a rapid release concept in order to bring new versions of Windows to the market more often than before.

As always take this information with a grain of salt. Intelligence on what Microsoft is actually planning is sure to come out sooner rather than let. So sit back tight and enjoy Windows 8.1 for the time being.

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"

Raheel Ahmed Khan

System Engineer

send2raheel@yahoo.com

send2raheel@engineer.com

sirraheel@gmail.com

send2raheel (skype id)

My Blog Spot 

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/