Webwatch

On genetics
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0122628/main.php
There is no end to the mysteries of DNA. Describing it as the “fundamental control centre of all living things”, this website explores DNA replication, genetic engineering and genetic diseases. It consists of articles, images and flash movies with a glossary explaining the more technical terms.

Revision time
http://www.explorelearning.com/
If you are revising before a science or mathematics examination, then consider this website as a testing ground. The site consists of thousands of worksheets relating to different topics. The only catch is that there is only a certain time slot in which you can use this service for free. So save the webpages up as fast as you can.

For geeks and others
http://www.geeknewscentral.com/
This interesting website belongs to Todd Cochrane, the author of Podcasting: The do-it-yourself guide. It features news items as well as the writer’s opinion pieces on various technology- and IT-related issues. It also features external links to websites that are worth visiting.

Skin deep
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0211/feature2/index.html
There is definitely more to our skin than what meets the eye. This site delves into the minute details of our skin. It provides us with interesting facts and figures, close-up photographs with captions and, of course, a very fascinating article that helps us understand more about our skin.

Webwatch

Not too pretty!

http://www.nottoopretty.org/

We have all heard of the side effects that cosmetics can cause. Here is a website which delves deep into the chemistry of cosmetics. It includes a list of chemicals that can inflict long-lasting damage if care is not taken. Best of all, the site lists the companies whose products may be harmful.

For science enthusiasts

http://www.junkscience.com/

This website is primarily a collection of news stories on diverse, science-related issues. It focuses on global warming, global temperature changes, increasing gas emissions and Kyoto Protocol. There are special sections on ozone depletion and the consumers’ rights as well.


First in line

http://www.sbrlabs.com/

Still in its infancy, SBR Labs is the first Pakistan-based hardware analysis website. Focusing on games, storage devices, processors and motherboards, the site is sure to help those who are consistently upgrading their PCs. Since some sections are yet to be launched, keep visiting it for updates.

Spaced out

http://www.thespacereview.com/

This website is actually an e-magazine, titled The Space Review. It publishes well-researched and analytical articles relating to space programmes and the science of space exploration. Government policies are also discussed critically. You can enter your email address on the website after which you qualify for updates on new articles.

Discrimination

The Karachi University Academic Council has decided to reserve seats for A Level students rather than allowing them to seek admission on open merit. This will deny admission to many deserving students wishing to study natural sciences, visual studies and humanities.

Given that the decision came barely a month before admissions to Honours and DPharm classes, many students who passed their A Level examinations this July and have been waiting for the KU admissions will lose a year since several higher educational institutions admit students in August.

Webwatch

Mathematical Atlas
http://www.math-atlas.org/

This website is a ‘must-bookmark’ for all mathematics buffs. The site features an interesting, in-depth collection of mathematical information categorized neatly into algebra, geometry, statistics, number theory and so on. Within each sub-section, there are several related pages.

Wagner‘s Weblog
http://wagblog.internetweek.com/

Whether you are a webmaster or working on a related job, this site will be of great help to you. Not only can you consult it when you face some difficulty, but also visit it regularly to keep yourself abreast of the latest monitoring software. The site also features reviews of the helpful websites and in-depth ‘how-to’ articles related to your field of work.

Inside Tornadoes
http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0506/feature6/index.html

Who doesn’t love action-packed tornado movies like the Twister? On this National Geographic website, you can see the results of the work some real people have done on tornadoes — and that includes chasing them. You can browse through the photo gallery; find out what it is like inside a tornado; and read the diary of those who have been involved.

Web Monitoring Info
http://www.web-monitoring.info/

This blog delves into the business-related aspects of the internet as well as its technology. This is your one-stop resource for technology news bits, links to interesting debates vis-a-vis browsers, and reviews of latest software. Fancy yourself as a geek? Check out this site regularly.

Webwatch

Atlas of the Body
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/7140.html
This is an extremely comprehensive website detailing the different parts of the body. Divided into several sections, each section presenting information in further detail. Various disorders are discussed, with their symptoms. Illustrations accompany the text in many sections.


Anti-gravity
http://amasci.com/freenrg/antigrav.html
We have all heard about gravity. But who would have thought that there is something known as “anti gravity”? This website tells us that a number of scientists are working on the concept. Delve deep into the research presented here to find out the what, where, why and how of anti-gravity.

Technology trends
http://www.primidi.com/
This site features a blog by Roland Piquepaille, a computer consultant, who has specialized in high-performance computing and visualization. His blog concentrates on the latest technology, its features and impact on our daily lives. Overall, this is definitely an interesting read.


Things to Make and Do
http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/makendo.htm
This consists of do-it-yourself guides for a number of interesting products. You can follow the links to find out how to make colour-changing lights, floodlights, ozone, and a fuel magnet. All the guides have vivid illustrations. A word of caution: care should be taken when making the things mentioned because of dangers involved.

Webwatch

Brain Connection

http://www.brainconnection.com/
This website can be termed a learning tool for students of biology. It explores the various sections of the human body (head, thorax and abdomen) in an interactive manner, describing the parts and functions of each. In order to test your knowledge, a few questions are also given.


Instant Anatomy

http://www.instantanatomy.net/
Ever wonder how our brain works? Here is one website you can use to find out just that. From the basic concepts regarding the brain and a few animated images, you can also discover the role one’s brain can play in pre-school achievement and different behavioural patterns. Book reviews and interviews with experts are also featured.


Mistakes in science textbooks

http://amasci.com/miscon/miscon.html
So you think your science textbook is the word of law? Think again. Various mistakes have been detected in science textbooks taught at secondary level. This website features links to some interesting magazine articles and studies conducted at various times, to disclose what errors have been found and how they can be rectified.


Man-made tornadoes

http://www.reelefx.com/Tornado/tornado.htm
Sounds strange, doesn’t it? This website claims that all those tornadoes, which cannot technically be called natural, are man-made. How are these tornadoes made? What are the different types that are created artificially? Find out all this and more on the website. Tornadoes are illustrated with some really cool photographs.

The Blogging Brigade

Why do people blog? This question has been posted on blog-related websites and has been the topic of discussions and theme of many blog entries. However, the exact motive behind blogging remains elusive. And so, the hunt for the answer to this question continues.

Dan Li (http://blog.lidan.net) is a second-year graduate student of mass communication at the College of Communication, Marquette University, Milwaukee. He has conducted a pilot study on “Blogging motives, uses and gratifications” with the assistance of his professor, Dr Robert Griffin. This scribe got hold of his study through the “Bloggers” community on Orkut (http://www.orkut.com), where bloggers from around the world were invited to fill out a detailed questionnaire, which, among other things, asks you to specify the number of blogs one has and the frequency of updates, etc. Participants were also asked to explain why they blog and that question had around 113 different options — one could select as many as were applicable.

The results were pretty interesting. But as there were only 75 respondents, it’s hard to say if they apply to all bloggers. Nevertheless, they make for some interesting observations of blogging trends.

For instance, results of the study showed that:

— 31 per cent of bloggers use their real name on blogs, while 69 per cent use an alias.

— 45 per cent have put up a photograph of themselves on their blog.

— 98.67 per cent bloggers allowed readers to comment.

— 44 per cent used trackback.

— 84 per cent of the respondents leave their emails on blogs.

— 45.3 per cent use guest books.

— 2.7 per cent use shoutboxes.

— 5.3 per cent don’t provide contact information on blogs.

Regarding the content of the blog, most respondents’ entries covered personal experience only, while others expanded the range of issues they wrote about, such as news, political issues, technology, hobbies, professions, academics and entertainment.

This writer got in touch with the student behind the study. When asked why he chose this topic for his study, Li said, “I am personally interested in the interaction of people and the internet. I first learned about blogs from http://blog.cnblog.org/, a community blog maintained by a group of people who introduced the concept in China. The more I go into the blogosphere, the more I want to delve into it from the perspective of communication. Compared to other forms of computer-mediated communication such as instant messengers, BBS, IRC, the concept of blog fits better into the definition of mass communication.” Li feels that blogs are a challenging subject and it is perhaps for this reason that not many studies have been conducted on the subject. “I believe studies on blog would be a key branch in the realm of computer-mediated communication but some fundamental studies are needed to pave the road for the future research. I want to be in the camp of explorers and apply what I learn in class into the real world. That’s why I did the survey on the topic,” he adds.

According to Li, there are five basic reasons why more and more people are choosing to blog — self-expression, storage of information, interpersonal communication, technical convenience and practical reasons. “Blogs are exclusive personal columns to publish ideas and comment on news. Theoretically, an average person can have his/her voice heard by millions of people and that doesn’t cost a lot.” Then there are others who use blogs to tell friends and families about their lives, especially when they are away from family. Li feels the “built-in functions like comments and trackbacks make blogs more resemble call-in radio shows. Bloggers broadcast like emcees and audiences have the options to comment on certain topics and have a conversation with emcees. Furthermore, some people blog to practice writing; some do it to make some money; and some use it to organize thoughts.”

Interestingly enough, Li’s study hardly included group and website blogs into account. “I do notice the rise of community blogs and think they would promote a sense of community among bloggers. However, I deliberately avoided such blogs in my survey in consideration of the operalization of my research. I hypothesize that bloggers from group blogs would be different from those maintaining single blogs in terms of motivations and would expect studies conducted from the perspective of organizational communication,” he said, when asked about this phenomenon.

So there you have it — another attempt to define the motives and uses of blogging. It remains to be seen whether or not there will be similar studies in future. But the fact that these studies are being carried out reflects the increasing importance of studying the trends in the blogosphere, along with maintaining one’s own blog.

Mean Std. deviation

Because it is fun 4.04 .796

Because I just want to do it 4.04 .667

I can write things at my own pace 4.07 .777

To record my thoughts and opinions 4.04 .706

To find someone of similar interests 3.32 1.029

4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

Webwatch

Chemical encyclopaedia

http://www.mediabrains.com/client/chemcyclop/BG1/search.asp

This website has totally eliminated the need to spend hours in the library, laboriously poring over pages of an encyclopaedia. The online chemistry encyclopaedia features all the information you need about chemicals, chemical products, polymers, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemical substances.

History of mathematics

http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/

There is a lot available on the evolution of mathematics, which you can read at this website. Learn all about who made history with which discovery, the famous theories and how they were conceived. Besides that, important dates and events, birthplaces, anniversaries and glossaries are some of the features available on the site.

Tech encyclopaedia

http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/

If scientific publications or news items confuse you, then make sure you bookmark this encyclopaedia for quick reference. Simply enter the word which sounds alien and the explanation this website offers will help you understand the concept. You can also browse through terms and definitions by categories.

Stephen Hawking pages

http://www.psyclops.com/hawking/

Stephen Hawking’s work is mind-boggling, to say the least. This website attempts to make his endeavours a little easier for you. You can also get the latest news about Stephen Hawking and read his lectures and papers. There is also a forum which you can use to get in touch with other Hawking fans.

Webwatch

Fish base

http://www.fishbase.org/

This website features a wealth of information on fishes. Here, you cannot just check out fishes by their life history, uses and genetics, but you can also go through the different fishes found in different ecosystems. There is also a fish glossary if you’re new to the field. Moreover, you can also search for fishes by their common as well as scientific names.

Chemistry web book

http://webbook.nist.gov/

It doesn’t really matter whether you are a professional or a student. As long as you are either, the Chemistry Web Book is a must-see. Available free of cost, this web book consists of thermochemical and thermochemistry data for compounds and reactions respectively. Different models and tools have also been provided, along with an online search option if you’re looking for something specific.

Maths tools

http://www.mathtools.net/

This site contains a host of links to other resources related to mathematics. Whether you want to learn a programming language, access forums, find out more about the latest software or look for reference material, this is the website for you. If you have an interesting website to share, you can add it here.

Giant panda

http://www.giant-panda.com/

If you’re interested in the giant panda, then this website will satiate you. With some very elaborate photographs along with text, you can learn all there is to know about the giant panda, including its classification, habitat, feeding habits and physiology.

Webwatch

Particle physics discoveries

http://wwwppds.ihep.su:8001/discovery.html

If you’re interested in physics, then this website will definitely help you gain a lot of useful information. The main features here are the Nobel Prize winners of physics, their detailed biographies and an insight into the work they did which earned them the prize. Winners are listed year-wise. You can also browse through a comprehensive index of particle physics discoveries.

Virtual biology

http://www.seoulin.co.kr/Up/

If biology all but goes over your head, then this website will help clarify some of the difficult concepts. The content mainly includes Flash movies, which is a very refreshing change from text-based explanations. You can choose from a wide range of topics related to cells, including the cell cycle, biological clock and cytoskeleton.

Electronic Zoo

http://netvet.wustl.edu/e-zoo.htm

Whether you’re an animal lover or a student of zoology, you must visit the electronic zoo. This website features a whole zoo filled with animals. Each species is further sub-divided into different categories to make surfing easier. You can also browse through loads of web links and learn more about the animals.

Endangered animals

http://www.bagheera.com/

Here is one website you can use to learn about endangered animals, some of which are already extinct. Animals are also listed by region. You can also go through some legislation in this regard, for instance the Endangered Species Act.

Webwatch

Hubble Site

http://hubblesite.org/
Does astronomy fascinate you? If it does, then take a look at this website. Many of the latest news and images from the Hubble telescope are featured here, along with a Sci-tech Centre. There is an extensive reference section where you can find out all facts and figures related to the Hubble mission and also a fun-and-games section if you want to relax.


Alchemy Lab

http://www.alchemylab.com/
Have books like The Alchemist and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone appealed to you because of their reference to alchemy? If they have, then here is a website which you can use to learn more about the discipline. You can go through the e-pages of the alchemy journal, take alchemy quizzes, pay a visit to the art gallery and learn more about alchemy in general and the emerald tablet.


Cryptozooligical Realms

http://www.cryptozoologicalrealms.com/
Yeah, so you’ve heard of zoology, but what is cryptozoology? According to this website, it is the “scientific study of hidden animals.” And if you’re wondering what these hidden animals are, then pay a visit to this website. Information has been neatly indexed so that you can easily access whatever interests you.


Chemistry galore

http://chemmistry.tk
Developed by a young Pakistani student, this website offers some useful study material for students of chemistry. Featured here are brief notes, graphics and animations on a wide range of topics, including atoms, fractional distillation, chemical bonding and the extraction of iron and steel.

Gender Action Reform Plan

THE approval of the gender action reform plan initiated with the assistance of the ADB is no doubt a welcome step as far as elimination of gender discrimination at workplace and more facilities for working women are concerned.

However, what is disturbing about this plan is the absence of certain issues. For instance, what if a woman doesn’t want to work in an office? Shouldn’t some kind of law make it compulsory for her brother/husband/father to ensure that she is well provided for? What about those cases where women are forced to work by the male members of the family? Shouldn’t reforms be initiated to penalize such male members?

Webwatch

Physics for the third millennium
http://www.wyp-ptm.org/

“Physics for the Third Millennium” was a conference organized by Marshall Space Flight Centre’s Science Directorate in which leading physicists participated to share their views on various issues. You can read through the conference agenda, find out more about the different speakers, listen to the various lectures and also view poster presentations.

Physics research
http://www.physorg.com/

As the World Year of Physics continues, why not take the opportunity to learn about the recent breakthroughs in physics? This website features an in-depth look at the news stories related to physics, nanotechnology and quantum physics, electronic devices and research and development. There is also a discussion forum as well as a weblog.

Einstein@Home
http://www.physics2005.org/events/einsteinathome/index.html

If you want to experience the World Year of Physics, here is a project which will help you. Download a small screensaver which will serve to collect and process data related to the discipline. You can find out more about this program on the website.

Living the year of physics
http://interactions.org/quantumdiaries/

This website provides a closer look at what the world’s prominent physicists are doing during the course of the World Year of Physics. Their blogs and journal entries give you a peek into their lives as they attend seminars, write research papers, and so on.

Physics blog
http://www.physics.uiuc.edu/blog.htm

As weblogs catch on fast with all kinds of online communities, physicists are not to be left behind. This blog is the ultimate proof. From news and events to recent developments and newsletters, every part of this blog is worth a read.

Physics students
http://www.iaps.info/index.php

The International Association of Physics Students brings together students from around the globe to “promote collaboration among them”. You can browse through their forum and view their publications. There is a separate section dedicated to news and another one to the World Year of Physics.

Webwatch

International Year of the Ocean

http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/

How many of you know that 1998 was declared as the “Year of the Ocean?” Well, even if you don’t, here is one website which you can explore to learn more about the underwater world. Go through the discussion papers and conference proceedings, check out some resources exclusively for kids as well as for teachers and if you want to explore further, click on the web links available.


The air place

http://www.stuffintheair.com/

If you’re a weather buff then this website is definitely for you. You can engage in a wide range of activities here, from downloading weather bugs on your PC and learning about the scientific phenomena behind weather, to exploring the different career options in the field. You can also subscribe to the newsletter to keep yourself updated about the website.

Mr Eclipse

http://www.mreclipse.com/

Have you always been intrigued by solar and lunar eclipses? This website will let you know which planet will experience an eclipse next. Also featured are some guidelines to keep in mind when planning to observe or photograph an eclipse. There are loads of photographs of eclipses as well as a recommended reading list on the subject.

Quark Net

http://quarknet.fnal.gov/

Quark Net is a project to bring together students, teachers and physicists to collaborate on research. This website features some of the stuff they have come up with, including classroom activities designed for students, projects done by students on various physics phenomena and loads of useful physics-related links.

Webwatch

Maths resource

www.mathgoodies.com

Mathematics is one subject about which there are always two extreme views — either people love it or they hate it. Whether you’re stuck with an assignment or would like to play around with numbers, this website will help you in more ways than one. Featured are interactive lessons on various topics, guides, puzzles and, of course, loads of worksheets. There are many forums as well, where you can interact with others.


Volcano world

volcano.und.nodak.edu

Although mercifully Pakistan doesn’t have an active volcano, eruption in other parts of the world can easily bring about a natural disaster. This website is all about volcanoes. You can learn about them by region and name. You can also read through detailed descriptions. Read interviews of volcanologists and direct your questions at them as well.

Science activities

www.fi.edu/tfi/activity/

Tired of reading through pages and pages of science textbooks? Whether you’re a teacher or a student, you can leave your books for now and engage in some interesting activities. At this site, activities are categorized as earth science, communication, transportation, space, physical science, energy and lots more. Each activity has detailed instructions.

The sea and the sky

http://www.seasky.org/

Every creation is a miracle in itself. This website underlines this in an interactive fashion. Two of the wonders of nature — the sea and the sky — have been explored here in detail. You can explore the oceans, browse through the aquarium and get the latest on astronomy and the cosmos. Each section is full of interesting information.

Website Reviews

I-mood
A really fun titbit to put on your blog in a virtual mood. Yes, you can show your visitors how you are feeling at the moment by creating an account at http://www.imood.com and selecting a mood (anxious, depressed, relaxed, elated) plus an emoticon to go with it. You can change the mood daily or weekly, depending on how it changes. Hence if you are not in a good mood, your visitors will be forewarned not to incense you further.

Blog Linker
http://www.bloglinker.com features a very useful titbit to create a mutual link exchange between yourself and your visitors. This simple tool allows your visitors to add their link to be displayed on your blog and in return, if they use this tool as well, their blog will link back to you. A hassle-free method of generating some extra traffic, the website has a FAQ section for troubleshooting. Both of the above websites will give you the relevant HTML code to insert in your blog’s template for the two titbits to show up.

Webwatch

Scientific journey
http://www.sciencebob.com

All of you aspiring scientists out there can cruise through an exciting scientific journey on this website. Either go for a stint inside the mobile laboratory or gear up for some easy do-it-yourself scientific experiments. You can also send in your questions about everyday issues to Bob, who happens to be a science teacher.



The inventors’ network
http://www.inventnet.com

Creativity has no bounds and there is probably an inventor in each of us. This is the website to visit if you’re seriously thinking of inventing something. From inspirational news items about new inventions, to a forum for like-minded people and an extensive help section, this website has information about patents and precautions about scam marketing companies.


For space enthusiasts
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/index.html

If you fancy yourself as a space junkie, here’s a website which you can use to keep yourself updated. Find out what NASA scientists are up to, what their latest discoveries are and what new findings their space stations have recorded.



The why files
http://whyfiles.org

One characteristic of a good scientist is that he or she questions every phenomenon. This site gives brief as well as detailed answers to some of your questions. Apart from the featured questions, you can also browse through an archive of questions.

Writing skills

With reference to the article “Steps to Good Writing” I’d like to add a few pointers to those who aspire to contribute, freelance to different magazines and newspapers:

1) It is always advisable to discuss your ideas with the editor of the publication first. It may happen that you do extensive research and write a really good article only to find out that it isn’t really the type of stuff that that particular publication publishes. So unless a publication specifies that it will never reply personally to emails, you can send in a brief outline of your article and start working only if the editor approves it.

2) Make sure that you read various magazines/newspapers before submitting anything to them — this will give you a very good idea as to the kind of stuff they publish, the different sections they have, their guidelines and most importantly, the address/email address to which you have to send in your work. Some publications have different email addresses for different sections and if that is messed up, your contribution will never be read.

3) When you are sending your article as an attachment it is always a good idea to specify in the body of the email: the title of your article, and the section of the publication for which you think that article is suitable. An editor once pointed out to me that they are a bit wary of opening attachments so if you take care of these little details there is more of a chance that your attachment will be opened and read.

Cell-savvy vs cell-bores

IT was very quiet inside the seminar room where the lecture was taking place. As the speaker went on with his speech, the serene environment was suddenly interrupted with the ringing of a mobile phone. Everyone’s attention was diverted as they looked around for the ‘culprit.’ The latter was too easy to spot, as he ran out of the hall clutching the phone. The emcee later reminded everyone to switch off their phones. But no sooner than the second speaker had begun his lecture that another mobile phone began ringing.

This plight is rampant, courtesy of the advent and widespread usage of mobile phones in this country. It is unfortunate that while most of us are too eager to acquire the latest set to increase our social standing, only a minority are aware of the proper etiquettes of using a mobile phone in public. For those who would like an elaboration of the word ‘etiquette’ provided they reconcile to the fact that such a suffix can exist after the phrase ‘mobile phone’ can visit the following websites.

Cell Manners at http://www.cellmanners.com/ is the website to begin with. It promises that it will promote ‘civility between cell phone users and the people around them’ — which, we know, is the need of the hour. This website goes beyond lecturing on cell phone etiquette. It places more attention on “cell phone wars” that are the ultimate consequence of mobile phone users not observing proper etiquette in public places. ‘Cell phone wars’ is a collection of amusing and not-so-hilarious incidents where mobile phones proved themselves to be a nuisance, and their users even more so. Those of you who are reluctant to switch off your mobile phones or make them silent during lectures or performances can easily learn a lesson or two here. A mobile phone disrupting the audience will only make people curse you under their breaths. The last thing they would be is impressed — which of course in the popular notion around here.

Also, this website has a special section on how to positively use your mobile phones. Certain organizations actually give out awards to those who keep their head on and use cell phones to their advantage in emergencies. You can find out all the details of what different people have done to win those awards, and use it as an inspiration. The section on “Great Ways to Use your Cell Phone” will also guide you on the proper etiquette of using your mobile phone.

Now to some sermonizing websites, http://phoney

business.com/etiquette.html tops my list. It starts off by explaining the link between road accidents and usage of mobile phones. Yep, if you’re using a cell phone while driving, you’re more likely to get into an accident. So if you are one of those who think it looks way cool to have a mobile phone in one hand and the steering wheel in another, let me tell you that you’re only putting a show-off label on yourself, apart from exposing yourself to unnecessary danger. If the call is extremely important, then it is a good idea, as this website suggests, to pull-over first and then talk. In a public gathering, this website suggests a soft ringtone as well as a hushed voice when you’re talking on the phone. Contrary to common misconception that you need to scream in order to make yourself heard in a noisy crowd, there is a sensitive microphone in the mobile phone which can pick up and transmit your voice even when you’re speaking in a low tone. There are many more tips here, dealing with respecting the personal space of people and moving away when the cell phone rings, keeping the cell phone off at certain places and refraining from discussing private affairs if you have to use a cell phone in public. Consider http://www.digitalnuts.com/mobile/articles/cellettiquette.html as a summary of this website. It covers more or less the same points, but in a more concise manner.

A more interesting website is http://www.textually. org/textually/archives/cat_cell_phone_etiquette.htm. It is mostly based on news and incidents related to cell phone usage. For instance, there is a news item about a business which actually told its customers not to use their mobiles when being attended on. Some employers have taken to enforcing strict guidelines governing cell phone usage for their employees. Apart from having a fun-filled reading time here, you can also go through the detailed etiquette given here and make sure you apply some of the rules given here, the next time you use your mobiles.

As we all know, mobiles with inbuilt cameras are the most notorious. There are loads of novae riche who seem to think that owning a camera phone gives them the right to snap the picture of just about anyone who catches their fancy. http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=254 is all about the proper etiquette of using camera phones. Refraining from taking random photographs, asking permission before taking photographs, respecting the privacy of people and places where taking photographs is prohibited and being careful when using camera phones of other people are some of the major guidelines detailed on this website.

Apart from the websites which dwell on what to do and what not to do. There are many others that feature some interesting articles relating to cell phone usage which makes for a very interesting and enlightening read. “Switching off bad manners” (http://www.acurrentaffair.ninemsn.com/stories/1636.asp) is one of those articles. According to the writer, there are certain universities that have actually started teaching mobile phone etiquette as a course. And one of the most important parts of this course is when, where and why to switch off the mobile phones. In places like restaurants, cinemas and important business meetings it is imperative that the mobile phone is set to silent with only a vibrating alert. The golden rule to remember is: don’t let your cell phone rule you.

Another enlightening article is at http://www.thefeature.com/article?articleid=100851&threshold=- 1&ref=5964645 which focuses on the usage of mobiles while driving and a very interesting study conducted among those drivers who have no problem in using their mobiles while they’re at the wheel. The writer has gone on to give his own comment on the results of the study as well.

To get a full recap and reminder of the all the guidelines that you have come across in the above websites, check out the 10 Dos and Don’ts at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/ issues/technology/communications/ cell_phone_etiquette_10_dos_ and_donts.mspx. These basically cover all that you have read up on already about using mobile phones in public and respecting the personal space of people.

In conclusion, I’d like to mention that one of the above websites termed those who use the cell phone properly as “ Which category do you want to belong to?

Chatting etiquettes

ASK any Internet user what his/her favourite online past time is and the most likely answer will be ‘chatting’. Whether using mIRC or instant messengers, almost anyone who is using Internet for the first time gets addicted to chatting. There are those who chat randomly to just about anyone who is willing to chat with them, while others prefer to chat only with a close knit network of friends and relatives. But whichever type of chatting is done, very few people know the rules or etiquettes of chatting.

When it comes to young, novice users, they are most likely to divulge private information and believe everything that they are told from the opposite end. The more ‘expert’ users who are a little too accustomed to the Internet and its ways ignore the “Busy” and “Away” status of those who are online and keep on bombarding them with messages. It’s no wonder that when I went online to search, chatting etiquettes were mostly penned down keeping a younger audience in mind. But, with all due respect, even the elder and the elderly should go through them. If nothing, at least we the average people will benefit immensely if proper etiquette is practised with us.

The website to begin is http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/text/index.htm. If you feel the information here is below you, you can easily make sure that you use this information to the advantage of those children around you, who are using the Internet. There are some easy guidelines for safe chatting plus case studies of children to serve as moral stories. There is a separate section for parents and educators, where leaflets are available for download. These discuss the use of software to regulate Internet use for children and safe chatting.

Then move onto Chat Room Etiquettes at http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/chatetiquettes.htm. It comprises of pretty much similar etiquettes that have been mentioned in the above website. But these are more detailed guidelines that look at the more minute and intricate aspects of chatting. For instance, some of the things discussed here include the proper salutations to use when beginning to chat with anyone, maintaining proper behaviour in the chat rooms, respecting the moderators if you are on a public forum, choosing a sensible private username and refraining from giving out personal and contact information. These guidelines also encourage you to report abuse and host your own chat events with your list of contacts.

The ICNA website has also given some helpful tips at http://www.icna.org/Guide/chatrules.html. Among other things, it has a dire warning against setting up meetings with online friends and furthermore, guides on the appropriate use of smileys. It also offers guidance on proper conduct when someone is persistently rude. Reporting the incident to the moderator if you are in a chat room or forum, completely ignoring the person, and logging out of that room/conversation are some of the potential actions which are discussed here.

A website which is completely dedicated to chatting can be accessed at http://www.chatmag.com. Where you can search over a hundred chat rooms here, you can also find out some information on the etiquettes of chatting. Some of the issues discussed here include role playing, disruptive behaviour, and the use of abbreviations. According to Chat Mag, role playing is just fine but posing as someone you’re not is quite another thing which is very unacceptable. This website also has some useful guidance if you’re new to chatting.

Did you know that being courteous on the forums can actually be good for your business? Yep, if you’re in a business related chat room or web chat then it would be better to go through http://www.n-etiquette.com/forum.htm first. Refraining from hyper linking to other forums in your messages, replying on the forum rather than privately, specifically mentioning the person if you’re replying to anyone in particular, and making an appropriate use of emoticons, smileys and avatars. Following these guidelines carefully will go a long way in finding you people with whom you can engage in business networking.

Six rules of proper chat room etiquette have been spelled out at http://ks.essortment.com/chatroometique_rhln.htm. Probably the most important is not to fall to the level of the troublemakers in the chat rooms by using the same kind of offensive language and unsuitable remarks that they are using. Other reminders include a warning against typing in all capitals since this gives an impression that you are yelling. I don’t know why but even though this fact is universally known to all Internet users, there are some who still insist on typing in all capital letters for no reason. Here, I may also mention that it is also very irritating to use a mixture and small and upper-case letters. ‘tHerE iS nOtHiNg mOrE aNnOyiNg!’ Also, another precaution that this website mentions is not to ask anyone’s gender as ‘male/female’ or inquire about a person’s age since this is considered highly rude and inappropriate. So all those of you who begin chatting with ‘a/s/l,’ you have been warned.

Find another eight rules of chat etiquette at http://training.scifict.com/guidelines/chatiquette.html. Among a recap of the rules which you have read above, this one has some new reminders as well. The foremost point is respecting people and their point of views — I’ll add here that respecting people’s statuses on messengers also comes in this category. Respecting that the other person may not want to chat with you is also important — so don’t keep on bugging someone who’s either busy or not interested. Addressing the person to whom you’re talking, being cautious with your personal information and properly dealing with offensive chatters are all different points discussed in detail.

Similar points are discussed in a tutorial on http://www.clickbasics.com/tutorial/lesson/81. This one gives you a dire warning against advertising on public forums or chat rooms. Now I know you may think it’s very easy to post an advertising message on different communities, and it may even be an effective technique. But it is extremely irritating to see advertisements splashed among thought provoking conversation threads. Another precaution this tutorial will ask you to maintain is to stick to the topic. Many a time it happens that a conversation begins with one topic and ends up going completely off track. So make sure you don’t divert from the main theme of the conversation thread.

So there you have it. A number of websites are there to help you out so you can never plead ignore about proper ‘chat-iquette’. Remember a few precautions when chatting will go a long way in making your web experience more interesting. Otherwise, just be ready to face annoyed chatters and irritated moderators.

Need help?

IT is impossible that you should have a PC and it doesn’t act up every once in a while. Everyone’s PC loves to act up — whether it is a problem of the computer shutting down, every five minutes, browsers not working (where Messengers are), pop-up windows appearing every two seconds, the computer slowing down to an almost agonizing crawl and so on.

Those of us who are computer-literate to the point of efficiency can easily locate the problem and solve it. The majority of us who are not so fortunate have to dissemble the PC, load it in the car and cart it off to the nearest computer shop, where we are politely told that our hard drive will have to be re-formatted for the problem to be solved. No matter what the problem is, every time one arises, the PC has to be re-formatted. But, is it really so? Believe me, if you know the symptoms you can easily locate the problem yourself and hunt down the solution through a search engine. There isn’t any hard and fast course on “Tracking down the Symptoms of an Infected PC and Dealing with It.” But there are loads of websites which you can visit any time your PC looks like its come down with something (except of course when it is facing browser problems). That’s when you’ll have to rely on your friend’s or library’s or computer lab’s PC.

The best website to begin learning more about computers, and related problems is http://computing.net/. A very comprehensive website, this one has clearly categorized sections for efficient browsing. If you are researching certain symptoms your PC is showing, then the best section to visit first is the Forums’ Section. The different forums are categorized by the Windows’ Operating Systems as well as Linux, Unix, DOS etc.

There are separate rooms for Security and Virus and Gaming as well. Once you’re in the appropriate room, simply scroll through the messages to determine whether or not your area of concern has been covered already or not. If it hasn’t, you can simply register yourself as a user, and post your query. And someone will definitely solve your problem. If however, you want to learn a thing or two about computers in general then the “Articles and Opinions” section containing a range of the same written by technology experts and analysts will definitely suffice. Then, there is an extensive how-to section.

If you find that installing or updating certain software caused your PC to ‘crash’ then better check out this section, before carrying out any sensitive action on your PC. How-to articles have been divided into simple and advanced for your convenience. A related section is “Novice Section” where you can access how-to guides related to purchasing PC stuff, using the Internet and accessing digital music. And finally, check out the FAQ section to ensure that whatever query you are about to post on the forums hasn’t already been covered.

Another resourceful website is that of CNET Forums at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7600_7-5565323-1.html?tag=txt. All you need to do here is sign up to become part of a very diverse set of forums. There are many categories here along with the standard operating system category. Some of the interesting ones include Digital Media and Design, General Help and Software. It goes without saying that if you’re stuck with your PC, the best place to point your mouse and click is the General Help Forum.

Also, there is always the Microsoft Knowledge Base website at http://search.support.microsoft.com where you can search for any specific problem or piece of information using a very elaborate input form. You can also download critical security updates for various Microsoft products as well as your operating system, to avoid any virus attack or hijack attempts. Moreover, you can access help and support regarding various Microsoft products as well by poring through the troubleshooting guide and how-to articles.

A useful search engine to pinpoint problems and locate solutions is http://answerpoint.ask.com/. Simply write down your problem in a phrase and you will be directed to the appropriate websites to get your PC scanned and download the necessary software. If you already suspect your PC of being infected with spyware, for instance, you can directly access http://www.spywareinfo.com/ for remedies, for anti-viruses check outhttp://www.antivirus.com and to fight homepage hijackers and irritating pop-up windows you can visit http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html.

An important thing to remember at this point is that there are certain occasions when a hard drive format becomes inevitable. To safeguard against such a time, when you stand at risk of losing your important data, the best thing is to keep a backup of all the important files. Here, Yahoo’s briefcase at http://briefcase.yahoo.com becomes very handy. With 30Mb storage and a facility to create folders, you can easily upload your files there, categorize them in folders and access them if you lose the same on your hard disk.

For more sophisticated methods of file recovery, you can check out http://www.filerecovery.org/index.html. This website details the various different ways in which you stand at risk of losing your data such as mechanical and environmental factors and then guides accordingly as to how to create a backup file and store data. It also has a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your computer so you stand at the minimum risk of getting it infected with some unknown problems. Some of the steps mentioned here include avoiding cluttering up your hard disk with unnecessary stuff, checking occasionally for viruses and worms, and shutting down the computer properly.

Hopefully, now you won’t have to suffer through loss of important data and other multimedia stuff unnecessarily. And even when a hard drive format becomes inevitable, you’ll have a backup. Yes, life on a PC can be made a lot easier when you indulge in a constant self-study procedure.

E-mail etiquettes

ELECTRONIC MAIL, or e-mail, is well-known among many people for its innumerable advantages. Ask any novice Internet user and the virtues of e-mail will start flowing in: it is quicker to type, more convenient, reaches its destination more quickly and the list goes on. Most of the people are all too happy that they don’t, in many cases, have to adhere to the usual hassle of checking spelling and grammar. Instead, they’re more relaxed in e-mail interaction. What most people don’t realize is that even though no one is very rigid about spelling and grammar mistakes with e-mail, a breach of the code of e-mail etiquette can be a serious offence, especially if you’re sending a formal e-mail. So what are all those necessary rules which constitute e-mail etiquette in today’s e-correspondence?

One web site to start your quest for the answer to the above question is http:// www.emailreplies.com/. This is one web site dedicated to e-mail etiquette. After explaining the reasons why e-mail etiquette is so important, it gives you 32 rules of etiquette. These rules are explained in detail as well. Some of these rules include instructions to give a personal touch to e-mail, be to the point, refrain from forwarding chain letters, avoid discussion of controversial subjects through e-mail and avoid run-on sentences. This web site also includes links to paid disclaimer software and replies tools which you can use to spruce up your e-mail management skills. In the end, there are loads of links to similar websites around the Internet.

Another useful web site which claims to tell you how to make a positive impact when sending e-mail is at http://www.emailaddresses.com/guide_etiquette.htm. It has some different tips to offer from the above web sites. For instance, did you know that you should never write e-mail addresses of all your friends in the “To” line since this exposes them to possible spam? Or do you realize that if you quote large chunks of text from the original e-mail with a one-line reply, it gets really irritating? This web site has all such kinds of advice and more.

This web site, http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/p_emailett.html, speaks of e-mail etiquette mainly from the academic point of view. But nonetheless, there is some very useful stuff here as well. For instance, some pertinent questions like ‘when should you not send e-mail?’ are discussed. The concept of e-mail flaming is discussed in detail as well, with instructions to strictly refrain from it. There is also a section of how long the e-mails should be — another useful question. You can access more e-mail etiquette at http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/65mailet.htm. Apart from what you have already read, this one delves on the broader aspect of e-mail etiquette. Using smilies in the appropriate places, avoiding nasty e-mails and avoiding all capital letters are some of the tips it gives out.

I know this may sound incredulous, but obeying some rules of e-mail etiquette may mean breaking some rules of grammar. “A Beginner’s Guide to Effective Email” at http://www.webfoot.com/advice/email.top.html is a very comprehensive web site, detailing the minute aspects of e-mail. In particular the “Format section” argues that you must be very careful about the technicalities of the e-mail software you and the recipient of your e-mail are using. Yep, you cannot in many cases confirm that they are compatible with each other. But the trick of the trade is to play it safe. For that, you must try not to use punctuation marks too frequently, format your text too much or type in URLs without “http.” Formatting the text essentially refers to underlining the text, changing the colours and using fancy fonts. Remember that even if you do break these rules, your e-mail will reach its destination in a total mess. And it won’t create a very good impression either. Apart from that, there is a useful section on what makes e-mail different from conventional means of communication, the importance of useful subject lines and proper greetings and signatures.

Did you know that your career may actually depend on how well you write your e-mails? Check out http://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa050401a.htm whose first pages answers this question in the affirmative. Poorly written e-mails create a very bad impression on the prospective employer. The next three pages go on to brief you about the important things to bear in mind while interacting through e-mail. Specifically it talks about using the right tone, minding your manners, keeping to the point, not using abbreviations whose meanings are not well-known, and minding your spelling and grammar. Yep, that’s really important to remember: your friend may forgive a few mistakes there, but a prospective employer or your professor certainly won’t.

Now, it is time to test yourself. Did you actually learn something from the above web sites? Netiquette Quizzes at http://www.20ishparents.com/archives/net1.shtml and http://www.bucks.edu/distance/dlresources/etiquette.htm

Are two places to find out where you stand for yourself. There is also a Yahoo Mail Netiquette Quiz at http://rc.yahoo.com/promotions/netiquette/ for the same purpose. These quizzes include MCQs as well as situations designed to test your knowledge as well as understanding.

In the end, http://www.dynamoo.com/technical/etiquette.htm offers a quick checklist of do’s and don’t’s concerned with e-mail. It would be a very good idea to print it out and stick it somewhere near your PC so you don’t forget it in a hurry.

Orkutlery

“WHAT is the point of Orkut?” I cried in frustration after signing up for an account to become part of an online community that is fast becoming a very popular online hangout.

“Joining and being active in communities,” said my sister rather casually.

From that day (which was about two months ago) onwards, I’ve been literally addicted to Orkut. Come rain, hail or storm, I never take a break from signing into my account at least twice a day. Back when I started signing up for communities, I joined about two dozen of them. So one can only imagine the amount of internet time required to keep up with those two dozen communities on a daily basis.

I discovered many long-lost friends, made new ones and congratulated myself on finally finding something constructive to do with my time. But all that changed when the true meaning of “beta” began to dawn on me.

One fine day I logged on to my Orkut account, and started checking out the latest topics on the different communities. Soon, I was typing a reply to one of them. However, after about five minutes when I finished writing a “mini-thesis” (a common word on Orkut for long replies), and clicked on “send,” I was in for a surprise. The screen in front me said “User account blocked.” It went on to inform me that I had been abusing my account (?) and as a penalty my account had been blocked.

Before I could fall out of my chair the last paragraph somewhat pacified me — their alarm could be triggered by mistake and in that case I could write to them. Rest assured, I wasted no time in doing just that. However, three days passed and still I did not hear from them. Imagine having to read interesting threads knowing I couldn’t reply.

I came across loads of friends whom I couldn’t add to my list. Worst of all were the times when I forgot my account was blocked and I wrote a few nice long posts only to realize later that they had to sit patiently on my desktop till I was out of the “Orkut jail.” Suffice it to say that after a painfully long wait, my imprisonment ended.

If you’re thinking that this was a one-time issue, guess again. To date, I’ve lost count of the number of times my account has been blocked. The only intelligent thing I have discovered about this whole fiasco is what actually triggers their alarm. Imagine this scenario — your cable net server refuses to budge after you have typed a scrapbook entry. You click on “send” once, twice, thrice and finally on the tenth attempt, the server decides to have mercy on you. Upon refreshing the scrapbook, you realize that one entry has been posted ten times. You painstakingly delete the nine extra entries, but by that time the Orkut alarm has been triggered.

Apparently the webmasters is oblivious to the phenomenon of my-cable-net-doesn’t-feel-like-working, so clicking on”send” 10 times is counted as spam. Now you can bang your head against your PC when I write this, but any time your ISP or cable refuses to work while you’re on Orkut, don’t even try pressing any buttons more than twice or you risk being blocked for what seems like an eternity.

Another problem with Orkut is session expiry every thirty minutes. Now I don’t mind re-entering my username and password after every thirty minutes, but the problem with this screen is that it pops up after every five minutes and sometimes proceeds to tell you that the page you wanted to access has expired. If this isn’t annoying, I don’t know what is, and if you’re like me and have a dozen windows open, this screen will pop up in all of them.

The trick here is to enter your username and password in just one window and for the rest, click the back button and then re-click to go to wherever you wanted. Remember, if you re-enter your username and password a dozen times, the Orkut alarm will be triggered once again for some inexplicable reason that I have yet to learn about.

Another bug I’ve discovered is that whenever I try to send anyone a message, and my thirty minutes happen to expire then and there, I re-enter my username and password. Now, instead of the “sent box” page, it gives me a blank “compose” page. The sent box however does show the message written in it. Of course don’t let yourself be fooled by that for your message has not been sent. Maybe it will go through, maybe it won’t — you just have to keep trying your luck.

Then there are the usual problems of communities not being sub-divided. Searching for a community can only be done effectively if you know of some good techniques. Type “KU” in the search box and you’ll get all sorts of weird communities in various languages. Even typing in “Orkut” can turn up some pretty confusing results.

Of course, many of us are also familiar with Orkut’s trademark feature; the “bad, bad server” window. I literally know the whole error message by heart because it has popped up so many times. To date, I don’t understand why Orkut allows an infinite number of invites when its server cannot handle extra traffic.

However, one thing is for sure; it’s very irritating when you’re trying to open different communities in different windows, and this message shows up in nine out of 10 windows, and you can’t even refresh the page.

All this is not meant to scare you off Orkut. It is certainly an excellent place to get in touch with long-lost friends and maintain contact with present ones. The communities are a very interesting past time and the fact that it is a closed network is also a feather in its cap. Having said that, you can honestly tell that it is a beta service for the innumerable bugs are sure to drive you up the wall on more than one occasion.