Apple's App Store is one of technology's modern marvels. With basement developers paving the way and now big-name developers getting in on the action, there is no end to what you might find popping up next in the App Store. While it's easy to find the Top 100 apps, many people don't have time to dig through all of the more than 100,000 apps to find the best of the rest. There are many hidden gems in the App Store -- apps that are addictive, funny, useful or innovative. Here are 5 of the apps that come to mind when considering the very best of what the App Store has to offer.
DoodleJump - It's been said that DoodleJump is to the iPhone what Super Mario Brothers was to the NES. This is one of the most mind-bogglingly addicting games out there, and is so because of its simplicity. As you move the device left or right, so moves your character as your try to hop from platform to platform, avoiding enemies and picking up power-ups as you go. With no limit as to how high you can go, DoodleJump will keep you busy and entertained for hours!
MyTown - Have you ever wanted to own real estate in your own town? With MyTown, now you can. MyTown offers the user the ability to purchase businesses and property within miles of where you live, all the while charging rent, expanding property lines and getting rich. While it may not be the most realistic idea in the world, it certainly is fun to play it out on your iPhone! With the inclusion of lottery tickets, there is no telling how much money you can make in MyTown.
Dizzypad - Similar to DoodleJump in its simplicity, Dizzypad continues to be one of the most addicting games available in the app store. You play a frog, who - rotating faster and faster as time moves on - is tasked with jumping from lily pad to lily pad and avoiding the water below. The game is deceptively easy to pick up and learn, only to get devilishly hard as you progress. You'll find yourself constantly trying to beat your last score each time you pick up Dizzypad, and likely won't put it down for an hour.
ADoodleFly - ADoodleFly is very similar in looks to DoodleJump, however it is a totally different game. Just as addicting in its own right, ADoodleFly puts the user in control of a flying character who is shot horizontally out of a canon and must ride the endless platforms that lay before him. With countless power-ups, a quirky story and very interesting graphics, ADoodleFly will fast become one of your favorite games in the App Store if it hasn't already.
Rope'n Fly 2 - Rope'n Fly 2 is one of the most unique games available in the app store. The game puts you in control of a dummy with the ability to shoot ropes wherever you touch your finger on the screen. Your job is to rappel from building to building in a horizontal cityscape without letting the doll fall to the ground. Surprisingly difficult with real fluid movement, you've never played a game quite like this before.
Friday, July 1, 2011
How to Get Rid of Backscatter When Using a Camera Underwater
One of the all-time biggest frustrations is to find that the great pictures you took underwater look like they were taken while it was snowing. All those semi-translucent, white circles of various sizes are known as backscatter.
Great you say, but what are they doing in my photos – the water was clear? Actually water is rarely all that clear, we just can’t see the smaller particles suspended in it. These may be plankton or sand or any number of things that the camera can see really well, especially when lit up by the internal flash of your underwater camera.
Now you’ve already figured out that a flash is definitely required to restore color absorbed by the water, especially the reds and yellows, and perhaps also that you need to be close to the subject for the same reason – that light doesn’t travel too far down into the ocean. So if the flash is required, but caused the problem, what’s the solution?
First off, it was really the angle of the flash to the lens that was problematic. Backscatter is caused by the flash reflecting off the particles then back into the camera lens, and gets worse the closer the cameras internal flash is to the lens. It’s a real problem on the newer sub-compacts because the flash is often right next to the lens.
The solution is to put some distance between the flash and the lens by utilizing an external flash. Doing so won’t stop the reflection from happening, but will make it far more likely that the reflected light goes somewhere other than your camera lens.
A good starting approach is to set up your external flash or strobe to where it will illuminate your subject from either the top or side. If you’ve got dual strobes, you can lessen shadows by sending light from two directions. What you’re after is to light up what you’re trying to photograph and not the water between the camera and subject.
As with most things some experimentation will be useful. You may want to try angling the strobes slightly outward where the light isn’t directly on the subject. Also, because the suspended particles are probably multi-faceted, not just flat, an errant reflection could still cause a little backscatter. To deal with this a diffuser will help soften the light and eliminate the reflection of direct light.
Besides getting an external flash, there are several other things you can do to lessen the chances that backscatter will be a problem. One is to get as close as possible to your subject. The less water between the camera and subject, the fewer particles. Also, backscatter is easier to see on solid backgrounds like open water, so try to shoot toward a busy background like a reef where backscatter won’t be so obvious.
Perfect your diving skills so that you’re relaxed in the water and the added distraction of fussing with underwater camera equipment and taking pictures doesn’t cause a perilous situation like running short of air.
Of utmost importance is your ability to maintain proper buoyancy, not just for getting the shot, but to keep from trashing the reef in the process. Proper finning techniques and approaching subjects from down-current will also make a big difference in not stirring up sand or silt.
Great you say, but what are they doing in my photos – the water was clear? Actually water is rarely all that clear, we just can’t see the smaller particles suspended in it. These may be plankton or sand or any number of things that the camera can see really well, especially when lit up by the internal flash of your underwater camera.
Now you’ve already figured out that a flash is definitely required to restore color absorbed by the water, especially the reds and yellows, and perhaps also that you need to be close to the subject for the same reason – that light doesn’t travel too far down into the ocean. So if the flash is required, but caused the problem, what’s the solution?
First off, it was really the angle of the flash to the lens that was problematic. Backscatter is caused by the flash reflecting off the particles then back into the camera lens, and gets worse the closer the cameras internal flash is to the lens. It’s a real problem on the newer sub-compacts because the flash is often right next to the lens.
The solution is to put some distance between the flash and the lens by utilizing an external flash. Doing so won’t stop the reflection from happening, but will make it far more likely that the reflected light goes somewhere other than your camera lens.
A good starting approach is to set up your external flash or strobe to where it will illuminate your subject from either the top or side. If you’ve got dual strobes, you can lessen shadows by sending light from two directions. What you’re after is to light up what you’re trying to photograph and not the water between the camera and subject.
As with most things some experimentation will be useful. You may want to try angling the strobes slightly outward where the light isn’t directly on the subject. Also, because the suspended particles are probably multi-faceted, not just flat, an errant reflection could still cause a little backscatter. To deal with this a diffuser will help soften the light and eliminate the reflection of direct light.
Besides getting an external flash, there are several other things you can do to lessen the chances that backscatter will be a problem. One is to get as close as possible to your subject. The less water between the camera and subject, the fewer particles. Also, backscatter is easier to see on solid backgrounds like open water, so try to shoot toward a busy background like a reef where backscatter won’t be so obvious.
Perfect your diving skills so that you’re relaxed in the water and the added distraction of fussing with underwater camera equipment and taking pictures doesn’t cause a perilous situation like running short of air.
Of utmost importance is your ability to maintain proper buoyancy, not just for getting the shot, but to keep from trashing the reef in the process. Proper finning techniques and approaching subjects from down-current will also make a big difference in not stirring up sand or silt.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
10 Ways for Windows 7 Upgrade from Windows XP
If you prepare to upgrade your computer operating system from Windows XP to Windows 7; then there would be a lot of problems you should pay attention to. Not only you should plan to shift the operating systems, but you should know about Windows 7 as much as possible. The following are 10 advises for the windows XP update users.
1: Check the Configuration
If your windows XP computer is purchased during the past 3 or 4 years, then you can run the windows 7 systems. Of course, you'd better use Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor software to test the compatibility of the computer.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can check the computer's processor, memory, storage and graphics capabilities to determine the known compatibility issues, and check the installation of the software and equipment to provide guidance on how to solve these problems.
If you plan to upgrade Windows XP to 7, you also need to download the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit. It can be run through the network, and the users do not need to install the client. Microsoft Assessment and allocation tools can solve the compatibility and preparatory as well as the issues relate to hardware.
2: Custom Installation
Windows XP users can not upgrade to Windows 7 directly. Microsoft only provides the so called "custom install" upgrade for XP users. XP users must delete all the files on the hard drive before upgrading the current computer operating system to 7. The hard disk cleaning process can be done manually by the users or automatically during the installation process. Microsoft recommends the XP users:
"Custom installation gives you such a choice: Clear all the current operating system, or install the windows in other disk. If your computer has not installed the operating system, or you plan to install multiple operating systems, you can also self- custom installation."
3: Install Dual System
You can choose to install dual system (Windows XP and Windows 7) taking the custom installation into account. That would be very convenient to shift data, settings and programs. Specifically, you can first check the Windows XP system settings, and then Windows 7 to re-setup program. When Windows 7 and Windows XP set the same, you can remove Windows XP, and then set the Windows 7 as the main operating system.
4: Backup
You should backup the whole data before the shift. If you are using a third-party backup program, you should check whether the program is compatible with Windows 7. If not, you may use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP. Since the file formats of the XP backup tool are not compatible with Windows Vista's Backup and Restore Center, Microsoft released Windows NT backup and recovery tool, which is compatible with Windows Vista, and therefore compatible with Windows 7.
If you do not trust these tools, you can also burn all the data to CDs or copy them to other hard disks. And there is one thing that you should pay attention to is that some games in the computer can not be copied directly as other common data, which are protected by the manufactures. In such cases, the game copy software is indispensible and helpful for the game transformation. What's more, if you copy such games to another CD, you'll don't need to worry about the original games CD cracked or lost. If anything bad happens, the backup one is at hand.
5: Data Shift
Microsoft also provides an upgrade tool as Windows Easy Transfer. The tool can transfer the documentation, system configuration, data and software settings for the XP users.
However, the users have to reinstall the software when upgrading to the new system. Meanwhile, the system files such as the custom fonts and drivers and so on can not be transferred through this tool. So it is necessary to download drivers if the new system cannot be run in good condition.
6: Program Lists
Since Windows XP can not be upgraded to Windows 7 directly, you need to re-install the application programs. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can provide you with a detailed list of the installed programs (XP), and will provide the download sites for these programs.
7: Familiar with the New User Interface
The interface of Windows 7 is very different from that of Windows XP. In order to use the new Windows 7 features, you should know the all-new user interface. You can first visit the official website for Microsoft's Windows 7 details.
Here are the key parts you need to know:
Enter the (Windows 7) function page, and watch the video provided by Microsoft; then go into the Help and How-to page, Microsoft Windows 7 will explain the relevant features in details.
8: Check the XP Mode Support
If you find some of the Windows XP programs can not compatible with Windows 7, or you want to continue using Windows XP program, you can use the Windows 7 in XP mode. XP mode includes a free license of Windows XP SP3 system, which can be a virtual platform for Windows 7 to run on Windows Virtual PC.
The following two points should be paid attention when using XP mode:
* Only Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate edition allocated with XP mode;
* Computer processor should support virtualization technology.
9. Ask Questions
You're not the only user to upgrade Windows XP to 7, so you can consult the other XP users. And the pages of Microsoft selected plans have provided with the relevant answers to the questions.
10: Subscribe to Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report
Some websites regularly publish Windows Vista and Windows 7 technical reports, the users who have interests can subscribe to these services.
How to get Free iPhone 5
 |
| iphone 5 rumored specs |
It's a big bummer. However, the solution is to simply find the websites using the web that are running these promotions -- such as the free Apple iPhone 5 giveaway promotion that is being conducted right now at this very moment. All you have to do is test out the phone and fill up a survey and then you keep the idea! Could it get any easier?
Something you must understand, is that companies get paid Major money to collect information from consumers like you and conduct general market trends -- Therefore, they can afford to give away a free Iphone 5 like it's a piece of candy! These toys are just the tools they use to bribe us into giving them our time and the information they require. It works out being a winning situation for everyone involved because the company will get the data they need and the consumer gets a free Apple iphone 5 or some other great new toy... Not bad, huh?
Some people think everything on the internet is a scam or a trick... Nevertheless, these types of promotions have been going on for years, even before the internet! If you are too fearful to try, then you will unfortunately not be amongst those who receive a free Apple iphone 5 just for testing it out... All you should do is find a site that offers this promotion and put in your zip code to find out if there are any units left in your area... Then you can get your iPhone 5 100 % free!
Press Release Submitter - A Perfect Software for Business Advertisement
| To succeed in any online business having a website is just not sufficient. The success you have with your website will rely on your ability to get targeted traffic to your website. If you can't get traffic to your website then the chances are that you will get it incredibly hard to generate leads and also sales. It is possible to drive traffic to a website even on a low budget, Press Release Submitter helps has come up to assist websites with the process of communicating effectively. With the easy access of the internet, internet marketing has become one of the business strategies that business owners use to promote and promote their products and services. The main advantage of marketing is that it can reach many people in a short span of time and it doesn't cost much. The main purpose of every business owner is to generate maximum return of investment in a short time as possible. Press Release Submitter is powerful online marketing tool and brings sales leads, business contacts and traffic to you and your website or homepage. Press Release Submitter is of wonderful value to entrepreneurs, business professionals, freelancers and small businesses as the software can publish their press release and details to top 100 business websites automatically and can boost their business and sales. Press Release Submitter is an important online Marketing strategy, companies can go for putting relevant press releases along with proper back links, key words, meta data, summary and suitable categories. Press Release Marketing sites supported by Press Release Submitter are among the top sites of this domain. You can get further information from http://products.softsolutionslimited.com/news_publisher/index.htm . |
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Advantages Of Network Monitoring And Alerting Software
If you have a business unit and you are looking for software to monitor your network, here is some information which you are sure to find very useful. Network monitoring is a new way to ensure that your applications are working well and your equipment is in order. Many times it has been found that there are sudden stoppages of work, due to problem in software about which it was not known earlier. If you faced similar kinds of problems, especially related to sudden stoppage of software or network, it means you are in serious need of software which is going to alert you about changes taking place in your system. This means that you are in need of network monitoring and alerting software.
Here are some common advantages which you can derive with the use of such software – in fact, any business house whether big or small is in need of efficient network monitoring, so that any problem is taken care of as soon as it arises. Here are the main benefits:
• When you are using such software, it means you are saving a lot of time and resources. You do not have to employ your resources in monitoring the network all the while and maintaining databases, as it shall be taken care of by the software you choose.
• This network monitoring software is your one time investment. This means that you will have to make the investment just once and reap the benefits whole life.
• This network monitoring and alerting software is completely affordable. This means that when you are using this software, you will be making real savings in terms of money. If you are having a small business and your investment is not too high, you can still use the software because it is prepared keeping in mind the needs of small scale users also.
• You will get the benefit of keeping a track of the network performance too. This means that when there is a sudden drop of performance, you can get to know about it at once. It implies that your work does not stop all of a sudden due to a certain failure of the network or any software. The main benefit of such a network pc monitoring software is that it alerts you much before time. You have ample time to buy new software for yourself or get the current one renewed before it is too late.
• It is very easy to purchase the software too, as it is easily available in the leading stores. If you wish to buy it from an authentic source so that you can get the right and the best product, you should purchase it from Spiceworks which is considered to be a leader in networking monitoring and pc maintenance and related software.
Hence, without wasting much of your time in browsing products here and there and checking out other software available, you just need to browse through software available at Spiceworks and make your purchase!
Here are some common advantages which you can derive with the use of such software – in fact, any business house whether big or small is in need of efficient network monitoring, so that any problem is taken care of as soon as it arises. Here are the main benefits:
• When you are using such software, it means you are saving a lot of time and resources. You do not have to employ your resources in monitoring the network all the while and maintaining databases, as it shall be taken care of by the software you choose.
• This network monitoring software is your one time investment. This means that you will have to make the investment just once and reap the benefits whole life.
• This network monitoring and alerting software is completely affordable. This means that when you are using this software, you will be making real savings in terms of money. If you are having a small business and your investment is not too high, you can still use the software because it is prepared keeping in mind the needs of small scale users also.
• You will get the benefit of keeping a track of the network performance too. This means that when there is a sudden drop of performance, you can get to know about it at once. It implies that your work does not stop all of a sudden due to a certain failure of the network or any software. The main benefit of such a network pc monitoring software is that it alerts you much before time. You have ample time to buy new software for yourself or get the current one renewed before it is too late.
• It is very easy to purchase the software too, as it is easily available in the leading stores. If you wish to buy it from an authentic source so that you can get the right and the best product, you should purchase it from Spiceworks which is considered to be a leader in networking monitoring and pc maintenance and related software.
Hence, without wasting much of your time in browsing products here and there and checking out other software available, you just need to browse through software available at Spiceworks and make your purchase!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
How To Make Your PC Run Really Fast
There's nothing worse than your PC running slow. This issue can be caused by a number of potential issues that will prevent your system from being able to read all the important information it requires to run - leading your computer to slow down and take much longer to process all the important settings that it requires to run. We've found the best way to improve the speed of your computer is to use a piece of software called a "registry cleaner" - this tutorial is going to show you exactly how to use this tool to quickly get rid of the various problems that will be affecting your system's speed.The reasons why Windows will be running slowly include the likes of your system not being able to process the files that it requires to run, as well as taking a long time to read any of the features that Windows will be using. We've found that the biggest issue for Windows systems will be through the way in which your computer will not be able to correctly process the important settings inside the "Registry Database" of your system - a central database which keeps all the settings & options for your system safe. The registry is where the likes your most recent emails, desktop wallpaper and even your passwords are stored - making it a hugely important part of your system. Unfortunately, the registry will continually become corrupted, leading Windows to run much slower and with many different issues.
The best way to make sure that your system is able to run quickly, is to use a program called a "registry cleaner" to fix any of the potential issues that this part of your system may have. The registry database is the most important part of all Windows systems, and is used so much (100's of times a day), that your computer will typically save many settings / files from this part of your system incorrectly - leading Windows to run much slower as a result. This issue is actually the main reason why Windows will run slower, and as a result it's vital you are able to use a tool that's able to get rid of any of the possible issues the registry may have.
Depending on how effective the registry repair program is, if it is able to identify over 400 - 500 errors, then it's definitely recommended that you should use it clean out any of the possible errors that your PC may have. This should boost the speed of your system, especially if you have a lot of errors which need cleaning.
You can speed up your PC by using the tutorial and tools on our website. You can Click Here to make your PC run faster. |
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