Five Career Fields that may outpace others

You're about to earn your degree -- now you're ready to earn the paycheck to match. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14 million job openings are projected to spring up for degree-wielding professionals between 2004 and 2014, 6.9 million of which are expected to be open to new college graduates. These "pure-college" professions require at least a bachelor's degree and thus give college grads an edge over the competition.

It's no surprise that medicine and law fall into this category. But while those fields are notoriously competitive, opportunities abound in other areas. Accounting and IT are joining the roster of vocations that require a college degree -- and along with education, they comprise the fields expected to outpace all other pure-college occupations. Apply for one of these positions, and your degree could make all the difference.

1. Accountants and Auditors

Of the "pure college" professions, accounting has the most opportunities for non-grads, as 25 percent of workers in the field do not have a bachelor's degree. Although some entry-level positions may not require a degree, "if you're looking for growth in your career, you absolutely have to have a degree," according to Ralph Diaz, a senior recruiter with Accountants One, an accounting and financial placement team in Atlanta. But, he adds, "If you're looking for growth in your career, you absolutely have to have a degree."

This is especially true for certified public accountants, since aspiring CPAs are required to complete 150 college credits before even taking the exam. The payoff is that job opportunities in accounting far outnumber other business and finance positions.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 486,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $50,770

2. Computer Applications Software Engineers
Innovations in computer software have made computer applications software engineering one of the fastest growing fields in the job market. But although the occasional college dropout might land an enviable position (ahem, Bill Gates), most software engineers will need to complete a four-year curriculum.
"To get a position in the software field without a degree, you'd have to be a genius," said Dean Clairmont, a project manager with EES, an engineering executive search firm based in San Diego. "The bachelor's degree barely gets you in the door; you really want to pursue at least a master's in computer science."
EXPECTED OPENINGS: 268,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $74,980
3. Elementary School Teachers
A key component of the No Child Left Behind Act requires schools that receive federal funding under the Act to hire new teachers with bachelor's degrees and certification and to ensure that all teachers of core academic subjects have bachelor's degrees, certification, and competency in their fields. Currently, approximately 92 percent of elementary school teachers hold a bachelor's degree or higher. And teachers have plenty of incentive to further their education. Those who hold a master's degree in education often qualify for a higher salary, and many schools allow working teachers to pursue postgraduate degrees while still actively employed.
EXPECTED OPENINGS: 587,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $43,160


4. Secondary School Teachers
Approximately 95 percent of secondary teachers have completed a bachelor's degree; teachers are typically encouraged to pursue a degree in the subject they wish to teach before completing their required education courses and certification program.
Want to improve your chances of landing a position? Earn your degree in one of the most sought-after areas of expertise -- math, science or bilingual studies.
EXPECTED OPENINGS: 436,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $45,650
5. Postsecondary Teachers
As college degrees become increasingly essential, so do college professors. The field of postsecondary education is expected to grow at twice the national average -- and offer more job opportunities than any other pure-college occupation.
A degree is required for anyone who wants to take advantage. Kristina Quay, an instructor at Sampson Community College in North Carolina, attests that her master's degree in education was vital to her attaining a faculty position: "There's no way you'll get hired without it," she says.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 892,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $51,800

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21 Ways to Improve Your Online Resume

Today's job market requires a highly effective resume to capture the employer's attention. Based on the national survey I conducted of 600 Hiring Managers, here are 21 ways to help you improve your online resume.

Content! Keywords!
Since most employers sort resumes electronically, keywords and specifics that demonstrate your abilities, your accomplishments, and your past experiences are crucial to getting their attention.

Market Yourself Well
Begin with a summary of qualifications section that encapsulates your most marketable skills and experience into four to six sentences.

Demonstrate ResultsEmployers like proof that you can do the job. Note the action performed and conclude with the achieved result, noting how your employer benefited. Use numbers and percentages to show how money or time was saved. Example: Coordinated the annual conference, adding new speakers and innovative programs, which resulted in a 17% increase in attendance and an 18% increase in revenues.

Be Brief and Concise
One page, short and to the point works best. Be a skillful editor, deleting the portions which are not relevant or least helpful to your securing a particular position. Emphasize your most recent experience, the last five to seven years. Cover in detail the major job duties performed.

Be Targeted
Focus every resume to the job title being applied for. It's much more effective to create a different resume for each job title (i.e., one resume for Trainer, another for Program Director) and incorporate only the information pertinent to doing that job.

Visually Appealing
The formatting of an online resume must be kept readable, sharp and professional. Make sure sentences are concise and that there is adequate white space between points. Eliminate italics, bold formatting, and fancy fonts. Stick to Times Roman or Arial fonts; use 12 - 14 point size. Use bullets to emphasize important points.

Be Clear
No vague generalities. Say exactly what you mean, using the smallest number of words to make the point.

Be Accurate
State your skills, qualifications, and experience as positively as possible without exaggerating or misstating the truth. If your job responsibilities are not adequately described by your job title, indicate your abilities with appropriate terms (i.e. Events Coordinator, instead of Staff Coordinator) . List job titles, employers, and dates/years of employment.

Use Action Verbs
Start each sentence with a descriptive action verb - such as established, managed, organized. They add power to your sentences. And, never use "I" on the resume, only short impact sentences. Example: Designed the company's new marketing flyer.

Be Complete
Spell out names of schools, cities, abbreviations, and titles completely, since employers may not recognize abbreviations or acronyms.

Make Points Quickly
Complete sentences are not necessary in resume writing; it is better to use simple descriptive statements to make a point. Be sure any technical terms are understandable to non-technical personnel.

Justify Experience
In all your sentences, use past tense words since they imply that you "have done it" before. This reassures employers you can do it for them.

Be Perfect
The resume you send out must be flawless. No mistakes or typos, especially in emails. Typos are HR manager's chief complaint and they insist they won't hire offenders.

Proofread Carefully
Don't trust computer spell checkers. Read every word out loud to be sure it is correct.

Make it Readable
A crammed, cramped resume often goes unread. Make deletions wherever necessary to achieve a readable product. Use white space; bullets to highlight key points; and eliminate redundancies.

Avoid Graphics
Complex designs are distracting to the reader. Lines, boxes, shadings, fancy borders or clipart should be avoided as they cause major errors when sent electronically.

Don't Include Personal Statistics
It is no longer considered professional or wise to include information about marital status, gender, height, weight, health, or to insert a picture on your resume.

No Tag Lines
Employers know you'll provide references if they request them, therefore it is not necessary to put "References upon request" at the end of your resume.

Don't Advertise Negative Information
The resume is the wrong place to advertise that you were laid off, fired, or had an extended illness. Never state why you left a position; simply list the dates of employment. Don't mention what salary you want to receive. 

Be Current
Update information every six months. Keep a current resume on this website with email alert turned on to learn of promotions or new opportunities whenever you hear about them.

Final Test
Does your resume get results? Does your resume clearly and quickly communicate to employers that you can do the job? Do your strengths come across? Does everything support the job you are targeting? Should anything be removed? Are employers calling? If not, rework, get professional help or check out several resume books to help you improve yours.

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Posted in: Careers , general tips , Resume Tips

What is Mathematics, Really?

There was a time, early in the twentieth century, in which mathematicians were passionately interested in the philosophy of mathematics. People were deeply concerned about what mathematics is, what sort of existence mathematical objects have, and their opinions on these questions actually influenced the mathematics they did.

There were three major points of view in the debate about the nature of mathematics. Theformalists argued (roughly: the short summaries that follow are really caricatures) that mathematics was really simply the formal manipulation of symbols based on arbitrarily-chosen axioms. The Platonists saw mathematics as almost an experimental science, studying objects that really exist (in some sense), though they clearly don't exist in a physical or material sense. The intuitionists had the most radical point of view; essentially, they saw all mathematics as a human creation and therefore as essentially finite. The intuitionists refused to have any dealings with completed infinite sets, rejected the "law of the excluded middle" (i.e., the claim that a mathematical statement is always either true or false), and were willing to give up large tracts of classical analysis that didn't fit this point of view.

The fact that the debate never really got resolved, together with the complicating factor of Gödel's incompleteness theorems, seem to have caused most mathematicians to lose interest. In recent years, most mathematicians seem to have been content with an attitude best described by Jean Dieudonné. In everyday life, we speak as Platonists, treating the objects of our study as real things that exist independently of human thought. If challenged on this, however, we retreat to some sort of formalism, arguing that in fact we are just pushing symbols around without making any metaphysical claims. Most of all, however, we want to do mathematics rather than argue about what it actually is. We're content to leave that to the philosophers.

Reuben Hersh wants to change this. His book is an attempt to get us all involved in the debate about the nature of mathematics. To this end, he does a number of things. First, he argues that most writing on the foundations of mathematics is woefully ignorant of actual mathematical practice. Second, he tries to break the three-way tie by making a new proposal as to what mathematics really is. Third, he runs through the history of the philosophy of mathematics to argue that (a) his position is not really new, but has a distinguished pedigree, and (b) that all the other positions are clearly wrong. Finally, he connects philosophical positions on the nature of mathematics to broader philosophical and political issues.
The foundational debates of the early twentieth century turned on the issue of certainty. Everyone agreed that mathematical statements were true in an absolute sense, that one could be certain that they were true. The issue was to find a philosophy of mathematics that guaranteed that certainty. Hersh's position is that the desire for certainty is simply a mistake. In fact, he argues, regardless of our ideals, mathematics is done by fallible people, and so the traditional philosophies cannot really guarantee certainty. So let's give it up: mathematics is a human endeavor, and mathematical truths are uncertain like any other truths.
But if we locate mathematics as a human construction, we need to account for the very strong feeling that mathematical objects have some sort of independent existence. The number pi (or the number two) is not just something in my head! Hersh agrees, and proposes that mathematical "objects" are really socio-cultural constructs. As such, they really do transcend individual minds even while remaining human creations. Hersh calls this view of mathematics humanism.
So far so good: it's an interesting proposal, and has much in its favor. It makes modest claims for mathematics which actually correspond to our human experience as mathematicians, and it takes seriously the fact that mathematics is learned and taught. (It is also, which Hersh does not observe, completely compatible with a Platonist understanding of mathematical objects; all that one needs to do is to delete the (implicit) "merely" in Hersh's claim that mathematical objects are socio-cultural constructs. Our mathematical concepts can certainly be socio-cultural constructs that attempt to grasp and understand Platonist mathematical objects...) The humanist view allows us to escape from metaphysics and to focus attention on things we can actually observe first-hand: the mathematical community and how it learns, teaches, and develops mathematics.
There are other persuasive things about "humanism." For example, it is deeply aware that mathematics has a history. Both formalism and Platonism often give the impression that they deal with mathematics as a completed product, when in fact mathematics is produced by people working in socio-cultural contexts. A look at the history of mathematics certainly seems to undermine a naive formalism (since "formal proof" is a relatively recent phenomenon). History also asks difficult questions for Platonism; does it really make sense to claim that, say, Galois groups "really exist", and that they existed even in Euclid's time?
On the other hand, the humanist view reduces our feeling that mathematical truths are really true to a social consensus, something we learn. This opens the possibility that Little Green People from Mars, if they exist, have a mathematics that is not only different from, but actually contradictory to ours. This is a position that many mathematicians find extremely hard to take.


One should emphasize that the evidence for some sort of "certainty" in mathematical truths goes beyond our intuitive feelings about them. The history of mathematics also points in this direction. We may no longer accept some of Euclid's arguments as rigorous, but we do think every one of his theorems is still true! What other science can make such a claim? Or consider Fermat's Last Theorem: is there any other field of human endeavor in which a question posed in 1636 can still make sense, in exactly the original terms, 350 years later?
In arguing for his humanist philosophy of mathematics, Hersh has some very good points to make, but he seems to spend much more time attacking the rival positions of formalism and Platonism. Against formalism, he follows and develops the criticisms of Imre Lakatos: he argues that no one actually writes formal proofs of anything, and that the view that mathematics is simply meaningless symbol-pushing is impossible to believe. Against Platonism, he argues that believing in eternal mathematical objects existing independently of human thought is only possible if one believes that God exists, which, he says, no one does anymore.
While there is something to both arguments, neither of them really takes the opposing philosophical position seriously. Formalism is more solid than Hersh makes it seem, Platonism has been the position of serious philosophers who were not theists, and, after all, many philosophers do believe that God exists. So do many mathematicians. This points up the basic problem: all too often, Hersh is willing to dismiss the opinions of eminent thinkers after only a very shallow interaction with their thought.
As a result, Hersh's historical survey of the philosophy of mathematics is, to my mind, the weakest part of the book. The quick sketches of the thought of various philosophers really do justice to no one. (They remind me of John Rist's description of Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy: "sophistic and simplistic misinterpretations of most Western ethics and metaphysics.") An example is his treatment of George Berkeley's very complex philosophy of mathematics, which gets reduced to "using the deficiency of mathematics to support religion." He then adds "His attack on mathematicians is unique since St. Augustine," which is hard to understand, since in his section on St. Augustine Hersh explains that Augustine's "attack on mathematicians" is really nothing of the sort!
Even less convincing is Hersh's attempt, in the last chapter, to correlate philosophers' positions on mathematics with their political stances, in order to reach the conclusion that "the Platonist view of number is associated with political conservatism, and the humanist view of number with democratic politics." Aside from the fact that he takes as axiomatic that being associated with the latter is better, the whole argument is based on a painfully arbitrary distinction of left versus right. (David Hume as a leftist?!).
The book concludes with an invocation of the story of the blind men and the elephant "as a metaphor for the philosophy of mathematics, with its Wise Men groping at the wondrous beast, Mathematics." All except, it seems, the humanist, who can see the whole elephant and laugh at the fallibility of all the others. Hersh doesn't seem to realize how arrogant this attitude is.
What I think is missing from the book is a realization that the philosophy of mathematics is indeed philosophy, and not science, and that therefore it cannot ignore the overarching philosophical issues that relate to it. It is clear that one's beliefs on metaphysics and epistemology, and particularly one's stance with respect to the notion of truth, are going to have an enormous impact on one's positions on the nature of mathematical objects and mathematical truths.

However, despite the serious limitations of Hersh's treatment of other thinkers, and despite the fact that he does not argue for his "humanist" position as forcefully as he might have, this is still a book that deserves attention. It should be widely read, discussed, and argued with. I hope it stimulates many responses, and most of all that it manages to convince more mathematicians of the importance of the questions with which it deals.

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Basics of a Good Resume

Writing a great resume does not necessarily mean you should follow the rules you hear through the grapevine. It does not have to be one page or follow a specific resume format. Every resume is a one-of-a-kind marketing communication. It should be appropriate to your situation and do exactly what you want it to do. with a little extra effort, you can create a resume that makes you really stand out as a superior candidate for a job you are seeking. Not one resume in a hundred follows the principles that stir the interest of prospective employers. So, even if you face fierce competition, with a well written resume you should be invited to interview more often than many people more qualified than you.The resume is a tool with one specific purpose: to win an interview. If it does what the fantasy resume did, it works. If it doesn't, it isn't an effective resume. A resume is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less.

A great resume doesn't just tell them what you have done but makes the same assertion that all good ads do: If you buy this product, you will get these specific, direct benefits. It presents you in the best light. It convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career.

It is so pleasing to the eye that the reader is enticed to pick up your resume and read it. It "whets the appetite," stimulates interest in meeting you and learning more about you. It inspires the prospective employer to pick up the phone and ask you to come in for an interview. It is a mistake to think of your resume as a history of your past, as a personal statement or as some sort of self expression. Sure, most of the content of any resume is focused on your job history. But write from the intention to create interest, to persuade the employer to call you. If you write with that goal, your final product will be very different than if you write to inform or catalog your job history.

Most people write a resume because everyone knows that you have to have one to get a job. They write their resume grudgingly, to fulfill this obligation. Writing the resume is only slightly above filling out income tax forms in the hierarchy of worldly delights. If you realize that a great resume can be your ticket to getting exactly the job you want, you may be able to muster some genuine enthusiasm for creating a real masterpiece, rather than the feeble products most people turn out.

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Posted in: Careers , Resume Tips , Tips

Tips to increase Traffic to your Website

The life and blood of any online business is one simple word “traffic”. It’s your life and blood. Let’s face it, it’s quite simple these days to build a website, even without any HTMLknowledge. It’s easy to purchase a domain. It’s easy to set up a website. It’s even easy to build an online store. It’s easy to place content on a website. However, all this can be absolutely useless if you don’t have any traffic and qualified traffic. Whether you are a website selling products, services, or acting as an affiliate for a program, you will need traffic.

Your form of business may be selling products. Or it may be promoting products. Or even giving away free content and selling advertising space on your website. Either way, in order to cash in, you need traffic.

For starters, you have to realize it requires hard work and dedication. It’s not an easy fix. You will have to be dedicated. With that mind-set you are bound to succeed, as long as you do your research correctly.
The first question you need to ask yourself is what are you looking to achieve? If you are looking to sell products, such as digital products (Ebooks, Software) or actual physical products, such as consumer electronics or clothes, then PPC (Pay Per Click) traffic may be a good and easy option. You will have to set a budget and make sure you know what your ROI (Return on Investment) is. I highly recommend using Google Adword. This is the king of PPC engines. You will get the most qualified visitors. My second option would be to use Yahoo’s Overture as well. However, Google is the quickest. You can start receiving traffic within 15 minutes. Yahoo takes more time and is more difficult to get your ads approved. I would spend my time browsing the internet and searching forums on Google Adwords. There are quite a few with very good tips. Also a few free ebooks you can get on the subject. Get yourself familiar.


If you are not actually selling something, but are looking to get traffic because you are giving away free content and are selling advertising space, then perhaps PPC advertising is not going to be your best option. It may not be profitable for you. You will then want to get a high ranking in the Search Engines. The best way to achieve that is to submit to all the search engines, the top 40. You can easily do a search online. Obviously the top ones are your priority (Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.). However, bear in mind it may take several months to be listed on these search engines. You will have to be a bit patient.

Also you will want to have as many links to your website as possible. The best way to achieve this, is to contribute to forum discussions, you can place your link to the website on the signature section. However, make sure you don’t spam. Make a meaningful post that contributes to the discussion, otherwise don’t make a post.
You can also post free classified ads. This could be helpful. Also you can create blogs for your website. In fact, create a couple. Make sure you fill them with relevant content and link them to your website.
The key here is consistency. You have to be dedicated and be prepared to put in the work. Once you put in the work, you will be posed to succeed.

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Computer Vision Syndrome

The American Optometric Association defines CVS as the "complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use." Symptoms of CVS are eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder pain.

 

Fortunately, making some basic changes to your work station can significantly improve the symptoms of CVS. And since March is "Save Your Vision Month," what could be more appropriate than taking a closer look at what you look at daily -- your computer?

1) Monitor Madness

Repositioning your monitor is an easy and effective way to avoid awkward head or eye movements. It should be squarely in front of you at a distance of 18 to 28 inches, with the top of the monitor (not the screen) level with your eyes. You may also have to adjust the angle of your monitor to allow your eyes to remain in a natural position (straight ahead and slightly down). The ideal viewing angle is 10 to 20 degrees below your eye level. Remember, too, to place any copy you are working with at the same level as the screen; document holders that attach to the side of your monitor can be purchased at any office supply store.

 

2) Glare Care

Modifying your office lighting will eliminate glare and harsh reflections. First, find the source of the glare: is it coming from a window, task light, or the computer screen itself?

Adjust blinds or curtains to minimize sunlight. Turn down overhead lights so that the brightness of the screen and the surrounding room are balanced. Do not, however, work in the dark: the contrast between computer-generated light and lack of background light strains the eyes. Task lights should be positioned to provide direct light for reading and other office work but should not shine directly on the computer. Use a monitor glare screen or hood, change your monitor position, adjust your brightness/contrast controls, and use a larger text size, as display legibility is an important factor in visual performance. And get out those paper towels! A dusty, dirty screen can contribute to eye fatigue.

 

3) Take a Break

It's easy to lose track of time at the computer. Take a break at least once an hour for about 10 minutes and blink frequently -- video display use is associated with a decreased frequency of blinking. (And a computer break is a perfect excuse to perform your Rebuild Your Vision eye exercises.) Computer use can also cause an increased rate of tear evaporation. Relieve dry, itchy eyes with artificial tears from the drugstore or supermarket.

 

4) Special Needs

Seniors should take extra care arranging their work stations. The American Optometric Association notes that workers over 50 years of age require twice the light levels of young adults for comfortable work.

By the same token, very often small children share the same computer as their parents, a situation that can lead to injury, as monitor distance and position have been set up to accommodate the adults. Parents should also keep track of time spent at the computer -- "parental control" applies as much to taking breaks as overseeing content!

 

Finally, be sure not to strain and squint to see your computer screen. This can lead to a multitude of problems including headaches, fatigue, dry-eyes, and prolonged vision problems.

 

As with any eye care issue, discuss computer-related vision problems with a qualified professional.

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Posted in: computer

Sun Signs For Software Professionals

This is based on statistics taken from 15003 Software professionals from the countries US, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Mexico, Canada, Australia and UK.

Total Software Companies: 980

The following is based only on statistical information and has nothing to do with astrology, though the following proves that the theory of Sun Sign is true to some extent.

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* *****

Aries - March 21 - April 19

 The software professionals belonging to this sign are hard working and sincere. Though they second the Taureans in hard work, they are intelligent in their approach. They tend to display strong leadership, and their extroverted and assertive natures let them lead the new cycle eagerly. They have humour in their programming style and deepest concern for finishing a project. They are dynamic and active, as befits the beginning of any project cycle. As long as the boss gives them work and good salary, they are happy. If the organization is not doing good, they are the first to know about it and they exit immediately.

 

Taurus - April 20 - May 20

 The most hard working people of all the signs. They are among the strongest

Signs when it comes to getting things done because of their reliable persistence in moving toward completion of projects. On the other hand, they can be very stubborn and argumentative. Though they are clumsy at their work, they get it done. They show the deepest respect to their bosses but hate them when they are ordered. They can work just on any platform and language given small amount of learning time. They can withstand failure on any projects but they undergo a little depression. They do not bother how the organization is doing as long as they get good work and good salary.They accommodate changes very easily.

 

Gemini - May 21 - June 21

 These also flirt here. They talk more than what they know and form very bad programmers. They are fascinated with gathering as much information as possible, and their facility as communicators - both written and verbal - arises from this need. They see the problem earlier than any other Sign can. They are adaptable and able to tackle multiple tasks simultaneously, and they know how to reason with people, but they may lack follow-through or seem ungrateful. They tend to use management jargon with young people around them. They feel jealous when somebody in their group knows more and achieves more than them. They get their job done by hook or by crook. They don't mind getting the work done through somebody and once they get it done they claim the title. They show deep respect for people who help them. They change jobs easily and they fare very well in interviews. Geminis cannot be trusted for more than a year. They are very impractical and cannot get along well with practical signs like Aries, Taurus.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22

 The most emotional of all signs does posses the management skill more than that of a programmer. They can manage projects and they have appreciation for good software professionals. Though they themselves do not form good software professionals, they motivate/demotivate their fellow people. They can argue on any matter easily and win over it either through a practical approach or emotionally. They play intelligently when given a task. They also, like Gemini, get the work done through colleagues once they know they are not capable. They are very honest and if they can't do a job they will tell you straight in the face. They feel embarrassed when they feel they are unable to do, when a colleague can do it easily. They are also jealous when they see people growing around them. They try hard to be on par with everybody else. They stay for a long time in a company only if they get more respect than what they deserve.

 

Leo - July 23 - August 23

 The creative software professionals. They know how what works and how to get it done in the shortest time. They show their flamboyance in whatever work they do. Though most Leos don't prefer Software, the ones that are in would not like to be in it. They would prefer to be outside where they can show other talents which they posses. Leos may be arrogant or egotistical, but they are good organizers and tend to be popular and even inspiring. Leos tend to be self-centered and more concerned with personal popularity rather than group goals and sharing of ideas. Despite their tendency to patronizingly interfere in others' plans, they are leaders, confident and dignified. Despite their tendency toward bossiness, the natural leadership of people born under Leo and their administrative prowess helps ensure that their projects are successful. As leaders, Leos are decisive and direct, optimistic that they will succeed. Sometimes they exaggerate problems and overreact to stumbling blocks, but generally they are positive and their natural pride and the stubborn streak keeps them from giving up. They can be demanding leaders, but they are also generous. Leos could not be generalized as far as their personal behavior goes. Its up to you to know whether they can be trusted.

 

Virgo - August 24 - September 22

 Virgo, the sharing mind. They let out whatever they know to others. They grow in a organization easily. Virgo brings their skills and talents together for the good of others. Virgo are industrious and efficient when working for a good cause. They are shy and nervous when they want to say something of importance though. They are unable to demonstrate that they know. But they are practical and logical, and they're skilled at seeing all sides of a situation. Virgos tend to be about smaller-scale projects and individuals. They are very good at understanding what people are saying beneath the surface words of their communication. Detailed and precise, people born under Virgo tend to be neat and exacting, but sometimes petty and overly fussy. At the other end of the scale, some Virgos can be sloppy. They are reliable, practical, and diligent, but they can sometimes seem picky or over-critical to people who aren't as discriminating as they are.The don't tend to do well in projects that require many interactions and people involvement. Though there are lot contradictions, the summary is that they can be good at things that are small given a lot of time for implementation. They may worry too much about small details, and they can seem demanding and critical. Their nature and attention to duty can seem like nit-picking pettiness if the people around them don't understand Virgo's desire perfection.

 

Libra - September 23 - October 22

 Best people to work with in large scale project activity. They form the best middle level co-ordinators in projects and bring harmony amongst all. They try to bring justice but can be persuaded by anybody to any side They don't have a clear balance in what they do. But when they are given a schedule you can be sure that a Libran will succeed in that. They are very demanding as far as money goes. Its important that a Libran never gets bored, because if he is so, he is out of everything. He will not do a single task when his mood is off. Libra's intellectual orientation to the world around them makes them skilled at communication and reasoning, and their intelligence combines with their interest in other people to become an intellectual explorer of the people around them. Because their efforts are mentally rather than emotionally motivated, Librans tend to be very judicial; they are good at diplomacy and compromise. Because they are generally reluctant to face confrontation, people born under Libra learn to be persuasive, courteous, and adaptable. But this may also make them seem cold and unemotional or manipulative They are team workers, skilled at cooperative action, but they can also be self-doubting. They are trustworthy for long times as long as they have a good working atmosphere.

 

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21

 The most intuitive software professionals. They do not like to be controlled byothers and often tend to be the bosses even if they aren't one. If things go wrong they just quit. If a project doesn't seem to go well and they are in a tight spot they just abscond and never come back. But if they make their mind ( 8% of the Scorpios they tend to be stubborn, refusing to give up when other shave long since gotten bored and abandoned a project, and getting things done when no one else thought it possible. They have their own schedule and they work on it. They are not adaptable to group situations and tend to be what they are. They are very secretive in what ever they do. They are highly revengeful and will strike when somebody steps in their way. But most Scorpios are misunderstood. They try to know things around them and are the first to be aware of the new technologies. They enjoy competition and they never settle for something less then best. They are trustworthy as long as they have work and happy and they have somebody in the management to care of them. But when things go bad the Scorpios can never be trusted,better to lay him off right away if you think he is playing bad.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 21

 The learned Software professional. They learn more than what is required in this field and are the most adaptable folks. They really care little for any project plans and know how to get it changed. Their main desire is freedom in whatever they do. Given a free hand, they do best. They are less co-operative in groups and tend to be very pushy. They talk too much before they think and always fail at critical times. They are eager in getting things started and they jump so quickly and if they fail they fail quickly too. They like one-to-one challenges and are driven away by the group when they try blunt talk. They come back to the group after a fight, sulking but needing. They have great love for knowledge. They are trustworthy as long as they think that they are learning in the current organization. They would go away in a flash if they feel that they can learn more elsewhere.

 

Capricorn - December 22 - January 19

Capricorns are practical and over ambitious. The are down to earth when they want to get things completed. They are practical, realistic, and cautious when they schedule something. They have the highest determination for success, they view each project as a block for their success and are less bothered about the project itself. They can also be rigid and unforgiving when others stand in their way. Their organizational ability combines with their diligence to help them achieve, but they can be narrow-minded and over-critical of people not as ambitious as they are. Capricorns would work hard and hard just for their personal success and not for their satisfaction, which is just the opposite in case of a Taurus. They are dependable and serious, never giving up on their goals. Other people may see their ambition as domineering or a reflection of egotism, but they are patient and purposeful when working toward what they want. Sometimes they may be overly critical, even bossy, but this is due to their strong desire to achieve their goals and not to a desire to be rude.

 

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18

 Hard working, and get things done just for the organization. They are very good at group projects and form good co-ordinators. They can be opinionated,and they work hard to bring their ideas to fruition, stubbornly refusing to give up their causes. They get to know the technology around them and would discuss with the people around. But since they stick to what ever they think is right sometimes this makes them go away from the group and they keep aloof. The are trustworthy and would stick on for a long time given the right kind ofpeople around them.

 

Pisces - February 19 - March 20

 The people who are just meant to work only in group. They are selfless and do it as you require. They most important thing to be put in them is the "focus" since they get out doing something when they lose interest. All signs take advantage of a Pisces for their work because they would like to make use of his abilities. Though they are not intellectuals they are very broad minded and good thinkers. Very trustworthy as long as they are not abused too often by their colleagues.

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Posted in: computer

14 House hold Ways To Protect Your Computer From Viruses

Computer viruses are deadly. They often spread without any apparent contact and can be a nuisance, or even worse, fatal to your computer. If you access the internet, share files or your computer with others, or load anything from diskettes, CDs, or DVDs onto your computer, you are vulnerable to viruses.
                                           
Fortunately, there are good guys working just as hard as the hackers to develop cures for viruses as quickly as they send them off into cyberspace. And there are many things you can do to keep your computer from catching viruses in the first place.

Defining Viruses:

A virus is a small computer program that can copy and spread itself from one computer to another, with or without the help of the user. However, viruses typically do more than just be fruitful and multiply, which is bad enough in itself because it hogs system resources. Anything else viruses are programmed to do, from displaying annoying 

messages to destroying files, is called their payload. Often, they cannot deliver their payload until an unsuspecting user does something to make the virus execute its programmed function. This could be as simple as clicking on an innocent looking file attachment with the .exe (executable) extension.

Solution 1: Anti-virus Software

Your first line of defense is to install anti-virus software. To be extra safe, also install firewall software, which is now included in some anti-virus packages. This software can scan all of your drives for viruses and neutralize them. Here are some features to consider when evaluating anti-virus software.

- Compatibility with your operating system - Make sure the software works with your system, particularly if you are using an older operating system like Windows 98.

- Firewall software - If it's not included, find out if it's available. If you must, buy it from another vendor.

- Automatic background protection - This means your software will constantly scan behind the scenes for infections and neutralize them as they appear. This provides some peace of mind.

- Automatic, frequent updates - Because new viruses appear every day, you'll want regular updates. It's even better if they occur automatically when you connect to the internet. If automatic updating isn't included, you'll have to check the vendor's website and download updates yourself. This is vitally important, because you will not be protected from new viruses if your software is out of date.

- Disaster recovery - Software with a recovery utility to help you get your system back to normal after a virus attack is always good to have.

- ICSA certification - The International Computer Security Associatioin has standards for the detection rates of anti-virus software. Make sure your software has the ICSA certification.

- Technical support - It's a good idea to select a package that offers free technical support, either online or through a toll-free number. If you're ever felled by a virus, you may need it. Some anti-virus software vendors are Symantec Corporation (Norton AntiVirus), McAfee Corporation (McAfee VirusScan), Trend Micro Inc. (PC-cillin), and Zone Labs Inc. (Zone Alarm Suite).

Solution 2: The Virus Scan

If you receive a particularly juicy attachment that you're dying to open, save it on your Windows desktop and run your anti-virus software on it first. If it's infected, your anti-virus software may neutralize it, or at least tell you the attachment is too dangerous to open. On the other hand, don't feel guilty if the very thought of saving a potentially damaging file anywhere on your system is enough to quell your eagerness to open it and make you delete it immediately.

Solution 3: Delete first, ask questions later.

When in doubt about the origin of an e-mail, the best thing to do is delete it without previewing or opening it. You can spread a virus just by having people in your address book, even if you don't actually e-mail them anything. They'll receive it from someone else in your address book, which really makes life confusing.

Solution 4: Beware of virus hoaxes
E-mails warning you about viruses are almost always hoaxes. You may be tempted to believe them because you typically receive them from well-meaning friends, who received them from friends, etc. These e-mails themselves usually aren't viruses, but some have actually fallen into the hands of hackers who loaded them with viruses and forwarded them merrily on their way as a sick joke.

Solution 5: Beware of filename extensions

The extension of a filename is the three characters that come after the dot. Windows now defaults to hiding filename extensions, but it isn't a good idea. Just being able to see a suspicious extension and deleting the file before opening it can save you from a virus infection. Viruses often live on files with these extensions - .vbs, .shs, .pif, .Ink - and they are almost never legitimately used for attachments.

Solution 6: Disable the .shs extension

One dangerous extension you can easily disable is .shs. Windows won't recognize it and will alert you before attempting to open an .shs file. The extension is usually just used for "scrap object" files created in Word and Excell when you highlight text and drag it to the desktop for pasting into other documents.

Solution 7: Dealing with double extensions

When you turn on your extensions in Windows, you'll be able to detect viruses that piggy-back themselves onto innocent looking files with a double extension, such as happybirthday.doc.exe. NEVER trust a file with a double extension - it goes against Nature.

Solution 8: Beware of unknown .exe files

A virus is a program that must be executed to do its dirty work, so it may have an .exe extension. Unfortunately, this is the same extension used by legitimate program files. So, don't panic if you find files named Word.exe or Excel.exe on your system - they're your Microsoft software. Just don't EVER open any file with an .exe extension if you don't know what the file's purpose is.

Solution 9: Watch out for icons

Viruses in attachment files have been known to assume the shape of familiar looking icons of text or picture files, like the wolf in the hen house. If you recieve an unexpected attachment, don't open it without first running it through your anti-virus software.

Solution 10: Don't download from public newgroups

What better place for a hacker to lurk and stick his virus than in the middle of a crowd? Sooner or later, someone's bound to download it and get the virus going. Don't download files and programs from newsgroups or bulletin boards, or open attachments sent from strangers in chatrooms ("Let's exchange pictures!") without first scanning with your anti-virus software.

Solution 11: Avoid bootleg software

This may seem like a no brainer, but sometimes that tiny price tag on a popular but expensive package can be too good to resist. Resist it! Likewise, be careful about accepting application software from others. You don't know where it's been, and what may have started out as a perfectly clean package could have become infected during installation on someone else's infected computer.

Solution 12: Protect macros in MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

A common type of virus uses macros. Macros are sets of stored commands that users can save as shortcuts to perform long functions in just a few keystrokes. A macro virus may perform such mischief as changing file types from text files or spreadsheets into templates, locking up keyboards, and deleting files. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint come with macro virus protection. To make sure yours is activated, open each application, then click Tools menu | Macro | Security. On the Security Level tab, make sure Medium or High is selected. Clcik OK. If you are already infected with a macro virus, you may find that the steps of this procedure are unavailable becasue the virus has disabled them. In that event, run a virus scan on your system to see if your anti-virus software can kill the virus.

Solution 13: Use passwords

If you share your computer, it's a good idea to assign everyone a password. Passwords should be a combination of letters and numbers no less than eight characters long, and preferably nonsensical. Never write passwords and stick them anywhere near the computer. To assign passwords in Windows XP, click the Start button | Control Panel | User Accounts. Follow the prompts to assign/change passwords.

Solution 14: Update application software

Microsoft constantly issues patches for the security holes in its operating system and applications software. however, don't be lulled into complacency if you have Windows Update automatically checking things for you. Update checks for patches to repair bugs in the operating system, not for security problems.


Last Words:

Now that you know some ways for avoiding and dealing with viruses, let's wrap things up with some solution you've probably heard before but have ignored.

- Back up your files regularly - If a virus crashes your sytem, you'll feel much better if you've got backup copies of all your important files. Make the backup copies on a media that's separate from the computer, such as on diskettes, CDs, or zip disks. Scan them for viruses before you put them away to make sure they aren't infected. If they are, they'll do you no good if you ever have to use them because they will just transmit the virus right back onto your computer.

- Make a boot disk - Create an emergency boot diskette before you have a problem so you can start your computer after a serious security problem To make a boot diskette with Windows XP, put a blank floppy disk in the drive. Open My Computer, then right click the floppy drive. Click Format. Under Format options, click Create an MS-DOS startup disk. Click Start. Keep the disk in a safe place. With luck, you'll never need to use it.

- Turn off you computer - DSL and cable connections that are "always on" may be convenient, but you should always turn off your computer when its not in use. Hackers can't get to a machine that's powered off.

Catching a Virus:

Most viruses are spread through e-mail attachments because it's the easiest way to do it. Although Macintosh, Unix, and Linux systems can catch viruses, hackers are particularly keen on exploiting the security weaknesses in anything Microsoft, particularly Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express.

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Posted in: computer

Internet Tips and Secrets

Getting on the internet is the most important thing that you will ever do. Get on the internet - now. Your livelihood, your happiness and your future is at stake. Staying away from the internet is the social equivalent of committing suicide.

What is so great about the internet?

Put simply, it's communication. The internet gives everyone on this planet the capability of communicating with anyone else (assuming they are on the internet also) at any time about anything that they want.Perhaps the most basic human characteristic is communication. Humans are always chattering about something, whether it be written, spoken, drawn, painted, hand-signaled or coded in electronic waves. We have a basic, fundamental need to talk to someone, anyone. And when we're not talking, we want to be listening.

Just as important, the internet allows, uniquely in history, the ability to communicate virtually instantly and almost completely uncensored. Never before (and probably never again, if some people have their way) have you had the opportunity for open communications that you have now.

Take advantage of the internet like you've never taken advantage of anything before in your life. There are more opportunities here than you can imagine. There is money to be made, friends to be found, product to purchase and places to explore. Quite literally, there is something for everyone.

There is danger also, but if you are careful you will be fine. Load up your virus checking, install a firewall, watch out for scams, and protect your children and you should be fine.

So what are you waiting for? Get going, make a fortune and have fun. And email me with your success stories ... I'd love to know the cool things you've done on the web.

Sometimes people seem to make a choice between making their site pretty for search engines or making it useful for people. I am always fascinated when I hear this discussion. In fact, it is interesting to hear someone say "I'm removing my Webring because will get annoyed" or "I'm deleting my links page because god, uh, won't like it", or "search engines don't use meta tags, so I took them all out". These comments all ignore the basic datum about the internet. It's about PEOPLE! The internet is not about some silly, stupid little robots, or some faceless idiotic rules enforced by their creators. The internet is about communication.

Yes, search engines are a part of that communication, as it is one (and only ONE) want of getting people to your site. But there are an infinite number of other ways to get people to your site, from viral marketing to Webrings to link exchanges to contests to newsgroups to whatever else you can think of.
But if your site does not cater to PEOPLE, it will fail. Period.

Yes, it's a good idea to make sure your site is known to the engines and known well. But that is NOT the purpose of the site. The purpose of the site is to communicate. Pure and simple.

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Posted in: general tips

London Zoo

Opening times

ZSL ( Zoological Society of London) London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

Opening times

2007 Opening hours:
10am - 5.30pm: Mar 5 - Oct 21
10am - 4.30pm: Oct 22 - Oct 28
10am - 4pm: Oct 29 - Feb 2008

Last admission is one hour before advertised closing time.

ZSL London Zoo Map

Terms of entry

Permission must be obtained for all filming and photography for commercial purposes

• Please ask at the main gate or click here for more information
• No dogs are allowed on the ZSL London Zoo premises
• Bicycles are not allowed on Zoo premises
• Scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades, skateboards are not allowed on Zoo premises.
• Please note, there is no provision for left luggage .

Address

ZSL London Zoo
Outer Circle
Regent's Park
London NW1 4RY

Tel: 020 7722 3333

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Posted in: gk