Technology has come right down to the streets with the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) introducing SMS alert service on the exact location of its buses.
The service, appropriately called "Yelli Iddira," entails a message "Where are you," eliciting the answer in the likes of "I am near Corporation bus stop now."
Initially, the service will be available on two Volvo routes — V356C between Kempe Gowda Bus Station and Electronic City and V335E between KBS and Kadugudi via ITPL. To avail oneself of the facility, one has to send an SMS from the mobile phone in the following manner — YI {lt}Volvo Route Number{gt} {lt}U or D{gt} to 9945634666.
For instance, to know the location of Route No. V356E, send an SMS reading YI V356E U, where YI stands for Yelli Iddira? V356 stands for the Volvo route number and U stands for `up' direction. Buses heading out of the starting station are designated as `up' and in reverse direction as `down.'
The Hindu sent two SMS for the two services at 7 p.m. on Saturday to test the same. For V356C, the reply was "At Kempe Gowda Bus Stand, near Kempe Gowda Bus Stand" and for V335E, it was "At 1.07 km southwest of Ulsoor bus stand." The idea was conceptualised by Muralidhar Rao, co-chairman, BMTC Commuter Comfort Task Force and the service was designed by Sujit Kumar of CL InfoTech Pvt., Ltd., Bangalore, a BMTC release said. Apparently, the service is being offered with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) that are integrated through GPRS.
Service Provided by CL Infotech Pvt Ltd. For details on its services, please click here.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
GMail - No more waiting for someone to invite!
Yes! Its true, you no more require a GMail Invite to open Google Account. The Search Engine Leader - Google.com, officially opened its GMail to public for Free Online Accounts on Valentines day (14-Feb-2007). There's no reason you should struggle to reach the ones you love, and Gmail helps you communicate fast and easily. Gmail is available in over 40 interface languages.Visit www.gmail.com, and click on the Sign-up link to create a New Google Account. Also checkout the Video at YouTube.
Source: Official Google Blog
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Daylight Saving Time (DST) changes in 2007
Whats DST?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a system of handling the changing amounts of daylight throughout the year. The goal of DST is to maximize the daylight hours available during typical waking hours. By adjusting clocks ahead a standard amount, usually an hour, people can have more daylight available during their typical work day. For example, suppose you wake daily at 7:00 AM. In the spring, the sun rises earlier each day. Instead of waking up at 6:00 AM to take advantage of the daylight, DST observers move their clocks ahead an hour. The effect is that they can continue to wake at 7:00 AM according to the clock and enjoy more daylight. In the fall, people set their clocks back an hour as sunrise happens later each day.
Whats the problem with DST in 2007?
Because of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the start date and the end date for daylight saving time (DST) in the United States will change in 2007. DST in the United States will start three weeks earlier and will end one week later than in previous years. DST will start at 2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in March and will end at 2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November.
Due to this, many software applications require patches to be installed. I have collected the Patch/Update information related to various software/tools:
1) Microsoft Visual Sourcesafe
2) Microsoft Visual Studio
3) Windows Mobile Update
4) Sun Java
5) Oracle
6) IBM Lotus Notes and Domino
7) Cognos position statement regarding DST readiness
Also found this link, which covers the DST information in detail.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a system of handling the changing amounts of daylight throughout the year. The goal of DST is to maximize the daylight hours available during typical waking hours. By adjusting clocks ahead a standard amount, usually an hour, people can have more daylight available during their typical work day. For example, suppose you wake daily at 7:00 AM. In the spring, the sun rises earlier each day. Instead of waking up at 6:00 AM to take advantage of the daylight, DST observers move their clocks ahead an hour. The effect is that they can continue to wake at 7:00 AM according to the clock and enjoy more daylight. In the fall, people set their clocks back an hour as sunrise happens later each day.
Whats the problem with DST in 2007?
Because of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the start date and the end date for daylight saving time (DST) in the United States will change in 2007. DST in the United States will start three weeks earlier and will end one week later than in previous years. DST will start at 2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in March and will end at 2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November.
Due to this, many software applications require patches to be installed. I have collected the Patch/Update information related to various software/tools:
1) Microsoft Visual Sourcesafe
2) Microsoft Visual Studio
3) Windows Mobile Update
4) Sun Java
5) Oracle
6) IBM Lotus Notes and Domino
7) Cognos position statement regarding DST readiness
Also found this link, which covers the DST information in detail.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Spice - DO NOT SMS Offer
SCOOOBY DOOOBY DOOO0OO... My Mobile Service Provider introduced one of the Best Offer for Prepaid Customers like me. I am ready to celebrate Dry Days. Check out the Offer Details below :In order to enhance customer service and ensure customers get undisrupted service while messaging, we would like to inform all concerned that w.e.f 12-Feb-2007 (00:00 hours), no Free or Discounted SMS would be available to Spice Prepaid customers on the following days between 00:00 and 24:00 hours, i.e., New years's day (1-Jan), Pongal (15-Jan), Valentine's Day (14-Feb), Holi(4-Mar), Ugadi(19-Mar), Eid Milad(1-Apr), Friendship Day(5-May), Independence Day(15-Aug), Raksha Bandhan(28-Aug), Ganesh Chaturthi(15-Sep), Dussera(21-Oct), One day prior to Diwali(8-Nov), Diwali Day(9-Nov), Christmas Day(25-Dec), New Year Eve(31-Dec).
On these days normal SMS charges will apply for all Spice Prepaid customers. All concerned may please note.
Sd/-
Spice Telecom
Source: Spice Telecom
Thank you Spice for not including my favorite Baapu's day in your above list. I am hoping that other Service Providers are sweet and have not implemented the same.
For those customers, who are on the same boat as me, here are some tips:
1) Send SMS one day in advance or a belated SMS after 1 day. You can keep reminders for above mentioned dates on your Mobile Phone Calendar.
2) As per my experiences with Delivery Reports, I noticed that the Spice SMS Server Date usually runs behind. So do not take any change - please send the SMS 15 minutes before/after the above said Dry Days.
3) If your plan permits low rate calls, use Phone Calls instead of SMS on these Dry Days.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Air Show 2007 - Bangalore
The Air Show of 2007 is back in Bangalore. I am hoping to see it again this year. My first visit to Air show was two years back with my friend Ganesh. Unfortunately, we were not Blogging that time :)
This year, Chairman of the Tata Group Ratan Tata (right in picture) flew the F-16 fighter aircraft at the Aero India show in Bangalore on Thursday 08-Feb-2007. He termed the experience "exhilarating."
Latest Update >>> I visited Air Show on Sunday and will put the update soon...
New phishing technique discovered
A new ‘undetectable’ phishing tactic has been hijacking the web pages of a major UK bank, according to security vendor Envisional.
Until now customers have been able to check a link in an email by moving the mouse over it, thus revealing a fraudulent URL addresses. But this new method shows the legitimate web address of the bank in question.
'This is a completely new and very dangerous threat,' said Envisional’s chief executive officer, Michael Wheatley. 'Even wary, sophisticated online banking customers will be caught out by this latest form of attack.'
The new approach exploits a vulnerability in the web site of the bank, allowing a link to look like it directs the user to the legitimate site. Actually the link sends the user to a framed mock-up of the bank's page that is really part of the phisher’s web site.
Source: Computing UK
Until now customers have been able to check a link in an email by moving the mouse over it, thus revealing a fraudulent URL addresses. But this new method shows the legitimate web address of the bank in question.
'This is a completely new and very dangerous threat,' said Envisional’s chief executive officer, Michael Wheatley. 'Even wary, sophisticated online banking customers will be caught out by this latest form of attack.'
The new approach exploits a vulnerability in the web site of the bank, allowing a link to look like it directs the user to the legitimate site. Actually the link sends the user to a framed mock-up of the bank's page that is really part of the phisher’s web site.
Source: Computing UK
Monday, February 05, 2007
Troubleshooting Performance Problems in SQL Server 2005
Found this informative article which provides step-by-step guidelines for diagnosing and troubleshooting common performance problems by using publicly available tools such as SQL Server Profiler, System Monitor, and the new Dynamic Management Views in SQL Server 2005.
Source: Microsoft Technet Website
Click Here for Direct Link to 108 pages of Word Document
Source: Microsoft Technet Website
Click Here for Direct Link to 108 pages of Word Document
Sunday, February 04, 2007
The Wow starts Now
Microsoft launched Windows Vista on 30-Jan-2007 and tells us “The ‘Wow’ starts Now”. The world's largest software company spent some 6 billion dollars and 5 years to develop the programme, and is offering a smorgasbord of different versions designed to fit everyone from the web-surfing granny who needs just basic functionality to the media and gaming- obsessed geek.Vista users can actually expect several thousand new functions, Microsoft claims. Most of them are hidden underneath the hood, so to speak. One eye-catching element is the new graphical interface, dubbed Aero. It is remarkable first for its semi- transparent windows. Open several windows at once, and you can still see which other folders and documents are open beneath them. This is not exactly trailblazing in the world of operating systems, though. Transparent windows are also available in Apple's Mac OS X and with various Linux versions.
Read complete article at Playfuls.com
Also checkout the Vista Launch post at VJ's Blog.
Google Earth agrees to blur pix of key Indian sites
President APJ Abdul Kalam's concerns over Google Earth providing detailed and unhindered view of ‘sensitive' Indian establishments have been addressed, courtesy a formula which allows users uninterrupted access to the ‘eye in the sky' while camouflaging key installations.
At a recent meeting between ministry of science and technology officials and Google Earth representatives, it was decided that installations identified by government would be carefully camouflaged. This, it was felt, was better than an outright blackout. Apart from well-known sites like BARC, there are many less prominent ones, and blacking them out would only attract attention to their locations.
Images of these locations will not be of more than 25-50 metre resolution, more like the older generation pictures provided by Indian Remote Sensing satellites. Official sources said Google Earth would distort building plans by adding structures where none existed or masking certain aspects of a facility. This could be done without attracting attention to such establishments, which range from laboratories, mines, military sites, space and atomic centres and residences of high-profile VVIPs.
The government list of such sites would be accepted by Google Earth. The controversy over Google Earth's images had gained momentum after Kalam, in October last year, expressed concern that unrestricted pictures on the web could have worrisome security implications.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
India's 58th Republic Day
Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, the Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950. During the transition period from 1947 to 1950, King George VI was the head of state. Lord Mountbatten and C. Rajagopalachari served as the Governors-General of India during this period. Following January 26, 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first president of India.
To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. The parade also includes vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a flypast by Indian Air Force jets.
Wishing all the readers of my Blog, a Happy Republic Day. The Live Republic Day Celebrations is available here online on 26-Jan-2007 9:25 AM IST.
To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. The parade also includes vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a flypast by Indian Air Force jets.
Wishing all the readers of my Blog, a Happy Republic Day. The Live Republic Day Celebrations is available here online on 26-Jan-2007 9:25 AM IST.Check the Live photo captured by me - Republic Day Celebration at a small school behind my Apartment.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
SQL Server 2005 and the Upgrade Path from MCDBA
Got chance to attend this Live Meeting today online, but unfortunately I could not listen to the audio because I was busy on Phone Line :) Anyways! I am sharing the Q&A that was available at the end of the session. Here I go:
Question: Have you started?
Answer: Yes - you should be hearing the presenter - Try going to the Audio menu and select – “Listen to Internet Audio Broadcast” or you can also call in - If you are unable to connect to the audio through the Internet Audio Broadcast, you can dial in to the audio over a traditional telephony line: US/Canada: (800) 995-0025, International: (503) 295-8000 PIN: 7674
Question: Is there any way i can copy the text from the meeting?
Answer: You can print to PDF and any time - go to the file menu and select print to pdf.
Question: Print to PDF appears greyed out. Remotely enabled?
Answer: It should work now.
Question: How can I subscribe to the MCP newsletter?
Answer: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/newsletters/default.mspx
Question: Are 70-445 and 70-446 exams live yet?, if not when is the beta period?
Answer: Both 445 and 446 have completed their beta cycle. Both will go live on 3/2/07.
Question: What is the cost of each exam?
Answer: All Microsoft Certification Exams are $125 USD. The prices vary from country to country depending on exchange rates.
Question: Will the MCDBA cert still be offered moving forward?
Answer: No. The MCDBA cert title will not be used for SQL 2005 or any future SQL releases. It will remain the current cert for SQL 2000.
Question: I don´t have MCDBA certification, can I make 70-447 exam ?
Answer: No. If you do not have a MCDBA and take 447 you will receive no cert credit. It will remain on your transcript and if/when you pass 431 and earn your MCDBA, you will then receive the MCITP-Database Administrator credential.
Question: Is the MCDBA upgrade path for 7.0 MCDBAs and 2000 MCDBAs?
Answer: Only MCDBAs on SQL 2000.
Question: when will we have the resuts of the 70-446 beta exams
Answer: Beta results for 445 and 446 will be made public in early February 2007.
Question: Are there any official records on how many MCITP Database Developer/Admiistrators exist so far?
Answer: About 1500 MCITP: DBA and about 500 MCITP: Database Developers. Not many!
Question: MCITPDBA - what a mouth full
Answer: Agreed. The new logo builder tool allows you to present the logo in a number of more meaningful ways.
Question: Since Database Developer is an 'offshoot' of the original MCDBA, will there eventually be an upgrade path for an MCDBA?
Answer: Probably not - at this point we are not planning any additional upgrade options.
Question: When will 70-445 and 70-446 be available?
Answer: Both go live 3/2/07.
Question: I'm not interested in being a MCDBA, but I would like to know if I take SQL will it count as an option to MCSA
Answer: Yes...the SQL TS Exams 431 and 445 count as electives for MCSA and MCSE.
Question: Will we see sims in the 70-444 exam this year?
Answer: Not this year but likely next year.
Question: if i take 70-229 will I still achive MCDBA and then be able to upgrade or should i just start over with 2005 exams
Answer: The MCDBA track requires 4 exams - 2 SQL 2000 exams, a Window Server 2003 exam, and an elective exam. If you don't plan on completing the MCDBA track, I would recommend that you simply start with the SQL 2005 exams.
Question: I have passed all except one exam for MCDBA - the server exam. Since I have all the SQL exams taken, can I do the upgrade path, or must I have the MCDBA cert first?
Answer: You need the completed MCDBA credential to use the upgrade path.
Question: I missed it... how many people are currently a MCDBA 2000?
Answer: Over 150,000 folks are MCDBA on SQL 2000.
Question: how long will the MCDBA exams for 2000 continue to be offered
Answer: For at least another 2-3 years.
Question: Will 70-431 have simulations?
Answer: Yes...431 just re-released in English with simulations. The localized versions will start appearing around the world in MArch/April.
Question: Will the Database admin Cert expire?
Answer: not MCDBA; MCITP: DBA will need recertification exam every 3 years or so.
Question: What About Upgrading your Certification from MCDBA 2000 to 2005 ?
Answer: Two exams: 431 and 447; both are required to upgrade.
Question: In Market all talk about SAP and Sibel ....wondering Business Intelligence Developing provide ERP solution
Answer: did that help?
Question: Any set date to expire the MCDBA exams?
Answer: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/newsletters/default.mspx
Question: For the 70-431 exam, the Microsoft web site recommends courses/collections 2778, 2779, and 2780. Is there a recommended order? The first/lowest numbered 2778 ("Writing Queries Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Transact-SQL (18-hour series)") doesn't seem like introductory material.
Answer: Yes. The numbers are 'in order'. 2778 is similar to the core SQL 2000 course. But, no, it is not an "introductory course" you're right!
Question: how about cost of courses and training materials for these new courses?
Answer: about 300 per day (US) for a course... depends on subject/provider/length, etc. E-learning can range from $150 to $300 US.
Question: Are there any Modl providers in UK?
Answer: There will be, I'm sure. To see if there are now, please visit blogs.msdn.com/trika to see the list of providers again!
Question: How can I test myself using MeasureUp? Does it test using real questions from TS/MCP exam? Do I pay for one MeasureUp test or is the fee for a specific period access? How much does MeasureUp will cost me ?
Answer: Hi - on this page you'll find a link to the practice test provider offer... http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/01/23/e-learning-practice-test-offers-to-help-mcdbas-earn-sql-server-2005-certifications.aspx
Question: are there going to be exam simulations in MeasureUp and SelfTest?
Answer: I'm not sure - pls check with the providers. THey are partners so I dont have all the info! Here is the link to the link to the Measure up offer... http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/01/23/e-learning-practice-test-offers-to-help-mcdbas-earn-sql-server-2005-certifications.aspx
Question: trika, can you post this Q&A in your blog, please?
Answer: i will... but it will take me a few days to get it organized. Sound OK?
Question: Does Microsoft plan to give vouchers for exam 431 or 441-444?
Answer: no!
Question: yes; do you have a directory where or which partners provide the courses and which are available for e-learning; I would assume your website?
Answer: www.microsoftelearning.com
Question: will there be any discounts for MCDBA 2005 if I have MCSE
Answer: no, there is no connection between MCSE and the new certifications for SQL 2005 as far as upgrade paths.
Question: Thanks for the explanation of the ordering. I'm interested in e-Learning or maybe even MODL. 2778 is an e-learning collection. Is there a 2779 and 2780 collection, instead of just classroom training?
Answer: can you send your question to me trikah@microsoft.com and i'll get an answer? Thanks!
Question: do you have any idea for prevention passing exams by testking or somthing like this?
Answer: wow, that's a hard one! one thing we do is to make it clear to customers (and we rely on certified customers to help us with this...) that testking or others are NOT acceptable ways to prepare. Also, we are in the middle of a lawsuit with Test King right now; we hope to go to trial within a year to stop this type of thing. But it is a difficult issue. we'd love to hear ideas.
Question: How much additional preparation is needed after taking a MOC course or going through a MS Press Study guide before being able to take any of the SQL exams?
Answer: did you get an answer you needed?
Question: Is 70-431 for 2005 the equivalent of what 70-228 was for 2000? Does is cover a similar amount of material with a similar level of difficulty?
Answer: can you send your question to me trikah@microsoft.com and i'll get rob to answer? Thanks!
Question: average of pay of the market for certificates? average of pay of the market for certificates?
Answer: Hmmm. We do have some information like that -- I think MCPMag does a survey each year, but Microsoft itself does not have data on this. I'd recommend trying www.mcpmag.com and look up their SALARY SURVEY. Does that help?
Question: Very goog, thank you...
Answer: youre welcome!!!
Question: Have you started?
Answer: Yes - you should be hearing the presenter - Try going to the Audio menu and select – “Listen to Internet Audio Broadcast” or you can also call in - If you are unable to connect to the audio through the Internet Audio Broadcast, you can dial in to the audio over a traditional telephony line: US/Canada: (800) 995-0025, International: (503) 295-8000 PIN: 7674
Question: Is there any way i can copy the text from the meeting?
Answer: You can print to PDF and any time - go to the file menu and select print to pdf.
Question: Print to PDF appears greyed out. Remotely enabled?
Answer: It should work now.
Question: How can I subscribe to the MCP newsletter?
Answer: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/newsletters/default.mspx
Question: Are 70-445 and 70-446 exams live yet?, if not when is the beta period?
Answer: Both 445 and 446 have completed their beta cycle. Both will go live on 3/2/07.
Question: What is the cost of each exam?
Answer: All Microsoft Certification Exams are $125 USD. The prices vary from country to country depending on exchange rates.
Question: Will the MCDBA cert still be offered moving forward?
Answer: No. The MCDBA cert title will not be used for SQL 2005 or any future SQL releases. It will remain the current cert for SQL 2000.
Question: I don´t have MCDBA certification, can I make 70-447 exam ?
Answer: No. If you do not have a MCDBA and take 447 you will receive no cert credit. It will remain on your transcript and if/when you pass 431 and earn your MCDBA, you will then receive the MCITP-Database Administrator credential.
Question: Is the MCDBA upgrade path for 7.0 MCDBAs and 2000 MCDBAs?
Answer: Only MCDBAs on SQL 2000.
Question: when will we have the resuts of the 70-446 beta exams
Answer: Beta results for 445 and 446 will be made public in early February 2007.
Question: Are there any official records on how many MCITP Database Developer/Admiistrators exist so far?
Answer: About 1500 MCITP: DBA and about 500 MCITP: Database Developers. Not many!
Question: MCITPDBA - what a mouth full
Answer: Agreed. The new logo builder tool allows you to present the logo in a number of more meaningful ways.
Question: Since Database Developer is an 'offshoot' of the original MCDBA, will there eventually be an upgrade path for an MCDBA?
Answer: Probably not - at this point we are not planning any additional upgrade options.
Question: When will 70-445 and 70-446 be available?
Answer: Both go live 3/2/07.
Question: I'm not interested in being a MCDBA, but I would like to know if I take SQL will it count as an option to MCSA
Answer: Yes...the SQL TS Exams 431 and 445 count as electives for MCSA and MCSE.
Question: Will we see sims in the 70-444 exam this year?
Answer: Not this year but likely next year.
Question: if i take 70-229 will I still achive MCDBA and then be able to upgrade or should i just start over with 2005 exams
Answer: The MCDBA track requires 4 exams - 2 SQL 2000 exams, a Window Server 2003 exam, and an elective exam. If you don't plan on completing the MCDBA track, I would recommend that you simply start with the SQL 2005 exams.
Question: I have passed all except one exam for MCDBA - the server exam. Since I have all the SQL exams taken, can I do the upgrade path, or must I have the MCDBA cert first?
Answer: You need the completed MCDBA credential to use the upgrade path.
Question: I missed it... how many people are currently a MCDBA 2000?
Answer: Over 150,000 folks are MCDBA on SQL 2000.
Question: how long will the MCDBA exams for 2000 continue to be offered
Answer: For at least another 2-3 years.
Question: Will 70-431 have simulations?
Answer: Yes...431 just re-released in English with simulations. The localized versions will start appearing around the world in MArch/April.
Question: Will the Database admin Cert expire?
Answer: not MCDBA; MCITP: DBA will need recertification exam every 3 years or so.
Question: What About Upgrading your Certification from MCDBA 2000 to 2005 ?
Answer: Two exams: 431 and 447; both are required to upgrade.
Question: In Market all talk about SAP and Sibel ....wondering Business Intelligence Developing provide ERP solution
Answer: did that help?
Question: Any set date to expire the MCDBA exams?
Answer: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/newsletters/default.mspx
Question: For the 70-431 exam, the Microsoft web site recommends courses/collections 2778, 2779, and 2780. Is there a recommended order? The first/lowest numbered 2778 ("Writing Queries Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Transact-SQL (18-hour series)") doesn't seem like introductory material.
Answer: Yes. The numbers are 'in order'. 2778 is similar to the core SQL 2000 course. But, no, it is not an "introductory course" you're right!
Question: how about cost of courses and training materials for these new courses?
Answer: about 300 per day (US) for a course... depends on subject/provider/length, etc. E-learning can range from $150 to $300 US.
Question: Are there any Modl providers in UK?
Answer: There will be, I'm sure. To see if there are now, please visit blogs.msdn.com/trika to see the list of providers again!
Question: How can I test myself using MeasureUp? Does it test using real questions from TS/MCP exam? Do I pay for one MeasureUp test or is the fee for a specific period access? How much does MeasureUp will cost me ?
Answer: Hi - on this page you'll find a link to the practice test provider offer... http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/01/23/e-learning-practice-test-offers-to-help-mcdbas-earn-sql-server-2005-certifications.aspx
Question: are there going to be exam simulations in MeasureUp and SelfTest?
Answer: I'm not sure - pls check with the providers. THey are partners so I dont have all the info! Here is the link to the link to the Measure up offer... http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/01/23/e-learning-practice-test-offers-to-help-mcdbas-earn-sql-server-2005-certifications.aspx
Question: trika, can you post this Q&A in your blog, please?
Answer: i will... but it will take me a few days to get it organized. Sound OK?
Question: Does Microsoft plan to give vouchers for exam 431 or 441-444?
Answer: no!
Question: yes; do you have a directory where or which partners provide the courses and which are available for e-learning; I would assume your website?
Answer: www.microsoftelearning.com
Question: will there be any discounts for MCDBA 2005 if I have MCSE
Answer: no, there is no connection between MCSE and the new certifications for SQL 2005 as far as upgrade paths.
Question: Thanks for the explanation of the ordering. I'm interested in e-Learning or maybe even MODL. 2778 is an e-learning collection. Is there a 2779 and 2780 collection, instead of just classroom training?
Answer: can you send your question to me trikah@microsoft.com and i'll get an answer? Thanks!
Question: do you have any idea for prevention passing exams by testking or somthing like this?
Answer: wow, that's a hard one! one thing we do is to make it clear to customers (and we rely on certified customers to help us with this...) that testking or others are NOT acceptable ways to prepare. Also, we are in the middle of a lawsuit with Test King right now; we hope to go to trial within a year to stop this type of thing. But it is a difficult issue. we'd love to hear ideas.
Question: How much additional preparation is needed after taking a MOC course or going through a MS Press Study guide before being able to take any of the SQL exams?
Answer: did you get an answer you needed?
Question: Is 70-431 for 2005 the equivalent of what 70-228 was for 2000? Does is cover a similar amount of material with a similar level of difficulty?
Answer: can you send your question to me trikah@microsoft.com and i'll get rob to answer? Thanks!
Question: average of pay of the market for certificates? average of pay of the market for certificates?
Answer: Hmmm. We do have some information like that -- I think MCPMag does a survey each year, but Microsoft itself does not have data on this. I'd recommend trying www.mcpmag.com and look up their SALARY SURVEY. Does that help?
Question: Very goog, thank you...
Answer: youre welcome!!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Are you ready to get in?
Microsoft is busy marketing its New Vista OS in different ways. Here's one of them. Are you ready to board into this?Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Heights of SMS - True Story
All the characters in this story are reel ;-) I heard this from an authentic source....
There's a programmer who is a GURU (not Mani Ratnam's) in Mobile SMSes. His fingers used to type SMS in seconds. Finally, one day, one of his Program (means Code) failed and it created a havoc in the office. Lots of people started debugging the code. One full day was spent to fix the problem. Lots of eyes reviewed the code, but nobody was able to fix the problem.
The other day, a new dashing programmer joined the office. He hated Mobiles and never had a Mobile Phone yet in his life (OOPS! Is that Mr.Babu!!! Noooo please). This guy started looking at the problematic code and he was the MAN to identify the cause of problem.
The cause was a very simple one which nobody was able to recognize. He found the following line of code:
gblnDoValidation = "s"
Which, was supposed to be:
gblnDoValidation = "Yes"
Thanks to the Mobile World, which made people use the SMS Language everywhere :-)
Lesson Learnt : Don't use Mobile Lingo at your work place. Write the code as per the Coding Standards & Guidelines.
There's a programmer who is a GURU (not Mani Ratnam's) in Mobile SMSes. His fingers used to type SMS in seconds. Finally, one day, one of his Program (means Code) failed and it created a havoc in the office. Lots of people started debugging the code. One full day was spent to fix the problem. Lots of eyes reviewed the code, but nobody was able to fix the problem.
The other day, a new dashing programmer joined the office. He hated Mobiles and never had a Mobile Phone yet in his life (OOPS! Is that Mr.Babu!!! Noooo please). This guy started looking at the problematic code and he was the MAN to identify the cause of problem.
The cause was a very simple one which nobody was able to recognize. He found the following line of code:
gblnDoValidation = "s"
Which, was supposed to be:
gblnDoValidation = "Yes"
Thanks to the Mobile World, which made people use the SMS Language everywhere :-)
Lesson Learnt : Don't use Mobile Lingo at your work place. Write the code as per the Coding Standards & Guidelines.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
GMail Storage Counter - Stopped and now Fixed
During the beginning of New Year, the GMail Storage count (appears on the Login Page of GMail), was stopped due to some interesting problem. Some people say it was a bug in the Counter program which stopped working due to change in Year :)
Read on the complete info here.
Read on the complete info here.
LIC of India - Performance Highlights (01-Apr-2005 to 31-Mar-2006)
Individual BusinessNumber of Policies - 315.73 Lakhs
First Premium Income - Rs.18,085.49 Crore
Sum Assured - Rs.287,530.24 Crore
Pension & Group Business
Number of New Schemes - 11,845
Number of Lives - 51.27 Lakhs
Premium Income - Rs.3,919.00 Crore
Social Security Schemes
Number of New Schemes - 6315
Number of Lives - 63.41 Lakhs
Premium Income - Rs.22.78 Crore
Number of Lives - 63.41 Lakhs
Premium Income - Rs.22.78 Crore
Business In Force as on 31-Mar-2006
Individual Assurances
Policies - 18.64 Crore
Sum Assured - Rs.16,00,683 Crore
Group Insurance
Lives - 3.15 Crore
Sum Assured - Rs.2,01,616 Crore
LIC's Strenght as on 31-Mar-2006
Total Income (F.Y - 2005-06) - Rs.1,32,146 Crore
Total Assets - Rs.5,52,447 Crore
Life Fund - Rs.4,63,147 Crore
Total Investments (Book Value) - Rs.5,24,017 Crore
Also, visit my Buddy's Blog for Insurance related posts.
Mickey Mouse - 13th January
Did you know that Mickey made his first comic strip appearance on 13-Jan-1930.He was created in 1928 by Walt Disney, who also played Mickey's voice. The Walt Disney Company celebrates his birth as November 18, 1928 upon the release of Steamboat Willie.[2] The mouse has evolved from being simply a character in animated cartoons and comic strips to become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.
Walt Disney voiced Mickey Mouse from 1928 until 1946, when sound effects man James G. MacDonald took over the role. Mickey is currently voiced by Wayne Allwine.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Bangalore FM Radio
A quick list of Bangalore's FM Radio Channels along with its Frequency (in MHz).
91.1 - Radio City
91.9 - Radio Indigo
92.7 - Big FM
93.5 - S FM
94.3 - Radio One
98.3 - Radio Mirchi
101.3 - FM Rainbow
102.9 - Vivdh Bharati
104 - Fever FM - Powered by Virgin
107.3 - Gyaan Vaani
Thanks to VJ for his inputs.
91.1 - Radio City
91.9 - Radio Indigo
92.7 - Big FM
93.5 - S FM
94.3 - Radio One
98.3 - Radio Mirchi
101.3 - FM Rainbow
102.9 - Vivdh Bharati
104 - Fever FM - Powered by Virgin
107.3 - Gyaan Vaani
Thanks to VJ for his inputs.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
How to get a Nice Wife
Yo Bachelor's - Please read on. Very helpful advice in this document.
Wish I could have got this before marriage :)
Click Here to read.
Wish I could have got this before marriage :)
Click Here to read.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Greetings - Happy New Year 2007
I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2007. Below are some of the cute New Year wishes in different styles.First one is my own greetings - check out the image right to this text.
Next ones are the SMS/Mails, I received from my friends:
1) Maamu, aaj se 2 din baad naya saal aayega! Bapu ne bola hai ki 31st ko network jam hoga! Toh, apun aaj hi vinamrata se wish karela hai! Bole toh... Happy 2007!
2) Before the Golden Sun sets, 2006's calendar is destroyed, and mobile network get jammed, i wish in 2007 every moment is enjoyed! Happy New Year!
3) I wish you a Fantastic January, Lovable February, Marvelous March, Foolish April, Enjoyable May, Successful June, Wonderful July, Independent August, Tastyyest October, Beautiful November, Happiest December. Have a Victorious Year... Wish u Happy New Year 2007.
4) Happy NEW YEAR! I know its bit early 2 wish but i've got to wish LAKHS of handsome n hunky boyfrnds. So I thought to finishoff with uncles & aunties 1st!
5) Do you know the speciality of this new year... It starts with Monday & ends also on Monday. No public holidays on Sundays. This Year has got Highest Number of Sundays & Saturdays. So enjoy the least working yar in your life! 2007, A year with a difference. Wish You Happy New Year 2007.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)