Sankaranand Balaradjou

Category: Tutorials

  • Free Photoshop 101 Web Design Tips, Tricks & Techniques e-book for limited time

    Site point is giving away PDF version of The Photoshop Anthology book. It consists of full fledged Photoshop designs especially for web designers. Usually most of the Photoshop books available across market contain tutorials based on print designs but this book is aimed fully at web designing and how Photoshop impacts it.  Corrie Haffly, a famous web designer and developer is the author who created over 400 website templates and designs. You can have a look at her works in her official site CorrieHaffly.com.

    This e-book consists of step by step instructions and tutorials about creating effects and graphics for your website. This is a must for every web-designer who uses Photoshop for their development. Although you can order a hard copy of this book from site point, for a limited period of time they are giving away free download of PDF Versions of this book. As a web designer I myself should not miss this opportunity and so wanted to share this news. Still 12 days remaining for the offer to end, i recommend everyone to download this book doesn’t matter you have to be a web designer but it helps you enhance your Photoshop skills.
    What you learn from this book

    • Learn the basics: image sizing, layers, vector shapes, transparency, and more.
    • Create a multitude of attractive buttons: aqua-style, metallic, glassy, etc.
    • Improve digital workflow
    • Create seamless tiling backgrounds: rice paper, brushed metal, and granite, plus many others.
    • Work with text: style it, create special effects, and wrap it around 3D objects.
    • Touch up photographs, match colors, and combine different images.
    • Use eye-catching special effects.
    • Isolate objects from images.
    • Make graphics for CSS rollover buttons.
    • Design an entire web site and easily switch between different versions
    • Optimize graphics for web use.
    • Work smarter: automate your workflow with batch commands and actions.
    • Create animated GIF and more….

    Site point provide the download of book in two versions of PDF, High quality version is 64mb and low quality is 23mb. You can simply download the book by entering your website in this site.
    Download Now | Sitepoint | Author: Corrie Haffly |

  • Google Talk Freezes with show music status using Winamp 5.5

    winampgtalk1.png

    I am a die hard fan of Winamp and using it for more than 5 years. What I like about this music tool is its light and easy to use features. When you compare other media players like iTunes and Jet Audio, Winamp uses a very light and easy to use playlist organizer. If you just want to hear mp3 songs then you can go with Winamp lite version which is not filled with bloats and add-ons.

    Coming to the point, we know very well about the famous Google talk’s “show my current music status” and might be using it without any problem in Winamp although WMP needs an in activation. But after installing the latest version of Winamp 5.5, I had a few problems with the Google talk Integration.

    Whenever you select the Show my current music track, Google talk either freezes or stops responding. This is actually a technical issue with Google talk or Winamp which is yet to be discovered but many users who have upgraded to Winamp 5.5 are facing this problem, so one of a guy has posted a simple resolution for fixing this bug.

    The solution is:

    Step 1: Go to the root directory of Winamp which is usually in C:\Program Files\Winamp\

    Step 2: Select Tools->Folder Options->View (Tab) and uncheck the hide extensions for known file types and click Ok.

    Step 3: Now create an empty file (Right click the mouse -> New -> Text document), so the default file would be like “New Text Document.txt”.

    Step4: Rename the above file to “winamp.m3u” and save.

    Step5: Close Winamp and Google Talk. Now open again and Your Show Current music track status should work like a charm 

    Tip: Google Talk Help Group .

  • Resolving Internet explorer crash after installing windows service pack 3

    iesp3issue.pngLast month Microsoft made a release candidate of Win XP Service pack 3 available for download. So I downloaded the 336 Mb patch and installed it successfully. This patch actually contains security updates and hotfixes issued by Microsoft Corp. up to April 2nd, 2006 excluding Internet Explorer 7 (Thanks MS for it:-)).

    Seriously no updates or changes in Windows interface but just a bundle of hot fixes which doesn’t make it special. I like to stay updated always which made me to install it even though it’s a release candidate, but within few days of installing my internet explorer began crashing all the time. On opening Internet Explorer it crashes within a fraction of second from loading a site and pops a message saying “Internet explorer has encountered an error and needs to close”.

    After searching Microsoft Technet forums for resolution, I came to know that this is all due the Urlmon.dll thing which was discussed under KB946627. After discussing with a team member working for SP3, I came up with a resolution for this problem.

    Resolution:
    Warning: This procedure involves editing of registry which would result in serious damage and corruption of date if followed improperly so my kind advice is not to try unless you have clear cut knowledge of what you are doing.

    Step 1: Go to Run and type ‘notepad’ without quotes.

    Step 2: After the Notepad is invoked, copy and paste the codes given below:

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_PROTECT_DECOMPRESSION_FILTER_FROM_ABORT_KB942367]
    “*”=dword:00000001

    Step 3: Save the notepad as somefile.reg (note the extension .reg)

    Step 4: Double click the saved notepad file to add the information to the Registry.

    Step 5: A dialog box pops saying “Do you want to add the information to the Registry?” Click Ok and there you go.

    Step 6: Restart the Computer, now I believe Internet Explorer would not crash again.

    Note:If the problem still persists please feel free to post your comments or queries.

  • Tuning your gtalk to use as Voip phone and FM receiver

    gtalkfm.png

    Making your Gtalk as an online FM streaming device is not a complicated task but a simple 3 step process as 123. With the help of a third party service called Gtalk 2 Voip we could attain this functionality.

    What is Gtalk 2 Voip ?
    GTalk2VoIP is a free and publicly open voice gateway for major Instant Messenger clients. It makes possible voice interoperability between Google Talk, MSN/Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and SIP phones without any additional software installation.

    How can I hear FM in Gtalk?
    Teen Taal 110 a hindi Fm station which aims at delivering new hindi songs can now be heard right away from your google talk.

    All you have to do is to follow the steps below:

    • Open your Google talk and Sign in
    • After Signing In, click the add button and add this id [email protected]
    • After adding, add the second Id [email protected]
    • After completion of the steps above, make a call to the second id i.e call to [email protected]
    • Now you will directly be connected to Teen Taal Fm Station. (voice quality is average)

    The first step of adding id would make you register the gtalk2voip service!

    Other features of Gtalk2Voip:

    • Make calls from Google Talk, Yahoo or MSN to any mobile or landline phone (PSTN)
    • Make calls to other Google Talk, Yahoo! and MSN/Live Messenger users or SIP phones (SIP URI)
    • Create voice conferences with other Google Talk, Yahoo! or MSN/Live Messenger users
    • Send or receive voicemail from/to Google Talk, Yahoo! or MSN/Live Messenger users
    • Receive calls to your Google Talk, Yahoo! or MSN/Live Messenger from mobile or landline phones (PSTN) by using DIDs or via SIP Broker service
    • Receive calls from SIP phones, including Gizmo Project, InPhonex, SJPhone and others
    • Send SIP/SIMPLE instant messages to SIP phones

    How it works?
    Some of the services I mentioned above may be chargeable while they offer free incoming calls from sip phones to your gtalk, incoming call from PSTN to your gtalk, making calls to other IMs etc.

    So now you get a free incoming SIP number, PSTN access number for Gtalk etc which you can add on to build your business widely.

    Gtalk 2 voip also provides support for mobile platform with their specially designed application called Talkonaut which helps them to access and enjoy their voip services from their handheld.

    Register now: Gtalk2Voip |

  • Make your face as your password

    logo_banana_small.jpg

    Have you ever wondered creating your own facial password like the matrix film or the Lenovo Advertisement? Well it’s time to make your own security system with Banana Security.  Facial recognition is not all about buying a high tech surveillance system but a simple webcam and some blocks of programs would help you build up your own face recognition security system.

    How to setup your face recognition security?

    By downloading Banana Screen software and with a good quality webcam, your security system is not far away. After installation, the program acts as a default authentication system for your computer requiring your facial expression to be your password.

    How does it work?

    BS collects your facial features by a webcam which is used to build a statistical representation of face and does stores it in binary format for execution and detection.  This spyware free program which gives a lot concern for your privacy stores your image in encrypted format meaning no third party programs can access it.

    The backend of this program seems like it can support all webcams launched way back to 2 years but the application is still in beta stage. BS has released its version only for windows platform where Mac users have to wait a bit. I myself tried the program which sits lite in the system and unlocks quickly after showing my face but the cons is it doesn’t allow multi-user support as far now.

    Links: Download BananaScreen | [via ThinkDigit]

  • Creating a simple web 2.0 favicon – Tutorial

    Inspired with the favicon design of web 2.0 sites like Tech Crunch, Lifehacker, Technorati, etc? Well follow this simple tutorial for creating web 2.0 fav icon using Photoshop. All you need is just Adobe Photoshop software installed.

    favicon1.giffavicon2.giffavicon3.gif

    Ok let’s get started!

    Open a new project in Photoshop either by navigating to File > New or just press Ctrl + N.

    pic1.gif

    Now make sure the width and height its 400px so that you can get a square shaped fav icon with the background color as white.

    Now select the desired background color you want to use for your fav icon by clicking set foreground color as show in the figure. Choose a nice web 2.0 color from the Color library.

    pic2.gif

    pic4.gif

    After selecting the BG color to be used, in the tool box of the Photoshop select Gradient tool or just press (G).

    Now below the menu bar you will get a gradient color option, which looks similar to the screenshot posted below, click it and select foreground to transparent palette.pic5.gif

    After selecting, drag your mouse from the outermost top of the project to its extreme end via +y to –y axis and leave down to get a color background. While dragging if you seem to have white color over the bottom then press ctrl + z to re-drag and this time drag it out of the bottom extreme to make the white color disappear,

    After getting desired web2.0 background for the fav icon, select the horizontal text tool from the tool box and type the first name of your website or added two different layers of text if you need two initials in your fav icon.

    After typing your desired initial, select a color for the text which matches the background perfectly or your website theme. (Basically both the background and foreground should match the website theme color). But if you add two initials in the fav icon make sure you give two different colors then.

    Now the next part is the optional part of adding 3-d effect. If you satisfy with the current design you can skip this step otherwise add a bevel or emboss effect to the text by right clicking the text and selecting the blending option.

    pic7.gif

    That’s it now the next process is exporting the created project as jpeg image by navigating to File > Save as > and selecting jpeg as format and click save.

    The exported jpeg can be easily converted to .ico favicon by visiting this website.

    Please forgive me if you have expected more about the design coz I have already mentioned the title as how to design a “SIMPLE” web 2.0 icon which made my tutorial concise after all this is my first tutorial. I have uploaded the .PSD files and made available for download which you can modify according to your wish.

    Last but not least, I am expecting your comments and suggestions…

    Download: Sample 1 | Sample 2 | Sample 3 (PSD Format).

    [update]: Sample 2,3 are live at Technical Blog & BlogTalkz please don’t inherit the same design.

  • Start your own mobile company – no kidding its true!

    sonologo.png

    Who said you need blocks of investment for starting your mobile company? No investments, no risks, just a few clicks can make you start your very own Virtual mobile company. Still don’t believe me chill out your snooping and read carefully.sonopialan.png

    Sonopia a website dedicated in new kind of mobile marketing allows a user to create his own mobile company by choosing a Sonopia profile which allows to customize your company name, logo, plans you want to sell including mobile content and webpage (just like a reseller) with high end themes.

    “Our mission is to provide every organization, group or club with the opportunity to create branded mobile service and build a unique mobile and web community of supporters and members. “- Sonopia

    You can either host the page in their server or create your own and start marketing so you get a percentage amount of the telephone bill paid by your customers. You tend to get commissions for selling plans and mobile phones. The drawback is that Sonopia allows only US residents to create a profile where International users still have to wait for to include mobile plans for your country.

    Still waiting for a good time? Start creating your own mobile now!

    Links: Sonopia | Create your own Company |

  • Tips to beat the heat this summer

    beattheheat.gifThis summer is not going to pass like the usual summer because year 2007 is known to be hottest year ever. The combination of global warming and the El Niño weather phenomenon makes this year hotter than any other year. So your expectations of summer heat will probably be higher than the usual summer.

    As a public awareness it’s our duty to take care of our health to beat the heat. Here are some quick tips to make it up for the heat.

    Basically we tend to expose more of our body to sun especially during summer which results in the loss of water from our body by process of draining (Sweat) and so there is a lack of resistance and energy. So maintaining the body water level is very important.

    The simple best way to prevent your eye from heat exposure is to wear sunglasses. But if your sunglasses are not worth to protect your eyes from UV rays then throw it out. Already due to the depletion of Ozone layer, we are highly prone to UV rays, so the next times when you wear sunglasses make sure it protects you from UV rays.

    • In taking plenty of liquid foods like Juice, sodas, beer, shakes, WATER.
    • It is better to avoid heavy and fatty foods especially those which are oily.
    • Fruits are the best active energy agents that keep you active ever. As we all know a famous quote “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” fruits like grapes, watermelon keeps your body cool and regulate the heat.
    • Non-vegetarian foods should be avoided. Do not eat out-side or street cooked foods, try to switch for fresh and green vegetables at least for this summer.

    Also summer heat makes your hair brittle leading to hair damage. Try to use hair moisturizes if you don’t use alternative hair polishers like coconut oil, cream, gel etc. Whenever you leave outside, it’s advisory to wear a hat to prevent direct ray exposing your hair. At least carry an umbrella whenever you go outside.

    Try to avoid outing always, reduce your travels and air condition your house if possible or try to ventilate at most as possible. For protecting your screen use Sunscreen lotion.

    Non-vegetarian foods should be avoided. Do not eat out-side or street cooked foods, try to switch for fresh and green vegetables at least for this summer.

  • Optimize your internet speed in GPRS Dial-up connection

    gprsconnect.gif

    The usage of internet is evolving greatly with people switching to latest technological advancements like broadband, ADSL, Wi-Fi etc. But there are some exceptional who still use the Dial-up connection via modem or GRPS. One of a good folk from ThinkDigit forum has found a trick for GRPS Internet users.

    Basically GPRS dial-up connections are mostly used by mobile personals, whereas this trick does not apply for them but for those who temporarily use GRPS dial-up internet in their home. By increasing the Signal Reception in your mobile, you can optimize the internet speed gradually.

    Here is a concise info about the trick:

    All u need is:
    – A lengthy old Antenna for TV or Radio (2 Antenna of abt 1Meter is Recommended)
    – A Standard Speaker Wire of about 1 Meter (Transperant with red lines)
    – A Spring of 5 to 10 mm
    – Two Mousqito Coil Stands
    – Blade
    – Tape
    – Scissor
    – A Small Cardboard Box to fix the Antenna (CPU box Size is Ideal)
    – A Metal Stip of ur Mobile Phone size.

    After gathering all these stuff follow the procedure listed here.
    Source: ThinkDigit Forum.