SRM – Semester Abroad Program…

Hi all..

Now that’s its officially launched, i’m proud to say that SRM, my university has launched SEMESTER ABROAD PROGRAM, in which they plan to send selected students of the University to spend a semester in leading Universities of the World in USA, UK, France, Japan and other countries. I’m even happy to say that i’m a part of this initiative and one the first students to get this opportunity. The Launch was done on 4th of January and Chief Guest was Mr. David T. Hopper , the Consul General of United States Consulate in Chennai .. The Press coverage of Hindu is as below and also available online here http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/05/stories/2008010559520200.htm

Cookbook for Windows Registry

Hey, this for all windows lovers and users, ever wanted to make your computer unique, tried naming it n all ? Ha, you can make your computer truly your’s and unlike other mortal machines by personalising it to the core, in windows this means tweaking the Registry, to bring out optimal performance, getting great styling and removing all irritating things such as unwanted menus, icons, balloon tips etc …

Here’s Digit Fastrack to Windows Registry … All u need to know about n more … ENJOY TWEAKING!
Download Registry Cookbook

An Introduction to Cryptography

Until modern times, cryptography referred almost exclusively to encryption, the process of converting ordinary information (plaintext) into unintelligible gibberish (ie, ciphertext). Decryption is the reverse, moving from unintelligible ciphertext to plaintext. A cipher (or cypher) is a pair of algorithms which perform this encryption and the reversing decryption. The detailed operation of a cipher is controlled both by the algorithm and, in each instance, by a key. This is a secret parameter (ideally, known only to the communicants) for a specific message exchange context. Keys are important, as ciphers without variable keys are trivially breakable and therefore less than useful for most purposes. Historically, ciphers were often used directly for encryption or decryption, without additional procedures such as authentication or integrity checks.

In colloquial use, the term “code” is often used to mean any method of encryption or concealment of meaning. However, in cryptography, code has a more specific meaning; it means the replacement of a unit of plaintext (i.e., a meaningful word or phrase) with a code word (for example, apple pie replaces attack at dawn). Codes are no longer used in serious cryptography—except incidentally for such things as unit designations (eg, ‘Bronco Flight’ or Operation Overlord) —- since properly chosen ciphers are both more practical and more secure than even the best codes, and better adapted to computers as well.

Some use the terms cryptography and cryptology interchangeably in English, while others use cryptography to refer to the use and practice of cryptographic techniques, and cryptology to refer to the subject as a field of study.

Here’s a ebook that covers all about security and cryptography for the novice… neat reference for experienced folk

Download Intro to Cryptography

..Cheerio!

How to be Creative ???

Well.. here’s one for all those people, who are seeking more satisfaction out of life, wanting to innovate and bring their inner spirit to action. The presentation here by Hugh MacLeod will help to get some good pointers, it gives 26 specific ways to improve yourself and being more creative.. download and view the presentation.. its good!

Download How to be Creative…

Cheerio!

Interesting Camera Angles

If you want to make someone or something look important, bold,aggressive, strong, or authoritative, shoot it/him/her from below.We look up to giants. Shoot a person from slightly below eye level and they look slightly domineering. This is the angle used to make politicians look more authoritative. Shoot from way below eye level, however, and the person begins to look like a bully. The same is true for a box of soap powder. Shoot from below and it stands over you like a tall building, ready to stamp out stains and decimate dirt.

Shoot from above an object or person and they look less imposing and more subordinate. Again, a slight angle causes a slight effect. A boss chastising an employee might be positioned with his eyes slightly higher than the camera while the employee’s eyes are positioned below the level of the camera.

Things that are usually bigger than us can be made to look more vulnerable as we shoot down on them. A cement mixer when shot from above looks easy to stop with a small barricade. Shoot the cement mixer from the ground and the tires appear ready to crush you. Small products like calculators, radios, and flashlights are usually seen from above, a shot that leaves them neutral or unimposing. Raise them up to eye level and they gain new stature. Notice how advertisements often depict children’s toys at eye level.
People, on the other hand, are normally seen at eye level and if shot that way, will look neutral (neither imposing or subservient). When people are seated, it is necessary to lower the camera to their eye level to avoid sending the subconscious message that they are subservient. If the camera cannot get down low enough, then build a platform to elevate your guests.
Speaking of guests, how they are positioned in the shot will also impart a hidden message about them. Seat two people directly facing each other, and they will look adversarial. This is a great shot for point/counterpoint rather than a friendly discussion. Seat both people in a straight line facing the camera, and they look like contestants in a quiz show, ready to respond from outside force rather than interacting with each other. The best position for host and guest is in a V-shape where they are angled towards each other. This shot is neutral and friendly. Remember to keep your guests and host close together on the set as TV tends to make people look more spread out than they really are.

And speaking of spread out, we have all heard how television adds pounds to a person’s girth. For the talent to look their best, you don’t want them to face the TV camera directly (they look too wide), or to be totally sideways to the camera (now you really can see those extra pounds). Again, the best shot is at an angle. The person may face the camera but their shoulders are turned 30 to 45 degrees to one side or the other.

For more camera angle ideas, go to http://www.elitevideo.com. They also sell a couple excellent instructional tapes on the subject.