What is a Gadget?
Monday, March 07, 2011
Have you ever wondered what the little, single-service applications that sit in your desktop or your iGoogle are? These are gadgets. A gadget is a small application that you can use to simplify your life. There are all kinds of gadgets. You are probably most familiar with things like the clock gadget, the To Do list gadget, the calendar gadget, calculator gadget and other every-day gadgets that sit on your desktop and are referenced throughout your day-to-day life.
There are also more specific types of gadgets that can simplify your life even further. For instance, if you are travelling then you could use a currency converter gadget to help you figure out how much things cost in your native currency or you could use a weather gadget to see what the weather will be like in the country you are travelling to before your trip. A popular gadget in blogs and websites is the RSS gadget, which allows you to post a feed of content from other sites on the Web.
Gadgets are for use within specific sites, unlike widgets, which can be embedded in many different types of places. For instance, Google websites only work in Google pages and a Microsoft gadget can only be used within Microsoft pages. Now that you understand gadgets, use them to simplify your life.
What's the Difference Between a Widget and a Gadget?
If there is one web trend that is seemingly unending, it is the trend of the Internet to spew forth new words and phrases every year. From portals to blogs to widgets to mashups to Web 2.0, the Internet has a knack for lighting these words on fire. And the worst part is that sometimes the word lacks any true definition that everyone can agree on.
For those just now trying to get a grasp on things, it can make your head spin.
So, if you've come across some 'gadgets,' and you are wondering just what the difference is between them and 'widgets,' you aren't alone. Twenty years ago, explaining the difference between a widget and a gadget would be the stuff of comedy. Nowadays, it is serious discussion.
The easiest way to explain it is that a gadget is any widget that is not a widget. Sound confusing? A widget is a piece of reusable code that you can plug into virtually any website. A gadget acts just like a widget, often fulfilling the same purpose, but it is proprietary. It only works on a certain website or a specific set of websites.
For example, Google Gadgets can look and act like widgets. But they only work on Google pages.
A widget, on the other hand, works on any page that lets you add an HTML block. You can put them on your blog, or your personalized start
There are also more specific types of gadgets that can simplify your life even further. For instance, if you are travelling then you could use a currency converter gadget to help you figure out how much things cost in your native currency or you could use a weather gadget to see what the weather will be like in the country you are travelling to before your trip. A popular gadget in blogs and websites is the RSS gadget, which allows you to post a feed of content from other sites on the Web.
Gadgets are for use within specific sites, unlike widgets, which can be embedded in many different types of places. For instance, Google websites only work in Google pages and a Microsoft gadget can only be used within Microsoft pages. Now that you understand gadgets, use them to simplify your life.
What's the Difference Between a Widget and a Gadget?
If there is one web trend that is seemingly unending, it is the trend of the Internet to spew forth new words and phrases every year. From portals to blogs to widgets to mashups to Web 2.0, the Internet has a knack for lighting these words on fire. And the worst part is that sometimes the word lacks any true definition that everyone can agree on.
For those just now trying to get a grasp on things, it can make your head spin.
So, if you've come across some 'gadgets,' and you are wondering just what the difference is between them and 'widgets,' you aren't alone. Twenty years ago, explaining the difference between a widget and a gadget would be the stuff of comedy. Nowadays, it is serious discussion.
The easiest way to explain it is that a gadget is any widget that is not a widget. Sound confusing? A widget is a piece of reusable code that you can plug into virtually any website. A gadget acts just like a widget, often fulfilling the same purpose, but it is proprietary. It only works on a certain website or a specific set of websites.
For example, Google Gadgets can look and act like widgets. But they only work on Google pages.
A widget, on the other hand, works on any page that lets you add an HTML block. You can put them on your blog, or your personalized start
18 Similarities Between Women and Computers
Monday, March 07, 2011
Before you read any further, please note that this is not a piece out to damage or cut down the important role of women in our society. Read below only as humor and nothing more. These are intended solely for a good laugh.
Women are unique in many ways (and by this I mean different than men) and its this specific uniqueness or certain traits that I refer to when likening a woman to a personal computer. Do not get offended; it is intended to create a smile.
1) A woman is like a computer in that she costs more than you thought it would.
2) A woman resembles a personal computer in that she will not do exactly what you thought it will.
3) After a while, you simply cannot do without both: your computers and your woman.
4) Computers are just like women: after you have gotten used to them and cannot do without them, you discover that one is not enough.
5) Some computers, like some women, serve many people.
6) You can work miracles with both by gently using your fingers if you only know the proper code.
7) If you are inactive with them for more than fifteen minutes, they go off.
8) Just like a computer, the one who runs her has more privileges than just anyone else who is just running her.
9) When there are short-circuits of electricity, they shut you off and then you cannot always return to what was before the short-circuit.
10) Normally, they are available and receptive in the night, but it’s a lot better when they are available and receptive in the morning.
11) When you are, at last, sure that they will do what you wanted, they go off and do something else.
12) The only thing that you predict about the future with them is that they will react unpredictably.
13) Just like women, so too for computers: every year a new model is released that is younger, more advanced and gives a lot more.
14) A woman is just like a computer: you are happy with what you have but when you see what your friends have got, you are sure you want what they have.
15) Women are like computers in that no matter how much you improve and put into them, they only improve for a short time and then go back to their same old pace.
16) Women are like computers in that every day a new program comes out promising to revolutionize your knowledge and use of them, but after spending a lot more cash you realize that none of them work better than the old one you had before.
17) Women are like computers: you always want what others have and they want what you have but you cannot switch even for a trial basis.
18) Women are like computers in that when you get them you are sure that they are the best. But when the days go back, you wonder why you did not get them with a replacement note.
Women are unique in many ways (and by this I mean different than men) and its this specific uniqueness or certain traits that I refer to when likening a woman to a personal computer. Do not get offended; it is intended to create a smile.
1) A woman is like a computer in that she costs more than you thought it would.
2) A woman resembles a personal computer in that she will not do exactly what you thought it will.
3) After a while, you simply cannot do without both: your computers and your woman.
4) Computers are just like women: after you have gotten used to them and cannot do without them, you discover that one is not enough.
5) Some computers, like some women, serve many people.
6) You can work miracles with both by gently using your fingers if you only know the proper code.
7) If you are inactive with them for more than fifteen minutes, they go off.
8) Just like a computer, the one who runs her has more privileges than just anyone else who is just running her.
9) When there are short-circuits of electricity, they shut you off and then you cannot always return to what was before the short-circuit.
10) Normally, they are available and receptive in the night, but it’s a lot better when they are available and receptive in the morning.
11) When you are, at last, sure that they will do what you wanted, they go off and do something else.
12) The only thing that you predict about the future with them is that they will react unpredictably.
13) Just like women, so too for computers: every year a new model is released that is younger, more advanced and gives a lot more.
14) A woman is just like a computer: you are happy with what you have but when you see what your friends have got, you are sure you want what they have.
15) Women are like computers in that no matter how much you improve and put into them, they only improve for a short time and then go back to their same old pace.
16) Women are like computers in that every day a new program comes out promising to revolutionize your knowledge and use of them, but after spending a lot more cash you realize that none of them work better than the old one you had before.
17) Women are like computers: you always want what others have and they want what you have but you cannot switch even for a trial basis.
18) Women are like computers in that when you get them you are sure that they are the best. But when the days go back, you wonder why you did not get them with a replacement note.
The Tibetan Mastiff (Bhote Kukur)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
AKA: Bhote kukur
Description: The Himalayan Sheepdog is a Nepali dog breed. It is now rare, and not much is known about it. What is known is that it is a large dog, with similarities in appearance to that of the Newfoundland dog and the Tibetan Mastiff. It has a long double coat, ranging from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is the rarest of them all. The Himalayan Sheepdog usually has a patch of white fur on the chest. It also has a long, round and hairy tail.
Dynamics: The Himalayan Sheepdog can be ferocious and strong-willed. This makes it great guard for livestock and farm houses. This breed is intelligent and at times can be very stubborn. Obedience training may be necessary. It is an excellent family dog. It is naturally reserved with strangers, though, because of its guarding instincts.
Breed Group: Flock Guardian
Weight: 62-84 lbs (28-38 kg)
Height: 26-32 inches (66-82 cm)
Color: The double coat of the Himalayan Sheepdog ranges from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is rare.
Country of Origin: Nepal
Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.
Other Info: The Himalayan Sheepdog can live for some 10-13 years if they are bred properly.
Full Detail:
The Tibetan Mastiff (Bhote Kukur) is a very ancient breed and type of domestic dog originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia, and is especially identified with Tibet. The English name, Tibetan Mastiff, is reflected in the name 'Bhote Kukur' in Nepali, which means Tibetan Dog. In Mongolia it is called "bankhar", meaning "guard dog". The Tibetan name, Do-khyi, means 'tied dog', reflecting its use as a home guard, much as the old English ban-dog (also meaning tied dog) was a dog tied outside the home as a guardian.
The Tibetan Mastiff is among the largest breeds. It is found in a heavier mastiff type and a more moderately sized mountain type. Its sturdy bone structure and large, wide head makes it appear considerably more massive than other dogs of a similar height. It can reach heights up to 31+ inches (80+cm) at the withers, although the standard for the breed is typically in the 25 to 28 inch (61 to 72 cm) range. History records the largest of the breed weighing over 110 kg.
This characteristic is still found in more primitive canids species like wolf. Since their oestrus usually takes place during late fall, most Tibetan Mastiff puppies are born between December and January.
Its double coat is long, and found in a wide variety of colors from solid black to tri-color with the rarest being white. Like other types of mastiffs, the larger variety has a heavier head and more pronounced wrinkling, while the mountain type has a smoother brow with less jowling, giving them a drier mouth than other mastiff breeds. They are also hypoallergenic with a thick double coat that only sheds once per year.
The native type of dog, which still exists in Tibet, and the Westernized purebred breed can vary in temperament. Elizabeth Schuler states, "The few individuals that remain in Tibet are ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train. But the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters." Others claim that the ferocity of those in Tibet is due to selective breeding and their training as guard dogs rather than companion dogs, as reflected by their Tibetan name, "tied dogs." Many breeders throughout Asia are now seeking to preserve and breed the larger, original, more protective Tibetan Mastiff while Western breeders have sought to stabilize the temperament, in both size varieties.
As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As a socialized, more domestic Western dog, it thrives in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is not an appropriate dog for apartment living. The Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. Leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not recommended.
Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience training are recommended since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guarding instincts. They are excellent family dogs.
Marco Polo encountered the large Tibetan dogs in his travels and described them as "tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion."
 |
| Tiben Mastiff - Nepali Bhote Dog |
Dynamics: The Himalayan Sheepdog can be ferocious and strong-willed. This makes it great guard for livestock and farm houses. This breed is intelligent and at times can be very stubborn. Obedience training may be necessary. It is an excellent family dog. It is naturally reserved with strangers, though, because of its guarding instincts.
Breed Group: Flock Guardian
Weight: 62-84 lbs (28-38 kg)
Height: 26-32 inches (66-82 cm)
Color: The double coat of the Himalayan Sheepdog ranges from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is rare.
Country of Origin: Nepal
Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.
Other Info: The Himalayan Sheepdog can live for some 10-13 years if they are bred properly.
Full Detail:
The Tibetan Mastiff (Bhote Kukur) is a very ancient breed and type of domestic dog originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia, and is especially identified with Tibet. The English name, Tibetan Mastiff, is reflected in the name 'Bhote Kukur' in Nepali, which means Tibetan Dog. In Mongolia it is called "bankhar", meaning "guard dog". The Tibetan name, Do-khyi, means 'tied dog', reflecting its use as a home guard, much as the old English ban-dog (also meaning tied dog) was a dog tied outside the home as a guardian.
The Tibetan Mastiff is among the largest breeds. It is found in a heavier mastiff type and a more moderately sized mountain type. Its sturdy bone structure and large, wide head makes it appear considerably more massive than other dogs of a similar height. It can reach heights up to 31+ inches (80+cm) at the withers, although the standard for the breed is typically in the 25 to 28 inch (61 to 72 cm) range. History records the largest of the breed weighing over 110 kg.
This characteristic is still found in more primitive canids species like wolf. Since their oestrus usually takes place during late fall, most Tibetan Mastiff puppies are born between December and January.
Its double coat is long, and found in a wide variety of colors from solid black to tri-color with the rarest being white. Like other types of mastiffs, the larger variety has a heavier head and more pronounced wrinkling, while the mountain type has a smoother brow with less jowling, giving them a drier mouth than other mastiff breeds. They are also hypoallergenic with a thick double coat that only sheds once per year.
The native type of dog, which still exists in Tibet, and the Westernized purebred breed can vary in temperament. Elizabeth Schuler states, "The few individuals that remain in Tibet are ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train. But the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters." Others claim that the ferocity of those in Tibet is due to selective breeding and their training as guard dogs rather than companion dogs, as reflected by their Tibetan name, "tied dogs." Many breeders throughout Asia are now seeking to preserve and breed the larger, original, more protective Tibetan Mastiff while Western breeders have sought to stabilize the temperament, in both size varieties.
As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As a socialized, more domestic Western dog, it thrives in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is not an appropriate dog for apartment living. The Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. Leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not recommended.
Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience training are recommended since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guarding instincts. They are excellent family dogs.
Marco Polo encountered the large Tibetan dogs in his travels and described them as "tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion."
Writing a Good Software Case Study
Monday, November 01, 2010
Compelling case studies should be a strong tool for software marketing and sales, especially for B2B software and services. They give your target customer a specific example of how your software product can be used to solve a business problem that they can relate to.
But when I was in the field doing technical sales and marketing for a major technology company, finding and using good software case studies was always a challenge: We had case studies and customer success stories put together by corporate marketing, but many of them never got used or were not terribly effective when they were. I’m sure many of you have the same experience. Why?
Well, from my own experience selling technology solutions to Fortune 500 enterprise clients, these are the top five reasons why case studies fail in their role as a sales and marketing tool:
When we used case studies, it was as part of a presales conversation with the client. Naturally, if the prospect is interested they are going to ask some probing questions about the case… and it’s not enough to say “I’ll have to check with the team on that project and get back to you.” Credibility is key, and a weak case study can destroy the sales team’s credibility.
As the role of software marketing is changing, so too is the role of the case study. Gone are the days when just having a glossy leave-behind was enough. Now case studies must be able to engage the customer in a conversation, promote interaction, and incite the customer to learn more about the solution through references and additional detail.
Here are some tips on writing strong software case studies:
But when I was in the field doing technical sales and marketing for a major technology company, finding and using good software case studies was always a challenge: We had case studies and customer success stories put together by corporate marketing, but many of them never got used or were not terribly effective when they were. I’m sure many of you have the same experience. Why?
Well, from my own experience selling technology solutions to Fortune 500 enterprise clients, these are the top five reasons why case studies fail in their role as a sales and marketing tool:
- Not enough detail about the customer and their situation;
- Not enough detail about the solution: How was it implemented? What was the technical architecture? What were the main “gotchas”? etc;
- Too much of a technology/feature sales pitch;
- No backup materials or speaker notes;
- Not a representative customer example: irrelevant industry or segment, very small business example when you’re trying to sell to the enterprise, etc.
When we used case studies, it was as part of a presales conversation with the client. Naturally, if the prospect is interested they are going to ask some probing questions about the case… and it’s not enough to say “I’ll have to check with the team on that project and get back to you.” Credibility is key, and a weak case study can destroy the sales team’s credibility.
As the role of software marketing is changing, so too is the role of the case study. Gone are the days when just having a glossy leave-behind was enough. Now case studies must be able to engage the customer in a conversation, promote interaction, and incite the customer to learn more about the solution through references and additional detail.
Here are some tips on writing strong software case studies:
- Choose a customer example that is representative of your target segment.
- Lead with a description of the customer’s problem in language typical of their industry or segment – use that to pull in the reader.
- Resist the temptation to start touting your product features too early in the case study.
- Describe the solution in business language: how did your software product solve the customer’s problem.
- Highlight tangible and quantifiable business results.
- Highlight the main customer lessons learned, and any considerations that must be taken into account by someone else wanting to go the same route.
- Provide references and links where the reader can get more information.
- Provide detailed speaker notes for the sales team.
- Even better: get a trusted third party (eg, analyst, media, etc) to publish the case study.
source : http://www.softwareceo.com
NURTURING CHOICE : nurture over nature, The heart of a Lioness
Friday, October 29, 2010
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| Photo: M. Telewa /REUTERS |
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