ITList Information Technology Blog » Step 2 http://itlist.com Current IT field related information Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:40:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 3 Steps to Add Your Favorite Application Tab in Facebook http://itlist.com/3-steps-to-add-your-favorite-application-tab-in-facebook-2/ http://itlist.com/3-steps-to-add-your-favorite-application-tab-in-facebook-2/#comments Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:56:00 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/3-steps-to-add-your-favorite-application-tab-in-facebook-2/ You must have noticed a significant change that Facebook has made to your profile page. Well, this change is not so significant, if you have not been using the box feature. But for those who was addicted to show their creation to the world using box, Facebook’s application tabs has brought a news of doom.

Facebook has replaced box with application tabs, which could be a good or a bad news depending upon from where you are looking at it. My objective is not to prove one group right and another wrong, but it is to suggest you ways to apply this new feature.

3 steps to add application tabs

Step 1: Click on the profile page link and wait for the profile page to appear.

Step 2: Go to the area where wall, info, and photos are written. At the end of this line, you will find a + sign, click on that.

Step 3: In a drop-down menu you will see a series of application avaialble for you. Below that you wil find a box beneath “search application tabs”. Enter the keywords of the application tabs you want to use.

How-to-add-tab

That’s it. You have added your favorite application in facebook’s application tabs.

This feature will transform Facebook into a mega pplication which will host almost all the inforamtion that you routinly seek from the web. It will become your RSS reader twitter feed agregator, blog reader, etc.

But, at presnet the choice is quite limited, so there is nothing much that you can do with it. Still, there is no harm is testing this feature.

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How to Write a Book Review http://itlist.com/how-to-write-a-book-review/ http://itlist.com/how-to-write-a-book-review/#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 16:30:00 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/how-to-write-a-book-review/ A book review can either boost the sales of a book, or it can push it on the sloppy track to oblivion. Thus, it is important for a reviewer to write a proper review of a book.

Although a book review contains the personal experience of a reviewer, writing a book review is slightly technical. It has certain aspects to it which should not be overlooked, to make a review add value to the reader. In this post, I will talk about those technical things.

Anatomy of a book review

Step 1: Provide essential information

In the very first paragraph provide essential information about the book; like, name of the book, author, subject matter, publication, type of book, etc. You can skip this if you are writing a review for the online media, as the information will be available on the backside of the book’s jacket that you will put in the there.

Step 2: Write overview

In this paragraph, write about the book and the author’s intention behind writing it. You can get this information by reading the preface of the book, or the first chapter of the book. You should also write about the point of view from which this book has been written. You should also mention the genre, intended audience, and what style has been adopted.

Step 3: your view on the book

Now, write if the reader should buy the book or not. If it is worth reading or not. Write in brief about what you think about this book. Think this step like creating an elevator pitch.

Step 4: Elaborate

In this step, you need to elaborate on the topics covered in the book. You can also cite some paragraph from the book that may tell about the subject matter. If it is non-fiction, describe about the things talked in the book.

In short, you need to give gist of the book in this step to give readers an idea about the content.

Step 5: Give your judgment

The next step is to write what you think about the arguments, theories, and examples cited by the author. Do you think they are relevant? Has the author used them judiciously? How successful has the author been in exploring the subject? Do you think it would have been written in a better manner? Quantify your claim and make your suggestion here.

Step 6: Write about author

Now it is time to talk about author, his credential, and about books that the author has written in the past. Give a brief description of author’s background.

Step 7: Summarize

In this step, you will like to summarize all you have said above. You should write about book content, author’s idea about the topic he has discussed main points of the books followed by your remark and conclusion.

These are the essential steps in writing a book review. Along with these you can also include things related to physical structure of the book (binding, formatting, etc.) as well as about the index.

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3 Steps to Proofreading http://itlist.com/3-steps-to-proofreading/ http://itlist.com/3-steps-to-proofreading/#comments Sat, 08 May 2010 12:43:00 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/3-steps-to-proofreading/ Writing and proofreading goes hand in hand. If writing creates, proofreading fixes the small little holes left in the process of creations – at times it even fixes big holes. But, the question is how to initiate the process?

Proofreading is a 3-step process that begins with skimming through the article followed by hounding the article for mistakes, and finishes again by scanning through the article.

Step 1: Skim through

This is the very first step. In this step the goal is to search for the obvious spelling and punctuation mistakes. You should also fix the grammatical errors that are obvious. Do not spend too much time here. This step is done merely to remove the obvious mistakes. In many cases, this is all you will need to do.

Step 2: Hound for the error

The next step is to read every bit word, every sentence, and every paragraph. Search for mistakes that you missed in the first step. You may have to fix some sentences as well, or have to rearrange some. Find the errors and fix them. Make a note of the errors, if you are fixing other’s work. The writer may want to get his original ones back.

Step 3: Skim again

This is the third step in the process of proofreading. In this step, your goal is to check the cohesiveness of the article, which might have changed because of the editing you have done to the article. Also search for the errors that you might have missed in the step one and two.

Once you are through with these steps, you will get an article that will be cohesive and free of errors. You can also consider reading your article backward — from finish to beginning. It will expose those errors that you overlook, as a habit — particularly in your articles.

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How to Come Up With a Killer Business Idea http://itlist.com/how-to-come-up-with-a-killer-business-idea/ http://itlist.com/how-to-come-up-with-a-killer-business-idea/#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:44:29 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/?p=2241 There was a time when capital used to be the king, and one who had the maximum money would have won the business battle hands down. But, the scene has changed. Now everyone has money, well not everyone, but many people have enough capital to start a business and make it survive for months or even years.

Then why they are not plunging in?

Because we are not living in the era where capital matters. What matters today to make a business successful is idea. A business requires a killer idea to become successful. In the paragraphs below, I will tell you how to find a killer business idea.

Find killer business idea in 3 easy steps

  • Step 1: Based on the ability you have, look for the industry that you can work. Alternatively, you can also look for a sector in which you will be more comfortable working. Find an industry in which you would love to work.
  • Step 2: Divide the industry in various sector and list major players in each sector. Also analyze, perceive, and observe the need gap. Ask consumers and retailers about what benefit they are seeking from their existing consumption which are not yet fulfilled. I am asking you to find a need gap.
  • Step 3: Find the alternative routes to fill the need gap. See how you can fulfill industry’s demand efficiently. You need to find a way to keep the price of the solution you are offering within industry’s expected price range.

Once you are through with this, make a business plan and execute it. The business plan should cover every aspect of a business. You need to ascertain the challenges as well as opportunity. Do a SWOT as well as PESTLE analysis. Do not forget to make a list of things you need to run the business.

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Structure of a Cover Letter http://itlist.com/structure-of-a-cover-letter/ http://itlist.com/structure-of-a-cover-letter/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:12:04 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/?p=2163 In the last post, we talked about the importance of a cover letter, and how much it can assist in getting an interview call. In this short article, I will talk about anatomy of a cover letter; about how one should go about crafting a cover letter.

Anatomy of a cover letter

Step 1: length of a cover letter

A cover letter should not be more than one page long, and when I say “page” I mean “A4 size page”. Subdivide your cover letter into 3 paragraphs, and try to keep the cover letter within 350-400 words. The goal of your cover letter is to generate interest in the reader not to chock him to death with your uncontrolled biographical rattling.

Step 2: Name and address

Put name and address of recipient at the top on the left-hand side of the cover letter, and fold the cover letter putting names and address at the top.

Step 3: Use proper salutation

Do not begin your cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” as it will not concern anyone. Find the name of the person you are sending your résumé, and use his second name (family name) as salutation as in Dear Mr. Jones, or Dear Ms. Lloyd. If you fail to get name of the person who will read your cover letter than you can simply write Dear Sir/Madam.

Step 4: 1st paragraph

Being this paragraph with writing why you want to work with the company followed by giving a brief introduction about yourself and talk about the academic qualification you have in brief (of course, I am assuming here that you fresher looking for your first job). Do not tell the reader everything you know. Say only as much as required to garner interest.

Step 5: 2nd paragraph

The second paragraph of your cover letter should consist of the things you learned while pursuing your highest degree, the degree on the basis of which you are applying for the job. Mention 5 to 7 key concepts that are relevant to the industry. Talk about cutting edge things that you learned.

Step 6: 3rd paragraph

Write how you can add value to the organization if you are hired. Just use 2-3 sentences to explain this.

Conclusion

You should sound confident while writing a cover letter, but avoid sound overconfident. You should sound sincere in seeking employment but never sound begging. It’s not good for health and morale. Be professional and sound like one. No one cares how you got that stain on your shoes. They just do not like stains.

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How to Use Twitter to Get Clients http://itlist.com/how-to-use-twitter-to-get-clients/ http://itlist.com/how-to-use-twitter-to-get-clients/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:02:12 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/?p=2149 Twitter is an amazing tool. It can be put to any number of uses. People use it to make friends, to know about the topics they care, to get job alerts, to stay on top of any topic, to get recommendation, to read funny jokes, and to get influenced by memorable quotations, etc. This 140-character wonder can even be used to get clients for your business, regardless of your size, be it for your one-person startup, or for a 1000-people big company.

In this article, we will see what you need to do to get clients from twitter.

Step 1: Use real name

Will you like to do business with sexykitten, or hotrode? I am sure you won’t, regardless of how smart hotrode or sexykitten is. This is the power of name. A good name creates a positive image, whereas, a bad name ruins the party. Use your real name or business name for the twitter profile. If your name or business name is already taken then use something close to that, but spare yourself the horror of bad names.

Step 2: Use real picture

Like a real name, a real picture helps create a positive image in the mind of onlookers. Do not go for cool looking cartoons, or any other thing. Let your prospect know that you are a real person behind the twitter profile by giving a real picture.

Step 3: Brand your background

If you do not know this then let me break the good news that you can brand your twitter profile the way you want. I will suggest you customize the background of your twitter profile with your corporate brand identity.

Step 4: Use compelling bio

Your one-line twitter bio says a lot about you. People get influenced reading that, so it better be good. Make your twitter bio forceful and SEO-friendly.

Step 5: Add URL

Many people leave URL field empty. Do not commit this mistake. Use a proper working URL in your profile. This will work as a door to your website.

Step 6: Create a list

Create a list of the tweets from your industry and make it publicly available. This will give your prospect an idea about how closely you follow the changes in your industry. He may regard you as a leader of the pack, which will mean more business for you.

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Freelance Writing – How to Fix Your Rate http://itlist.com/freelance-writing-how-to-fix-your-rate/ http://itlist.com/freelance-writing-how-to-fix-your-rate/#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:50:23 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/?p=2009 Are you getting paid what you deserve for the writing services you offer to you client? This is a tricky question, and not many people feel confident while answering this question because most of the freelancers do not know if they are well paid, under paid, or over paid, which at times become very, very frustrating. In this short blog post, I will tell you how to fix rate for your freelance writing, but before I do that, let me tell you that your rate should not be influenced by what others are charging because everyone else is not you and nor their requirements are yours.

Fixing a freelance writing rate

Step 1: How much money do you need?

The first step in the process is to ask yourself how much money you need every month. Some of you must be thinking, what the client has to do with this, and why does it matter to them. Well, it does not matter to your client or anybody in this world, but still you need to figure this bit out because you are working to pay your bills, and if your work cannot make you pay your bill then things will get a little complicated. It will come down to your basic need for survival. Hence, first realistically figure out how much money do you need in a month or a year.

Step 2: What are the business expenses?

Now, it is time to right down your business expenses. Write everything down on a piece of paper, do not leave anything. This heading will include the electricity bill, business telephone bill, stationary costs, printer’s ink cost, any equipment that you will buy, etc.

Step 3: How much work can you do in a month?

None of us are superman, so there is only so much work we can complete in a day or month, and there are only so many clients we can take. Be realistic in finding your limitation. Do not sell yourself short, and also do not overrate your ability. Count this in hour.

Step 4: Do the math

Now, as you know the number of projects you can take in a month, your monthly expenses, and how many hours you can work in a month. Add the expected monthly sum and the expenses and divided by the work you can do. This will give you the rate you need to survive, but what about the future savings? You need to adjust your rate for that as well. Add expected per year savings, to the sum and then take out your per hour rate.

In order to fix a rate for the fixed price work like per article or per week, you will have to first figure out how much time do you need to write one article, and then find out how many you can write in a month. Divide the equation with this instead of total number of hours, and you will get your rate for one article.

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Secure Your Gmail http://itlist.com/secure-your-gmail/ http://itlist.com/secure-your-gmail/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:16:53 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/?p=1855 If web provides us with opportunities, it also provides us with threats, and at times the threats are more dangerous than we suppose. There are many people on the net who earn their livelihood by making our life miserable. People who fall prey to the burglars’ attack are those who are most innocent and do not suspect anyone.

This brief post will help you secure your Gmail account from the burglars who are out there to steal your mail IDs and other information. Securing Gmail is an easy task. Just follow the things written below and your Gmail will become secure.

Forcing Gmail to use https connection

The very first thing you need to do is to force Gmail to open a secure channel for all your online communication by using https instead of http. Using https is free. To use it, all you need to do is make a slight change in the settings. Follow the following steps

  1. Step 1: Log in to your Gmail account as you regularly do.
  2. Step 2: Click on the “settings” that appears at the top of the page.
  3. Step 3: Make sure you are on the General Tab under settings.
  4. Step 4: On fifth position from top, you will find “Browser connection”.
  5. Step 5: Check the Radio button beside “Always use https”.
  6. Step 6: Click save changes at the bottom of the page.
  7. Step 7: Restart your Gmail. Now you will notice that your Gmail has https prefix in place of http.

Sign out all other sessions

How many times did it happen to you that you logged in our office or home PC and forgot to log out when leaving office or home? And how many times we asked our family or colleague to log you from your Gmail? And do you remember where all you logged in: Cell phones, cybercafé, friends’ PC, your bosses’ laptop?

There is no need to panic. There is a way in Gmail to log you out from all the devices you logged in at other places. Follow the following steps and you can easily do that.

  1. Step 1: Log in to your Gmail account.
  2. Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page.
  3. Step 3: Find “Last account activity: X minutes ago on this computer.  Details” written at the bottom. You may or may not find This account is open in 1 other location at this IP (122.162.225.247)”this written before the “last login” text.
  4. Step 4: Click the “Details” link.
  5. Step 5: A window will pop up.
  6. Step 6: Go to the window and click “Sign out all other sessions” button.

That’s it. You are done. Your Gmail is secure now.

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Can You Write an Effective Copy http://itlist.com/can-you-write-an-effective-copy/ http://itlist.com/can-you-write-an-effective-copy/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:14:28 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/can-you-write-an-effective-copy/ The answer can be either yes or no. Do not say it depends. Either you can write an effective copy or you simply cannot. There is no mid-way, but there are times when you end up accidently producing effective copy, but those accidental geniuses cannot make you a good advertisement copywriter. To be a good advertisement copy writer, you need to write good copies every time you pick a product, at least most of the time. There are certain principles that you need to follow, if you wish to write real good copy, not just those “accidental geniuses”.

Let me give you a piece of good news: if you have written even a single brilliant copy then you already know the tricks, and all you need to do is standardize the process. And in order to do that you need to know the process.

5 steps to writing a better copy

Step1: Know your goal

You must be wondering why everything has to start with setting a goal. Let me help you in this. A goal is the end point where you want to reach when you set your sail. If you do not set a goal before setting sail, you will get lost in the sea. You need to define your advertising goal before you start writing your copy.

Step 2: Know your audience and their needs

A product is always made for a specific group of target audience. Although everyone can consume the product, it is never made for all. Similarly the advertisement created for the product should also not be created for all. Define a target audience, which often will be similar to the target user group of the product, and then find the reason why the target group will use this product.

Step 3: Appeal to their interest

I have seen many people who make ads to suit their needs and communication style, which I must add, fails to make any connection with the users. It is important to know the desire and aspiration of the target audience before writing an advertisement copy. When writing an ad, you should always remember that you are writing this to sell a product.

Step 4: Emotional appeal

Logic always fails to connect with the target audience. If you talk all logic, and reason in the ad then your ad will definitely fail. You need to connect with the target audience on the emotional level.

Step 5: Keep it simple

Do not clutter your ad by saying this and saying that. This will not take you anywhere. Keep it simple, and talk just about one benefit at one time. It may be possible that the product solves many problems, but in advertisement you are not supposed to write about all of them. Mention the most notable feature that matters to the audience.

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