Inkscape

Vectors marked the beginning of the evolution of graphics for the Web 2.0 generation. Almost every button and rendered image an Internet traveler sees on the web these days is a vector image drawn with expensive professional software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. For non-designers looking to venture into the vectorizing sphere of the World Wide Web, we suggest Inkscape, an open source vector graphics editor with the same tools and resources as other drawing applications.



Off the bat, Inkscape impresses —unlike other open source freeware, Inkscape actually supports the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format and incorporates SVG features like markers, clones, and alpha blending, as well as a streamlined interface that does not lag with every mouse click. The program itself is a bit of a hefty download, as this is not a light app. The toolbar interface includes medium sized icons with rollover descriptions for easy learning and every action is smooth and fluid. And, if you get stuck, Inkscape’s main site also includes tutorials in a variety of languages, so there’s no need to feel intimidated by the blank palette laid out on your desktop. Use Inkscape to create icons, design web pages, web buttons, and your own free-hand vector art.

Open source freeware may take awhile to finally catch on and become as all-inclusive and capable as our paid application counterparts, but for the graphic design world, it’s great to get a fresh start with something that is easy to use and supports the open source community’s efforts to make programs like these accessible to everyone, regardless of income bracket or computer abilities.

Download Inkscape here

Kingston - super-fast Data Traveller 410 USB Flash drive



After recently boosting the read and write speeds on the DataTraveller 410 USB Flash Drive, Kingston has now launched the device in the Indian market. Shipping in capacities up to 32GB, the speedy DT410 allows for faster file transfers with read and write speeds of 20MB/s, and is password protected to help keep data secure.

“Power users, enterprise customers and everyday consumers have wanted the ability to store and move large files around faster as USB Flash drives have become more prevalent in everyday use,” said Andrew Ewing, USB business manager, Kingston. “Based on customer feedback, we developed the DataTraveler 410 with higher data transfer rates and security in mind as well as a terrific price point.”

The faster read and write speeds make the DT410 the ideal drive for high-definition photos, large documents, presentations, music, videos and other data. It includes SecureTraveler software which allows users to create and access a password-protected area of the drive called the ‘Privacy Zone’.

The increased data transfer rates of the DT410 follow a recent speed bump of the higher capacities (16- and 32GB) of Kingston’s consumer-level DataTraveler I, DataTraveler 101 and DataTraveler 112 drives to read and write speeds of 10MB/sec. These drives offer consumers choices in color, capacity, and whether the USB comes with a cap, retractable body or swivel design.

Here’s a overview of the DT410’s features:

Dimensions: 65.76mm x 17.98mm x 10.7mm

Fast: Data transfer rates of up to 20MB/sec. read and 20MB/sec. write

Operating Temperature: 0 degrees C to 60 degrees C

Storage Temperature: -20 degrees C to 85 degrees C

Simple: Just plug into a USB port

Practical: Capless swivel design protects USB connector; no cap to lose

Safeguarded: Includes SecureTraveler security software for Windows

Enhanced: For Windows ReadyBoost on Vista-based systems.

Windows 7 Feature Focus: Desktop, Taskbar and Start Menu

The Windows 7 GUI resembles its predecessor, Windows Vista. However, the closer you look, the more you'll see that Windows 7's take on the GUI is a big improvement, adding more power, more customization, and better ways to open frequently-used programs and files. Keep reading to learn how you can tap into the power of the Windows 7 desktop, Taskbar, and Start menu.

Getting the Most out of Gadgets

Windows 7, like Windows Vista, includes a useful library of desktop gadgets, from customizable clocks to an RSS feed aggregator and a mini-Windows Media Player. However, Windows 7 no longer keeps desktop gadgets cooped up on one edge of your display: it sets them free. Here's how to place a gadget (we'll use the Clock in this example) wherever you want with the display options you need.

1. Right-click an empty spot on your desktop and select Gadgets.


2. Double-click the Clock gadget.

3. Click Close to close Gadgets.


4. By default, the gadget appears in the upper right-hand corner of your primary display. Click and drag the gadget to the preferred location.

5. To choose options, click the wrench.

6. Use the arrow buttons to select from different display options.

7. Customize the gadget by entering settings as prompted.

8. Click OK when finished.

9. Right-click the gadget and select whether the gadget should always be on top and what opacity it should be. In this example, I've selected Always on Top and 60% opacity.


Follow this same basic procedure to place and customize your preferred gadgets. You can place gadgets on either the primary or any additional displays you use.

Click the Get More Gadgets Online link shown in Steps 2 and 3 to see an assortment of additional gadgets you can download. To choose from over 3000 gadgets, click the Get More Desktop Gadgets link on the Personalize Your PC browser window that appears first.