Monday, October 25, 2010

My New Python Blog

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Its been awhile since my last post here. The reason I haven't been able to post in the last few days is that I've been busy with setting up my new blog PyKoder(http://pykoder.blogspot.com). PyKoder is meant to become a resource for learning Python. I will be posting code snippets, tutorials, and Python news at PyKoder.

As of now, I've already posted a few posts. I've decided to make the design simple, so I've used the template provided by Blogger itself(with a few touches of my own!!).

I hope that I'll be able to write a few programs for PyKoder every month. I'm also looking forward to growing my Python coding skills through PyKoder!!

Visit the blog, learn and enjoy!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Solving problems in Project Euler

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I've been working on my programming skills lately(been learning Python 3.1!!) and I just stumbled upon Project Euler. Project Euler is a series of computer problems, which are mostly mathematical in nature(and quite tricky too!!). As of now, the website has 300+ problems which you can solve(in any order). You don't have to actually post the program though, you just have to submit the answer.

Project Euler is not really a contest- you don't win anything(it's just about giving yourself an ego boost). The problems are basically targeted to mathematics and computer enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves and have fun.

Solving problems on Project Euler,as I've found out, can become quite addictive, although quite mind-stretching. Anyone who's interested in programming and mathematics will find Project Euler to be very fun. Best of luck for solving the problems!!

Friday, October 15, 2010

My New K3, Instapaper

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It's been a while since my last blog post. I have a couple of things I want to tell you.
A few days ago, I finally got the Amazon Kindle 3 that I'd ordered(I'd mentioned the order on my very first post!!) . Well I'm really impressed by this device and simply cannot stop reading on this sleek e-reader. This is my first Kindle(and also my very first e-reader). I'm also discovering a lot of cool undocumented features(will keep you informed on this later!!), which seem to be very useful. I'm also exploring a whole lot of free ebooks which are available for use in the Kindle. So great sites to get them are Feedbooks, Mobipocket free ebooks, and of course Amazon.com(Yes, you can find free ebooks here too!!). I'll make a more comprehensive list for finding free ebooks later; if you do happen to know other good sites to find ebooks for free feel free to add to the list in the comments section.
The next thing I want to tell you about is Instapaper. My guess is that most of you have already heard of Instapaper and already are using it. For those of you who haven't yet started using Instapaper, it is a lightweight web application that you can use  for managing all the reading material you find online. For example, you find a great article on Lifehacker but just don't have the time to read it, you just click a Read it Later button on your browser and you can use Instapaper to find all the articles in your To-read list. Now, the great thing about Instapaper is that synchronizes these articles into text-only format and makes the .MOBI  file of the article available for download. So, you can just download into your Kindle and read it. It also makes .EPUB and the printable version available for download.
Instapaper is simply a great  tool for use with a Kindle(and even the iPod and iPad). I'll keep you updated on the Kindle and more, so stay tuned.
If you haven't ordered your Kindle yet, then you can order it here- Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite - Latest Generation
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Monday, October 11, 2010

Enhance your blog posts with Zemanta

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Image representing Zemanta as depicted in Crun...Image via CrunchBaseEveryone gets writers block, but now there is an interactive solution to it. It's called Zemanta. Zemanta is a great tool for bloggers which automatically gives tips as you write a post. It recommends related content including links, pictures, articles and videos as you write, so you can use it while blogging to greatly enhance the content of your blog. 




With the resources you get from Zemanta, you can make your blog posts more catchy and thus increase your subscribers. Easy to install and use, Zemanta is the ultimate blogging assistant you'll ever need. And, the best part is that its totally free.

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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Latest from Google's lab: Self-driving Cars

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The Official Google Blog yesterday announced in a post titled 'What we're driving at'. That they had been street-testing their latest invention- Artificially intelligent cars that need no human driver.

The blog says that Google researched the technology in a bid to "help prevent traffic accidents, free up people’s time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use". However, people from the Google team say that it will be at least eight years before this technology will be ready for mass market. Nevertheless, Google has definitely taken the lead on the market by becoming an early innovator of this futuristic concept.

Google seems to have been testing these automated cars, which are modified Toyota Priuses, for some time- they claim that their self-driving cars have already logged over 140,000 miles. As for the security measures taken during tests on the road, the cars are always manned with a trained safety driver who can take over in case things go messy.



Once fully developed, this technology will probably decrease the rate of road accidents(since people won't drive drunk; breath analyzers,then , will probably become an obsolete technology!!). Besides that, Google's interests in this new venture indicates, more or less, what the future holds for us. So, if you do happen to make a time machine, please do check on this technology(and don't forget to inform us :) ).

You might also find the write up on Gizmodo useful- http://gizmodo.com/5659935/google-is-road-testing-cars-that-drive-themselves

Saturday, October 9, 2010

SAT Practice: A question a day

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If you're considering taking the SAT, then here is one great free resource for you. This one, called SAT Question of the Day, is from Collegeboard.com's SAT preparation materials. If you sign up for this program, you'll get an email everyday with a SAT practice question.

Visit the Official SAT Question of the Day website here or just subscribe to the question of the day.

Other recommended resources for the SAT:-

Cracking the SAT with DVD, 2011 Edition (College Test Preparation)
11 Practice Tests for the SAT & PSAT, 2011 Edition (College Test Preparation)
McGraw-Hill's 12 SAT Practice Tests with PSAT, 2ed (McGraw-Hill's 12 Practice Sats & PSAT)


Know of more SAT preparation materials that you've found useful? Do share them here!

Friday, October 8, 2010

The Best Features in the upcoming Ubuntu 10.10

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Official Ubuntu circle with wordmark. Replace ...Image via WikipediaI have already notified you guys on one of my previous posts about the upcoming release of Ubuntu 10.10. Well, I just found some more interesting things to share with you regarding the latest version of Ubuntu which is due for release this Sunday.
Only a few days before the release date, Lifehacker has given us the preview of what is to come in this version of Ubuntu with this screenshot tour. To those of you new to Ubuntu and Linux, I've found this great collection of tutorials, tips and hacks at How-to Geek here- Linux articles.

Enjoy the new Ubuntu!! 
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