Saturday, December 29, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Google Maps Integrates Video, Book & Photo Results
A Google Maps search may now return location markers showing videos from YouTube, books from Google Book search, or geo-tagged photos from Panoramio*. Try the query google geyser, for instance, and you will find the blue placemark’s info window will embed a YouTube video for direct playback... possibly retrieved because the description, tags or title of the video contained the keywords in question as well as location information (the description reads “Drove by Google’s Mt View corp campus today found a Geyser,” and tags include mountain view).
The integration of the YouTube results looks very half-baked, as the screenshot shows (there’s not enough padding between thumbnail and description, the thumbnail is redundant in the first place because the embedded video contains a preview still already, the embedded video is too large for the info window, etc.).
AdSense Ad Review Center Announced
Google will be rolling out a feature called Ad Review Center to AdSense accounts over the coming months, they announced. This service seems to be aimed at webmasters who find some of the ads Google chooses for their sites too annoying and irrelevant (think blinking “find a partner” Flash ads on a news site, for instance). However, you will not be able to review every ad, but only those which are placement-targeted to your site.If you do block an ad – and lose revenues that ad may have generated otherwise (or if you’re lucky, free the spot for better, more successful ads) – you will be able to select some feedback in regards to your reasons, Google says, which in turn can be check by the advertiser. Note with the Ad Review Center, you may also optionally choose to pre-moderate any new placement-targeted ad.
To see if you have this feature already, log-in to AdSense and switch to AdSense Setup -> Competitive Ad Filter. That much is old, but on that page you may one day find a new, green box with a link reading Ad Review Center (I don’t have it yet).
So, more choice is good, I guess. It might also be nice if Google would allow webmasters using AdSense to perhaps describe, in general terms, the kind of ads they want to allow on their site. Right now you can only determine the ad size, and whether or not you accept images, but you cannot, for instance, toggle options like “Flash allowed” or “animations allowed.” (And once the Ad Review option collects enough feedback from webmasters, Google could even offer an option in the style of “automatically block all ads which get blocked manually a lot”... sort of like a spam filter for advertisement.)
Safari Browser for Windows
Apple announced that their Mac Safari browser is now also available on Windows. Apple calls this “the world’s best browser,” though Ionut Alex. Some user says the warning that “Safari/Windows uses a lot of RAM and it’s extremely slow. It also crashes every 3 minutes.”What’s interesting is that the Windows version has the look & feel of the Mac version even when it comes to elements which are traditionally left to the operating system (less interface surprises = better usability). For instance, when I maximize the browser window on Win XP, then move my mouse towards the far top right to click (this is usually the position of the close button “x”), the program currently behind Safari will be closed (apparently because there’s a tiny pixel not covered by the maximization; surprise!). As another example: I always set my Windows task bar to auto-collapse to the left-hand side; with Safari open, it won’t expand anymore, a barrier to switch between different program windows... another surprise.
Maybe this is all to be excused as the program is still in Beta. Then again, thanks to Google and others the word “Beta” pretty much lost its meaning these days.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
12 Quick Tips To Search Google Like A Expert
If you’re like me, you probably use Google many times a day. But, chances are, unless you are a technology geek, you probably still use Google in its simplest form. If your current use of Google is limited to typing a few words in, and changing your query until you find what you’re looking for, then I’m here to tell you that there’s a better way – and it’s not hard to learn. On the other hand, if you are a technology geek, and can use Google like the best of them already, then I suggest you bookmark this article. You’ll then have it on hand when you are ready to pull your hair out in frustration when watching a neophyte repeatedly type in basic queries in a desperate attempt to find something.
The following tips are based on my own experience and things that I actually find useful. The list is by no means comprehensive. But, I assure you that by learning and using the 12 tips below, you’ll rank up there with the best of the Google experts out there. I’ve kept the descriptions intentionally terse as you’re likely to grasp most of these simply by looking at the example anyways.
12 Quick Tips To Search Google Like An Expert1. Explicit Phrase:
Lets say you are looking for content about internet marketing. Instead of just typing internet marketing into the Google search box, you will likely be better off searching explicitly for the phrase. To do this, simply enclose the search phrase within double quotes.
Example: "internet marketing"
2. Exclude Words:
Lets say you want to search for content about internet marketing, but you want to exclude any results that contain the term advertising. To do this, simply use the "-" sign in front of the word you want to exclude.
Example Search: internet marketing -advertising
3. Site Specific Search:
Often, you want to search a specific website for content that matches a certain phrase. Even if the site doesn’t support a built-in search feature, you can use Google to search the site for your term. Simply use the "site:somesite.com" modifier.
Example: "internet marketing" site:www.smallbusinesshub.com
4. Similar Words and Synonyms:
Let’s say you are want to include a word in your search, but want to include results that contain similar words or synonyms. To do this, use the "~" in front of the word.
Example: "internet marketing" ~professional
5. Specific Document Types:
If you’re looking to find results that are of a specific type, you can use the modifier "filetype:". For example, you might want to find only PowerPoint presentations related to internet marketing.
Example: "internet marketing" filetype:ppt
6. This OR That:
By default, when you do a search, Google will include all the terms specified in the search. If you are looking for any one of one or more terms to match, then you can use the OR operator. (Note: The OR has to be capitalized).
Example: internet marketing OR advertising
7. Phone Listing:
Let’s say someone calls you on your mobile number and you don’t know how it is. If all you have is a phone number, you can look it up on Google using the phonebook feature.
Example: phonebook:617-555-1212 (note: the provided number does not work – you’ll have to use a real number to get any results).
8. Area Code Lookup:
If all you need to do is to look-up the area code for a phone number, just enter the 3-digit area code and Google will tell you where it’s from.
Example: 617
9. Numeric Ranges:
This is a rarely used, but highly useful tip. Let’s say you want to find results that contain any of a range of numbers. You can do this by using the X..Y modifier (in case this is hard to read, what’s between the X and Y are two periods. This type of search is useful for years (as shown below), prices or anywhere where you want to provide a series of numbers.
Example: president 1940..1950
10. Stock (Ticker Symbol):
Just enter a valid ticker symbol as your search term and Google will give you the current financials and a quick thumb-nail chart for the stock.
Example: GOOG
11. Calculator:
The next time you need to do a quick calculation, instead of bringing up the Calculator applet, you can just type your expression in to Google.
Example: 48512 * 1.02
12. Word Definitions:
If you need to quickly look up the definition of a word or phrase, simply use the "define:" command.
Example: define:plethora
Hope this proves useful in your future Google searches. If there are any of your favorite Google power tips that I’ve missed, please feel free to share them in the comments.
Monday, December 17, 2007
How to Use Your Google API Key as Your Secret Weapon
Just over a year ago, Google.com began to provide access to its' web search API to programmers and developers. This provided them with a way to utilize the optimum resources of Google's database of listings. At first, there were few practical applications that would help the average webmaster.
However, there are now plenty of ways that any site owner with an API key can benefit from these innovative programs, and web applications.
And since the licensing of the API restricts the creation of tools for commercial use, these resources will not cost you anything but some well-invested time. In the next few minutes, you'll learn how to use this information to your advantage.
Let's back up a moment and get some of the terminology out of the way. This won't be a tech-guru explanation- more like an oversimplification to give you a basic idea in layperson's terms.
An API means application programmer interface. Basically, the Google API gives programmers access to Google's database of listings, which they can then use to create web applications.
When you get an API key it simply gives you the ability to access the interface the programs are based on. Therefore, your key will allow you to plug into the application they've created, for a pre-determined number of queries.
So now you can harness the power of Google's database to your site's advantage.
How?
First, get a Google API key.
The myriad of ways sites are using Google API keys are astounding. Some of them require you to provide your own API key to use them. You can get it at no charge here:
http://www.google.com/apis/
Your queries are limited to 1000 per day. But that's more than enough for most web site owners. For some of the tools, you won't even need it, as the developers seem to be allowing you to run tools using their own keys.
Don't worry, you don't need to be a software genius for this key to be useful to you. Developers have already built tools for you to use, all you'll have to do is find the sites where their online applications are housed, and if necessary, plug in your key.
Think of it as a universal password. You'll get the key via email, then all you'll need to do is cut and paste it in the box provided. Which brings us to the next piece in the puzzle.
There are literally hundreds of places you can use the Google API key.
Some people have developed plug-ins you can use with database-driven sites. Many have developed tools that will help you increase or study your present rankings in Google, resulting in more targeted traffic to your site.
My favorite tool helps you study countless different pieces of data found through Google via email, automating hours of research. But we'll come back to that later.
One site will search Google for you and compile a site map using the pages it finds for your site in Google. Visit it here:
http://www.tele-pro.co.uk/scripts/google/indexer_info.htm
You can study the relationship between your sites and others using GARBO (stands for Google API Relation Browsing Outliner). This can help you find sites to trade links with, or sites you can link to from your site to provide more information to your visitors, and otherwise study the relationship between two sites, as told by Google. Read more about it here:
http://www.staggernation.com/garbo/readme.html
Want to query only the newest additions, for research or for tracking purposes? Try Goofresh here:
http://www.researchbuzz.org/archives/001405.shtml
You can also add Google searches to your site. It's the number one search engine, and especially if you have a member's area, it can help make your site "sticky", meaning that your visitors will find themselves coming to your site over and over to use your resources. You can find the script to add this to your site here:
http://scriptsearch.com/details/8886.html
Another helpful Google API Tool can help you get users to search your site using Google. It uses PHP, and can be found here:
http://www.thinkbling.com/scripts.php
To find more applications on your own, you'll first want to look around at the sites I have already mentioned, as many of them have multiple web based applications developed with their access to Google's API, or will in the near future.
The reason I wrote this article is because it takes a bit of digging to find some of the best ones. Here is a good starting places that I found, naturally, through Google:
http://www.soapware.org/directory/4/services/googleApi/applications
If you want to search Google itself, you might try search terms like "Google API applications", "Google API software" or "Google API scripts". You can also start from "Google API" and search within results for implementations or the word "key".
However, there are now plenty of ways that any site owner with an API key can benefit from these innovative programs, and web applications.
And since the licensing of the API restricts the creation of tools for commercial use, these resources will not cost you anything but some well-invested time. In the next few minutes, you'll learn how to use this information to your advantage.
Let's back up a moment and get some of the terminology out of the way. This won't be a tech-guru explanation- more like an oversimplification to give you a basic idea in layperson's terms.
An API means application programmer interface. Basically, the Google API gives programmers access to Google's database of listings, which they can then use to create web applications.
When you get an API key it simply gives you the ability to access the interface the programs are based on. Therefore, your key will allow you to plug into the application they've created, for a pre-determined number of queries.
So now you can harness the power of Google's database to your site's advantage.
How?
First, get a Google API key.
The myriad of ways sites are using Google API keys are astounding. Some of them require you to provide your own API key to use them. You can get it at no charge here:
http://www.google.com/apis/
Your queries are limited to 1000 per day. But that's more than enough for most web site owners. For some of the tools, you won't even need it, as the developers seem to be allowing you to run tools using their own keys.
Don't worry, you don't need to be a software genius for this key to be useful to you. Developers have already built tools for you to use, all you'll have to do is find the sites where their online applications are housed, and if necessary, plug in your key.
Think of it as a universal password. You'll get the key via email, then all you'll need to do is cut and paste it in the box provided. Which brings us to the next piece in the puzzle.
There are literally hundreds of places you can use the Google API key.
Some people have developed plug-ins you can use with database-driven sites. Many have developed tools that will help you increase or study your present rankings in Google, resulting in more targeted traffic to your site.
My favorite tool helps you study countless different pieces of data found through Google via email, automating hours of research. But we'll come back to that later.
One site will search Google for you and compile a site map using the pages it finds for your site in Google. Visit it here:
http://www.tele-pro.co.uk/scripts/google/indexer_info.htm
You can study the relationship between your sites and others using GARBO (stands for Google API Relation Browsing Outliner). This can help you find sites to trade links with, or sites you can link to from your site to provide more information to your visitors, and otherwise study the relationship between two sites, as told by Google. Read more about it here:
http://www.staggernation.com/garbo/readme.html
Want to query only the newest additions, for research or for tracking purposes? Try Goofresh here:
http://www.researchbuzz.org/archives/001405.shtml
You can also add Google searches to your site. It's the number one search engine, and especially if you have a member's area, it can help make your site "sticky", meaning that your visitors will find themselves coming to your site over and over to use your resources. You can find the script to add this to your site here:
http://scriptsearch.com/details/8886.html
Another helpful Google API Tool can help you get users to search your site using Google. It uses PHP, and can be found here:
http://www.thinkbling.com/scripts.php
To find more applications on your own, you'll first want to look around at the sites I have already mentioned, as many of them have multiple web based applications developed with their access to Google's API, or will in the near future.
The reason I wrote this article is because it takes a bit of digging to find some of the best ones. Here is a good starting places that I found, naturally, through Google:
http://www.soapware.org/directory/4/services/googleApi/applications
If you want to search Google itself, you might try search terms like "Google API applications", "Google API software" or "Google API scripts". You can also start from "Google API" and search within results for implementations or the word "key".
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Some nice Google Adsense updates
Several weeks ago a several Adsense publisher has complains about recent modifications in the click behavior for Adsense ads. While an Internet visitor was able before to click the whole ad area to reach the target page, is the new ad only clickable on the ad title and the URL. This modification was done by Google to ban unwanted clicks for their advertisers. Afterwards I think that most of the publisher doesn’t have noticed a change in their earnings (maybe a publisher who need those unwanted clicks to earn money). ;)
Managing Ads via the Adsense control panel
Since a few days it’s possible to use this great feature to maintain existing ad code without changing your HTML. Just create a first (new) ad zone and place some standard Adsense code into your HTML (yeah I’m talking about an account from a publisher in Europe). If you need to change the colors, ad dimensions or ad channel on a later moment, just do it within your Adsense control panel. This is really a time safer! This way it’s easy to change for example the color for multiple pages from your website with just a few mouse clicks.
Ad container with dynamic controls
Maybe some of you have already noticed these new type of ads:
Managing Ads via the Adsense control panel
Since a few days it’s possible to use this great feature to maintain existing ad code without changing your HTML. Just create a first (new) ad zone and place some standard Adsense code into your HTML (yeah I’m talking about an account from a publisher in Europe). If you need to change the colors, ad dimensions or ad channel on a later moment, just do it within your Adsense control panel. This is really a time safer! This way it’s easy to change for example the color for multiple pages from your website with just a few mouse clicks.
Ad container with dynamic controls
Maybe some of you have already noticed these new type of ads:
- Ad banners with the more or related links to show the “other” ads
- smaller ad boxes with a dynamic “flashy scroller” to show more ads without reloading the page
- and maybe there are more?
Sure this feature is only useful for AD-surfer (I hope there are some of them) and maybe this new links/navigation elements makes some people curious.
Video units? And why not (ad free) YouTube Videos?
A few weeks ago the Video ad format was added to my Adsense account, I played with it for a while but skipped this format for the next time.
How does it work? People can watch the videos within the theme you have selected for your video ad and MAYBE the visitor will click some (tiny) ad which is placed above/below the movie and YOU (the publisher) became rich.
Sorry, but these ads make no sense (to me), the video player is really big and will take on some of my websites ~50% from the content space. All this afford to have (maybe) some clicks from a banner with one or two small ads? This clicks need to be very high priced because they could give your website the imago from some MFA site.
Get targeted ads on your site with Google AdSense
People from Adsense thanks for the “Manage ads” feature, I like to see more of them!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
How do I add current weather to my website?
How do I add current weather to my website?
I have a new Web site and I'd really like to be able to add a little weather "bug" to it so people can check on the weather in my neighborhood. I've looked at some sites that offer weather forecasts but am completely befuddled. How do I add a weather forecast box to my Web site?
This is a fun question, and having dug around for a bit, I can see what you mean. Sheesh, there are some highly, highly technical solutions out there. However, there are also some pretty easy forecasts you can get from sites like Weather.com...
The two solutions that seem the easiest are from Weather.com and from Weather Reports.com. Let's look at each.
Weather.com
The site's overrun with advertising, but I have to admit that the little weather "bug" they make available for you to add to your own site - free - is darn attractive:
Boulder, CO
Get the 10 day forecast
Garden Calendar
For Your Lawn
For Your Garden
21°F
Light Snow Shower
Feels Like: 12°F
Humidity:89%
Wind: NE at 7 mph
Download Desktop Weather
The greatest reservation I have recommending this one is that you have to sign up for it, including a required mailing address and date of birth. Um, this is just a weather bug, guys, why do you need to know my age? Anyway, sign up and it'll eventually give you a simple script-based line of code. Couldn't be easier:
Obviously, the region code and such are encoded in the "key", but the template value can be changed for different looks, if you're so inclined. Nothing an enthused reverse engineer person couldn't do. :-)
Weather Reports.com
The other site I've found that has weather you can drop on your site is WeatherReports.com. Their format is a lot easier to work with and they don't require any sort of signup.
Here's what one of their code blocks look like (they have six different template sizes):
WeatherReports.com
The code underlying that is very similar to the Weather.com snippet:
You can learn more about their service, including exact details of configuration and more, all at Add Weather to your Site.
For people outside of the United States, there are fewer options, but one notable alternative is WeatherZone, focused on Australia. Another nice, elegant weather bug you can add to your site.
I have a new Web site and I'd really like to be able to add a little weather "bug" to it so people can check on the weather in my neighborhood. I've looked at some sites that offer weather forecasts but am completely befuddled. How do I add a weather forecast box to my Web site?
This is a fun question, and having dug around for a bit, I can see what you mean. Sheesh, there are some highly, highly technical solutions out there. However, there are also some pretty easy forecasts you can get from sites like Weather.com...
The two solutions that seem the easiest are from Weather.com and from Weather Reports.com. Let's look at each.
Weather.com
The site's overrun with advertising, but I have to admit that the little weather "bug" they make available for you to add to your own site - free - is darn attractive:
Boulder, CO
Get the 10 day forecast
Garden Calendar
For Your Lawn
For Your Garden
21°F
Light Snow Shower
Feels Like: 12°F
Humidity:89%
Wind: NE at 7 mph
Download Desktop Weather
The greatest reservation I have recommending this one is that you have to sign up for it, including a required mailing address and date of birth. Um, this is just a weather bug, guys, why do you need to know my age? Anyway, sign up and it'll eventually give you a simple script-based line of code. Couldn't be easier:
Obviously, the region code and such are encoded in the "key", but the template value can be changed for different looks, if you're so inclined. Nothing an enthused reverse engineer person couldn't do. :-)
Weather Reports.com
The other site I've found that has weather you can drop on your site is WeatherReports.com. Their format is a lot easier to work with and they don't require any sort of signup.
Here's what one of their code blocks look like (they have six different template sizes):
WeatherReports.com
The code underlying that is very similar to the Weather.com snippet:
You can learn more about their service, including exact details of configuration and more, all at Add Weather to your Site.
For people outside of the United States, there are fewer options, but one notable alternative is WeatherZone, focused on Australia. Another nice, elegant weather bug you can add to your site.
Friday, December 7, 2007
DIY High Defination Speaker for $1 or Less
OK, no joke…seriously. The guys at Householdhacker.com come out with this D.I.Y., and it’s pretty amazing! Basically you will only need these items, which of course cost you $1 or less:
* Paper plate
* Aluminium foil
* Clear tape
* Penny
* Mini Jack audio cable
Here is the video tutorial:
* Paper plate
* Aluminium foil
* Clear tape
* Penny
* Mini Jack audio cable
Here is the video tutorial:
WINDOWS XP HIDDEN APPLICATION set 3
1.Microsoft Telnet Client = telnet.exe
2. Driver Verifier Manager = verifier.exe (seems to be a utility for monitoring the actions of drivers, might be useful for people having driver problems. Undocumented).
3. Windows for Work groups Chat = winchat.exe (appears to be an old NT utility to allow chat sessions over a LAN, help files available).
4. System configuration = msconfig.exe (can use to control startup programs)
5. gpedit.msc used to manage group policies, and permissions
2. Driver Verifier Manager = verifier.exe (seems to be a utility for monitoring the actions of drivers, might be useful for people having driver problems. Undocumented).
3. Windows for Work groups Chat = winchat.exe (appears to be an old NT utility to allow chat sessions over a LAN, help files available).
4. System configuration = msconfig.exe (can use to control startup programs)
5. gpedit.msc used to manage group policies, and permissions
LOCK FOLDER WITHOUT A SOFTWARE
Suppose you want to lock the folder lucky in d: which has the path D:\lucky. In the same drive create a text file and type
ren lucky lucky.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Now save this text file as lock.bat
create another text file and type in it
ren lucky.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} lucky
Now save this text file as key.bat
Now you can see 2 batch files lock and key.Press lock and the folder lucky will change to control panel and you cannot view its contents.Press key and you will get back your original folder.
ren lucky lucky.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Now save this text file as lock.bat
create another text file and type in it
ren lucky.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} lucky
Now save this text file as key.bat
Now you can see 2 batch files lock and key.Press lock and the folder lucky will change to control panel and you cannot view its contents.Press key and you will get back your original folder.
Chnage your IP address in Less Than a Minute
1. Click on "Start" in the bottom left hand corner of screen
2. Click on "Run"
3. Type in "command" and hit ok
You should now be at an MSDOS prompt screen.
4. Type "ipconfig /release" just like that, and hit "enter"
5. Type "exit" and leave the prompt
6. Right-click on "Network Places" or "My Network Places" on your desktop.
7. Click on "properties"
You should now be on a screen with something titled "Local Area Connection", or something close to that, and, if you have a network hooked up, all of your other networks.
8. Right click on "Local Area Connection" and click "properties"
9. Double-click on the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the list under the "General" tab
10. Click on "Use the following IP address" under the "General" tab
11. Create an IP address (It doesn't matter what it is. I just type 1 and 2 until i fill the area up).
12. Press "Tab" and it should automatically fill in the "Subnet Mask" section with default numbers.
13. Hit the "Ok" button here
14. Hit the "Ok" button again
You should now be back to the "Local Area Connection" screen.
15. Right-click back on "Local Area Connection" and go to properties again.
16. Go back to the "TCP/IP" settings
17. This time, select "Obtain an IP address automatically"
18. Hit "Ok"
19. Hit "Ok" again
20. You now have a new IP address
With a little practice, you can easily get this process down to 15 seconds.
2. Click on "Run"
3. Type in "command" and hit ok
You should now be at an MSDOS prompt screen.
4. Type "ipconfig /release" just like that, and hit "enter"
5. Type "exit" and leave the prompt
6. Right-click on "Network Places" or "My Network Places" on your desktop.
7. Click on "properties"
You should now be on a screen with something titled "Local Area Connection", or something close to that, and, if you have a network hooked up, all of your other networks.
8. Right click on "Local Area Connection" and click "properties"
9. Double-click on the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the list under the "General" tab
10. Click on "Use the following IP address" under the "General" tab
11. Create an IP address (It doesn't matter what it is. I just type 1 and 2 until i fill the area up).
12. Press "Tab" and it should automatically fill in the "Subnet Mask" section with default numbers.
13. Hit the "Ok" button here
14. Hit the "Ok" button again
You should now be back to the "Local Area Connection" screen.
15. Right-click back on "Local Area Connection" and go to properties again.
16. Go back to the "TCP/IP" settings
17. This time, select "Obtain an IP address automatically"
18. Hit "Ok"
19. Hit "Ok" again
20. You now have a new IP address
With a little practice, you can easily get this process down to 15 seconds.
Guide to Domain Name Status Codes
ACTIVE: The registry sets this status. The domain can be modified by the registrar. The domain can be renewed. The domain will be included in the zone if the domain has been delegated to at least one name server.
REGISTRY-LOCK: The registry sets this status. The domain can not be modified or deleted by the registrar. The registry must remove the REGISTRY-LOCK status for the registrar to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain will be included in the zone if the domain has been delegated to at least one name server.
REGISTRAR-LOCK: The sponsoring registrar sets this status. The domain can not be modified or deleted. The registrar must remove REGISTRAR-LOCK status to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain will be included in the zone.
REGISTRY-HOLD: The registry sets this status. The domain can not be modified or deleted by the registrar. The registry must remove the REGISTRY-HOLD status for the registrar to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain will not be included in the zone.
REGISTRAR-HOLD: The sponsoring registrar sets this status. The domain can not be modified or deleted. The registrar must remove REGISTRAR-HOLD status to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain will not be included in the zone.
REDEMPTIONPERIOD: The registry sets this status when a registrar requests that the domain name be deleted from the registry and the domain has been registered for more than 5 calendar days (if the delete request is received within 5 days of initial domain registration it will instead be deleted immediately). The domain will not be included in the zone. The domain can not be modified or purged; it can only be restored. Any other registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. The domain will be held in this status for a maximum of 30 calendar days.
PENDINGRESTORE: The registry sets this status after a registrar requests restoration of a domain that is in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. The domain will be included in the zone. Registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. The domain will be held in this status while the registry waits for the registrar to provide required restoration documentation. If the registrar fails to provide documentation to the registry within 7 calendar days to confirm the restoration request, the domain will revert to REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. The domain status will be set to ACTIVE only if the registrar provides documentation to the registry within 7 calendar days to confirm the restoration request.
PENDINGDELETE: The registry sets this status after a domain has been set in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status and the domain has not been restored by the registrar. The domain will not be included in the zone. Once in this status all registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. The domain will be purged from the registry database after being in this status for 5 calendar days.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
When Does an Expired Domain Name Become Available?
in order to know exactly when an expiring domain name will become available for re-registration by a new owner, you must understand the Status of a domain as listed in the whois database.
When observing the results of a whois lookup, you will see a record similar in format to the one below:
Domain Name: YAHOO.COM
Registrar: ALLDOMAINS.COM INC.
Whois Server: whois.alldomains.com
Referral URL: http://www.alldomains.com
Name Server: NS1.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS5.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS2.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS3.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS4.YAHOO.COM
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 20-oct-2003
Creation Date: 18-jan-1995
Expiration Date: 19-jan-2012
There is a line item in the lookup data labeled Status. In the case of this domain, the status is listed as REGISTRAR-LOCK.
Listed below are the various states that can appear in this field, and what they mean - I put a star by the 2 states that you should look for if you're interested in expiring domains. This data is taken directly from a document entitled, RFC 2832 - NSI Registry Registrar Protocol, May 2000 which is located at the following URL: http://ietf.org/rfc/rfc2832.txt?number=2832 and from General Counsel's Briefing Regarding Proposed Revisions to .com and .net Registry Agreements to Reflect Services Introduced 25 January 2003 located here: http://www.icann.org/minutes/report-vgrs-rgp-consolidate-23feb03.htm.
ACTIVE: This is the default status of a domain at registration time. The registry sets the domain to this status. The domain is modifiable
by the registrar. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status if the domain has at
least one associated name server.
REGISTRY-LOCK: The registry sets the domain to this status. The domain cannot be modified or deleted by the registrar. The registry
MUST remove the REGISTRY-LOCK status for the registrar to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status if the domain has at least one associated name server.
REGISTRY-HOLD: The registry sets the domain to this status. The domain cannot be modified or deleted by the registrar. The registry
MUST remove the REGISTRY-HOLD status for the registrar to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL NOT be included in the zone file when in this status.
REGISTRAR-HOLD: The registrar of the domain sets the domain to this status. The domain can not be modified or deleted when in this
status. The registrar MUST remove REGISTRAR-HOLD status to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL NOT be included in the zone file when in this status.
REGISTRAR-LOCK: The registrar of the domain sets the domain to this status. The domain cannot be modified or deleted when in this status. The registrar MUST remove REGISTRAR-LOCK status to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status.
REGISTRY-DELETE-NOTIFY: A domain is set on this status if it has expired and has child name servers that are hosting other domains. Only the registry may set this status. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status if the domain has at least one associated name server.
The Redemption Service is implemented by applying the following statuses through which deleted names progress:
REDEMPTIONPERIOD:
A domain name is placed in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status when a registrar requests the deletion of a name that is not within the Add Grace Period. A name that is in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status will not be included in the zone file. A registrar can not modify or purge a name in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. The only action a registrar can take on a name in REDEMPTIONPERIOD is to request that it be restored. Any other registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. Unless restored, the domain will be held in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status for a specified number of calendar days. The current length of this Redemption Period is thirty calendar days.
PENDINGDELETE:
A domain name is placed in PENDINGDELETE status if it has not been restored during the Redemption Period. A name that is in PENDINGDELETE status will not be included in the zone file. All registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in PENDINGDELETE status will be rejected. A domain name is purged from the registry database a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in PENDINGDELETE status. The current length of this Pending Delete Period is five calendar days.
PENDINGRESTORE:
A domain name is placed in PENDINGRESTORE status when a registrar requests restoration of a domain that is in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. A name that is in PENDINGRESTORE status will be included in the zone file. Registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status will be rejected. A domain name is returned to REDEMPTIONPERIOD status a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in PENDINGRESTORE unless the registrar submits a complete Registrar Restore Report to the Registry Operator. The current length of this Pending Restore Period is seven calendar days.
So, for those of you interested in registering previously registered - but now expiring domains: the domain will always go into REDEMPTIONPERIOD status before it is released to be re-registered. It will remain in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status for 30 days at which time it will then move to PENDINGDELETE status. After 5 days in PENDINGDELETE status, the domain will be released to be re-registered.
If a domain is renewed by the original registrant during the REDEMPTIONPERIOD status, the domain will NOT go to PENDINGDELETE status. Once a domain reaches to PENDINGDELETE status, it will become available to re-register.
Good luck in getting your expiring domains!
When observing the results of a whois lookup, you will see a record similar in format to the one below:
Domain Name: YAHOO.COM
Registrar: ALLDOMAINS.COM INC.
Whois Server: whois.alldomains.com
Referral URL: http://www.alldomains.com
Name Server: NS1.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS5.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS2.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS3.YAHOO.COM
Name Server: NS4.YAHOO.COM
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 20-oct-2003
Creation Date: 18-jan-1995
Expiration Date: 19-jan-2012
There is a line item in the lookup data labeled Status. In the case of this domain, the status is listed as REGISTRAR-LOCK.
Listed below are the various states that can appear in this field, and what they mean - I put a star by the 2 states that you should look for if you're interested in expiring domains. This data is taken directly from a document entitled, RFC 2832 - NSI Registry Registrar Protocol, May 2000 which is located at the following URL: http://ietf.org/rfc/rfc2832.txt?number=2832 and from General Counsel's Briefing Regarding Proposed Revisions to .com and .net Registry Agreements to Reflect Services Introduced 25 January 2003 located here: http://www.icann.org/minutes/report-vgrs-rgp-consolidate-23feb03.htm.
ACTIVE: This is the default status of a domain at registration time. The registry sets the domain to this status. The domain is modifiable
by the registrar. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status if the domain has at
least one associated name server.
REGISTRY-LOCK: The registry sets the domain to this status. The domain cannot be modified or deleted by the registrar. The registry
MUST remove the REGISTRY-LOCK status for the registrar to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status if the domain has at least one associated name server.
REGISTRY-HOLD: The registry sets the domain to this status. The domain cannot be modified or deleted by the registrar. The registry
MUST remove the REGISTRY-HOLD status for the registrar to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL NOT be included in the zone file when in this status.
REGISTRAR-HOLD: The registrar of the domain sets the domain to this status. The domain can not be modified or deleted when in this
status. The registrar MUST remove REGISTRAR-HOLD status to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL NOT be included in the zone file when in this status.
REGISTRAR-LOCK: The registrar of the domain sets the domain to this status. The domain cannot be modified or deleted when in this status. The registrar MUST remove REGISTRAR-LOCK status to modify the domain. The domain can be renewed. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status.
REGISTRY-DELETE-NOTIFY: A domain is set on this status if it has expired and has child name servers that are hosting other domains. Only the registry may set this status. The domain SHALL be included in the zone file when in this status if the domain has at least one associated name server.
The Redemption Service is implemented by applying the following statuses through which deleted names progress:
REDEMPTIONPERIOD:
A domain name is placed in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status when a registrar requests the deletion of a name that is not within the Add Grace Period. A name that is in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status will not be included in the zone file. A registrar can not modify or purge a name in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. The only action a registrar can take on a name in REDEMPTIONPERIOD is to request that it be restored. Any other registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. Unless restored, the domain will be held in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status for a specified number of calendar days. The current length of this Redemption Period is thirty calendar days.
PENDINGDELETE:
A domain name is placed in PENDINGDELETE status if it has not been restored during the Redemption Period. A name that is in PENDINGDELETE status will not be included in the zone file. All registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in PENDINGDELETE status will be rejected. A domain name is purged from the registry database a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in PENDINGDELETE status. The current length of this Pending Delete Period is five calendar days.
PENDINGRESTORE:
A domain name is placed in PENDINGRESTORE status when a registrar requests restoration of a domain that is in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. A name that is in PENDINGRESTORE status will be included in the zone file. Registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status will be rejected. A domain name is returned to REDEMPTIONPERIOD status a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in PENDINGRESTORE unless the registrar submits a complete Registrar Restore Report to the Registry Operator. The current length of this Pending Restore Period is seven calendar days.
So, for those of you interested in registering previously registered - but now expiring domains: the domain will always go into REDEMPTIONPERIOD status before it is released to be re-registered. It will remain in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status for 30 days at which time it will then move to PENDINGDELETE status. After 5 days in PENDINGDELETE status, the domain will be released to be re-registered.
If a domain is renewed by the original registrant during the REDEMPTIONPERIOD status, the domain will NOT go to PENDINGDELETE status. Once a domain reaches to PENDINGDELETE status, it will become available to re-register.
Good luck in getting your expiring domains!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Windows XP hidden apps
Windows XP hidden apps
run any of these apps go to Start > Run and type the executable name (ie charmap).
Windows XP hidden apps:
======================
1) Character Map = charmap.exe (very useful for finding unusual characters)
2) Disk Cleanup = cleanmgr.exe
3) Clipboard Viewer = clipbrd.exe (views contents of window$ clipboard)
4) Dr Watson = drwtsn32.exe (Troubleshooting tool)
5) DirectX diagnosis = dxdiag.exe (Diagnose & test DirectX, video & sound cards)
6) Private character editor = eudcedit.exe (allows creation or modification of characters)
7) IExpress Wizard = iexpress.exe (Create self-extracting / self-installing package)
Micro$oft Synchronization Manager = mobsync.exe (appears to allow synchronization of files on the network for when working offline. Apparently undocumented).
9) window$ Media Player 5.1 = mplay32.exe (Retro version of Media Player, very basic).
10) ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32.exe (something to do with databases)
11) Object Packager = packager.exe (to do with packaging objects for insertion in files, appears to have comprehensive help files).
12) System Monitor = perfmon.exe (very useful, highly configurable tool, tells you everything you ever wanted to know about any aspect of PC performance, for uber-geeks only )
13) Program Manager = progman.exe (Legacy window$ 3.x desktop shell).
14) Remote Access phone book = rasphone.exe (documentation is virtually non-existant).
15) Registry Editor = regedt32.exe [also regedit.exe] (for hacking the window$ Registry).
16) Network shared folder wizard = shrpubw.exe (creates shared folders on network).
17) File siganture verification tool = sigverif.exe
1Cool Volume Control = sndvol32.exe (I’ve included this for those people that lose it from the System Notification area).
19) System Configuration Editor = sysedit.exe (modify System.ini & Win.ini just like in Win98! ).
20) Syskey = syskey.exe (Secures XP Account database - use with care, it’s virtually undocumented but it appears to encrypt all passwords, I’m not sure of the full implications).
21) Micro$oft Telnet Client = telnet.exe
22) Driver Verifier Manager = verifier.exe (seems to be a utility for)
run any of these apps go to Start > Run and type the executable name (ie charmap).
Windows XP hidden apps:
======================
1) Character Map = charmap.exe (very useful for finding unusual characters)
2) Disk Cleanup = cleanmgr.exe
3) Clipboard Viewer = clipbrd.exe (views contents of window$ clipboard)
4) Dr Watson = drwtsn32.exe (Troubleshooting tool)
5) DirectX diagnosis = dxdiag.exe (Diagnose & test DirectX, video & sound cards)
6) Private character editor = eudcedit.exe (allows creation or modification of characters)
7) IExpress Wizard = iexpress.exe (Create self-extracting / self-installing package)
Micro$oft Synchronization Manager = mobsync.exe (appears to allow synchronization of files on the network for when working offline. Apparently undocumented).
9) window$ Media Player 5.1 = mplay32.exe (Retro version of Media Player, very basic).
10) ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32.exe (something to do with databases)
11) Object Packager = packager.exe (to do with packaging objects for insertion in files, appears to have comprehensive help files).
12) System Monitor = perfmon.exe (very useful, highly configurable tool, tells you everything you ever wanted to know about any aspect of PC performance, for uber-geeks only )
13) Program Manager = progman.exe (Legacy window$ 3.x desktop shell).
14) Remote Access phone book = rasphone.exe (documentation is virtually non-existant).
15) Registry Editor = regedt32.exe [also regedit.exe] (for hacking the window$ Registry).
16) Network shared folder wizard = shrpubw.exe (creates shared folders on network).
17) File siganture verification tool = sigverif.exe
1Cool Volume Control = sndvol32.exe (I’ve included this for those people that lose it from the System Notification area).
19) System Configuration Editor = sysedit.exe (modify System.ini & Win.ini just like in Win98! ).
20) Syskey = syskey.exe (Secures XP Account database - use with care, it’s virtually undocumented but it appears to encrypt all passwords, I’m not sure of the full implications).
21) Micro$oft Telnet Client = telnet.exe
22) Driver Verifier Manager = verifier.exe (seems to be a utility for)
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