One of the most frustrating things in life is a slow computer.
Every few years, we buy an expensive new PC and love how fast it starts up, runs programs, and loads websites.  Inevitably though, it starts to slow down until eventually we are pulling our hair out waiting for it to do routine tasks.

Why is this?  It turns out the answer is actually quite simple and you don't even need to be "technical" to understand the causes and solutions.

The good news: It's not the computer hardware that's the problem.  In most cases, the hardware you have is perfectly capable of being restored to its original glory and kept in fast running condition with minimal effort.

Rather, the problem lies with changes that occur to the PC's software.  The two most common causes of slowdown (along with easy solutions) are:

1. The most common problem: registery errors

Every time you (or your kids) load a program, game, or file, your PC's software registery is updated with new instructions needed to operate that item.  However, when the item is removed, these instructions usually remain on your PC.  Every time you run your computer it tries to execute these instructions but, because the related program can't be found, it causes a registry error.  Your PC is doing a lot more work than it should be and the result is a significantly slower computer.

One of the best ways to manage this is with a neat little tool from Support.com, a Silicon Valley based company.  It's called ARO 2011 and it scans, identifies, and fixes registry errors--resulting in a computer that's a lot more like it was when you first bought it.  On top of the amazing results it offers, it's so easy to install and use that it was recently awarded a coveted 4.5 star rating (out of 5) by CNET's editorial staff and has been downloaded more than 30 million times.

You can now get a free working version of the software which will quickly scan your entire PC and identify all of the registry errors that may be bogging it down.  The free version also scans for junk and checks your PC's baseline security status.  It will eliminate the first 100 errors for free, and if you have more errors that you want to clean up or want to set the program to run on a regular basis (which is recommended), you can easily upgrade to the full version for just $29.95.  After that, registry errors will no longer be a problem.

To get the free version simply click here.

2. Spyware and viruses

Spyware and viruses are software programs that are loaded on your computer without your knowledge or permission.  They have various purposes, including:

• Changing the default search engine in your browser.
• Tracking your Web surfing habits and showing you targeted advertising.
• Using your email program to send out spam to other email addresses.
• Stealing your personal information.

Most spyware and viruses get onto our computers through files that we download from the Internet or as attachments to emails.  They tend to take up a lot of computing power and, as a result, will significantly slow down your computer.

The simple rule of thumb to follow is to never download any free software programs from companies you do not know and trust, especially screensavers, emoticons, and the like.  In addition, you should never open any attachment to an email unless you are 100 percent certain you know and trust the sender.  In addition, make sure you have a good anti-virus/spyware removal software running at all times.

Follow the above advice and your PC should stay fast and safe.

A study published in 2008 revealed that there is a link between heavy hookah smoking and incidence of cancer. And yet, the Sindh Assembly’s decision to outlaw the smoking of shisha has been met with much skepticism.

Twenty year old Hassan* says:

• “It is rubbish. They should ban cigarette smoking first!”

But will arresting the frequency of cigarette smoking make the ban on shisha more acceptable?

“Banning cigarette smoking will show that the government has a clear policy against smoking,” Hassan asserts. “Prohibiting shisha will only affect a small portion of the general population.”

The question of acceptability looms like a specter, putting a match to numerous contentious – and somewhat unsolvable –debates. Zahra*, a student in Karachi says:

• “I find Bachal Shah’s statement – ‘not only boys, but teenaged girls also go to restaurants to smoke shisha’ – to be extremely derogatory and sexist. It takes the stereotyped image of woman and distorts it even more. I feel it could have been phrased better. It would have had a stronger impact.”

Hookah smoking has been deemed a popular activity in most South Asian countries and in the Arab world. Is it then apt to consider a ban of this nature as an assault on human liberties? Afsar*, a Lahore-based business student says:

• “I think it should only be enforced in public places. This way, people who want to smoke shisha – in spite of the health risks involved – will have the freedom to do in the privacy of their own homes.”

Hookah smoking is also perceived as a predominantly elitist activity. It has become a fixture for various social gatherings and events.

Will this interdiction on shisha significantly alter people’s mindsets?

Fine arts student in Karachi, Farima* says:

• “The shisha ban is rather absurd. There are countless other issues that are in need of potent attention and consequent action. The hazards created by shisha are insignificant in comparison.”

It is vital to analyze the impact this will generate in society. Rahman*, a twenty-one year old argues:

• “I feel this ban will curb opportunities youngsters have to hang out and chill out. The youth in particular will feel deprived and may start using shisha underground. On the other hand, it’s good to see people taking such initiatives to promote health concerns.”

Although the ban on shisha is a stepping stone for change, there is still an inkling of resistance for it. Perhaps this can only be remedied if a tangible change in mindsets is propagated. But exactly how can this change be initiated? Zain* says:

• “I don’t think the tactful use of advertising helps. There is no guarantee that it will work. I remember when cigarette ads were followed by public services. Did that stop people from smoking?”

Perhaps the government should consider marketing this new policy. Most people who smoke shisha – which comprises a large section of the youth – are unaware of the health risks it entails. They only perceive it as a pleasurable pastime and thus find the ban to be a violation of inalienable human rights.

It is only through an innovative awareness campaign that the government can convey its standpoint to the naively unacquainted youth.

*Names have been changed to preserve the identity of the respondents.

Your wristwatch is no more just a time reminder; you can now update your Facebook pages through it.

A Canadian company called inPulse has created a watch that connects to your smartphone (or PC) and can be programmed to relay instant notifications and alerts, reports News.com.au.

Marketed as the “perfect hacker accessory,” the inPulse watch is fully programmable and can be customised using the company’s SDK.

Developers can take full control over the device’s 1.3″ OLED display, vibrating motor, button, timers and alerts.

inPulse users can also download one of the many apps that have been built for the device including an iTunes controller, PowerPoint Controller, a create-your-own analog clock app, and the FBCheckin app that lets you check into Facebook Places without getting your phone out of your pocket.

The inPulse watch has been in development since 2009 but first appeared on the market in February 2011.

1. She hates most of her friends

Girls always find plenty of emotional support, and friends for dance practises for weddings which gives the impression they are friends for life, but most will always confess to having some sort of beef with every girl they know or are friends with. I have seen the fluff of hugs, kisses and exaggerated pleasantries wear off as soon as one of them fails to call back in a day’s time. Most girls will judge everything their friends do.

College girls

“XYZ (close friend) was wearing such skimpy clothes that night!”

“Oh really!? Do you have pictures?! Wait – isn’t she your friend?

2. She loves to pretend she is the most Shareef girl you’ll ever meet

Yes, they all perform namaz and they all do parda when the need arises.  Many will even swing their dupata over the head ever so gracefully when they hear the azaan. But, they also don’t mind going on an iftari dates during Ramadan.  They will not miss any opportunity to praise their father and brothers in this regard either, making us mere mortals wonder if we can ever become similar paragons of virtue and civility.

3. She is always right

It doesn’t matter if you’re intelligent, if you have a thinking mind, or if you know your sports. You are wrong and your opinion is flawed, Afridi is the best cricketer in the world, and long hair beats short hair any day.

Don’t say you have to study when she wants to talk. It’s really hard to argue when most women are seemingly genetically predisposed to believing they are always right.

4. She expects you to understand all sorts of hints

Yes, even hand signals and eye blinks. A wave may mean goodbye, but it could also mean don’t-come-near-me-my-aunt-is-here. The innocent shrug of the shoulder doesn’t necessarily mean she is being indifferent about your friend third-wheeling tonight – it means “NO.”

The confusion created by girls to keep the average guys on their toes is ridonculous. Don’t fall for it. Pretend you don’t understand sign language or hints. Pretend, when she writes “k” in a text message that it really means everything is okay and that she isn’t really in a bad mood. If you dare pretend to understand even a single hint, be ready for the weight of understanding all of them.

5. She likes money

That’s right. They didn’t make that Bollywood song “Pesa Pesa Karti Hai” for a movie. They were trying to sing the reality of today’s world.

Girl’s love pretending they are not materialistic. But, most of them will flaunt their new hand bags and other accessories the minute they get the chance. They will notice the diamond in your watch from across the table, but your literary sense and general awareness of the world will generally fly over their head. They watch with great interest what other girls are wearing and may pass admiring remarks, but don’t expect the feeling to be mutual if you are found agreeing. In fact, be ready to give lengthy explanations if you are caught in that trap.

6. She doesn’t mind dating, but let’s talk marriage

Dating is totally kosher as long as there is a road map leading the two of you towards holy matrimony. Pressurising a guy into marital commitments is part and parcel of every Pakistani girl’s relationship. I mean, why else would they want to date!? For the fun of it?

Don’t be silly.

You might still be in high school and yet she would be planning that perfect wedding. What can you do? You’re not a heart breaker like all those other guys she keeps telling you about. If, God forbid, you fall short of delivering on those sacred plans, you are forever shunned as the most atrocious villain to have ever lived.

7. She has unrealistic expectations from watching romantic movies

They love putting guys in place of men from romantic movie’s and novels.

If she was crying at the end of Titanic because Di Caprio froze to death after safely placing Kate Winslet on that piece of plywood, she probably expects the same from you if the situation ever arises. Be sure to remind her that the plywood was big enough for at least three people.

Unrealistic expectations lead to great disappointments – letting them build over time by constantly trying to live up to them will only land you in icy waters.

Don’t be shy to fall asleep with the speaker phone on while she’s rambling on about her latest shopping trip. You may pull off being ‘sweet’ once, or even a few times, but will you be able to sustain forever? Be realistic.

5 things you should never reveal on Facebook

-- TNN

You may love being online, but that doesn't mean you can reveal all. Here are somethings that should be kept under wraps:

Intimate photos or videos

Something that you post in the heat of the moment may come back to haunt you many years later. Anything that's once posted online can never be deleted completely. So make sure that you don't post something that you may not want you colleagues, boss, siblings or parents to see.


Your phone number

And for that matter even your address. Even if you think that you can trust you e-friend, don't be naive. Similarly don't give out you address for some lucky draw. This very lucky draw may prove 'unlucky' for you.


Don't post any abuses

If you have some complaints against you boss or teachers don't write messages against them over the net. For starters, it can be easily traced back to you. Wouldn't you rather talk about your complaints face-to-face with your boss than miss out on that promotion you were vying for.




Bank details

It's one thing to pay your bills online over secure websites, but never ever can you give out your account number or your ATM pincodes. Don't take such risk no matter what the emergency is. If someone asks you for such details be suspicious of them.


Minute by minute details

It's one thing to tell people how you feel or crack a joke a two over the net, but don't give out details like 'going out for groceries' or 'heading to the local bar'.

--Harshada Rege

1) Indentify the amount of sleep you need to be fully alert all day long and get that amount every night. For most adults, it is 8 hours. For teenagers, it is around 9 hours.

2) Go to bed in the same time every night, and wake up at the same time every morning- including weekends.

3) For sleep to be rejuvenating, you should get your required amount of sleep in one continuos block. Any nicotine or caffeine after 2 p.m or alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime will disrupt your sleep.

4) For every 2 hours awake, you have to  sleep 1 hour. That is, it takes 8 hours of sleep to restore 16 hours of walking activity. You cannot make up for large sleep losses during the week by sleeping in on weekends any more than you can make up for lack or regular exercise and overeating during the week by working out or and dieting only on the weekends.To make up for lost sleep, you might consider a power nap : Taken midday and limited to 20 minutes.

5) Sleep on mattress with individual pocketed coils that reduce motion transfer, or a foam mattress designed to support your back properly. Use a high - quality down pillow.

6) Even if you are sleep - deprived, anxiety can delay sleep onset. Try relax - action exercises. Have a " worry time" before going to sleep by writing down your concerns. Your worries then won't interfere with sleep onset or wake you up during the night. Don't watch TV or surf teh internet within 2 hours of bedtime. Take a warm bath before bed. Reading for pleasure before turning off the lights will also ease you into sleep.

7) Take some time for youself and relax. Good sleep means good day! Good night!