Contributed by Syed Awab Hasan

Actually, rather than waste your time, I would cordially like to inform you that the only thing you should have known before you became a software engineer is that you shouldn’t have worked towards becoming one. You just wasted your time. Just kidding!

When we human beings exist at the level in which our studies are at the Secondary school level, we have many aspirations about our careers, know a lot about it and generally believe in a lot of myths

Google is freaking easy. I’ll make one. For software engineers with an aptitude towards the internet and web development, a common misconception is held. This misconception states that making web applications that are highly successful, like Google, or even simple websites are really easy (heck, kids do it – you know that Zucky kid who made Facebook…). Believe me, it isn’t. Web development or programming is, in some cases, even more difficult than normal software development. What’s more a large number of other issues and disciplines arise here as opposed to mainstream software programming. You just cant create an overnight Google. However, if you learn, dedicate yourself, work heard, be creative and come up with innovative ideas you may just become the next ‘Zucky’ kid. The conclusion; software engineering involving the internet is just as hard or even harder than the usual non-internet development – it encompasses marketing, and a good number of other disciplines (even psychology!).

The worst paid jobs on the planet. Pakistan and other South Asian countries are famous as Outsourcing havens. Outsourcing may be the one reason why our software industry is alive today. However, it is highly competitive and sometimes pays little. Local, non-outsourcing work is even harder than that – that is if you manage to find a job. People don’t exactly consider software engineering as a credible discipline sans medical or even mechanical engineering. However, you should understand that if you work hard at university, involve yourself in hobby programming and stay in touch with the software industry and get good marks you may not have such a problem with pay or finding a job. Still, all engineers to be should be prepared for initial bad pays or lack of jobs.

Coding is not a mystic or mythical art. That’s right, to put it bluntly. Forget the movies in which programmers are continuously tapping keys on the keyboard (there are graphic user interfaces now for Linux that rival the designs of the Mac such as KDE and GNOME). It involves the writing of a lot of lines of code (and, sadly, no pictures) and then reading these lines again and again. A lot of boring rudimentary work particularly if C is what you are working on.

C. The Horror. This is more and more important in Pakistan. C (and in some cases languages even more primitive than C) are the introductory jumping point of programming. And C is difficult, tough and somewhat primitive. But it is important and if you don’t have the stomach for it, you won’t be able to proceed. But don’t worry – once you move on to Java, you’re interest will be elevated.

Code never ends. Software usually contains a large number of lines – good sized software have 100, 000, 000 lines of code (don’t worry, you wont have to write it alone). In short, there is a lot of code behind software. Why is this important? You should understand that a single misplaced word or statement results in a ‘bug’ that may have wide scale repercussions to the software. Furthermore, coding is a process that goes on and on. Software is updated. Updates are created and then checked for compatibility with the software. New concepts, languages and standards are introduced on a frightening scale. Coding never ends (unless you kill the software – discontinue it like Netscape Navigator).

Hacking isn’t what you think it is – that’s cracking. Some guy in some movie hacked into a government’s server and stole important secrets. Someone else crashed the traffic system. Someone crashed a website and added an offensive picture on the site. And the most common one, someone cracked the password of an email address. This is NOT hacking. It’s called cracking – and is not even programming. Good programmers frown at it and it is a form of ridicule. Plus, it’s highly illegal. In some cases it may be easy to install some software or script and crash someone’s computer but it is very difficult to destroy traces of your activity. And if you’re caught, it’s a prison cell for you. And no, all such ‘crackers’ are hired by some intelligence agency like CIA (only the very best and that depends).

Hacking is NOT easy. Hacking for programmers is better termed as Ethical Hacking and it more or less defines the actual problem solving process of programming – done in a challenging and satisfying way to overcome one problem after another. Think of ethical hackers as the scientists of programming. To reach such a level a lot of hard work is required. Years of sweat and more sweat. And it is enjoyed by some and not all.

Not all Software Engineers are geeks who wear glasses and stay in their rooms. Many software engineers, before going this way, assume that many good programmers are like this. That isn’t true. Many programmers look like the average person (although there are programmers whose descriptions fit these). Therefore, programming isn’t just for geeks – it’s for anyone with an interest in problem solving.

The, possibly, most boring job on this planet. Believe me, many engineers expect software engineering to be like a breeze of fresh air. It is if you don’t put your mind and soul into it. A large amount of work is boring, hard and repetitive. In fact, the truly challenging and interest part of programming is the problem solving, architecture and designing process – which accounts for some portion of programming. Otherwise, be prepared for a good amount of time doing boring work unless, as mentioned above, you actually like coding. If you do, consider yourself lucky.

Bugs, Bugs and more Bugs! I will kill you, you Virus. This will be the most annoying and brain eating part of software engineering. Debugging to remove vulnerabilities and fortifying your code to prevent attack of vulnerabilities or loopholes in your code. Prepare yourself for a good amount of time spent on this – to the point of giving up. Heck, after this, all those who may have entered into software engineering to create viruses or malware will detest the creators of such.

Bonus. In Pakistan, ‘Archaeological’ (primitive) programming is taught. Think about it.

Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook story has been adapted for the big screen by West Wing screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and the director David Fincher, whose credits include Se7en and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Titled The Social Network, it is based on a book, The Accidental Billionaires, by Ben Mezrich, for whom “this is the ultimate geek-becomes-success story. Mark Zuckerberg was the smartest guy in the room but he wasn’t the coolest. At college, everything revolves around that [being cool]. That’s why people become writers, that’s why people become rock stars and that’s why people start Facebook.”

The Facebook idea evolved out of ‘just another student dormitory’, at Harvard University. The dorm dominated by four young boys was similar to many other dorms. But the only difference which lay among this dorm and the others was that it was inhabited by Mark Zuckerberg. A 19-year-old, who will revolutionize internet with his one website and become a billionaire.

On 4^th February Zuckerberg launched a website that would change the world. By just one click of the mouse Facebook was invented. And within a short span of time we all were familiar with Facebook with an average of 150 friends in our list. Though the website was only intended for students from Harvard, it gradually became a tool for interaction for people outside as well. It rapidly expanded more than anyone had ever imagined it would.

The movie highlights the life of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg where we meet the real Zuckerberg. The movie highlights how Facebook expanded and how in a short span of time it received $500,000 investment from the PayPal entrepreneur Peter Thiel.

In 2006, Zuckerberg turned down a $1bn offer to sell to the internet giant Yahoo, because he believed it was worth more. A year later, Microsoft purchased a 1.6% stake in the company for $240m. By 2008, Facebook overtook MySpace as the world’s biggest social network. In 2009, the site was operating in 27 different countries. And in May 2010, Zuckerberg celebrated his 26th birthday.

Extraordinary achievement at such a young age has been brilliantly portrayed in The Social Network. The movie has been rated as the Best movie of the decade. Lets see how the audience responds to it on its release on 15 October.

“Blast you, Farmville. The most addictive of Facebook games is hardly even a game.” Times And now this not so game has entered the real world. Oh don’t worry; it is not the scorching heat which you will have to suffer. Because Farmville has decided to enter the real world through MSN and Yahoo where more and more Sheppards await.

When Facebook was blocked, the first thing that came to many minds, “Oh! What about my crops, they will die”. O yes you guessed it right we are referring to Farms which have made everyone out their one thing they never despised in Pakistan, which is “virtual Sheppard”.
This bizarre digital addiction currently caters to millions of addicts around the world with a thousand of hours which go of waste. “It’s more a series of mindless chores on a digital farm, requiring the endless clicking of a mouse to plant and harvest crops.” Times

But how to they keep their players engaged? Why do the players keep coming back to the games? The main reason is what developers call “game mechanics”. These are the incentives which are provided to the players on winning. They may be points, coins, badges or even a chance to move on to the next level.

“Basically game mechanics are a way to get consumers addicted to things,” said Tim Chang, principal at Norwest Venture Partners, which has backed many social mobile game companies. “They keep people engaged to keep doing things, as opposed to what goes viral quick: You click, you watch and then never see it again.” These incentives motivate the players into playing the game and others like it. This is called “game-ification of life,” where points, coins, and badges become an important part of life.

Now Farmville is moving very fast in entering the advertising world. Where many advertisers have noticed the increasing popularity of the game across the globe. The first branded crop in Farmville is just around the corner and is ready to catch up.
Well you don’t have to worry about your fields because as you are also scared of the ban so is Farmville. They sure can’t let their Sheppard stroll away from them into the darkness leaving the farms unattended. So here we are where Farmville decided to join us in the real world.

Interviewed By Sara Waqar Khan

After quite number of delays we finally got hold of Farhan Masood on this 23^rd March. Though it was difficult to get hold of him due to his busy schedule but CodeWeek today has managed to make everything possible for its readers. This is an interview which will make you evergreen. We present to you CEO, SOLO SMART Farhan Masood.

You’re brief Introduction:

A restless soul, determined to make some difference. Professionally, a futurologist with keen interest in technology and psychology. CEO of Solo Smart Inc, a hi-tech research firm working in the field of Megatronics, a right mix of Software, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Solo Smart manufactures Facial Recognition and Artificial Intelligence based Robotic Security gates in Italy while all the technology development takes place in the this amazing country of Pakistan. A full time patriot, founder of Go Green Pakistan initiative and actively participating in nation building activities with Pakistan Youth Revolution.

My friends know me as…

I have lots of friends…. Some say I have a buddy factory. Those who know me find me witty, philosopher, geek, yet reliable and trust worthy. Always ready to go any mile to help within my capacity. Close ones call me Pagal, Deewana and a Cookie Monster…. Yeah I can go on moon for cookies. I trouble fails to find me I search for it from every nook and corner… The rest call me a patriot.

My employees know me as…

Lenient, kind hearted, flexible and easy going…. All qualities not recommended for any boss.

1. Can you sum up year 2009 in a few paragraphs?

a)     Expectations

Hazaron khwahishain aisee keh her khwahish peh dam niklay… There were a lot of expectations from 2009, yet it was a  slow year due to global recession. We achieved a lot from the development side. Plus their were failures and successes from the business side as well. Overall 2009 was restless and a the same time energetic year.

b)    Success

• Technologically, it was an year of achievements. We completed many of our products including Facial Recognition Security Gate with comprehensive HRMS software suite for industrial sector, FaceXS Facial Recognition Attendance and Access Control unit for corporate sector and a Visitors Management System.
• For our Face Recognition Security Gate solution, we were able to complete our development of 3D Face Recognition algorithm, its turnstile formation into a high security gate.
• Hammer proof Touch screen interface add on for illiterate friendliness.
• SMS based event watch dog which predicts if an employee will not arrive today etc.
• Much enhanced artificial intelligence and decision support system. Highly secure Dual technology RFID and Contactless development and integration and a lot more.
• We were able to start our production in Italy and also outsourced manufacturing of a low cost smaller unit in China. Interestingly we co-developed with our Italian Partners a Blast Proof Suicide Bomber Prevention Trap Portal which may secure high risk buildings.
• Business wise we were able to strike the deals with richest group in Pakistan called Nishat and got all the appreciation of the visionary Mansha Sahib, followed by the global legend Pepsi Cola for starting eventually from their biggest bottling plant situated in Gujranwala. We compiled our installation at PEL, where our system has been approved for the largest possible shift in Pakistan under one roof at one time. With over 8000 employees, the PEL setup is busier  then the busiest airport in the world.

c)     Failures

In order to achieve all these we faced many failures as well. We succeeded because we failed. Out of Lab successes turned out to be worst failures in industrial environment. We had to fight chip-bursting heat, had to improve our algorithms a lot to cope up with evil minded labor and what not. We had to close down our manufacturing unit in Pakistan, as we were not able to achieve the quality, and due to a few import sanctions and unavailability of various chips in the local market.

d)    Friends

It was the year of social media. Made a lot of friends over Facebook and Twitter and met a lots of them. Mostly are nice people. Found lost ones from school and college. Learnt that social media takes you near to those who are far away from you while takes you far away from those who are sitting right next to you waiting to be heard. With this thought I have minimized my use of social media for a while.

e)     New Business Ventures

We formed manufacturing alliances in Italy, Turkey and China with renowned factories to manufacture our designed hardware under an OEM license.

f)     Plans

If you want to make GOD laugh, tell him your plans. A lot of pending things include a Face Recognition based ATM, a VIP customer detection center, a finger portable biometric location device and a lots more.

g)     Travels

I Traveled to Australia and China, while my partner was in Italy and Turkey to represent me. 2. Lessons Learnt from 2009? Everything happens at its own time. Always build your dreams over smaller achievable goals and set targets to achieve them. Always add staple sellable items to your business plans as big projects are not that easy to sell. Demand Supply rule taught to us in Economics has no application without a factor called bribe. Alhamdolilah we have not so far been into bribe business yet it had been a tough path we chose. Never ever attempt for Government and Army Projects. They always give business to the ones they want to, and just waste your time to collect information from you and handing over to those who will actually do the projects.

2. Awards and recognitions

In my career so far I have won 21 awards.

In year 2009 I received P@SHA ICT Award and APICTA from Melbourne Australia as well.

3. What comes to your mind when I say:

a)     Pakistan

Pakistan is rising… Pakistan is not a piece of land. I am Pakistan you are Pakistan, We are Pakistan…. We will change, so will Pakistan

b)    2010

2010 was a tough year to make or break… stay determined and you should get there.

c)     Gadgets

As a futurologist I play with toys of the future which I cannot own yet. This way it has killed my urge to own anything that’s in the market. Otherwise you will find me loaded with old but useful gadgets.

d)    Go Green

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step… and Go Green Pakistan has played its role among the society with your help. The concept of Go Green is to bring patriotism back in the people, to unite them and keep the hope alive ~ which is the driving force for every successful nation. The idea was to bring all Pakistanis close through Social Media & show unity towards #Pakistan and humanity by changing their display pictures and Avatars with Green Flag of Pakistan on Twitter and Facebook. This experiment was quite successful and was promoted by many new followers every day.

On Twitter and Facebook I was often disappointed by a large number of Pakistanis indulged in negative discussions, which left the youth in despair and hopelessness. The slogans like “Pakistan se zinda bhag” (Run from Pakistan Alive) were circulating everywhere and it was really painful for a patriot like me to digest.

Negative criticism leads towards complete chaos. In order to cease it, I used the power of Social Media to reach out to a larger number of Pakistani Intellectuals with minimum effort.

So far 38,600 plus have turned GREEN… Without you it was not possible and you may think it was just a small JOB you were involved in ?

What GO GREEN has achieved so far?

by turning GREEN…

a) You have literally touched hearts, lit hope, triggered emotions and awakened the sleeping LOVE among Pakistanis of the cyber world !

Ali Ahmed, 21 via email says
All my life I never felt any love for Pakistan. Your Go Green campaign has made me feel for the first time that deep down I love my country and that feeling is now just making me crazy, Thank you for waking me up. Pakistan Zindabad!

b) You have created a distinctive identity of Pakistanis across the CyberSpace. Nobody will now ask us ARE U INDIAN ?

@shubhankar – An Indian tweets
How to identify a #Pakistani on Twitter – they have ALL turned green…. with envy Go Green with #Pakistan

c) You have created a notion of pride among other Nations

Kuroi Noshiyorul – An Indonesian on Independence day of Indonesia via Facebook Status
Although there is no Indonesian Flag * profile pic * I still love Indonesia !

d) You have noticeably eliminated negative discussions on Pakistan on Twitter and Facebook – Alhamdolilah

Saima – Psychologist via Facebook Message
Very clever Farhan, why would anyone with a Pakistani Flag Pic share negative stuff about Pakistan… so more u will turn GREEN, less negative stuff about Pakistan will come on the Internet from Pakistanis. May Allah bless you and do more good for Pakistan.

I have over 10,500 comments in your praise I just picked a few like

Yussarah Nasir
let the world know what Pakistan is….

Sabahat Ashraf
this could go global! we should offer this to everyone–maybe with a small “offered as a service by the people of Pakistan”?

Muhammad Waqar Zafar
Excellent Work Indeed, Green Team, Your Work Have Certainly Fueled Up The High Spirit Of Patriotism. Just Keep Up The Good Work …

Go Green Pakistan is now the piece of a bigger cake now called Pakistan Youth Revolution, a social welfare platform for youth to work for Pakistan.

e) FaceXS

Imagine someday walking up to the front door of your home or office, and instead of whipping out your keys or RFID keycard, you stare into a facial recognition device that decides whether or not you’re really you. While this sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, this technology is real, and available today.

Upon taking an advice from my mentor Monis Rehman, the CEO of Naseeb Networks, I indulged into the development of a cheaper staple product in our Facial Recognition family for the less focused corporate sector.

FaceXS is a Dual Sensor 3D Face Recognition device that is fool and fail proof. It uses advanced linescan technology to achieve ultra-high resolution Facial Recognition; capable of identification and verification of Faces in less then a second. FaceXS can’t be fooled with Pictures and Posters as it uses near infrared 3D sensors to identify real human Faces, and any facial changes like beard, moustache, clean shave, and anti-glare glasses. FaceXS can convert almost any type of wooden, glass or aluminium doors into digital access bays open for those who are permitted and closed for those who are not authorized.

FaceXS can also be used to collect Time and Attendance data in the corporate offices as the machine stores 500 users and easily integrates with our Attendance Magic Software.

f)     Fatherhood

The world’s most amazing feeling is being a father, having showers of hugs and kisses that sweep all your worries away. I have a 5 year old Beautiful daughter and her name is Nashmia, and my world revolves around her. It was difficult as a single parent yet thanks to my mother who made it easy for me.

g)     Farhan Masood

Bullya kee janaa main kon !

• How would you advise youngsters who wish to join Software Industry as a career?

You cannot be successful overnight. Stay determined in whatever you do and you will touch the skies. Explore the mobile phone programming industry. Andriod and Iphone apps would soon be as big as the software industry itself. Professional video games would be the next best market. Social Media Apps are growing fast too and must not be ignored, specially the Facebook programming.

• What is your broad perception about this community in Pakistan as it stands today?

I think Pakistan is full of talent, and all they need is direction and guidance. Hard work beats talent if talent does not work hard…. And these days it is needed to work extra smart too. One thing we need to change is that we Pakistanis work on the principle of Rockets, We aim high but don’t move towards it unless we are in dire need.

• What are your personal professional plans for the immediate future for the next 10 years?

Building a global distribution network for our products and maturing illiterate friendly hardware and software tools.

• Any message you would want to give to the world?

Lets make this world a better place with love, peace, and harmony and by eliminating all the hatred.

Feline Frenzy is what its developers have named it; a Facebook Game from Islamabad based start-up called White Rabbit.

Gameplay is about throwing boots at birds in the sky from a thrower that can turn right or left to aim the birds. Along with there are cats flowing down hanged with balloons, player will have to aim at balloons so that cat’s don’t fall on ground safely. If four cats reach the ground, on either side – then that’s the end of game.

With scores, player crosses the levels. There are different boot types that get unlocked as player proceeds with game levels. Watch out before firing boots, as each shot going to cost  points.

Game is pretty addictive in nature; any player may easily end up spending enough time playing it.

Play Feline Frenzy here: http://apps.facebook.com/feline-frenzy/

Become a Fan here

Did you know Farmville is a SCAM. Across the World Wide Web it is believed, that behind your back, FarmVille players are being robbed through facebook by generating “hundreds of millions of dollars”. The game makes people pay cash in order to level up faster. At the same time, it also offers rewards where you can accessorise your farm or even expand it in size.

FarmVille allows its users to build and manage virtual farms by planting, growing and harvesting crops, trees and livestock. According to Zynga, the company which developed the game, users have built more than 40m virtual farms. Since its release in June, almost 60million people have jumped in and are playing it day and night.

Michael Arrington, founder of the Techcrunch blog, has severely criticized FarmVille for “monetizing”. He said it encouraged players to buy in-game currency, Farm Cash, which allows players to progress faster. Users go crazy after Farm Coins and Cash where they are provided with links to buy virtual money with real cash.

Farm Cash can be bought using credit cards or phone contracts. They can also be accumulated by signing up for free trials with third parties, some of which require the player to hand over credit card or mobile phone numbers. This can result in a ‘charge’ to that account if the player forgets to cancel the deal once the free trial ends.

In a post on Techcrunch, Arrington said: “These games try to get people to pay cash for in game currency so they can level up faster and have a better overall experience.” However, people who do not want to pay by card, or young people who don’t have their own credit card, can sign up for “offers” from advertisers to get more of the currency, or can pay through “pay by mobile” companies.

“Most of these offers are bad for consumers because it confusingly gets them to pay far more for in-game currency than if they just paid cash (there are notable exceptions, but the scammy stuff tends to crowd out the legitimate offers),” he said.

Everyone on facebook is addicted to Farmville. Why? Every status update, every home page is loaded with notifications and invitations to join in. This addiction started a few months back with its launch in June.

]]> http://www.codeweek.pk/2009/11/farmville-turns-scamville/feed/ 1 http://www.codeweek.pk/2009/10/158-mark-zuckerberg-forbes-400-richest-americans-2009/ http://www.codeweek.pk/2009/10/158-mark-zuckerberg-forbes-400-richest-americans-2009/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:03:30 +0000 Admin http://www.codeweek.pk/?p=1511

Courtesy: Facebook

From Harvard’s dorm room in 2004, till acquiring a user base of 300 million in 2009, today Facebook’s owner Mark Zuckerberg has been ranked at number 158 by Forbes, in its annual 400 richest Americans list. It was also quoted that his net worth is $2 billion, one-fifth of Facebook’s $10 billion valuation. At 25, Zuckerberg is by far the youngest member of the Forbes 400 list. Last year, Zuckerberg debuted on the list at #321. His net worth at that time was $1.5 billion.

Netscape founder and Facebook director Marc Andreessen claims, “Facebook, will top $500 million in revenue in 2009″.

A few weeks back Mark Zuckerberg said that, “Earlier this year we said we expected to be cash flow positive sometime in 2010, and I’m pleased to share that we achieved this milestone last quarter, “This is important to us because it sets Facebook up to be a strong independent service for the long term.”

And today Forbes has given us the reason and the result of Zuckerberg’s above statement, where he has been ranked as the youngest and the richest 148th amongst the 400. Alongwith this Facebook has been be declared as a profit-making company and being “free cash flow positive”. This indicates that a stock market launch could finally become a possibility.

Courtesy: Guardian UK

Facebook has more than 300 million users worldwide. Facebook is one social networking site where you can find every individual whether it is your childhood friend (a long lost buddy), your school teacher or even your boss. It does not matter in which part of world they are. And did you know that this number is equal to entire on-line population in China and is equivalent to Europe’s ten largest countries combined.

With additional 50 million people becoming a Facebook member the site is growing everyday.

“It’s a large number, but the way we think about this is that we’re just getting started on our goal of connecting everyone,” he wrote on Facebook’s blog.

After five and a half year Facebook is finally making money and thus is referred to as cash flow positive.

“Earlier this year we said we expected to be cash flow positive sometime in 2010, and I’m pleased to share that we achieved this milestone last quarter,” said Zuckerberg. “This is important to us because it sets Facebook up to be a strong independent service for the long term.”

Now Facebook can be declared as a profit-making company and being “free cash flow positive”. This indicates that a stock market launch could finally become a possibility.

Earlier in 2007, Facebook launched and shut an advertising program called Beacon as reported by Wall Street Journal. But today in 2009, Zuckerberg and company now seems to have settled on a number of ways to bring in the money.

First of all anyone who has cash can advertise on Facebook. This includes all the Facebook users, who try to direct you to their profiles, fan pages or elsewhere in order to get you to follow their cause or buy their product and outsiders as well.

Secondly, virtual goods prop up all kinds of on-line games, and nobody ever thought ring-tones could be so profitable. There are also the gifts and other virtual property that users can buy and give to each other. This still seems like a crazy idea to some people, but it can prove a highly profitable business in the right circumstances.

Thirdly, Self-serve advertising allows marketers to decide precisely who they want to appeal to, and buy ads to put in front of users who fit the profile. This has already proved appealing for some big brands.

In addition, Facebook is known to be working on a micro-payments system (no doubt a money-spinner if they can pull it off) that will almost certainly allow it to take a slice of any transaction that takes place through the site. Whatever it is, there appears to be a business here.

In Ramadan, People have been cataloguing their entire life on Facebook and Twitter, as they did before. We have witnessed many times that these open announcements, most of the times have lead to fights, embarrassments, and most of the time deactivation of personal accounts. But in Ramadan we wish to decrease your tension. Here are some of the social networking ethics which should be strictly followed, in Ramadan, by every Software Engineer, in fact, by every individual out there.

• Update your status five times a day

You know that we Muslims offer prayer five times a day and we know that you update your status every day, oh sorry, every passing minute that is. So we advise you to log in to twitter and facebook account only 5 minutes before you go for namaz. Which is five times a day? This might help a 24/7 facebook user to be inspired by you and then get up and offer his prayers at the right time, every time you update your status.

• DO NOT make long, sincere and deep Duas on “WHATS ON YOUR MIND?”

Whatever you need from Allah, write it on a piece of paper and keep it under your pillow when you sleep. No there will be no magic wand working over here, it all depends on the Almighty instead of announcing it in front of the world. TRUST US; the world will only make fun of you, some things need to be kept very close to you and your heart.

• Do not over share:

Yes we obviously know that you had a wonderful Aftari at someone’s place, or at a restaurant, or at some Cafe, but please do not update your status by declaring what followed after that. We honestly do not want to know about your acidities and constipations. And we honestly do not know want to know what and where you ate. So, it will be greatly appreciated to keep it to yourself whatever you did or did not.

• Do not hurt anyone and control  anger in all situations.

We know that ROZA LAG RAHA HAI. But that does not mean that you should start fighting with everyone or anyone who comes across. Nobody cares about your frame of mind. Everyone is fasting so mind you, control your temper and yourself. On the other hand, if someone has completely failed to offer you an extravagant meal at aftari, do not curse that person on your status updates. Because he might also be cursing you, for eating all his food at the other end.

• Donate an Ayat
  

Donate one Ayat every day, or more appropriately donate your status update completely to Ramazan. If you can Go Green then you can definitely Go Ayat every day. So let’s see how far this campaign goes. So, Go Ayat every day.

• Spend more time with your family

Instead of Zouking or Tweeting try spending more time your family. You can go for outing every day, but you will not be able to have a superb Aftari with your family.

• Read a book on our Prophet PBUH
  

Instead of reading a blog try reading a book, yes I am referring to the Holy Quran. O, come on, all we are asking you is for devotion of one complete month out of twelve. Because we know that you can definitely do it.

• Plan for the next year

If you completely failed to follow the first few rules set by us, then just think and create a resolution for years to come. And start planning ways of devoting yourself to it. Because from then onwards there will be no excuses.

• Neither shall you steal

Okay this time you can steal but only if the status update is Go Ayat Update, otherwise you really don’t have a chance.

• Evaluate your (self) status updates

Last but not the least evaluate yourself. Don’t ask how. if you have not followed any of the above tasks then don’t ask questions, just check your status updates and consider them as someone else’s, you will know exactly what we are referring to.

Pick things from this list and define the sequence you would want to pursue. This will help you avoid wasting your time in unproductive chats which is common in the festive on Facebook and even at the Masjids during Ramadan.

Shedding all its heavy applications, now Facebook is ready to reach in every part of the world as Facebook Lite. Now it looks more like twitter in its appearance and function. It aims to reach the developing nations where internet connections are slow and people are therefore unable to access such social networking websites. The HTML has been optimized, so there is lesser code for browsers to download.

It is available not only in India and America, but is various parts of Asia as well. It is ideal for smart phone users and netbook users. It faster and simpler way of keeping in touch with your friends and family, all the time, wherever you are.  It is also targets those who are still in search of new and easy tools of social networking, in the deep sea of World Wide Web. Have a look at the regular and the lite versions of facebook,

Regular Version

Facebook Lite

What makes the two versions different from each other,

• Facebook Lite loads much faster than the regular Facebook version. It seems empty and incomplete at the first look.
• There are no status updates anymore. “What’s on your mind?” bar removed
• It lacks the chatting window sessions, where people spend hours conversing with their friends.
• You will miss out the applications people are crazy about the games, the quizzes, the personality tests etc.
• No way of creating or visiting groups. Now lack of Fanship might affect the online marketing and business strategies.
• Events and birthday feeds appear in a single line on the home page.
• The size and amount of ads has also decreased.
• Some features are not ready yet.

Users are still trying to figure out how can they share their videos on Facebook Lite.

With so many things removed and deleted, people still prefer the lite version. Well the main reason is that everyone is busy and everyone prefers simple versions of everything available. People also argue that Myspace and the regular Facebook are a strain for the eyes. It is also believed by many that Facebook Lite may bring a revolution and change the way websites are designed. The heavy loaded websites with so many categories might not be seen in the near future OR it counld even be the other way round.