Dec 31, 2008
Footballer Pictures When They Were Small
Just the pictures of the famous and glorious footballers when they were small, you will see Gerrard, Lampard (so cute), Alonso and others.
Dec 30, 2008
Free Wallpaper - Dream World (Part 1)
After long time no update because I'm too lazy, today I will share some of Dream World wallpapers in my collections.
Or the direct link to these images:
Or the direct link to these images:
Nov 13, 2008
Let It Rain - Riding Motorcycles When It's Wet
Let It Rain - Riding Motorcycles When It's Wet
When I first started riding motorcycles, rain clouds were my kryptonite. At the first sign of a dark cloud in the sky, my super-will to ride began to weaken and I raced home in search of a roof to hide under.
If I happened to get caught in the stuff - which was rare - I HATED it. Scared out of my wits with a death grip on the motorcycle's handlebars, I would swear from that point forward I would only ride on days of 0% humidity and no clouds in the sky.
Then, life happened. Time got more precious, a wife, family commitments, work responsibilities, etc, etc all began to eat into my riding time. So, to ride more, I had to take more chances and ride when weather conditions were less than ideal. Naturally, I got caught in the rain more, and you know what? I still hated it.
Then something clicked. Something happened, like in the movies when the ray of light from the sky shines down upon the main character and the choir sings in the background - except much less dramatic. I had been doing a lot more multi-day motorcycle trips which naturally means you are going to get caught in the rain more. Multi-day motorcycle trips also mean you have to bring more gear with you to accommodate a wide variety of climates. As I was building up my gear supply, I decided to purchase a rain suit.
This brings me to the first tip for riding motorcycles in the rain:
Tip #1 ? Buy the right gear
Frankly, if you read no more than this, I'd be happy. When I first got caught in the rain and I slipped that rain suit on, it was like a whole other world. I was (mostly) dry and even more important, comfortable! Meaning I spent more time concentrating on the road and riding the motorcycle versus thinking about how miserable it is in the rain.
Lot's of people I know (including me) are anti-gear. They either don't see the point, don't want to spend the money, think it looks funny, etc, etc. If you fall into this camp, I'm willing to bet you are spending a lot of time not enjoying riding motorcycles because you are uncomfortable in rain, cold, heat, whatever.
Get the right gear, and you'll find you can enjoy riding a lot more often. Personally, I now enjoy riding in the rain, it's just another thing for me to experience on my motorcycle.
Here's what you'll want to make sure you have on any particular outing/trip:
1. High quality rain suit (you get what you pay for, check out my article on one that fails miserably: Tourmaster Standard Rainsuit )
2. Waterproof boots that cover your ankles (so water doesn't seep in from above)
3. Waterproof gloves, preferably with one of those squeegees on the thumb to clean your visor with.
After you have the right gear, riding motorcycles in the rain is no longer uncomfortable or miserable. Riding in the rain becomes a simple exercise in common sense and knowledge of the conditions around you. That's what we'll focus on for the rest of the article.
Tip #2 ? The first 15 minutes after it starts raining are the slickest. Pull over and get some coffee.
This simple fact is because vehicles deposit oil, brake fluid, fuel, and lots of other crud on the road over time. When it rains, all of this crud that was built up on the road mixes with the water and sits on top just waiting for your two wheeled ride to hit it.
The best strategy to take? Pull over for gas, a coffee, whatever when it first starts to rain. Can't pull over? Just drive extra careful and slow during the start of any rain shower.
Tip #3 ? Avoid shiny-smooth surfaces.
What do I mean particularly? Most obvious is anything metal - train tracks, man hole covers, metal grates on bridges, etc. Less obvious is anything painted: lane lines, turn arrows, etc. I guarantee you that trying to stop on one of those giant painted turn arrows at an intersection is going to be much more difficult than plain old asphalt.
Tip #4 ? Slow Down!
Ok, so this one is pretty self explanatory but, for those of you that have been dropped on your head a few more times than normal...in rain, surfaces are slicker than usual - water acts as a lubricant. This means your brakes are less effective, which means its going to take much longer to stop when it's wet than when it's dry. Plus, when it boils down to it would you rather start fish tailing at 20 miles an hour or 40 miles an hour?
No rain suit is going to keep you dry from peeing on yourself.
Tip #5 ? Ride behind one of the rear wheels of the car in front of you
This has two benefits, first if the guy in front of you stops suddenly you will be able to swerve to a side and get a few more feet of braking distance (which you'll need).
The second benefit is, remember that watery sludge that we described above? The car's wheel in front of you basically acts like a plow pushing all of the water on the road out of the way for a brief period of time. Take advantage of that (slightly) dryer pavement!
Tip #6 ? Unsure about traction? Test it!
As it should be, traction is usually any rider's biggest concern in the rain. Surprisingly though, wet pavement can offer significantly more traction than some riders think. If you're concerned about traction, take a few seconds to test it.
While riding at a moderate speed on a straight, level surface, feel for how much traction you have with your rear wheel (not your front!) by trying to lock it up. You are not trying to do a 50 ft skid here, just a brief test to see how much traction you really have.
Tip #7 ? Use a full face helmet, or buy a detachable face shield.
Rain drop's hurt at 50 mph. In fact, you will think it's hailing. If you ride with an open face helmet you'll want to get something to protect your face. I always carry a bandanna and cover my face with it in the rain.
Don't get caught with nothing to cover up with, you will be pink in the face by the end of that ride (and I'm not speaking figuratively here).
Tip #8 ? The Rule of One Action
I know that you are a very complicated person, but in the rain, you need to be a very simple person. Specifically, in the rain, you should think about your tires and what I call the rule of "One Action." What do I mean by "One Action"?
In normal conditions, we put our tires through many different stresses (or actions):
? We accelerate while turning. (two actions)
? We downshift while coming into a turn. (two actions)
? Shifting weight while turning and accelerating (three actions)
? Etc.
In the rain, you should focus on only putting your tires through one action at a time.
In other words, accelerate (one action) after you make a turn (one action). Downshift (one action) before you start to turn (one action). Etc. Don't combine actions on your tires together in the rain. Less tension on your tires in the rain is going to result in better traction.
Summary
I'm sure there are more great tips out there for riding motorcycles in the rain, these are the main ones I follow while riding when it's wet out.
To say the least, rain is no longer my kryptonite after taking these tips to heart!
I hope that you'll find that riding in the rain safely is quite doable and even enjoyable if you get the right gear, stay sharp, and pay attention to your surroundings.
The translation into Malay (thanks to bro iwae405)
Hujan pon takpe - Bawak motor mase hujan
Mase aku mule2 naik motor,aku fobia dengan awan ujan. Ade je tande2 nak hujan,semangat nak riding tu dah luntur dan aku sering race balik umah teros taknak kne ujan.
Kadang2 terperangkap jugak dalam ujan nih dan aku seruis mmg benci gile. Takut pnya pasal, grip handle sekuat hati then raseserik nak ride. kalo nak ride pon kne tgk time awan langsung takde n kadar kelembapan 0%
Pastu lame2 bile dah ade bini,keje pon banyak,anak2 lagi, mase nak ride makin sikit dan nak tak nak kne gak ride mase yang aku tak brape suke nak ride.
Pastu keajaiban terjadi,mcm dalam citer part yang ade cahaya dr atas suluh aku sorang je pastu siap ade bunyi koir kat background. Berikutan perubahan mase riding,aku membuat keputusan utk membeli sendiri peralatan utk menghadapi sebarang dugaan cuaca yang datang.
Tip #1 ? Beli peralatan yang betol
Mase first time sangkut kat ujan,aku pon sarung suit tu,rase mcm duk kat satu dunia lain.Hampir keseluruhan tubuh ni kering kontang dan yang lebih penting,aku selesa! dan dengan itu aku ade lebih peluang utk fokus pade jalanraya dan riding berbanding berfikir ttg camne buruknye rupe terperangkap dlm hujan neh.
Ramai mmbe2 aku yang tak suke sut (termasuk aku). Mungkin diorang ni tak tahu tujuan/matlamat,taknak kluarkan uwang,takut org gelak spl nmpak kelakar dll...Kalo korang pon duk dlm golongan mereka yg berpikiran camni gak,aku berani kerat jari korang banyak abeskan mase naik motor yang tak bes sebab korang tak selesa dlm ujan,panas,sejuk dll.
Dapatkan suit yang sesuai dankorang akan merasai nikmat menunggang lebih banyak. secare peribadinye,skang aku rase enjoy riding dalam ujan,satu lagi pengalaman yg aku dpt dr riding.
Antare brg yang diperlukan mase outing/trip:
1. Baju ujan kualiti tinggi (mahal selalunye kualiti tinggi, try tgk aku nye article psl suit yang mmg fail : Tourmaster Standard Rainsuit)
2. Kasut kalis air yang paras buku lali (supaye air tak masuk dr atas)
3. Glove kalis air, kalo boleh yang ade span khas kat ibu jari tuk lap visor.
Lepas korang dapat suit yang betol,menunggang dalam ujan bukan lagi menjadi sesuatu masalah.
rumusan Tip #2
first 15 minit hujan,korang kne brenti dulu kat tepi isi minyak/isap rokok/minum...sbb menurut kate author,first 15 minit ni,minyak2,cecair2 kat jalan ni bercampur ngan air ujan dan tggu mase je korang nak lalu sambil terbongkang..so biarkan 15 minit pertame tu utk bilasan..kasi clear jalan dulu...
Rumusan tips 3
elakkan bnde2 licin berkilat atas jalan..selain lopak air,mungkin plet besi,cover manhole,cover wiring bawah tanah dll sbb bnde2 ni jadi lagi licin dengan kehadiran hujan..ini termasuklah line2 dan tande2 jalan tuh...
Tip #4 ? Slow Down! (takyah citer la yg ni basic sgt..die suruh slow je)
rumusan Tip #5 ?
die sruh tunggang motot follow trek tayar kete kat depan.tp make sure jarak yang selamat dankorang nampak bnde yang ade kat depan kete dan sentiase jangkekan yang tak dijangke....tujuan die,kete kat depan tu tolong pecahkan air kat jalan...
Tip #6 ? Konpemkan grip tayar korang mase basah
care nak try,same ade main2 brek,atau pun main2 throttle..die sruh test tayar blkg nye grip...
Tip #7 ? pakai full face/open shield helmet (pon takyah explain)
Tip #8 ? Peraturan satu tindakan
Dalam hujan,kite takleh ride spt mase kering,cth care tunggangan mase kering yang lebih dr satu tindakan:
1. pulas minyak time corner (2 tindakan)
2. drop gear mase nak corner (2 tindakan)
3. aleh fokus berat mase corner dan accelerate (3)
dalam hujan,korang sepatutnye fokus satu tindakan shj...lagi kurang kerja kat tayar,lagi best grip..
When I first started riding motorcycles, rain clouds were my kryptonite. At the first sign of a dark cloud in the sky, my super-will to ride began to weaken and I raced home in search of a roof to hide under.
If I happened to get caught in the stuff - which was rare - I HATED it. Scared out of my wits with a death grip on the motorcycle's handlebars, I would swear from that point forward I would only ride on days of 0% humidity and no clouds in the sky.
Then, life happened. Time got more precious, a wife, family commitments, work responsibilities, etc, etc all began to eat into my riding time. So, to ride more, I had to take more chances and ride when weather conditions were less than ideal. Naturally, I got caught in the rain more, and you know what? I still hated it.
Then something clicked. Something happened, like in the movies when the ray of light from the sky shines down upon the main character and the choir sings in the background - except much less dramatic. I had been doing a lot more multi-day motorcycle trips which naturally means you are going to get caught in the rain more. Multi-day motorcycle trips also mean you have to bring more gear with you to accommodate a wide variety of climates. As I was building up my gear supply, I decided to purchase a rain suit.
This brings me to the first tip for riding motorcycles in the rain:
Tip #1 ? Buy the right gear
Frankly, if you read no more than this, I'd be happy. When I first got caught in the rain and I slipped that rain suit on, it was like a whole other world. I was (mostly) dry and even more important, comfortable! Meaning I spent more time concentrating on the road and riding the motorcycle versus thinking about how miserable it is in the rain.
Lot's of people I know (including me) are anti-gear. They either don't see the point, don't want to spend the money, think it looks funny, etc, etc. If you fall into this camp, I'm willing to bet you are spending a lot of time not enjoying riding motorcycles because you are uncomfortable in rain, cold, heat, whatever.
Get the right gear, and you'll find you can enjoy riding a lot more often. Personally, I now enjoy riding in the rain, it's just another thing for me to experience on my motorcycle.
Here's what you'll want to make sure you have on any particular outing/trip:
1. High quality rain suit (you get what you pay for, check out my article on one that fails miserably: Tourmaster Standard Rainsuit )
2. Waterproof boots that cover your ankles (so water doesn't seep in from above)
3. Waterproof gloves, preferably with one of those squeegees on the thumb to clean your visor with.
After you have the right gear, riding motorcycles in the rain is no longer uncomfortable or miserable. Riding in the rain becomes a simple exercise in common sense and knowledge of the conditions around you. That's what we'll focus on for the rest of the article.
Tip #2 ? The first 15 minutes after it starts raining are the slickest. Pull over and get some coffee.
This simple fact is because vehicles deposit oil, brake fluid, fuel, and lots of other crud on the road over time. When it rains, all of this crud that was built up on the road mixes with the water and sits on top just waiting for your two wheeled ride to hit it.
The best strategy to take? Pull over for gas, a coffee, whatever when it first starts to rain. Can't pull over? Just drive extra careful and slow during the start of any rain shower.
Tip #3 ? Avoid shiny-smooth surfaces.
What do I mean particularly? Most obvious is anything metal - train tracks, man hole covers, metal grates on bridges, etc. Less obvious is anything painted: lane lines, turn arrows, etc. I guarantee you that trying to stop on one of those giant painted turn arrows at an intersection is going to be much more difficult than plain old asphalt.
Tip #4 ? Slow Down!
Ok, so this one is pretty self explanatory but, for those of you that have been dropped on your head a few more times than normal...in rain, surfaces are slicker than usual - water acts as a lubricant. This means your brakes are less effective, which means its going to take much longer to stop when it's wet than when it's dry. Plus, when it boils down to it would you rather start fish tailing at 20 miles an hour or 40 miles an hour?
No rain suit is going to keep you dry from peeing on yourself.
Tip #5 ? Ride behind one of the rear wheels of the car in front of you
This has two benefits, first if the guy in front of you stops suddenly you will be able to swerve to a side and get a few more feet of braking distance (which you'll need).
The second benefit is, remember that watery sludge that we described above? The car's wheel in front of you basically acts like a plow pushing all of the water on the road out of the way for a brief period of time. Take advantage of that (slightly) dryer pavement!
Tip #6 ? Unsure about traction? Test it!
As it should be, traction is usually any rider's biggest concern in the rain. Surprisingly though, wet pavement can offer significantly more traction than some riders think. If you're concerned about traction, take a few seconds to test it.
While riding at a moderate speed on a straight, level surface, feel for how much traction you have with your rear wheel (not your front!) by trying to lock it up. You are not trying to do a 50 ft skid here, just a brief test to see how much traction you really have.
Tip #7 ? Use a full face helmet, or buy a detachable face shield.
Rain drop's hurt at 50 mph. In fact, you will think it's hailing. If you ride with an open face helmet you'll want to get something to protect your face. I always carry a bandanna and cover my face with it in the rain.
Don't get caught with nothing to cover up with, you will be pink in the face by the end of that ride (and I'm not speaking figuratively here).
Tip #8 ? The Rule of One Action
I know that you are a very complicated person, but in the rain, you need to be a very simple person. Specifically, in the rain, you should think about your tires and what I call the rule of "One Action." What do I mean by "One Action"?
In normal conditions, we put our tires through many different stresses (or actions):
? We accelerate while turning. (two actions)
? We downshift while coming into a turn. (two actions)
? Shifting weight while turning and accelerating (three actions)
? Etc.
In the rain, you should focus on only putting your tires through one action at a time.
In other words, accelerate (one action) after you make a turn (one action). Downshift (one action) before you start to turn (one action). Etc. Don't combine actions on your tires together in the rain. Less tension on your tires in the rain is going to result in better traction.
Summary
I'm sure there are more great tips out there for riding motorcycles in the rain, these are the main ones I follow while riding when it's wet out.
To say the least, rain is no longer my kryptonite after taking these tips to heart!
I hope that you'll find that riding in the rain safely is quite doable and even enjoyable if you get the right gear, stay sharp, and pay attention to your surroundings.
The translation into Malay (thanks to bro iwae405)
Hujan pon takpe - Bawak motor mase hujan
Mase aku mule2 naik motor,aku fobia dengan awan ujan. Ade je tande2 nak hujan,semangat nak riding tu dah luntur dan aku sering race balik umah teros taknak kne ujan.
Kadang2 terperangkap jugak dalam ujan nih dan aku seruis mmg benci gile. Takut pnya pasal, grip handle sekuat hati then raseserik nak ride. kalo nak ride pon kne tgk time awan langsung takde n kadar kelembapan 0%
Pastu lame2 bile dah ade bini,keje pon banyak,anak2 lagi, mase nak ride makin sikit dan nak tak nak kne gak ride mase yang aku tak brape suke nak ride.
Pastu keajaiban terjadi,mcm dalam citer part yang ade cahaya dr atas suluh aku sorang je pastu siap ade bunyi koir kat background. Berikutan perubahan mase riding,aku membuat keputusan utk membeli sendiri peralatan utk menghadapi sebarang dugaan cuaca yang datang.
Tip #1 ? Beli peralatan yang betol
Mase first time sangkut kat ujan,aku pon sarung suit tu,rase mcm duk kat satu dunia lain.Hampir keseluruhan tubuh ni kering kontang dan yang lebih penting,aku selesa! dan dengan itu aku ade lebih peluang utk fokus pade jalanraya dan riding berbanding berfikir ttg camne buruknye rupe terperangkap dlm hujan neh.
Ramai mmbe2 aku yang tak suke sut (termasuk aku). Mungkin diorang ni tak tahu tujuan/matlamat,taknak kluarkan uwang,takut org gelak spl nmpak kelakar dll...Kalo korang pon duk dlm golongan mereka yg berpikiran camni gak,aku berani kerat jari korang banyak abeskan mase naik motor yang tak bes sebab korang tak selesa dlm ujan,panas,sejuk dll.
Dapatkan suit yang sesuai dankorang akan merasai nikmat menunggang lebih banyak. secare peribadinye,skang aku rase enjoy riding dalam ujan,satu lagi pengalaman yg aku dpt dr riding.
Antare brg yang diperlukan mase outing/trip:
1. Baju ujan kualiti tinggi (mahal selalunye kualiti tinggi, try tgk aku nye article psl suit yang mmg fail : Tourmaster Standard Rainsuit)
2. Kasut kalis air yang paras buku lali (supaye air tak masuk dr atas)
3. Glove kalis air, kalo boleh yang ade span khas kat ibu jari tuk lap visor.
Lepas korang dapat suit yang betol,menunggang dalam ujan bukan lagi menjadi sesuatu masalah.
rumusan Tip #2
first 15 minit hujan,korang kne brenti dulu kat tepi isi minyak/isap rokok/minum...sbb menurut kate author,first 15 minit ni,minyak2,cecair2 kat jalan ni bercampur ngan air ujan dan tggu mase je korang nak lalu sambil terbongkang..so biarkan 15 minit pertame tu utk bilasan..kasi clear jalan dulu...
Rumusan tips 3
elakkan bnde2 licin berkilat atas jalan..selain lopak air,mungkin plet besi,cover manhole,cover wiring bawah tanah dll sbb bnde2 ni jadi lagi licin dengan kehadiran hujan..ini termasuklah line2 dan tande2 jalan tuh...
Tip #4 ? Slow Down! (takyah citer la yg ni basic sgt..die suruh slow je)
rumusan Tip #5 ?
die sruh tunggang motot follow trek tayar kete kat depan.tp make sure jarak yang selamat dankorang nampak bnde yang ade kat depan kete dan sentiase jangkekan yang tak dijangke....tujuan die,kete kat depan tu tolong pecahkan air kat jalan...
Tip #6 ? Konpemkan grip tayar korang mase basah
care nak try,same ade main2 brek,atau pun main2 throttle..die sruh test tayar blkg nye grip...
Tip #7 ? pakai full face/open shield helmet (pon takyah explain)
Tip #8 ? Peraturan satu tindakan
Dalam hujan,kite takleh ride spt mase kering,cth care tunggangan mase kering yang lebih dr satu tindakan:
1. pulas minyak time corner (2 tindakan)
2. drop gear mase nak corner (2 tindakan)
3. aleh fokus berat mase corner dan accelerate (3)
dalam hujan,korang sepatutnye fokus satu tindakan shj...lagi kurang kerja kat tayar,lagi best grip..
Oct 15, 2008
Exam Mode
Hoho.. The exam is just around the corner so I dont have much time to update my blog and I guess this blog will be idle for a while (within 3 weeks). And oh yes, Sweet Sixteen. :D
Oct 3, 2008
How to care for your helmet
How To Care For Your Helmet
While your helmet is designed to absorb the impact of an accident, it is important to replace it after significant impact. Such stress results in cracks and unseen structural damage that could compromise protection on the next impact. Because damage to a helmet is not easy to spot, manufacturers recommend that you replace your helmet after 5 years when UV light and weathering have weakened the helmet's structure.
Helmet Care Tips
- Avoid suspending your helmet from handlebars or brake levers. This may cause accidental dents and scratches.
- It is best to keep your helmet on your head even during short rest stops.
- When not wearing your helmet, keep it in a protected area such as a shelf or closet.
- It is best to store your helmet in the box in which it came or a nylon gear bag.
- Do not toss your helmet in the back seat or trunk of a car, especially on hot days. The helmet may be damaged if it rolls or is subjeted to high temperatures.
- Do not use petroleum-based solvents or automotive wax to clean or polish your helmet. These chemicals may destroy the helmet. Always use water-soluble cleansers.
- Helmets with worn or frayed straps should be replaced.
While your helmet is designed to absorb the impact of an accident, it is important to replace it after significant impact. Such stress results in cracks and unseen structural damage that could compromise protection on the next impact. Because damage to a helmet is not easy to spot, manufacturers recommend that you replace your helmet after 5 years when UV light and weathering have weakened the helmet's structure.
Helmet Care Tips
- Avoid suspending your helmet from handlebars or brake levers. This may cause accidental dents and scratches.
- It is best to keep your helmet on your head even during short rest stops.
- When not wearing your helmet, keep it in a protected area such as a shelf or closet.
- It is best to store your helmet in the box in which it came or a nylon gear bag.
- Do not toss your helmet in the back seat or trunk of a car, especially on hot days. The helmet may be damaged if it rolls or is subjeted to high temperatures.
- Do not use petroleum-based solvents or automotive wax to clean or polish your helmet. These chemicals may destroy the helmet. Always use water-soluble cleansers.
- Helmets with worn or frayed straps should be replaced.
Oct 2, 2008
Free Wallpaper - Disney Wallpapers (Part 2)
FREE DISNEY WALLPAPER - For you all to download.
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Or the direct link to these images:
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Or the direct link to these images:
Sep 30, 2008
Happy Eid ul-Fitr
Heloo All and Salaaam~
Just wanna say Happy Eid ul-Fitr to my :-
- Family
- Friends
- Teachers
- Brother Muslims around the globe
Sep 28, 2008
Reverse Parking is Better?
- Data shows it takes about 90 seconds for an average 5-year old car's engine to warm up and reach its thermal efficiency. According to IAM, reversing out of a parking bay while the engine is cold takes up between 20-25 times more fuel than when it is warm. Apparently driving away forwards will help you save fuel. Could be related to the usually lower gear ratio of the reverse gear compared to the first gear.
- The UK's Highway Code actually encourages reverse parking. This is because reversing into a parking bay which remains static (just an empty piece of road/cement, nothing will suddenly fill it up) is safer than reversing out into a road/lane which may have constant traffic where you cannot see easily. Driving out forwards into the road makes it easier for you to look out for incoming traffic.
- Reversing close to a wall may make it more difficult for thieves to break into your boot as there will not be enough space for them to work.
- With the amount of crime these days, it is easier to get out of the parking bay as fast as possible driving forward as it is easier for you to see where you are going in case you have to leave as fast as you can for security reasons.
Sep 26, 2008
Sep 20, 2008
Ramadhan Wallpaper (Special Edition)
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Sep 18, 2008
Linux Ubuntu
About Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.
The Ubuntu promise
- Ubuntu will always be free of charge, including enterprise releases and security updates.
- Ubuntu comes with full commercial support from Canonical and hundreds of companies around the world.
- Ubuntu includes the very best translations and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer.
- Ubuntu CDs contain only free software applications; we encourage you to use free and open source software, improve it and pass it on.
Desktop Edition
With Ubuntu Desktop Edition you can surf the web, read email, create documents and spreadsheets, edit images and much more. Ubuntu has a fast and easy graphical installer right on the Desktop CD. On a typical computer the installation should take you less than 25 minutes.
Desktop Tour
The fastest way to see Ubuntu is to take the tourDesktop simplicity
When you start your system for the first time you'll see a desktop that is clean and tidy, no desktop icons, and a default theme that is easy on the eye.
Ubuntu 'Just Works'
We've done all the hard work for you. Once Ubuntu is installed, all the basics are in place so that your system will be immediately usable.
A complete office productivity suite
OpenOffice contains a user interface and feature set that is similar to other office suites, and includes all the key desktop applications you need, such as:
Word processor - for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book. More »
Spreadsheet - a tool to calculate, analyse, and present your data in numerical reports or charts. More »
Presentation - an easy, and powerful tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. More »
Edit and share files in other formats
Easily open, edit and share files with your friends that have Microsoft Office, Word Perfect, KOffice or StarOffice.
Quick and easy updates
The task bar contains an update area where we'll notify you when there are updates available for your system, from simple security fixes to a complete version upgrade. The update facility enables you to keep your system up-to-date with just a few clicks of your mouse.
A vast library of free software
Need more software? Simply choose from thousands of software packages in the Ubuntu catalogue, all available to download and install at the click of a button. And it's all completely free!
Help and support
You'll be able to find help using the desktop browser or online. If you have a question about using Ubuntu, you can bet someone else has already asked it. Our community has developed a range of documentation that may contain the answer to your question, or give you ideas about where to look.
This is also where you'll get access to free support from the Ubuntu community in the chat and mailing lists in many languages. Alternatively, you can purchase professional support from the Canonical Global Support Services Team, or local providers.
Ubuntu in your local language
Ubuntu aims to be usable by as many people as possible, which is why we include the very best localisation and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer.
You can download Ubuntu, or request a free CD from Canonical.
System Requirements
Ubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit PC and Intel based Mac architectures. At least 256 MB of RAM is required to run the alternate install CD (384MB of RAM is required to use the live CD based installer). Install requires at least 4 GB of disk space.
How To Get
 | Download now - Download the Ubuntu, Edubuntu or Kubuntu CD installer to your computer now. Please note: the CD Installer is nearly 700M. If you don't have a fast internet connection you may want to consider requesting a CD. |
 | Buy on CD or DVD - Buy a CD or DVD with Ubuntu, Edubuntu or Kubuntu CD, or a large number of CDs from a distributor near you. If you are in North America you can get Ubuntu and Kubuntu on DVD from Amazon.com. |
 | Request a free CD - Request a free Ubuntu, Edubuntu or Kubuntu CD from Canonical.
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Sep 17, 2008
Gerrard pulls strings as Liverpool beat OM
New season, similar outcome. Nine months after dancing through the Stade Vélodrome as if they owned the place, Liverpool FC kicked off UEFA Champions League Group D with a 2-1 comeback win at Olympique de Marseille, Steven Gerrard returning to the side to fire both their goals.
Gerrard double
The influential Reds' captain was an injury doubt before kick-off, but there was nothing rusty about his first-half performance as he responded to Lorik Cana's opener with a majestic strike from distance and a pinpoint spot-kick. He eventually departed in the 69th minute, but by then his team were well on their way to victory – one less dominant than their 4-0 success here last December, but important all the same.
Returning stars
Fernando Torres likewise found his way back into Rafael Benítez's starting XI after a hamstring knock, and the Spaniard instigated the first real skirmish too, forcing a corner that he himself subsequently headed goalwards, only for Steve Mandanda to palm over. At the other end Mamadou Niang blasted over, but if Marseille thought they were now going to impose their will, Liverpool began displaying real menace. First, Ryan Babel skipped past Ronald Zubar and shot high, then Gerrard called Mandanda into action with a low drive before Torres looped a header on to the roof of the net.
Cana breakthrough
Given that pattern, it was a genuine surprise when Cana broke the deadlock after 23 minutes. Modeste M'Bami served Benoît Cheyrou in the centre and the midfielder flicked a pass over the visitors' static back line for his captain to rifle beyond Pepe Reina. That merely incurred the Merseysiders' wrath, however, Torres quickly dispossessing M'Bami and feeding Dirk Kuyt on the right. The Dutchman calmly set up Gerrard to hit a magnificent, long-distance curling effort first time that Mandanda merely watched as it looped in.
Retaken penalty
Merely four minutes later, Liverpool were ahead courtesy of their talismanic skipper once again. Zubar's foul on Babel had the referee pointing to the spot, and despite having to retake his penalty, Gerrard found joy low to Mandanda's left. Immediately afterwards, Niang speared narrowly wide, but the home side were rattled and replaced M'Bami with Mathieu Valbuena four minutes before half-time.
Marseille chances
Symbol of Marseille's 1-0 triumph at Anfield last term, the diminutive provocateur demonstrated quick feet more than once after the restart, with Benítez's charges now content to counterattack. Considering Babel's pace, that was always a threatening proposition and Mandanda had to dive at the winger's feet to deny him close to the hour. Chances for Koné volley and Vitorino Hilton restored local belief, but substitute Karim Ziani really should have done better with Koné's expert cut-back.
Babel threat
Instead, Liverpool continued to look the more likely scorers and Babel almost did just that with a fierce close-range effort blocked by Mandanda. A constant threat as he celebrated a rare starting berth, the Dutch international still had time to clip a post. The gulf between the two teams may have shrunk, but the English outfit look a lot more comfortable than their Ligue 1 counterparts.
Sep 15, 2008
Download Windows Vista Fonts from Microsoft Office Website
Windows Vista includes several new fonts based on ClearType that can be used on Windows XP as well as Macs. These beautiful typefaces were created especially for improving the on-screen reading experience in Vista.
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't provide a direct way to download these fonts without buying Windows Vista.But here's a simple trick to download the Vista fonts for free and legally without buying a Vista license:
Download either the free Microsoft Powerpoint 2007 Viewer or the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack - both the software include the new Windows Vista fonts.
Once you install the above Microsoft programs, the Vista Fonts also become available for use on your Windows XP system. The fonts are Candara, Consolas, Calibri, Cambria, Constantia and Corbel. If you dont want to use the softwares ( Powerpoint 2007 Viewer or Microsoft Office Compatibility pack), simply uninstall it after you install because the fonts are already can be used!
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't provide a direct way to download these fonts without buying Windows Vista.But here's a simple trick to download the Vista fonts for free and legally without buying a Vista license:
Download either the free Microsoft Powerpoint 2007 Viewer or the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack - both the software include the new Windows Vista fonts.
Once you install the above Microsoft programs, the Vista Fonts also become available for use on your Windows XP system. The fonts are Candara, Consolas, Calibri, Cambria, Constantia and Corbel. If you dont want to use the softwares ( Powerpoint 2007 Viewer or Microsoft Office Compatibility pack), simply uninstall it after you install because the fonts are already can be used!
Sep 8, 2008
Be Careful What You Plant
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If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
