• Download the firmware files from this link: http://filefactory.com/file/cde317a/n/Modroid-v7.zip
• After downloading the zip file, extract it to a convenient directory.
• Format your microSD card to FAT32 by inserting it into a card reader and plugging it into a USB port on your computer.
  NOTE: The Readme file that came with the modroid v7 zip file warns that you should use a 1, 2, or 4GB card because larger cards may not work.
• Place all of the files you extracted from the zip file to the SD card. Do not place it into any directory. Put it directly on the card.
• Run changer.bat from the sd card and select the number of the device you have then insert the microSD card into your aPad.
• Turn on your aPad. Flashing will begin automatically.

After flashing, you will be instructed to remove the SD card and after you do that, a reboot will follow. Loading Modroid for the first time may take up to 5 minutes so just relax. If it takes more than that, reinsert your microSD card to your computer and run changer.bat again and pick another number.

In my case, I chose “1″ because I’m using the green LED aPad but it didn’t take it. So I tried “2″ and for some reason, it booted successfully so that may just be case for you as well.

After you’re able to boot into Modroid, follow the rest of the instructions from the readme file which I’ve posted below.

Special Thanks to [wicknix] from the [SlateDroid] forums for all his hard work and by putting this firmware up.

Checking the version.

• Turn on your tablet, tap on Settings > About Device.
• Scroll down to the bottom. Take a look at the Android Version. If it says android_2.2, you’re done. Otherwise, read on.
• Take a look at the Build number. It will display a long line of characters.

As of writing, mine says: zt180-eng AOSP OPENMASTER eng.root.20110603.120935. My firmware version is the 0603 version. This means that this firmware version was released on 06/03/2011. The newer the version, the better.

When I first got the device, what it first said was 20100826, which means it was the 0826 firmware which was pretty old. If you googled this tutorial, you probably have the same version as I did. At this point, the tablet doesn’t respond well to finger presses, so I suggest you use a stylus to navigate through the tablet menus. Let’s move on.

OTB Flashing.

OTB is the small USB port on the side of your device right below the power input. In this step, we’re updating your firmware version from 0826 to 0117.

NOTE: This is still going to be Android 2.1.

• To be be able to flash your device, you’ll need to install the USB Burn Tool. You can get it from here: [link]
• Also you’ll need download this: [link]. These are the firmware files you’ll need.
• Extract the rar to a convenient location on your PC.
• Now, follow the instructions on this video but using the files you just downloaded: [link]

Here’s what you need to remember about the USB Burn Tool settings:

NOTE: Make sure DEVICE10 is green before you start flashing.

After flashing, your tablet will be running a newer version of Android 2.1. You’re currently running the 0117 firmware. We’re halfway there.

Getting to 2.2.

At this point, you’ll want to get hold of the 0324 firmware. This is where we will be upgrading from 0117 to 0324 firmware. This is the first step getting to Android 2.2. For some people, this update will be enough.

NOTE: I’m not sure if you’re able to update directly from 0826  to 0324 because I’ve never tried it. Please leave a comment below if it is at all possible so I can shorten this tutorial.

Let’s go on.

• Download the files from here: [link]
• Using the USB Burn Tool again, go to settings and match the paths to the appropriate files. However, this time, you’ll notice that there isn’t a ZT_Bx.boot file. That’s ok, uncheck the box. We don’t need it.
• Click on Start. After the flashing process, we are now on the 0324 firmware and you are finally on Android 2.2.

If you’re content, you can actually stop here. I did for a while.

Getting the 0603 update.

This is the latest update as of writing. It has a few new enhancements to the User Interface (by taking advantage of the VTL Launcher) and fixes to make the tablet more responsive. The steps below are upgrading from the 0324 to 0603 firmware. This is what I’m currently using as of writing.

• Access this page on the slatedroid forums: [link] and download the necessary files for your device.
• Create a new folder on the root of your MicroSD card named ‘zt-update’. Put all of the files you just downloaded into that folder.
• Turn off your tablet. Make sure the SD card is inserted into the tablet.
• Press the left button (or the volume up button) on the tablet while turning it on. A prompt will appear asking you to start the update. Press on the back (or the square) key and the flashing begins.

Once you’re done, check the version. You should be on the same 0603 firmware as I am. Sometimes, it’ll say 20110601, it doesn’t matter, it’s the same thing.

Be sure to check this page from time to time for updates: [link].

Conclusion.

I realize it’s such a hassle to perform updates on this thing, and support is somewhat questionable. Hey, you paid less than $200 for the thing! You get what you paid for. If you don’t like it, get a Galaxy Tab or an iPad. The tedious steps above will definitely make the tablet worth what you paid for and maybe a bit more. If you were able to finish this whole tutorial, enjoy your device. I’m sure you’ve learned something new today.

Gallery.

Here are some screen shots of my ZT-180 after flashing.

I would like to extend my thanks to:

• SlateDroid
• China Digital Comm.com
• Android Tablets.net

Links that I used to flash my device and make this tutorial:

• [SlateDroid Wiki]
• [Android Tablets ZT-180 Support Links]
• [0117 Firmware Download]
• [0324 Firmware Download]
• [0603 Firmware Download]

[Wedding Photography 101]

Thanks a lot to [Pao Pao Sanchez] from Istorya.

If you don’t have time to watch the video, here’s the breakdown:

1. Delegate Tasks to people you rely on before doing it yourself. Also remember to follow up as often as you can.
2. Productive people are selfish with their time. Avoid small talk, random phone calls, and keep all focus on the task at hand.
3. Get right to the point. Be blunt and straightforward. Don’t beat around the bush.
4. Take care of business. Immediately handle everything that gets in the way of your productivity.
5. Empower your employees to make routine business decisions. This will give them ownership, and will move heaven and earth to make your business better. Don’t forget to review their decisions on a case-to-case basis.
6. Keep meetings short and sweet. Bob enforces a 1 hour cap on all meetings so people will be pressured to enforce rule #3.
7. Avoid business lunches like the plague. Business lunches are useless, and unproductive. Period.
8. Avoid group decision making. Too many cooks spoil the broth and waste a huge amount of time.
9. Never answer your phone. Instead, have callers leave a message, and have those messages screened. Only return the calls that are important to what you’re doing.

Source

Burning your Operating System to a CD or DVD is a waste. Instead, you can write it to a USB Flash Drive. I learned this back when my DVD Writer stopped functioning when I was still using Windows XP. The only prerequisite is that you have the files for your OS on your PC or Mac. Here are the steps:

For Windows:

1. Open a command window by going to Start > Run or hold down the Windows Key and press ‘R’. Type in ‘cmd’ and press Enter.
2. Type in ‘xcopy D:\*.* /s/e/f E:\’. D is where all the files for your OS are located, E is your Flash Drive.

For Mac:

1. Open up Disk Utility by opening  Finder > Applications > Utilities
2. Click on your USB Drive and go the Restore Tab.
3. Select Source which is the IMG file of your OS.
4. Drag your USB drive to the Destination.
5. Click on Restore.

And there you have it. Bootable Operating Systems without wasting CDs or DVDs.

1. Download a BitTorrent Client.
2. Install it.
3. Go to a BitTorrent Indexing Site.
4. Download the Torrent File you want.
5. Load it using the BitTorrent Client.
6. Wait for the download to finish.

A more detailed explanation of all those steps can be found below:

To start out, look for a BitTorrent Client that is suitable to your liking.

1) Azureus
2) BitComet
3) BitLord
4) BitTorrent
5) uTorrent

There are dozens out there. Just pick one. Personally, I recommend uTorrent. It’s got an easy to use interface, takes up an insignificant amount of resources, and it’s really popular.

You then have to download that client. Click on one of the websites above or if you have another BitTorrent Client in mind, go to their website and download said client.

The next step is to install that BitTorrent Client on your PC. Run the setup file and just keep on clicking on Install or Next until the damn thing is installed.

After the client is installed, if did not automatically run, just leave it as it is for now. You must then look for a torrent indexing site.

1) thePirateBay
2) Mininova
3) ISOHunt
4) BitTorrentMonster
5) BitTorrent

Personally, I go to Torrentz.com. It’s a BitTorrent torrent indexing site. You have sources from all I mentioned above, you just have to add the list of trackers to your torrent client. Don’t worry. I’ll explain further on that a little later.

After getting to your torrent indexing site of choice (i.e. Mininova), you’ll need look for media. Use that torrent indexing site’s search bar to find the media you need.

Click on download and if you installed the BitTorrent client directly, after the .torrent file is downloaded, it will be loaded onto that client.

Remember, the .torrent file is not the 4GB or 700MB file you wanted. It’s not the full movie, game or whatever that you wanted to download. It’s just like a small file (like 344kb small) that points to that particular movie, game or whatever.

Using the torrent client application (i.e. uTorrent), select where you want to save the file or files that you’re downloading. the default location would be your My Documents folder, if you’re using Windows.

After you press Ok, you’re all set. All you need to do is wait. Please be patient, the speed of the download may be slow at first because the client still getting seeds and peers.

• Seeds – people who have the full working game or movie or whatever you’re downloading and sharing them with the rest of the people connected to that particular tracker.
• Peers – people who have the part of the file and also currently downloading from the Seeds and also sharing what they have at the same time with rest of the people connected to that particular tracker.
• Tracker – the central point where all people sharing, being the Seeds and the Peers, meet. A tracker is not a website, although it may look like one.

Anyway, after the torrent client finds all peers and seeds from all the trackers in your list, the speed should pick up depending on your internet connection speed.

That’s the basic principle. You can do it that way and still get the media you wanted to get. Now, let me tell you how I do it.

A while ago, I mentioned Torrentz.com. Yes, it’s a BitTorrent torrent indexing site (that’s not a typo). It’s a lot like ISOHunt. However, ISOHunt adds the tracker to the .torrent file automatically. That’s the good thing about the internet, you can do it your own way. Feel free. I do it the hard way.

After searching for something to download from Torrentz.com, I have to click one of the sources to be able to download the file (i.e. Mininova). Then I click on download.

While I’m saving the file, using uTorrent, I click on Advanced which will bring me to the advanced screen where I get to add or remove trackers.

I then go back to the Torrentz.com site where I found the file in the first place, copy the trackers from the site them all on the Advanced window.

The purpose of this is to maximize the number of seeds and peers, by getting as much of them from different trackers, so that the client can download it faster. If you’re happy doing it automatically, like from ISOHunt, be my guest. This method seems to work out better for me.

I hope you enjoy using this little bitTorrent tutorial as much as I enjoyed making it.

Remember, Information is Free!!!

The original post can be found here.

Improper extraction methods

Many new and unexperienced Photoshop users depend on the magic wand, quick select or lasso tool to extract backgrounds or objects in an image. Photoshop’s “easy” selection and extraction methods have come a long way, but it still doesn’t compare to the precision you get with the pen tool.

The pen tool can be quite tricky to new users, but once mastered you will wonder how you ever used any other method. Other great methods of quick masking or extraction can also be used. Just don’t use the eraser tool!

Adding a slight feather to your extractions helps improve the appearance of your images.

Setting body copy

Photoshop can be used to create fantastic text effects, but that doesn’t mean you should use it for large areas on text — especially for body copy. That’s what InDesign, Quark or even, Illustrator is for.

Your text will not print as clear and sharp in a raster-based program like Photoshop. Stick with vector-based programs for large amounts of copy.

Using rainbow gradients

You know you’ve seen them a million times, and every time they get more jarring to look at. Just say no to rainbow gradients! (Caution: Grip your arm chair before clicking the link to the left!)

Now that doesn’t mean you should stay clear of gradients all together. I’ve seen plenty of designs and websites as of late using tactful gradients. Try blending the gradients from a lighter shade to a darker shade of the same color, instead of blending 2 or more disconnecting colors.

Assuming K=100 is Black

Many new designers, including myself at one point, thought that setting my K in CMYK to 100 would result in black. This is not the case… instead, it results in a dark grey.

Although you can get away with setting your K to 100 for black text, large areas of black should be set to ‘Rich Black’. Try using C=90 M=60 Y=30 K=100 — it will produce a much richer and noticeable black.

Overusing and abusing filters

I shouldn’t have to go into too much detail with this one, but I remember being obsessed with filters when I first experienced Photoshop. Even though they’re “fun and easy” doesn’t mean they make you look professional and experienced.

Overusing and misusing filters can easily make you look like an amateur.

Creating logos in Photoshop

Though this one can be argued, you should create logos in vector-based programs, like Illustrator, as much as possible.

Vectors are easily scalable and retain consistent clarity no matter how large or small you scale them.

Working under 300dpi in print

Many new users fall into the trap of working in 72 dpi (dots per inch). While this is true for the web, it should not be used when printing. Typically 300 dpi is best for print, but you should always check with your printer.

Also, when working with images that are 72 dpi in print, don’t assume you can just increase the resolution or size of the image and everything will be fixed. The image will appear pixelated and of lower resolution once printed.

Not learning shortcuts

No matter which program you are working in, learning shortcuts is a must. Not only will it increase your workflow by saving valuable time, but many of the tools require additional keys for added functionality.

You can even create your own in Photoshop by selecting ‘Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts…’

Not using layers and folders

Everything in Photoshop revolves around layers. I’ve seen many new Photoshop users neglect using little to no layers, only to regret it later. They make it much easier to edit, move, duplicate, delete, etc.

Also, naming your layers and structuring them into folders is essential, especially when dealing with large PSDs or if you’re a web designer. It will help you navigate around your project, save time and reduce headaches.

‘Desaturate’ to convert images to Black & White

This one is often over looked, even by experienced designers. Choosing Image > Adjustments > Desaturate for converting your image to black and white, often produces a flat, “lifeless” photograph.

Try converting by choosing ‘Image > Adjustments > Channel Mixer’. Check off ‘Monochrome’ and then adjusting the Red, Green and Blue channel sliders — this produces a much richer image.

Beveled, embossed and drop shadows

Similar to rainbow gradients and abusing filters, beveled and/or embossed text can be labeled as unexperienced. Unless you have a valid reason, stay clear of these or use sparingly.

Drop shadows should also be treated properly and with care. When applying a drop shadow, make certain to pay attention to other lighting in the image. You don’t want drop shadows coming from all directions causing an image to appear unbelievable or fake.

Also, adjusting or toning down drop shadows is important as well. They should be subtle and soft, not dramatic and harsh.

Not taking advantage of guides and grids

You wouldn’t believe how many designers “eye” things up instead of pulling out guides or using the grid in Photoshop. They’re there for a reason… use them.

Source [Thanks to Bryan]

Due to the lack of a better post, and equally, the boredom of a geek’s Saturday night, I have found this guide. It shows you how to unlock your iPhone with the 3.1.3 firmware using Blacksn0w. It only unlocks the phone but doesn’t jailbreak it. Fortunately, there’s another guide for that. It uses Sn0wbreeze. As for me, I’m still running 3.1.2 until I get really, really bored. So far, 3.1.2 still does what it’s supposed to.

Unlock Guide for 3.1.3

Jailbreak Guide for 3.1.3

Anyway, To set this up, there are some prerequisites.

1. You must have a jailbroken iPhone.
2. You must have Cydia installed.
3. You must have the patience of a saint.

A video guide (part 1, part 2, part 3) is available on YouTube thanks to RandomPhil86iPhone.

Here’s how it’s done:

You must first get hold of the following applications which are all downloadable from Cydia.

• Winterboard
• Carbon Ovation Theme
• iBlank
• Five Icon Dock
• Five Column Springboard
• Categories
• Springjumps

Note: If you already have Winterboard installed, disable all existing themes before proceeding.

1. Open up Cydia, search and install all the applications mentioned above.
2. Open Springjumps. Once open, tap on Jump Icons.
3. Make sure Page 1 to 6 is On. Leave Page 7 and 8 Off, then tap on the Home button. Your phone will now respring.
4. Go to Settings > Five Column-SB > make sure it is On. Tap on the Home button.
5. Open up Categories. Tap Manage Folders, then tap on Add.
   A window will pop up asking you to name the folder you are about to add.
6. You will be adding folders with the following names:
   1. Apps
   2. Games
   3. iPhone
   4. Misc

   Note: You may choose any icon for each folder.

7. Tap on the home button. Your phone will now respring.
8. Open iBlank. This app will allow you to add blank applications to your Springboard.
9. Tap on 16, then tap on the Home button.
10. Arrange your icons as follows: Feel free to reopen the iBlank App and add as many blanks as you need.
11. Go to Winterboard, and select the Carbon Ovation Theme of your choice.
12. Tap on the Home button and wait for the respring.

You’re all set.