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Friday, May 27, 2016

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR PHOTOSHOP


You'd think setting up your content in Photoshop would be second nature; but oftentimes, the shortcuts to change the background size or zoom in to your project aren't what you think. 
Here are some of the most crucial shortcuts to know:

Selecting
Draw Marquee from CenterAlt-Marquee
Add to a SelectionShift
Subtract from a SelectionAlt
Intersection with a SelectionShift-Alt
Make Copy of Selection w/Move toolAlt-Drag Selection
Make Copy of Selection when not in Move toolCtrl-Alt-Drag Selection
Move Selection (in 1-pixel Increments)Arrow Keys
Move Selection (in 10-pixel Increments)Shift-Arrow Keys
Select all Opaque Pixels on LayerCtrl-click on Layer Thumbnail (in Layers panel)
Restore Last SelectionCtrl-Shift-D
Feather SelectionShift-F6
Move Marquee while drawing selectionHold Space while drawing marquee
Viewing
Fit on ScreenDouble-click on Hand tool or Ctrl-0
100% View Level (Actual Pixels)Double-Click on Zoom Tool or Ctrl-Alt-0
Zoom inCtrl-Space-Click or Ctrl-Plus(+)
Zoom outAlt-Space-Click or Ctrl-Minus(–)
Hide all tools and panelsTab
Hide all panels except Toolbox and Options barShift-Tab
Rotate through full screen modesF
Scroll image left or right in windowCtrl-Shift-Page Up/Down
Jump/Zoom to part of ImageCtrl-drag in Navigator panel
Toggles layer mask on/off as rubylith\
Layer Shortcuts
Create new layerCtrl-Shift-N
Select non-contiguous layersCtrl-Click layers
Select contiguous layersClick one layer, then Shift-Click another layer
Delete LayerDelete key (while in the Move tool)
View contents of layer maskAlt-Click layer mask icon
Temporarily turn off layer maskShift-Click layer mask icon
Clone layer as you move itAlt-Drag
Find/Select layer containing objectRight-Click on the object w/Move tool
Change layer opacityNumber pad keys (w/Move tool selected)
Cycle down or up through blend modesShift-Plus(+) or Minus(–)
Change to a specific blend mode(w/Move tool) Shift-Alt-letter (ie: N=Normal, M=Multiply. etc.)
Switch to layer below/above current layerAlt-[ or Alt-]
Type Shortcuts
Select all text on layerDouble-Click on T thumbnail in Layers panel
Increase/Decrease size of selected text by 2 ptsCtrl-Shift->/<
Increase/Decrease size of selected text by 10 ptsCtrl-Shift-Alt->/<
Increase/Decrease kerning/trackingAlt-Right/Left Arrow
Align text left/center/rightCtrl-Shift-L/C/R
Painting
Fill selection with background colorCtrl-Backspace
Fill selection with foreground colorAlt-Backspace
Fill selection with foreground color using Lock Transparent PixelsShift-Alt-Backspace
Fill selection with source state in History panelCtrl-Alt-Backspace
Display Fill dialog boxShift-Backspace
Sample as background colorAlt-Click w/Eyedropper tool
To get Move toolWhile in any painting/editing tool-hold Ctrl
To get Eyedropper with Paint toolsAlt
Change paint opacity (with Airbrush OFF)Number keys
Change paint opacity (with Airbrush ON)Shift-Number keys
Change Airbrush flow (with Airbrush ON)Number keys
Change Airbrush flow (with Airbrush OFF)Shift-Number keys
Cross-Hair CursorAny painting/editing tool-turn Caps Lock on
Decrease/Increase Brush Size[ or ]
Decrease/Increase Hardness of BrushShift-[ or Shift-]
Switch between preset Brushes< or >
Open Brushes pop-up panelRight-Click in Image window
Erase to History panel's source stateAlt-Eraser
Cycle down or up through blend modesShift-Plus(+) or Minus(–)
Change to a specific blend modeShift-Alt-letter (ie: N=Normal, M=Multiply, etc.)
Create fixed color target from within a dialog boxShift-Click in image window
Delete fixed color targetAlt-Click on target with Color Sampler tool
Create new spot-color channel from current selectionCtrl-Click on New Channel button in Channels panel
Pen Tool Shortcuts
To get Direct Selection tool while using PenCtrl
Switch between Add-Anchor and Delete-Anchor Point toolsAlt
Switch from Path Selection tool to Convert Point tool when pointer is over anchor pointCtrl-Alt
To Select a whole path w/Direct Selection toolAlt-click
Convert path to a selectionCtrl-click on path name (in Paths panel)
Panel Shortcuts
Show/Hide Brushes panelF5
Show/Hide Color panelF6
Show/Hide Layers panelF7
Show/Hide Info panelF8
Show/Hide Actions panelAlt-F9
Open Adobe BridgeCtrl-Alt-O
Other Shortcuts
Switch between open documentsCtrl-Tab
Undo or Redo operations beyond last oneCtrl-Alt-Z/Ctrl-Shift-Z
Apply Last FilterCtrl-F
Opens Last Filter Dialog BoxCtrl-Alt-F
Hand ToolSpacebar
Reset Dialog BoxHold Alt, Cancel turns into Reset Button, Click it
Increase/Decrease value (in any option field) by 1 unitUp/Down Arrow
Increase/Decrease value (in any option field) by 10 unitsShift-Up/Down Arrow
Replay last TransformationCtrl-Shift-T
Measure Angle between Lines (Protractor Function)After ruler is drawn, Alt-Drag end of line with Ruler Tool
Move Crop Marquee while creatingHold Space while drawing
Snap Guide to Ruler ticksHold Shift while dragging
Highlight Fields in Options bar (n/a for all tools)Enter
Don't Snap object edge while movingHold Control while dragging
Tools
VMove
MMarquee tools
LLasso tools
WQuick Selection, Magic Wand
CCrop and Slice Tools
IEyedropper, Color Sampler, Ruler, Note, Count
JSpot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, Patch, Red Eye
BBrush, Pencil, Color Replacement, Mixer Brush
SClone Stamp, Pattern Stamp
YHistory Brush, Art History Brush
EEraser tools
GGradient, Paint Bucket
ODodge, Burn, Sponge
PPen tools
TType tools
APath Selection, Direct Selection
URectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, Line, Custom Shape
K3D Tools
N3D Camera Tools
HHand
RRotate View
ZZoom
DDefault colors
XSwitch Foreground and Background colors
QQuick Mask Mode
To switch between all tools within groups, add the Shift key to the letters above
For example, to switch between rectangular and elliptical marquee hit Shift-M

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER VIRUSES

Computer viruses come in a variety of types. Breaking them into categories is not easy as many viruses have multiple characteristics and so would fall into multiple categories.

A computer virus is a program designed to harm or cause harm on an infected computer. Its spreads through e-mail attachments, portable devices, websites containing malicious scripts and file downloads. A computer virus attaches itself to the host files and always activate whenever you open the infected files. The virus can replicate itself and then infect the other files on your computer causing more damage. Below is a list of different types of computer viruses and what they do.

The Types of Viruses


Virus Type
What It Does
How Affects Our PC

  Program or File Virus
Infects executables (other programs, with affixes such as EXE, BIN, COM, SYS)
Destroys or alters programs and data.
Boot sector Virus
Infects boot sectors on hard and floppy disks
Destroys or alters programs and data.
Multipartite Virus
A hybrid of a program and boot sector virus
Destroys or alters programs and data.
Macro VirusTriggers on a command in  Microsoft OfficeCommonly affects Word & Excel
  Stealth Virus
Uses various tactics to avoid detection.
Destroys or alters programs and data.

Polymorphic Virus

Uses encryption to foil detection, so that it appears differently in each infection.
Destroys or alters programs and data.

Macro Viruses

These viruses infect the files created using some applications or programs that contain macros such as doc, pps, xls and mdb. They automatically infect the files with macros and also templates and documents that are contained in the file. They hide in documents shared through e-mail and networks.
Macro viruses include:
  • Relax
  • bablas
  • Melissa.A
  • 097M/Y2K

Memory Resident Viruses

They usually fix themselves inside the computer memory. They get activated every time the OS runs and end up infecting other opened files. They hide in RAM.
Memory Resident Viruses Include:
  • CMJ
  • meve
  • randex
  • mrklunky

Overwrite Viruses

These types of viruses delete any information in a file they infect, leaving them partially or completely useless once they are infected. Once in the computer, they replaces all the file content but the file size doesn’t change.
Overwrite Viruses Include:
  • Trj.Reboot
  • way
  • trivial.88.D

Direct Action Viruses

These viruses mainly replicate or take action once they are executed. When a certain condition is met, the viruses will act by infecting the files in the directory or the folder specified in the AUTOEXEC.BAT. The viruses are generally found in the hard disk’s root directory, but they keep on changing location.
Direct Action Viruses Include:
  • Vienna virus

Directory Virus

Also known as cluster virus or file system virus. They infect the computer’s directory by changing the path indicating file location. They are usually located in the disk but affect the entire directory.
Directory Viruses Include:
  • dir-2 virus

Web Scripting Virus

Most web pages include some complex codes in order to create an interactive and interesting content. Such a code is often exploited to cause certain undesirable actions. They mostly originate from the infected web pages or browsers.
Web Scripting Viruses Include:
  • JS.Fortnight – a virus that spreads via malicious emails.

Multipartite Virus

These type of viruses spread in many different ways. Their actions vary depending on the OS installed and presence of certain files. They tend to hide in the computer’s memory but do not infect the hard disk.
Multipartite Viruses Include:
  • flip
  • invader
  • tequila

FAT Viruses

These lardy viruses attack the file allocation table (FAT) which is the disc part used to store every information about the available space, location of files, unusable space etc.
FAT Viruses Include:
  • the link virus

Companion Viruses

These types of viruses infect files just like the direct action and the resident types. Once inside the computer, they ‘accompany’ other existing files.
Companion Viruses Include:
  • Asimov.1539
  • stator and terrax.1069

Polymorphic Virus

They encode or encrypt themselves in a different way every time they infect your computer. They use different encryption and algorithms. This makes it difficult for the antivirus software to locate them using signature or string searches (since they are very different in each encryption).
Polymorphic Viruses Include:
  • Marburg
  • tuareg
  • Satan bug
  • elkern

Worm

This program is very similar to a virus and has the ability to self-replicate leading to negative effects on your computer.
Worm Viruses Include:
  • lovgate.F
  • sobig.D
  • trile. C
  • PSWBugbear.B
  • Mapson

Trojans

Trojans can illegally trace important login details of users online. For example E-Banking is very common among users, therefore, vulnerability of tracing your login details whenever your PC is working without any strong powerful antivirus installed.

Email Virus

This is a virus spread via an email. Such a virus will hide in an email and when the recipient opens the mail.

Browser Hijacker

This virus can spread in many different ways including a voluntary download. If infects certain browser functions especially in form of re-directing the user automatically to certain sites. A good example is
Browser Hijackers Include:
  • the cool web search

Boot Infectors

They include the boot sector plus master boot record types. All the viral codes can be separate location; however they infect the hard disks or the floppy.
Boot Infectors Include:
  • the brain virus -it is the very first wild virus to be created.
From what we have seen, the many types of computer viruses and their effects are very harmful and can completely damage your system. Always make sure your system is up to date. Also install antivirus software. The antivirus program protects your computer and the personal information in it.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Ways Social Media Can Be Used For Good

We often stuck to our social media news feeds from morning to night. With the fear of missing out (FoMO), we get distracted by a friend’s tropical holiday snaps on Facebook or find ourselves liking a photo on Instagram of our neighbor's dinner. Businesses are getting in on the act too, by building their audiences and driving sales.



Unfortunately though, you can also find a lot of negativity, conflict and controversy on social media. But what gets overlooked is how social media can create a lot of positivity in the world too. This article takes a step back and looks at 10 ways social media can be used for social good:

1. Help charitable causes

For charities and charitable campaigns, social media is a great way to capture people’s attention. An example is James Rudland’s Sleeping Bag Appeal. Thanks to Facebook, it was a huge success and had people sending sleeping bags for the homeless from all around the world.


2. Raise awareness

Social media can be used to raise awareness about various issues, from homelessness and racism, to AIDS and environmental concerns. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow these messages to not just be heard by people regionally, or even nationally, but globally. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is certainly leading the way in raising awareness, currently with almost 3 million Facebook followers.

3. Respond to tragedy

When the Boston Marathon bombings and Hurricane Sandy happened, social media erupted. People used social media to pull together as a community, to provide help, advice and support. Facebook has now even added a new feature, Safety Check, which allows people in a conflicted area to let friends and family know they are safe.


4. Open communication channels

People can find themselves in all kinds of difficulties, such as financial problems, health worries or may even be dealing with loss. Facebook Groups, for example can help open up communication and enable people going through similar situations to talk, regardless of their geography.


5. Share hope

As well as a place to talk about life’s difficulties, social media can also share the hope. Lisa Lynch, who had terminal cancer, wrote a blog to help herself and family make sense of what she was going through. However, what she didn’t realize was that she was also becoming an inspiration to many others who were facing similar fears.


6. Create unity

We’re used to seeing people fall out on social media, with a celebrity feud list too long to even remember. However, following a tragedy like the latest Paris attacks, it was moving to see everyone around the world stop and unite. Many people also reacted by changing their profile pictures, out of respect for those who lost their lives and as a sign of solidarity.


7. Reunite loved ones

Whether you’ve lost someone in conflict, in times of tragedy or drifted apart over time, social media can help reunite friends and loved ones (and even pets). Homeless man, Jimmy Francis, shows how it is possible, reconnecting with his daughter after 24 years, with the help of Facebook.


8. Create Positivity

There can be a lot of negativity in the world (including online), but social media can also be a great place to go for some positivity, whether you like reading daily quotes, listening to inspirational stories, or even just having a laugh by watching a baby panda sneeze!


9. Promote fundraising

Whether you work for a charity or are just an individual, passionate about a cause and want to raise money, sites like Facebook and Twitter are a good way to get the word out there about your fundraising activities.


10. Generate support

As well as donating money, people can help in many other ways. Whether you have a charity event, want people to give their time, share their expertise, or volunteer at a soup kitchen, social media sites can be a good place to go to encourage people to get involved.



Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives that we forget how much we can help others around the world and we can do it using the tools that we use every single day! The incredible thing about social media though is that not only can you make a difference in your local community, you can also make a difference all around the world.