10 Tips How to Design an Interesting Infographic

An Infographic is a fun new way of passing on information to other people. It was started as more of a social media idea, but now people will put them into their blogs, websites, and even into their emails. The gist of Infographic images is to put a decent amount of information into a small and compact area, but to make it more interesting and easy to read/understand. The problem is that if you do not make it interesting, then people are not going to want to read or look at your Infographics. There is no point in creating a fun and interesting alternative to text, if all you do is find another way of being boring.

1 - Gather as much data as possible

Even if you cannot put all of your data and research into the infographic, you still need to make sure that you have too much research, as oppose to too little. Thin and poorly planned infographics stand out like a sore thumb. You need to make sure that your content is fresh, but well researched and correct, because false information is worse than no information at all.

2 - Try to get people to read everything

You want the user to read every square inch of your infographic, and you can check that they are doing this by attempting to skim read your own infographic. If you find that certain parts are easier to skim read than others, then your readers are going to find it easier to skim read too. Do not add elements if you think they will be ignored, and try not to add smaller and cramped pieces of text.

3 - Try to create a narrative within your infographic

This is the thing that makes a person look from point A to B to C, etc. The narrative is the reason why they should continue reading. Your infographic does not have to reach a point, because the “Point” is to give information. But it must move from one area to another in some sort of pattern. The viewers need to go on some sort of journey within your infographic.

4 - Look for your own problems within your infographic

This takes a very critical eye to be able to do. You need to be able to take a cold hard look at your own work and then pick faults with it. There may be things such as how your background color or your font are too close to each other. It may be that one of your pretty elements takes up to much space. Or it may be that one of your elements is simply useless and unproductive.

5 - Create some sort of hierarchy

This relates to the point about a narrative and a journey. Your hierarchy would add a character to the story that was the most important factor of all (the hero of the story, if you will). For example, your infographic could be about the white blood cell, in which

case the “hero” may be the fact that the white blood cell helps to kill infectious agents. Other facts about the cell have their place, but its bacteria fighting skills are the top dog on your info graphic.

6 - Start with a template or wireframe

Do not just start an infographic with just a blank page. You need to start it with some sort of structure or theme that you can base the infographic around. If you start with just a blank page then you are going to struggle to make it look coherent and professional in the long run.

7 - Make sure you choose a format

Do not just start with a devil may care attitude. You need to start and finish with a format; otherwise you will create a mix of formats that will probably look terrible.

8 - You need to determine your visual approach

This is the theme, format and style that you are going to use. You need to match your format to your type of info graphic, to your style of infographic. You need to make sure that all of your infographic is following the same rules otherwise it will not look professional, and it will look disjointed.

9 - Refine and test your infographic

You need to be aware that your infographic may not be perfect, which is why you should test your infographic on a few people before you upload it on the World Wide Web.

10 - Take criticism under advisement

People are not always right, but then again, neither are you. It is a good idea to take the advice of others about your infographic, but don’t forget that they may be incorrect, wrong, or just plain dumb.

Author’s bio: My name is Sonia Jackson. I represent the Australian web-site http://www.essay-bag.com. We’ll help you to solve all problems with writing different essays and research papers according to the rules of the universities and colleges in Australia.

How to create Adsense Ad Unit Codes? [Video]

Blogger users have a direct option to add Adsense ad units to their blog's template. But using these ad units can be placed only on selected places. You cannot place them just below your blog title, below blog post before comments. It is a matter of fact, that the two positions I just mentioned have the highest CTR (Click Through Ratio).

Furthermore, custom generated ad units will help in easy understanding, while dealing with Adsense performance report.

If your blog is on WordPress you need to know this it is almost a necessary step. Ad placement on WordPress blog is easy all you need is an ad placement plugin.

Step 1: How to create?

1. Login into your Adsense account.
2. Select 'My ads' tab.
3. Click 'New Ad Unit'.
4. A form will open up. Fill it according to your requirement. While naming ad units it is a good practice to name them using their position in your blog, eg. Top Most Sidebar.
5. Click 'Save and get code'.
6. Copy the generated code.

NOTE- If you are running multiple blogs with a single Adsense account or you are planning to do so. Then, create separate ad units for every blog, even if you are placing similar sized ad units on two or more of your blogs. This too helps while studying the performance of each of your ad units separately.

Ad Styles are only applicable for Adword ads. Text based ad units. It is best to use 'Google Default' ad style unless explicitly required. Text ad unit with 'Google Default' style looks most tidy if placed just below blog post title.

Step 2: Implement

Blogger

1. Login into your blogger dashboard.
2. Go to Layout. 
3. Select 'add a gadget'.
4. Select HTML/JavaScript and paste you code in the body. No need to give any title.

WordPress

Use your plugin to add ad codes. Steps vary from plugin to plugin. But base remains the same. 

NOTE- Newly created ad unit(s) won't start working immediately. It will take some time to start displaying ads. So don't worry in case you see a blank white space instead of your ad unit. Notice, last ad unit is saying 'New' in status column, rest of them are displaying 'Active' status.

How to edit already created ad unit?

From your adsense dashboard. Select 'My ad' tab. Now, you'll see all of your ad units. Click on the name of your ad unit and edit anything you want. If you want to toggle between 'ad type' then click 'Edit ad type' just below the ad unit's name. This is a quick edit that lets you toggle between text, text/image or image only ads.

Windows 8 shortcuts

Windows has many shortcuts that most user never use. Windows 8 added a lot to it's list of shortcuts to use. The important shortcuts depends on your use. Shortcuts are always useful and increase productivity. All shortcuts new and old are stated below-

NOTE - Win here refers to Windows Key.

General Shortcuts

Command	Action
Win + E	Opens My Computer
Win + R	Run Command
Win + L	Log Off
Win + M	Minimizes all active Windows
Win + D	Show Desktop. All active Windows comes up again when shortcut is used again.
Win + C	Shows Time and All Right Pane shortcuts navigation options.
Win + +	Launches Magnifier

Right Pane Menu

Command	Action
Win + U	Opens Ease of Access
Win +I	Setting Options
Win + K	Devices
Win + P	Opens Second screen Option
Win + H	Share Menu

Search Menu in Start

Command	Action
Win + F	To search Files
Win + Q	To search Apps
Win + W	To search Settings

Open Application on Taskbar

Command	Action
Win + 1	Launch App pinned at first place on Taskbar
Win +2	Launch App pinned at second place on taskbar
and so on... On using these shortcuts twice , the application that just launched, minimizes again.

Top Windows 8 features

A lot of user dislike and criticize it. But still it forms a great operating system for professional usage. Windows App Store supplies great applications. Split screen or snapping app side-by-side makes it all even better.

Split Screen

Split Screen allows you to use two applications side by side. This is done by dividing the entire screen into two parts one of one-quarter and other of three-quarter. To do so just open any application and move to desktop, then hover your mouse on top left corner of your work-space  All the open application will pop up, right click the one you want to place on your your split screen. Upon the right click you'll get three options, close, snap left and snap right. Select snap left or snap right according to your needs.

The other way to snap is, by hovering your cursor on top edge of your screen. You'll notice a hand shaped cursor. Now, click, hold and drag. On dragging to the left or right of the screen, screen divider will appearing leave the click to drop it there.

Great Application Options

Windows App Store is continuously expanding. It already have applications for Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Kindle, etc. The app store features both free and paid apps. 

Windows Mail

Default mail exchange application by Microsoft. You can also set up multiple mail accounts. I don't recommend this but having a Hotmail or Outlook account configured with Windows Mail is actually better. Microsoft hosted mail allows you to integrate social accounts like Facebook and twitter to your mail account. This allows you to chat with your Facebook friends via your mail account. 

Windows Messenger

Windows Messenger is designed for socializing but with Facebook integrated Microsoft mail accounts, chatting gets even better and you can reply anytime and get notified too. The best part is the way the message pops in a rectangular Callout box at the top right of the screen. 

For even better Facebook experience use Facebook application. There are a number of versions available, like Facebook Touch, Lite, Plus, etc.

Windows Calendar

If you plan things and update your Calender accordingly or you want to get notified about any friends birthday then Calender comes in. If you have integrated your Facebook account with Microsoft then your Facebook events like your friends birthday will also get updated on your Calender.

Calender Notifications get displayed on you log-on screen, just above your battery level icon (in case of devices running on battery) and network connection icon. So, there aren't any chances of forgetting any event.

Top free Windows 8 apps for publishers

Sharing the published content is the first effort by a publisher in pushing the article to top positions in Google search. Having higher social stats are now  included by Google in Google's Page Rank Algorithm. So, the higher the social shares, the better SEO you have.

The deal is not over yet. As a publisher, you are also required to engage to your twitter followers and others. Now, you cannot have a daily checklist of what to do and when to engage.

In such case apps may help in a great way.

Windows Mail

A default system application to check your emails. You can add any email account. While setting up, you may get only Microsoft account. But you can set Windows mail with any mail account.

You can also add multiple accounts, but to prevent any possible confusions you may also enter only your public contact mail account. Well, this confusion won't happen but you may opt to take an additional precaution.

Twitter

A small application, but downloading and installing may take time. And unfortunately this application allows you to control only one twitter account at a time. Generally, every blogger have to maintain a minimum of two twitter accounts. One personal and other is the one that officially represents your blog.

Facebook Touch

There are a number of versions of Facebook application available on Windows Store. I use Facebook Touch. You can also try other apps too like Facebook Lite, Facebook Plus, etc. Facebook Fan Page management is great in both Touch as well as Plus. I didn't tried any other Fb application.

Furthermore, these Facebook apps have only one ad slot, i.e., only a single advertisement is displayed which contain ads mainly about Microsoft products. So, a great solution for those who don't like Facebook ads.

WaterMark

A good or I must say great application for watermarking your images. This application supports jpg as well as png images. Therefore, application is not restricted to applying only text watermarks. If you have transparent png logo of your blog or company, then you can watermark the published image with your own branding.

Google launched Books for Android

Google officially launched Google Books for Android. Till now we needed to rely on Kindle Application for android.But no more. The real fun lies in reading on Kindle devices rather than installing application on your desktop and devices. With Kindle you needed to manage your Amazon account.

Application can be installed from Google Play Store. You will be asked to install it whenever you will try to access 'Books' from Google Play Store. The screen shot below is the screen that you will get when accessing Books when the application is not installed.

Look and feel

Turning pages with Google Book is real fun with the 3D animation offered. This 3D animation of pages is optional and you can turn it off or on via Settings option of the application. You can read books (free and paid both are available), bookmark, create notes. 

Google Play Books also renders graphics, so reading is a bit more fun and illustrative. It will push your fantasy into reality.

Bookmarks and Notes

Creating Notes is simple, and you get a number of colors to choose from, while creating notes. These colors highlight your notes as in the screen-shot above. To create note, just select the text by tapping and holding the text, and then use the markers to select the exact text. 

Furthermore, all the created notes and bookmarks are accessible with content frame.

Chapters

Chapter section contains your book's index. You can skip or jump to anywhere or to any chapter. Maximum readers don't go thought the introductory part. A great option for them. Undoubtedly, useful section of all the books.

Synchronization

The application actively synchronizes your app with your Google account so no need to turn pages while trying to read on some other device. Reading options lets you easily customize your reading experience. You can change your font size and line spacing.

Unlike Kindle, which required an application to be installed on your Desktop, Google Books offers direct access to your books via a web browser.

Desktop Access

Goto Google Play Store. And click My Books. The entire list of your purchased books will open open. Select the book you want to read. It will open in your browser. And as you know about the sync function, you don't requires to shuffle between the page to reach where you left.

Windows Tablets vs. Android Tablets: Pros and Cons

Apple's release of the iPad changed how people view computing. Shortly after its release, Google honed its Android platform for use on tablets, and many manufacturers have since released capable Android tablets. However, Microsoft has entered the tablet field as well, and although its entry was late, some experts believe that Microsoft will play a significant role in the coming years. Here are some of the pros and cons of Android tablets and how they compare with Microsoft's offerings.

Available Options

One of Android's greatest advantages is that it is free and open source. As a result, manufacturers do not need permission from Google to release Android devices. This freedom has created a market where there are numerous options available for businesses. While Microsoft licenses its tablet operating system, it is more demanding than Google, and some manufacturers may not be permitted to create Microsoft devices. As a result, those looking for the ultimate in present and future diversity may prefer Android tablets. That said, companies that are satisfied by a particular Microsoft device may find it to be the right choice for them.

Integration

Android tablets are designed to function well within Google's ecosystem, and companies that use Google's suite of tools may prefer Android tablets for this reason. Microsoft tablets, however, are designed to work well with Windows, which is still the most popular operating system used by businesses. While integration is a concern, it should be noted that more developers are targeting Android than ever before, and many programs will have options available on the Android platform in the future. In addition, Microsoft tablets are capable of accessing Google's products through either native apps or through their web interfaces. In general, integration should not be a deciding factor unless there is a particular program that only runs on a particular device. With the move to web-based programs, this consideration will likely become even less important in the future.

Price

In the past years, it has become clear that Android will be the dominant player in the low-cost market. For companies that are looking to use their tablets for only a limited role, price may be the leading consideration, and those seeking the lowest operating costs possible will find Android to be the preferable choice. That said, Windows tablets are designed to function partially as laptop replacements. Because of this, switching to a Windows tablet may allow a company to avoid a new purchase of laptops. When performing the calculations, it is important to realize that no tablet is capable of replacing a full computer, so desktop and laptop purchases must be factored in as well.

The Future

Will the future is always difficult to predict, it is clear that Android will continue to be a major player in the tablet field. As the most popular mobile operating system in the world, developers will continue to target Android. The future Windows on mobile devices, however, is a bit more hazy. That said, Windows tablets are capable of running Windows desktop software, and support will not completely evaporate in the foreseeable future. Those looking for the safe choice, however, will want to stick with Android.    

Author's Bio: This article was written by Andy G from firmware and driver download website called http://www.helpjet.net/  .

Top 5 Android Smartphones to buy in 2013

Although the iPhone 5 and the upcoming Phone 5S will be a big hit throughout the year, there are also a number of Android smartphones that Apple should watch out for. If you are thinking of purchasing a smartphone this year then let us shed some light on which are the top Android phones, based on their specifications and performance. Samsung is probably Apple’s closest competitor (as well as being a supplier of components for the iPhone) and we should expect them to release more Android OS devices this year. 

In fact, Android and iOS are both in racing to achieve one billion users, according to Business Insider. Last year, Information Handling Services (IHS) released a report which projected that cumulative shipments of Android devices would reach 1.1 billion by the end of this year. Daniel Gleeson, mobile analyst of IHS, said that “Android are taking over the world of smartphones. We expect the Android operating system to become the first to reach the milestone of 1 billion shipments during its lifetime.”

If you want to join the increasing number of Android smartphone users worldwide, we’ve listed the top five that you should consider buying this year.

1. Samsung Galaxy S3

As Samsung and Apple take their rivalry very seriously, the Korean manufacturer will surely come up with various smartphones and devices to prove they have the right to take home the prize. One of their best-selling devices—and perhaps the best selling Android handset on the market—is the Samsung Galaxy S3. It features Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, a1.4 GHz processor, a Quad-core Snapdragon, 2GB RAM, 16GB to 32GB internal storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and a 4.8-inch display (720x1280 LCD). In the US, the top three large 4G LTE carriers (Verizon, AT&T and Sprint) have presented affordable contract prices for Samsung S3, starting as low as $99. With powerful features and a reasonable price, Samsung Galaxy S3 remains the top Android smartphone in the market.

2. LG (Google) Nexus 4

If you opt for inexpensive smartphone that carries the latest Android OS then go for LG (Google) Nexus 4. Manufactured by LG with Google’s ideas and creativity, the Nexus 4 carries the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS, 1.5 GHz processor, Quad-core chip, generous 2GB RAM, 8-megapixel rear camera, 4.7-inch display (768x1280 LCD) and 8GB internal storage. Although the internal storage is not as huge as those on other smartphones, it makes up for its high resolution screen, which is “the highest resolution of any Android smartphone ,” according to Expertreviews.com.

3. Motorala Droid RAZR MAXX HD

Smartphones allow you to open many applications in one screen; however the more apps open means the more battery you use. If you’re the type who always multi-task on your smartphone, then the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX HD will solve your fast draining battery problem. Although this smartphone only supports a 720p display, it makes up for this with a 3,300 mAh battery which allows you to use it for up to 372 hours of stand-by time or up to 32 hours on talk time. Apart from its long lasting battery life, RAZR MAXX HD has an extremely durable design, uses Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, and has a decent 4.7 inch Corning Gorilla Glass screen. This fantastic phone is available at Amazon.com for $99.99 on-contract. You can also download a battery saver app for Android to improve your battery life and enjoy your smartphone for even longer.

4. Sony Xperia Z

The Sony Xperia series has been on the market for long time, but this is the first time that the company has taken their game up a notch by presenting us with the powerful Sony Xperia Z. This amazing smartphone has a huge 5-inch display (1080x1920 pixels), Quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5 GHz Krait, Android OS version 4.1.2 Jelly Bean which is upgradable to version 4.2, 13-megapixel rear camera and 2.2-megapixel front camera. The phone is also said to be water-resistant for up to six feet and supports a sturdy battery life of 11 hours talk time or up to 550 hours standby time.

5. Lenovo IdeaPhone K900

Lenovo is a brand more known for laptops and computers, yet they have proven to be a great name for smartphones, especially with Lenovo IdeaPhone K900. It offers users 5.5-inch screen (1080x1920 pixels), Corning Gorilla Glass 2 display, 2GB RAM, 13-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front camera, and supports Android v4.2 Jelly Bean OS, as well as packing an Intel Atom Z2580 chip, and Dual-core 1.8 GHz. The company claims that it’s the thinnest smartphone for its class and it is certainly remarkably light and slim at only 6.9mm. The pricing information for Lenovo IdeaPhone K900 is not yet available, but the company said it will be on sale in China by early April of this year.

Users have numerous reasons why they might want to purchase smartphones. Some said they enjoy the convenience of having a phone, camera, and gaming and internet mobile device in one. It lets them access their social networking sites, take and edit photos, play their favorite mobile app games, and access the internet wherever they go. As more Android smartphones present better and stronger features every year, it can feel hard work to know which one you should buy. The list above will hopefully enlighten you on what’s the best mobile device to suit your lifestyle and needs.

Author's Bio: Jaime Wills is a tech-savvy entrepreneur who’s always up to date with the innovative trends from national and international brands. When she’s not busy with the demands of her flourishing business, she likes to wax enthusiastic about Apple products with their user-friendly and highly aesthetic.

Nokia Adds '520 & 720' to Lumia Lineup of Smartphones

Nokia expanded its range of Lumia Smartphones by unveiling the 520 and 720 handsets at the Mobile World Congress at Barcelona this week.

The company believes that it is possible to enjoy the best Smartphone features without shelling out that much money. They also introduced two entry level phones, the 105 and 305. The 105 is targeted at first time users and sports a small 1.45 inch screen with essential features like alarms, FM radio and so on. The 305 has a display double the size, and sports a 3 MP camera and web browser too. These two phones are expected to be launched in over 120 countries worldwide.

Let us see what specs the new additions boast:

Lumia 720

1. Display: 4.3-inch WVGA, resolution 800 x 480 pixels
2. CPU: Snapdragon 1 GHz dual core S4 chip
3. RAM: 512
4. Inbuilt storage 8 GB, expandable via Micro SD card (*this is a first for a Lumia Smartphone)
5. Camera: Primary rear camera of 6.7 MP; Front camera 1.3 MP with wide angle lens and HD quality.
6. NFC capability

The rear camera is capable of taking good quality pictures even in dim light.. The 720 looks as elegant as the 920 but is even more sleek and light. Nokia’s standard services like Nokia Music and Here locations suite are incorporated in the phone. Here offers turn by turn navigational directions. The touchscreen is extremely responsive and the OS is silky smooth.

This device is expected to carry a price tag of $ 330 and will be released soon in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore, later followed by India, Europe, China and Africa. There is no word as yet on whether the 720 will be released in US markets.

Lumia 520

Touted as the most affordable WP 8 Smartphone to come from Nokia; at $ 183, it certainly looks like it.

1. Processor: 1 GHz dual core chip
2. Camera: 5 MP primary
3. RAM and memory same as the 720
4. Display: 4 inches WVGA

The camera has digital lenses as in the 920, and software that allows you to filter the images, add effects and highlight features that you want.

This handset will be seen in US markets though it’s likely that it will be available on contract with a carrier.

Neither of the handsets are 4G LTE capable. This is an attempt by the company to woo budget conscious consumers, and to offer a wide choice of WP 8 Smartphones, and to re-establish themselves as a major player in the Smartphone segment. How far it will succeed depends to some extent on the efficiency of the WP 8 OS too. It is definitely not a very task considering the wildfire like popularity of the iPhones and the Galaxy S series. However, given the extremely competitive price tags on these two handsets, the powerful cameras, and attractive looks, I for one, would not be surprised to see consumers making a beeline for them.

Author's Bio: This guest post is brought to you by MARK BENNETT of Onlinecomcast, a site that offers savings and current information on  Comcast Deals and Comcast Cable TV.

Auto-tweet Facebook fan page status to twitter

Facebook and twitter are two of the top social media sites. As a publishers these two social network giants prove to be a great tool to kick start each of your article.

But sharing all of your article on the web that comprises of several social media site can be a pain. When it comes to twitter then, tweeting same article again and again is helpful, but don't unnecessarily spam. Over-tweeting may cost you your followers.

In a previous tutorial, I showed- How to auto tweet your feed updates to twitter?

ALSO SEE: Secure your Facebook account with trusted contacts
Forward your Facebook chat conversations
Facebook Rolled Out Verified Accounts

How to tweet your Fan page updates to twitter?

1. Login into your Facebook account.
2. Open Fan page administered by you.
3. From the admin panel, goto 'Edit Page' > 'Update Info' > 'Resources'.
4. Click 'link your page to twitter'.
5. Click the 'Link to Twitter' button.
6. Authorize Facebook app with twitter.

See it in action

Increase you Office productivity using apps available on Google Drive. ..... #productivity fb.me/27G0KgQzb
— Sector Techno (@SectorTechno) February 24, 2013

The URL that you posted will get shortened. Also see the 'hash tag'.

Some Tips

1. While posting you status updates, if you are posting URLs then you might encounter dual URLs in your tweets as Facebook creates one more URL to display meta descriptions and thumbnails.
2. Include 'hash tags' while posting status updates these 'hash tag' remain functional in tweets too.
3. In case you want to mention somebody on twitter and you know the user-name then type the user name first and then add @ symbol. Facebook also supports this feature there are chances that a user or fan page with that user-name exists on Facebook too.