Elsevier Pure

Pure is a cloud-managed total research package that keeps track and displays a researcher's publications and research activities. Pure works within a university and inter-universities. It compares research activities/projects across several universities and reports back to the researcher. It allows researchers at different universities to view a research grant proposal/application but does not allow editing. Comments made by other researchers are sent back to the researcher for improvement of the grant proposal.

There are new terms such as hyperauthorship and Common (country-based) CV when collaboration over the web is deployed for international research projects. There is a prepared Common CV template or CCV.

There are Pure Users Groups in Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada.

Pure 5.11 is due for release in February 2018.

Pure 5.12 is due for release in June 2018.


Elsevier Pure
https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/pure/releases/roadmap

Pure Portal
https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/pure/features/pure-experts-portal

Mendeley

Mendeley is like ResearchGate. It gathers almost all the publications of a researcher at one place. But it has limited capacity as only those listed on certain databases are gathered and listed on Mendeley. The drawback is it gives a false idea about a researcher's publication activities and research. It is not so useful for me.

Mendeley
https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/mendeley

Elsevier Fingerprint Engine

This is an interesting engine that makes a fingerprint of each researcher's research publication and profile. It creates a unique fingerprint for each researcher. No 2 researchers are the same.

Elsevier Fingerprint Engine
https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/elsevier-fingerprint-engine
https://www.elsevier.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/175249/Fingerprint-Engine-FactSheet.pdf
https://www.elsevier.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/181763/FPE_WhitePaper_May_2016_update.pdf

An example of deployment of Elsevier Fingerprint Engine at UTM
https://pure.utm.my/en/persons/noordin-mohd-yusof

Silent Film Fonts or Retro Fonts

Before there was movies with sound and movies with soundtrack, the old movies had no sound. They were silent. They are referred to as Silent Films. They used old fonts, which we now call Silent Film Fonts or Retro Fonts.

The Silent Film Fonts are a collection of fonts used in old silent movies. They include:

1. Bellerose
2. Chocolate Box
3. Fontleroy Brown
4. Noir-et-Blanc
5. Rechtman
6. Absinthe
7. Porte

Retro fonts are designed to look aged (old).

Some fonts add a personal touch as they are fashioned after actual handwriting. Examples of script font include:

1. Journey to Thailand
2. Chopin Script
3. Scriptina
4. Athena of the Ocean

Typewriter fonts are fonts which were available on the typewriter (before we had computers). They include:

1. Moms typewriter
2. Special Elite
3. Underwood Champ
4. Last Draft
5. 1942 Report
6. Veteran Typewriter

External links:

Modern fonts

https://1stwebdesigner.com/best-modern-fonts/

Retro fonts

http://www.wpeducationnews.com/2016/05/15/36-free-retro-fonts/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/36662184441070433/?lp=true

http://theladybugcabin.com/tag/font-combinations/

http://imrityunjaya.in/blog/25-free-vintage-and-retro-fonts/

http://rumandraisin.co/39-free-retro-fonts/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215680269625362617/?lp=true

Bellerose

https://fonts2u.com/bellerose-light10.font

http://www.fontpalace.com/font-download/Bellerose/

https://www.dafont.com/bellerose.font

https://elements.envato.com/lp/design/

http://www.fontspace.com/harris-type/bellerose

https://www.wfonts.com/font/bellerose

https://fontmeme.com/fonts/bellerose-font/

http://www.dailyfreefonts.com/fonts/info/2149-Bellerose.html

https://creativemarket.com/harristype/1075733-Bellerose-Pro-Font-Family

Chocolate Box

http://www.fontriver.com/font/chocolate_box/download.html

http://www.fonts101.com/fonts/view/Serif/3227/ChocolateBox

Noir et Blanc

http://www.fontriver.com/font/noir_et_blanc/download.html

Rechtman

http://www.fontriver.com/font/rechtman/download.html

Fontleroy Brown

http://www.fontriver.com/font/fontleroy_brown/

Script fonts

http://www.fontriver.com/script/

Script font - Journey to Thailand

http://www.fontriver.com/font/journey_to_thailand/download.html

Script font - Chopin Script

http://www.fontriver.com/font/chopin_script/download.html

Script font - Scriptina

http://www.fontriver.com/font/scriptina/

Script font - Athena of the Ocean

http://www.fontriver.com/font/athena_of_the_ocean/download.html

Typewriter fonts

https://www.1001freefonts.com/typewriter-fonts.php

Swirls
https://www.myfonts.com/foundry/PR_Fonts/

Fixing the Canon scanner - CanoScan LiDE 110 (for Windows 10 on x64 system)

All of a sudden, the scanner does not work!
What went wrong?
When I pressed on the usual button to scan a document, an error message is displayed.
It says I need a WIA driver!
WTH!

Why would I need a WIA driver NOW, when I probably had it BEFORE?
Why was it removed? Was it removed on purpose?
Do I need to BUY or DOWNLOAD a WIA driver under the disguise of driver update?

What is this WIA driver? Where do I find it?
I searched for the WIA driver everywhere for hours!
It can be downloaded for FREE!

WIA stands for Windows Image Architecture. It is a programmable app.
It is used to display what is to be scanned.
It is a scanning format (that is what I think it is for).

The scanner program itself uses another imaging program.
I use Zoner Photo Studio 18 for this purpose (piggy-back OCR).

The robot at the Canon website can detect what system I have and find the correct scan app for me to download.
This is a good feature of the Canon website.
I have a Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 scanner which works on my laptop, a 64-bit system running Windows 10,

I checked the necessary scan apps for my system from the Canon website.
I don't actually know what they do or what they are for, or whether I need all 3.

I downloaded the 3 files below from the Canon website.
Then I installed all the 3 files, one by one.
The one at far right is most important - it says sd68-win-lide110-17_0.5-ea24.
That's the most recent version of the scan app that I need.

Then I re-started my laptop.
Then I opened the Control Panel and the Printer & Scanner folder.

I double-clicked on the Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 icon (black scanner).

I tried all the links I can see.
One link will display the profile to use for scanning.
I created a new profile and named it after me.
I set it as my new default profile.
I closed the message box.

Then I clicked on the other link and the scanner window showed up (just what I need).
I performed a scan.
I scanned an A4 document to see if it will scan.
Yes, it scanned ok.
DONE! My scanner works again!


Other notes about my scanner

1. The Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 scanner at home is not as good as the scanner that I use at work. But it is ok for home use and for urgent use. This is a bare minimum scanner. 
2. Buy a better scanner if you have the budget. It is worth if you are keeping track of documents or photos for research and publication.
3. The control for this scanner is bare minimum and not so easy to fine tune (can't fine tune). 
4. The other Canon MP model at work is much better.

Batch Resizing

IrfanView
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000794.htm

Font for body text

Selecting and creating type font for body text
https://practice.typekit.com/lesson/selecting-typefaces-for-body-text/

Text Analyzer and Text Analytics

Text Analyzer
https://www.jstor.org/analyze/about

Text Analytics
http://www.greenbookblog.org/2013/10/04/the-challenges-of-text-analytics-from-clients-in-the-trenches/

Handling PDF

These apps convert documents in many ways.

I love PDF
https://www.ilovepdf.com/

Icecream PDF Converter
http://www.digital-digest.com/software/icecream_pdf_converter.html

You Convert It
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-ways-to-convert-a-pdf-file-to-a-jpg-image/

Synergy between Faculty Research and Undergraduate Teaching

Lecturers either use their research experience in their undergraduate teaching, or otherwise. Students tend to benefit as they are more aware, more inquisitive, more able and more research-oriented when they graduate. Such students will more likely pursue research at the same university or elsewhere in the near future. When there is no mention of research when teaching undergraduates, students will not know and not have any idea about research. They remain unaware and oblivious to research methodologies and activities. The teaching approach needs to change if students are to graduate with more research-conscious minds and pursue research later.

The best teaching method is inductive teaching. It can be achieved by 3 teaching approaches

       Inductive teaching:

1. - inquiry-based learning
2. - problem-based learning (PBL)
3. - project-based learning

Inquiry-based approach to teaching is best because when students are challenged with a project or subject, to learn they will be more enthusiastic to complete the project as well as to learn from it,

Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
(later called the Boyer Foundation after Ernest L Boyer, its president)

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
- focuses on the synergy between faculty research and undergraduate teaching

Research
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/Teaching-Research(JEE).pdf

Purpose of teaching
http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Publications/Info-For-Authors/Instructions-for-PiM

Statistics

Research uses statistics.


P-value
http://blog.minitab.com/blog/adventures-in-statistics-2/how-to-correctly-interpret-p-values

Research design
https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/research_ready/researchreadyintroduction/research_design

Sampling and Variables
https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/research_ready/researchreadyintroduction/sampling

Flowcharts, Sitemaps and Wireframes

Flowcharts can be big and messy when drawn from scratch.

Now there are many templates to choose from.

These templates are crisp and clear. They give a professional appearance to projects. They are useful for research projects or charting out a long process or SOP.


External links

https://uxkits.com/products/website-flowchart-and-sitemap

https://dribbble.com/shots/1132247-Flowchart

https://www.pinterest.com/jvetrau/ux-site-maps-information-maps-page-flows/?lp=true

https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vectors/sitemap-vectors

WhatsApp Desktop App

This is a new application and is very useful. Second year medical students use it for sharing lecture PowerPoints and notes, and for the class to view class video real-time as lecture takes place. I watched it in action today, by chance. This is a better and faster way for students to share or distribute lecture materials before class begins. It can be done 15 minutes before class.

Read here first (How to)
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/whatsapp-desktop-app-windows-pc

Download link
https://web.whatsapp.com/

Follow the instructions online.

The QR code is the B/W square piece. Hold the smartphone in front of the computer or laptop. When accepted, the QR code will disappear and WhatsApp will appear on the desktop.

Any file can be shared in this way. But the files need to be first copied and uploaded to WhatsApp by the class leader or whoever is appointed to do this for the class. Files can be anything - PPT, DOC, videos etc.

Will WhatsApp Desktop replace Moodle?

It depends. If Moodle is used but by restricting lecturers' access to each course except those that they lecture, then naturally, lecturers will resort to WhatsApp Desktop, which is better for sharing resources purposes and for chat.

FAQ
https://faq.whatsapp.com/faq/web/28080002

Osmosis Osmoseit

Osmoseit is a learning platform by Osmosis for medicine
https://www.facebook.com/OsmoseIt/

Osmosis
https://www.osmosis.org/

Icons

Icons are useful for preparing maps and plans.

Some icons are free and some can be bought.

Some icons are 2D and others are 3D.

Some icons are B/W while others are two tone or multi-coloured.

Some icons are outlines and some are filled icons.

Some icons have shadows.

Vector icons can be re-sized and do not lose their resolution.

Non vector icons lose their resolution and become pixelated when enlarged or when projected for large screen.

Some icons allow editing but most will not look nice after editing.

Common icons are location icons, house icons, transportation icons, communication icons, etc.

Most free icons require a back link to the website where they were downloaded, hosted or displayed.

Some icon owners allow first 5 icons free and then require a payment for further downloads

Even though there are a lot of icons on the Internet, it is worthwhile to learn how to create icons, and then create your own set of icons. When you have your own icons, you are not bound by requirements made by others or terms set by others.

Learn and then create your own icons.


House icons
http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/house.html

Freepik
http://www.freepik.com/free-icon/country-hotel-house_734073.htm

Icons8
https://icons8.com/app

Icon finder
https://www.iconfinder.com/icons/134213/building_home_house_main_icon

Dreamstime
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-house-icon-image24661687
https://www.dreamstime.com/business-stock-photos

Icon archive
http://www.iconarchive.com/show/refresh-cl-icons-by-tpdkdesign.net/System-Home-icon.html
http://www.iconarchive.com/show/3d-house-icons-by-seanau/School-icon.html
http://www.iconarchive.com/tag/doc

Deposit photos - Victorian ornaments
https://depositphotos.com/4547124/stock-illustration-vector-victorian-ornament-set.html

Fontgate

Calibri is a nice font to use for writing documents, academic and other.

It was released in 2007.

Fake documents which used the Calibri font and dated before 2007 can be detected using font detection apps.

In checking whether documents have been fabricated and therefore are fakes, it is necessary to also check the font(s) used in creating such document(s).

Understanding fonts and keeping track of fonts development should expand beyond the realms of graphic artists and photographers. Court writers, document archivists, and university records officers must understand fonts, in order to be able to detect fake documents.


External links
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/how-a-microsoft-font-brought-down-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif/

NOOK

Publishers decide what digital formats they want to use and for what books they want to publish. Authors do not have these rights. Authors do not know these digital formats and how they can manage them for their manuscripts. So everything is left to the publishers. Some publishers are selfish but there are some good editors who share their knowledge of these digital formats with prospective authors.

NOOK is commonly used for tablets in the US market for digital editions of books (old and new).

There is no NOOK tablets in Malaysia.

Therefore, there is no need to make digital editions for NOOK tablets for Malaysia.

There are many new things to learn about in the digital marketplace.


External links
https://help.barnesandnoble.com/app/nook_support/
https://help.barnesandnoble.com/app/marketplace/list
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/nook/_/N-1pbl

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is attached to all digital documents to protect creators, authors, publishers and re-sellers.

You can buy and download and read it on your device, but you can't transfer it elsewhere or more than once. Copying is not allowed and therefore disabled.

The DRM acts like a key as well as a seal. It seals the document. Only readers or users who paid for it get a DRM which they can use to open and read or use the document. The DRM is non transferable. This annoys almost everybody who uses the computer.

DRM varies from publisher to publisher as well as from re-seller to re-seller. Amazon has its own DRM. Google has its own DRM. Digital books bought from Google won't open and can't be read on Amazon devices, and vice versa.

There are workarounds for removing DRM, but the software that does it is must also be purchased first. And removing DRM is against the law because it was implied in the original purchase agreement, even for private use.


External links
https://www.kobo.com/help/en-US/article/3501/using-adobe-digital-editions

Adobe Digital Editions (ADE)

Publishers use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) for publishing digital content and for proof-reading. These activities are closely guarded by publishers. The digital documents are secured with unlock-able password held by the publisher.

Publishing
Publishers publish 2 types of content - print and digital.

(a) Print
Print is of 2 types - hardcover and softcover. The widely accepted printed book size is 9" x 6 "- also called tradebook. Other sizes are not printed unless price is set higher. Book packaging also caters for this convenient tradebook book size. Popular fiction books and comics also fit this tradebook size.

(b) Digital
Digital book has many formats. Different formats are made for different digital reading devices. Digital books for the US market are made for the digital devices available for the US market. These devices are not sold in other markets and thus, digital content specific for such devices are not available outside the US market. Same goes for Canadian or UK markets. The downside of specific digital formats made for specific devices for specific markets, help to control download of digital content, but make it difficult for many who wish to download a particular digital book (and that is not available for the user's country). Kindle has a limited market. Most Malaysians use their smartphones for reading digital content, but they will not be able to download a lot of digital books, simply because digital content is device-specific.

Proof-reading
Book authors receive a low-resolution PDF galley which allows partially editing. This low-res galley does not have images - only text. The publisher then updates the original high-resolution document (Word and PDF). The author does not get to work on a high-resolution Word or PDF.

External links
http://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions.html
https://www.kobo.com/help/en-US/article/3501/using-adobe-digital-editions

Internet Archives

There are good and bad points about Internet Archives.

Good

1. Someone is digitizing a lot of old and ancient printed, painted or litho text or material.
2. People do not have to buy and own old and ancient materials in order to study or research them.
3. Many people can have free access to old and ancient documents.
4. These digitized documents are often large but complete.
5. There are many formats to view these documents.
6. Some digitized documents can be downloaded freely and easily.

Bad

1. Some digitized documents cannot be downloaded at all.
2. Inability to download when Internet access speed is good creates pressure and unhappiness as the researcher needs to return and try and view the document again.
3. Any difficulty faced when trying to access digital documents will render the effort useless or less amicable.
4. Some important documents may be missed in some research or search.
5. Since files are reasonably big, downloading on slow Internet will yield a failed attempt. I quit after a third attempt.
6. The search function has to be improved.

External links

https://archive.org/

https://archive.org/details/Directorychronicle1889

Jabber

Jabber is the original SMS.

Need to have a Jabber ID (JID) or username and password.

Does not keep user email.

User will need to supply email if forget username or password.

Can create and change password via other apps (given by Jabber)

Can request to delete account but Jabber does not actually delete any account - it keeps the account dormant.

Jabber
https://www.jabber.org/

FAQ
https://www.jabber.org/faq.html#account

JS Leaflet

This app is for creating a tiny interactive map for websites and blogs. I have not used it yet. I saw it at a travel blog and I think it is highly useful for many who are in the travel business, homestay and hotel industry. It is useful with Mapio.

http://leafletjs.com/

Resources for Tulisan Jawi

Arabic script is the earliest script taught to Muslim children around the world regardless of languages spoken at home. The script is sharp, crisp and clear. This makes reading of Arabic script very easy for very young children, most of whom can also memorise what they read, and for a lifetime. 

The English alphabet & script is a sharp contrast to the Arabic alphabet & script, and many children fail to memorise the English alphabet and words of English till in their teenage years, when English is not the mother tongue. This slows down their learning of English considerably. 

It will be good to try and teach the Arabic script first at home, then in pre-school, and later in formal school, and then introduce the English alphabet later. as well in first grade By the time Muslim children reach school age, most can read the Quran well, which is written in full Arabic script and without translation, but many cannot read any English text written with English alphabets. 

Thus, if we want to test children's IQ for language proficiency, we have to test both their Arabic proficiency and Quran recitation, in addition to testing their English proficiency, and their mother tongue language(s). It will be unfair if Muslim children are just tested for English proficiency alone on IQ test when they also have a large reserved knowledge and proficiency of Quran recitation (proficiency) at the same time.

Most children who can read and write the Arabic script and read the Quran, will also be bilingual or multilingual. Whether the Arabic script stimulates or impresses on visual acuity and early brain development in very young children is yet to be discovered.

Flipping the Classroom

Lecture is limited to 1 hour. There is hardly time to discuss and convey more important concepts without students reading and studying before coming to the lecture hall. Pushing some reading materials to students as anchors will help them navigate and get to good topics and related topics to read and study before class. Students will feel more confident now that they have some knowledge about what will be taught. That way they are knowledgeable about what class teaching will be about and what they can ask and participate actively in class discussion. This is an essential part of learning. It moves away from the traditional classroom or lecture hall of quiet students. It moves the students into active participation mode as they are more prepared and know what the class lecture will entail, at least the gist, some insight or overview. They already know the basics, so lecture can focus on more real scenarios and what students will get to see in the real workplace. They will get to feel what real life situations are like and therefore appreciate lecture better. There are many technologies today which can be utilised toward Flipping the Classroom. Information Technology (IT), Internet access and coverage, smartphones, cloud storage and social media have all converged to make learning and Flipping the Classroom easier for both lecturers and students. It will be a matter of time before we will get to see better and faster gadgets and better use of all available technologies for a better learning experience.

Flipping the Classroom
https://www.lynda.com/Business-tutorials/Introduction/144198/152586-4.html?utm_medium=integrated-partnership&utm_source=slideshare

Slow or No Internet Access

Internet access is still a big problem on 17 August 2017. When it rains, Internet is down. When there is a big soccer match that night, Internet will go down for the day. When there is a political visit somewhere, Internet will go down. When there is a big sports event against another country in the region, Internet will go down. So what is the point of having Internet when access is slow or nil. Users pay a hefty subscription, but Internet access is never a guaranteed service like a bank transaction or car repair service. Internet services and providers seem happy about what they offer and what users get. Of course, users stand to lose, by not getting the expected access at a good speed. Why do users have to pay for a service that guarantees nothing - not good access speed? Are we just giving our $$$$ away and always hoping that Internet works and will always work right? No.

Time lost with no Internet access or slow Internet access means a lot of things to different people. I prepare my lecture materials and notes using Internet resources. Sometimes I prepare the text first, and then return to search for images which I can plug in. If I try to write and plug in, and without good Internet access, my work will never get completed on time. So good Internet access is a prime factor for educationists and academics like me. We cannot waste time trying to Google everywhere to find a perfect image on the Internet. With a slow Internet, things become crazy.

How can we improve on Internet speeds for better and speedier access? These are possibilities:

1. Complain to the service provider each time Internet access slows down considerably.
2. Complain to the service provider when there is intermittent Internet access.
3. Complain to the service provider whenever there is no Internet access.
4. Find another service provider - a better and more reliable service provider.

The Internet provider for Malaysia is TM (Telekom Malaysia Bhd). This is a trusted company and service provider. However, it has weaknesses which it will need to address and rectify if TM wants to keep its customers. TM customers are always complaining.

Are customers likely to switch if there is a better service provider? Yes, definitely.

Sans Serif Font

Sans Serif font is an easy font for reading online text. The other font for online reading is Verdana.

Wikipedia uses Sans Serif font for text (size 14px, height 22px) and Georgia font for subtitles.

Sans Serif fonts can be downloaded from 1001 Free Fonts. The is SanSerif.otf, which does not allow formatting except Italics and some bullets.
http://www.1001freefonts.com/sans_serif.font

Download the BulkZip file to an empty folder and use the function Extract Here to extract its contents. Double-click each font file (altogether 14 files). Press Install to automatically install each font. Then close the file. Repeat with the other files. Do for the all font files or select just the ones you like to try or use.

Use of Sans Serif font for text on Wikipedia.

14 font styles in the Sans Serif font set

There is another download site for SansSerif.ttf

https://www.fontyukle.net/en/DownLoad-SansSerif.ttf

Wedding fonts

Some of these wedding fonts are good to try. They can go on souvenirs too. Some are used on digital wedding photos to create wedding details. Excellent selection.

One of the beautiful fonts is Isabella script.

Other script fonts to try are:

• Monika
• Scriptina
• Bellisia
• Brunella
• Voluptate
• Wonderfebia
• Turia
• Romantic
• Revisal
• Aaron Script
• Evelyn
• Cantoni
• Valencia
• Willow
• Mirabella
• Bonjour
• Macaron
• Jolin / Jolu?
• Adieu
• Amour
• Je t'aime
• Darling
• Sweet
• Pretty
• Lovely
• Gorgeous
• Angelova
• Mustica
• Midnight
• Angelonia
• Amberlight
• Noelan
• Smoothline
• Brunella
• Elizabeth
• Cathy
• Honilad
• Montague script
• Hydrangea Script
• Rambies
• Strange love
• Beauty love

External links:

Wedding fonts
https://www.template.net/design-templates/fonts/wedding-fonts/

Isabella script
https://www.behance.net/gallery/22140259/Isabella-Script

Montague script
https://www.kreativfont.com/montague-script

Aidan script
http://designtuts.net/aidan-script/

Amberlight script
http://www.weblord.it/10483/amberlight-script-font/

Fonts for wedding invitations & TQ
http://theruntime.com/staggering-wedding-invitation-calligraphy/

Creative fonts
https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/beautylove/
https://creativemarket.com/free-goods?u=kreativ
http://www.partyfettiblog.com/2016/12/free-fonts-for-2017.html

Chalkboard

The fonts appear like real chalk writing on the school blackboards. Many choices of chalk fonts.

Chalkboard font:
https://www.template.net/design-templates/fonts/chalkboard-font/

Zoner Photo Studio (ZPS)

I have used Zoner Photo Studio (ZPS) since ZPS version 15. I find that ZPS v15 was very useful an easier to use than other more recent versions. I really like ZPS v15 and I miss it. I did a great mistake by deleting ZPS v15 and then downloaded the next version. I should have kept ZPS v15 and not deleted it. I hope someone out there has ZPS v15.

Annotating images was very easy using ZPS v15 - just type the text and drag it to wherever on the image. Once saved it is fixed. It can be undone and moved about again if it was misplaced initially. I really enjoyed this feature.

Annotating images is cumbersome using ZPS v18 as there are coordinates that need to be plugged in, to move text into the desired position. I hate this feature because it takes longer to place text where I need them to be. What was simple has now become cumbersome.

ZPS v15 - simplest and easiest to use for annotating images
ZPS v17
ZPS v18 - currently using this. Need to enter coordinates to place text at desired position
ZPSX (76.1 MB) - downloading to my Windows 10 to try (takes 5 hours)

IcoMoon

IcoMoon is a picture font and has a wide selection of B/W icons. The icons are useful as we need to use them regularly even for simple work, projects or labelling. However, IcoMoon is not for use on the web. There are instructions in the Read Me file as to how to make it web-compliant.

The IcoMoon free master BulkZip file (37.6 MB) takes a long time to download on a slow network. I have tried 4 times today, and only managed to download it at 10 pm Malaysian time. The Zip file extracts to a 114 MB folder and there are several folders with the different icon sizes. There is only 1 font file to install.

IcoMoon
https://icomoon.io/#icons-icomoon/liga-font

Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)

I have used Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) before, but I prefer to use ready-made templates instead. Some ready-made templates can be altered or customised. However, some templates do not allow any alteration or customisation at all, which is frustrating.

Most ready-made templates which load fast in browsers cannot be customised. They load within seconds, images included. Resizing the images for the web will make them load very fast. Users can try and use Zoner Photo Studio to create light images for the web, without compromising image quality.

How to use CSS:
https://www.w3schools.com/css/css_howto.asp

Zoner Photo Studio:
https://www.zoner.com/

How to play M4A sound files

MP3 and M4A are digital audio file extensions.

MP3 was a previous audio file extension. MP3 players come pre-installed in almost all Android phones, laptops and desktops.

M4A is a more recent audio file extension. M4A players are meant for Apple products, but they can be downloaded and played in Android phones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05bCYYXrkiY


M4A is a lighter and clearer version of MP3, and has a smaller footprint.

M4A files will require an M4A player.

You need to use an M4A player to listen to M4A files.

Don't convert your M4A files to MP3 because it will make the files heavier and less clearer.

Here are some suggestions where to download M4A players for Android:

https://filmora.wondershare.com/video-editing-tips/m4a-player-android.html

You only need to download one M4A player to your Android phone to play sound files, such as recorded voice or downloaded music from Facebook (which was recorded live at home).

Once you have installed an M4A player on your Android phone, just click on any of your sound files to listen to them. There is no need to search for the downloaded M4A player on your phone.

Canon CanoScan LiDE110 Driver

A. Scanner model

1. The simplest scanner to buy and use is the Canon CanoScan LiDE 110.
2. This is a flat-bed scanner and fits A4 documents.

B. Download driver for scanner

1. Download the driver from http://www.canondriver.net/tag/canon-canoscan-lide-110-driver-for-windows-10/
2. This driver if for Windows 10 32- or 64-bit system
3. Search and select the correct driver to download.

C. Installing scanner driver

1. Download and read the README file and install the .EXE file.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions
3. Attach the scanner to the laptop when requested.
4. The driver installation will complete and go off screen.

D. Using the scanner

1. To use the scanner, open the Control Panel and click Printers
2. Double-click to open the scanner icon
3. Check on-screen Settings for the scanner.
4. Select A4, colour, photo and JPG, file extension. Set as Default.
5. Place a coloured paper document on the scanner
6. Click Scan photo/document
7. Click Preview on the laptop monitor
8. The image will appear on the screen.
9. Adjust the borders
10. Click Scan
11. A Picture folder will appear
12. Import the image into your own folder
13. Adjust and Save or Save As.

E. Shutting down scanner

1. To shut down, close the scanner window on the monitor.
2. Leave the scanner attached or remove it.

F. Advantages

1. Scanner is fast but noisy
2. Scanner has USB end to connect to laptop
3. Scanner does not need a separate power supply

G. Disadvantages

1. Even though this scanner is fast, it lacks many adjustments which are available in other models.
2. Clarity of document can be adjusted before scanning.
3. Document mode gives a poor scanned image.
4. It is better to use Photo mode.

Cursive Writing

There are many fonts for cursive writing. I am interested in colonial cursive fonts used between 1752 and 1790.

Cursive
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursive

Here are some links to cursive fonts:

Bickham Script:
https://blog.typekit.com/alternate/creating-bickham-script/
https://fontzone.net/search?q=Bickham

Download Bickham script:
https://fontzone.net/download/bickham-script-three
https://fontzone.net/download/bickham-script-two
https://fontzone.net/font-download/bickham-script-one
https://fontzone.net/download/bickhamscriptpro-regular

Products using Bickham script and design sets:
http://www.panteek.com/BickhamPenman/
http://www.panteek.com/BickhamPenman/pages/bck69-143.htm


Other fonts and designs

George Shelley:
http://luc.devroye.org/fonts-33098.html

Palace script:
http://m.font.downloadatoz.com/pl/font,87528,palace-script-semi-bold/downloading.html

Penman index:
http://luc.devroye.org/penman-index.html

Pinterest: Colonial penmanship:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/232990980702813674/

Universal Penman:
https://blog.typekit.com/alternate/a-history-english-round-hand-and-the-universal-penman/

Mon Amour Script 2009:
http://www.myfonts.com/search/%20Maximiliano%20Sproviero%20%20Mon%20Amour%20Script2009/fonts
http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/argentina-lian-types/mon-amour-script/


34 free wedding fonts:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/151503974945482194/

Swashes & swirls:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/182606959867662099/

Swashes & swirls from Vector Graphic Blog:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/426223552210658078/

Flourishes, single swirls and design sets from Sublime.com:
http://hair-sublime.com/2013/07/02/this-will-come-in-handy-someday-credits-to-mocca-design/


German fonts

Grundschrift
https://fontlibrary.org/en/font/grundschrift


Illuminated calligraphy:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/401524123004787184/

Lovely web page made with calligraphic fonts and design sets:
http://www.letterheadfonts.com/fonts/americanaornaments.php

Letterhead fonts:
http://www.letterheadfonts.com/viewallfonts/


Glyphs:
http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/lettering-delights/db-fleuries/fleuries/glyphs.html

SHGetKnownFolderPath

After Dropbox ended for Windows XP, I get this message repeatedly, which is annoying:

Error message: SHGetKnownFolderPath

Here, it says what to do:

https://github.com/ContinuumIO/menuinst/issues/38


Here is the solution:
http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?828957-VB6-Windows-10-Known-Folders-SHGetKnownFolderPath

How to increase laptop speed

13 April 2017

I am running Windows 10, 64-bit on my laptop (Aspire E 14).

My laptop is running slow today, to almost not running at all and hangs indefinitely. Too much memory is being used.

I tried removing all unwanted and unused applications from Drive C > Program > Program and Features.

Can also open the Task Manager and scroll to check what app is using up so much memory (RAM). Then click and select End Task for that app to be removed. Click again on Go To Folder and locate the app, and then Delete it. Then delete the entire folder. Then return to Task Manager and check for more apps to be removed.

I cannot remove AVG. It is such a big program (8GB) and occupies my entire C partition. I will need to remove it since it is expired and the Free version (portion) seems useless for now (needs constant manual update).

Then my laptop ran faster. Makes me happy that my laptop can even run faster.

Then I found this link:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4002019/windows-10-improve-pc-performance

1. Windows update

In the update window it says:
Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB3176936).

Download takes a long time; takes forever at 8%.

Couldn't update status

Facebook will return this message for sensitive post before it is posted:

Couldn't update status.
There was a problem with updating your status. Please try again in a few minutes.

Message box

--

So far I had two. I didn't save my posts. But got back my Facebook later in the day.

Dropbox Workaround for Windows XP

I liked Dropbox for the ease to work with it at home and in the office.

Our university supplied only Windows XP to lecturers. So we only have XPs to work on.

When Dropbox terminated use of Dropbox (app), I already transferred my files out of Dropbox into my external disk.

However, I still have a Dropbox folder in D partition of my XP at work. I need to transfer the contents to my external HD at home. How can I do it?

I can bring an external HD and transfer the files out.

I can email the contents bit by bit via Gmail.

I can upload to OneDrive and Google Drive in my office and download at home.

But there is a workaround for Dropbox on XP.

People have tried it, but I have not as I didn't have time to search for a fix or workaround and try it.

I will try it next week when I go to my office.

I already deleted Dropbox on my laptop at home since I couldn't use Dropbox on XP in my office.

I will need to reinstall and download files off Dropbox and then delete Dropbox from my laptop and XP.

I am sad that Dropbox has abandoned XP, just like Microsoft abandoned XP.

It is a lot of $$$ to have to upgrade to a new Windows system, just to run Dropbox.

I think manufacturers must try to think GREEN and save the planet. I see no point have to switch computers so often and creating so much computer trash worldwide.

I feel sorry for the future and kids who will occupy a non-GREEN planet of useless computers after I leave.


External link:
http://windowsreport.com/dropbox-xp-workaround/

Date & Time Stamp for Android Photos

The Android phone does not have an automatic application to add date and time to photos, before/during/after capture.

These app(s) will need to be downloaded in order to add date, time, GPS coordinates, etc to photos.

However, these apps require access to the entire phone.

This means that these apps can know our exact GPS coordinates and be able to locate us, steal our PIN for our bankcards, and download our photos from our phone, without users being aware.

Thus, I think it is best to try these apps one by one, and then quickly remove them.

Here are the apps that I have tried and then removed them from my phone, after my security app said they were harmful.

Vignette
Time Stamp
Auto Stamper for Camera
Photo Stamp

I think it is safer without any automatic date & time stamp apps in smartphones.

I think a safer means to annotate photos with information such as date, time, GPS coordinates, location, your name, your company info, etc is by doing it manually, using any photo editing software. Download the photos to the laptop and annotate them somehow - either do it for individual photos, a series of photos, a batch of photos, or the entire folder of photos. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Telegram Desktop

Telegram Desktop is downloaded to laptop and medical students in each group get to upload their individual presentations for class discussion. Students can upload media of any type. Upload and access are fast and instant. Students prefer Telegram over Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive. However, as in Google Drive, students have to download and edit and re-upload as there is no inline real-time editing function in Telegram.


Download:
https://desktop.telegram.org/

Features & FAQs:
https://telegram.org/faq#q-how-do-i-know-who-in-my-contacts-has-telegram

Helvetica Neue LT Std 67 Medium Condensed Font

Alternative font to Arial Narrow.

Entire Helvetica library of fonts:
http://www.abstractfonts.com/search/helvetica+neue+lt+std+med+cn

Download Helvetica Neue LT Std 67 Medium Condensed Font:
https://profont.net/fonts/helvetica-neue-lt-std-67-medium-condensed-font-download.html

This font is long and thin like Arial Narrow.

It is used for creating text for web pages and writing formal documents.