1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with
management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a
paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude .
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or
consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type ofprojects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
Jan 28, 2009
Jan 7, 2009
Ramalinga Raju quits Satyam; admits to fraud
Satyam Computer on Wednesday plunged into a deep crisis, as B Ramalinga Raju resigned as its Chairman after admitting to major financial wrong-doings and saying his last-ditch efforts to fill the "fictitious assets with real ones" through Maytas acquisition failed.
The beleaguered IT giant, already under scanner over the aborted acquisition of firms promoted by the Chairman's family, received a rude shock days ahead of its January 10 board meeting, with Raju stepping down along with his brother and Managing Director B Rama Raju.
"It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten," Ramalinga Raju said in a letter to Satyam's board of directors, wherein he listed major financial wrong-doings over the years to inflate the profits.
Listed at New York Stock Exchange, the company could face regulatory action in the US, analysts said.
While Raju recommended DSP Merrill Lynch be entrusted the task of "quickly exploring some merger opportunities," the company informed the stock exchanges that the investment banker has terminated its engagement with Satyam.
Noting that every attempt to eliminate gaps in balance sheet, purely on account of inflated profits over several years, failed, Raju said: "I am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face consequences thereof."
Low percentage of promoter equity in the company, where four independent directors resigned in the last two weeks over the acquisition fiasco, could lead to a takeover and expose the gap, he said in the letter, also sent to regulator SEBI.
The promoters' share in Satyam has now dipped to just over 3 per cent that too is pledged with lenders.
Shares of Satyam plunged by over 40 per cent immediately after the announcement of resignations, necessitating an overhaul of the Board and management.
Following is the text of the letter Raju wrote to the Satyam board:
"It is with deep regret and tremendous burden that I am carrying on my conscience, that I would like to bring the following facts to your notice:
1. The Balance Sheet carries as of September 30, 2008,
a) Inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of Rs 5,040 crore (as against Rs 5,361 crore reflected in the books);
b) An accrued interest of Rs 376 crore, which is non-existent
c) An understated liability of Rs 1,230 crore on account of funds arranged by me;
d) An overstated debtors' position of Rs 490 crore (as against Rs 2,651 reflected in the books);
2. For the September quarter(Q2) we reported a revenue of Rs 2,700 crore and an operating margin of Rs 649 crore(24 per cent of revenue) as against the actual revenues of Rs 2,112 crore and an actual operating margin of Rs 61 crore (3 per cent of revenues). This has resulted in artificial cash and bank balances going up by Rs 588 crore in Q2 alone.
The gap in the balance sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over several years (limited only to Satyam standalone, books of subsidiaries reflecting true performance).
What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years.
It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of the company operations grew significantly (annualised revenue run rate of Rs 11,276 crore in the September quarter, 2008, and official reserves of Rs 8,392 crore).
The differential in the real profits and the one reflected in the books was further accentuated by the fact that the company had to carry additional resources and assets to justify a higher level of operations thereby significantly increasing the costs.
Every attempt made to eliminate the gap failed. As the promoters held a small percentage of equity, the concern was that poor performance would result in the takeover, thereby exposing the gap. It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.
The aborted Maytas acquisition deal was the last attempt to fill the fictitious assets with real ones. Maytas' investors were convinced that this is a good divestment opportunity and a strategic fit.
One Satyam's problem was solved, it was hoped that Maytas' payments can be delayed. But that was not to be. What followed in the last several days is common knowledge.
I would like the board to know:
1. That neither myself, nor the Managing Director (including our spouses) sold any shares in the last eight years - excepting for a small proportion declared and sold for philanthropic purposes.
2. That in the last two years a net amount of Rs 1,230 crore was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from known sources by giving all kinds of assurances (statement enclosed only to the members of the board).
Significant dividend payments, acquisitions, capital expenditure to provide for growth did not help matters. Every attempt was made to keep the wheel moving and to ensure prompt payment of salaries to the associates. The last straw was the selling of most of the pledged shares by the lenders on account of margin triggers.
3. That neither me nor the managing director took even one rupee/dollar from the company and have not benefited in financial terms on account of the inflated results.
4. None of the board members, past or present, had any knowledge of the situation in which the company is placed.
Even business leaders and senior executives in the company, such as, Ram Mynampati, Subu D, T R Anand, Keshab Panda, Virender Agarwal, A S Murthy, Hari T, S V Krishnan, Vijay Prasad, Manish Mehta, Murli V, Shriram Papani, Kiran Kavale, Joe Lagioia, Ravindra Penumetsa, Jayaraman and Prabhakar Gupta are unaware of the real situation as against the books of accounts. None of my or managing directors' immediate or extended family members has any idea about these issues.
Having put these facts before you, I leave it to the wisdom of the board to take the matters forward. However, I am also taking the liberty to recommend the following steps:
1. A task force has been formed in the last few days to address the situation arising out of the failed Maytas acquisition attempt.
This consists of some of the most accomplished leaders of Satyam: Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda and Virendra Agarwal, representing business functions, and A S Murthy, Hari T and Murali V representing support functions.
I suggest that Ram Mynampati be made the chairman of this Task Force to immediately address some of the operational matters on hand. Ram can also act as an interim CEO reporting to the board.
2. Merrill Lynch can be entrusted with the task of quickly exploring some merger opportunities.
3. You may have a 'restatement of accounts' prepared by the auditors in light of the facts that I have placed before you.
I have promoted and have been associated with Satyam for well over 20 years now. I have seen it grow from few people to 53,000 people, with 185 Fortune 500 companies as customers and operations in 66 countries. Satyam has established an excellent leadership and competency base at all levels.
I sincerely apologise to all Satyamites and stakeholders, who have made Satyam a special organisation, for the current situation. I am confident they will stand by the company in this hour of crisis.
In light of the above, I fervently appeal to the board to hold together to take some important steps. TR Prasad is well placed to mobilise a support from the government at this crucial time.
With the hope that members of the Task Force and the financial advisor, Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America), will stand by the company at this crucial hour, I am marking copies of the statement to them as well.
Under the circumstances, I am tendering the resignation as the chairman of Satyam and shall continue in this position only till such time the current board is expanded. My continuance is just to ensure enhancement of the board over the next several days or as early as possible.
I am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face the consequences thereof.
(B Ramalinga Raju)
Copies marked to:
1. Chairman SEBI
2. Stock Exchanges.
The beleaguered IT giant, already under scanner over the aborted acquisition of firms promoted by the Chairman's family, received a rude shock days ahead of its January 10 board meeting, with Raju stepping down along with his brother and Managing Director B Rama Raju.
"It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten," Ramalinga Raju said in a letter to Satyam's board of directors, wherein he listed major financial wrong-doings over the years to inflate the profits.
Listed at New York Stock Exchange, the company could face regulatory action in the US, analysts said.
While Raju recommended DSP Merrill Lynch be entrusted the task of "quickly exploring some merger opportunities," the company informed the stock exchanges that the investment banker has terminated its engagement with Satyam.
Noting that every attempt to eliminate gaps in balance sheet, purely on account of inflated profits over several years, failed, Raju said: "I am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face consequences thereof."
Low percentage of promoter equity in the company, where four independent directors resigned in the last two weeks over the acquisition fiasco, could lead to a takeover and expose the gap, he said in the letter, also sent to regulator SEBI.
The promoters' share in Satyam has now dipped to just over 3 per cent that too is pledged with lenders.
Shares of Satyam plunged by over 40 per cent immediately after the announcement of resignations, necessitating an overhaul of the Board and management.
Following is the text of the letter Raju wrote to the Satyam board:
"It is with deep regret and tremendous burden that I am carrying on my conscience, that I would like to bring the following facts to your notice:
1. The Balance Sheet carries as of September 30, 2008,
a) Inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of Rs 5,040 crore (as against Rs 5,361 crore reflected in the books);
b) An accrued interest of Rs 376 crore, which is non-existent
c) An understated liability of Rs 1,230 crore on account of funds arranged by me;
d) An overstated debtors' position of Rs 490 crore (as against Rs 2,651 reflected in the books);
2. For the September quarter(Q2) we reported a revenue of Rs 2,700 crore and an operating margin of Rs 649 crore(24 per cent of revenue) as against the actual revenues of Rs 2,112 crore and an actual operating margin of Rs 61 crore (3 per cent of revenues). This has resulted in artificial cash and bank balances going up by Rs 588 crore in Q2 alone.
The gap in the balance sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over several years (limited only to Satyam standalone, books of subsidiaries reflecting true performance).
What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years.
It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of the company operations grew significantly (annualised revenue run rate of Rs 11,276 crore in the September quarter, 2008, and official reserves of Rs 8,392 crore).
The differential in the real profits and the one reflected in the books was further accentuated by the fact that the company had to carry additional resources and assets to justify a higher level of operations thereby significantly increasing the costs.
Every attempt made to eliminate the gap failed. As the promoters held a small percentage of equity, the concern was that poor performance would result in the takeover, thereby exposing the gap. It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.
The aborted Maytas acquisition deal was the last attempt to fill the fictitious assets with real ones. Maytas' investors were convinced that this is a good divestment opportunity and a strategic fit.
One Satyam's problem was solved, it was hoped that Maytas' payments can be delayed. But that was not to be. What followed in the last several days is common knowledge.
I would like the board to know:
1. That neither myself, nor the Managing Director (including our spouses) sold any shares in the last eight years - excepting for a small proportion declared and sold for philanthropic purposes.
2. That in the last two years a net amount of Rs 1,230 crore was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from known sources by giving all kinds of assurances (statement enclosed only to the members of the board).
Significant dividend payments, acquisitions, capital expenditure to provide for growth did not help matters. Every attempt was made to keep the wheel moving and to ensure prompt payment of salaries to the associates. The last straw was the selling of most of the pledged shares by the lenders on account of margin triggers.
3. That neither me nor the managing director took even one rupee/dollar from the company and have not benefited in financial terms on account of the inflated results.
4. None of the board members, past or present, had any knowledge of the situation in which the company is placed.
Even business leaders and senior executives in the company, such as, Ram Mynampati, Subu D, T R Anand, Keshab Panda, Virender Agarwal, A S Murthy, Hari T, S V Krishnan, Vijay Prasad, Manish Mehta, Murli V, Shriram Papani, Kiran Kavale, Joe Lagioia, Ravindra Penumetsa, Jayaraman and Prabhakar Gupta are unaware of the real situation as against the books of accounts. None of my or managing directors' immediate or extended family members has any idea about these issues.
Having put these facts before you, I leave it to the wisdom of the board to take the matters forward. However, I am also taking the liberty to recommend the following steps:
1. A task force has been formed in the last few days to address the situation arising out of the failed Maytas acquisition attempt.
This consists of some of the most accomplished leaders of Satyam: Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda and Virendra Agarwal, representing business functions, and A S Murthy, Hari T and Murali V representing support functions.
I suggest that Ram Mynampati be made the chairman of this Task Force to immediately address some of the operational matters on hand. Ram can also act as an interim CEO reporting to the board.
2. Merrill Lynch can be entrusted with the task of quickly exploring some merger opportunities.
3. You may have a 'restatement of accounts' prepared by the auditors in light of the facts that I have placed before you.
I have promoted and have been associated with Satyam for well over 20 years now. I have seen it grow from few people to 53,000 people, with 185 Fortune 500 companies as customers and operations in 66 countries. Satyam has established an excellent leadership and competency base at all levels.
I sincerely apologise to all Satyamites and stakeholders, who have made Satyam a special organisation, for the current situation. I am confident they will stand by the company in this hour of crisis.
In light of the above, I fervently appeal to the board to hold together to take some important steps. TR Prasad is well placed to mobilise a support from the government at this crucial time.
With the hope that members of the Task Force and the financial advisor, Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America), will stand by the company at this crucial hour, I am marking copies of the statement to them as well.
Under the circumstances, I am tendering the resignation as the chairman of Satyam and shall continue in this position only till such time the current board is expanded. My continuance is just to ensure enhancement of the board over the next several days or as early as possible.
I am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face the consequences thereof.
(B Ramalinga Raju)
Copies marked to:
1. Chairman SEBI
2. Stock Exchanges.
Satyam Chairman Resigns After Falsifying Accounts
Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Chairman Ramalinga Raju resigned after saying he falsified accounts and assets, sending shares of the Indian software services provider to a record decline.
Raju, 53, unsuccessfully tried to sell two companies to Satyam last month in a final attempt to plug 50.4 billion rupees ($1.04 billion) of “fictitious assets” on the company’s balance sheet, Hyderabad-based Satyam said in a statement today. Profits from the main business have been inflated “over a period of last several years,” Raju said in a letter to the board.
The transactions started to unravel after shareholders vetoed the sale of two construction companies, four directors quit the company and the World Bank barred Satyam from bidding for contracts. India’s markets regulator C.B. Bhave said the event is of “horrifying magnitude” as Satyam dragged down the benchmark stock index already hit by a record slump last year.
“This is a black day for India, the software sector and corporate governance claims,” Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research & Investment Services, said in Mumbai. “If at all there’s an event that could be the biggest setback for corporate India, it is this.”
Shares of Satyam, which means “truth” in Sanskrit, plunged 69 percent to 55 rupees in Mumbai trading. The Sensitive Index tumbled 4.3 percent.
‘Non-Existent’
Of the reported cash and bank balances of 53.61 billion rupees on Sept. 30, 50.4 billion rupees was non-existent, Raju said in the letter sent to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Operating margin at Satyam, India’s fourth-largest software exporter, in the quarter ended Sept. 30 was 3 percent of revenue, instead of the reported 24 percent, Raju said in the letter. The company’s revenue was 21 billion rupees, 22 percent less than the inflated figure of 27 billion rupees that had been reported.
Raju arranged 12.3 billion rupees “to keep operations going” at Satyam over the last two years by pledging the founders’ shares and raising funds from other sources, he said.
“What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years,” Raju said. “It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.”
‘Easy Target’
The founders’ concern was that a poor performance, combined with the fact they held a small stake in the company, would make Satyam an easy target for a takeover, exposing the inflated figures, he said.
Satyam yesterday denied a report that the company received a merger offer from Tech Mahindra Ltd., an Indian software-services provider controlled by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and partly owned by BT Group Plc.
Tech Mahindra termed the report of a proposed all-stock merger as “speculative.”
Earlier in the week, MindTree Ltd. denied a report it was one of two smaller rivals in talks for a merger with Satyam. The Hyderabad-based company is in talks to merge with smaller rivals including HCL Technologies and MindTree, the Business Standard reported on Jan. 5, citing unidentified people at investment banks.
Raju’s attempts to “keep the wheel moving” at Satyam was finally derailed as lenders sold most of the pledged shares because of margin calls, he said.
Reduced Holdings
SRSR Holdings Pvt., which holds the founding family’s stake, reduced their holding to 3.6 percent from 5.13 percent, Satyam told the Bombay Stock Exchange yesterday. Of the 3.6 percent, 1.7 percent is pledged with lenders, it said.
The stake sales by the families of Chairman Raju and his younger brother, manager director Rama Raju, reduced their holdings to below levels held by institutional investors including Aberdeen Asset Management Plc. Funds run by Aberdeen own 6.6 percent of Satyam, according to data compiled by Bloomberg until the end of October.
Raju scrapped the planned acquisition of Maytas Properties Ltd. and Maytas Infra Ltd. last month, less than 12 hours after announcing it, after the company’s ADRs plunged.
Separately, the World Bank Dec. 23 declared India’s fourth- biggest software-services provider ineligible for contracts for eight years, alleging “improper” benefits were given to the bank’s employees.
Satyam was founded in 1987 by Ramalinga Raju and Rama Raju and counts ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, and Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s third-biggest carmaker, among its customers.
“This company had a five-star independent board and it had a leading auditor and still it managed the con,” said Tarun Sisodia, a Mumbai-based analyst with Anand Rathi Securities Ltd. “So the question is why only Satyam, why not every other company.”
Raju, 53, unsuccessfully tried to sell two companies to Satyam last month in a final attempt to plug 50.4 billion rupees ($1.04 billion) of “fictitious assets” on the company’s balance sheet, Hyderabad-based Satyam said in a statement today. Profits from the main business have been inflated “over a period of last several years,” Raju said in a letter to the board.
The transactions started to unravel after shareholders vetoed the sale of two construction companies, four directors quit the company and the World Bank barred Satyam from bidding for contracts. India’s markets regulator C.B. Bhave said the event is of “horrifying magnitude” as Satyam dragged down the benchmark stock index already hit by a record slump last year.
“This is a black day for India, the software sector and corporate governance claims,” Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research & Investment Services, said in Mumbai. “If at all there’s an event that could be the biggest setback for corporate India, it is this.”
Shares of Satyam, which means “truth” in Sanskrit, plunged 69 percent to 55 rupees in Mumbai trading. The Sensitive Index tumbled 4.3 percent.
‘Non-Existent’
Of the reported cash and bank balances of 53.61 billion rupees on Sept. 30, 50.4 billion rupees was non-existent, Raju said in the letter sent to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Operating margin at Satyam, India’s fourth-largest software exporter, in the quarter ended Sept. 30 was 3 percent of revenue, instead of the reported 24 percent, Raju said in the letter. The company’s revenue was 21 billion rupees, 22 percent less than the inflated figure of 27 billion rupees that had been reported.
Raju arranged 12.3 billion rupees “to keep operations going” at Satyam over the last two years by pledging the founders’ shares and raising funds from other sources, he said.
“What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years,” Raju said. “It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.”
‘Easy Target’
The founders’ concern was that a poor performance, combined with the fact they held a small stake in the company, would make Satyam an easy target for a takeover, exposing the inflated figures, he said.
Satyam yesterday denied a report that the company received a merger offer from Tech Mahindra Ltd., an Indian software-services provider controlled by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and partly owned by BT Group Plc.
Tech Mahindra termed the report of a proposed all-stock merger as “speculative.”
Earlier in the week, MindTree Ltd. denied a report it was one of two smaller rivals in talks for a merger with Satyam. The Hyderabad-based company is in talks to merge with smaller rivals including HCL Technologies and MindTree, the Business Standard reported on Jan. 5, citing unidentified people at investment banks.
Raju’s attempts to “keep the wheel moving” at Satyam was finally derailed as lenders sold most of the pledged shares because of margin calls, he said.
Reduced Holdings
SRSR Holdings Pvt., which holds the founding family’s stake, reduced their holding to 3.6 percent from 5.13 percent, Satyam told the Bombay Stock Exchange yesterday. Of the 3.6 percent, 1.7 percent is pledged with lenders, it said.
The stake sales by the families of Chairman Raju and his younger brother, manager director Rama Raju, reduced their holdings to below levels held by institutional investors including Aberdeen Asset Management Plc. Funds run by Aberdeen own 6.6 percent of Satyam, according to data compiled by Bloomberg until the end of October.
Raju scrapped the planned acquisition of Maytas Properties Ltd. and Maytas Infra Ltd. last month, less than 12 hours after announcing it, after the company’s ADRs plunged.
Separately, the World Bank Dec. 23 declared India’s fourth- biggest software-services provider ineligible for contracts for eight years, alleging “improper” benefits were given to the bank’s employees.
Satyam was founded in 1987 by Ramalinga Raju and Rama Raju and counts ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, and Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s third-biggest carmaker, among its customers.
“This company had a five-star independent board and it had a leading auditor and still it managed the con,” said Tarun Sisodia, a Mumbai-based analyst with Anand Rathi Securities Ltd. “So the question is why only Satyam, why not every other company.”
Dec 22, 2008
21 Laws of Computer Programming
As any experienced computer programmer knows, there are unwritten laws that govern software development. However there are no penalties for breaking these laws; rather, there is often a reward. Following are 21 Laws of Computer Programming:
1. Any given program, once deployed, is already obsolete.
2. It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa.
3. If a program is useful, it will have to be changed.
4. If a program is useless, it will have to be documented.
5. Only ten percent of the code in any given program will ever execute.
6. Software expands to consume all available resources.
7. Any non-trivial program contains at least one error.
8. The probability of a flawless demo is inversely proportional to the number of people watching, raised to the power of the amount of money involved.
9. Not until a program has been in production for at least six months will its most harmful error be discovered.
10. Undetectable errors are infinite in variety, in contrast to detectable errors, which by definition are limited.
11. The effort required to correct an error increases exponentially with time.
12. Program complexity grows until it exceeds the capabilities of the programmer who must maintain it.
13. Any code of your own that you haven't looked at in months might as well have been written by someone else.
14. Inside every small program is a large program struggling to get out.
15. The sooner you start coding a program, the longer it will take.
16. A carelessly planned project takes three times longer to complete than expected; a carefully planned project takes only twice as long.
17. Adding programmers to a late project makes it later.
18. A program is never less than 90% complete, and never more than 95% complete.
19. If you automate a mess, you get an automated mess.
20. Build a program that even a fool can use, and only a fool will want to use it.
21. Users truly don't know what they want in a program until they use it.
1. Any given program, once deployed, is already obsolete.
2. It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa.
3. If a program is useful, it will have to be changed.
4. If a program is useless, it will have to be documented.
5. Only ten percent of the code in any given program will ever execute.
6. Software expands to consume all available resources.
7. Any non-trivial program contains at least one error.
8. The probability of a flawless demo is inversely proportional to the number of people watching, raised to the power of the amount of money involved.
9. Not until a program has been in production for at least six months will its most harmful error be discovered.
10. Undetectable errors are infinite in variety, in contrast to detectable errors, which by definition are limited.
11. The effort required to correct an error increases exponentially with time.
12. Program complexity grows until it exceeds the capabilities of the programmer who must maintain it.
13. Any code of your own that you haven't looked at in months might as well have been written by someone else.
14. Inside every small program is a large program struggling to get out.
15. The sooner you start coding a program, the longer it will take.
16. A carelessly planned project takes three times longer to complete than expected; a carefully planned project takes only twice as long.
17. Adding programmers to a late project makes it later.
18. A program is never less than 90% complete, and never more than 95% complete.
19. If you automate a mess, you get an automated mess.
20. Build a program that even a fool can use, and only a fool will want to use it.
21. Users truly don't know what they want in a program until they use it.
5 Free Java Exams From Sun
Sun offers 5 free proficiency assessment examinations. Read below for details and how you can take them.
Sun Certified Associate for the Java Platform, Standard Edition, Exam Version 1.0
Exam Objectives:
* Fundamental Object-Oriented Concepts
* UML Representation of Object-Oriented Concepts
* Java Implementation of Object-Oriented Concepts
* Algorithm Design and Implementation
* Java Development Fundamentals
* Java Platforms and Integration Technologies
* Client Technologies
* Server Technologies
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition 5.0
Exam Objectives:
* Declarations, Initialization and Scoping
* Flow Control
* API Contents
* Concurrency
* OO Concepts
* Collections / Generics
* Fundamentals
Sun Certified Business Component Developer for the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5
Exam Objectives:
* EJB 3.0 Overview
* General EJB 3.0 Enterprise Bean Knowledge
* EJB 3.0 Session Bean Component Contract and Life Cycle
* EJB 3.0 Message-Driven Bean Component Contract
* Java Persistence API Entities
* Java Persistence Entity Operations
* Persistence Units and Persistence Contexts
* Java Persistence Query Language
* Transactions
* Exceptions
* Security Management
Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer for the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition, Version 1.0
Exam Objectives:
* JTWI (JSR 185) and Overview of JTWI-Compliant Wireless Applications
* CLDL 1.0 and 1.1
* Security (Both CLDC and MIDP)
* Networking
* Application Model, Delivery, Lifecycle, and Provisioning
* MIDP Persistent Storage
* Push Registry
* MIDP User Interface (UI) API
Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services
Exam Objectives:
* XML Web Service Standards
* SOAP 1.1 Web Service Standards
* Describing and Publishing (WSDL and UDDI)
* JAX-RPC
* SOAP and XML Processing APIs (JAXP, JAXB, and SAAJ)
* JAXR
* J2EE Web Services
* Security
* Developing Web Services
* General Design and Architecture
* Endpoint Design and Architecture
These pre-assessment exams will also help you to determine which Java certification course is best suited to your current level of skill and knowledge.
You can take the exams here.
Sun Certified Associate for the Java Platform, Standard Edition, Exam Version 1.0
Exam Objectives:
* Fundamental Object-Oriented Concepts
* UML Representation of Object-Oriented Concepts
* Java Implementation of Object-Oriented Concepts
* Algorithm Design and Implementation
* Java Development Fundamentals
* Java Platforms and Integration Technologies
* Client Technologies
* Server Technologies
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition 5.0
Exam Objectives:
* Declarations, Initialization and Scoping
* Flow Control
* API Contents
* Concurrency
* OO Concepts
* Collections / Generics
* Fundamentals
Sun Certified Business Component Developer for the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5
Exam Objectives:
* EJB 3.0 Overview
* General EJB 3.0 Enterprise Bean Knowledge
* EJB 3.0 Session Bean Component Contract and Life Cycle
* EJB 3.0 Message-Driven Bean Component Contract
* Java Persistence API Entities
* Java Persistence Entity Operations
* Persistence Units and Persistence Contexts
* Java Persistence Query Language
* Transactions
* Exceptions
* Security Management
Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer for the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition, Version 1.0
Exam Objectives:
* JTWI (JSR 185) and Overview of JTWI-Compliant Wireless Applications
* CLDL 1.0 and 1.1
* Security (Both CLDC and MIDP)
* Networking
* Application Model, Delivery, Lifecycle, and Provisioning
* MIDP Persistent Storage
* Push Registry
* MIDP User Interface (UI) API
Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services
Exam Objectives:
* XML Web Service Standards
* SOAP 1.1 Web Service Standards
* Describing and Publishing (WSDL and UDDI)
* JAX-RPC
* SOAP and XML Processing APIs (JAXP, JAXB, and SAAJ)
* JAXR
* J2EE Web Services
* Security
* Developing Web Services
* General Design and Architecture
* Endpoint Design and Architecture
These pre-assessment exams will also help you to determine which Java certification course is best suited to your current level of skill and knowledge.
You can take the exams here.
Free Java Certification Exam Retake Promotion
To commemorate Sun's awarding over half million certifications, Sun will allow you to re-take the exam one additional time, should you need it, for free if you place your order by June 20 2008. If you are not sure about your chances in the very first time, this is a golden opportunity for you. Here's how you can avail this opportunity.
First you must use Priority Code WW48CX1 when you place your order for your chosen Sun certification.
Note: The following new certifications are available
* Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) - Updated to Java EE5
* Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA) - Updated to Java EE5
* Sun Certified Systems Administrator for Sun Cluster 3.2 Software
* Sun Certified JCAPS Integrator
After you purchased your exam voucher, you should then schedule your exam date, time and location here.
If you do not pass the exam, simply contact the Authorized Prometric Testing Center like you did before and provide your original certification exam voucher number.
Note:
1. You must allow 72 hours after taking your initial exam before scheduling the free retake exam.
2. Please also be aware that per Sun certification guidelines you must wait at least 14 days before you may retake any exam.
3. There is no need to contact Sun to schedule your retake exam.
First you must use Priority Code WW48CX1 when you place your order for your chosen Sun certification.
Note: The following new certifications are available
* Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) - Updated to Java EE5
* Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA) - Updated to Java EE5
* Sun Certified Systems Administrator for Sun Cluster 3.2 Software
* Sun Certified JCAPS Integrator
After you purchased your exam voucher, you should then schedule your exam date, time and location here.
If you do not pass the exam, simply contact the Authorized Prometric Testing Center like you did before and provide your original certification exam voucher number.
Note:
1. You must allow 72 hours after taking your initial exam before scheduling the free retake exam.
2. Please also be aware that per Sun certification guidelines you must wait at least 14 days before you may retake any exam.
3. There is no need to contact Sun to schedule your retake exam.
Sun Releases Java Composite Application Platform Suite (Java Caps) 6
The Java Composite Application Platform Suite is a collection of middleware software suites using service-oriented architecture for business integration (SOA/BI). Java CAPS is a standard based open source platform for developing software infrastructures using SOA. It is one of the first open-source SOA platforms which have been created using Open ESB (The Enterprise Service Bus) community.
Java CAPS provides the tools you need for designing, deploying, and managing platform-independent vendor-neutral composite applications.
Java CAPS 6 retains most of the feature set of previous Java CAPS releases, originating in the ICAN and eGate suites from SeeBeyond, and provides further flexibility through standardization. The Java Business Integration (JBI) standard is a vendor-neutral specification that defines a "container of containers": Any JBI-compliant application is automatically interoperable with Java CAPS applications. Design-time tooling is standardized and upgraded to NetBeans IDE 6.1. Runtime functions are standardized to Sun Java System Application Server 9.1.
Java CAPS provides adapters to read and write data in the native format of specific databases or business systems, such as Oracle, Sybase, HL7, SWIFT, HIPAA, SAP, PeopleSoft, and dozens of others. In addition to adapters for data modeling and representation, Java CAPS also provides collaborations and engines for data transformation, and an implementation of the Java Messaging Service (JMS) for data queuing.
Note: A service-oriented architecture (SOA) defines a framework for creating, exposing, and invoking services that are loosely coupled and interoperable, and orchestrating them with business logic to achieve a particular objective.
The changes in this version are:
1. New GUI for design work. Uses NetBeans 6 plug-ins for familiarity, maintainability, compatibility.
2. Tailored for Sun Java Application Server 9.1
3. Support for JBI components (as NetBeans plug-ins):
* BDRU = BiDirectional ReUse (JBI Bridge)
* Sun Java Message Server
* Service Engines (SEs) for: Java EE, BPEL
* Binding Components (BCs) for: HTTP/SOAP
* CASA Editor (Composite Application Service Assemblies)
* eView / Mural
Where can you use Java CAPS?
* Data integration applications
* SOA / ESB Applications
* Composite Application Initiatives - Combine new or existing business applications to create composite applications.
Some benefits of using Java Caps 6:
* Its open source which reduces risks and ends vendor lock in
* Offers a common design and monitoring environment for integration of components within suite
* Provides a secure and scalable platform for supporting SOA
Give it a try. I am sure you will like it.
Java CAPS provides the tools you need for designing, deploying, and managing platform-independent vendor-neutral composite applications.
Java CAPS 6 retains most of the feature set of previous Java CAPS releases, originating in the ICAN and eGate suites from SeeBeyond, and provides further flexibility through standardization. The Java Business Integration (JBI) standard is a vendor-neutral specification that defines a "container of containers": Any JBI-compliant application is automatically interoperable with Java CAPS applications. Design-time tooling is standardized and upgraded to NetBeans IDE 6.1. Runtime functions are standardized to Sun Java System Application Server 9.1.
Java CAPS provides adapters to read and write data in the native format of specific databases or business systems, such as Oracle, Sybase, HL7, SWIFT, HIPAA, SAP, PeopleSoft, and dozens of others. In addition to adapters for data modeling and representation, Java CAPS also provides collaborations and engines for data transformation, and an implementation of the Java Messaging Service (JMS) for data queuing.
Note: A service-oriented architecture (SOA) defines a framework for creating, exposing, and invoking services that are loosely coupled and interoperable, and orchestrating them with business logic to achieve a particular objective.
The changes in this version are:
1. New GUI for design work. Uses NetBeans 6 plug-ins for familiarity, maintainability, compatibility.
2. Tailored for Sun Java Application Server 9.1
3. Support for JBI components (as NetBeans plug-ins):
* BDRU = BiDirectional ReUse (JBI Bridge)
* Sun Java Message Server
* Service Engines (SEs) for: Java EE, BPEL
* Binding Components (BCs) for: HTTP/SOAP
* CASA Editor (Composite Application Service Assemblies)
* eView / Mural
Where can you use Java CAPS?
* Data integration applications
* SOA / ESB Applications
* Composite Application Initiatives - Combine new or existing business applications to create composite applications.
Some benefits of using Java Caps 6:
* Its open source which reduces risks and ends vendor lock in
* Offers a common design and monitoring environment for integration of components within suite
* Provides a secure and scalable platform for supporting SOA
Give it a try. I am sure you will like it.
How To Install, Compile, Run Java On iPhone
How To Install, Compile, Run Java On iPhone
iPhone doesn't natively support Java / J2ME. However as a J2ME developer there are two good ways to develop iPhone applications using Java / J2ME. Read below for details and also to know how you can upload, compile and run Java applications on iPhone.
alcheMo-for-iPhone - Automated J2ME to iPhone porting solution
alcheMo for iPhone contains translator to convert J2ME application source code to equivalent C++ source code for iPhone.
No manual adjustments to the translated source code is required. Compiled using the standard Xcode toolchain and linked with alcheMo's optimized run-time library, a native iPhone application is produced.
alcheMo for iPhone is capable of converting J2ME applications utilizing an extensive subset of Java ME CLDC 1.1 and MIDP 2.0 (including touch screen support) and supports several JSR extension APIs including the JSR-256 mobile sensor API. This automatic translation process is instantaneous, repeatable and doesn't require iPhone specific experience.
Garbage collection and automatic memory management is one of the strengths of the J2ME environment. Unlike on Macintosh OS X, Objective C on iPhone does not support garbage collection. By incorporating an advanced garbage collector, alcheMo eliminates the need for manual memory management. Whole classes of common programming errors such as dangling pointers are thus prevented.
The initial version of alcheMo for iPhone is optimized for mobile games.
The bad news is that their beta program has closed on April 24th, while they are preparing for commercial release. alcheMo for iPhone has backing from Sun Microsystem.
BTW: During Java One 2008, Sun officials repeatedly mentioned that they successfully ran Java on iPhone but are thwarted only by Apple's licensing restrictions in publicly announcing it. alcheMo circumvents Apple's licensing restrictions with their language translator.
Using Java on Unlocked & Jailbraked iPhone with Installer
Note: The legality of the procedure below is dubious. IANAL.
First you need to unlock and jailbrake you iPhone. You can use the windows user interface for ZiPhone to jailbreak, unlock and activate any verion of iPhone.
Then you need to have the installer app on iPhone. Installer.app is a UIKit based package manager for the iPhone. It works by downloading packages over WiFi (wireless networking) or EDGE. It supports installing, updating and uninstalling applications from multiple sources.
winpwn can simplify the above steps for you.
Now go to Installer and install Mobile Terminal and Cydia Installer. Restart iPhone.
Run Cydia Installer and go to Java section and select iPhone/Java which will install the virtual machine, libraries etc. Then install Jikes (java compiler). Now restart iPhone again.
That's it, you are done.
How to load, compile & run Java applications on iPhone
First install Java on iPhone following instructions in the section above before reading this.
You can upload Java files to iPhone using iPhone Browser.
Run Terminal (installed above) and use java (jikes) compiler to compiler your program. For example:
jikes -cp /usr/lib/rt.jar MyFirstJavaProgramForIPhone.java
You can run the class file as usual:
java MyFirstJavaProgramForIPhone
Java on iPhone - Concluding thoughts
The second method (using jailbraked iPhone) suffers from three major problems.
1. To use your Java applications, your user will also have to jailbrake their iPhone. As such its usage will be limited to highly technical people who are not afraid of tinkering with their costly iPhone and potentially even risk damaging it permanently!
2. While it may be fine for experimenting, the legality is dubious. You may run into problem with Apple for selling or even distributing such applications.
3. The jailbraked versions of iPhone may not be compatible with future firmware updates, and Apple will try their best to disable them at every opportunity and had done so in the past.
All of the above makes method 2 unsuitable for commercial use.
Commercial J2ME developers have to wait for commercial release of alcheMo-for-iPhone. Innaworks is well known for porting standards compliant J2ME to BREW mobile platform. I expect their solution to be ready in 2-3 months time. If you do not have the time then download Apple's iPhone SDK and start coding in Objective C.
BTW: Make sure you read the iPhone SDK agreement carefully before you invest huge sums in iPhone development.
iPhone doesn't natively support Java / J2ME. However as a J2ME developer there are two good ways to develop iPhone applications using Java / J2ME. Read below for details and also to know how you can upload, compile and run Java applications on iPhone.
alcheMo-for-iPhone - Automated J2ME to iPhone porting solution
alcheMo for iPhone contains translator to convert J2ME application source code to equivalent C++ source code for iPhone.
No manual adjustments to the translated source code is required. Compiled using the standard Xcode toolchain and linked with alcheMo's optimized run-time library, a native iPhone application is produced.
alcheMo for iPhone is capable of converting J2ME applications utilizing an extensive subset of Java ME CLDC 1.1 and MIDP 2.0 (including touch screen support) and supports several JSR extension APIs including the JSR-256 mobile sensor API. This automatic translation process is instantaneous, repeatable and doesn't require iPhone specific experience.
Garbage collection and automatic memory management is one of the strengths of the J2ME environment. Unlike on Macintosh OS X, Objective C on iPhone does not support garbage collection. By incorporating an advanced garbage collector, alcheMo eliminates the need for manual memory management. Whole classes of common programming errors such as dangling pointers are thus prevented.
The initial version of alcheMo for iPhone is optimized for mobile games.
The bad news is that their beta program has closed on April 24th, while they are preparing for commercial release. alcheMo for iPhone has backing from Sun Microsystem.
BTW: During Java One 2008, Sun officials repeatedly mentioned that they successfully ran Java on iPhone but are thwarted only by Apple's licensing restrictions in publicly announcing it. alcheMo circumvents Apple's licensing restrictions with their language translator.
Using Java on Unlocked & Jailbraked iPhone with Installer
Note: The legality of the procedure below is dubious. IANAL.
First you need to unlock and jailbrake you iPhone. You can use the windows user interface for ZiPhone to jailbreak, unlock and activate any verion of iPhone.
Then you need to have the installer app on iPhone. Installer.app is a UIKit based package manager for the iPhone. It works by downloading packages over WiFi (wireless networking) or EDGE. It supports installing, updating and uninstalling applications from multiple sources.
winpwn can simplify the above steps for you.
Now go to Installer and install Mobile Terminal and Cydia Installer. Restart iPhone.
Run Cydia Installer and go to Java section and select iPhone/Java which will install the virtual machine, libraries etc. Then install Jikes (java compiler). Now restart iPhone again.
That's it, you are done.
How to load, compile & run Java applications on iPhone
First install Java on iPhone following instructions in the section above before reading this.
You can upload Java files to iPhone using iPhone Browser.
Run Terminal (installed above) and use java (jikes) compiler to compiler your program. For example:
jikes -cp /usr/lib/rt.jar MyFirstJavaProgramForIPhone.java
You can run the class file as usual:
java MyFirstJavaProgramForIPhone
Java on iPhone - Concluding thoughts
The second method (using jailbraked iPhone) suffers from three major problems.
1. To use your Java applications, your user will also have to jailbrake their iPhone. As such its usage will be limited to highly technical people who are not afraid of tinkering with their costly iPhone and potentially even risk damaging it permanently!
2. While it may be fine for experimenting, the legality is dubious. You may run into problem with Apple for selling or even distributing such applications.
3. The jailbraked versions of iPhone may not be compatible with future firmware updates, and Apple will try their best to disable them at every opportunity and had done so in the past.
All of the above makes method 2 unsuitable for commercial use.
Commercial J2ME developers have to wait for commercial release of alcheMo-for-iPhone. Innaworks is well known for porting standards compliant J2ME to BREW mobile platform. I expect their solution to be ready in 2-3 months time. If you do not have the time then download Apple's iPhone SDK and start coding in Objective C.
BTW: Make sure you read the iPhone SDK agreement carefully before you invest huge sums in iPhone development.
Dec 19, 2008
Removing Autorun.inf Virus & Viruses that uses Autorun.INF
How to delete autorun.inf with command prompt
attrib -s -h -r autorun.inf
del autorun.inf
Removing Autorun.inf Virus & Viruses that uses Autorun.INF
There are several viruses that uses the autorun.inf to spread itself such as the Bacalid (hides itself in ctfmon.exe) and the RavMon.EXE. These viruses set its file attributes to System+Hidden+Read-Only attributes so some anti-viruses will have a hard time detecting or finding them. These viruses save itself in the root directory of every available drives of the current infected computer and runs itself every time you Double-Click the drive. In USB Sticks and CDs that are infected by the virus runs automatically especially if drive autorun is enabled for the current drives (which is usually by default, autorun for drives are enabled).
Autorun.INF is usually used by CD Installers to autoplay their installations but Hard disks by default should not have AUTORUN.INF in the drive.
Now, it is possible that your computer is infected by those viruses if you try to display the content of the your computer through command prompt, using the dir /ah command. You will see the following window if you try this:
You will see from this window that drive C contains a hidden file autorun.inf, this is a possibility that the computer is infected. Now to erase this, restart your window to Safe Mode Command Prompt. (Do this by rebooting your computer and pressing F8 before windows go out and select from the boot menu). On drive C and other drives type the following commands: 1. attrib -h -r -s autorun.inf 2. del autorun.inf
Do this steps to other drives to disable the autorun.inf .
Disable AUTORUN from Registry
Now you can disable the AUTORUN for all drives by configuring the registry. Open the registry by typing regedit.exe to the command prompt (if your still at the command prompt) or execute it in Run. Look for the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer as shown below:
Double-click the NoDriveAutorun DWORD entry and type the value HEX: FF (255 in Decimal). (If the NoDriveAutorun does not exists, you can creat it by right-clicking the right side area of the regedit window, then click New->DWord Value -> type NoDriveAutorun) Close the registry and restart the computer. This procedure will disable all the autorun for all drives of your computer and at least will prevent the autorun function of infected USB drives or CDs and avoid the infection of viruses like the Bacalid and RavMon.exe.
Update:
If you want to prevent viruses that uses autorun.inf to infect your USB flash drive, try to do this:
1. Open your flash drive via Command Prompt (do this via Start->Run->cmd.exe)
2. Change your logged drive to your USB flash drive (e.g. if your drive is at drive E: then type E: on the command prompt then press enter)
3. Create a folder named: AUTORUN.INF on the root directory of your flash drive. (to do this type the command: MD\AUTORUN.INF). If an error: a subdirectory already exists… shows, try to follow the instruction above to remove existing autorun.inf before doing this instruction.
The reason why this will avoid future infection is that autorun.inf viruses usually generates a file autorun.inf. Having an AUTORUN.INF folder on the root directory of your drives will make virus programs unable to create their own autorun.inf file, virus can’t even overwrite
attrib -s -h -r autorun.inf
del autorun.inf
Removing Autorun.inf Virus & Viruses that uses Autorun.INF
There are several viruses that uses the autorun.inf to spread itself such as the Bacalid (hides itself in ctfmon.exe) and the RavMon.EXE. These viruses set its file attributes to System+Hidden+Read-Only attributes so some anti-viruses will have a hard time detecting or finding them. These viruses save itself in the root directory of every available drives of the current infected computer and runs itself every time you Double-Click the drive. In USB Sticks and CDs that are infected by the virus runs automatically especially if drive autorun is enabled for the current drives (which is usually by default, autorun for drives are enabled).
Autorun.INF is usually used by CD Installers to autoplay their installations but Hard disks by default should not have AUTORUN.INF in the drive.
Now, it is possible that your computer is infected by those viruses if you try to display the content of the your computer through command prompt, using the dir /ah command. You will see the following window if you try this:
You will see from this window that drive C contains a hidden file autorun.inf, this is a possibility that the computer is infected. Now to erase this, restart your window to Safe Mode Command Prompt. (Do this by rebooting your computer and pressing F8 before windows go out and select from the boot menu). On drive C and other drives type the following commands: 1. attrib -h -r -s autorun.inf 2. del autorun.inf
Do this steps to other drives to disable the autorun.inf .
Disable AUTORUN from Registry
Now you can disable the AUTORUN for all drives by configuring the registry. Open the registry by typing regedit.exe to the command prompt (if your still at the command prompt) or execute it in Run. Look for the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer as shown below:
Double-click the NoDriveAutorun DWORD entry and type the value HEX: FF (255 in Decimal). (If the NoDriveAutorun does not exists, you can creat it by right-clicking the right side area of the regedit window, then click New->DWord Value -> type NoDriveAutorun) Close the registry and restart the computer. This procedure will disable all the autorun for all drives of your computer and at least will prevent the autorun function of infected USB drives or CDs and avoid the infection of viruses like the Bacalid and RavMon.exe.
Update:
If you want to prevent viruses that uses autorun.inf to infect your USB flash drive, try to do this:
1. Open your flash drive via Command Prompt (do this via Start->Run->cmd.exe)
2. Change your logged drive to your USB flash drive (e.g. if your drive is at drive E: then type E: on the command prompt then press enter)
3. Create a folder named: AUTORUN.INF on the root directory of your flash drive. (to do this type the command: MD\AUTORUN.INF). If an error: a subdirectory already exists… shows, try to follow the instruction above to remove existing autorun.inf before doing this instruction.
The reason why this will avoid future infection is that autorun.inf viruses usually generates a file autorun.inf. Having an AUTORUN.INF folder on the root directory of your drives will make virus programs unable to create their own autorun.inf file, virus can’t even overwrite
FIX:Drive opens in new window on double click in windows XP Full Why drive opens in new window?
FIX:Drive opens in new window on double click in windows XP Full
Why drive opens in new window?
It happens when a program or virus tries to edit the File Folder or Drive shell entries to add more context menu items and set them as default for double click action.
Lets see how we can fix this.
Fix:
First Method:
1. Open Start >> Run and type regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
2. press ok
3. You will see a message DllRegisterServer and DllInstall in shell32.dll succeeded
4. that’s it
Second Method:
1. Open Start >> Run and type regedit
2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Directory/Shell
3. Double click the default key type none and press ok.
4. now navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Drive/Shell.
5. Double click the default key type none and press ok.
Third Method:
If you don’t want to play with the registry ,you can run the following command instead at
Run Prompt: ( Open Start >> Run )
“reg add hkcr\drive\shell /ve /d none /f” (without double quotes)
We hope at least one of the above method may work for you to fix the trouble, if not please let us know.
Note: If still after following the above you are not able to solve the problem then update your antivirus and run a complete scan and make your system virus free.
Please Download this file...If u Like my Work. This file is Less than 1Kb...It is just a Text file with thanks.
Link: http://www.ziddu.com/downloadlink/2529657/Thanks.txt
Why drive opens in new window?
It happens when a program or virus tries to edit the File Folder or Drive shell entries to add more context menu items and set them as default for double click action.
Lets see how we can fix this.
Fix:
First Method:
1. Open Start >> Run and type regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
2. press ok
3. You will see a message DllRegisterServer and DllInstall in shell32.dll succeeded
4. that’s it
Second Method:
1. Open Start >> Run and type regedit
2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Directory/Shell
3. Double click the default key type none and press ok.
4. now navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Drive/Shell.
5. Double click the default key type none and press ok.
Third Method:
If you don’t want to play with the registry ,you can run the following command instead at
Run Prompt: ( Open Start >> Run )
“reg add hkcr\drive\shell /ve /d none /f” (without double quotes)
We hope at least one of the above method may work for you to fix the trouble, if not please let us know.
Note: If still after following the above you are not able to solve the problem then update your antivirus and run a complete scan and make your system virus free.
Please Download this file...If u Like my Work. This file is Less than 1Kb...It is just a Text file with thanks.
Link: http://www.ziddu.com/downloadlink/2529657/Thanks.txt
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