Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Step By Step Deploying struts in Eclipse

Requirements:

  • Tomcat preferable zipped or tar version.
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Eclipse tomcat plug-in.
  • Struts binary.

Configurations step by step:

  • Extract tomcat to directory.

Eclipse configurations:

  • Extract tomcat plugin to current directory.
  • Paste the extracted contents (com.sysdeo….. Folder) to {eclipse-home}/plugin folder.
  • Start eclipse (Verify the tomcat start, stop and restart buttons are appearing in toolbar).
  • Click on Window -> preferences -> tomcat.

i) Select right version of tomcat.

ii) Browse upto tomcat home directory.

iii) Hit ok button.

  • Click File -> New -> project -> java -> tomcat project, click & continue.

















  • Enter project name as firststruts hit next button, then on next screen press finish button.

  • Then control will come back to eclipse, expand the directory in eclipse project explorer, you will see the following directory structure.









  • Click on project name and then click Project -> properties -> build path.
  • Click on source, select existing source folder and remove them.











  • Now, click on Add folder and select check src folder and press ok.











  • You can see the change in project directory structure.











  • Now directory structure is complete, you can add all struts helper jar into WEB-INF/lib.
  • And all required tld files to WEB-INF dir.
  • Bingo, You are done with initial setup.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Advantages of buying new car

To save some amount people usually go for used cars, where as this can cost to them heavily in terms of repairing and servicing cost as compared to new car.
There are many advantages to buying a new car, if we keep cost of new car aside.

Warranty:
New car comes with one year warranty, that too a full manufacturer warranty, also you can get some good offers to extends it upto three years, depends on car company. This relieves too much of worries and money.

Lesser expanses on wear and tier & maintainability:
Mostly new car saves you from cost of parts replacement, maintainability as compared to used cars. In general new cars are maintenance free for 2-3 years.

Free service:
With new car you gets minimum three free services. This way you can save some big amount money for first & second year.

Latest technology & environment friendly
Every year technology advances, this is now a happening at the rate of months not even years, in every lunch you can see the advancements in technologies, performance, affordability and environment friendly. Along with this, you get to choose all the options, colours and customizations.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Computer - Importance Of Defragmenting Your Hard Disk

Defragmenting your hard disk regularly is important in ensuring the efficiency of your computer. It's a way to allow your computer to clean up and re-organize itself for a system that runs better and faster.

How does defragmenting work and why is it important?

When your computer is working; using, opening, saving files, changing data in the files, it uses up areas on your hard disk. If you save a file for example, the hard disk will take that file and store it in sections on the computers hard drive that are adjacent to each other, depending on the size of the file. Smaller files are easier to store because they can be placed efficiently next to each other.

As you continue to use your computer, you will also be performing other tasks, such as editing, adding and deleting files. When you do, changes occur on the hard disk and some areas will become empty pockets. These areas are referred to as fragmentation.

Imagine your hard disk as a flat surface with small blocks where data is stored and there are fragmentations present. From above, you'll see that the files are scattered all over the surface, with some areas empty. Small files will usually fit a small area, but for bigger files, it's different.

On bigger files, it will be difficult to try to fit them in a limited space so your computer will instead break the file down into fragments and store these fragments in different locations on the hard disk. Although this helps keep the files in place, it tends to build up over time.

The randomness with which these files stored also clutters your hard drive and later, it will take a bit longer for your computer to locate things. This is when you'll notice that your system is getting slower. Because the hard disk becomes too fragmented, each time you try to open a file or use a program, it will take longer for the computer to locate and gather the necessary files.

This causes the operating system to run more slowly, making your computer less efficient. Defragmenting (sometimes referred to as 'defrag' or 'defragging') will help re-arrange the files and keep them in order and easy to find. Once you have defragmented your hard disk, you will notice that your computer runs faster.

How often should I defrag my hard disk?

Don't ignore the importance of defragmenting your computer. Defragging once a month is a good practice, especially if you use your computer often and if you manage a lot of files.

Car Auctions

Car auctions are a good place to get good a bargain on cars. But buying cars from auctions can be very complicated. This is particularly true for the uninitiated. Of course the cars in auctions are generally cheaper. But they are cheap because they lack the guarantees that come with cars bought from dealers. The rules in auctions are simple, you bid an item, you pay for it, and you own it.

It is therefore not advisable for persons without much experience in motor vehicles to just go to an auction and buy a car.

What you’ll need if you’re planning to buy a car in an auction is a good eye, good observation skills and a willingness to learn the car auction process.

You can even make it a business by buying cars at auction and then selling them at a profit. There are several people who have made huge profits by buying and selling cars at auction.

There are basically two kinds of car auctions, local car auctions and online car auctions. Each of the auctions works differently. Each has a different set of rules so you must study them very carefully if you are planning to buy a car from either kind of auction.

If you want to buy a vehicle in a car auction you must first pre-register with the local auction you want to join. The pre-registration process won’t take much of your time and will provide you all the essential information that you will need in order to buy a car. An auction site will often have an auction staff who will explain to you the rules of their auction site and the procedures and instruction on how to participate and bid on the cars.

It is wise to inspect the cars before the actual bidding begins. Ask the auction organizer or staff if they can allow you to take a closer look at the cars before the start of the actual auction. Another wise decision is to set your payment limit before the actual sale. This way, you won’t fall victim to the trap of overbidding.

As in other auctions, it is very important that you signal your bids carefully to the car auctioneer to avoid confusion. Settle your transaction as soon as the auction ends. Look for the block clerk and settle your accounts with him. A car auction staff will usually be available to assist you when you are ready to pay for the vehicle you have won. He should also be able to guarantee you a good title for the vehicle.

You must also check the vehicle after you have won and settling your account. Take the vehicle for a test drive and make sure that it conforms to the guarantee and representation made during the auction.

Most auction sites would accept check or credit card if you cannot pay the car with cash. An auction staff will also usually give you a third party financing offer. It is advisable though to have your own finances ready before entering a car auction. Outside financing is usually cheaper than most in-house financing of auction sites.

Ask for an invoice copy from the auction staff. This will enable you to drive or ship your newly bought car to your location. Most car auction managers will give you good deals on shipping arrangements so inquire about this.

There really are no significant differences between a local auction and an online auction. Online car auctions work more or less the same way as local ones. The only disadvantage of online auction sites is that you won’t be able to inspect the car as you would in an actual car auction. In participating in online car auctions be sure that you will be provided with all the necessary information about the car upfront and that there is an actual photograph of the vehicle.

Cars bought from an online auction are usually shipped to the buyer for a minimal fee. Inspect the car immediately upon arrival at your location to minimize risks.

You are now ready for your first car auction. Happy bidding!

* Fuel Efficiency Tips

Increases in the price of gas, accompany the increase in the number of fuel-saving scams.

Continuous increase in the price of gas is common news nowadays. This is accompanied by an upsurge in advertising exposures for “gas saving” gadgets. These products attract potential buyers searching for methods to maximize fuel efficiency.

There are important procedures car owners can take in consideration to improve gas mileage. According to the Better Business Bureau, the public should be critical in assessing products that claim gas saving features for vehicle devices or additives for gas and oil.

There are products that feature gas-saving features that really work. In addition to that, consumers could be facing a major engine trouble or a nullified creator’s warranty by putting devices to the engine.

Consumers should be wary of these specific advertising slogans: “20 percent fuel efficiency improvement”

A hundred or more devices that feature gas-saving qualities are proven untrue by the Environmental Protection Agency. Worse, there are so-called “gas-saving” devices that may cause a harmful effect to a vehicle’s engine.

Another side effect is more smoke emissions. Examples of these devices are Engine Modifiers, Additives, Fuel Line Gadgets, Liquid Injection, Vapor and Air Release Devices and a lot more.

Get An Additional 4 Miles For Each Gallon With This Product

Consumer testimonials are common in fuel saving ads. Assuming these testimonials are not made up, few consumers test the fuel consumption of their vehicle before putting on the gadget. Therefore, an objective comparison of the fuel consumption before and after the product was added will not be attained.

The following are practical tips to conserve gas:

Efficient Driving

Just drive reasonably within the speed limit. Remember that speeds of more than 60 miles per hour increase fuel consumption.

Do not do sudden starts, accelerations and stops. Acceleration should be done gradually. The gas pedal should not be stepped on more than one fourth of the way down. This will allow the engine to function most efficiently. Gas conservation could reach up to 5 percent if sudden stops, jerks and accelerations are avoided.

Make use of gears for overdrive and cruise control as needed. Fuel efficiency is attained when moving on the highway.

Windows should be closed on highways. Windows that are open can create air drag that can decrease the fuel consumption by 10%.

Rough roads should not be taken as much as possible. Dirt, bumps, rough roads and gravels can cause 30% increase in fuel consumption.

Take out unnecessary baggage. The trunk should be kept clean, any gadget, tools or loads that are not needed should be taken out. 100 pounds of extra baggage can affect fuel economy by two percent. As much as possible drive car in half tank, as this will reduce weight by 10 - 15kgs.

The car should always be maintained. The engine should be given a regular tune up, the tires should always have the right air pressure and efficiently aligned, the oil should be changed when needed and air filters replaced regularly. Clogged filters can affect gas consumption adversely by up to ten percent.

Turn off the engine whenever there is an opportunity. Idle engine wastes fuel. There are instances where the engine could be turned off; stopping for gas, waiting for someone, changing tire pressure, caught in traffic and a lot more.

Engine warm-up fuel conservation tips:
Lengthy warming up of the engine should be avoided. 30 to 45 seconds should be enough time.

Check if the automatic check is removed after warming up the engine. This is usually stuck which could usually cause poor gas and air combination.

Do not rev the engine. This is usually done before turning off the engine. This causes unnecessary fuel loss and also washes the oil within the cylinder walls. As an effect, there is air pressure loss and consequently fuel loss as well.

Guidelines For Used Car Prices

1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the used car at dealerships, which will make the price higher.

2. Determine the many factors that affect the used car prices. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a certain car. If that is the case, you may get a better deal if you travel outside of the zone to shop around for your car.

3. Find the used car's true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer's Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You may also check their web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for.

4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and you may want to check out a checklist of the auction program. It may also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find out the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.

5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check out the features of the used car and the location where you can buy cheaper prices.

6. Determine if you have a fair deal with the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well.

7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car unless they feel that they are offered a price lower than the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.

Check That Used Car

A new car may not be worth all that money you are planning on spending!

If you are on a really tight budget, and don’t care too much about the prestige of having a brand new car, purchasing a used car might be the best option for you. Why do we say that might be the better option?

All you have to do is pick up a used car listing to see that brand new cars lose anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of their original price in as little as two years. That’s a pretty steep number. Here’s another number, 65 percent – this is the amount you save if you buy a used car that is five years old instead of a brand new one.

Theoretically speaking cars of this age, as long as they have been well cared for will perform just as well and are just as reliable as their brand new counterparts. In fact, they may even be better customized for daily use since it has already been broken in and properly set up.

Of course, you cannot discount the possibility that the used car you are looking at is not in the best of conditions. Therefore when surveying used cars to purchase consult the following tips.

1. Check The Exterior

The first thing to look at is the overall condition of the car’s body and finish. Look out for paint blotches and poor body fit. Also look for body filler. You may want to use a simple magnet to help you pinpoint suspicious spots. Finding any of these is evidence of a previous car collision.

Also look out if the car is newly painted. You may want to inquire why this is so. It may mean a major overhaul due to some extensive damage. Rust is a bad sign of body damage, so is dampness in the trunk.

2. Check Suspension

Go to each corner of the car and push down on them. If the car bounces more than once, you may need to have shocks installed.

Try nudging or pulling the wheels from beside the car. If the wheels can be nudged, or if they move in or out, there could be serious damage to the CV joints or the bearings.

If tire wear is uneven, this is indicative of bad suspension. If the car you are checking has new tires, you will have to exercise more caution and test the suspension thoroughly.

3. Check The Insides Of The Car

Make sure the upholstery, odor, and condition of the car’s interior are acceptable and in line with the age of the car.

4. Take It For A Spin

Have a friend observe you while you take the car for test drive. The car should be stable and should not show signs of shifting from side to side. If so, there could be a major problem with the frame or suspension. If you can, have a mechanic look at it too.

The internet has changed the way everyone does business. Businesses have begun to explore how the internet can facilitate better, faster and more convenient operations. This has resulted in businesses that offer anything online - from selling clothes and shoes, to ordering pizza online and even searching for available realty. Believe it or not, you can even search for used cars online too.

Pros And Cons Of Buying Used Cars

Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases.

Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money.

1. CONS - Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying:

- The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy.

- The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch.

- Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive.

- Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value.

- The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation.

- It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle.

2. PROS - On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways:

- The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money.

- Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars.

- Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms.

- If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years.

- A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra.

Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the car’s market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.

Where To Get Great Used Cars

A franchised new car dealership is a reliable, if not the only, source for anyone who wants to buy a new car. But to those who prefer buying used or previously owned cars, there are plenty of options and sources one could choose from to be able to make that vehicle purchase the perfect one.

The following are some of the readily as well as easily available resources to consider when buying a used car.

The Used Car Superstore

Imagine it as the Wal-Mart of used cars. There have been numerous used car superstores that have mushroomed for the last five years. These superstores usually have a large inventory of used cars, more or less numbering from four hundred to five hundred vehicles. The cars found in these stores more often than not are late models. The vehicles found in these stores came from auctions that cater specially to car dealers. The good thing about buying from these used car superstores is that the warranty they provide are often equivalent to the warranty coverage provided by dealers who sell new cars. However, it is still best to compare.

New Car Dealer

The logic here is that since new car buyers usually trade in their old cars when they buy a new one, the collection that new car dealerships have are almost always extensive. So used car buyers have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. Also, new car dealerships provide better reconditioning to the used cars traded to them. They are also more reliable source of used cars because their business is more established compared to other used car dealers. Be aware though that sometimes it would take a lot of negotiation on the price of the vehicle to be purchased. They may also attempt to make you buy more cars than what you would actually need.

Used Car Dealers

There are a hundred used car dealerships in every area of the state. Sometimes, they occupy a small section that contains not more than fifteen cars in a lot. Other used car dealerships, usually the more established ones, have a total of one hundred cars in their vicinity. The great thing about buying from used car dealers is that the prices they offer are a lot less than new car dealerships. Also, it is fairly easier to negotiate with them. A little bit of not so good news though, the quality of these cars are usually less than the new ones of course. There are also not many great selections to choose from.

Private Owners

The good thing about buying from private owners, the price that they offer are usually reasonable compared to other dealers because this is in accordance with book values. One also would get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was cared for or not so cared for. A potential disadvantage of this scenario, however, is that it could be a bit inconvenient driving to the private owner’s place especially if one is considering looking at eight different cars. Basically that would be eight different places, time and appointments. Beware though; private owners who have a stable of used cars to sell may actually be a dealer. Do not be afraid to ask if you could possibly see the title and registration. Start to get suspicious if you see it has only been a few days old.

Car Auctions

The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for vehicles. Originally, auctions like these are reserved primarily for licensed car dealers. Now, even individuals have the opportunity to bid aggressively for used cars. The quality of these cars put up for auction, as well as the selections of vehicles, actually vary from one auction to another. There are those auctions which specialize dealing in late model vehicles while there are others which dedicate themselves to cheaper and less expensive vehicles. The good thing about buying used cars from auctions is that one could conveniently compare prices and cars because they are shown side by side with each other.

Also, the prices that they offer are most likely lower than they do dealerships. However, there is not much chance for one to thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off. And since one is buying from an auction, it is therefore understood that all sales are final. Any car purchased is automatically yours. Plus, the bidding frenzy could take a hold on anyone and there is a great possibility that one could pay way too much than what a vehicle actually costs.

Buying A Car? Tips About Financing

Before purchasing a dream car, try to assess if the budget can really afford it. Questions like, how will it be paid, who will be helping to pay for it, what is the price limit of the car to be bought, and how long will it take to pay off the car? These should be considered even while planning to buy the car. The trend nowadays is that people buy the cars by cashing out the down payment, and the balance will be paid by installment.

Others are just lucky enough to have saved the right amount of money that they are able to cash out the total cost of the car, which, by the way, seldom happens now. Never set aside the possibility of paying thousands of dollars when buying from a dealer or a specific car company, where in the end, charges you more for the interest which takes even years to pay.

Once you have found a way to finance the car you are eyeing on, then it's time to start shopping around. There are credit unions and even local banks that are willing to loan the needed amount to purchase the car with an Annual Percentage Rate of only 1.9 per cent. However, this may turn out to be a catch, since this will only be happening on the first year. Without prior notice, these interest rates can increase which is a total inconvenience for those with just a fix income every year.

It is a big plus if a buyer is a member of a credit union. Being a member could save you from the trouble of spending a whole day in a lender's office because the processing of the loan could only take just a few minutes after filling out the necessary papers for the request. In a credit union, fifteen to twenty minutes is all that is needed to do the application. They could even loan even up to $25,000.00 within just an hour after signing the papers.

It will be very helpful when a research is made prior to making that loan for a car. Believe it or not, car dealers are really digging out most of the penny in a buyer's pocket by issuing interest that is sometimes unreasonable. There are two things needed to consider when thinking of financing a new car:

First, what's the price willing to be spent by a buyer? More often than not, other people would rather ask themselves the question: How much of the car price do they intend to buy instead? They will be willing if the know they can afford their choice. Consider monthly regular expenditures. The monthly payment for the new car should not get in the way of paying the fixed monthly dues in the household. If in case it does, by merely doing a math, then just consider a second hand car. Just make sure that all is checked and examined to avoid hassle in the future.

Second, is it really important to change cars every two to four years? Consider cars offered on a lease, if so. Other dealers and car companies offer the leasing of a car for that amount of time, which you can return but no money will be refunded. However, there is an allotted amount of distance or mileage that should be covered during those years of lease, but this is negotiable. On the other hand, if a buyer is not interested in changing cars, it's best not to opt for the cars for lease.

It is safest to get a loan from a credit union or a financial institution instead of a local car salesman; they would definitely try to reach even a buyer's bottom dollar. Getting information from someone whom can be trusted and expert about financing a car, for they will be able to give you tips at your own interest. Financing either a new or a second hand car is a lot of sweat, but the determination to get the best car at the best price can be considered a success.

This should be a win, win situation for anyone. After all it’s your money that is at stake here. Do your research and it can be a beneficial decision on your part.

Used car buying tips - Flood Damaged Cars

There are many flood damaged cars being sold on the market. Usually, flood damaged cars, SUVs and trucks are placed in salvage yards. Some though, are made spick and span and put into the car market and they will be up for sale.

But the problem is, there really are no tell tale signs of flood damage that would give them away. This is because the cars will be restored so they would look almost like new. The damages caused by the flood would be erased or covered. After the changes, the cars will then be sold to unsuspecting buyers who thinks they are getting a good bargain.

Fact is flood damaged cars are being moved by unscrupulous merchants. Consumers can and should protect themselves against being taken advantage of in the auto market. Luckily, there are several things consumers can do to protect themselves from buying flood damaged cars.

The best things a consumer can do to be sure if a car is flood damaged or not is to get the history of the vehicle. You can do this by submitting the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a car to a website which provides vehicle history information. What these websites do is search a nationwide database of car information then gathers research on the car's title, maintenance record, registration, and odometer. You will instantaneously know if the vehicle has been stolen, has had a troubled past, or has had its odometer rolled back through the report that the website will return. Just a little research on a car's history will reveal if it has been salvaged, flooded, rebuilt, or is basically a "lemon."

Prospective car buyers should be aware of flood damaged vehicles being sold on the car market. Why shouldn't you buy flood damaged cars? Well simply because water leaves a lasting damage. Even if the devices and machines requiring electricity will restore it, it will probably fail sooner or later because mold and mildew aren't' easy to remove. And when a car is flood damaged any warranty warrant is voided.

Below are several things you can do to check if a car is flood damaged:

Check For Moisture And Dirt.
Flood damaged cars usually have moisture trapped and dirt inside the lights. Dampness can also be seen inside the compartment with glovesF, console and trunk so you better inspect these spots. Dirt, which can also be a sign of flood damage, can also accumulate under the hood. Moisture can also accumulate under the seat. Of course, rust is another telltale sign of flood damage.

Smell The Car
Mildew can be easily detected by smelling. Mildew often forms on soaked fabrics so sharpen your sense of smell when you're on the lookout for a new vehicle. Also try to detect other smells that could be caused by flood damage like spilled oil or fuel.

Check If Components Match

Mismatched component could mean that the component are changed hurriedly after the car has been salvaged from a flood. So try to see if the carpet, seats and stereo components looks too new for the car.

Also try to check if the car has been titled several times from different states, which is usually a hint that its owners are trying to erase the questionable and negative history of the car by looking for spots where disclosing defects is not required or is easily evaded. Cars that are titled several times are usually salvaged or totaled.

Test Drive

Of course the best way to check the performance of a car is to take it for a test drive. Check the electrical system including all the lights and the sound system.

Ask An Expert

Have an expert mechanic or technician check the car. Have a second opinion if you may. Expert mechanics and car technician can detect flood damaged cars easily than ordinary people.

Remember that in buying a vehicle, never ever take a chance. Buying a damaged vehicle can cost you more than your money. It could also bring serious accident even death. If you suspect that someone is selling you a car that has been flood damaged immediately say no then walk away. The dough you will save in buying a flood damaged car will quickly go away by the headache it will bring.