Few details about Credit cards

The origin of the Credit card industry can be traced back to as far as 1914. The Credit cards have definitely come a long way since.
For many the Credit card has become a necessity - Be it paying for your lunch in a restaurant or buying clothes at a designer outlet or getting your hands on the latest gadgets, nothing compares to credit card when it comes to convenience.

A Credit card today provides you with not only shopping convenience and safety, but also offers you privileges like discount coupons, invitations to events, bonus points, cash-back and even a free insurance.

If you have one, great- find the next one that can address your needs better and if you haven't then what are you waiting for!

But how do you select the right credit card With so many variants available and numerous offers and promotions, choosing a card can be very difficult.
But mostly, it comes down to how you plan to use your Credit card.

For those who are new to the world of Credit card, let's find out some basics of a Credit card.
• When deciding on a card, always remember to get something that suits you best and fits well into your needs. The innovations are fast and coming and are never-ending.
• Do not rush. Look around and compare aspects like credit limit, grace period, renewal/annual fees, initial membership fee and other such services.
• Asking your friends about the cards they use might help too.

When you apply for a Credit card, the application you submit is carefully analyzed and the documents you provide are verified. Then a credit limit for your card is set for you, based on your net income, your credit history and other such factors.

Credit limit is the total amount that you may spend with your card while paying for services. Consider the lowest limit that would fit your needs, and not your lifestyle.

Most Credit cards offer a grace period of 15- 25 days before the interest is charged on the purchase. But some may not. So find one with the longest grace period. The longer, the better.
Most banks charge annual fee, renewal fee, membership fee etc. You should always ask for these to be waived off of. Also do read the terms and conditions carefully.

Do figure out the interest rate (APR) that you would be charged and try to get the card with the lowest possible rates. Most companies charge about 2% - 3% per month, which per year comes to around 35% - 45%.

You can either pay your bills by clearing all your dues as soon as you get your monthly billing statement or you could pay in monthly installments.Make sure you settle your bills on time and do not leave any outstanding balance (i.e. do not revolve on your card). You do not want to end up paying interest on your outstanding balance. Non-payment or default in repayment could also adversely affect your credit history.

If your credit history is good, you could request for an increment on your credit limits.
If there are cards you may not be using anymore, you might want to cancel them. If you have multiple cards from the same issuing bank, you could also ask for the credit limit to be consolidated into just one card.

Eventually, the decision to choose a Credit card is yours to make. Avail a card that fits your needs. And don't forget the interest rates, the grace period, the free offers, the discounts and the likes.

Here are few features that you should not miss.

Add-on Card
Add-on card is more of an additional Credit card that you apply in the name of your family members (father, mother, sister, brother, spouse, children), within the overall credit limit. Family members applying for Add-on cards have to be 18 years and above. All the payments for the services made from Add-on card(s) is done by you. Most banks allows for at least two Add-on cards.

Global Card
Global cards are accepted in over 200 countries. You can also use it as an ATM card.
It also gives you the flexibility of using your card instead of using cash or traveler's checks.
If you are a frequent traveler, abroad, then it is best to make your Credit card, Global.

Photo Card
If your card comes with your imprinted photo, then it is a Photo card. This type of card is considered safer as it is easier to identify the Credit card user. It also serves as your identity card.

Some safety measures to be taken
• Sign your card as soon as you receive it.
• You will also receive the PIN number after a few days. Keep your PIN/account number safe.
• Every time you use your card, be aware when your card is being swiped by the cashier so as to ensure no misuse of your card takes place.
• When making payment with your card, make sure you check if it is your credit card that the cashier has returned.
• Do not forget to verify your purchases with your billing statements.
• After using your card at an ATM, do not throw your receipt behind.
• Also do not discard your Credit card statements or receipt that has your PIN or account number. Shredding or burning them would be wise. Here are few features that you should not miss.
• Never give your Credit card information over the phone, unless you are really sure you can trust them. Same in the case while purchasing online.
• Save receipts of payments made through Credit card and check monthly statements and check for billing errors, if any.
• If your Credit card is damaged, destroy it and request for a duplicate card.
• Incase you lose your card, inform your Credit card company as soon as possible. Also make a police complaint.

Credit cards are for your convenience, so it is very wise to use them within your limits.

Credit cards can temp one into overspending, but if you manage it properly, it could turn out to be your best money lender.

Different Types Of Credit Cards

These days marketing ploys are resulting in an amazing bouquet of credit cards. From a simple form of plastic money, credit cards have metamorphosed into cards that give grocery discounts, clock travel miles, and add points to travel miles, offer online facilities, and more.

Before you apply for a card you need to know your needs and what is on offer in the market.

• Standard Credit Cards are the oldest kind and offered by banks and financial institutions. These are unsecured and can be: low interest cards, balance transfer credit cards, and reward program credit cards.

• Airline Mile Cards are frequent flier cards that offer airline mile credits whenever you use the card. Once sufficient points accrue you can convert the points into tickets.

• Cash back credit cards are unique and they offer you say 5% cash back on purchases. The higher your usage the more the rewards. Such cards charge an annual fee that can range from USD 50—USD 100.

• Reward Cards offer incentives where by you can adjust points against purchases or get gas rebates, discount booklets, tickets to movies at reduced rates and so on.

• Credit Repair Cards are for people with bad credit and who need debt consolidation or management. Such cards offer introductory APRs and help in rebuilding credit history.

• Secured credit cards are those that ask for a security deposit. These are issued against collaterals like a house, car, boat, securities, and jewelry and so on.

• Prepaid Credit Cards are a form of debt card. Where the amount is already in deposit with a bank. This protects against credit card debt.

• Specialty Credit Cards are for students, children, and business users.

• Business credit cards are regular cards but they keep business expenses separate from personal expenses, offer business rewards and savings, give expense management reports, offer cards to groups, employees, and give higher credit limits.

• Student Credit cards are simple and meant for use by students who have no credit history. They protect a student when he or she is away from home.

Before applying you need to read the terms and conditions offered and find out which institution will give you competitive terms.

Today one can apply for cards online and do comparisons before applying. Make a list of questions to ask before accepting a card. Think carefully do I really need one? What am I going to use it for? Remember card companies are run by masters in marketing and will bombard you with what seem to be “sops.” These are just lollies to tempt you to use their cards. You need to be clever and stay away from the traps they set.

Credit Cards are useful if used right. So study the world of credit cards before owning one.

Nothing is life is free is true with credit card companies too. They are in the business for profit and charge high rates of interest as well as fees. Always check the fine print and find out what the benefits and pitfalls of owning a card are.

Tips For Finding The Right Credit Card

Once you've made the decision to obtain a credit card you should take some time to decide which credit card is right for your needs. Believe it or not, not all cards are created equal and you must do your homework to discover all the details about each one.

A question you should be asking yourself before you decide to apply for a credit card is why you need one in the first place. Maybe you are looking for the benefits and ease that a credit card offers consumers. You might want a convenient way to track your spending and wish to reap the many rewards that credit card companies are offering their customers. Or you might already have a few credit cards and you are looking to decrease your interest rate and transfer your balances to one card.

Another point to consider is the amount of spending you will require on your credit card. If this is your first time applying for a credit card you may want to consider a smaller line of credit at first. It is a good idea to gauge your own habits before you become involved in a high limit credit card. The higher limit cards can get you into too much trouble too quickly. Or maybe you just want one in case of emergencies. We all have those times in our lives when the car breaks down and we don't have the money available for the repair right away. A credit card provides you a way to get your car repaired and pay it off at a later date when you are more able to pay.

Different cards offer different payment structures. You may be the kind of person who plans to pay off their card at the end of each month. You might want to look for a credit card that rewards this kind of behavior.

All of these considerations are important factors when considering which card to apply for. The obtaining of a credit card is a serious business and requires your careful thought and planning. Understand your habits and your ability to pay back your balances. When you are choosing a credit card you must know yourself and whether a high limit credit card is too much of a temptation for you. Choose wisely and take advantage of any special perks the credit card companies may be offering to get your business. It can be a sound financial decision.

An interview with Ana Ivanovic

Q. You played a very good match, but there were some ragged moments both with Svetlana and yourself. Was it a good preparation for a semi?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, sure it was. It was a very tough match. Everything was happening quite fast. First set was, I would say, a little bit strange. I played some really good tennis. I was aggressive. And, I guess, she was a little bit nervous.

But in the second set, still I had some chances. I broke her back, and on 3-2, I was serving, and I just lost a little bit tension in my serve and my strokes. So she used that opportunity very well.

But I was really happy that from the beginning of the third, I could pull back and start being more aggressive again, and put pressure on her. And, yeah, I used the opportunities I had.

Q. Did you feel coming into the tournament that you could go this far? Did you have a good feeling about it this week?

ANA IVANOVIC: To be honest, I didn't think much about it. I just was really enjoying my game. And I felt fit, and I felt ready to compete against the top players. I'm really excited to get so far, and tournament is still not over. I am going to try and play my best each match I have.

Q. You're working here with have a Sven Groenefeld, what can you say about him?

ANA IVANOVIC: He's a great coach, and he's been really helpful. He was with me also in Berlin and here. And I can learn a lot from him. He was on the tour for a very long time, and he's very experienced. So it's been great to have such a coach on my side.

And obviously it's tough when I play against side of this player, because he can't interfere, and he can't talk to me about matches. But still there is a few opponents that we can talk about and discuss. And we worked a lot on my serve, and I can see improvement in that. So it's very exciting.

Q. In the first set, did you play the best tennis you have ever played?

ANA IVANOVIC: Everything was happening very fast, so I didn't think much about it. I just tried to move forward and be aggressive, and stay low. And I didn't make -- I hadn't made any errors, so I would say I was pretty good.

Q. Back to Sven. So you hope Sharapova will win?

ANA IVANOVIC: Oh, well, maybe it will be easier so he can advise me. But it's still, no matter against who I play, I'm going to try to play the best I can. And I had so many matches behind me now that I just want to go out there and enjoy it.

And, I mean, it was great two weeks for me, and I feel I improved a lot. And also I got some experience. So no matter against who I play, I'm going to try and play the best.

Q. Players always like to think just one match ahead. But is it impossible not to think about an Ivanovic/Jankovic final?

ANA IVANOVIC: That would be very exciting. We never had. That didn't ever happen before, so I would be very happy if that happens. But as you said, it is important to take it match by match. And then, obviously, there is a lot of emotions involved. And it's very important for me that I keep that aside, playing semifinal, just to think more technically what I have to do in order to win.

And, as I said, I play a lot of matches lately, so that's going to help me a lot.

Q. Is the foot injury you had in the Berlin final, is that completely gone?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I still feel it a little bit, time to time, also the other day after a tough match. But I do a lot of recovery and a lot of treatments. And it's getting better. I still wear braces just for protection until I get my full strength back.

Q. But it's not affecting your movement?

ANA IVANOVIC: No, no, no.

Q. You reached quarterfinals here a couple of years ago. How do you think you've improved as a player to make that jump to the semis over the past couple of years?

ANA IVANOVIC: Two years ago when I reached quarterfinal that was my first year on the tour. Since then, I think I improved a lot on my game. And my fitness, a big difference. And also, a lot of experience because I played so many matches since then. Also, I'm playing on Center Court. It helps a lot because those are all situations you will have to deal with when you have to play further in the tournament. But that experience helped me a lot and made me more calm today.

Q. How much time do you spend between the tournaments in Switzerland nowadays?

ANA IVANOVIC: Very little. It's very hard because I travel so much. And also, I went to Barcelona to practice, so I haven't really been to Switzerland for a very long time now.

Q. Kind of a magic moment. Why Serbia, why now? Is it a supernatural thing, what's going on?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it's very exciting to see all of us doing so well. Especially we are all very young, so we all have many years in front of us and many possibilities. So it's very exciting, and I'm sure people back home are very proud of us, and that makes us feel very good.

Q. Do you talk with Novak much?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, we speak and we catch up. It's nice to see, because I've known him for a very long time, so it's nice to catch up.

As I said, as I mentioned before, I can learn also from watching him play, because men's game is different than women's, so I can learn watching him. And he is a great player. He can achieve a lot.

Q. Can you speak as freely with Jelena as you can with Novak, because you're not competing with Novak?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, exactly, it's the same we play, so it's very hard to speak that way with her. But, I mean, we can all learn from each other, and we can all use other's successes and motivation extra for myself. So it's very exciting to see so many of us doing well.

Q. How come you play always so well in Paris? Is there anything special here for you?

ANA IVANOVIC: I like a lot of Paris, and obviously, my first memories I had from the reaching quarters here was an unbelievable experience. And I always like coming back here. And now I feel more comfortable playing on the clay as well. And I feel I improved my movements which helps a lot on the clay, because there is a lot of running, and a lot of, yeah, a lot of running to do.

So it's a great tournament for me, and the crowd, it's always great support. And I'm very excited to be here and to -- I always look forward to coming back here.

Q. Is clay your favorite surface now?

ANA IVANOVIC: It's becoming, yeah. Yeah, sure.

Q. Would you describe your relationship with Jelena? Are you just casual acquaintances? Good friends?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, when we start playing tennis, she was -- she's two years older than me, so we never played many tournaments together back home, and we lived in different parts of the city. So we never practiced with each other. And then she went to America and went to Switzerland. So kind of we had different ways, different roads, so we never really had a chance to practice with each other.

And even now, we both have our own teams and our own things we like to do. And it's a little bit different. And we are both a bit -- we both found our way, and we are both doing well, so that's the most important thing.

Q. Are you looking forward to play Fed Cup with Jelena one day or not?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I think we have very good chance. We have a good team, and we deserve a place in the world group, and that would be a great step for our country. I would love to play a Fed Cup, and, yeah, play for my country again.

Q. You and Jelena both come in here and you kind of light up the room. You have great humor. You're happy and bubbly. Is this a national characteristic?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, we are happy people. Yeah, people back home, they're very friendly and open. And, yeah, we like to have fun. And that's something, yeah, I guess we are just born like that and we bring that from home.

So it's -- I think it's important to be positive and to have a smile.

Part of Infosys mysore(Replica of mysore palace)...

Shooting @ Kochi Cognizant Technology Solutions

Bill Gates to sign off at Microsoft

Bill Gates is spending his last day at Microsoft Friday before turning his attention full time to philanthropy after decades spent building the US software colossus.

The Microsoft co-founder, 52, known for his boyish face and nerdy manner, will spend his final day at the software giant he helped found over 30 years ago.

Paul Allen, who teamed up with Gates to start Microsoft in a garage in 1975, will be among those “roasting” his childhood friend at a gala dinner on Friday night.

After decades devoted to Microsoft, Gates plans to turn his attention full time to the philanthropic Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation he established with his wife.

Gates leaves Microsoft to wrestle with a fast-changing computer era and growing challenges from Internet juggernaut Google and longtime rival Apple, which makes Macintosh computers.

Three people will essentially fill the void Gates leaves behind at Microsoft.

Gates’s job as chief software architect is being handled by Ray Ozzie.

Craig Mundie inherited Gates’s chief research and strategy officer duties, while former Harvard University classmate Steve Ballmer is chief executive officer of the Redmond, Washington-based software firm.

Gates remains chairman of the Microsoft board of directors and its largest shareholder.

Microsoft is losing Gates at a time when “cloud computing” is shaking the packaged software foundation on which the company’s fortune is built.

Cloud computing refers to a trend in which firms such as Google and Salesforce.com let people use programs on the Internet instead of having to install and maintain software on their own computers.

Microsoft competes in the “software as a service” arena but tends to combine offerings with packaged products in a “software-plus” marketing model, according to analysts.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system released in January of 2007 has flopped with customers, many of whom are clinging to its predecessor Windows XP.

Vista loathing is heightening interest in free Linux open-source software and Macintosh computers, which use operating systems built by Apple.

Rivalry between Microsoft and Apple is legendary in Silicon Valley. Apple ads and press conferences take swipes at Microsoft, and devotees of competing systems routinely swap barbs in cafes and other social venues.

The culture-shifting popularity of Apple’s iPods and iPhones is credited with increasing interest in Macintosh machines.

While Windows is still used on 90 percent of the world’s computers, Macintosh computers have grown to more than five percent of the market.

Microsoft began selling Zune brand MP3 players in September of 2006 to compete with Apple’s market-dominating iPods, but the devices haven’t been a hit with customers.

Microsoft appears to have failed in a recent bid to buy Yahoo for nearly 50 billion dollars in order to combine online resources to better battle Google in the booming Internet search and advertising sectors.

Microsoft’s server and tools division is its most profitable unit. Its entertainment unit, which sells Xbox videogame consoles and gaming software, has yet to make a profit.

Gates is expected to maintain the ears of Microsoft leaders.

“At some point the firm has to take the essence of what made Bill Gates successful and make sure that is preserved,” said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.

Can Chiranjeevi create history like NTR

Chiranjeevi was dragged into political discussions by fans and media even though he doesn’t utter a single word on his political motives. According to rumours, Chiranjeevi is in consultation with his close aides regarding his political plans and he may announce his new party after Sankranthi festival. As per sources, he wants to start a political party with new agenda with the help of young and dynamic leaders. But political hopefuls and opposition leaders are trying to place “Kapu card” on Chiranjeevi. It is interesting to see how Chiranjeevi can handle this caste image which was imposed on him even before he enters into politics. Political observers are asking few interesting questions:

1. Is there any space left for new political outfit?

In 1983, NTR easily came to power just within 9 months of Telugu Desam inception due to huge political vacuum.

But Chiranjeevi can win if he can successfully mobilise “unhappy communities” with new agenda. He may face problems in Rayalaseema and Telangana but he may emerge as largest party in coastal Andhra. It will be difficult for him to sweep polls as NTR did in 1983.

2. Can Chiranjeevi emulate NTR?

NTR used his charisma, exceptional oratory skills, media and political vacuum to the maximum to decimate Congress party. Congress leaders underestimated NTR’s ability and paid the price.
But this time, TDP and Congress are not underestimating Chiranjeevi. But Chiranjeevi created good image among people through his social activities like blood banks and eye banks.

Chiranjeevi may not get media support as it was enjoyed by NTR in 1983. Congress and TDP may do anything to spoil his political aspirations.

3. Can BCs support Chiranjeevi?

NTR came to power by successfully combining Kamma’s money power and BCs statistical power (number). Can Kapu + BC alliance come to power? We have to wait and watch.

4. Can he get support from non-Kapu fans?

It is the most crucial question. If fans from other castes (except Kapu and BC) support him politically, he may easily win 2009 assembly elections.

According to my small survey in Ongole, 30% of fans from other castes are not supporting his political ambitions. They want to see him as “Andarivadu” but not as “Kondarivadu”.

5. Available time:

NTR had just 9 months in 1982 but Chiranjeevi has 18 months to win next Assembly elections.

6. Political rivals:

NTR has lesser rivals in the state in 1983 but he faced charismatic leader like Indira Gandhi. Chiranjeevi has to face strong local leaders like Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu in the state to win polls.

We have to wait and watch his political moves before coming to conclusion. Will Chiranjeevi really enter politics?

Telugu Actor Chiranjeevi into Andhra Pradesh Politics

Andhra Pradesh politics are hot with the latest rumours about Telugu movie Megastar Chiranjeevi's political entrance. As per rumours, If Telangana is separated from Andhra Pradesh, Chiranjeevi will enter into politics with a new regional party.

Hyderabad political circles are discussing pros and cons even before his announcement. So, I am discussing here about the political fortunes of Chiranjeevi.

Megastar's Advantages :

1. Chiranjeevi is the most popular telugu cine hero and commands a huge popularity.

2. His social activities like (Blood donation and Eye donation) helped so many poor people.

3. He is a legend in his Kapu community and very popular in in some BC Communities like Balija.

4. He is a rare cine personality who little egoism and mingles well with all sections.

5. Chiranjeevi commands huge fan following in the whole state especially in the coastal belt.

6. In the politically active Godavari districts, He can get maximum seats.

7. His clean image may help for his party to get more neutral votes.

Chiranjeevi's Disadvantages :

1. There is no political vaccum in the Andhra Pradesh with Telugu Desam and Congress have permanent vote banks.

2. He is not that much popular with elders and rural people compared to youth.

3. He is not that popular in other communities compared to Kapu caste people.

4. All fans may not like him politically as caste combinations came into prominence.

5. His Cola ads and other controversies may gain prominence once he enters into politics.

6. It may be difficult for his party to get honest candidates to contest elections.

7. His political inexperience may cost him in today's dirty politics.