Wednesday, October 23, 2024

How to Retrieve Prepaid Meter Tokens After Recharging

If you’ve recharged your prepaid electricity meter but haven’t received your token, don’t worry. Here’s how you can retrieve your token for different electricity providers in Bangladesh:

1. BPDB Customers

2. DPDC Customers

3. DESCO Customers

4. NESCO Customers

5. BREB/PBS (Palli Bidyut) Customers

  • You can retrieve tokens by visiting your nearest Palli Bidyut office or calling 16899.

6. WZPDCL Customers (West Zone)

  • Retrieve tokens from the West Zone Prepaid app, or contact your nearest office or call 16117.

7. For bKash Users

  • If you’ve recharged via the bKash app, retrieve the last four tokens by navigating:
    • Go to Pay Bill > Receipt & Token > Prepaid Token > Enter Meter Number or Customer Number.
  • Alternatively, visit the bKash Website.

8. For Nagad Users

  • If recharged via Nagad, retrieve your last token by following these steps:
    • Other Services > Prepaid Bill Payment Token > Bill Payment Token Retrieval > Select Biller Name > Enter Meter/Account/Customer Number > Complete the CAPTCHA.

For further assistance, you can also reach out to your local electricity office or call the relevant customer care hotline based on your provider.

Note: Always keep your meter number or customer number handy when retrieving tokens.

posted by Monowar Husain @ October 23, 2024   0 Comments

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Essential Research Tools – 2024

Essential Research Tools – 2024

Conducting research efficiently requires leveraging the right tools. From managing references to data visualization, note-taking, and academic writing, technology plays a key role in enhancing the quality of research. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most important research tools for 2024.

Reference Management

Managing citations and references is crucial in academic research. The following tools can help you keep your references organized and properly formatted:

  1. EndNote – A powerful tool for creating citations and managing references efficiently.

  2. Paperpile – Integrates with research papers for seamless citation management.

  3. Mendeley – Functions as a reference manager and social network for researchers, allowing you to store, organize, and annotate papers.

  4. RefWorks – An online tool for organizing research papers and generating citations.

  5. Crossref – Facilitates citation linking and reference management.

  6. CiteThisForMe – Quickly generates citations in various styles.

  7. Zotero – Helps collect, organize, and cite research data effectively.

Data Analysis and Visualization

Visualizing and analyzing data is essential to draw insights from research findings. Here are some effective tools for this purpose:

  1. Tableau – Turns complex data into clear visualizations.

  2. RStudio – An IDE for R programming, used for data analysis, modeling, and visualization.

  3. SPSS – A popular tool for statistical analysis in research.

  4. Plotly – Creates advanced, interactive data visualizations.

  5. NVivo – Ideal for qualitative data analysis and pattern identification.

  6. MindMeister – A collaborative mind-mapping tool for visualizing ideas.

  7. Power BI – A business analytics tool for interactive reports and visualizations.

  8. MS Excel – A widely-used spreadsheet software for data manipulation and analysis.

Note-Taking Tools

Organized notes are essential for research. The following tools make note-taking easier and more structured:

  1. Evernote – A versatile app for writing and organizing notes with text, images, and ideas.

  2. Scrivener – A tool designed to structure and organize research papers.

  3. OneNote – Microsoft’s digital notebook for collaborative note-taking.

  4. Google Keep – A simple note-taking app integrated with Google Drive.

  5. Notion – A workspace for organizing everything in one place.

  6. AudioPen – Facilitates audio-based note-taking.

Academic Writing Tools

The right tools for writing and editing can improve the clarity and quality of your research paper:

  1. Writefull – Enhances the accuracy and quality of academic writing.

  2. LaTeX – A typesetting tool, particularly useful for technical documents.

  3. Turnitin – A plagiarism detection tool that ensures originality.

  4. Scribbr – Offers proofreading and plagiarism checking services.

  5. Overleaf – An online LaTeX editor for collaborative writing.

  6. Google Docs – A cloud-based editor for easy collaboration.

  7. PaperPal – Helps organize and streamline academic writing.

  8. TrinkaAI – Improves academic writing by identifying grammatical issues.

  9. Grammarly – A popular tool for refining written content.

  10. QuillBot – Assists in paraphrasing, summarizing, and improving grammar.

Literature Review Tools

Efficient literature reviews are essential for academic research. These tools simplify the process:

  1. Semantic Scholar – Extracts key information from research papers.

  2. Litmaps – Visualizes the connections between research papers.

  3. Scite.ai – Helps in finding and understanding research papers.

  4. Research Rabbit – A tool for discovering relevant research papers.

  5. Connected Papers – Identifies related research papers.

  6. R Discovery – A platform for finding research resources.

Drawing and Diagram Tools

Creating diagrams and visualizations is often necessary for presenting research effectively:

  1. Figma – Useful for creating complex diagrams and visuals.

  2. Draw.io – An ideal tool for flowcharts and diagrams.

  3. Lucidchart – An online diagramming software.

  4. Microsoft Visio – Helps create flowcharts and process maps.

  5. Canva – A popular tool for visual content creation and presentations.

  6. Inkscape – An open-source vector graphics editor.

  7. IPE Drawing – A LaTeX-based drawing editor for research diagrams.

  8. Keenious – Facilitates concept mapping and diagram creation.

  9. BioRender – Used for biological diagrams and visuals.

  10. GraphPad Prism – A powerful software for data analysis and graphing.

By utilizing these tools, researchers can streamline their workflow, improve collaboration, and produce higher-quality outputs. Whether you are managing references, analyzing data, writing papers, or creating visuals, these tools will make your research journey smoother and more efficient in 2024.

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posted by Monowar Husain @ October 17, 2024   0 Comments

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Setting Up a Multiboot USB Drive with Ventoy

Setting Up a Multiboot USB Drive with Ventoy

In this guide, you'll learn how to create a multiboot USB drive using Ventoy, giving you access to multiple operating systems such as Windows 10/11, Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, Arch Linux, Zorin OS, and Linux Mint—all from a single USB. With a 32GB USB 3.2 drive, you'll have the speed and space necessary to host these ISOs for smooth installation and troubleshooting.

Why Choose Ventoy?

  • No Need to Reformat: Simply copy ISO files to the USB.

  • Support for UEFI and Legacy Boot: Works on both modern and older PCs.

  • Large File Support: Easily handles ISO files larger than 4GB.

  • Cross-Platform: Works with Linux, Windows, and utility ISOs.

  • Persistent Storage: Optional persistence for Linux distros to save data across sessions.

What You’ll Need

  1. 32GB USB 3.2 drive (for faster boot and enough storage space).

  2. Ventoy: Download from https://www.ventoy.net.

  3. Operating System ISOs:

  4. A PC with BIOS/UEFI access for testing and installation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download and Install Ventoy

  1. Download Ventoy from https://www.ventoy.net.

  2. Extract the ZIP file to your PC.


  1. Launch Ventoy2Disk.exe (for Windows) or the Linux version if you're using Linux.

Step 2: Install Ventoy on the USB Drive

  1. Insert your 32GB USB 3.2 drive.

  2. In Ventoy’s interface:

    • Select your USB drive from the list.

    • Enable "Secure Boot Support" if your PC requires it.

  3. Click Install (This will erase all data on the drive).

Step 3: Add ISO Files to the USB

Once Ventoy is installed, your USB is ready to accept ISO files. Simply drag and drop your ISOs into the USB's root directory.

Here’s a recommended setup:

Operating System

ISO File Name

Size

Windows 10

Windows10.iso

~5GB

Windows 11

Windows11.iso

~5.5GB

Ubuntu 22.04

Ubuntu-22.04.iso

~4GB

Pop!_OS 22.04

Pop_OS.iso

~2.5GB

Arch Linux

ArchLinux.iso

~800MB

Zorin OS

Zorin-OS.iso

~5GB

Linux Mint

LinuxMint-21.2.iso

~2GB

Step 4: Boot from the USB

  1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).

  2. Select USB Boot from the boot menu.

  3. The Ventoy boot menu will appear, listing all the ISO files you copied.

Step 5: Install or Use the Operating Systems

  • Use the arrow keys to select the OS you want to boot.

  • Ventoy will load the selected ISO, allowing you to install or run the OS in live mode.

Recommended OS Overview

1. Windows 10/11

Great for installing or troubleshooting Windows-based systems.

2. Ubuntu 22.04

A popular Linux distro for developers, beginners, and general-purpose use.

3. Pop!_OS 22.04

Perfect for gaming and creative work, with built-in Nvidia drivers.

4. Arch Linux

Ideal for experienced users who want a lightweight and customizable operating system.

5. Zorin OS

A beginner-friendly Linux distribution with a familiar Windows-like interface.

6. Linux Mint

Another beginner-friendly distro with a focus on usability and stability. Mint is an excellent choice for transitioning from Windows.

Tips for an Optimal Multiboot Setup

  1. Organize Your ISOs

    • While Ventoy doesn’t require special folders, organizing ISOs into folders (e.g., Windows, Linux) helps keep things tidy.

  2. Enable Persistence

    • If you need to save session data for Linux distributions (like Ubuntu or Mint), Ventoy supports persistent storage. Follow the instructions in the Ventoy documentation to enable this feature.

  3. Check for Compatibility

    • Some systems may require switching between UEFI and Legacy modes. Ventoy supports both, but ensure your BIOS settings are configured properly.

  4. Add Troubleshooting Tools

    • Consider adding useful tools like Hiren’s BootCD or GParted to help with system repairs and partitioning.

Troubleshooting

  • ISO Not Showing in the Boot Menu: Ensure that the ISO is correctly copied to the USB.

  • USB Not Booting:

    • Verify your BIOS settings (check UEFI/Legacy mode).

    • Try a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0 or higher).

  • Slow Performance: If booting is slow, confirm you are using a USB 3.2 port for faster read speeds.

Conclusion

With Ventoy and a 32GB USB 3.2 drive, you now have the flexibility to carry multiple operating systems like Windows 10/11, Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, Arch Linux, Zorin OS, and Linux Mint wherever you go. Whether you’re installing OSes, troubleshooting systems, or experimenting with Linux distributions, this setup ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Start building your multiboot USB today and unlock the power of having a portable, all-in-one operating system toolkit!


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posted by Monowar Husain @ October 15, 2024   0 Comments

Friday, October 11, 2024

Hidden Windows Keyboard Shortcuts You Probably Don’t Know About

Hidden Windows Keyboard Shortcuts You Probably Don’t Know About



Windows OS offers plenty of well-known shortcuts like Ctrl + C (copy) and Alt + Tab (switch apps), but there’s a world of lesser-known yet powerful shortcuts that can enhance your productivity. This guide explores unique and less-familiar shortcuts—ones that are not widely used or discussed. Let's dive into these hidden gems and unlock some serious efficiency!

1. Win + . (Period) – Emoji Panel

Quickly access emojis, symbols, and GIFs on Windows!

  • Press Win + . to open the emoji panel anywhere you type text.
  • Explore tabs for symbols, GIFs, and Kaomoji (like (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻).

2. Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Direct Task Manager Access

While many use Ctrl + Alt + Del to access Task Manager, Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens it directly.

  • Skip the intermediate menu and jump straight into Task Manager to kill tasks or monitor performance.

3. Win + Shift + S – Take Selective Screenshots

This shortcut brings up the Snipping Tool overlay, letting you quickly capture part of your screen.

  • Use Cases: Capture snippets for documents, create tutorials, or save chat screenshots without cropping.

4. Win + Ctrl + D – Create a New Virtual Desktop

For those working with multiple projects, virtual desktops are a lifesaver.

  • Use Win + Ctrl + D to create a new virtual desktop instantly.
  • Switch between desktops using Win + Ctrl + → / ←.

5. Alt + Ctrl + Tab – Lock the Task Switcher

Instead of holding Alt + Tab to switch apps, this shortcut locks the task switcher in place.

  • Release the keys and navigate with your arrow keys or mouse to select an app.

6. Win + Ctrl + Shift + B – Restart Graphics Driver

If your screen freezes or the display acts weird, Win + Ctrl + Shift + B will restart the graphics driver.

  • No need to restart your PC—this shortcut often resolves minor display glitches instantly.

7. Shift + Right-Click on Files/Folders – Advanced Context Menu

Hold Shift while right-clicking on files or folders to reveal additional options like “Open in New Process” or “Copy as Path.”

  • Use Case: Quickly get the path of files or folders for coding or troubleshooting.

8. Win + L – Lock Your PC Instantly

Leaving your desk? Use Win + L to lock your PC immediately and prevent unauthorized access.

9. Win + +/- (Plus/Minus) – Magnifier Tool

Activate the Magnifier tool with Win + + (plus) and zoom out with Win + - (minus).

  • Use Case: Helpful for presentations, zooming into images, or accessibility needs.

10. Alt + Space + M – Move Windows with Arrow Keys

Ever lost a window off-screen? Use Alt + Space + M to activate the Move command, and then use arrow keys to bring it back.

11. Win + Home – Minimize All Windows Except the Active One

Use Win + Home to minimize all windows except the currently active one.

  • Use Case: Focus on a single task without distractions from other open apps.

12. Win + Shift + M – Restore Minimized Windows

If you’ve minimized all windows, use Win + Shift + M to restore them.

13. Win + K – Quick Access to Wireless Devices

Win + K opens the Connect panel to link to wireless displays or Bluetooth devices.

  • Use Case: Quickly connect to projectors or wireless audio devices during meetings.

14. Ctrl + Shift + T – Reopen Closed Tabs in Browser

Accidentally closed a browser tab? Use Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen it instantly.

  • Works in most browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).

15. Win + G – Open the Xbox Game Bar

Even if you’re not a gamer, Win + G gives access to performance metrics, screen recording, and sound settings.

16. Shift + F10 – Open Context Menu Without Right-Click

This shortcut opens the right-click context menu wherever the cursor is, especially useful when the mouse isn't working.

17. Ctrl + Alt + Del + Esc – Instant Emergency Log Off (Hidden Combo)

Hold Ctrl + Alt + Del and quickly hit Esc to log off in case of emergency.

  • Great for fast log-outs without shutting down the system.

18. Win + P – Switch Display Modes

Use Win + P to toggle between multiple display modes (e.g., duplicate, extend, or second screen only).

19. Win + V – Access Clipboard History

Instead of just using Ctrl + V to paste the last copied item, Win + V opens clipboard history, allowing you to select from multiple copied items.

  • Enable Clipboard History from Windows settings to use this feature.

20. Win + Tab – Timeline View

Unlike Alt + Tab, Win + Tab shows a timeline of your recent activities and virtual desktops.

  • Easily access previously opened apps or files across desktops.
These lesser-known Windows shortcuts can boost productivity and simplify your workflow. By incorporating a few of these into your daily routine, you’ll find yourself navigating Windows faster and handling tasks more efficiently.

Got a favorite hidden shortcut not listed here? Share it with others and explore new ways to work smarter, not harder!

posted by Monowar Husain @ October 11, 2024   0 Comments