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I will be honest.
When I was being given a rundown of various features of Vista,
the new Microsoft Operating System, I was impressed, but there
was nothing that really made my eyes pop out of my head. The new
graphics engine, Aero, with its 3-D window preview mode, is quite
neat-especially the bit that keeps the content going on these
windows even in preview mode and the very innovative search box
and gadgets on the sidebar-but it didn't make my jaw drop.
Then I saw the new version of Office-Office
2007-and I am still trying to pick up my jaw from the floor. Let's
be honest; while Windows whirrs away in the background, we end
up using the Office suite of programmes in the foreground; they
are more in-your-face. While most Windows stability issues were
fixed when the XP SP2 was issued (so the software started crashing
less) and while Windows Vista is supposed to be much more secure,
the new versions of Office are a tremendous step forward in usability.
It won't take you any time to adjust to Vista,
even though it may take you some to learn all the cool features
(the 3-D preview is activated by pressing the Windows and tab
keys together). The learning curve on Office will be a lot steeper,
and this version (at least from the brief glimpse I got of it)
seems a lot more fun if nothing else. Expect to start seeing some
really crazy PowerPoint presentations in the near future (God
save those of us who have to attend press conferences).
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| Clicking it right: Cool
features add to fun |
Has Vista been worth it? I should hope so.
I have put off buying a computer for almost half a year because
of Vista, and while some manufacturers have a tech guarantee programme
that promises low-cost upgrades (check with the manufacturer of
your computer if you have bought a pc/laptop in the last six months),
Vista and Office will require some serious computing power if
you want to use their full capabilities. Microsoft claims you
can run Vista on a machine with an 800 megahertz processor (a
P-III generation processor) with only 128 megabytes of ram, but
you have to be very brave to do that. Trying to get Windows XP
on a P-III generation processor is near-impossible; I doubt I
will want to try and run Vista on an old machine.
Both Vista and Office take advantage of multi-core
processing; so, very honestly, if you want to run these two pieces
of software-which will become as dominant as their predecessors
were-you should get some serious hardware, like multi-core processors
and at least 512 megabytes of ram (a couple of gigabytes is better),
and maybe a dedicated graphics card. And all that isn't very expensive
anymore-unless you want an LCD Monitor.
Vista will be available in six different
flavours starting with a Starter Edition for first-time users.
There are two more home editions-Basic and Premium (that should
become the most popular ones because of their Media Center capabilities)
and two business editions, Vista Business (small businesses) and
Enterprise (the name says it! This is possibly the edition you'll
end up using in office). And there is going to be Vista Ultimate
with the best of both worlds-which will also be very expensive.
Vista has been delayed quite a few times,
but from the little look I got, it should be worth it. Now to
buy that computer.
TREADMILL
A Winter Strategy
There are two
ways of looking at winter. One way-and this is something a gym-mate
said the other day-is to forget about how your body is looking
because in any case you're going to be layering it with lots of
clothes to keep warm; so take it easy during winter and forget
about the extra kilos you add. The second way is to use winter
to prepare for spring and summer; make the most of emptier gyms
and get into shape before the time comes to shed those layers
of fabric. I'm sure you can guess which of these views Treadmill
espouses.
For this edition of a get-ready-for-after-winter
workout, let's focus on the mid-section. No physique is set off
better than by a perfectly chiseled set of abdominal muscles.
Call it a six-pack or a washboard, ripped abs are what separate
the seriously fit from the just fit.
This column has in the past gone on and on
about how just doing crunches, side-bends and leg raises or a
whole host of other exercises can't get rid of your belly fat.
You just can't reduce fat in one spot of your body because it
loses fat holistically and not in isolation. And to lose overall
fat you have to do three things together: follow a workout schedule
that combines cardio-vascular sessions, resistance sessions and
a diet that is sensible and balanced.
Having said that for the umpteenth time,
let's look at what exercises you should do to tone your tummy.
The best one is the oldest one in the book-the good old fashioned
sit-up. Here's how to do it. Lie on your back with your feet flat
on the floor and knees bent. With your hands on either side of
your head, crunch your torso upwards trying to use your abs to
drive the movement. Try to touch your knees with your elbows (it
doesn't matter whether you can actually do so). Your abs muscles
must remain contracted through the movement. Hold the raised position
before you slowly lower your torso back to the starting position.
The key is to do the lowering movement very slowly. This is one
repetition. Do three sets of 10-12 each. Precaution: don't bend
your neck and try to keep your head in its natural position (Tip:
imagine you're holding an apple between your chin and chest).
Some people exercise their abs every day.
Others focus on it once a week. I think if you can spend five
minutes on your abs four or five times a week, you can expect
to see results. Here goes my advice for the umpteenth + 1 time:
just doing crunches, raises or bends won't get you the six-pack
you're seeking. Hint: re-read the third paragraph of this column!
-Muscles
Mani
write to musclesmani@intoday.com
Caveat: The physical exercises described in Treadmill
are not recommendations. Readers should exercise caution and consult
a physician before attempting to follow any of these.
HEALTH TIPS FOR WOMEN EXECUTIVES
Work-life balance for women is assuming
greater significance these days. Here are a few things you can
do to achieve it.
Eat figs. Says Dr S.K. Aggarwal, Consultant, Fortis Hospital,
Delhi: "Figs are rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium.
They also have high fibre content. Eat five dried figs a day.
These will provide the best bone protection you can get."
Fresh figs also make wonderful mild exfoliators. They contain
an enzyme that helps remove dead skin cells.
Go easy on fatty foods. Says Dr Aggarwal: "Excess
weight can put you at risk of developing a heart disease, diabetes
and cancer. Exercise regularly to burn calories and stay in shape."
Drink wisely. Imbibe moderate quantities of alcohol;
drink 500 ml of cranberry juice every day; this will prevent harmful
micro-organisms from sticking to the bladder and causing infections.
Sleep secrets. Sleep on your back to prevent wrinkles.
If you sleep on your side or with your face down, the pressure
on the face causes the skin to wrinkle. Also, choose a medium-soft
mattress. It puts less pressure on the shoulders and the hips.
Make-up mantras. Consult specialists before using lotions
if you are prone to allergies. Reduce the power of your hairdryer:
the noise it generates every day on the most powerful setting
can affect your hearing in the long-run.
Balance your act. Family time is the hardest to prioritise.
Says Dr Aggarwal: "The secret is to plan ahead and make your
plans clear to everyone. Being organised will maximise the time
you can spend enjoying life with your family."
-Manu Kaushik
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