Tag Archives: Software

2009′s Top 10 Moneymakers (USA Edition)

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Google's Founders: Larry Page and Sergey Brin

Google Founders: Larry Page and Sergey Brin

The year 2009 underscored an enormous economic meltdown that brought many United States businesses to their knees. But for some of America’s most famous moneymakers, the year brought enormous luck and vast gains. America’s top 25 stock gainers — composed of large stakeholders in publicly traded companies — made a combined $81.5 billion in 2009, Forbes.com reports.

Check out Forbes’ esteemed list of the ten biggest gainers in 2009:

  1. The founder of Google, Inc., Larry Page raked in a whooping $8.4 billion between January and mid-December 2009. At 36, Mr. Page is ranked as the 26th billionaire in the world and the 11th wealthiest person in the United States. Technology stocks are enjoying broad boost with the economic rebooting, according to Forbes. As such, Google made a rise of 90% since January 2009.

  2. Sergey Brin, the Russian-born American co-founder of Google, Inc. gained $8.2 billion in 2009. The 36-year old Internet titan gets a rebound after losing $11.7 billion in 2008 amid the collapse of Internet companies’ shares.

  3. Oracle Corporation and NetSuite gave 65-year-old founder Larry Ellison a $7.9 billion gain in 2009. He made it to fourth spot of Forbes’ list of richest persons as of September 30, 2009.

  4. Microsoft magnate Bill Gates generated $7.6 billion in 2009. The computer software company he founded with Paul Allen consistently places him on the list of the world’s richest. Over half of Mr. Gates’ fortune, however, is held outside of Microsoft. At 54, Mr. Gates grabbed the top spot overall as the wealthiest person in 2009.

  5. At barely 46 years old, Jeffrey Bezos has made Amazon a household name. The online retail company gained $7.3 billion in 2009 amid a 175% surge during the past 12 months. Amazon’s shares hit an all-time high in early December 2009.

    Microsoft's CEO - Steve Ballmer

    Microsoft’s CEO – Steve Ballmer

  6. In 2009, Steven Ballmer had $4.4 billion in gains based on stock options as Microsoft shares rose 55%. The 54-year-old billionaire derived his fortune as CEO of Microsoft, of which he was neither a founder nor a relative of a founder. In 2008, Mr. Ballmer was 43rd richest person in the world, with an estimated wealth of $11 billion.

  7. With shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. climbing 1000% since March 2009, CEO Sheldon Adelson raked in $3.9 billion. Mr. Adelson’s stake plunged $24 billion in 2008 amid the recession that battered gaming industry, which made him the biggest loser in 2008. Las Vegas Sands is parent company to Venetian Macao Limited, which operates The Sands Expo and Convention Center and The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.

  8. Enterprise Products Partners and Enterprise GP Holdings co-founder, chairman and majority shareholder Dan Duncan gained $3.9 billion in 2009. At 76, the energy mogul became the wealthiest person in Houston and the 3rd richest person in Texas as of 2007.

  9. Another Google, Inc. titan, Eric Schmidt, made $2.7 billion, with his shares soaring 90% since January 2009. Like Microsoft’s Ballmer, 54-year-old Schmidt’s wealth is generated from stock options he received as chairman and CEO of Google, and not as its founder or its founder’s relative. In 2006, Mr. Schmidt was ranked 129th in Forbes’ "World’s Richest People" list, with an estimated fortune valued at $6.2 billion.

  10. Sixty three-year-old Harold Hamm gained $2.7 billion in 2009, thanks to Continental Resources’ 100% surge amid a recovery in energy prices. The energy company’s earnings, however, are still at a 50% low, compared to its overall income in July 2008.

    The Top 5 Businesses that Create Billionaires

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    Reliance Industries Limited - the 2nd largest private sector corporation in the world.

    Reliance Industries Limited - the 2nd largest private sector corporation in the world.


    Everybody wants to be a billionaire. The big question is: How? Forget Ivy League schooling or wishing that you were born rich. Get into these businesses now!

    5. Petrochemicals
    Environmentally damaging or not, oil and petroleum is still the world’s hottest commodity. With most industries and consumers needing it every single day, petrochemical products are in hot demand and there is no indication that the demand will wane soon.

    Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani owes his fortune to petrochemicals.

    IKEA - the largest furniture retailer in the world.

    IKEA - the largest furniture retailer in the world.


    4. Retail
    Even with the economic downturn, people will still need to buy things. That is why retailers are still earning big bucks. Having a good sense of what people want, going with the trends, and offering value for money on your merchandise remain to be a retailer’s biggest challenge. However, if you get it all down to pat and you have built your brand better than your competitors, you are in for a great surprise.

    Ikea’s Ingvar Kamprad is Sweden’s richest man. The 83-year-old is currently worth around $22 billion and runs an empire that spans more than 30 countries. Germany’s richest man, Karl Albrecht also made his billions in retail through his discount supermarket Aldi Sud. Other billionaires in retail: Jim, Christy, Robson Walton of Wal-mart,

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    5 Ways to Choosing the Right e-Commerce Shopping Carts

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    5 ways to choosing the right e-Commerce shopping carts

    5 ways to choosing the right e-Commerce shopping carts

    Vital to the success of your online business is choosing the right e-commerce shopping cart. The world of e-commerce has its share of confusing and daunting aspects. For one, shopping carts are perceived to take care of the whole financial transaction – but, apparently, not at all.

    With so many shopping cart software packages advertised on the internet all claiming to have the best superior product, choosing is difficult. There is that nagging question: Why do online shoppers abandon their carts at some point in the process?

    If you want to learn more about e-commerce, this guide will explain the points you should consider before purchasing a cart.

    1. The cost of the package
    Invest on shopping cart software that meets your specific needs. A good software package will cost you some $US250 – $300. Any cost beyond that range should include superb features. As you anticipate your business to expand or diversify, shell out a little more by incorporating advanced shopping cart features. Be wary of shopping cart programs that are so that complex you would need to hire somebody else to assist in the implementation. Still, many web host providers like JustHost.com, offer shopping cart and ecommerce system that caters to your business needs.

    2. Check the “back-end” aspects
    Know that the payment gateway service manages the requests and transmits the same to appropriate financial networks, to include the online merchant account with your preferred bank. Most, if not all, programs now integrate basic functions of a shopping cart with a merchant account and payment gateway. It is recommended that you opt for one where your sales are paid by way of check or via direct deposit.

    3. Check your hosting service support capability
    Remote hosting does your business good because you can save on bandwidth charges – especially if your products are soft goods and delivered online. Make sure that your web host guarantees you fast implementation, secure connection, and constant monitoring of service. Know also that shopping cart scripts are written in various coding formats such as PERL, ASP, PHP, among many others. Perl 5 is now very well integrated to reliable web hosts.

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    Online Bingo: Market Analysis and Projections

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    Online Bingo Market Analysis & Projections

    Online Bingo Market Analysis & Projections

    Over the past decade the online gaming industry has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments of internet commerce today. In 2006 online gamblers wagered a total of twelve billion dollars via the World Wide Web. Experts project an estimated twenty four billion dollars will be wagered via online gaming sites during 2015.

    Online Sportsbooks and Casinos were first to introduce their product to the public during late 90’s. 2002-03 ESPN began televising the World Series of Poker showing pro player’s hidden cards which sparked the online poker boom. Millions of recreational players logged on to become the next televised world champion. By 2005, bingo made its official entrance and has proven to be one of the most profitable sectors for gaming operators. The United Kingdom has experienced a growth rate in excess of 400% with new bingo players over the last four years.

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    How to Practice Self Control on Gadget Shopping

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    How to Practice Self Control on Gadget Shopping
    Shopping for the latest technological gadget is a very tempting way to spend that hard-earned money during pay day. But do you really need to splurge on the latest version of iPod or iTouch when you have a perfectly functional music or video player? Here are guaranteed ways for you to resist incurring unnecessary gadget update even in the most enticing conditions.

    1. Why replace when you can accessorize?
    Make the most of what you have before even entertaining the option of swapping it. Getting accessories is made more fun and interesting with different gadget brands competing, not only by coming up with the most innovative product features, but also by providing a variety of fashion merchandise. For laptops, there are colorful and lively skins to choose from. With laptop skins, you get to cover up the numerous scratches on the surface of your gadget. Laptop skins also come in easily removable and replaceable adhesive that leave no residue on the surface.

    2. Impulsive shopping is indeed one of the manifestations of reckless spending.
    To curb this difficulty, personal financial management strategies must be employed. Budgeting involves appropriating your resources according to the most urgent matters such as bills payment and emergency fund allocation. If in your calculation, you realize that you still have something to spare to fuel your gadget fancy, then that is the only time to give yourself a go signal.

    3. Who says you need to get away from the shopping mall to prevent yourself from spending?
    Go window-shopping to do more research on that gadget in mind. Compare products of different brands in terms of price, features, and accessibility of support services. Raking the market for the best option proves to be the most practical way of enjoying the best buy when you finally find it.

    4. Make a list of the things and gadgets you want to buy.
    This way, you are able to visualize your wants, and easily weigh them out according to the intensity of your desire, and to its necessity. Responsible spending requires the ability to focus on specific purchase goals.

    5. Enjoy your existing gadgets to its full capacity.
    The latest gadgets may only have upgraded systems and additional features that you can well avail of from the brand’s website or from other sites that offer free downloads. Pack your gadget with widgets and software add-ons to increase its versatile functions to parallel those of the latest versions.

    10 Ways to Spice up your Boring PC

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    deskstop computer

    You already have your monitor, your CPU (the Central Processing Unit), your keyboard, mouse, and printer. The recent Windows Microsoft’s OS (Operating System) is already installed, as well as other basic office programs. Your PC seems to be complete yet you find yourself bored with it. Here are 10 easy steps to liven up your PC:

    1. Add other hardware and accessories.
    High-performance speakers or headphones that give off quality sound from mp3s and other sound files can be bought from almost any electronics or computer shops. While you’re at it, why not upgrade your printer with those that can act as scanners, colored and black & white printer as well?

    2. Change the basic desktop settings from time to time (wallpapers, icons and others).
    Wallpapers, icons, and cursors can be changed. You can do this by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting Properties. If you find the wallpapers, icons, and cursors boring or uninteresting, there are websites that offer good ones for a free download. Changing these settings will give your PC a more personalized and creative feel to it.

    3. Add a screensaver.
    Screensavers of different themes and designs can also be downloaded from the Internet. Cartoons, animals, nature scenes — you name the design. It will be fun to look at it after you’ve left your PC on standby mode.

    4. Install PC Games.
    Free computer games like Bookworm and Text Twist challenge the vocabulary and minds of just about anyone. They may be a bit simple and generic but they can give life to your boring PC. They definitely serve the purpose when you have nothing much to do.

    5. Install Photoshop and other graphics editing programs.
    There are many things that you can do with graphic editing programs. You can edit and enhance photos from your digital camera. You can also create your own wallpapers or desktop backgrounds and icons out of your photos or designs.

    6. Get yourself an Internet connection.
    The Internet is a good source of news and information. It also makes correspondence with family, friends, business partners and clients easier. Once connected, you gain access to networking sites and other entertainment domains where you can watch movies, music videos and other video clips for free. You can also compete with players from all over the world in a multitude of online games.

    7. Install or subscribe to reputable anti-virus software.
    Norton and McAfee are two of the leading anti-virus programs that protect your computer and rid it of viruses that cause harm to it. They can be downloaded online and are provided to those who need them by subscription. You can also download free trial anti-virus software before you make any subscription.

    8. Download music or rip music from your CDs.
    Programs like Apple’s iTunes and Windows Media Player can rip music from CDs. Programs such as iTunes also has a vast library of songs up for purchase and download. At 0.99 cents, you can already get any song that you like.

    9. Upgrade your PC with an added RAM or an extra hard disk.
    The Random Access Memory (RAM) determines how fast your computer can function. With a high-performing RAM, your desktop can function with relatively less fear of malfunctions. RAMS with a capacity of 2 to 3 gigabytes can be purchased in electronic and computer stores.

    10. Get a DVD-writer or an external storage.
    External hard disks that store up to 250 gigabytes-worth of computer programs, files or documents, videos, images and sound files are for sale in the electronics and computer shops. There will be no fear of running out of storage space when downloading more files if your PC is supported with an external hard drive.

    Microsoft Takes a Cheap Shot at Apple

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    Microsoft Laptop Hunters featuring Lauren

    Microsoft Laptop Hunters featuring Lauren

    With the fears of recession and overall scrimping on unnecessary expenses, Microsoft shows some marketing savvy by positioning it as the better and cheaper alternative to Apple’s Macintosh.

    Microsoft recently released a new ad featuring Lauren, a bespectacled redhead. In the commercial, a voice-over tells her to go hunt for a laptop that would suit her needs, and if she does, Microsoft would buy it for her. Lauren then goes into an Apple store, but quickly goes back out and dejectedly reports that the store did not have her preferred laptop: one that has a comfortable keyboard, a 17 inch screen and fast performance. The only thing she could afford from the Apple store is a 13 inch Macbook.

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    Asus Eee PC 1004DN: First Eee with Optical Drive

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    Asus Eee PC 1004DN

    Asus Eee PC 1004DN


    Notebook or netbook? One of the key features that separate a netbook from a notebook is the presence of an optical drive.

    Now Asus comes and blurs that line with its newest installment for the Eee series – the Asus Eee PC 1004DN. This shiny new creation sports a ‘super-multi optical disc drive’. In other words, it is a CD/DVD writer. How’s that for revolutionary, eh?

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