P-MART wiki - User contributions [en]

Arab Twitter815832

2012-08-05T15:04:35Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with 'Social media has been often touted for the role it played in the popular uprisings that have spread across the [http://twitter4arab.com/ Arab Twitter ] world since December 2010…'

Social media has been often touted for the role it played in the popular uprisings that have spread across the [http://twitter4arab.com/ Arab Twitter ] world since December 2010. Despite the buzz, you may be surprised that only 0.26% of the Egyptian population, 0.1% of the Tunisian population and 0.04% of the Syrian population are active on Twitter.

Of all the countries in North Africa and the Middle East, Twitter is most popular in Kuwait, where 8.6% of the population is active users, defined as those who tweet at least once per month. Facebook’s more popular throughout the region. In its most popular country, the U.A.E., some 36.18% of the population is on Facebook.

Khaled ElAhmad (who goes by the Internet alias Shusmo) created these two infographics, exploring Facebook and Twitter trends in the Arab world, using Visual.ly. His data comes from a Dubai School of Government report on Arab Social Media.

Take a look through the two infographics, which also show growth of the social networks by country and overall membership stats. Did you expect more people to be active social media users? How do you think your country’s habits compare? You can also check out infographics on how China and India do social networking.

Editor’s note: Our community noted that the infographic omits Israel from the Twitter statistics infographic. Mashable does not support this omission. We chose to publish the infographic, because its content is based on countries that primarily speak the Arabic language, rather than the map’s content. The post has no political intention.

Mammootty8563092

2012-08-03T18:17:01Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with 'Within a period of a few years through 1982 for you to 1986 Mammootty behaved in a lot more than one hundred fifty films inside steer position. [17] Throughout 1986 alone, this i…'

Within a period of a few years through 1982 for you to 1986 Mammootty behaved in a lot more than one hundred fifty films inside steer position. [17] Throughout 1986 alone, this individual acted with about thirty-five shows inside the lead purpose. [16]

The particular core 80s discovered an occasion of tear-busting testimonies throughout Malayalam motion picture. Most of the shows have been tragedies. This era presented what after had become referred to as the particular 'Mammootty-Kutty-Petty' movies. These types of movies had Mammootty because protagonist, the hubby and a father, having a 3–4 season older little princess, in addition to utilized for a high rank write-up in the business. Mammootty made a comeback along with Fresh Delhi along with Thaniyavarthanam, each launched throughout 1987. New Delhi was a critical film inside his lifetime as a possible acting professional. This video seemed to be generally good book, "The Almighty" simply by Irving Wallace. His portrayal of any victimized writer, that systematically required retribution on political figures that flattered him or her, seemed to be noticed and also very well accepted through the people. In the meantime, his part while Balan mash inside Thaniyavarthanam, authored by Lohithadas in addition to led simply by Sibi Malayil, was significantly acclaimed.

Inside 1988 Mammootty delivered most significant hits inside historical past connected with Malayalam Theatre with his Oru CBI Journal Kurippu. Oru CBI Record Kurippu proceeded to produce box-office heritage in Kerala together with in Tamil Nadu. Mammootty's part as being a CBI specialist within this video received your pet critical acclaim. Following the accomplishment from the 1st CBI movie Oru CBI Record Kurippu, several additional homicide thriller sequels had been developed while using identical cast of figures: Jagratha (1989), Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004) as well as Nerariyan CBI (2005), all aimed by simply K. Madhu, published simply by Ohydrates. And. Swamy along with Mammootty while Sethurama Iyer, an intelligent but humble CBI police officer. The films simply by M. Big t. Vasudevan Nair in addition to Padmarajan, debatably the most effective connected with Malayalam writer-directors, increased Mammootty's appearing horizon. A couple connected with Michael. Capital t. Vasudevan Nair's shows using autobiographical things had been behaved simply by [http://www.mammootty.info/ Mammootty] . One had been Aksharangal directed by simply When i. Sixth v. Sasi as well as the additional was Sukrutham focused through Harikumar.

Mammootty touched your best regarding his or her vocation inside Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha; the particular video had been aimed by simply T. Hariharan in addition to composed by simply Meters. Big t. Vasudevan Nair. His depiction of an Chekavar (mercenary warrior) involving distinguished valor but vilified by simply conditions earned your pet this National Motion picture Give regarding Ideal Actor or actress. Along with the big business oriented achievements in the movie, Mammooty was presented with rave testimonials about the direct role inside movie, that required major real as well as emotional products. His / her function as being a rogue Varunni inside Mrigaya, guided simply by My partner and i. Sixth v. Sasi, and also an additional motion picture Mahayanam, was furthermore scanned with the Point out Merit. Mammootty received this Filmfare give intended for Amaram guided through Bharathan. He or she performed your role associated with an uneducated anglers whom aspirations of making his just little girl a health care provider.

During this time, Mammootty made an appearance within most of the films directed through Adoor Gopalakrishnan's. He or she starred within about three regarding his or her movies, Anantaram ('Thenceforth'), Mathilukal ('Walls') and also Vidheyan ('The Servile'). Their portrayal with the protagonist inside Mathilukal (based about 'Mathilukal', any new by the expert Malayalam novelist Vaikom Muhammad Basheer) ended up being important with acquiring him or her the first Nationwide Video Prize with regard to Finest Actor. Mammootty also pictured this assignments throughout Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Vidheyan in addition to Testosterone levels Versus Chandran's Ponthan Mada. He received the actual Countrywide Movie Honor pertaining to Finest Actor or actress in addition to Condition Merit for his / her tasks within equally shows. The performance within Valtsalyam guided by Cochin Haneefa was likewise regarded as for that Talk about Prize. The particular Master, scripted by Renji Panikkar, premiered throughout 1995 and also ended up being focused by means of Shaji Kailas. Mammootty competed the actual key identity as being a Center collector and it turned out to be the most important attack with the 12 months.

Throughout 1997, he or she picked up the actual Filmfare Honor intended for Greatest Professional for the flick Bhoothakannadi led by simply Lohithadas.

Within 1999, Mammootty picked up his third nationwide give intended for Medical professional. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, a great The english language vocabulary video in regards to the life associated with Ambedkar, guided by means of Jabbar Patel. [22] The actual video was backed through the Nationwide Picture Growth Company associated with Asia and the Ministry associated with Societal Rights. Your film premiered from long and dubious pregnancy period.
1994 for you to 2000

With the conclude connected with 1990s he were upon videos for instance Priyadarshan's Megham in addition to Fazil's Harikrishnans during which he or she co-starred using professional Mohanlal. Due to huge recognition associated with the two celebrities, Fazil was pushed to make use of multiple climaxes intended for the very first time throughout Of india with Harikrishnans. [23]

Mammootty started off with the several years (2000) with Lohithadas's Arayannagalude Veedu. A crucial and also business achievements, that attained the Filmfare Best Malayalam Professional Honor for Mammootty. [24] He / she portrayed Arackal Madhavanunni inside Shaji Kailas's motion thriller Valliettan, which was one of several top grossing videos from the season. [25]
2001–2003

The 2001–2003 has been of an massive setback regarding Mammootty. Throughout 2001 he or she served only within a pair of videos one among which usually, the actual a lot hyped Dubai the most pricey motion pictures ever made in Malayalam, [26] seemed to be a boxoffice catastrophe. [citation needed] With 2002, he / she behaved in just three films, nothing which was profitable. And throughout 2003 he reached glimpse simply with two movies, yet again without having industrial accomplishment. [citation needed]
2004–present
Mammootty throughout November 08

This 2004 film, another installing inside CBI collection, Sethurama Iyer CBI notable his / her return. Throughout 2004, he or she picked up hawaii award regarding his portrayal regarding Madhavan within Blessy's Kazhcha. Ranjith's African american along with Sixth is v. Meters. Vinu's Vesham have been also prosperous ventures. [27]

Mammootty got 6 lets out inside 2005, such as Anwar Rasheed's directorial debut Rajamanikyam. This individual pictured Bellary Raja, a new Thiruvananthapuram based cows vendor within the picture, that has been the biggest grosser with the year. [28]

Within 2006, Mammootty won this Filmfare Finest Acting professional Honor for the video Karutha Pakshikal aimed through Kamal. He or she also behaved throughout My spouse and i. Versus. Sasi's Balram as opposed to. Tharadas, during which this individual reprised the jobs Inspector Balram in the 1991 blockbuster Inspector Balram along with Tharadas from your 1984 blockbuster Athirathram. It turned out When i. Versus. Sasi's 144th motion picture, along with a report 35th having Mammootty. [29] Throughout 2006, Mammootty carried on his / her achievement with the movie Thuruppu Gulan. Mammootty's actions humor Mayavi in 2007 ended up being an inability. [citation needed] His portrayal associated with Dr. Nathan inside Shyamaprasad's Ore Kadal (2007) ended up being critically acclaimed. In 2007 this individual additionally served inside retail prosperous Massive W.

Within '08, Mammootty made an appearance inside Annan Thambi. Your motion picture produced within seventy-five organisations across the condition, accomplished 50 times in practically 61 focuses in addition to 120 times inside four centers. The actual motion picture is actually suggested as the largest strike with malayalam surpassing the report involving Rajamanikyam. [citation needed] He / she played out a police for 25th time in the film Roudram which has been not a business good results. This individual additionally starred in Kerala's multistarrer Twenty: 20 in 2008. Inside April 09, he / she served in Pazhassi Raja, guided through Hariharan along with authored by L. T. Vasudevan Nair, which usually evolved into the highest grossing picture at any time inside Malayalam Market. [30] He / she in addition behaved within the quick video Puramkazhchakal (directed by Lal Jose) via Malayalam's primary Portmanteau picture Kerala Restaurant. [31] Just last year, he or she received the sixth point out give intended for Very best Actor regarding the functionality within Ranjith's Paleri Manikyam. He ended up being nominated for your Country wide Prize pertaining to Ideal Professional in '09, but he or she lost the actual honor within the closing circular of the opposition to Amitabh Bachan. This jury's selection to present this award to be able to Bachan seemed to be criticised simply by Shaji D Karun, movie director associated with Kutty Srank (the movie which in turn picked up the actual award regarding very best movie of 2009) in addition to Ranjith, overseer connected with Paleri Manikyam. [32].

Ggobi6297893

2012-08-02T04:08:21Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with ' [http://www.imcredel.com/open-source/free-statistical-software-ggobi GGobi ] can be a no cost record program for graphing different kinds of information. GGobi makes it possible…'

[http://www.imcredel.com/open-source/free-statistical-software-ggobi GGobi ] can be a no cost record program for graphing different kinds of information. GGobi makes it possible for considerable pursuit of the facts together with Interactive active artwork. It is also a tool regarding considering multivariate facts. Third works extremely well inside sync together with GGobi (through rggobi). GGobi prides alone on their power to link a number of charts in concert.

GGobi appeared to consider files matrices. The developers were interested in exploring multi-dimensional info. This course builders had many brand modifications prior to purchasing GGobi (A mix of what GTK+ and also the Gobi Desert). The main principle, Dataviewer, began in the mid-80s, plus a forerunner, XGobi, started out with 1989. Perform began on the existing variation connected with GGobi throughout 1999. The key reason to the different types had been the particular adjust with technological innovation. [3]

Unveiled beneath a mix of about three no cost computer software licenses, GGobi can be totally free software program.

GGobi Topics
This specific displays any projection from your 2d excursion of 6D, wherever a few groups are visible. 2 details usually are underlined since orange, which often can be purchased in the same color within additional plots.
Parallel work well story linked to scatterplot, indicate traces with the two factors underlined in the scatterplot.
Fact that graphics

Considering info by way of numerous graphs can easily show details concerning the distribution than thinking about your figures as well as a listing of these. Using the diverse tools inside GGobi, groupings, non-linear distributions, outliers, along with other critical modifications inside info can be discovered. GGobi is often a system that enables exploratory data examination to take place with regard to multi-dimensional data.
Reinforced data solutions

GGobi may go through CSV along with XML report types[4].
Types of images

1D: Typical altered histogram, bumpy department of transportation story, barchart, spineplot
second: Scatterplot
High-D:
Scatterplot matrix
Parallel coordinates
Fantastic trip, projection desire guided visit, information visit
Period series story

Connections

These kind of methods can often find unique things or perhaps clusters connected with data.

Combing

Because remember to brush goes more than a place, the actual will probably be highlighted.
When "persistent" will be determined, this items the actual comb possesses moved over will remain "painted".

Discover

Because cursor movements over a point, a content label, as well as changing price can look towards the top of this visual display screen.

Linking

Several and building plots are generally connected consequently figuring out just one stage available as one story will certainly determine exactly the same level in other graphs, along with cleaning several points in a single plan can spotlight identical items within other plots. This relating is usually one-to-one, or even based on the beliefs of the convey varied from the files set.

Moving factors

Factors within a piece could be migrated interactively, like to evaluate results through multidimensional running.

Add/remove points as well as sides.

[http://www.imcredel.com Open Source Software]

Open Vpn8196891

2012-08-02T01:19:54Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with ' [http://www.imcredel.com/encryption/openvpn-remote-access-software OpenVPN ] is an [http://www.imcredel.com open source ] software application that implements virtual private n…'

[http://www.imcredel.com/encryption/openvpn-remote-access-software OpenVPN ] is an [http://www.imcredel.com open source ] software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses a custom security protocol[2] that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls. It was written by James Yonan and is published under the GNU General Public License (GPL).[3]

OpenVPN allows peers to authenticate each other using a pre-shared secret key, certificates, or username/password. When used in a multiclient-server configuration, it allows the server to release an authentication certificate for every client, using signature and Certificate authority. It uses the OpenSSL encryption library extensively, as well as the SSLv3/TLSv1 protocol, and contains many security and control features.

Architecture
Encryption

OpenVPN uses the OpenSSL library to provide encryption of both the data and control channels. It lets OpenSSL do all the encryption and authentication work, allowing OpenVPN to use all the ciphers available in the OpenSSL package. It can also use the HMAC packet authentication feature to add an additional layer of security to the connection (referred to as an "HMAC Firewall" by the creator). It can also use hardware acceleration to get better encryption performance.[4][5] Support for PolarSSL is coming in version 2.3
Authentication

OpenVPN has several ways to authenticate peers to each another. OpenVPN offers pre-shared keys, certificate-based, and username/password-based authentication. Preshared secret key is the easiest, with certificate based being the most robust and feature-rich. In version 2.0 username/password authentications can be enabled, both with or without certificates. However to make use of username/password authentications, OpenVPN depends on third-party modules. See the Extensibility paragraph for more info.
Networking
This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2009)

OpenVPN can run over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) transports, multiplexing created SSL tunnels on a single TCP/UDP port[citation needed] (RFC 3948 for UDP).[6] It has the ability to work through most proxy servers (including HTTP) and is good at working through Network address translation (NAT) and getting out through firewalls. The server configuration has the ability to "push" certain network configuration options to the clients. These include IP addresses, routing commands, and a few connection options. OpenVPN offers two types of interfaces for networking via the Universal TUN/TAP driver. It can create either a layer-3 based IP tunnel (TUN), or a layer-2 based Ethernet TAP that can carry any type of Ethernet traffic. OpenVPN can optionally use the LZO compression library to compress the data stream. Port 1194 is the official IANA assigned port number for OpenVPN. Newer versions of the program now default to that port. A feature in the 2.0 version allows for one process to manage several simultaneous tunnels, as opposed to the original "one tunnel per process" restriction on the 1.x series.

OpenVPN's use of common network protocols (TCP and UDP) makes it a desirable alternative to IPsec in situations where an ISP may block specific VPN protocols in order to force users to subscribe to a higher-priced, "business grade," service tier.
Security

OpenVPN offers several internal security features. It runs in userspace, instead of requiring IP stack (and therefore kernel) operation. OpenVPN has the ability to drop root privileges, use mlockall to prevent swapping sensitive data to disk, enter a chroot jail after initialization and apply a SELinux context after initialization.

OpenVPN runs a custom security protocol based on SSL and TLS.[2] OpenVPN offers support of smart cards via PKCS#11 based cryptographic tokens.
Extensibility

OpenVPN can be extended with third-party plug-ins or scripts which can be called at defined entry points.[7][8] The purpose of this is often to extend OpenVPN with more advanced logging, enhanced authentication with username and passwords, dynamic firewall updates, RADIUS integration and so on. The plug-ins are dynamically loadable modules, usually written in C, while the scripts interface can execute any scripts or binaries available to OpenVPN. In the OpenVPN source code[9] there are some examples of such plug-ins, including a PAM authentication plug-in. There also exists several third party plug-ins to authenticate against LDAP or SQL databases such as SQLite and MySQL. There is an overview over many of these extensions in the related project wiki page for the OpenVPN community.
Platforms

It is available on Solaris, Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, QNX, Mac OS X, and Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7. While most mobile phone OSes (iOS, Palm OS, etc.) do not support OpenVPN, it is available for Maemo,[10] Windows Mobile 6.5 and below,[11] Android 4.0+ devices, and Android devices that have had the Cyanogenmod aftermarket firmware flashed[12] or have the correct kernel module installed.[13] It is not a "web-based" VPN, meaning that it is not shown as a web page such as Citrix or TS Web access - the program is installed independently and configured by editing text files manually, rather than through a GUI-based wizard. OpenVPN is not compatible with IPsec or any other VPN package. The entire package consists of one binary for both client and server connections, an optional configuration file, and one or more key files depending on the authentication method used.
Client software

While OpenVPN is a command-line utility, it provides a management interface specifically designed to allow for establishment and control of an OpenVPN daemon by external software.[14] This has allowed for the development of a number of third-party clients that provide a GUI for connecting to an OpenVPN server.

Daum PoPlayer2303091

2012-08-01T17:58:25Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with ' [http://www.imcredel.com/proprietary-software-2/best-video-player-daum-potplayer Daum Potplayer] : It's probably not what you're thinking, whatever that is. It is, in fact, a fr…'

[http://www.imcredel.com/proprietary-software-2/best-video-player-daum-potplayer Daum Potplayer] : It's probably not what you're thinking, whatever that is. It is, in fact, a free video player. We hear you say, "There are so many free video players; what sets this one apart?" Its built-in codecs handle most video formats, and you don't have to install them yourself. It has several levels of controls and settings, making the most useful commands easily accessible. It's attractive but also skinnable and customizable. It supports a variety of video devices, including capture devices like cameras, DVD and digital recorders, and both analog and digital TV, including channels.

Potplayer opened with its Playlist window displayed, but we could toggle it open and closed from the interface. This player has a full suite of familiar controls and counters on its interface, including full screen, repeat, shuffle, and volume, but you can also access filter and rendering settings, speaker options, and other settings from the main window. Right-clicking the interface or the program's system tray icon accesses an extensive main menu.

Under Options, we could set housekeeping and behavioral features such as On Top, Prevent Screen Saver, and shut-down at specified times. Clicking Control Panel opened a small, rectangular, tabbed box giving quick access to Audio, Colors, Caption, and Playback settings. The Audio settings include the optional equalizer, which itself offers an extensive menu of preset audio schemes. Likewise the color sliders made quick adjustments a snap. Things got even more detailed when we opened the Preferences sheet, which includes device configuration, network settings, and other advanced options.

When we opened and played a familiar video, we were surprised to see a distorted aspect ratio, which expanded and contracted as we dragged the window. The default aspect ratio setting seems to be Free, not Fit to Video, which is actually the program's recommendation. However, we quickly changed the settings, which restored our movie's proper presentation. The Playlist is part of the interface, not a separate window that can be placed separately, though that's a minor matter of preference. We certainly have no complaints about the Playlist's editing options. Daum Potplayer proved one of the more versatile freeware players we've tried.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows1666840

2012-07-31T17:49:48Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with 'ADVANTAGE OF LINUX : 1.The majority of Linux variants are available for free or at a much lower price than Microsoft Windows. 2.Linux is and has always been a very secure Operat…'

ADVANTAGE OF LINUX :

1.The majority of Linux variants are available for free or at a much lower price than Microsoft Windows.
2.Linux is and has always been a very secure Operating System. Although it still can be attacked when compared to Windows, it much more secure.
3. The majority of Linux variants and versions are notoriously reliable and can often run for months and years without needing to be rebooted.

DISADVANTAGE OF LINUX :

1.Although the majority Linux variants have improved dramatically in ease of use, Windows is still much easier to use for new computer users.
2.Linux has a large variety of available software programs, utilities, and games. However, Windows has a much larger selection of available software.
3.Linux companies and hardware manufacturers have made great advancements in hardware support for Linux and today Linux will support most hardware devices. However, many companies still do not offer drivers or support for their hardware in Linux.

[http://webhostinginformation.net/disadvantages-of-windows-hosting/ ADVANTAGE OF WINDOWS ] :

1.Microsoft has made several advancements and changes that have made it a much easier to use Operating System, and although arguably it may not be the easiest Operating System, it is still Easier than Linux.
2.Because of the large amount of Microsoft Windows users, there is a much larger selection of available software programs, utilities, and games for Windows.
3.Microsoft Windows includes its own help section, has vast amount of available online documentation and help, as well as books on each of the versions of Windows.

DISADVANTAGE OF WINDOWS :

1.Microsoft Windows can run between $50.00 - $150.00 US dollars per each license copy.
2.Although Microsoft Windows has made great improvements in reliability over the last few versions of Windows, it still cannot match the reliability of Linux.
3.Although Windows does have software programs, utilities, and games for free, the majority of the programs will cost anywhere between $20.00 - $200.00+ US dollars per copy.
4.Although Microsoft has made great improvements over the years with security on their Operating System,
their Operating System continues to be the most vulnerable to viruses and other attacks.

Alleppey537839

2012-07-28T13:40:12Z

LinlaapzwxdloZarek: Created page with ' [http://www.e-alleppey.com/ Alleppey] , also known as Alappuzha is often called as "Venice of east" because of its numerous waterways. These huge networks of lagoons, canals, an…'

[http://www.e-alleppey.com/ Alleppey] , also known as Alappuzha is often called as "Venice of east" because of its numerous waterways. These huge networks of lagoons, canals, and lakes are the lifeline of Alleppey. Founded in 1762 by Divan of Travanacore, Raja Keshawadasan, this pristine back water town with its numerous coconut palms lined waterways & tiny villages has a laid back & relaxed feel to it, as you experience all this while sailing on your house boat!

Alleppey was amongst the busiest trade centers and it had an excellent port along Malabar Coast. Traders from across the world came searching for souvenirs and black gold. All this was after the British established it as a trade port in the late 18th century to counteract one that was established by the Dutch. Today, [http://www.e-alleppey.com/ Alleppey ] is still the center for prawn farming and Coir carpet industries.

This town was established on a narrow land spit between Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake. Paddy fields are plentiful in the area thanks to the manmade islands created by the mud walls. One of the most popular drinks churned out of these fields is the delicious rice wine made here.
Numerous tourists come to Alleppey to enjoy the impressive natural beauty that can be seen there. It is a popular honeymoon destination, a perfect location to spot bird and animal life, and a place to see soak in the many religious historic sites. The mirror like lagoons, palm fringed waterways, sandy beaches, houseboat holidays & the popular boat races are the reasons why tourists flock to this tranquil town on the backwaters.

[http://www.e-alleppey.com/ Alappuzha] district occupies a prominent place in the tourist map of Kerala interlocked with lakes and canals.The Vembanad Lake stretching up to Kochi, the rivers Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba and a net work of canals in the district are used for inland navigation. The vast stretch of paddy fields of Kuttanad, which is popularly known as the 'rice bowl of Kerala,' is in this district. Coir and coir products form a thriving industry in this district. The exciting and unforgettable boat cruises between Alappuzha and Kollam offer intimate glimpses of backwater life and an unforgettable journey watching Coir making, boat building, toddy tapping, fish farming and the rugged village life.

Alappuzha, the Headquarters of the district, is an ancient centre of trade and commerce. The town is popularly known as " VENICE OF THE EAST'. The most famous attraction in Alappuzha is the NEHRU CUP SNAKE BOAT RACE.

Renting a houseboat designed like a kettuvallam (rice barge) could be one of your most expensive experiences in India, but it's worth every darned rupee. Drifting through quiet canals lined with coconut palms, eating deliciously authentic Keralan food, meeting local villagers and sleeping on the water under a galaxy of stars - it's a world away from the clamour of India.

Houseboats cater for groups (up to eight bunks) or couples (one or two double bedrooms). Food (and an onboard chef to cook it) is generally included in the quoted cost. Houseboats can be chartered through the DTPC in Kollam or [http://www.e-alleppey.com/ Alleppey] , or a multitude of private operators.

This is the biggest business in Kerala and some operators are unscrupulous. The boats come in a range of qualities, from veritable rust buckets to floating palaces - try to lay eyes on the boat you'll be travelling in before agreeing on a price. Make sure that everything (eg food) has been included in your price.

Travel-agency reps will be pushing their boats as soon as you set foot in Kerala and most of the bad experiences we hear about are from people who booked their trip outside the backwater hub towns. Your choice is greater in Alleppey (350 boats and counting!), but it's also the more popular base and you're quite likely to get caught in something approaching backwater-gridlock there in high season.

It's possible to travel between Alleppey and Kollam, or Alleppey and Kochi, by houseboat over 24 hours but only on larger boats that have an inboard motor, which not only cost more but aren't as environmentally friendly. Those that are propelled by punting with two long bamboo poles obviously don't allow you to cover as much distance (no more than 15km in 24 hours, usually a round trip from Alleppey), but can be a wonderfully relaxing way to travel.

Prices are hugely variable. Expect a boat for two people for 24 hours to cost anything from Rs 3500. Shop around outside the high season to negotiate a bargain; in peak season you'll definitely pay more.

Pollution from houseboat motors is becoming a real problem as their numbers swell every season. The Keralan authorities have introduced an eco-friendly accreditation system for houseboat operators. Among the categories an operator must fulfil before being issued with the 'Green Palm Certificate' are the installation of solar panels and sanitary tanks for the disposal of waste, as well as trying to minimise the use of outboard motors. Although the system is still new, ask operators whether they have the requisite certification. There's been talk of running boats on cleaner natural gas, though we've yet to see this being implemented. Seriously consider choosing a punting, rather than motorised, boat.