MAT -Management Aptitute Test Analysis

The MAT Management Aptitute Test paper comprised objective multiple-choice questions .  In MAT  it is important to use the allotted time wisely as students had to answer 200 questions in 150 minutes. Each question carried one mark. There was negative marking of 0.25 for the wrong answers.

The paper had questions from 5 different areas, viz. Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency, Reasoning Ability and General Knowledge, with exactly 40 questions in each of them. The  level of difficulty of last exam was average. 

In QA, the questions from pure Geometry were missing, though Mensuration and Trigonometry were present. Almost all the options were very unambiguous, so wise guessing proved fruitful. 

Questions on Data Interpretation were categorized in Bar graph, Pie-chart, Tables and Line graph. Most of questions are calculation intensive. In some cases options were also very close. So overall the section was time consuming. Five questions were asked from each area of Data Sufficiency and Data Comparison. 

Questions on Reasoning were quite straightforward. (Linear arrangement, Assumption based logical reasoning, Blood relation). Some reasoning based individual questions were lengthy. But the questions asked on Directions, Series were some of the single questions which were very easy.

Language comprehension was of easy to moderate difficulty level as most of them were SDQ (Specific Detailed Questions) type and for that no logical inference was required. 
Overview of the MAT Paper
Time 150 Min
Total no. of questions 200
Marks per question 1
Negative marking 0.25

The break-up and weightage of the sections are as follows:

Sr. No. Area                   No. of Questions                Marks           allotted Difficulty Level 

1. Verbal Ability                           40                       40                Moderate
2. Quantitative Aptitude            40                       40                 Easy
3. Data Interpretation and Data sufficiency 40 40                 Moderate
4. Reasoning Ability                   40                       40              Easy To Moderate
5. General Knowledge               40                       40               Moderate
  TOTAL 200 200  


SECTIONAL BREAK – UP

 SECTION I: Verbal Ability

This section was of the typical MAT papers of earlier years. The fill in the blanks questions were quite easy having 2 blanks on account of the very ‘out of the way’ choices that were given which helped one eliminate them. Grammar based questions were of moderate level. The RC section was of average difficulty level. This time Analogies were reintroduced with moderate difficulty level. Area Description No. of Questions Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension 5 passages 20 Moderate
English Usage -- 20 --
  Grammar(Error in sentence) 05 Moderate
  Para Jumbles 05 Moderate
  Fill in the blanks 05 Easy
  Critical Reasoning 05 Moderate


 SECTION II: Quantitative Aptitude

The QA section in MAT comprised Arithmetic and Pure Maths questions. Arithmetic had around 12-15 questions and was easy. The questions mostly focused on Time and Work, Alligation, Ratio, SI/CI, Pipes and Cisterns and Time Speed Distance. Questions from Probability made the test takers realise the presence of Algebra. The questions were based on the application of formula and were not reasoning intensive.Area No. of Questions Difficulty Level 
Arithmetic 22 Easy To moderate
Algebra 09 Easy To Moderate
Mensuration/Trigonometry 09 Easy 


 SECTION III: Data Interpretation and Data sufficiency

There were more questions in Data Sufficiency than that were in Sep 07 MAT. Students would have found this section to be time consuming. Questions of DI were lengthy than the previous ones. Area No. of Questions Difficulty Level 
Data Sufficiency 10 Moderate
Data Comparison 05 Easy
Data Sufficiency (2 Statements) 05 Moderate
Data Interpretation 30 Average
Table (World bank allocation; Fuel cost per km; Expected Actual etc) 15 Average
Pie chart (TV sells and types 17”,21” etc) 05 Average
Line Graph (Rainfall in Jan and July) 05 Average
Bar Graph (Issues and amount raised) 05 Easy

SECTION IV: Reasoning Ability

This proved to be an easier section for students on account of the numerous questions from ‘Analytical Reasoning’. Critical Reasoning questions were a bit dicey, but should have been attempted by those who are comfortable with those areas. 

Topics Break up Difficulty Level
Inductive reasoning 15 --
Arguments Statement Based 10 Moderate
Logical Conclusion/ Deductions (2 statements) 05 Easy To Moderate
Analytical Reasoning 25 --
Arrangement (Scientist from Europe-America etc; Family tree; Colour – Tin – tin colour) 13 Easy
Single questions (Directions, coding - decoding Series etc.) 12 Moderate


SECTION V: General Knowledge

Students who had read a lot on Current Affairs and GK would not have been able to deal with this section on account of the high focus on ‘Economics’ based questions.
Area Tested Difficulty Level 
Current Affairs Moderate
Basic Economics Moderate
Overall Moderate 

An attempt of 100 – 110 questions (Excluding the Questions from GK) with an accuracy of 80% would fetch calls from all the Top rated MAT allied colleges participating in this MAT.

Good Colleges  accepting MAT scores

Alliance Business Academys               Bangalore
Amity Business School                          Noida
Apeejay School of Management          New Delhi
Asia Pacific Institute of Management New Delhi
Bhadruka Group of Institutions        Hyderabad
Christ College                                 Bangalore
Institute for Integrated Learning in Management New Delhi
PSG Institute of Management         Coimbatore
Rajagiri School of Management       Cochin
School of Communication & Management Studies(SCMS) Cochin

source : www.careerforum.i

Virus threats:The top 100 most dangerous websites with malware

Internet security company Norton Symantec has come up with a list of Top 100 Dirtiest sites, which could infect your computer with malware.
Malware is a software that can damage or compromise a computer system without the owner's consent.Visiting any of the named websites could expose a computer to infection and put the personal information into the hands of unwanted people.
"What people don't realise is when you type in a website, you're bringing down information on a page and with it could be malware," News.com.au quoted her as saying.
The list was compiled with the help of global data collected on Norton Safe Web, a site that analysed websites' security risks.
The infected sites had on average 18,000 threats and 40 per cent of the sites had more than 20,000 threats, while 75 per cent of websites on the list were found to be spreading malware for over six months.
Most websites in the list had adult content with unprintable names, suggesting they contained hardcore pornography.Some others sites include those on ice skating, deer hunting, catering and legal services.
Hackers can apparently obtain personal information using keystroke-logging software from both PCs and Mac computers
Norton released a sample of the dirtiest websites:
17ebook.com
aladel.net
bpwhamburgorchardpark.org
clicnews.com
dfwdiesel.net
divineenterprises.net
fantasticfilms.ru
gardensrestaurantandcatering.com
ginedis.com
gncr.org
hdvideoforums.org
hihanin.com
kingfamilyphotoalbum.com
likaraoke.com
mactep.org
magic4you.nu
marbling.pe.kr
nacjalneg.info
pronline.ru
purplehoodie.com
qsng.cn
seksburada.net
sportsmansclub.net
stock888.cn
tathli.com
teamclouds.com
texaswhitetailfever.com
wadefamilytree.org
xnescat.info
yt118.com (ANI)

Spyware Protection - The Only Way To Safeguard Your Personal Information OnlineThe Problem

Are you bombarded with popup ads? Seeing new toolbars in your browser? Does your home page change to unwanted/unknown destinations? Bombarded with irritating spam? Perhaps strange software loads when you first start your computer, or your favorites file may have new entries that you don't recognize and don't want. If this is happening to you, your PC (Personal Computer) is most likely infected with adware spyware, spybot spyware, trojan viruses or other harmful internet parasites. What Is Happening? Your privacy is being seriously invaded. These programs have the ability to track your Internet usage habits and even steal such personal information as bank account numbers and passwords. If you are like me, this is scary, isn't it? But there's more...spyware even has the power to install even more parasites on your computer without your knowledge and without your consent. Everything you do and everything you type can be recorded without your knowledge and without your consent. Using spyware, companies can find out what your interests are and even track your purchasing habits. Hackers can and sometimes will access your PC and do anything they wish. Unscrupulous individuals can even steal your identity (you've heard of identity theft, haven't you?) and you would never be the wiser, at least until it is too late (this would be when the bill collectors, or even the police, start calling you!). To Determine If You Are At Risk, Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:

1. Have I downloaded files, documents or free mp3 music online?

2. Has my computer suddenly started getting annoying ads popping up on the screen?

3. Have I suddenly noticed that my computer is running extremely slow? What Is The Solution?

There is only one solution to this problem and that is to protect yourself and your privacy with a Spyware protection solution. Spyware protection software helps you to completely clean your computer of invasive threats. As a result, your computer will be clean and its performance will be better. Simply put, it will run a lot faster. Additionally, you will have protected your privacy - personal information, financial data, and your financial security will be protected. In the information age, where having just one piece of your personal information can ruin your life, protecting your personal privacy while online is of the utmost importance.

One more alternative is go for good antivirus such as kaspersky Internet Security 2009 which is easily available at cheap price for neraly rs800 for 3user for one year.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is someone who has passed exams has gained certification as a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), a Microsoft Certified Product Specialist (MCPS), or a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).

MCSE For Whom
MCSE is for individuals who plan, implement, and support business solutions with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft BackOffice. MCSE credential is the premier certification for professionals who analyse the business requirements for a system architecture, design solutions, deploy, install and configure architecture components, and troubleshoot system problems. In its curriculum students will learn how to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft® Windows® 2003. MCSE will be helpful for following professionals;
• IT Professionals who need to upgrade their knowledge of Windows NT or 2000
• Individuals who have some form of solid IT experience and wish to prepare for advanced roles in the installation, configuration and administration of Microsoft Windows Servers
• Network Administrators and Managers
• Network/System Engineers
• IT/Network/System Analysts
• Technical Consultants
• Tech Support/Help Desk Technicians
• Security Analysts
• Email Administrators
• Windows System Administrators
• Microsoft Web Site Administrators/Webmasters

MCSE ExamThis program consists of one required class totaling 180 hours ofinstruction and hands-on laboratory experience. This class consists of seven modules that correspond to the material covered in seven Microsoftexams. To receive an MCSE, students must take and pass each of the following seven Microsoft exams.
• Module 1: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® XP Professional
• Module 2: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
• Module 3: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• Module 4: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• Module 5: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
• Module 6: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
• Module 7: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network.
Cost of MCSE:

Microsoft exams cost $125 apiece. As a seven-exam program, the MCSE costs a minimum of $875 for testing (assuming candidates pass all exams on their first try). Actually, most candidates spend a minimum of $275 per topic if they self-study for certification ($125 per exam, $30 for an Exam Cram or similar book, $50 for a full-length study guide, and $70 for a set of practice tests). Thus, minimal actual costs for MCSE are $1,925.

How to prepare MCSE:To prepare for the exams, you can take courses at a certified training company location, in certified courses in a high school or college, or through self-study at Microsoft's self-study Web site or through certified training materials.

Microsoft Silverlight media player with Nokia's S60 platform

Microsoft Silverlight media player will be coming with a version for Nokia's S60 platform for smartphones.
Nokia and Microsoft agreed on a partnership to bring Silverlight onto wireless devices for the first time. Silverlight is a cross-platform plug-in that allows develelopers to create multimedia and rich Internet applications to run from the web browser.
The mobile phone maker, Nokia, plans to reveal a beta program as well as demonstrate Silverlight applications running on the handsets. Nokia also plans to ship handsets with the runtime embedded that can run Silverlight applications, beginning first with the high-end Series 60 smartphones.
Silverlight on Series 40 phones and on Nokia's tablet devices will be available thereafter.
While Microsoft does plan to include a runtime for Silverlight in its Windows Mobile platform, it recently had chosen Nokia as the first company to take Silverlight to handsets on account of its prominent position in the mobile handset market,
Microsoft formally released Silverlight 1.0 in September 2007 as a plug-in for browsers that could work on Windows, Linux and the Mac platform. Microsoft developed the technology to displace Adobe's Flash, which currently has about 97 percent to 99 percent penetration on the Web as a technology for delivering multimedia content and RIAs.
Flash also is available on wireless devices as Flash Lite; the technology is available on more than 450 million phones, according to Adobe.
source: www.halflifesource.com

Microsoft announced the staggered payment option for software purchases

Microsoft announced the staggered payment option for software purchases in India through its Open Value Licensing (OVL) program.The program, designed especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), will enable SMBs to spread their payments for software solutions over a 3-year period rather than make an upfront payment.
It would also simplify software license management and allow automatic access to upgrades of latest products and ease of use, affordability and productivity along with allowing flexible payment optionsOpen Value not only offers an easy payment option to help the SMB community overcome 'pricing pressures', but also protects the customer from product price fluctuations during the license period.
During the 3-year period, OVL also provides Software Assurance, a feature that allows access to valuable benefits such as training, IT planning, software upgrades and product support.Open Value is designed for organizations with 5 or more PCs and allows companies to enter into a single licensing agreement for as many desktops or servers as they consider necessary. Customers can pay in 3 annual instalments, and also choose to increase the number of licenses purchased at any given point in time, thus allowing them to accommodate business fluctuations without the burden of over-investing in IT.

Sun Java certification

Java is the most widely used technology worldwide and so understanding of the Java language has become a necessity in today's IT world.The Sun Java Certification exams represent the best way of demonstrating to an employer or client that you possess competency in the Java language. Java is quickly becoming the technology of the incoming world and about 70% of business entities' development projects are done through J2EE. To keep up with such a rapid growth, a java professional endlessly requires skills upgradation and certifications. Acquiring a Sun Java certification is a justification for higher compensation and promotions. Sun Java certifications give a difficult learning curve attached with an attractive compensation and recognition in the field. The Sun Certification helps present that you have the ability to do the job well. It also proves to be priceless during the time of recruitment when job seekers have same skill sets and job experience
Sun Certifications
Sun offers various Java technology professional certifications like
Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA),
Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP),
Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD),
Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD),
Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD),
Sun Certified Developer For Java Web Services (SCDJWS),
Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD),
Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)
Advantages of Becoming Sun Java Certified
*Acquiring a Sun java certification will not only certify your expertise but will also upgrade your career and ability.
*By becoming a Sun Certified Associate you have a base set of knowledge that enables entry into a career in application development or software project management using Java technology.
*Sun certification train developers on a foundational set of skills, which can then be validated by becoming a Sun Certified Programmer.
How do I prepare for the exams?Before attempting either exam, you'd be well advised to pick up an exam guide. Most guides offer sample exams, which give you an idea of the way the questions work. Coming from someone who has passed the exam, it's not an easy thing to do, and re-sitting the exam would be costly.