PARTS OF A MOTHERBOARD AND THEIR FUNCTION

The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the motherboard. Other names for this central computer unit are system board, main board, or printed wired board (PWB). Motherboard is sometimes shortened to Mobo.

Numerous major components, crucial in the functioning of the computer, are attached to the motherboard. These include the processor, memory, and expansion slots. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.

The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on a computer's system speed and expansion capabilities.

Major Motherboard Components and Their Functions

A labeled ASRock K7VT4A Pro Mainboard. | Source

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Also known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain. It is responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as performing mathematical and logical calculations.

The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This information is usually inscribed on the chip itself. For example, Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386, Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, Intel Core 2Duo, or iCore7.

If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket 1 to Socket 8, LGA 775 among others. This can help you identify the processor that fits in the socket. For example, a 486DX processor fits into Socket 3.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory, or RAM, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data to enhance computer performance while you are working.

In other words, it is the working place of your computer, where active programs and data are loaded so that any time time the processor requires them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the hard disk.

Random access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off. This is different from non-volatile memory, such as hard disks and flash memory, which do not require a power source to retain data.

When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in RAM is returned back to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, a process called booting. Later on, the user opens other files and programs that are still loaded in the memory.

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a "read only" memory, which consists of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware. Most people know the term BIOS by another name—device drivers, or just drivers. BIOS is essentially the link between the computer hardware and software in a system.

All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is separate from the main system memory used for loading and running software. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.

The system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used during the startup routine (boot process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being supplied to the computer.

Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Random Access Memory (CMOS RAM)

A CMOS battery.

Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips which is kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.

CMOS devices require very little power to operate.

The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Information about the PC’s configuration for instance:-

• Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
• Information about CPU
• RAM size
• Date and time
• Serial and parallel port information
• Plug and Play information
• Power Saving settings

Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is updated by a Real Time Clock (RTC).

Cache Memory

L2 cache on an old motherboard.

Cache memory is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and passing it to the processor on demand.

Most CPUs have an internal cache memory (built into the processor) which is referred to as Level 1 or primary cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache memory fitted on the motherboard. This is the Level 2 or secondary cache.

In modern computers, Levels 1 and 2 cache memory are built into the processor die. If a third cache is implemented outside the die, it is referred to as the Level 3 (L3) cache.

Expansion Bus

PCI slots.

An expansion bus is an input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices and it is typically made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) plug into the bus. PCI is the most common expansion bus in a PC and other hardware platforms. Buses carry signals such as data, memory addresses, power, and control signals from component to component. Other types of buses include ISA and EISA.

Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in their computers by slotting adapter cards into expansion slots.

Chipsets

A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's key components. These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary cache, and any devices situated on the buses. A chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the IDE channels.

A computer has got two main chipsets:

• The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is why it is located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.

• The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles communications between slower peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O Controller Hub). The term "bridge" is generally used to designate a component which connects two buses.

Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, and OPTI.

CPU Clock

The CPU clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow of pulses.

For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second from the clock. A 2 GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in any communications device a clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses between sender and receiver.

A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps track of the time of day and makes this data available to the software. A "time-sharing clock" interrupts the CPU at regular intervals and allows the operating system to divide its time between active users and/or applications.

Switches and Jumpers

• DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit board that can be turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very small and so are usually flipped with a pointed object, such as the tip of a screwdriver, a bent paper clip, or a pen top. Take care when cleaning near DIP switches, as some solvents may destroy them. Dip switches are obsolete and you will not find them in modern systems.
• Jumper pins are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper cap or bridge is used to connect or short a pair of jumper pins. When the bridge is connected to any two pins, via a shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been achieved.
• Jumper caps are metal bridges that close an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are sometimes used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper plug over a different set of pins, you can change a board's parameters.

10 DRINKING GAMES FOR TWO PEOPLE

Fun Drinking Games for Two

Everyone loves a good drinking game. Nothing breaks the ice with a new group of people or gets a party started like a round of beer pong - or if you take your drinking games seriously - True American. But drinking games don't just have to be for big groups. In fact, they can be just as fun to play with a good friend, or someone you'd like to get to know better. These games can turn a couple beers with a pal into an evening for the ages.

1) Higher/Lower

Materials: a deck of cards (or the card deck app on a phone)

This game is about as simple as it gets. The "dealer" turns over a card from the top of the deck. The second player then guesses whether the next card will be higher or lower than the turned-over card. If the second player is right, the dealer drinks. If the second player is wrong then he or she drinks.

2) Two Truths and a Lie

Another excellent icebreaker that gets an extra jolt from the addition of alcohol. Here's how it works. The first player makes three statements about themselves. Two of the statements have to be true, while one has to be a lie. The second player then has to guess which is the lie. If the second player guesses correctly, the first player must drink and if incorrectly, the second player has to drink. Then switch. This is a great game either for two people who know each other well or for two people who want to get to know each other better.

3) Power Hour

This one you might feel in the morning. In a power hour, the goal is to drink 60 shots of beer in 60 minutes. That's one shot of beer per minute. Whoever makes it through the entire hour wins — or loses, depending on how bad the morning hangover is. Be careful with this one: it can get you pretty wasted.

4) "Never Have I Ever . . . "

A fun icebreaker that is even better with the addition of alcohol. Here's how it works: the first player starts by saying something that they have never done, for instance, "Never have I ever gone skydiving." (It's traditional to begin your confession with "Never have I ever . . ." but not required.) If the other person HAS gone skydiving then that player has to drink. Then you switch roles. This is a good drinking game for a large party too.

5) Flip Cup

Though most often played in larger groups, this game works just as well with two. Starting at the same time, both players chug a beer from a plastic cup as fast as they can. When finished, place the cup upside down on the edge of the table with the rim hanging out a bit over the edge. Then, try to "flick" the overhanging rim to get the cup to flip right-side up before the other person.

6) Battle Shots

You can purchase an official version of this game, which is super fun to play. But if you don't want to shell out for it, or don't happen to own a copy of the Parker Bros. classic game Battleship, you can you can make up your own game board pretty easily. Trust me, the set-up time is totally worth it. Get ready for a trip down nostalgia lane:

Materials:

• paper
• pencil
• 6 shots

Directions:

Draw a 7x7 grid on a piece of paper, labeling the columns alphabetically and the rows numerically. That way each box has a letter-number designation, e.g. the top left is box A1.

Place your "boats" by marking Xs along the grid: three "X"s for the battleship, two "X"s for the destroyer, and one "X" for the submarine. Each "X" represents one shot.

Take turns guessing where your opponents "battle shots" are. Every time someone "hits" an X, take one shot. You win by sinking all of your opponent's "battle shots." Loser must then drink all the remaining shots.

7) Truth or Dare or Drink

There are a couple ways to play this classic getting-to-know-you game.

Option 1: Just do the “truth” part. Take turns asking personal questions. If the other person doesn't want to answer, they must drink. Awesome for people who know each other well and/or have no shame. Even better if you’re playing with someone you’re interested in.

Option 2: Just do the “dare” part. Do the dare or take the drink. This one gets a lot more fun as the game goes on, since people are more likely to do silly dares when they're drunk!

8) Quarters

Materials: Quarters, Cups.

One player tries to bounce a quarter off the table into a cup or shot glass. If the shooter makes it, the other player must drink and the shooter gets another turn. If the shooter misses, it’s the other players turn to shoot. This is probably the best drinking game for 2 people because it's a skill game, and you definitely want to practice one-on-one before playing it at a party.

9) "I'm Going on a Picnic . . ."

This is a memory game. Go through the alphabet naming things you'd bring on a picnic, adding 1 more item per turn.

Person A: I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing Apples.

Person B: I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing Apples and Bananas.

Person A: I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing Apples, Bananas, and Carrots.

I think you catch the drift. Drink every time someone makes a mistake. This game gets more hilarious both the drunker and the farther down the alphabet you get. Very likely you’ll get sidetracked by arguments about why anyone would need to bring a xylophone to a picnic.

10) Caps

This one can be played with either two or four people.

The basic rules go like this: each player sits facing the other at opposite ends of a room. Next to each player is a cup full of beer. Each player takes turns trying to throw a bottle cap into the other player’s cup. If one makes it, then the player that was scored on has to chug the cup of beer. What else are you going to do with those old bottle caps?

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A CODEPENDENT PARENT

The Fine Line Between Caring and Codependence

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the term “codependent” is usually an abusive boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. However, this is not always the case. Believe it or not, most codependent relationships are between a parent and child, not romantic partners. In a codependent parent-child relationship, the lines between protective and obsessive, engaged and over-involved are often blurred beyond recognition. The caregiver/care-receiver nature of a parent-child relationship makes codependency particularly difficult to detect.

Here are a few signs to help you figure out whether your parent-child relationship is codependent.

1. The Codependent Parent Has a Victim Mentality

We all face obstacles in life, but the codependent parent believes that the other people in their life, particularly their children, owe them penance for the wrongs committed against them. Often this manifests in guilt-tripping behavior intended to garner sympathy from the child for negative experiences the parent has been through, with the end goal of altering the child’s behavior in a way that will somehow set things right.

This is where the problems begin. Rather than dealing with the traumas and difficulties in their own life through healthy means such as self-reflection and therapy, the codependent parent latches onto a child and demands compensation.

Compensation can take many forms. Many times a codependent parent will live vicariously through a child. For example, a mother who got pregnant in her teen years may demand repayment of the burden she faced by putting expectations on her daughter to seize advantages in life that she missed out on. A codependent father may demand that his son excel in sports to make up for his own lack of athleticism in childhood. If the child shows signs of taking their own path in life, the parent will use guilt to manipulate them into compliance.

“

 

Rather than dealing with the traumas and difficulties in their own life, the codependent parent latches onto a child and demands compensation.

2. The Codependent Parent Is Never Wrong

In normal relationships, one party is right some of the time but never all of the time. In a codependent parent-child relationship, the parent is always right. Even when the child is an adult, the parent will refuse to approach an argument or even a simple discussion with openness to the possibility of being wrong. Instead, they will seek to impose their own view of the situation and “correct” the adult child, as opposed to engaging in a discussion where neither party is presumed right by default.

So rather than listening to the child's feelings and problems and learning about the child's personality and way of being in the world, every situation becomes a threat to parent's authority.

Even if it becomes apparent that the codependent parent is wrong, they will not apologize—or, if they do, it will come off as forced or insincere. The codependent parent requires absolute dominance over the child, and any admission of wrongdoing on their part would be a sign of weakness and an invitation to challenge their dominance in the relationship.

“

 

In a codependent parent-child relationship, the parent is always right.

3. The Codependent Parent Is Overly Emotional

People sometimes end up crying, yelling, and giving others the silent treatment, but the codependent parent has refined these acts into an art form. When they feel that they are losing control of a situation or the upper hand in an argument, they will resort to crying, screaming, and other acts of intimidation to restore the balance in their favor. If called out on this manipulation tactic, the codependent parent will often accuse the child of being callous or insensitive, or feign ignorance altogether.

If the child cries or expresses hurt or anger, the codependent parent may get unusually angry and claim that the display, no matter how genuine, is insincere and being used to manipulate when, in reality, they are upset that their tactic is being turned around on them.

“

 

The codependent parent has refined crying, yelling, temper tantrums, and silent treatments into an art form.

4. The Codependent Parent Never Listens

Many children of codependent parents complain that speaking with their parent is like “talking to a brick wall.” In fact, one doesn’t speak with a codependent parent as much as to them. No matter how valid the argument, the codependent parent will not be moved in their position. Instead, even when presented with irrefutable facts that would cause a normal person to reconsider and reevaluate their position, the codependent parent will either refute the facts or move onto a different argument without addressing the point being made.

“

 

Speaking with a codependent parent is like “talking to a brick wall.”

5. The Codependent Parent Parrots Words and Phrases

Instead of listening to the child's feelings, a codependent parent will parrot, mirror, or mimic them. If the child claims that the parent is hurting their feelings, for example, the codependent parent will, perhaps seconds or even hours later, return with, “You’re hurting my feelings!” Whatever concern the child expresses, the codependent parent will find a way to turn it around and regurgitate it as their own, thus reversing the defensive and offensive roles in the conversation. If called out on this behavior, the codependent parent will ignore it, become angry, or act bewildered and confused.

“

 

The codependent parent will find a way to appropriate the child's feelings and present them as their own, thus reversing the defensive and offensive roles in the conversation.

6. The Codependent Parent Has Mood Swings

Drastic mood swings can happen over a couple of minutes or a couple of days, but the codependent parent has the ability to rapidly shift from one mood to another. This is especially true when their manipulation tactics have succeeded in garnering the child’s acquiescence. The codependent parent may be yelling and screaming one moment, but once they get their way, they may be exuberant. Conversely, they may sulk in an effort to rebuff any guilt as a result of their power play.

For example, a mother screaming at her son for not calling often enough may eventually get him to give in and promise to call more. Once she attains what she wants, in an effort to keep her victory and her role as the victim, she may say something like, “No, never mind. I don’t want you to call. You’ll just be doing it because you have to.” Then, the son will not only have to call more, but ensure her that this is what he truly wants to do of his own free will, thus absolving her from any responsibility and guilt.

“

 

The codependent parent will rapidly shift from one mood to another in order to avoid responsibility and guilt.

7. The Codependent Parent Must Maintain Control at All Costs

Control is the end goal of all codependent parents. Most codependent parents expect a level of devotion and love from their children that is unhealthy and unnatural, intended to make up for that which they lack in other relationships. Often the codependent parent wishes to garner from their child the love and/or attention they failed to receive from their own parents. This creates a dramatic role reversal of the parent-child relationship and turns it into a vampiric dynamic rather than a mutually beneficial one.

Whatever it is that the codependent parent seeks to gain by controlling the adult child, when it becomes clear that they won’t succeed, a meltdown will often ensue. If the parent controls with guilt by appearing frail and playing the victim card, they may become suddenly venomous and aggressive when the adult child refuses to give them what they want. Conversely, a codependent parent who controls through subtle manipulation and passive-aggression may suddenly become dominant and plainspoken.

It is important to remember that these dramatic shifts in the face of lost control are not a mood swing or an “episode.” Instead, the codependent parent is revealing their true nature as opposed to the façade they must maintain in order to keep things going their way. Once there is no hope of getting their way, this façade will become useless and be easily stripped away.

“

 

Often the codependent parent wishes to garner from their child the love and/or attention they failed to receive from their own parents.

8. The Codependent Parent Manipulates – Subtly

The most effective form of manipulation is the kind that you can never be called out for directly. Examples include the silent treatment, passive aggressive comments, denial of wrongdoing and projection, among others. The codependent parent will leave the child in a state of confusion, wondering who really is “the bad guy.”

Often, the parents will be genuinely unaware of their own manipulation. Many codependent parents truly believe that they are doing what’s in their child’s best interest and execute some of the most unsettling control tactics and manipulative power plays with simultaneous mastery and obliviousness. In fact, when called out on their manipulation with specific examples, the codependent parent will often be genuinely and deeply hurt and bewildered.

In fact, the codependent parent does not usually manipulate because they wantto; they manipulate because they have to. They simply don’t know any other way to communicate with the adult child who is beyond their direct control. Thus, they will manipulate with finances, emotion, guilt, and any other tool at their disposal to maintain the imbalance of the codependent relationship.

“

 

Examples of things codependent parents will use to subtly maintain power:

guilt trips,

the silent treatment,

passive-aggression,

withholding (of money, time, or affection),

denial of wrongdoing,

and projection, among others.

So You Have a Codependent Parent... What Should You Do?

This is not an exhaustive list, but it does cover the basic signs and symptoms of codependency to watch out for. In my experience with my own codependent parent, many of these are hard to recognize but, on closer inspection, they deviate significantly from the norms of a healthy parent-child relationship.

There is no single, quick, or easy way to deal with a codependent parent. It depends on the individuals as well as the severity of the codependency within the relationship. In some cases, the only thing the adult child can do is sever ties with the codependent parent completely. In others, carefully imposed boundaries, discussion, and family therapy can be used to maintain a healthy relationship for both parties.

“

 

Many codependent parents truly believe that they are doing what’s in their child’s best interest.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN SIKKIM, INDIA

One of the Himalaya’s best-kept travel secrets,Sikkim is a welcome diversion from all conventional notions of an Indian holiday. Far fromRajasthan’s royal trail, Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters, this tiny Indian hill state prides itself on pristine alpine forests, lofty snow-capped mountains, craggy landscapes dotted with quaint villages and a rich tribal culture brocaded with vibrant Tibetan Buddhist accents.

A fantastic adventure off the beaten track, Sikkim is a place waiting to be explored. Here are 15 excellent ways to get under its skin.

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Considered one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most important centres, the magnificent Rumtek Monastery is a repository of countless invaluable artefacts (precious metal statues, gem-studded cenotaphs, exotic ritualistic paraphernalia) stacked within its cavernous portals. The official – though currently vacant – seat of the revered Karmapa Lama, the monastery is especially attractive during the Mahakala Dance in February, when giant figurines of protector deities raise hell in the courtyard and fight off evil demons.

Trek to Goecha La

Many hardened hikers consider this week-long adventure to be the best trek for sighting Mt Khangchendzonga (8586m), the world’s third-highest peak. Starting from the outpost of Yuksom in West Sikkim, the trail cuts up a sylvan alpine terrain to finally peak at a gravity-defying 4940m, from where you can take in sweeping views of the snows towering above. April and November are best for photo ops.

Explore North Sikkim

Sprawled across a remote northern region of the state, the sublimely beautiful valleys of Yumthang and Tsopta are scantly visited. Frequently ravaged by landslides and earthquakes, these mountains are tricky territory to travel in. But then, isn’t that what intrepid travel is all about? So jump into a sturdy four-wheel-drive and hit the bumpy road to paradise. To adjust to the altitude along the way, spend a night in the quaint and scenic hamlet of Lachen.

Sip Temi’s tea

The tiny village of Temi in South Sikkim stands its ground as the only tea-growing region in the state. Producing a mellow and delightfully aromatic brew, ‘Temi tea’ has a loyal following around the world, and the good news is you can now relish the nectar right where it is harvested. Simply schedule an excursion through Temi’s picturesque gardens, and savour grand 360-degree mountain views along with every refreshing sip of the amber beverage (best had without milk or sugar).

Go organic

Sikkim is poised to become the first state in India to go fully organic in terms of production and consumption of food material. The changeover is already apparent in local markets, where organic produce seems to be trumping non-organic. Needless to say, this is your chance to detoxify, indulge in a nutritious vacation and eat your way to good health.

Drive to Tsomgo Lake

 

Spanning a valley at a height of 3780m, Tsomgo Lake cuts a pretty picture against a backdrop of rugged mountains rising towards the Tibetan Plateau. The outing (a four-hour return journey from state capital Gangtok) is particularly enjoyable in early spring and late autumn, when parts of the lake are frozen over and the stalls by the lake serve piping hot tea and momos (meat-filled dumplings) to fight the numbing chill. A lakeside joyride on a friendly yak? It's got that too!

Row down the Teesta

Rushing down the length of Sikkim from icy glacial heights to tropical alluvial plains, the turbulent Teesta River promises some fantastic rafting opportunities on its foamy waters. From calm stretches for novices to curling rapids for experienced oar-wielders, the river packs a variety of challenges at every level. Whether raft or kayak, choose your preferred ride and let the adrenaline flow.

Understand Tibetology

Got a thing for antique mountain cultures? Then swing by the fortress-like Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, and familiarise yourself with countless nuances of Tibetan culture and Vajrayana Buddhism. Don’t miss the museum, packed with relics such as ancient manuscripts, thangkas (religious scroll paintings) and Tantric ritualistic objects (human skull bowls and thigh-bone trumpets, anyone?).

Know your morsels

A bowl of steaming sisnoo (nettle soup), a serving of fried ningro (fiddlehead ferns) and, finally, a generous helping of rice with gundruk ko jhol (fermented mustard leaf soup) and fiery pork curry. That’s a traditional Sikkimese meal, delicious to the last spoonful. If the spice gets to you, simply wash it down with chhang, a refreshing local rice beer served in wooden mugs.

Embrace local life

Do you think hotels are characterless and boring? Wonderful. Shun the usual sleeping options and root for an absorbing experience at one of rural Sikkim’s many ambient homestays instead. Mingle with affable hosts, share stories and drinks over kitchen fires in the evening, have fun helping out with farm and household activities, and kill time with a book or iPod for company in the cosy comfort of your tastefully appointed room.

Find religion

Spirituality is an essential element of Sikkim’s social and cultural grain, and you can amply soak it up during your holiday here. Meditate in an ancient Buddhist gompa, attend a religious ceremony (such as the new year festivities of Losar), or pay obeisance at the many shrines in the temple town of Namchi. If you’re visiting a monastery, don’t forget to light a butter lamp for peace, love and prosperity.

Take a day hike

Sikkim’s mountains are criss-crossed by numerous foot trails traditionally used by locals to commute between villages. For travellers, this means a wonderful opportunity to bushwalk through the serene wilderness, exploring the region’s bucolic scenery and a plethora of plant and animal life along the way. The day walks from Yuksom to Khecheopalri Lake and Tashiding are particularly picturesque, as are short jaunts around the town of Ravangla

Smell the rhododendrons

Known to foster more than 500 species of rhododendron, the forests of Varsey and Singba (in West Sikkim and North Sikkim respectively) come alive in a riotous bloom sometime between March and May. Vivid shades of red, pink, yellow, mauve and white smear entire hillsides, and a walk under these colourful canopies is an otherworldly experience, to say the least. Mind those pesky leeches wiggling in the undergrowth, though.

Groove to Gangtok’s nightlife

Dusk is a happy time along MG Marg, Gangtok’s social and cultural hub. Snack stalls along the main drag whip up juicy servings of momos, lounge bars come alive with strains of rock and blues, and the appetising smell of freshly baked savouries perfumes the crisp evening air. The booze is cheap, the company is friendly, and the good times keep rolling. Drink, dine and dance the night away.

Glide like an eagle

The newest fix for adventure junkies in the region, paragliding is a fantastic way to enjoy bird’s eye views of Sikkim’s mountains. October and November, with clear sunny skies, are the best months for the sport – this is also when Gangtok hosts the annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival. So put on your helmet, strap on your chute and leap off the hill for a thrilling flight down to terra firma. And don’t forget to snap a self-portrait en route, to secure bragging rights back home.

THE PROS AND CONS OF FACEBOOK

Facebook is the most popular social networking site of all time. Within six years, Facebook has experienced dramatic growth—it has reached more than a billion users and is still growing rapidly.

For many, Facebook has become an integral part of day-to-day life. However, while the social media site can be very useful, it's important to avoid becoming addicted to it. This article features a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of using Facebook in your everyday life.

Did You Know?

1. Facebook.com, fb.com, and thefacebook.com all open the same site.

2. To find the official pages of Facebook founders, add "4," "5," or "6" to the end of facebook.com/. For example, facebook.com/4 will take you to the official page of Mark Zuckerberg.

3. More than 250 billion photographs have been uploaded to Facebook.

4. Facebook needs several exabyte servers to store all of the information uploaded by its billion users. One exabyte = one billion gigabytes

1. Facebook is free—and not only that, but it's also one of the best mediums for communication. You can send messages, start a video call, and upload photos and videos without charge.
2. Facebook lets you connect to different people from anywhere in the world. People everywhere these days are familiar with Facebook. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the culture, values, customs, and traditions of other countries—a modern-day pen-pal service without the hassle. It also helps keep long distance relationships alive. Sometimes these across-the-world relationships get serious and even end up in marriage—a testament to the power of this social media platform.
3. Facebook is the most convenient tool for finding old buddies and keeping friendships alive. Often when friends move away it’s difficult to keep communicating with them. Facebook
   provides the opportunity to easily communicate with your old friends and keep up-to-date one what they're doing. It's fun to see their photos from around the world!
4. It's an easy way to share feelings and what's happening in your daily life. You can share your achievements to get some appreciation, or you can share your sorrows to get support from your generous friends.
5. The site has good privacy settings, allowing you to choose your desired level of privacy.
6. Facebook fan pages, groups, events, etc. are getting more popular by the day. Fan pages and groups are very handy for promotional activities. This is why almost every well-known brand has a Facebook fan page and is investing lot of money to get exposure to their core constituents.
7. Facebook groups can also be a great way to connect all of your close friends. You can create a group and keep it private in the group's settings. Features like group chat, notifications, file sharing, etc. can help you communicate and stay up-to-date easily.
8. Facebook now also offers you an email address, another handy feature. These email works just like Yahoo, Gmail, Outlook, and Hotmail, allowing you to send and receive email with users both within and outside of the site. The email address is based on your Facebook user name. For example, if your username is "Ding Dong," your Facebook email address will be "DingDong@facebook.com." You can also receive files attachment through Facebook email.
9. The newsfeed plays a very important role in getting the latest information. Facebook fan pages and users are constantly sharing articles, photos, and videos.
10. If you're a business, the site also allows you to advertise. Fan pages are very helpful for a successful marketing campaign, because they allow potential consumers to engage, stay informed, and share with friends.
11. You can chat both online and on your phone with Facebook messenger. For students who don't yet have a mobile device, this messenger can be downloaded as an app on an iPod or tablet and used just like text messenging in areas with WiFi.
12. Many popular celebrities and organizations are using Facebook to give regular updates to their fans, allowing you to feel closer to them than ever.
13. Students can use Facebook for group study by creating a group only for studying. There, you can share information about your projects, homework, assignments, exams, due dates, etc.
14. Relationships can blossom on Facebook. For long distance couples, the easy communication can help keep the love alive all the time they're apart. The site can even help people eventually tie the knot.
15. Facebook online games are popular and addicting. There are millions of users who regularly engage in these games.
16. Besides the games, there are thousands of applications, quizzes, etc. available.
17. You can also use the site to create your own social media platform. Share your article, blogs, photos, etc. to thousands of people.
18. Facebook's like button connects you to many other websites. If you see a like button on another website, you can click it to like it on Facebook, making it more likely for your friends to see it in their own news feeds.
19. Your login ID means that you don't need to waste your time for registering other sites. Most sites and apps now allow you to instantly register by logging in with your Facebook account.
20. Facebook is well-designed! There are no distracting colors or designs available. Facebook's simple design and efficient performance made it the world's dominant social site

Disadvantages of Facebook

Now it's time to talk about some disadvantages of Facebook. Anything, no matter how helpful, has its downsides. Some of the main disadvantages of this site are:

1. Facebook is addicting! For some people, Facebook can be as habit-forming as cigarettes! Facebook is a useful and helpful tool, but it becomes harmful if you begin wasting your valuable time. This is the site's biggest disadvantage, because the loss of your precious time can lead to other problems.
2. There are fake profiles and IDs. Now it is easier to create fake profiles using stolen pictures. People often use fake profiles to insult or harass someone they don't like.Teen girls are the most vulnerable to these activities. There have been several news stories about people, normally students, who became depressed or suicidal after being harassed on Facebook.
3. There are plenty of groups and fan pages out there that condone extremist, unaccepting points of view. These are being created to abuse or violate other religions, personalities, nationalities, etc. This kind of discriminatory and often racist activity is not acceptable on a global site like Facebook. If you see a site like this, report it. Facebook administrators should take necessary steps against all of these abusive groups and pages.
4. Certain Facebook activities have fueled conflict between social media-savvy couples. According to a recent study, around a third of divorce filings in recent years have contained the word "Facebook." Posts, pictures, and geo-tags that indicate a partner might not be telling the truth can be used as evidence in the divorce process.
5. Too much time on the site has been correlated with bad grades, or student results. Students who don't study or pay attention in class do not get good marks in their exams unless they cheat or are way too smart for the class in the first place!
6. People can stalk you and get your personal information. It is highly recommended not to share your personal information publicly.
7. Not only students, but also people working in offices can waste time on Facebook. That's why many offices have decided to block the site from their networks completely.
8. Many people have lost their usernames because their accounts were falsely reported. This is something Facebook administrators should be more careful about. However, you can get your username back with a government-issued ID.
9. Facebook chat often has glitches.
10. Different sources have found that Facebook can be life-threatening at times. Unknown people can track your activities and see where you are when. So be careful about whom you add as a friend. It's also a good idea to keep you activities private to people who are not your friends.
11. Facebook has also been at the center of some very violent news stories. One mother killed her child because it was crying in hunger while she was browsing Facebook, and a husband killed his wife because she changed her relationship status. These acts are rare but happen in extreme cases. More frequent are accidents caused by people not paying attention while looking at Facebook on their phones.