Hoping to get good sales from their yet to be launched mega product, Microsoft Office 2010, the Microsoft people have made a genuine attempt to connect with their audience. They have made a small movie or trailer, whatever you call it, but it is really very good.

Wishing this product is a hit and they return with a sequel too.

Their search engine is on the top on Alexa, their video service is the most famous, have a famous social networking site, their OS for mobiles is the current hottie, their mailing service is good, their maps are used by everyone and they have one of the most convinient web browsers. But it seems like these Google people aren’t yet satisfied.

Today, Google announced that they would be introducing an open-source, light-wight operating system which will be initally targeted to netbooks. The developers have told that they are aiming to release the OS by second half of 2010. For those wondering about Android’s move to the netbook segment, the company has said that Google Chrome OS is a new project, separate from Android.   Google stated in their blog that speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of the Google Chrome OS.

It seems Google wishes to capture every area of computing and technology these days. Beware Microsft guys, Google’s coming.

To make online shopping all the more safer, the RBI has made it compulsory, from 1st August onwards, for all online transactions to have an extra level of security. The ‘extra’ level, is a password that you will have to enter after entering your credit/debit card details while making online payments. This new technology is called VBV – Verified by Visa or MSC – MasterCard SecureCode.

How do I get this ‘extra password’?

All you have to do is log on to your bank’s website, register your card for Verified by Visa (or MasterCard SecureCode) and get your password. Each bank has its own process for card registration. So, hop on to your bank’s website and register now.

Okay, so I’m registered with VBV/MSC. Now what?

Great! Now, every time you book on Cleartrip, after entering your card details on the payment step, you will be redirected to your bank’s website. You will need to enter yourVBV/MSC password there after which you will be redirected back to Cleartrip for completing the booking process. That’s it!

What about American Express cards?

For Amex cards the ‘extra level of authentication’ will work slightly differently. On the payment step at Cleartrip, you will be asked to enter you billing address, which will be passed on to the bank. This will be checked against your billing address the bank has on its records. If the addresses don’t match your payment will be rejected. This technology is called AVS – Address Verification System. Please check your credit card statement if you don’t remember your exact billing address.