Facebook addition?

Created by Oatmeal

Not too bad. Sheesh could they have made it any bigger...

I just bought a domain

YAY!

I'll redirect the new address later... Waiting for the DNS to refresh.

I'll also start posting a bit more (at least for a while... ;) ).

Touch Pro 2 Continued

So I've been using the Touch Pro 2 for quite a while now. If anything, it has really solidified my love for Windows Mobile (I'm sure I'll love Windows Mobile 6.5 even more haha).

I really love the interface. HTC's Touch Flo 3D is really really nice. Of course HTC Sense is even nicer (but oh well).

There are a few programs that I installed that I think are worth mentioning.

Facebook for Windows Mobile
Gotta hit up FB while on the run right? Allows you to update status, view friend's contact details, upload mobile pics and vids, and pretty much anything and everything. Free of course...

Palringo
I was looking for a Yahoo Messenger client for Windows Mobile (wanted to stay in touch with a certain someone... :) ). Unfortunately, Yahoo! is too shitty to make one so I had to look for a third party client. I first started to look for pidgin (which I use for Ubuntu Linux). You do need to sign up for Palringo's own IM but after that, you can add other services to it. Completely free too. For Live Messenger, there already is a client for Windows Mobile (though I am sad to say it doesn't support multiple logins like the current desktop version - my PC is a 24/7 machine).

Microsoft MyPhone
Who needs ActiveSync with this program. Microsoft bring cloud computing to the masses (and free) who owns Windows Mobile devices. At every user determined period, MyPhone will back up your device (its contents) into the clouds and you can login and access your files online as well. Also offers (for a nominal fee) various security features if your phone is missing/stolen (think exact location, think file back up, think call/alert even if the phone is on silent mode, think locking/bricking the device). VERY powerful service. :)

HTC Touch Pro2!!!

Finally got it! My very own HTC Touch Pro 2! :D



Somehow I happened to get a really really good deal on it... :)

I really really missed having a PDA. No more scribbling notes on pieces of paper and stuffing em into my pocket. No more wondering what roads have bad traffic (google maps + 3G + GPS = WIN). No more wondering if something is cheaper online... :p

I really love the TouchFlo interface on this device. It is a great "skin" that makes Windows Mobile 6.1 a lot more finger friendly. Also, I love how you can sync up the contacts with their Facebook profiles (hey everyone has FB these days right?). Really cool stuff. :) Only apps I have installed apart from Google Maps is Facebook for Windows Mobile and Tiny Twitter. Let me know if there are other good stuff out there! :)

One thing though. That 1500mAH battery takes FOREVER to charge. Seriously... But at the same time, battery life seems to be way better than my old HTC device, the XDA II.

Gran Turismo (PSP)

ZOMG! I want it even more now!

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-gt-psp-60fps-video-blog-entry

Holy 60FPS of racing awesomeness!

For those who may not know, I am a BIG Gran Turismo fan. I've played every game in the series... :)

Now to get a PSP Go as well... :)

Mad Catz Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition Joystick

Today I finally received my Mad Catz Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition Joystick that I had ordered.

I bought this to replace my Hori Fighting Stick 3 that has kinda been beat up anyways.

Fighting games is actually a genre that I really love playing. I grew up playing arcade games so Marvel vs Capcom, Street Fighter, and especially King of Fighters was pretty standard (as well as the other favorite arcade games like Metal Slug, Puzzle Bobble haha etc etc).

The nice thing with the Tournament Edition joystick is that it uses FULL SANWA parts. All the buttons and joystick are all Sanwa parts. The layout too comes from the official Street Fighter IV arcade cabinets. Mad Catz has essentially recreated the same layout and feel for use in your home.

It is nice, big HUGE, and sturdy. Has good gripping feet at the bottom, and big enough to sit on your lap (I actually prefer it). What can I say about the joystick and buttons. Pure precision. They are ultra sensitive, ultra accurate. The difference is huge between this joystick and my old $50 Hori (and at nearly 3 times the price, it better damn well be! LOL!).

Pics below:

Child's Play

So I ran across this charity that is based in the Seattle area (what a wonderful place I live in). Child's Play is a charity that is set up to provide children's hospitals with a means to let kids who are undergoing treatment, a chance to do what a lot of kids (and adults) do. Which is play video games.

For a little kid that is growing up, a hospital is a very scary place. The "smell" of the hospital, the hustle and bustle as well as the stress of surgery can be a lot for a little 10 year old to take. I can somewhat relate to this because I had to have surgery when I was in preschool many many moons ago. It was traumatizing ordeal for me and all things considered, a lot of kids have had it worse. The ordeal I went through is nothing compared to what some of these poor kids have to go through.

So please fellow gamers, give generously. Show the world and most of the stupid press (apart from gamer/tech press that is haha), that we aren't time bombs. GTA IV has not made us into criminals (which it really hasn't - hearing crap like this gets old after a while huh?). Instead, we are people with big hearts. And who else to help but our budding gamers?

Seattle Children's Hospital Amazon wish list from Child's Play. You can get your local children's hospital's wish list/info from Child's Play's site. I will also keep a picture that has a link embedded to Child's Play on the right pane of this blog.

Personally for me, I hope to put some of my next paycheck into this cause. I hope some of my esteemed readers do the same. :)

T-Mobile HTC Touch Pro2 = $350????

GTFO.

That's a stupid price. It's a good pda phone but not that good. At that price point, its marketed against pretty much all pda phones in the market with a 2 year contract in the US. A certain "fruit" branded pda phone is only $299 with a two year contract. Just a comparison.

I'm gonna go to bed now.

Read about the pda phone that I won't buy @ $350 HERE... If it drops to a more reasonable price, then I'll be waiting in line. :)

Patch Tuesday August 2009

Well it is the second Tuesday of the month of August. We all know what that means right? Patch Tuesday! WOOHOO! :D :D: D :D

Esteemed readers, please access your Windows update tool pronto! :D

Release notes are HERE.

This now concludes the public service announcement.

T-Mobile HTC Touch Pro2

So according to word on the street (aka press release), the Touch Pro2 is supposed to launch on Wednesday. I along with other T-mobile users will shout our loud "yay it's about freaking time dammit".

However, I am slightly peeved a bit. T-Mobile has always struck me as "Android" centered. Which in and of itself is totally fine. Power to the people who want to use the "free" Google OS. But there are people who need Windows Mobile powered devices. A fine example of the Android-centric nature is the new T-Mobile myTouch 3G which is powered by the latest iteration of Android and is pretty much touted as an improved "G1" sans keyboard. Before the myTouch 3G was released, it was already plastered across T-Mobile's website. I even got an email for a "special" pre-release sale for existing T-Mobile customers that would give me a discount and promise early shipment.

But what about the Touch Pro2's release? Nothing. Only thing I can see on the site is the press release linked at the top of this blog post. No pre-sale. No coming soon. No webpage. No nothing. All I hear is Wednesday at 10am...

If that isn't any double standards, I don't know what is...

Pictures of the Touch Pro2 to further tease myself (and you, the readers).

Picture of where I turned around at Mount Rainier

I guess I'll toss a pic of myself at the highest point I hiked on Mount Rainier. I would have gone higher but my beloved parentals were waiting down at the visitor's center for us to come back (didn't want to make em worry).

Glacier Vista elevation 6300ft

This is gonna be a week of "UGH"

Hi!

First the good news! Today (at 12 o'clock noon), I will start my new job as a contractor (v-) at Microsoft! :D :D: D :D I will be my first foray into "technical" project management as a Project Support Analyst. :)

So why the "UGH" you ask? Well the "UGH" has nothing to do what-so-ever with me getting a new job. I am actually really really stoked about working again (especially with Microsoft! :D ). So much that I even had trouble falling asleep right off of the bat last night. :D

The "UGH" has to do with the terrible soreness that I am having from my whole legs... A little back story I suppose.

Last Thursday, I hiked up some trails on Mount Rainier. It was a total of around 5 miles over roughly 1500 feet of elevation (I think). Roughly around 4 hours total. Two days after that (Saturday), I joined a few friends to go hike up Mount Si (8 miles round trip, 3000ft of elevation, and ~6-7 hours). This was particularly a killer trip. Carrying a second back pack for a friend really exhausted me as well (was really worried for my friend haha). I didn't compensate for the extra load enough and I totally ran out of energy half a mile to the top. Good thing we had a hearty lunch at the top and made it down relatively alright (though I had to take extra caution to preserve my bad knees). The next day (Sunday) I woke up and my whole leg was pretty much screaming sore (you know it's sore when the first thing that happens after you open your eyes is the pain screaming haha). So what did I do to nurse myself in preparation for my first day on the job? I played soccer (futsal) that afternoon during a Malaysian gathering that we hosted in our back yard. I ran around like a maniac (a maniac with a full stomach too HAHA), slipping and sliding on our lawn, jumping, heading, dribbling, and tackling. Heck, I even scored a goal too (as well as becoming a crazed defender)... ;)

Anyone wanna guess what I felt the moment I opened my eyes this morning? ;)

Wish me luck this week fellow readers! :D

My public confession

Oh where were you all my life?
You were always there.
Existing around me.
I just never bothered to care.

But I have since changed.
I see all that I have missed.
We now have a strong relationship.
Although we have never kissed.

You are always there for me.
Always in my arm.
Unquestioning loyalty,
Always protecting me from harm.

When I am happy.
You are always there to pick.
Sing songs like Jason Mraz.
Just less acoustic.

When I am down.
You too always sing.
Sad soulful blues.
Something like B.B. King.

When I am energized.
As always you draw breath.
We both get pumped.
At music from Megadeth.

You compliment me,
In every single way.
Deep down inside,
I know we're here to stay.

When you're near,
I always hold you close.
Full of pride and confidence.
I really get a great big dose.

Our close relationship.
One could call electric.
We are special and unique.
Others will try and mimic.

As I caress your smooth slender body.
Glide my hand down your lovely neck.
I see a lifetime of making sweet music.
This is something that will never wreck.

For in my crazy life,
You have become a constant.
No matter what happens to me.
You're always there in an instant.

I truly cherish you for that.
For you I will love and care.
Always protect you from harm.
In envy people will stare.

I now have no fear,
For I know you're never far.
And for that I love you so my dearest,
Electric Guitar...

- Scott Suleiman
7/16/2009

Creative Commons license at the bottom of the page

A Google OS? ZOMG?!

Wait wait. Cool your jets.

It's not an Operating System in a traditional sense. Let's take this in slowly. It is Google's Chrome OS. Chrome OS. Chrome is Google's web browser (that I'm still waiting for the Linux version of). An OS is well, an Operating System. Take those two together and what do you get? Operating System for Google's Chrome internet browser. Bingo.

Google Chrome is an OS that is being built (or shall I say stripped) from Linux (on top of the kernel). It will be stripped to the bare bones to only allow Chrome to run. Nothing else. Google's reasoning for this seems to be fairly interesting. They want a secure simple stripped OS (so it'll boot up super fast) so people can access the internet (via Chrome of course) really fast.

That's it. :)

It certainly makes sense for Google right (with all of their web apps). ;) Though I must say an "OS" in the traditional sense is supposed to do a lot more for people. I browse a lot but I run a lot of other apps (Foobar2000, IMs, IRC,etc etc) but then again, with the internet, you can access all of those online.

Should be really interesting.

Linky for reading:

New spam floating around

Just thought I'd give a heads up to my readers (imaginary or otherwise). There is a new spam floating around. What is worrying is that it look pretty authentic (none of the usual typos, grammar mistakes, etc) to the normal person. Well, it isn't.

First of all, Microsoft wouldn't mass email their customers. We have this thing called Windows update that pretty much pings the user. Also, they (or shall I say, "tech journalists") will flood the news channels online (lovely thing this thing called the internets) with news of a ultra critical update.

Secondly, I doubt that they will use your email address in that manner. Plus, if you're like me, you have multiple email address. How can all of them get this spam?

Wheels turning yet?

Now how does the spam look like?

Well here's a screenie courtesy of me:


So yeah, delete the email immediately.

More info about this HERE.

It's always the small things ain't it?

These past few days, I've been kinda caught up with something (more accurately, someone... ;) ). Still nothing going on yet though. I guess things always will take their natural progression no matter how fast or slow. But at least I am upfront huh? :D

Anyways, I've been doing a lot of self reflection lately. It really is the small things in life that matter. Most of us (if not all of us) are always out there scurrying around trying to accomplish things. But really. For what end? If one completes tasks for the sake of completing it, why bother right? It's passion that separates those who want to do something, and those who want to do something well. What is the distinction? I think it is the small things. By voicing out a small short sentence, it could possibly be the defining moment of doing the job to be over with it, or doing the job and wanting it done well (like it actually mattered to you).

But which do people prefer? That's something that you'll have to see for yourself. There are people with strong expectations for others to finish what is theirs. Actually that could possibly be all of us no? But then that group can be divided by those who simply follow, and those who are a bit more proactive (try to lead or help steer the way). But how does one know who wants which? Again, it's the small things you have to look for. Are things in a rush (aka is it the time and place)? How big of an impact do you think you can make? These are all things that are seemingly small, but could potentially exponentially create big ripples.

Though it really isn't just limited to work place. Even everyday life, the small things still apply. If you don't look out for them, you may risk just walking through life without knowing about it. You may miss out on having the chance of meeting a wonderful somebody who was there all along right in front of you (as I am kinda learning).

It's sometimes maddening on how such a small thing like a short sentence, a gesture, or a small occurrence can make or break all of your hard work. But these "small things" are a sword that cuts both ways. As with all things, there is a concept of internal and external controls. The small gestures and acts that you have control over (sacrificing your seat for the elderly, donating to the needy, smiling to those around you, etc) and those that you don't have (when you were born, where you are at what time - to a certain extent, and all of the other "unfortunates").

For me personally, I have suffered greatly at the stupid "small things" (PWNT by people that was loved and trusted usually) but at the same time it has also brought me much joy (rediscovering someone who turned out to have a lot of things similar, actually being thanked by people who was helped, witnessing acts of kindness by others, catching lucky breaks, etc). But then again, who hasn't lived through this thing called life right. I am pretty sure that there is more pain and joy in store for me when it comes to these "small things". I asked a good buddy of mine (as we were chatting over a meal), if pain was a risk but happiness was the prize for success, and you have tasted pain and defeat before, would it be enough for you to "quit" the game? Naturally, everyone tries to avoid/reduce pain whenever and as much as possible. I don't think a majority of people are pain loving peons right? Plus wouldn't the prize be worth the risk? Theoretical happiness until the end of days (and beyond)? Generations have played this game and have succeeded (each and everyone of us is a testament to that I guess - in a sense). So who are we to stand against such statistics.

Live life to the fullest. Enjoy all the trials and tribulations that it has to offer (regardless if you had or had no hand in it). It is much better than a "perfect" and boring life. :)

Microsoft Sidewinder X8: First impressions

Sidewinder X8 mouse

So far, I can say that I really like this mouse. It is nice and big (which is good for my somewhat larger hands). I have to say that I am somewhat partial to the vertically oriented back and forward buttons, but to be honest, I am so happy to have a forward button once more! (Logitech G5/7 didn't have one - stupidly).

Software was painless to install and no real tacky interface like Logitech's SetPoint software. Very integrated with Windows mouse properties (surprise surprise?).

Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the mouse pretty much worked real well in Ubuntu Linux. Even the on the fly sensitivity buttons below the scroll wheel worked really well (wonder if it is stored in the mouse).

Battery life has been amazing. I haven't had to charge it since I first fully charged it on Wednesday afternoon (it is now Saturday afternoon).

I'll probably whip up a proper review on TechARP and give a link back for my readers.

blablabla

I finally made some real contact with our neighbor. Before that we did the normal neighborly stuff. Wave hands. Empty 2 minute chats. Etc etc. But today my neighbor's son who is kinda my age (post bachelors) finally came over and joined the three of us for bball (so 2v2 - YAY!). It was really cool to break the ice over a game of bball. The neighbors invited us over to their son's wedding (the dude who came over to play) and beyond that, we didn't do much more. But it was a lot of fun. He was actually fit (as opposed to "the still losing tons of weight" me, "I love to eat" youngest brother, and "super defender without conserving energy" middle brother). So it actually gave me a good challenge (I played competitive bball in college until I injured the ACLs on both knees...). Heck it even made my side hurt after running around so much. But our neighbor was super nice. Really friendly and polite dood. I told him that we play every afternoon and that he was more than welcome to join us.

Megadeth: In My Darkest Hour

Favorite song/lyrics from my favorite guitarist & band (that's using my favorite guitars).



Really love the lyrics too.

* HAH! Edited the size to not upset my blog layout. Muahaha. 420*255 - 75% of its 'original' size.

Time for a new mouse

Input devices.

What are they you ask?

They are the gateway to the wondrous machine before you. (I mean how else are you pondering upon this humble nook in the internets?) Keyboards and mice (commonly, though not limited to it). Basically anything that you, um, well input into the computer (biometric devices, light pens and tablets, et al). Until they invent something that you can hook up to your brain to use your computer, then everything else you use to interface could be classified as an input device (technically speaking, when they day does arrive, the thinga-ma-bob that hooks up to your noggin would still technically be an input device).

Again, since everyone uses it, I find it surprising that a lot of people do not really pay all too much attention to it. I mean really. Even for the most hardcore pc upgraders, there still are a few 'constants' (by constants, I mean things that don't get cycled out every 6-12 months - hey that's ages in our world).

I personally invest a great deal of time, effort, and cash on my input devices. Of them, I have long since been a devout Logitech user. Infact, I have never used anything but Logitech (they should so <3 href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logitech_G15">Logitech G15 keyboard and my G7 mouse has been in service for quite a few years. Alas my G7 has started to become finicky (it apparently has developed a hobby of not responding - believe me when I tell you that it is super frustrating regardless on desktop or in game). When that happens, I have to start turning the mouse off, ejecting the battery, and disconnecting the dongle (in no particular order) until it starts working. If I am on desktop, then I will have to navigate (via keyboard) to the Logitech connection utility (which sometimes works). For more severe bouts, a restart usually takes care of it. All remedies are annoying (surprise surprise?).

So alas I have given up and was in search of a source of pointing device dpi heavenly goodness. My first obvious choice was of course the Logitech G9. However, the looks really didn't jive that well with me. I loved the kidney shape of the old Logitech mice (MX5xx/G5/G7). So instead, I settled for a Microsoft Sidewinder x8 (HERESY I know). It seemed to have exactly what I needed (large sized mouse, wireless, convenient charging, a forward and backwards scroll button and DPI adjustment). Can't wait for it to arrive and start tinkering with it. And maybe *gasp* I will write a review on it (haven't really written an 'actual' article for a while).

We'll see.

Stay tuned for this Wednesday!

Vista Service Pack 2 now out!

That's right folks! Microsoft promised to have it out before Windows 7 so here it is!

Choose what flavor your Windows Vista/Server 2008 (same kernel - NT 6.0) you have (x86, x64, or all in one ISO!) download, install and enjoy! Along with the SP2 goodness, all cumulative fixes are included with SP2 (thus far) as well as a few new features here and there (nothing major like SP1).

You can also get it off of Windows Update!

So what are you waiting for?

Go go go!

Changes

Over the years, I really do believe that people change (albeit through various degrees).

Recently I decided to see if I could find a bunch of my old High School friends. These are people who have a view of me that dates to close to a decade ago (ZOMG I feel old saying that). I have never had any contact with them what-so-ever during my college days as well as my brief working stint (*sob*).

Good thing with the advances of the internet, I have been able to track down a few of them on Facebook. Surprisingly, they have also seemingly recognized me in my current 'prosperous' self.

But what about characterwise? I know I am definitely not the same person that I was back then. Some people go through their crazy period in college. Let's just say I had a head start in High School. ;)

Writing about this suddenly reminds me of my cousin. They chose to buy me a gift and it was a neat little pocketwatch that had a demonic face on it. My mom accepted it from them smiling (they were saying that I would totally love it) as she knew that I am a LOT more doclie currently. LOL! Ghosts of my past self I guess.

I would dare say that my friends from my first college would see me differently (as would I - I suppose). I have err 'matured' nicely (well at least I would like to think so!) even since then. Character development is something I really take heavily on (for self betterment that is).

But what would people who haven't seen me since think of me now? I have always been fixated on the 'current' state things and never really dwell on the past (so looking up old high schoolmates kinda breaks that cycle - that or I'm doing things that old people do). High School friends probably remember me as a fun loving (but a nice one - I was never a troublemaker) slacker. College friends from my first college probably remember me as a fun loving person who loved bball and an ex. Friends from my second college probably remember me as a super quiet *cough* hardworking but fun loving hermit. My friends right now probably think of me as a *cough* hardworking, fun loving, dependable hermit. Anyone see a pattern there?

I guess while things do change, somethings stay the same. :)

Exclusive DLCs: Good or Bad?

Recently,Bethesda Game Studios (one of my favorite developers), announced that there would be 2 new DLCs (in addition to the three already out for Xbox 360 and Windows) will be released later this year. In addition to that, they finally announced that the current 3 DLCs will finally be released onto the PS3 and that PS3 versions of the upcoming 2 DLCs will be released after their Windows and Xbox 360 counterparts have been released.

First of all, I would like to share the joy that many PS3 owners of Fallout 3 are undoubtedly having. It is good to see that they are finally getting some love on big title multi-platform games side of DLCs (say that 3 times quick!). But then, I just have to question, why must PS3 owners wait? Now before you people on the internets start screaming 'PS3 fanboi' at me, please know that I have all three current consoles and I game heavily on the PC (I am a proud Fallout 3 Windows version owner). But is it true? I doubt that there is any of the "Company MS gives you $50 million to make exclusive content" involved in this (more on that later). I trully admire Bethesda and am willing to give them the benefit of a doubt due to possible coding differences with the PS3 (they do have to port it over right). But the question still stands? Why does a segment of your customers have to wait?

There are quite multi-platform games that I own. Among them are Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2, Army of Two (not exactly a favorite), Rockband 1 & 2, Battlefield: Bad Company, etc. But what do these games have? Simultaneous DLC releases across their platforms. Bad Company released a big download pack (that was free) a while back that added maps and fixes and the Xbox 360 & PS3 versions were made available at the same time. Same with Army of Two (free episode).

A while back, it was announced that Microsoft paid Take Two (owner of Rockstar Games and publisher of GTA IV) a stunning $50 million USD for 2 exclusive episodes for Xbox 360. To put things into perspective, GTA IV was estimated to have cost around $100 Million to develop. So Microsoft paid $25 Million per exclusive episode.

Where does that leave the PS3 customers? I can understand Sony/Microsoft backing a developer for a game to be released exclusive to their respective platforms (LittleBigPlanet, Killzone 2, Halo series, Gran Turismo to name a few) but how can you offer games on other platforms (aka have honest customers) and yet turn around and alienate them?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not barking up, Take Two's tree (as far as I'm concerned, that was last year's news). I am just wondering why some companies choose to seemingly marginalize (whether unintentional or otherwise) their customers on another platform over another. Though I have to say, exclusive DLCs for a certain platform due to 'bribery' is just upsetting. I along with various other gamers out there share the anger with this. It really has to stop. If you have content to release, release it to your customers as a whole. Not as a platform. Back to Fallout 3. For the longest time, PS3 owners of the game were left out in the cold. The DLCs were pretty much announced last year when the game went gold. But only now have the PS3 owners discovered that they will get delayed releases of the DLCs. Again, I fully understand that the PS3 can be difficult to code (according to them). But still, how come only a select few has to wait?

Please stop marginalizing and dividing your customer base. They all paid the same amount of good hard earned money and they all deserve at the very lease, your equal undivided attention.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go steal a few more cars via text message so I can complete GTA IV to 100% on my PS3 so that I can go buy the DLC for my Xbox 360 copy (that I have already finished to 100%).

New PS3 firmware update (2.76)

For those that care that is... :p

Playstation Blog entry

Judging by the release number, it is probably an interim update. But still, better to update it now then wanting to game only to find out that it needs an update... :s

The auto-turn off console after successful update is really a handy dandy tool. :D

I couldn't wait...

So I went ahead and upgraded my laptop and PC to Ubuntu 9.04... :p


I have to say that I am real happy that all of my customizations made it through alright. Furthermore, now I can actually use the browser without it crashing every other minute. :D It deleted the stuff I manually installed though (BMPx and XFi Drivers).

Though I have decided against trying out the new file system (EXT4) due to a number of reasons.

For all of those Ubuntu Linux users out there, do check it out.

PC World's 10 Things to Hate About Tech

Hmm.. I am in a bloggy blog mood. But here goes.

Ran across yet another article (yay!).

I love some of the stuff. I live in the Seattle Area. Seattle is nice. Seattle has a lot of tech companies (that I hope I can somehow get into one of them - hard being a techie with a business major). Microsoft, Amazon.com, Cray, Valve Corporation, Expedia.com, RealNetworks, Isilon, T-Mobile USA, Bungie Studios (Halo anyone?), Monolith Productions (FEAR), et al (and in no particular order).

With it comes the crème de la crème of the software world. So some of this stuff on that list really hits close to home. :p

Taken from the list:
1. People Who Talk on Smartphones 24/7.
Yeah this one really hits close to home. Not only here in Seattle though. I personally still use a 'normal' bar phone (2+ year old Samsung). I really want a HTC pda phone if T-Mobile will ever pick up a proper Windows Mobile one (maybe wait for the new Windows Mobile later this year). Oh and equally weird are the people that keep bluetooth headsets on. I have a bluetooth
headset. I only use it when I am driving or playing multiplayer on the PS3. Other than that, it gets turned off. :)

9. The Laptop Crowd at Starbucks and Panera. Wireless networking technologies have enabled a generation of do-nothings and posers to look busy in coffee shops and restaurants instead of finding themselves all alone in their dark basements.

Yeah these techno warriors hog up all the seats when I want to sit down for 10-15 mins to drink my coffee. Though I am insanely curious as to what the hell are they doing with their laptop out sipping a 'tall' (aka small) cup of latte (as opposed to my venti Strawberries and Cream frap). Do they really need to Facebook/Twitter that much? Personally, I prefer the 'dark basement' but then again, I have a proper mancave.

10. Today's Pandemic of IT Industry Pundits and Blowhards.
Haha. I just posted something about this a few posts back. :p

Try to get some sun today guys. Oh wait, it is gone (up here in Seattle area anyways)... :(

Unbuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) tomorrow

Since I was kinda on the topic of Ubuntu Linux yesterday, I thought that I'd write a bit about Ubuntu.

Tomorrow will be the release of Ubuntu 9.04. Ubuntu uses a short release cycle (apart from their LTS release - Long Term Support). Their release coincides with the updates to GNOME (the GUI used) and happens ever April and October. There will be a couple more changes to Ubuntu apart from GNOME. A quick gander shows that they've improved the already fast boot time, made it easier to set up multi-monitors (as if it wasn't easy enough already), new file system support, and I believe that the latest version of open office will come out with it (Not that I really like open office).

Can't wait for tomorrow. Hopefully when they say 4/23/09, its somewhere like GMT or something.... :p

Linux = niche

Again, while browsing the interwebs, I ran across another *gasp* link. My my. What free time I have.

Now to reference some stuff:

'.....netbooks had failed to make Linux palatable to the mainstream and that disgruntled consumers were shunning the cheap software for easier to set-up, closed source, proprietary Windows instead.

"There were a lot of netbooks loaded with Linux, which saves $50 or $100 or whatever, but from an industry standpoint, there were a lot of returns because people didn't know what to do with it," said Kohurt.

The Lenovo analyst also reckoned people were put off by having to "decompile codes and upload data", claiming "the average person, well, they just want a computer."

Kohurt whined that it was "just too hard" to have to go to a website and download bits of code, adding "Linux needs to get to the point where if you want to plug something in, Linux loads the driver and it just works."'

In general, not entirely unfounded. Linux really isn't for anyone. When I started using Ubuntu Linux (which I totally love BTW), my Google usage skyrocketed a good 2000% (and the proportional increase in the number of bookmarks saved). I had to figure out how to get it to work with my Windows network workgroup (and how to 'see' NTFS for that matter). To this day, I still can't get it to quite play nice with my network printers. To be fair, there is some truth to Ubuntu's slogan "It just works". I have never seen such a painless install that had every single component work right off the bat (without me having to go in and install stuff). It just worked.

The trick is, how to get the stuff that didn't work from the get go. To the average user, it really is a hit or miss kinda deal. Again in the defense of Linux, if you look around, you will find a community that is just overflowing with eagerness to help you out. I have yet to see a 'LOL you n00b' attitude when people genuinely are beginners and asking for help (something that is super rare amongst the e-community of techies - IDK, nerdy IRL dorks need to assert themselves virtually I guess haha). But even with that, do you imagine someone say, an elderly folk or a young kid that would go through all that trouble? Not really. They won't do command lines (which you pretty much need to do anything that involves stuff outside your Home folder in Ubuntu). Downloading an installer is easier than finding code and compiling it to install drivers/programs (though I absolutely whole heartedly love Package Managers - installers should be outdated coz of it haha).

So I totally agree with the writer of the article on this one. Linux is a lot of fun to the right people (those who love tinkering). Not so much to the people that think downloading an installer, double clicking, and potentially clicking on UAC's 'OK' button a few times is a HUGE pain in the ass.

But then again, Linux never was catered to the faint of heart. :)

CNBC's quality of tech reporting?

I happened to stroll around the internet (as I tend to do with my free time - which I have had a lot of lately) and I ran across this.

All I can say is ZOMG.

CNBC would get a way better deal if they hired me as a 'Bureau Chief' (at least I know my stuff - ESPECIALLY before presenting it to people).

I have a long exhibited stance to 'fanboys' (I generally pity them for their inability to really see things they way they are and instead choose to grovel around in misinformation like they stand to gain something - lol what do you gain exactly apart from being annoying to those around you). Apple/Mac Addicts are by far the most extreme version of this (if you lumped all of the Intel/AMD, NVIDIA/ATI, Xbox/Playstation fanboys together in one boat, you wouldn't even be close to the disciples of Apple). Now I don't generalize. I know a lot of people who love Apple but don't force it down everyone's throat and from my personal observation, these people also possess a strong technical knowledge (aka have solid reasons instead of the FUD). And personally, I don't mind them. Heck, I actually like hanging around people who know their stuff regardless what it is.

But then you have the other 98% of Mac Addicts who don't know squat and act like they are the Scientologists of the tech world.

Some facts I would just like to put out there.

1) I can right click.
2) Contrary to popular belief, Macs now USE PC PARTS (Welcome to Intel and the x86 world people - it only took you guys how long? sick of PowerPC?).
3) I can run Excel Macros... :p
4) I can run Photoshop x64 (and no silly, it DOES NOT come with MACs - stupid doofus CNBC)
5) I use something that ~90% of the people who use computers are familliar with (file extensions, formats, layouts)

Now let's dissect some of the 'tidbits' of umm err 'info' that Jim Goldman provided us with.

Norton Anti-Virus: $50/year
Multimedia Software: $80-$104
Photoshop: $140
Video Editing: $100
Music Software: $100
Geek Squad Visit: $129

Let's take this line by line.

Anti-Virus: There are other GOOD and FREE AV software out there. Avast! (they have a Mac version too) and AVG (no Mac versions) are two that come immediately to mind. Given that some people don't really know about free software (but hey, that's why I hope they read this blog huh).
Multimedia Software: Like what? Windows Live? These things are expected of OS'. Heck even Ubuntu Linux has some bundled in.
Photoshop: Since when did Mac's come with Photoshop?
Video Editing: Tons of free stuff out there. Heck Movie Maker comes bundled.
Music Software: I just so happen to be a big Audio enthusiast. I use Exact Audio Copy to rip my music to FLAC and user Foobar2000 to play it in Windows. BMPx in Linux. Mac people can keep their iTunes. Hmm oh yeah, they were free and not available on Macs.
Geek Squad: Geek Squad sucks. No sugar coating it. Plus we have this thing called a warranty. Who the hell builds in a price variable as part of this anyways? I have an ancient laptop (~6 year old Banias core Pentium M) on my desk that runs Ubuntu like a champ. NEVER needed squat. Wasn't even from that good of a laptop builder too.

Jim also mentioned 'Intangibles' (apart from his lack of tech knowledge I guess):

Laptop Weight
Battery Life
Faster Chip
High-Res Screen

Now anyone who knows even a little incy-wincy shred of PC knowledge will know that this is all a big generalization. Weight and Life varies with the Laptop and hardware. Your Mileage May Vary. YMMV. Faster Chip? Oh you mean Intels which PCs have been running from the start (Apple finally wisened up and ditched PowerPC). So in other words, Macs HAVE BECOME PCS. Revelation!? Yes Apple folks, you now use what PC people use. The only thing different is, you pay way more for it! So essentially, Macs have become PCs. And no, Apple does NOT manufacture anything. They outsource it to OEM builders (Asus, Foxconn, et al) which... builds PCs (and their parts)! So you really can't talk too much about build quality as its all Taiwanese. High-Res Screen? Puh-leez. Everyone knows they can custom pic what screen they want when customize their laptop build (hmm foreign idea?) If you don't like the resolution, move on to the next PC laptop. Waste of everybody's time (well ~90% of us anyways).

Disgusting video that is full of retardation below (warning: may cause dizzyness, upset stomachs, diarrhea, migranes, ED, Herpes, +/-40 IQ (depends on invididual - hey stupid people can make other people feel smarter), compulsive urge to spill coffee over individuals using laptops that has a certain fruit on the lid at your local Starbucks/Coffee Shop, and various other small issues.



UPDATE:
More research on this 'Jim Goldman, Silicon Valley Bureau Chief' (aka Sad Epic Apple Fail Guy) sucks period. LINKAGE for teh PWNage.

This also brings up why I personally dislike Apple as a company. Sure their products can be pretty at times, but the company as a whole is abusive. Abusive policies, forcing formats down people's throats, and loyal zealots that follow them. Heck, they aren't even a green company (consistently ranked amongst the worst - makes me wonder if there are any Apple environmentalists out there :) ). I am proud to be 100% Apple clean (none of their extra shiny hardware, none of their retarded software). :)

One more thing. Before people start calling me a 'Windows' fan boy, I am not (I am actually typing this on my Ubuntu Laptop - Aha!). Though being a Microsoft Fan Boy would be infinitely better than being a Mac-addict/zealot, I would actually rephrase that. I am merely a humble Anti-Mac (and *gasp* I have actual valid reasons - no Mac people, 'just cuz' isn't a real reason). (I have a wider cone of interest). :)

Patch Tuesday April 2009

Today is the second Tuesday of April and as with all second Tuesdays, it is Patch Tuesday! Yay!

List of fixes for this month.

So please do check your auto updates. Some of the bigger issues resolved is the Excel bug that was discovered back in Feb that allows Remote Code Execution (ZOMG).

Till next month dear people of the interwebs (and cherished readers of my humble blog).

5.1 Audio on X-Fi via SPDIF out to A/V Receiver

Fairly recently, I had a reasonably good Sony A/V Receiver passed down to me (a perk of having a somewhat tech savvy dad haha). With that, I was happy that I could finally move on to a full digital output (as well as hook up my misc other stuff like my HD Satellite decoder, PS3, and Xbox 360) and use my HDTV as a monitor only.

However, I was dismayed that the way SPDIF out works on all Soundblasters is that if the source of the audio isn't encoded in Dolby/DTS (and their many types), then I would only get Stereo audio only. Needless to say, I found this somewhat disappointing as not all games have audio in that format. After a lot of tweaking, I at least managed to get Foobar2000 to playback to my satisfaction (I am INSANELY picky on audio lol). But still, it didn't solve my gaming experience.

So after a while, I found out that there was this thing called Dobly Digital Live / DTS Connect. DDL/DTS Connect pretty much encodes audio on the fly over a single SPDIF connection (ZOMG YAY). However, it is only enabled by default for the latest X-Fi card (Titanium) and the Auzentech Prelude cards (ultra high end X-Fis). I further found out that there was someone who managed to hack that feature (aka re-enabling). Though it seems that I am a bit too late as the drivers have been pretty much removed. Plus I read that there are some bugs for the X-Fi implementations (pfft). Fortunately (well semi fortunately), I found that Creative offered 'unlocks' for this feature for most of the 'normal full' X-Fi cards (I bet people were PISSED that they knowlingly disabled a feature of the card). It's called the Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Pack. It pretty much allows you to encode all audio into DDL or DTS to a digital output so you can enjoy 5.1 audio. Now the keyword is DIGITAL. If you are just using the three analog outputs at the back fo the card, save your $4.72 as you won't be needing this.

Encoder window

So how was it? Well rather surprisingly, it actually works. Kinda surprising for something that came from Creative. I am using DTS Interactive (I personally prefer DTS over DD) and it sounds awesome! The audio in game is soooo awesome. One thing is that it gets pretty loud (had to turn down the volume). But hey, 5.1 is 5.1. At least I see all six speakers detected on my A/V Receiver now instead of 3. Supposedly, it uses CPU power for the encoding but I didn't see any abnormal CPU usage in game (then again, my CPU is overclocked quite a bit).

5 bucks well spent.

Why I do what I do

Recently, I successfully helped someone setup/troubleshoot a piece of high tech home electronic equipment (boy that should narrow it down huh? :p ). And it really gave me great satisfaction. More importantly, it gave me a reminder as to why I am doing this (apart from the warm fuzzy feeling I enjoy).

I think it is safe to say that I am reasonably well versed in a lot of tech (I dare say that I can put some of the 'certified' people to shame). I can delve into technicalities (lingo, et al) but at the same time, I can gear and present it in a way of why it should matter to you, the average consumer (aka normal humans - not the brainiacs who love to overly complicate things). I have written a great many articles, and I have particiapted in a great many web forum discussions. Where ever I go/live, I am widely referred to in times of techie need.

Why do you do this? Well simple really, if not me, then who else. I started out on this without knowing anything. I slowly searched and read the limited resources that I had. That paired with some kahunas to actually try and do something (at the risk of killing good hardware - haha I still remember the cold sweat I got from the 'trys') has allowed me to grow decently well. So I decided that I will help people out and teach them all I know if they wanted. Where there is a willing ear/eye, my knowledge will be. Now please don't get me wrong. I am no oracle. I do not know everything there is to know (which is the beauty of it really). I always say to people, if you have a question, then ask. One of two things will happen. 1) You will get an unbiased and qualified answer (I always back my statements - if not, talk is cheap). 2) I don't know the answer so I will seek it and we will both learn something new. Either way, you will learn something. The important thing that I make sure is that I will only comment/teach something that I know. I will never mislead the people who ask me (I take it very seriously).

Sure as of late, opinions are a dime a dozen, but it saddens (and out right angers me) that most of these are misleading. Tech advice is ever increasingly becoming diluted by people who manage to overclock by 10FSB are now suddenly 'die hard' overclockers. People who somehow managed to assemble their own PC are suddenly 'expert' builders. And the age old problem that people with thick wallets are suddenly tech experts due to the 'toys' that they have. I despise misleading information. If you want examples of people misleading others, feel free to go to Fry's Electronics and listen in on most of the staff there give advice to their customers (OMG). A great many times I felt the need to interrupt and correct the things spewed from Fry's Associates (and resisted - I don't barge in on people unsolicited). Now I am sure that there may be some who actually know what they are talking about, but if this rare breed does exist, they certainly have eluded me.

How do people gain knowledge/experience. Well one of three ways. 1) Actually doing it. 2) Learning about it. 3) Reading about it. #2 was a no go for me from the start so I had to settle with a lot of #3 and eventually #1s. So I hope to do my part on Earth and help people with #2. I know the feeling of hopeless abandon all too well (I have faced it and continue to face it). So hopefully I will be there to help assist you in any way possible in regards to all things PC/Tech.

Just don't ask me any software/programming stuff. LOL! Hardware/Devices only. :p

Random Linux HDD Benchie

Hmm.

So, on a tech forum that I frequent, I had someone post a question regarding his HDD performace. He interestingly gave two results. On via HD Tach (no workie on Vista), and the second one using 'hdparm' on Linux (TADAA).

Well since I was teh bored amongst other things, I decided, why not give it a whirl (using my embedded snazzy Ubuntu Command Line of course!)...

RAID 0 with 3ware 9650SE-2LP & 2 WD 250GB RE3 drives (RAID Edition):
Timing cached reads: 20318 MB in 2.00 seconds = 10172.08 MB/sec
Timing buffered disk reads: 576 MB in 3.00 seconds = 191.74 MB/sec

Raptor X:
Timing cached reads: 20224 MB in 2.00 seconds = 10125.37 MB/sec
Timing buffered disk reads: 248 MB in 3.00 seconds = 82.62 MB/sec

I think its kinda impressive, especially considering the fact that the Raptors run at a brisk 10k RPM while the RE3s run at 7200 RPM.

Though I question the accuracy of this utility (hard to replicate results - then again, I am not completely versed in setting up my Ubuntu for a benchmarking environment. :p ).

Well enjoy it as is I guess... :p

Twitter LULz

So I was browsing around my Twitter last night (I think) and I clicked on a twitpic and lo and behold. Twitpic fail. :p

Twitter PWNage.

Thinkers, Do-ers, Dreamers.

Actions speak louder than words. Consistency is paramount.

Some of the words I live by. And in all honesty, I believe them to be a good basis on some things.

Words are just words. Some people say one thing and completely do another. Thats where consistency steps in. If I say I believe on A, it will not be subject to conditions (if X, then B, or if C than, Y. A is A is A). A belief is nothing without conviction. You would just talk the talk but not walk the walk so to speak.

Thinking and Doing.

Dreams. Dreams are what goals (and truths) are made of. Humanity's positive qualities would have never made it anywhere without starting from a dream (the initiate of the proverbial ripple in the water - something has to start it).

Dreams allows one to continuously pursue their agenda and keep everything in line during the think and thins of it all.

In between all of it are the trials and tribulations (aka Life). I've hit snags on my goals. My dreams are as bright as ever, and most important of all I have stayed true to myself (conviction).

Why this stupid post? Well just a reminder to myself of who/what I am and how I must persevere and weather the storm. How I have yet to drop down and beg or bend like reeds in the wind and how I intend to continue with my unyielding resolve.

To widescreen or not to

*Note this is ported over from an article I wrote for my gaming clan. FYI!

This topic is one that can sometimes be hotly debated amongst gamers. It is hotly debated for productivity, usability, etc etc but for the purposes of this article, I will steer this article to the realm of gaming. Why should wide screen matter/not to you.

Infamy is a dominantly FPS oriented clan. But the scope/appeal/benefits of wide screen gaming is almost universal. First, lets learn some terminology.

Resolution: Wikipedia defined as "The display resolution of a digital television or computer display typically refers to the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed."
Nicely confusing pic of various resolutions

Aspect Ratio: Basically the width divided by height (ZOMG MATH!).
It should be noted that wide screen monitors for computers are typically 16:10 and wide screen TVs are 16:9 (we computer users REALLY appreciate the extra height). Full screen computer and TV monitors are 4:3.

Field of View: The angular extent of the 'world' that you see. (its ok, you can read it again slowly :p ).

Ok, back to gaming.

Now I have to point out that how wide screen is implemented is DEPENDENT on the game. There is no uniform/standardized way in which it is implemented.

Oh noes?

Well here are the basic screen implementations:

Horizontal Plus: Basically they take the image displayed on a 4:3 and tack on the sides. This results in an INCREASED field of view. The Source Engine's implementation of wide screen is Horizontal Plus (which means you can see MORE horizontally than the people using 4:3 - a distinct advantage). I think CoD4's implementation is like this too. See pics below

CSS Full Screen (4:3)
CSS Wide Screen (16:10)

CoD 4 Full Screen (4:3)
CoD 4 Wide Screen (16:10)

Vertical Minus: This is the opposite of Horizontal Plus. As far as gamers go, this sucks. Basically they take the image displayed on 4:3 and crop it down to 16:10. So you see LESS then people with full screen. :

A quick example of this that I remember is BioShock.

BioShock FOV 4:3 vs 16:10

The image is obviously a 4:3 full screen image but the 'red' area is chopped off for wide screen users. 2K games finally wised up and fixed it to Horizontal Plus after a patch.

Pixel Based: This basically holds true regardless of what aspect ratio you use. It will display an image based on your resolution (higher resolutions see more regardless if 4:3 or 16:10). 2D games are usually like this.

Stretch: This implementation is basically stretching the image from 4:3 to 16:10. So things will appear 'fat' on the screen and basically will look like crap.

*Above pictures from WideScreenGamingForums

Now if the CoD4/CSS pics didn't show you and you need written reinforcement, Wide Screen monitors (again dependent on implementation) can give you a visual advantage. You have a wider field of view and therefore can see/cover more in game. Think of it this way, you can see a guy who's on 4:3 before they can see you.

-PsYkHoTiK

On a side note, WSGF is a GREAT resource for wide screen gaming (big surprise huh?). You can pretty much find a hack for games that doesn't properly/support wide screen gaming (they can help you turn the stupid Vertical Minus to a Horizontal Plus). If there is a way, it is posted there.

Also, there are some monitors that you can rotate and that just opens up a whole new can on stuff you can do.
My Dual Wide Screen setup tilted

Creative Commons

I have been pondering on this for quite a while. I am all for helping people. After all, I freely share knowledge to anyone willing to lend an ear (or eyes for that matter). But I guess credit must always be due where credit is due (I personally always give links in my writings - a blog has made citations a cinch!). And I do at times spend quite a great deal of time talking on various things (educational hopefully).

So I am placing my blog under the creative commons license. This would allow practically anyone to reuse, re-edit, paraphrase, distribute, etc etc as long as it is for non-commercial purposes (any other purposes would have to be requested - and as long as you aren't charging people for anything, it most probably won't be a problem).

Here is to me providing my readers (existing or imaginary) quality content as I always do (from time to time haha).

Omurice!

While scanning around for some types of Japanese foods that I really want to try out, I ran across this thing called 'Omurice'. It kinda reminded me of a certain dish that I used to frequent in Malaysia 5 years ago (has it really been that long?!). It's similar to Nasi Goreng Pattaya (Nasi Goreng = Fried Rice) that I used to go nuts over in Malaysia. After that, I ran across how to make it online (aka e-recipe) that seemed authentic enough (from Japanese) and pretty much had to try it out (seemed to be easy enough).

Omurice

It tastes somewhat simillar taste to it (tomato paste + ketchup, dash of chicken stock cube, apart from the staple oil+garlic+onion with chicken). Fairly interesting and I will definitely make a version 2 one day (with revised recipe).

Oishi! :D

A CCCP like install for Ubuntu

I happen to have a wide array of video formats that I regularly use. For Windows, I have CCCP that does the job. But I need something for Ubuntu.

I happened to run across this one way around it. Given that it installs a HUGE amount of data (~250MB) but you can then pretty much play anything after that.

Fire up Synaptic Package Manager (under System --> Administration) and search for "ubuntu-restricted-extras".

I can now play my various files (and change audio and subs).

Also, I prefer to use Mplayer Movie Player (you can get it from Add/Remove under Applications).

Soundblaster X-Fi Drivers on Ubuntu

I covered the NVIDIA drivers previously so now it is the audio's turn (both are quite essential in everyday usage :p ).

First of all, I downloaded the driver source and extracted it to my home folder.

After that, we need to install dependencies:
sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-`uname -r`

I then fire up the command line and type in the below to change directory:
cd ~/XFiDrv_Linux_Public_US_1.00
make
sudo make install

After that go to System --> Preferences --> Sound and make sure that the sound card appears.

Done! :)

Damn Creative... They are well known for having the most atrocious half assed drivers in the industry. But this really dips to new lows. I have just found out that the current 'drivers' only support 2.0 Stereo. WTF?! That is a major deal breaker for me. I can't really use Ubuntu if I can't at least get 2.1 if not surround through my optical out. GG Creative.

How to auto mount NTFS network folders/drives on Ubuntu (fstab)

Great great guide for something that is relatively complex to do.

GUIDE

For what its worth, I installed NTFS Configuration Tool prior to this (or else you will not be able to see anything when you manually mount the folder). Look for it under Applications --> Add/Remove (make sure to have the drop down menu that is to the left of the search field on 'All Available Applications'.

IMPORTANT

After following the above guide, drop these into your command lines:
cd /etc/rc6.d
ls -la

You should see :
Swpa-ifupdown the nr is probably 15 and
Sumountnfs.sh that nr is probably 31

Type: sudo mv S31umountnfs.sh S14umountnfs.sh

cd /etc/rc0.d
ls -la

You should see :
Swpa-ifupdown the nr is probably 15 and
Sumountnfs.sh that nr is probably 31

Type: sudo mv S31umountnfs.sh S14umountnfs.sh

SOURCE

Why was this important? Well so you won't have to wait 20+ seconds when you shutdown due to the error from having the network manager shutdown before network locations are unmounted.

Yay!

Getting dual monitors to run (NVIDIA) in Ubuntu

This one was kinda tricky. Spent quite a while wondering WTF and Googleing my life away. It was actually pretty simple.

First of all install the graphics drivers (NVIDIA in my case). To do this you can either go to System --> Administration --> Hardware Drivers (pick the latest) or System --> Preferences --> Appearance --> click on the Visual Effects Tab and choose Extra (it will then prompt a driver DL though it didn't use the latest one for me).

After it is done installing, it will then state that it needs a restart to take effect.

After restarting, fire up the command line (Applications -- Accessories --> Terminal) type the below:

sudo nvidia-settings

A window titled 'NVIDIA X Server Settings' will then pop up and from there go to the Display Configuration and set the TwinView settings properly.

Example of mine:
All done! :)

Ubuntu on Teh Desktop

Since I am kinda tired of trying to run my half dead laptop, I decided that it would be a good time to try and dual boot Ubuntu with Windows. Now just to test things out, I used an expendable hdd that currently housed my Windows 7 Beta x64 (haha). Installation seemed to go pretty well. Also discovered tons of stuff as well.

Rather than repeatedly emailing myself links and notes, I figured that I would simply post it on here so that my (imaginary or otherwise) readers could somehow potentially benefit from it as well.

Enjoy! :D

I want a new laptop

That runs Ubuntu that is (Dual boot Windows of course). I really have been looking for a viable replacement for the dinky dino that is my current ASUS laptop (that I am typing on currently).

Though I must say, now is a some what precarious time to buy a laptop/computer. The awesomeness that is Windows 7 is just around the corner (haha don't really want to buy another copy of that OS when it rolls out x_X). With it, will be DX11 followed/superseded by all the wondrous native running hardware. Sigh.

What makes it even tougher is that I have discovered a laptop that I genuinely think would be pretty damn awesome. Sigh... :(

I have been looking for a worthy laptop to spend some of my impeding tax rebate on. One of the laptops that has really caught my eye previously was the Toshiba Satellite A305. Seemed to have the decent balance of purdy-ness paired with some decent ponies (and a dedicated graphics card).

But alas I found an even better one. It is the upcoming Lenovo IdeaPad Y550 (slated for a release this month). It's top of the line big brethern has already been released (Y650). Supposedly, the Y550 will retain most if not all of the features the Y650 has (probably slightly lower hardware). But hey, at 1 inch think and niceties such as multi-touch touchpad (say that 3 times quick!), Centrino 2 1066FSB goodness, DDR3, LED backlit LCD, and a purdy hexagonal embossed lid. It could just be the winning factor for me to jump on it, shrink the partition, and install Ubuntu as a dual boot. HMM......... We'll see... Meanwhile I'll salivate on these purdy pictures.

*Sigh*

E-Sigh....

Looks like this dino laptop is finally showing its true colors. I've covered in the past how slow this thing is (and lack of a larger resolution). Now after all the weeks of wonderful battery life i have been enjoying, the battery it seems, is finally flaking out on me. I can no longer charge it to 100% (instead it struggles to get to 70%) and the battery discharges while the power chord is hooked up. How fugged up is that?

Since a battery is somewhat a 'key' component of a laptop, it goes beyond my threshold on how much dough I would spend to get this running. I would just much rather get a newer machine and have a nice, fast, smooth, and larger resolution then spend some big change (that I still don't have hahaha, - Economy 1 - PsYkHoTiK 0).

Oh, did I mention that even with the chord attached and with 'full' charge, it randomly kills the laptop (aka turns it off suddenly like it ran out of power). It would defeat the purpose of having a laptop if I always had to have a cable hooked up to it... Oh good times.... :\

New laptop, I will be waiting for you, and with it, a boot (if not dual boot) of Ubuntu (preferably the x64 variant). *E-Sigh*

I has new WiFi

In a previous post, I wrote about my resurrected laptop (the ancient dino) that has the old 802.11b wireless (Intel PRO/Wireless 2100). Now I have received my new Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 BG and I am now enjoying 802.11G speeds.

The tear down and replacement wasn't overly hard. Ubuntu once again made the driver issue relatively painless (the ipw2200 drivers were immediately seamlessly installed).

Next would hopefully be a probable modest update in processor (if I can find a cheap Banias core CPU that is).

Old WiFi (installed) beside the 'new' card

Striking down a bottleneck on the Laptop

I love 'new' toys. :)

A problem I have with the laptop (apart from the stupid laptop keyboard, stupid touchpad - I hate touch pads coz my thumbs keep grazing them when I type at my 82WPM speed, stupidly low amount of RAM, and stupidly little USB ports) is with the slow 802.11b WiFi. Meh. 11Mbits just doesn't cut it when I wanna browse and stream my big FLAC files all over WiFi. :\

The current first gen Intel Centrino dinky PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter that is on my laptop is about to be replaced! I ran across an Intel PRO/Wireless LAN 2200BG 3B Mini PCI Adapter that will give me a more modern 802.11g 54Mbits of WiFi wholesome goodness. Best of all,it was $12 on fleabay and it should arrive this week or next. GOD SPEED!

Scott's Top 10 FREE Software

Well I'm gonna cheat and divide it half Windows, half Ubuntu/Linux. A little something for everyone *shrugs*. Linkies are complimentary. Enjoy dear internet readers (if there are people who actually read or otherwise).

Windows
1) Foobar2000
LINK
WIKI
By far, my favorite music player for Windows (haha had to recently redefine it to my now broader usage of OS's). Highly tweakable interface and output. and has superior sound quality. WMP? iTunes? Foobar2000 FTW!

2) μTorrent
LINK
WIKI
Download much? Want less resources to use (aka light footprint)? Want control over the use of a BT client (disable DHT, encryption, set max ups and downs and # of peers/connections - aka not killing your home router). Look no further. :)

3) IMGBurn
LINK
WIKI
Hate the bloat that Nero has become lately? Hate Nero wasting your precious Taiyo Yuden Japanese disc media? Want something free and simple and works? Give this thing a shot. I love it to bits (and no more wasted discs).

4) Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP)
LINK
WIKI
I absolutely love this codec pack. It will pretty much allow you to play all the videos file formats (dual audio, subs, etc) right through Windows Media Player. Unlike some, I actually really love WMP 11. I don't like other players (Zoom, WMP Classic, etc) for Windows. CCCP allows me to keep using it (there is a full installation minus players options during install - and make sure to force Haali Media Splitter by checking the box). Watch in peace my brethren.

5) Mozilla Firefox
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You think I would forget my favorite browser? Firefox is probably a prime example of the best of what the freeware/open source community can do for multiple platforms. It is a true success story. How successful? Well about ~21% market share (second behind Microsoft's Internet Explorer) worth. But at least there is some friendly competition going on between number one and number two (doesn't appear to be as ugly as the IE vs Netscape from a way back when). So nice infact, that they got not one, but two cakes from the IE Dev team. Aww... :)

Honrable mentions: CutePDF, 7-zip, CPU-z (VERY narrowly edged out), Exact Audio Copy (number 1 ripping tool. Forget the rest, make sure to rip in FLAC... :p ).

Whew!

Ubuntu
The links may or may not work (and may not matter for the matter). Regardless, look them up in your respective package manager. I somehow don't think this half will be too challenging though (hey everything is open source right?). Though please go easy on me, I have just had Ubuntu for like 3 days LMAO.

1) Ubuntu itself
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WIKI
Hahaha. What can I say? It is free. And it totally saved a good part of the day for my friends today. Stuff worked as soon as it was installed. Everything from my sound, to my WiFi, to the battery meter, to the volume control buttons on the laptop just worked. And, it comes included with #2.

2) Mozilla Firefox
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WIKI
Hahaha. Included with the Ubuntu version I have (8.10). Cross platform FTW!

3) BMPx
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This is so far my favorite player for Ubuntu. Hey, it includes built in Last.fm support (for my scrobbling, I need a separate client for my main Vista x64 machine). Plays my preferred audio format (FLAC - anyone who really knows me, knows that I am a BIG FLAC nut - a requirement for everything I use that involves digital music playback). And most importantly for a big Ubuntu/Linux n00b, support for a mounted music folder (that is in NTFS - though that partly is due to the NTFS File Configurator I have installed too I suppose), built in lyrics download (you can view details of the song and grab the lyrics. About everything I'd want right now (as a Ubuntu n00b). Though it doesn't really have the level of tweaking that I am used to with Foobar2000. Probably the only downside I see. Amarok seems to be a decent player (tons of stuff to mess with) but for the life of me, can't seem to figure out how to get it to see my mounted NTFS folder. Need something that 'Just Works' for now. I guess I really should give hydrogenaudio.org a visit. But, on the flipside, this is a ancient relic of a machine with uber old pre Intel High Definition Audio onboard sound. Meh, will probably just stick with BMPx I suppose. That or listen to my FLAC Trekstor Vibez seperately.

4) MPlayer
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This is one of the best players I've tried. I currently have VLC installed as well as the included Movie Player with Ubuntu. This one seems to just be more willing to play the various video containers I have (with all of the GStreamer codecs I downloaded that is). So I am reasonably comfortable putting this and number 4.

5) Screenlets
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WIKI
I love having widgets on the right side of the screen. I use it a lot in Vista and I totally love the ones in the Windows 7 Beta. So here I was wondering if there was anything I could use on Ubuntu, and I ran across a mention of Screenlets. Sure there are other alternatives but I tried it and liked it so done. Hahaha! Now I get my CPU, RAM, Swap file, CPU Temperature, and local weather (also have it on the top 'taskbar'). Happy me.

Honorable Mentions: tons of others, just go look coz that's what I'm doing too. :o

If you guys would like to chime in on anything that you felt needs a mention anywhere, feel free to drop a comment. :)

Ubuntu saved the day

So today, I was hanging out with my buddies who wanted to learn how to set up a web server (well one of them was teaching, the other was learning, and I just wanted to play some more with Ubuntu while hanging out with them) that consisted of Apache, PHP, and MySQL. (please know that I am totally nub) So our plan was to chill out with two laptops (one my Ubuntu system, and the other a Windows machine - No open source people, it is not what you think... ;) ). Unfortunately, there was a mission critical issue that we faced as the Windows machine was unable to function (due to a left at home crucial component - aka the power brick + plug). I told them, if they can bear the slowness ancient dinosaur that my laptop is, they are more than welcomed to set up a webserver on it (for localhost) to mess around with (haha me being a true Utilitarian).

So they took me up on the offer and to make things more accessible, we hooked it up to a bigger monitor (haha we sheepishly found how to mirror the laptop monitor to it), hooked up a USB keyboard and mouse and to me and my friend's complete surprise, it simply worked (in the words of Ubuntu). The thing that I've heard is it either works or it doesn't (which the latter tends to happen at times and when it does, you're pretty much boned - no FUD intended, just being objective).

Then setting up Apache, PHP, and MySQL, was real easy through the command line (again, I am teh nub - so no hate kthxbai). A far cry from the hour and a half it took on my 'normal' machine (again it is still my main machine - definitely not replacing it with Ubuntu). After that, it was smooth sailing and the lesson commenced (while I nodded kinda sorta understanding what was going on from a conceptual-though-not-really-technical point of view) and everybody was teh happy (and we all celebrated by stuffing our faces - kinda regretting that now though).

Yay?

Ubuntu

For those of you who aren't sure WTF 'Ubuntu' is, it apparently is Zulu for 'Humanity for others'. But specifically, it is the name of a Linux distribution (that is one of the more popular ones).

I have this reasonably really ancient old laptop (ASUS M2400N) that has been crawling on Windows XP (*gasp* I am starting to sound like a Linux User - joking). The (then) current build of XP on this dinosaur of a laptop was woefully full of spyware viruses due to years of coupon searching and god knows what else (hey it wasn't my laptop). It was also corrupted (BSOD after a few minutes of the aeons it took to boot up). Now I have copies of OS' lying around (even have a copy of XP Pro SP2 that I could have installed in its stead), but I chose to be a bit more adventurous and installed Ubuntu 8.10 32bit (yes yes, old hardware).

Well at least thats what I thought. I booted up the CD and after selecting to install Ubuntu 8.10, I was met with a single blinking cursor on the top left cornet of the screen. Upon further research (aka Google), I found out that I needed to update the BIOS on this dino. And there are only two ways. One is to use a floppy (hah on a laptop = teh funnies) or use a CD (didnt want to waste a CD), or flash it through Windows. So guess what did I do. I reinstalled windows so I could flash the BIOS (lol me being me), and tried everything again. And there we go! Installation started without skipping a beat. Since I didn't really know what I was doing, I let Ubuntu decide for me how to install (and they formatted the puny hard drive).

Now I have to say, I always had this perception of Linux being something not very user friendly (especially a prime Windows user - haha that won't change due to the gaming I do) that basically required a lot of 'effort' to get going. I am however pleased to say that I was completely wrong. Right away from the start, I was completely blown away by how everything was set up. I had sound, nice resolution, and a little window popped up telling my that it detected my home wifi. Laptop battery meter was showing how much juice I still had left. And the speed of it all! Booted up like a champ in record time.

One thing that I think is pretty cool (in a geek like kinda way) is the Synaptic Package Manager. I was quick to learn that this is how most of the stuff is installed on Linux (no real complains). Find something you want, fire up the package manager and go look for it and select it for download (it will prompt for other required components). The benefits that I see from this immediately is that 1) You won't be downloading crap, and 2) it helps update things for you (yay!). Another thing that I really like is that you have a 'virtual' dual screen (workspace) that you can switch back and fourth easily.

So first impressions were real good.

Now to figure out how to get it to do what I wanted to do. First thing that came to mind was how to connect it to my Windows Home Server to access my media. Fortunately, I could already view the computers that were hooked up to the home network. But then after loging into my Windows Home Server, I was met with a blank screen. HMM! Quick google stated that I needed something to read NTFS (the preferred file system on Windows XP/Vista). So I fired up the Package Manager and got myself the NTFS Configuration Tool. Set it up and success! I could now see all my stuff (after mounting the location as well). Next, I needed a music player to play my sonic FLAC goodness. I knew for a fact that my beloved Foobar2000 only worked on Windows (*sob*). A buddy of mine (who is a big UNIX/Linux nut) recommended me BMPx. I really love it! It even has a built in Last.fm scrobbler. Two birds with one stone! So far,I am pretty happy with the sound quality of it (I have one of my AudioTechnica headphones right now connected through the laptop).

Next up was a video player. For that, I use VLC and Mplayer (still trying out both). I can seem to play some stuff but I get stuttering. This is definitely due to the dinosaur wireless 802.11b module that is on this. DEFINITELY on my upgrade list (yay I get to take apart the keyboard on this laptop). Might as well check the processor and see if I should upgrade that as well (and more RAM I guess - only have like 700 odd MB left after shared video allocation). I definitely think that is worth my precious money to upgrade this machine a tad as I will most probably be using it more.

So if you have a spare system/hard drive/partition out there, give Ubuntu a spin. Lemme know if you guys figure out how to do some neeto stuff that newbies could do. I guess I will step into the world of command lines one day. But for now, I need to reteach myself how to get around a new OS (haha screenshots require a utility :o ).

Oh yeah, screen shot time!

That is my current lovely Ubuntu desktop. :)