- Testing out IntenseDebate and replacing the built in commenting system with something more efficient and manageable.
- Clearing up the sidebar menu with less clutter.
- Oh yeah an About Me page.
Friday, June 24, 2011
small blog modifications
Sunday, February 13, 2011
should i get a wireless router with an integrated modem?
A friend asked me about which wireless router should he get. I told him to get a router only since he showed me that he had an existing ADSL modem.
He asked how did I come to that conclusion?
Well, I didn't really give him a good answer. Instead he told me that the advantage of having one with an integrated modem uses only one electric socket.
Maybe it's time to put this answer to rest.
Using a router without a built in modem
Advantages
Using a router with a built in modem
Advantages
Well, I hope this answer will provide some light to this dilemma. If I get this question again, I would definitely point this page to them.
He asked how did I come to that conclusion?
Well, I didn't really give him a good answer. Instead he told me that the advantage of having one with an integrated modem uses only one electric socket.
Maybe it's time to put this answer to rest.
Using a router without a built in modem
Advantages
- More variety - In actual fact most of the top performing routers in the market are the standalone types. You can have it in any kind you wanted whether you could load it up with custom firmware such as DD-WRT, Tomato, big or small, upgradable antennas, design, etc.
- Easy upgrade of gateway/modem type - Let's say in the future you have upgraded to a fiber connection or you decided to use 3G or WiMAX. Just plug your old modem out, plug the new one in, a little configuration and done. You don't have to reset your local network settings again.
- Maintainability - Imagine that your modem was fried by a lightning strike or your modem went haywire. It's easier to replace the modem rather than replacing the whole modem/router combo device. In dollar sense, a typical ADSL modem would run you RM59.00. A new modem/router would cost you approximately RM100.00. Which do you think it's cheaper to replace. Although there are some modem/routers that are cheaper than the standalone ADSL modem, it's just another perspective of looking at this situation.
- Less available electrical sockets - As mentioned by my friend, a modem/router uses only one plug to power everything. Enough said.
- Less clutter - less cables running behind the desk, and cleaner looking workspace.
Using a router with a built in modem
Advantages
- Less clutter
- More electrical sockets available
- Messy upgrade (if you are not tech savvy) - Once you replace everything, you need to enter your network settings all over again. If you got a new Internet connection type, it would be quite tough to upgrade since it only has one type.
Well, I hope this answer will provide some light to this dilemma. If I get this question again, I would definitely point this page to them.
Monday, January 31, 2011
panic! my computer doesn't have the necessary drivers for windows 7
As written at the back of the The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, DON'T PANIC.
Here are some general tips on how to get it working with Windows 7.
1. Check the System Requirements
First start with checking the system requirements of what version of Windows 7 are you going to install.
Alternatively you can use the upgrade advisor/list or just search on your favourite search engine like "dell inspiron 1420 windows 7".
2. Research
As mentioned in the previous point, searching on your favourite search engine on whether your machine will work Sometimes you will get drivers in your search results. If you are using laptops or some specialized desktops, some of the devices will not work. For example, I installed Windows 7 Ultimate for my friend's Dell Inspiron 1420, the sound will not come out of the built-in speakers due to a driver issue. Nevertheless, you must be prepared to sacrifice some features that originally came with it.
3. Reinstall the Previous Operating System
This must be crazy but it does have a use for it. You can see what's the brand and model for each hardware component so that you can list it down for your research.
4. Get the Latest Drivers
Go to the component manufacturer's website to see if they provide drivers. Some won't and will.
For instance, Intel will provide drivers for their wireless chipsets, chipset drivers, SATA drivers, display drivers and so. You can use them. NVIDIA however has universal drivers for most recent laptop graphic card drivers but do check for incompatibilities. As for ATI however, it will require some research but there is a free tool called the Mobility Modder. Check the forums before you use this tool to check if this method works.
5. Vista Drivers Work Too
If your computer has included Windows Vista drivers, don't be despaired, you can reuse them again although some of them will not work with it.
6. Use Windows Update or the Windows Update Catalog
In the Device Manager window, right click the problematic hardware and select the option to get updated drivers and select to search automatically online.
Alternatively you can also use the Windows Update Catalog at http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/ and search for the drivers that is needed for your hardware.
I hope these tips provide an upstart for your next step in upgrading your operating system to Windows 7 but most importantly, you need patience, a desire to learn new things (even if you don't understand tech) and do your research properly before investing in a copy of Windows 7.
Here are some general tips on how to get it working with Windows 7.
1. Check the System Requirements
First start with checking the system requirements of what version of Windows 7 are you going to install.
Alternatively you can use the upgrade advisor/list or just search on your favourite search engine like "dell inspiron 1420 windows 7".
2. Research
As mentioned in the previous point, searching on your favourite search engine on whether your machine will work Sometimes you will get drivers in your search results. If you are using laptops or some specialized desktops, some of the devices will not work. For example, I installed Windows 7 Ultimate for my friend's Dell Inspiron 1420, the sound will not come out of the built-in speakers due to a driver issue. Nevertheless, you must be prepared to sacrifice some features that originally came with it.
3. Reinstall the Previous Operating System
This must be crazy but it does have a use for it. You can see what's the brand and model for each hardware component so that you can list it down for your research.
4. Get the Latest Drivers
Go to the component manufacturer's website to see if they provide drivers. Some won't and will.
For instance, Intel will provide drivers for their wireless chipsets, chipset drivers, SATA drivers, display drivers and so. You can use them. NVIDIA however has universal drivers for most recent laptop graphic card drivers but do check for incompatibilities. As for ATI however, it will require some research but there is a free tool called the Mobility Modder. Check the forums before you use this tool to check if this method works.
5. Vista Drivers Work Too
If your computer has included Windows Vista drivers, don't be despaired, you can reuse them again although some of them will not work with it.
6. Use Windows Update or the Windows Update Catalog
In the Device Manager window, right click the problematic hardware and select the option to get updated drivers and select to search automatically online.
Alternatively you can also use the Windows Update Catalog at http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/ and search for the drivers that is needed for your hardware.
I hope these tips provide an upstart for your next step in upgrading your operating system to Windows 7 but most importantly, you need patience, a desire to learn new things (even if you don't understand tech) and do your research properly before investing in a copy of Windows 7.
adventures with the aztech 705e adsl modem
What the heck is the Aztech 705E ADSL2/2+ Ethernet Modem Router?
It's a modem that is also a router with 1 Ethernet port. Basically the idea is that you can use it as a standalone modem or connect it to what kind of networking device like a router, a wireless access point or a switch.
A quick survey from the market shows that most wireless routers and wired routers now come with a built-in DSL modem for the purpose of space saving convenience and less wire clutter and most of the big brands don't really offer a standalone modem now.
More information about this router can be found here: http://www.aztech.com/my/adsl_dsl705e.html
How's Installation Like?
It depends on your network setup. Here are a few scenarios to gauge its difficulty in setting it up:
A. Using as a standalone modem with auto-connect
Connect everything. Either use the CD included or just type in the IP address of the modem and follow the instructions. That was quite easy with either way.
B. Using as a bridged modem (on-demand connection using the computer/router)
Initially when I bought the modem, it was just plugging to my router and be done with it. Well it's not that simple. I scratched my head why it didn't connect and quickly refer to the documentation included on the CD. The documentation was not quite well written, so I resorted to looking for a way to do so without the term bridging. After reading several posts, I realized I need to set in bridge mode but most of them do not seem to have instructions on how to do so. The documentation did say something about bridge mode but I couldn't get the screen exactly as I want. (I was doing that until 3am)
I finally found how to do it via the quick setup. Either I am blind, blur or just simply too eager to get connected, I should have slept first.
Here's how.
1. If you have modified some settings and you couldn't get it in order, I suggest you reset the modem with a paperclip to set it in default settings.
2. Access the modem's setup page with the user and password credentials and select quick setup.
3. Select Bridge mode.
4. If your ISP has any customized settings, please ask them. For TM Streamyx users, just use the default settings.
5. Finally tick the option to bridge and save the settings.
Why Did You Buy It?
The modem provided by Telekom Malaysia which is the ZTE ZXDSL 831 went kaput after it failed to initialize. I wanted to get a D-Link but there wasn't much choice and I need one fast, so I opted for this one.
(I hate using their current branding. Don't you think TM is more like trademark? TMnet however sounds like a better brand in my opinion but things in Telekom often go wrong especially if its a government-linked company that monopolizes the wired Internet service in Malaysia.)
What's Your Take On The Modem?
There is nothing much to say about modems unless you are really obsessed with speed. It works as it is and it's reasonably priced.
Positives
Neutral
It's a modem that is also a router with 1 Ethernet port. Basically the idea is that you can use it as a standalone modem or connect it to what kind of networking device like a router, a wireless access point or a switch.
A quick survey from the market shows that most wireless routers and wired routers now come with a built-in DSL modem for the purpose of space saving convenience and less wire clutter and most of the big brands don't really offer a standalone modem now.
More information about this router can be found here: http://www.aztech.com/my/adsl_dsl705e.html
How's Installation Like?
It depends on your network setup. Here are a few scenarios to gauge its difficulty in setting it up:
A. Using as a standalone modem with auto-connect
Connect everything. Either use the CD included or just type in the IP address of the modem and follow the instructions. That was quite easy with either way.
B. Using as a bridged modem (on-demand connection using the computer/router)
Initially when I bought the modem, it was just plugging to my router and be done with it. Well it's not that simple. I scratched my head why it didn't connect and quickly refer to the documentation included on the CD. The documentation was not quite well written, so I resorted to looking for a way to do so without the term bridging. After reading several posts, I realized I need to set in bridge mode but most of them do not seem to have instructions on how to do so. The documentation did say something about bridge mode but I couldn't get the screen exactly as I want. (I was doing that until 3am)
I finally found how to do it via the quick setup. Either I am blind, blur or just simply too eager to get connected, I should have slept first.
Here's how.
1. If you have modified some settings and you couldn't get it in order, I suggest you reset the modem with a paperclip to set it in default settings.
2. Access the modem's setup page with the user and password credentials and select quick setup.
3. Select Bridge mode.
4. If your ISP has any customized settings, please ask them. For TM Streamyx users, just use the default settings.
5. Finally tick the option to bridge and save the settings.
Why Did You Buy It?
The modem provided by Telekom Malaysia which is the ZTE ZXDSL 831 went kaput after it failed to initialize. I wanted to get a D-Link but there wasn't much choice and I need one fast, so I opted for this one.
(I hate using their current branding. Don't you think TM is more like trademark? TMnet however sounds like a better brand in my opinion but things in Telekom often go wrong especially if its a government-linked company that monopolizes the wired Internet service in Malaysia.)
What's Your Take On The Modem?
There is nothing much to say about modems unless you are really obsessed with speed. It works as it is and it's reasonably priced.
Positives
- Reasonably priced (around RM70 or so)
- Works as it is
- Well made
Neutral
- User interface for the modem
- The necessity of the software to set up your modem
- Documentation. Needs to be clearer about it and probably include some scenarios for less tech-savvy people on getting it to work for their network setup.
- Especially on hot days, it gets hotter on the bottom of the modem for which you need to get it cooled down.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
KB979909 repeated updates
Problem:
Repeated Windows Updates caused by KB979909 (.NET Framework 3.5 Patch). Yes, it has been bugging me a few times because of that. Problem happened on Windows XP SP3 Home Edition.
Solution:
Reset your entire .NET Framework installations (from 1.x to the current version).
I used the instruction available from here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976982
Now that's settled, I would like to get back to more Fringe goodness and rootbeer ice cream float.
Repeated Windows Updates caused by KB979909 (.NET Framework 3.5 Patch). Yes, it has been bugging me a few times because of that. Problem happened on Windows XP SP3 Home Edition.
Solution:
Reset your entire .NET Framework installations (from 1.x to the current version).
I used the instruction available from here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976982
Now that's settled, I would like to get back to more Fringe goodness and rootbeer ice cream float.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
the software preloaded onto the external drives we buy
In the past, I usually recommend people to buy their external hard drives by buying a hard disk enclosure/case and a roomiest hard drive they can afford with their budget.
As time goes by, more and more people buy prepackaged external drives from various manufacturers such as Western Digital MyBook/Elements or Seagate Expansion/FreeAgent that are ready to use. The problem with this however is that, in the event the drive fails, you can't reuse the case again with another brand of hard drive (well maybe in the case of Buffalo, LaCie which uses various manufacturers for their products) and the preloaded software.
The reason why I have to write this piece of rant is because of the software. I don't mind if the case I use can't be reused again but the software preloaded is annoying.
I have always wandered why do they always have to dump software they claims it makes it better or to always differentiate themselves from the competition. Some do it for the extra cash, some think they know their customers better and there are some reasons we may never know why they will do that.
Back to the point.
If you are lucky, like for instance, the Seagate FreeAgent drive, the software that comes with it is preloaded onto the root of the drive, so it's easy to remove it by hitting the reformatting button and presto, it's squeaky clean!
If you are the ones who bought Western Digital external drives preloaded with this software called "SmartWare", you may have a chance of removing it.
I wanted to buy a WD Passport Studio drive because it has the FireWire port (since my PC's USB ports got shot down and I forgot that I still have a FireWire port courtesy of my Creative SoundBlaster Live! Audigy2 ZS sound card). I did my research as usual, read their brochure saying all their software is good for backing up and so on and when I read the manual, this is when my enthusiasm for the drive went rock bottom. Reading a manual helps you understand the nature of the product apart from reading the brochure.
The software was preloaded on the drive as a VIRTUAL CD DRIVE. Thank you, you useless manufacturer. By the way, as the time of this writing, there is no absolute way to get rid of it. I just want the drive only to backup my computer and there are even non-computer literate people know that they just want to drag and drop their files into it.
Here's my plea to all manufacturers of external drives:
1. Keep your hands off the drive. If you have to distribute the software, please do not put it as an autorun executable (that's for Windows) or even worse as a virtual CD like good old WD. Place it in a folder with a note in your package stating that if you want to use the software follow it to install. It's up to the user whether they want it there or not.
2. Think if this is a sound investment of doing this. Are you going to lose any customers because of your doings? I can see that some may start to alienate you but believe me, in the long run it does more damage. Didn't you learn anything from your marketing classes about making decisions that can shoot in your foot? What if the non-inclusion of such software in your offering makes it less attractive to consumers or your product ratings in the magazine went down like 0.1 point less? Hey, it still attracts customers who want a clean drive they can use outside the box.
3. LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS! Isn't that why your PR set up all those fancy forums, Facebook accounts and Twitter accounts for you to get feedback? If they have bought your products, give them a date to be assured that a tool to remove the software is present. Don't think it's a waste of time.
After reading this, I should have believed in my words of assembling a drive even though it will cost slightly more than the nearest competitor but alas it none of those distractions that allows me to store stuff in the drive. Some of you must be thinking, why didn't I do it?
This is Malaysia. The things I find interesting are sold here. Maybe I should start a company to cater to this.
Until another rant comes up, I shall be on a look out for drives which have the necessary connections I want and comes with no software or the utility to remove it.
As time goes by, more and more people buy prepackaged external drives from various manufacturers such as Western Digital MyBook/Elements or Seagate Expansion/FreeAgent that are ready to use. The problem with this however is that, in the event the drive fails, you can't reuse the case again with another brand of hard drive (well maybe in the case of Buffalo, LaCie which uses various manufacturers for their products) and the preloaded software.
The reason why I have to write this piece of rant is because of the software. I don't mind if the case I use can't be reused again but the software preloaded is annoying.
I have always wandered why do they always have to dump software they claims it makes it better or to always differentiate themselves from the competition. Some do it for the extra cash, some think they know their customers better and there are some reasons we may never know why they will do that.
Back to the point.
If you are lucky, like for instance, the Seagate FreeAgent drive, the software that comes with it is preloaded onto the root of the drive, so it's easy to remove it by hitting the reformatting button and presto, it's squeaky clean!
If you are the ones who bought Western Digital external drives preloaded with this software called "SmartWare", you may have a chance of removing it.
I wanted to buy a WD Passport Studio drive because it has the FireWire port (since my PC's USB ports got shot down and I forgot that I still have a FireWire port courtesy of my Creative SoundBlaster Live! Audigy2 ZS sound card). I did my research as usual, read their brochure saying all their software is good for backing up and so on and when I read the manual, this is when my enthusiasm for the drive went rock bottom. Reading a manual helps you understand the nature of the product apart from reading the brochure.
The software was preloaded on the drive as a VIRTUAL CD DRIVE. Thank you, you useless manufacturer. By the way, as the time of this writing, there is no absolute way to get rid of it. I just want the drive only to backup my computer and there are even non-computer literate people know that they just want to drag and drop their files into it.
Here's my plea to all manufacturers of external drives:
1. Keep your hands off the drive. If you have to distribute the software, please do not put it as an autorun executable (that's for Windows) or even worse as a virtual CD like good old WD. Place it in a folder with a note in your package stating that if you want to use the software follow it to install. It's up to the user whether they want it there or not.
2. Think if this is a sound investment of doing this. Are you going to lose any customers because of your doings? I can see that some may start to alienate you but believe me, in the long run it does more damage. Didn't you learn anything from your marketing classes about making decisions that can shoot in your foot? What if the non-inclusion of such software in your offering makes it less attractive to consumers or your product ratings in the magazine went down like 0.1 point less? Hey, it still attracts customers who want a clean drive they can use outside the box.
3. LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS! Isn't that why your PR set up all those fancy forums, Facebook accounts and Twitter accounts for you to get feedback? If they have bought your products, give them a date to be assured that a tool to remove the software is present. Don't think it's a waste of time.
After reading this, I should have believed in my words of assembling a drive even though it will cost slightly more than the nearest competitor but alas it none of those distractions that allows me to store stuff in the drive. Some of you must be thinking, why didn't I do it?
This is Malaysia. The things I find interesting are sold here. Maybe I should start a company to cater to this.
Until another rant comes up, I shall be on a look out for drives which have the necessary connections I want and comes with no software or the utility to remove it.
Monday, November 16, 2009
internet frustration
I came across this article from CNET Asia Blogs: Tete-A-Tech.
My thoughts are exactly the same about Malaysia's broadband. No matter how much we write in, blog, and say anything bad about our broadband, they won't listen.
Let's look at the situation:
Capping: Maxis, DiGi, Celcom
Throttling: P1
The category for the stupid one where they are saying "lalalalalalalala, I can't hear you!": Telekom Malaysia (TM sounds like using a trademark)
Conclusion: Do the right thing the next time the ballot box comes out. (I mean it!)
Next item:
My previous post indicates what they are proposing to improve the current situation.
What I am not sure is the speed do they really mean 10 megabits or megabytes per second
10 Mbps = 1.25 MBps
10 MBps = 80 Mbps (that's quite close to Singapore's current 100Mbps)
I don't buy any of this because it will be the same as usual. Talk only no action. There should be a new rule enforced: capping, throttling, and unreliable at a certain stage should have their ISP licence revoked. Through this way, I feel it will force them to wake up and upgrade their hardware and infrastructure so that the speed remains up to par. Antitrust should also apply to Telekom for broadband.
I think this post is more rubbish than my other posts as well. No direction, random and just simply plain words of rants.
EOF (End of File)
My thoughts are exactly the same about Malaysia's broadband. No matter how much we write in, blog, and say anything bad about our broadband, they won't listen.
Let's look at the situation:
Capping: Maxis, DiGi, Celcom
Throttling: P1
The category for the stupid one where they are saying "lalalalalalalala, I can't hear you!": Telekom Malaysia (TM sounds like using a trademark)
Conclusion: Do the right thing the next time the ballot box comes out. (I mean it!)
Next item:
My previous post indicates what they are proposing to improve the current situation.
What I am not sure is the speed do they really mean 10 megabits or megabytes per second
10 Mbps = 1.25 MBps
10 MBps = 80 Mbps (that's quite close to Singapore's current 100Mbps)
I don't buy any of this because it will be the same as usual. Talk only no action. There should be a new rule enforced: capping, throttling, and unreliable at a certain stage should have their ISP licence revoked. Through this way, I feel it will force them to wake up and upgrade their hardware and infrastructure so that the speed remains up to par. Antitrust should also apply to Telekom for broadband.
I think this post is more rubbish than my other posts as well. No direction, random and just simply plain words of rants.
EOF (End of File)
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