A.P.P.L.E

I had no idea before I started to know a bit about computer hardware. (p/s, I never studied hardware in detail back during school time, as it was not included in my syllabus.) I was so noob back then when I wanted to purchase a computer.

Talking to the sales person, he shows you a list of hardware specifications in the catalogs or brochures. But you don’t quite understand his alien language, and your knowledge is just “how to use a computer” but not “how to build a computer”. Do you have such experience when you want to purchase a computer?

So today, I want to share with you my experience when you want to purchase a computer (or laptop). Most people thought that a branded computer (Acer, Compaq, etc) is always better than a clone (build up with several branded components) one. So which one to choose?

First of all, you must know what is the purpose of the computer that you are going to purchase. Is it for office use? Personal use? Gaming? Each purpose has different requirements.

Read more…

Adobe Photoshop CS3 has been in the market for a while. The Beta version was given free to the public by Adobe itself. But of course with a trial limit. In CS3, you can get more new cool features. Besides Magic Wand Tool, you have Quick Selection Tool that can help you to select the parts you want more accurately. Of course, there are many other more in CS3.

You can grab the Beta version for your own today. Read more…

Initially, I thought of filing this post under “Life Log” but since it relates to computer, I just file it under “Tech Stuff”. Not much to learn about this topic, but would love to mention my experience with networking.

I remember there was a module related to computer networking in my Bachelor’s degree course. However, since it was an online course, I didn’t have any practical for that. The thing I remember most is on how to calculate the subnet mask and other networking issue - very theory type.

However, as an IT support in my office, sometimes I have to mess around with the networking configuration and cables. The cables here refers to Cat 5, or Category 5 in full. But Category 5 has been superseded by the Category 5e (CAT5e) specification. Not going into details as I am not a pro in this.

All I know is just very basic troubleshooting of computer network, like accessing the router page to tweak the configuration or mess with the TCP/IP, proxy setting.

Few days ago, a friend of mine ask me how to access the router page. Well, base on my experience, it defers from the router/modem model.  Basically, here are some possible values that able to access to the router page:

192.168.0.1
192.168.1.1
10.0.0.2

Although sometimes I like to complain about my job, I did learn something for sure - very practical technical skills, I mean.

I have always wanted to learn using Ubuntu Linux. After I ordered and received the free Ubuntu Live CD (version 7.04), I tried to install it to my laptop but somehow I did something wrong and nearly ruined everything. After that, I put Ubuntu aside and never touch it again (except when something wrong happen to the computer which runs on Ubuntu in the office).

Until recently, I feel the urge to set a path for Ubuntu in my learning process. So last week, I installed Ubuntu 7.04 to my BenQ Joybook A32 laptop. Installation is always easy and few clicks away, but have to be careful on the hard disk partition especially when you want to have dual OS (Windows and Linux) in your computer.

Choose “Start or install Ubuntu” after booting the Live CD to install Ubuntu

Read more…

Pikom organized a 3-day-PC fair here, in Kuching. I believe most of us in Malaysia know that now is the PC fair season. The past three days, a lot of people went to the PC fair. Of course I was there too. I went there on the first and last day. Arrived there quite late on the first day. Just managed to take a look around and do some price survey and bought a Canon PIXMA iP1880 printer on behalf of the company, at the price of RM148. And yesterday (the last day of PC fair), I saw the price had dropped to RM138. =.=

I GB Kingston pendrive

The PC fair is not as large in size like the one I attended years ago back in PWTC, Kuala Lumpur.

Read more…