My Life With IT

Freezing Frames in Starhub Cable Vision

WishBoNe — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:21:30 +0000

My old Starhub box failed to work just a few days before. So, I had a replacement box that freezes at odd intervals as if the channels are playing pirated DVD. Each and every channel is affected. Thus, it was brought back to Vivocity to get another box.

However, the freezing game continues. What is the problem? I don’t know. I called up Starhub and the guy was very patient; he explained to me that it could be the switch or the cable wires that is causing the problem. I followed the instructions to a T. The first method was to connect directly to the TV channel. It worked beautifully.

Image via Wikipedia

The next was to switch the cables for the box and MaxOnline and see if it works. That failed miserably. In fact, I have absolutely no idea what is the problem. Changing the box is not an option now as the box is working fine. The cables in the walls are working find. Perhaps it’s the switch? I don’t know.

I have lost 4 days of non-TV because of the box supposedly being compatible with every TV despite it being a digital box. However, it seems to fail miserably when connected with MaxOnline. Why am I paying for both if both lines are not compatible?

Don’t tell me I have to upgrade my modem set too. 3 trips to Starhub? Oh my goodness. Someone please explain to me why a new digital box is not compatible with the old modem that was given. Analog or not, the cable wire is the same. The screws are tight.

I don’t like watching any TV channels that freeze every 5 seconds. That’s not I’m paying for more than 10 channels.

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Post tags: Starhub, television, Television channel

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I’m Bored of Facebook

WishBoNe — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:53:57 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Frankly speaking, a new toy is always fun to play with until you reach the stage of boredom. I am bored of Facebook. I still have incoming application requests and have resorted to blocking the applications as I find the them a hassle to keep myself active in more than 30 applications.

I read with amusement about the Facebook Anthem and found it rather endearing. Apparently, We didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel is popularly used to change the lyrics. I have more than 30 applications being loaded in my profile and it sure is loading very slowly.

It took me much sheer power to remove applications that I have no fancy for such as Ninjas vs Pirates, and other games that took too much time to upkeep the status. I’m hoping to remove Superpoke, Fun Wall, Make a Baby and other applications in future.

Facebook, it was good while it lasted.

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Why You Should Use easySafe

WishBoNe — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:28:57 +0000

I use a laptop and I store quite a number of data in it. It’s my precious. With today’s mobile technology getting more robust; free Wifi being offered at Starbucks, McDonald’s and more, it isn’t a wonder to see laptops being setup in those places.

To protect my data, Fast N Safe has a new product, easySafe that will protect the data. This is a hardware based cryptography product. Software tends to be decrypted more easily as we can see from websites that have experienced such cases.

For the mobile warriors, data such as clients’ and company’s information is very important. The loss will mean the integrity and the confidence level of the clients are affected badly. It is important to know that your laptop is safe from being compromised when someone steals it or lost.

Installation of easySafe is easy as you just plug it into the USB drive that can be found in the laptops or computers. easySafe will create a virtual storage space to store the sensitive and confidential data. This is transparent to the users and will not affect the user in anyway.

Hardware security is safer because without the easySafe, anyone else attempting to pry their eyes to look for the data will be disappointed as the data is encrypted and can only be decrypted by easySafe itself. easySafe is portable and it takes up not much space as most thumb drives these days are getting smaller too.

With easySafe, you can travel with a peace of mind.

easySafe can be purchased at the following places.

E2000 shop at Funan #05-02.
Tec-Drome Technology at Sim Lim Square #05-78 and #06-74.
IMM Challenger L2-49.

[Sponsored by Blog2u.sg]

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Reverse Funnel System Could be A Scam

WishBoNe — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:24:53 +0000

I haven’t tried it but I smell a fish there. If I were to use this system, I have to put in $5,000 and the money will grow. Or so it’s supposed to. Just take a look at this guy in his boxers out there in the freezing cold. There is a warning about how it works and how a business is to be setup.

Entrepreneurs who have experienced their own business failures and success will know. They have first hand knowledge of managing businesses. Business is tough. You can’t just sit at home fiddling with your website even though it is comfortable and think money will start pouring into your account.

I don’t know who Ty Coughlin is but a search threw up titles with the word ’scam’ ended up in the first page. Apparently, this guy has a lot of different domains trying to lure people into paying him money. This time, he’s looking for a business owner, via ProBlogger Job Boards, no less.

All sorts of marketing needs work. Lots of it. The initial work is usually the most difficult but the sweet fruits of labour is worth it. I have seen too many single page websites claiming that they have earned $7,000 per week and more. Each page design feels 1990s. The key is to use large bold red fonts to attract people into signing up.

Each package usually requires you to pay a minimum sum of $50. I don’t know how long such a system can last but apparently, during the downtimes of the economy, people are often turning to online hoping to earn quick bucks and not be stuck in the office from 8 - 6.

© WishBoNe for My Life With IT, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: business, Career, Entrepreneur, Home, Life, money, Work

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Blogging Isn’t What I Thought It Was

WishBoNe — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:44:38 +0000

I have blogged for more than 2 years with different platforms. When I first started out, I thought it was just to voice out my thoughts and feelings on things that affect me deeply. Albeit too deeply at times.

What I thought blogging was about:

I can just voice my thoughts.
I can vent my anger.
I can write anything I want.
I can earn some money.
I can blog for life.

What blogging has evolved:

I can’t just say anything about the bad bosses I had encountered.
I can’t identify the companies unless it’s positive. This is still debatable.
I can’t write about anything I want.
I get spammed.
I get comments about posts that I have written that talk about my perspective being wrong.
I can’t really earn peanuts if I am not famous enough in the blogsphere.
I can’t just rely on blogging alone.

I haven’t really lost interest in blogging here. I have been busy with looking at other concepts because I am jobless in a couple of weeks. I have tested a few of my concepts and it’s picking up slow because I haven’t inserted any sexy images for them. Besides, seductive images don’t work because they aren’t about exotic tastes.

I may reveal more of myself but at this moment, I am not ready. I hope to be able to do something useful in life for once besides mindless working. As for the perspectives being wrong, I am not wrong. You are.

© WishBoNe for My Life With IT, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blog, Career, Life, Privacy, Web, Work

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IT Project Managements are Tough

WishBoNe — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:17:22 +0000

I’ve done my share of IT projects for years. Throughout the years, I’ve often learnt some techniques from different teachers along the way. The different users I meet also gave me the opportunities to improvise despite being angry about the ways that things just change at their whims.

The Indecisive User

This user kept changing the requirements at every meeting. Likes to pick on things that aren’t functional. Is unable to decide if this function is more important than that function despite the impeding deadline.

Alternative: Give them the low down of the thing and confirm which are the important features to be rolled out 1st phase. Subsequent changes can be rolled out in the 2nd phase. This alternative may be time consuming but mention the word: budget in the communication tools and you’ll see miracles.

The Picky User

This user likes to pick on the colours, layout, functions, features and more. Even after massive overhaul based on the changes said, everything changes back to version 1 for the layouts, colours, functions and more.

Alternative: Backup every design for each phase and show them the demo upon the decided UAT date. Mentions keywords like user interface, budget and more. Hope for miracles.

The Forgetful User

This user likes to talk to you and forgets about it after that. Claims non-ownership even if the idea came from this user in the first place.

Alternative: Always follow up with an email listing the requirement changes and CC to the bosses who are involved. This way, you save yourself a major headache.

The Haughty User

This user has all the requirements laid out and likes to wait for you to fetch them to the UAT environment. Does not like to be delayed but will always be late for the testing. Prefers to talk to the higher authority than someone who is of a lower status.

Alternative: Send reminder emails about the date and venue. Include the test case. Let the higher authority know that you will be fetching them to the test environment. In the event the user wants the higher authority, let the higher authority know too.

The Know-it-all User

This user usually has some IT background and will instruct you how to develop, code and how the layout should look like. Sometimes, does not know what he/she wants. See The Indecisive User.

Alternative: Design a prototype and asked for more specifics as the requirements are often vague except for the programming portion.

The Want-it-all User

This user wants everything to work for the system. Likes the system to be 100% bug free. Prefers to have just 1 click and the system will do its magic. Expects the developers to be able to produce it in the shortest time possible when the requirements are not fully discussed. May be a little like The Haughty User.

Alternative: Give them the lowdown and explain that the system is unable to achieve everything if the deadline is too short to be able to fully test for 100% bug free launch. Send emails to confirm to prevent disputes. Documentations should include what the system is and isn’t able to perform.

I am not a project manager but I’ve seen mine using ways to calm down the users. There were times when I had to manage some projects on my own and recall how to handle it. While I’m not perfect, I learn them along the way.

© WishBoNe for My Life With IT, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: management, project, Technology

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30 Premium WordPress Themes to Be Won!

WishBoNe — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:12:26 +0000

It’s so exciting! There are 30 Premium WordPress Themes to be won! These are given away by WPThemeDesigner.com. Check out the prizes below.

1 Single-use License of John Cow Milk It Theme by John Cow

Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info

2 Single-use Licenses of Elegants Blubs WordPress Theme by Blog Perfume

Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info

2 Single-use Licenses for The Revolution by Brian Gardner

Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info

Premium Themes by Magnus Jepson

1 Single-use License of Polaroid Press
1 single-use License of Grunge Press
1 Single-use License of Portfolio Press

Price and Theme Info

1 Single-user License of Money Blogger Theme by BlogOhBlog

Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme info

2 Single-use Licenses of the Elite Theme by ElitebyDesign

Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info

Premium Themes by MotionTheme

1 Single-use License of Pirate Theme - Demo | Purchase
1 Single-use License of News Friendly Theme - Demo | Purchase
1 Single-use License of Easy Portfolio Theme - Demo | Purchase

1 Single-use License of TV Elements Premium Theme by WPelements

Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info

Premium Themes by PowerTheme

1 Single-use License of MagPress Theme - Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info
1 Single-use License of VideoDen Theme - Demo | Purchase | Price and Theme Info

Winners Choice Theme from Blogalized

Products | Order

Premium Themes by GraphPaperPress

1 Single-use License of F8 Portfolio Theme - Price and Theme info
1 Single-use License of F8 Remixed - Price and Theme info
1 Single-use License of Monochrome - Price and Theme info

Bonus:

Themes by Premiumnewstheme

3 Single-use Licenses of Fresh News
3 Single-use Licenses of LiveWire
3 Single-use Licenses of Gazette

Closing date: 30 June 2008

Contest link here.

[via RevieWOW]

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Post tags: Contest, Life, Web, WordPress

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Which PDA Phone?

WishBoNe — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:03:49 +0000

It is truly time for a replacement PDA phone. However, I’m still unable to decide which one to get despite the various choices of sexy PDAs available. Take the long wait for Sony Ericsson Xperia X1. The news for HTC Touch Diamond just came out too. It’s another piece of artwork by HTC.

HTC Diamond is so sexy that it reminds me of the coveted iPhone. The Asus Lamborghini ZX1 oozes with sleek form design too. Toshiba is known for producing laptops and desktops but this time, they want to let the world know that their Portege is also good enough to work as a PDA phone. See Toshiba Portege G810.

I’m thinking of HTC Touch Diamond, Asus Lamborghini ZX1 and MWg Zinc II. The problem? The first two are not launch yet. Was thinking of SE X1 but it’s a long wait. I just wonder if I would be able to afford the change. PDA phones are still expensive to buy.

© WishBoNe for My Life With IT, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Design, Gadgets, mobile, pda, Technology

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The Pros and Cons of Blogging

WishBoNe — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:45:39 +0000

I have come a long way. Testing various platforms before deciding on Wordpress that didn’t give me headaches until the widget part for 2.5.1. I have long suspected that I wasn’t famous enough, still isn’t despite my attempts at garnering more blog exposure.

There were even times I was suspecting that blogging could be bad and it is wrong. However, my love for penning my thoughts got the better of me. Since I have been blogging my way for a long time, I have discovered a few things along the way. It was a long and arduous path (inspired by Cobalt Paladin).

Blogging Pros

You can earn some money online.
You can join blog directories and improve your blog’s traffic.
You can post hundreds and thousands of photos online.
You can tell your friends that you own a blog and the domain is under your name.
You can start shopping sprees, sales and hurl insults online.
You can freelance more easily as web designers have their names as credits in the designs.
You can find more like-minded people.
You can blog about niche topics that you have talents for but never discovered.
You can sell your handmade items online.
You don’t have to rent a shop for selling small items.

Blogging Cons

You don’t really earn thousands of dollars online.
The money doesn’t always come constantly.
Being anonymous doesn’t mean you won’t be found. Photos and details of you can and will be displayed in full glory.
You get known for something that you wished it hadn’t come to light. Such as Edison Chen, Fragrance Prince and many others.
Being anonymous also means that Asian advertisers distrust your reviews and you don’t get invited to events much.
Your photos of you being drunk or behaving wildly can turn off potential employers.
Freelance becomes a problem when someone accuses you of ripping clients.
You have to upgrade Wordpress constantly. So do other platforms.
You get flamed, spammed and even accused of wrong-doing.
Your words are dissected and scrutinised and probably mis-interpretated half the time.

These could just be the tips of the iceberg but I stick to blogging because it’s a way to voice out without requiring a license for the soapbox in that park. Lord knows how long it’ll take to grant a paper license for public speaking.

© WishBoNe for My Life With IT, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blog, Life, Park, Privacy, Technology, Web, WordPress

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Will I Be Sued for VueStar’s Patent?

WishBoNe — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:00:22 +0000

I use images linking to other websites. Even my affiliates link to my affiliate sites. Will I be sued? Or it would be a better idea to close down all my sites to prevent being sued till I have to sell myself? I can’t believe that Singapore is known for such news.

Perhaps absurd news bring about more publicity than normal news like the robot team won some robot competition or we have more entrepreneurs than before. Maybe the idea of this patent came about due to the drastic changes in the oil? It’s so much faster to earn big bucks with such a patent as almost every website has images linking to other websites?

Hyperlinking has been coined by Ted Nelson. Whenever we use the various forms of this word, should Ted Nelson sue us because it’s a word that is supposedly coined and owned by him because there is a patent for it? This feels like Odex all over again like what one forumer in Talkback states. Not to forget that map license problem with LTA too.

In this case, will Zemanta be sued too? Will Google be sued too as it has an image search function whereby images are displayed as thumbnails for quick viewing. How does being Slashdoted for the patent, Hardwarezone-d, ZDNet-ed, Dugg, and many more sound?

I just don’t understand why VueStar was given the patent to sue anyone who uses the patent. Wait, is the patent granted yet?

© WishBoNe for My Life With IT, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Intellectual Property, Law, Patent Agents, Patent Services, Ted Nelson

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