Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Wing

Fascism

Wing — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:57:43 +0800

Home File Server solution

Wing — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:57:29 +0800

My experimental windows server 2008 domain controller's mobo just died. Ouch! I mainly use that DC only for roaming user profiles, authentication, VPN, DHCP and as a print server. Thankfully, the 1.5TB seagate HDD that has all of my data is still alive.

As I'm currently now 1 x computer short, I've thought of different options I have. Options are listed and my thoughts are in the quotes. Budget is no more than RM1000.

1. I've considered buying a single bay NAS box and I'm prepared to forget about roaming user profiles. As for VPN and DHCP and I use my router for that.

QUOTE

i.That would be perfect solution except I've got a housemate whom I share my LAN with. I've got all my private documents, resumes, personal details in a hard drive that I wish to share with some users but not other users. I don't think NAS would do authentication (not that I have any experience with NAS, anyway) and I'm not really up for keying in a password everytime I need access files to that NAS. Previously we had a domain that authenticates, authorize and have ACLs that solves this problem for me.
ii. what do I do with the 1.5 TB disk that I already have???

2. I'm thinking of running it in as a virtualized guest OS using virtualbox.

QUOTE

i. But I assume that there's no chance for me to somehow move the OS from my hard disk into virtual box. Is that correct? I rather not go through the pain of resetting up everything up if I can get away with it. I also understand that I would probably face issues with the guest OS accessing hardware like NIC.
ii. I have a external HDD case that has firewire and I can hook the 1.5TB to it. Not sure if I can run the guest VM off it.

3. Keep it simple and use Dropbox/Mesh.

QUOTE

i. I really concerned with privacy when it comes to these online storage companies. It is probably not practical for me to encrypt something, drop it into the upload folder and then decrypt it when I want to retrieve the files.
ii. It's also not practical for stuff like streaming video and music. I rather set something up once, have it working and forget about it.

4. Buy another second hand computer/server.

QUOTE

i. Please forgive me when I say I'm wary of old hardware. Old hardware is the cause for the dead mobo too.

So, none of these apart from 2 seems suitable and I'm not really familiar with other solutions. I have tried Ubuntu server and I was semi-successful although it did take me much longer so I don't mind going back to an ubuntu based server. Would be nice if somebody can suggest something that I haven't heard or mentioned above.

Are so many trackers necessary?

Wing — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:42:38 +0800

I've been a member for a long time since 2003. According to my id, I'm probably the around the 500th member. I understand to maintain a site is not free, there's bandwidth costs, domain name renewals, hosting, maintenance/labour and hardware costs (if you're hosting it yourself).

But I don't understand why we GOT to have so many trackers and ads added over time. There's:

Comscore
Google
MSN
Net ratings
Effective measure
OpenX

Personally, I just think it's getting a bit too much?

PSU testing

Wing — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:20:49 +0800

Hi all,

I'm a noob so please don't laugh.

I've got the following:
ANTEC psu
a multimeter

I've plugged in the PSU to the wall socket and turn the switch on back of the PSU on. I've inserted the red probe of the multimeter to the pin with the grey wire and the black probe to any of the pins connected with the black wire on the 24 pin mobo connector.

I've found

-PSU fan not on (not spinning)
-0 volts for the reading

But when I jumpstart the PSU, using a paperclip to connect from green to black on the 24 pin connector, I've got:

-PSU fan is spinning
-5 volts for the reading.

I'd just like to confirm that I do INDEED have to jumpstart the PSU to test and if I don't jumpstart the PSU then I shouldn't get any reading from any connectors.

Thanks!

What's in the Teh C?

Wing — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 06:50:41 +0800

Seriously talk only please.

I really miss the "teh c" in M'sia. The english breakfast tea here is.... bleh. So what have I got it wrong? How come some teas in M'sia are redder than others?

Any kopitiam owners here? Mind sharing the secret?

Malaysia tiger mauling

Wing — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:05:13 +0800

QUOTE(BBC @ Feb 14 2011, 09:52 GMT)

A man has been rescued from a near-fatal attack by a tiger in northern Malaysia by his wife.

She entered the fray wielding a wooden soup ladle at the tiger - which fled.

Tambun Gediu, now badly lacerated and recovering in hospital, had tried hitting the tiger away in vain and says his wife saved his life.

Wildlife rangers plan to track the tiger and send it further into dense, unpopulated jungle in the the northern state of Perak.

"I was trailing a squirrel and crouched to shoot it with my blowpipe when I saw the tiger.

"That's when I realised that I was being trailed," Mr Gediu said after surgery.

The tiger pounced not far from the Gediu home in a jungle settlement of the Jahai tribe.

Mr Gediu had tried climbing a tree to escape the animal, but was dragged down by the tiger.

His wife, 55-year old Han Besau, rushed out of the kitchen on hearing his screams and used the kitchen implement to good effect.

"I was terrified and I used all my strength to punch the animal in the face, but it would not budge," the New Straits Times newspaper quoted him as saying.

"I had to wrestle with it to keep its jaws away from me, and it would have clawed me to death if my wife had not arrived."

It was the first time anyone in the village had been attacked by a tiger.

The director of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in the state, Shabrina Mohd Shariff, estimated that there were about 200 tigers in the jungles of Perak.

She added that five had been spotted near the major East-West Highway in the region.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12446232

It's proven. Wife with soup ladle > wild Malaysian tigers

Kill the above user

Wing — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:08:10 +0800

As titled, come up with your most creative / evil / devious way to kill the above user. Please keep it clean.

*yay, I have nobody to kill*

PS: Pls feel free to delete this thread if it is a re-post.

Reporting on SQL 2000

Wing — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:52:37 +0800

For those sys admins out there.

We are running MS small business server 2003 premium with sql 2000. We have a really old crystal 8.5 dev and crystal enterprise 8. What's the best way to schedule a report or a SQL statement so that it runs daily and we get a results/report daily? Would be good if it was mailed out too.

I know Crystal Enterprise 8 can do something like that and deliver the report via the web (says so on the pamphlet that came with it) but I'm unsure if it runs on XP or server 2003.

Any help would be appreciated

Batch convert pictures

Wing — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:49:38 +0800

I've got an idiot colleague of mine that renamed *.bmp to *.jpg without actually saving it as a JPEG. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, but BMP is like 20 times bigger than JPEGs. And with considerations that it is meant for a catalogue connected via 3G it's going to cost big $$$. To make matters worse, he doesn't wanna help eventhough it's his fault.

I need to convert all fake *.jpg into real *.jpgs. Normally a script would work but I can only think of it working if the file is *.bmp.

Then I can write something like

CODE

convert *.bmp *.jpg

using some kind of utility.

But in this case it wouldn't work because it has already been rename. Please help because I don't want to open up microsoft paint 2,197 times.

Edit: Seriously, I'm not kidding about the 2,197 times.

Weird empty slot in taskbar

Wing — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:07:34 +0800

[attachmentid=384048]
I know it's nothing essential but it's absolutely driving me nuts!!! I can't drag it further so it's taking up quite a bit of space.

MS SQL server

Wing — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 10:20:16 +0800

This isn't your average home computer question, plus I'm VERY VERY new to the field and very ignorant so bare with me.

We have:-
-10 Clients running winXP sp2 and one old machine running Win2000 (this one can be ignored if necessary)
Mostly running @ 2gig Intel CPU and 512meg RAM

-2 servers running windows SBS 2003 - One works as the domain controller and another only providing MS SQL 2000 service plus exonet front end application of the said database shared to all clients as a network drive.
A quick look at task manager says that CPU and RAM on servers is enough to handle the clients.

Our network topology
Internet <-> Modem <-> VPN router (contains ISP username and password, DHCP switched off) <-> 24 port Gigabit Switch <-> all clients and servers

(don't ask me why it's setup like this, I didn't engineer them, it's done before I got the job)

The problem:-
MS SQL server slows down every few days on clients. Testing on domain controller or MS SQL server itself seems fine. Restarting MS SQL service alone (using net start / net stop) doesn't help but restarting (using start > shutdown > restart) speeds it back up after it reboots.

Possible problems I suspect:-
-Network (unsure if all clients have gigabit ports or just normal 10/100 ethernet)
-inefficient queries by the our software. We are running exonet by MYOB. (visit http://www.exonet.com/)
(if so, I can't explain why rebooting the server speeds it up)

I've tried defrag on both servers, trimmed the database, uninstalled a lot of bullsh*t software that our staff have been installing on their client computers, cracked down on spywares and scheduled restarts of MS SQL service. Results are still unsatisfactory.

Any further details please ask.

It's hard to be only IT person. I wish I was in a group environment with more IT personnel but company isn't big enough to support 2 IT staff.

How japanese are you?

Wing — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:27:53 +0800

Click here: How Japanese are you?

My Results:

Ninja

You are an icon of pure Japaneseness. Tradition and honour mean everything to you.

when replying

Wing — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 15:34:39 +0800

The reply button comes up with the wrong quote tags around the wrong quotes.
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=findpost&pid=8940157

CODE

[quote=sanook,Oct 29 2006, 05:22 AM]
Here, we can see the word "Marginal" can also mean [b]almost [/b]insufficient importance, which in essence, is what the word is all about.
I.e.: margin -> border.

Since 40% of the entire population is already nearly half, they really should in practise be able to stop racial discriminatory policies from being implemented, but it isn't the case. This is the reason I support the "non-bumiputras are marginalised" statement simply because we are not given enough say in this matter. And I don't think non-bumis support the idea of being discriminated against.

[b]So, what I was thinking was, to be discriminated is to be insufficiently important. [/b]To me, these two go hand in hand. And I can't tell the difference. But obviously you've got a different opinion because you are looking from another point of view.

You are saying, non-bumis are discriminated but a lot of them became important anyway and therefore refute the assertion of non-bumis are marginalise. I think? :unsure:

To me that sounds kinda illogical, but in the end though, I don't care whether you right or wrong (I'm not saying you're wrong), and I refuse to be pedantic any further. What I really do care is the END of racial discriminatory policies.
[right][snapback]8938519[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
from where I come from, people get really angry and pissed at any attempt to obfuscate via statistical mumbo-jumbo and logical fallacy. let;s just leave the diplomacy and smooth talk to the politicans. we already have enough of those people. it is about time we tell things as it is, unvarnished, raw. smackdown.
[right][snapback]8940157[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

I was tempted to cut down the code but I decided against it. It really should look something like this:

CODE

[quote=sanook,Oct 29 2006, 05:22 AM]
[quote=Wing,Oct 29 2006, 03:10 AM]
Before we begin, let me start by saying to both of you and sanook. Try to word your sentence in a more neutral way, since the angier the people, the less likely they'll listen to you and so you both lose anyway, whats the point?
Sure non-bumis hold some political positions but it is in practise, they are really puppets that support whatever UMNO says. Component parties like SUPP, MCA, MIC, etc.

Also, I did say PRACTICALLY in my previous post.
Good points there, but..

The very point of this discussion is NOT to generalise people. (Which is what you said... good. :clap:) You can't blame the entire non-bumis for having a lot of outstanding, successful people. That's their own capability and they should deserve it. I say it is pretty ridiculuous to group somebody's capability by their skin colour. Which IS what the govt is doing to its people.

Perhaps, you're trying say it's gotta be really serious to be called marginalise. But there are a few meanings for the word marginalize.

[quote=dictionary.com][b]marginal[/b]
3. almost insufficient
[/quote]
Here, we can see the word "Marginal" can also mean [b]almost [/b]insufficient importance, which in essence, is what the word is all about.
I.e.: margin -> border.

Since 40% of the entire population is already nearly half, they really should in practise be able to stop racial discriminatory policies from being implemented, but it isn't the case. This is the reason I support the "non-bumiputras are marginalised" statement simply because we are not given enough say in this matter. And I don't think non-bumis support the idea of being discriminated against.

[b]So, what I was thinking was, to be discriminated is to be insufficiently important. [/b]To me, these two go hand in hand. And I can't tell the difference. But obviously you've got a different opinion because you are looking from another point of view.

You are saying, non-bumis are discriminated but a lot of them became important anyway and therefore refute the assertion of non-bumis are marginalise. I think? :unsure:

To me that sounds kinda illogical, but in the end though, I don't care whether you right or wrong (I'm not saying you're wrong), and I refuse to be pedantic any further. What I really do care is the END of racial discriminatory policies.
[right][snapback]8938519[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
from where I come from, people get really angry and pissed at any attempt to obfuscate via statistical mumbo-jumbo and logical fallacy. let;s just leave the diplomacy and smooth talk to the politicans. we already have enough of those people. it is about time we tell things as it is, unvarnished, raw. smackdown.
[right][snapback]8940157[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

Hard Gay gets physical

Wing — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:31:23 +0800

[YOUTUBE]K6r0aEiH5Qg[/YOUTUBE]

Edit: BBC repost was removed.

Edit: Ok, if this is a repost, just ignore it or mods can delete because I really gotta sleep now!

Night all.

[Suggestion] Popularity

Wing — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:14:29 +0800

I've seen other site where every member have points that they can gather, like Magic Points, Health, Mana or Aura, etc. Doesn't matter what you call it.

Basically, it shows how popular each member is. And every other member vote for or against him.

What do you think?

Internet Gateway icon keeps dropping

Wing — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 01:07:26 +0800

On "view network connections" on explorer, sometimes my Internet Gateway Icon disappears. That stuffs up my bittorrent. And the eff-ing YELLOW LIGHT NEVER GOES AWAY!!!!!!!!! which ultimately results in late nights trying to fix it and no showers or bed time!

It seems to me that the problem doesn't lie with the router but it's an XP issue. Only took me and my friend 2 late nights to figure that out especially since my router (web administration page + router itself) is UNBELIEVABLY slow when it comes to configuration.

It also seem to me that turning windows firewall off seem to make it stay there. Although, it's probably "placebo" (in a sense) since I don't think that's the real trigger that makes the internet gateway icon disappear.

So what's the deal here? PLEASE help!

Old on-board vs old sound card

Wing — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 19:21:49 +0800

I went thru the first post on FAQ on soundcard and haven't really found out. (or maybe I'm just too dumb)

But as dumb as I am, I understand now that SoundStorm is the digital component and that it needs a digital to analogue conversion, which (on my mobo) is done through Realtek ALC650 (which I heard isn't very great).

Now, I've also recently acquired an old SB live! 5.1 digital (NOT audigy), which makes my hands kinda itchy (to install it in), given to me free.

Which sounds better?

PS: I assuming it's not gonna be much difference anyway since I've only got an old 4.1 Altec Lansing AVS500. No fancy optical output speakers or what not.

Macam monyet..

Wing — Tue, 30 May 2006 09:43:05 +0800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB6FjG2r9Mw...tv%20television

It's probably old and another copy pasta so bear with me if it is.
Somehow I find it funny, don't know about you guys.

How do you play by ear?

Wing — Mon, 29 May 2006 19:46:18 +0800

Juz wondering how do you play juz by chords and stuff. A couple of my friends already amaze me with their ability to juz listen to a new song and play it on the piano.

I was juz taught to sight read, and I'm horrible at it.

TMnet Streamyx Obligations

Wing — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 15:58:25 +0800

I have a close friend who bought a D-link DSL 504T modem in December.

She's having the limited 60hour RM44 package.

Case 1: After a few complaints about not getting a connection, she successfully connected to. However, we noticed something strange. We cannot connect consistently. Usually it takes about 1 day to connect. Connection usually happens during dawn hours. So naturally, she's reluctant to switch off the internet. Bad mistake. As a simple/non-computer expert, she left the modem on, thinking that being "offline" is turning the computer off. Resulting in huge bills amounting over RM 500+ for February. Hardly worth the surcharge since she could have paid RM66 instead per month.

Question 1 is, does TMnet have obligations to warn customers to turn the modem fully off otherwise, they will still be counted as being online?

What is the definition of being online anyway? I could have thought it as "online activity" when you are downloading something. Did TMnet specifically mentioned it that once you are connected, you are charged per minute?

Keep an open mind here.

Case 2: Also relating to case 1, the connection is horribly poor. We could only surf during non-peak hours. During the mornings. Calls after calls to the 1300hotline only resulted in a technician coming to the place and saying that the LINE IN THE AREA is poor and there's NOTHING HE CAN DO ABOUT IT. He even critisized about the D-link modem stating that it is slow to connect. Which I suppose he is right.

Personally, I'd insist on a legal action since comercial law states that there must be DELIVERANCE OF GOODS (in this case is internet service) by the seller (TMnet) to the buyer (customer). But legal aid would cost more than the bill itself, so she's adamant to just settle the bill.

So Question 2, isn't she valid for a waiver of the bill?

We've upgraded the account to RM66 to avoid any more "unexpected" bills. So where do we check for the status whether it is already under the RM66 package or still under RM 44? I can't find it in the tmbill.tm.net.my/selfcare site.