Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by lazo

Workstation hardware spec

lazo — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 21:03:05 +0800

Hi, im intending to build a desktop workstation for working purposes, which requires reasonably high computing power, and need little / no graphic requirements.

it is likely that i will go for a 4th gen i7 processor, but there are so many model with diff clock speed, and i dont know which one i need.
i will also not be overclocking or doing any customization.

think will start off with a 8GB ram - and upgrade later if need to

will also get a samsung evo 840 SSD - 250GB

for motherboard, i am not sure what do i need - 87 or 97 (i cant tell the difference, not pro enough).
but i need to have wifi capability built in with the motherboard (my only requirement for mobo).

also, what kind of watt for PSU do i need to get? 450? 500 ? 600?

so, can you help me with deciding / advising on the motherboard and processor?

thanks !

VMWare Virtual Desktops

lazo — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:58:16 +0800

I have been following 'visualization' and 'virtual desktop' topic and always wanted to give it a try on my family
However, there are so products by VMware and I am not sure which one is the exact one I need.

i want to travel lightly but yet able to perform computing intensive requirements with my ipad/lightweight laptop

What I need / plan to do is really simple, but I am not sure which vmware product I need to achieve these goals:

- to purchase one 'relatively powerful computer' as host, to share virtual desktops to several users thru online
- in the virtual desktops, i'll need to have software (like microsoft office, autodesk products, etc) installed. the virtual desktops are going to be in windows 7 environment.
- it is expensive for my users to run hardware demanding software on their individual laptop, and that's why I'd like to get a powerful desktop to host this and let my users use the software remotely via virtual desktop (they can use a lower performance laptop then)
- my parents also dont need very high end computer to play facebook games (and dont need to buy a good laptop just for that purpose, can always use a tablet/lower range laptop and connect to the VM)
- my family members can use their own devices at home or remotely and use the virtual desktop by just using a browser, all the computing power is done by the 'powerful computer' in my office

another question is that is it i am going to have 'multiple virtual desktops' and 'one user connect to one' at the same time; OR 'one virtual desktop' and let multiple users connect to it? the latter will even save more cost as i only need to purchase 'one license' for my software because i'm only using the software on one workstation.

can anyone shed some light on how do I start? is Vmware workstation the correct product for me? what other consideration do I need to take note of?

[@d4n3sh]
[@lagenda]
[@k!nex]
saw your posts in the https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2990904 topic and maybe you have some experience to help me with my questions!

thanks!

Printer Memory?

lazo — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 23:25:48 +0800

What will happen, if my printer has only 8MB of memory, and the thing I want to print, let's say each single page is about 15MB?

I am planning to get the Brother HL2240D (duplex is my main priority).

Realising that this printer (and those of this category) has only 8MB - I usually print pages that have 4 powerpoint slides a page (which total up have 15MB or even more) a page.

can the printer process to print?

5.1 system but 3 speakers are resting

lazo — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:41:05 +0800

I just bought a DVD 5.1 HT system yesterday.

soon enough i reliased 3 of the speakers (center, surround L, surround R) has no sound because most of the things i play are only 2 channels (astro, mp3, etc)

is it possible I connect the SL and SR speaker into the front L front R slot ? (they are just cables i can slot them in all together.

by doing that i can 'fully utilise' my speakers, as i hardly have any 5.1 dvd to play from :-/

Tablet for PDF notes

lazo — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:03:25 +0800

i have quite a number of modules in a semester and most of them have lecture notes / powerpoint slides

i tried printing for first round things get not so good when i have and more subjects and more and more notes to print

i am considering getting a tablet so i can load my pdf in it and bring to lectures

my concern here is that i want to jot down notes on the pdf (with a pen/stylus)...

is there any product that fit my requirement? can i do sketches/notes on a pdf in ipad and sync back to PC?

pls advise... any brand.. any OS.. thanks!

SATA2 / 3

lazo — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:00:54 +0800

I have just ordered a Dell Studio XPS 7100 system.

I wanted to buy a WD Black Caviar 2TB HDD to install it on my system myself.

I understand that there are two version of WD Black - SATA2(3gbps) and SATA3 (6gbps).

I do not know what motherboard is Dell giving me, but I know the stock HDD that Dell is giving is 3gbps.

Can I still buy a SATA3 HDD and install it on my computer? are they backward compatible? It is ok for me to buy the 6gbps and use only 3gbps out of it, but I am worried that it doesnt work at all!

Also, what cables do I need to purchase separately to install the HDD to my system?

pls help!

i5 760 vs X6 1055T

lazo — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:41:14 +0800

hello all!

can pls help me to decide on which processor should i adopt?

both come with similar spec:
- 1TB sata3 HDD as primary hdd (with OS installed)
- 2TB good n fast hdd as secondary (probably caviar black)
- 6gb RAM
- amd set come with HD5670 ; intel set come with GTS240
- win 7 pro

usage:
- office productivity (word excel ppt)
- CAD (autocad 2D only, no render 3D)
- multi tasking (open many folders and file at same time)
- dual screen extended (more real estate to work on) both on a 23 inch LCD (1920 x 1080 x 2)
- to host 2TB of office productivity files and share it over the network for 10 other computers to access/work on them concurrently

it has 0 gaming purpose because it is going to be used in office.
i opted a relatively good processor (for non-gaming) because i wanted to share files over network but does not want the heavy file traffic volume to slow down the computer

so, which is better for my case? the price diff, as configured from dell website, is less than rm100.
as it is for office purpose... i prefer not to have it assembled outside due to warranty and support issues.

thanks!

Homegroup

lazo — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:52:46 +0800

anyone know what is the maximum of computers allowed in a homegroup?

i wanted to share files and printers among the office (13 computers) but dont have the budget to get a server with CAL

heard that xp pro also have a maximum of 10 concurrent user which I need more than that...

any help?

stacking two switches

lazo — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:57:05 +0800

i am using a 16 port tp link switch )TL-SG1016) , and running out of ports already (due to recent addition of IP camera and network printers)

can I just buy another 16/24 ports gigabit switch and connect 1 cable from Switch 1 to switch 2, everything will be ok?

if you have extra time... help me solve my another question about DDNS... http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1593720

thanksssssssssss!

DDNS

lazo — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:39:19 +0800

hi,

i'm on a dynamic ip internet...

now i have this 2 services at home:

1. synology file station (online file sharing) (http://www.synology.com/enu/products/features/internet_connection.php)
2. analogue cctv DVR (http://www.jiaying.com/catalog/cctv_surveillance/dvr/LHR316.pdf)

both services allow me to online access remotely (thru ddns) from other places to 1. access my files; 2. see my cctv live

is it possible for me to have only 1 IP but enable ddns for this 2 different services?

Notebook for Smooth HD playback?

lazo — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:00:29 +0800

hello people.

my laptop is getting old and i m looking for a change...

usage:
- low end gaming (popcap... dota...)
- drafting (CAD)
- office productivity
- watching video (HD)

im very concern about watching HD video.. because my current system cannot playback HD video smoothly
the bitrate of my video are about 20MB per second

so when i'm configuring my system... what spec should i look for? a graphic card or a stronger CPU?

my current system:
c2d 1.66ghz
2gb ram
8400m gs graphic card
14" screen (1280x800) connected to a 23" (1920x1080) external monitor on Extended display thru VGA

so for my this new laptop... i also want to connect it to the external display on extended display

i looked at dell vostro 3400 (i5 processor, g310m graphic card, 14", 4gb ram) but duno if it can playback my video smoothly or not...

i also considered getting a desktop (because i already have this 23" monitor), i configured the dell 7100 desktop (amd 1055t 6core, 6gb ram, no monitor, ati 5670 graphic)

the price for the 3400 and 7100 is about the same.

as i would prefer portability (the 3400), i wonder if it will compromise on my HD playback (most important consideration)

pls advise!! thanks :D

NAS and Domain (for ftp access)

lazo — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:34:01 +0800

i'm planning to get Synology DS1010+ (http://www.synology.com/enu/products/DS1010+/index.php) for my office.. at the same time .. i want to set up for remote access (using Synology File Station feature)

i have a domain for my company already (just using it for email which is hosted with google app)

anyone know how i can link my domain to my NAS (which is on dynamic ip?)

Buying Server

lazo — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:45:20 +0800

I am looking for a computer system that is able to store data and back up, for access over LAN in my office. something around 2TB storage will be sufficient for the next 2 years

Now, I am keeping all my files in 1 normal computer (lets name it PC1), and the other computers (another 7 computers) will go thru gigabit LAN to access the files. The computer storing the files is on Windows Vista and is used normally as a PC.

Days after days when I got more files in PC1, the computer gets slower and my colleague has been complaining about it.

the files that we have are mainly CAD drawings, ranges from 5MB to 20MB per files. We often access and open the files in PC1 from our own computer, then work on the files directly, then save. From what I know, this require a fast network and strong host to ensure smooth usage.

In a summary, I am looking for a server that can:

QUOTE

host files for fast access from other computers in a LAN environment in office
able to be access through internet outside office is an advantage
able to connect to my printers (4 units now) so that people can print remotely through this computer to the printers

I talked to dell and they suggested me the system:

QUOTE

ms server 2008 x64 R2 std edition
ms server client access license (10 user)
windows remote desktop service license
symantec endpoint system
intel xeon x3460 xeon cpu, 2.80 ghz, 8m cache
broadcom 5716 dualport gigabit eternet without TOE
3x1TB 7.2k RPM Near Line 6Gbps SAS 3.5 Hug plug hard drive
PERC H700 Adapter Raid Controller 512MB
iDRAC6 express
UPS tower

is the system that they suggested good? or they have added things that i dont really need for my situation? the price was slightly higher from what i expected, but i can't comment much because i have no knowledge in all these server configuration.

so i need your ppl help to tell me if the configuration they gave is good or not

lastly.. i cant decide whether to go for NAS or a file server!!

thanks!

Playing HD File

lazo — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 10:15:17 +0800

I just copied a big 'group' of HD video from my friends.

they are 1080p MV and varies in .mp4, .avi, .ts, .tp format

the bitrates ranges from 3kbps to 30kbps (the highest quality 1 is 1.1gb for a 3min plus MV)

I also have several video player installed in my computer, like MPC, Quicktime, PPlive player, Real Player, and WMP (all are the most updated version)

However, I did not manage to play the some of the videos smoothly in my computer, especially these cases
- MPC doenst play 1080p mp4 downloaded from youtube smoothly
- MPC able to play .avi smoothly in one of the vid, but not others
- Some videos are laggy in one player but is smooth in another

Can anyone share what are the factors affecting the playback of the videos? and what do you suggest an all-in-one solution that can play everything smoothly?

My PC (a laptop) specs are:
2year old +
C2D 1.67ghz
2gb ram
8400 256mb graphic

Please advise! thanks.

Extend Screen for laptop?

lazo — Sun, 23 May 2010 14:17:38 +0800

spec: c2d 1.63ghz, 2gb ram, 8400m gs 256mb graphic card, win 7 pro

i want to buy an external monitor to make my system a dual screen because i have been working with more and more things and need more viewing spaces

i intend to get this monitor Samsung B2230H/B2330H 21.5" or 23" inch.
(http://www.samsung.com/sg/consumer/pc-peripherals-printer/monitor/lcd-monitor/LS23PUHKFV/XS/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=specification)

my primary resolution is 1280x800. if I connect to this external monitor thru VGA port from my laptop, is it possible to have an extended screen and maximum resolution of 1920x1080 from the secondary monitor?

pls advise. thanks!

Transition Lens

lazo — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:58:42 +0800

hello ,

i searched the forum but couldnt find any relevant topics/posts/information

i am getting a specs with transition lens.

went to 5 shops in penang and found out different prices:

in shopping mall: 500, 480, 350 (promotion)
neighbourhood shops: 420, 400

the 350 seems to be promising but i wonder how can they go so cheap compared to other shops.

i am worried that they use some other cheaper photochromic lens and tell me its transition 1, as there are so many lower range lens that can change color now.

so, anyone know how do we identify the lens? will we be given any certs or similar?

please advise, thanks!

Outlook 2010 - Gmail

lazo — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:31:11 +0800

Hello,

I have been using outlook 2010 for my gmail since the beta version is out.

everything was fine until recently, yesterday, i cant send mail thru my outlook.

I did a outlook setting test and it is able to send a mail thru the client. however, when i write an email and want to send, I got "0x8004010F: outlook data file cannot be accessed" error

i am able to receive email but cannot send

any kind soul here to help? Thanks !

Calculus help

lazo — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:56:10 +0800

hello,

i have this calculus problem and i hope someone here can help me with it

question:

i do not know how to proceed from the sqrt (1+t2) for the integration. my tutor told me about letting t = tan tita and proceed from there.

please help! thanks

answer / solution:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Networking issue

lazo — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:19:30 +0800

hi,

i have a small office company with about 6 PC (let me name them PC1 to PC6)

we are doing designing staff like CAD.

we have been using one of the computer (PC1) to keep all the files and other 5 computers will access PC1 to retrieve and use the files and work on other PC.

however, as the file we dealing is massive, like 5 to 10mb dwg / dgn files, we found that the performance decreases as we have more and more files.

my current network configuration is all computers connected using wireless (all pc are desktops)

with my limited IT knowledge, i think the items below can be done to improve my situation, but i hope to get more advices from the pros here.

1. use LAN cable instead of wireless connection
2. buy a server and put all the files in the server
3. upgrading my router

i think the part 1 can be done easily, but i have no knowledge about part 2.

how actually having a server can help my situation? and what about the system/OS/software my server need to have? (i checked microsoft website and found OS like ms exchange server, etc, but i dont know what are them) and i can just leave my server at 1 corner and do not need a monitor/keyboard/mouse set connected to it right?

as for part3, my office is now using a very normal router with 4 ports behind, connected the wireless adapter and modem. will upgrading it to a better switch (like those in cc) help?

thanks for the advices and time spent on reading this! appreciate your help a lot

and if you are a shop owner which provide such solutions, contact me. we will see how.

what to use

lazo — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:50:43 +0800

i want to make a website with mainly a list of events with details

and a calender which shows the date of each events in it

so my reader can easily access to each event title then go to the description, or just click the link on the calender then can go to my event unique page

any suggestion on what web tools should i use?

blog? or any other better idea?