How was the life before the Computer?

How travelers use in-flight WIFI

Source : How Travelers Use In-Flight WIFI

Mac Comparisons within 10 years!!!

See how fast Android grow!

Firefox getting slower and slower?

Here’re some tips to tune and tweak your Firefox when it getting slower and slower ( or upon installation ) :

Modify the firefox config file

It’s easy to modify, just type “about:config” in your firefox browser, then search for the following parameters and change the value ( just like how you change your registry ) :

• network.http.pipelining,  set the value from false to true.
• network.http.pipelining.maxrequests, change the value from default 4 to a higher value i.e. 8
• network.http.proxy.pipelining, set the value from false to true.
• browser.sessionstore.interval, change the value from 10000 (10 secs) to 120000 (2 minutes) to increase the firefox backup the session restore point interval.
• Add the following parameter ( New->Integer ) and set the value to 0, nglayout.initialpaint.delay.

Securing yourself from a world of hackers

*Above = Copy Pasted from other’s post.

Also check out my earlier post Good Password Practices

Limited IPv4 left!!!

Guess what is it??

The picture was  taken in 1956...

It's a hard disk drive back in 1956... With 5 MB of storage.  
In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the  first 'SUPER' computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored a 'whopping' 5 MB of data.

Do you appreciate your 8 GB memory stick a little more now?

Good Password Practices

The recommendation outlined here are solely based on my current understanding and knowledge, and it is not claimed to be comprehensive or necessary correct.

Password, is a string of secret word or phrase known only to the restricted users or groups that is used for authentication, to prove the identity and to grant the access.

Password policy or password security, is vary from the organization. Many policies require a minimum length of characters, typically of 8 characters and some may also impose a combination of upper and lower case of alphanumeric and special characters i.e. @#$^.  Some may also insist on prohibit to use words found from dictionary or user’s personal information e.g. D.O.B. or Identity Card No. (NRIC). The more strict administrator may also prohibits the users to have the same words as the user’s login username or user’s real name.

In addition, there’s some policies may require the users to change their password periodically e.g. 60 days. Based on my own experience, by implementing such a policy may often makes the users unable to remember their password or always create a weaker password as a result that user unable to come up with many passwords or even encourage the users the write down their password! My own recommendation is rather than having a frequent password change policy, the administrator shall insists the users to create a Strong password on the very first place.

According to some unofficial statistics, there’re about 20% of the users are using very simple or “easy-to-guess” password e.g. “password”, date-of-birth, “123456”, “secret”, your city name. last 4-digits of your NRIC etc.

Here’s the password hacking time based on a ordinary user’s workstation :

If the hacker were to use a powerful workstation, it may be faster up to 1000 times!!!

Here’re some good practices :

1. Always use the strong password.
2. Do not share or reveal the password to anyone.
3. Never share a computer account if possible.
4. Never use the same password for more than one account. Or grouped them in category.
5. Never write down the password.
6. Never communicate your password over SMS, telephone, email or even instant messaging.
7. Always logoff the account and clear the Cache.
8. Immediately change the password once there is any suspicion that it may have been compromised.
9. Never use the same password for OS password, application password and account password.
10. Make sure it is not easy to guess.

What’s strong password ?

• At least 8 characters.
• Combination of upper and lower case alphanumeric.
• Use special character e.g. @#%$^ if possible.
• Never use a dictionary word
• Never use your special number e.g. date of birth, identity card number etc.
• Never use easily guess word based on your personal information e.g. your dog’s name, car number plate etc.
• Use a Random Password Generator

Life before the computer

An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano!
Memory was something that you lost with age
A CD was a bank account
And if you had a 3 1/2 inch floppy
You hoped nobody found out!
Compress was something you did to garbage
Not something you did to a file
And if you unzipped anything in public
You'd be in jail for awhile!
Log on was adding wood to a fire
Hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And a backup happened to your commode!
Cut - you did with a pocket knife
Paste you did with glue
A web was a spider's home
And a virus was the flu!
I guess I'll stick to my pad and paper
And the memory in my head
I hear nobody's been killed in a computer crash
But when it happens they wish they were dead!

Packet Transmissions : Unicast, Broadcast, Multicast and Anycast

Unicast, ( refers the left diagram ) is a type of packet transmission sent from a source to another destination. In unicast, there is only one sender and one receiver. Most of the application today is Unicast, example HTTP, SMTP, FTP etc. which employ the TCP transport protocol.

Broadcast transmission, (  refers the diagram below ) is a communication method where a piece of packet/information is sent from a source to all other destinations within the given address range. Broadcasting normally happen on Layer-2 using ARP ( Address Resolution Protocol )

Multicast, ( refers the diagram right below ) is a transmission technology that delivered the sender’s packet or information to a specific groups of recipients. Most common low level protocol to use multicasting addressing is UDP. Unlike broadcast transmission, the recipients only receive the packets if they have previously choose to receive by joining using IGMP. The multicasting is useful when a group of recipients are to receive the same packets from a specific sender over the network at the same time ( refers the diagram below ), it would contribute a significant bandwidth savings and optimizations ( refers the diagram below ). The common usage of the multicasting is IP-television.

Multicast (top) compared with unicast broadcasting (bottom). Orange circles represent endpoints, and green circles represent routing points.

Anycast, ( refers the left diagram ) is another type of transmission that may not commonly discussed. Anycast transmission is mostly used in the routing purposes where the packets are transmits to the destinations via the “best” routing topology. BGP is one of the anycast transmission where the destination IP address/range is received by the source/sender’s router via difference routes but the will be only one route to be chosen for the packet transmission.

**Pictures source from Wikipedia

Chronological of Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is a series of Operating Systems produced by Microsoft. The first release of Windows was a replacement to the MS-DOS with the enhancement of Graphical User Interface(GUI) on the November 1985 namely Windows 1.0.

I believe most of the reader here has never use it before, I was started with PC-DOS, then followed by MS-DOS6 and ‘jumped’ into Windows 3.0 at about 10-15 years ago. Windows 3.0 was introduced on May 1990 and followed by Windows 3.1 on August 1992 which was much more popular at that time.

 

On the August 1995, Windows introduced a much more ‘today-look-a-like” windows i.e. Windows 95.

Again, Microsoft created another legend which attracted many users i.e. Windows 98 on June 1998 and Windows 98SE on May 1999. Windows 98SE was actually a much more stable version.

Followed by Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 2000 Server as replacement of Windows NT.

A most popular version of Windows i.e. Windows XP which I am still using it ( never believe any other craps that introduced later i.e. Vista which is too ‘secure’ and troublesome for me ) :P

Read more at Wikipedia : List of Microsoft Windows Versions.

Unable to browse website due to DNS redirection or DNS failure/blocked?

Suspect some websites has been blocked by your ISP Domain Name Caching Server (CDNS)? There are several steps you should take to solve it.

Steps to query the CDNS :

First, use “nslookup” to query your ISP CDNS. ( Get the CDNS IP addresses by typing “ipconfig/all” )

1. Go to your command prompt.
2. Type “nslookup” and Enter.
3. Then type “server <ISP CDNS IP address>” and Enter.
4. Type “set q=any” and Enter.
5. Type the URL domain name that you wish to query.

C:\Documents and Settings\xyz>nslookup
Default Server:  DD-WRT
Address:  192.168.2.1

> server 202.188.0.133
Default Server:  cns3.tm.net.my
Address:  202.188.0.133

> set q=any
> justk2.com
Server:  cns3.tm.net.my
Address:  202.188.0.133

< more…… >

If the URL is blocked, then you will the returned information like below : ( but it may vary from different ISP )

The URL above is blocked and redirect to your localhost i.e. 127.0.0.1.

What should I do if the URL is blocked or redirected ?

There are few different method to resolve this kind of issue. One method is to change your DNS IP settings ( Click here on how to start the OpenDNS )or using proxy server, but you can also create your own DNS resolve list by create a HOST file (only for those blocked websites) in your Windows XP!

Now, try to use other ISP’s CDNS or some free CDNS e.g. 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222 to find out the actual internet IP address (Remember to ignore the MX, nameserver etc. IP addresses) . Use the same method above but changing the server IP address to other CDNS IP i.e. 208.67.220.220.

Steps to change your HOST file :

1. Locate your host file at C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\ for Windows XP. ( For other OS, the host file may stored in different location )
   
2. Open the “hosts” file using wordpad or notepad.
3. If you have never edit this file before or it had never been edited by any other software e.g. firewall software, it should be look like similar as below :

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server
#       38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x client host

127.0.0.1       localhost

4.  Append the URL that you have resolved as above at the bottom  :

justk2.co.cc     58.121.85.140

5. Then SAVE it.

6.  Done!

Additional Tips :

You may also use the same method as abovementioned to block the unwanted URL ( e.g. malware website, parental controlled sites etc. ) by append the target URL to 127.0.0.1. You may add as much as you like!!!

Example :

stupidmalware.com     127.0.0.1

dangerous-site.net       127.0.0.1

For you knowledge :

Wikipedia : Domain Name Server
How DNS Works ?

How to make a scrolling wallpaper on your Desktop

Steps :

1. Download a large and long picture. ( Try Daily Wallpaper )
2. Save it to your Drive C: ( You may change the location as you like )
3. Click on “Run…”
4. Type “Notepad” and copy & paste the following codes :

<html>

<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<title></title>
</head>

<body bgcolor="#000000" text="#ffffff" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" scroll="no" style="overflow:hidden">
<table width="100%" height="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td valign="middle">
<marquee direction="left" scrollamount="3"><img src="file:///C:/longpicture.jpg"></marquee>
</td></tr></table>
</body>

</html>

5.  Change the “C:/longpicture.jpg” to the correct location & file name. Save it to your Drive C: and in .htm format. ( e.g. C:\scrolling.htm )

6.  Go back to your Deskop and right-click to “Properties”.

7.  Go to “Desktop” tab and click on “Customize Dekstop” as per figure below :

8.  Click on the “Web” tab and click on “New”

9.  Then you should able to see another newly popup windows. Browse and select the saved .htm i.e. C:\scrolling.htm.

10. Remember to check the newly created Active Desktop as below :

11. Now your scrolling Active Desktop is Done!!!

Guide to backup & restore Microsoft Outlook 2007

There is always a headache to backup all your emails, contacts, calendars in Microsoft Outlook or any email client when you change workstation/laptop. Especially for those who have multiple email accounts and multiple .pst data file.

There are ways to backup and restore, let me suggest the method below which I believe it is must easier and secure, and time-saving!

Steps to BACKUP :

1. Open your old MSOutlook 2007. Go to “Tools”—> “Accounts”. Check the location you stored your email. ( As highlighted in the picture below )
2. 
3. Make sure you copy all the .pst data files into your removable storage i.e. USB HDD etc. Please remind that the .pst files may not store in the same folders depending on your configurations.
4. Remember the file location ( folder URL i.e. E:\my Outlook\outlook.pst ) as you may need to create the same path in your new laptop.
5. Go to your Registry Editor, by typing “regedit” in the Runs..
6. Locate the following item and right-click to export : ( As shown in the picture below ) :

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows Messaging Subsystem\Profiles\Outlook

Steps to RESTORE :

1. Copy & paste all the .pst data files you had backup into the same folder URL as per your old laptop ( Step 4 above )
2. Copy the exported registry file from old laptop and double-click to import the key. ( IMPORTANT NOTE : Make sure there is no existing account being created in the new laptop as this execution may replace all the existing settings )
3. Open your MSOUTLOOK 2007 and it is ready to use now.

Notes : Please remember your password as these steps above DO NOT backup/keep the password. Try at your own risk !

Trojan.DNSChanger changed your DNS Settings

The DNSChanger trojan horse is a small trojan horse application that installed itself in your workstation thru an embedded video codec. It wouldn’t be having ‘big’ harmful to you and the system but it may once in a while affect your Internet online activities.

This trojan is mainly to change your DNS ( Domain Name Server ) in your registry “NameServer” value to a custom IP address e.g. localhost 127.0.0.1 or redirect you to another malicious website. Normally the IP address is encrypted itself in the trojan file, and intend to redirect you to fake website that is looks “alike/same” to the legitimate websites, so that they can steal your private information e.g. banking account access pin/password etc.

Let’s see the search result by MalwareBytes Antimalware in my station :

I found this problem when I am trying update my Live Messenger thru MSN Live updater, it keeps failed.  Then I found that the trojan is redirect the msn.com to my localhost 127.0.0.1. The worst part is actually it redirect all the antivirus, antimalwares, anti-trojan or whatever cleaning tool application websites to other IP addresses that causing me unable to download any application! Turnout I have to use another station to download them…

Here are some application that you can download and scan thru your station :

• MalwaresBytes
• CCleaner

Install Web Server in Nokia e71 ?!!

Can you believe this? Now you can install web server in your Nokia e71, and it is accessible from Public Network!! Sounds interesting and crazy huh?

This application called Mobile Web Server by My Mobile Sites. It is still the beta versions.

Take a look for the site page that I had installed and browse thru the Internet :

It is accessible using your data connection i.e. GPRS, EDGE, 3G etc. so make you are signing up the correct package before you tried out this application.

The web server will be stopped after you exit from the software.

Don't press #90 or #09

Receive an email from a friend, do not know if it is true…

Don't press #90 or #09

If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number.End this call immediately without pressing any numbers.

There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense.

This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia.

There are over 3 Million mobile phones being infected by this virus in all around the world now.

Shortcut keys for Nokia e71

General

• To get to a symbol or number hold down its key.
• Shift + Backspace deletes letters after the cursor.
• In icon view:

          A B C D
          E F G H
          I J K L

• To open A press 1, 2 for B, 3 for C, * for D, 4 for E, 5 for F, etc.
• Fn + Ctrl + C to copy.
• Fn + Ctrl + V to paste.
• Shift + Left ( or Right ) to select text.
• Ctrl + Up for page up.
• Ctrl + Down for page down.
• Ctrl + Vowels ( or n ) for accented characters like á or ñ.

Camera

• T to focus.

Gallery

• Green Call to send the image.
• Fn + * for full screen.
• Fn + 7 to zoom in. Press twice for the full screen size.
• Fn + 4 to scroll left while in the zoomed image.
• Fn + 5 to zoom in.
• Fn + 3 to rotate right.
• Fn + 2 to scroll up while in the zoomed image.
• Fn + 1 to rotate left.
• Fn + 0 to zoom out.
• Fn + 2 for full screen video mode.

Home Screen

• Hold * to activate/deactivate Bluetooth.
• Hold 0 to go to the web browser.
• Left Soft Key then Fn ( or * ) locks the keypad.
• Hold End/Red to disconnect all data connections.
• Hold Left Soft Key to read out new text messages.
• To dial 1-800-WHATEVER: type 1800, Fn, Shift twice, type WHATEVER, Call/Green to dial.

Mail

• Shift + Return to mark/unmark a single message.
• Shift + Down to mark multiple items.
• Fn + Spacebar in new message body to access input (predictive text, etc.) options.

Maps

• Shift to zoom in.
• Backspace to zoom out.
• Space to go to the current position.

Music Player

• 4 for Last Track, press and hold will Rewind.
• 5 for Play/Pause.
• 6 for Next Track, press and hold will Fast Forward.
• 8 for Stop.

Real Player

• 2 for full screen.
• Hold Up for fast forward.
• Hold Down for rewind.

Web

• 1 for bookmarks.
• 2 to find something on a page.
• 3 to return to the previous page.
• 5 to tab open windows.
• * to zoom in.
• # to zoom out.
• 8 for page overview.
• 9 to go to a different web page.
• 0 to got to the homepage.
• Backspace to close the current window.

Factory Hard Reset

• Dial *#7370#

============= ** Try at your own risk ** ============

How to connect Nokia e71 SIP to Asterisk?

Today I tried another wonderful feature that built in this Nokia e71, VoIP SIP client. After several testing, it's works! Now, my e71 not only as my mobile phone but also my "mobile office extension phone"! It become an Unified Communication Device with combinations of several features e.g. mobile phone, emails, web browser, extensions phone, instant messenger client etc.

In order to connect your Nokia e71 SIP ( Internet Call ), there are some configurations are needed in your Asterisk Server. You may refers to my sip.conf settings as below :

[1010]
type=friend
secret=1234
qualify=yes
port=5060
pickupgroup=
nat=yes
host=dynamic
dtmfmode=rfc2833
dial=SIP/1010
context=from-internal
canreinvite=no
callerid=device <1010>
call-limit=50

You may also like to configure the "realm" in the sip.conf under [General] context, else you may leave it as default which is "asterisk".

Remember to restart your SIP service to avoid getting Error 400 later in your asterisk debug.

The next step that you need to do is configure your phone ( Make sure there is Internet Connections ).

Step 1:

Go to "Menu"-->"Tools"-->"Settings"-->"Connections"-->"SIP Settings". Then, click on "Options"-->"Add New"

Profile name: <to be defined>
Service profile: IETF
Default access point: <your wifi access point>
Public user name: sip:<SIP user>@<domain or IP address>
Use compression: No
Registration: Always on
Use security: No

[Proxy server]
Proxy server address: sip:<IP address of your asterisk>
Realm: asterisk or <realm of your asterisk>
User name: <SIP user>
Password: <secret>
Allow loose routing: Yes
Transport type: Auto
Port: 5060

[Registrar server]
Registrar server address: sip:<IP address of your asterisk>
Realm: asterisk or <realm of your asterisk>
User name: <SIP user>
Password: <secret>
Transport type: Auto
Port: 5060

Now, you should able to see that your SIP is Registered.

Step 2:

Go to "Menu"-->"Tools"-->"Settings"-->"Connections"-->"internet Telephone Settings". Then, click on "Options"-->"Add New Profile"

Name: <to be defined>
SIP profiles: <previously defined profile>

Try to make an Internet Call by select "Options"-->"Call"-->"Internet Call" after key in the telephone number.