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.

How to : Quagga Routing Suite

Quagga, a routing software that run on Linux based on Zebra router, the last Zebra release was 2005. Quagga is able to act as your open-source BGPv4+, OSPFv2, OSPFv3, RIP router installed on Linux system with kernel 2.4 or higher. The best part is you can own a Cisco-IOS look alike router less than RM5K !! Strongly recommend this for your personal study and experimental use.

There’re few daemons that built-up this router :

• zebra – routing manager
• ospfd - implementing OSPFv2
• ripd - implementing RIP v1 and V2
• ospf6d - implementing OSPFv3 (IPv6)
• ripngd - implementing RIPng (IPv6)
• bgpd - implementing BGPv4+ (including address family support for multicast and IPv6)

Download the package from Quagga website, HERE or use Aptitude :

#apt-get install quagga

Here’re some good tips on configuring Debian/Kubuntu based Quagga upon completion of package installation.

To start/stop/restart Quagga service

#/etc/init.d/quagga <start|stop|restart>

To enable/disable the daemons:

#vim /etc/quagga/daemons

zebra=yes
bgpd=no
ospfd=yes
ospf6d=no
ripd=no
ripngd=no

To create configuration files

Firstly, you must create a configuration file, even it is not exist, and each daemons are associated with different configuration files. For example :

• zebra – zebra.conf
• ospfd – ospfd.conf
• bgpd – bgpd.conf

Copy the template or sample configuration files from /usr/share/doc/quagga/examples/.. to /etc/quagga/..

#cp /usr/share/doc/quagga/examples/zebra.conf.sample /etc/quagga/zebra.conf
#cp /usr/share/doc/quagga/examples/ospfd.conf.sample /etc/quagga/ospfd.conf
#cp /usr/share/doc/quagga/examples/bgpd.conf.sample /etc/quagga/bgpd.conf

Add a password to all the newly copied files :

# echo 'password YourPassHere' > /etc/quagga/bgpd.conf
# echo 'password YourPassHere' > /etc/quagga/ospfd.conf
# echo 'password YourPassHere' > /etc/quagga/zebra.conf

You must always ensure the file permissions are correct, it may be vary from your machine/permission settings :

#chown quagga.quaggavty /etc/quagga/*.conf
#chmod 640 /etc/quagga/*.conf

Then, try to restart the Quagga.

debian.conf Configuration Guide

By default, the Quagga daemons are listening to the loopback interface 127.0.0.1 only with different ports for bgpd, ospfd, and zebra respectively, and cannot access remotely. For example, bgpd daemon is using port 2605. Which also means that you can access to the BGP router by executing the following command :

#telnet localhost 2605

If you want to access the Quagga routers remotely from specific IP address, then you may need to modify the /etc/quagga/debian.conf file.

If you want your OSPF router listen to loopback interface and 10.10.10.1, then your configuration will be like :

ospfd_options=" --daemon -A 127.0.0.1 10.10.10.1"

If you wish to let your BGP router to be access from all interfaces IP address, the configuration will be as below :

*For security measurement, I recommend you shouldn’t not allow this.

bgpd_options=” –daemon”

You may need to restart your Quagga services to take effective.

How to configure VTYSH, an integrated shell for Quagga

By instance, if you wish to access to your BGP router :

#telnet localhost 2605

If you found it is not practical or troublesome to telnet into the zebra, ospf and bgp routers separately, you can enable this feature, VTYSH. It has created an interface to access and save the configuration using a single UI, and it looks like your Cisco router!

To use this feature, you need to create the configuration by copy the sample :

#cp /usr/share/doc/quagga/examples/vtysh.conf.sample /etc/quagga/vtysh.conf

Then, edit the configuration /etc/quagga/vtysh.conf and here’s the sample configuration :

 
!
! Sample
!
! service integrated-vtysh-config
hostname quagga-router
username root nopassword
!

In the sample above, “service integrated-vtysh-config” is remarked and disabled. It would save your configuration separately into the protocol you have updated. Let’s see the example below when OSPF and BGP routers configuration are changed and saved :

#vtysh
quagga-router#write
Configuration saved to /etc/quagga/ospfd.conf
Configuration saved to /etc/quagga/bgpd.conf

If you have enabled “service integrated-vtysh-config” in the config, the configuration will be saved into another file namely, /etc/quagga/quagga.conf. By using this configuration, you will look into quagga.conf first followed by it own protocol files i.e. ospfd.conf when you telnet into it. My recommendation is to disable this feature for easier maintenance and avoid confusion.

#vtysh
quagga-router#write
Configuration saved to /etc/quagga/quagga.conf

Make sure you have enabled “vtysh_enable=yes” settings in the /etc/quagga/debian.conf.

In addition, it’s recommended to add “VTYSH_PAGER=more” in your /etc/environment file, or else you will be annoying by the blinking “END” at the left down corner & requires you to type “q” to continue.

Some of the machine may not works by adding the abovementioned, then you shall need to it in your /home/username/.profile

Ensure the file permission and restart the Quagga service :

#chown quagga.quaggavty /etc/quagga/*.conf
#chmod 640 /etc/quagga/*.conf
#/etc/init.d/quagga restart

Additional Info, IP Forwarding

By default, Linux does not allowed IP forwarding between interfaces. It’s required to enable this by executing the following configurations :

#echo "1" > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward

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

Nokia e71 new firmware released 400.21.013

Just realized that Nokia e71 had released a new version phone software last month. The latest firmware is 400.21.013 since last updated on March 2009.

Refers Nokia E71 Software Update – v400.21.013 for the change log.

The firmware can be upgraded by using the Nokia Software Updater in your Nokia PC Suite. Always remember to backup your configuration to memory card and fully charged your phone. Find more details from my earlier post.

Refer more details on my earlier posts :
Upgrade your e71 firmware
Nokia e71 new firmware released!

** Try at your own risk **

Print Screen/Screenshot for e71

Try this application, screenshot, to capture the screen in your e71. It would be useful when you want to print screen and post it online or send to your buddy.

Download the signed version 3.01 from : http://www.antonypranata.com/screenshot/download-screenshot-symbian-os-s60

New QuickOffice is FREE for nokia e-series!!!

Although it has been offering Free download for nokia E-series, but I believe most of you are yet to upgrade. It is compatible with Microsoft Office 2007 file format i.e. pptx !!!

Steps to download/upgrade to QuickOffice Premier 6

1. Check and verify your current installed version from Menu –> Office –> Quick Office

2. Click on “Options” and select “About application”.

4. Then, select “Updates and Upgrades” and you will able to see the followings menu. Select “Updates and Upgrades”

5. Connect to the network i.e. 3G or Wi-Fi etc. to update the catalogue.

6. Select “Quickoffice Premier 6” from the updated catalogue and download it. You may prompted to provide your email address so that you will receive the order number and download link for your application.

7. Install the downloaded new version of Quick Office Premier 6.

8. Upon completion of the installation, it is recommended to restart the phone.

9. Check on the version again after restart. And now you shall able to see the latest version of Quick Office Premier 6!!!

10. Now, the Quickoffice is ready to use.

Sample email received :

Tools to backup & restore Mozilla profile and settings

With this tool, you no longer need to worry to loss your Mozilla i.e. Firefox, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey etc. settings and profiles! You no need to use so many efforts and extensions to backup this and that…

The most important thing is : It is a FREEWARE !!!! Check it out at : http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/

Nokia e71 upgraded to 300.21.012

Nokia e71 have a new phone software upgrade again… now they had updated to the latest version 300.21.012 from 210.21.006. But I do not see any major changes in the features yet.

Check your current phone version using “ *#0000# ”

First, launch your Nokia PC suite and upgrade it to version 7.1.30.3 then click on the Phone Upgrade. Always remember to backup all your configuration to memory card!

 

** Try at your own risk **

How to grab photos from WRETCH ?

Wretch, is one of the Taiwan famous online album community. There are always people asking on how to download the pictures from this online album ? Rather than using “print screen” then trim it and save it. This online album had disabled the right-click saving feature. After some findings and asking Uncle Google, I found that this program namely WRETCH XD provide a better and easier method to download the photos from Wretch photo albums.

Steps to grab the photo ( After download and execute ) :

1. Double clicked the downloaded .exe file.

2. Put in the account ID as you may found from the Wretch hyperlink and click OK as shown in the picture below.

3. Key in the username & password if the album is protected. Else just leave it blank. Select the albums.

4. Click on the button to start downloading the albums selected as shown below.

Download the Wretch XD software : WretchXD v1.6.0.37

Nokia e71 new firmware released!

Last week, on the 17th March 2009, Nokia had released another new firmware for Nokia e71.  The latest firmware is 210.21.006 since the last upgrade on November 2008 ( refer my earlier blog post : Upgrade your e71 firmware ).

Again, you can check your firmware by typing “ * # 0000 # ”

The firmware can be upgraded by using the Nokia Software Updater in your Nokia PC Suite. Always remember to backup your configuration to memory card and fully charged your phone. Find more details from my earlier post.

** 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

Google Location Based Services (LBS) : Latitude

Just discovered a new application by Google, location-based services (LBS), namely Latitude. With this application, now you can share your location with your friends and buddies! You can even contact them using IM, SMS or voice call.

The interesting part is actually the Nokia e71 or any Symbian S60 devices are supported beside using the PC web-based iGoogle.

What you may see from iGoogle Latitude page as below :

From my Nokia e71 Google Maps Latitude :

To install on your e71, simply browse to http://google.com/latitude and install the latest version of Google Maps.

Upon completion of installation, click on the “Latitude” in the options menu and sign in using your google account.

You can update your location by set it manually or detect by itself using built-in GPS or AGPS compenents. ( Press “0” to look for your current location in Google Maps ) 

Check it out, it is quite interesting!

Upgrade your e71 firmware

Finally got my e71 upgraded to the latest firmware! The latest firmware is 200.21.118 ( dated 27-11-2008 ) as shown in the picture below :

You may check your current firmware by using the following key code : * # 0000 #

It is quite simple and really takes time to upgrade, there are few things that you need to make sure before started with the upgrading process, or else you will end up with a software corrupted phone! Then, you will need to send to the shop for “re-installation”!!

1. Make sure your phone is FULLY charged.

2. Make sure you have a fast and reliable Internet connection.

3. Make sure there will not be a power trip that would cause your PC failed, it would be better if you are using a FULLY charged laptop.

4. Good contact USB cable.

5. Turn off the spyware detector, firewall and any other software that would cause the upgrade software to communicate with Nokia server.

6. Make a FULL BACKUP of your phone memory i.e. settings informations, address book, sms etc.

7. Lastly, DON"’T PANIC as instructed by the Nokia Upgrading Wizard…. hehe

First, make sure your Nokia PC suite is the latest version. Check from the About dialog. It should be version 7.1.18.0, else download and upgrade the latest one.

Then, connect your e71 to your workstation. It may need to reboot in other to make sure it works properly, just follow the pop up instructions.

Click on the Upgrade Software icon as shown in the picture above then just follow ALL the instructions. Make sure you really read every single line in the wizard.

Good luck!!

** Try at your own risk **

Remote Desktop using your Nokia e71

Now you can VNC to remote desktop using your nokia e71. There are two(2) applications that I had tried working properly on our Nokia e71 :

1) VNC2GO is a VNC client that runs on MIDP-enabled devices. It lets you control any desktop server running a VNC service, from any mobile device that supports Java Midlets, such as mobile phones and PDAs.

You can download it from ;

Location 1: MIDP1.0 Midlet and JAD Installation File

Location 2: MIDP1.0 Midlet and JAD Installation File

2) VNC Viewer is a native Symbian 9.1 SISX client for Nokia S60 3rd Edition mobile devices (Nseries and ESeries) that allows you to establish a TCP/IP connection to any Windows XP/2003 Server computer running a standard VNC server (from realvnc.com) and control it from the mobile phone.

You can download it from here

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.

Malaysiakini now on mobile!

Malaysiakini, is one of the Malaysian online news website. It was first launched on 20th November 1999 and it offers daily news in English, Malays, Chinese and Tamil. Malaysiakini, is one of the independent media which do not have any linkage to political party or commercial interest.

Today, you can browse and read the daily news via your mobile. It could benefit those who riding on the train, LRT or any public transportation to work, they can spend their times more efficiency.

What you need to is just send a SMS with the word "mk" to 32577. Then you shall receive another SMS and just download & install it. It supported on most Java-enabled mobile phone.

Let's see after install in my Nokia e71.

Read this : Read Malaysiakini from your mobile phone

Use your GMail as your Online Storage

There are several ways that you can use your GMail account as your Online Storage. Gmail Drive is one of the third party software to make your Gmail as storage.

GMail Drive is not supported by Google. It allows a user to access a virtual drive stored in a Gmail e-mail account by causing the contents of the Gmail account to appear as a new network share on the user's workstation.

After you installed the GMail Drive, you will find a GMail Drive in your windows explorer. Right click on this new drive and choose Login As. Enter your Gmail username and password when prompted. It is recommended that you create a new Gmail account for this purpose so that you can keep your existing Gmail account safe. After logging in, you can now copy, paste and create folders in this new Gmail Drive just like any regular Windows folder.

Besides using GMail Drive, you may also use GSpace Firefox extension to access and utilize the GMail account as online storage.

**Try at you own risk ** These applications are yet to "certified" and still under testing.

Online Share : Ovi for Nokia e71

Ovi, is an application provided by Nokia, and it also an "umbrella concept" by Nokia. It is a personal dashboard to share photos, music just like Yahoo! Flickr photo site. Furthermore, it allows you to sync your contacts, calendars, to-do-list and profile to this online server.

A good news for all Nokia e71 users, it is pre-installed in your device. Check under your "Menu" --> "Media" --> "Share Online".

Remember to create a FREE account in both Ovi.com website and Ovi Share, then you will be able to share your photos online and sync your contacts, calendars etc.

Check it out! 

http://www.ovi.com/ ---> Sync your profile

http://share.ovi.com/ ---> Share your photos etc.