Long time, No see

I know its been a terribly long time since my last post, but I'm sorry to say I'm not writing the blog anymore, I'm afraid I can't find the time. I've written quite a few articles here, and they'll stay on, for anyone to find and read whenever they please.

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to visit my blog. Maybe I'll start writing again later. XD

Cheers,






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Oh man! I feel stupid!

For the past two months or so, the touchpad (and media buttons) for my laptop haven't been working. I tried everything from reinstalling the software on windows, configuring on Ubuntu.... ALL THAT! But it didn't work. I just assumed it must have short-circuited, because there was an electrical problem at home.

So today, I went to the Toshiba Service Centre. I was hoping they could replace the touchpad, and I could have "freedom" with my laptop back. So the technichian turned my laptop on, and I boot it into XP (the default OS on it). After testing a bit, he pressed fn+f9.

And Voila, my touchpad works! Wow. Was I embarrassed!!  So to my readers, if you are facing touchpad problems, I suggest trying to use the fn key to activate the touchpad.. Heh.

Too bad the media buttons still don't work. But hey, maybe it has just as simple a solution. =D.

Cheers,






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Ubuntu 8.04 Vs Windows XP: Part 2

In part one I covered the basics of the operating system - performance, the interface and so on. If you didn't catch that, make sure you do: Ubuntu 8.04 Vs Windows XP: Part 1

The second part is all about third party software for the OS. Its useless to say that Windows is a clear winner here, atleast in terms of variety - good and bad. In terms of money, unless you don't mind using pirated / downloaded software, Ubuntu will DEFINITELY help you keep your pocket a lot heavier. Anywhere from $50 upto a $1000 (or even more) heavier.

With 80% of computers running Windows, why would any logically thinking profit-minded company want to produce software for linux? Supply is directly proportional to demand.

The main purpose of this article is to show people that you shouldn't "fear" switching to Linux, because Ubuntu, or any other Linux distribution, has adequate software for your everyday computing needs. It has an alternative to almost every Windows / OSX software.

A great place to know about linux software is linuxappfinder.com . If you find that you need to look up if there is a linux alternative to a certain software, click here.

I wont be talking much here, these screens should give you a pretty clear idea of how well supplied with software linux ALREADY is. Linux is a growing platform. It IS the future.

Media & Internet

 Amarok [left] & Listen (right)
Two music players / library organisers, similar to iTunes. If you're wondering, yes you can sync your iPod with linux. However, the only way you can sync an iPhone or iPod touch is wirelessly, which is cool as well. If you can't sync your iPod, just google it!

You're not falling behind in anyway with Ubuntu. But infact getting ahead, including the popular software for Windows, it also has completely free open source software. Shown here: Firefox, Skype & aMSN

Photo Editing

If you're one of those people, like me, who don't like fancy photoediting software, you have for Ubuntu, KolourPaint - basically a copy of MS Paint, but with better features. If you're an advanced user, try GIMP (Photoshop-like). There's a lot of other great alternatives as well. I've written about an alternatives page above. Find a link there.

Office
A lot of people are worried about switching to linux, because they can't work. I have to say, with Office 2007, I am pretty impressed with what MS has done. But I don't think its wroth the $700 for the enterprise bundle. Which is why, this is not a very valid comparison anyway.

The native Openoffice.org that comes with Ubuntu is great and it is COMPLETELY free. No downloading, no installing and no buying- the whole thing comes with the default installation of Ubuntu.

Video Editing

There's lots of great video editing and music production software for Ubuntu. I'll just give u a screen of the one I've used. Avidmuxe, very easy to use, but powerful.




If you're more professional, you've got alternatives to even Aftereffects.

Utilities

CD-burning, DVD burning, name it you got it. And its all built in when you install Ubuntu. Some of these software, however, are installed separately.












Virtualisation

JUST in case you REALLY need that particular Windows software, you can always run it in Virtualbox. Windows effectively runs INSIDE Ubuntu, and it works quite well actually. Its not slow at all (even on my not-so-hot laptop).

Read more of my articles regarding: Ubuntu , Guides or Software


Cheers,






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And I thought I didn't like Apple much

OUCH!

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PSP Custom XMB Themes: CXMB

It seems that the PSP article I wrote a while back was quite popular among my readers. It also brought in a few new visitors! So I thought, why not write another one, and see how the response is.

This time, I'm covering Custom Theme installation, using CXMB. Once again, this is for CFW (modified) PSPs only! If you're not sure what I mean by "Custom Theme", read on to find out.

What are custom themes?
Custom themes for the PSP are those which COMPLETLEY change the look of the interface. There are .ptf themes (these aren't custom ones), and they only change the icon and backgrounds.

CXMB themes, or .ctf themes change not only the icons, but everything from sound, fonts, to the waves and sometimes music player visualisations. They can also be installed through copying files to flash0 (PSP's 'memory'), but I won't be covering that, because its slightly risky. Check out the pics.

Using CXMB for themes is completely risk-free, by the way.

The Walkthrough
1. Download CXMB from here and extract it:
   A) For 4.01m33: http://dl.qj.net/CXMB-plugin-4.0-for-CFW-4.01-M33-PSP-Homebrew-Applications/pg/12/fid/17264/catid/151
   B) For others above 3.71m33: http://dl.qj.net/CXMB-v3.2.1-PSP-Homebrew-Applications/pg/12/fid/17309/catid/151  {this will work on 4.01m33 as well}
   
2. Copy the folder "cxmb" to your memory stick
3. If you don't have any other plugins, you can just copy the seplugins folder to the root of your memory stick.
4. If you do have plugins, add the line ms0:/cxmb/cxmb.prx into the text file vsh.txt. It is inside the seplugins folder. Look HERE for clarification. Its just adding the path to the next line.
   
5. Turn off your psp (not stanby). This means holding the power button for 2 seconds.
   
6. Turn you PSP back on, while holding the R button. This will boot into the recovery menu.
7. Go to Plugins -> and simply enable the cxmb.prx
8. Press back, and exit the recovery menu. You PSP is now ready for custom theming
9. Copy the theme you want into the Memory Stick >> PSP >> THEMES folder. Remember it has to be .ctf file for an XMB theme.
   

Where do I get .ctf themes?
3 words, Get them here: http://www.consolespot.net/psp-themes/


You're Welcome,







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What?! No new Macbook or Mac?

Aaah! I'm a bit dissapointed, Mr Jobs, didn't announce anything about a new mac at the Let's Rock Event in San Francisco. So many rumors with the glass touchpads and all, I was really looking forward to this. Even though I'm a linux person, I would've given the macbook a thought, if it was 'pretty'. And the event wasn't even "Rocking" (apparently) with Jack Johnson (I like!) playing his soft acoustic music. The irony.

Atleast we've got a revamped iPod Touch and a nice lil nano eh? It seems Apple's trying to promote the touch as a new gaming platform. Look out Sony & Nintendo! I like the fact that Apple is trying to go green, with all that recycling talk about the nano. However, I have a feeling thats just to attract more customers. =D. I'd be really impressed if Apple did its role in charity, like Bill Gates does with his and his wifes charity organisation. Although I don't like Microsoft, I admire Mr Gates as a person.

You know what I find the weirdest? Why does someone as brilliant as Steve Jobs, being such a wealthy, influential man always dress like that on stage? Some kinda sack and jeans?! Doesn't suit the CEO of the company with such fancy, pricey and stylish products. Gives a bad impression don't you think? With that thought, I leave you to ponder. New posts coming up soon! Thanks for visiting!





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Apple Event

There's going to be some kind of Apple event tomorrow, the 9th of September. According to Apple, its going to be big! Some people are expecting a new line up of Macbooks with the new centrino 2 chipsets, while others speculate the release of a Macbook "Touch" - a touchscreen macbook. Although not officially confirmed, its pretty much clear from the spy pics and info, that a new iPod Nano will be released though. So keep a look out!

I'm a huge hypocrite when  it comes to this.  A part of me wants to stay away from Apple products, while another part of me can hardly resist. I was thinking of getting a new laptop, and I constantly keep thinking about a mac (although a Sony Vaio is another interest of mine). I don't know why, since I used my brothers Macbook (Pro) i'm strangely attracted to it!


One of the reasons I want to avoid Apple is because I get the feeling that they're an "evil" company, with their overpriced products and the fact they patent everything angers me. They stop technoligical progress that way.... not letting others develop on it. Sometimes the technology isn't exactly their 'own' anyway. On the otherhand, they have developed a lot of great revolutionary products themselves- the iPhone, iPod and OSX.

Owing to the fact that most of my visitors are American, I'd like to know your views on Apple. Help me out here!

Cheers,






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