Friday, December 25, 2009

Some IT Practices which are Useful for Other Situation


Just wanna share some thoughts I gained after many IT cases for years:

1. Get the info at the soonest by any chance if possible. Decision made in rush usually makes you regret.

2. Sometimes user are not aware what they've done which caused the problem (or they don't even know what happened). It is no harm to check with them for more info before troubleshoot, but try out your own for confirmation.

3. Learn not to be angry when someone spoke something you feel offended. They might not mean to challenge you, it could be just their normal habit. Take a deep breath and walk away if they can't take reason rationally (best if you equipped yourself with self defense skills :P ).

4. The more you learned, the more you know what you're lack of. Never feel embarrassed to ask others for info you really don't know. Keep your mouth shut & listen more when they explain. You may do further investigation later if you feel doubt (something similar in rule 2).

5. Say "sorry" if it really is your fault. You need courage to do so. Also you better have a remedy plan for the chaos you've caused.

6. Never ever attempt to think you can out smart others. You never know how many 'smart a**es' surrounding you. At the end you're the one who looks like a silly monkey at the public.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

My Company's Website is Up & Ready!



It is my great pleasure to announce my new company's website is finally ready.Here is the address:
www.commectent.com

I've categorized all services available in different segment and did some photo shooting & drawings as I wanted to avoid graphics ownership issue if simply using pictures from internet. Currently the website is English based but I'll get the Chinese version ready soon (maybe another 2 weeks time which is during early year 2010).

For your information, all on-site service is only applicable to mainly KL & PJ area. However those who need basic technical advice via E-mail & phone are always welcome as I'll do my best to assist :)

Last but not least, thank you for your time & hope I have the honor to grow with your business!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Something You Should Know When Selecting Notebook


Since I've mentioned something about notebook / netbook during previous post, might as well I continue sharing my thoughts in some basic things which you might be interested to know before you make your final decision on getting the notebook you desired but might not fulfill what you hope for. What I'm about to say might be something common but generally get overlooked easily. Here goes:

1. Look for notebook with build-in features like WIFI, Bluetooth, Card reader & Web camera
I noticed there are power issue happens when we try to add in the feature mentioned above using USB adapter in notebook models with no such function ready for use. The situation is very obvious especially when we try to use USB bluetooth / WIFI adapter which usually draw lots of energy where you might notice other USB device suddenly stop functioning & lost sight in the system. If you really can't have it all, try go for at least WIFI, card reader & web camera which are the basic features nowadays.

2. If weight is an issue, opt for notebook with external DVD-ROM
Some user might prefer to have a lighter notebook or rarely use ROM drive thus an external drive such as slim DVD-RW ROM would be suitable for them. Best is getting the notebook model which includes such slim DVD drive within the package.

3. Get a notebook with at least 3 USB port (if possible)
This is crucial especially if you can't counter the issue 1 mentioned above where the notebook still lack of some feature. Best practice is spare 1 vacant USB port for temporary plug & play device such as thumb drive & mobile hard disc.

4. Keyboard layout must be sensible
Since you may rely on the notebook keyboard for data input, the buttons must be arrange in suitable size and ergonomic (comfort for human interaction) order. It is not feasible to force your fingers to type on small and congested keypad which result slow performance and higher mistake rate.

5. Choose the notebook with wider touch pad
Some notebook manufacturers prefer to add in scrolling features within the touch pad region which might cause the initial not very wide touch pad become even smaller to navigate the pointer. Best advice is to get the model with minimum 4.5cm x 8cm touch pad size.

6. Ensure good internal air flow and ventilation design
Some notebook processors does generate great amount of heat when operating under normal room temperature where you can't even stand it when you place the notebook on top of your thighs. Do simple test on the preferred model where you can let it on and run some simple application for about 5-10 minutes while observe if the heat generated can be dispersed properly or not.

Last but not least, get some decent advice from reliable notebook seller to increase good chance to own the right notebook within your budget. Hope these helps!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Recap on Penang Trip : 10 Dec - 13 Dec 2009

A planned visit to Penang with my friends with main purpose to attend my close friend's wedding. We've make the schedule 2 days advance so we can go walk-walk, eat-eat and see-see at Penang Island since my last visit which is almost 2 years ago.

I followed my friend's car who reached my house around 6.30am while I'm still rubbing my eyes. The 4 1/2 hours journey is nothing to me as I continue my dream session excluding the short stoppage for breakfast. We reached our resting spot, Old Penang located at Georgetown at about 10.30am based on the help of GPS and pre-google.


Old Penang, a homestay guesthouse located at Georgetown.

After unloaded our stuff, we headed for the food hunt tour (mainly at Jalan Penang) such as follow:


Cendol which is a must try at Penang not only for the flavor but also to counter the hot weather.


Asam Laksa which taste sour and spicy.


Lobak which means seasoned pork meat served with delicious sauce.


Iron plate mee where the mee is pre-fried and mix with meat and vege.

Meanwhile for places we've visited during the 1st day are also within walking distance:


Guan Ying Temple.


Walking on streets which seems like time travel to the past.

The next day after checkout, we continue the eat full-full, nothing do journey......


Gek Lok Temple, located at Air Hitam.


The giant Guan Ying statue located at the top of the hill on Gek Lok Temple.


The famous Asam Laksa stall located nearby Gek Lok Temple


Him Heang located at Burma Street where you can get famous Dragon Ball cookies for gift.

Finally we reached the groom's house at about 10.00pm. Since long time no see, must snap some photos:


Fun Heng (the front busy talking via handphone), from left: me and Jun Pin (the lucky guy)


Front (from left): Jun Pin, Chin Khoon & Yen Ann, me at the back

We stayed one night at the dedicated home-stay guesthouse and headed for the big ceremony the next day morning. As usual for Chinese wedding, we also went for the wedding dinner session:


Front (from left): Jee Ken, me, Caine Yee and Soon Leng. Back (from left): Fook Yang and Chit Han.

It was a memorable session as some of us had not meet for 10 years...... Although this is not a complete group photo (some can't attend), it is still a very happy moment as we drank & bluff around. I got drunk after 7 glasses of beer (trust me, I still able to count) but managed to gain back normal sense during the later chatting session after the event.

During Sunday morning, we had a short meet up with the newlywed and headed for brunch where we had delicious fried small chicken, steamed octopus, fish and my 1st attempt on Tuak which is a light alchoholic drink brewed from coconut flower. All went well until we had a small accident when we make our move back home......Luckily nobody is injured and we managed to solve the issue in calm manner.

Conclusion of the trip: Great. Keep in touch buddies!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Should I get a NetBook? Or a Notebook instead?


Pic of Acer Timeline Notebook
(Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=3360&tag=nl.e101)


Just finished reading one of my favorite IT tech info spot, TechRepublic post which is talking whether to go for Notebook or Netbook. It is obvious the blogger is more preferring Notebook currently after experiencing disappointment from Netbook (which I guess is due to high expectation previously). The debate arised when the author adviced readers to go for the low-range Notebook with long battery hours, smaller size and cheaper price (which is the model shown in the picture above, Acer Timeline series) instead of considering Netbook.

To be honest, I'm not siding any party (nor gaining profit from any party) on this argument, but I do prefer to use Notebook which suites my multipurpose requirement. The best solution? Know what you want, then go get it. Get a Netbook if all you need is fair performance for usual document processing and surfing internet. Get a Notebook if you desire better performance (faster speed & multitasking) such as running multiple applications at the same time. However there might be some budget & mobility limitations. Plan well on how much you willing to spend and use the money wisely.

My advice is do some survey on the model you're interested, important info such as warranty period and where are the service centres available are such not to miss. Best is do the purchase during promotion event such as IT fairs (just make sure you know you're buying from which company & remember to obtain a valid receipt).

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Mist on Installing Windows 7



Windows 7 Logo
(Original source from NST: http://neosmart.net/gallery/v/os/Win7/Windows+7+Logo.png.html)

Just received the upgrade toolkit from one of the wellknown notebook vendor for migrating to the new OS (Operating System): Windows 7 last Saturday after the official launching about a month ago. This reminds me the days when I was amazed by the previous OS, Windows XP which seems like a triumph of Microsoft great achievement. This makes me thinking since I'm now more IT literate, it is a good time to actually give back as during the times when my friends helped me in my learning curves. I'll try to use simple human language to make things simpler. Here goes:

1. What is Windows 7?
Good question (need to praise you a bit to keep you excited). To be simple, Windows 7 is the latest OS product from the world well known software creater, Microsoft after the non-so preferable version, Vista which tend to fully replace Windows XP but doesn't work out as planned. According to Microsoft, there are lots of enhancements and improvements compared with Vista & XP thus some might find Windows 7 is something similar to XP in the backend (method of handling process which seems faster) and look-a-like Vista (very similar to Vista's AERO theme). For more info, go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7

2. OK. What should I do to get Windows 7 in my PC or notebook?
There are several ways to obtain Windows 7. The easiest way is to get a new set of PC / notebook from authorized branded IT distributors such as HP, DELL, ACER, TOSHIBA, SONY, FUJITSU etc. NOW :) (I'm not doing commercial anyway). If you've purchased the new set with genuine (means original) Vista installed just after JULY 2009, then you may go and check out if your purchase qualified to obtain the upgrade kit (like my case here).

If you do have genuine Vista  or XP installed in the new machine bought before July 2009, then you still eligible to purchase the upgrade kit from authorized software reseller. Do check out further details with them as always since this approach is still quite fresh at the moment. From what I noticed for Vista case, you need to get the right product key (a code of 25 characters + digits which shown on the proof sticker) which match your Vista version, for example you need to get Windows 7 Home Premium if you want to upgrade Vista Home Premium. For XP users, the information I have is that the upgrade is confirm suitable for XP Professional and I am not sure if it also work for XP Home or not.

If you have an older machine and considering to run Windows 7, you can do a self assessment check using Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor which is a tool provided by Microsoft and you can download it for free via link below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Basically if your machine can support Vista, it shouldn't be a problem for the new comer.

3. Any important issues I need to be caution?
Yes. Similar to XP and Vista, there are 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 which meant for respective processor type. From what I understand, Windows 7 32-bit can support 4GB RAM thus you have no worry RAM investment limitation which happen in XP repeat in Windows 7. You need to confirm your processor type if you intend to install 64-bit Windows 7. For your information, most of the program / application in the market are suitable to run in 32-bit OS but 64-bit OS have faster processing speed advantage thus for general user, I'll advice to go for 32-bit version.

Another thing need to be aware is how to perform the installation. The case is plain simple for new PC / notebook set with no OS installed at all and the hardware specification is good enough (advice at least 2GB Duo Core Processor Speed, 2GB RAM and 160GB Hard disc space) where you can get a Windows 7 full installation DVD to perform a custom installation. This method requires IT knowledge and quite time consuming thus best to get reliable IT shop to do it for you if you don't know how.

Similar case happen to current XP users: You can only perform full installation where you  will be force to erase all existing data and setting. Best practice is to do necessary data backup before proceed.

Good news for general Vista users where Microsoft claimed to make it possible to upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 with all data, application and setting fully migrate. As mentioned earlier, this only apply to matching version. However I still advice users to backup important data at least in case any thing goes wrong.

For more detail, go to the links below:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-Windows-recommended-links

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

4. Is this entire upgrading process bullet proof (no error)?
Another very good question. To tell you frankly, I'm not sure if it will be as simple as ABC. It seems there are post on the internet stating chances if the process might experience difficulties. Fortunately counter steps are also provided so if you are attempting to do the upgrade process on your own, hope the link below helps when you crying for mama:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/183382/fix_the_most_common_windows_7_upgrade_problems.html

Generally, I do give positive respond to Windows 7 release compared to Vista based on the feedback from test users since the BETA (non official release which meant for testing) version which will be expired during next year. I guess I'll be using it soon so will update you all later, OK? Till then, back to work.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Template selection process

As mentioned earlier, I'm in the process of creating my own company's website. The process was started about 3 weeks ago till now. Progress? So far I've managed to filter and selected down to 6 most preferred templates (pre-designed which need some customization) to start with.

Since I'm doing template selection, might as well talk something about template. To make story short and simple, there are many templates available for many purpose. Let's name some: Office templates in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, website, blog, logo and so on. Templates makes life easy as you can have a quick start on task you've plan but don't have much idea to start with thus you can do official letters (Invoice, chart, presentation etc.) or create website like what I'm doing now.

However there are give and take session: Generally you can get the templates in commercial manner (wish is via purchase) or FOC. Regardless of which method, usually you're not allowed to re-distribute it or claim it as your own work. Most of the templates fall under EULA which varies so if you're unsure do go for some reading.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/EULA.html

Usually the creator who offers the template will have at least a brief disclaimer note on how user should treat their work. Since this is offered on their good will, we as general user should respect it and try not to exploit their work.

Ok, I guess it's time to start the customization......