I Need to Spare Some Own Time

Since I started the IT support role job, phone calls coming in. It seems to be a good sign, but what make me feel unpleasant is the time when calls arrive. Sometimes it can be 12.00am......

I can't say nothing if I'm working for a crucial 24x7 tech support firm, but what I'm doing now is normal working hours office support. Even household clients I still think something can leave it till tomorrow morning. Not to say I refuse to help, but I really hope clients can also respect my rest time so that I can be well prepared to serve tomorrow. (maybe I need to apply additional charges for such calls)

So I've decided to come out a standard call-answering session: I'll answer calls starting from normal office hours during working days (normal Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 6.00pm). Usually I'll still answer calls until 9.00pm which mostly for schedule arrangement earliest by tomorrow.

For weekends & non-working days (public holidays) I'll still answer calls during office hours if I'm at local, if not usually I'll acknowledge clients on advance basis. For the rest of the time please SMS or e-mail me as I'll look into the request & make the best arrangement to solve the issue.

My Money is MIA (Missing in Action)......

Just happened 2 days ago, I went to one of the RHB bank branch to withdraw money via ATM. FYI, I'm using other bank's ATM card, thus it will go through MEPS for 2 banks to perform the fund transfer. However after I've selected desired amount & waiting for cash note from the ATM, nothing came out......

What I did next is I go to the respective ATM which is same with ATM card & notice the previous missing amount was deducted from my account even I've yet received the cash earlier. What is this all about?

Without hesitation, I immediately rushed to nearest bank to clarify the issue. The bank teller informed me to go to the respective RHB bank to report the case...... Ok, so I went to RHB again & they asked me to fill in report form. Once done the in-charge personal said it usually takes about 4 weeks for investigation & refund...... 4 weeks?

All I can say is luckily the amount was not big so I used another ATM card to withdraw money. I think MEPS is not that reliable after all, I'm not sure if others experience similar situation before or not. Just pray I can claim back my money later......

New Experiment with MacBook

This is something not very common which you might get into: Learn to install Windows on a MacBook. Frankly I've no idea how to do it as I've never done this. I guess it is a great opportunity & right timing to explore new knowledge :)

 

MacBook (picture obrained from bindapple.com)

What I've done is do some homework (which is search the internet). Well, as usual, the lead is rather blur as there are many different approaches suggested online. But I've learned 1 crucial key factor: You'll need something call BootCamp which is a CD/DVD provided during the purchase of the MacBook. So far what I was informed from the web it is very difficult to locate the download source for this material, prepare for a shocking price if you ever consider to buy it......

Luckily after the inspection, it seems the issue is caused by a malfunction HD (quite usual for a 4 years old machine). All the while the machine can boot XP directly (settings at BIOS is done previously), thus what I need to do is replace the HD, re-install the Windows & recover the drivers for all the built-in devices (eg. webcam, soundcard, VGA, USB ports...)

However it seems the BootCamp I obtained from several sources (even the ones downloaded from Apple) are not working when I reach the state to install the drivers. Seems like this is a very tricky problem...... At last the user managed to provide the correct CD for the Boot Camp. During the process, I noticed 2 things:

1. The DVD ROM of MacBook is quite choosy. Why? Coz it might run the disc inserted in selective manner...... (sometimes it might get you to think could it be the disc spoiled?)

2. Driver installation for MacBook running Windows is rather simple. All you need to do is install BootCamp & let it do the magic while you can go find something to eat & drink......

Conclusion, although the process doesn't go smooth as I thought, it is still a fruitful session as I've learned something new. BTW, nice job to Apple for creating such convenient stuff like BootCamp :) (thumbs up if they can make it accessible in more common manner)

How to Create Your Own GIF Image

This is not a trick actually...... Just a simple online application which you can use to create GIF image (those image you saw that can change by itself). Allow me to introduce the PICASION

All you have to do is go to this URL http://picasion.com/upload-pictures/ (it is free, no form filling nor application required) and follow the steps:

1. Select the pictures / photos you wish to apply in the respective column (do click Add more picture in case you want to add more than 3 pics)
2. Select the size (default is 300px wide) and replacement speed (default is normal, but can consider quite fast)
3. Click the Create animation button to generate the desired GIF (it might take a while if the files are big)
4. Click Save this animation to download the final work to your PC/Notebook
5. In case you got another GIF in mind or you want to re-do with another setting, just click Upload more button

Enjoy!!!

New Idea on Mind

I have been quite busy lately thus forbidden the blogging for almost 1 month plus. Anyway I guess busy is not a solid reason so I need to carry on what I've promised myself & my friends :)

So what should I share this time? Just had a tea session with my secondary friends recently and the chatting topic picked up ways to earn more money (I guess it is quite usual for people among our age). Well, life is never easy unless we put in effort at the right place during the right time. It is fortunate if you can earn money while working on field you're interested at, hopefully I can achieve such goal soon.

Currently I'm focusing on photo touch-up skills which I think will help to expand my current business as it will be an add-on value feature which can attract more clients. Also I've just updated the company's profile for official purpose. It is just a 10 pages document which mainly covers types of service available, I tend to put it simple & direct just to save all parties time.

So far there are 2 parties offering business opportunities, one is providing IT support on outsource manner, the other one I'm not so sure but sounds like nothing relates with IT...... I've not in touch with the contact person for almost 2 years thus I need more details on what kind of business model offered before making any further action.

BTW, just had the 1st hand-on experience with Ipad from a friend where we tried out the games installed. Seems like Ipad is a fun device but a bit costly for me so don't think will get one at the moment. Until next time, gotta plan for a quotation......

Sharing Experience with Newly Bought GPS Unit

Actual Unit Set (Pic courtesy from Kevin)

I've heard & tried with several types of GPS but never own one so far until recently. 

FYI, this unit as shown above is from China (yep, seems very common nowadays) with PAPAGO software pre-loaded. The map version stored is 100415 which released around April 2010. So far I've been using it for a few times after 3 weeks, I guess it is time for me to write the review:

Hardware Specification:

-SIRF Atlas 4 Duo Core

-4.3" Touch Screen

-Support MicroSD expansion

-Build-in 2GB / 4GB (price varies)

Software Specification:

-WINCE platform

-M3GPS PAPAGO ver. X5.2 GPS (multiple language support including English, Chinese, Malay)

-Support Malfree Maps (2D Map, 3D Map w building, various POI, lane assist, junction view)

-Maps include Malaysia, Thailand (certain region), Singapore & Brunei

-Support MP3 format

-Support MP4, Flash, AVI, RMV (certain version) format. Advice file size does not exceed 150MB

-Build-in 6 games

-Support JPEG format

-Support TXT text format

-Contain Camera Detecting Alarm

Here are some of my findings:

-Satellites detection in open area is very fast (usually around 30 seconds)

-The re-calculation rate is consider quite fast

-Speed Camera detection response according the plotted location in map

-The 3D map layout is suitable for me as it displays the road layout in a more realistic approach

-Since it supports Malfree maps, it means there is no cost when using the map. Also I've tested where it is very easy to upload new map in future

-Warranty for GPS unit is 1 year (including screen defect)

However I've also notice some issues:

-Difficult to view the screen under strong light as no screen shield is provided

-Route advised might not be accurate. I've experienced the GPS guided me to the junction but actually there are straight passage available. Also I've reached places which doesn't match the map. I believe the problem is due to the map plotted & expect it can be improve during the coming new map

-Sometimes the voice description is confusing

-Some POI is not updated. Problem can be solve by adding new POI or wait for new map

To share my experience, I feel it does help a lot when I try to reach new places. I've used it to travel to Malacca, Klang & Ampang which I'm not familiar with. Overall the result is pleasing. However it leads to another problem - You can't memorize the route properly as you concentrate to the GPS instructions & the road condition but missed out the key landmark structure (which I used to learn the route). I guess nothing is perfect :)

For those who consider to occupy the unit, you may contact me to know further regarding the price & units available. Ok, let me see where I wanna go next......

NEW UPDATE: 5' Model is ready now. Do contact me for further detail

Doing Some Mix & Match Lately

FYI, I like the taste of Honey-Milk, a drink consists of the mixture of both mentioned. In order to fulfill my passion of understanding more, I make my 1st move in getting the 2 ingredients (bought milk yesterday, while honey today) & hoping to make it my own so I can enjoy it whenever I want with the convenience & affordability.

Initially I thought it will be very easy as it sounds simple: mix the two. How hard will it be? The truth is - You never know until you tried. It seems I need some time to perform more experiment to master the correct or at least the ideal portion of both. I am not sure if the temperature plays a role as well or not. Will try my best to explore more so wish me luck, OK?