Some Updates on My Findings

Keeping constant blogging is a habit which I think helps me a lot as I tend to forget some details of what I've done. Sometimes it makes me feel I do have progress so far as Blog acts as sort of milestone for the steps I've taken. 

Ok, back to the main topic: I need to record down some of the facts I've discovered recently during December 2010. Please be noted as I might have to use some IT jargon but I'll try my best to elaborate to make it easier for all.

Case 1: How to install Windows OS (Windows 7 for instance) in a Mac machine with Mac OS

To make things easy, those who are interested can check out the steps in http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/01/15/using-boot-camp-to-install-windows-7-on-your-mac-the-complete-walkthrough/. However please be patient in case you experience trouble after step 12 where as mentioned Windows screen should appear...... The truth is it wouldn't for new Mac models as I noticed (same for new MacBook). All you have to do is extra effort - Download respective graphic card's driver (some script used for operating system to communicate with the respective device) from  http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3173. I would advice to get the drivers ready (download, unzip & store in thumb drive, plug into Mac's USB port) before you even start installing Windows.

Case 2: How to make dated printers (especially HP model) work with Windows 7 (both x86 & x64)

For your information, x86 actually means 32bit version while x64 is 64bit version of Windows. Most of the Windows 7 which comes bundled with new machine (notebook or PC set from branded manufacturer) recently are under x64, thus we need to find solution to include printer driver for x86 Windows 7 machine in the network which needs to share the printing feature.

I believe there are lots of people also looking for approach to rectify this issue as some printer manufacturer (eg. HP) doesn't seem to have any intention to provide respective printer driver which meant for Windows 7 for dated models. I've learned the solution in hard way as I spent hours of effort searching for answers around the web but none of the solutions mentioned help.

At last I tried something new: I downloaded the driver meant for previous Windows OS (XP for instance, but make sure you know which version, example if Windows 7 x64 then you need driver for x86 & vise versa) & perform additional driver support setting under printer properties (somewhere at the middle of the option list when you right click the printer icon). It takes time to complete but the way it really work makes it worth the waiting as you may perform add printer at other machines which running different Windows version.

Case 3: How to connect notebook / PC to LCD / Plasma TV via VGA cable
Usually this is a simple task where you just need an ordinary VGA cable (the one used to connect LCD monitor to the CPU, usually the connectors at both end is in blue color) and plug it to PC / notebook & TV (most of the newer flat screen TVs have this feature build-in). Once done you might need to do some simple setting at PC / notebook side where you need to specify the output destination (refer user manual if you're using a notebook which usually is a simple function keys combination, else for PC do read the instruction provided with the display card / motherboard). For some TV models you might also need to do some extra settings so read the TV user manual, but generally it should be able to auto-detect the input source & display the identical screen view on PC / notebook.

However there are chances you might stuck at no display on the TV screen. In this case check if the connection is loose or not. Next is make sure you've selected the right channel on the TV which matches the input signal respectively. Last but not least see if the VGA cable is still operating. In case all attempts fail, you may try to search for help via the web. Go to the manufacturer's website, tech forum & electrical appliances outlet for more details.


I guess this will be the last post I wrote for this year so I'll just wrap it up here for now & I wish all the best venture in coming year 2011! See you soon :)

Revise of My Work so Far

Source: peterborough.library.on.ca

Time really flies as the time when I sort of setting resolution during end of last year, within glimpse another year end arrived. Let's review what I've achieved so far......

Well it seems my clients network doesn't expand too much but fortunate there are added 3-5 loyal customers whom are pleased with my service. I wish to say many thanks :)

Any bad moments? Sure it does as if not it is not call life, right? I've met 1-2 clients whom I really can't work along with so have to let it go. Hope they find other source for their issue resolution.

Any major attempt? So far no as I've yet to finish what I've planned last year (starting an online 2nd hand IT device re-selling service). Right now I'm still working at client's website development so my current plan is the project shall start once I've finished the orders on-hand.

Any big changes or improvements? Yup as I've gained many experience on solving odd cases. Sometimes you really can't imagine this is the way to do it......

Any plans ahead? Of course as I'm working on some compliment gift for clients ahead for the coming Chinese New Year. Meanwhile I will spend some time on studying photo touch up effects (some have very cool visual effect from what I've seen from the magazine, hope to try out soon).

Anything else? Well I guess up-keeping the blog should be another constant task for me. I'm glad there are viewers (thanks to my friends) whom will constant following what I'm doing. I'll do my best to keep it on-going :)

Since Xmas around thew corner, I wish all Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

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......