I See, Therefore I Net

New box outside flat

2008-07-15T13:02:00.005+08:00

Have been away for quite awhile, will have new stuff coming up shortly ;)

In the mean time, this.

It dosn't look like a fibre closet, but will we have FTTH by SingTel soon?? :D

New browser for Windows - KDE: Konqueror 4

2008-02-27T14:43:00.006+08:00

hi all~!
I'm back for another round of blogging.

Today I am going to touch on alternative internet browsers and a new kid on the block.

With the current browser war getting hot, we have many variant to choose; ranging from Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox/SeaMonkey, Netscape etc as compared to the previously dominant IE using some propriety web rendering standards.

Just as you thought you had enough of trying to think up which browser is good for choice, here comes KDE: Konqueror 4, the alternative open source GPL based internet browser cross compatible on different OS platform.

What makes it special, you may ask.

Konqueror web browser is originally a package under the KDE X window mainly for Linux.
As we know how some programs for Linux are usually multifunction. Konqueror 4 spots file browser capability, accessing of local network drives, and even protocol like telnet/ssh and bittorrent feature compared to other which has somewhat partial implementation only.

Now, here comes more. It is even capable of directly opening zip files, read first few bits to determine what type of file it is, rip audio CDs, viewing of formatted document like text directly. You can also input a file from off-link url to a HTTP upload field on some webpages and it will do the job.

While the intention of feature may be good, there are quite a few function like ctrl+enter not working in the browser. Maybe it was developed more towards the taste of diff users.

To begin off trying, you may get the necessary file from http://windows.kde.org/

Giving it a go, you will realise that the interface is quite neat and plain, loading of webpages is fast, while additional function like search box was not present. Here is a screenshot

As Konqueror 4 is a recent release by KDE and is somewhat a unstable release - still in the alpha porting stage, there are quite a few problem which you have to accept. Such as no adobe flash player and rendering issue, like:

This will change when more people uses and develop, so, start using now as a trial, form a community to give feedbacks, or even better, help in porting and development =D

Download here: http://download.cegit.de/kde-windows/installer/

WIFI on the buses

2007-11-02T22:56:00.000+08:00

Courtesy of Nokia. Connecting people! :D

Quick Tip

2007-09-23T15:59:00.000+08:00

Use a good quality coaxial splitter to get better signal for your modem and TV Images :)

Regal splitter given by default is a decent one

Hope it helps.

Leo

3.75G modem - HuaWei E270

2007-09-16T16:10:00.000+08:00

It sure been awhile, abit busy with school's related matters and other misc stuff(and actually is also because I lacked new toy, LOL)

I am now back with the HuaWei E270 in impression.

Huawei E270 3.75G modem

I believe model is abit smaller compared to the E220 from M1 and SingTel, depending on how you see it.

Tied to MaxMobile Unlimited, the speed I got downloading was a constant 400 kilobyte per second. Making it roughly 3.2Mbps. Not bad a speed, with HSPA as reported by the Starhub branded software utility.

However, it is strange why Huawei bundled 2 USB cable. Shown in the picture, the one with 2 USB connector, one of it has a label reading Assistant power. Using that, you will get access to its flash memory to install the software and drivers.
On the other hand, the shorter usb cable is redundant and useless, it does not work all. You cant access the driver/setup files, nor after installed, it allow you to connect at all.

For those of you with problematic USB controller issues, do be careful.

My new modem

2007-07-28T16:26:00.000+08:00

Hi all,
This is Leo again. It has been quite awhile since I last posted :)

Today I will write about my new modem - the Thomson Speedtouch ST536.
Here's picture to go along.

Its wonderful how advancement in engineering allow device to become smaller and smaller, taking up less space at home with a pack of punch.
However, taking a look at the AC/DC transformer. Its a question, why (many) companies constantly loves to supply big, bulky adapters. :S

Its has a good design on the exterior while having features like command line interface(CLI) as well as routing features. Yes, it is a gateway actually and not as claimed - a pure modem. Firmware well written.

However, there are quite a few downsides.
Firstly, like most small devices, it runs HOT - despite many ventilation holes. Heat is a bad thing for electronics, so watch out!
Second, not only is the adapter big, it has a funny output of 18V 1A to the modem. Seems to consume more power than others.
Lastly, despite it being one of the well known ADSL2+ capable modem, it has poor ping times compared to other models. Mediocre...

Seems like too much hype that I got it even, ehhehe.

For those interested in seeing the PCB - lets compare it with the Siemens SpeedStream 4100
Just maybe, I'd post more on modems and information.

See ya soon!

EDIT: Its a AC/AC adapter instead

UMPC Laptop for US$189 by ASUS!

2007-06-12T00:46:00.000+08:00

You saw it right. A truly compact laptop by the well known motherboard maker ASUS at the pricing of US$189, thats roughly only SGD 300!

The ASUS Eee PC 701 has a dimension of 225 x 165 x 21-35 mm, a 7" LCD screen, 512MB of RAM and coupled together with a solid state drive and battery.
Reports like the one from CyberCapital and such mentions that Linux is supplied as a default with Office suite and the Mozilla Firefox browser to complete the usability experience. Furthermore, it is even possible to run Windows XP on the tiny device.

At such a size, it is more enjoyable lugging along a laptop instead to enjoy Free WIFI at Wireless@SG hotspots.

Here's something even more surprising. It takes only 15 seconds to boot up.

I can't wait to lay my hands on this new baby!

P2P with Network Attach Storage!

2007-06-08T23:26:00.000+08:00

Chanced upon Andy's blog while playing MMORPG (MapleStory) these few days.

Andy has kindly compiled the program which allows anyone with a Linux NAS box to run P2P, like Bittorrent and eDonkey network.

Although it was specifically compiled for the D-Link DNS-323, as long as the architecture of device is based on ARM processor, you're in luck! Some Brand/Model even includes MLDonkey by default, such as the Planex Gigabit NAS-01G.

The result? Lower power consumption and less fan noise as compared to a desktop doing the downloading job. It's money savings, great isn't it?

Here today, it took me awhile with some help from Andy to get it running on the good old cheaper NAS that I have, the DNS 300.

Linux command line by telnet, isn't that easy nor hard as it seems.

It sure took me awhile, but its exciting to see it work. Heres the UI of MLDonkey.

eDonkey server available for choice

List of BT peers connected to MLDonkey before, and eMule!

For those who already had a NAS, try do some research on your unit. For the rest, do look out for these models mentioned above when you're considering a NAS. Try it and see for yourself!

PS: Thx to Andy again the the MLDonkey compilation. Please take a look at his site from the links at the right or by clicking here!

Alternative to Fon..... Tomizone!

2007-05-25T16:17:00.000+08:00

This is Leo again.

iseeinet is recently busy, so I will post some for him :)

Fon is a great idea, but what happens if you want to join a WIFI community, but do not wish to purchase the La Fonera for a specific reason, especially with regards to the operating temperature?

In such instance, you'll join the Tomizone! Tomizone is a startup from New Zealand with the likes of Fon's idea. However, you get to use your exisiting wireless routers. Models currently supported are the Linksys WRT54G/L and from D-Link, the DI524UP. Support for other models are in the way.

Today, I will showcase the DI524UP as a demo for the Tomizone network.

Has anyone noticed the additional features yet, not present in the La Fonera? Yes, the 4 additional LAN port desired and the USB Print Server function.
Unlike the La Fonera being unfriendly to home user by removing the LAN port off, Tomizone's approach of using their firmware on the exisitng products off common models from well known brand allows practically many users up on their board sharing internet. On top of which, Tomizone is not exclusively just about WIFI. Businessman could, on other hand provide internet connection through the router's LAN port as shown in the DI524UP's Web Interface. This will allow a cafe or backpacker/motel to be powered with a Pay-to-Use mode, where wireless signal might be weak for the wide areas to cover. Well thought of.

As of current, there are not that many members up aboard the Tomizone network, however this changes when you and I as well as many all around the globe started to participate for the Free Internet everywhere idea.

The DI524UP is currently for sale at roughly SGD70 only. Coupled with Unrestricted Lifetime Warranty, 4 LAN ports as well as USB print server against that of the La Fonera and the much pricier Linksys, this unit is a steal!

Leo

The La Fonera Wireless Router

2007-05-23T15:16:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

This is Leo! I have decided to help out iseeinet and is my first time posting.

Today, I would like to share with you all an interesting idea and product by Fon. It is the La Fonera Wireless Router.

Fon allows people from all over the world form WIFI communities. Members of the community network can become either a Linus or a Bill. A Linus, in exchange for sharing their own internet connection at home, gets to enjoy it too from members of the other Fon hotspot anywhere. A Bill on the other hand, gets to milk customer known as Aliens - some money in exchange for using their connection. Linus has an additional advantage in getting free connection off from a Bill's hotsspot. Existing hotspots can be found at this link.

The router is simply worthy of your penny, however it has 2 most common downside.
First of all, the La Fonera version 1 has only a single WAN ports. Most home user thinking of getting a router would like to have a LAN port also, thus they can hook up at least more computers without drafting higher budgets, especially due to wired Network cards being cheaper. Secondly, the unit also runs hot, and can at times burn your hand by touching it. Nevertheless, there are many alternative firmware out there for you to play around with, not just to be tied with Fon's idea.

Interested in the La Fonera? Skydio is selling at a price of only $39! Cheap bargain.

On my next blog entry, I would like to share with you all an alternative WIFI community site, sharing off with some of your existing wireless routers instead.

See you!

Rams are getting cheaper

2007-05-21T22:47:00.000+08:00

Ram is cheap... Price falls to $50 per peice for 1GB... I cant resist the temptation and grad 2 sticks today and replaced my trust 2 x 512mb

Yes i know... the ram inside the packaging is not kingston.. Its my old old trusty 2 x 256mb ram given by Fujitsu. The 2 x 1GB is now running in my laptop and im typing this message away =p

HomeCamera and DCS-2120

2007-05-19T14:10:00.000+08:00

HomeCamera recently launched their services with free account. What this service does, is to allow you to view your webcam or ip cams via HomeCamera's portal or via your mobile phone.

Now.. whats so good about this service? It allows you to bypass messy ddns set up, portfowarding and such. Whats really really cool is that if you are using D-Link's DCS-2120 ip cam, you can actually set up your ip cam to stream direct to their server and view it from their web portal or via your own mobile anywhere you are around the world.

This is definitely a good service between D-Link and M1 considering that many people gets turn off easily by those hard to configure settings since ISPs in Singapore generally blocks port 80 and etc.. -__-"

Check out my previous entry on DCS-2120 Here

D-Link DCS-2120

2007-05-18T11:27:00.000+08:00

Just got the D-Link DCS-2120 IP Security Camera. This camera allows you to view key installations via your mobile phone over 3G or GPRS =p This function is really useful for people who are always on the move with no access to computers with internet OR working in office where their firewall blocks activex access =(

For those that are interested to try out to see how its like, D-Link has a demo cam in operation

http://58.185.24.134/

username is dlink
password is dlink

Recently HomeCamera sent me the firmware for the DCS-2120 to be used with their service. HomeCamera is the brainchild of Wireless Intellect Labs which is 100% owned and the R&D arm for M1, Singapore's 2nd Largest Mobile Operator

More about DCS-2120 and HomeCamera in the next entry =p

New LCD Panel for my laptop

2007-05-17T15:16:00.000+08:00

Sent my laptop to fujitsu S7020H today for 3 dead pixels scattered right in the middle. -__-" Luckily for me, they have the spare parts and changed the panel right in front of me within 5 mins =p

Hurray for the new LCD panel and kudos to Fujitsu's excellent support.

DNS-300 with Ctorrent

2007-05-11T16:49:00.000+08:00

Today, Leo sent me an url on how to enable telnet to my DNS-300. This is a 1-HD Bay Network Attached Storage from D-Link.

Product Features:
• 3.5 Inch Harddrive Bay for Any HDD

• 2 USB 2.0 Ports for Easy Expansion

• Built-In Printer Server Function

How to enable telnet on DNS-300
Store your current config to XML file by Backup config menu.
Open XML file using notepad, find tag 0 in the telnet field and replace 0 with 1.
Do not amend anything else or DNS-300 will not be able to restore config back.
Save the XML file and restore config from XML file by Restore config menu.
After the config has been restored, reboot DNS-300.
After reboot, you can use PuTTY to telnet to your DNS-300.
Use your username and password to login. Otherwise you can use root with the default password 1234

After you have enabled telnet, you can proceed to install ipkg and Ctorrent Here

root@DNS-312H:/proc# cat cpuinfo

Processor : ARM/STORLINK FA52Xid(wb) rev 1 (v4l)
BogoMIPS : 69.83
Features : swp half thumb
CPU implementor : 0x66
CPU architecture: 4
CPU variant : 0x0
CPU part : 0x526
CPU revision : 1
Cache type : write-back
Cache clean : cp15 c7 ops
Cache lockdown : format B
Cache unified : harvard
I size : 8192
I assoc : 2
I line length : 16
I sets : 256
D size : 4096
D assoc : 2
D line length : 16
D sets : 128
Hardware : JunoRevision : 0000
Serial : 0000000000000000
root@DNS-312H:/proc#

64MB of rams!

SMC-WEBT-14N

2007-05-06T18:05:00.000+08:00

Was walking around Sim Lim Square today and saw the SMC-WEBT-14N on shelve. Saw alot of comments in forums about how wireless N wireless throughput wins normal Wireless G, being 1 of the cheapest Draft-11N routers, i decided to buy 1 and give it a try.

Noticed the 2 "LED" on the right side? There is no led under it. The router gives me a very cheapo feeling with a cheapo design. Cant blame much cos i bought it at a cheapo price =p