Revive Your Decade-old PC with Linux

Computers today grow too fast. Buy a new hardware today and a few months, you are tempted to upgrade. This, I consider an implicit "organized fraud" by the hardware and software makers. Having the latest computer hardware is almost future proof based on its capabilities.

So how about yout old gear? Are you scrapping them away? Stop. You can install a Linux OS and make it run FASTER again.

As with my previous blog, I indicated Linux is free (no cost, no hidden items, redisrtibutable, and modifiable). And besides, Linux the the supercar in automotive. And an old as a 486-hardware, there should be a Linux distribution fit for it.

Lately I tried installing Puppy Linux on my USB flash Drive, and it only taken less than 100MB in it! So, its just like carrying a virtual computer on your pocket. Just plug it on any computer capable from booting on a USB device and boot from it WITHOUT changing the files/system on the computer. That simple. Credits goes to the developers of Puppy Linux. My wireless lan even worked OUT-OF-THE-BOX after installing Puppy.

http://www.puppylinux.com/

Christmas is Near

Yeah, and it's getting colder and colder. Let's celebrate the season with joy in our hearts.

Linux, the BETTER alternative to WINDOWS

Are you a Microsoft Windows user? Others claim that Windows is the best operating system - user-friendly menus, easy installation procedure for beginners, and so on. But how can you really tell if it is the best if (I assume) you have not tried any other Windows-like operating systems?

This is where the Linux kernel, an open-source kernel, where many OS are built and enjoyed by many, comes big-time. With thousands of free applications and a strong support online, you can forget Windows ever existed.

I just have installed Ubuntu (Hardy Heron version) on my notebook. Ubuntu is one of the many distributions of Linux. Even a 10-year old laptop/desktop will run well on Linux. And the advantages goes on...

- FAST and VERY STABLE
- Free OS, with several choices (Ubuntu, Redhat, Mandriva, Suse, Linpus, and so on.) including free applications from thousands of 3rd party developers. Free online support.
- Lots of free programs and applications ranging from office tools (word/spreadsheet/presentation, multimedia players, recorders, almost any application on Windows)
- Total control over your PC
- Relatively immune to viruses
- A large community of developers and users

WAIT, Linux is not only for programmers. An ordinary user can learn Linux, just like he/she learned Windows. Plenty of web tutorials available.

It's worth a try. You can test it on your PC WITHOUT the need to install, just run the CD (Ubuntu)

I can't imagine what applications can run on Windows and not on Linux.

Give it a try. In my case, I like Ubuntu Linux.
Help spread the word, Linux is free and it deserves to be distributed.

Request a FREE CD online, link below....

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Join the wonderful world of LINUX!

Health Corner - Rejuvenate Yourself

At birth, all of us were mostly equally as healthy as we can be. But upon growing up, others got ill occasionally. Others are not. Others became so fat. So what's the difference why it went this way?

1. Food
The food we eat attributes mostly to our health as we grow older. Are you fond of eating junkies and those oily fries? Someone written once - a stick of a French fries is equally, if not more harmful than a stick of cigarette.

2. Environment
Do you leave in a polluted city? Do you sleep well at night? Are you exposed to some chemicals at work?

3. Metabolism
How often do you exercise? Are you always stressed at work? Emotional or physical?

Other physical aspects of us may have been attributed to genetics, as inherited from parents to offsprings.

These are some of the major factors that affect our lives as we grow. Now, it's very hard to live a healthy life nowadays, especially if you are on a third world country. What now?

Then rejuvenate. But how?

I once attended a seminar regarding cleansing diet. This is a one-week sacrifice to rejuventate yourself. Within one week, nothing should be eaten except for fresh fruits and juices, and vegetables and water. Sacrifice a little. It's worth knowing the results for you. But beware, not everyone is qualified for this program. If you are ill, pregnant, and have other reasons which you think it may not fit you, see your doctor.

This would eventually cleanse our inner system as if we were borne again.

It is known that cooked food (by oven, open fire, boiling, etc...) makes the food acidic. So for those who have hyperacidity, train yourself in eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Some fruits may contain citric acid, though, which on some patients, aggravates their hyperacidity.

I am no physician. But the words I wrote above were the results of being a reader, in the aim of at least, opening someone's eyes when it comes to health.

Cannot Install Nero on Your Acer Laptop?

I have this Acer 4710 notebook. I've found a number of users having problems in installing the Nero (r) disk burning application.

I assume that the Nero installer you have has the .exe extension (e.g. Nero-7.2.3.2b_eng_no_yt.exe). Now a common way to install this is just open the file. If you do this, Nero attempts to install, but after a few minutes, it will stop at an error. Something like you interrupted the installation and it will close.

Here's what I did.

1. Right-click on the .exe installation file.
2. Choose "Extract files" on the pop-up menu
3. Choose a folder where to extract. You'll need around 550MB (depending on your version) free disk space, so check if you have enough space.
4. After extraction, browse to the extracted files and open SetupX.exe or nero.msi).
5. Hopefully, installation will commence error-free.

The procedure above was tested on my Nero version 7.2.3b.

Now the extracted files occuppied a lot of space. You may delete them, but not the original .exe file. Note the file Nero.msi on the extracted files. You will be needing this whenever you need to modify, repair, or uninstall Nero. So if you deleted the extracted files, you may have to extract again if you want to remove, repair, or modify Nero.

Hope this helps.

Choosing a laptop computer (IBM PC only)

Laptop computers are now very common - from students to professionals. If you are planning to buy one, here are just my simple tips. I hope this helps...

The general question: What's the intended purpose?

a. Simple email and web surfing
b. Business (tablet PC or not)
d. Special laptops (gaming laptop, multimedia laptop, adventurer's laptop)

I classify laptops as shown above. If you may buy, it is wise to consider where you will always use the laptop. If you are a student, and will only use for simple email and web surfing, you may only need a simple one like the Asus (r) EeePC or the Acer (r) One. Some models have SSD (solid-state device) for their data storage instead of the conventional hard disk. So if you think you have a lot to save, choose the model with a "hard disk" on it. SSDs are faster, immune to shock, but usually smaller in capacity compared to Hard disks.

Links below.
http://eeepc.asus.com/global/
http://www.acer.com/aspireone/

Note the models above have a small LCD screen.
These are for the budget users. Consider other models if you've got extra bucks.

If you are a professional, many laptops are suitable with you. Things to consider.

a. LCD size (at least 14.1 inches, smaller displays are available. Good if you travel always.)

b. Weight - if you are always on travel, choose a lightweight one, around 2 kg (4.42 lbs.) or below

c. WLAN - hotspots are everywhere. Be sure your laptop has a built-in WLAN (wireless LAN). You can buy an external accessory, though. Be sure it is capable to at least 802.11 g networks. Say NO to 802.11a ONLY. 802.11n is the newest and is backward compatible to 802.11a/b/g networks.

d. Processor - choose at least a Dual-Core processor. Core Duo/Core 2 Duo are much better but more expensive - I recommend Intel, since AMD also has dual-core processors.

d. Express card slot - many uses (from TV tuners to modems)

e. With external video out (for displaying to external monitors/projectors)

f. You may consider a touchscreen/tablet PC.

For other purposes like gaming, the video/display adapter dictates the power of the gaming laptop. I recommend laptops with ATI Radeon display. The memory should be at least 256MB and should not be "shared". Ask your dealer about this. Some cards have lower memory but advertised as 1024MB "turbocache". The actual physical memory may only about 128MB! I would prefer the 256 MB without the "turbocache" feature.

Here is a nice website in comparing videocards for laptops.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/

Processor is the next important thing to gaming. I recommend an AMD Turion dual core processor. Next in line is AMD Athlon dual core and Intel Core 2 Duo.

RAM/Memory plays an important role too. For better gaming experience, at least 2 GB or RAM should be used. Newer RAMS have speed of up to 800 MHz, near-outdating the 667 MHz.

For other purposes, like you always want to view movies/videos, some dedicated laptops are avaliable. Usually they have bigger LCDs (17-inch).

Other specialized laptops like, for outdoor uses are available. Usually with a built-in GPS receiver and are relatively smaller, as shown above.
(Photo from http://www.laptopgpsworld.com)

General rule: A cheaper one usually is less powerful. This may not be true in comparing processors of the laptops. AMD is usually afforadable (not cheap!) compared to Intel.

Good luck in selecting.

Welcome!

Hi there! Firstly, I would like to thank www.blogger.com for this blog space.

I created my account in hopes of sharing information, may it be from the science or art side of our daily living. We are in the age of computers, and information is a necessity for everyone, regardless of race, language, belief and so on.

I am Roldan, an electronics and communications engineer by profession and practice, but I am also interested in other certain fields - like astronomy, music and my guitar, sports, computers and gaming, history, paranormal psychology, new age, medicine (conventional and alternative), and philosopy.

I'm no a polymath, only that I have interest in those fields. I have read many books and researched on the internet from any of the topics where I find interesting at a certain time.

Thank you for visiting. I hope, as time passes by, this blogspot would be full of information, in any way, help anyone. Of course, with your help too!

If you feel like asking me a question, you are welcome. I cannot answer everything, but I'll do my best to answer you.