Firefox 3.5+ now really rocks

Once upon a time, when Netscape Navigator ruled the browser world, I was an Internet Explorer user. If my memory serves me well, I started to use IE since version 3.x. Perhaps I was a person who doesn’t like to follow the majority at that moment. Netscape was the king and everyone used it to browse WWW. But heck, I don’t give a damn about this popular browser even though some websites required me to use Netscape due to incompatibility.

Fast forward several years, IE become the default choice of browser to browse WWW due to it’s preloaded with Windows OS installation. Netscape at that time was almost out of business. (Heck, who want to buy a browser if you can get it for free!) At the end of Netscape vs. Microsoft battle, Netscape release it latest browser engine to the open source world and Firefox was born.

Then Microsoft’s browser faced a lot of attacks, bugs and security issues. Perhaps they tried too hard to introduce too many new technologies and features till they fail to polish their current release as best as they could. Firefox start to become popular alternative browser in the world. I was among the early adopter and love Firefox for its simplicity, extendable and less security flaws.

However, when Google released Google Chrome last year, I start to become a Chrome convert. Firefox and IE still exist in my machine but 90% of the time, I use Google Chrome. I LOVE it simplicity and fast loading time. Firefox 2.x at that time suffer slow loading time (when I started Firefox from its shortcut at desktop) and eat too much my screen vertical space. I still can bear with slow loading time but I can’t resist Chrome unique approach to maximize screen vertical estate. As a widescreen monitor user, I really appreciate this approach.

At that moment,

I love Firefox because of :

• Its extensive choice plug-ins such as no-ads, streaming video downloader etc
• Security
• Relatively small memory foot print
• Webpage layout compatibility

I love Chrome because:

• Very simple yet elegant
• Provide maximum screen estate to web contents
• Each tab has separated process (which if one tab crash, else doesn’t, well theoretically). Some more, tab on top of browser’s window frame look pretty natural to my eye. Like flipping hard copy folders J
• Very fast loading time when I launch it from my desktop short cut (I honestly can’t detect any significant webpage loading improvement between firefox 2 and chrome 1 with my 1.5 mbps ADSL. Perhaps other users who use better broadband can tell. IDK)

I hate Chrome because:

• Argh…virtually no add-ons. Favorite add-ons such as no-ads etc doesn’t exist for Chrome platform.
• Damn…I have to see those irritating ads. Steal my bandwidth too
• I can’t use IDM or Orbit effectively to download some streaming video straight from the webpage.

OK..enough with history. Fast forward to today story J

Since last 2 days, Google Chrome start to crash (the whole browser, not tab) and this problem really irritate me. Even though it can restore the crash pages, it still annoys me. Some more, I need to open Firefox to download video from streaming site effectively.

So, I update my Firefox to version 3.5 (version 3.6 and above still beta, alpha and even pre-release alpha lol). And spend about half an hour to browse its latest add-ons and extension. My objective , I want to eliminate advertisements, make Firefox’s frame support Aero (like 3.7 onward), less cluttered and if possible doesn’t eat my vertical space too much.

To my surprise, I can achieve all my objectives with Firefox 3.5 + Windows 7 Theme for Firefox 3.5 Add-On Collection.

Windows 7 theme for firefox 3.5 Add-On Collection : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collection/enkei

This collection of add-on has 11 carefully selected add-ons. They are:

• Firefox Showcase
• Hide Menubar
• Search Preview
• Google Redesigned
• Adblock Plus: Element Hiding Helper
• Adblock Plus
• Glasser
• Stylish
• Skip Screen
• Video Downloader
• FastestFox

Among these 11 add-ons, I believe Hide Menubar, Search Preview, both ad-blocks, Glasser, Skip Screen, FastestFox really improve my browsing experience using Firefox. These add-ons really change my opinion toward firefox. And I have to admit, Firefox + this add-ons make Firefox become my main browser now. It may not load as fast as Chrome (when I double click its short cut from my desktop), but it has improve a lot. The speed difference now is not much. In my system (Phenom 955BE @ 3.6 GHz, Windows 7 x64 and 4 GB DDR3 1333), Chrome load INSTANTLY. Firefox 3.5 requires 1 to 2 seconds.

BUT…there is a but. Firefox now loads webpages WAY FASTER than Chrome. I type loads not render. With my connection, I consistently found that Firefox 3.5 + FastestFox add-ons (I believe so) load any webpages faster than Chrome. From my understanding, with this add-on, Firefox load webpages in parallel fashion. The different is not much but pretty significant.

Best of all, my Firefox now could provide almost as much screen space for web content as Chrome could. Some more, I no longer need to see those irritating ads. Could download video from stream website as easy as clicking on the video and websites appear faster than Chrome

Chrome 3 vs Firefox 3.5. Note that Firefox able to provides almost as much screen space for web content like Chrome

.

. Effectively, with no ads to steal space, Firefox generally provides more actually.

I don’t say Google Chrome is a bad browser. It is very good actually. But Firefox + its add-ons somehow make it better than Chrome.

Now I am a happy Firefox 3.5 user. Welcome back Firefox.

How to cut or trim mp3 file

Often you find that your favorite mp3 song introduction is too long to suit as your mobile phone ring tone right?

You want to skip that lengthy song introduction and straight away want your ring tone start at the chorus of the song. So, how to do that in real quick and of course, free of charge? (I have been asked this question number of times actually, which lead me to write this short tutorial).

It is pretty simple actually. The concept is you just need to highlight the area (of your song track) that you don’t need and cut it out. As simple as that.

Tools of choice range from free and extremely small software to professional class application such as SoundForge or Adobe SoundBooth.

But since this tutorial is focus to average user who doesn’t need to waste hundreds of megabytes and couple of hundred bucks for a software that 99% of its function will never been used, we will use a free tool called mp3DirectCut.

Steps:

• Download mp3directCut from author site or mediafire mirror.
• Install that application.
• Run this application from your desktop.
• Main application graphical user interface will be like screenshot below.

  

• Click on File -> Open (or alternatively you may press Ctrl + O)
• Choose your favorite song that you want to cut/edit/trim as screenshot below. I choose Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow song for this tutorial. Click Open after you select your favorite song.

  

• Then, you will be prompted with this windows. Just click OK.

  

• Now your mp3directcut windows will show something that below screenshot if you successfully open your mp3 song.

  

• A bit confuse eh? Well don’t. I will explain several key features that need your attention only….in order to reach our goal.
  • As in any media player, here is your play and stop button.
  • Here is indicator to point up where in your mp3 song track is being played.
  • “Set Begin” button is the button that will mark your Starting Point of track selection (that you want to be played as your ringtone).
  • “Set End” button is the button that will mark your ending point of your track selection (track after this end marker will not be saved as your ringtone).
  • Omit this one if you just want to highlight certain area in your mp3 song and save that selection.
• So what you need to do is:
  • Press play button. Your mp3 song will be played. When you hear the chorus area that you want to make it as your ringtone, press stop button.
  • Then click on Set Begin button.
  • Press play again until you listen to the point that you don’t want that area of song to be played as ring tone.
  • Click stop.
  • Then click Set End button
  • Now, a portion of your mp3 song will be highlighted as the screenshot below.

  

• Click File -> Save Selection and you are done.

  If this text guide confuses you, feel free to watch this tutorial’s video at youtube.

An early but pleasant experience with Norton Internet Security 2010

Well, before I go berserk and directly compare NIS2010 with other high profile Internet Security Suite, I decide to write an overview of Norton Internet Security 2010. Honestly, this is a very good product and I personally feel that this product deserve to consume couple of writing hours of mine just for an overview. I will highlight its’ features base on my experience for this writing phase.

 

Less than 10 seconds after I double click on installer file. Note the completion percentage: 80%. Impressive!

 

By default, you get 15 days trial period to evaluate this product. 15 days is enough to evaluate how well it protects your pc while not hogging your PC resource. Please note that I have been use this product for more than 2 weeks (non beta one) and for the sake of this article, I restore my PC to clean state Windows 7 + latest driver + Microsoft Office.

 

Since my Norton Internet Security 2009 still has around 200+ days’ active subscription, I can use that CD key to activate Norton Internet Security 2010 without any drama.

Yes, you read this correctly. Contradict to yesteryears product, current antivirus maker doesn’t sell product actually. They sell subscription period. So, as long as your subscription still valid, you can always download their latest product and use your current key instead. No need to buy a copy of Norton Internet Security 2010 (NIS2010) if your NIS2009 still has subscription period.

You may upgrade your Norton product here : http://updatecenter.norton.com/

Note: If you want to choose your upgrade product manually, click on “Choose My Product Manually – (For Advanced Users)” located at right below of that page.

 

240 days left. Nice.

 

Time needed from the moment I double click the installer file to this screen: Less than 30 seconds. You may ask, what’s the biggie right? Well, since Norton keep advertise that their product will be completely installed in your system within a minute, I can’t help the temptation to validate that statement myself. Well, they are right. In fact, on quad core system with at least 4GB RAM (I use Phenom II 955BE @ 3.6GHz, 4GB DDRIII 1333), time required could be just 30 seconds.

 

Main screenshot

 

Performance Screenshot

Optimizing

While optimizing, this small notice box inform user that NIS is doing some background task. This is a good touch since, on slower single core machine, while NIS2010 optimizing, it may slow down their pc a bit. But, frankly speaking, I don’t feel any slowdown while NIS2010 is optimizing my system.

 

Norton Tasks

 

Norton Insight Screenshot

 

Those are default setting screenshots. Pretty comprehensive eh?

 

Scan option

Custom scan

 

Finding:

• NIS2010 could be installed within 1 minute.
• Nice GUI
• Comprehensive setting option
• Install and forget approach
• Performance indicator for those who are really concern about how much NIS2010 bog down their PC resource

Verdict:

• A very good consumer based security suit
• 2 weeks experience with this product (non beta) really impresses me. I could say, [my system+NIS2010] is more responsive than [my system + Avira classic]. Avira classic only an Antivirus while NIS2010 is a suite of anti-virus, firewall, anti-spam, anti-spyware, identity protection, safe web and browser protection. I still can’t explain how Norton engineer able to craft this piece of software to be lighter than Avira Classic which previously I think one of the fastest AV. Furthermore, it is completely not fair to compare an complete security suite with a standalone anti-virus product but, yeah..that is my own personal experience. In short, my computer with NIS2010 feels more responsive than my computer with Avira antivirus only. This is pretty subjective, but worries not because when time permitted, I will conduct a series of benchmark to measure this quantitatively.
• Able to use previous product CD key with latest product is a very nice approach. Now, I am not worry to pay 3 years subscription (which is always cheaper than 1 year subscription) since I know I could always download latest version of NIS and use my current subscription CD Key without any problem.

 

..to be continued…

• Explanation of each features and screenshot.
• Virus detection capability
• Memory consumption on idle and scanning
• CPU consumption on idle and scanning
• <reader suggestion thru comment section>

 

How to add VirtualBox shared folder in Windows Server 2008 as guest OS

I need to develop an ASP.net and ASP websites recently but I decided not to install IIS7 on my Win7 OS due to this is my gaming machine as well (since IIS7 will run a lot of other services in background even when I am gaming or doing nothing related to webserver task). Therefore, with the power of virtualization software (virtualbox, free of charge), AMD Hyper-V (from phenom 955 BE) and Windows Server 2008 free for 8 months (grace period), I think running Windows Server 2008 in Virtual Environment is not a bad idea. Furthermore, beside IIS7, I could use other stuff as well especially DNS. And the best thing is, virtual OS could be moved from one machine to other machine (read: from my PC to my laptop, for demonstration purpose) without much headache of redeployment.

 

Host OS : Windows 7 x64 (to fully utilize 4 GB ram)

Guess OS : Windows Server 2008 (x86 to minimize size of memory need to allocate to this guess OS)

Software used : VirtualBox (v3.08)

 

The Problem

Unlike Windows XP, adding shared folder in Windows Server 2008 as guess really pain in the arse. The networking (search) feature seem to be, errr… not working for my setup. I simply can’t find my shared folder.

 

Solution

@ VirtualBox software menu bar à Devices àShared Folders

Note : It is highly recommended that you install Guest Addition to improve your guess OS performance and capability

 

Click on button

 

Add the folder that you wanna share from your host OS (PC) @ ‘Folder Path’ à Chose Other

 

Choose your shared folder (this folder exist on your host OS)

The Click OK.

Note : VirtualBox Disks folder is created by me in my storage partition. Yours one might has different name.

 

Then name your shared folder name @ ‘Folder Name :”. Any name will do. In this example, I choose MyShare

Click Make Permanent Checkbox

 

‘MyShare’ shared folder now exists (actually, now I have 2 shared folders, one is the one we just created, and the other one is my actual shared folder that I use for work)

Click Ok

 

All screenshot below this text is taken from virtual os aka guess OS (in this case, my WinServer 08)

Now logon on your Windows Server 2008 (guess OS).

 

From Windows Server 2008 explorer (or run windows), type net use Z:\vboxsvr\MyShare

Z is your map drive (you can change to any letter as well, as long as it will not conflict with your current Windows Server 08 drive letter)

MyShare is my logical shared folder name.

 

And..tadaaa…

 

From now on, I can access my shared folder by using Z drive.

 

Done.

Windows 7 Shortcut Keys to Improve Your Productivity and SPEED!

Doesn’t matter how fast you can use your mouse and click, nothing can beat the speed of keyboard shortcut key. Windows 7 has come with a lot of interesting shortcut keys which are waiting to be fully exploited by speed junkies.

 

Keyboard Shortcut	Function
Win+Up	Maximize Window
Win+Down	Minimize Window
Win+Left	Snap Window to left
Win+Right	Snap Window to right
Win+Shift+Left	Jump to left monitor
Win+Shift+Right	Jump to right monitor
Win+Home	Minimize / Restore all other windows
Win+T	Focus the first taskbar entry, similar to ALT +TAB
Win+Shift+T	Same as above in reverse order
Win+Space	Peek at the desktop
Win+G	Bring Gadgets to the top
Win+ [Num]	Launches the numbered app running in the Super bar
Win+P	Connecting displays to computers and switching from single monitor to dual-display
Win+X	Mobility Center
Win + + Win + -	Zoom in and out of Windows
Alt+P	Show/hide Preview Pane in Explorer
Win + Tab	Windows Aero Task Switcher
Shift + Click on icon (Taskbar)	Open a new instance
Middle click on icon(Taskbar)	Open a new instance
Ctrl + Shift + Click on icon (Taskbar)	Open a new instance with Admin privileges
Shift + Right-click on icon (Taskbar)	Show window menu (Restore / Minimize / Move / etc)
Shift + Right-click on grouped icon (Taskbar)	Menu with Restore All / Minimize All / Close All, etc.
Ctrl + Click on grouped icon	Cycle between the windows (or tabs) in the group

 

 

And if you are multi monitor user (I just join this group with my new Samsung SyncMaster P2350 24 inch wide + old 19 Samsung SyncMaster 931BW wide monitors, these short cut keys are really a bless J

Keyboard Shortcut	Function
Win + Spacebar	Aero desktop peek, just like that small rectangle at the right bottom corner next to the time display.
Win + Left Arrow	toggle docking to half the screen starting by the left half
Win + Right Arrow	toggle docking to half the screen starting by the right half
Win + Shift + Left Arrow	move the window one monitor left in a multi-monitor display
Win + Shift + Right Arrow	move the window one monitor right in a multi-monitor display
Win + Up Arrow	maximize
Win + Down Arrow	minimize
Win + Home	minimize/maximize all inactive windows
Win + P	show presentation mode projector options
Win + G	show desktop gadgets
Win + Any number (1, 2, 3, .., 0)	open the corresponding taskbar pinned program
Ctrl + Click a pinned taskbar icon	to cycle through the program’s open windows (e.g. IE)
Ctrl + Shift + Click a pinned taskbar icon	to run a new instance of the program as administrator
Shift + Click a pinned taskbar icon	to run a new instance of the program

 

How to delete locked file/folder in Windows 7

Have you come across that you can’t delete certain folder or file even you are the administrator?

And you are damn sure that no one is using that folder or file as well. This is very frustrating isn’t it. Well, at least I felt that way.

2 solutions that I come across:

• Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) compatible unlocker : lockhunter
• Take Ownership.

  All files could be downloaded from HERE
  

 

If windows keep telling you that you can’t delete or move that folder because somebody or something is using it (even you are the only user on that pc), you may need a nifty application to release that folder or file from OS hand. As for myself (for Windows 7 x64), I use lockhunter. You may get it at : http://lockhunter.com/ . Best of all, it is a freeware.

 

But, if Windows keep telling you that you need to have xxxxx privilege from xxxxx in order to delete that file mean you need to take ownership of that folder/file. The easiest way to do so is by adding premade registry entry and take ownership by right clicking on that folder/file.

1. Download Take Ownership registry : HERE

    

2. Unzip it and right click à merge

   

    

3. Go to the locked folder and right click à Take Ownership

   

    

4. Done. Now you can delete that locked folder/file.

Windows 7 oh Windows 7

Where to check windows 7 status (RTM or not) : http://www.haswindows7rtmed.com/

Where to get it?

Underground source. Microsoft doesn’t release this version to public for free unlike beta version and RC. X86 (32bit version) and x64 (64 bit version) could be find there. Be sure to check SHA-1 key to ensure that your downloaded ISO is unmolded or untouched version.

What the…. How to check that. How on earth could I check my downloaded ISO SHA-1?

Use this open source SHA-1 (and also MD5) checker from sourceforge. Download here.

You may need to download java runtime to use that tool. Download java runtime here.

Run Ash’s MD5/SHA-1 Checker, click on open button.

It may take 2 to three minutes to check the SHA-1. Don’t worry if you don’t see any progress bar what so ever. As for myself, the screen above remain like that for 3 minutes or so. Just give it some time to abuse your CPU computing power okay (^_^).

Finally…after 3 minutes…

Ping pong…. I found out that my RTM Win7 SHA-1 doesn’t match original HAS-1 key. Why the hack this happen. Short answer, this ISO might not be the untouch version (if I am lucky, the uploader doesn’t put anything nasty but if I am not lucky, only heaven know what he put in this ISO).

Untouched SHA-1 key :     0xBC10F09B86DCBAF35B31B0E6FBA7D006ACAAD28D (where to check this key for entire list? Refer below)

My previous download :     606ce48c4f1af04fee97a6852aa382fb7899829e

Same name, same size but unfortunately not the very same file. Action: Delete L

Additional Info: As for now, I am not pretty sure to believe 5395DC4B38F7BDB1E005FF414DEEDFDB16DBF610 as untouch key or not (base on this website : http://www.haswindows7rtmed.com/

According to technet blog, actual untouch SHA-1 key as below :

• Windows 7 Retail Ultimate E englisch (x86)
  Name: 7600.16385.090713-1255_x86fre_cliente_en-us_Retail_UltimateE-GRMCEULFRER_EN_DVD.iso
  CRC: 0×953EFBCC
  SHA-1: 0xBC10F09B86DCBAF35B31B0E6FBA7D006ACAAD28D
  
• Windows 7 Retail Ultimate E englisch (x64)
  Name: 7600.16385.090713-1255_x64fre_cliente_en-us_Retail_UltimateE-GRMCEULXFRER_EN_DVD.iso
  CRC: 0×77BE890E
  SHA-1: 0×029DCCEDD7691206010F84CE58343405A4DA92C9
  
• Windows 7 Retail Ultimate englisch (x86)
  Name: 7600.16385.090713-1255_x86fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GRMCULFRER_EN_DVD.iso
  CRC: 0xC1C20F76
  SHA-1: 0×5395DC4B38F7BDB1E005FF414DEEDFDB16DBF610
  
• Windows 7 Retail Ultimate englisch (x64)
  Name: 7600.16385.090713-1255_x64fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GRMCULXFRER_EN_DVD.iso
  CRC: 0×1F1257CA
  SHA-1: 0×326327CC2FF9F05379F5058C41BE6BC5E004BAA7
  

Note : Even so, my previous downloaded ISO is not match with above SHA-1 key either. So, confirm delete and re-download. I personally believe technet blog more than anything else.

OMG, is there any easier way to check either the ISO is valid or not?

Yes it is actually. You may use Windows 7 ISO verifier to verify either your downloaded ISO is valid or not. No need for you to compare hash or SDA-1. It will do automatically with its known valid hash key (its databsase). The above method can be used at any files or iso (not limted to windows 7 only).

Download link : Get it here

Can I use Win7 RC or Beta key in this RTM version?

No, you can’t. Without a proper key (or, ahem crack (hint : one of them is orbit30, so google it ^_^), Microsoft only allow you to use Win7 for 30 days + 3x rearm (total days, 120 days, not to shabby isn’t it). Orbit30 is not the only crack (what it did right now, is replacing Win7 RTM activation files with Win7 RC activation files). So, your RTM Win7 will expire March 2010. Need to wait better and proper crack. Cough cough. Academic purpose only right…right? XD

How to rearm Windows 7?

1. Install Windows 7 without any product activation key.
   
2. After installation is completed, use the Windows 7 for 30 days and wait for the remaining days left to activate Windows counting down to 0, or almost zero.
   
3. When the activation grace period (or evaluation trial period) is almost expired or ended, log on to Windows 7 desktop, and open a Command Prompt window (i.e. type Cmd in Start Search and hit Enter).
   
4. Type any of the following commands into the command prompt, and then hit Enter:
   

   sysprep /generalize
   

   slmgr.vbs –rearm
   

   rundll32 slc.dll,SLReArmWindows
   

   slmgr /rearm
   

5. Reboot Windows 7 to enjoy another 30 days of free usage without worrying about activation nor even need to crack Windows 7.
   
6. When the activation grace period countdown timer almost running down to 0 again, repeat the ‘rearm’ trick to enjoy another 30 days of Windows 7 for free. User can run the rearm command for maximum of 3 times.
   

Can I install windows 7 without DVD disc (by using pendrive or thumb drive)?

Yes you can. Further read : HERE

Why should I install win7 by using my pendrive or external hdd?

SPEED!!! If you have decent speed pendrive (for example even the cheapo Toshiba (sequential read 24 MBps), it is hell lot faster than installing from DVD disc. Furthermore, you help to save our earth (and your pocket) by not wasting optical disc (made by plastic, and plastic is petroleum product). Save the earth, yeah…you hear me right LoL. But, honestly, save the earth. Seriously. Furthermore, the step is totally newbie friendly.

How to check my current (installed) Windows 7 build?

From start menu à type winver

You will get something like this. (There is no expiry date because I decide to re-arm it instead of use RC activation crack. 120 days should be enough until October 2010. Honestly, genuine Windows 7 worth every single cent even at Malaysia :: Personal Opinion).

Err…what is RTM actually?

Accronym for Release to Manufacturer. Oppose to Beta or RC (Release Candidate), RTM is a complete software (or operating software in this case). Beta and RC well, it is beta right. Mean, still in testing. RTM is a complete copy, which Microsoft distribute this copy to PC or laptop manufacturer (even hardware vendor if I am not mistaken) such as Acer, Dell, HP etc. RTM version doesn’t has watermark or send report link anymore. In short, RTM code = retail code that you could buy at your local store this October.

What else eh….. feel free to dump your question or idea, critics etc in the comment box below.

Winzip, WinRar, 7zip, WinAce rematch

Couple of months ago, I posted a mini article regarding Winzip vs WinRar and 7zip and found out that 7zip beat em’ all. However, due to not so proper method that I used in that short test, the result is questionable. Furthermore, Winzip just launch their latest version of Winzip, known as Winzip 12.1 and according to their web, they are pretty confident with Winzip latest algorithm (zipx instead of good old zip). So, I guess it would be nice if I could compare Winzip, Winrar, 7zip and WinAce best compression algorithm.

My ‘new’ audio experience with X-fi AudioCreationMode

Recently I replaced my Vista with Windows Seven build 7077 and pretty happy with it except on how my SoundBlaster X-Fi Platinum output. Yeah, I know this is not seven fault but more on creative buggy beta driver.

So, in order to listen my mp3 collection as they was in their prime time, I installed WinXP in my other hard disk and update its driver as usual. I was amazed how good my mp3 sound in xp compare to seven lol but what I am going to share today is not related to xp or normal entertainment mode in x-fi but X-Fi Audio Creation Mode + Clock setting + Bit Match setting + Foobar with Noise Sharpening DSP.

I found out that, my music (mp3) sound much waaaaaaaaaayyyy better in audio creation mode when :

• Clock = 96 kHz
• Bit Match = ON
• and….Foobar + Noise Sharpener

The music sound clearer (voice), warmer and more vivid (instrument). I compared with Entertainment mode (with or without crystalizer) and I notice that some of the instruments that I never heard in Entertainment Mode clearly highlighted in Audio Creation Mode (96 kHz and BitMatch activated).

But, the drawback of BitMatch activated is there are no equalizer and crystalizer. So, I compensate this one with Foobar Noise sharpener plugin and equilizer dsp plugin.

Result : Hours of smile and amazement. (never thought that my mp3 could sound this way).

For those who has X-Fi sound card, you may try to play your music collection from Audion Creation mode and experiment yourself.

Link for Foobar : HERE

Link for Noise Sharpener : HERE

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Instruction on how to use Foobar Noise Sharpener.

1. Extract the zip file
2. Copy foo_dsp_delta.dll and paste it in C:\Program Files\foobar2000\components
3. Open Foobar2000 => File => Preference => Playback => DSP Manager and put “Noise Sharpening” on the Active DSP list. Make sure its at the top.
4. On Noise Sharpening settings, slide the bar to 50-125%. (Whatever sounds reasonable, I personally use 75 percent)
5. Play any audio file and notice the increased clarity. Activate it and deactivate it while its playing over and over to see the difference.

++++++++++++++++++

To enjoy the power of x-fi ASIO, download ASIO (for x-fi) plug-in and copy/paste it into foobar component folder.

After that, from Preference –> Playback –> Output (set to either 24bit or 32 bit) and at ASIO virtual device, click Add (Creative ASIO).

++++++++++++++++++

Additional Reading :

http://www.overclock.net/sound-cards-computer-audio/226541-guide-setting-up-z5500-x-fi.html

How to setup foobar theme : http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t576549.html

Another good setup : http://www.overclock.net/3202137-post9.html

SyncToy : How to sync your folders (in pc and usb drive)

Scenario

I have a PC, Laptop, 8 GB pendrive and work/study PC outside. I always carry my pen drive wherever I go and obviously I use this pen drive to store all my works, documents, ebooks etc. The only problem is, every night, I need to synchronize the content of that pendrive with my PC and laptop. Sometime, I updated my work using laptop and forgot to send to my pendrive and the other day, it happen again when I used my PC. To give you general idea, ideally, I want to have 3 exactly identical copy which are 1 in my PC, 1 in my pen drive and 1 in my laptop and honestly, updating (and have to remember which files need to) various kind of file every night is not a fun and productivity task.

I need a folder synchronization folder. I tried Allway Sync but unfortunately, free version has limited number of operation. Yesterday, it keep reminded me that I need to upgrade this software to Pro version. Bleh. So, after a quick googling and crawling in cyberspace I found this piece of gem (freeware). A folder synchronization by Microsoft.

 

Solution:

Download SyncToy (FREEWARE) from : Microsoft Website

Install it as usual.

First page that will greet you as below.

Click on Create New Folder Pair.

 

Click on Browse button for both Left Folder and Right Folder. Left folder will be my folder in my PC while Right folder will be my USB drive.

 

Choose your folder that you want to sync between your PC/Laptop and your pen drive.

 

Here is my left and right folder pair looks like. Then click on Next button.

 

Choose any of sync method. I choose synchronize as I want any update I perform in pendrive will update my work folder in pc too and vice versa.

• Synchronize: New and updated files are copied both ways. Renames and deletes on either side are repeated on the other.
  
• Echo: New and updated files are copied left to right. Renames and deletes on the left are repeated on the right.
  
• Contribute: New and updated files are copied left to right. Renames on the left are repeated on the right. No deletions.
  

Put any name reflected to your folder sync job. Then click Finish button.

 

Viola…we almost there. This is the property of my Study folder sync pair job. Click on Run button to start syncing.

 

SyncToy is synchronizing my PC and my pendrive.

 

Done.

 

—————————————-

Tips

—————————————-

 

To get SyncToy to autosync when a thumbdrive is plugged in :

1)Setup desired Folder Pairs in SyncToy
2)Use TweakUI from Microsoft and added SyncToy as an autorun handler as seen here
3)Changed the autoplay action for each content type on my thumbdrive

a]Right click on thumbdrive –> Properties
b]Select “Autoplay” tab
c]change “Select Action to perform” -> Sync with SyncToy

How to Re-sync or Re-timing subtitle

Scenario:

You download a movie from torrent, direct download or whatever P2P software but at the end you found out that there is no suitable subtitle for that movie. The entire subtitle you found from the net doesn’t has perfect synchronization with the movie as you hope for. In the other word, the timing between audio (actor/actress voice) and subtitle doesn’t matching.

And now you start to wonder (I was) if you could re-synchronize the ‘not so match’ subtitle to with this video/movie (voice)?

The answer: Yes you can and it doesn’t require even a single cent.

 

Requirement:

1. Download Subtitle Workshop from www.urusoft.net: Download page here.
   
   1. Subtitle Workshop is a freeware.
      
2. Your movie and it’s ‘not so match’ subtitle (example extension .srt)

 

Step:

Install Subtitle Workshop (current version as I type this mini tutorial is 2.51).

Launch your Subtitle Workshop 2.51

Load your movie into Subtitle Workshop by : Click on Movie à Open (from the its menubar)

Load your “not so match” subtitle into Subtitle Workshop by : File à Load Subtitle (from its menubar)

    Note : Alternatively, you can drag and drop your movie and ‘not so match’ subtitle into Subtitle Workshop.

You should have this kind of screen (more of less, if you use Dragon war movie and nedivx dwar.srt subtitle).

 

Now, what you need to do is to know when is the exact time for the first voice will be heard.

So, play the movie (using Subtitle workshop) by pressing play button and listen carefully. Be ready to hit pause button when you start to hear voice related to subtitle wording below. If you miss the exact time, you can either estimate how much fraction of second you need to deduct or simply redo.

As for my case, I notice that the first voice saying “Everyone believes the time….” start at 8.803 sec.

Note that, in my ‘not so correct’ subtitle, the first phrase is at 49.849 seconds which is almost 41 seconds later than what it should be. Indirectly, you should catch up by now, what you should do is, make all phrases (timing) in this subtitle start (49.849-8.803 = 41.046) 41.046 seconds sooner.

In order to do that,

1. Make sure your sliding indicator at the correct time
2. Click on any subtitle phrase and press CTRL+A (or click Edit à Select All)

   

    

    

3. Move Subtitle (Alt+M) or Movie à Subtitles à Move subtitle

   

    

4. Result : All phrase in my subtitle now, move 41 second earlier which is the correct timing for this movie.

 

Comparison

Wrong timing….

 

Perfect timing…. (note that : duration between first and second phrase still remain).

 

Verify

To verify that your new subtitle perfectly match with your movie audio (subtitle) simply click on Play button. Subtitle Workshop will play the movie and display your newly edited subtitle. If you satisfy with the result, save it by : File à Save (or Save As).

 

Enjoy

 

 

 

    

Apache, PHP, MySQL on Vista x64

Install 64bit versions of Apache, PHP and MySQL on Windows 64bit

Currently no official 64bit versions of Apache and PHP exists for Microsoft Windows. Only MySQL supports officialy 64bit Windows. If you have a 64bit version of Windows (2003/XP/Vista) and want to keep your system pure 64bit here is the solution! In this guide I will show you how to install and set up Apache 2.2 x64 web server, PHP 5.2 x64 and MySQL 5.0/5.1 x64 on Windows 2003/XP/Vista 64bit using unofficial binaries. Althought this setup has been tested successfully on Windows Vista 64bit Home Premium, I am not responsible for any damages may occur to your computer by this guide. Proceed at your own risk.

Download needed software

Download unofficial binaries for Apache x64 from blackdot.be:
http://www.blackdot.be/?inc=apache/binaries
Current version (November 2008): httpd-2.2.10-win64.zip

Download PHP x64 from fusionxlan.com:
http://www.fusionxlan.com/PHPx64.php
Current version (September 2008): 5.2.5

Download latest official MySQL 64bit binaries for Windows:
http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/

Install Apache 64bit

Create a folder inside your C drive and named it something like apache64. Unzip the contents of the Apache zip package you previously downloaded to folder: C:/apache64.
Edit Apache configuration file C:/apache64/conf/httpd.conf and change paths to match your system.

ServerRoot “C:/apache64″
ServerName localhost:80
DocumentRoot “C:/apache64/htdocs”
<Directory “C:/apache64/htdocs”>
DirectoryIndex index.html, index.htm, index.php
ScriptAlias /cgi-bin/ “C:/apache64/cgi-bin/”

If you want to set up virtual hosts uncomment (remove the “#” symbol) the line bellow and edit the hosts.conf file respectively. Setting up virtual hosts on Windows.
#Include conf/extra/httpd-vhosts.conf

Uncomment the following line to load extension mod_rewite needed by Elxis SEO PRO. Also uncomment any other lines you wish to load the corresponding Apache extensions.
LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so

Open the Windows command prompt (Start -> Run/Search -> cmd) and navigate to folder C:/apache64 (CD C:\apache64). Execute the following commands:

bin\httpd.exe -k install
bin\httpd.exe -k start

Your Apache should work. Open bin folder and double click the ApacheMonitor.exe file. An icon will be displayed in your Windows taskbar. From there you can start/stop/restart Apache easily. We set the Document root to C:/apache64/htdocs, so this is the folder where you should put your web files (Elxis CMS for example). Open your browser and go to http://localhost/ to ensure Apache runs.

Install PHP 64bit

Create a folder inside your C drive and named it “php”. Unzip the contents of the PHP zip package you previously downloaded and copy the contents of the “php-5.2.5 (x64)” (or what ever version you downloaded) to folder: C:/php. We will install PHP as an Apache module. Open your Apache configuration file (C:/apache64/conf/httpd.conf) to tell apache to load the PHP module. Under the existing LoadModule directives add the following:
LoadModule php5_module “C:/php/php5apache2_2.dll”
AddType application/x-httpd-php .php

Also add these lines to tell Apache where PHP is located:
# configure the path to php.ini
PHPIniDir “C:/php”

Copy the following files to your Widnows system folder (C:/Windows/system32):
C:/php/php5ts.dll
C:/php/php5isapi.dll
C:/php/php5apache2_2.dll
C:/php/ext/php_mysql.dll

Copy php.ini-dist to the same folder and rename it as php.ini. Open this file to edit PHP configuration parameters.
extension_dir = “C:/php/ext/”
allow_url_fopen = Off
Load at least the following PHP extesnions by removing the “#” symbol in front of each line:
extension=php_gd2.dll
extension=php_mysql.dll
extension=php_oci8.dll (if you have Oracle database installed)
extension=php_pgsql.dll (if you have postgre database installed)
extension=php_zip.dll

Set sendmail from e-mail address:
sendmail_from = me@example.com

Some settings for MySQL:
mysql.default_port = 3306
mysql.default_host = localhost

Set the session save path to a writable (by anyone) folder in your computer. You can set this to any existing path you wish (For example C:/tmp).
session.save_path = “C:/tmp”

Restart Apache to test if your PHP is working properly.

Install MySQL 64bit

This is the easiest part of the overall procedure as we have downloaded an official 64bit msi package from MySQL. Just double click it to run the installer. Install MySQL as a service.

Finish
Unless I forgotten something your system is ready. You have a pure 64bit WAMP system, congratulations! You can now copy Elxis at C:/apache64/htdocs and run the Elxis installation wizard. If you wish to set up virtual hosts follow this guide: Setting up virtual hosts on Windows.

—————————————————————-full credit to—————————————————————

Written by Ioannis Sannos (datahell),
September 12, 2008
Last updated: November 15, 2008

http://www.apachefriends.org/f/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=32549

—————————————————————-full credit to—————————————————————

nVidia PowerMizer for Acer 4530

NVIDIA® PowerMizer® technology is an intelligent power management solution available on all NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs) that can effectively extend battery life and reduce wasted power – all while providing performance on demand even while plugged in the wall.

Key Benefits

• Extends battery life
  
• Intelligently adapts performance based on a user’s needs so it saves power even when the notebook is plugged into the wall
  
• Runs in the background to provide the best balance of performance and battery life
  
• Helps the notebook run cooler and quieter under normal operating conditions by dissipating less heat in the GPU
  

What’s so SMART about PowerMizer Mobile Technology?

The ultimate goal of PowerMizer technology is to optimize power use for the longest battery life in a notebook PC while providing the performance necessary for the task at hand. Some office applications like word processors and spreadsheets require less processing than is necessary for an immersive 3D gaming experience or for viewing a crystal clear high definition video. PowerMizer technology will intelligently adapt itself to suit the performance needs of the application.

Intelligent digital watchdogs monitor the power utilization in various parts of the GPU. When a certain processor engine is not in use or is not required to run full bore, these digital watchdogs will turn them down. This is happening at such a speed that the user will not experience a change in performance, but will know that every watt of battery power is being conserved.

 

So, if you are using nVidia base system notebook or laptop such as Acer Aspire 4530, you can enjoy this features with these little tricks and softwares.

What you need :

• PowerMizer Switch version 1.1 (free). Download here : Mediafire
  
• Supported Driver (185.20). Download here : Notebook2Go
  
• GPU-Z (to check your GPU clock frequency) : Official Website

 

What you need to do :

By default, nVidia driver version 185.20 doesn’t enable PowerMizer by default. You need to enable it manually using regedit.

 

Step 1:

 

**********************credit to Weinter*************************

 

Run Regedit from your start menu or press Windows+R

 

Navigate to HKEY_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video\{ Your graphics adapter}0000 and 0001

(Note : windows will automatically duplicate entry creation in 0000 so you no need to create both entry 2 times. However, just to be safe, cross check either in 0001 has both entries which is PowerMizerEnable and PerfLevelSrc.

To locate the registry entry expand all the entries until you see one with lots of registry setting That will be the the registry containing your Graphics Options

Right click on the right Window to create a new DWORD 32bit value
The value name change to “PowerMizerEnable” value select “1″ in hexidecimal
Repeat
The value name change to “PerfLevelSrc” value data “3333″ in hexidecimal

Reboot

 

**********************Link : http://daemonadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/01/nvidia-powermizer.html *************************

 

Step 2:

(Note: If you skip step 1, PowerMizer Switch will report that PowerMizer option is not enabled)

Extract PowerMizer Switch and run it under administrator privilege (right click on PowerMizer Switch icon and choose Run As Administrator.)

 

There are 3 buttons here. The first one isrecommended to save battery life when your laptop running on battery but you want maximum performance when your laptop is connected to AC power. I choose this one as Adobe CS4 requires GPU to run at full speed to help rendering process….but when I am on the go, battery life is more important.

Choose second button if you want to turn off PowerMizer completely. This is recommended for gamers who don’t want his games fps drop significantly when GPU temperature start to enter overheat territory as PowerMizer will reduce GPU Core Frequency automatically if it think GPU temperature a bit on high side.

Choose third button if you want to permanently turn on PowerMizer regardless your laptop run on battery or AC power. This is recommended who use his/her laptop for non 3D intensive application such as browsing internet, office application and normal programming. Save battery and low GPU temperature.

Click on any of these 3 buttons and reboot your computer.

 

Step 3 :

 

Run GPU-Z utilitiy.

By default, CoreClock frequency is 450 MHz. Click on Sensors tab and check your current CPU Core Clock Frequency. As for my case, GPU frequency will drop from 450MHz to 169 MHz when I pull out my AC charger socket from my laptop and as expected, GPU Frequency jump up back to 450MHz when I plug in my AC charger socket.

 

Result :

When laptop on battery….note CPU Core Clock = 169 MHz.

 

When laptop is connected to AC source. Note that GPU core clock raise up to 450 MHz.

Windows 7 : How to remove watermark & Send Feedback

Remove watermark (desktop) :

Use this tools instead : Download Here

You may need to turn OFF UAC –> restart –> Open this tool with administrative right –> restart –> enable your UAC back.

 

Remove Send Feedback : 

Run Registry Editor (RegEdit), and navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER –> Control Panel –> Desktop –> FeedbackToolEnabled –> Set Value data as 0 (zero)

———————-

Note : If FeedbackToolEnabled registry not exist, you can add manually 

Add in a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named FeedbackToolEnabled, and then set its value data as 0. Restart your computer.

How to Hide Your Hard Disk Partition in Vista

 

Have you ever wished to hide one or more hard disk partitions in your Windows Vista due to whatever reason for free?

As for myself, I just installed Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7000) and I don’t any ‘pro-active’ software (let say TuneUp Utilities, Defragmenter etc) or curious user who is curious enough to access this partition and modify it contents which may compromise Windows Seven file integrity and stability.

 

There is a method (playing with local group policy but it can’t hide my partition completely) so I need to use a bit more aggressive one J

Doesn’t matter what is your motive to hide your hard disk partition (privacy, security or simply because you hate to see that partition there :p), this trick would make your wish come true. Well, at least my wish comes true.

 

Steps :

 

Note :

1. If you want to hide your C: drive, use this method instead. CLICK HERE
   
2. This method only best to hide partition that doesn’t contain any Vista volume information, page files or your vista related installation software.
   
3. This method work best to hide your other operating system partition (which you don’t want Vista to see it) such as Win7, Ubuntu or even WinXP
   
4. This method also work best to hide your partition that contain your sensitive documents, picture, video etc)
   

 

From start menu, right click on Computer and left click on Manage

 

Click on Device Management (as circled). Your hard disk mapping may different, but that doesn’t matter.

 

Right click on partition that you want to hide and left click on Change Drive Letter and Paths (as for my case, I right click on Seven (H:) hard disk partition.

 

A new window as below wills popup. Click on Remove button.

 

Ignore this warning and click Yes button (Please note that you can’t hide any hard disk partition that contain Vista System Volume Information. If you want to hide your C: drive for example, you need to use other trick which you can watch here).

 

Note that in screenshot below, my Seven hard disk partition no longer has drive letter (previously H:) assigned to it.

 

A quick check from Windows Explorer clearly show that, partition Seven (H:) no longer exist. Nice.

 

What if I try to access it thru command line?

Sweet. So now, Seven(H:) completely hidden.

 

Now I need to make sure that even TuneUp Utilities can’t access Seven (H) partition.

What a relief J

 

 

 

Un-Hide SEVEN(H:) partition.

 

To un-hide your hidden partition, simply right click on that partition, and click on Change Drive Letter and Paths

 

 

A window like screenshot below will appear. Click on Add button.

 

Assign a letter for this partition (H for my case) and press OK button.

 

A quick check from Disk Management, note that that hidden partition is assigned H letter.

 

Double check at Windows Explorer exhibit, Seven (H) appears as normal.

 

Credit : Me