Remote Computing via LogMeIn

I’ve been searching for ages to find a better way to remote access my home PC from wherever I am. There are promising applications and techniques that can be found in the net like VNC and DameWare Remote Control but using them over the net is quite a problem. There’s just too many highly technical security settings that you need to setup before you even use them and I’m not very keen on learning those things as that’s just, well, ‘too technical’ for me. I’m no longer that interested in such kind of things. To make it the story short, I’m still stuck with my problem — no remote connection to my PC.

Until I read about LogMeIn. It’s like a gift from heaven as it perfectly fits the bill and with additional benefits. It’s a subscription-type browser-based service that allows you to remotely control your internet-connected PC. And setting up the connection is easy with just few simple steps as shown below. You don’t even have to go beyond Step 3!

1. Log into your account
2. Add computers to your account (follow on-screen wizards to install it on a local computer, or deploy it remotely)
3. Manage, access and monitor computers in your account using the LogMeIn IT Reach web-based tool kit
4. Optional: create Master Administrators who will share in the management of remote computers, or Secondary Accounts so end users can have simple remote access to their PCs
5. Optional: create computer groups, assign alerts, and schedule tasks for computers in your account

LogMeIn has several types of subscription and I’m currently using the 30-day trial of the IT Reach package, their top of the line. There’s another one, Pro which is the mid-level and lastly, the free version that only allows you to control your PC remotely.The free subscription is a no-frills service but that not necessarily mean it doesn’t do its job. It does and with flying colors.

Below are some of the features (I cropped out the rest).

For this month of September, LogMeIn is offering a USD39 promo per remote PC for one year subscription. But for now, I’ll try the Free version first. I’ll do a shakedown for the week and I’ll let you know later for any update. If tests will be successful, I’ll recommend it for remote tech support to my friend. For the moment, here’s some screenshots.

Joomla GPL License Issues

The recent debacle with the strict implementation by Joomla of the GPL license still hot and fiery. It has put a number third-party developers at a lost, breaking their business model especially those that sites selling Joomla templates on a per site basis and on a separate license incompatible with GNU/GPL. The GPL license states that if you sell or download a particular GPL licensed software, you can install it in as many sites you want or in as many computer that needs it. So that means selling a template in a per site basis is illegal. And that’s just one thing. Another is that simply distributing a component/module/plugin that is non-GPL compatible or even a GPL-compatible component connecting to a non-GPL-compliant appliacation makes the component non-compliant is also illegal. It is the viral nature of GPL license that says that.

The “Program”, below, refers to any such program or work, and a “work based on the Program” means either the Program or any derivative work under copyright law: that is to say, a work containing the Program or a portion of it, either verbatim or with modifications and/or translated into another language.

These requirements apply to the modified work as a whole. If identifiable sections of that work are not derived from the Program, and can be reasonably considered independent and separate works in themselves, then this License, and its terms, do not apply to those sections when you distribute them as separate works. But when you distribute the same sections as part of a whole which is a work based on the Program, the distribution of the whole must be on the terms of this License, whose permissions for other licensees extend to the entire whole, and thus to each and every part regardless of who wrote it.

One third party component affected is the SMF Bridge for Joomla. The bridge combines two excellent scripts to create one powerfule website, if used correctly. But there comes the problem, the bridging of two systems. Since Joomla is licensed through GPL, it should only be connected to a GPL-licensed software. SMF comes with an SMF license and though it is still free, it is incompatible with GPL. So in effect, you cannot distribute a non-gpl compliant bridge.

The keyword here is “distribute”. Basically, you can still bridge the two softwares so long as you still have a copy of the bridge or you made one yourself. However, SMF will no longer distribute(they already did) the bridge and that means you’re on your own when a new Joomla version comes out. You will be lucky if that new version will not break the existing codes. Take note that it is not illegal to connect the two softwares as long as you are not distributing that bridge.  And SMF is just a sample.

As I can see it, it will take some time for all the smoke to clear up.  As an end-user, what I can do is just wait. I’m just hoping that everybody will find ways to break the current deadlock.

For the full GPL version2 license, click here

Yahoo! Photos shutting down

It finally came to an end. Of course, it doesn’t really practical to have two competing products under your wings with Flickr overwhelmingly crushing yahoo photos in terms of functionality and popularity. It only needed time to finally cut the lifeline of Yahoo photos. At first, I thought they are merging the service but in the end, one has to be removed.

But what is its significance to me? Maybe none because I hardly use it. But it is my wife who will be affected much. We have our online album with Yahoo!Photos and we didn’t bother moving it and instead adding more as time went by. So it would be a daunting task to download them all and transfer it to Flickr or Photobucket. I just hope Yahoo will find a way to automatically transfer them. I understand the Flickr is different with Yahoo in many ways(i.e, the album type storing of photos) and the decision on where to transfer the photos will be discussed soon.

For more about the news, please see http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9715882-7.html

I wonder what will happen with Google videos in the long run after the YouTube buyout.

Hacked by a Lunatic

Just recently, this blog is down for almost a day because of a lunatic wanting to catch attention. He’s a Turkish script-kiddy that hacked this site.

So for you, here’s the attention you have been longing for. Some people may not want me to display this but hey, he want some attention so here’s some. Eat it, until you’re dead! May you rest in peace… in hell together with Satan!

For all others who reads this post and have their own blog/site, I recommend that you take the following steps to limit(note, just limit and not eradicate) the chance that your site is hacked.

1. Make sure that you change/set the chmod of your wp_config.php (wordpress) and configuration.php(joomla) to 644. Do this on other settings file that your script uses. I won’t tell you how but in case you don’t know, use your ftp client to do this.

2. Unless necessary (i.e, cache folders), set the chmod of your folders to 755 or 644 if you can. This is to prevent the hackers from placing files

3. Provide a blank index.php or index.html in every folder that you have. This is to prevent the script kiddies from viewing the contents of the folders.

4. Change your passwords(database and ftp) since script kiddies may already extracted them when they broke-in to your site.

5. Always backup your files and databases.

For those that are also hacked by the same lunatic, here’s you’ve got to do.

Joomla

It is only the configuration.php that was replaced. The script kiddy replaced it with html that points to his site. You’ll be glad if you have a copy of it from your backup. If you don’t have enough luck, download the configuration.php-dist and supply the correct settings and save it as your configuration.php

The other option is to reinstall Joomla into another db. After installation, point the database configuration.php to your old db. This is easier for some people especially if there’s no plugins installed but I still recommend to just recreate the file. However, having a backup is always the best and easiest way to put your site back online.

WordPress

Grab a copy of your wp-config.php and reupload it. If you don’t have a copy, get the file from the installation package and then update the files with the correct settings.

Just like with Joomla, you can also do a reinstall if everything fails. Just don’t drop your old database, though.

So, that’s just it for now and I hope you learn something on this experience.

Notebook Zero Percent Promo!

Sensing a higher volume of notebook sales, local notebook dealers here in Manila has started offering various laptop brands and models 0% interest for 6,12,18 and 24 months. I’ve been salivating to buy one since last year, I asked around on the best package the dealers can offer.

After shopping around since Friday night, I saw an irresistible package at Silicon Valley in SM Megamall’s Cyberzone area. I should have got mine in PC LIVE but Silicon Valley offered a very tempting package that I just can’t resist. As a matter of fact, I don’t plan to buy yesterday night. I only wanted to canvass but when they added an HP Photoprinter and an A4Tech webcam(all at around P8500 value) in the package, I grabbed the chance already.

Here’s some of the specs of the Compaq V3194TU, a V3000 series notebook.
Processor : Intel’s Core2Duo T5500
Memory : 512 MB SODIMM upgradable to 2GB
Harddisk : 120GB
Optical Drive: DVD-RW with Lightscribe

There are several reasons why I chose this model and they are as follows:

• It has a core2duo T5500 processor. Of course, that’s better than the core solo. It may not be the top of the line but for sure it will take some time before this model gets obsolete
• It’s still in WinXP Home. I don’t want to try Vista just yet.
• DVD reader/writer dual-layer with LightScribe technology!!!!! Wow!
• The photo printer! My wife and I tried to print some pic and they were awesome!!! More about it later.
• Form Factor. Compared to Acer and ASUS, it has a smaller footprint partly because it has no built-in webcam(which I don’t need) and the hinge is different.
• It is from HP-Compaq and has Global Warranty and a trusted brand
• The price. It has only P5000+ price difference compared to it’s CoreDuo Solo brother.

I’ll post a simple review on this machine in the next coming days. Well, that is if I don’t get very busy again. haha! For a start, here’s some pics.

That model is selling like hotcake because the three delivered to Silicon Valley that day was sold out before the day ends (there were two of us who bought the same model before 9pm). And with the 0% promo, it will definitely make the laptop sales surge even better.

By the way, I got mine at PHP65,950. There’s a discount for cash buyers.

Portable Applications

I happen to stumble one of the most amazing technologies for the people on-the-go…… Portable Applications. These are applications that can be placed on your USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive or a CD and use it on any computer, without leaving any personal information behind. No need to install your favorite application on every computer you will be using. Just plug-in your flash drive and you’re good to go!

That’s just how easy it is! All the applications on your fingertips… literally! Hahaha! Imagine, all you need is a flash-drive for a start. With it’s capacity expanding exponentially (2GB is already common), the possibilities are infinite. All for the cost of $0.00. Yes, they are all free!

So, what’s already on my SDCard?

• XAMMP - Top on the list a portable integrated web development environment running on Apache, mySQL, PHP, phpMyAdmin
• FileZilla - A full-featured FTP client
• FireFox - The award-winning web browser that is safe and secure. It trumps Internet Explorer in many areas.
• GAIM - A lightweight and secure instant messenger that can be used with AOL, MSN and Yahoo. Added to that is the fact that it features an easy-to-use interface
• Nvu - An easy to use web editor for PHP, CSS, HTML and other scripting languages
• Gimp - It’s a powerful image editor comparable to Adobe Photoshop

And yes, there’s a lot more! Just visit their site here. And when you go there, grab a copy of OpenOffice portable, an open-source office productivity suite which includes Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Presentations (similar to Microsoft Office)

I must admit that I’m totally amazed. It’s just like the old days when WordStar is installed in a 3.2″ diskette. But this time, it’s millions of times better! Oh well, I’d like to remind that you’ll need a fast internet connection. A dial-up just can’t handle it.

NetGear MR814v2 : My Own Wireless Network

It may sound funny but it took me several days to configure my wireless broadband router. But what is important is I did it (actually, it didn’t occur to me that it would take long to set this router in myDSL because it was so easy with SmartBRO)! I can now share my myDSL connection with my desktop and notebook. And if my wife buys a wifi enabled cellphone, she would benefit, too! But this post is not just about the DSL, it is about my very own wireless network.

The Brief
NetGear’s MR814v2 is a WiFi-B broadband wireless router for people that don’t need the higher speeds afforded by 802.11g. Actually, most people don’t unless you have a superfast internet connection which unfortunately, is not currently available here in the Philippines. It is comparatively cheap at P1800 (when I bought it last June) and is simply the best valued WiFi gateway you could ever get around.

The Detail
MR814v2 is in a silver sleek case that really look nice and clean. In fact, the MR814v2 looks and feels exactly like its 802.11g sibling, the WGT624. The only real differences are speed and a few 802.11g-specific software features.

Setup is very easy, I didn’t even have to use the CD that comes with the package. All you need is a web browser and follow the simple Setup Wizard. Though you need to carefully read the instructions, I really feel that setting it up was a no-brainer (read or you’ll never make it work!). When connected to SmartWizard router manager, you can customize settings like wireless encryption, parental controls, and firewall features. The context-sensitive help files right on every setup page will surely help you through.

Despite its ease of use and beginner-friendly software, the NetGear is also a full-featured firewall with pro-level capabilities like extensive logging and alert options. Really, the only reason to buy a more-expensive 802.11g router is if you need the added speed for transferring files between computers on your network. If you are setting up a public hotspot, and prefer compatibility, low price and great support, the NetGear is a perfect choice. It has very good range and performance for its class. One thing that I didn’t like about this router is the fixed antenna. I wanted it to be detachable so I can throw the signal to my in-law’s apartment. Aside from that, I don’t have anything to ask in this router.

The bottom line on the NetGear is that most people don’t need more than 1Mbps throughput to support their DSL or cable modem Internet connections. With its low price, it would be tough to find a better deal. In fact, I’m connected to the internet as I write this post through the wireless router. I just made sure that my laptop can really connect through it.

House Bill on FOSS

I read about Chin Wong’s blog about the use of Free and Open Source Software(FOSS). Apparently, this is being pushed by Rep. Teddy Casino. I’m not really sure if he is the author of the bill or he is just merely sponsoring it. Though I believe that it is a noble act, I think the bill must be carefully thought about. I personally push for the use of open-source software but restricting government agencies to use only FOSS may create more problem than solution. Instead of saving, the government may end up paying more.

Of the several government agencies I worked with (through bodyshop/consultancy work), I noticed that their systems are Windows based(i.e, Applications created in Oracle Developer, Powerbuilder and Visual Basic). Developing these applications involved huge sums of taxpayer’s money. And with merely using Windows as your operating system, you might already be violating some provisions. However, I agree that productivity tools(word processors, spreadsheet, etc) may come from open-source software providers.

Clearly, Rep. Casiño must not rush on filing this bill. The implications must carefully studied and restrictions must be carefully applied. I hope he’ll get some advice from various IT personalities, government agencies(who will mostly affected by the bill) and other concerned citizens.

Here’s one section of the draft bill on use/promotion of FOSS in Higher Educational Institutions

SECTION 10. Promotion of FOSS and open standards in Higher Educational
Institutions (HEIs) –

• 10.1.The government, through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the
  National Computing Center (NCC), the Department of Science and Technology
  (DOST), and any other government office, shall promote the awareness of Filipinos
  in free/open source software by providing laboratories; organizing competitions;
  encouraging research, thesis and dissertations on free/open source software
  development and the development of open standards;
• 10.2.Within eighteen (18) months after this Act takes effect, the Department of
  Education, the Department of Science and Technology the Commission on Higher
  Education, and the University of the Philippines shall jointly formulate and
  implement a curriculum for student’s training in the use and development of
  free/open source software both in secondary and tertiary education. They will also
  formulate a basic government retraining and certification program for existing IT
  professionals to test their proficiencies and skills in implementing FOSS solutions.
• 10.3.It shall be unlawful for any HEI to offer, as part of its curriculum, a certification
  program training students to become professionals on the use and implementation of
  proprietary software and solutions if it does not offer, also as part of its curriculum,
  a similar certification program for FOSS, open systems and standards.

Here’s the draft of the bill.

I admire the intention but careful and comprehensive study must be done first. What’s your thought about it?

PLDT MyDSL : My First Hand Experience

I got my DSL connection setup yesterday afternoon. I wasn’t around while the contractor installed it so I had to wait until late last night to dissipate my excitement by testing the connection myself. So what happened? It’s less than exciting.

You see, the published speed for this account is 2mbps. That’s 6 times the published speed of my ever unreliable SmartBRO. Who would not be excited with that? And yes, I’m too eager to test it. Unfortunately however, I can tell you of what is coming this early.

I tried to call the customer service and I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to one after several minutes of waiting. However, just when I about to start asking technical questions, I was told by the CSR that he can’t help me because I just had my DSL connected several hours ago. I have to wait for 24 hours because my account isn’t fully activated yet. Whaaaaat!?!?! But what can I do? That’s what he said and it was already late in the evening, I don’t want to start an argument. I hang up the phone and decided to tinker the setup myself. Besides, I have PlanB because I have the number of the contractor.
Rudy, the contractor that installed the DSL modem, was very helpful and accomodating. Even if it was a Sunday, he helped me in resetting the modem. He knows what we was telling me to do. It was just a shame when I found out that the cable they used to connect the splitter to the phone box is a voice-only cable. Apparently, they did not use the splitter when they were testing since they connected the modem directly to the router. Oh well, that’s a small thing that was easy to replace. To make the story short, I was able to successfully connect to the internet. Whoa!!!!

At first, it was blazing fast… errr… comparatively faster. That’s what I mean. hehe… I immediately go to Broadstar in dslreports.com and was pleased enough with the 897/91 kbps download/upload speed at 830am Sunday. That’s less than half the published speed of 2mbps but that’s still more than twice the published speed of SmartBRO. “Good enough, it might go up later”, I told myself until after an hour. To my horror, I was disconnected! Hmnnn… don’t fret! I restarted the modem and then my laptop after it still didn’t work. And viola! I’m connected again. By this time, I asked my lovely wife to test the connection while I ran some errands on our apartment(the DSL is in her parent’s apt). And yes, I got a message that she had to restart again after an hour to reconnect. Hmnnn… maybe it was first-time-jitters… or whatever you call that.

You see, this DSL was given to me as part of DRP setup. With this kind of quality of service, I’m not really sure if I’ll be able to perform my duties if and when the time comes. We’ll be testing our readiness and since DSL connection will be vital. It might be a shot in the moon, but I’m hoping that PLDT will deliver their promises.

Just before publishing this post, I ran one final test. And here’s the result.

dslreports.com speed test result on 2006-09-10 09:26:23 EST:
380 / 144
Your download speed : 380 kbps or 47.5 KB/sec.

Your upload speed : 144 kbps or 18 KB/sec.

What can I say? At least, I know the supposed speed of my SmartBRO.

Hmnn… a shame plug. Please visit this Apartelle

Ubuntu: Why the World Don’t Need Windows

Oh yes, I got the title from the latest Superman movie, Superman Returns.

It has been two weeks, I’ve been using Ubuntu Linux on my machine. For average user like me, it’s not really easy to migrate. I’ve been using Microsoft products since I got hold of computers a decade ago and I must say that they are great! When Windows95 came in, it was a blast! And their Office suite has brought in more productivity to our workers. Microsoft has given us great computer tools that we can never deny has helped us in many ways. But through the years, with all the ‘THE BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH’ instances, the viruses and the exhorbitant prices of licenses(that led us to resort on pirated copies of MS softwares), comes LINUX!

Linux isn’t new. I can still remember during college days the pain on typing all the commands in the terminal window. Not like the Windows we were used to. As a beginner that time, it is just too overwhelmingly technical for me and my friends. And after that brief encounter, I forget about it. It was just too convenient for me to stay with Windows. There’s games, Office(R), Visual Basic, and a tons and tons of softwares. Add to that, drivers for hardware isn’t readily available back in the old days.

But when I tried Ubuntu, I was shocked! It was so easy to install and it was miles away from the old RedHat I tried years ago. All my hardwares are detected and drivers are automatically installed properly. That includes my NU DVD Combo Drive, the old but trusty ASUS CD Writer, my on-board sound card, LAN card, and my new ATI Radeon 9200 video card. Wow! When I installed XP on this machine, I have to install the drivers for those. No headaches, really!

And then some more… the softwares….

• OpenOffice Suite (linux counterpart of MS Office)
• GAIM Internet Messenger (the only software you need to use YM, AIM, MSN, etc)
• FireFox Browser
• gFTP (FTP Client)
• GIMP Image Editor (alternative to Photoshop)
• SCREEM Code editor (For PHP, HTML, XML,XSL, etc programming)
• Movie Player
• Music Player
• Thunderbird and Evolution Email Client Softwares (alternative to Outlook)
• Games (well, not the warcraft or anything but tetris, snake and the likes)
• and a lot more.. ALL FOR FREE!!

Maybe we really need Windows but that’s because the computer industry has been very centric to Microsoft products since the early nineties. Maybe we still need Windows because most of our applications specially legacy apps are written specifically for Windows. Games are still created for Windows. But slowly and surely, it is beginning to change. With the advent of Web 2.0, availability of broadband internet, free and open source softwares and a lot more new technologies, it is beginning to change.

For me, I consider migrating to Ubuntu Linux as a big step. It creates a good feeling that you no longer uses pirated software. When I use my computer, that voice that tells me ‘Hey, you are stealing somebody’s property’ is gone. But then again, that’s just me. It must be noted that one of the reasons I moved is that Ubuntu can provide what I need at no cost at all. I wouldn’t advise you to move as I do. We might have different needs and Ubuntu may not really be for you. What I can tell you is that it’s worth trying. I did and I liked it! But then again, that’s just me.