Technology Chaos

How To Clone a Virtual Machine on VMWare's free ESXi

2011-12-09T10:57:00.001-05:00

Spent a few minutes looking for how to do this on Google...

Basically, there is no clone option in the free version of VMware ran by alot of smaller business companies. In order to clone a VM, you have to get creative.

Here are the steps:

You will require SSH access to your Virtual Machine, read over my article Gaining SSH Access To VMWare ESXi which provides the steps required to gain SSH access.
Once you have SSH access, you just need to create a Virtual Machine Directory in your DataStore which should be located in “/vmfs/volumes/datastore1/”. Type the following.

mkdir /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/NewVM

You will then need to run the “vmkfstools” to clone the Virtual Machine.

/vmfs/volumes/4991bc35-5ced5b0c-a99e-00221953f98d # /sbin/vmkfstools -i /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/exch01/exch01.vmdk /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/newvmware/newvmware.vmdkDestination disk format: VMFS thick
Cloning disk ‘/vmfs/volumes/datastore1/exch01/exch01.vmdk’…
Clone: 100% done.
/vmfs/volumes/4991bc35-5ced5b0c-a99e-00221953f98d #

The Virtual Machine should now be cloned.
Some may ask how you now create a new Virtual Machine based on this clone. You simply do the following.

Make a new VM on this server
Choose ‘Custom’ and when you get to the ‘Select a Disk’ portion of creation you will browse the datastore and select this newly renamed vmdk file.

My Advice:

When you create the new VM, disable the network connectivity on it
Create an ISO with SysPrep for the version of server OS you are using (server 2008 already includes it in the OS)
Run sysprep on the VM if it was not ran prior to shutdown (as should be standard practice for a template). You will know if the OS installation/configuration comes up when you start your new VM.
After sysprep, connect the new VM to the network and proceed with configuration.

Reference:

http://geektank.net/2009/02/howto-clone-a-virtual-machine-on-vmwares-free-esxi/

2011-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

In a Windows network, the domain controller that holds the PDC FSMO role (responsible for time) can easily be off and/or not syncing with external resource correctly. All of your domain's computers are set to sync with the domain by default. Thus, devices, computers, and pretty much everything feels like it's out of sync with time...

How do I fix this issue? Well with a few easy registry tweaks and command line entries, this can be solved quickly.

Oh yea, and whoever set up your domain should have done this for you... just saying.

Audience:

You must be a domain administrator to make the following changes.

Resolution:

Verify that the event log shows that the server was syncing correctly
- If there are no w32time event log entries, enable logging for windows time service:
Verify registry keys are set to pull time using NTP protocol (they probably aren't):

In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpServer registry key, set value 'enabled' to 1:
In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient registry key, set value 'enabled' to 1:
In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\Typeregistry key, set value 'Type' to NTP

Open an elevated command prompt and run command to set up pdc to sync with time.nist.gov: w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:time.nist.gov /Reliable:yes /update
Restart the windows time service (using services.msc console or command line via w32time service)
In an elevated command prompt, you can force the immediate time sync of the local server (instead of waiting for the interval) by running this command: w32tm /resync
Verify event log messages indicate successful update and the time is correctly set.

See wasn't that easy?

Want to get more complicated? You can actually purchase a time telling hardware device and configure your domain to sync with this. It isn't free so I didn't get into it here.

Review the following Microsfot KB Articles for details:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816042 , http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875424

Windows 8 Task Manager

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Microsoft has recently blogged about the changes to Windows 8 task manager. For those of us in corporate IT, it's a change worth taking a look at.

My thoughts are that they have certainly added some nice visual changes and made the information that I, as a technician, look for in the task manager. As long as they keep the performance information in there and allow us to end tasks and processes easily, it will continue to service its purpose.

Screenshots:

Task Manager (newly minimized for average users)

Task Manager (after clicking "more details") shows critical information at a glance for tech staff

Check out the original article: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx

OpenDNS for the home

2011-11-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

I'd like to take a minute and discuss the free OpenDNS service available for home users.

Top 5 reasons to use OpenDNS at home:

Superior DNS experience. They say that their DNS service is superior to the service your Internet Service Provider (ISP, i.e. Time Warner or Comcast) provide to your home. They go on to say that their service is not only faster than your ISP; but also more reliable and able to withstand some outages (like those that recently plagued many famous websites)

What's DNS? Well, when you go to www.amazon.com, it's the service that translates this and tells your computer where to go... in short, if it does not work, that ebay item you are watching belongs to someone else.

Anti-fraud and anti-phishing. OpenDNS keeps a list of many sites that can cause you to accidentally give up your credit card or other personal information. This means that once you turn on the service, you are automatically protected from these sites.
It's geeky and fun. Ok, well my real number three URL correction. Ever put in google.cmo and had to see that damn ISP page asking you "did you mean".. geesh, so annoying. OpenDNS attempts to interpret what you mean when you make these types of blunders and automatically correct your browsing experience. Thus, google.cmo changes to google.com like magic before your eyes!
It's free and easy to set up. Need I say more? You can get all of the above features and many many more, for free for home use. If you are a business, there are some charges associated to use their service.
Parental Controls. Are you a parent? Do you want to filter what types of sites your household can go to (i.e. no Porn)? While I think filtering out may not be your best method, it is certainly a nice feature for parental units. For Free, again free, you can turn on filtering for categories of sites that you wish to block easily and quickly to prevent access to certain groups of sites. Oh yea, you can also run a report on internet access (in case you are the open and honest family type and would like to discuss where your family browses to).

So, with that said will you take the plunge? It's actually incredibly easy to set up and I'd rate it a 'moderate' on the techie scale.

What do you need to get started?:

Computer at home (preferably a desktop can stay on all the time) to update your info to OpenDNS on a regular basis.
Ideally, a router. Most home users have a wireless router nowadays so this should be no problem.

Hop on over to OpenDNS to see for yourself:

Service details: http://www.opendns.com/home/basic/
Setup Video Tutorial: http://www.opendns.com/support/videos/basic/

Configure a Custom DRAC Port

2011-11-02T18:25:00.000-04:00

Why is this helpful?

For clients with a single static IPaddress, port 443 (the default) may already be forwarded to anotherserver/application within the client network, such as a secure website orinternal exchange server.

Static IPs cost money and let's face it, buying onejust for a DRAC card will be a hard sell.

Changing the DRAC server HTTPS port from 443 to a customport will enable you to enable external/remote access for the DRAC interface inaddition to other HTTPS resources externally all without having to purchasemore static IP Addresses.

Once the DRAC has been given a custom port, it can beconfigured in port forwarding of the router/firewall. The custom port, alongwith TCP ports 5900-5901 (or custom console redirection ports) will need to beforwarded to your DRAC in order for it to forward correctly.

Audience
You should be a Server orNetwork Administrator and not be afraid of command-line to perform the following.

Prerequisites

This process requires remote access and aspecific tool (racadm) that Dell Open Manage Server Administrator installs onthe server.
This process requires that web access be alreadyconfigured with an internal IP address for the DRAC card and that the DRAC isonline and functioning properly.

Process (step-by-step)

Warning!

It's important to note that all future racadmcommands will require the custom port to be part of the command once this setting is changed. Be sure to document what you changed it to and also enable telnet (future article) for ease of administration.

Also, enabling external access to a resource should be done cautiously and ever effort to remain secure should be made.

Proceed at your own risk!

This process outlines how to use racadm command line utility to remotely set thedesired options/settings in the DRAC card configuration. This can also be done via a telnet interface;which would simplify the process by removing the –r, –u, and –p options.

I recommend that once this process is done, you should also enable telnet access to the DRAC so thatit is easier to determine what the custom port setting is and modify it again afterit has been changed.

Open an elevated Command Prompt window.

Determine a custom port to use for the DRACinterface that is not currently desired to be forwarded from the internet. Be sure not to use one of the standard portsif other services are intended to be forwarded at a later date.
See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TCP_and_UDP_port_numbersfor reference.

Verify that racadm is installed on the server(with Open Manage Installed)

Type racadm help in command prompt. If it gives you anything back, it’sinstalled.

Get the current DRAC port configuration

Typeracadm–i –r <IP ADDRESS of DRAC>:<PORT> getconfig –g cfgRacTuning andpress Enter.

The –i prompts you for username andpassword. You can substitute –u <username>-p <password> for –i if desired.

The :<PORT> is not required unless acustom port is already in use (not 443). Also, do not type the <> brackets.

Example: racadm –i –r 192.168.0.4 getconfig –g cfgRacTuning

Follow the prompts to enter an administratorusername and password for the DRAC connection and press Enter.

Review the cfgRacTuneHttpsPortsetting. The value will either be in hexor decimal (depending on the DRAC model). If the setting is in HEX, you will need to configure the port using HEXand vice-versa.

Change the default DRAC port to a custom port

Type racadm –i –r <IP Address ofDRAC>:<PORT> config –g cfgRacTuning –o cfgRacTuneHttpsPort<Custom_Port> and press Enter.

<Custom_Port> should be a HEX or DEC valuebased on the previous getconfig information in the previous step. Leave out the<> brackets when setting this value.

Example: racadm –i –r 192.168.0.4 config –g cfgRacTuning–o cfgRacTuneHttpsPort 0x1bc (set the https port from 443 to customport 444)

Hint: the built-in windows calculator can do HEXconversions via the ViewàProgrammer(Windows 7) or ViewàScientific(Previous versions) calculator option.

Follow the prompts to enter an administrativeusername and password for the DRAC connection and press Enter.

This process can take a few minutes. Be patientand test access via the new port in a few minutes.

Ifyou have multiple DRACs, you may also need to re-configure the ConsoleRedirection port from the default (5900). This is done via cfgRacTuningwith option cfgRacTuneConRedirPort. View the output of the current DRACconfiguration (process above) for the current setting.

Since I've been gone

2011-10-27T20:43:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I last blogged. Here's a ultra-quick recap of what has transpired in my tech life:

Transitioned to a great opportunity as a Systems Engineer for The Weston Group.
Switched to Apple (Macbook Pro, iPhone 4S, etc) in my personal tech life.
Set up and utilize a VMware Fusion testlab for my Systems Engineering sandboxing.
I joined Experts Exchange for free and became an Expert by assisting my fellow technology professionals with issues that they were having. See my profile here: http://www.experts-exchange.com/M_6297981.html
I upgraded my Microsoft certifications and am now holding a couple MCITP titles (Server Administrator, Enterprise Administrator); which I regularly use in my day-to-day duties at The Weston Group.

Moving forward, I'd like to share some of my setups and some how-to articles that I write for various systems and issues.

I put my twitter feed in the left column... that's the best source for quick links to news and thoughts on various tech topics/ideas that are current. Let's hope this blog evolves!

Rebirth

2011-10-27T20:00:00.004-04:00

New Plan: Use this blog site for some cool step-by-step configuration articles.

More to follow (maybe)

Windows 7

2009-06-08T21:07:00.002-04:00

Windows 7 will be given away free with any PC purchased June 26 until Windows 7 launches at Best Buy! And contrary to popular belief, it's now a "Windows Vista, only better" sales pitch...

I'm interested to know when MS will lower the price of Windows 7 to compete with the Mac Snow Leapord OS at only $29? We will have to wait and see.

Link: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10258259-56.html

I'm giving Windows 7 a shot full time!

2009-06-01T19:19:00.003-04:00

OK, here goes!

I decided, because I'm a glutton for punishment, to install Windows 7 on my personal laptop (main home computer).

My Information:

Computer tech by profession, Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Guess you can say I am a Tech; however, I want my experiences to be just as easy and seemless as the next guy/girl.

Here is what I did:

Backed up everything.. software, etc. Wrote a list of software that I wanted to re-install (consider it clean up time).
Performed an upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7, Advanced option: Do not upgrade applications, etc.. only files. I think it's worth noting that my laptop had Windows XP on it when I bought it (3 years ago)...
Desktop computer (over 5 years old) has been upgraded to Windows 7 (clean installation) due to OS issues with Windows Vista causing all sorts of problems.

Here are my initial impressions:

Windows 7 installed much faster and easier than any previous OS, asking only a few questions during the installation. The installation took less than 45 minutes to complete even with over 100GB of data to back up/save.
When Windows first came up (logging on), I noticed the interface is about the same.. just a name change and a prettier background.
After logging in, I noticed all of the improved interfaces, bells and whistles.. etc... I am very pleased with the UI (User Interface) changes from Vista to Windows 7. I don't think I'll ever go back!
Wow! That's all I have to say about the new backgrounds and built-in wallpaper slideshow... these new wallpapers are breathtaking!
Devices that had driver issues (Toshiba Laptop) updated to the Windows 7 versions pretty quickly (even the graphics card). I was very impressed how the devices updated and were ready to go without even asking me (it told me as it was doing it)! This is a huge improvement over Vista, not to mention the drivers actually being available prior to the full release date! Guess that's why MS is doing them this time around instead of waiting on the OEMs.
There were two devices that Windows could not fix (Memory card reader and something on the main board). I installed the Vista (yes, I said Vista) drivers for these devices (found previously on Toshiba's website) and bingo! Every device is working great.
System Rating = 3.1 (with MS drivers).. I think I was at 3.0 for Vista using the Intel graphics driver (by far the worst rating in the system).

Installing Applications

I had a modest list of apps to re-install (would rather re-install and find updated versions than try the app upgrade). The ones to note are: MS Office 2007 Pro Plus, messenger apps, Antivirus, java, quicktime, adobe products, imgburn, dvdfab, splitcam, Vistumbler, Chrome, MS Money, and Tweetdeck.
Of the apps, Antivirus (Specifically Norton Internet Security 2009) was listed as an issue on Norton's website. They do not have a full version out for Windows 7 (they stated an update patch will be out at time of full release); but do have a trial version (in beta of course) that they offered for 14 days. Well, rather than put myself through that hell, I decided to install AVG Antivirus (one on the handfull MS identifies as ready for use). AVG's site states it's good to go for Windows 7. Good job AVG!
All, and I mean, all other apps installed after only 2 which required an updated version (found out when installing, MS identified the compatibility issue and forwarded me to a link to get the latest version for each app!!!).
Everything is working great, all apps are functioning great, and I am loving the new Windows 7.. guess I'm a PC.. haha. Now MS, come buy me a tablet that works with Windows 7 so I can try out all of the touch features.

The rub:I figure the only way I will know how Windows 7 will affect me is to run it full-time, so that's what I'm doing. I will post another review after using it for a while on things like battery life (from their claims that it lasts longer), usability between networks, homegroup, and much more! Come back and read it!

Check these out April

2009-04-05T21:34:00.003-04:00

It's been a while; but here I go.

Here's my top three for April for Check These Out.

1. ooVoo (click here to visit ooVoo.com)
ooVoo is a great video messaging tool; but it is much more than that. Besides the fact that you can download the ooVoo client and have live video conferences with 1-3 people (yes, I said more than 1!) for free, you can also have your own personal web video chat room, your own personal web conference room (controlled entry, etc), and a whole lot of fun with family/friends around the world.

SplitCam - Freeware Video Clone Software
2. SplitCam (click here to download)
This is a great application for web-cam users. It allows you to add a new virtual splitcam device to your computer (done via installation) so you can use your camera in multiple applications (chat programs, streaming tools, etc). Also, it will allow you to choose your desktop as the video input stream. This means that you can share your desktop with any application that uses webcams (i.e. for presentations or demonstrations). Check it out!

3. UStream (click here to check it out)
Ever dream of having your own live broadcast on the internet without having to have all of that complicated video equipment and/or servers all for free... well I didn't either, but I found this and it's so easy to use and fun that I may start streaming some goofy shows. Best part, through ooVoo (beta) you can stream your ooVoo video conference over UStream... for say a panel of experts or goofballs producing some funny content all in a video chat room broadcasted live to the web.

Sprint Touch Diamond

2008-09-21T19:49:00.003-04:00

Ok.. so in a very curious quiet nature, sprint finally has the Touch Diamond. I have been waiting for this for a while and had only thought that maybe they'd have the diamond by the end of this year or beginning of next year.

Check out sprint.com or htc.com for more details on the diamond.

XBOX 360 Issues Revealed

2008-09-06T22:05:00.002-04:00

Ok. So the first time I received the 'red ring of death' on my XBOX 360, I was very upset. I didn't know what to think besides being angry at Microsoft. When I found out that they covered it under warranty, I was thrilled. The second time I received the 'red ring of death' on my XBOX 360, I was pissed. I now own my third XBOX 360, replaced twice by M$. The only good thing about this is that they keep extending the warranty for the XBOX red ring issue. They admit to the problem and openly replace consoles that are having this issue. I respect that.

Here's a great article on why the XBOX 360 had issues: In short, there were many issues with heat sinks, cheap chips, and improper testing which is all identified by M$ memos and actions.

Click here for the story, including an in-depth report if you really want to see it! Link

IE What? Firefox What? Announcing Google Chrome

2008-09-01T22:00:00.005-04:00

Ok. So I started testing IE8 and was pleased with all of the new features (visible to the end user). I also saw that it rendered pages much quicker and the IE7 browser and even faster than Firefox for the pages I tested (feel free to ask which ones).

Then, it hit me. I decided that Firefox 3.1 is much more customizable and works better than IE on many many sites so I switched. I have the same features (webchunks insteak of webslices, auto complete, etc) and don't have as many compatibility issues. And I was happy with it.

Now, Google announced (in comic book form), Google Chrome. This new browser, yes web browser, is built from the ground up to be more secure, faster, and better than any browser out there. It's completely open source to the extent that you can take their browser and make it what you want (much like Firefox). The beta version of Chrome comes out tomorrow (9-2) and I will be testing it! I'm not sure I've been this excited about a web browser in a while....

Long story short, I ceased my IE8 testing at this point. I'm playing the field a bit more before I decide on a favorite browser.

Link to Official Google Blog: Here

Link to Slashdot's review of Google Chrome: Here

Link to Google Chrome: Here (not available until 9-2-08.)

Do you read this blog? Tell me!

2008-08-31T20:23:00.003-04:00

If you read this blog, look to the left and make yourself a follower! All three of you, don't forget to click that! haha.. latr

IE8, the personal beta

2008-08-30T14:28:00.003-04:00

OK all,

Some of the new features of IE8 (Accelerators, Web Slices...) and the fact that it's new is really making me want to participate in a beta. I am fully aware that this could result in a system restore or even worse... but I have to .. bleeding edge right?

I will blog about my experiences with it.. installation, ease of use, crashes, and rendering issues.... feel free to check back for updates on my experience with IE8 Beta 2.

Which cause should we donate to?

2008-08-30T14:01:00.004-04:00

Is it bad that I feel more compelled to donate money to polar bears and animal shelters than Ethiopians after watching all these commercials?

You decide. Watch the following videos and you tell me which one you'd rather donate to. I'd probably donate to the animal shelters and anti-cruelty agencies.... that one is sad.

WWF (www.wwf.org) - Save the Polar Bears

Sarah McLachlan wants you to save the animals (ASPCA)

I think that all organizations should take notes when they see these videos... they make me want to cry.. haha. If you can find me a sad poverty video or something along those lines, then I will include it to this post.... but these people know how to make a sad video!

M$ has released IE8 Beta 2 for public

2008-08-29T17:08:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! M$ has released IE 8 Beta 2 for public download! Youcan download and test it on your own computer (obviously at your own risk). Switched.com has done a review on it and posted it at the link below.

Link: Here

Network Storage for Home

2008-08-24T15:23:00.003-04:00

Hey, for anyone looking to network their storage, backup their files automatically over the network, and connect your existing USB hard drives so that investment isn't wasted... Cisco Systems has a device for you at under $100!

Check it out here: Link

Hey, take a synth of that view

2008-08-24T15:20:00.001-04:00

Ok. When Microsoft Live Labs launched photosynth.net, I thought it was pretty interesting. You can make 3D models of pretty much anything just by taking a bunch of photos and synthing them together using their FREE photosynth application (Sorry Mac users, Windows/IE only application). I played around for a few taking pictures of my office and a cowboy. I am only 51% on the synth scale so i've got some work to do but you get the point.

View my Office Synth here: Link

iphone kill switch

2008-08-11T19:04:00.002-04:00

So Apple does have a kill switch for applications that will kill them right off of your iphone. Interesting. For all the right reasons, apple can kill an app from your iphones, rendering it harmless if it is malicious; however, when does it draw the line at malicious?

Read more here

Want to be invisible? Berkeley is helping

2008-08-11T18:52:00.002-04:00

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, say they have created materials that bring them closer to creating invisibility cloaks.

"Scientists hope the research can lead to improved antenna performance, reversing the Doppler effect, higher-resolution optical imaging, nanocircuits for high-powered computers, and, eventually, cloaking devices that could render objects invisible to humans."
Doesn't it always start out as a good idea?

Link here

In NYC, who keeps the traffic police on their toes... Jimmy Justice

2008-08-03T20:05:00.003-04:00

Jimmy Justice does what we'd all like to do when he sees a traffic officer breaking traffic law in New York... busts them on video and reports them to the city. Check out his youtube site here: http://www.youtube.com/user/JimmyJustice4753
Watch Here!

Netflix partners with LG for blu-ray/netflix combo HD player

2008-08-02T13:59:00.003-04:00

As we continue to get better, Netflix is now partnering with LG to make a dual blue-ray and netflix streaming media player... this may be an upcoming purchase for my house... leave the xbox downstairs to stream movies and stream them on the high-def tv through the new blu-ray player.. sounds like a good time!

Now, Netflix... it's ur turn to beef up the content on your site! Let's go!

Link: http://www.hd-report.com/2008/08/02/play-blu-ray-discs-and-stream-netflix/

XM and Sirius Merge good?

2008-07-28T22:25:00.002-04:00

As most of you know, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio are merging. Well, almost... only a few more hoops to jump through. XM and Sirius plan to put out a radio within 9 months that will play XM and Sirius as well as guarantee a 12.95/mo cap for the next three years at least.

What does this mean for us? Well us loyal sirius customers will be able to keep our programming; but here's what I want: I want to be able to add an XM radio to my existing account for only 6/mo.. that same deal currently offered for customers with multiple Sirius or XM radios.. but never before one of each!

Just something to think about :-)

Amazon's E-Book may replace Newsweek Magazine Print

2008-07-27T15:33:00.002-04:00

Imagine this:
Wake up on Sunday morning, your coffee is automatically brewed, your TV has recorded your local news, and your Amazon Kindle player has downloaded your latest Newsweek newspaper and is ready to be read.

That's right, maybe the last newspaper you have to purchase is around the corner. Over wifi (let's face it if you don't have wifi in your home by now... skip this article), you can download your paper and even soon books (surely from amazon.com) to your new player and read them at home.

I think the key to this project being successful is making it as tangible as possible and make the reading easy on the eyes. I don't know why people don't just get a computer for their news but hey, i guess it's nice to pick up a paper in the morning and hold it in your hands...

Link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/70983

Sony OLED Technology Looking Promising

2008-07-27T14:35:00.002-04:00

What is this? OLED is Organic Light-emitting Diode technology. Many vendors are beginning to market their device: Sony, Samsung, and LG to start. Sony, however, has launched a 27-inch version that is 3mm thick and can do 1Million:1 contrast ratio in 1080p! This will definitely change the way displays can be used.
Check out the video yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTEt5o_jt30

Also, Laser TV (using lasers as the backlight) is said to be 30-40% cheaper than plasma and show twice the color spectrum.
Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbRT_9AOt9Q

And yet again, 3D TV (currently by samsung) may be a new way to watch 3D movies in your own home.
Check out the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJdIOcYWjoI

Check it out! Very great technology on the horizon awaiting a cheaper way to mass produce and a consumer base to buy them.

Sprint Touch OEM WM6.1 Update released and on my phone (review)

2008-07-26T14:01:00.003-04:00

Windows Mobile 6.1 for HTC Touch Review
Me: Tech/Power user
ROM: Stock OEM Sprint ROM Windows Mobile 6.1 (3.03.651.4-6/30/08)

Stock Additions:
1. Added Functionality for GPS hardware to use in Windows Live Search
2. Huge upgrade to Windows Live Search! Added speach recognition, GPS mapping, Movies, Gas Prices to the already kick ass program features.
3. Upgraded OnDemand and renamed to Pocket Express
4. Sprint added Opera Mobile 8.65 to their OEM ROM. While this browser is far better than Pocket IE 6 (even with the added zoom feature from 6.1), it is still no comparison to the new Opera Mobile 9.5 that they are beta testing now. It does not support double-tap zoom in and out.
5. Windows Mobile 6.1 added threaded text messaging. This is cool. Now when i go to my text inbox, i can see each 'conversation' and when I click on a person's conversation I can see the entire text chain (sent and received) as an instant messenger screen. Very cool IMO!

Custom Installed Programs/Hacks:
1. Opera 9.1 build 1184 (modified for htc touch) (pre beta release) - this version of Opera Mobile allows double-tap for zoom in and zoom out, has a new easy to use interface that leaves most of the window to browsing! It's truly as close as you can get to safari. I am looking forward to the 9.5 edition once it's fully released!
2. S2U2 (slide to unlock) - iphone-like phone locking program.
3. sMMs - Send picture mail (sprint's version of MMS) from my phone. This feature is not built in to Sprint's Windows Mobile phones.
4. HTC Streaming Media Player - Removed by Sprint.. added back by me. This program plays youtube and other browser incompatible streaming media sources automatically and takes you back to the browser when done.
5. HTC Touch Diamond keyboard set. This includes the same keyboards as the OEM Rom (keypad, touch keyboard, and Qwerty keyboard). This set of keyboards is designed to look sharp and fit the touch diamond look.
6. HTC Touch Diamond dialer. This is the phone program made over to look like the Touch Diamond's sharp dialer interface.
7. TCPMP. This is a media player that can play compressed movies that I put on there.

Overall:
Love this phone! Great for people who don't like to be 'stuck in the box' with their phone. On the other hand, it's easy to crash and mess up your phone by installing incompatible apps and hacking the settings. Still, I definitely like this update... looking forward to windows mobile 7.

2008-07-14T22:40:00.002-04:00

Xbox owners will soon be able to watch movies streamed through game consoles to their TVs, thanks to a deal Microsoft has landed with online rental service Netflix

This is awesome... I have both! :-)

Here's the link: http://ping.fm/Id4gk

XBOX Sorrows

2008-06-24T19:07:00.002-04:00

OK, so my XBOX 360 is being replaced/repaired again! The count is up to 2 times now for the 'red ring of death'; which I found out a reason for...

They are blaming it on the cold solders. Hearsay states that there is a large amount of solders in the XBOX 360 and that the lead level requirement (US) made them lower the amount of lead in each solder (effectively weakening the solder). Damnit, we want this issue to go away!!!

Read here for the entire detail: Wikipedia Link

I'm just glad Microsoft keeps extending warranty for this fault... thus replaced the console at no cost to me (other than 2-3 weeks without it).

Apple users, welcome to the pc world...

2008-05-22T17:59:00.001-04:00

Apple users are finding out that they are not all prevented from getting viruses (as many misinformed Apple users have spouted in the past). I'd like to offer you a warm welcome to the real world ;-)

Link: Information Week News Article

Netflix Users get a new way to view, on your TV instantly!

2008-05-22T17:45:00.002-04:00

Hey, for all of you netflix subscribers... now you can instantly watch netflix movies on your TV... purchase a $100 box from Roku and you can schedule movies to be available on your set top box for FREE!

Links: Roku's Netflix Player/

HTC Unveils it's newest Touch.... Diamond

2008-05-06T17:31:00.003-04:00

The HTC Diamond is stunning to the eye, incorporates the latest Windows 6.1 mobile, is an all touch phone, and is coming to Sprint EVDO Rev. A later this year! What more???? It looks like i'll be making a change to a new phone early next year :-)

Link: http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=46278

Samsung Instinct for Sprint - New iPhone competitor!

2008-04-03T09:39:00.003-04:00

Sprint has began showing, at CTIA 2008, the new Sprint Instinct. It's a touch based phone that will definitely be iPhone competition. Check out the link, it looks cool.

Link: Click Here

Tracking Microsoft Surface.... 1st deployement? AT&T

2008-04-02T18:34:00.004-04:00

Microsoft developed Surface table top computing interface (touch controlled) last May. Since then, no takers have been heavily advertised... until now. AT&T has decided to deploy the new MS Surface computers in a few of their stores. Check out the article below.

Link: USA Today Article

What? A computer virus for Mac?

2008-03-31T13:40:00.005-04:00

Check out this video... it's a great concept and would make a funny april fools joke :-)

For the company page, click here. And no, it's not a link to the virus.

TSA makes traveling a little more revealing

2008-03-31T10:04:00.004-04:00

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is wanting to make your frisking experience a little more soothing... What does this mean? Spa Music? Smaller Fingers? Try this; a machine that will take a 'nude' view of your body so they can see if you're carrying hidden weapons. I love the idea... how do you get that job?

Read the article here: Link