Open Source Software

My Next Mobile Phone - Nexus One

2010-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

While I’m doing a topic search for my blogs, I checked Technology News and saw this article about Nexus One. The mobile image caught my attention and I immediately decided to create an article about it.

Nexus One is the first mobile phone created by Google. It was launched last January 5, 2010 and currently available in Google Phone website.

Nexus One is thinner than Apple's Iphone and runs in Android 2.1, Google’s mobile OS. It uses Qualcomm 1 GHz Snapdragon chip therefore it is expected to provide real-time ubiquitous communication, high-performance multimedia, location-aware content, Internet browsing and productivity applications, all with the lowest levels of power consumption for all-day battery life and always-on connectivity.

Browsing and use of applications is much easier because of the phone's high resolution OLED touchscreen and Wi-fi feature. It also has this 5 megapixel large camera for taking videos and pictures.

Keyboard and display supports multiple languages. And talking about touchscreen keyboard, another option that Google provided is the voice-to-text feature that serves as voice command in creating your emails and notes. Whoah! I would love to try that! Imagine speaking to your phone and it will right down everything you said. Oopps.. What if I have this accent or new terms? I hope Nexus can understand it. Hey Nexus just answer back if you can't. Maybe a buzz or you can say "Hey! What are you talking about?". LOL. If the phone answered back, Google will spend bucks for fixing broke Nexus because I might throw it away. LOL.

However, the number of unhappy customers keeps on rising. Nexus has been plagued by complaints including spotty 3G connectivity, problems with touchscreen, very high termination fee and poor customer support from Google.

Despite this, Google bounced back to deal with the issues. They are working quickly to fix any problems. Keep on visiting Google Mobile Help Forum for information and resolutions. Go Google! Check this page to know more about Nexus: http://www.google.com/phone/support?locale=en_US&s7e=.

Record your Skype Calls now!

2009-07-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Skype Call recorder is an open source tool that enables you to automatically or manually record your skype calls on Linux. It's easy to configure and can record calls in MP3, Ogg Vorbis or WAV files. After installation, you can find it under Accessories menu.

One of my clients required me to take down minutes of their conference call and knowing that I can't be able to gather all their ideas at once, I decided to have an audio copy of the conference for reference. I also use SkypeCallRecorder if there are instructions to be given through Skype just to make sure I won't miss any details.

The only problem I had with this tool is that when you run multiple instances of Skype it won't record any of your calls and when you're the one hosting the conference call the recording won't work properly.

Actually, it was my first time to attend my client's conference call to take down the minutes and first time to use the application as well. I had two instances of Skype, one is for my VA account and Jan's account (I was using Jan's account in attending the conference, don't have skype credits in mine) and I was too confident that it would record my calls so I attended the conference and listened to 7 people of different cultures and when the conference was over I searched for the audio file in my directory and found nothing :( . But still I was able to come up with the minutes, an incomplete and short one.

I think this tool is beneficial for all VAs working in Linux environment while for windows users they don't have windows version yet, but I hope soon they'll come up with it since SkypeCallRecorder is really great! Start downloading and record your skype calls now! :)

WHY I LOVE OPEN SOURCE?

2009-04-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am a loyalist! That's why all these years I'm a fan of commercial software. I usually don't trust unknown software especially open source because I have this impression that they're not reliable and safe. Hahahah! But that was before, before I worked with Virtual Assistant Technologies Inc. In here, we are obliged to work in a Linux environment, which is a well known open source operating system(OS). At first, I was not that comfortable with UBUNTU but after few months I get used to it. Not just used to it, I learn to love it! I learn to love open source!

Using open source software in my daily work gradually changed my perspective towards open source. It opened my mind to all the beneficial factors that it gives and I can say that I am also well informed of the disadvantages that it possesses. Disadvantages that might turn into an advantage through learning to interact in their community while asking questions,hearing answers, comments and feedbacks from other users and eventually gain friendship and wider knowledge.

Few people try to criticize open source because like me years ago, they also believe that it's not reliable since it's free. Yes, it is free but that doesn't mean they are not safe or non-reliable, these criticizers doesn't know who are the people behind the open source software development and they judge them without knowing that. Men behind the development of these softwares are great and intelligent individuals who tried to create options for us. Oppps!!! STOP! Maybe I need to end this issue here before I get attached to it. :)

Okay, so back to my love and interest to open source. Here are the software that I love most and the reasons why.

UBUNTU - I love its interface, especially the 3D desktop wherein I can play with it whenever I get bored with my work. :)

GIMP - Of course, most of us know Adobe Photoshop and you'll tell me "What's that? Never heard!". GIMP is an open source alternative for Photoshop, Corel or any commercialize Graphics/image Editor software. GIMP works almost the same with other commercial software, they have similar features and functionalities but of course there are differences too. I love GIMP nowadays and I use it more often that Photoshop.

PIDGIN - Pidgin is an IM software, an alternative for Yahoo Messenger. Though it has no webcam feature it enables you to add multiple accounts such as AIM, Yahoo Messenger and etc.

BOXEE! - I love Boxee! No need to explain the point is it's lovable! I swear! :)

And more to come! :)

dotProject - Open Source Project Management Software

2009-04-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Climbing the stairs towards fame is dotProject,the Sourceforge.net's Project of the Month for April 2009. dotProject is an open source project management tool developed by a group of brilliant people lead by Adam Donnison. The project started way back 2001 but upon the midst of its development the original team who planned and developed the system was no way to be reached but in persistence of the new team dotProject undergo continuous improvement.

dotProject aims to help not just project managers but other users who dwell most likely to tons of projects and tasks from time to time. It is mainly designed to gather information and generate progress reports for certain projects and tasks. It also includes a detailed information for each project and tasks status. Visit dotProject website and explore its functionality.

BOXEE!

2009-01-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love entertainment? I mean any form of it like movies and music. Nah! I know you do love it too. As I surf the Internet and look for a cool and latest topic to write, I came up with a list and top of the list is BOXEE. Why Boxee? You'll know after reading this article. : )

Just like other entertainment software/applications, Boxee can play movies and music, it also gathers album artworks just like other media players. Other features that sets it apart from others are the following:

It plays content from services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Shoutcast, Last.fm, Flickr, Picasa, CNN and a lot more.

It pulls in video podcasts and if you want a podcast Boxee doesn’t offer, just add the URL of the feed.

You can share what you’re watching with other Boxee users and they can share their viewing habits – and recommendations – with you.

Boxee's highlighted feature is that these internet-based contents are viewable in your televisions. Imagine accessing these contents while sitting comfortable in a couch with a remote in your hand to navigate through it. Isn't it great!

One more thing, this Boxee software is absolutely free. It is an open source software and its current version works with Intel-based Macs, Apple TV and Linux machines (Ubuntu). For Windows users, Boxee windows version is on its way so better get ready soon!

And I hope now you know why I had this article featured. Excited to have one? Download Boxee here and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

OrangeHRM-New Level of HR Management

2008-12-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

It is really undeniable, every nation in the world can see the effects that this global financial crisis had brought us. Increasing number of employees being layoff, bankruptcy of banks and businesses . Thus, some of these companies and businesses look for alternatives to be able to lessen expenses. Use of open source software serves as one option. Open source software are the free alternative of those commercially available software.

Sourceforge.net provides information about the trends in Open Source Industry and every month the site chooses a promising software to use. The Sourceforge.net Project of the Month is OrangeHRM. It is a Human Resource Management (HRM) system that facilitates personnel information management, employee self service, leave, time & attendance, benefits, and recruitment of a company. OrangeHRM can be used by human resource professionals (and all employees) in small to medium sized organizations. To know more about OrangeHRM development visit Sourceforge.net website.

Basic Requirements:

PHP 5.2 or later
MySQL server 5.0.12 or later
Apache Server 1.3 or later

HP Linux Desktop

2008-12-12T07:19:00.001-08:00

Hewlett Package will launch their own linux desktop preloaded with Linux and other opensource softwares such as IM, web browsers, software applications and Open Office, an alternative open source software for Windows Office.

HP announced their launch week after IBM launched their Linux-desktop package. HP's offering to preload Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop on the HP Compaq dc5850 along with other open source applications.

HP Linux Desktop targets the education market and with regard to it the company is developing educational applications for teachers and students.

HP will start selling the Linux Desktops in United States on December 15 with starting price of $519.

Concrete 5

2008-12-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

Concrete5 is another opensource content management system with built in PHP and uses MySQL database. It was 5 years ago when the project was founded and took it steps for development.

The development team targets two audiences, developers and site owners. Concrete5 is considered a powerful tool for developers because of its user-frinedly interface and developers can create websites without compromise.

Some of its powerful features are its point, click and edit in place feature wherein website devepment is just as simple as point and click.; It can handle huge number of visitors with no problem and its stable and dependable.

Few sites that implements C5 are the following: SchoolPulse.com, GereDonovan.com, SustainableHarvest.com. To download and know more about C5, check out their website at www.concrete5.org.

gOS Cloud aka Good OS Cloud

2008-12-02T11:45:00.001-08:00

Good OS Cloud is an operating system that was created by GOOD OS LLC in Los Angeles.It is a browser friendly OS that combines sophisticated technologies and beautiful design to make a PC faster, safer and easier. The moment the user turned on the computer, in seconds a browser with an icon dock inside will be displayed. In this browser, users can browse the web, email and use other applications. Another added option that cloud offer is it can easily navigate from different OS such as Windows and Linux. Cloud currently supports lesser languages but Good OS find means to have it customize so that it can provide more choices for users during the installation.

Cloud Feature List
Web browser with Icon Dock Inside , Network Manager, Power Button, Boot to Window XP/Vista or Linux OS, Battery Life Indicator, Volume Controls, My Files & Viewers

System Specifications:

Standard x86 Processor
128 MB Ram
35 MB Storage (Can be smaller or larger)
Preloaded in HDD/SSD of PC
Preloaded in on board flash storage of MB
Preloaded in CD as Windows Installer
Cloud does not require additional hardware and is compatible with any operating system.

How To Survive the Graveyard Shifts?

2008-11-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips on how to survive the graveyard shift.

Be Prepared

The best method of getting ready for working the 'graveyard shift' is all in your preparation. This is mostly an individual thing, but the following ideas could help:

Get 'Forty Winks' - During the day before you start your first night shift, try laying down for a little while in the afternoon. If you sleep, great! You'll be even more refreshed for the long haul ahead. Power naps during the day, and even during your night shift, will help you climb over the early morning 'wall'.
Have a Shower or Bath - A bath or shower is helpful in making you feel refreshed, but it can also play tricks on the mind. Have a nap just before dinner, then follow your usual waking routine. Whether you have breakfast then a shower, or have a shower then breakfast - do the same. A good meal is the best start to any day, even if it is the night4. Breakfast can of course be your evening meal, as it helps fool the body that you've just arisen - ready for the day.
Relaxation Techniques - Being relaxed during the day will help you get through the wee small hours. A massage is great, or simply listening to some quiet music. Take some time out from your routine. Bundle the significant other/flatmates/kids/pets over to the neighbour's/pub/grandma's,forget about the ironing/washing/chores, turn on some muzak and just let your mind go. It's helpful in keeping you alert when the Sandman comes beckoning at 3am.

Pinch Me, I'm Dreaming

Once at work and into your night shift, the most difficult part of it all is staying awake. Avoid yawning at all costs if possible. Along with anyone else who even remotely looks like they might be about to yawn. Yawning is something that seems to spread like wildfire and bring about sleepy feelings. Yawned yet? You will. Anyway, the following are just some of the more common methods of avoiding slipping into a state of deep sleep:

Artificial Stimulants - Ahhhh. Coffee. There are many other forms of stimulant available to keep your motor running. Anything with loads of sugar in it, such as cola, chocolate or jelly babies can also help give you that extra 'pep'. If you don't have a sweet tooth, a 'bacon buttie'5 will fill an empty stomach. If you don't enjoy pork products, try some fruit salad.
Drugs - Well, yes, perhaps caffeine is actually a drug, but try telling a coffee drinker that and they'll give you a withering look. There are other things to use such as 'Pro-Plus'6, guarana7 or even illegal narcotics such as amphetamines or cocaine... but whatever you call it, just don't. It's not worth it. Some people have found nicotine helpful but if you don't smoke, please avoid taking up cigarettes in order to help you get through a night shift. While not exactly 'drugs' per se, a selection of good vitamin tablets such as Vitamin C or D are also helpful in replenishing the body, especially if you haven't been eating well. Of course, it goes without saying to be careful when trying this route for the very first time. Don't go laying into the 'hard' stuff straight off.
Noise - Music or talking loudly can help in keeping you awake. Have colleagues sneak up on you every now and then to scream BOO!! in your ear8: a sure-fire way of keeping you awake and on your toes. If you go down the music route ensure it's loud, irritating and something you'll end up singing along to. Britney Spears or the Spice Girls are perfect examples. However, as you near the end of your shift you may prefer winding down to something a little more relaxing, such as Portishead.
The Elements - Often the smoker's excuse - 'I need some fresh air', but it actually does help. Cool night air that is, not smoking. Stepping out into the cool can help you feel more awake and able to carry on through the rest of the shift. Splashing cold water onto your face can also assist in keeping you alert. Be wary that you don't splash too much though, or you're liable to look like you've had a shower with your clothes on.
Fear - It's night. It's probably dark. All kinds of terrifying 'things' come out at night don't they? If working with a few other people why not swap ghost stories? Or if by yourself, read a good horror story. Stephen King can oblige. Every little sound you hear will be amplified and you're sure to stay awake - especially if you think the bogeyman is going to get you!

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A13857915)

My Vote Goes to BARACK OBAMA

2008-11-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

If given a chance to vote in the United States Presidential Election, I'll go with Senator Barack Obama. This will be the best time for America to embrace change.

"I am asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington.. I am asking you to belive in yours." says Obama.

Below are the following reasons that I gathered from different sites explaining why to choose Obama over McCain. This reasons also reflects my perspective towards Obama as President of the United States of America.

1. On the day Barack Obama is inaugurated, America will think differently of itself, and this is no small thing. Imagine the symbolism of it. Do not short shrift symbols, for they are very powerful. To be able to point to a President Barack Obama and tell a child of any color anywhere in America that they, too, through education and hard work, could someday be anything they want to be...that’s a powerful thing, especially in our melting-pot nation.

2. Senator Obama inspires people of all ages to action.

3. Senator Obama understands that you win elections not by pandering to your base, but by drawing support from independents and from the opposite side, by articulating what unifies people rather than exploiting what divides them. Change comes not just from knowing how to work the levers of power – it takes more than that. It takes creating the popular movements necessary to support and sustain change. No other candidate spurs that kind of enthusiasm.

4. Obama energizes youth for service and involvement to a degree also unseen in decades. This is a crucial point for Democrats to understand: it is well known that if a Party attracts new voters for their first election, those voters tend to stick with that Party for most of their lives.

5. Obama is a Harvard-educated constitutional law scholar, and civil libertarian. In his campaign speeches, he has frequently referred to his desire to close Guantanamo, stop torture, restore habeas corpus rights to detainees, bring back our lost civil liberties, and return to a presidency that sticks to its vow to follow the U.S. Constitution.

6. Look to the future
Senator Obama offers the most comprehensive energy plan of any Presidential nominee in history, it will end our dependence on foreign oil and create as many as 5,000,000 jobs. Senator McCain’s plan continues the Bush Administration’s policy of appeasement to Big Oil, does nothing to reduce our dependence on oil, and isn’t as good as Paris Hilton’s.

7. You pollute, you pay
Obama and Biden support plan to make polluters pay for pollution credits and to clean up toxic waste. McCain wants us to foot the bill for clean-up and to give polluters billions in tax breaks and subsidies.

8. Keeping us healthy
Obama and Biden have fought to keep our air and water clean. McCain has voted against clean water ten times and voted six times to make it harder for states and the EPA to keep our air clean.

9. Listening to the scientists
The Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that America must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in order to avoid the worst effects of global warming. Obama’s plan will reach that goal. McCain’s plan falls far short.

sources:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/8/152147/6944/588/472335
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/community-news/obama-lcv-endorsement-88083002
www.30reasons.org/

Any Ideas?

2008-10-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Its 4:23 am of October 31, 2008 and I have no idea in mind on what to post in my blog! What do you think? any interesting topics in mind? Unfortunately, I have none so I'll told you about one silly thing that I did yesterday.

It was almost 2pm of October 30, 2008, I received a call from a friend named Jovin. He wanted my help about an email attachment he received and since he can't be able to open it up due to few errors, he wanted me to download that file for him. After few minutes I resolved his issue then I went back to sleep.

Again, after few minutes my phone rang and I was too excited to asnwer it when I saw an unfamiliar telephone number. Surprise! It was someone from IBM asking if I was able to took their employment exam. For better visualization of the scene....

IBM Agent: Hi this is _______(I forgot her name) from IBM. Is this Theresa?

Me: Yes?

IBM: I wanted to know if you already taken our employment exam?

Me: I am sorry but not yet!

"I am currently here in ILOILO and I HAVE NO PLANS IN GOING TO MANILA."

but thanks anyway!

IBM: Welcome and thank you!

ME: Welcome! Bye!

See the highlighted text? What do you think the way I acted upon the situation? Favorable or am I S-I-L-LY/A-R-R-O-G-A-N-T?

If I am, I am asking for forgiveness and your understanding! Thank you and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Meet Launchy 2.1.2

2008-10-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of your usual start up menu?

Do you want an innovative application that will help you in indexing your files?

Introducing, Launchy, an open source keystroke launcher for unix and windows. Launchy is a free windows and linux utility designed by Josh Karlin to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager. It indexes the programs in your start menu and can launch your documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks with just a few keystrokes! Launchy was originally written using C# for its version 0.5 while the latest version was written in C++.

How does Launchy works?

Upon boot up Launchy will automatically loads itself and waits for the user to call it by pressing Alt + Space or a custom user hotkey. The user then starts typing the name of the program or file they wish to launch. Launchy automatically searches its list of programs for the closest match as the user types. When it finds the desired program, the user hits enter and it is automatically launched.
Launchy also has the option to add folders and file formats to its catalog for indexing. This makes it useful for launching almost anything on a computer, including internet, music, videos, and games. Launchy also can run Google, Wikipedia, MSN, and Yahoo searches, bringing the results up in the default browser. It also launches bookmarks as required. Launchy also supports plug-ins, adding to its versatility.

Few of the problems seen in the later version of launchy was it uses up to 100% of CPU because of its catalog refresh functions however the problem was resolved by upgrading your Launchy to the latest version which is Launchy 2.1.2.

The Wheel of Life

2008-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Life is like a wheel indeed, sometimes you'll find yourself at the top and sometimes you'll wake up and saw your self taking your way down.
I consider my self lucky because even in a small span of time I was able to held in my hands the material things that this life can bring. It was decades ago when our family business was at its top, never ever thinking that one day this will be over. I was an easy-go-lucky and an impulse buyer person then I tend to buy things in an instant, the moment it caught my eyes I will have it even sometimes its not significant. I also tend to treat my friends every now and then. I never knew the word “savings” not until four years ago.
January 2004 economic crisis started, our business slowly took its downfall but we still failed to notice it. It was midyear when my mom had us gathered and talked about it. We ended up crying and wishing that if we did this and that maybe we didn't came up to that point. Fortunately, my parents still able to continue the business despite the crisis and with God's help before the year thoroughly ended we able to cope up with it. God gave us another chance but along with that chance was another big obstacle, we discovered that my dad had an affair with someone that was close to us and whom we trusted most. It made my mom weaker that it made her gave up. Gave up in a sense that she failed to do her responsibilities with the business and with the family which results to the business second fall. During that time we came up to a decision to close the business for a while. It was almost months before my family was able to stand up again and surpass that obstacle.
Now, at this moment as I wrote this article I know that our business is facing its final fall and I think its the time for us to give up everything we had had and live a life that God wanted us to have. I told my mom few days ago, “Despite everything that happened Ma, we should thank Him, for He has given us the chance to experience the earthly wealth and now its the time For Him to get it back and we can't do anything about it. All we need to do is surrender everything to God and live each day as what He wanted us to do. He had a purpose in doing this things, maybe He wanted us to see a more important aspect of life through this. Let's just pray and have faith!”
To end this article I can say that I now learned the things that I should have learned before and it made us stronger as a family and it strengthened my faith with God. In His time, I believe that I'll be waking up again at the top of the wheel and by then living up with the lessons I had.

Android based Mobile Phone Launch

2008-10-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

October 22, 2008, the latest timestamps in the history of mobile phones, T-Mobile launched T-Mobile G1, the first mobile to use the awaited Linux-based mobile operating system, Android. It was August of this year when T-mobile announces that they would deliver the first production smartphone — the HTC Dream (now known as the G1) — to use Google's Android software.

Where did Android Android started last July 2005, when Google acquired Android Inc. Android Inc. is a small company based in California which specializes in making mobile software. At Google, they developed a Linux-based mobile device operating system which later on known as Android.

Concurrent with the launch of T-Mobile G1 is the launch of the Android Market. Conceptually, the combination of the Android operating system and Android Market takes aim at Apple's Iphone operating system coupled with its Apps Store. Android Market will serve as a portal for mobile applications wherein this applications is free till the end of the year. In comparison to the Apps store, the Palm OS must be synchronized first to a desktop to allow installation but with Android Market applications are downloadable anywhere at anytime, of course with the help of the 3G Technology.

I think that's enough for Android, lets gat back to T-Mobile G1. To give you a glimpse of the phones features here are the two ofmy personal likes in its features.

The T-Mobile G1 has a somewhat unique design for QWERTY sliders. the Google interface employs a virtual desktop system to help organize more icons and widgets on screen. Unlike the iPhone, though, the Google phone lets you pick a background picture, and when you pan from virtual space to space, the picture pans as well, like a panorama.

Basically, the T-Mobile G1 uses a combined compass and accelerometer to display a virtual world on the phone screen, using Google's Street View. So, you can see the street you're on, and when you pan the phone up and down, or if you make an about face, the Street View virtual image will follow your movements.

The T-Mobile G1 is available on T-Mobile's U.S. network for $180 with a two-year contract. An unlimited data plan will cost $25 per month, while unlimited data and messaging will cost $35 per month. A voice plan is required for all configurations. The T-Mobile G1 will also be released in the UK sometime in November 2008, while the other T-Mobile markets in Europe will get it in Q1 2009. Countries include Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.