Choosing Which OS is the Best? Read On...

If you're still thinking about what operating system to use in your PC or a laptop, here is an article that will help you consider some important factors before finally deciding.

Here is a small quote from the article "

Ubuntu 11.04 vs Windows 7 vs OS X 10.7 (Lion)

"The tests were run on a brand-new 2.5GHz Core i5-2400S iMac with 4GB RAM. We ran our benchmarks under each operating system, formatting the hard disk and performing a clean installation each time. The benchmarks record in seconds the time the computer takes to perform each task. These scores are then normalised against a PC with an Intel Core i5-2500K processor running Windows 7, which scores 100 in each test. We used the same versions of our three bits of key software - ImageMagick, Handbrake and Mplayer - on all three operating systems. Where possible we used the binary distributions, but ImageMagick 6.7.1 had to be installed from source on our Ubuntu PC."

Head on to this link and read the full article.

KahelOS

Hey guys!  Been very busy lately.  Check-out KahelOS!  A Linux distro proudly made by Filipinos!  Just click the icon on the left.  Please leave your comments!  Thanks!

CherryTree, Linux Ubuntu Alternative to Treepad

In my search for Treepad alternatives for my Ubuntu, I found CherryTree. It is even better with Treepad Lite running in Wine. See the screenshot below for more info:

Visit the official download page

Minitube: Youtube Player and Downloader for Linux Ubuntu 11.04

Hey guys! Just spent a half day search for a Youtube downloader for my Ubuntu Natty. Previously you can just copy the video from the temp folder to save it. But maybe due to copyright issue, that is not possible now.

What I found was MINITUBE. It is actually available in Ubuntu Software center. Just type minitube in the search box and install.

You can watch youtube videos even without flash support. And this is the greatest thing: YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOS using MINITUBE. Just search for your favorite videos and hit the down load button and it will automatically save the video to your VIDEOS folder, that's it --no hassle at all. The installer is just 600KB or more in size.

Visit the official page at http://flavio.tordini.org/minitube

The Big Switch!

Recently, because of curiosity and maybe also because of boredom in Windows 7, I decided to move to Linux Ubuntu. And so far, I'm not regretting it.

Above:  My new desktop

The setup was easy. I just had to download the disk image file which is more than 600 MB in size. Make a bootable USB stick through Universal USB creator. Plugged it in my notebook, rebooted and then that's it-- the installation began with no hassle at all.

I completely wiped out my hard disk and install Ubuntu Natty using the entire disk-- besides I guess I won't be needing the use of my Windows 7 Starter.

The challenge is this-- after the fresh install I had to install additional software to suit my needs. I listed some of the applications which I previously used in my Windows 7 notebook below:

• Office Applications - from Microsoft Office 2003 to Libre Office 3
• Music Player - from iTunes to Banshee Media Player (that's because iTunes is not available in Linux OS variants.
• Video Player - no change since I use VLC media player previously
• Email Client - from Thunderbird to Evolution Mail
• Offline Blog-writing Tool - from Windows Live Essential to Blogilo
• Web Browser - from IE9 and Firefox to Chromium and Firefox
• Bittorrent Client - from Bittorrent to Transmission
• PDF Reader - from Adobe Reader to eVince PDF Reader

Basically, that's all the application I use frequently. And because other programs have no Linux counterpart (or they may have but I'm not yet aware), I also installed Windows Emulator (WINE)

so that I can still install Window-based software like Treepad Lite and other games like Plants vs. Zombies and Angry Birds.

I also encountered some minor problems after installing Ubuntu like the problem in which my notebook automatically hibernates whenever I unplugged it even when the battery is fully charged. But after some research in the internet, I found the right solutions.

For every problem that you will encounter in using Ubuntu, there are surely solutions to them-- thanks to Google and the Ubuntu community. Also thanks to Ubuntu and Linux dedicated websites like OMG! Ubuntu, Unix Men, and some others.

By using Ubuntu, I can tell that my notebook reflects my personality since it is fully customizable unlike Windows.

Please share your Linux experience.

Linux rocks!

Time To Get Organized With Treepad Lite

Are you the type of person that keep lots of files like school notes, term papers, your favorite song lyric collections etc.?  Well most kind of these people certainly want to get their files organized so that whenever they want to retrieve the files, they will not have a hard time looking in their “jungle” archive.

Good thing there’s Treepad Lite.  Treepad Lite is a free-- how should I call it… Personal Information Manager, Organizer, Database etc. tool that lets you store, view and edit your text files in one window. 

You will be able to store all your files in one “mother” file and be able to retrieve them by using mother and child folders.  You will instantly retrieve your files by just clicking at its location shown on the left side of the interface (See picture below)

“TreePad Lite can be used to store, edit, search, organize and browse any type of textual information: notes, emails, articles, links, phone numbers, addresses, scraps pasted from the Web, etc.”

As for me, I use it for storing my passwords, blog articles, favorite song lyrics, minutes of meetings, school notes and everything you can imagine.

It is also best for ebook authors as it is compatible with e-book creator which we will tackle on the next article.  You just have to edit and store your e-book draft easily.

Treepad Lite Demo at Youtube

It also has a built-in internal data search engine which I find very useful.

TreePad Lite is created by Freebyte.com
TreePad has been steadily updated and improved since 1995. Since its initial introduction in 1995, TreePad has become one of the most imitated programs on the Web.
If you want more features, then you should definitely try out the other TreePad editions which are listed here.

“TreePad Lite is fully portable, you can run it directly from USB drive. Just copy the TreePad Lite program files from the version which is installed on your harddisk (usually c:\program files\treepadlite4 ) to a directory on the USB disk, then plug the USB disk into another computer and start TreePad Lite by double clicking on the file 'treepad.exe'. That's all!!
Instead - if you do not have TreePad Lite installed on your internal harddisk - you can also download the TreePad Lite zip file and extract the contents of the zip file to a directory on your USB disk. “

Download here:

Treepad Lite

Treepad Asia (with support for Asian language)

User’s manual

Or better yet, visit their official website.

Make Your Notebook Desktop Wider

Are you a notebook user?  Like me I’m sure at one time in your notebook experience, you wished that you have a bigger desktop especially if you are the type of users that do multitasking wherein you keep more than 2 windows open.

Also to avoid clutter in your desktop—a much wider desktop is required.

This problem is true for MS Windows notebook users, since Ubuntu have already addressed this problem through their multi-workspace switching manager.

I am glad 360DESKTOP came in the scene.

360DESKTOP lets you transform your notebook desktops into a panoramic desktop making it 50% wider.  You can place your desktop icons anywhere.  You can also open multiple windows at the same time without your desktop being cluttered.  You can navigate the entire panoramic desktop by placing your pointer to the left or right side of your desktop.

To better understand what I am trying to say, just watch this video:

You can download it free by visiting the official website.

More 360desktop backgrounds are available to download!

Please do leave your comments and share your 360desktop experience!

Bug Number 36466

If you are one of Libre Office users, you may also encounter the lacking functionality like that of MS Office.  That functionality is the “Go To” function wherein you can select and copy the visible cells only especially when you use the subtotal function and you just want to copy the totals and not the data immediately above them.

And so I filed a bug, and it is assigned a number—Bug Number 36466.  Kohei Yoshida admitted that Libre Office entirely lacks this functionality and told the team that this is one functionality that they should be working at.

Well, hopefully the Document Foundation team will look at this concern immediately and too soon enough to include this enhancement in the release of Libre Office 3.4.

You may find the bug and the related TDF response to this bug by clicking here.

Credits go out to clker.com for the bug image above.

(Sigh…) I want to quit my job…

I am considering to quit my current job.  Lots of factor to consider though.  But still… 

“Bahala na…”  :-(

Write your blog even off-line

Write your blog even if not online like what I’m doing right now.

If you are using genuine Windows operating system, you can download Windows Live Writer from it’s official website by clicking here.

You will have to setup your account by entering your blog address and the password.  Writer will then download your theme so that whenever you feel like writing you can easily access it and preview it without going online.

After writing your blog, you also have the option of attaching pictures, links and videos.  Writer also have the word count, spelling check and all other features.

After editing your blog, just click “Publish” and that’s it!  And it will be automatically posted.  But please note that before clicking “Publish” be sure that you are online.  Why? Common sense man!

Enjoy writing!

Ubuntu 11.04 is here!

The long wait is over!  Ubuntu 11.04 is here!

Canonical released the latest Ubuntu version 11.04 April 28, 2011.  Time to move out of Windows 7 Starter Edition.With its new eyecandy look and superior features, it's really the best available operating system.  I consider Windows as an alternative rather than the other way around.

Considering the reason why I bought a laptop is by using it in my own personal way.  Storing my music, pictures, files, movies, surfing the net, writing my blog, chatting with friends, sending email, watching movies, editing pictures, writing my own short stories and essays, playing games and all others.  All of that, Ubuntu can provide.

I do not have to defrag my disk from time to time, I do not have to perform disk cleanup, I do not have to wait as my laptop boots, etc.

No need for that damn driver disk!

To better understand me, you just have to hit this link know more about it and try Ubuntu for yourself without installing it.  Now if you happen to like Ubuntu during your trial, of course you can download it in their download page.

Feel free to leave your comments about your Ubuntu experience.

Free Stuffs Page Now Up!

I have included a page wherein I listed the free and open source programs that I am currently using.  Check it out in the tab above!  Or CLICK HERE!

Moving From Open Office to Libre Office

Just recently in the office, I had to request for a replacement of my desktop PC.  I was surprised when I found out that Microsoft Office application is not anymore installed but instead Open Office.  The nature of my work as a Fixed Asset Accountant requires complex computations using MS Excel.  I need to use the subtotal function frequently for every reports that I'm doing.  So I had to complain about using Open Office rather than MS Office.  But I found out that it is now the company's policy to use Open Office.

So there I was, left out with no choice but to use Open Office.  But to my frustration, I found out that when I use subtotal there are some problems.  So I had to use my personal laptop in the office just to prepare some reports.  I consulted our IT department for my concern but they too cannot find a resolution.

I used to work with Open Office in my desktop PC here at home but when I found out that Oracle took over for the maintenance of it, I decided to move to LibreOffice just last night.

Basically, LibreOffice is the same as OpenOffice as it is being maintained by the same people that used to maintained Open Office.  But I notice some improvements which is for you to find out.

And so I remember the problem I encountered with OpenOffice so I decided to file a bug report which can be found here.  

And I'm happy that my concern was answered by a Novell Representative Kohei Yoshida and told me that the said problems have already been resolved in version 3.4 (current version is 3.3)

Personally, I would recommend using Libre Office as an alternative to MS Office.

You may visit the official website here.

and download your very own copy, size is only more than 200 MB.

No To Mining In Palawan

Palawan here in the Philippines is one of the most beautiful places on Earth even though I don't yet have the chance to visit and stay there personally.  But based on written articles, news and videos I am sure that it is really a haven on Earth.

Recently, I came to know through the local news and campaign materials that ABS-CBN and Bantay Kalikasan that there is an ongoing mining in Palawan.  And there are some negative effects on the beauty of the place and well-being of the indegenious people living there.  That is really is an irresponsible mining.
I wonder why the local government of Palawan is allowing such a destruction to the place that is giving them jobs through their tourism industry.

So I cannot afford to just wait and see what's going to happen, of course I need to be involved in the prevention of that mining activities even in my own very little way.

The movement Say No To Mining in Palawan is currently gathering and aiming for Ten Million (10,000,000) signatures to stop the mining activities in Palawan.  As of writing this blog, there are only 1,005,883  signatures.

I am appealing to my friends and relatives through this blog and through my Facebook account to please take some time to pledge your signature by doing any of the following:

• Visit http://no2mininginpalawan.com/ ; there you will find a form where you can fill-up the needed information and lets your signature be counted.
• Via TEXT MESSAGE if you're in the Philippines:  no2mining (space)name/age/location and send to 2366 (P2.50 PER TEXT)
• Scan and fax the hard copies of your signature FREE (form is available through any JRS Express nationwide branch or in the website mentioned above) to (632) 415-2227

Let's be responsible for our environment and not just look on the short-term benefits of mining but the long-term benefits that the environment is providing to us and to the next generation.

Praise be to Father Jehovah!

iPod Shuffle, Need or Want?

 

I always dreamt having an iPod Shuffle or Nano, but I already have a Philips GoGear Raga mp3player.  This morning, I did some research in the internet.  I wonder if an iPod shuffle will give me the features that I want in an mp3 player:

• Has an FM player
• At least 2GB of memory
• Nice design (doesn’t look like those mp3 players being sold in Quiapo from China)
• Durability, doesn’t quickly suffer from wear and tear
• Long battery life
• Has at least an LCD display so that I can see the menus and the list of songs that is currently installed
• Made by a reputable manufacturer
• Good sound quality
• Plays various formats like mp3, AAC, wma etc.
• Accessories can be found easily at an affordable price in case you have to replace them already

 

Actually, the list above is satisfied by my current mp3 player.

And the result of my internet research for iPod shuffle:

Pros:

• Eye-catching design, you can choose from different colors
• Made by Apple
• Very small in size
• Long battery life, up to 15 hours of song playback
• 2GB memory where you can store hundreds of your favorite songs
• Nice sound, includes 3.5-mm stereo head phones
• Voice-over button, in lieu of a standard display
• Skip-free playback
• Plays various formats, like AAC, protected AAC, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV
• Made from aluminum so it’s rock-solid and durable

CONS:

• Price is almost the same as that of Philips GoGear Raga
• No display, you have to push the voice-over button to know the song title, playlist and battery life
• You cannot listen to FM radio
• No voice recording capacity
• No FM recording capacity

I still go for my current Philips GoGear Raga mp3 player wherein I can listen to mp3s, FM radio, voice recording, I can read the song title, battery information etc on the display.  Also it is made from aluminum with a sleek design.

Therefore, my craving for an iPod shuffle is not a need but just a want.

I AM COMPLACENT...

Lately, while staying inside the house for almost five days now because of cough, I came to think of something and asked my self, "Bakit parang napag-iiwanan na ako ng mga batchmates ko sa school at iba ko pang mga kaibigan?"  But I already know the answer why.  That is only one thing --TIMIDNESS.

When I was a child, I dreamt of working and living in the USA.  Have my own house and lot, my very own business.  I thought that by the age of 21, I can already help my parents with our financial needs.  I am happily working in a stable company with the job that I am happy with (although I can really tell which job will make me really happy...)  And of course a beautiful girl friend.

When I was browsing my Facebook account earlier today, I noticed that most of my high school and college friends and batch mates  have already achieved MY dreams.  They have their photos uploaded with their girl friends, wives and even their cute babies.  They are working in a known company and have travelled in various countries outside the Philippines.  Well, it's not really "INGGIT" but I do really hope that I have achieved those achievements by now.

I remember when I was in college when a professor told me that I should not be shy, I should not hesitate whenever I want to tell or do something because I actually have the potential of being successful in every thing that I may do.  I always find myself in a situation wherein I tell to myself "Yun yun e!"  "Yun nga yung gusto kong sabihin e!"  "Sana pala ako na ang nag-initiate, ako naman ang nakaisip" and things like that.

I always hesitated, not trusting my self.  I was afraid to fail.  I was afraid that what I would do will not prosper and the blame will be on me.  I was being contented on seeing others succeed. I was being to TIMID.  I was lacking the initiative.  If I was a puzzle, I lack the following pieces:

• SELF-CONFIDENCE
• INITIATIVE
• COURAGE
• BEING OPTIMISTIC

and many others...

But I do know that it is never too late to change that.  The first step is this, knowing what is lacking in you and taking actions to address them.

Let me share you the things that we can do to get away from the trap of being complacent:

1. Know the things that is keeping you complacent
2. List them down
3. Think of the things that you might do to address those things
4. Create an action plan that will put the things that you list in number 3 above to action
5. Do the things that you identified in number 4 above
6. Keep track of the things that you are doing and analyze how they are helping in addressing the things that you listed in number 1.
7. Make this list a habit

This is the beginning of my personal blog in which I also identified as one of the things that I can do to address my being complacent.  

I believe that one of these days we can be successful by self-discipline and being pro-active.

Praise be to Father Jehovah!