[Ubuntu-SG] Site update
Maung Myat Thu @ Billy Aung Myint
billy at ubuntu.sg
Wed Sep 3 13:18:54 UTC 2008
Seems everything is fine. We will do it tomorrow. For historical
purpose , I have attached the current posts on the blog. No pictures
though.
regards
billy
On Wed, 2008-09-03 at 16:19 +0800, Chew EK wrote:
> Ok, I registered. Looks good. Single registration works for both
> Joomla and phpBB. However, I got read-only, cannot add any article in
> Joomla or a post in phpBB. I guess you still need to configure
> default user privileges.
>
> regards
> Chew
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 3:28 PM, Maung Myat Thu @ Billy Aung Myint
> <billy at ubuntu.sg> wrote:
> Hi guys ,
>
> We are ready to roll out the new version of our site.
> Before
> that could you guys test out the test site?
>
> Host : http://test.wickedpuppy.org/
> user: admin
> pass: admin
>
> its running Joomla 1.5 + phpbb 3.02 + JFusion. So pls stop
> posting new
> articles on the main site for a few days till we are done with
> the main
> site. You can try at the test site. Thank you.
>
> regards
> Billy
>
>
> --
> Ubuntu-SG mailing list
> Ubuntu-SG at lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-sg
>
>
>
> --
> Gmail/Googletalk: chew4097 at gmail.com
> MSN: chewek at hotmail.com
>
>
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We now have a launchpad team at https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-sg-team. Anyone can join and we use it keep track of our users and to hold polls. If you are part of TUSG or interested in please add yourself.
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Localised version of the Ubuntu highway poster that is to be pasted around venue.
Please direct all critiques and suggestion to the mailing list.
ruiboon
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This brochure will be handed out during the event. It is compact and will be printed in A5 paper.
Draft4
Any feedback, improvements or suggestions are welcome. Please post in the mailing list with this title as the subject. Any changes will be finalised by 8th September 2008 for print to commence.
Draft 4- Changelog
- all font set to size 12, Line Spacing=125%
- text borders and blue borders aligned
- added shadow behind Inkscape
- added shadow behind titles
- “QQ” added including the word “all”
- space reserved for Team logo
Contributor: Kelvin Quee, Chen Xiangpeng
Draft 3 - Changelog
- “let’s” changed to “lets”
- MSN set as first IM
- easier, faster and safer implemented
- OpenOffice changed to OpenOffice.org
- “media player” changed to “media players”
- “It’s” added
Contributor - John
Project Owner: Muhammad Heidir
Team Ubuntu Singapore - Booth Poster
This link contains a draft of our booth poster. Please take a look and reflect any feedback via our mailing list. Any changes will have to be finalised by 8th September 2008 to commence print.
Project Owner: Muhammad Heidir
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You gotta read this news article about the guy who returned his Vista Business OEM licence that came with his Lenovo computer. However, Lenovo’s refund offer came with a non-disclosure agreement attached. So he rejected it and went to a news website to tell his story. As a result, he got re-imbursed the same amount, but without the NDA. Read all about it at:
http://www.abclinuxu.cz/clanky/pr/abclinuxu.cz-vyplatil-nahradu-za-licenci-ms-windows-misto-lenovo-cr?page=1
Does anyone know if computers sold in Singapore have the same EULA clause:
„By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit.“
Will the PC sellers in Singapore grant similar refunds ? :-)
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How do we go about creating such an online resource ? The key to this proposal is to be very focused.
What should it cover ? Information and resources specific to Ubuntu/Linux users in Singapore.
To understand what it is, it helps to list out some things that it is NOT:
* An evangelist espousing the virtues of Open Source
* A listing of all Linux variants
* A listing of all Linux applications
* A howto resource of solving technical problems, unless the issue is uniquely Singaporean in nature
* Many others
The main reason why NOT the above is simply that there are tonnes of other websites out there providing such information. We cannot hope to contribute in any significant manner so as to make a difference. The best we can do is to point users/newbies to the resources already out there.
Some suggestions of what we can include:
* Listing/Contacts of shops/retail outlets selling Linux applications/hardware in Singapore
* Listing of other organisations/clubs/etc interested in Linux
* Listing of websites that are Linux/Firefox friendly/unfriendly and the criteria we judge them
Please feel free to suggest more. I can add to the above lists over time.
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Personally, even though I am not too high about the brownish colours of Ubuntu, I feel that a blogsite about Ubuntu should adopt some semblance of Ubuntu’s colours. The current black background theme while cool-looking is - imho - inappropriate and projects an inconsistent image of Team Ubuntu Singapore.
A WordPress theme more suited to a Ubuntu blogsite is available for download at url:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Udienz/WordpressUbuntuTheme?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=tango1.0_fixed.zip
It should not be too difficult to implement the above theme and then customise it to suit our sepecific needs.
Another suggestion is for the WordPress theme to automatically insert the author’s name in each post, perhaps displayed in the same line as the posting date and category.
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This posting is a re-writing of an earlier email I sent to the mailing list on 21st August 2008, as well as points brought up in our meet-up on 15th August 2008.
Team Ubuntu Singapore comprises of a few individuals who are brought together by a common belief in the virtues of the Open Source model and more specifically by the possibilities made possible because of Ubuntu OS.
Unlike the more established organisations such as Linux User Group Singapore (LUGS), Ubuntu Singapore is a small team with limited resources. As such, we cannot afford to spread ourselves too thinly and we need to be focused.
A potential project we considered embarking on is to create a Singapore-centric Ubuntu/Linux/OSS info resource on the Internet. This sounds like a do-able project given that the resources required need not be too substantial, and taps on the inclinations of the existing members.
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Background
There are two ways of using a telecom’s 3G mobile network to access the internet.
First, you can subscribe to a separate mobile plan, which gives you an extra SIM card and a 3G modem (usually a USB dongle, but sometimes a 3G modem router). The advantage of this method is you are not tied to your existing mobile phone line. Using your phone as a 3G modem will drain your phone battery pretty fast. Furthermore, USB modem should be faster than Bluetooth modem. For instance, if you subscribed to a 2Mbps data plan, you are probably able to utilize up to this speed.
The second method is to use your existing 3G phone as a modem. You connects the PC to the phone via Bluetooth. The advantage is you don’t have to subscribe to a separate mobile plan. Instead, you add a data subscription on top of your existing voice plan, which should be cheaper overall. The drawback is your phone might run out of battery and then you would loose your voice calls as well. Also, Bluetooth modem speed is about 400kbps maximum, so you will not get the full data speed you subscribed to.
This article explains how to connect to the internet using the second method.
Prerequisite
1. PC or laptop with Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 fully updated
2. Any USB bluetooth device known to work with Ubuntu
3. Nokia N95 8GB
4. Singtel Broadband on Mobile data plan
The instructions below were tested using latest Ubuntu Hardy, fully updated. It would probably work with older versions as well, but you might faced problem with Bluetooth connectivity.
This will only work with “Singtel Broadband on Mobile” plan. I have previously tried the same set-up with a borrowed Starhub MaxMobile plan, and found there were some differences to get it working. Unfortunately, I have not pursue the Starhub set-up in detail (since it was borrowed from a friend) and cannot comment further on the differences.
I am using a Nokia N95 8GB phone. Based on various instructions/howtos in the internet, many Nokia phones and possibly other brands should work as well. However, I do not have any other hardware to test this. If you are successful in using this instructions on other phone models, please post a comment to tell us about it.
Step 1: Bluetooth pairing of phone to PC
I wrote about this process here.
Once the pairing is completed, keep the phone’s Bluetooth in visible mode for the remaining steps below. Only after the internet access is confirmed to be working should you turn the phone’s Bluetooth to hidden mode.
Step 2: Scan for the Bluetooth serial modem channel
In your Ubuntu PC, open a terminal window and run this command:
hcitool scan
It will take a few seconds to scan, and reply with something like this:
00:11:22:33:44:55 N95
The first part is the Bluetooth’s MAC address; note this down.
Next, run this command, but using the MAC address you got previously:
sdptool browse 00:11:22:33:44:55 | grep -A 10 Dial-Up | grep Channel
It will reply with something like this:
Channel: 2
This is the Bluetooth channel for the dial-up networking, i.e. the serial modem channel. Note this down as well.
Step 3: Enable Bluetooth serial modem channel
Edit the file /etc/bluetooth/rfcomm.conf with root privilege:
gksudo gedit /etc/bluetooth/rfcomm.conf
Add these lines to the bottom of the file, but using the MAC address and the channel you got previously:
rfcomm0 {
# Automatically bind the device at startup
bind yes;
# Bluetooth address of the device
device 00:11:22:33:44:55;
# RFCOMM channel for the connection
channel 2;
# Description of the connection
comment "Nokia N95";
}
Save and close the file.
Restart the Bluetooth stack:
sudo /etc/init.d/bluetooth restart
Step 4: Configure wvdial
Wvdial is the command line dial-up program (installed by default). You can use this only, but if you prefer a GUI, refer to the next section. In any case, it is advisable to test out the connection using wvdial first, since it will give you useful error messages if the connection failed.
Edit /etc/evdial.conf with root privilege:
gksudo gedit /etc/wvdial.conf
Change the file to these lines:
[Dialer Defaults]
Init1=ATZ
Init2=ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
Init3=AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet","",0,0
modem=/dev/rfcomm0
Baud=460800
Modem Type=Analog Modem
ISDN=0
Phone = *99#
Username = user
Password = passwd
New PPPD = yes
Note the “user” and “passwd” are entered as they are. Singtel don’t require username or password at all; these are just placeholders. Save and close the file.
Step 5: Dial-up using wvdial
Disconnect you PC from other internet connections you may have.
Now, run wvdial and it will make the internet connection:
wvdial
You should see “Connected” message at end of it. Open a second terminal window and run this command:
ifconfig
You should see a new “ppp” device with a valid IP address.
Open the Firefox browser. By default, the dial-up connection by wvdial would not be known to the Ubuntu network manager and the browser will start in offline mode. Open “File” menu and un-check “Work Offline”. Then, surf to a website. If everything is OK, you should get a valid webpage. Success!
Step 6: Install Gnome-PPP
If you prefer GUI when connecting, a good application is Gnome-PPP. Install it using Synaptic Package Manager, or run this command:
sudo apt-get install gnome-ppp
Step 7: Configure Gnome-PPP
Once installed, you should see new icon for Gnome-PPP under the “Application > Internet” menu.
The Gnome-PPP main window looks like this:
Gnome PPP
Even though Singtel does not require a username and password, you still need to enter something into the fields in the main window and check “Remember password”. Due to a bug, Gnome-PPP would not work properly if you leave these fields blank. Enter “*99#” as the phone number.
Next, click “Setup”. Change the settings to exactly as shown:
Gnome PPP setup
Next, click “Init Strings…” Add the “Init 3″ string exactly as shown:
Gnome PPP init strings
Or, copy/paste this string here (to avoid typo error):
AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet","",0,0
Close both dialogboxes to get back to the main window.
Step 8: Dial-up using Gnome-PPP
Click “Connect”. It will take a few seconds, then you should get a “Connected” message. If it doesn’t work, click “Log”, and check for any error message. Else, you can run “ifconfig” again to see if you got a “ppp” device and a valid IP address.
Troubleshooting
A common problem is the Bluetooth serial modem channel can some time change. If it did, you could repeat the steps above to find the channel and make appropriate changes. Or, you could do what I did, described below.
Add multiple rfcomm entries to /etc/bluetooth/rfcomm.conf, like this:
rfcomm2 {
# Automatically bind the device at startup
bind yes;
# Bluetooth address of the device
device 00:11:22:33:44:55;
# RFCOMM channel for the connection
channel 2;
# Description of the connection
comment "Nokia N95";
}
rfcomm4 {
# Automatically bind the device at startup
bind yes;
# Bluetooth address of the device
device 00:11:22:33:44:55;
# RFCOMM channel for the connection
channel 4;
# Description of the connection
comment "Nokia N95";
}
Here, the file has two entries, rfcomm2 for channel 2 and rfcomm4 for channel 4. Don’t forget to restart the Bluetooth stack every time you make a change to /etc/bluetooth/rfcomm.conf.
Next, create a bash script to scan for the channel (this will help you avoid entering the same lengthy command every time, which gets old after a while). Copy/paste the following lines into a terminal window to create the bash script file:
cat > scan-bt-channel.sh << EOF
#!/bin/bash
DUNCH=\`sdptool browse 00:1E:3A:82:94:1D | grep -A 10 Dial-Up | grep Channel\`
echo $DUNCH
notify-send -t 5000 "Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking" "\$DUNCH"
EOF
Make the script file executable:
chmod +x scan-bt-channel.sh
Install “libnotify-bin” (required for the script to show a pop-up balloon message):
sudo apt-get install libnotify-bin
Now, simply run this script first. It will inform you about the current Bluetooth serial modem channel. Then, before you click “Connect” in Gnome-PPP, change the “Setup > Device” field to the correct rfcomm.
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The Correct Way to Upgrade Ubuntu
August 20th, 2008
Easy as pie. Pls follow the steps as in the link below and Ubuntu will be upgraded in no time.
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/upgrading
regards
billy
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The Linux Kernel
Monday, August 18th, 2008
Many refer Linux as an Operating System. Linux is not an Operating System. GNU/Linux is.
Linux refers to the Kernel of an Operating System. Much like the brains that control and interact with various hardware. The kernel systematically work in the background ensuring that there are no hardware conflicts, resources are effectively allocated and removed, and ensure that the hardware is able to interact with the software. There are more intricate features that the kernel do which I will not go into detail. If you are interested, you can read up a few books such as,
1. Understanding The Linux Kernel by Daniel Bovet (ISBN:978-0596005658)
2. Linux Kernel Development by Robert Love (ISBN:978-0672327209)
3. Linux Kernel in a Nutshell by Greg Kroah-Hartman (ISBN:978-0596100797)
What makes Linux an Operating System then?
To turn Linux into an Operating System, there are different layers built on top of the kernel. At the top of the layer are the applications, mostly GNU based applications. These applications enable you to perform everyday tasks such as web surfing, email, instant messaging, gaming and more. Below the applications is the dekstop. For Linux there are various desktop available such as (the common ones) Gnome, KDE and XFCE and Motif. These desktop manage application launching, file handling and window and task management. This is the screen usually a user will use.
That is why you will normally see the word GNU/Linux or Ubuntu Linux distribution. The GNU/Linux Operating System comprises a collection of applications to handle various parts of the system to make it a complete operating system.
Metaphorically speaking, GNU applications are the like the heart, veins, arms and legs and Linux is the brain to make it all work as a complete system.
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10 Reasons Why Ubuntu Linux is Better Than Microsoft Windows OS
Saturday, August 16th, 2008
Note: This list does not necessarily reflect general views of others.
For all those who thinks that I’m a Microsoft-hater-cum-activist, well, I’m not. I just don’t agree with Microsoft’s monopolistic policies on user choices.
1. Ubuntu Linux has fewer security issues and viruses
Ubuntu Linux is created based on Open Source concept of code-sharing and the source code is available to anyone who understands. Thus, any security issue encountered can be fixed withing 48 hours or less. I don’t mean to say that Ubuntu does not have security issues, but compared to Windows OS, Ubuntu has a faster turnaround.
As of 2008, there are less than 1000 known viruses that infects GNU/Linux operating systems. Compared to Windows operating system which has more than 74, 000 viruses. Though the threat is real on GNU/Linux, rest assured that the Open Source community are taking no chances.
2. Ubuntu Linux can be installed on low-end systems
Ubuntu Linux does not require high-end hardware to run. It practically runs on processors ranging from Intel 386 to Intel Core 2 Duo and later. Refer to http://www.ubuntu.com on minimum system requirements and supported hardware, but I assure you, it will run!
3. Ubuntu Linux does not hog RAM and virtual memory
I noticed that my 2GB RAM does not ever reach its full capacity, and swap file is not used. This shows that Ubuntu is able to efficiently allocate and recover effectively. This results in a lightning fast execution and resources can be used for intensive applications. Even a highly modded desktop(themed) does not require so much resources.
4. Ubuntu Linux can be customised to look like Mac OSX Leopard or Aero Vista
Ubuntu Linux is highly configurable. From the basic theme settings under “Appearance” and easy installation of themes, icons, cursors, sounds and window borders, Ubuntu Linux can be made to look like any other Operating Systems or for an out-of-this world look. You can even set it to run in command-line mode! Visit http://www.gnome-look.org and http://www.ubuntu-art.org for a personalised desktop.
5. Ubuntu Linux comes with productivity tools pre-installed
Ubuntu Linux comes with OpenOffice pre-installed for a complete document, spreadsheet and presentation solution. It is able to open Microsoft Office documents, Excel sheets and Powerpoint presentations. Due to Microsoft Office’s proprietary format, expect some differences when viewing, but the differences are not extreme. Support for Office Open XML Format endorsed by ISO and designed by Microsoft will be supported in OpenOffice Version 3.0. Ubuntu even have the Adobe Photoshop like graphic editing tool called GIMP, which stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. What about web browsing? Mozilla Firefox is the default browser, no more hassling with downloading and installation.
6. Ubuntu Linux supports many Multimedia formats
Ubuntu Linux is able to support different kinds of multimedia formats. For Audio formats, Ubuntu supports Ogg, FLAC, MP3 using LAME and many others except DRM-protected media files. In Video, Ubuntu is able to run video encoded with Divx, Xvid, MOV, Ogg Theora (latest patent free format), 3GP and many others. For Mozilla Firefox, you can install Flash Player from Adobe and start viewing Youtube.com, quickly.
7. Ipod can be synchronized using Ubuntu Linux
Using GTKpod (iTunes replacement), now you can synchronize your massive collection with Ipod. GTKpod is able to detect your Ipod and automatically synchronize your collection.
8. Ubuntu Linux software repository contains a massive collection of software, free
Using Ubuntu Linux “Add/Remove Applications” tool, now you can browse through and search for the software you need to work, play, study and create on Ubuntu. Just choose the software, click on the select button and the application will be downloaded and installed automatically without any user interference. Uninstallation? Just click on teh select button once again to de-select and the application will be uninstalled. Custom data and information will still be available on your system in case you need to use it again.
9. Personal settings and files and unlimited updates
Every user has a personal workspace, settings and files. And configuration of these space works seamlessly. No need to tweak any registry or copying. Place it on a different hard drive or partition during installation and the folder integrates with the filesystem. No more browsing and searching for d:\ or e:\Documents And Settings\. Its just /home/<username> even on a different hard drive or partition.
How about periodic updates and releases, no worries, set the Update Manager to check Once a day, Once A Week or anything you choose and the necessary updates will be downloaded and installed depending on your settings. No more Genuine Advantage checks or activation to be done. And best of all, no End of Life.
10. Ubuntu Linux is Free! (as in beer)
Just download or pay for the cost of shipping and media, and install. The whole operating system is in 1 <700MB CD-ROM sized media and you can test run the operating system and check for hardware compatibility issues before proceeding with installation. No more fiddling with different types of hardware drivers installation. You can even choose to install it under Windows (using WUBI) to try out and later uninstall the whole operating system like a normal Microsoft Windows program.
This list is not comprehensive. It is based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS - Hardy Heron edition. You just have to try out the operating system and experience it. No strings attached.
For more information, visit http://www.ubuntu.com
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Free Beer Issue
Sunday, August 10th, 2008
As your all might know about Free Speech not as in Free Beer quote normally seen in Free and Open Source Software and GNU applications. I would like to share some guides when discussing about FOSS to the Un-informed General Public or UGP which I would like to call them in short.
1) Free as in Beer
While it is good to talk about the free/low-cost of ownership towards FOSS, do not make it the priority issue. This issue is best left for the UGP to ponder. It is a good point, but not the main point.
2) Free as in Freedom of Choice
It is important to the UGP that they have a choice. A choice to choose what suits them, their lifestyle, their interests, their hobby and their character. While some of us love OpenOffice, others prefer Abiword or even Google Documents. The issue is, let them know about the differences, compare the differences, and share the similarities. While there are no one-size-fits-all applications, there maybe other choices that can be built upon the users requirements/functions. They have the freedom to choose.
3) Free as in Speech
UGP are clueless people(normally). Entice them about the beautiful nature of FOSS. Piracy? What is piracy? Why is piracy bad? Inform that, while the act of sharing applications to friends and collegues is an act of goodwill, it is considered stealing in Lawyer-speak. FOSS does not have these restrictions (unless otherwise stated). FOSS does not stop the UGP from making copies, distributing to friends, or even charging for distribution to cover the cost of shipping. FOSS even encourages sharing!
4) Proprietary Standards vs Open Standards
This is most important part of the issue in adoption. Proprietary Standards restricts FOSS from being fully able to be compliant with proprietary software. Even some proprietary standards have so much restrictions that it cannot be implemented in FOSS and thus the user is left with no other options. By using Open Standards, the UGP can be assured that it is compatible with many other FOSS as such, the issue of non-compliant is very small. Thus, the user has a win-win situation. If the user dislike an application because of poor interface or poor functionality, they can be assured that another application is ready to replace and compatible with the Open Standard.
5) Uh..oh I need help
UGP will have problems when using some “NEW” applications. Be it UI issue or functionality issue, they can seek help 24-7 online. Refer them to recommended help sites. Conduct or visit them every now and then and monitor how they are coping with the new applications. Guide them on the usage. Every new comer has a fear. Fear of going through the unknown. Everybody has some issue. Being there for them is as good as it gets. But don’t hold them by the collar, instead, take their hand and lead.
6) My name is FOSS
Every UGP is unique. Learn about their traits, interest and suggest to them the best solutions. Promoting and using FOSS is the goal, but to force them to make the change is not the philosophy. It takes time for UGPs to accept something new, but gradual acceptance will. Imagine you start ironing your pants when the iron is not even hot, it takes time to heat up. Waiting for the right time, and slowly ironing the creases eventually will make the pants look great!
7) Lastly, I had to add this part. The most important part.
Always tell the truth about FOSS. If its bad, admit it. If its good, praise it. No matter how bad is bad, hard facts are better than being elusive and deceiving.
Have a great time promoting FOSS and remember the philosphy is Freedom of Choice.
Thank you.
supervivid's desktop
supervivid’s desktop
Desktop Details:
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS - Hardy Heron
Gnome Desktop
Avant-Window-Navigator 0.2.6 with leopard theme
Desktop Background Source: http://www.artofadambetts.com/weblog/
Wallpaper: beoriginalgraphite-1280.png
GTK2 Theme - Mac4Lin_MacMenu_V0.4_Beta2
Window Border: Mac4Lin_MacMenu-V0.4_Beta2
Icons: Clearlooks OSX (Source: http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/ClearlooksOSX?content=69487)
Pointers: Mac4Lin_Cursors_V0.4 (Source: http://sourceforge.net/projects/mac4lin/?abmode=1)
For the Mac4Lin part, download part 1 of the packages ( Mac4Lin_Part1_v0.4.tar.gz ), this file contains the GTK2 Theme, Metacity Theme (Window Border), Cursors and Avant-Window Manager Theme. Download part 2 for the the icons ( Mac4Lin_Icons_Part2_v0.4.tar.gz ). Install the themes, icons and cursors by System -> Preferences -> Appearance.
Don’t forget to run these commands to set the root interface to use themes:
sudo ln -s /home/<insert name>/.themes /root/.themes
sudo ln -s /home/<insert name>/.icons /root/.icons
Happy modding!
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08-08-08 The Revival of Team Ubuntu Singapore and Singapore Open Source Movement
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Today is the start of the Olympics 2008 in China. It is also an auspicious date. In this first post for Ubuntu.SG, I would like to thank Billy for sharing this blog for Team Ubuntu Singapore Mailing List. Though this is not the first website/blog based in Singapore for Linux, I have to say this is a step forward.
As a member of Team Ubuntu Singapore, I feel that through cooperation and understanding, together we can contribute to the Open Source community by promoting and creating awareness among the general public about the availability of Free and Open Source Software. I’m sure through education and guidance, the general public will be able to embrace Open Source Software, either because of lower cost or much better reliabilty and adoption of International Standards.
It is true that, Open Source Software is different from Proprietary Software. In terms of cost and familiarity. But the emphasis is on getting the job done and compatibility over the years. It is about finishing a specific job, covering a specific function. Though FOSS cannot cover all functionality and familiarity, but in terms of cost perse and the capability to continue with the job over the years is important.
Recently, Microsoft Office Open XML Document format has been approved as ISO standard. The issue that Microsoft is dealing with now is, Microsoft Office 2007 does not support this format yet. So I ask myself, what is the purpose if it is not supported by current applications? Isn’t it obvious that Microsoft is trying to block the adoption of FOSS? And what is it with the 6000 page legal document about OOXML?
For all folks who are wondering why I brought up this issue, here’s the deal. OpenOffice has been using the ISO Standard Open Document Format(ODF) and still using it. The main thing is, it maintains compatibilty with future implementations saving the user from having to convert everytime a new version is released.
Another application that is beginning to be in widespread usage to the general public is the Mozilla Firefox web browser. This is another step towards getting to know about other FOSS.
I hope Team Ubuntu Singapore is able to promote awareness and spread the use of Free and Open Source Software towards Singaporeans. I know this is hard work and very unlikely, but hey, Linus Torvalds took 6 months to create a working kernel. Its the effort that counts.
I welcome all to contribute to this website and hope that this website can be a resource/reference for the general population.
Best Regards,
supervivid
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*HOWTO: Connect to Singapore M1 Broadband with Huawei E220 USB Modem on Ubuntu Dapper*
Sunday, April 29th, 2007
>компютри втора употреба
This post is for those of you who are using the M1 Broadband with the Huawei
E220 USB modem in Singapore on Ubuntu Dapper Drake. Thanks to previous
posters who have contributed to this subject.
All terminal commands are in *bold*.
1. Deactivate Wireless, Ethernet (through System/Administration/Networking)
and SIM card PIN request (OFF by default), if necessary.
2. Set up the configuration files.
*sudo chmod -c a+rwx /etc/wvdial.conf
sudo chmod -c a+rwx /etc/ppp/pap-secrets
sudo chmod -c a+rwx /etc/ppp/chap-secrets
sudo gedit /etc/wvdial.conf* (just make sure it looks like the text below)
[Dialer hsdpa]
Phone = *99***16#
Username = 65
Password = user123
Stupid Mode = 1
Dial Command = ATDT
Modem = /dev/ttyUSB0
Baud = 460800
Init2 = ATZ
Init3 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
ISDN = 0
Modem Type = Analog Modem
3. Plug in the modem and eject the “CD-ROM”.
*sudo rmmod usb-storage
sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0×12d1 product=0×1003
ls -la /dev/ttyU** (should give a list of USBs - must have!)
*wvdial hsdpa*
To start the modem after
a reboot, simply plug in the modem, eject the
“CD-ROM” and:
*sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0×12d1 product=0×1003* (now plug in the
modem)
*wvdial hsdpa*
*NOTE: If you do not want to remove usb-storage, you might like to check out
the E220 Activator at
http://www.kanoistika.sk/bobovsky/archiv/umts
Simply go into the folder containing the files, then:
sudo ./huawei*386.out
cat /proc/bus/usb/devices
*Now, I need YOUR help… does anybody know how to:
1. Start up the modem using GNOME-PPP or the default Network Settings?
2. Track the data usage. (see Note below)
NOTE: Kindly be informed that M1 Broadband is *NOT* an unlimited plan. It
has a cap of 5GB data usage per month (yes, IMHO a miserable 5GB per month)
and if you use the service in Linux, I do not know of a way to keep track of
your usage.
–
Best Regards,
Rykel
Gizmo.Skype.GTalk/Yahoo/MSN.eBay.GVideo: rykel98
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Posted with permission from the author.
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Update to sg.archive.ubuntu.com problem
Saturday, April 28th, 2007
Hi Everyone ,
We have received the report that the problem has been fixed. Thanks to NUS Team for the quick response. Cheers!!
regards
Singapore Ubuntu Team
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Hi Everyone ,
We have had several reports of missing packages/updates with the mirror http://sg.archive.ubuntu.com from the mailing list. Therefore , we would like to advise current Ubuntu users in Singapore or those who are using sg archive to switch to my ( Malaysia ) or to tw ( Taiwan ).
You may change the mirror via synaptic or through /etc/apt/sources.list. Pls note that this advisory applies to both Edgy and Feisty versions. If you have questions , pls kindly post it in mailing list or write a comment below.
We have informed the administrators of the mirror and we have received the reply that they are currently looking into the problem. We will update you as soon as we get more information.
regards
Singapore Ubuntu Team
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Hi Everyone ,
Singapore Ubuntu team is happy to announce that latest Ubuntu version , 7.04 ( Feisty Fawn ) has been released. Here are the a few important links for the release.
# News and Features
# Main Download Page
# Download Mirrors
Enjoy! :P
regards
Singapore Ubuntu Team
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Hello and welcome to Ubuntu.sg
Friday, March 30th, 2007
Hi Everyone ,
Welcome to Ubuntu.sg , the official homepage of Singapore Ubuntu Team. This site is currently running on Wordpress 2.12 + Spam Karma 2 with Mysql server.
Information on the Singapore Ubuntu Team :
Mailing List wiki : https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-sg
Mailing List Email : ubuntu-sg at lists.ubuntu.com ( Subscribers Only List )
Wiki Page : https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SingaporeTeam
regards,
Team Ubuntu Singapore
More information about the Ubuntu-SG
mailing list