Crossloop - Bringing People & Their Computers Together

I was trying to find an application which would enable me to link, view & control my office PC even when out on field & to just instruct my staff remotely on the things that I wanted to be done . After several attempts on several softwares under freeware, I was able to chance upon Crossloop. I never know much about remote sharing applications that is why it was a must that the software should be easy to use specially for an ordinary computer user like me.

I downloaded it to my desktop PC and downloaded another one on my laptop. After the download, I tried to use it between the two PCs and was amazed with its functionality. I could literally gain active control on either of both PCs. I could set whatever PC would be the host and just note of the access codes while the other PC acts as joiner and vice versa. I was so happy to learn that there is a software like this that exist in the market and taking note that it is actually free.

I was out on field one day and I brought along my laptop and mobile phone to meet some client. As I was doing my presentations, there was a file stored into my removable hard disk drive that I happen to forgot which is of utmost importance to the client and there are revisions on that file that has to be done right away and has to be processed by my staff in the office. I send an SMS to my staff in the office and told her to open crossloop after attaching the removable drive to my desktop PC and inform me of the access code. The client was already a little bit disappointed because as you know there is no excuse for inefficiency specially if the agenda that we would be discussing about are all on that file. Whew! I was never able to utter a word and that client was quite apprehensive on what I was doing at that time.

After my staff had mentioned about the access codes, I instantly got an access to my office desktop and at last I was able to open the file that my client needs. Once I showed my client the laptop with the opened file and was doing the necessary revisions and finalization, he just kept silent and listened and watched to what I was doing. After I had done the revisions and he had seen the final draft. My client still kept silent and told me the draft is okay for processing. So I then called my staff to do the necessary steps to process what we have agreed upon.

My client just stared at my laptop which was just left open in front of us and then he asked me. Ei! Trex, I was wondering what you were doing a while ago. You actually got access to your office PC and what we just viewed on this screen is actually your desktop in the office right? I just nodded and he said "Would you mind if I try it?" I of course agreed and guided him on the application and explained as basic as what I have undestood about Crosloop.

After a while, he asked me to smoke outside. I initially thought that we might probably discuss about some other projects that he have in mind as a next step in our business relationship. To my surprise, he asked me more about Crossloop. He told me that he could use that software for business. He said that it would be able to save his technicians much time if they would just get actual real-time hook up with their clients' PC.

Then, after he inhaled, exhaled & consumed his cigarette, he asked me about the software's name. I told him it is Crossloop. Then he asked me. "How much would it cost me Trex to be able to acquire user licenses for this software?" I almost choked.. I initially thought, oh! this is an opportunity. But no, so I told him "Cesar, it is actually freeware and is free. Just download it to every workstation in your office and install. He was surprised and told me. "Really?!" I said "yes, you could download and use it anytime." He then followed up his question and said "It won't require me to input my credit card details when I download it?" I said "Nope. Just check out their site and download it and just start using it Ces. You could actually hook up with me even when I am in the office and show you the materials of the projects that I am doing for you." He said, "That's cool Trex! First time that I've heard about a software like that. We better head for lunch and teach me more about this Crossloop thing. Don't worry, I would be the one to pay for it. We'll also discuss about the payment for this project that we just finished." There you go and it's all because of Crossloop!!!

Linux Ubuntu - A Touch to My Spirituality

Eversince I learned how to use the computer, my first exposures were always Microsoft-based. From MS-DOS, Windows 95, 98SE, Windows 2000 & Windows XP. All the while I thought that there are no other computer operating systems in the market aside from those provided by Microsoft. Years passed by and I just got contented with being a user of Windows-based Operating System. Buying new and expensive editions of MS Operating Systems each time a new one comes up. I used to think that when it comes to computers, it would always be Microsoft or nothing else. Probably, other people might also hold the same viewpoint.

I have heard about Linux years ago but I just thought that Linux would just be for servers and would be too costly to get hold of specially for an ordinary consumer like me. It never crossed my mind that I would be able to use any of these Linux OS in its many forms until this year.

I also thought that it would be expensive to get a Linux. In terms of usability, I knew nothing about what & how this Linux system would be. Everytime I buy a new computer whether it be a desktop or a laptop or an ordinary Pocket PC, it has always been Windows running the Operating System show. In the several desktop PCs that I have assembled both for business and personal use, I was able to save a lot on spare sparts since I personally selected them not only based on costs but also as regards its parts' durability and reputation but not when it comes to the Operating System. A Licensed Windows XP could range from US$150 - 250$ in this place where I am in. This is the reason why I just got stocked up limiting myself to buy more computers since most often the software price exceeds that amount of the hardware.

Exactly two months ago, I was browsing a local classified ads website when I saw this ad about Linux Ubuntu posted by another member who was offering it for US$3.00. Wow! I thought that I could save a lot on that Operating System and it would be an opportunity for me to be able to use that OS. So we met so that he could give me the CD for the Linux Ubuntu Feisty 7.04. To my astonishment, I was just supposed to get 1 CD but he handed me 4 CDs. All two CDs were original Linux Feisty for x86 & 64bit; and two CDs were duplicated copies for 64 bit server & sparks. I was even more surprised to find out that what I paid for were for the cost of the CDs used in the duplication for the last two versions earlier stated. It made me wonder why that guy offered me his services technically for free.

When I went home, I installed the Live CD initially using it on dual boot since I really don't know what to expect then. I'd rather try it at first and if it won't work for me, I would revert to Windows XP. When I started using it, the excitement grew to a level wherein I already would like to uninstall Windows XP from my PC permanently which I already did despite of the fact that I paid a lot to buy its license. Each learning discovery that I encounter each day made me more attached to what Linux Ubuntu is all about. It made me understand more why after all these years, like probably most of you out there, have been contented with what we have and were anxious to try a newer system for the fear that we might crash our system or even damage our computers. It made me reach a self-realization why on every distributed Ubuntu CD these words "Linux (Ubuntu) for Human Beings" are etched.

Linux Ubuntu is by far the best Operating System that I ever used. It is so user-friendly & flexible. One could use many supported freeware programs for basic, advanced and special requirements that before were too expensive to get hold of and install not even built-in to a Microsoft Software system. Most importantly, at the back-end of each Linux Ubuntu installed are "real human beings" ever ready to provide all levels of support for all levels of users. They do this through IRC, forums and Ubuntu paste bins and they would immediately respond to each query, technical concern or newbie issue that you raise to them and would never stop until you get what you wanted to do or add to the Linux Ubuntu System. They don't charge any fees in doing that and they are literally there 24/7.

Before, when I have to finish a special task that would require special softwares, figuratively speaking, I needed to open "windows" to seek and learn about a software only to find out once I am already inside that I needed to buy and open another "window" again to be able to get what I want and it kept on and on until I won't be able to finish what I really wanted to do and just wasted my time searching & learning about that particular software that was bought and installed over "Windows."

Now that I found Linux Ubuntu, there is no more turning back. It is going to be Linux Ubuntu for as long as it takes. This is my way of thanking Canonical Ltd and Linux Ubuntu for a Spiritually touching experience that still despite of the fact that everything around us are controlled and overrun by softwares & computers, Linux reminds us that it would still be us human beings that would make the difference. I now fully understood what Linux for Human Beings is all about. It is no longer about opening "windows" but instead guiding humans to doorways and portals where humans have never been before through the spirit of sharing for a better humanity.

Fuji-Xerox Docu Print A-203

Fuji-Xerox Docu Print 203A is my main printer in my office. At first, I was quite worried about this printer's reliability since I just bought this for a brand new price of US$60.00 from a nearby supplier. I was quite anxious that this might not be able to perform well in terms of quality, reliability and flexibility since I am both using Windows OS and Linux Ubuntu. I am less worried about the Windows OS since most printers are supported but with Linux (wherein I am still a newbie), I was a little bit edgy.

When I installed it with both OS, I was surprised to find out about this printer's flexibility since it worked in both Operating Systems eventhough I didn't install a DP 203A driver for the Linux OS.

I doubted this printer's reliability and durability since it is not even good looking. It looks like a piece of wash basin for kids. But as days went by wherein both normal and unusual office printing needs were demanded, this printer still works pretty well. Its print out is crisp and very clear even if I set it at draft mode. Considering that it is a laser printer and the cost of the toner would be tremendous, I was surprised to find out that after more than three (3) months of using it, the toner level is not even at the 3/4 mark.

Unlike the previous printer that I used, I better not mention the brand and the model here, it always prompts me to change toner cartridge almost every month and the print quality is not even as good as the printout of this DP203A despite of the fact that I set it in draft mode.

I am not an avid fan of Fuji Xerox nor is familiar with their products since before I thought that Xerox are just photocopiers. But with this particular printer despite again of the fact that it is assembled in China, I could say no more... I found a perfect fit printer for my needs.