Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 - A Two Year Service?

I have a Windows XP Professional SP2 Licensed last 2005. I have been using it for several years now and I have not encountered any problems on the two computers where I loaded it since the user license said that I could use it in two PCs - one was a laptop and the other one was a desktop PC. Constant updates were all successful and Windows or Microsoft provided superb services when it comes to that.

However, I think I am always a victim of this "Two Year Service Period" term. Just recently, I had problems with Windows that was installed on my desktop. It was still loading the updates as usual but I started to encounter errors like a certain file is missing. My antivirus is also licensed and on constant updates and I checked and rechecked my PC's system and it is still okay. However, when I checked Windows it missed a certain .dll file or something like that. I tried loading my Licensed CD hoping that the error would be corrected.

But suddenly, when I went online after the re-installation with that same desktop PC, Windows' already went very slow in responding. I tried to get a remote support but I was not successful. Then, all of a sudden when I was validating my copy of Windows, it said that my copy has to be "licensed" and to contact the nearest Windows distributor in my area.

Whew! I really lost my temper that time and luckily I could not lash out on anyone. I contemplated if I have to buy another Windows or just email them and ask them why my Licensed copy which I had paid a lot for when I bought it suddenly becomes of "questionable nature."

As regards the one installed on my laptop which I already gave my sister, it is still okay. I just considered that since when I bought it at 2005 it allowed me to use it in 1-2 PCs then probably that is just supposed to be it, the service after two years collapses leaving a single PC whose status I could not check until the time that I hear a problem from my sister. A problem I am hoping would not happen.

I don't know but it is better for me to look at it that way than to gripe and complain. What I did to my desktop PC was to transfer all my files and did a fresh clean Linux Ubuntu Feisty 7.04 installation. Which I gladly value knowing that there won't be problems like what I encountered with Windows. If I encountered one, a fresh clean installation is extremely possible without any qualms and definitely without crying over something that I paid a lot for. So, it's a goodbye to my Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2. No thanks for the headache.

Open Office is the Open Source counterpart of Sun to Microsoft's MS Office. Open Office is multi-lingual & multi-platform that is compatible with all major office suites with whatever Operating System that suits one's needs. It has all the necessary components in an office suite that any user could get hold of. It has all the major components of MS Office and more.

It has its own equivalent for all major office applications in MS Office. It has Writer while there is MS Word, Impress while there is MS PowerPoint, Calc and/or Math while there is MS Excel and there are still lots of new and impressive applications no longer built-in to an MS Office suite.

Another good thing about Open Office is that it could be used in several native languages. If you are from the Far East or Central Asia, Africa and certain parts of Western Europe & North America wherein several languages and other text input methods are being used, Open Office is the Open Source Software to have. Open Office is the product of years of virtual community works subdivided into several projects with the goal to develop, support & promote the use of Open Office.

From a common user's perspective, Open Office is the open gift of Sun to humans. Before just like what I have posted in my other article as regards Linux Ubuntu (Linux Ubuntu : A Touch to My Spirituality). Open Office is another kind deed for humans as we speak from a collaborative community-based human beings grouped together to provide mankind with better tools to improve the workplace and our way of life.

As what you would always hear from me, before it takes a lot of money to be able to take advantage of softwares that could change the way we live but now with softwares such as Open Office, one is no longer "jailed in a box" wherein there are no other options but to use the other Office Suite that we have all been very much familiar with eventhough it really costs a lot to be able to do that.

It is really heartwarming to know that "Open-ness" is indeed a very ideal word to ponder on specially for those people and companies who have heralded open source applications and literally exposed us to new technologies. New technologies that are openly shared, distributed and promoted for the betterment of mankind whether for personal or business use. While other companies just focused on money making activities to monopolize their markets, some companies notably did not but instead created platforms wherein their products would freely flow in so that it would be openly utilized to provide better solutions not necessarily instantly paid for.

Among them is Sun Microsystems. Sun Microsystems have been one of the best providers of Software & Hardware Solutions globally. They have been very helpful to consumers and businesses eversince. They are able to provide us with so many online tools that shaped, molded and changed the way we look at the internet and business. Online tools that ordinary consumers and businessmen sometimes are unmindful that came from them. Sun I could say is a humble company with "micro" theme in mind but "Macro" as regards their technologies' effect to consumers and SMEs. Above this all, it is really a good thing to note that without Sun, the world might not be the same place to live in as it is now. Similarly, virtually it is also a very good thing to note that Sun's Rays are Upon Us. :)

Crossloop Could Run in Linux Ubuntu through Automatrix2!!!

After my last blog regarding Crossloop, I was wondering how I would be able to use it in my preferred Operating System - Linux Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Pawn. I no longer would like to do dual booting from Linux to Windows XP. Not that I hated Windows but I prefer to use pure Open Source. I almost tried every virtual players that could run in Linux Ubuntu to make it happen but to no avail. Probably, unlike some other fellows who are technically adept in Ubuntu, I am just a newbie in this field and entering commands in the terminal is not that easy for me specially when I encounter errors. I was almost about to give up. But I love Linux Ubuntu and Crossloop and I am already into it specially that I am going to run a virtual assistance business. It is a must that we would be able to run it to be able to provide our customers with a hands-on technical support or assistance.

There was even a time that I was able to install Wine in Ubuntu but along the way when I was about to install Crosloop in my machine, something isn't right so it didn't happen. I persevered for several weeks trying VM Ware, Virtual Box and Wine over and over. I have heard several good feedbacks about Wine but the problem was how to be able to install it in my 64bit AMD PC running in Ubuntu 7.04. Several attempts were made but there is always an error.

I was thinking if I should just run Crossloop in my other PC with Windows or just go again for dual booting using my main PC. But the desire to stay 100% with Linux Ubuntu is bigger and so as running Crossloop. So, I continued my search until yesterday I finally found a site which is actually a blogsite that leads me to the instant solutions that I need.

http://onlyubuntu.blogspot.com/2007/04/install-popular-applications
-in-ubuntu.html

I was so excited and readily installed the Automatix2 and Presto! All the applications that I need to be able to run Crossloop is there. It installed Wine for me the easiest way and after that I was then able to run Crossloop without any qualms. I then tested it to a friend's PC wherein I am the joiner and I could access his computer the way that a Windows PC could access it. It is indeed a very pleasant experience to find out that I could now offer assistance to PC's running in Windows. Great! Since this is the only function that I need to be able to offer remote assistance to who ever it is who needed my help specially in our business.

Whew! Linux Ubuntu and Crossloop are the Perfect Combinations for me. There is really no turning back now except to move and soar forward. I am hoping that soon Crossloop would also run in Ubuntu just like the way that it runs over Windows. :)

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.