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If you have seen my last post, where I was anxious about my new computer. You'd probably think am quit happy with it, well, things took different direction.

After assembling it, pressing the power switch, nothing happened! (Fans spun for split seconds).
After so much troubleshooting we decided it's a motherboard issue & took it to the place we bought it from.
After he played with it a bit, strangely it worked out.
Took it back home, connected it & pressed the power button & nothing happened.
After more troubleshooting on what the hell was the problem, discovered that one cable connecting the chassis with the motherboard is causing the issue. Decided not to connect it (HD Audio Cable).

As I'm starting to depend heavily on Linux for a daily use, am loosing up on Windows and since Windows Vista is in the market, I will soon be demanded for fixing problems for family & friends, so I should keep up with it. Plus, my graphics supports DirectX 10, which is supported on Vista only (For now, till hackers make it available on XP, maybe it's already there).

So I installed (Microzeft Windows Zifta), that's what I called it. With this semi super computer rated 5.6/5 by Windows Vista. It's slow, hangs, crashes & exits games by it's self.

So, after testing it for almost a week, I decided to go back to XP, knowing that all that time I've been trying to install Kubuntu (for several days) but with no luck. (Problem with BIOS RAID 0).

I then started the process of removing Vista & installing XP.
When installing XP it cannot recognize the RAID configuration, so you should use the F6 floppy included, knowing that the DP35DP motherboard does not support floppy drives, yet the only luck I had have is to accidentally have a USB external floppy drive.
So I started the installation & choose the drivers for my chipset RAID controller ICH9.
When Windows loads the rest of the drivers & starts starting the installation, it crashes with the BSOD.
I then tried to preload the chipset drivers (the whole chipset drivers, not the Intel Matrix Storage only). Because some other components might not be new to Windows & causes it crash.
I then had trouble for hours for making a bootable flash, so I could put the Windows setup files with some extra files ($OEM$\$$\...) with Intel (INF) files.
I then decide to make a bootable CD, which seemed impossible after all my programs failed to do one, I've been struggling all night.
I then thought of transferring the original installation CD into an ISO file & then edit the ISO file to contain the extra drivers, somehow it failed, the CD didn't boot.
I then had the idea of even starting the installation from the original CD & when the F6 time comes I'll switch CDs, so the installation would load the updated drivers & that worked. I then continued to load the Intel Matrix Storage drivers from F6 floppy & then, it crashed again!

Finally, am resetting BIOS to set the HDD's as IDE (NO RAID NO AHCI). :(

I then started installing XP, which is going smoothly, I've just finished installing Intel's drivers & Nvidia. But my system is slower with no RAID 0 :( , I've sent Intel an email 2 days ago, yet no reply.

Planning to Install Kubuntu 7.10 after finishing with XP.

It's now 6:12 Am, I didn't sleep & am so frustrated & angry because the RAID 0 didn't work as the majority of other stuff I tried.
I have 4 lectures today, starting @ 9 Am, Nano technology seminar is also held @ our university which I have to attend.

What shall I say, I'm one with worse luck on earth.

Pictures of the Crash, coming soon.

As much as odd the title seems, it's true though.
I've finally decided to get a decent computer of my own.

(Assuming the that the Apple II computer with the green screen & 2 floppy B drive is not our 1st)

As we moved from the 1st family computer:
Vendor: Not Applicable.
Processor: 600 Mhz
Ram: 16 Mb
HDD: 1 Gb
VGA: Unknown
OS: Win 3.11 & Win 95

To our next family computer:
Gateway
Processor: Intel Pentium 3 1Ghz
Ram: 256Mb
Hdd: Forgot
VGA: Unknown

To my first laptop & computer ever:
Dell Inspiron 510m
Processor: Intel Cintrino 1.7Ghz
Ram: 512Mb - upgraded to 1Gb
HDD: 80Gb - upgraded to 120Gb
VGA: Intel built in.

To my semi super computer that I cannot sleep because of it.
It's now 3:41 Am & I have lecture @ 9:00 Am.
My VGA is supposed to Arrive today from Amazon! I can't wait the moment where I would hear all those fans running & when my pc would revive when the electric current passes through it's components.

Vendor: Not applicable.
Case: SilverStone, Precision Series.
Power Supply: SilverStone (Not sure what model). Don't wana go check the packs next to my bed :P
Motherboard: Intel DP35DP, with HD audio 7.1 dolby surround, x1 PCI 16 express, x3 PCI, x3 PCI 1 express.
Processor: Intel Core 2 Due, 3 Ghz, 6 Mb Cache.
Ram: x2 1 Gb Super*Talent 800 Mhz.
VGA: Nvidia GeForce XFX 8800 Gt 512 Mb.
HDD: x2 Hitachi 160 Gb, 7200 Rpm in Raid 0.
Other HDD: (Future upgrade: External 0.5 Tb USB external drive)
Optical Drive: Samsung DVD-Writer.
Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 226Bw 22" (Wide).
Keyboard & Mouse: Microsoft Wireless 1000
Other mouse: Logitech G5 Laser mouse.
Sound Card: Internal HD 7.1 Segmatel.
Other Sound Card: External Creative Audigy USB 5.1 Dolby Surround.
Speakers: Creative 5.1 Dolby Surround system.
Fax Modem: Creative.
Network: Built in.
Other Network: (Future upgrade: PCI Linksys Wireless Adapter) in case I thought to move it around the house.

Now after I have finished describing my computer, which has been fully assembled but waiting the VGA.
HOW CAN I SLEEP?!

It's worth saying that although this is not the ultimate computer that could be built. It's quit satisfying the requirements & semi wallet friendly :P

5 hours to my lecture & am still not sleepy.
I guess I should do some of the Hw's due this week.
Wish you & myself the best ;)

Sincerely: Ahmad Hadeed

This semester is a very very busy one, there is almost no such day where you do not have to submit something or to be tested in something. Everyday there is a Hw, Quiz, Midterm, Lab report, Prelab report or a project.

And you just feel your not lucky @ all when trying to install Linux on your iPOD for 3 days without success (because of installer problems, then ISP problems ... bla bla bla) or when you have exam the day after tomorrow & your computer gets infected with a Trojan or a Worm (And your Anti Virus won't detect it & other security programs aren't able to remove it, but @ last I could manually remove it after wasting some time)

Anyway, just today I was trying to enjoy my time surfing some profiles on MSN Live Spaces (which I usually never do), when I felt that it has been a while since I've written something in my blog. So I visited my homepage to discover "Error Connecting to Database", where my Homepage & Blog where down. So I contacted the support team & the problem was fixed in no time "meaning, I posted my problem to the support, brushed my teeth before going to bed & the problem was solved".

Another interesting thing to say, today my brother told me that he got that link from a friend of mine on MSN. McAfee Site Advisor blocked the access to the site & my brother was happy with the software that I've installed on the Family PC.
The same day, I got a link from a friend of mine on MSN "different guy" the link was for a website that asks you to input your email address & password to learn whom ever blocked you on MSN. I knew @ once it was a SCAM & McAfee Site Advisor have blocked access to it as well.
I've looked the HTML code of the page & I was certain it's a scam & since I'm a part of McAfee's Site Advisor community rating team I've posted my analysis & confirmation that this site is a SCAM.

Then, I've sent an email to almost all my MSN contacts to warn them about this issue, but what makes me feel sad is, I've never had a thanks email to all the efforts I do to keep my family, friends & other MSN contacts away of Malware, Spyware, Adware & Electronic Identity theft. Since I always send mails regarding security issues.

I know that my email would reach beyond those emails I sent, because some people would feel the need to forward it.
So I hope one day, I'll get the sufficient admiration for my work.

I guess I'm suffering some emotional emptiness & the moment, which shall be filled in the right way, shouldn't it?!

I guess it should. Meanwhile, I have lot's of things to do, so I'll just leave you with this personal msg that I've made up on MSN.

"America owns iTunes, iPOD, iPHONE, iMATE & now iRAQ & later iRAN .. loooool"

Now that was funny in my opinion, & plz don't take that personally nor politically, since am not a political guy, it just sounds fun.

Best regards & hope you didn't feel bored reading my long article.

Ahmad Hadeed
-0x00FE-

All what I can say is, help me GOD!

Let me tell you about my agenda next week:

Today is Friday 2nd of November 2007

Sat: Electronics 2 review at univ.
Sun: Control Hw.
Mon: Electronics 2 lab prelab report, Electronics 2 lab report, Electromagnetics 2 Hw.
Tue: Control lab report, Control project phase one (Theory).
Wed: Energy Conversion (Machine) lab report, Energy conversion lab midterm.
Thu: Electronics 2 midterm.

if you see this early enough,
Wish me luck ;)

I've noticed recently that many people tend to forget that their privacy is threatened on public computers. Public computers are more vulnerable to threats & infections as many people tend to use the same machine, download, install software & share files through Mass Storage Devices.
All of this might threaten the user's security & privacy. For example, the machine could be infected with a keylogger that logs all key inputs & sends them to a person whom is interested about everything being typed, starting from documents to IM conversations & of course passwords. Trojans, Worms that might spread through your Mass Storage Device or through your contact list.
All of the previous is hard to predict, not until you are expert & using known Anti Virus Software.

But there are some simple steps that might keep you in the safe side at a certain level.

First example is IM identities & passwords. When you sign in, make sure that “Remember my password” box is unchecked.
When you sign out, be sure to click “Forget me” so your email address won't appear to other users.

MSN

Second example which might be so important at the moment, if you are using FireFox web browser, and if you log into any account & Firefox asks you if you want to remember the password, NEVER click “Remember”, either click “Not Now” or “Never For This Site”.

FireFox Asks to Remember Password

If you did save a password either by accident or wish to remove it, go to “Tools” then “Clear Private Data...” Be sure to check the “Saved Passwords” box.
WARNING: Stored passwords can be easily viewed by other users.
If your planning to leave the computer, check all the boxes to clear search results, visited webpages, cookies...etc

Clear Private Data

Clear All

As for Microsoft IE “Internet Explorer”, Go to tools -> Internet options -> “Delete...” -> “Delete All...”

Internet Explorer History

As for IM identities & other related passwords, in the same user you've logged in, go to Control Panel -> User Accounts

User Accounts

Then chose the account name your signed in. In the left side, click on “Manage my network passwords”

User Account Window

Check the box that appears, if your IM identity, network password or website password is there. Click it & click on “Remove”

Stored Passwords

Another good tip, if you are planing to check your email address on "Hotmail" for example, go to login page, Choose "Use enhanced security", this is a good practice to create a secure connection between you & the server before you send your password through the internet.

Live Mail

You can be sure the connection is secured through SSL by inspecting the URL bar, when you see the "Lock" sign & "https://" at the beginning of the address.

SSL Secured

These where simple steps in an attempt to keep your emails, passwords, visited pages, searches & data private as possible.

There are some other methods for email removal from registry, which requires some skills & are not meant for an average computer user.

I hope these informations would be of a help to many of you,

Best regards...

Ahmad Hadeed
0x00FE - Xirex