Discontinued Google Pinyin IME

Been using Google Pinyin IME in Windows for years. Love it or so use to its functionality (can type both simplified & traditional Chinese characters), compatibility (so far no system halt issue) and customisability (use your own established phases).

Thought it will be uneventful to install and set up Google Pinyin IME in my new Windows 7 x64 SP1, only to find out the same nagging "network error" message keep popping up whenever I try to logging with my Google account to retrieve my own established phrases data.

It seems Google has shut down or change the particular host for Pinyin IME synchronisation, as stated in Google Pinyin wiki under "synchronization failure". The official forum has been taken down, left the Chinese group staying stagnant.

Despite being unable to synchronise, the 64-bit version of the installation file is still available here (15.6MB). Well how I know? Guess it is provided even since the very beginning but the page has also been taken off.

New Year New System, Yet Another Success of Core2Duo E8400 in SR5222d

After I had been using Windows XP Pro x64 SP2 for more than a decade, I decided to sell my ten-year-old Compaq (does any new netizen never heard of this?) Presario together with the old OS. It took me a few weeks before "taming" down yet another Compaq Presario that was used by my brother. Speaking of this "taming down" process is clueless. In fact I thought it was either power supply unit, main board, CPU, even RAM to be blamed that causing the new system not being able to show POST screen after boot.

Note that I'm trying to fix an Intel Core2Duo E8400 into the old MSI main board in this SR5222d, which according to the official website is only support up to E7xxx. Even there are numbers of successful trials claimed by netizens.

The only medicine is, time. So I just got myself distracted by other things, and it just come back, getting steadier each boot.

Installing Zune in Windows XP Pro x64

Microsoft is ceasing despite its old glory.

I am rather busybody to offer my help to update the firmware & software of a Nokia Lumia 710.

Prior to this I though it would be as easy as connecting the Windows Phone to a PC to transfer files. No! My Windows XP Pro SP2 64-bit just not able to process this toy! Upon unsuccessful installation of USB driver I downloaded and installed Windows USB driver but in vain -- there is a proper icon showing a USB device is plugged in and how to safely remove, but it just failed to show itself in Windows Explorer.

So I thought it is time to install Zune Setup Package (101MB).

And of course another failure.
"The Zune Music + Video software won't work on versions of Windows earlier than Windows XP SP3, any 64-bit version of Windows XP, or any version of Windows Server." --Zune Support
Think I'm just too rigid in persisting in Windows XP 64-bit.

Inspired by a thread in ZuneBoards titled Install Zune 4.0 on Windows XP x64, as there'll be quite a journey to be fruitful, I modified the step-by-step guide as follow:
Note: I have Windows Media Player 11 installed much earlier so I skipped installing WMP11 of course.
1. Extract the only 2 folders from ZuneSetupPkg.exe, namely x64 & x86, using 7-zip or any compression software;
2. Install straight with x64\packages\zune-x64.msi;
3. Backup C:\Program Files\Zune\Drivers for later use;
4. Uninstall Zune x64 with x64\packages\zune-x64.msi;
1-4 is to get Zune x64 drivers because I could not get them by simply extract from the .msi file.
5. Use SuperOrca MSI Editor (mentioned in my earlier article iPhone with box of Windows XP x64) to edit x86\packages\zune-x86.msi:
 a. Select "InstallExecuteSequence" from the left pane, drop the rows with sequences 3487 to 3499 and 5885 to 5898.

 b. Select "LaunchCondition" from the left pane, drop the row with the Condition "Msix64".

6. Install with x86\packages\zune-x86.msi;
7. Overwrite the whole C:\Program Files (x86)\Zune\Drivers folder with the one backup in step 3;
8. Plug in Windows Phone and install driver from C:\Program Files (x86)\Zune\Drivers\Zune if being asked;

Then you'll see the window with black theme:

When I thought all's fine, I found out I could not update the firmware, but only to synchronise photos.
And this nag screen may come at times, just ignore it.

Updating NVIDIA GeForce 335.28

While I still could not find the reason why my LCD turning off or going to standby mode automatically after around ten seconds of various format of movie played by MPC-HC, followed by audio off & irresponsive system (i.e. keyboard Caps Lock LED not responding to pressing Caps Lock) recently, I decided to update the ASUS branded NVIDIA GeForce display card driver since ASUS does not providing any update driver.

After downloaded the latest official GeForce 335.28 package launcher I executed it and decompressed the setup files into a folder away from the system partition to avoid fragmentation. Upon setting up I encounter some hiccups:

Tried simply installing with 64-bit Windows Imaging Component works!

Then I chose custom install, unchecked .Net Framework 4 since I already have version 2 (just trying my luck if it works), unchecked GeForce Experience since it is cater for serious gamer not "game watcher" like me, and unchecked nView as well as it is just an extra desktop management bundle. 

I leave HD Audio because it only consumes a few MB. Lastly checked "Perform a clean installation".

Now I'm gonna shut my system down. No update to this if I enjoy it. Wish me luck!

Chatting For Decades - Review My Instant Messaging Software Used

Two decades ago people thought personal computer (PC) is for fun, as Multimedia is just having its bloom, followed by Internet, that came with Instant Messaging (IM). ICQ was my first IM start-up, that I used to contact family members and friends far away. Still remember the tiny green bloom with little yellow dot at the centre?

Since then netizen spends hours using PC to communicate.

As the mainstream IM software is filled with contacts, I found it hard to concentrate on my chat with the special one. I found SIM a.k.a Secure IM from saturngirl.net more than a decade ago.

"A simple one-on-one chat that uses encryption to provide a more secure conversation. You can choose the font and color of the text, and a sound button is included for when you want to get the other users attention and they are not replying. With one person as the server and one as the client, using the same password of course, you'll be up and chatting in no time. For the client, the IP address of the server is also needed."

SIM was as small as 80kb, customisable and secure, but needed some manual connecting tricks: server IP address & password. With the fixed IP addresses, we were chatting from dormitories in different universities. But chatting with SIM did not last longer than 3 years.

Then came MSN Messenger with even more functions and fun including inviting the other party to remote control and fix your PC. The significant charms featured imoticons and MSN games. However its fate was volatile, changing names and services from time to time.

Before MSN Messenger changed its name to Live Messenger, and died few years later, there was once I tried to use software legally by killing Microsoft (MS) Windows, installing and setting up free operating system Ubuntu:

I picked the cross-platform multi-protocol IM, Pidgin to continue chatting using MSN protocol, with some glitches as it was still in developmental stage.

And since MS Live refused to be installed into Windows XP x64 platform I quit using it. This marks an end to my PC chatting experience.

Since there was sensitive info sharing using IM, there were both sniffing and encrypting software in the market. These all were in my software collection.

Before majority IM goes mobile, Google introduced GTalk, which later on turned into a much comprehensive Hangouts. It did not draw my attention much as I am satisfied with LINE, then Whatsapp, then WeChat.

Chatting continues on mobile...

iOS7's Broken!

I don't think this gotta happen so soon before Christmas until I see evad3rs' evasi0n7, this indeed a great xmas gift for those who waited for long.

I'm not going to brake the jail soon as I have little time for myself to fully customize my iPhone4, and that many great apps are free, even paid apps are free for limited time at times.

Just be sure to backup despite the extended time needed.

PWNED?!

Ever wonder what the heck is "pwned" or "pwnage"?

Answer revealed as the project of Troy Hunt, called ';-- Have I been pwned?

Simply check if your account is being compromised by typing your email.

Good news — no pwnage found!

iPhone with box of Windows XP x64

26th Sep added screenshots
19th Sep updated w/ iTunes 11.1 update.

I am not an Apple fan, not fancy to i-products, and ever since I received a secondhand iPhone4, I was amazed by its simplicity, and lazidity (yup, rigidity + laziness).

Usually I'll set my own ringtones but this time with iPhone I was stucked as I could not perform as I wish within iPhone settings (unless a jail-broken one).

So after few months using a plain tone iPhone, finally I decided to connect it to my old box of 64bit Windows XP, thought to modify the ringtone with iTunes. And yet another quest on looking for the way to get software installed into a x64 system went on, as iTunes is not designed to even install into the abandoned x64.

I found Dan's Skunk Werks' awesome article to inspire me to install the minimalist SuperOrca MSI Editor rather than MS's big fat GB-level SDK.

After officially downloaded iTunes setup .msi .exe I opened it using 7-zip to extract the following files: iTunes.msi, Bonjour.msi & AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi all files into a folder.

Next I opened each of them iTunes64.msi & AppleApplicationSupport.msi with SuperOrca, and change "VersionNT64>=600" to "VersionNT64>=501" in table "LaunchCondition". The .msi files will immediately changed without the need to save. Then I executed each of the altered .msi files iTunes64, AppleMobileDeviceSupport64, AppleApplicationSupport & Bonjour64 in order.

Should AppleMobileDeviceSupport64.msi pops up with:
"[ProductName] requires that your computer is running Windows XP SP2 or newer."
kindly edit the .msi file with SuperOrca, locate the same "LaunchCondition", change the *Condition to:
"Installed OR (VersionNT=501 AND ServicePackLevel>=2) OR VersionNT>501"

You might get this for the first time running iTunes:

x64 iTunes

Just ignore and you'll get the real thing:

iTunes get started!

Apple Mobile Device failed

Retry or Ignore

With all the above mentioned steps you supposed to get ready to connect your iPhone to your Windows XP x64. But few weeks then until now guess what, lazy me still using the plain tone iPhone, thinking to jail-break straight my old iPhone4.

Sudden Gifted Self Exercise Movements

Last week I encountered an adult male patient of mine who allegedly having the ability to perform stretches and mobility exercises himself. After watching on his recorded film, I would say those are involuntary, yet structured movements. He is sure that he did not know any of those sequenced movements prior. Neurologist prescripts medicine to stop them while orthopedic surgeon says they are of no harm but good. (probably just to assure him do not panic)

I never thought of Tourette's syndrome, but "structured" chorea because those movements are so organised, consist of neck rotations, shoulder shrugs etc., in sequence, that people may think he is actually doing exercise.

Lately he said he is able to control when to begin and stop the movements.

Just googled to find out the correlation between Sydenham's chorea and streptococcal rheumatic fever, which further convince me that his self exercise "gift" may be related with his earlier fever cough. Wonder if doctor prescripts steroids and antibiotics. Anyway hope he is getting better, not like Cali's progression:

Ah, now I know why she is taking CoQ10 supplement, which is good for heart.

Unbricked My Sony Ericsson W8

Was regretted and frustrated seeing my brother's left over SE W8 became bricked that showing no further with Sony Ericsson logo, after customisation / deleting system files.

Thanks to professional geek soleheen D, I manage to unbrick W8 using Sony Update Service.

Just keep in mind that this update service will check for the latest version and it will download and upgrade itself which takes up some time before you can really proceed. Also be reminded that you have to install the semc flash device driver (please Google it), disconnect your mobile phone, restart your Windows then only re-connect your mobile phone. Last but not the least, do as the update system tells, pressing on back button before connect your SE mobile.

Will be back for my next step to upgrade my SE W8.

Malaysian International Driving Permit

As I'll be going Taiwan next month, thought of renting a car to bring my family here and there.

Thus I emailed consular of Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre asking about short-term possibility of driving a car legally in Taiwan, and she replied to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from local authority JPJ, only then can I drive a car in Taiwan for 2 months only.

According to unofficial JPJ Website, this IDP costs RM150 per anum, oops! I'm not going to spend that much for that short.

Details in Chinese, for your reference.

My Late Grandma Seeing Things Revealed

Just came across an interesting article in The Lancet about old people seeing things they knew not true, as referred to Charles Bonnet's syndrome, thanks to the advancement of science.

While I'm impressed with the article titled "The sound of silence" reporting auditory hallucinations of an old lady keep hearing familiar voices & music, which is rather romantic, oops.

Go Green By Trade-in Printers

Dell has a new series of printers.

I particularly like the Inkjets (all wifi enabled) because I learnt that Dell's having a "trade to save" scheme, and that my sister's having a dried (inks are dried up) HP all-in-one. So I bought V525W online for RM299.

After received the new all-in-one for a few days, today only I filled up the claim form online, yet to send the used HP to the designated factory via courier, before I can get my RM200 + RM50 cash back straight to my appointed bank account.

Just to share here for those short of cash to get ink cartridges replaced or simply wanna try how easy to print docs or photos from smartphones by using wifi enabled printer.

Free Up Some Space After Windows Update

Windows users used to be quite aware of hard disk space consumed, not after having increasing availability of half terabyte hard drives.

Here why I particularly mention Windows Update is because during & after updates Windows will store both the backups & updates files which in turn consume much disk space, making my used to be spacious 10GB system partition a short dull, sluggish with pop-up reminders of insufficient disk space.

Take a look or even analyse with software how your system partition C: is piled up with files and folders, you will find some blue highlight folders with $ prefix, full of unused junk which might cost gigabytes.

Found ways for this but personally prefer this:
Is it safe to delete the $NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$ folders

...but still my pathetic 10GB C: is very low in free space, until I added another old 60GB Maxtor and move my entire system partition to 1st active partition of this oldie. Sadly to say then that to buy for more disk space is still the best hassle free way.

Trivia
Tried uninstalled Windows Security Essential, free up 300MB.

Google Drive

...what I initially thought was a Google Map thing to navigate while people's driving, ha, silly I should have learnt Dropbox or MS SkyDrive.



Google Drive is not ready for all but to apply so when the service is available for you Google will email you:

Upon entering, you will find it filled with your documents in Google Docs.
I'm not very keen in it yet for people claimed there is a line in T&C stated documents uploaded will be Google's as well. Wow, it should not happen.
Whatsoever it will ease our collaborative work etc.

Chiropractors as Family Doctors?

Ok I must admit I borrowed the original title.

Chiropractors as Family Doctors? No Way!

This is just too arrogant and eager for the chiro institutes to push their graduates into disastrous consequences.

Chiro Stroke Channel

Windows Eight To Be Tested

As high hardware specs demanding and sluggish performance of Vista from MS Windows I remained in Windows XP Pro, shifted to Ubuntu 7, then went back to Windows XP x64. While weight-loss Windows 7 has successfully reclaimed OS market, alleged to be the best seller in Windows family, still not convincing for me to try out, until its successor, Windows 8 is out for consumer preview.

I have downloaded and burnt the English x64 iso, to be tried out only after backups & partitioning done.

Google Flights's Still Not Taken Off

...yet, not beyond Uncle Sam.

"Sorry, locations outside the U.S. are currently not supported."

So we Asians are looking for cheap flights with AirAsia.

Energy Drinks Taboo: Red Bulls Kill?

Rumor getting from my email has it that Red Bull can cause numerous neuronal diseases and multiple organs dysfunctions if mixed with alcohol.

I googled and found out this has been spread in internet for a few years with various versions, talking about fatality caused by mixture of energy drink with alcohol, large quantity use, scary effects never learnt before regarding their major component, Taurine, Caffeine, even more convincing and scientific Glucoronolactone.

Wikipedia helps in clarifying these chemicals but the article below is more integrated one:
Taurine + Energy Drinks: Meant to Be or Doomed

So the conclusion for energy drinks:
Never drink excessively, particularly more than 3-4 cans at one time.

The Band Perry - If I Die Young

If I Die Young by The Band Perry

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, oh well
I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into Your Kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I've never known the loving of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holdin' my hand
there's a boy here in town says that he'll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by

The sharp knife of a short life, oh Well,
I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts,
Oh no,
I'll sell em' for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
and maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singing
funny, when you're dead how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need 'em, oh

The sharp knife of a short life, oh well
I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys and I'll wear my pearls  



It sounds like depicting a young girl committing suicide, which is rather common for the neglected ones.
They're even too young before learning how to be persevering when facing with problems.
Choosing to end up their lives is an express way, much easier than fighting against the troubles.
Or they're simply demand for attendance, else they'll do shocking silly thing to distract all adult's focus, and yet, too late by the time, funny, when you're dead how people start listenin'

Furthermore, we should concern more on cases dying so young before they've had experienced their lives, like what depicted in The Lovely Bones (2009)