EJ's {Journals}

PDF to ePub format

2010-08-22T20:06:00.004-04:00

Although iphone 4 can read PDF, it won't alow you do the highlight and copy text as it does with the ipub format. Converting the PDF to ipub is a choice to get around this. Get a free tool to fix it at calibre-ebook.com/download where you can find versions for PC, Mac and Linux. Enjoy!

30% Rules

2010-05-07T21:20:00.003-04:00

Basically whatever comes in, you pay yourself 30% first. That involved taking 30 percent off the top of every dollar bill that comes into the household. 10 percent is for investment (saving for investment later), 10 percent is for savings (emergencies), and 10 percent is for charity.

Kim K.

Wealth Indicator

2010-05-07T21:16:00.002-04:00

"Basically it's the amount of your savings divided by your total expenses. If your cashflow per month is greater than your expenses, and your expenses stay constant, then you are wealthy indefinitely, by definitions."

-Rich Woman

ArcMap - create a point with coordinates

2009-12-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

To add a point in a specific coordinate, steps as follow:
1. Start an edit section;
2. Select target layer;
3. Create a point;
4. Change the edit task to modify feature;
5. Right click on the point and select "Move To...";
6. Now enter the xy coordiants and hit enter....

Antivirus program for ubuntu 9.10

2009-11-25T14:20:00.001-05:00

You may not need an antivirus program for your ubuntu pc, but just in case, here's the AVG free program download link for ubuntu.

http://free.avg.com/us-en/download?prd=afl

ubuntu 9.10 - join windows domain

2009-11-25T14:11:00.003-05:00

I just connect the ubuntu 9.10 pc to the switch but didn't join the domain. To access the resource in the domain, here's how I did it, Go to:

Places\Network

You will find Windows network is discovered. See screenshot. Then you can access to the pc or servers in the domain by providing domain name, username and password.

ubuntu 9.10 - Remote Access PC

2009-11-25T14:06:00.003-05:00

Just installed ubuntu 9.10 on an abandon PC. The first thing I'd like to find out is how to remote access a pc in windows domain environment. Here it goes:

Application\Internet\Terminal Server Client

ArcMap runtime error - R6025

2009-11-24T11:57:00.002-05:00

A remote user's in a LAN trying to have access to a computer that has ArcGIS 9.2 installed. This error has been encountered and launching ArcMap failed. The problem was fixed by adding the user account to the administrator group on the computer that the ArcGIS installed.

Get fit for badminton

2009-10-24T21:06:00.002-04:00

I started playing badminton for getting fit. Now I find that I can't really play well if I am not fit enough for this game. So I am looking ways too to get fit for badminton. There's a free book on it:
http://dev.badminton.tv/content/item/get-fit-for-badminton/120.html

WAMP server is not working

2009-10-12T10:34:00.003-04:00

WAMP is online but the local host is not working. This is usually caused by the fact that the port 80 is being used.

To test the port:

Go to WAMP icon on the System tray, then Apache\Service and click on Test port 80

“…the port (80) is used by Microsoft –IIS…”
To solve it:

Open the Services panel and stop the World Wide Web Publishing services and set it to manual so that it won't start automatically next time when the pc restarts. Then go back to the WAMP control panel and restart all the services. Test the port again,
"Your port 80 is actually used by:Server: Apache/2.2.11... "

The local host works well.

Install AutoCAD 2010 on Windows 7

2009-10-09T23:08:00.000-04:00

To install AutoCAD 2010, you will need Microsoft .net Framework 3.5. I have 4.0 beta installed but the program just doesn't like it; it keeps asking for 3.5. So I ended up removing the 4.0 and tried to install 3.5 and 3.5 sp1 but either worked for me.

Later I found out, 3.5 is part of Windows features that you can turn it on or off although it's not seen on the Uninstall program lists.

To conclude check if the 3.5 is being turned on in your windows 7 before you go ahead and install AutoCAD 2010.

Split Shape or Polygon in Manifold

2009-09-30T15:31:00.000-04:00

The way to split a polygon in Manifold is quite different than the logic that ArcGIS uses.

You inserted an area (or created by buffering a line with 400 meters) then you just wanted to keep part of the boundary of the polygon.

To keep just one part of the boundary line of a polygon, here are the steps in Manifold 8.0:

1. Separate the area and its boundary.
In the Transform toolbar, choose selection in drawing if selected; for the operation, select Boundaries, and hit Apply. This will separate the area into two parts, the boundary line and the filled area of the polygon.

2. Remove the filled area by click on it once and then hit Delete key on the keyboard.

3. Draw line intersect with he boundary.

4. Select the line drew above; go back to the Tranform toolbar, select All Objects in the drawing and split with the selection in drawing. Apply and it will split the poly in segment of lines.

5. Clean up. Delete the segment you don't need.

Windows XP Run Command List

2009-09-30T12:53:00.003-04:00

I got this list from http://www.officialwindowsmagazine.com

Accessibility Controls - access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard - accwiz
Add Hardware - Wizardhdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs - appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools control - admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed) - acrobat
Adobe Designer (if installed)- acrodist
Adobe Distiller (if installed)- acrodist
Adobe ImageReady (if installed)- imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed)- photoshop
Automatic Updates - wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard – fsquirt
Calculator - calc
Certificate Manager - certmgr.msc
Character Map - charmap
Check Disk Utility - chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer - clipbrd
Command Prompt - cmd
Component Services - dcomcnfg
Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
Control Panel - control
Date and Time Properties - timedate.cpl
DDE Shares - ddeshare
Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment- dfrg.msc
Disk Management- diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager- diskpart
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)- control color
Display Properties- control desktop
Display Properties- desk.cpl
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility- drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility- verifier
Event Viewer- eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool- sigverif
Files and Settings Transfer Tool- migwiz
Findfast- findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed)- firefox
Folders Properties- control folders
Fonts- control fonts
Fonts Folder- fonts
Free Cell Card Game- freecell
Game Controllers- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)- gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game- mshearts
Help and Support- helpctr
HyperTerminal- hypertrm
Iexpress Wizard- iexpress
Indexing Service- ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard- icwconn1
Internet Explorer- iexplore
Internet Properties- inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard- inetwiz
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)- ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration) - ipconfi/all
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)- ipconfig/showclassid
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)- ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)- ipconfig /setclassid
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)- ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)- ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration(RefreshesDHCP&Re-RegistersDNS)-ipconfig/registerdns
Java Control Panel (If Installed)- javaws
Java Control Panel (If Installed)- jpicpl32.cpl
Keyboard Properties - control keyboard
Local Security Settings - secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups - lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows - logoff...
Malicious Software Removal Tool - mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed) - access.cpl
Microsoft Chat - winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed) - excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed)- frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker - moviemk
Microsoft Paint - mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed)- powerpnt
Microsoft Syncronization Tool - mobsync
Microsoft Word (if installed)- winword
Minesweeper Game - winmine
Mouse Properties - control mouse
Mouse Properties - main.cpl
Nero (if installed)- nero
Netmeeting - conf
Network Connections - control netconnections
Network Connections - ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard - netsetup.cpl
Notepad - notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)- nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager - packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator- odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard - osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed) - ac3filter.cpl
Outlook Express - msimn
Paint – pbrush
Password Properties - password.cpl
Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
Phone and Modem Options - telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer - dialer
Pinball Game - pinball
Power Configuration - powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes - control printers
Printers Folder – printers
Private Character Editor - eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed)- QuickTime.cpl
Real Player (if installed)- realplay
Regional Settings - intl.cpl
Registry Editor - regedit
Registry Editor - regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook - rasphone
Remote Desktop - mstsc
Removable Storage - ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests - ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) - rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras - sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks - control schedtasks
Security Center - wscui.cpl
Services - services.msc
Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows - shutdown
Sounds and Audio - mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game - spider
SQL Client Configuration - cliconfg
System Configuration Editor - sysedit
System Configuration Utility - msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)- sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) - sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)-sfc/cachesize=x
System Information - msinfo32.
System Properties - sysdm.cpl
Task Manager – taskmgr
Task Manager – taskmgr
TCP Tester - tcptest
Telnet Client - telnet
Tweak UI (if installed) - tweakui
User Account Management- nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager - utilman
Windows Address Book - wab
Windows Address Book Import Utility - wabmig
Windows Backup Utility (if installed)- ntbackup
Windows Explorer - explorer
Windows Firewall- firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure - wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player - wmplayer
Windows Messenger - msmsgs
Windows Picture Import Wizard (need camera connected)- wiaacmgr
Windows System Security Tool – syskey
Windows Update Launches - wupdmgr
Windows Version (to show which version of windows)- winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard - tourstart
Wordpad - write

Convert Latitude/longitude to UTM coordinates

2009-09-29T17:44:00.003-04:00

Here'e a useful link that converts UTM coordinates to Latitude/Longitude and vice versa.

http://home.hiwaay.net/~taylorc/toolbox/geography/geoutm.html

I should build a similar web app with Flex.

Get fit for badminton - Rope Jumping

2009-09-23T23:39:00.004-04:00

The other I saw a video on youtube about how to use role jumping to get fit for badminton. Here's the rope jumping workout routine I quoted from the video.

Beginning level:

1 minute per set with 1 minute rest
7 sets per session
3 sessions per week with a day rest in between

Intermediate level:

2 minutes workout per set, 1 min rest
5 sets per session
3 sessions per week with a day rest in between.

DVD - NTSC and PAL Standards?

2009-09-23T23:33:00.003-04:00

I had the experience that the DVD I bought from UK can be played with the DVD player in China but can't play it here in Canada. Why? This post I've taken from http://www.ihffilm.com/videostandard.html, explains why:

WHAT IS NTSC AND PAL STANDARD?

Although VHS video format is the same throughout the World, the video standard or electronic signal that is recorded on the cassette varies from country to country. The two most common video standards used are NTSC and PAL.

NTSC is the video system or standard used in North America and most of South America. In NTSC, 30 frames are transmitted each second. Each frame is made up of 525 individual scan lines.

PAL is the predominant video system or standard mostly used overseas. In PAL, 25 frames are transmitted each second. Each frame is made up of 625 individual scan lines.

To determine your video standard refer to the chart below:

PAL
Afghanistan
Algeria
Argentina (N)
Austria
Australia
Bangladesh
Belgium
Brazil (M)
China
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Hong Kong
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Liberia
Malaysia
Netherlands
Nigeria
Norway
New Guinea
Pakistan
Singapore
South Africa
South W. Africa
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
Uganda
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates
Yugoslavia
Zambia

NTSC
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Japan
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Puerto Rico
South Korea
Taiwan
U.S.A.

How to convert youtube vedio (.flv) to DVD

2009-09-23T22:51:00.003-04:00

I am about to do a project of converting the flv format badminton videos to DVD. Now first of all, I will need a program to convert the flv video files to Avi video files then I can burn them to a DVD media, which can be played in a DVD player or on your computer that has a DVD-Rom. This is the program I found it useful; it's completely free and green (Unzip it and run; no need for installation.) Get it here: www.pazera-software.com/products/flv-to-avi-converter

Sony P 2010 Wishlist

2009-09-19T12:06:00.003-04:00

I have added Sony P series to my wish list for 2010. I played it once at the Sony store; I am in love with it. It's totally awesome. Here are the two things I find it attractive, pocket size and its resolution.

I always wanted to carry a computer with me wherever I go and use it whenever I need it. pocket size works for me. I teach myself a lot of stuff by watching video tutorials. The revolutionary resolution (1600 x 768) makes things easier. It allows me to place the video window (800x768) and my application window (800x768) side by side to follow along. This is also good for multitasking as well. You can watch a movie while writing en email.

For an IT pro, I do hope SONY will enhance it a bit in 2010:

Battery hour: 8 hours please! It's nothing new, Acer already made it and as well as Apple.
GPS: Enable for Canada is required!
RAM: support 4G or even larger!

And finally consider adding a touch screen since the keyboard may be a bit small to work on it all the time.

Windows 7 or Window XP

2009-09-19T11:50:00.002-04:00

Windows 7 is coming to town. The official release date is 22nd October 2009 and you can now Pre-Order. Are you going to stick to Windows XP, Vista or start thinking about moving forward?

With the current poor economy, I don't think people will be in a rush. Chances are if you are going to buy a new computer, Windows 7 should be loaded or at least you may should consider having a computer with Windows 7 although you might have a choice among Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

The reason I said that is Windows XP is almost 10-year old technology. We may really should consider taking what technology can offer and to improve our life. I know we all got so used to what we have and are reluctant to moving forward.

Breathing Techniques for Athletes

2009-09-19T11:42:00.002-04:00

I didn't really pay attention to how important the breathing technique is in terms of performance until one day I started Jeet Kune Do training. Breathing is really important when practice Kung fu or Wushu or Martial arts. I always felt that when I play competitive badminton games, I run out of breath!

To get fit for sports or to improve sports performance, I will start train myself with the breathing techniques. Here's an article I find useful:

Sports Psychology -Breathing Techniques for Athleteshttp://www.pchs1.com/ecourses/sportspsych/breathing.htm

World Championship 2009- 1st Round Video

2009-08-11T22:17:00.001-04:00

Watch it at:

Lee Chong Wei:

http://www.badmintonfreak.com/lee-chong-wei-world-championship-2009-1st-round-video/

Taufik Hidayat:

http://www.badmintonfreak.com/taufik-hidayat-world-championship-2009-1st-round-video/

Send fax with your computer

2009-08-10T20:02:00.003-04:00

Now most of us may have a 3-in-1 printer (copier, printer and scanner). And if you have a laptop, chances are there will be a modem card with it. Then you will be able to send fax or receive fax with this computer that has Windows XP, Vista or even earlier operating systems. Here's an article about how to send fax if you are using Windows Vista. Go check it out http://www.ehow.com/how_2029566_send-fax-vista.html

Geothermal Energy - DIY

2009-08-02T11:19:00.002-04:00

WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY?

Geothermal Systems are the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient method of heating and cooling a home. These systems provide significant savings on monthly energy costs, considerable benefits to the environment and home comfort that is more reliable than traditional heating and cooling systems.

HOW DOES GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WORK?

The upper six feet of the Earth maintains a nearly constant temperature of 6°C. Like a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the air above it in the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. Geothermal Systems take advantage of this resource using a series of buried pipes called loops. The loops transfer heat between the home and the ground to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

WHY INVEST IN GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM?

Significant saving in monthly energy costs – 30-70% more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems.
For every one unit of electricity the system uses it provides four units of heating energy.
Up to $7,000 in Government Grants for installing a Geothermal System in your home.
An efficiency rating of approximately 400%!
(Source: http://www.norfolkpower.on.ca/your-home/geothermal-2.htm)

Do it yourself kit:

http://geothermaldiy.com/diykits.html

Setup Subversion(SVN) with Flex Builder 3

2009-08-02T08:30:00.001-04:00

"Subversion (SVN) is a version control system initiated in 2000 by CollabNet Inc. It is used to maintain current and historical versions of files such as source code, web pages, and documentation. Its goal is to be a mostly-compatible successor to the widely used Concurrent Versions System (CVS).

Subversion is well-known in the open source community and is used on many open source projects, including Apache Software Foundation, Free Pascal, FreeBSD, GCC, Python[dated info][[Wikipedia:Updating information/2009/8/{{{3}}}|]], Django, Ruby, Mono, SourceForge.net, ExtJS, Tigris.org, and PHP. Google Code also provides Subversion hosting for their open source projects. BountySource systems use it exclusively. Codeplex offers access to both Subversion as well as other types of clients."(wikipedia)

Setup Subversion(SVN) with Flex Builder 3

Open Flex Builder 3:

1. Help->Software updates->Find and Install

2. Select "Search for new features to install"

3. Click "New Remote site"

-Name: "Subclipse"

-URL: http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x

4. Select the features to install

-uncheck "Integrations(Optional)"

-check "Subclipse Plugin"

...

To use it to checkout google maps for Flash API samples:

(svn checkout http://gmaps-samples-flash.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/ gmaps-samples-flash-read-only )

With Flex Builder 3 Open:

1. Windows -> Perspective -> Other...

2. Select "SVN Repository Exploring"

3. Right-click in the white space in the left panel called SVN Repositories and Select "New"->"Repository Location"

4. Enter: http://gmaps-samples-flash.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/

...

Sleep less and Have more energy

2009-07-31T22:22:00.003-04:00

I remember I read a book about how to train yourself to sleep 4 hours back in high school. I was very exicited because I could then have more time to study and stand a better chance of getting into college. I don't recall a thing about it but it just won't work for me. I recently had another chance to read an ebook called How To Sleep Less and Have More Energy Than You Ever Had Before. It's an interesting read and I first learn about the body-temperature cycle concept as far as I can remember. I find it usful and I am experimenting with the ideas it mentions in the book. Just to name a few, I tried not to drink coffee and I started drinking more water and hope to drink 1.5 to 2 liter water a day. I also tried to let my eys absorb more sunlightand went out for a walk when I felt very sleepy around 1:00pm when my body temperature drops according to the graph says.

Loading modules with ViewStack in Flex Builder 3

2009-07-19T22:46:00.005-04:00

Once a couple of modules have been created, now it's time to use ViewStack to call them in the main application in Flex Builder. Following code snippet uses ToggleButtonBar:

mx:ToggleButtonBar dataProvider="{myViewStack}"/
mx:ViewStack id="myViewStack" width="100%" heigth="100%">
// mx:moduleloader id="module1" label="Module 1" url="{'modules/module1.swf}"
// mx:moduleloader id="module2" label="Module 2" url="{'modules/module2.swf}"
// mx:moduleloader id="module3" label="Module 3" url="{'modules/module3.swf}"
//mx:ViewStack/>

From MrSID to ECW

2009-07-17T20:33:00.003-04:00

Experience tells that viewing ECW (Enhanced Compressed Wavelet image format) with ArcGIS is a lot, I mean a lot, faster than viewing MrSID.

So I that's the one of those reasons to convert MrSID to ECW. To do so, there are the tools to consider to have:

1. MrSigGeoInfo_win.exe (optional), this file will help you get the geocoordiantes info from the SID file

To get around: If you open the .sdw file comes with the sid file, the bottom two lines are top left X and Y coordinates, which is required from the next step.

2. ECW Header Editor (I'm glad that I still have a copy when it's available for free. Now it's hard to find.)

-Install it and run it

-Open the ECW file and fill in the info as the attached screenshot shows. (When using UTM, XY are meters.)

Flex- Call JavaScript from ActionScript 3

2009-07-16T20:37:00.003-04:00

Just found this code snippet on how to call JavaScript from ActinoScript 3 from Google Maps API For Flash.

1. Adding this code in the script tag to the html wrapper :

function getHeight(){

return document.body.clientHeight;

}

function getWidth(){

return document.body.clientWidth;

}

2. Add this to actionscript from Flex Builder:

function resizeAGAIN(){

ldrButton.x=ExternalInterface.call

("getWidth")-10;

ldrButton.y=ExternalInterface.call

("getHeight")-10;

}

-by Turker

Word 2003 Crahes when using Bullets/Numbers

2009-07-16T17:55:00.003-04:00

What will you do when the Word (Office 2003) crashes as you are trying to insert bullets or numbers? The service pack is already the latest (sp3). I also tried the detect and repair under the Help menu. It didn't work. I tried to uninstall and reinstall, no luck. Then I started googling around and found a solution works like a charm:

"If Word crashes each time you use Bullets/Number then you may have a corrupt key in the Registry. That's where the Bullets/Numbering settings are stored, not your Normal template. :-)

In the Registry drill down to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Word\List Gallery Presets

and delete the Gallery Presets key.

In this situation you may want to use the Registry/Export Registry file command and export your selected branch. That way if you find the change wasn't necessary or incorrect, you can merge the deleted branch back to to
the Registry by double-clicking the resulting file.Please post all follow-up questions to the newsgroup. Requests for

assistance by email cannot be acknowledged."

------Beth Melton, Microsoft Office MVP

I deleted all the keys within the List Gallery Presets. I wonder what happened caused this issue.

How to copy DVD videos?

2009-07-16T17:46:00.007-04:00

Click here to visit the original tutorial. It is a very good totorial showing you how to use two free small utilities to copy DVD or backup DVD.

Hardware Needed:
DVD Burner /writer
DVD-ROM (Optional - for ripping only)
2 FREE Programs (discontinued) are Needed:
DVD Shrink - (download here: DVD Shrink Download)
DVD Decrypter - (download here: DVD Decrypter Download)

Enjoy beautiful sights

2009-07-13T18:45:00.003-04:00

This website is very cool. It's called the World View Bank that allows you to see some beautiful sights of most of the places in the world.

Here is the address, http://us.worldviewbank.com/en/, currently there are three languages available. Chinese, English and Janpanese.

Badminton Instructional Videos by Peter Gade

2009-07-13T17:54:00.004-04:00

This videos playlist is collected from Youtube.com; The copyright belongs to the original uploader(s).

e00 extension files

2009-07-13T17:41:00.002-04:00

"The ArcInfo interchange file format, also known as an export file (.e00), is used to enable a coverage, grid to TIN, and associated INFO tables to be transferred between different machines that are not connected by any type of file sharing network. ArcInfo interchange files have a .e00 extension, which increments to .e01, .e02, and so on, if the interchange file is composed of several separate files."

How to import an ArcInfo interchange file (E00)

1.In ArcCatalog, click the View menu, click Toolbars, then click the ArcView 8.x Tools toolbar.

2.Click the Conversion tools drop-down menu and click Import from Interchange File.

3.Click the Input file Browse button and navigate to the .e00 file to be imported.

4.Click the .e00 file and click Open.

5.Click the Output dataset Browse button and navigate to the location for the output dataset to be stored, then click Save.

6.Click OK.

Source: ArcGIS Desktop Help file

Convert image to SVG

2009-07-12T21:10:00.002-04:00

Here's good site(http://www.svgfactory.com/download.html) to get a free utility to convert a pixel image to a Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). It's working on Windows Vista as well. It supports from formats (eg .bmp, .wmf) to svg by default. To get around, you can open the image of other formats(jpg, gif, png etc) with an image editor (such as the Paint tool comes with Windows or Photoshop) and then copy it and paste to the svg factory converter.

Screen capture for training or demos

2009-07-12T14:26:00.002-04:00

CamStudio is a very nice small open source program you can find in the market. I'd like to use it to create tech demos and video tutorials. Current version is 2.5; The next version is very promosing. The 2.6 is said to be released but it's been a year or so, there's not much progress. I am hoping it will be available shortly.

To get it, visit http://camstudio.org/

Install several operating systems with VirtualBox

2009-07-10T22:13:00.003-04:00

VirtualBox 3.0.2 is released! Wanted to install a second or third or even many many operating systems on your pc/laptop? Then you may want to download and install this program or Mircrosoft's Virtual PC.

Here's a bit more about it:

"VirtualBox is a powerful x86 virtualization product for enterprise as well as home use. Not only is VirtualBox an extremely feature rich, high performance product for enterprise customers, it is also the only professional solution that is freely available as Open Source Software under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL). See "About VirtualBox" for an introduction. "

Source: http://www.virtualbox.org/

Media Player Classic / Real Alternative

2009-07-05T13:24:00.004-04:00

Here's a good media player that is suggested to have. A player can play most of the popular medial /audio file formats, such as Quicktime file, Real Audio / Media file, Windows Media /Audio file, MPEG Audio / Media file and etc. Listed below contains most of the formats, if not all, it supports:

ALFF Format Sound
ALAC AUdio file
AU fOrmat Sound
Audio file
CD Audio Track
Dirac Video file
DirectShow Media file
DVD file
DVD2AVI Project file
FLAC Audio file
FLIC file
Index Video file
Matroska Audio file
Matroska Media file
MIDI file
MP3 Format Sound
MPEG Audio file
MPEG Media file
MPEG4 Audio file
MPEG4 file
Musepack file
OGG Media file
Ogg Vorbis Audio file
Other Playlist file
Quicktime file
ratdvd file
Real Audio file
Real Media file
Read Script file
Shockwave Flash file
Video file
Windows Media Audio file
Windows Media file

To download a copy of the Real Alternative 1.90 /Media Player Classic, visit this url link follows and click on a link to download when you are there:

http://www.free-codecs.com/real_Alternative_download.htm

Install it once you have it download to your pc.

This is the one to meet all the needs. Now you don't have to have 4 or 5 media players installed in your computer any more. Enjoy!

Attachment too large to sent out?

2009-07-02T22:37:00.004-04:00

Here's a piece of open source software, 7-zip, provides capability of archiving files with a high compression ratio. It's free and can be sued to open many typs of archived files. It's worth your attention.

Get it here: http://www.7-zip.org/

Get shapefiles ready to overlay on Google Maps

2009-07-02T21:14:00.003-04:00

To overlay shapefiles to Google Maps, there may be a need to transform the coordinate systems if the shapefiles you have don't use WGS84. Mine datum and projection are Nad83 and UTM 17N. In order to make it work, I use the project tool from the ArcGIS to project it to Geographic Coordinate Systems (World > WGS84.prj).

CAD Files Viewer & Format Conversion

2009-06-27T23:45:00.006-04:00

Just came across this site(http://www.opendwg.org/) that provides free tools for viewing CAD files and format convertions. Also, Manifold GIS may have problem with loading high version CAD files. The convertion tool will help make the job easier of loading CAD file to Manifold (v8).

Sudirman Cup 2009 Finals

2009-06-07T17:48:00.005-04:00

Finding vidoes of the Sudirman Cup 2009 are available on Youtube, I created a playlist of them just for the convenince of watching. The credit belongs to the originator.

This list includes:

Sudirman Cup Badminton Finals 2009 - China vs Korea Men Singles
Sudirman Cup Badminton Finals 2009 - China vs Korea Men Doubles
Sudirman Cup Badminton Finals 2009 - China vs Korea Mixed Doubles

Played in Guangzhou, China. Here it is:

Enjoy!

Free 16-by-16 pixel icons

2009-05-31T11:55:00.002-04:00

Here are some free icons for Flex Developers, get it at:

http://famfamfam.com/lab/icons/silk/Save Now

Bring up mobile devices screen to PC/laptop

2009-04-17T19:58:00.001-04:00

Lot of people are looking for methods of accessing the PC or laptop from their mobile devices. Say you may want to access the Internet with your mobile handheld through sharing the connection with your laptop or desktop. Or you may just want to access your PC with your mobile handheld. This seems to be easy for Windows Mobile 6 since it has the Remote Desktop comes with it. I was in search something that will allow me to see the Trimble GeoXT screen with Windows Mobile 6 and ArcPad installed from my laptop or desktop computer. This will be handy for training purpose. Since the screen is so small, it won't be good to show a couple of people at the same time. I need to find a way to bring the screen to my laptop and then project it to the wall. I am glad to find the My Mobiler, which is really easy to use and it gives me the functionalities that I just need. For example, it allows me to capture the screen as well as record videos. The nice thing is, it's free. To pass it on, here it is: http://www.mymobiler.com

Long Point Lighthouse of Lake Erie

2009-03-21T09:41:00.004-04:00

The Long Point Lighthouse that I modeled last year using SketchUp is now featured in the Google Earth 3D Building Layer!

lat/long: 42°32'55.33"N 80° 2'57.60"W

Google Map, Yahoo Map vs Microsoft Live Map

2009-03-21T08:12:00.005-04:00

I have been using Google Maps for navigation for a few years now. I am quite happy with it although, occasionally, I couldn't locate some addresses (e.g. rural route). And in some area you find the satellite images not very clear as well

Not sure if people know that other than Google maps, there are Yahoo Maps and Microsoft Live Maps availble over the web.

My experience tells me that we can mainly use one and then the others as supplement. Say, if I like to locate this address "xxx Indian Line Rd, Wilsonville, On", first I tried to find it in Google Maps (http://maps.google.com), but found nothing. I then tried Yahoo! Maps (http://maps.yahoo.com), it returns the address to me! But it doesn't give me any clear satellite images of this area. Now if I go back to Google Maps and zoom to the location, now I can see high quality images.

Also, I have tried the Microsoft Live Maps (http://maps.live.com), I successfully located the address and the satellite images of its surrounding area are very clear as well.

In conclusion, we tend to have just one solution to meet all needs. If that is not available, then we have to use all we could access to find what we needs.

Free tool for creating PDF files

2009-03-18T19:41:00.003-04:00

We all know that to read or open PDF files, we will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. To create PDF files, the Adobe Acrobat will do, but it is not free. With it, you can secure the PDF files and create dynamic forms etc. The latest version is 9.0, it comes with Standard version, Professional version and Professional Exteneded version; price varies from US$299 to US$699. Of course, you will be getting different quote depending on if you are a student, non-profit organization, business or government.

But if you just need to create PDF files so that when sending it out, the format and fonts will be the way as it is, then the CutePDF will do the job nicely for you. It's free! "FREE for commercial and non-commercial use! No watermarks! No Popup Web Ads! "

Available at: http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/Writer.asp

Comments: Check its installation requirements to see what else you may need to download and install.

Looking for USB Serial Adapter Driver ofr XP or Vista?

2009-03-11T22:42:00.003-04:00

I wonder if people still look drivers for USB Serial Adapter. My situation is that the driver comes with nexXtech USB Serial Adapter (USB to 9 pin Serial port) only works for Windows 98, 2000. So we kept that old IBM laptop with Windows 2000 just for downloading logger data for one stream gauge.

It has display issues which I fixed the day before but then when we were on the site trying to pull the data out of the data logger, the battery died on us.

I am not going to order a new battary for the laptop. It's not worthy. When returned to the office, I tried to locate a driver for Vista or XP. The manufactories’ website doesn't give any driver support (Although it’s interesting to see the difference of the information offered between its .ca and .com website), I was disapointed of course.

But I believe no matter what happens, there's always a way to solve it. I am ucky to find this one that works for Vista and maybe XP as well.

Driver name: PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_1025(.zip)

Available at: http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/downloads.asp?ID=31

ArcMap Editing - prevent features from being accidentally moved

2009-03-11T22:37:00.003-04:00

ESRI ArcMap sticky move tolerance

I have been working on updating the generic regulaion limit. I could tell that every time when I double click on a feature, it temps to move a bit! This is because the sticky move tolerance is set to 0 by default. Now I set it to 30 pixels and it seems all right. This is the trick to prevent features from being accidentally moved.

Here's a bit more about the sticky move tolerance that I quote from ESRI webhelp page:

" The sticky move tolerance allows you to set a minimum number of pixels your pointer must move on the screen before a selected feature is moved. This can be a useful way to prevent features from being accidentally moved small distances when they are clicked with the Edit tool. By default, the sticky move tolerance is 0 pixels, but you can change it on the General tab of the Editing Options dialog box."

For more, referer to

http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Moving_features

HyperTerminal in Vista

2009-03-11T22:12:00.004-04:00

Just found the other day that Vista doesn't include the HyperTerminal. Not sure what else have not been included. But hey we still need it! I guess that’s one of the reasons we can't keep up with the latest technologies.

To get the HyperTerminal back in Vista, I have been searching for a while and found this solution by AP at:

http://apdubey.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-get-hyperterminal-in-vista.html

But then I found the file icons or the connection icons need to be customized a bit in Vista (otherwise, they all look the same but not a bit like a HyperTermianl connection file.) and that is not a simple task compared to what you can do with Windows XP. To display the icons on the Create a New Connection window, you will need to copy the Dynamic Link Library from the following path in Windows XP (to the same directory of Vista):

C:\Windows\System32\hticons.dll

3D for everyone - Google SketchUp 7 is available for free

2009-03-07T23:48:00.007-05:00

I have created a couple of 3D models last year using SketchU 6.0 and one of them has been featured in the Google Earth 3D Buildings layer. I can't wait to try out the SketchUp 7 to see what have been improved. (Review and download it at http://sketchup.google.com/)

I have to say it's a very easy to use 3D creation software, I liked it a lot. I am thinking about using it to design my own house with a badminton court. I will also keep creating 3D buildings for Google Earth.

To view my models:
you can go to Google 3D Warehouse (http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/) and search EJ LAI

or click on this link:http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=8b0a8a7844f5649c5f3fbd1592e0642c

Or when you have your Google Earth open, on the Fly to box, copy and past this latitude and longitude: 42°50'28.00"N 80°18'19.16"W

(Make sure you have the 3D Buildings checked under Layers in order to see 3D buildings for this option.)

Adobe® Flex™ Builder 3 Pro FREE for Education

2009-03-07T23:14:00.003-05:00

Just want to spread the word that as a student you may be eligible to get a US $699 worth computer application program for free from Adobe! This program is called Flex Builder 3 Professional.
You can learn more about Flex (samples and training video) at:

http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/

To get it free at:
https://freeriatools.adobe.com/flex/

I use it to develop online mapping application since Google Maps has API for Flash (http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/flash/); Also ESRI provides ArcGIS API for Flex (http://resources.esri.com/arcgisserver/apis/flex/) ; Yahoo! Map for Flex (http://developer.yahoo.com/maps/flash/flexGettingStarted.html) and Microsoft Virtual Earth etc.

The C student's Guide to Success

2009-03-07T22:13:00.006-05:00

I came across a new book, available at the Norfolk Public Library the other day, called The C Student's Guide to Success (by Ron Bliwas). Of course this is not just a book for C students. A Students will find it useful for sure. A good book can be your best friend and also your mentor. Do you belive that? I think so. Although I don't read a lot, I like to spend time on this type of books.

Instead of buying an iPod to your kid, this book can be a good gift idea for the year. In case you still have a doubt, there is more about this book:

In ten simple chapters, Bliwas teaches you how to:

Make the most of many mentors
Trust your instinct
Strive to be a better person than employee
Take responsibility seriously
Master the art of purposeful learning
Take advantage of unexpected opportunities
Sell what you believe
Go where the stars aren't
Be a smart risk-taker
Overcome straight-line thinking

Badminton Deceptive Shot by Lin Dan

2009-03-04T20:05:00.006-05:00

A Deceptive Shot played by Lin Dan of China

Broadcasted by Sports Channel of Guangzhou TV (For information about the City of Guangzhou: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangzhou)

Profile:
Olympic games:

Men's Singles: Gold (2008 Beijing)

World Championships
Men's Singles -

2007 in Luala Lumpur - Gold
2006 Madrid - Gold

Profile: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lin_Dan

Disclaimer: This is just a link to the video from Youtube.com. And this is possible only when the person who uploaded the video to Youtube.com agrees to share with others. I assume the uploader has the copyright to do so.

ArcMap Editing - prevent features from being accidentally moved

2009-03-04T19:49:00.002-05:00

I have been working on updating the generic regulation limit using ArcMap of ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 9.2. I could tell that every time when I double click on a feature, the feature moves a bit! This is because the sticky move tolerance is set to 0 by default. So to stop it from moving, all I have to do is to change it to say 30 pixels and it seems to be all right. Here's a bit more about the sticky move tolerance that I quote from ESRI webhelp page:

"Changing the sticky move tolerance
The sticky move tolerance allows you to set a minimum number of pixels your pointer must move on the screen before a selected feature is moved. This can be a useful way to prevent features from being accidentally moved small distances when they are clicked with the Edit tool. By default, the sticky move tolerance is 0 pixels, but you can change it on the General tab of the Editing Options dialog box."

URL: http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Moving_features

Open Office ---alternative choice for word, spreadsheets, presentation

2009-03-02T21:25:00.004-05:00

As a registered non-profit organization, we can get most of the computer applications with very good deals. Techsoup.org for example is such a provider. To business, you probable won't be able to get a copy of Microsoft Office 2003 pro with 20 bucks.

Home and student will be able to enjoy some sort of discount. For example, at staples Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007, English cost $159.86 each. If you think that's not enough, then open source may be a good choice.

"OpenOffice.org 3 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose. "

Check out more and download a copy for free at : openoffice.org

SIW - System Information for Windows

2009-03-01T21:42:00.001-05:00

I love this standalone utility that does not require installation. It really helps me find the information I need when asked to update a computer.

For example, more than one time I found people comlaining their computers running slow. And the problem is their computers running Windows XP SP2(3) with 256MB of RAM! I instantly can tell the computers need more memories.

With this application, I can tell what type of memory will be required and if there are empty slots etc. The good thing is that it's free.

Available at: http://www.gtopala.com/

Get a free program to help with Tax Return

2009-03-01T21:08:00.004-05:00

Now it's about time to do the Income Tax Returns for Canadians.

I remembered I got help from the Woodgreen Community Centre in Toronto for my first time of doing the tax returns, where volunteers offered help to those who needed. It seems easy to me once the lady volunteered explained to me how it worked. I think it is mainly about data entry and doing the math.

Then I found a piece of program that helps me with doing all the calculations. You can download it and use it for free. But you will not be able to print the forms if you don't pay for the license. Since I will be able to get the form from the Post Office or the CRA will mail me a copy, I just copy the information from the computer application to the hard copy forms.

The program is called: myTaxExpress

Website: http://www.mytaxexpress.com

There's a mini version and a full version on the download page; the mini version will do for those who want a free version.

NCCP Badminton Coach Level 1

2009-02-22T11:28:00.003-05:00

I am so pround that technically I am a NCCP (Canada National Coaching Certification Program) Badmtinon Coach now. There is a document left to sign and mail to the Ontario Badminton Association. I enjoyed so much the process of achieving it and very gratefull for those who helped me with working on it.

There are still a lot to do. But I should say 'cheers' for now.

How to cook Baby Bok Choy

2009-02-22T11:13:00.002-05:00

I love baby bok choy and other Chinese vegetables. I am very glad to see that it's available at Food Basics and Superstores now! (Unfortunetely, the Chinese groceries are mainly available in big cities, such Hamilton, Kitchener, London etc.)

Two ladies were asking how to cook them yesterday when I was shopping at Food Basics. Of course, there are so many ways to cook them. You can stir fly, with or without meat, noodles etc. Or you could just boil some water, add some garlic and a bit a oil and salt to it, cook it a minute or two and then take them out in a plate and add some soy source or oyster source. But I am not a chef, you can always google the recipe.

Like Tofu, it's a very healthy food, I suggest you learn how to cook it and enjoy a healthy meal. It's worth a try. Here's a recipe I found:

http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=5210

Office 2007 Vs Office 2003

2009-02-22T11:05:00.004-05:00

I think MS Office 2003 is a very nice program. I took a course for it and I am quite comfortable with using it to do all kind of office work. The nice thing is you probably won't even notice there's much difference compared to previous versions such as Office 2000 and Office 97.

Now Office 2007 seems to have adopted a new approach when the programmers developed this application. (There's nothing wrong with creativeness. But once people got used to it, any changes made will bring mainly pain.) The interface, the way it works is so different. Yeah, you do need to take a course for it if you want effectiveness in the office.

As a system administrator, IT infrastructure advisor, I don't suggest my boss have it update yet.

STOP: 0x0000008E Bluce Screen

2009-02-17T16:40:00.002-05:00

When a person gets sick, there must be a reason caused that. For PC users whose operating system is Windows, Bluce Screen is not something new. But if you pay attention to it, the code on the bluce screen does tell you or the PC docotors what problem it could be. Sometimes, you can fix it without working too hard, sometimes, it could be a real pain.

Recently I dealt with a laptop Bluce Screen issue.

STOP: 0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0xF84D4CAD, 0xF80957E4,0X00000000)

Acer: Aspire 3610
Operation System: Windows XP SP2
File system: FAT32

There's no way to into the system. It keeps ask to check the disk. If I did and it will stuck somewhere like 47%.

It would not allow me to reinstall either. I ended up taking extra steps to backup the data and then format the drives to NTFS and reinstall the operating system.

Do you drink cold or hot water?

2009-02-14T20:55:00.004-05:00

I do see a lot of player drink water when playing badminton to keep themselves not to get dehydrated, which is very good. We don't wait until we get thirsty and then drink water, do we?Since I do see people drink cold water when they are sweating during a sport, I couldn't help asking if that's good or not.

I always try to bring myself a bottle of hot or warm water. I can't tell which is healthier. It's just my preference.

According to some health Professional, when people sweat, they lose water through their skin and sweating cools the body down. If you drink cold water, it will sure make your body cooler. Do you think that will do any good to your body?

making presentaion simple

2009-02-10T23:52:00.002-05:00

How do you feel when seeing a person who is making a presentation to you by reading the text on the big display that you can read? This happens when the presenter is nervous or he or she knows nothing about the subject being presented.

Or what if you are in such a situation? Now here's a solution to get rid of that headache if you are using a computer or laptop with a projector. You can set the projector as your second screen of your laptop. With Microsoft PowerPoint, you can setup the show to display on the second screen and have the presenter view check. Then you can see the notes in front of you while other won't event notice.

how to share a distribution list

2009-02-10T23:22:00.002-05:00

I was asked how to share the distribution list in Microsoft Outlook 2003 today. In fact, it's not as difficult as you thought. Here's how.

1. Create a new email message because you are going to send this distribution list to the other person.

2. This distribution list will be sent out as an attachment. So go to the Insert Menu, and select Attach Item not Attach File!

3. In the pop up window look for the distribution list in Contacts. And then hit OK once you have the wanted list highlighted.

And that's about it. Pretty simple, eh.

For the person who recived the list, he or she will need to open the list first and then save it to the Contacts before he or she could use it, assuming he or she is using Outlook too.

What-if I Got Robbed

2009-02-05T22:55:00.004-05:00

Someone's played a joke with me today saying that I got robbed! All the valuable stuff were gone, such as my laptop. I was so warried that I would have lost my laptop because I have not backed up my data for months. To me, nothing else is important in the house but the data in my laptop. I just couldn't imagine that I would lose my pictures, videos, my favorite websites and some other freebies collected.

Thank goodness, it's just a joke! But anyways, I started thinking about what-if questions. Preparation is better than cure, which applies to many other things in life. I will start to backup my data and have it off-site store. I may also carry my laptop with me even though I may not use it. I really can't offer to lose it.

It's not about winning or losing

2009-02-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

To me, playing badminton is not about winning a game or having fun. It's about finding my weaknesses and making it a strength through training and practising. I take every chance of playing to improve myself. Of course, I will find it more fun when being able to help others with improving themselves as well.

By playing badminton or watching others to play, I train myself learning lessons from every mistakes made. And that is something I value a lot in my life.