Let’s Celebrate the International Shoe Day!

Dogs and shoes are very happy these days because international media has spread the word of Muntadar Al-Zaidi that American president is a dog! and Hasan Muhammad Makhafa has raised the value of shoes by offering 10 Million US dollars for a single shoe.

The social structure of the west had been destroyed by the so called freedom movements, so they celebrate different days to bring back their social values. Mother’s Day – to bring awareness for the respect of mother, Father’s Day – to tell people that father is also a part of a family , Aids Day and many more. This really gives a sense of awareness to them.

Muntadar Al-Zaidi has appeared as a symbol of awareness in the Muslim world. So why not celebrate a day for the shoes of Muntadar Al-Zaidai??? He (I should say “Rehmatullah Alaih!” ) has given a message of resistance and expression of dignity to the Muslims. He is under the custody of arms and obviously, will be subjected to death. His daring act is calling the Muslim youth to wake up and struggle hard to handover the occupied lands, his broken bones are screaming to say “Get up Muslims! Provide a shadow to the widows and the orphans!”

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Hats off to Iraqi Journalist!

An Iraqi Jouralist Muntadar Al-Zaidi, belonging to Al-Baghdadiya TV threw his shoes to Mr. Bush during a press conference tomorrow in Iraq.
During his surprise visit to Iraq, Mr. Bush was addressing a press conference when Mr. Zaidi lost his temper. He suddenly stood up on his seat and the only thing he could do was to hit Mr. Bush with his footwear. He threw his first shoe towards Mr. Bush saying:

“This is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog!”.

Mr. Bush cleverly managed to save himself from the attack so Mr. Zaidi put off his other shoe and threw it towards him saying:

“This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq.”

Mr. Bush is responsible for thousands of murders and violations of human right laws made through out the world daily. Being a journalist it is the duty of a person to speak the truth but when hundreds of sacred mothers and sisters are raped, dozens of children are killed, respectable old people, innocent citizens are murdered mercilessly in a community then the act like Mr. Zaidi is very much obvious. All the Iraqis have the same sentiments but they are unable to do something.
He was quickly caught by the authorities and nobody knows where he is at the moment.
“I am trying to reach Muntadar since the incident, but in vain,” said Fityan Mohammed bureau chief of Al-Baghdadya TV. “His phone is switched off.” Mr. Zaidi knew the after-effects of his deed but he dared to protest.
When we look at the scenario around the globe, we come to know that a movement of awareness is making its way in the minds of Muslims and one day the Muslims will bring the cruel to the court to ask for the blood shed!
Hats off! We are proud of you Mr. Zaidi!
Here are more details and the video coverage.

NVIDIA Personal Supercomputer

Supercomputers comprise of hundreds of CPUs connected together in such a way that they process simultaneously to achieve a specific task. A huge processing task is divided into small chunks and allotted to separate CPUs. These CPUs after performing the operation generate the result and the results from the separate CPUs are integrated to get the task done. This type of computing is called distributed computing. All this takes a long time and huge power resources. The supercomputer hardware also costs very much, as a result of which, they are limited to large enterprises and research centers.
NVIDIA has given a new meaning to supercomputing by inventing GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit and releasing a PSC (Personal Supercomputer) by integrating GPUs. A GPU is a processing unit comprising of multiple cores working simultaneously.
GPU is explained by Mythbusters here:

NVIDIA has launched Tesla personal supercomputers in single processor, desktop and rack-mount units which support Windows 32bit (on Tesla C870 and Tesla D870 only), Windows 64bit, Linux 32bit and 64bit (RedHat Enterprise Linux 4&5, SUSE 10.1,10.2 and 10.3). The Tesla personal supercomputer is scalable from one to one thousand GPUs. Each GPU contains 128 to 240 multi-threaded processors. The processors are scalar thread with full integer and IEEE 754 single-precision floating point support. Initially the memory access was 76.8GB/sec but it has now reached 408GB/sec in Tesla S1070.

High end processing tasks are achieved on personal supercomputer by the C language compiler and standard numerical libraries for Fast Fourier Transform and Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines available for it. NVIDIA CUDA is the software which makes this all done and is available freely from NVIDIA website http://www.nvidia.com/object/cuda_get.html for Windows XP(32bit & 64bit), Windows Vista (32bit & 64bit), Linux (32 bit & 64bit) and Macintosh.
The personal supercomputer products released so far are Tesla C870 computing processor, Tesla D870 desktop GPU system, Tesla S870 GPU computing system, Tesla S1070 and Tesla C1060 processor.
Tesla C870 computing processor contains one GPU, 1.5 GB dedicated memory and can be connected via full-length dual open PCI Express x16 slot.
Tesla D870 desktop GPU system contains 2 GPUs, 3GB memory and can be connected to a host via cabling to a low power PCI Express x8 or x16 adapter card. This desktop system is ideal for office environment because of its quiet operation (40dB).Tesla S870 GPU computing system contains 4 GPUs with 6GB memory. It also connects to a host via cabling to a low power PCI Express x8 or x16 adapter card. It is available in a 19 inch 1 unit rack-mount chassis.
Tesla S1070 GPU computing system contains 4 GPUs with 16GB memory. It connects to a host via cabling to PCI Express x8 or x16. It contains 960 processing cores (240 cores per processor). The frequency of each core is 1.44GHz.
Tesla C1060 processor contains 1GPU with 4GB GDDR3 memory. It connects to a host via cabling to PCI Express x16. It contains 240 processing cores. The frequency of each core is 1.3GHz.
NVIDIA personal computers are widely accepted by the market.
OptiTex (Israel) has taken the design industry to an entirely new level with its 3D CAD/CAM design technology. They are using the NVIDIA® CUDA™ software development environment to reconstruct their cloth simulation engine’s data and algorithms to run on GPUs. The GPU computing solution has enabled developers to remove bottlenecks in the CPU environment and deliver up to a 10 times performance increase.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) are using NVIDIA® CUDA™ for Microphysics, a crucial but computationally intensive component of WRF (Weather Research & Forecasting Model). Similarly Manfold.net has implemented NVIDIA in the field of GIS. According to Dimitri Rotow, product manager, Manifold.net “It is not an exaggeration to say that NVIDIA CUDA technology could be the most revolutionary development in computing since the invention of the microprocessor. It’s fast, inexpensive and loaded with potential. NVIDIA CUDA is so important that all Manifold users should insist that the computer hardware they procure is CUDA-enabled.”
Techniscan has ported its proprietary inverse scattering algorithm for medical sciences from a FORTRAN and MPI system to NVIDIA® CUDA™
NVIDIA personal super computers are available under the price range of $10,000 and are thus easily affordable to scientists and researchers.

Simplest Way to Setup a Local Area Network (LAN)

We need LAN in our homes and offices to share an internet connection, files and for collaboration with each other. Here, I will provide a step by step guide to setup your own LAN in which you will be able to connect to the internet any time without making a server or keeping an always-on computer.

Requirements:

1.UTP Cat-5 Cables^I

2.RJ-45 Connectors^II

3.Crimping tool^III

4.Cable stripper^VII

5.Broadband router ^VIII

6.Switch^I

Step by Step:

1.Choose a central location for the switch^IX and the Broadband router ^VIII

The cables from each outlet will reach the switch so locating the switch along with the router at the center of the network is the best option to save the cable lengths. Place the router and the switch close to each other.

2.Measure the distance of each computer from the switch.

3.Prepare cables to connect the computers with the switch.

a.Cut the required length of the cable.

b.Strip it up to 2 inches with the stripper from one end

c.Arrange the cables in the Straight-Through^XV manner.

d.Cut the cables in such a way that the stripped length is less than ½ inch.

e.Hold the RJ-45 connector in an upside-down manner (i.e. the little pin is downward)

f.Insert the wires into the connector so that the color combination is not disturbed.

g.Punch the connector with the crimping tool^III

h.Repeat the steps ‘b’ through ‘g’ for the second end of the cable

i.Your cable is ready.

j.Repeat the steps ‘a’ through ‘i’ for each computer

Now your cables are ready

4) Insert one end of each cable in the ports of the switch

5) Insert the free end of one cable into the router

6) Insert the free ends of the remaining cables into the LAN ports of the computers

7) Arrange the cables in such a way that they are not creating hurdle for people

Now bring the router into the working condition ( as directed by the vendor or the broadband service provider)

9) Power on the switch

10) Turn on the computers one by one.

11) Configure your network
a. Go to desktop of 1st computer
b. Right click on ‘My Computer’ icon
c. Click on Properties
d. A new window is opened
e. Click on ‘Computer Name’ Tab
f. Click on ‘Change…’ button
g. A new window is opened
h. Give the Computer Name e.g. Ahmad’s Computer. The computer name should be unique for each computer.
i. Now choose the ‘Workgroup:’ radio button and enter the name of your network e.g. OfficeNetwork
j. Repeat the steps ‘b’ through ‘I’ for each computerk.
Restart each computer and your network is ready to work.

Note: If your network is not yet working then the DHCP service may not be activated on your router or the router may not support it. If your router does not support DHCP, you may need to allot the IP addresses to the computers. (I may post an article on IP addressing in future so don’t forget to subscribe via e-mail or feed)

Creative ideas:

1) Entertainment:

·Organize LAN party with your friends. Establish a LAN for gamming.

2) Business:

·Start your own business. Take contracts from organizations or companies to setup a network in their offices.

3) Collaboration:

·Install LANTalk on each computer to chat with each other for free, even when internet is not available.

·Install Skype on each computer to talk to each other for free.

4) Other:

·Setup a LAN at your home to share internet connection and files with your neighbors and family members.

Related Posts:

I may write about Wireless LAN in future so don’t forget to subscribe via e-mail or feed.

Terminology:

I.UTP Cat-5 Cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair, Category 5 Cable):

It’s a cable available for networking. It consists of 4 pairs of wires in a single coating.

II.RJ-45 Connectors

These Connectors are punched at the ends of the cable and are used to connect the cat-5 cable to a switch, a computer or a wall jack.

III.Crimping tool

A tool used to punch a connector at the ends of the cables

IV.Wall I/O boxes

These boxes are similar to electricity switch/socket boxes and are used to provide a LAN outlet on a wall

V.Wall Jacks

A Similar thing to electricity sockets. They are attached to the I/O box. The patch cord (a LAN cable having RJ-45 connectors on its both ends) is inserted into it from one side and into the computer from the other side

VI.Ducts

Plastic ducts are used to route the cables across a surrounding.

VII.Cable stripper

A tool to strip the Cat-5 cable

VIII.Broadband router:

A device which contains the functionality of a Broadband CPE^X and a DHCP server.

IX.Switch

A device used to interconnect different computers

X.CPE:

Customer premises equipment. E.g. a DSL modem.

XI.DHCP server:

Dynamic Host controller Server. A server which automatically assigns IP addresses to the devices/computers.

XII.Cabling Scheme:

The color combination of the wires of a Cat-5 cable.

XIII. 862-B standard of ITU-T:

A standard which defines the combination of wires in a cat-5 cable for LAN

XIV.Straight-Through Cable:

A color combination of wires of a Cat-5 cable used to connect un-like devices e.g. a switch and a computer when connected directly. Color combinations according to ITU-T 862-B are:

a.White orange –> White orange

b. Orange –> Orange

c.Wight green –> Wight green

d.Blue –> Blue

e. Wight blue –> Wight blue

f.Green –> Green

g. White brown –> White brown

h.Brown –> Brown

New "Scratch Card-Less" Dialup Internet Model in Pakistan

I have just come across a post on Yahoo Groups by Wahaj-Us-Siraj, CEO Micronet (Pioneer DSL ISP of Pakistan) and CEO Nayatel (Pioneer FTTH service provider in south Asia). This post describes a new decision made by PTA (Pakistan Telecom Authority). According to the decision there will be no scratch cards for dial-up internet connections in Pakistan. The user will dial a dial-up number of any ISP of his choice and he will get connected to the internet! The post is quoted below.

“As you’d probably aware that PTCL about a month back, launched free dialup Internet service for all its telephone customers. The decision was proving to be a final nail in coffin of ailing ISP industry which in past has witnessed many onslaughts, predatory pricings anti-competitive moves from the state owned incumbent (now partially privately owned), PTCL.

The ISP industry approached the regulator, PTA and hearings were held wherein PTA desired to formulate a long term model for betterment of all stakeholders, PTCL, ISPs and the Internet users. After detailed discussions and deliberations, a new model for dialup ISPs is being emerged wherein all ISPs including PTCL would provide free dialup access to the customers through 131 access. ISPs would advertise/market their service on service quality, customer support, etc., and access would be open for all PTCL phone users to connect to Internet using any ISP’s username and password. PTCL would charge one local call for every 20 minutes for Internet users and this revenue would be shared between PTCL (30%) and ISPs (70%) in case of ISPs POP being located in same area codes of calls origination. In case of calls originating from outside area codes, this revenue share would be reversed, PTCL 70% and ISPs 30%. Long distance Internet calls (from area codes where ISPs are not located) would still be charged at the cost of local call/20 minute.

There would be no scratch cards for the ISPs and customer’s would be billed in their PTCL’s monthly bill for a local call of 20 minutes duration. This would mean Rs. 6/hour of dialup Internet for the users. Currently, the Internet scratch cards are being sold at Rs. 2 to 4/hr. With one local call per hour, the expense of users was around Rs. 5-6/hr. Industry standard (in Pakistan) duration of Internet calls is 20 to 30 minutes. So for the users, there would be hardly any change in the charges. Users would also have more choices to use any ISP they like and would be billed in PTCL’s bill at the end of every month.

This new regime is expected to be announced within next few days.

Kind regards…Wahaj”

That’s great! It means that the dial up users will only have to dial a 131 dial-up number of their choice and they will get the service of the relevant ISP. No scratch cards, no outage of scratch card limits and eventually no more degraded performance due to to heavy traffic! ( because the user will be able to switch the ISP suddenly)
This will not only add to the user experience but will also add to the revenue of the ISPs in the following manners:
1) The expense of scratch card publishing and delivery will be eliminated.
2) There will be no need for ISPs to lessen per hour charges to beat the competitors.
A bad move of PTCL – the try to kill the ISP competition – has eventually ended in a very positive thing!

Live Blog: Seminar On "Usability: Why Should You Care?"

Here the live blog for the Seminar On Software Usability will go on! Please bookmark this page and don’t forget to join us at 5:o0 pm on Tue Dec 02, 08.

Disclaimer: Following is the live coverage of the seminar on the topic of “Usability: Why Should You Care”, so please ignore spelling, grammar or other mistakes if they occur. I will try my best to avoid them.

There is also a live video streaming available from the organizers. The video quality is not too good but a nice thing to overview the event.

This seminar is worth appreciation as it has set an example of arranging awareness and training events for the professionals and the students. As I noticed, all the panelists, volunteer students of NUST, organizers and the live bloggers were there only to contribute and not for any reward. In the presence of these type of professionals – who take a headache of arranging the events without any hope of reward – we can hope a flourishing software industry in Pakistan. NUST should also be appreciated for providing the facilities of Auditorium, multimedia, Wi-Fi and the Volunteers.

A Seminar on Software Usability

Usability is the key to success for a software product. Pakistani software industry is flourishing rapidly but needs professionalism and compliance with the international standards.
The successful Pakistani software market players have realized the importance of usability and have thus arranged a seminar. Here are the details:

Topic: A Seminar on Usability – Why Should You Care?

Day: Tuesday, Dec 02, 008

Venue: NUST (SEECS Campus). Sector H-12, Islamabad Pakistan

Speakers:
1) Babar Khan from ikonami
2) Dr. shoaib Karim from Quaid-e-Azam University
3) Dr. Khalid Latif from Nust
4) Faizan Babar from Scrybe
5) Haris Khan from Zigron
6) Murad Akhter from Tintash
7) Usama Hashmi from CDF software

Registration: Facebookor Zigron

Additional: Exclusive Screening of Helvetica (A Documentry film on typography, graphic design and global visual culture)

The good news is that the seminar is absolutely free but the participants have to register themselves at Facebook or Zigron

All the speakers are well versed with the software usability, for example, Faizan Babar from Scrybe will be there to share his experience.

(Click here for Scrybe’s Video at Youtube)

Similarly Dr. shoaib Karim is an assistant professor at Quaid-e-Azam University and has done his PhD in Web Accessibility. He has also been involved in W3C’s working group on accessibility evaluation and reporting. His words will also be a great worth.

All the computer science, software and IT students, professionals and entrepreneures should attend the event. And the bloggers will be there obviously!