Chaos in the internet from the Taiwan Quake

Today is the 2nd day since my internet connection has been unstable. At first I thought there was something wrong with my ISP (Globelines Broadband), but after trying (in futility) calling their "hotline" which even after 30 min no one answered, I was able to connect to PhilMUG website, it was there that I found out what happened. And from that time onwards my connection was sloooooooow and intermittent, even if my modem says otherwise.

It has been just now that I am able to connect to Gmail and Yahoo! Mail, my only source of information online for the past 2 days was Inq7.net and the local users groups (which at times becomes intermittent). In a few minutes I will try to log into Yahoo messenger, hoping that it will connect to servers.

So far, Google is still not loading on my side and Yahoo mail is still dragging. Though Engadget has been loading since the beginning of this crisis.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2006

Merry Christmas to all of you!!! May we have a Wonderful Holidays!

Microsoft Redesigned Website

Software giant has redesigned their website to look and feel like it's up and coming operating system that will replace Windows XP, the sleek looking, and long been delayed Windows VISTA.

Changing Wireless Keyboard

I changed my wireless keyboard from an A4tech Wireless Mini-desktop Keyboard and Mouse set to a Logitech Cordless Desktop EX110. Some may say that it's impractical since my A4tech keyboard and mouse combo is still working, but it's a mini-keyboard and it's giving me a hard time to type and use it. Thus, the reason to change units. Now this is a wonderful keyboard and mouse because it's full-sized and no more adapting when using other normal sized keyboards and mouse.

Also, the multi-media keys are working fine on VISTA (all the while I thought I will have some problems with the software side) but when I tried to use the special keys and it all worked. So far I'm enjoying the new toy.

BitTorrent acquires uTorrent

BitTorrent has bought popular torrent client uTorrent, here's there post to the uTorrent forum:

This is Bram Cohen, the creator of the BitTorrent protocol, and Ludvig (Ludde) Strigeus, the writer of µTorrent.

Together, we are pleased to announce that BitTorrent, Inc. and µTorrent AB have decided to join forces. BitTorrent has acquired µTorrent as it recognized the merits of µTorrent's exceptionally well-written codebase and robust user community. Bringing together µTorrent's efficient implementation and compelling UI with BitTorrent's expertise in networking protocols will significantly benefit the community with what we envision will be the best BitTorrent client.

What does this mean for the µTorrent community? Not much, at least not at first. The intention is to maintain the website as it is, and keep the forums and community active. Moving forward behind the scenes, we will continue to develop µTorrent and will be using the codebase in other applications, especially ones where a fast, lightweight implementation is more suitable, such as embedded systems on TVs, cell phones, and other non-PC platforms.

The existent µTorrent and BitTorrent communities are immensely valuable to us, which is why we are announcing this here first to make sure you're all the first to know about the news. The plan is to continue to foster the health and growth of the community that has been critical to the success of µTorrent. Thank you in advance for your support.

Bram and Ludde

Palm licenses Palm OS Garnet Source Code -- So that's why!

ACCESS has announced it has entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Palm, Inc., that gives Palm a perpetual license for the Palm OS Garnet source code. ACCESS and Palm have also agreed to an expansion of the two companies’ existing patent license. Palm will pay ACCESS a total of $44 million (USD). Under terms of the agreement, ACCESS has granted Palm specific rights to modify the code base of Palm OS Garnet for use in its devices such as the Palm Treo smartphone family and the company’s other handheld computers. The agreement also grants Palm the right to use Palm OS Garnet in whole, or in part, in any product from Palm and together with any other system technologies. -- Palminfocenter

So this is the reason why! Me and my friends at MaPalad (The Philippine Palm Users Group) has been wondering why, Palm Inc. the hardware company has placed Palm OS Powered by ACCESS in their website for their handhelds.

Well, it only strengthens the theory that Palm is not dumping the Palm OS for Windows. But, it also tells us that Palm OS Garnet (Palm OS 5) is here to stay and the supposed Palm OS Cobalt and the ALP (Access Linux Platform) which I'm convinced, will be renamed as the next Palm OS 6, is still far away.

I hate my new MODEM/ROUTER

Lat week, I had upgraded my DSL plan to something like, 2Mbps. Globelines changed the Alcatel Speedtouch 511e to a PROLINK H9300G, a wireless modem/router. I guess the change is because they are now into ADSL2+. Although I don't have anything against the router/modem, it hasn't failed me yet since it was installed. The only thing that I hate about it is it's looks. Though plastic is plastic, and most routers have plastic casings, the one that PROLINK uses is the cheap looking one. I don't know, for me, the router looks like it's un-reliable (again, I'm just ranting because I don't like how it looks). What it replaced (unofficially) is a Speedtouch 580i, a wireless modem/router as well but the type of plastic used was more on the firm and stable side. I just don't like how the PROLINK looks, IT LOOKS CHEAP!!!!