K-Flakes (Knowledge Flakes)

Kflakes# 2012-1 : Get Oracle SID without sysdba priviledge

2012-05-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple tips to find oracle SID with/without SYSDBA privilege.

To get oracle SID without SYS_DBA priviledge:
select sys_context('userenv','instance_name') from dual;

To get database name
select sys_context('userenv','db_name') from dual;

--

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K-Flakes # 2011-2 : Java String Tokenizer vs String split() function

2011-05-16T03:39:00.001-07:00

This knowledge flake is not intended to present before a detailed comparison between Java String tokenizer and String.split(). Rather, this provides an indication towards best usage of the two and their limitations.

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k-flakes # 2011-1 : How to find Java jar version through a Java program

2011-05-16T03:33:00.001-07:00

We often need to find out which Java jar version, is being used by the software. This is specially helpful in debugging problems and for logging information about runtime environment.

The below small program is helpful in getting the same.

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K-Flakes # 2011-1 : T-SQL Feature in SQL Server 2011

2011-01-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

The SQL server 2011 has come up with new T SQl feature. Here is a brief detail.

The main new TSQL features in SQL Server 2011 are:

WITH RESULT SETS

In earlier versions of SQL server when we wished to change a column name or datatype in the resultset of a stored procedure, all the references needed to be changed. There was no simple way to dump the output of a stored procedure

without worrying about the column names and data types.

With SQL Server 2001, the new ‘WithResultsSet’ feature avoids the requirement to change the stored procedure in order to change the column names in a resultset.

OFFSET AND FETCH

In previous versions when we needed to code the paging of results or for example, get the second highest salary from a payroll table, we need to write a complex code having NOT IN which is a low performance code. SQL Server 2011 introduces the OFFSET command for paging or selecting for example the highest salary from a table.

The OFFSET with FETCH commands can limit the number of rows sent to the client. Instead of using the TOP command for paging, these new commands can be used to reduce complexity. These new commands will normally be accompanied with ORDER BY.

THROW in Error handling

In previous versions, RAISERROR was used to show an error message. RAISERROR requires a proper message number to be shown when raising any error. The message number should exist in sys.messages. RAISERROR cannot be used to re-throw an exception raised in a TRY..CATCH block. Unlike RAISERROR, THROW does not require that an error number to exist in sys.messages (although it has to be between 50000 and 2147483647). All exceptions being raised by THROW have a severity of 16. You can throw an error using Throw as below:

THROW 50001, 'Error message', 1;

This will return an error message:

Msg 50001, Level 16, State 1, Line 1 Error message

THROW even allows for re-throwing an exception caught in a TRY..CATCH block, which RAISERROR was not able to handle.

NOTE: The current version of 2011 Books Online indicates that RAISERROR has been deprecated. Due to this, the use of RAISERROR

should be minimized.

SEQUENCE

In SQL Server 2011, Sequence is an object in each database and is similar to IDENTITY in its functionality. Sequence is an object that has start value, increment value and an end value defined in it. It can be added to a column whenever required rather than defining an identity column individually for tables.

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K-Flakes # 2010-11 : How to deal with - Valid internet website not getting loaded - problem

2010-08-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

Recently, I found out having issue with my internet surfing with following symptoms - on all the web browsers, IE, Mozilla, Chrome on windows XP SP3.

A. Some of the websites were not getting loaded, with following errors -

"OOpppss! Link appeared broken."

"Hostname not found."

"Cannot display page."

The error page may be different from browser to browser, but basically they say same thing, that the browser is not able to connect to the website.

B. Sometime web page loads, but not completely, and it appears horrible.

C. The page loads after you click 2-3 times refresh button.

D. Main Page loads, but other pages of the website do not load.

Below is the steps, which you can try to overcome this issue. I am putting all the steps corresponding to Windows XP, and IE 8. But I am sure that you can easily find the similar settings in Vista and other browsers.

1. Clean up Internet Temp directory. In IE go to Tools->Internet Options->General Tab. Click on delete button on the history section.

2. Scan your system for Malwares/Adwares - these are like viruses, and sometime they prevent you to access some sites. Note that if you think that your licensed version of Anti-Virus already take cares of these threats, then your perception is wrong; because in my case Norton, AVG and Mcafee ; all three failed to display those threats. MalwareBytes AntiMalware was able to detect some and SuperAntiSpyware was more effective.

Just download them; they are freeware; from their websites. Just google "MalwareByte AntiMalware" and "SuperAntiSpyware " and you should be able to land on appropriate websites.

Install them and scan your system. Hope they will be able to kill all such threat, if exists.

Now, see if your system works as expected.

If not, check for the below.

- Find out if you are able to reach to the website through IP address. e.g. if you are not able to reach www.google.com, then open the below page:

http://www.kloth.net/services/nslookup.php

http://www.zoneedit.com/lookup.html

http://enc.com.au/itools/nslookup.php

I hope, you will be able to access one of these. If not try "nslookup" in any of the search engine, and you will get a list of websites for nslookup.

You will find a textbox on these website, where you can submit the website, you are trying to access; but browser not loading. e.g. in this case, I will put www.google.com. Please note that you should put only the main website address, not like www.abc.com/index.html . Just put www.abc.com

The nslookup will return you the IP address of the website. e.g. for www.google.com, you may get 74.125.53.106.

Now, go to web browser and type http://74.125.53.106

You should be able to get www.google.com. If you are able to get the blocked website by its IP address, it means that your system is either caching the website in negative DNS cache, or it is not able to use correct DNS service.

Try following:

1. Go to command prompt, by Strat->Run; type "cmd" and press enter.

Type "ipconfig /flushdns" followed by "ipconfig /registerdns".

C:\Documents and Settings\S>ipconfig /flushdns

Windows IP Configuration

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

C:\Documents and Settings\S>ipconfig /registerdns

Windows IP Configuration

Registration of the DNS resource records for all adapters of this computer has been initiated. Any errors will be reported in the Event Viewer in 15 minutes..

Now, try again. If your problem is still unresolved, try following:

Go to start-> Settings -> Control Panel. Click on network connections. Right Click on your Local Area network connection and click on properties.

Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and lick on properties button.

Check the "Use DNS server" settings. Select the radio button "Use the following DNS server entries" and enter the following IP address:

208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220

Those, who might be curious about, which IP address these are, I would like to tell that the IP addresses points to OpenDNS - resolver1.opendns.com. This is a DNS service provider organization. Please visit their website www.opendns.com for details. The above entry should work for across all the regions, so don't worry about that.

I hope, your problem should be taken care by some/all these steps.

Best of luck.

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k-Flakes # 2010-10 : Clipboard Hack Problem (Internet user security issue)

2010-06-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Clipboard Hack Problem - Shocking news about CTRL+C 

Ctrl+C may be the most important work we do everyday. But it's not a very safe thing to do. Read on to know why. What happens when you press Ctrl+C while you are online. We do copy various data by Ctrl + C for pasting elsewhere. This copied data is stored in clipboard and is accessible from the net by a combination of Javascripts and ASP. This is called clipboard hack problem. 

Just try this: 

1. Copy any text by Ctrl + C

2. Click the Link: http://www.sourcecodesworld.com/special/clipboard.asp

3. You will see the text you copied was accessed by this web page. 

Surprised! I know you are because i was also surprised to see it. Do not keep sensitive data (like passwords, credit card numbers, PIN etc.) in the clipboard while surfing the web. It is extremely easy to extract the text stored in the clipboard to steal your sensitive information. Forward this information to as many friends as you can, to save them from online frauds! 

It is true, text you last copied for pasting (copy & paste) can be stolen when you visit web sites using a combination of JavaScript and ASP (or PHP, or CGI) to write your possible sensitive data to a database on another server. 

How Cipboard Hack is done? 

The Clipboard hack is done by the following Source Code: 

How to safeguard yourself from Clipboard Hack Problem? 

To avoid clipboard hack problem, do the following: 

1. Go to internet options->security.

2. Press custom level. 

3. In the security settings, select disable under Allow paste operations via script. (Scripting sub heading)

Now the contents of your clipboard are safe. 

Interestingly, this hack works only on internet explorer, and not on Mozilla Firefox browser. Please forward this article to as many friends as you can to make them aware of this issue with CTRL+C.   

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K-Flakes # 2010-9: Approaches to interoperate java libraries with .Net application

2010-05-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

Approaches to interoperate java libraries with .Net application 

Following can  be the way to interoperate java libraries and .Net.

In-proc Approach

The In-proc  approach works by bringing together the .Net VM and Java VM into one process.  The Java procedure calls .Net procedure via common area, like shared memory or  through a communication channel. This approach is very efficient and optimized,  but very complex underneath.

1.    Dynamically  linking of Java libraries into .Net application.

IKVM.NET is an  ongoing open-source project that translates Java bytecodes to MSIL as needed at  runtime. IKVM.NET should allow any Java code to run on the .NET platform.  

-         Open source  project, available free of cost even for commercial usages (As per license  agreement)

-         The most  developed 3rd party API for Java-.Net  interoperability.

Cons:

-         We  need to test it thoroughly, as the project is still under  development.

-         While online  community support is available, there is no commercial  support.

2.    JNI.NET (http://caffeine.berlios.de/site/index.html)

-         This is also an  open source project, freely available.

-         We  can consider this one among In-proc call, as its Beta version release is more  promising than IKVM.NET.

-         Its architect  is different and less complex as compared to  IKVM.Net.

-         The beta  version was released in 2004, so need to check if it works fine with Java 5  features.

3.    CodeMesh  JuggerNet (http://www.codemesh.com/)  and JNBridge  (http://www.jnbridge.com)

This is a  commercial product with similar functionality to  JNI.NET.

Out-proc Approach

The Out-proc  approach allows two different processes talk with each other through a channel  understood by both the system. E.g. Java and .Net can communicate together using  xml messages.

1.    Webservices  

Web services  are intended to provide a standards-based mechanism for allowing cross-platform  components to interoperate. 

- Web services  are designed for loosely coupled interactions that are infrequent and  coarse-grained: therefore they're not appropriate for applications that require  frequent and fine-grained calls between Java and .NET  classes.

- If you need  to expose a rich interface for a large number of Java classes and objects, or  you need to allow the .NET client process to create Java objects through the  standard constructor (new) mechanism, Web services won't  work.

- Web services  use a SOAP-based communications mechanism that's inherently slower than  alternative binary communications mechanisms. 

- Web services  are also not well-suited for passing custom objects between Java and .NET as  parameters and return values.

RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) with CORBA

The CORBA  architecture provides us with common platform for remote procedure call between  heterogeneous systems. However the java implementation of CORBA is freely  available, very few .Net implementation are  available.

CORBA for .Net functionality is commercially available through MiddCor from MiddTec.
Remoting.Corba (http://sourceforge.net/projects/remoting-corba/) is an open source project that aims to bring CORBA to .NET. It's still in beta phase.

Using a shared database and messaging queue

This is a  workaround alternative for designing applications in .Net and Java, which works  together. On a broad level, one process put data/object into a middle layer (a  database or messaging queue); while other process consume the data and  vice-versa.

-         The approach is  one of the simplest, but may not be suitable in many  cases.

-         Requires  additional middleware system, which will incur additional  cost.

Other Approaches

Using Visual J#

-         .NET supports  development of systems using multiple languages concurrently. One way to support  Java/.NET interoperability is to translate the Java code directly into .NET's  MSIL (Microsoft Intermediate Language) rather than into Java bytecodes.  

-         Unfortunately,  J# a significant limitation: it's legally limited to the Java supported by JDK  1.1.4 plus JDK1.2's collection classes. When the Java code you need uses more  advanced features, including just about any J2EE feature such as EJBs or  servlets, J# isn't a good choice.

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We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.

2010-05-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Friends... I know this is an unusual post w.r.t the goal of this forum. But through this post, I would like to spread awareness about the current water problem across Globe, and I would term it as 'Slow-Coming Global Disaster'.

If we dont awake now, may be our next generation would find it difficult to see their next generation.

------------------------

We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one. – Jacques Cousteau

The biggest users of water on the islands are homes & tourist accommodations. Now some places in the US have no choice but to watch their water consumption because of drought. Here are some easy to follow tips to save water and money.

Kitchen Tips

1. Soak pots and pans before washing. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water.

2. Fill the basin or a pan with water to wash fruits and vegetables.

3. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator rather than running tap water until it is cool enough to drink.

4. When buying a new dishwasher, consider purchasing a water-saving model.

5. Wash only full loads in the dishwasher.

Bathroom Tips

1. Replace older, larger-use toilets with the newer ultra-low flush models.

2. Do NOT use the toilet to dispose of paper, facial tissues, or cigarettes. Take a five-minute shower.

3. Install a low-flow showerhead. It can save about half the amount of water you typically use in the shower, while still providing a refreshing, cleansing shower.

4. Turn the tap water off while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.

5. If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

Laundry Room Tips

1. When buying a new clothes washer, consider purchasing a water-saving model. New horizontal axis models can save up to 40 percent of the water used by a conventional model.

2. Wash only full loads in the clothes washer.

Outdoor Tips

1. Don't overwater your landscape. It can cause yellowing leaves or poor plant health.

2. Using a running hose to wash your car can waste about 400 litres of water. Using a bucket with a sponge plus a trigger nozzle on the hose will save you about 300 of those litres.

3. If you own a pool, be sure to use a pool cover when it's not in use. This will cut down on evaporation losses and will keep it cleaner and warmer.

Using some of these tips will surely save some water and hopefully some cash in the process.

Contents are compiled from different resources. Respective copyrights are acknowledged. 

K-Flakes 2010-8 : Understanding Finance - What is an Escrow account?

2010-03-02T03:36:00.000-08:00

Understanding Finance - What is an Escrow account?

“Escrow” is a financial asset held by a party on behalf of the other two different parties, in a transaction. The asset remains with the escrow service until the transactional obligations are fulfilled by the parties. Typically funds are kept in escrow account. Securities, funds and other assets can be held in escrow. The Escrow account providers (generally a bank) charges a commission in lieu of their services.

Example:

An escrow account can be used in the sale of a house. If there are conditions to the sale (like passing of an inspection); the buyer and seller may agree to use escrow. In this case, the buyer of the property will deposit the payment amount for the house in an escrow account held by a trusted party. This assures the seller - in the process of allowing the house to be inspected - that the buyer is capable of making payment. Once all of the conditions to the sale are satisfied, the escrow transfers the payment to the seller, and title is transferred to the buyer.

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K-Flakes # 2010-7 : Region Code Error in playing DVD/VCD: What is and how to fix?

2010-03-02T01:53:00.000-08:00

Region Code Error in playing DVD/VCD: What is and how to fix?

There have been instances when you will find ‘Region Code Error’ while attempting to play movies DVD/VCD purchased. This content here is to provide information which will help understand the problem and take action to enjoy the movies having this issue.

Every movie VCD/DVD is stored in a format, which have been adopted in the country. E.g. the movie format in a DVD/VCD purchased in India may not be compatible with the standard used in Japan. Ideally all DVD players manufactured in a country should ideally be capable of playing back the standard formats. However, some models of DVD players which are purchased abroad; or made for any other countries, may not accept the DVD formats of your country.

This is experienced through the following symptoms:

· ‘Region Code Error’ displayed on the TV screen

· ‘Cannot Play Disc’ displayed on the TV screen

· Screen goes blank.

In the event of any of the above symptoms being encountered, please do the following:

· Contact the retailer from where the player was purchased, or better still, the manufacturer. The region code can be reset through simple operations using the DVD remote.

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K-Flakes # 2010-6 : Javascript Code to determine through, if ActiveX is disabled in Internet Explorer (IE)

2010-02-18T22:39:00.001-08:00

Javascript Code to determine through, if ActiveX is disabled in Internet Explorer (IE)

It is not possible to change the security settings in IE through javascript; otherwise it will defeat its purpose to save your PC from malicious code to run. However, you can check if the ActiveX is disabled by the user through javascript and accordingly can request user to enable it first.

var objShell;
try
{
objShell = new ActiveXObject("WScript.Shell");
}
catch(e)
{
//ActiveX is disabled or not allowed on prompt.
//Display instructions requesting user to modify settings.
}

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K-Flakes # 2010-5: Tips to create a good PPT presentation (Computer based presentation)

2010-02-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

Tips to create a good computer-based presentation (like MS-Power Point presentation)

· The principle of MECE, mutually exclusive but collective exhaustive. A McKinsey concept. Ensures completeness in the message without repetition.

· Difference between a slide pack that is used to make a presentation versus a slide pack that is used as a document. The former needs to be brief and concise (Here we are concerned with the former).

· Too much text in a presentation leads the audience confused as to whether to listen to you or look at the slides.

· A picture is worth 1000 words. However 1000 pictures are worth nothing. Complicated diagrams that look like a map of London Metro can be distracting.

· Usage of bullet points with single line sentences.

· Not more than 5 bullet points per heading. 3 are ideal. In my opinion any idea illustrated by more than 5 bullet points tends to dilute it.

· The presenter should prepare his own slides just as a paratrooper should pack his own parachute.

· There are two kinds of presentation flows. Inductive and deductive. The former presents the bigger picture first and then provides the supporting details. The latter provides the details and then proceeds to deduce the conclusion. The method one deploys depends on the presenter’s thought process and the audience.

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K-Flakes # 2010-4 : Java Logger API: Creating log in custom

2010-02-02T03:21:00.000-08:00

Java Logger API: Creating log in custom format (e.g. CSV format, HTML format)

Java logger API provides built-in support to log error/warning messages. The default format of logging is “simple text format” (java.util.logging.SimpleFormatter) and “XML format” (java.util.logging.XMLFormatter).

However, the logging can be done in any format by creating custom formatter. Following are some simple step to create a custom formatter.

1. Extend the abstract class java.util.logging.Formatter and use following methods:

a)                       abstract String format(LogRecord record)

-   Abstract class, must be overridden.

-   Format the given log record and return the formatted string.

-   The java.util.logging.LogRecord object contains all the logging data; like log level, time, source class/method names, thread id/name etc.

b)                       String formatMessage(LogRecord record): Localize and format the message string from a log record.

-   Localize and format the message string from a log record. This method is provided as a convenience for Formatter subclasses to use when they are performing formatting.

-   Implementation is optional. Should be called from the “format” method.

c)                       String getHead(Handler h)

-   Return the header string for a set of formatted records.

-   The Handler object connects to the channel/stream/media; over which the log will be written.

-   Not required an explicit call. Automatically called when the handler using this formatter is created.

-   Implementation is optional. Default implementation returns empty string.

d)                       String getTail(Handler h)

-   Return the tail string for a set of formatted records.

-   The Handler object connects to the channel/stream/media; over which the log will be written.

-   Not required an explicit call. Automatically called when the handler using this formatter is closed.

-   Implementation is optional. Default implementation returns empty string.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source code example (Tested on Java 5)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

package com.gyani;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.text.SimpleDateFormat;
import java.util.Date;
import java.util.logging.FileHandler;
import java.util.logging.Formatter;
import java.util.logging.Handler;
import java.util.logging.Level;
import java.util.logging.LogRecord;
import java.util.logging.Logger;
import java.util.logging.SimpleFormatter;

//This custom formatter formats parts of a log record to a single line
class CustomHtmlFormatter extends Formatter
{
 // This method is called for every log records
 public String format(LogRecord rec)
 {
  StringBuffer buffer = new StringBuffer(1000);
  // Bold any levels >= WARNING
  buffer.append("");
  buffer.append("");

  if (rec.getLevel().intValue() >= Level.WARNING.intValue())
  {
   buffer.append("");
   buffer.append(rec.getLevel());
   buffer.append("");
  } else
  {
   buffer.append(rec.getLevel());
  }
  buffer.append("");
  buffer.append("");
  buffer.append(calcDate(rec.getMillis()));
  buffer.append(' ');
  buffer.append(formatMessage(rec));
  buffer.append('\n');
  buffer.append("");
  buffer.append("\n");
  return buffer.toString();
 }

 private String calcDate(long millisecs)
 {
  SimpleDateFormat date_format = new SimpleDateFormat("MMM dd,yyyy HH:mm");
  Date resultdate = new Date(millisecs);
  return date_format.format(resultdate);
 }

 // This method is called just after the handler using this
 // formatter is created
 public String getHead(Handler h)
 {
  return "\n\n" + (new Date()) + "\n\n\n\n"
    + "\n  "     + "
\n";  }   // This method is called just after the handler using this  // formatter is closed  public String getTail(Handler h)  {   return "
Time Log Message
\n  
\n\n";
 }
 
 public String formatMessage(LogRecord record){
     return ".......Hello Gyani....";
 }
}


class MyLogger {
 static private FileHandler fileTxt;
 static private SimpleFormatter formatterTxt;

 static private FileHandler fileHTML;
 static private Formatter formatterHTML;

 static public void setup(Logger logger) throws IOException {
  // Create Logger
  logger.setLevel(Level.INFO);
  fileTxt = new FileHandler("C:\\Gyani\\Logging.txt");
  fileHTML = new FileHandler("C:\\Gyani\\Logging.html");

  // Create txt Formatter
  formatterTxt = new SimpleFormatter();
  fileTxt.setFormatter(formatterTxt);
  logger.addHandler(fileTxt);

  // Create HTML Formatter
  formatterHTML = new CustomHtmlFormatter();
  fileHTML.setFormatter(formatterHTML);
  logger.addHandler(fileHTML);
    
 }
}

public class UseLogger {
 // Always use the classname, this way you can refactor
 private final static Logger LOGGER = Logger.getLogger(UseLogger.class
   .getName());

 public UseLogger(){
  try {
   MyLogger.setup(LOGGER);
  } catch (IOException e) {
   e.printStackTrace();
   throw new RuntimeException("Problems with creating the log files");
  }

 }
 
 public void writeLog() {
  // Set the LogLevel to Severe, only severe Messages will be written
  LOGGER.setLevel(Level.SEVERE);
  LOGGER.severe("Info Log");
  LOGGER.warning("Info Log");
  LOGGER.info("Info Log");
  LOGGER.finest("Really not important");

  // Set the LogLevel to Info, severe, warning and info will be written
  // Finest is still not written
  LOGGER.setLevel(Level.INFO);
  LOGGER.severe("Info Log");
  LOGGER.warning("Info Log");
  LOGGER.info("Info Log");
  LOGGER.finest("Really not important");
 }

 public static void main(String[] args) {
  UseLogger logger = new UseLogger();
  logger.writeLog();
 }
}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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K-Flakes # 2010-3 : Determine zone setting and restriction in Internet Explorer (IE) through programming

2010-01-17T06:19:00.000-08:00

Determine zone setting and restriction in Internet Explorer (IE) through programming

The Zone settings are saved in the registry. You can write a local program to read/write the settings from registry. The same can also be done via javascript; but for that the IE security settings should be low enough to allow you the same.

Following is the key, where setting for specific zone is saved.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\

Where is defined as

Value Setting
------------------------------
0 My Computer
1 Local Intranet Zone
2 Trusted sites Zone
3 Internet Zone
4 Restricted Sites Zone
-------------------------------

If you wish to determine, whether a particular setting is enabled or not in a zone; then you can look for the value for the following keys in the respective zone section:

Value Setting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1001 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Download signed ActiveX controls

1004 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Download unsigned ActiveX controls

1200 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins

1201 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting

1206 Miscellaneous: Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Web browser control ^

1207 Reserved #

1208 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allow previously unused ActiveX controls to run without prompt ^

1209 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allow Scriptlets

120A ActiveX controls and plug-ins: ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Override Per-Site (domain-based) ActiveX restrictions

120B ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Override Per-Site (domain-based) ActiveX restrictions

1400 Scripting: Active scripting

1402 Scripting: Scripting of Java applets

1405 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting

1406 Miscellaneous: Access data sources across domains

1407 Scripting: Allow Programmatic clipboard access

1408 Reserved #

1601 Miscellaneous: Submit non-encrypted form data

1604 Downloads: Font download

1605 Run Java #
1606 Miscellaneous: Userdata persistence ^

1607 Miscellaneous: Navigate sub-frames across different domains

1608 Miscellaneous: Allow META REFRESH * ^

1609 Miscellaneous: Display mixed content *

160A Miscellaneous: Include local directory path when uploading files to a server

1800 Miscellaneous: Installation of desktop items

1802 Miscellaneous: Drag and drop or copy and paste files

1803 Downloads: File Download ^

1804 Miscellaneous: Launching programs and files in an IFRAME

1805 Launching programs and files in webview #

1806 Miscellaneous: Launching applications and unsafe files

1807 Reserved ** #

1808 Reserved ** #

1809 Miscellaneous: Use Pop-up Blocker ** ^
180A Reserved #

180B Reserved #

180C Reserved #

180D Reserved #
1A00 User Authentication: Logon

1A02 Allow persistent cookies that are stored on your computer #

1A03 Allow per-session cookies (not stored) #

1A04 Miscellaneous: Don't prompt for client certificate selection when no certificates or only one certificate exists * ^

1A05 Allow 3rd party persistent cookies *

1A06 Allow 3rd party session cookies *

1A10 Privacy Settings *

1C00 Java permissions #

1E05 Miscellaneous: Software channel permissions

1F00 Reserved ** #

2000 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Binary and script behaviors

2001 .NET Framework-reliant components: Run components signed with Authenticode

2004 .NET Framework-reliant components: Run components not signed with Authenticode

2100 Miscellaneous: Open files based on content, not file extension ** ^

2101 Miscellaneous: Web sites in less privileged web content zone can navigate into this zone **

2102 Miscellaneous: Allow script initiated windows without size or position constraints ** ^

2103 Scripting: Allow status bar updates via script ^

2104 Miscellaneous: Allow websites to open windows without address or status bars ^

2105 Scripting: Allow websites to prompt for information using scripted windows ^

2200 Downloads: Automatic prompting for file downloads ** ^

2201 ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls ** ^

2300 Miscellaneous: Allow web pages to use restricted protocols for active content **

2301 Miscellaneous: Use Phishing Filter ^

2400 .NET Framework: XAML browser applications

2401 .NET Framework: XPS documents

2402 .NET Framework: Loose XAML

2500 Turn on Protected Mode [Vista only setting] #

2600 Enable .NET Framework setup ^

{AEBA21FA-782A-4A90-978D-B72164C80120} First Party Cookie *

{A8A88C49-5EB2-4990-A1A2-0876022C854F} Third Party Cookie *

* indicates an Internet Explorer 6 or later setting
** indicates a Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later setting
# indicates a setting that is not displayed in the user interface in Internet Explorer 7
^ indicates a setting that only has two options, enabled or disabled

Notes about 1200, 1A00, 1A10, 1E05, 1C00, and 2000

The following two registry entries affect whether you can run ActiveX controls in a particular zone:
1200 This registry entry affects whether you can run ActiveX controls or plug-ins.
2000 This registry entry controls binary behavior and script behavior for ActiveX controls or plug-ins.
Notes about 1A02, 1A03, 1A05, and 1A06

The following four registry entries take only effect if the following keys are present:
{AEBA21FA-782A-4A90-978D-B72164C80120} First Party Cookie *
{A8A88C49-5EB2-4990-A1A2-0876022C854F} Third Party Cookie *
Registry entries
1A02 Allow persistent cookies that are stored on your computer #
1A03 Allow per-session cookies (not stored) #
1A05 Allow 3rd party persistent cookies *
1A06 Allow 3rd party session cookies *
----------------------------------------

To know, complete details about zone settings and security settings in IE, please refer http://support.microsoft.com/kb/182569

Contents are compiled from different resources. Respective copyrights are acknowledged.

K-Flakes # 2010-2: MS-VISIO Viewer 2003 on Windows XP 2002 SP2 not working - Solution

2010-01-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

MS-VISIO Viewer 2003 on Windows XP 2002 SP2 not working - Solution

Recently, I faced problem with Ms-Visio viewer not working on my new system.

Symptoms: IE displays the Red X in the top left hand corner, when try to open any visio document.

I checked for the problem’s solution on Microsoft support. Following are some of the areas, which can be the issue.

1. KB973525 patch: After installing the MS-patch KB973525, Ms-visio might stop working.

Solution: Since Microsoft has stopped supporting MS-Visio 2003; the only option remains to uninstall KB973525; the functionality of Visio Viewer is returned.

2. If the above mentioned patch is not installed or uninstalling does not work; try the following

- To change local policy group: Click Start, click Run, type gpedit.msc, and then click OK.

- If you use a domain GPO to deny all add-ons in the add-on list: Click Start, click Run, type “gpmc.msc”, and then click OK.

- Right-click the domain GPO that you use to deny all add-ons in the add-on list, and then click Edit.

- Expand Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Windows Components, expand Internet Explorer, expand Security Features, and then click Add-on Management.

- In the Add-on Management pane, double-click Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on list, click Not Configured or Disabled, and then click OK.

- Click Start, click Run, type “gpupdate”, and then click OK.

3. If the step #2 still does not solve the problem, try following:

You need to delete the "Compatibility Flags" entry from the registry key [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ActiveX Compatibility\{279D6C9A-652E-4833-BEFC-312CA8887857}]

Imp Note: Please take the registry backup, just before the changes.

The above mentioned solutions are found on-trial basis. Hence, the solution is not guaranteed. It is advisable to take necessary backup before trying the solution; to prevent any loss.

Contents are compiled from different resources. Respective copyrights are acknowledged.

k-flakes # 2010-1: 4 different types of marketable US treasury securities

2010-01-06T03:21:00.000-08:00

4 different types of marketable US treasury securities

US treasury securities are one of the popular investments; which is considered a very low-risk (safe) investment. Following are the 4 types of securities currently available.

1. Treasury bills

- Short term securities with maturation less than a year.

- Sold on discount on the face value. The investor gets the face value on maturity.

- Investor's return = FACE VALUE - DISCOUNTED PRICE

2. Treasury Notes and Bonds

- Long term securities. T-Note is issued with maturation between 1-10 years. T-bond is issue for more than 10 years.

- The securities are sold on face value and interest is paid semi-annually.

- The interest amount is the return to the investors.

3. STRIPS or Zero Coupon Bonds (ZCB)

- Similar to T-Bills, sold on discount on the face value.

- Like T-notes, its maturing period is longer than T-Bills.

- This instrument is very sensitive to interest rates. As rates change, the price of a ZCB will change more than that of any other bond with similar maturity.

4. Treasury Inflation Protection Securities (TIPS)

- The interest rate paid by TIPS is not fixed. It is linked with Inflation; i.e. interest rate = "Inflation + rate".

E.g. if the inflation is 3%; then a TIPS with 2% rate will pay 5% interest.

- The rate is adjusted semi-annually according to the inflation change.

- Since the return changes with inflation, the value to the security remains stable.

Contents are compiled from different resources. Respective copyrights are acknowledged.