Random How Tos

How to jailbreak/unlock iPhone 2G/3G 3.1.3?

2010-03-15T02:45:00.006-04:00

Related questions:
How to downgrade iPhone 2G/3G firmware 3.1.3 to 3.1.2, 3.1, etc.?
How to fix after jailbreak no carrier/no signal problem?
How to jailbreak/unlock iPhone while on firmware 3.1.3?
How to downgrade your baseband?

Fact: You can't jailbreak firmware 3.1.3 yet, please stay tuned for the updates.

If you have upgraded your firmware to version 3.1.3 then you have to downgrade your firmware to an other version (like, 3.1.2, 3.1, etc.) before you could jailbreak your iPhone 2G/3G.

How to downgrade your iPhone 2G/3G?
How to downgrade iPhone 2G/3G firmware 3.1.3 to 3.1.2, 3.1, etc.?
Follow the following steps:

Step 1: Download an older release from here. I recommend 3.1 or 3.1.2.
Step 2: Connect the device to your computer and backup all your data through the latest version of iTunes (in case something goes wrong).
Step 3: Select the device on your iTunes. Then click on the Restore button while pressing the Shift (or Option) button of your computer.
Step 4: A file chooser window will pop up, select the older firmware you've downloaded (e.g., iPhone1,2_3.1.2_7D11_Restore.ipsw, iPhone1,2_3.1_7C144_Restore.ipsw, etc.). This will start restoring your firmware but, here is the sweet deal, using the older ipsw your have just selected.

Now just wait till your iTunes pops up an error message (10/15 minutes or so). Don't worry about the message, iTunes has already installed the old firmware on your device. Now your you will find that your iPhone is in "recovery mode". It's normal, don't panic.

Step 5: Download blackra1n from here, run it. This will jailbreak your iPhone (wait while blackra1n reboots your device).

If blackra1n isn't working for you (it happens, especially on windows vista and 7 x64) then right click on blackea1an, go to Properties > Compatibility. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP (Service Pack 3); and Privilege Level: Run this program as an administration. Press Apply and try running the tool again.

Wonderful! You've successfully jailbroken your iPhone 2G/3G!

However, you may find that your device can't find your carrier's signal and showing message: "NO CARRIER" or "NO SIGNAL". This is because your device is still using the new baseband for firmware 3.1.3 (ICE2- 05.12.01).

How to fix after jailbreak "NO CARRIER" problem?
How to downgrade your baseband to ICE2- 04.26.08?

Step 1: Install Cydia and sn0w using blackra1n that you've just installed on your iPhone (look above, Step-5).
Step 2: Search in cydia for fuzzyband, downlaod it and run it to downgrade your baseband to an older version (e.g., ICE2- 04.26.08).
Step 3: Go into cydia > Manage > Source and press the Edit button. An Add buttion will appear on the left top corner, press that and type repo666.ultrasn0w.com in the URL field on the pop up window. Hit Add Source. This will add repo666.ultrasn0w.com in the souces, install that.
Step 4: Reboot your device.

Done!

How to place a default avatar for those who don't have profile picture?

2010-02-15T02:18:00.002-05:00

Well, we all know how to display avatars besides Blogger comments. If not, check this out: Profile Avatars for Blogger Comments. This, however, works only for those who have profile pictures. But you may want to place a default profile picture for those who do not have one.

Just follow the instructions below:

1) Navigate to Layout>Edit HTML from your dashboard.
2) Make a back up of your template before you do any changes in the template, just in case!
3) Expand your template by checking Expand Widget Template check box.
4) Now, place the following piece of code above the line: ]]>

.avatar-image-container{background:url(YOUR DEFAULT AVATAR'S URL); width:35px;height:35px; }

.avatar-image-container img { border:none;}

5) Save your template.

Done!

For more information, read Display Avatars Besides Comments in Blogger

How to reduce the memory usage on Firefox?

2009-12-12T22:17:00.004-05:00

Or, simply put
How to make Firefox run faster?

My old workstation has 1GB of physical RAM, 4 operating systems, and did I mention that it is OLD? There's no wonder that my browser acts slow and eats up my memory. Memory leak is a known Firefox problem, but it is getting better with each new version. So, first of all, it is a cleaver idea to upgrade to the latest version.

Extensions eats up memories like crazy, so uninstall all the add-ons or themes that you do not use.

Disable "Remember search and form history" from Tools > Options > Privacy tab.

Now let's get to the business:

Open Firefox and type about:config in the address bar.
Search for browser.cache.memory.enable, and set value true by double clicking.
Create a new integer value browser.cache.memory.capacity by right-clicking on the browser, selecting New > Integer from the pop-up; then set the memory value cache depending on your RAM size (check this link to get yours).
Create a new integer value config.trim_on_minimize by right-clicking on the browser, selecting New > Integer from the pop-up; then set value true.

Restart the browser, and you are done!
Hopefully, you will find your browser comparatively faster.

Fore more detailed tutorials visit Zolved Community Solution, The Hidden Guide, or MozillaZine.

How to minimize Windows Live Messenger to system tray?

2009-11-24T21:03:00.004-05:00

You might have noticed that your Windows Live Messenger icon stays in the Taskbar in Windows 7. I find it rather irritating. If you feel the same way, and want your Live Messenger icon in the System Tray, like it used to be before, this is how you do it:

Close Windows Live Messenger.
Go to Start > All Programs > Windows Live, right-click on Windows Live Messenger and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab, check Run the program in compatibility mode and select Windows Vista, click OK.

Done!

iPhone jailbreak, unlock, and application (Skype, AOL Radio, Kindle) how tos [Canada special]

2009-09-05T03:25:00.015-04:00

How to jailbreak iPhone 3G?

Windows OS: Step-by-step tutorial via iPhoneHacks.com
Mac OS: Step-by-step tutorial via iPhoneHacks.com

How to jailbreak iPhone 3GS (Windows)?

Windows OS: Step-by-step tutorial via iPhoneHacks.com
Mac OS: Step-by-step tutorial via iPhoneHacks.com

Note: The above mentioned ways will unlock your iPhone too. Read the linked tutorials for more information.

How to get a free (no credit card information required) iTunes account for any country (go for USA, if you want to use applications like Skype, AOL Radio, or Amazon’s Kindle)?
Step-by-step tutorial via TechWiredAU.com

How to install Skype, AOL Radio, and other blocked applications from Canada?

At first get a US account (step-by-step tutorial);
Then search for Skype, AOL Radio, etc. download, and Sync.

Done!

Note: This won't destroy your existing installed apps.

How to use Skype over 3G data network?

At first jailbreak your iPhone (step-by-step tutorial);
Then install a small app called VoIPOver3G (you will find it in Cydia).

Done!

Note: This application enables jailbroken phones to use VoIP apps over a 3G network. The VoipOver3G app installs and runs transparently and once done will allow all VoIP apps - not just Skype for iPhone - to work over Rogers or AT&T's 3G network. [Source]

How to download books to Kindle iPhone App in Canada?
Step-by-step tutorial via iPhoneInCanada.ca

Enjoy! :)

How to drain iPhone (3G/3GS) battery?

2009-08-22T00:08:00.008-04:00

Tips on draining iPhone battery in minimum amount of time. All you have to do:

Turn on 3G.
Turn on Bluetooth and connect to a headset.
Turn Wi-Fi and "Ask to Join Networks" on.
Play music through built-in speaker.
Open Maps, and use the "Locate Me" feature using GPS. Leave the iPhone using that apps.
Turn screen brightness to maximum.
Set the iPhone not to lock.
Set the email/calender/similar application to push and minimum of 15 minute interval.
Turn anything else you can find on.

Most likely the battery will drain within 90 minutes or less.

If you don't want to drain your battery then simply avoid doing the stuffs listed above ;)

Originally posted by blogger 37prime [Source]

Another important post:

How to solve iPhone battery drain, apps crash, and slow response?
OS3.0 Update Problems.
by Anurag Bansal

Awesome blog.
I followed his instructions and that solved my problem.

How to fix iPhone headset microphone and buttons?

2009-06-22T04:24:00.004-04:00

If all of a sudden your iPhone headset stops working and every logical attempt of fixing it fails then (as weird as it may seem) the problem might be a chunk of innocent looking "lint!"

No, I am not kidding!

My headset was giving me headaches, I tried hell lotta things before I found this blog and this thread. Do whatever they say and it might magically start working again.

If it doesn't then the Apple Support lines are open 24/7 :)

How to change/create php.ini, .htaccess files?

2009-06-16T05:17:00.006-04:00

If your site is hosted on GoDaddy.com and you want to change the PHP config settings then don't try to bypass settings with a .htaccess file. It will give you a 500 error [source]. Instead go to the root directory and you will find ini.php file, change the settings there.

Let's say you want to increase upload size in your php.ini, then simply copy-paste the following code at the bottom of the code:

upload_max_filesize = 10M ;
post_max_size = 20M ;

Done!

By the way, the php.ini is for configuring PHP 4. To configure PHP 5 you need to upload a php5.ini file [source].

Supplementary:

- Why .htaccess shows 500 error? [Read]
- Beginners guide to .htaccess file with examples [Read]
- .htaccess Apache how-to [Read]
- A simple guide to .htaccess [Read]
- Uploading large/big files in PHP using .htaccess [Read]

How to start Windows XP in safe mode?

2009-04-06T23:59:00.002-04:00

1. Restart your computer.
2. When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows XP Advanced Options menu.
3. Select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
4. Then press enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.
5. Do whatever tasks you require and when you are done reboot to boot back into normal mode.

[For more information: bleepingcomputer.com]

Windows: A few Windows process information

2009-03-07T20:07:00.010-05:00

smss.exe : Microsoft Windows OS process called the Session Manager Subsystem; it is responsible for handling sessions on your system.
unsecapp.exe : Microsoft Windows server process; it offers support towards compatibility issues.
rtvscan.exe : Symantec Internet Security Suite's real-time scanning feature; it is responsible for detecting malicious code embedded on possible viruses and other malware processes.
msmpeng.exe : Microsoft Windows Defender's process; it performs spyware scanning procedures.
ccc.exe : Catalyst Control Centre by host application from ATI Technologies Inc.

Thunderbird: How to start my reply before the quote?

2009-01-14T16:59:00.005-05:00

Go to Account Settings -> Composition & Addressing.

Instead of start my reply below the quote, choose start my reply above the quote.

Done!

Ubuntu: How to free up space (disk cleanup for Ubuntu)?

2008-11-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

To check disk usage open a terminal and type:

$ df -k

The output will show all of the partitions and the current disk usage. The "-k" says to show sizes in terms of 1K blocks, so that a result such as 517400 is approximately 500 MB.

Try the following commands to free up disk:

$ sudo aptitude clean
$ sudo aptitude autoclean
$ sudo aptitude autoremove
$ sudo apt-get autoremove

Ubuntu: How to install fonts?

2008-11-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

How to install some common fonts?

There are a number of very common fonts, which can be installed through APT/Synaptic, including the Microsoft TrueType core fonts (e.g. Arial Black, Times New Roman).

Before installing, make sure the extra repositories are enabled.
Then in the terminal window, type:

# sudo apt-get install msttcorefonts texlive-fonts-extra

How to install other fonts for a single user?

You can also use many other fonts, like those downloaded from dafont.com. There are two options when installing: one to install them for a Single User, this means that only this user can use them, or installing them for System Wide use, so that every user on the system can use the fonts.

Create ~/.fonts directory:

$ mkdir ~/.fonts

Copy the font files to the .font directory:

$ cp *.ttf ~/.fonts
$ cp *.TTF ~/.fonts

Now we need tell the system about the new fonts:

$ fc-cache -f -v ~/.fonts

How to install other fonts for system wide use?

Move the fonts to the font directory:

$ sudo cp *.ttf /usr/local/share/fonts/
$ sudo cp *.TTF /usr/local/share/fonts/

Run the following command to rebuild the font cache:

$ sudo fc-cache -f -v

Done!

Original post at GeekyBits³

Ubuntu: How to type Bengali / Bangla?

2008-11-15T02:43:00.000-05:00

You can use scim to type Bangla in Probhat or Inscript layout, they all come with latest distro of Ubuntu (7.04).

In the terminal window, type:

$ sudo gedit /etc/X11/Xsession.d/90im-switch

Now type and save the following lines in gedit:

$ export XMODIFIERS="@im=SCIM"
$ export XIM_PROGRAM="scim -d"
$ export GTK_IM_MODULE="scim"
$ export QT_IM_MODULE="scim"

Press Ctrl+Alt+Backspace, login again. Now you can see a keyboard icon in the system tray, click on it, select Bangla from the menu.

Press Ctrl+Space to switch between Bangla and English.

Original post at OmicronLab community

OR try THIS.

Ubuntu: How to make broadcom wireless cards work?

2008-11-13T02:43:00.000-05:00

Took me a long time to figure this out. Apparently the procedure varies depending on the card's chipset. I have Acer Aspire 3000, Ubuntu 8.10 and Broadcom Corporation BCM4306 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Controller (rev 02). Try out the following tutorials:

Broadcom Wireless cards without Ndiswrapper for Dapper and Edgy (Main post | Reply | download Airport Extreme firmware wl_apsta.o).
Broadcom Wireless Firmware (works on Ubuntu and other operating systems).

...worked out fine for me.

iPhone: How to turn off or restart?

2008-08-17T19:11:00.000-04:00

The iPhone goes to sleep by default after it’s been inactive for a certain period of time. But what if you want to actually turn off the iPhone, not just let it sleep? Or what if you want to restart it?

To do either, start by holding down the sleep/wake button at the top right-hand corner of the iPhone for a few seconds.

This will bring up a screen asking you to run the slider across the screen to turn the phone off. If you don’t want to do this, just hit the cancel button at the bottom of the screen.

When you slide the slider to the right, a progress wheel will appear and in a second or two, the iPhone will be off.

To turn it back on again, just hold down the sleep/wake button again until the Apple icon appears on the screen and then wait for the phone to start up.

Original Article By Sam Costello, About.com

Firefox: How to open search results in new tab?

2008-08-15T06:13:00.000-04:00

Three easy steps:

Step-1: In Firefox URL box type: about:config
Step-2: In the filter box, paste this text: browser.search.openintab
Step-3: Double-click on the value to make it "true" from "false"

Done!

How to play Sudoku?

2008-07-31T18:21:00.000-04:00

Sudoku is played over a 9x9 grid, divided to 3x3 sub grids called "regions".

Sudoku begins with some of the grid cells already filled with numbers:

The object of Sudoku is to fill the other empty cells with numbers between 1 and 9 (1 number only in each cell) according the following guidelines:

1) Number can appear only once on each row:

2) Number can appear only once on each column:

3) Number can appear only once on each region:

A summary of these guidelines would be, that a number should appear only once on each row, column and a region.

Source: www.sudoku.name