Aroshan's Tech Buzz

Don't get too much excited. Read the questions properly and understand the ask. Maybe the answer is there in the question itself. If you're not sure on a question don't spend too much time reviewing. Flag it and move along. Come back when you're finished with others.

Good luck!

Rack end, tie rod and minor repairs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 08:47:00 +0000

My HT51S had this alignment issue, rattle noises and uneven ware of tires for some time. So it's the time to change some parts and fix them. After some inspection it seems both rack end and tie rod needs to be changed.

Shock absober mounts were also needed to replace.

And the axle boot was damaged so replaced that also.

There was an oil leak from tappet cover gasket. Replaced that with genuine tappet cover. (As advised by the agents gasket maker was not used.)

Just before fixing the gasket, a view of the engine.

And finally new wipers for clear looks. : )

That's all for now. See ya.

ATF change

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 03:48:00 +0000

It’s time to change ATF on my HT51S. Usually agents recommend to change after 40,000 kilometers. I don’t have any idea when was the previous change. So for the safe side lets do it.

Process was straightforward. First need to drain existing ATF inside. Used manual method as it was recommended by most. Once the drain comes to a stop, refill the transmission with new ATF. BG ATF (compatible to ATF 3317) 2 liters was poured in and run the engine for around 5 minutes. New ATF will circulate inside the transmission and helps to remove what was left over in the drain process, including ATF inside converter which wont get removed in normal drain. Again let the ATF drain and remove the sump cover. This is a crucial step and you’ll know why from below.

One the sump was removed we can see a metal filter inside. Need to clean that also, so go ahead and remove that. Once sump and filter are removed need to clean them thoroughly using petrol. Below is how the transmission system looks like after removing above components.

There are two magnets attached to the sump, to collect metal residue inside the transmission system. It will be full of residue when cleaning period comes. That too needs to be cleaned. Once the metal filter is cleaned, fix it and place the two magnets on the sump. Use a gasket maker (used ABRO) and seal the sump cover and and secure with nuts.

Time to refill. It will require around 4 liters of BG ATF. Pour it and check the levels with dip stick. You wont get an exact reading until the engine start running. BG conditioner was added to the ATF to smooth the operation.

Once the ATF filled to a satisfying amount start the engine and refill to the correct level using dip stick. Let the engine run few minutes, check the ATF level and refill as required.

That’s how ATF was changed. Check the level after a day or two to make sure the level aren't changed.

How to enable Hyper-V on a VM running on VMware Player

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 10:49:00 +0000

Shut down the virtual machine.

Enable VT-x/EPT in your virtual machine.

Modify the vmx file associated with the virtual machine. (Should be inside VM folder.) Add the following lines to the end of the VMX file.

hypervisor.cpuid.v0 = “FALSE”
mce.enable = “TRUE”

Power up the virtual machine.

Enable remote management on a Server Core installation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 09:39:00 +0000

Open a Command Prompt and run below commands. It will enable emote management.

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)" new enable=yes

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="remote event log management" new enable=yes

Swift HT51S Service

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 03:50:00 +0000

So the Swift went for a service. 85K+ on the reading time to fresh up with new oil and filters. First with engine oil. Drained existing oil and top up with Mobil Super 1000. Why chosen a multigrade? Simply because I wanted to change oil after another 5K which if I chosen full synthetic need to wait till 10K line. Whole 4L put in to the engine.

Next for filters. Chosen VIC as it was recommended by most as well as the service center guys.

In HT51S it seems the fuel filter is inside fuel tank and can’t replace the unit only. Need to check with agents and get it changed. After that went for brake pad check. It seems there’s a little stiffness in rear right wheel. Need to take to a garage and get it checked.

As there’s no any serious issue at the moment went to garage to check the rear wheel. It seems the razor is not functioning properly and need to replace. So bought a NSK razor and got it fixed from ‘pattalaya’. The handbrake liner was also little stiff. Cleaned that also with oil and fixed. Took a little time as we can’t use petrol to speed up the process as it damage protective plastic cover.

Coolant level was little low. So top up it with a mixable coolant. (If we have existing coolant or water we can’t use coolant that can’t mix and use.) After that cleaned the air filter duct using ABRO Carb and Choke cleaner. After everything is done went for a test run. Wow it feels more power added to engine now.

That’s it for now. Need to replace front shocks on next free time. Will post the details them. See ya.

the OtterBox story….

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 04:15:00 +0000

Once you get a new gadget you need to protect it (at least for a couple of months). :) That’s why when I got my Galaxy S3 LTE (GT-I9305) I ordered this nifty hard cover OtterBox Defender series for Galaxy S3.

It has a screen protector, polycarbonate inner layer and a silicone outer layer. (Need to mention 4th element the belt-clip holster / stand which I wont use.) So why this particular case? Simple it provides protection against drops, bumps and shocks which happens frequently and my old mobile knows about them. Also it’s inner layer covers USB and earphone ports and prevents getting dust inside. Below is some shots taken before fixing the cover.

Once the cover been fixed (took around 2-3 minutes, depends on how well you can understand graphic illustrations) side by side with big brother S4 in Commuter series cover.

Here’s the back side view of them both.

Not forgetting my old partner in crime the ACE.

That’s all for now. Need to play with the gadget and see how well it can take my cruelty. :) Will update the results soon.

New SUNshine @ UML

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:18:00 +0000

Unboxing of newly arrived Sun Spark T4-1, T4-2 servers and StorageTek tape drive.

Windows 8 and 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:05:00 +0000

Ok I was little late this time. But testing is going on. And the results will be posted pretty soon.

Office 2013 hands on

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:49:00 +0000

This is the hands on review on Office 2013. Testes is Professional Plus preview version with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, InfoPath, Lync, One Note and Publisher. installation is the same as Office 2010 with only graphical interface changes which is now more boring.

Installation didn’t take much time (which is an upgrade to my 2010) and everything went smoothly without any issue. Start menu entries are also same as before.

Don’t laugh now. As everybody does me also try Word as soon as I install any Office version. Logo is pretty much boring but I felt that it loaded pretty much faster than 2010.

On the first run you’ll be prompted about the new changes done in the package. There’re further option where you can learn more about it, which I skipped just to take a look at new interface.

Another important thing which I can’t skip and go is 2013 version is mainly targeted d at online collaboration. Using a Live ID and Office 2013, you can work on the same document from anywhere in the world. Microsoft was kind enough to add SkyDrive integration to the maximum level which provides far more benefits and flexibility.

Here comes the application. Wait… what??? Is this for real what I’m seeing? Is this Office 2003 installation relabeled as 2013? Nope you’re wrong. This is 2013 alright with new interface and flatter buttons. Why? because Windows 8 support (and recommends) touch screens and this is it’s companion. Remember Metro style? But we don’t need to worry about that too much because layout is pretty much the same (or I couldn’t find any differences yet) so virtually no learning curve at all.

Ok for Outlook there’re some changes in layout but is very easy to find and get used to.

Didn’t tested PowerPoint and Excel much but at a glance they’re pretty much the same.

I’m not a fan of Access but it’s there and that’s it.

All the icons are changed to match the new Metro style.

That’s it for now. I’ll update the post once I get more hands on the application.

Windows 7–Increase shared folder access speed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:20:00 +0000

Open a CMD and type below.

netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled

netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled

Reboot the system. This will significantly increase the shared folder access speed in Windows 7 client PCs.

Device of the day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:05:00 +0000

Windows 8 Consumer Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Challenges in mobile computing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:49:00 +0000

Web 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:54:00 +0000

X’mas Gadgets!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:36:00 +0000

Hey guys, it’s been a while since my last post. I’m really sorry for not updating the blog that much now. I’m wondering why is that… Anyway lets start this week’s post.

B&W 800 Diamond, for serious listeners.

Zumba Fitness 2, newest addition to Wii that’s really do exercise you.

textpanda.com, one cool site for all the lazy guys out there which turns LOL or BRB to the full sentence automatically.

Hoverwing, coolest vehicle ever.

Sony VPL HW39es 3D projector, this do 3D for real.

LG mj3281BCS light-wave oven, with AI for cooking.

iBallz Black, to those who drops things.

So that’s it for this week. C ya soon…

Gadgets–November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Samsung UE55D800 super slim 3D ready LED TV.
Russell Hobbs Classic toaster for the perfect crisp.

F8 UAV octocopter. Great stability and fun.

Wacom Cintiq 21ux drawing pad. Detects movement and pressure of the pen giving you greater flexibility.

Pentax Optio WG-1. Rugged and great quality.

Petsafe 5 meal automatic pet feeder.

Dyson Groom tool.

Polaroid GL10 portable instant printer.

Sennheiser MM550. Great quality sound plus noise cancellation.

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama, better than Yamaha YPS.

Remote controlled rat, wicked.

Server 2008 R2 and Exchange 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:08:00 +0000

A little update. As you’ll notice dynamic views are no more at my blog. Why? Simply because it didn’t rendered the pages correctly and had some issue in even loading the pages on some out-dated browsers. So for the moment back to classic themes for web as well as mobile version.

Recently I’ve been to a new features introduction session at Microsoft Sri Lanka on Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010. Below are the new key features of each.

Server 2008 R2

AD Recycle Bin, gives you the ability to recover a deleted item (user, computer, etc.) upto 180 days without the need to restore a backup.

DCpromo advanced options, adding root/forest structure has been easier than anytime before.

CORE-only installation, 2008 R2 can install without GUI for added protection.

Rights management Services (RMS), increased protection for documents and emails.

Delete protection for AD objects, once define at the time of creation, those item wont get deleted by mistake. (If you want to delete the same, you have to go to options and remove the delete-lock option.)

Attribute Edit, a GUI tool for ADSIEdit.

Read-Only Domain Controllers, new and improved secondary-DC which eases management of off-site servers pretty much safer and easier.

Restartable Directory Services, if you restart the DC services, DHCP services still serve the clients.

Administrative Center, central dashboard to perform all the action and monitor the services and all. Provide easy access to more common actions like reset passwords/unlock accounts, etc.

AD Snapshots, can restore a snapshot of another DC to live system without even stopping the services.

Exchange 2010

Automatic replicate of mailboxes (databases) to other servers provide increased failover.

Very lower IOPS, able to use low cost high capacity disks.

Data Availability Group (DAG), provide increased failover.

Ability to move mailboxes while users work on them, helps perform maintenance during working hours.

User self-service option, can assign tasks like update company address book to HR division, etc.

Text preview of voice-mail messages.

Personal mail archiving feature.

Search for a particular mail on all users, very use for compliance department tasks, etc.

Office 365, Microsoft manages the backend while company can rest.

So final conclusion. Should you make the move? It’s highly dependent. If you’re on Server 2003 and if you want all the nice new features, you should definitely move to Server 2008. But for Exchange, if you’re on 2007 there’s really no major reason why you should move to 2010. But then again it’s your decision. What about me? I’ll go for both.

If you want to try out these features without even installing them visit TechNet Exchange 2010 virtual labs.

Big thank goes out to Chandima and Jude for the nice introductory and feature comparison session. So that’s it for now. See you guys soon. Bye.

Dynamic Views and more

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Yes, as you already knows Aroshan’s Tech Buzz (previously known as skaf’s World) is now fully powered by Dynamic Views. Needless to say to get the full features you must have a HTML5 capable modern browser.
Ok lets start with some auto news. Top Gear USA extended it’s 2nd season due to popular demand.

Next-gen Ford Fusion.

Amazon Silk? Don’t worry yet cause it’s the newest web browser on the block, which will come with Amazon tablet-PC.

And don’t forget super-slim Kindle too.

Some creative ways you can use FB Timeline design.

Google Maps launches helicopter-view of your route.

Hardcore Harry Potter.

Fusion F2QR, best in portable RAID system now comes with two 2.5-inch 1TB hard drives, eSATA, Firewire 400, Firewire 800 and USB 2.0, built-in RAID controller, aluminum case and fanless design.

It’s rumored that the new OS Nokia is being developing for low-end models (codenamed "Meltemi") will replace Symbian OS soon.
PSP Vita will have a maximum data transfer of 20mbps over 3G connections.
Samsung releases 1.5GHz Exynos processor.

Thrustmaster's Ferrari F1 Wheel.

Around 3,000 Google Chrome users couldn't access or even find their browsers last Friday, thanks to a bug in Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) antivirus that tagged Google Chrome as a piece of malware.
A security flaw discovered in AT&T's Galaxy S II lock screen where you can bypass either pattern or number lock by simply waiting till screen go blank. Both AT&T and Samsung have acknowledge the issue and they’re working for a fix.
Samsung Nexus Prime will be the first Android 4.0 ICS powered smartphone.
As you guys already knows Yahoo is a part of Alibaba.

Gadgets, September 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:13:00 +0000

Some RC vehicles first.

Traxxas E-Revo. Capable of reaching a speed of 65mph!!!

Neon Blaze v3. Good speeds and precious maneuver.

Traxxas Spartan. It’s all about speed.

Dyson DC34 “Animal”. This is an all-rounder portable vacuum.

Sony HDR TD10E. 3D camcorder.

Berghaus Freeflow 25+5. Ok this is a backpack, but with many features you never expect to find.

Xcel Infiniti Dry Lock (full suit). No introduction need here.

Acco Rexel Pro Style shredder. Don’t insert you finger, that’s all.

Kaspersky 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:41:00 +0000

One year back when I was doing the review for the KIS 2011 version, there were something to talk about on new features like safe run for applications, advanced parent control and very low resource usage. How about the new kid on the block. Lets find out.

Nothing new about the installation, quick and easy and finishes within a minute. Then comes the wow factor, interface has been revamped!!!

Boy I’m gonna love the new simplified home screen. Its eye candy. This is a major overhaul after many version. Seems everybody loves mobile-style scrolling toolbars.

Once you maximize the toolbar you can see all the tools in icons which are very easy to navigate.

Access and usability of Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) has been improvised. Kaspersky community plays a huge role in identifying new malwares and share them to labs for quicker remedies. Also URL advisor takes advantage of KSN on rating sites you visits and warn you on suspicious websites. (This feature needs to enable as a option.)

Ok, I agree that nobody will care about virus scan test results published by skaf Labs. But here it’s. KIS 2012 performed well in file antivirus as well in web guard. Frankly I didn't feel much different in this area over previous release. Scan was quick and valid.

Desktop gadget is also the same with a little costume change which provide basic functionality and quick overview of system and AV status.

Social network monitoring didn’t work as it intended to be. And as per major AV test resources Kaspersky didn’t performed much in threat detection and removal till yet. Last year too 2011 version first releases had some bugs, which were resolved in later releases. Hope that will be the case for this too.

Good firewall and fairly good detection rate will be the reason that I’ll be using KIS for this year. Does this means I will be running some other AV by 2013, hmmm lets wait and see.

Web

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 13:53:00 +0000

Here’re some useful sites that I think will be useful for many.

Android Forums, this is one cool site and you’ll love it if you’re an Android user. It’s serve the purpose better than XDA Developers because this is a dedicated site for droids.

http://androidforums.com/

prey, lets you track your stolen notebook or mobile. “Prey lets you keep track of your phone or laptop at all times, and will help you find it if it ever gets lost or stolen. It's lightweight, open source software, and free for anyone to use. And it just works.”

http://preyproject.com/

Lookout, is specialized on mobile security for smartphones.

https://www.mylookout.com/

Spotify, is a free music service where you’ll get access to over 13 million songs.

http://www.spotify.com/int/

Cleverbot, as it’s name suggest an AI web application that learns how to mimic human conversations by communicating with humans.

http://cleverbot.com/

Or if if you want a person up close meet Evie.

http://www.existor.com/

Google App Inventor, for those who into developing Android apps.

http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/about/

Google+

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:01:00 +0000

What’s happening out there? Google+ was keeping me busy for a while, anyway this will be my first post featured in G+ too.

Microsoft is now claiming Windows XP really will die in 2014.

Hahaha this is epic.

Samsung’s first solar powered netbook.

AT&T launches Sony Ericsson Xperia Play with Gingerbread and blue color option.

New Android Market app will feature easy navigation to books and movies too. And now it looks like a Windows Phone app.

Samsung handset for Windows Phone 7 Mango is having a front facing camera, which was as promised in Mango update.

From version 7 Firefox sync will work effortlessly like Chrome already doing now.

Facebook mobile app is now available for almost all the mobiles (with Java) enabling more crowd to enjoy FB on the move.

Apple TV will get Bluetooth support and apps with iOS 5 update. (Still a rumor at this stage.)

DARwin team’s CHARLI-2 humanoids make history at RoboCup 2011 by becoming first USA team to win the challenge.

HP TouchPad 4G coming to AT&T this summer with 1.5GHz CPU and HSPA+. Sorry folks no LTE.

New Apple MacBook Air will feature backlit keyboard.

Panasonic’s first e-reader tablet powered by Android.

Android 3.2 for tablets released. Although it’s a minor update, worth to get it.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray spy shots.

BlackBerry Touch Monza spy shot.

Google’s (proposed) eBook reader.

This is what we called true hardware encryption. Cryptex flash drive uses combination lock sleeve.

A recent survey found that one third of iPhone users think they already have 4G. Stupidity at best. Apple.

Google Maps misidentified a New Jersey woman's driveway as the entrance of a nearby state park, sending dozens of misguided visitors to her home for the last three years.

Like Google's Gmail, Google Voice now has a spam filter - theoretically automatically blocking every call, voice mail, and text from telemarketers to a user's phone.

Razer Chimaera wireless headset.

2012 Mercedes Benz M-Class.

Me & my Droid

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Lot of guys asked about this review (mostly about battery life) and I know they’re waiting. So here we go about initial-charge performance of the battery.

Day 1

Played with the device. Still trying to figure out how to get things done. External speaker is way out of preferred levels. Screen quality is acceptable but it could be better. But can’t complain considering the price limit.

Day 2

As one guy posted on a forum, charged the battery for 12 hours. Seems he was right. Charger and battery was considerably warm after 6 hours and still not that cool after 12 hours. Samsung, there’s something fishy going on with your batteries. Turned off 3G, Wi-Fi and sync. Device is running on 2G now. I wanted to check the devices performance without battery draining activities.

Day 3

After few call and SMS battery is at 90% and started playing again with setting up account and synchronization. After 2 hours play battery is still around 70% range. Now the device is customized to a certain level (wallpaper, ringtone, account, apps, etc.) and left idle. Still no hardcore activities. Needed to check battery levels on normal usage. (Unplug counter reset once plugged into USB, but I assure it was only for around 2 minutes.)

Day 4

Battery was at 52% range. Made couple of calls and received few alerts and messages. At the day end it’s around 40%.

Day 5

Started the day around 35%. Made few calls and messages. Few colleagues played with the device looking at various functions. At the end of day battery is around 15%. Now it says ‘Connect your charger’. I’m going to drain the leftover by listening to music. My in depth review will start from tomorrow. Will catch up later, bye.