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   Welcome to ShajiJohn.com, Home for Tech, Talk, Fun and more. Lots of the stuff in the world is free, so I am in an effort to put some of these things together out here.
 
 

Articles:

- Free calls to and from US

- Flashing WRT54G v8 router with DD-WRT v24

- You can help save the planet too

- Free Calls to India

- Free File Storage Hosting Sites

- Open DNS the Free DNS

- Q&A Sites

- 7 Lessons from the worlds greatest minds

- Simple and Free Screen recording software

- Configuring samba for ubuntu

- Free Alternatives to Adobe Create Suite 3

 

Lots more topics in the Archives and Shop at the Gadget Store and Get better discounts.

 

 

 Featured Video:

"Karma: Earth day Song" 

 
 
 
 
  

 

Solved: Windows 7 Unidentified Network after Reboot Issue 

 

    

      I just faced this issue with one of my friends Windows 7 computers. Here is the best solution.

 

Go to run -> msconfig.exe

In the services Tab, find ##Id_string1.6844 and Uncheck it. (In some systems disable Bonjour Service)

Apply Changes and restart, and you should be fine.

 

##Id_string1.6844 seems to be a Apple iTunes Network service from what I could find about it online. So far I don't know collateral damage due to disabling this service, but seems to solve the connection issue. I also happened to read that http://support.apple.com/kb/DL999 has an updated version of Bonjour, in case you need it.

 

 

 

  Sipsorcery, Sipgate and Google Voice along with Gizmo5 for free Incoming and Outgoing Calls

 

 

           This is a great idea for getting your own landline voip phone with free incoming and outgoing calls within US. Here is a summary of what you need to do:

 

Things you need:

1. SIP ATA devie like a PAP2 NA or a SPA3102 along with ethernet cables  (all available at about $30-$70). Or a software SIP Client like Xlite.

2. A normal phone and relevant phone cables if your using a SIP ATA device.

3. A system to do the one time configuration.

 

Summary of accounts you need:

1. Create an account in www.sipcorcery.com

2. Create an account in http:://voice.google.com (currently availble with invites only but will be free soon)

3. Create an account in www.gizmo5.com (not required any more)

4. Create an account in www.sipgate.com and get your free incoming US number. (well you can create as many accounts as numbers you want.

 

Summary of Configuration:

1. Onces you have your googlevoice, sipgate accounts, set it up in www.sipsorcery.com (need details contact me or wait till I put it up).

2. Connect your system to your SPA and after basic configuration, use the admin page to connect to the ATA device and configure it to communicate with www.sipsorcery.com. (again ask me for details) (Make sure you have NAT enabled and Nat Keepalive yes)

3. Connect your phone to the ATA device.

4. Now the final part for the free outgoing call, is the script in the dial plan of sipsorcery, which is

 

Sipsorcery Configuration:

1. Create account using the "Create new Account" link on the home page.

2. Once you login you will see Username, Domain, Password, Owner etc, this is the account information you configure in your sip client. You will need to come back here to choose the dial out plan once your have the below dial out script updated.

3. Go to SIP Providers Link and update all the required information which you gathered from SIP Gate account. You can put as many entries as you want like for multiple incoming numbers.

4. Now go the Dial Plans link Click on the Add button and Give a name for the dial plan and copy paste the below dial out script into the text area.

5. Click on Add and your done with the dial out script.

6. Now go back to the SIP Accounts link and choose the first row entry which you have and from the Dial Out Plan pull down menu choose the name of the dial out plan you created in the above step.

7. Now configure your SIP Client e.g. Xlite or ATA device with the SIP sorcery user name password and SIP details and your all set.

 

sys.GoogleVoiceCall("GVUSER_NAME","GVpassword","SI PGATENumber","#{req.URI.User}","GOOGLEVOICENUMBER" )

 

Now this will work in most cases but you will have to hang up the phone and wait for googlevoice to call you back for the outgoing call you want to make. This is where Gizmo5 comes in.

 

sys.GoogleVoiceCall("GVUSER_NAME","GVpassword","Gizmo5 Number","#{req.URI.User}","GOOGLEVOICENUMBER" )

 

Since Gizmo5 is not available, trying using the following script:

 

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

Area = '408'

# Google Voice accounts: login, password, callback number, match, phone type, callback tmo

GVaccounts = [
   ['email@gmail.com','password','Gizmo Number','.*',7,15],
   ['email@gmail.com','password','sipgate Number','.*',10],
]

def gvcall(num,acnt)
  a = GVaccounts[acnt % GVaccounts.length]           # fetch params
  sys.GoogleVoiceCall(*((a[0,3] << num) + a[3,10]))  # insert number as 4th param
end

begin
    sys.Log("** Call from #{req.Header.From.to_s} to #{req.URI.User} **")

  if sys.Out    # if outbound call
    num = req.URI.User.to_s       # Get a string copy of the number to dial

    case num
      when /^[2-9]\d{6}$/         # Local call, 7-digit number
        num = '1'+ Area + num     # prefix it with country and area code
      when /^[01]?([2-9]\d{9})/   # US number with or without "1" country code
        num = '1' + $1            # add country code and truncate number to 10-digit
      else sys.Respond(603,'Wrong number, check & dial again')
    end

    sys.Log("Calling #{num} via Google Voice")
    r = Time.now.to_i
    2.times { |x| gvcall num,r+x }

  else          # sys.Out
    sys.Dial("
#{sys.Username}@local")
  end

rescue
  sys.Log("** Error: " + $!) unless $!.to_s =~ /Thread was being aborted./
end

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

 

Some explanation about the script:

 

    Area is your local area code, so to make local calls you need not dial the full number, only rest of the 7 digits is needed. For all other calls to US, use 1 followed by the number. You can make more changes to make international calls using your google voice account. Please update the script with email@gmail.com, password, SIPgate number etc.

 

You can trace how the call is being made and where if any error occurs, using the console in sipsorcery.

 

Now you should be all done. (Feel free to contact me for more details.)

 

Note: I have been getting feedback that users without Gizmo5 are having issues to have a complete system without having to hang up and wait for the callback from GV. I will be updating more scripts with solutions soon.

 

 

   Flashing WRT64G v8 router with DD-WRT v24

 

 

 

            So you want to let go of the boring Linksys interface for your WRT54G and expand its possibilities? Then this is a good place to start. Make sure you have the right version of the WRT54G which in this case, is v8. You can of course find more details on the dd-wrt site. Please be warned that there is a chance that flashing can mess up your router and render it useless, so please continue at your own risk.

 

The Preparation

1.  Download vxworkskillerGv8-v3.bin

2.  Download the flash file dd-wrt.v24_micro_generic.bin

3.  Save the above in to a folder in C: drive

4.  Make sure you have tftp working in your XP or vista system. (type tftp in command prompt and you should have the tftp options listed)

5.  Have a Lan cable connected to the port 1 of the WRT54G v8 router and your system. (Make sure you have the version 8, the information you can find on the bottom of your router next to the model number)

6.  Go to TCPIP properties of your system and assign 192.168.1.110 IP address and 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask, and use 192.168.1.1 as the default gateway.

 

The flashing

1.      Push down the rest button while unplugging the power cable. This should reset your router to default settings.

2.      Open up internet explorer and type in 192.168.1.1 in the URL bar and wait for the admin screen to come on. The default password would be admin (username) admin (password).

3.      Go to the Administration tab and then the Firmware Upgrade tab, and using the browse button choose the file vxworkskillerGv8-v3.bin, the file you downloaded earlier.

4.      Once you start the flash, wait for atleast 2 minutes or even more if you don’t see much action. You will see a message asking you to reboot the router. So you can go ahead and click continues on this screen.

5.      Now you will be able to ping the IP 192.168.1.1 but you will not be able to browse it.

6.      In the command prompt change to the folder in which you downloaded the above files.

7.      Type tftp -i 192.168.1.1 put dd-wrt.v24_micro_generic.bin, and hit enter

8.      You should receive a successful message, and in few seconds the router will reboot and you are all set to use new features of your WRT54G v8 router.

 

To Revert

1.      Download vxworksrevert-Gv8-v3.bin

2.      Download WRT54Gv8_v8.00.0_fw.bin

3.      Go the administration, firmware upgrade tab and use flash using the file vxworksrevert-Gv8-v3.bin. Click continue for the router to restart.

4.      Open 192.168.1.1 and use the firmware upgrade to WRT54Gv8_v8.00.0_fw.bin

5.      The router should restart and you should have your old interface back.

 

 

 

   You can help the Planet too

 

 

Here are some ways in which we can pitch in to help the planet.

 

Use you car wisely:  
- Make it a practice not to drive one day of the week. This helps reduce  emissions and also gives you more time with the family.
- Also why not use cruise control while driving, stable speed means better fuel efficiency, as much as 15%. - - Keep oil filters and tiers checked.


Save Power:
- Get a couple of wireless switches. And make sure you switch devices off when t hey are not in use. Most TV, VCRs, DVD Players etc do not switch off with your  remote they just go into standby, consuming power. This means you will need to  power off all those mobile and ipod chargers that stay connected. 
- Power down your computer when not in use, this saves you at least $2 a month  and also prevents from attacks which could happen when it is left unattended.   

- Also save on lighting by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs. You could get  them for as little for a dollar these days. 

 

Recycle, Freecycle and Reuse:
- Recycle plastics, paper, glass and other stuff. And why not freecycle stuff around the house you don’t use and don’t want to use.
- Freecycling might help some less fortunate folks who need the stuff more. This way you don’t create more waste.
- And why not reuse plastic bags, wrapping paper etc.

 

Save Paper:
- Almost all your service providers have ebilling today, so why not use this feature to reduce bill clutter in your home and save on paper use.
- You can also do this with your Bank Statements. Use these services to receive and pay bills online.
- Also stop junk mail you receive in the post. You can find services online.
- Paper Napkin use is about 2200 napkins per week per American. So use a blow dryer in the toilet or use a handkerchief. Also technically using a cloth around the house will not be all that unhygienic.  

 

Shopping only once a week:
- Shopping multiple times a week can cause you to buy a lot of unwanted stuff, wasting more on shopping as well as on gas.
- Try to make a list of items to buy for the week and stick to it. This way you will do shopping once a week and also buy less unwanted stuff.

 

 

   Is there something called as a FREE call to India?

 

 

    In the normal way or ways known to the normal person it would not be possible to make a free call to anywhere. Unless you have one of those group plans where you call your group numbers for free. For International calls that’s not an option.
   
   So how then is it possible to make free calls to your home in India? When I say I mean totally free, no recurring cost at all.

 

   For this to work, you will make use of the vast network of the Internet, use a converter device to convert your voice signal in a phone to Internet form and send it to another person with a similar setup in India. So then is there any requirement. As far as calling from US to India and the reverse is concerned, there is nothing else, but for calling from other countries like the Middle East this model would not work.
   
   So for a minor setup cost you have free calls for life, well so long as there is no technology like there is still Internet.

 

   Want more information?, click on the banner below to request more information.
 

 

 

 

  Free File Storage Hosting Sites

 

 

1

File Savr

13

File Dropper

2

Drop.io

14

ADrive 

3

neeBit 

15

Share Send 

4

Box.net*

16

You Convert It

5

Drop Send*

17

Folder Share

6

4 Shared

18

File Den

7

MEGA UPLOAD

19

divShare

8

Fast Free Upload

20

badongo

9

2 Big 2 Send

21

Media Fire

10

Drop Box

22

Rapid Share

11

File Shaker

23

Upload-Drive

12

File Factory

 

 

 

 

  Open DNS (The free DNS Solution)

 

 

     Open DNS is a DNS service available free and does a real cool job. For those of who do not know DNS stands for Domain Name Service. This Service on the Internet is responsible for connecting you to the right place when you type in a URL in your browser. Of course there are other things that happen while directing your URL request but the DNS service is the most important of them.
In most cases an average computer user is oblivious of the fact that all web requests pass though a DNS server which offers a DNS service. And almost always the ISP, which provides the Internet service, hosts the first level DNS. Then there are other DNS servers on the Internet, which have to talk to each other so that whatever the URL you request, the DNS connect you to it.
Couple of things to note here are that all your URL requests pass through these DNS servers and hence can be a tracking mechanism and also if not managed well the DNS server alone can mess up a ISP entire service.
This is where Open DNS comes in. Having a well managed DNS service makes the request processing very fast, so your web pages load faster, but that’s not all, it helps you get more control by tracking and controlling content. Your ISP provides none of these features.

Here is a list of the features that Open DNS Provides:

1. Content Filtering
    Block Content you don’t want on your network.
2. Phishing Protection
    Protect yourself from phony sites trying to steal personal information.
3. Domain Blocking
    Block specific domains.
4. Adult Site Blocking
    Safeguard your family, students or corporate office without costly investment on other tools.
5. Web Proxy Blocking
    Prevent your network users from using web proxy to access other sites not allowed on your network.
6. Domain Whitelisting
    Allow specific list of Domains on your network.
7. Statistics
    Keep a track of your web usage and other patterns.
8. Free Technical Support
    Free to contact technical support for setup and troubleshooting of Open DNS in your network.
9. URL shortcuts
    Are there URLs you use very frequently, they why type them again and again, with Open DNS you can use short names.

How to setup?
It’s very simple to configure open DNS for your network. Following the instructions in the link https://www.opendns.com/start

 

 

 

 

  Sites for getting Good answers to your Questions

 

 

  TypeSite Name
1 General

 Answers.com

 General

 About.com

3 General

 Fact Monster

4 General

 RefDesk

5 Tech

 Webopedia 

6 Tech 

Internet Archive

7 Q&A Microsoft Live QnA 
8 Q&A

Yedda

9 Misc 

eHow 

 

 

 

  7 Lessons from the worlds greatest Minds

 

 1. Realizing Your Dreams

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
- Lawrence J. Peter


2. Overcoming Fear

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


3. Intention and Desire

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”- Guatama Buddha

4. Happiness

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
- Benjamin Franklin

5. Self Acceptance

“If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” - Jesus

6. Appreciation and Gratitude

“So much has been given to me, I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.”
- Helen Keller


7. The Art of Simplicity

“I made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it short.”
- Blaise Pascal

 

extracted from Illuminated Mind

 

 

 Simple and Free Screen recording software

 

 Did you have a corporate presentation in which you actually need to show, what were the steps carried out on the screen or more so teach someone how to use an application?, well there are costly solutions Camtasia Studio, Wondershare Demo Creator, Screen Coder 5 etc, but all of them come at a price.

  So for the freebies here is a simple and free solution Cam Studio find it here. Its just a simple download here. Install and you are all set to go. It does support embedding audio content, but does not support more of the advanced options in software like screen coder etc. E.g would be bubbles etc.

   So install the CamStudio20.exe from the link shown above and then you will get a link to CamStudio on the desktop. Start the application and you should have something like you see below.

 

 

   Well the play, pause and stop buttons are self explanatory so go right ahead, indulge yourself with this simple free tool. And note that this software only has flash content output, so if you need something more you will need to go for more costlier solutions.

 

 

 

 Free Alternatives to Adobe Creative Suite 3

 

Do you want to spend thousands of dollars for buying the Adobe Creative Suite?, if not below are the suitable FREE alternatives for you:

 

 AdobeAlternative
 FlashSynFig for making flash animations 
 DreamweaverTry Kompozer or PageBreeze for simple HTML Editing
 Adobe Acrobat(create PDF)Try Primo PDF or Cute PDF
 IllustratorTry Inkscape
 InDesignTry Scribus 
 Premiere Try Jahshaka
PhotoShop

Try GIMP or for Simpler functions Paint.Net 

-courtsey www.aces-tv.com, the site is no longer available.