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- Western Digital My Book Pro Edition II Review
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Bought My Book ProEdition II drive - 1 Terabyte model, from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Pros
1. Sleek looking.
2. 1 Terabyte
3. Raid 0 or 1 (Performance or redundancy).
4. Hard Drives are user serviceable and can be cold swapped; Western Digital provides official instructions on that.
5. Three year limited warranty.
6. USB 2.0 (Burst mode), FireWire 400 / 800 (IEEE 1394a / IEEE 1394b).
7. Outer rubber edge helps stability and reduces vibration.
Cons
1. No format with FAT32 option with RAID0 or 1
2. No JBOD option – RAID 0 doubles your failure chances and RAID 1 reduces total space to just 500 GB.
3. No eSATA interface – For a drive this capacity it’s very important, if overall throughput matters.
4. Power supply external.
5. Noise – After testing connecting both FireWire 400 (I don’t have FW 800) and USB 2.0 simultaneously and individually I can confirm that connecting via FireWire switches the drive’s fans to mini hair dryer mode, very annoying indeed. I was copying data via USB 2.0 from both my internal hard drives and two optical drives for the past two days and not once, did it switch to super turbine mode. Maybe they can tweak the firmware to run the fan at lower speeds than full blast. However I think this challenge can be overcome by just relocating the drive to maybe underneath the desk or even replacing the internal fan but voiding your 3 year warranty in the process.
Fan Noise reduction - Workaround
I got some really good advice from Amazon and newegg customer reviews. About flipping the internal fan around, looks like a design oversight, as the fan sucks in air, instead of out. After flipping the fan around the drives are running much cooler and its not kicking into leaf blower mode even with FireWire (400).
I even went further and took out the 'drive cage cover' yesterday, so now air will pass through both sides of the enclosure.
This mod will work without voiding your warranty with all second edition drives i.e. My Book Pro Edition II, My Book Premium Edition II, or My Book World Edition II.
Even though I've been stress testing the drives in RAID 0 mode and had left it constantly copying 200 gigs of data and managed to fill it up last night and all that time it was in silent mode. I even tried to stress test it further by playing three MPEG 2 VOB files during the copy process.
WD Button Manager
The WD Button Manager, not only does it show free space on the drive, but also safely ejects the drive and shuts it down after ejection. On the down side it only works when the drive is connected via USB and was using 15, 044 K memory according to Windows task manager just sitting there.
Wish list
I hope WD would release a firmware update, to JBOD the drives into logical volumes and format with FAT32 in either RAID modes.
To be honest I’d love to have a (perfect) drive with eSata, USB 2.0, FireWire 400 / 800 and NAS capable Gigabit Ethernet connections, RAID with option to JBOD multiple drives, all in a quite case with an internal power supply but at the moment there aren’t any.
Conclusion
The only major con with this model would be its fan noise (Without modification) when used with FireWire. Thankfully noisy hair dryer hasn’t kicked in after modifications.
Considering my current usage pattern I’m satisfied at the moment, this unit serves my purpose for now, as a music and video jukebox.
Looking back I would've gone for the 'FreeAgent™ Pro 750-GB USB 2.0, eSATA, FireWire External Hard Drive'. Even though it doesn't support RAID, it’s a better overall package to cover future needs.
Useful Links
My Book side-by-side comparison chart
How to dismantle a My Book Pro Edition II, My Book Premium Edition II, or My Book World Edition II to replace a hard drive.Tuesday July 31, 2007 - 06:25pm (GST) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - Opera, Stop being so stubborn!
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Opera is a very well designed browser and Internet suite but its still missing some little and big things, such as:
1. Downloads acceleration - Metalinks, segmented downloads whatever it takes, Opera should be really fast on all fronts.
2. Middle clicking ‘JavaScript links’ opens them in new tabs.
3. Progress bar for uploads - Eg: To X-Drive, Yahoo! Briefcase etc.
4. Extensions / Plugins.
5. SOCKS proxy support.
Last two are biggies but goodies, history seems to be repeating itself, for years Opera wasn't free, when it went free it got great press and lots of people converted, but now its about extensions or addons issue. People at Opera are either just too stubborn or just too scared to adopt extensions and release an API, as it might make opera less secure. Even if its just to shutup Firefox fanboys.Monday July 23, 2007 - 01:36pm (GST) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - How to record a VoIP call in Windows
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I came upon this step by step explanation on how to record calls from VoIP, Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger, and Google Talk or any other VoIP applications one might use like any of the Betamax services like Low rate VoIP or VoipStunt.
From my initial research currently there is only one free solution (for now) that lets you easily record VoIP calls without any duration restrictions, that application is Solicall (www.Solicall.com).
If you want to understand, why we have to do this then download this podcast:
Gear Media Tech 1: Mixer Basics
http://pixelcorps.tv/gmt1
Systm - Episode 4 – Podcasting
http://revision3.com/systm/podcasting
Full credit goes to the guy who figured this out and here’s his post:
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I read a few instructions on the Net and experimented a little bit to figure out how you can record a Skype call in Windows without any fancy commercial plugins. The following instructions work fine for me when I'm using a headset (using loudspeakers would probably result in a feedback signal) - test it and feel free to write a comment if it works for you or not:
How to record Skype calls:
- download Audacity (open source audio editing software) from http://audacity.sourceforge.net and install it
- start Skype
- in Skype go to tools->options->sound devices and switch 'let Skype adjust my sound device settings' off
- start Audacity
- set recording setting to 'wave out mix' or ‘What U Hear’
- set wave output to 0.1
- set recording volume to 0.9 or 1.0
- go to Windows volume control (double click the speaker symbol in the notification area of your task bar)
- volume control:
- volume control: 100%
- wave: 10%
- microphone NOT mute
- mic volume up to 5th mark
- recording control:
- microphone: mic boost off, volume 100%
- make sure 'wave out mix' or ‘What U Hear’ is selected and volume is 90% to 100%
- in Skype go to tools->options->sound devices->'make a test call to Skype answering machine'
- record your test call by pressing the record button in Audacity
- play back your recording and adjust audio settings if necessary
- remember to get your conversational partner's approval before recording a call
Source:
http://theword.zeroone.co.nz/index.cfm/2006/6/16/How-to-record-a-Skype-call-i...
http://blog.keutgens.de/index.php/archives/14Friday May 18, 2007 - 04:56pm (GST) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - Wisdoms of Hazrat Luqman (A.S.)
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luqman_(person)
1. Anything that you preach, practice it first.
2. Speak according to your rank.
3. Recognize the respect of people.
4. Recognize the rights of people.
5. Guard your secrets.
6. Test your friends in times of trouble.
7. Try out your friends in times of profit and loss.
8. Keep away from stupid people.
9. Be a friend of clever and wise men.
10. Show your efforts in good work.
11. Plan with clever and wise men.
12. Speak with affection.
13. Value your youth.
14. While you are young do the work of this world and hereafter.
15. Honor your friends.
16. Deal with your friends and enemies in an honest way.
17. Regard your parents as a blessing.
18. Regard your teacher as your best guardian.
19. Spend according to your income.
20. In all your work take the middle course.
21. Serve your guests to the best of your ability.
22. Make generosity a habit.
23. When entering somebody's home look after your eyes and tongue.
24. Keep your clothes and body clean.
25. Be friendly to your society.
26. Teach your son knowledge and discipline.
27. When dressing start by putting on your shoes and socks on your right foot, and when taking them off, begin with the left foot.
28. When working with somebody, work recording to his capacity.
29. While speaking at night, speak softly; and while speaking during the day, first keep an eye on all sides.
30. Don't stretch in front of people.
31. Anything that you don't like for yourself, don't prefer it for others.
32. Work with intelligence and planning.
33. Don't try to teach when you are not learned.
34. Don't set your heart on things which belong to others.
35. Form a habit of speaking less, eating less and sleeping less.
36. Don't undertake any work without thinking.
37. Undone work should not be thought as completed.
38. Do not leave today's work for tomorrow.
39. Don't joke with your elders.
40. Don't bore your elders with lengthy talks.
41. Do not encourage people to be rude to you.
42. Don't disappoint a man in need.
43. Do not remember past disputes.
44. Don't confuse your own good with the benefits of others.
45. Do not show your wealth to friends and enemies.
46. Don't ignore your relationship with relatives.
47. Don't scandalize about people.
48. Don't admire yourself.
49. If a group of men are standing, do likewise and stand.
50. Don't point fingers at others.
51. Don't pick your teeth in front of others.
52. Don't spit or clean your nose loudly.
53. When yawning keep your hand in front of your mouth.
54. Don't expect loyalty from ill-bred people.
55. Don't speak nonsense.
56. Don't make people ashamed in front of others.
57. Don't repeat something that has been said already.
58. Don't make signs with your eyes and eyebrows.
59. Don't praise yourself and your family in front of others.
60. Don't decorate yourself like a woman.
61. Don't do what your children want you foolishly to do.
62. Guard your tongue.
63. Don't gesticulate when speaking.
64. Look after the respect of people.
65. Don't mix with offenders.
66. Don't recall the dead by their ill-doings, because there is no benefit in it.
67. As long as possible try not to start fights and arguments.
68. Don't continuously test your strength on others.
69. Don't take an experienced person to be noble.
70. Don't eat your bread at the table of others.
71. Don't hurry in your work.
72. Don't grieve over worldly things.
73. Don't become acquainted with anybody that does not value himself.
74. At times of anger say things thoughtfully.
75. Don't clean your nose with your sleeves.
76. Don't sleep at sunrise.
77. When walking with your elders, don’t walk in front of them.
78. Don't interrupt while other people talk.
79. Don't rest your head on your knees in the presence of others.
80. While you are walking look where you are going and do not look around.
81. Don't order your guests to do something for you.
82. Don't get angry with any one in the presence of your guests.
83. Don't sit with loiterers and doubtful characters in the street.
84. Don't lose your respect for the sake of profit and loss.
85. Don't be a wastrel and proud of yourself.
86. Don't carry people’s enmity on to yourself.
87. Keep away from strife and trouble.
88. Be friendly to people, but not to the extent that you may lose your own respect.
89. Don't belittle yourself.
90. Devote your life and with Allah by truthfulness.
91. Devote your life and with your ego by discipline.
92. Devote your life and with people by being just.
93. Devote your life and with your elders by service.
94. Devote your life and with your young by being sympathetic.
95. Devote your life and with the poor by generosity.
96. Devote your life and with your friends by advice and love.
97. Devote your life and with your enemies by patience.
98. Devote your life and with the ignorant by silence.
99. Devote your life and with the wise men by respect.
100. Don't covet others wealth, and in this manner spend your life.
101. When you have a lot don't store, and when it comes, don't refuse it.
102. I have carried steel and stones but nothing is heavier than (the Amaanat) of Deen.
103. I have experienced comfort and pleasure, but nothing is more pleasurable than safety.
104. I have tasted bitterness of all kinds, but nothing is bitterer than dependence on others.
105. I learnt good manners from the bad mannered.
106. I learnt wisdom from the blind who don’t step forward without feeling the ground.
107. There can never be a spoken or written word from which the wise cannot derive benefit.
108. Even a hundred books of wisdom cannot make a fool wiser, if he is not ready to benefit from them.Wednesday April 25, 2007 - 08:37pm (GST) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - 10 Tips for Being a Better Office Professional
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1. Do not discuss your salary/wage with your coworkers.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people do this. There is essentially zero good that can come out of this. One way or another somebody’s feelings are going to be hurt. It can cause a lot of strife between people and it’s even a terminable offense in most workplaces.
The only people that you could share your salary with are the following:
* Spouse or signifigant other if you live together or otherwise share a budget.
* Parents (with the understanding that it is strictly confidential, no telling their golf buddies, AA group or Joey your 4th cousin twice removed.)
* Your accountant.
* That’s it.2. Perception is reality.
No matter how unfair it is, no matter how illogical it can be, it is the absolute 100% truth. People don’t have time in the workplace to ferret out the whole story. If you’re seen as a slacker, you’re a slacker. If you’re seen as a hothead, you’re a hothead.
Work hard to cultivate the perception you think you should have and protect it once it is achieved. That means you may have to work harder/faster/better than the other guy or gal if you’ve already been branded.
Along the same lines, be careful who you hang out with at work. It’s very easy to be pigeonholed with a group if you frequently go on breaks with, lunch with or otherwise hangout with people who act less that professionally (or proficiently) in the workplace.
3. Be honest with your coworkers, but not too honest.
If this job is just a stepping stone towards bigger and better things, don’t share that with the 20 year lifer that you just met at the office. I was guilty of this at my first professional job. I think back on that and realize what a jerk I must have sounded like.
Hopes and dreams are great, but try to keep conversations with your coworkers light, at least in the early going before you really know them.
4. Choose your battles wisely.
No you will not quit if they switch from Arrowhead bottled water to Sparkletts. Get a grip.
Some battles are worth fighting, others are small potatoes. Think of it this way. Every day that you work and do an acceptable job you earn a certain number of points. As you spend more time at the job you accrue these points until you can cash them in for several purposes.
One of those purposes is in the eternal battle to impose your will on others. Whether it’s a raise or more donuts on Friday. If you’re constantly spending your points you’re going to find yourself fresh out when something REALLY important comes along like… say… layoffs.
You always want to have a cache of points to turn in when you need them.
5. Nobody likes a whiner.
This goes hand in hand with choosing your battles. If you are constantly whining about things then you will actually lose points without getting anything for them besides irritated coworkers. If your chair is uncomfortable, go swipe one from somewhere else, or politely ask the office manager about maybe getting a new one.
If you can’t get whatever ails you resolved quickly and in a polite non-whiny manner, try to learn to live with it or fix it yourself.
6. Don’t get shitfaced at happy hour or the holiday party.
Wooo open bar! Hold on there partner. While it’s ok to have a cocktail or two while you’re at a company function, don’t get obliterated.
I’ve seen more than my share of otherwise normal folks completely crash and burn due to their allowing their cup to runneth over.
Take it easy, have fun, but remember that come Monday morning, yes they will remember if you act like an idiot while plastered. Minus points.
7. Get it in writing.
Email is one of the single greatest inventions ever in corporate accountability.
If there is ever a doubt in your mind about what you’ve been tasked to do, get it in writing. Sometimes people make judgement calls on the fly when they’re pressed for time. More often than not, when they are proven to have made the incorrect call, they will turn to you and ask you why you did that (idiot!). So having their instructions in black and white will save your ass a hundred times over the course of your career.
Get it in writing. Plus points if you catch the office bully with his pants down using this technique.
8. This isn’t high school or college A) debating.
Academic debates about random crap are fantastic fun in a scholastic setting. Nobody wants to debate arbitrary minutiae in the office, especially your boss.
9. This isn’t high school or college B) over the top.
While it may have been fun to be the over the top bombastic “willing to do anything to get a rise out of someone” kind of person back in school, this does NOT fly in the workplace.
Yes, it was jolly good fun to tease people and make people uncomfortable back in the day, but not any more when your livelihood hangs in the balance. This goes for discussing politics and religion as well. It’s just not a good idea.
10. Smile, today’s the first day of the rest of your career!
A positive attitude can have a great affect on your interpersonal relations at work and your career in general. Bosses and coworkers are a lot more forgiving if you can take a beating and still keep a bit of cheer about yourself.
Remember, it’s just work, don’t take it too seriously.
The number 1 rule for all the above is to REMEMBER ALL OF THE ABOVE. Complacency kills. As time goes along it's real easy to forget where you are, and let some things slip.
Make sure you stay on your game.
Source
Sunday April 22, 2007 - 09:41am (GST) Permanent Link | 0 Comments
