Ubuntu Mirror in Thailand

Default repository for Ubuntu's updates and programs if you set your location to Thailand is th.archive.ubuntu.com. I don't know where this server is but, it's quite slow on my opinion. I got 20 - 30 Kb/s with 3 Mbps True Internet package. Therefore, I suggest thai people who use Ubuntu change their mirror site.

In Thailand, there is a Thai National Mirror which serves as open sources software repository including Ubuntu. Due to public advertisement and word of mouth news, it became slow on peak times such as 8.00PM - 10.00PM (or I fortunately downloaded something when they updated servers).

So, I suggest using Kasetsart Linux Mirror site instead. Of course, it's very fast for me (I live in Bangkok). You can download sources.list from their website or edit it by yourself. Using the following command in Terminal.

sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

then, insert your admin password and add following lines to the file (you should comment other repositories for faster update).

#####KU apt <> Main,Restriced Update#####
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid main restricted
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates main restricted
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security main restricted

#####KU apt <> Multiverse,Universe Update(Optional)#####
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid multiverse universe
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates multiverse universe
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security multiverse universe

#####KU apt <> Source File Main, Restriced (Optional)#####
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid main restricted
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates main restricted
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security main restricted

#####KU apt <> Source File Multiverse,Universe (Optional)#####
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid multiverse universe
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates multiverse universe
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security multiverse universe

Resources:
^[1] - http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/

Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex on Asus M9V

Today I install Ubuntu 8.10 on my notebook 'Asus M9V' which is three years old. I used Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) on my notebook last year during August and November. Due to my preparation for GRE and game 'Team fortress 2' (later one has more weight), I decided to install windows xp which is more compatible with GRE test prep software and games. I don't want to use a virtual machine on Ubuntu mostly because it can't handle heavy 3d games like TF2. However, GRE Exam passed and games became boring, I switch to linux again and I choose Ubuntu because Ubuntu 8.04 used to work perfectly on my M9V.

Gimp on Ubuntu 8.10 on ASUS M9V

It took about 20 minutes to install Ubuntu included formatting old windows partition. I prefer Intrepid's wallpaper to Hardy's wallpaper. Everything seems nice, wireless, bluetooth, logitech V450 nano, video, and sound.

However, when I played it about 10 minutes, my computer freezes except the mouse pointer. This discourages me because I used to have the same problem on Edgy Eft (Ubuntu 6.10) with my PC which has Nvidia FX6600 card and that time I gave up. I google this problem and found that it might be connected with a video card driver. So, I updated my ATI driver using proprietary driver and other updates as well ( 226 updates need after installing Ubuntu from CD). Now, I played it about 5 hours and it works smoothly.

There will be a lot of upcoming blog about installing driver and software to customize Ubuntu as I need.

How to disable autorun in windows XP

Nowadays many viruses, malwares, spywares, and worms often spread themselves from an infected computer to other computers via usb drive. By using Autorun.inf file ,which automatically detect and run in windows, they can copy and execute themselves into a victim computer. Therefore, using autorun on usb drive in windows isn't a wise decision. Here's how to turn it off.

1. run gpedit.msc using run command (start button -> run). This will open group policy windows.
2. under Computer Configuration, click Administrative Templates then System.
3. find Turn off Autoplay Setting on the right panel and double-click it. Then, choose enable. It will allow us to edit bottom area. Choose all drives from 'Turn off Autoplay on' drop down list. Finally click apply or ok.

Another good way to help preventing viruses without additional programs. However, this method works only in windows XP professional edition.


Resources:
^[1] - http://antivirus.about.com/od/securitytips/ht/autorun.htm

How to turn on automatic logon in windows XP

Normally, when I install a new windows, I create only an account without a password for myself. This make windows automatically logins to my account when restarting computer. However, after installing .Net framework 1.1, it will create aspnet_wp or ASP.NET Machine Account which turn off automatic login. You can easily delete the created account in user accounts in control panel and make your only account be automatic log on again. But, for the windows machine with multiple accounts or programmers who develop using .Net framework, deleting an account doesn't work. I offer two options.

First, using registry editor to add the following string values at key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
DefaultUserName : your username
DefaultPassword : your password
AutoAdminLogon : 1

Second, run 'control userpasswords2' using run command (start button -> run). Remove "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer" from check box and click apply.

Resources:
^[1] - http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/aspdot.php
^[2] - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231