DIY portable storage: give a new life to old hard disk

After almost a few full weeks of waste time posts, I think it is time to write something meaningful, a tutorial hopefully.

What would you usually do to the parts in your old laptop or PC? Most of the people would just leave the laptop/PC at a corner of the store room or cupboard, leaving them collecting dust. But do you know that the harddisk still can be use. Okay, only if the old laptop or PC is not broken because of a failed harddisk. Otherwise the harddisk can be converted to an external harddisk or most of the time being marketed as "portable storage". This is a tutorial of of DIY portable storage.

So what you supposed to do?

Step 1: Reaching to the hard disk
Open up the old (or broken) laptop or PC. PC would be easier, while laptop might be a bit tricky. Since you are sure you are not going to use the laptop anymore, don't worry too much of breaking the laptop because it is already broken. :) If you preferred to "follow the instruction", try google around on "service manual of xxx", replace xxx with the laptop brand and model. Usually you can find it at second or third page of google result, if not on first page.

Step 2: Hard disk care
After you have dismantle the PC or laptop, take out the hard disk. It might attached to some metal or plastic mold, unscrew or remove it. Now you have your hard disk. Remember to avoid static shock to it, even though it is designed to have static protection, but an extra step is not too much to do right? How to prevent static shock? Do not put it in plastic bags, except those static prove plastic bags which is designed to store RAM and hard disks. Touch your finger with anything made from metal before touching the hard disk.

Step 3: Identifying the hard disk and buying suitable external casing
Now identify your hard disk before you buying the external casing. Usually PC hard disk uses 3.5 inch hard disk (because it is cheaper) and laptop uses 2.5 inch hard disk. Another thing to check is the interface, either it is parallel ATA (PATA) or serial ATA (SATA). Try to avoid casing with both PATA and SATA, because it is much more expensive compare to those case with either one interface. Another suggestion I have if you still not sure, bring over the hard disk to the computer shop or gadget shop or walmart or best buy or whatever, the people at the shop should be able to help you to find the right external casing for your hard disk. Try assemble it on the spot just to make sure it fits properly.

Different sizes

SATA

Parallel ATA

Fancy casing

Simple casing

Step 4: Checking the portable storage
It is not done yet. Hook up the external hard disk that you just DIY to a working PC or laptop (not with the one you just taking apart in Step1, hahah). See if it can be detect by the PC or laptop. If the OS is Windows XP and newer, it should able to detect and install the right driver for it. Wait for the driver to install (might take up to a few minutes, depend on the speed of the PC/laptop), open Windows Explorer or whatever file explorer you like to use, you should able to see the content of the hard disk.

Step 5: Back up old data
If you want to wipe the whole of this external hard disk (read "format"), be sure to back up files on this hard disk that you wanted to another hard disk.

Step 6: Partitions
This is an additional step if you wanted to combine the partitions. For many branded PC or laptop, the company or computer shop will partition the hard disk to at least 2 partitions for all new system, one for the Windows OS and another one for others stuffs that you install, downloads or whatsoever. There is no problem leaving them as it is but personally I don't like too many partitions. I like the single, and big (if not huge) partition only for each disk. For this step, use free partition software such as EaseUS Partition Master. What we need here is combining the partitions, so there is no need to buy those expensive partition managing software. Remember to back up (Step 5) before you merge the partitions.

Step 7: Enjoy the DIY external storage
Since this is a very low cost project (assuming the hard disk is free of cost, you only paying for the external casing), I would use this as additional storage for music and movie. Since the hard disk is kind of old (if the PC/laptop was under heavy usage), I am putting the not-so-important files on this hard disk. For other important files, I will have the back up on another but new external hard disk.



My experience
Recently I DIY another external storage by using the old hard disk on my brother's broken Dell laptop. Even though it is only 200GB (consider nowadays the common capacity on new hard disk is 500GB to 2 TB), it is good enough to storage a lot of music and movie files. I also throw all the flv (nusery songs) that I saved from youtube into this external storage and let my kids watch it on LCD TV.
Example:
http://outdatedpenanguncle.blogspot.com/2012/02/download-youtube-video-with-jdownloader.html


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source: I wrote this tutorial!
pix source: commons.wikimedia.org

(Give Away) 1AVCenter: complete audio video center

This blog has been running for 3 years and 1 months but I haven't really do any give away. In fact, none. Why? Because I am a stingy Outdated Penang Uncle. Haha.

I have been scouting for my next smartphone for months but I haven't found the right one, or because I still feel like those smartphone that I like is costing too much. So I will continue using my very very outdated HTC Touch Elfin.

Anyway, it is like someone can hear me, because I was planning to run a give away on Facebook page. But the gift would be limited to Malaysian only because the gift card is for using in Malaysia only. But luck strike, Alex from pcwinsoft.com contacted me though twitter if I want to run a give away on this blog. And this is also a good luck for everyone (not limited to Malaysian) because this give away is for everyone in this planet earth, and maybe Martian that already start contacting Curiosity.

So what is 1AVCenter?

Okay, it is not the AV that Japanese used to. AV stands for Audio Video in this case.

In short:
1AVCenter is for record, broadcast and remote surveillance of any audio and/or video source on your PC. You can also share files via secure web server that come with 1AVCenter.

Lengthy version:
Here is what 1AVCenter does:

Here is 1AVCenter in action (recording screen):

Here is 1AVCenter options:

Here is how you can choose audio/video source for recording on 1AVCenter:

The screen capture is just normal, just like any other screen capture program.

So I try out the screen recording feature of 1AVCenter:



It gets 5 cows on Tucows and cost $99.95 (US dollar!) if you buy from pcwinsoft.com website. Now it is absolutely free. How?

1. Download the setup file and install it on your PC/laptop.
http://www.pcwinsoft.com/download/1AVShrInstAG.exe

2. During installation it will ask for "Buy", "Register" and "Try", leave it now without any button on the windows.

3. Go to this link to register with your info and email and wait for the registration key to arrive at your inbox.
http://www.pcwinsoft.com/promotion/OutdatedPenangUncle/registration.asp

4. After you get the registration key, copy the code and go back to the installation windows, click "Register" and enter the code there.

5. Now you just register a $99.95 worth of software for free!

Enjoy your screen capture and recording. :)

Before I forget, this is basic requirement:

• Intel 1.3GHz
• 120MB HD
• 256MB RAM
• Windows 2000/XP/2003/Media Center/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8
• Minimum screen resolution of 800x600

Note: I am too lazy to add audio in the above youtube video, you can screen capture video and audio at same time with 1AVCenter.

Note2: I am not sure how long the give away will be, most probably until pcwinsoft.com says stop. Why not just give it a try now. :)

Note3: I am not responsible if you break your Windows/PC/laptop/car/arms and legs/wallet because of this give away. :P


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pix source: pcwinsoft.com

Infographic: Caps Lock

How do you feel when you get an all Caps Lock reply on email or SMS or facebook or twitter or Whatsapps and so on? Feels like the person is angry and yelling at you right? In fact, there was a woman in New Zealand was fired because she sending too many emails with caps-locked. So beware people.

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source: http://dailyinfographic.com

How To Crack Android Pattern Lock

XDA forum is always resourceful and with lots of surprises. Recently there is a tutorial on how to crack or hack Android Pattern Lock. Android Pattern Lock is probably one of the best security on smartphone, well, it depend on how simple of your lock pattern (meaning not secure), or how complex of the lock pattern. Very complex lock pattern can be very secure and safe for your Android, but what if you forgot about? Maybe after a long holiday, you leave the Android at home to have a very relax holiday. You don't want to reset the whole phone because of too many stuffs and apps you already setup properly. So what to in this case?

m.sabra of XDA community written a tutorial consist of 2 methods that you can try. In fact on some cases, you might need to try both to get the Pattern Lock unlock.

Tested on gingerbread,ice cream sandwich and jelly bean.

And you will need to do it through adb. If you don't know what is adb, please read this tutorial:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=502010

Method 1:
adb shell cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases sqlite3 settings.db update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock'; update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently'; .quit Each line is a separate command so press "enter" after typing each line.

Method 2:
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

A video you can refer to for adding confident level on doing this tutorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVJ7T2oC_Zs&feature=player_embedded


If either method not working, try this:
1- run the first method
2- reboot
3- run the second method
4- reboot


Note: After running both methods and rebooting you may still see the pattern lock, that doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't work, just try any random pattern and it may unlock then remove the pattern from settings.
This tutorial is not to encourage phone thief, but to help the owner of the Android to recover the phone with need to reset it.

This tutorial should works for both phone and tablet and phoneblet/tablephone (a.k.a Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2). But there is no guarantee it will works. If this tutorial doesn't works for you, the only option is to reset it.


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source: XDA

HSBC Online Banking failed

There are always a bug or two on websites, but somehow the online banking is always very annoying. The other day I wanted to use HSBC credit card to pay electrical bill (which is Tenaga Nasional Berhad bill), but somehow the HSBC Malaysia online banking failed me. See how it happen.

Background:
I already have a saving account with HSBC and has been using the online banking with HSBC for a few years. Recently there was a credit card promoter (employed by the bank) managed to sell the MPower VISA Platinum credit card to me. That is under the HSBC's Islamic section. The good thing about HSBC is that they automatically connect this credit card to my already existed HSBC Malaysia online banking account. Unlike some other Malaysian local banks which need you to apply for link the credit card to online account. I wanted to use the credit card to pay utility bills because of the cash back feature on this card. Another reason is because OCBC, but that is another story.

Anyway here is why HSBC Malaysia Online Banking failed:

I login into HSBC online banking account. Since there is no payee being added under the credit card account, so step one is to add the payee:


Next step is to search for the utility company, which is Tenaga National, the major provider of electricity for the peninsular of Malaysia.


OK, add in the account number of the utility bill.


HSBC security code from the dongle is required, as usual.


Yeah, payee added



Now, click 'pay a bill' from the last picture, where is the payee that I just added?


Because I thought I might be wrong during adding payee, so I repeated for a few times, but i still get no payee for paying from credit card.


Okay, now i revert back to pay bill using saving account.


Huh? Why all of the payee being added to the saving account and not for credit card?

Another epic fail by the bank.

HSBC failed!


Another online banking failed?
OCBC
more to come......



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source: I wrote myself!

Stop 114A

Everyone, please support Stop 114A.

Please like this as well:
http://www.facebook.com/evidenceamendmentact


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source: everyone in Malaysia!

Not-So-Useful Life Hacks

Remember the quick and simple life hacks?
http://outdatedpenanguncle.blogspot.com/2012/08/quick-and-simple-life-hacks-part-1.html
http://outdatedpenanguncle.blogspot.com/2012/08/quick-and-simple-life-hacks-part-2.html

Well, someone purposely created this to counter the life hacks, see for yourself.

Yes, this is waste time post. :P

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source:

Find Windows CD Key and others

Saw this software / apps at a website. Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder (no, not Android 4.1) is a free apps that helps to retrieve your Windows, MS Office, Winzip and many more CD Key. Sometime we might misplace the original DVD of the Windows, MS Office or other apps after we copy all the installers into another HD or partitions. So when we want to format and reinstall the Windows and etc, we can't find the CD key. Some might have to spend times and money to get it from Microsoft or other software company, or buy another one?

pix credit: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Anyway, with Keyfinder (I don't want to say the full name again), you can retrieve the CD key and save it down on a USB drive or papers.

Where is the catch you might ask. Yes, this apps only support 300+ software (as it claimed), if you want more coverage like 3600+ programs, then you have to buy the full version, which is called Recover Keys, which cost US$24.95 for single license.

Okay to the apps/software:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Official portable version available, woohoo!


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source: internet!

Super Angry Birds

Super Angry Birds anyone? No, this is not special edition of Angry Birds. But it is a hardware that give you the feel of real sling shot. I would like to own one please. Because playing using mouse (on Windows) or touch screen (smartphone/tablet) is getting out of fashion. Where I can order it please?





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source: http://www.soundplusdesign.com/?p=5428

What Page Rank Means?

Okay, I am going to brag about PR3 that this blog got recently. :)

PR or Page Rank is how fast is your website show up as the search result on google.com. PR10 is google, facebook is PR9. So you can guest how popular your website or blog need to be in PR8. I found this one on a website:

Ranks and what they mean in simple terms:
0] You're not even listed on Google PageRank list.
1] Very poor, but hey - at least you are listed.
2] Poor, but you have potential to move up and it can be done.
3] Average. You have good information and most websites fall in this ball park.
4] Above average. You're sprinting away from the majority.
5] Good. Page Rank 5 will usually pop up on the first page of some searches.
6] Great. You've worked hard and have great information.
7] You're hot and you're one of the top sites. Your peer is Zillow.
8] You’re super hot, and your peers are CNBC, EBay, Bing, American Idol.
9] Everyone wants you, you are like: Youtube, Yahoo, Facebook, Apple, Amazon.
10] Finally, the 10s: Google, CNN, usa.gov, and social bookmarking website AddThis.
source: http://www.selfsagacity.com/2010/02/google-page-rank-1-2-3-what-does-it.html

I did some SEO on my own to this blog to reach PR2. But after that I stop and just focus on the content of this blog, and this is what I learned:
Content is the king!

So keep on going, write more good stuffs on your website or blog. I am sure you will get higher PR soon. Good luck! :)



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Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Samsung finally announced the latest Galaxy Note. But with 10-inch size, how big is your pocket to fit this phone or tablephone or phoblet?





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source: gsmarena and youtube!

Will be right back

I am out of bandwidth to write new post on last weekend. Will be right back. :)

Btw, this blog's page rank is being up to PR3, woohoo!

This blog was on PR2 for quite a while and I didn't do anything on SEO or similar thing since PR2, thanks to you all for stopping by!


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source: rant!

Quick and Simple Life Hacks - Part 2

More hacking for your home. Happy trying!





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source: youtube!

Quick and Simple Life Hacks Part 1

Hacker in your own house? Yes, everyone can do it. Just follow the video:



Not bad huh?


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source: youtube!

Brand New Hotmail

How long ago that you last login to your Hotmail account? Can't remember? Now it is the time to take a visit!

Very clean and very metro feel. Looks like Microsoft want to make everything Windows 8 look, including the email service. Okay, I have to black-out some part of the windows to avoid spam! :)



Here is the zoom-in when you click the setting button. There are 12 colors you can change to, blue is the default I believe. You can change the reading pane location or turn it off. Also you can switch back to the old hotmail, but I don't think most people will do that.


When click on the "More mail settings" on the setting, here is a bunch of additional settings you can do with it.


FYI, if you login to hotmail.com, you still get the old hotmail. You have to go to this link to get to the new hotmail. And yes, it is Outlook, not hotmail anymore.
www.outlook.com



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source: saw on gizmodo, written and snapshot on my own.

What is Google Fiber?

Do you want a 1000Mbit internet connection? I am sure everyone would want it. Google is going to offer that for US. What you have to do to get it? Watch this video:


I am still using the turtle speed of 'narrow'band (broadband) in Malaysia. Okay, there is UniFi, but it is super expensive for the average Malaysian's income. How fast (or slow) it is? Example:

This is the best one already.

More example here:
http://outdatedpenanguncle.blogspot.com/p/speed-test.html


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source: youtube and my rant!