Linux: how it works

This time i’m going to talk about the mechanism of Linux, especially about Linux Fedora Core. Actually, i also need to explain the same thing on my recent report about Linux. Except the language is Japanese.

Introduction

In the world of Internet, computers around the world are connected through TCP/IP protocol network. Inside the network, there are ’servers’ and ‘clients’ which represent the Internet service provider and the users respectively. The users using services via client software by ‘request’ing information from the server which equipped with server software for calculation and storing information. After that, server ‘respond’ the result to user by provide the result. Until today, we using client software to exchange emails,and viewing various home page, and doing a lot of pleasure on it. Sometimes we might thing that we can’t live without it.

In the other hands, by using server software we might create web pages, in fact we could put your own distinguish web domain and email address. Surprisingly, Linux can be both: server software and client software.

Linux as a Client

The most used task for Linux. The Linux developers are trying their best to meet user’s need for not loosing to Windows as desktop-environment software. Consequently, inside the Fedora Core there is pre-installed with kind of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.

So it’s kind of good choice if you using computer just for Internet or writing letter. It just not only extremely cheap, you don’t have to pay the software (just download from this page http://fedoraproject.org/get-fedora), but you also support the development of free software.

Linux as a Server

There are lot servers like Web server, SMTP/POP server (email server), FTP server (file sharing server) which provide information and service toward client software. Nowadays, hardware maker companies such IBM, HP, NEC, Fujitsu and others impulse to work with Linux Fedora Core.

The Core

Linux’s operation is base on the very base of its functions. That is called the kernel.

Pic 1: Linux and distribution

Based on pic 1, we can say that any kind of distribution of Linux like Fedora, Vine, Red Hat are having the same kernel. For better understanding, it is just like Windows Vista, XP, 98 etc are having the same DOS command.

Versions of kernel

Pic 2: Version of Linux kernel

Each of distributed Linux has its own distribution version. Based on pic 2, it shown what number represent of. Z is the patch level, Y when even is stable version while when odd it under development, and X is the number of major version. You may know your version of Linux by typing “uname -r” on the Terminal Command.

That is it for now. I need to take my ‘hanko’　（判子 personal seal, just like signature） and register it.

Reference: はじめのFedora Core 3, Softbank Publishing.

p/s: yesterday i met with Arbai`in Sensei. He advised, pick the subject that suitable with your future’s research. Also search work potential in Malaysia before choosing research area. Anyway, i think i want to to something related to ITS (intelligent transportation system) that may improve traffic in Malaysia.

Linux: for beginner

I’d never know that Mac OS X is based on Unix-kernel until senpai made me known that. Ironically, in my programming lectures, senseis use Apple MacBook for teaching Linux. I thought senseis just want to look cool . Anyway, I am Linux user too, but i’m using it very rarely. I have a CD of Live Linux Knoppix which i only used when my Windows is halting. Other than that i prefer using Windows. Recently, I’m one of Vista Enterprise users.

Back to Linux, why i need to know about Linux, well because it free-license maybe. By the way, I already complete downloading Linux Fedora and waiting for burning onto DVD. I still googling why Linux is been said to be so good. I found this in Wikipedia:

Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux is supported by corporations such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell, Oracle Corporation, Red Hat, and Sun Microsystems. It is used as an operating system for a wide variety of computer hardware, including desktop computers, supercomputers, video game systems, such as the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, several arcade games, and embedded devices such as mobile phones, routers, and stage lighting systems. [1]

But for most of user eyes, especially in Malaysia, or other places, Windows is still the most ease-to-use OS besides Mac OS X. Linux, in the other hands, kinda geek look work with it GNOME (like command prompt in Windows). So Linux is not targeted for home-user, or amateur computer users. Unless for hand-held devices or game consoles.

Linux

Linux was firstly created by Linus Torvals, Unix(a historical operating system)-like system, which are not for commercial market, but for computer developers in order to running bigger task of computering. For example, managing network, in the other words managing the huge number of other computers. Linux has flexibility in changing its core code to meet the conditions.

Although i said it’s not made commercially, but some of developers redesign the Linux and distribute it for commercial like RedHat. It is also made for other purposes too like education. Knoppix, for example. Knoppix distribution is equipped with various programming compilers, electrical eduware, sky viewer, and other maths softwares.

For know, im experimenting of using Linux Fedora Core 2 at my university for use of WEB server. For a beginner like me, i learnt of using lots of command, syntax and GUI interface. Install and check the OS whether running properly or not.

Hopefully, i could build my own Linux-base computer for entertainment sometimes. Which is could connected to TV, and plays DVD or BluRays Discs and could access “Weather forecast”.

[1] Linux – Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux, April 26th 2008

The Differences in Japan

Thanks for positive responds from all. It’s kind of a new world. As well as world know, Japan is a country with has everything under the sun. It depends on people on how to use them. Now let me tell a little bit about Japan in my own perspective.

No Piracy!

As i noticed here, there is almost none piracy here. I don’t know either Japanese are so rich or they so appreciate works or strict enforcement of law. But obviously there is no piracy are sold in backstreet or even in Akihabara.

In the other hands, the price of goods are less expensive than the same thing sold in Malaysia. Definitely, because Japan is the producer of them. Supposed Malaysian oil to be cheaper than other non-producing country. Let me bought a close example to me, i bought a Wii for 25,000 Yen (equally RM781.25) excluding any game. Oppositely in Malaysia, commonly it is sold for RM1,1100 (it may bundled with Wii Sports). Would you be so kind to calculate the difference.

As i mention before, there is no room for piracy. I need to pay a normal price for a tittle game. Normal price

for a Wii title approximately 5,000Yen (RM156.25). Huh! The price is 15 times higher than a piece of piracy Wii DVD if one is RM10. As a software engineer wannabe, i need to play and appreciate every single work their have done to. Or we can said it’s worthy (価値がある) . They are so expensive. So far i’ve bought 3 titles including Wii Sports, Medal of Honour Heroes 2, and Ninja Reflex. It plays more fun with other people. But i have only one Wiimote.

Transportation

The transportation is very convenience especially electric-trains, you could go commute almost everywhere with train. Besides, bus system here is different to Malaysia. Japanese buses allow people to enter on the back door and they exit on the front. There is reason why, the driver only allows customers to go out whenever they paid the fees.

I’ve never ride in shinkansen ever. I’ve once given a ride on Japanese taxi from my neighbor going back to home. The best thing about Japanese taxi is it will open the door itself, although the fare is far more expensive.

The University

I’m studying in Tokyo University of Technology in Computer Science, which i transferred into the third year of education. With only 74 credit hours (CH) that recognized from the University, so i need to fishing more CHs here.

I’m appreciate with the scenery and landscape there, it is well done. The fountains (噴水), garden, sculptures (彫刻) are architecturally arranged.

Inside the classroom, each of the table is equipped with two power points. One power socket and other is the LAN socket. Because bringing notebook computer is necessary in this university for signing attendance, downloading lecture materials, sending report etc. Not all, most the classes using this method. And that is why i bought my second computer (right picture, sandwiched with HP and eletonary).

It named dynabook SS RX1/S7EE from Toshiba, weight about 1kg, battery hour 4 hours and tough-made. Detail specification, runs smoothly with ultra-low voltage 1.2G Intel Core 2 Duo, with 1G of RAM, it is perform well for my routine tasks.

Home

Consequently, i’ve already 3 devices are wi-fi ready and plus one phone to access the internet in my room. Wii is also able to connect with wi-fi which often check out the whether news on on of Wii channels. The wi-fi signal is forwarded from Apple AirPort after connected with neighbor’s router.

What can i say about home other than that. Well, it is well provisioned with everything we need in everyday live.

In the end, i don’t think those of things is kind of luxurious but it is necessary, for living, studying and socializing. I still need to strive with subjects and life here. And don’t forget the most important thing, that is why we’re here.

To be a slave to God, and to be a leader in this world.

How to order Halal foods via Internet in Japan

Halal food is a crucial element in Muslim’s life wherever he/she goes. As in Japan, known as minority Muslim country, it is hard to see pure Halal food stall or restaurant. Besides, the markets there are not selling Halal meats. As one of solutions, lets try to order Halal foods by using this website Baticrom. I think, the developer maybe from Bangladeshi or Pakistani who migrate to Japan to run this business. The good point of ordering here is you won’t need to have internet or banking payment. All you have to do is pay on the delivery. Here’s how to make use of the website (please refer the pictures). Notice that the delivery is only for those who are residing in Japan.

1. Go to http://baticrom.com and choose “Food & Spice” store.

2. Decide what kind of Halal foods you want.

3. Until you find the item (the specific food) you want, confirm the price, enter the quantity (if more than one) then click “Add To Cart” (eg. see black arrow below). With the click, it will be automatically put into your cart. The detail of your cart is shown on the top right of the page. When you’re done, click “Check out” button on your top right.

4. Enter your shipping address. You may enter once the shipping address, or register to save your shipping address information (very convenient when you shop often here).

5. Choose the date and time of delivery. Make sure you will be at home on the delivery time. You may also option to get a phone call when ever the delivery is coming. When you done, click “Proceed To Place Order” button.

6. You will be confirmed by email or phone call on your Halal foods order. And you’re done, just wait for the delivery.

A little bit FAQ about the service

(disclaimer: i’m not the worker of that website but im answer it based on my experience, and thanks to housemate senpai)

I’ve never used internet for shopping before so i’m not pretty sure about the process?

• I may say this service is quite different from other website shopping service, they used to take money on the delivery’s time. Don’t worry to order is not that hard. My advice is you need to be careful when entering shipping address information. Please make sure your contact information is all correct. Then wait according your delivery time with the exact amount of money. (I’ve just took my order today, i paid about 13000yen for meat, chicken, sausage etc). Last but not least, do order in a large quantity, ask others around you to join.

Do i need a Visa, or MasterCard of CIMBclicks account?

• Please read this article again, thoroughly.

Hopefully this article will be helpful.

16 days in Japan

Konichiwa! It almost 16 days i’ve been in Japan with a lot of enjoyment and also painful. On the fist 10 days in Japan, we’ve allocated to stay in Seminar House where lot of facilities are available. From dining to washing, recreation to the bed room. Within that period we need to establish connection with estate agent for renting house, and also to get use with the new world of Japan. Let me summarize what we’ve done there.

What is more interesting is we’re having chance to sightseeing to around Tokyo, Ropponggi and Asakusa together. Before that actually i went to Akihabara with senpais’ guide. I was excited with the huge number of gadgets and computers stores there. Besides, with our own we’re also been to a kind of a beautiful nature (reads God’s creator) place in Japan called Sakura Kicho. Near to that place, there is Cosmo World where we have fun of riding roller coasters, and entering ghost house.

And now, im with my new life, no longer in Malaysia, TBP, or MAIS, im now in Japan, fighting with any kind of temptations, weather (it is too cold, until i get athma attack), people (the fact is not everyone will be nice to use), games and blabla.

Till next post. I’ve just add a few more pictures!

Eyes of Japan