Go Hack the Philippine Presidential Poll Computerized System

Since the presidential election for the Philippines is set in 2010, the government had strongly went for computerization to avoid dishonesty.

This has been the clamor of the Filipinos for several election polls in the last 100 years of Philippine history.

There was a trial use during the ARMM local election but this too was strained by ill politics. I personally wonder if a computerized poll system can be 100% accurate and honest.

Thus, the Philippine Government, particularly the COMELEC encourages everyone even the hackers to try their system just to prove that integrity can really be achieved.

I remain hopeful however that the upcoming presidential election will not be anymore marred with regular election ill-activities of cheat and betrayal.

Know the Top 5 Deadliest Computer Viruses

Since my new 3-week old ASUS notebook simply died with no apparent cause, I began searching for possible reasons why a computer can crash down. My ASUS however doesn't qualify that a virus has attacked it but I want to share these information with you through Cnet.com video released this April 2009.

They rated the following as the top 5 deadliest computer viruses:

Rank 1. ILOVEYOU
Rank 2. SLAMMER
Rank 3. STORM WORM
Rank 4. BAGEL AND NETSKY
Rank 5. NIMDA

View the complete video here.

Rest From Programming

In my previous post, I mentioned that my new three-week old ASUS Eee PC 1000HA simply stopped functioning. The online ASUS technical support asked me to do a "first-aid" procedure on my notebook but this too was useless. Now, they want me to fill a complain/repair form and ship my notebook for their query and expected repair.

I have my respect for ASUS and their products but I am quite disappointed by this unexpected event. I only wish my case is an exception to others who bought ASUS computers and will be buying in the future. Otherwise, this company will eventually have a flock of similar complaints.

I shall have my unit shipped to them by May since our family member from US will only arrive then. This means, I have a month or more to rest from my JAVA and C programming when I was only starting this in my notebook. What a terrible and forced way to rest from my online works and from programming jobs.

This is indeed a painful way of reviewing more about equipment before actually buying them. I should have listened to our family member when he mentioned that ASUS Eee PC is a terrible unit. I guess this experience made me look at that remark as a clear truth. I only hope ASUS can fix my unit or replace it and really give me the worth of my payment.

Get the Worth From Your Computer

When I decided to pursue my masteral degree in IT, I know I must have my own personal computer to use so, I can work on my programming projects and do my online works.My Asus Eee PC 1000HA model

I decided then to buy a notebook, an ASUS Eee PC 1000HA and evaluated it according to these criteria:

1. price - it was purchased around $350.00
2. memory - it has 1GB DDR2
3. hard disk - it has 160GB with 10GB online extension
4. size - 10" of monitor
6. battery - 6 cells making it 7 hours of battery life
7. processor - Intel Atom 1.6Ghz N270
8. reviews - I heard good stuffs about my notebook


I just recently purchased it this April (barely 3 weeks old) from an online store and our family from USA sent it to us. I was using it pretty well when I was working on my internet routines, it got battery drained, and stop functioning. I thought it was only its battery, but after hours of recharging, it has remained dead.

I placed my query and complaint through ASUS technical support website and expect a reply within 48 hours. I only hope I would really get the worth from my money and time.

Protect Your Programming Files and System

As IT professionals, our works are reflected on the systems and files that we do for our client. These works normally vary in time duration depending on the complexity and scope of our IT projects.

For instance, a simple static website may take only days to perform on an object-oriented environment like Macromedia Dreamweaver. However, if this website is to be made dynamic and integrated with other front-end software like PHP or XML and back-end software like MySQL or Postgrel , then the time duration may be longer. This is also true if programming works are done in C, C++ or Java.

It is then vital that our programming software files should be safeguarded by all means. It is widely known that if a company is hooked to Internet, it faces the risks of hack, virus, and other malicious threats.

A website for instance may be locally hosted or internationally hosted. The choice then for web hosting may be based on your priority for storage, control, performance, and security. Normally, a new website may adopt a shared web hosting at a lower price but the consequences of performance or security and control may be at risk since resources are shared including traffic among others.

To address this issue, a Virtual Private Server may provide a more secured medium at a price between dedicated web hosting and shared web hosting. VPS Hosting then, provides companies higher control of their websites, bigger storage, maximized capabilities of e-commerce, bigger bandwidth at a more reasonable rate. Consequently, the choice for quality Virtual Private Server should be properly evaluated.

We don't want to waste our programming time and works simply because they were compromised by the very medium where we save our files. It is then my personal advice that we secure our works through a more reliable medium. A company is more at risk since what it will lose is the very information that drives the company. This can be a more serious consequence.

Integrate Assembly Interrupt in C

As described in previous post, an interrupt is our way of telling our OS to stop its normal operation and perform what we ask it to do.

The code below is adopted from the works of Niloy Mondal, another Assembly/C programmer.

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#include stdio.h /*enclose the libraries between < > */
#include dos.h

void main()
{
_AX=0; //file register with 0
geninterupt(0x33); //generate 33h interrupt
//check the return values now
if (_AX == 0)
printf("Mouse is not installed. ");
else
printf ("Mouse is installed. ");
}

After typing this program in C, compile and run this. It will determine if your mouse is physically connected to your PC or not.

Know That Java is NOT JavaScript

Java is an object-oriented program that is complex but very powerful. Some common applications of Java include business applications, games and other mobile computing programs.

But, it is not to be confused that several websites nowadays make use of JavaScript to produce a more interactive, user-respondent website.

A JavaScript is an interpreted language that does not require machine-code dependency. It is a program or small program that is usually embedded in an HTML file for automatic execution.

Several blogs and websites make use of web host that supports Javascript integration. It is then important that when we choose web host , it is evaluated according to the criteria of speed, technical support, disk space, price, control, features, and reviews as per written in my previous post.

There are then known web hosts that indeed support applications with mixed software orientation like HTML, XML and Javascript. Top web hosts include Tophost.com, hostMonster.com, GoDaddy.com, Fatcow.com, InMotion.com, Bluehost.com, Hostgator.com, 1and1.com, Supergreen.com, and Yahoo.com.

When JavaScript is created in any text editor, it is simply saved and runs immediately through a browser. It does not require any other software for it to execute. Thus, JavaScript is simple and ready to use. Java, on the hand, is meticulous but encompasses wide range of applications which JavaScript cannot still perform.

Know 2009's Top Open Source (FREE) Software

The debate over proprietary and open source software is getting slimmer and the winner is always the user or client. Free software are readily available and open for download, use and modification. And with this, open - source programs have been the favorites of the greater majority.

For simple or fundamental use of these applications, they are already sufficient. However, should we need to full use the software, then we can pay for meager amount or search for free add-ons.

At this time of crisis, anything free is always welcome. I am even a proud user of these free software that are included in the 2009's TOPS! These include Winamp for music, Firefox for browser, Gmail and Yahoomail for emails, Skype for conferencing, uTorrent for download, WinRar for downloads, Meebo for IM's, and OpenOffice for office.

Check the complete list.

Search for Programming Books as Aid

Learning a new programming language is quite difficult. Thus, it is helpful to find resources to guide and assist us in learning the programming language and in maximizing the features of that language.

However, since information technology is not a common household term, finding the right books and other media may be finding a needle in a haystack. We may search for bookstore in other places but this may have its own drawback since we cannot personally evaluate the book.

It is then my advice that we can search online for programming books that we believe can be of help to us. Internet can present us a wide selection of useful books and references.

I personally struggled with JAVA before, that I used JAVA books of known authors and other online resources. One good recommended book is Java Programming of Joyce Farrell . The programming concepts are indeed easy to follow and comprehend.

Since we use a number of programming languages like C, C++ or Visual Basic, we can check on wide selection of books, CD's, DVD's and magazines on these titles and many more, all with FREE delivery from the stores of Borders UK.

To keep us recharged from our programming works, we can also check on some fiction books like the release of "The Winner Stands Alone" of Paolo Coelho.

Sometimes, reading too many texts does not only strain our vision but also want us to stop reading. Thus, audio books may be a better alternative at reasonable rates.

Create a Java Database System with MySQL

When my masteral professor asked me to create a database system through Java and MySQL, I was originally anxious since I had very meager background with these software. But, i used Netbeans 6.1 and MySQL 5.0. These were easier to use although these software do have now recent upgrades.Regardless of the version and environment of SQL, typical functions are the following:

1. Insert
To insert new records into the table

2. Update
To update or change record information

3. Delete
To remove permanently a record from a table

4. Select
To view selected records from a given table

My database system, entitled, KSSA General Ledger System was developed in Netbeans 6.1, MySQL 5.0 and iReport 3.0. All these are free for downloads.

For more info with MySQL, you can check their reference manual.

Choose the Right Web Host

With the flourishing popularity and use of Internet, companies and private individuals are maximizing this medium to sell their services or to make their works known. But, web sites are challenged by the right web host. I have a number of blogs, some are web - domain hosted while others are free.

Choosing then the right web host can be critical as it can boost your website or degrade it remarkably. Thus, I have searched on vital criteria that must be evaluated before considering that web host.

I personally evaluate web hosts according to the following:

1. Speed

How fast does the web host load my site?

2. Technical support

Does the web host offer 24/7 technical service? Does my complaint or queries answered immediately?

3. Disk space

How much space will the web host carry? My blogs are loaded with graphics and other multimedia content. Consequently, over the years, disk space can be an issue.

4. Price

A number of web host offer free hosting while others are charging for a fee. But, regardless of the nature of your website, you have to get the worth of every penny spent for that web hosting. Some offer more for higher price while other offer less with sufficient features or otherwise. But, your unique needs should be the basis for selecting the most appropriate web host.

5. Control

If you pay for your web hosting, it is important that you have full control of your web site. It may mean allowing or maximizing disk space, speed, features and all.

6. Features

Does the web host provide the basic essentials for a commercially paid web hosting? Does it support file transfer and email accounts among other things. But, as mentioned above, more feature may mean higher rates. Thus, only seek for features you really need and with that the money that you shall be spending is not at all wasted.

7. Reviews

What do other web host clients say of their web hosts? It pays to listen to their true testimonies and with that, you won't be in anything, you will only feel sorry about. Survey for web hosting may be helpful in selecting the most appropriate web host. It can actually give you an overview of top web hosts that may address your unique web hosting needs.

There are other articles that may provide you a more comprehensive web host criteria. These too can be helpful in choosing the right web host.

Where to Search for IT Jobs

The primary goal of every graduate is to get a decent, education-related job. But finding it may be looking for a needle in a haystack. Thus, it is quite important that you know where to search for potential job placements.

You may start your search from the following media:

1. Local and national newspaper

2. Job ads in schools

3. Job fairs in malls or in know public areas

4. Employment units of the government like PESO, CSC, POEA

5. Internet job sites

6. Company website you are interested in

7. Job referrals by your friends, acquaintances, family or school

8. other ad media like TV, radio

Whatever medium you choose, the cue for finding a job is to never stop looking until you find the right one. Good luck then on your job search.

Filipino IT Professionals' Code of Ethics

As IT professionals and human individuals, we must uphold at all time code of ethics regardless whatever is our race, belief or practice. But above all of the laws of the land, the call for respect and integrity must be first and foremost, be uphold.

I took the liberty to search for the moral, professional and social norms that govern us.

I will use my special knowledge and skills for the benefit of the public. I will serve employers and clients with integrity, subject to an overriding responsibility to the public interest. And I will strive to enhance the competence and prestige profession. By these I mean:

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1. I will promote public, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of information technology;

2. I will consider the general welfare and public good in performance of my work;

3. I will advertise goods and professional services in a clear and truthful manner;

4. I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property laws, patent laws and other related laws in respect of information technology;

5. I will accept full responsibility for the work undertaken and will utilize my skills with competence and professionalism;

6. I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as well as the capabilities and qualities of my product or services;

7. I will not disclose or use any confidential information obtained in the course of professional duties without the consent of the parties concerned, except when required by law;

8. I will strive to attain the highest quality in both the products and services that I offer;

9. I will not knowingly participate in the development of information technology system that will promote the commission of fraud and other unlawful acts;

10. I will uphold and improve the IT professional standards through continuing professional development in order to enhance the IT profession.

Choose an Appropriate Programming Language

Over the years, I have seen a number of programming languages that simply vanish or evolve to something else. However, we could not remain stagnant or fixated with the old programming language that we are familiar or comfortable with. Technology changes over time, and so, does the environment where this technology operates.

It is then only appropriate that we keep abreast with technology and its accompanying programming langauages.

However, the choice of programming language is dependent on several criteria. I highlight the following:


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1. Competency of the programmer on the language
2. Project at hand
3. Time constraints
4. Technolog availability
5. Personnel and/or budget resources
6. Development and Maintenance issues

It is then significant that these criteria among others are properly evaluated before shifting to another programming language.

It must be noted that only when the requiremenets of the client are met that we can say a project is effective. The choice of programming language then is hidden from the client but may occur as a problem during maintenance.

Thus, the proper choice of programming language becomes a vital decision to make.

Avoid These Common Job Interview Mistakes

It is expected that right after graduation, graduates shall search for the most desirable job. However, before they can earn their first pay, they have to hurdle the torments of interviews.

I had my fair share of job interview mistakes and I simply want to share these along with other tips to avoid making your job interview a disaster.

DONT:

1. Dress inappropriately.

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2. Wear loud make up or overkill accessories.
3. Sport foul or disturbing perfume.
4. Answer your cell phone.
5. Lie about your qualifications.
6. be ignorant about the company or job position you are applying for.
7. Go to your interview late.
8. Demand salary information early.
9. Exhibit a boastful or irritating overconfidence or lack of it.
10. Others

Search on Potential IT Jobs

In my previous post, the opportunities for employment in information technology are greate. However, since this field requires a higher level of skills, the IT professionals and graduates may have difficulty earning that right job.

However, jobs do come to those who search them. Thus, as IT graduate, you may qualify to one or more of the following potential job fields:

1. Software engineering/programming

2. system analysis and administration

3. General IT management

4. multimedia development

5. IT support

6. IT Education

But, if you don't trust your skills, you can invest your time on voluntary IT Projects. Not only that you will improve your skills but this can open an avenue for other IT-related jobs.

Read my related articles:

Writing an Impressive Resume

Gaining Edge as IT Graduates

College Schooling Practical Tips

Appropriate Attire for Job Interviews

Worst Mistake During Interviews