Beware the Sality Virus!

We've been having some problems with malware infections lately, and the most recent bug we had is the Sality virus. It was infecting our Samba shared drive which was running in Ubuntu 10.04. The virus would've never been a problem at all if our client unit were running Ubuntu as well. But, working in an institution where most users are not familiar with any other Operating System, except for Microsoft Windows, then we may still be having problems. From what I've noticed, this virus has the ability to replicate itself. And for your to be able to completely eradicate it, you should be able to identify which client computer it came from, disconnect it from the network and run a full scan using any updated Anitvirus or AntiMalware software. I recommend using Malwarebytes or AVAST!. And also run full scans on other computers connected to your network.

One AVAST! auto search discovered the infection from a Google chrome update.

Anyway, click here for more details about the Sality virus.

Just a precaution.

Enjoy surfing.

My plans for Software Freedom Day 2011

This year's Software Freedom Day will be celebrated on September 17, 2011. Now, many of you would already know what this event is. But for those who still have no idea, it is actually an annual celebration of free software. It is actually an effort to educate and to increase awareness that there is actually free software which can be used as an alternative for proprietary software.

Together with Mr. RJ Ian Sevilla, we were able to successfully celebrate Software Freedom Day for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010). However, this year is going to be different. Since Rj and I have gone our separate ways in search for greener pasture, I'm planning a different approach in celebrating this year's SFD, but still retain the essence and purpose of the celebration. And since I am no longer connected with the education sector, I might find it a little hard to convince participants to come and celebrate with me. However, with 877 friends on Facebook, it's not gonna be that hard. I think it's time to bring my celebration to the social network. All I need now is support from friends with the same vision and belief.

You may not really know it yet, but I believe that many of you are already supporting this cause in your own special way. How? By using Free and Open Source Software, but you're just unaware of it. Every little amount of awareness counts! Are you using Mozilla Firefox? That's FOSS. Are you using Skype? That's FOSS! Are you using Open Office? That's FOSS! Are you using Ubuntu? That's FOSS!

Now, please don't get confused between Free Software and Free and Open Source Software, 'cause they are two very different things!

Anyway, I will be updating this post soon, so make sure to come and visit this page often. I may need to connect with other people who helped me celebrate the event in the past. Sir RJ, if you're reading this, give me a buzz!

Respectfully yours,

Jonathan Paul C. Solis

FOSS Advocate

Zamboanga city, Philippines

The fad about Angry Birds...

I've been reading about this game about midyear last year, and have been craving to have my hands on it. Wanting to give it a try, to know what the fuzz really is about the Angry Birds. But unfortunately, I don't have an iPhone or any android gadget. All I have is a PC. And recently, (about a month ago), I was introduced to a free PC version of the game by my office mate, and without hesitation, I started playing it. At first it felt boring, especially during the first 10 levels in the game. I never really paid much attention to it and just looked at it as just another game installed on my PC. It was not until my 2 year old son got interested in watching me play the game when I really got interested in playing it. My son loves the game! He loves watching the birds fly, and especially the pigs! He actually even imitates the sound the pig makes during an unsuccessful level (the snorting pig laugh...). When my son wakes up each morning, it's "birds... birds... birds..." right away... I even forget about my lack of sleep whenever he wakes me up as he drags my laptop bag on the floor... but one thing about my son's addiction of watching me play the game, is that he doesn't want to see my wife playing it... whenever I ask my wife to take over 'cause i need to pee or prepare a cup of coffee, my son would be delirious! He'd say "hinde ya... hinde ya..." push my wife's hand from the mouse, and pull me back by my index finger... me and my wife actually found it to be a problem, 'cause my son wouldn't let me off the PC... that's when I thought of downloading in-game clips from youtube and other angry birds clips just to make sure that I could step out of the PC once in a while and just let my son watch the clips. And guess what? It worked!

One day, we were walking around town and I was looking for some Angry Birds merchandise. I really wanted to buy my son a stuffed Pig (cause the pigs are actually his favorite, not the birds). And surprisingly, we found a back pack Pig with the inscription "Angry Piggy". Me and my wife immediately bought it, without hesitation. Now I'm looking for any stuffed Angry Bird item. My wife is also into it, she wants to have an Angry Bird shoulder bag.

Anyway, we're all into the Angry Birds craze! and it's pretty cool to have a new hobby once in a while...

A lot of new things...

It's been 2 months since I worked for Dyncorp Int'l., thru EMDI, and I must say that I have learned a lot here, and is still currently learning more stuff as days progress. I've traveled the 3 most critical areas in region 9 (Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi) setting up VSATS and network access. I am enjoying it so far. I love how I am able to set up these huge satellite dishes and provide internet access to the American soldiers who are isolated from society. It's the only way they could communicate with the outside world, especially with their family. The internet really does make the world a very small place to live in, bringing people closer no matter how distant they may be.

Well, there have been issues with connectivity, but most of the time the problem is due to our provider's side. It rarely comes from ours. But when there is indeed trouble on our side, we simply give the routers a quick reboot (power-cycle), and the problem subsides. Sometimes we have to block certain users who eat up a lot or hug the bandwidth by downloading stuff and streaming videos on the internet. We only unblock them when they call us, and we explain to them why they were blocked, hoping that they would not do it again. But being the American soldiers that they are, they just keep doing it again. Yeah, they are a bit hard-headed and a pain in the butt. But if they do get blocked for a 3rd time, we will not be restoring their connectivity for about a month.

Most of the tasks I do here are simple. Installing software, remove viruses, assist with printing problems, entertaining calls, cleaning up the Comms room, etc. etc. When there's really nothing to do, I update my Facebook and other social networking sites. I still try, as much as I could, to keep up with my friends and former colleagues, and my former students as well. Yes, there are some things that I miss about my former job, but life must move on! I believe I am in a much better place right now. And I don't regret ever leaving my former job behind. Growth is actually putting into action everything that you learned in school, and learn a thing or two, whenever something goes wrong. It is better to apply what you are preaching, and discover if the theories are true, rather than preach and not doing anything to prove it.

Yes, there are really some things you cannot avoid no matter which company you are in. There will always be problems here and there. All you have to do is go with the flow. 

Well, I just hope the VFA will stay for some more years so I could stay employed here and all. I am enjoying it so much, and I have been able to provide for my wife and son what I was finding hard to provide before.

Take care and keep on reading my blogs!

Moving on... to 30!

Yeap! I just turned 30 today, and what a great way to celebrate my 30th birthday! The year 2011 actually came in as a good year for me. My son will be turning 2 four days from now, and I'm moving on to a better career on the 25th!

Yes, I'm leaving my teaching days behind. 2 years and 2 months as an instructor was a great experience for me. Although it's an irony for becoming something that I never even dreamed of becoming, but then, that's that.

This time, It'll be more inclined in the field of IT. It will be a more hands-on experience, the same experience I had when I was with TVI. Yeap, it's gonna be great! And the best part is, I won't have to leave Zamboanga at all! Although, DynCorp informed me about traveling, but going to be less. Yes, I was hired by DynCorp International as IT Specialist 2 weeks ago, and I am just waiting for my final day here in STI College Zamboanga.

I could say that my stay with STI was one of the greatest experiences ever! I traveled to different cities for trainings and seminars, and I had my first jet ride when I was here. Lots of fond memories to remember. And the students, yes. I could say that my students are one of the greatest people I have met here. I taught them what they needed to know, and I learned a lot from them too. I'm sure they will cherish whatever they have learned and put it to good use later when they're working.

It's actually hard to say goodbye to them. That's why I don't want to say goodbye. I'll say "farewell" or "see you around" instead. Yes, it hurts me to let all of you go, but it would hurt me more if I stayed. I have a family, and they are my primary concern. I want to give my child the best education a father could give and to raise him the way a good father would raise a child. And I want my wife to be able to have some of the good things that life has to offer. I want my family to experience flying and traveling with me in the future. I want to give my family a better and brighter future. That is what made me accept the job at DynCorp. I don't want to spend the rest of life not being able to buy new socks, nor underwear, nor shoes. Yes, I have been wearing the same things for the past 3 years, or 4 at the most.

And yes! Happy 30th Birthday to me! I remember some people would say "Life begins and 40" so now my goal is to be able to reach that age, and begin a new life!

Some downside though, I found out that I am diabetic and my uric and triglyceride levels are high... not to worry though, 30 is still a young age! I still have a lot of time to modify my lifestyle and to be healthy and fit.

Well, that's it for now! I'm excited about this new chapter in my life! A new age, a new job, and a happy family!

I'll keep you posted!

STI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - ZAMBOANGA CHAPTER

• GENERAL MEETING

WHEN: DECEMBER 20, 2010
TIME: 5:00 PM
WHERE: Room 3G, STI College Zamboanga

• LOVE DRIVE (Outreach Program)

WHEN: DECEMBER 25, 2010
TIME: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
WHERE: RECEPTION AND STUDY CENTER (TALON-TALON ORPHANAGE)

DONATIONS: Infant Clothes, Diapers, Used clothes for children,
Food (eg. Noodles, canned goods, etc.)

MEETING PLACE: STI COLLEGE ZAMBOANGA @ 8:00 A.M.

• 3RD STI ALUMNI GET - TOGETHER

VENUE: WOODLAND RESORT, ZAMBOWOOD
WHEN: DECEMBER 30, 2010
TIME: 3:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

CONTRIBUTION: P100.00 / head
EXCHANGE GIFT: P100.00 and above (unisex)


*For those who will be attending the GET-TOGETHER, please send your confirmation to S'MIKE at mimtanz@yahoo.com or to ME at jonathanpaul81@gmail.com or simply reply or comment on this thread.


*Also, for those who will be attending the GENERAL MEETING, please bring with you P100.00 for the contribution.


*And finally, the STIAA-Zamboanga is accepting cash donations (pledges) from our fellow alumni who are working abroad and in other places in the Philippines who won't be able to attend the get-together. All donations will be used for any upcoming alumni activities which we will be having in the future. For cash donations, please contact Mr. Aldimin Kalli at 09069424311 or email at aldiminkalli@zamboanga.sti.edu

MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a very
HAPPY NEW YEAR
to EVERYONE!!!

My "Fish-Keeping" Hobby is back...

When I was in elementary school, at around 10 years old (the same time I picked up a guitar), I got interested in fresh water fishes. I actually saw a friend of mine carrying a little plastic bag of water, with a little goldfish in it. That actually stirred my curiosity about fishes, and I had to ask him where he got it. He said, an old man named "Nong Eto" is selling different kinds of aquatic fishes, which ranges from the little guppy to the colorful goldfish. So off we went, and I bought my first little tan-colored goldfish for P10.00. And it came with a branch of aquatic plant, too! Quite a bargain!

When I got home, I actually realized that I had nowhere to place my little fish. So I used an old styro-foam case which I found lying around my dad's working area, cleaned it up, and filled it with water up to the brim. I released the goldfish in its new home, and I stayed there for a few minutes, just watching the fish swim around.

My dad found out that I was taking care of a goldfish. He didn't know about it at first, cause I placed the aquarium at the back of the house. He actually surprised me by buying 2 Platty Mickey Mouse fishes! It's a kind of fish which had a mark on it's tail-fin which resembled the famous mouse. So I placed them together with the goldfish. It was kinda difficult to see the markings this time 'cause I could only see the fishes from above. I now desperately wanted to have an aquarium made of glass, so I could see the fishes clearly.

A few days later, on a Saturday, I saw my dad working on some glass pane, and an adhesive which smelled like dried pee! Turns out, he was making an aquarium! And I was so happy about it. While he was working on it, he asked me to go downtown and buy some aquarium pebbles, an air-pump, and a few more fishes from a pet-shop. So I did! I also bought some aquatic plants. And when I got home, the aquarium was done, but the silicone adhesive had to be dried, and once dried, it still had to be tested for leaks. My fishes had to wait for another day before they could be transferred. And on the following day, after testing the aquarium for leaks, I placed the pebbles in, together with the plants, and installed the air pump. I let it stay like that for awhile before I placed the fishes in. And then, about an hour later, I released my fishes in their new home. A small goldfish, two platties, and two bottom dwelling catfish (which I bought from the petshop, and acts like a janitor) now swim around the large 20-gallon aquarium.

The aquarium was so large, and it had very few fishes in it. So, I bought more fishes. Mollies (black and white), swordtails, which looked very nice with their long protruding tail fins, black moors, with their big black eyes, and lots of other fishes. I also got interested with fighting fishes, which I had to separate in small jars because of their aggressive behavior. The female fighting fish can be placed in the aquarium 'cause they are less aggressive than the males. I also bought zebra fishes, which were fast swimmers. And I also bought oscar fishes which was a meat eater. And other varieties of goldfish (lionhead, pearlscale, shubunkin, etc.) My dad actually made two more aquariums cause there were just too many of them. And aside from those three big ones, my dad also made 2 small ones, and a little fish pond on the terrace, with one side made of glass.

I actually had the chance to breed some of my fishes.

The mollies and swordtails were easy to breed. They'd simply mate in the aquarium, and a few weeks later, the female give birth to live fries. I made sure that the fries were separated from the larger fishes.

The Zebra fish was also easy to breed. Simply separate a pair in a designated breeding area, and they will do the rest. The female will drop her eggs and the male will fertilize it. And in a few days, the eggs will hatch into little zebra fries. Make sure to remove both male and female right after laying the eggs. You could actually use an egg collector to collect the eggs, and you can transfer the eggs in another container if you want.

Fighting fishes have a unique breeding method. You'd easily know if a male is in heat 'cause he would make bubbles in his container. Just put the male and female together and the male will start doing his "flary" dance. He'd squeeze his body around the female to force the eggs out and then he'd fertilize them. The male gets the eggs using it's mouth and places them in the bubbles. He'd make sure that none of the eggs would fall on the aquarium floor. I have to make sure that the female will be removed after that. Then, the eggs will hatch after a few days. When the hatch-lings fall, he'd simply catch them and put them back in the bubbles. Once the hatch-lings can swim by themselves, I can remove the male fighting fish and put it in another jar.

Now, I was never able to successfully breed a goldfish! I do get a pair to lay some eggs, and let it hatch, but then the fries never grow to become adults! And sometimes, the eggs just won't hatch! But I do know when to separate a pair of goldfish and let them do their thing. First, you have to check if the female goldfish does have eggs. To do this, hold the goldfish in your hand, and gently press on it's "butt" (the hole under its tail fins). If you see some white stuff coming out, little round-jelly-like substance, then those are the eggs. Leave a pair of goldfish together in a separate container. It's best to do this at early dawn, around 4am. The goldfishes will start chasing each other. Make sure to remove both of the fishes from the container if you already see a lot of eggs, 'cause they might end up eating it (they get tired from all the chasing, y'know). And also, make sure that your water is not too deep, about 2 or 3 inches deep. This will allow the hatch-lings to swim to the surface and grasp for air. I think that's one reason why I never successfully bred them, cause my water is too high!

Anyway, I kind of lost interest when I was in college. Y'know, with all the distractions, studies, projects, my girlfriend (who is now my wife... hehe...). I barely gave any attention to my fishes. Worst, when I got married and transferred to a different house, I totally forgot about my fishes until they all gradually died one after the other.

Until lately, with a two year old son who gets curious at everything he sees, me and my wife thought it would be a great idea to start having fishes again, and to entertain my son. So I decided to get the aquarium from my old place, and fill it up with some fishes. And I just love it when I see my son run towards the aquarium and say "fiiish... fiiish..." and he'd point at the fish food, and i let him feed it. It's actually his fishes, literally.

Right now, I have 2 oranda goldfish, 2 black mollies, and 2 silver mollies. And very recently, the black molly gave birth to 7 little crossbreeds. So that makes 13 aquarium fishes! I'm actually planning to add some more. I have no aquatic plants yet, but that can wait.

It's really nice to wake up in the morning, and sip on a cup of coffee while watching the fishes do their thing. And whenever I come home from work, I'd sit in-front of the aquarium and it relaxes my mind. It helps me de-stress, and forget my problems (momentarily). And it's a great thing. It's a great hobby.

Looking forward to be breeding soon.

Happy Fishing!