Gumballl

Several of us have been through this. I don't know of anyone who has had to produce evidence of physical presence. What they will check is your passport to make sure you are a US citizen.

If this is your first interview and you are in Bangkok, then it isn't with the US Embassy, but rather Home Security. You have to get Home Security's approval first before your file is transferred to the US Embassy. Each step requires additional information, but once presented then it is on to the next step.

Have things changed? I applied for US citizenship for my Thailand-born daughter at the ACS (American Consular Services) section of the US Embassy in Bangkok in Sept 2005. I did not have to go through DHS. I do not recall having to provide hard evidence either. All I had to do was complete a form indicating the time periods I was physically in the US. A tedious task because the only records I had were my passports which show the dates when I was out of the country!

My petition was approved in about 35 minutes, and then 2 weeks later the passport was ready. I cannot recall if I also received my daughter's SSN as the same time or some time later when I was back in the US. But I applied for both at the same time.

As you may have read in another post, I gave up on FC7 and installed Ubuntu on my Dell notebook. It runs quite well. Fortunately ATI provides a driver for the X1300 chip set. One thing that irked me about FC7 was the lack of support to get the wireless chip set working. With Ubuntu I followed a few steps and voila it started working.

Anyhow, I agree with your choice to remain with FC. I also will remain with it on my other notebook. I run the ancient FC5, but everything works and I have no desire to upgrade.

A little advice... in your spare time, I would recommend that you backup your multimedia files to another repository. HDDs can fail and data can be lost in the process. Or consider a RAID implementation.

I have a desktop running Ubuntu 6.10 and a laptop with Ubuntu 7.4.

They both work well but I would like to network them together, is there a tutorial for Linux or Ubuntu which will lead me step by step through the networking setup procedure?

Thanks,

Colin

Do you have both of your systems sharing a router? If not, you will have to use a cross-over cable to network the two to each other.

Once you physically network your systems, then it would be helpful to know what you would do with such. Richard-bkk gave some links on how to setup an NFS (network file sharing) scheme, which allows you to mount a directory or entire partition of one machine onto another, and vice versa. This has its advantages, but may be overkill for what you need.

If you want to quickly transfer files from one system to another, the easiest thing to use an SSH transfer. I can't speak about your 6.10 version, but on the 7.0.4 version (you meant that right???), go to Places -> Connect To Server and then specify the type of service (SSH) and the remote host IP address. This action will only work if the system you want to connect to has an SSH-daemon running. You can refer to the Ubuntu User's Guide on how to install that if you do not already have it.

If you proceed with the SSH approach, then you can connect to the other system and easily copy/paste files from one system to the other. I use this method to transfer files/folders from my Fedora Core 5 notebook to my Ubuntu notebook. I also use SSH when I am at the office and I want to connect to my Linux system which is connected to the WWW behind a router.

I have not heard of SLAX or DSL (in the context you are using)?

As for my needs, well actually, it is for the company where I work. In the past they had built a cross-compiler on an x86 to build necessary tools (i.e. packages) and GRUB, and conveniently placed these into a Linux-style directory structure. GRUB was used to load the kernel, etc. I have the binaries for the cross-compiler, but I cannot get it to compile Linux 2.4.27 (which is what my company is using) on an x86_64 architecture. The original x86 that the tools were built on has long been decommissioned.

Creating a new cross-compiler, then compiling various packages... and hoping nothing goes wrong along the way... is a time-consuming chore. Then GRUB comes into play. Once all of the binaries are installed into their appropriate areas within the linux directory structure, including GRUB binaries, then an ISO image can be built. When I get to the stage where I can produce an ISO, then I can write it to a CD-R and hence create, in theory, a bootable Linux installation. If the disk does not boot, then it could be a simple or a complicated issue causing the problem... the latter which would make me have to repeat the exercise described above again. Each iteration takes 16-24 man-hours.

Unlike other Linux distros (for example, LiveCD or Knoppix), I need something where after the kernel is uncompressed in a RAM disk, a "home-made" script can be run that prompts the operator if they want to install or upgrade their the software on their HDD. After the choice is made and the action is complete, the operator is prompted to remove the CD-R, and reboot the system. After rebooting, the system behaves as a turn-key system where a specialized application (that is Qt and X-Windows dependent) is run. There is no need for the operator to log into the system, for this is done automatically. There is also no need for operator to input partition information for the HDD, user account information, or any of the other settings normally presented to an operator that is installing Linux from the common distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, etc.

If you understand the above, then you have accomplished a great feat. For me, it is easy to lose sight of what I need. For instance, the whole purpose for the exercise above is simply because I cannot recompile the Linux kernel (version 2.4.27) that my company uses, so that I can install USB support. Without the cross compiler, there is not much I can do. My company currently uses GCC 3.2.3 (?) which was built incorrectly, and which I cannot rebuild on the x86_64. If I try GCC 4.1.1 or 4.1.2, then Linux 2.4.27 is not compatible... thus a later kernel (i.e. 2.6.x) is required. Then throw in the appropriate versions of binutils, glibc, kernel header, and other packages and then you can start to imagine the complexities. Take a look at this site to get an idea of what it takes to build linux: Cross-Compiled Linux From Scratch

I am not a GCC (or GNU) expert and frankly I would love to have a distro where I can easily remove unnecessary packages such as evolution, firefox, etc and install my company's scripts/applications. From that, I would like to create an ISO image from the resulting product. This entire product has to fit on a 700 MB CD-R but preferably not take up more than 450 MB (its always nice to have extra space for future needs). Pulling stuff off the WWW after post-install is not an option because the system may not have a network connection.

I just hope by the end of business tomorrow I will have something built. I have been working on this nonsense for over a week and a half. There is nothing less satisfying than compiling various source packages over the course of a day or two just to find out that it doesn't work and then having to start all over again.

Well, I thought this was going to be a short description of the issues I have been dealing with, but apparently it is not. The query I had concerning GRUB was merely because I'd hate to spend a couple of days only to find that it is not GRUB that is needed, but instead IsoLinux, or something else. Both GRUB and IsoLinux require the 'initrd' file, which I am not even sure what is the proper way to create it. If I proceed into researching info on GRUB, I want to make sure it will work for my needs.

Anyhow, it is bed time... I'm tired of thinking of this cr*p. I'm sure glad my company is paying me for all this work though.

Tried to find another thread about this so it's not a repeat, but cannae. Want to give an old computer away, but want to ensure all of my files are deleted from everywhere. Any help most appreciated.

Goto this site (Eraser) and see if it will meet your needs. The product is free. Goto the "downloads" link to download the version appropriate for your system.

Ok, I sorted out the problem with Ubuntu. I used the "Alternate" CD disk to install the OS and then found very helpful guides within the the Ubuntu forum that provided clear instructions on how to setup the driver for my notebook's ATI X1300 chip set and also for the Broadcom 43xx wi-fi chip as well.

Anyhow, now everything is up and running. Looks great, although I cannot understand what is the purpose of performing a 'sudo' for every root-level command. It is easier to just log in as 'root' and then perform the same commands.

My next task is to install an SSH-daemon and HTTP-daemon (Apache).

Your tirak has 3 ways to get into the US... 1) get a tourist visa, 2) get a fiance visa, or 3) get an immigrant visa.

For choice 1, the likelihood that she would qualify for this visa is slim to none. She must be able to prove to US authorities (at the US Embassy) that she will return to Thailand after her brief visit to the US. In other words, she must prove that she will not overstay her visa, which as you probably know, is a common occurrence in the US --- ###### those illegal space aliens!

For choice 2, you will need to complete form I-129F (visit the USCIS website) for instructions and details. It takes about 6-8 months for this application to be approved. If your tirac gets the fiance (K-1) visa, then when she enters the US she must marry with you within 90 days... otherwise she must return to Thailand.

For choice 3, you will need to marry in Thailand (yes this marriage is recognized in the US), and then you will need to complete form I-130 (visit the USCIS website) for instructions and details. It takes about 12-15 months for this application to be approved. If you tirac gets the visa, she can come and stay in the US indefinitely.

For choices 2 and 3 you must prove to the US authorities that you have the financial means to support your tirac in the US. For two person (yourself and her), it is something like $25K per year in earnings or other financial means (stocks, bonds, etc). You do not have to be a home owner.

Now for my personal opinion... go to Thailand a few more times to spend with your tirac before considering either choice 2 or 3. Make sure you have the real deal with your tirac and not just some Thai "toy" that makes you feel good while on vacation. A lot of foreigners (falangs) make the mistake of committing too soon to Thai partners they hardly know, only to find them a different person after they are in falang-land.

Lastly, if you need more info on the I-129F or the I-130, seach the Thai Visa forum.

Good luck.

I downloaded the FC7 DVD ISO... of course it was easy for me because I am in the US. I've installed this distro on my Dell Inspiron E1505 notebook. I read a posting on the Fedora Forum that the ATI Radeon X1300 chip set will be supported at the end of June '07.... in another 21 days. I hope so because for now I am stuck using using the Vesa driver at a 1024x768 resolution.

In the mean time I will need to troubleshoot a problem FC7 has with my wifi Broadcom 43xx chip set. Ubuntu has the same problem. Must be something with the chip set not being Linux-friendly.

Copper is worth a "fortune" today. Many construction sites and electrical utility companies are getting ripped off all the time. In the US I believe I heard that 142 pennies ($1.42) is worth something like $4. Many folks are collecting the coins to sell overseas, which is causing the US mint to have to produce more of these coins. It costs more to produce the coin than the actual "face value" of the coin.

Anyhow, it comes as no surprise that thieves were stealing cable in Vietnam. It happens all over the place. I think there was a story of thieves stealing a huge cache of cable in Thailand a year or so ago.

Um, put down the Chang for a wee bit, recover, and then repost the problem you are having with your PC.

Btw, nothing personal, but I find it amazing that that those who claim not to know much about computers are the ones always downloading new, stange applications (with perhaps no clear purpose in mind) and then unloading them afterwards. When it comes to off-the-wall s/w apps from bizarre companies, avoid them. A lot of times these apps are a POS and don't always uninstall properly.

I've seen a lot of posts concerning FF, and I cannot quite understand why there is so much trouble with it. I've used FF for over 2 years (under Windows and Linux), upgraded it at every chance I got, and never once had a problem. There must be something special going on in Thailand.

I sure wish I could have a Chang right now.

Wow, that fan is huge! Anyhow, it shouldn't be too hard to find a replacement. Go to any PC shop and they will probably have something identical or something similar in stock. Then it is just a matter of disconnecting your "old" fan (it should clip off) and then disconnecting its power cable. Then do the opposite with the new fan.

Another suggestion, if it is possible, is to get a can of compressed air to see if blowing any dust out of the "old" fan makes a difference. Sometimes it does, but only temporarily.

Sad story. I wonder how many of the passengers in the pickup agreed with the driver to flee the scene? Fleeing the police almost never works. The police have guns, they have radios, etc. Some police depts even have helicopters. The average street vehicle cannot outrun a helicopter.

Btw, did the 22-yo driver die "behind the scene", or behind the wheel?

I need to create a bootable disk (CD-R) containing a compressed linux kernel. Will Grub make this happen?

If you can answer that question, then would you know how do I setup the "/boot/grub/menu.lst" file? What device do I use... /dev/cdrom? What if I do not have this device? How do I create it?

I should mention that I have looked into "isolinux", but I didn't quite understand it all. Is it similar to Grub, or is comparing the two like comparing apples to oranges?

Btw, I cannot remember what post I read this in, but someone was "complaining" that some Linux distros takes up more than one disk, and that Ubuntu was "better" because it fit on one disk.

This is partially true... Ubuntu does fit on one CD-R disk.... and Fedora Core fits on one disk too... a DVD-R. Which do you think is better? My vote goes for the distro that has the most drivers on it. Ubuntu reminds me of the Slackware I used back in 1997.

This evening I tried installing Ubuntu 7.04 on a Dell Inspiron E1505 that has the ATI Radeon X1300 chip set. The Ubuntu distro did not have the appropriate driver for this chip set and hence it could not start GDM (X windows); ditto when I configured the contents within the RAM disk to use the Vesa driver (at 1280x1024, 800x600, etc. resolutions). Anyhow what a big disappointment!

I read online that one can install Ubuntu in text mode (and then perform updates later), but that choice was not available with the 7.04 distro. Or may it is, but it is not documented anywhere (?). Anyhow, with GDM failing, the installation dropped me at the command line. Unfortunately I cannot add updates/upgrades because Unbuntu is running in a fixed-sized RAM space.

Earlier in the day, and on the same system, I installed Fedora Core 7. It also did not have the appropriate driver for the ATI X1300 but at least it was able to load the Vesa driver so that I have Gnome up and running.

Another issue that seems to be plaguing both distros is an issue with the Broadcom 43xx chip set I have for the WiFi. Periodically an error is spewed out indicating that the chip set's firmware cannot be updated.

As for the video problem, Fedora Org claims that there will be an update for the ATI X1300 chip later this month (June' 07).

Just buy a new car. Soon the worries of a broken spoiler will be forgotten.

It's amazing that after reading through all of the previous posts, not one person has mentioned that a university degree is nothing more than a certificate. It is not a declaration or guarantee that the bearer of such degree will be successful or is qualified to perform duties in the workplace.

Companies generally hire with the presumption that the new graduates have the basic competencies to do a job and have demonstrated that they are responsible enough to hold the job. These ideals favor the one with the university degree versus one without. However, there is still no guarantee that the "educated" person will be successful. This is a risk that the company takes when hiring recent graduates.

Sure, some universities are better than others. The good universities tend to offer better laboratories for research, opportunities for students to do internships, and possibly have a higher standard for their curricula. But not every person should be judged on where they attended school. A student with a C-average from a prestigious university (say Harvard, Standford, Princeton, etc) may not turn out to be as bright as someone who graduates with honors from a lesser known university.

Therefore I think it is safe to assume that there are some exceptionally bright people in Thailand, which due to circumstances beyond their control, were relegated to remain in Thailand to do their studies. This does not make them lesser of a person. If a company decides to discriminate against persons holding Thai university degrees, then perhaps the company is not worthy of consideration.

Btw, concerning myself, I have a BS in Engineering from a so-so university in the US. Yet during the past 17 years I have managed to acquire good work opportunities in several top-100 companies including perhaps the world's best known government agency (NASA) and I have come across an entire spectrum of people from different backgrounds and qualifications. Never once did I question or consider where one acquired their university degree. All that mattered was whether they could do the job. And the same always applied to me as well.

.... After taking a short pause to tend to other (more important) matters, I wonder why I even bothered to write my opinion to this topic. Half the the postings in this topic contained misspelled words, poor grammar, and yet we are here to provide our opinions about the quality of the Thai educational system. I for one vote for Chula. They have a good school of education.

You may have to change the permission on the file. Open a terminal, go to the directory where the BIN file is located at (Desktop?), and then issue the following command:

chmod +x GOLD.bin

Then just run it using the terminal:

./GOLD.bin

Note: If the filename is something other than GOLD.bin then replace it as appropriate in the commands above.

That hotel looks great! Does it have beach access? What are the nightly rates for a non-smoking room?

Also had LASIK performed at Bumrungrad. It was successful EXCEPT that I had dry eyes almost immediatly after the operation ) now 2 1/2 yrs. ago. Eyes are very sensitive to drying out because the tear ducts are afftected by the surgery. Plenty of threads on many forums about how misarable some people are....do a google search - LASIK dry eyes.

If I'd been made aware of it by the doctor probably would have taken a pass.

-O

Aren't one's tear ducts located on the lower corner of the eye lids? How was yours affected by LASIK? I had LASIK 2-1/2 years ago (in the US) with no complications whatsoever. I can distinctly recall that my eye lids were held aside during the procedure with a special clamp-like device. The only portion of my eyes that was "touched" by the cutting device and the laser was the eye ball itself.

If you have (extremely) dry eyes, it may be due to another issue. I would consult with a different doctor to get a different opinion or options, or just consider using artificial tear drops from a bottle.

OP - Although a massage is helpful to relax, ask your doctor for a Valium tablet. Within 30 minutes you will be relaxed.

I'm doing just fine here in the West.

I purchased a Nokia BH801i headset recently while I was visiting Thailand. The box with the instructions printed on the side was accidentally thrown out. I have finally figured out how to get the phone to see the headset but I cant figure out the passkey/code that you're supposed to put in. I have tried "0000", "1111", or nothing -- just pressing "enter". Nothing seems to work. If anyone knows the proper code, I would be grateful.

This wasn't hard to find... go here to read the BH801 user's guide.

Do you have any information as to what FC7 provides (that was not available in FC6 or 5)? It is obvious that it provides support for newer hardware, but as far as the look & feel of the system, has it dramatically changed from previous distros?

I'm still running FC5 and after recent episode where I upgraded the kernel (using 'yum'), I was disappointed that the kernel I obtained did not include the proper modules (drivers) for my sound card and SD port. I had to revert to the earlier kernel which fortunately was still available on my system.

I have a land line ?????

Need more than that.......

I have a land line... I can download at approximately 6 Mbps. Maybe the OP means he has dial-up service, in which case you would be correct in stating that more bandwidth would be desirable.

It's funny, the last linksys I had went down in exactly one year. I had the first one and I've considered it bad luck. Last week, the 2nd one went down after an year of home use. I don't know what to think anymore. I knew that the best you can get are either Linksys or either Belkin, I have(had) both of them and it's no good. Hence, the Belkin is playing a very ugly trick on me right now (the faults mentioned in my previous post).

It would be nice if you could be more specific about the problems you have had with your routers. Is it possible that there is an issue with your system? Earlier you stated that you have made no changes to your system, but bear in mind that MS makes changes (especially if you have previously been getting updates).

Verify that you router has been assigned a valid IP address by your provider, and that you have valid Gateway and DNS IP addresses (it is always preferable to have 2 or more DNS addresses).

In Windows, open a Command window (DOS shell) and run the "ipconfig" command. Verify your router has assigned your system a valid IP.

Once you have obtained access to the web, go to your router manufacturer's website to see if there are any firmware updates available for your router. If so, download the update(s) and install it.

As for myself, I use the Linksys WRT54G. I have had it for two years, used it in 4 different states (in the US), an I have had no troubles whatsoever.