InSSIDer Wi-Fi Network Scanner

I used to have NetStumbler for Wi-Fi network scanning but it doesn't run on Windows 7 OS. Its development seems to have stalled. The newer InSSIDer network scanner runs natively on this new OS. It's interface shows the detected Access Points' signal strength graph in two panes. Aside from 2.4 GHz , it is also able to scan the 5 GHz spectrum.

Overall, the software is very good and it's FREE. It is downloadable from http://www.metageek.net/.

Happy scanning!

Efficient Replacement to Windows Copy or XCopy

Frustrated with Microsoft Windows’ Copy or XCopy command-line tools? Even with Windows Explorer, you seldom succeed in copying multiple files--- it just stops when an error is encountered leaving you clueless as to why and where it stopped. Your instinct would then be retry and fail again.

You might think of using XCopy from the command line. Of course, it’s better than the Copy command giving you a bit of control of multiple file copies but aside from the difficult-to-use syntax, you also get misleading error messages that are hard to troubleshoot. It still eats up your valuable amount of time trying to get it right.

But thanks to Microsoft RichCopy, copying multiple files and directories in the thousands is now a breeze. This is a Windows GUI tool to let you copy multiple files and directories with so many options available in XCopy. It is fast, simple to use and most of all, it’s free!

Please note that this utility is provided as-is, and it's not supported by Microsoft (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.04.utilityspotlight.aspx?pr=blog)

Cool Free Software for Offline E-Mail

Another great application that I used and still using is Zimbra Desktop, the FREE desktop software for full email, contact, calendar, document management and offline access features.

I have used a few email clients in the past like Sea Monkey, ThunderBird, MS Outlook, the GMail plugin to receive and store my emails locally on my PC to make them available even without internet, but Zimbra Desktop has the features of consolidating my different email accounts--- GMail and Yahoo.

Installation is straight-forward. After installation, add your email accounts and sync. The syncing process could take a few minutes, so be patient.

My Favorite Blog Editors

I have narrowed down my preferences to using these two blog editors.

First is with Microsoft’s Windows Live Writer where you can have editing done with your blog site’s template. It has preview and html source editing.

Second is Zoundry Raven. This has also the features that I need but most importantly, it is free!

Happy blogging!

Malusay WiFi: Node 3 is up!

The Malusay community wireless network's Node 3 located in the Bato area is now up and running.

The last node in the network is using a NanoStation 2 with an external home-made antenna in WDS/AP mode. With this milestone, we are nearing the 100% completion of the project with only a few finishing touches to make.

Thanks to all those who volunteered their time. Happy surfing!

 The 70-foot tower.

Deploying the NanoStation

Terminating the PoE.

Malusay WiFi: Node 2 is up!

Node 2 located in the vicinity of the barangay hall is now up. We managed to upgrade the existing tower of Tio Lando the whole day today and deployed the PicoStation 2 repeater. With me working on the tower were Rimbol, Jerry, Rodel, Tio Lando and Toto, our climber.

Node 2 is a WDS AP Bridged with Node 1. Signal level is at -66 dBm which is good.

Installing the PicoStation on the 70-foot mast

Tio Lando overseeing the whole activity

Securing the cable onto the pole

Wrapping up and connecting the PoE to the power source.

Malusay's Got Internet!

At last, the long-awaited internet access has come to our barangay.

Sunday, April 11, 2010, despite the long brownout, we have managed to complete the link to the internet. Thanks to Kenneth for lending us his generator set.

The backhaul link between BH1 at the Cadre Tower and BH2 at Malusay Tower is excellent at -45 dBm with 100% CCQ.

Now, the tasks will involve finalizing everything from securing the tower perimeter, deployment of tower lights and UPS batteries and more to efficiently manage the network and users.

Here are the pictures for yesterday's activity at the Cadre Tower. Enjoy!

A day with our ISP.

The view to the "Taw-Taw".

 

The view to the North.

Installing the PowerStation to the 80-foot tower.

Almost dark, but we finally did it!