RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification. RFID technology is using radio waves to automatically identify objects or even human being and animals. It is pretty similar to the bar code identification system: RFID tag/card and RFID tag reader is equalvalant to bar code and bar code scanner. However, one of the great advantage of RFID technology is that we don't need to have the "line-of-sight" scanning for the RFID reader to read the RFID tag/card as what is required in bar-code idenfication system. Thus, RFID cards also known as "contactless card" or "smart tag".
RFID tag consists of an Integrated Circuit (IC), which attached to an antenna. The IC is used to store the data/information, while the antenna is used to transmit/receive or transmit and receive data. RFID tag can be in various kinds of form and sizes depends on its functions. For a passive RFID tag which is read-only, the size can be as small as a grain of rice. The RFID reader is just a radio frequency receiver and transmitter that is control by a microprocessor. Information is sent-to and read from RFID tag by using the RFID reader.
It is interesting to know that the first e-Passport which implement the RFID tag is issued by Malaysia in year 1998. In addition to information also contained on the visual data page of the passport, Malaysian e-passports also record the travel history (time, date, and place) of entries and exits from the country.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Apply for Streamyx?
Well, the reason why i wrote this article is because i really have a bad experiece with my STREAMYX application. >_<~
Nowadays, application of STREAMYX is so easy as there are so many the so called "authorized" resellers of TMNET Streamyx out there. You don't really need to attend yourself at the TMPOINT to do that anymore. In fact, you even get the agent's contact number from the simple+small poster stick on the lamp post, which written"STREAMYX RM77 01x-1234567" everywhere (just like how you get to know your Plumber contact number in an emergency, LOL).
What you need to do is just submit your home fixed-line number, IC number & your name to the authorized reseller. They will settle everything for you: From filling up the form till doing the set-up at your house. If you are good enough, you can even submit to the Streamyx-in-a-Box package, whereby you will do the installation by yourself. However, there are always unluckly person like me, who still can't get the Streamyx services on after 2-months.
What i done was, i went to a TMNET Streamyx authorized reseller, provided the information to them and signed on the Streamyx application form. I would like to subcript on the Streamyx 1.0M with free modem package, which will cost me RM88/month. This is done in early MARCH 2007.
Few days later, I had been informed that Streamyx is available for my phone number. Then, there was a technician from the authorized reseller, coming to my house to do the installation and i have been charged a RM88 installation fees. As i also notice this "RM88 installation fees" wording in my application form, i just pay him and let him do the installation.
Unfortunately, after the hardware installation, the technician told me that my fixed-line still don't have ADSL signal and he said he will help me to log a report. Accroding to him, the problem should be settled within a week time.
However, after a week, i still don't get any ADSL signal at all. Thus, i decided to call the TMNET Streamyx customer service centre to complaint on this. I complaint for several times and TMNET Streamyc Customer Service concluded:
1. I'm actually subcript to the Streamyx service as "self installation". Although it was the authorized reseller's technician doing the installation, he is not a TMNET's technician. If TMNET technician is doing the installation, they will not collect any money from me, it will appear in my TMNET BILL!!
2. There is no port available at my area at the mean time. I'll will be lucky to have my streamyx on as soon as there is some one at my area cancel their service. OR TELEKOM decided to extend the port.
3. Port availability problem is actually Telekom's problem which is a different company from TMNET, TMNET just can't do anything and only can wait for the respond from TELEKOM.
Well, when i asked why TMNET approved my application and saying the service is available in the first place, but in fact it is not. The customer service's answer was: I'm considered as doing self installation, so it is actually my fault. I should get a TMNET technician to do that. (-_-?)
Until today, there is no solution for my case, and of course i still don't get the Streamyx broadband service at home. In fact, i had cancelled my application last two weeks ago. I'm now using Maxis 3G broadband to online at home. Using my 3G phone as a modem and get connectted at 460kbps. It is a bit slow compare to 1.0M Streamyx, but at least it is an alternative for me after two months waiting for nothing.
So, my suggestion is, if your really wanna apply Streamyx, why not goto your nearby TM-Point and do it there. At least, you can make sure that you are doing it in a correct way. From my point of view, if you go through the authorized reseller, the so called "authorized reseller" is actually taking the advantage to earn commission from TMNET and also the installation fees from the applicant. If you think that why not to let the agent earn their money, so that it is no headache for you, you are definately wrong. Just like myself, if anything goes wrong, it is actually the applicant who will get into the big-deep-shit -_-!!.
PS: I still remember, when i referred this matter back to the authorized reseller, asking about refund by returning their modem, suddenly there is a TMNET guy called up and congrates me that my Streamyx is activated?!! When i asked how it gonna work as at my home there, there is totally no ADSL signal? The TMNET guy get shock and asked back who is the person calling just now that asked for activation???
PS2: Maxis 3G broadband package is at RM120/month for unlimited data download. I think it is quite worth it for it's mobility. Now, i can online everywhere with my 3G phone, as long as the coverage is there. The speed is quite ok for me, as i don't do a lot of downloads. However, compare to Streamyx 512k RM77 + fixed-line rental RM26, it is still a bit expensive.
Nowadays, application of STREAMYX is so easy as there are so many the so called "authorized" resellers of TMNET Streamyx out there. You don't really need to attend yourself at the TMPOINT to do that anymore. In fact, you even get the agent's contact number from the simple+small poster stick on the lamp post, which written"STREAMYX RM77 01x-1234567" everywhere (just like how you get to know your Plumber contact number in an emergency, LOL).
What you need to do is just submit your home fixed-line number, IC number & your name to the authorized reseller. They will settle everything for you: From filling up the form till doing the set-up at your house. If you are good enough, you can even submit to the Streamyx-in-a-Box package, whereby you will do the installation by yourself. However, there are always unluckly person like me, who still can't get the Streamyx services on after 2-months.
What i done was, i went to a TMNET Streamyx authorized reseller, provided the information to them and signed on the Streamyx application form. I would like to subcript on the Streamyx 1.0M with free modem package, which will cost me RM88/month. This is done in early MARCH 2007.
Few days later, I had been informed that Streamyx is available for my phone number. Then, there was a technician from the authorized reseller, coming to my house to do the installation and i have been charged a RM88 installation fees. As i also notice this "RM88 installation fees" wording in my application form, i just pay him and let him do the installation.
Unfortunately, after the hardware installation, the technician told me that my fixed-line still don't have ADSL signal and he said he will help me to log a report. Accroding to him, the problem should be settled within a week time.
However, after a week, i still don't get any ADSL signal at all. Thus, i decided to call the TMNET Streamyx customer service centre to complaint on this. I complaint for several times and TMNET Streamyc Customer Service concluded:
1. I'm actually subcript to the Streamyx service as "self installation". Although it was the authorized reseller's technician doing the installation, he is not a TMNET's technician. If TMNET technician is doing the installation, they will not collect any money from me, it will appear in my TMNET BILL!!
2. There is no port available at my area at the mean time. I'll will be lucky to have my streamyx on as soon as there is some one at my area cancel their service. OR TELEKOM decided to extend the port.
3. Port availability problem is actually Telekom's problem which is a different company from TMNET, TMNET just can't do anything and only can wait for the respond from TELEKOM.
Well, when i asked why TMNET approved my application and saying the service is available in the first place, but in fact it is not. The customer service's answer was: I'm considered as doing self installation, so it is actually my fault. I should get a TMNET technician to do that. (-_-?)
Until today, there is no solution for my case, and of course i still don't get the Streamyx broadband service at home. In fact, i had cancelled my application last two weeks ago. I'm now using Maxis 3G broadband to online at home. Using my 3G phone as a modem and get connectted at 460kbps. It is a bit slow compare to 1.0M Streamyx, but at least it is an alternative for me after two months waiting for nothing.
So, my suggestion is, if your really wanna apply Streamyx, why not goto your nearby TM-Point and do it there. At least, you can make sure that you are doing it in a correct way. From my point of view, if you go through the authorized reseller, the so called "authorized reseller" is actually taking the advantage to earn commission from TMNET and also the installation fees from the applicant. If you think that why not to let the agent earn their money, so that it is no headache for you, you are definately wrong. Just like myself, if anything goes wrong, it is actually the applicant who will get into the big-deep-shit -_-!!.
PS: I still remember, when i referred this matter back to the authorized reseller, asking about refund by returning their modem, suddenly there is a TMNET guy called up and congrates me that my Streamyx is activated?!! When i asked how it gonna work as at my home there, there is totally no ADSL signal? The TMNET guy get shock and asked back who is the person calling just now that asked for activation???
PS2: Maxis 3G broadband package is at RM120/month for unlimited data download. I think it is quite worth it for it's mobility. Now, i can online everywhere with my 3G phone, as long as the coverage is there. The speed is quite ok for me, as i don't do a lot of downloads. However, compare to Streamyx 512k RM77 + fixed-line rental RM26, it is still a bit expensive.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The LHDN e-Filing
It's the time of the year again when everyone rushing to fill-up their tax form and submit it before the deadline. This year the deadline is 30th April 2007. Well, it is good to know that LHDN's e-Filing system already officiated in year 2006. We are now able to do our tax filing online. As the system already there for one year, i think it should be quite stable and worth for a try: e-Filing:Mudah, Tepat & Selamat ^^. (Yeah, just feel lazy to fill in the complicated+details+confusing BE form, and do the calculation myself =_=!!!)
When i click on the e-Filing official website https://ef.hasil.org.my, i have been informed to get the first time login pin number at the nearest LHDN office.
When i attend myself at the LHDN office (the one that is just opposite the Perhentian Bus Duta), there is a special department which handle e-Filing services application at the 1st floor. The procedure is quite easy, i just need to give my IC number to the LHDN officer, then they will register me on the system and give the pin number on the spot. It takes less then a minute for me to get my pin. (wow, i'm really impressed)
The LHDN officer even kind enough to offer me to do the e-Filing on the spot. I just when inside the room and have a look on how other people do that. Hmm, this is exactly why i don't wanna do that on the spot. I feel like no privacy where there are strangers standing behind, "reading" my annual income details... However, the officer did warn me that there are people trying to do the e-Filing at home, but they are not successfull. (Erm, i thought the idea of e-Filing is to ease the tax payer so that they need not attend themselves at the LHDN office to pay their tax?)
When i finally gathered all the information i need, i went home to try on the e-Filing system by myself. After i downloaded and installed the Digital Certificate as required. I tried to login for the first time, but i'm not successful. I keep getting the same error (dcSignX Run-time error '5': Invalid procedure call or argument) after i keyed in my "CrytoAPI Private Key" password.
I'm kinda disappointed and regret that i didn't listen to the LHDN officer advise to do my e-Filing when i'm at the LHDN office :(
As LHDN office is actually quite far from the place i stay, i decided to give the customer service a call and see whether i can get help to solve the problem. Well, i don't really put in much hope. However, i get my surprise of the day, when my problem resolved with the help from the customer service officer.
goto
start -> setting -> control panel -> Regional and Language Option -> Advance
Make sure that, the option under "Select a language to match the language version of the non-Unicode programs you want to use" is selected as English (United States), the click Apply.
When i click on the e-Filing official website https://ef.hasil.org.my, i have been informed to get the first time login pin number at the nearest LHDN office.When i attend myself at the LHDN office (the one that is just opposite the Perhentian Bus Duta), there is a special department which handle e-Filing services application at the 1st floor. The procedure is quite easy, i just need to give my IC number to the LHDN officer, then they will register me on the system and give the pin number on the spot. It takes less then a minute for me to get my pin. (wow, i'm really impressed)
The LHDN officer even kind enough to offer me to do the e-Filing on the spot. I just when inside the room and have a look on how other people do that. Hmm, this is exactly why i don't wanna do that on the spot. I feel like no privacy where there are strangers standing behind, "reading" my annual income details... However, the officer did warn me that there are people trying to do the e-Filing at home, but they are not successfull. (Erm, i thought the idea of e-Filing is to ease the tax payer so that they need not attend themselves at the LHDN office to pay their tax?)
When i finally gathered all the information i need, i went home to try on the e-Filing system by myself. After i downloaded and installed the Digital Certificate as required. I tried to login for the first time, but i'm not successful. I keep getting the same error (dcSignX Run-time error '5': Invalid procedure call or argument) after i keyed in my "CrytoAPI Private Key" password.I'm kinda disappointed and regret that i didn't listen to the LHDN officer advise to do my e-Filing when i'm at the LHDN office :(
As LHDN office is actually quite far from the place i stay, i decided to give the customer service a call and see whether i can get help to solve the problem. Well, i don't really put in much hope. However, i get my surprise of the day, when my problem resolved with the help from the customer service officer.
goto
start -> setting -> control panel -> Regional and Language Option -> Advance
Make sure that, the option under "Select a language to match the language version of the non-Unicode programs you want to use" is selected as English (United States), the click Apply.
After that, my problem resolved, i can login successfully and do my e-Filing online. I really appreciate the help and also the e-Filing system. At least, from now i need not to apply a half day leave to settle my income tax. It is something that you really should try, if you do have internet access at home.
The information on the steps to do the e-Filing can be found at
https://ef.hasil.org.my/files/panduan.asp
https://ef.hasil.org.my/files/faq.asp
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Getting Confuse with GPRS and GPS?
A lot of people get confused with GPRS (General Package Radio Service) and GPS (Global Positioning System). They even think that GPRS = GPS!
GPRS is actually a mobile data service available to users of GSM network mobile phone. GPRS provides moderate data transfer rate, which enable MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), Push-To-Talk over cellular, instant messaging, internet application for smart devices, Point-to-Point service, SMS (short Message Service), and etc future enhancements.
While, GPS is a navigation system developed by United State Department of Defence. GPS is a space-based navigation system, which using the satellites' signal to aid the navigation around the world. As it is free for civilian use, the navigation data can be downloaded anywhere (of course without obstacles) and anytime by using simple GPS receiver. Magallen and Garmin are two of the popuplar GPS receiver manufacturers.
Nowadays, mobile phones or smart phones keen to include GPS services. For example, Nokia N95 and Doppod 900.
GPRS is actually a mobile data service available to users of GSM network mobile phone. GPRS provides moderate data transfer rate, which enable MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), Push-To-Talk over cellular, instant messaging, internet application for smart devices, Point-to-Point service, SMS (short Message Service), and etc future enhancements.
While, GPS is a navigation system developed by United State Department of Defence. GPS is a space-based navigation system, which using the satellites' signal to aid the navigation around the world. As it is free for civilian use, the navigation data can be downloaded anywhere (of course without obstacles) and anytime by using simple GPS receiver. Magallen and Garmin are two of the popuplar GPS receiver manufacturers.
Nowadays, mobile phones or smart phones keen to include GPS services. For example, Nokia N95 and Doppod 900.
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