My MeeGo

I got my TechEd MeeGo. Does she look like me?? Cute monkey huh?

Microsoft protection

For the last week I went on with no up-to-date "Microsoft protection". MS Antispyware expired end of last month. Now although I can still do scans with it by changing my system clock to some time last month, I should really be updating to Windows Defender.

So off I went to the MS site, downloaded GenuineCheck.exe because I don't want to install another ActiveX and downloaded the msi. The msi won't install saying I'm missing an update. There was no message except for a link to the requirements page. I checked the systems requirement and sure enough I have what it claims on the page. I did a search in google (as usual when I get any problems) and found hacks all over the place on how to bypass genuine advantage. I must make clear that I do have a legitimate version of XP so I don't need those. Someone suggested that I go to Windows Update and bingo it made me install

• Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
• Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)

According to the KB article, the XP update should only be required for downloads from Windows update or if I use automatic update. I do neither. I apply my patches manually because I like to know what get installed on my computer and only choose the ones I need - the more that gets installed, the greater the chances that something else goes wrong. GenuineCheck should have taken care of WGA and the fact that I can download the msi proves that. Having ran out of options I sheepishly clicked the next button and followed the bouncing ball. Voila Windows Defender was installed in flash.

This proves to me that once again, anything other than the "default" way of doing things would not work smoothly. Ok I can accept more overhead on my part because I choose to have more control over my system. But with no error messages or indications of what is really wrong, I am forced to conform to the default, even though the extra steps required aren't documented requirements.

So much catching up, so little time...

Yeah I've neglected this blog a little lately... been almost 4 months since I last posted. I promise I'll try and be more attentive - at least one post per month.

So let's see what 's been happening in my life lately.

Up till July it's been the conference and nothing else. It turned out great and I'm happy about the result. We didn't quite get our ambitious target of 120, but we got 100 so I can't complain too much. Still slaving away on the post event report.

Got into the nitty gritty of Oracle Text and lodged my first tar ball! I was a little disappointed with their support though. Yes they did give me quick responses, but they weren't the answers I was after. I had to repeat myself 3 times to get a straight yes/no which was all I was after.

I'm off the TechEd in Sydney from 22-25 August. You can catch me there if you're going. This is my first time attending the full conference. There'll be a lot to take in and I will be wasted afterwards, but it will be fun :)

I find myself tuning to ABC classic when I have my radio on... scary thought huh? I know zilch about classical music but I find it more soothing than some of the crap they keep repeating on B105. They are repeating so much that even the good chart toppers make me feel agitated.

I did plan for a nice tax refund... damn HECS I only got around $600 back.

I NEED to catch up with my friends. I have been so out of touch it's not funny. Yes I've been to drinks and lunches with some of them but I want to see everyone. I might round up the troop for something in the next month.

And last but not least, I discovered Maggie Massaman Curry mix. Tops!!