Home net is up

August 31st, 2006 at 15:25 · Filed Under Business, Computing · Comment 

I have just finished setting up my HO (Home Office) network. I pulled a cable connecting the router in the living room to HO in the 3rd room. Hooked up the boxes and Viola! I am now posting from my HO room using remote desktop connection which is connected to the Linux box in the living room.

Both Pyxis1 (Intel/Linux) and Pyxis2 (SPARC/Solaris) servers are running. If my iBook did not die too early, I could have my hard disk backup to these servers. Sigh…

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Monster House

August 30th, 2006 at 23:50 · Filed Under At the Movies, Days in My Life, Dmitry, Family, Travel · 1 Comment 

Today Dmitry and I went to Kuala Lumpur again. This was the second time he followed me. My primary intention was to send my iBook for inspection.

We went for a movie, Monster House, at GSC in 1 Utama shopping complex. He watched the movie until the end. Monster House was a nice scary cartoon for a kid. Dmitry was enjoying the movie in my hug eating pop-corns away.

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A tribute to my iBook

August 30th, 2006 at 23:13 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · 2 Comments 

I sent my iBook to Axis Computers Sdn Bhd, an Apple authorized service centre in PJ, for inspection and confirmed the LB (Logic Board) is dead. Unfortunately, my LB does not show the symptoms described under Expanded Logic Board Repair Program. To replace a new LB will cost me RM2,460 not including labor charge. Furthermore, I will have to wait for minimum 1 week and the LB’s warranty is only 3 weeks. I think that’s not worthy to replace so I have decided not to proceed.

I was a little emotional when I collected my iBook from the centre at 16:40 this evening. The service centre was so kind and nice that they did not charge me. Thank you, Axis.

This iBook was bought in New York and brought to Malaysia by my sister, Angie. She has traveled with me to many countries in Europe and Asia. She has accompanied me to many seminars that I have given and business presentations and many other occasions. She has been my loyal and truly the best working companion at home, at work, at cafe, at many places. Thank you.

Good bye iBook. Rest In Peace.

R.I.P. August 30, 2006.

PS: I have the hard disk removed so that I can copy the data in it to my new Mac Mini.

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Karate is not for girls?

August 30th, 2006 at 12:45 · Filed Under Karate · 2 Comments 

I was having dinner with my friend and his family in PJ last evening. Both of them are doctorate. We talked about crime rates nowadays and about self-defense. His wife was interested to let their daughter to learn self-defense and she asked about what was good for her daughter. I told them karate, of course.

But then his wife said, “Karate is for men, isn’t it?”

They are not the only two persons saying that. This has been a general idea of the public for quite a long time. I don’t know when people start thinking that way.

I asked them, “What do you think is good for girls/women?” Their answer was “Tae Kwon Do?!”

Fine, everybody has an idea that TKD is good for girls. And there are many female training TKD compared to karate. Why do you think TKD is for girls? Do you think girls look nice when they lift their legs to kick high? What if they are wearing skirts?

I think people got the idea that TKD is better for girls because karate training is much more aggressive and require more power training to develop muscles. This generalization is totally incorrect.

IMHO, karate is more practical than TKD but I do not say TKD is not good (Please! Don’t start flame war but if you like, please leave your constructive comments for discussion). TKD is more a sport and showmanship than self-defense. It is very entertaining to see some TKD practitioners breaking boards with stunning flying kicks. Are you required to do a high flying kick to take an opponent down? Is the opponent 8 feet tall? Will the opponent wait for you to run 20 feet to execute a long and high flying kick? TKD also uses hands as weapons but their training does not seem to emphasize in using hand techniques. Why?

I have some TKD friends who are black belts and instructors who occasionally come to train and discuss with me some karate techniques. It is fun to exchange ideas between TKD and karate with them.

Karate-do is also practiced as a sport by most people today. There is a tendency for karate-do to lose its traditional essence for self-defense. Many real karate-kas have realized this and they are moving back to traditional karate-do training. Traditionally, karate-do is not a sport. The techniques for self-defense are highly effective and employ effectual human kinetics and motion economy to achieve its purpose.

I am going to write an article, Scientific Karate, explaining human kinetics and motion economy in karate-do. I sparked on the idea while I was doing research about karate-do. I find both human kinetics and motion economy very interesting. I hope I can find more time to write the article.

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OSx86 and AppleTPMACPI

August 30th, 2006 at 7:26 · Filed Under Call Me a Geek, Computing, Hacking, Mac OS X · Comment 

I tried to Google for OSx86 download but failed to find any sites that provide download of hack OSx86 and not even a HOWTO site. It is illegal to provide a hacked Mac OS X though.

So I tried to install Mac OS X on one of my Linux box with my license copy of Tiger (Universal Binary) but failed. To look for Apple TPMACPI kernel extension is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. I believe it can be found if I ake more time and look harder.

It can be interesting to learn how Apple implements TPM and how it works.

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Make a good picture using compact digital cameras

August 29th, 2006 at 22:38 · Filed Under Dmitry, Photography · Comment 

I saw a perfect lighting condition and wanted to make Dmitry a nice picture. It was kind of troublesome for me to take out my 350D. For convenience sake, I took my Sony Cybershot and made him this picture.

I took the picture without using flash and it turned out to be nice. But unfortunately, there were noises in the picture. A DSLR would do better in this case.

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Icterus and phototherapy

August 29th, 2006 at 22:01 · Filed Under Dominik, Family, Medical · 1 Comment 

Nik developed icterus (new born jaundice) on the 4th day of his arrival. I noticed some yellow on his cheek. It was confirmed on Friday when we brought him to his pediatrician for check up. The doctor immediately ordered a blood test but we decided not to go for it. They would draw the blood from his ankle and he would cry because of tremendous pain. We had seen many babies crying for this reason in the nursery room.

With our experience when Dmitry developed jaundice, we gave him phototherapy at home. We used both sun bathing (early morning) and artificial light methods. When Dmitry was developing jaundice, I researched the different light spectrum emitted by different fluorescent light bulb and found the one used to grow aquatic plants very close to the spectrum they used for phototherapy.

I ran home and quickly setup the stroller with the light and get him under it. Nik’s jaundice lasted until August 31.


We put Nik on the steady Chicco stroller under the light.

When doing phototherapy at home, it is important to observe the progressive of the baby’s jaundice. If it is getting more yellow and down to his feet, the baby will require immediate medical attention. Otherwise, it is safe to be at home and continue the phototherapy. Observe the color of the stool carefully. If the color of the stool turns greenish yellow, that indicates the baby’s body system is breaking down the bilirubin. The greenish yellow color in the stool indicates that bilirubin has been discharged out of the baby’s body. Be sure to give the baby plenty of water so that she will not be dehydrated.

When putting the baby under the light, try to put him as near to any window or door. There will be some scattering ultra violet near this area. The extra UV will also aide the phototherapy.

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OSx86

August 29th, 2006 at 21:32 · Filed Under Computing, Mac OS X · Comment 

There have been reported cases of successful hack of Mac OS X running on Intel PC. Project OSx86 is a website to provide forum and discussion about Mac OS X running on Intel PC.

Apple uses a technology called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to prevent Mac OS X from running on non-Apple Intel PC. TPM groundwork was originally laid by Intel and Microsoft. The companies insist the chip is meant to verify trusted computers on a network and prevent malicious code from running on PCs.

If TPM kernel extension in Mac OS X called AppleTPMACPI.kext is removed entirely, Mac OS X can be run on any Intel PC.

The impact of the OSx86 hack on Apple’s hardware brand could be severe. The hacks also generate tremendous controversy in legal issues. There is no doubt that running Mac OS X hack on non-Apple PCs is illegal. What if user purchases a license copy of Mac OS X and hacks it to run on PC? Is this legal or illegal?

Why doesn’t Apple sell Apple Pie? Well, the Apple Pie were PCI interface card with TPM chip on it that could turn any PCs into a Mac!

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Quality control problems or growing pains at Apple?

August 28th, 2006 at 22:47 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · Comment 

It seems like Apple has received a lot of complaints from Mac Book and Mac Book Pro users about heat problems. There are even a few reported cases of the laptop computer catching on fire. This could be accounted to Apple’s Intel transition rush to increase hardware sales before the year end holiday seasons as well as the slowing down of sales due to customers waiting for the new Intel hardware.

On the other hand, iMac Core Duo, Mac Mini Solo and Duo appear to be doing quite well. Read more about the post by Jacqui Cheng.

So now, I have settled my mind with Mac Mini instead of Mac Book.

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Bubble of hope has burst

August 28th, 2006 at 16:46 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · Comment 

I rang back Apple in half an hour. The same service consultant answered my call and he said:

I have checked with the expanded program manager, your model and serial number did fall in range but unfortunately your iBook does not have the symptoms as defined in the program (http://www.apple.com/support/ibook/faq/) so Apple is not going to award the program to you. Further more, your warranty period is over and it is out of the three years program range. I am sorry sir.

My bubble of hope has burst hearing what he said. I told him that I was not aware of the expanded program until my iBook died several days ago and he continued:

But sir, if you would send your iBook to Apple Authorized Service Centre for an inspection and provide us the report, the customer service would consider based on your case.

At least, there is still one last hope.

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More lights to revive iBook

August 28th, 2006 at 16:06 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · Comment 

I rang up Apple Service Hotline in Australia, 1-800-80-3638, and got a case number from Apple’s service consultant. I had verified with him that my iBook serial number actually fell in the range of affected serial numbers under the expanded program. He promised me that he would look into my case to see if Apple would award its Expanded Logic Board Repair Program.

I am pleased to see more lights shining on my iBook now. I will keep my fingers crossed.

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A chance to revive my iBook

August 28th, 2006 at 10:58 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · Comment 

I called VR (an Apple authorized service provider) and spoke to a technician, Selva, a moment ago and they said my iBook is covered by Apple’s Expanded Logic Board Repair Program and Apple will still honor the warranty. It will take 3 to 5 working days to have it replaced.

I am lightened up after hearing the good news and the light of hope breaks into the darkness. I have immediately scheduled an appointment for Wednesday morning.

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One week after my iBook died

August 28th, 2006 at 10:01 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · Comment 

My G3 iBook (800 MHz) dies last Tuesday and I only aware of Apple’s Expanded Logic Board Repair Program only after that. I bought the iBook at the beginning of 2003 so I don’t know if Apple will honor the program to me or not. However, I am going to try my luck after this.

This is my first Mac and now I am starting to fear of buying another Mac after reading so much about LB problem in iBook, PB, MB and MBP! I bought a Toshiba Satellite notebook in 1999 and is still running strong (I use it as a fax server) on Linux) . I generally think that a PC laptop lasts longer than Apple’s. I am so afraid of making new investment in Apple’s hardware. Firstly, I have already moved my working platform to Mac from Linux. Secondly, an investment that breakdown around 3 years is not cost effective.

I am in dire straits now as I don’t know what to do. Going back to Linux is certainly not a good idea because of already so much data in Mac. If Mac is the only option to me, then which one should I choose? Mac Mini or Mac Book (White or Black)?

After sifting through enormous pages of web forums, I found that Mac Book, like its older cousins, has the same logic board problem. It also looks like Apple has not learnt their lessons from previous PPC logic board problems. Or is this Apple’s evil strategy to sell more of its products? Despite of all kind of logic board problems, Apple’s stock price still soars high in Wall Street.

This is a very bad first experience with the Mac. I do not wish to become eternal slave to contribute to Steve’s payroll.

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Carousel of confusion

August 27th, 2006 at 14:15 · Filed Under Computing, Critiques, Mac OS X · Comment 

I still can’t power on my iBook. It is going to be a week and I think it must be dead, totally dead. I had this problem a few months ago but I managed to start it up. To avoid this problem, I put iBook to sleep every each time I finished using it. With this method, I was a happy Mac user again until last Tuesday.

I am in despair because I have already ditched Linux as my working platform. I use Linux only for servers and to compile source code for multiple platforms testing. I have already ported my daily work like email, word processing, graphics processing, everything to Apple’s Mac OS X.

It is inevitable to order a new Mac. Which one should I order? A Mac Mini? Mac Book White or Black? I was having a plan to get a Mac Mini as a web server before my iBook died. But if I ordered a Mac Mini, I would have no mobility like using a notebook computer. If I ordered a Mac Book, I would have not enough budget to get a Mac Mini for a while. But I think I will most likely to order a Mac Book because of mobility. I have to wait for minimum 2 weeks for Mac Book Black. That’s killing me. 5 days are enough to kill me. Argh!

I hate technology when it dies on me!

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Morning nap

August 26th, 2006 at 23:50 · Filed Under At Home, Dietrich, Dmitry, Dominik, Family, Photography · Comment 

After a nice morning bath, is Nik’s nap time. Caught him sucking fingers to sleep.


Nik was sucking fingers with big bro look on.


Happy big bro!


Nik was getting fussy.


Don’t disturb, ok?


Rich followed Nik’s finger sucking in the background.


Yawn…

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Karate for kids

August 26th, 2006 at 20:04 · Filed Under Karate · Comment 

My son, Dmitry, and I went for his karate training in Petaling Jaya for the first time on Friday. It was his first time so far away from home with daddy alone. It was remarkable to see him gradually becoming independent.

I don’t have small kids in my karate class except Dmitry. I wasn’t very sure how to handle a small kid in karate class until Friday.

Kids at Dmitry’s age (4+ years) are very playful and it is quite difficult to have them following even the simplest instructions. I was concerned if Dmitry would disturb the class with his shouting and tantrum. Thanks to my Sensei’s patience and he told me let him be. I observed him very closely and I noticed that he was following the training quite well. Although he was not following the class exactly, but I could see his ability to do things. I was relaxed after seeing him.

I have learned a way to train kids from my Sensei. Kids can’t be taught the way the adults are taught. We need to let the kids to explore themselves and let them the freedom to observe and follow what the others are doing. This way, they will enjoy their training rather than listening to a whole lots of talking and instructions and they may get boring.

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A great day out

August 26th, 2006 at 2:22 · Filed Under Days in My Life, Dmitry, Family, Travel · Comment 

Yesterday, I needed to go to Kuala Lumpur to have my iBook checked and to have some discussions. Dmitry and grandma took Dominik to the pediatric clinic for check up. On the way home, I asked Dmitry if he would like to tack along and he could have karate training in the evening. He nodded and promised to behave so I asked him to tell mommy about our traveling plan.

When home, Dmitry told mommy about our plan. She quickly told him and got him to promise to be a good boy. Then, mommy was off busying packing for D while I ran out for some errands. When I got home, he was ready to go. I had a quick lunch then off we went.

He slept in the car and woke up near Seremban where some express way building that caused massive traffic congestion. When we reached Nilai rest place, I stopped for a rest and both of us went for wash. He said he was hungry and thanks mommy, there were some food and drinks in his back pack. We shared some of the snack and we headed to KL.

We reached Bangsar Shopping Complex but could not get my iBook repaired. I was told to leave my iBook and they would check what went wrong. But if I decided not to proceed with the repair, they would charge me RM120! This is really too much and very absurd to charge so much to just find out what the problem is. So good of Apple service in Malaysia. I don’t know how good Apple service is in other country.

We proceeded to another Apple Centre in 1Utama. Still could not get it started. Frustrated, so I decided to give Dmitry a treat. We went to A&W, ordered a Mozza burger, a large float and a waffle with ice-cream. We really enjoyed our dinner.

After our dinner, we took a stroll in the shopping complex. After which, we headed to my Sensei’s house. I had a short discussion with Sensei.

When we reached the training place, which was not far away, we changed into our Gi (uniform) and joined in the training. There were many other kids in the training so D could see for himself. He was following the training (although not to the exact) beside me. I was a little worry before that, fearing he would disturb the class.

After the training, we went for a supper with Sensei and his children. Both of us had roti canai and teh tarik. We headed home at 23:45. Not long after D got into the car, he was already snoring into his dream land. He was really tired but I could see that he really enjoy his trip. This was his first day-long trip to Kuala Lumpur with daddy alone and was a great day out for both of us.

We arrived home at 01:25 this morning and mommy was waiting for us while feeding Dominik. Dietrich was sleeping soundly but he woke up after a while we reached.

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Great evening

August 24th, 2006 at 23:47 · Filed Under Days in My Life, Dmitry, Family · Comment 

Dmitry and I went to Jusco to get some groceries for mommy. After getting the groceries, he wanted to go to his usual place (toys department) to play educational TV games. We went and he queued but suddenly he sneaked in while the other boy was playing. Not longer after that, another older fatty boy sneaked in while Dmitry was playing. We went away from that place and I told him it was not nice to do that. I told him about the feeling of the earlier boy and asked him how he was feeling after his game was snatched by another boy. He was quite upset. Then we went around and I thought of giving him a treat. Just then, I received a SMS message from mommy. She had the same thought. She asked me to give Dmitry a treat at Sushi King as a father and son thing.

We went to Sushi King and had a few plates of Sushi. It was marvelous! This was the nicest evening we both had spent together and also the first time father and son (just two of us) dine out. After our Sushi, we went back to the toys department again. There were less kids around the game machine. This time, Dmitry waited until his turn.

He managed to go through 7 or 8 levels (I could not remember exactly) and score 372 points! This was his first time. I was so proud of him. It was near closing time and a younger kid came along with his parents. I asked D to share the machine with him and he did so. I could really see from both Dmitry’s and the other kid’s eyes. They were very happy.

This was the greatest evening we both spent together.

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Receiving red packet from grand parents

August 23rd, 2006 at 21:36 · Filed Under At Home, Dominik, Family, Photography · Comment 

According to Chinese customs, the new born will receive red packets (gifts) from grand parents.


From grandpa and grandma.


Grandpa, grandma and granny (mommy’s side).


With uncle BS.

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Home sweet home

August 23rd, 2006 at 16:20 · Filed Under At Home, Dominik, Photography · Comment 

Nik was snoozing away in his comfy baby cot.

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Protected: Welcome home Dominik

August 23rd, 2006 at 16:10 · Filed Under At Home, Dmitry, Dominik, Family, Photography · Enter your password to view comments 

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Welcome home Dominik

August 23rd, 2006 at 16:05 · Filed Under Dmitry, Dominik, Family · Comment 

We all reached home around 16:05.

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Protected: Going home.

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Sleeping with 2 dinos

August 23rd, 2006 at 10:30 · Filed Under At Home, Days in My Life, Dietrich, Dmitry, Dominik, Family · 1 Comment 

Last night, my mom was sleeping in our room with 2 dinos and I was sleeping in the hall. In the middle of the night, Dietrich woke up and cried for mommy. I ran into the room to comfort him. After a while, I dozed off with 2 dinos beside me. It was nice to have both of them sleeping beside me. I really enjoyed it. Four of us were in the room.

When we woke up in the morning, the house stirred into motion. We were busy preparing to go to the hospital to take mommy and Dominik home.

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iBook can’t power on

August 22nd, 2006 at 23:34 · Filed Under Computing, Mac OS X · Comment 

Sh!T, My iBook can’t turn on. It is dead! What should I do? I have quite a lot of data which I have not backup yet. Oh my….

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Morning bonding

August 22nd, 2006 at 7:30 · Filed Under Dominik, Family, Photography · Comment 

Good morning Nik! Here’s mommy. LA tried to bond with Nik last night but both of them were too tired.

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Welcome Dominik!

August 21st, 2006 at 23:58 · Filed Under Dominik, Family · Comment 

Finally, Dominik had arrived.

13:45 - We arrived at the hospital.
14:15 - LA was in the labor room.
14:45 - LA’s cervix had dilated to 3 cm.
16:15 - still at 3 cm.
16:45 - her doctor came and still 3 cm. Water bag was broken.
18:20 - 4 cm.
19:30 - still 4 cm.
21:15 - still 4 cm. The stress had built up and her doctor did not like the long wait (more than 6 hours). He feared for the baby and her safety. She had first C-sect and second vagina birth, there was still a risk to have uterine rupture. The doctor explained the risk and we had to quickly decide for C-sect.

LA was very upset and I comforted her and told her about the risk that we might face. She cried and I almost cried too. We managed to get her agreed to the procedure. Immediately, she was wheeled to OT (Operating Theatre) on level 1.

She wanted me to come along and her doctor agreed and assured that I would be sitting beside her and the doctor. I changed into surgical gown with cap and mask and led into the OT. Because of my height, I could get a peek and saw her doctor had already cut her open. I was asked to sit down beside her and hold her arm. I gave her a firm grip. My tear was running at the edge. I asked her if I look like a surgeon and she look at me with a smile. Too bad there is no picture.

I took a few peek and ….

22:10 - Dominik had arrived with a clear and loud cry. The moment I saw the doctor retrieved Dominik from the womb, my heart was pounding. Luckily, I did not faint. Many heartiest thanks to her doctor and his team.

I took some photos the night Dominik arrived and on the day Dominik were going home.

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Welcome Dominik!

August 21st, 2006 at 23:57 · Filed Under Dominik, Family, Photography · Comment 

Welcome Dominik! He and I just came out from the OT. He was still drooling. Ha! (Actually, he was getting the fluid out of his lung and mouth, I think.

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Karate men’s team kata Paiku bunkai

August 19th, 2006 at 3:31 · Filed Under Karate, Kata and Bunkai · 5 Comments 

I went to the MAKAF Senior Championship at Pay Fong Secondary School Melaka today and recorded some videos during kata events.

Here’s the video of the men’s team kata champion performing Paiku and demontrating bunkai.

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GIMPShop

August 18th, 2006 at 11:55 · Filed Under Computing, Linux, Mac OS X, Photography · Comment 

I turned away from Linux to Mac as my working platform some months ago. I occasionally would use GIMP on my Linux boxes to do some graphics. After switching to Mac as my major working platform, I had missed GIMP a lot. I used PhotoStudio that came with Canon EOS in a CD. I don’t like PhotoStudio because it is very slow and very limited in features and supported only a few graphics formats.

Last night while I was surfing at Apple’s website, I found GIMPShop. I was very excited and quickly downloaded and installed it.

GIMPShop is a free Open Source image editor that is similar to the popular Adobe Photoshop. Specifically GIMPShop is a version of the GIMP that has been edited to be more user-friendly for Photoshop users.

GIMPShop was created by Attack of the Show’s Scott Moschella. The menu structure and terminology are adapted to to look and feel more like Photoshop, and other adjustments were made to make the GIMP more usable. In the Windows version, the Deweirdifyer Plugin has been used to place all of the various windows into one nesting window, so it will act more like a single program that multiple little programs.. Also the menu structure and terminology are adapted to to look and feel more like Photoshop.

GIMPShop was orginally developed for Mac OS X, but has been ported to Windows, Linux, and Solaris.

It is like meeting an old friend after a long time. I feel more at home with graphics now (I am not very good at graphics, but I will do some very basics graphics at times). I think it’s time for me to ditch PhotoStudio!

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