Windows 8 Start Buttonless Navigation Tweak




A new OS, a new beginning

Hopped on the OS upgrade trend and got myself a Windows 8 Pro version without any touch screen. 

 For any new starters, it's really annoying to get direct access to the list of applications installed, and getting access to the applications which are running on startup - without the start button!

 A good workaround till you get the hang or taking advantage of the new UI navigation eventually goes as simple as below steps : 

1. Bring your cursor to the visible taskbar and right-click
2. Navigate to Toolbars >  New Toolbar
3. Enter this folder path : C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

 Tada! You will notice the quick streamlined Program usual list appearing on the right hand side of the taskbar. Right click and sort the order further for a decent neat tweak!
On the better side, some tips to get you accustomed to new ways of navigation while your reliance on Start button slowly diminish
OS, Self-Help, Windows8
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M1 iPhone Revised Price Plan - 4G Battle

The battle of 4G price plan has just begun. In less than a day, M1 will be the first amongst the telcos to launch its 4G network nationwide. I could not recall M1 making any public releases of its revision of its price plan but Starhub and Singtel were the very first that made the annoucement earlier this year, and the news were badly hit back by the consumers.

To be frank, I do not understand why IDA is not taking any front here since it is pretty obvious the plan offerings are towards data reduction and promoting SMS, totally contrasting to the nation's strategy of going digital-on-the-move, and tilting towards the telco's profit share. 


Comparison of available 4g plans in Singapore :
Some research i found, credits to:
http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-overview-tiered-smartphone-plans-q3-2012-old

BasicPlan
Data Plan M1 SingTel StarHub
Name ValueSurf+ Flexi Lite  i2Surf 100 
Monthly Subscription 3G: $39 / 4G: $49.70 $39.90 $38
Local Outgoing Mins 120 100 100
Local SMS 600 800 500
Local Data Bundle 2GB 2GB 1GB
Excess Data Charges $5.35/GB, capped at $94.16 $5.35 per GB, capped at $94
*4G subscribers pay $10.70/GB
from 1st Jan 2013		 Capped at $30
Medium Plan
Data Plan M1 SingTel StarHub
Name LiteSurf+ Flexi Value i2Surf 300
Monthly Subscription 3G: $59 / 4G: $69.70 $59.90 $58
Local Outgoing Mins 300 200 300
Local SMS 800 900 500
Local Data Bundle 3GB 3GB 2GB
Excess Data Charges $5.35/GB, capped at $94.16 $5.35 per GB, capped at $94
*4G subscribers pay $10.70/GB
from 1st Jan 2013		 Capped at $30
Power User Plan
Data Plan M1 SingTel StarHub
Name ExtremeSurf+ Flexi Plus i2Surf 700
Monthly Subscription 3G: $98 / 4G: $108.70 $99.90 $98
Local Outgoing Mins 700 500 700
Local SMS 1,000 1,000 500
Local Data Bundle 5GB 4GB 5GB
Excess Data Charges $5.35/GB, capped at $94.16 $5.35 per GB, capped at $94
*4G subscribers pay $10.70/GB
from 1st Jan 2013		 Capped at $30

Being a M1 mobile user, i'm definitely more concern of M1 4g price plan that will take effect.

After 15-Sept:

Smartphone Plans ValueSurf+ LiteSurf+ ExtremeSurf+ MaxSurf+
Monthly Subscription $39 $59 $98 $198
Voice Bundle (mins) 120 300 700 Unlimited
Message Bundle (SMS/MMS) 600 800 1000 2000
Data Bundle 2GB 3GB 5GB 12GB
Exclusive benefit for re-contracting customers:
Free additional 1GB
Excess Data Charges $5.35 per GB, capped at $94.16 (excluding monthly subscription)
Theoretical Download Speed
– 3G
– With 4G VAS

7.2 Mbps
75 Mbps
Typical Download Speed Range*
(at fixed locations)
– 3G
– With 4G VAS


0.9 Mbps to 4.5 Mbps
6.9 Mbps to 17.4 Mbps
Monthly subscription for 4G VAS is waived until further notice.
Exclusive Benefits Unlimited free calls to 3 M1 numbers
Free Caller Number Display for first 3 months
Free Roaming Subscription for first 3 months
Student & NSF Benefits:
• Unlimited FREE SMS & MMS
• Free Local Data Bundle
• Free Campus & Army Camp Calls
Sunriser Benefits:
• Free Caller ID
• Free Roaming
  Subscription
• $300 Handset
  Re-contract   Discount


Before 15-Sept :
 iPhone Plans
iPhone Value
iPhone Lite
iPhone Extreme
iPhone Max
  Monthly Subscription
$36
$56
$98
$198
  Free Outgoing Calls
  (Local Voice and Video)
100 mins
300 mins
700 mins
Unlimited~
  Free Local SMS / MMS
500
500
500
2000
  Free Local Data Bundle1
12 GB
Excess data usage capped at $30
Unlimited~
Unlimited~


  • Theoretical download speed: 7.2Mbps*                   
  • Typical download speed range: 0.9 – 4.5Mbps^      
    (at fixed locations)                                           
    		•
      Get your iPhone at attractive pricing with 2-year iPhone contract.
      iPhone 4S 16GB
    $505
    $235
    $0
    $0
      iPhone 4S 32GB
    Black
    $480
    White
    $630
    Black
    $220
    White
    $370
    Black
    $0
    White
    $70
    $0
      iPhone 4S 64GB
    $620
    $360
    $60
    $0
      iPhone 4 8GB
    $400
    $140
    $0
    $0
    M1, Priceplan
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    Hongkong TVB Drama Fanatic - Drama Series (Updated Feb 2013)

    Finding a good way to keep my HK drama list updated. :D
    List last updated : 01-Feb-2013

    Source:


    [TV Release Date][TVB Drama Title][CN]
    2013.02.11 Season of Love 戀愛季節
    2013.01.21 The Days of Days 初五啟市錄
    2013.01.14 Inbound Troubles 老表，你好嘢！
    2012.12.18 Missing You 幸福摩天輪
    2012.12.18 Friendly Fire 法網追擊
    2012.11.05 The Confidant 大太監
    2012.10.22 Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles 名媛望族
    2012.09.24 Highs and Lows 雷霆掃毒
    2012.09.17 The Last Steep Ascent 天梯
    2012.08.27 Divas In Distress 巴不得媽媽
    2012.08.13 King Makers 造王者
    2012.07.30 Ghetto Justice II 怒火街頭II
    2012.07.09 Three Kingdoms RPG 回到三國
    2012.07.02 Witness Insecurity 護花危情
    2012.06.24 Tiger Cubs 飛虎
    2012.06.11 No Good Either Way 衝呀！瘦薪兵團
    2012.05.21 Master of Play 心戰
    2012.05.14 Come Home Love 愛 · 回家
    2012.04.30 House of Harmony and Vengeance 耀舞長安
    2012.04.16 Gloves Come Off 拳王
    2012.04.02 The Greatness of a Hero 盛世仁傑
    2012.04.02 Sergeant Tabloid 女警愛作戰 (TVBJ)
    2012.03.19 Daddy Good Deeds 當旺爸爸
    2012.02.27 Queens of Diamonds and Hearts 東西宮略
    2012.02.13 The Hippocratic Crush - On Call 36小時
    2012.01.30 Let It Be Love - 4 In Love
    2012.01.03 Wish and Switch 換樂無窮
    2012.01.03 L'Escargot 缺宅男女
    2011.12.06 Bottled Passion 我的如意狼君
    2011.11.21 When Heaven Burns 天與地
    2011.10.31 Til Love Do Us Lie 結．分@謊情式
    2011.10.31 Curse of the Royal Harem 萬鳳之王
    2011.10.10 Forensic Heroes III 法證先鋒III
    2011.10.03 Super Snoops 荃加福祿壽探案
    2011.09.12 Men With No Shadows 不速之約
    2011.08.29 River of Wine 九江十二坊
    2011.08.01 Lives of Omission 潛行狙擊
    2011.07.25 The Life and Times of a Sentinel 紫禁驚雷
    2011.06.27 The Other Truth 真相
    2011.06.13 Wax and Wane 團圓
    2011.05.30 Ghetto Justice 怒火街頭
    2011.05.16 My Sister Of An Eternal Flower 花花世界花家姐
    2011.04.18 Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir! 点解阿Sir系阿Sir
    2011.04.04 Relic of an Emissary 洪武三十二
    2011.03.21 Be Home For Dinner 誰家灶頭無煙火
    2011.03.07 Grace Under Fire 女拳
    2011.02.21 Only You 只有您
    2011.02.07 The Rippling Blossom 魚躍在花見
    2011.01.24 7 Days In Life 隔離七日情
    2011.01.10 A Great Way To Care 仁心解码
    2010.12.27 Home Troopers 居家兵團
    2010.12.13 Links To Temptation 誘情轉駁
    2010.11.01 Gun Metal Grey 刑警
    2010.10.18 No Regrets 巾帼枭雄之義海豪情
    2010.10.04 Every Move You Make 讀心神探
    2010.09.20 The Comeback Clan 翻叮一族
    2010.08.23 Can't Buy Me Love 公主嫁到
    2010.08.09 Growing Through Life 摘星之旅
    2010.07.26 Beauty Knows No Pain 女人最痛
    2010.07.12 A Pillow Case Of Mystery II 施公奇案 II
    2010.06.28 When Lanes Merge 情越双白线
    2010.06.14 Some Day 天天天晴
    2010.06.07 Ghost Writer 蒲松龄
    2010.05.24 The Mysteries Of Love 谈情说案
    2010.05.03 Sisters Of Pearl 掌上明珠
    2010.04.19 Fly With Me 飞女正传
    2010.04.05 Suspects In Love 搜下留情
    2010.03.17 A Fistful of Stances 鐵馬尋橋
    2010.03.08 In the eye of the beholder 秋香怒点唐伯虎 [x]
    2010.02.22 O.L. Supreme 女皇辦公室
    2010.02.16 My Better Half 老公万岁
    2010.02.15 Don Juan Demercado 情人眼里高一D
    2010.01.25 Cupid Stupid 恋爱星球人
    2010.01.11 The Season Of Fate 五味人生
    2009.12.28 A Watchdog's Tale 老友狗狗
    2009.12.14 The Beauty Of The Game 美丽高解像
    2009.11.30 A Chip Off The Old Block 巴不得爸爸
    2009.10.19 Born Rich 富贵门 [x]
    2009.10.19 Beyond The Realm Of Conscience 宫心计 [x]
    2009.09.21 In The Chamber Of Bliss 蔡鍔與小鳳仙
    2009.09.07 The Stew Of Life 有營煮婦
    2009.08.17 D.I.E. Again 古靈精探B
    2009.08.10 You're Hired 絕代商嬌
    2009.07.13 A Bride For A Ride 王老虎搶親
    2009.07.06 Burning Flame 3 烈火雄心3
    2009.06.08 A Great Way To Care 仁心解碼 [x]
    2009.06.01 The Threshold Of A Persona ID精英
    2009.05.04 Just Love II 老婆大人II [x]
    2009.04.27 Rosy Business 巾幗梟雄
    2009.04.06 Man In Charge 幕後大老爺
    2009.03.30 The King Of Snooker 桌球天王
    2009.03.09 The Winter Melon Tale 大冬瓜
    2009.02.16 E.U. 學警狙擊 [x]
    2009.02.09 The Greatness Of A Hero 盛世仁傑
    2009.01.05 Sweetness In The Salt 碧血鹽梟
    2008.12.08 Pages Of Treasures Click入黄金屋
    2008.10.27 When Easterly Showers Fall On The Sunny West 東山飄雨西關晴[x]
    2008.10.20 The Gem Of Life 珠光寶氣 [x]
    2008.10.20 Off Pedder 畢打自己人
    2008.09.22 Last One Standing 與敵同行 [x]
    2008.09.22 The Four 少年四大名捕 [x]
    2008.08.25 Your Class Or Mine 尖子攻略[x]
    2008.08.25 Legend Of The Demigods 搜神傳
    2008.07.28 Moonlight Resonance 溏心風暴之家好月圓 [x]
    2008.07.21 When A Dog Loves A Cat 當狗愛上貓 [x]
    2008.06.30 Love Exchange 疑情別戀 [x]
    2008.06.23 Speech Of Silence 甜言蜜語
    2008.06.14 Dressage To Win 盛裝舞步愛作戰20 [x]
    2008.05.26 The Money-Maker Recipe 師奶股神 [x]
    2008.05.15 Forensic Heroes II 法證先鋒II [x]
    2005.12.07 When Rules Turn Loose 识法代言人 [x]
    2005.06.22 Misleading Track 叠影危情 [x]
    2005.05.09 Just Love 老婆大人 [x]
    2004.10.25 The Conqueror's Story 楚汉骄雄 [x]
    2004.11.22 Net Deception 灵魂游戏 [x]
    2004.09.14 Shining On You 青出于蓝 [x]
    2003.06.02 The W Files 卫斯理 [x]
    2003.03.08 Loving You II 我爱你II [x]
    2003.08.18 Not Just a Pretty Face 美丽在望 [x]
    2000.02.09 Loving You 我爱你 [x]
    Before Year 2000 Millenium
    1999.12.20 Witness to A Prosecution 洗冤录 [x]
    1999.03.01 Feminine Masculinity 先生贵姓 [x]
    1997.09.29 Justice Sung 状王宋世杰 [x]
    1997.05.12 Mystery Files 迷离档案 [x]
    1992.05.04 Vengeance 火玫瑰 [x]

    Link
    Crime Investigation Files Series 刑事侦缉档案
    1999.03.29 Crime Investigation Files IV 刑事侦缉档案IV
    1997.09.01 Crime Investigation Files III 刑事侦缉档案III
    1995.12.11 Crime Investigation Files II 刑事侦缉档案II
    1995.03.13 Crime Investigation Files I 刑事侦缉档案I

    金庸Series
    The famous acronym quote :
    飞雪连天射白鹿，笑书神侠倚碧鸳

    2001.04.19 The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre 倚天剑屠龙刀
    1999.01.18 The Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountains 雪山飞侠 (黄日华版）
    1997.07.28 The Semi Gods and Semi Devils 天龙八部（黄日华版）
    1989.12.25 Ode to Gallantry 侠客行 （梁朝伟版）
    1983.05.24 The Legend of the Condor Heroes 射雕英雄传 （黄日华版）
    1983.10.31 The Return of the Condor Heroes 神雕侠侣 （刘德华版）

    Additional Credits to :
    [1]http://www.on12e.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardid=117&Id=112593
    drama, list, TVB
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    Detective Work : Jailbreaking iPhone 3G without DFU!!

    Alright, i have an aged iphone 3G that has way surpassed it's warranty period, and definitely didnt survived the iOS upgrade era where the performance dropped beyond imagination...!

    Like what an user lamented, since Apple resorts to such scrupulous method to 'coerce' existing 3G Iphone users to upgrade to Iphone 4g and beyond, she decided to jump into the jailbreak wagon since Apple has not made a fairplay.

    Anyway, am amidst an awful process where my Iphone 3g is not detected in Windows, after a failed DFU process i've done using Redsn0w. Still do not know what is wrong now, my Iphone fails completely in black screen after Redsn0w 'waiting for reboot' seems forever.

    Please let me know if you have similar problems, or have found a workaround solution.

    What?
    1. iPhone 3G with a broken home button. This prevents me from using jailbreaking programs that require me to enter DFU mode manually!

    What I have done so far:
    1. Using latest version of Redsn0w 0.9.6rc12
    2. Updated & restore my Iphone with modified 4.2.1 (as listed here)
    3. Successfully placed my iphone to DFU mode automatically
    4. BUT, Redsn0w patching process didnt succeed with the program waiting forever 'Waiting for reboot'

    NOW!
    5. Reboot my laptop and my Iphone cannot be powered on, and neither can it be detected in Itunes now...
    Apple, iphone, jailbreak,
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    Detective Work : Chinese Character Sorting in Itunes

    Alas, after much tidy-up to my Itunes media library (which i'm already pretty proud of), I am still fumbled with more issues with particular mention to my Chinese song collection!

    Issues that are troubling me :
    1. Music Songs not sorted according to Hanyu Pinyin, and in a rather weird order!
    2. Traditional & Simplified Chinese Characters in my music tags which confused the Itunes sorting



    As usual, my curiosity to perfection and playing my little teeny-weeny bit of detective work and googling..


    Workaround Solutions discovered:

    I've found many forums dictating Hanyu Pinyin ordering of Chinese characters can be done through 'Regional Setting's Sorting Tab', but alas, in Windows 7, i can't find any! Interestingly, it seems that I have answered my question to how bizarre the sorting of Chinese characters in my computer is - Unicode (unknown to the common eyes)

    "It sorts them in order of Unicode:

    阿拉伯语 &# 38463;&# 25289;&# 20271;&# 35821;
    英语 &# 33521;&# 35821;
    美国语 &# 32654;&# 22269;&# 35821;
    泰语 &# 27888;&# 35821;
    法语 &# 27861;&# 35821;
    中文 &# 20013;&# 25991; "

    Credits to Roddy
    2. The Real Practical Use of 'Sort Artist' field in iTunes !

    Another interesting discovery as I bumped across numerous points about the actual use of Sort Artist field that is present in Itunes, and how different it differs from just sorting by the actual artist column.

    Alas! It does help when comes to this teeny weeny language problem of mine!

    As I have been using Tuneup media for most of my scrubbling, and to avoid any further standardization issues, I actually went on choosing Traditional Chinese characters information as my main bulk, despite the fact I'm actually using Simplifed Chinese characters as main working mode.

    Nothing is perfect, and this goes. I still have a large potion of songs (especially from Mainland Chinese)

    Just to sidetrack abit, i also discovered most Mainland China albums usually have tag information in Simplified Chinese, while those that originated from HK or Taiwan would have majority as Traditional Chinese.

    The only workaround i used is to enter the Hanyu Pinyin name manually into the 'Sort Artist' field.

    Labour work includes :
    1. Manual hanyu pinyin entry to all your Chinese Songs

    What i do enjoys now is I don't have to switch to my input Chinese tool to search for Chinese artists as well, as I can now enter by the Hanyu Pinyin artist names!! Viola!

    Pay attention to the areas highlighted in Yellow on the solution implemented!


    Alternatively, you may wish to enter either the simplified/traditional artist name into the sort field but it does not solve Hanyu Pinyin sorting. It only helps to lump similar artist names together. Ie to quote from my example above is ' 許志安' and '许志安’ .

    Ideally, it would best have sorting done by Windows 7 native OS system! But i guess I loved the search by entering hanyu pinyin name to get my Chinese songs.

    Points Left to Ponder/Explore further...
    1. Where can I decide on the ordering of Chinese characters by Pinyin or even strokes in Windows 7?
    Apple, chinese, iTunes,
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