Ubuntu

if u want to free urself from using illegal softwares, and wanna try another
operating system beside the crash-all-the-time windows XP, i recommend using
ubuntu (most popular linux distro for desktop).

some pros and cons compared to windows XP, (based on my own experience)

pros:
1. no need for antivirus, which eat considerable amount of memory and CPU time
2. major update twice a year, to encompass the latest features.
3. LOTS of nice applications, and mostly open source (free).

i can do almost all the things i usually do on XP, including:
1. BBS
2. P2P
3. mail client (outlook express on XP, evolution on ubuntu)
4. MSN
5. microsoft's famous office application(using openoffice)
6. audio&video
7. browsing (firefox feels exactly the same on both OS)

you see that if u're using ur PC/NB just for these general purpose, ubuntu
is more than enough.

4. the spec requirement is not high ( especially if u compare it to vista)
5. The GUI is cool and better compared to XP (i haven't used Vista,so i don't
know how it feels).

cons:
1. if u use some unusual hardwares, u may encounter drivers problem.
2. u can't play most PC games coz they're exclusively designed for windows/mac
3. u need some knowledge of using command line (command prompt on windows XP,
though command prompt's functionality is extremely limited).
4. Software installation can be a complicated task because of dependencies or
insufficient knowledge about how linux works.

those are some i can think of.

Lots of tips and tutorials can be found on ubuntu's forum.
http://ubuntuforums.org/

Here's some positive responses using ubuntu compared to windows XP:
http://linux.sys-con.com/read/382946_p.htm
http://aaronjlynch.com/blog/index.cfm/2007/6/13/Ubuntu-VS-Windows-XP-part-2
http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=199201179

u can find a lot more by just googling "ubuntu vs windows"


Here is a demonstration of the cool new GUI desktop of Ubuntu based on
Beryl Project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD7QraljRfM

new box, new feel

I've moved into a new room after graduated from NTU. Actually i had the option to stay in dorm until September, but i refused it since i old dorm is under renovation, and i had to move to another dorm just for 2 months. So here i am, at my new "home".
Pros:
- It's located in downtown and close to night market, so it's very convenient.
- Finally it's MY OWN ROOM, so more privacy.
- Almost all i need are provided ( minus a place to cook, not necessarily a kitchen).

Cons:
- A bit expensive ( NT 8,000 a month)
- A bit too small.
- The internet runs like turtle. Its much more slower than my dorm's connection, especially the upload part.

More on it later.

Graduated!!

Finally i'm graduated from NTU!
But I've grown to love this uni and especially my department, CSIE. The staff and teachers there are very nice, also my classmates are nice ones. Very recommended major and department for someone who want to study here.
Here's the pics of my graduation sertificates in English and Chinese:
english
chinese