If you have a UPnP compatible router, and Windows XP, it’s possible to set-up port forwarding without going into the router’s admin panel.

Firstly, you must into Network Connections (in the control panel), and if you’re lucky you will see something under Internet Gateway, you need to be able to see this to be able continue.

The next step is to right-click the name of your router, click Properties and then Settings. You can now see all UPnP ports already configured. From here, you can add, edit or delete ports.

If you wish to add a port press Add…. Then choose a description for the service, enter the IP of the community which requires this port. Then specify the internal and external ports, and also if it’s a TCP or UDP port.

Simple!

Hmm, I’ve decided not to post tonight. I’m getting nasty BSODs, and I presume that it must be a driver or application conflict.

I’m having to re-format, and I’m backing-up right now, so I expect it to take a few more hours, by which time I’ll be occupied. So, I’m not posting tonight. But wait! I am. I’m using Knoppix at the moment!

Some quality posts soon, hopefully.

Well, yesterday I was having major problems with my computer in general. Perhaps I should state what was wrong and what went wrong.

1. Trips over USB cable for headphone (only possible cause)
2. Plugs it back in. Next restart USB headset is identified as PCTV soundcard
3. Attempts to uninstall and update driver. Each matched with a critical error. In safe mode it simply blocked.
4. Next reboot no drivers work except hard disk, mouse and keyboard. Even my CD/DVD drives wouldn’t work
5. I realise it was pretty bust. Reformat.
6. I haven’t ever done a re-format, even being the nerd I am. Sort of pathetic I guess.
7. I really struggle reinstalling. Why? I didn’t realise SATA drivers needed drivers for a RAID controller (doh!)
8. It goes to plan from there. But remember I reformatted like 50 times over before.
9. The above wasted yesterday’s blogging time, and most of my time today reinstalling software and drivers
10. explorer.exe is a little buggier than it used to be - but nothing to be worried over

Another point, my site’s Google ad CTR could be improved. What should I do to raise this? Your tips and problems with ads are much appreciated, you might even get a link. I already have a sitemap.

Yesterday, amongst the various other things I did was to customise Windows Classic, my preferred theme for Windows XP. I’ve customised it so the colours are used. I think I’ve done a good job; am I right?

(click to enlarge)

It was pretty easy, but I think it looks nifty. Anyway, if you want it feel free to download it. (File Attachment: My Theme.theme (5 KB))

Also, last night I tried to learn Ruby, and I didn’t know where to start. I have Ruby installed, and I’m familiar with the Command Shell, I’m just not use to Ruby’s folder structure.

I shall make a better post tomorrow

I’ve made an achievement today, I’ve completed something I’ve wanted to do for some time: got Linux running in Windows.

By using the live ISO of Symphony OS, a new Linux distro, and QEMU I’ve successfully got a Linux distro (a live one though) running in Windows. QEMU is a command-line application, so I suggest you download it and QEMU Manager if you want to try to do it.

QEMU is an emulator, which allows you to run a Virtual Machine which can run Linux, Windows and possibly Mac (haven’t tried yet). I’ve tried similar tools before like CoLinux, though this is the easiest to use.

I do criticise Linux a lot, however running under Windows is far better as you don’t need to reboot to change OS. Having to change OS is a pain, and this solves it. I haven’t tried to run anything which doesn’t run off volatile memory yet.

Getting Linux running isn’t hard – just the user interface isn’t great. You must create a profile and then boot. I’ve taken a screenshot and I’ll quickly show how to boot from a disk image (ISO):

I’ve also taken some screenshots of the end result .