Archive for July, 2007

Making Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 work in Ubuntu 7.04 and Connect to the Internet via GPRS/EDGE/3G

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Referred to also by Linux.com July 31, 2007 (3:00:00 PM)

A nephew recently bought a PLDT WeRoam Wireless kit containing among others a Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 pcmcia card with antenna. He asked me to help him in installing it to his WinXP laptop. Later I thought of trying it also on my IBM x40 laptop with Ubuntu 7.04.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard has newer models now but this is the model PLDT WeRoam currently issues for a prepaid kit. The AirCard enables a laptop to connect to the internet using GPRS/EDGE technology. This is the technology used by mobile phones which means wherever there is a cell site it is also possible to connect to the internet. While the connection is quite slow (around plus or minus 225 kbps) compared with a DSL link, it is better than having nothing at all especially if you’re on the move and you need to connect to the internet once in a while.

The PLDT WeRoam kit costs PhP 10,860 (US$231) and includes the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775, CDs for Windows install (plus anti-virus) and a free 3 months unlimited GPRS/EDGE connection plus a 3 month wifi (803.11) connection where there is an Airborne Access. After 3 months you need to “load” your account around PhP 1,700 (US$36) monthly to continue using both types of connection. Not bad compared to a link using Globe or Smart which charges per mb and per 30 minutes respectively which are more expensive in the long run.

Initially, I got some info from the Ubuntu Community Docs: Sierra Wireless AC850 wireless card installation in Ubuntu url: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/AirCard8X0. Since the documentation is about a different model of the AirCard, I decided to revised/customized the steps/configs to suit the AirCard model we have. I also tried a different script to connect to the internet, which I already tried with my Nokia N70 (see earlier related blog). Later, I also tried GPRS Easy Connect, a GUI-based software for internet connection using cellphones and similar wireless pcmcia card.

Here are detailed steps:

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Posted in Hardware, Linux, Linux tips, Ubuntu | 13 Comments »

Lao Gov’t IT officials offer free Lao Software

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

LaonuxReferred to also by Linux.com July 29, 2007 (11:00:00 PM)

The Official Lao Language font can now be downloaded and Lao versions of Open Office and email suite is now available at the Science Technology and Environment Agency (STEA) in Lao PDR. This is part of a series of project with the International Open Source Network (IOSN) that includes localization and training.

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Posted in FOSS, IOSN, Linux, Training | No Comments »

Linux Basic Desktop Training of Trainers, STEA, Vientiane, Lao PDR, July 2 – 6, 2007

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

Referred to also by Linux.com July 29, 2007 (1:00:00 PM)

Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) – Science, Technology and Environment Agency (STEA) and supported by the International Open Source Network (IOSN) ASEAN+3 Sub-Regional Node, the Lao PDR Linux Desktop Training of Trainers was held at the DoST-STEA E-Government Building, Vientiane Capital from July 2 to July 6, 2007.

Group photo with DoST Dir Gen Xayaveth Vixay, IOSN Asean+3 Rep Ariel Betan, DoST Dep Dir Gen Somlouay, Chief Tech Advisor Anousak Souphavanh and participants

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Group photo with DoST Dir Gen Xayaveth Vixay, IOSN Asean+3 Rep & Trainer Ariel Betan, DoST Dep Dir Gen Somlouay, Chief Tech Advisor & Trainer Anousak Souphavanh and participants.
Click here for: More Photos
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Posted in IOSN, Linux, Training, Ubuntu | No Comments »