How to find out the Brocade Switch model Number remotely

. Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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Quite simple actually, but not as straightforward as one would expect… I guess it’s part of McData heritage.
Open web browser at http://hostname/SwitchInfo.html
Scroll down till you see in List of Ports: switchType:    xx.x
Use table below to “decipher” the Model series
1.x = Brocade SilkWorm 1000 series
2.x = DS-16B / Brocade SilkWorm 2800 series
3.x = DS-8B / Brocade SilkWorm 2400 series
4.x = Brocade SilkWorm 20x0;
5.x = Brocade SilkWorm 22x0;
6.x = DS-16B / Brocade SilkWorm 3800 Series (Includes parity checking on all paths)
7.x = SCB
9.x = DS-16B2 / Brocade SilkWorm 3800 series
10.x = ED-12000B / Brocade SilkWorm 12000 switch blade
12.x = DS-32B2 / Brocade SilkWorm 3900 series
16.x = DS-8B2 / Brocade SilkWorm 3200 series
17.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 3800VL series
18.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 3000 series
21.x = ED-24000B / Brocade 24000 switch blade
22.x=  Brocade SilkWorm 3016 2GB Embedded Switch for IBM and Intel Blade Servers
26.x = DS-16B3 / Brocade 3850 series
27.x = DS-8B3 / Brocade 3250 series
29.x=  Brocade SilkWorm 4012 4GB Embedded Switch for HP Blade Servers
32.x = DS-4100B / Brocade Silkworm 4100 series
33.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 3014 2GB Embedded Switch for Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens and Hitachi Blade Servers
34.x = DS-220B /  Brocade 200E
36.x =  PB-48000-18i / Brocade SilkWorm FR4-18i 48000 Director Blade
37.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 4020 4GB Embedded Switch for IBM and Intel Blade Servers
38.0 = AP-7420
40.x= Fibre Channel Routing (FCR) Front Domain
41.x= Fibre Channel Routing (FCR) Xlate Domain
42.2 = ED-48000B / Brocade Silkworm 48000 series
43.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 4024 4GB Embedded Switch for NEC Blade Servers
44.x =  DS-4900 / Brocade SilkWorm 4900 series
45.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 4016 4GB Embedded Switch for Hitachi Blade Servers
46.x =  MP-7500B / Brocade SilkWorm 7500 series
47.x =  PB-48K-16IP / Brocade SilkWorm FC4-16IP 48000 Director Blade
51.x =  Brocade SilkWorm 4018 4GB Embedded Switch for Blade Servers
55.x =  Brocade SilkWorm FA4-18 48000 Director Blade
55.2 =  AP7600B / Brocade SilkWorm 7600 series
58.x =  DS-5000B / Brocade SilkWorm 5000 series

Samsung NC20 – Ideal Netbook? (Updated)

. Friday, May 8, 2009
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So, How’s exactly 12” screen sized netbook differs from MUCH more expensive 12” Ultra Portable Laptop?

Two Major differences: Weaker processor and less memory.

With first limitation – there isn’t anything we can do, but about second one we’ll see what we can do to bring $550 Netbook work more like double priced laptop.

Samsung NC-20 is build around Via components – 1.3Ghz Nano [Isaiah] Processor,VX800 chipset with integrated Chrome9 Video supporting DX9 and which officially supports up-to 4Gb of DDR2 Ram in two So-Dimms.

However Samsung chosen to implement only one memory slot, but is it means it’s limited only to 2gb?? I couldn’t find any evidence in ether way, but cnet source does mention such possibility.

VIA Nano CPU does support x64 bit instructions which makes it capable of running 64 bit OS and  There is a confirmed Windows 7 x64 bit beta OS install here, except the forum poster was unable to find right video driver therefore the video part was using default sluggish driver – It should be fixed soon (I hope)

So, as it right now – I’m cautiously optimistic about it – Just imagine the possibilities: 12” Ultra-portable laptop with 4gb memory, running 64 bit Windows 7 with Aero… [all for $700]

P.S: At time of writing this article 4Gb of laptop DDR2 memory can purchased as low as $140

Update: Scratch all above !!! Just found deal breaker -

HP Pavilion dv2-1030us NoteBook AMD Athlon Neo MV-40(1.60GHz) 12.1" Wide XGA 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 – Retail

Currently for $750 after rebate with dedicated ATI graphics and AMD 1.6Ghz Neo CPU, while NC20 is probably will have better battery life[reports mention up-to 7-8 hours], this HP kills NC20 in terms of performance easily.

How to print passport photo almost for free

. Friday, May 1, 2009
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or How to stop overpaying money for the passport 2”x2” photos.
C’mon – we all faced it – School/University/Workplace or Government requires us to submit these 2”x2” photos and usually, a first place comes to mind is to visit local photo studio where you’d get charged an arm and a leg for a that’s a really simple procedure and I want to show how I decided to defy the studios' regime and do it myself.
Tools required: Any point-and-shoot camera will do [shooting indoor most likely WILL require firing flash]
Any computer with any speed internet access – even dial-up will be enough
Optional tools:
Tripod for the camera if you shoot yourself
Steps:
Take the shot of yourself against a bright background – white doors will work well.
Transfer it to computer
Open your favorite web browser (any modern version will do) and go to http://www.epassportphoto.com/
Follow the steps and in end choose:
Download and Print –> Download the Passport Photo Sheet Image
Optional Step: Open the resulting image in your favorite image editor – any will do, my favorite is IrfanView since it’s free and lightning-fast.
ePassportPhoto will insert its own ad into a place of 6th photo which I rather see as a waste of 4”x6” photo sheet, so use simple select, copy and paste to make the sheet consist of only your photos.
Copy the result to USB Flash Drive or memory card [CF/SD will be probably more common]
Go to your nearest chain store Pharmacy [CVS/Wallgreens/Duane Reade etc..] and print this image on glossy 4”x6” – this is only placed where you actually have to pay money :)
CVS charged me about $0.29 while Duane Reade whopping $0.49. Bear in mind I'm not planning to use ether to print large collection of photos – I just needed to print the passport photos right away.
Use Scissors or if you are lucky and office has one of these.
Important P.S: For some forms filled with government organizations you’d be required to use a pencil to write on the back of photo some details like your name etc. In my personal experience, CVS uses Kodak machines and Kodak paper – it is impossible to use a pencil to write on the back of the photo – while Duane Reade used Sony photo printer and Sony Paper and it is perfectly OK to write with a pencil.

Minor update: Costco photo printing is even cheaper, but some stores no longer have a photo booth anymore. Online printing is still available, but shipping times would need to be considered.