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Category: English Post (Page 14 of 97)

ZKTeco iFace 950 configuration on Windows 10

2019-10-20 / / 0 Comments
If you happen to buy the ZKTeco iFace 950 equipped with Bio Time 7.0. You would know that it’s an excellent bio metric machine with plenty of options to track attendance. Facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, ID cards. A lot to choose from.
And it happens to be a nightmare to set up!

You see Bio time is really difficult to configure. I found a 40 minute video on Youtube that explains how to do it, and I still got it wrong.
Bio time = waste of time. 

What was I doing wrong?

I’ve bought the machine, installed it on a wall and begun inserting the employee names into the machine and registering their information. Just like any regular machine would do, right? 
No, this software is very different, it would require you to register all staff from a web interface, then put that into the machine. Overriding any information you had.

You could take a USB copy of the data, but that’s useless. I mean there are two tables that are impossible to link. One is for employees and the other is for attendance log. Trust me I’ve tried many times to create a database and it didn’t work..

So the web interface doesn’t work. Dumping information on USB doesn’t work. What does work?

ZKTeco Attendance Management

Enter ZKTeco Attendance Management. Which is the predecessor of Bio time made by the same company . It’s a stand alone software that’s installed on your computer and you can access the fingerprint scanner using the software interface.

Pros of using ZKTeco Attendance Management

1. Can work on multiple models and machines. In my case I’m using the aforementioned i950 and UT800.
My setup is composed of two finger print scanners of different models linked on the same network. This software has no problem reading them and downloading information from them.
Please note that this version of the software supports 2 default machines. If you have more than that then additional configuration might be needed. 

2. Can work directly with the machine or via a server
If your fingerprint machine is connected to a server and given an IP address, then there is no problem connecting to it using this software. On the other hand if you connect to it directly using a network cable you will also be able to download the log from it when you need it.

3. Simple and easy to use

The interface is simple and intuitive. Unlike the abomination Bio time is.

Adding a machine

Adding a machine is very easy. All you have to do is click on “Add machine” .
Then enter the IP of the machine. If it’s connected to a router / server then use that IP. Or use the one from your network settings if it’s connected directly to your computer. 

Giving the machine an IP is done under COMM / IP. You also need to set a port number for the machine.
After that you connect to the machine. Wait for a bit and if everything goes well. You will be able to proceed to the next step.

Change the database directory to your installation directory

By default the directory would be set to a folder that doesn’t exist on your computer. I recommend changing to: C:Program Files (x86)ZKTeco5]”C:Program Files (x86)ZKTeco5att2000.mdb”

Downloading attendance log

All you have to do is click on the button “Download attendance log”.  To save the log on your computer. You can choose the format and I recommend excel sheet file format.
You can set rules for your establishment from “setting rules”. But I’ll leave that for you to work it out.

Download the software

You can download the software from here. 

Final words

Sometimes and older solution is a better solution. Both software are made by the same company and will work on machines made by ZKTeco / Trust. I haven’t tried products by other companies such as Fingertec for example. Give it a try if you want but chances are it won’t work..

Did you find this tutorial useful? If so please let me know in the comments section below and I’ll see you in the next one.

How to have high expectations and avoid being disappointed?

2019-10-19 / / 0 Comments
Having expectations for something or someone is a bit of a gamble. You could be pleasantly surprised or end up getting disappointed. It’s a risk you have to take if you want ambitions in life.
Here are some ways to avoid getting disappointed or – at least – reduce it as much as possible.

1. Avoid unspoken unrealistic expectations

As humans we tend to believe that we are the center of the universe. We exist in our heads most of the time listening to our inner monologue for hours on end. This can empower us in the wrong way thinking that we are always right, that the other is always wrong. A catastrophic way of thinking if you ask me.
Let’s face it we all have expectations for our children, family, friends and staff. However if we don’t voice those out clearly or mention them casually and expect everyone to adhere to them as established rules. Then there is a serious problem in communication.
“If you don’t know what you want, how will you know when you have it?”
Let’s say it’s your birthday and you are secretly wishing that your SO would remember the occasion and get you something nice. If you keep saying that you don’t like birthdays and that you want nothing. Chances are that they will go with what you said and won’t get you anything. You’ll be disappointed when they actually bring nothing and get upset. Here you have no one to blame but yourself!
On the flip side. If someone close to you express their likeness in something during that time of year, then chances are that they want it as a gift. So listen attentively.

2. Realize that things can go wrong

People forget, people mess things up. That’s how people are like and there is no changing that. If someone really cares they will put in an effort to remember or priories what you want and need; and will go out of their way to make sure that you get what you deserve. So factor all that in and don’t be too harsh on those who care for you the most.

3.Disappointments are inevitable

You will be disappointed sometimes, there is no escaping it. Life is no where near perfect and you are bound to be disappoint at times, and that is fine.
The possibility of being disappointed makes not being disappointed more enjoyable.

4. If someone or something keeps disappointing you, then it’s time for a change!

Well, some people are like that. You will hear all sorts of excuses and apologies, usually coupled with promises that they will change and things will be alright. These people have  no redeeming qualities what so ever. You are better off anyway..
You’ll thank me later.

5. Maybe the problem is you?

It could be that your expectations are too high or unrealistic. Keep your feet firmly on the ground and your head in the clouds. Rethink your past disappointments and see if there is a pattern or a common mistake that you made. Understanding your circumstances and situation would help balance your expectations.

How do you handle being disappointed? Let me know in the comments section below.

Toxic coping mechanisms and healthier alternatives

2019-09-28 / / 0 Comments
As a person living in a war zone, I’m no stranger to hard times. In fact as I’m writing this post an ongoing round of fighting has broke in the city for nearly six months with no resolve on the horizon. With everything that comes with civil war: Lack of basic services, chaos, and outbreaks of crime. Knowing that the future is dark and bleak to say the least. Having zero stability or reassurance about how things will turn out ..
How to cope with a crumbling life such as this?

Putting things into perspective 

Life is hard enough. You have to keep up with the demands of a full time job / education. The complexity of human relationships, and the ever elusive balance between the two. That in itself is quite a challenge. Now add civil war into the mix.. Pretty messed up, don’t you think?

Toxic coping mechanisms

A toxic coping mechanisms is any action a person does to help them overcome daily stress and anxiety. These mechanisms are deemed “toxic” because of their negative effects on the person practicing them. These include but are not limited to: 

Smoking 

Smoking can be considered a stress relief method,  it can be relaxing to some people in some situations and help relief some of the stress. This comes at a heavy toll: Cancers by the truck load!

Backhand sarcasm 

Convoying mean backhand comments as sarcasm and by having a sense of humor will give you nothing but trouble. These comments are mean spirited and better left for one self. Being mean and stingy to others isn’t funny and barely considered a personality.

Over working

It’s easy to get lost in the midst of a full time job. All the looming deadlines and delegated tasks are a nightmare to say the least. And lets face it having a full time job helps forget about your problems even temporarily. 
You would think that a workaholic employee would be the management’s favorite, but that’s hardly the case. Being on edge and fatigued all the time is not an attractive trait. 
Even if it gives you an edge and boosts your career. Think of the price that you are paying and what are you sacrificing for this short-lived victory (sort to speak). I have an older post about being over worked and under paid that I’ll reference here.

Over eating 

Notice how I’m abusing the word “over”? It’s because everything taken to extreme measures turns haywire. Even something necessary for human survival such as eating. 
Eating is associated with good feelings and the term “comfort food” wasn’t coined for nothing. Everyone knows that obesity is ranked among the most common causes of death for humans (right on top with smoking). So maybe you want to put down that family sized bucket of ice cream from your hand next time!

Mindlessly browsing social media

Want an easy way to ruin your mood? Log on Facebook. That’ll wipe a smile off your face faster than a Wednesday ever could. Either the timeline is filled with people bragging about materialistic possessions they have. Or others wallowing in misery and asking for attention.  Or maybe they are genuinely asking for help. I don’t know. 

Healthier alternatives 

To be frank, I’m not stranger to those mechanisms mentioned above; most if not all. But comes a moment in a man’s life where he goes: I can do better than this. A resounding question that blares in one’s mind: “Is this what my life turned out to be?”.. 
The answer would be: No. It’s unfair to waste life like this. 

Workout

As cliche as this sounds. Working out really helps improve your mood and general physical condition. It helps release serotonin your brain which in turn fight bad mood.
It also helps fight anxiety. So why not?

Prayer

These hardships remind us how small and weak are we in front of Allah almighty. That we are in constant need of Allah and that we must not forget to ask and pray for help and guidance at all times.

Take some time for yourself

No one said you need to be online / available 24-7. No one is. You need downtime to mull things over and reassess your future moves. If you are always on the front line of things you are bound to miss on the planning and preparing phase. Let alone being tired the whole time.

Do what you love

  • If you are into writing, write your heart out.
  • You like video games, I have reviewed over a dozen games on this blog for you to check out. And thousands more for you to explore.
  • Are you into walking? Put on those walking shoes and march towards calmness.

An ongoing battle

I sometimes can’t do these things. I forget and get swallowed by that vicious cycle and get consumed by the very demons I set out to fight. 

Sometimes my main defense is to muddle through. Losing a battle doesn’t mean losing the war. What matters is to live to fight another day. 

Final words

How do you cope with life. Are you guilty of doing any of these toxic coping mechanisms? Any thing I missed? The comments below is all yours.

Top ten picks out of the pirate bay bundle

2019-08-23 / / 0 Comments
In the year 2014 Australian artist trashymctrashboy created a bundle that consisted of 101 indy games and offered it for free download.

At the time it seemed like a bargain for two main reasons:

    1. All the games are for free.
    2. There are 101 games to choose from.
It was a lot like the knockoff NES cartridges you pick up at flee markets. It says 101 or 999999999 or 356 games but actually it has 4 games!


I’ve taken the time to play all the games and filter out the 10 I think that are worth your time.

 Please put in consideration these two points:

    1. The list is subjective, it’s the games I like or found playable.
    2. A lot of the flash games didn’t work on my computer, despite having a flash player installed “Gnash”.
With that being said, lets list out the games. I’ll upload my pack and drop a link at the end of the post. If you are interested in the whole thing, it’s on web archive [dot] com.

But before we look at the good games (in comparison) let’s try to understand the purpose behind this bundle and what kind of games it has?

The bundle was created as an attempt to shine a light on the less known indy developers and share their works as a work of art.

  • Some games are made as homage to the Atari 2600, meaning that the graphics and sounds are non-existent.

  • Other games are similar to creepy pastas, generally scary and creepy.

  • And some are unplayable mash of pixels and horrid noises.

While reviewing this bundle AVGN (the angry video game nerd) came to mind, I found myself shouting some of his catch phrases at the screen.

The games from [A-Z]

1. Abandoned
 
The game has a dark atmosphere to it and seems really interesting.

2. Blockman gets more

 
This game is very similar to Pacman, only that he doesn’t eat ghosts, he eats pallets and can’t backtrack an empty trail. Has an interesting puzzle mechanisms to it.

3. Bunnies back into your cage
A simple puzzle game where you try to put bunnies back into their cage using carrots. The trick is to use as little moves as possible. 

4. Connect
A numeric puzzle game.
5. CrissCross
An interesting game similar to battle tank and chip’s adventure. You need to collect keys to get out of dungeons. The keys are inside enemies that you shoot. 
6. Ghost Witch
 
In this game you play as a witch and flight ghosts. The interesting concept in this game is that you play as the witch and her “ghost” to solve puzzles and advance in the game.
7. Konky Dong
 
In this game you play as Donkey Kong and stop the Mario brothers from saving Pauline. It has a good game play and some backhand humor to it. 
8. Nitro butts
 
A fast paced shooter game. Similar to Atari 2600 games.
9. Old Man Johnson
 
A puzzle game where you save old Man Johnson from falling to his doom.
10. Snowball
 
A platform game where you generate a snowball and toss it around, the bigger the ball the better the boom!

Download

Those were the top 10 picks from the pirate bay bundle. To download this pack click on this link.
It’s compressed in .7z for optimal compression.

Did you download the file? Which games did you like better? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

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