Sultanate of Oman: August 2008

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Acer UMPC is now available in Carrefour City Centre, Muscat Oman. With a competitive price of 189 Omani Riyal this is a must buy gadget. Another lower specification is available for 159.9 Omani Riyal which is the ACER AOA 110-B.
ACER AOA 150
Description

The Aspire one was designed to get you online in no time at all and thanks to the Linpus Linux Lite operating system, start up and shut down times are reduced to the minimum. With the Aspire one running on Linux environment, the simplicity continues with the intuitive and specifically optimized software interface. The Aspire one is built for Internet navigation and features an 8.9" LED-backlit LCD screen that fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection. Smaller than an average diary and weighing less than 1 kilo, the Aspire one puts freedom in the palm of your hands.

Feature

* Intel® Atom™ processor N270 (1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 512 KB L2 cache)
* 1 GB Memory with 512MB onboard SDRAM and 512MB DDR2 soDIMM
* 120 GB HardDisk SSD
* 8.9" WSVGA high-brightness (typical 180-nit) Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
* High-definition audio support, Two built-in stereo speakers
* Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® network connection, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology
* 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
* SDHC and multi-format media readers
* Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* SD™ Card reader for storage expansion, 3x USB 2.0 ports, External display (VGA) port, Headphone/speaker/line-out jack, Microphone-in jack, Ethernet (RJ-45) port, DC-in jack for AC adapter
* Microsoft Windows XP Home

The Aspire one was designed to get you online in no time at all and thanks to the Linpus Linux Lite operating system, start up and shut down times are reduced to the minimum. With the Aspire one running on Linux environment, the simplicity continues with the intuitive and specifically optimized software interface. The Aspire one is built for Internet navigation and features an 8.9" LED-backlit LCD screen that fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection. Smaller than an average diary and weighing less than 1 kilo, the Aspire one puts freedom in the palm of your hands.

Feature

* Intel® Atom™ processor N270 (1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 512 KB L2 cache)
* 1 GB Memory with 512MB onboard SDRAM and 512MB DDR2 soDIMM
* 8 GB HardDisk SSD
* 8.9" WSVGA high-brightness (typical 180-nit) Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
* High-definition audio support, Two built-in stereo speakers
* Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® network connection, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology
* 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
* SDHC and multi-format media readers
* Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* SD™ Card reader for storage expansion, 3x USB 2.0 ports, External display (VGA) port, Headphone/speaker/line-out jack, Microphone-in jack, Ethernet (RJ-45) port, DC-in jack for AC adapter
* Linpus Linux Lite operating system

Yahoo Messenger Voice is blocked in Oman?

Its been a few days now, I cannot access or cannot connect to Yahoo Messenger Voice Server. I am using Nawras Broadband at home, I suspected that this was because of nawras proxy but when I tried to connect using our office Omantel Broadband, the same thing happened. I tried to call Nawras technical support and the answer I got was this is not their problem, this might be a problem with Yahoo. If this is a problem with yahoo, how come other people from other places like US, UAE and other asian country where have friends can acess the voice service of yahoo?

I do not know what is happenning but, I rely more on yahoo voice chat to communicate with my family. What is happening with Oman Internet? Are they doing some kind of and upgrade or something? We consumer has the rigth to complain on this matter. So, to those who are in charge of this, please let us know on the developement of this issue. Hopefully Omantel and Nawras will response on our call.

Techlink System LLC a reputable international IT company, it operates some branches on Oman where you can find cheap computers laptops and accessories

Techlink System LLC a reputable international IT company, it operates some branches on Oman where you can find cheap computers laptops and accessories. After comparing the prices from different Computer shops in the Sultanate of Oman, Techlink prices are still the cheapest and offer the best deal. In Ruwi Street where line of Computer shops is operating we made a round and find the Techlink deals are 5% to 20% cheaper than those shops lying there. The company offers a variety well known brands and a huge collection of IT products, they offer desktop computers, laptop, web cam, headset, hard drive, routers, modem, Video card, network adapter, wireless router and adapter and many more. Just visit the store and see how amazing their product offers and be amazed with the cheap prices they are offering.

The company carries the following known brands:

HP
ACER
TOSHIBA
DELL
COMPAQ
MICROSOFT
INTEL
AMD
LG

I personally make my shopping from one of its branch in Lulu Al Burj where I find the store in charge friendly and very helpful. Whenever I come to this shop I always get the cheapest and the best deal among all the computer shops across the Sultanate of Oman.

Check out the nearest Techlink branch in your place.

Techlink, Al Burj, Tel: 968-24424608

Email: burj@techlinksys.ae

Techlink, Bousher, Tel: 968-24584345

Email: muscat@techlinksys.ae

Techlink, Darsait, Tel: 968-24700831

Email: darasait@techlinksys.ae

Techlink, Sohar, Tel: 968-26844335

Email: sohar@techlinksys.ae

For more information please visit their site
http://www.techlinksys.com/

.NET 2008 Course in Oman

International Information Technology Co. LLC., one of the leading IT Company in Oman will soon to conduct course for .Net 2008. Being in the IT industry for more than 20 years IITC had grown and became the most reliable IT firm in the Sultanate of Oman. Microsoft certified professionals will come and conduct the training. Courses outline are as followed:

COURSE 2565 : Developing Microsoft .NET Applications for Windows (Visual Basic .NET)
COURSE 2389 : Programming with Microsoft ADO.NET
COURSE 2310: Developing ASP.NET web applications using Visual Studio
.NET

Course will starts tentatively on September 2008. For more information, you may visit their site.

www.ittcoman.com

or send a mail to

training@ittcoman.com.

Or give a call at

+968 24609460

Test your Nawras or Omantel / Oman Mobile Internet Connection Speed

Here is a list of websites that allows you to test your internet speed. Whether you are using a dial-up internet, a 3G broadband internet or DSL internet connection. These useful sites will help you evaluate if you are getting the service that you are paying for. During the upgrade of Oman mobile and Omantel, some dispute happened like your paying a 2Mb connection for a 1Mb connection. If you will find that you are not getting the service that you are paying for, you can call Omantel, Oman mobile and Nawras help desk and they are very much happy to help you fix your technical problems. Test your speed from at least 2 of the sites listed below.

http://www.speedtest.net/
http://www.internetfrog.com/
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
http://myspeed.visualware.com/index.html
http://support.primus.ca/en/dsl/speedtest.php

I highly recommed http://www.speedtest.net/ and http://www.internetfrog.com/ it gives more accurate report than the others. Omantel technician is using http://www.speedtest.net/ to test customers speed.

Asus EeePC in Oman

It’s been quite a while since I tried to get my hand on the Asus Eee PC. Being in the gulf was quite difficult to find this fun filled machine. While roaming around E-max in Muscat City Centre, Oman. A small eye catching UMPC had got in to my attention. It's an Eee PC, display outside the shelf where you can try it out. Although it's the old 4GB model I get so excited trying it out. It was so cool, so small so portable with a sleekly design its like carrying a small book in your hand. The screen was quite small but enough to operate the machine. I tried restarting the machine it took just 30 seconds to boot up, pretty fast isn’t it? Of course it is running on a Linux operating system there is not need to worry about crashing. All the basic application are included just buy it and use it for fun, work, games and of course browsing the internet, to Easy to learn Easy to Work and Easy to Play, that’s what Eee PC stands for.

For the price of 162 Omani Riyal, this is a cool gadget to include in your next shopping list. If you are in for EEE PC in Oman, go grab it at E-max Muscat City Centre. :)

Nawras 3G Internet Running Behind a Proxy Firewall

Nawras 3G Internet have an excellent speed, but the downside is its running behind a proxy or firewall, it means all users are sharing the same IP address which will also means if someone try to abuse some service on some website, everybody is affected.

Here are some of the things that you cannot do with your Nawras 3G Internet

1. You cannot connect to some IRC networks such as Dalnet for you are behind a proxy connection
2. If you are a fan of RapidShare and does not have a premium account from them, well you are lucky of you will be given a chance to download a file free.
3. Do you use remote desktop to check your PC while at work? Sad to say you cannot do this as well.
4. Point your domain to your machine to make it a web host. You are not having your own IP even if you use a DynDNS updater the DNS will be pointer to the ISP proxy not in your machine.

A normal user who simply browse web may not be bothered about this restrictions. But those who work with advance technology might be needing this retrictions removed.

Excelent Service of Nawras Internet in Oman

Nawras Broadband 3g connection is the fastest 3g internet connection in Oman. Getting the connection is so super simple that you don't have to wait a long time or queue in a long line. Nawras is having a lot of outlet all over the sultanate of Oman. Just bring your document to any outlet and have your broadband internet in just a few minutes. Pricing plan is excellent starting from a pay as you go service up to RO29 monthly subscription with excellent speed and service.

Reaching the customer service has never been as good as what they provide.
I personally had a problem when I applied for the connection where I didn’t check the contract they let me signed, why? Because they explained everything very well. After going home and logging in to online services I found out that they put my middle name as my last name. I call the customer service and explain the mistake I’ve done. At the very same moment they change my last name and it appear in my screen as well. That was an excellent service from Nawras. They even explain the billing system so that you don’t have to worry about you don’t have to worry about your due dates. Unlike their competitor who received a lot of complains about their billing. Customer are not aware when the service will be charge and for what they will be charge for the first month.

I highly recommend using Nawras 3g Broadband Internet fs you are living in Sultanate of Oman. With high quality of service, plus friendly customer service. Nawras is Excellent!

Review on Nawras Internet-E220 USB Modem (Nawras Oman)

Why to use E220 USB Modem?

There is a lot of reason why to choose this kind of modem.

· Easy to install and there is no CD require. Just plug it to you computer and will install in its own and with just a few seconds you are ready to surf the web
· This is a very portable device that you can carry around anywhere and stay connected with a broadband speed.
· Speed is great and many cool features inside.

Can I use Nawras E220 USB Modem with other network?

Legally it’s not right, but I technically yes you can use it to other network. Nawras has installed their software on the device but did not lock the device. Meaning you can use an Oman mobile or any other SIM card on it and change the setting to Oman mobile or the SIM setting, then it can connect to the network. It is not advisable to use the device on other network for it is illegal and licensed to Nawras.

What are the Features of Nawras E220 USB Modem?

· • Supports all existing technologies i.e. EDGE/GPRS/GSM/3G+
· • Eye-catching sleek design, (size lesser than a business card)
· • User-friendly, does not require CD for installation (Plug & Play)
· • Send / Receive SMS while connected to Internet
· • SMS Alert notification (Window with sound pops up upon receipt of SMS)
· • Enhanced contacts folder for storing 1000 contacts
· • Fastest Connection / Authentication process (less than 3 seconds)

Omantel ADSL Connection

Omantel ADSL connection

Omantel, Oman’s number one telecommunication service provider has launched their new ADSL internet connection which they call Power Net on June 2008. With amazing speed of 512Kbps up to 16Mbps that was offered for reasonable prices for residential and business use.

Why do we need Omantel ADSL connection?

With the technology advancement of the internet, speed is a necessity when surfing the net, from a plain static HTML websites way back ages, websites had evolve to a dynamic communication channel. To enjoy this new technology we require speed.

Is Omantel ready to give the service to all people in Oman?

Try going to Omantel office and apply for the ADSL connection. Because of high demand of the service they find it hard to response quickly to all customers. One more important thing is that they are strict with their policy. All your documents must be well prepared and valid and forms must be correctly filled up, otherwise your application will be rejected.

Billing complaint with Omantel

Omantel should take care of the upgrade they made because there are cases that they are billing the customers for a high plan but they are getting less speed. In our case we had been billed for 2Mb connection but the speed we are getting is only 1Mb. Luckily we noticed it and report it immediately to Omantel support and promised to take care and give us the service we are paying for. If you are facing the same problem contact Omantel Support at their toll free number 1313.

How to check my Omantel ADSL speed?

If you are an Omantel Customer you may test your speed in this site and compare the speed with your bill.

http://www.speedtest.net/

The result will give you in Kbps measurement, just remember the conversion that 1024Kbps = 1Mbps.

Online Pinoy community in Oman

Filipino community in Oman is a bit small compare to Pinoy community in UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC country. Oman is not as open as UAE when in comes to job opportunity. They are focusing more to give job opportunity to Omani national rather than the expatriate. Omanization program has been going on to give specific job position exclusively for Omani National. In UAE you will see 10% of employee in a company will be UAE nationals on the other hand when you come to Oman you will see 90% of employee will be Omani National. This is one of the reason why not much of Filipino is taking their chances to Oman because it’s a bit difficult and jobs for us is not very abundant in this place. But of course we are Filipino and we are proud to show our skill and talent around the world. Even tough we have a small community in Oman we are happy to live and work here.

Are you in Oman? Looking for Filipino friends? Join our Oman online community. Visit the link below!

http://www.pinoyinoman.co.nr/

Oman Mobile and Nawras Wired/Wireless Broadband Internet Connection

Getting ADSL internet connection in Oman is quite easy, but somehow expensive compare to the other GCC country. I’ve studied the two service provider before choosing to which service I will apply for. Let’s take a look at the good and bad side of each provider.

This is like a Nawras Vs Oman Mobile or Nawras against Oman Mobile. Which one is better Nawras Telecom or Oman Mobile. Lets compare the two. Well see the problems and issues and the advantages of each service.

Ok lets proceed Oman Mobile vs Nawras

Wired ADSL Connection

Plus point to Oman Mobile, since they are the pioneer and dominated the telecommunication business in Oman until Nawras started operating, approximately 3 years ago. They (Omantel) are the only one that can provide you with a wired DSL connection. Price starts at RO 12 and approximately RO 1 per 1GB of usage for a 512 Kbps speed.

Nawras does not offer any wired connection

For more info for their pricing you may visit their site

http://www.omantel.net.om/services/residential/internet/adsl.asp

Prepaid Wireless ADSL Connection

If you are new to Oman, you may instantly get connected using 3G, GPRS or EDGE technology. Oman Mobile (Hayyak) and Nawras (Mousbak) prepaid card is available for you. Both cost 0.5 Baisa / KB or RO 0.0005 / KB. Which would mean you may consume 2MB of bandwidth for your RO 1, quite expensive, isn’t it? especially nowadays that most website will make you consume large volume of data, just by simply opening the main page.

Plus point to Nawras, they are offering a 2 days unlimited access to the service for RO 5, which means no matter how huge your bandwidth consumption is, you will only be charged RO 5. While Hayyak prepaid service will eat up all your credit if you’re an active internet user.

Plus point to Nawras, Nawras is using 3G technology which means you can surf up an amazing speed of to 3.6Mbits / second. Oman Mobile, hasn’t upgraded yet that they are still using the old EDGE technology where in you can only enjoy a maximum speed of 230Kbits/ Sec which is more than 10 times slower than Nawras.

Postpaid Wireless ADSL Connection

Plus point to Oman Mobile, Oman Mobile pricing is excellent. They implemented a price capping of Maximum RO 29 for unlimited usage. The only downside is you will only enjoy speed of 230Kbits/sec, this will be fine for normal users who only browse websites and does not download much of data, but even if you’ll be downloading you don’t have to worry of any limit cause once you reached RO29 the next rest of the bandwidth is free.

For more information on Oman Mobile internet please visit
http://www.omanmobile.om/en/OmanMobileWebLib/Individual/Wireless%20Internet.aspx?LinkID=3&MenuId=101

Plus point to Nawras, they are offering different pricing plan for different type of users starting from a very light user to heavy users. Using 3G technology you will enjoy up to 3.6Mbits/sec speed and free 10GB of bandwidth for you RO 29. This package is very good for people who download a lot.

For more information for their tariffs you may visit their site.
http://www.nawras.om/nawras_internet_tariffs.shtml

Comparing the two services, if you are a heavy user who wants speed, then Nawras Plan RO 29 is good for you. If you are a Heavy user who does not need a very speedy connection Oman Mobile is good for you.

Wireless ADSL Devices

Plus point to Nawras, they offer variety of 3G products that you can choose from. From a PCMI card to a Wireless access points. While Oman Mobile offers some EDGE product and a 3G USB Modem which support EDGE as well. I’m not quite sure why they offer 3G modem while they do not have the service yet. Maybe they are planning to upgrade sooner or later. I was hoping for that and hopefully the unlimited access for RO29 will not change. If this will happened Oman Mobile will be having the best offer for wireless internet.

For more info of Nawras devices please visit
http://www.nawras.om/nawras_internet_products.shtml

For more information for Oman Mobile please visit
http://www.omanmobile.om/en/OmanMobileWebLib/Individual/wirelessinternet_devices.aspx?LinkID=3&MenuId=101

Using the services requires you to have a 3G / EGDE / GPRS modem or a mobile phone that is wireless internet capable. Mobile internet in Oman is now on the rise. With the two competing company we can expect the quality service for cheap prices.

Happy Browsing!

Welcome to Sultanate of Oman

Welcome to Oman! Let me share you the beauty and wonder of Oman. Join me as I travel in every corner of the Sultanate. I'm not an Oman national, but I adore the beauty and wonders of Oman. So sit back and relax and I'll take you to the unknown wonders of the Sultanate of Oman.

Sultanate of Oman

Oman Adventures