Have you received your income tax refund? I know of some who haven't.
Anyway i made this template for request of refund from the LHDN, consider it a kind reminder to them. :) Made it in Bahasa since i thought it is the official standard for Malaysia government agencies.
DOWNLOAD HERE
EDIT: 10 days after sending the letter to LHDN, they responded that the request is being processed. Very efficient. Hope they keep up the good work :p
2009-07-04
2009-06-11
E71 Free Symbian Applications I Use (Top 5)
Here's a list of some FREE apps which i have installed in my E71. I even included a download link for a compilation of all the apps at the bottom of this page, just in case you'd like to download it all in one go (i even added some extras).
-----
1. JBAK Taskman v1.00 by JBak
This would be the very first software i have to install on my E71. Reason? As symbian does not have an application shortcut list, this is one software which provides such feature. So it gives faster access to the apps installed on your device.
Not only does it gives access, it also gives control of the apps on your device. JBAK Taskman is actually a task manager and process viewer that easily beats the current nokia task list (accessible by long press of home button) so as that needs no further explanation, try it to explore its capabilities!
Link: Author's website
Oh and some useful features are battery status (not very accurate) and soft reboot.
2. Activefilev1.40(186) v1.42(1) by Alie Tan
Activefile is a file manager software, so what's the big deal you might ask?
Well not only does it show the total size and current usage of your main drives (very important don't you think), it also allows browsing of files and folders in two (2) separate window panes. So this enables easy moving and copying of files from one to another.
EDIT: You can also access files transferred via bluetooth inside the message inbox using this app, superb!
Hint: If you can sign unsigned apps, the unsigned with extended version allows soft reboot and also screen capture.
Link: Author's website
3. Opera Mini v4.02(0) by Opera Software
Simply another alternative to the existing nokia web browser, and preferred by most users. Faster and better loading of web pages and the 'back' option really does browse back to the previous page and this is a big plus point for me against the existing browser.
I don't have a .sis file for this, you'll have to download it directly to your mobile (better use wifi if you're not on flat data plan) by going to this link http://mini.opera.com (use my tip HERE if you're lazy to type)
Link: Software website
4. Worldmate v7.00(43) by Worldmate Inc
I consider this very important to me as i go around places sometimes and communicate with overseas client/colleagues, this software gives world clocks, exchange currencies, weather conditions as well as day/night map.
If you go gold (paid version), other services are offered such as flight schedules, alerts and flight status.
Link: Software website
5. Wefiv1.04(10) v1.07(21) by Wefi Ltd
I've stopped using Nokia WLan search software ever since i found Wefi. Wefi scans the place for wifi connections and lets you see open, require sign in and locked spots from its scan. Wefi will also automatically connect to the best wifi connection, saves a lot of time rather than you testing each connection one by one.
EDIT: This new version seems slightly faster in searching and connecting to network.
Link: Software Website
-----
And then there are others like Nimbuzz, Fring, Google email client, Google maps, cCalc, Calcium and others but i thought i'll limit it to five (5) apps which i use the most first for this round.
What applications must you have on your device?
If anyone would like to download the above apps, they can be found HERE
NOTE: Post edited and apps updated as of 23rd Oct 09.
-----
1. JBAK Taskman v1.00 by JBak
This would be the very first software i have to install on my E71. Reason? As symbian does not have an application shortcut list, this is one software which provides such feature. So it gives faster access to the apps installed on your device.
Not only does it gives access, it also gives control of the apps on your device. JBAK Taskman is actually a task manager and process viewer that easily beats the current nokia task list (accessible by long press of home button) so as that needs no further explanation, try it to explore its capabilities!
Link: Author's website
Oh and some useful features are battery status (not very accurate) and soft reboot.
2. Activefile
Activefile is a file manager software, so what's the big deal you might ask?
Well not only does it show the total size and current usage of your main drives (very important don't you think), it also allows browsing of files and folders in two (2) separate window panes. So this enables easy moving and copying of files from one to another.
EDIT: You can also access files transferred via bluetooth inside the message inbox using this app, superb!
Hint: If you can sign unsigned apps, the unsigned with extended version allows soft reboot and also screen capture.
Link: Author's website
3. Opera Mini v4.02(0) by Opera Software
Simply another alternative to the existing nokia web browser, and preferred by most users. Faster and better loading of web pages and the 'back' option really does browse back to the previous page and this is a big plus point for me against the existing browser.
I don't have a .sis file for this, you'll have to download it directly to your mobile (better use wifi if you're not on flat data plan) by going to this link http://mini.opera.com (use my tip HERE if you're lazy to type)
Link: Software website
4. Worldmate v7.00(43) by Worldmate Inc
I consider this very important to me as i go around places sometimes and communicate with overseas client/colleagues, this software gives world clocks, exchange currencies, weather conditions as well as day/night map.
If you go gold (paid version), other services are offered such as flight schedules, alerts and flight status.
Link: Software website
5. Wefi
I've stopped using Nokia WLan search software ever since i found Wefi. Wefi scans the place for wifi connections and lets you see open, require sign in and locked spots from its scan. Wefi will also automatically connect to the best wifi connection, saves a lot of time rather than you testing each connection one by one.
EDIT: This new version seems slightly faster in searching and connecting to network.
Link: Software Website
-----
And then there are others like Nimbuzz, Fring, Google email client, Google maps, cCalc, Calcium and others but i thought i'll limit it to five (5) apps which i use the most first for this round.
What applications must you have on your device?
If anyone would like to download the above apps, they can be found HERE
NOTE: Post edited and apps updated as of 23rd Oct 09.
2009-06-08
NOKIA Barcode Reader: 2D Barcode
Often when i need to copy a web link to my mobile browser to download apps, or to send a home address to friends and colleagues, i find it inconvenient to type the long link with all the special characters and all...so i found this easy and most simple way to do it, which is to use a website to generate a 2D barcode (on my PC) and later use my 'barcode reader' to scan and copy the link (in my phone).
Check this website: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ it can basically generate any web links, text, phone numbers and even sms.
Once you click generate, you'll be given something like this:
Use your barcode reader to scan and translate it! good luck trying..
If you don't have the barcode reader, you can try this java version of the reader at http://reader.kaywa.com/ but it may have some limitations so you'll have to try it to see if it works..
and by the way, i tried the barcode reader on my groceries stuffs as well and surely it wouldn't read anything, that's because those are known as '1D barcode' and not readable by the nokia barcode reader.. har har..
Check this website: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ it can basically generate any web links, text, phone numbers and even sms.
Once you click generate, you'll be given something like this:
Use your barcode reader to scan and translate it! good luck trying..
If you don't have the barcode reader, you can try this java version of the reader at http://reader.kaywa.com/ but it may have some limitations so you'll have to try it to see if it works..
and by the way, i tried the barcode reader on my groceries stuffs as well and surely it wouldn't read anything, that's because those are known as '1D barcode' and not readable by the nokia barcode reader.. har har..
2009-06-07
NOKIA E71 PROBLEM: memory card corrupted, memory card in use and memory card locked
OK ever since i got my new NOKIA E71, i seemed to have met with all the 3 problems mentioned above and i assure you it is really frustrating..so i decided to share a bit of experience in this blog just in case somebody else gets the same predicament and also as a reminder for myself..
MEMORY CARD IN USE
This was the first problem ever encountered. Whenever i plugged my E71 to PC using the USB cable, i'd get to choose either "Nokia PC Suite" mode or "Mass Media Storage" mode. Whenever i chose Nokia PC Suite mode, i will get an error message saying "F:\ refers to location that is unavailable...bla bla" and therefore i cannot access the memory card. If i choose mass media storage mode, i can access the memory card and carry on with copying stuffs, but when i unplug the phone and browse to my memory card folder, i get the "memory card in use" error in my phone and it stucks there. Only workaround was to restart or reboot my phone and it was really annoying. From forums i browse, some believe that the memory card supplied may have been formatted with a different format which confuses the phone.
SOLUTION: With the memory card inside the phone, format it using the phone from the memory card menu. GOTO Menu > Tools > Memory Card > Format
After formatting, i was able to access my memory card from both nokia pc suite mode and mass media storage mode without the "memory in use" error.
MEMORY CARD CORRUPTED
I had this one only once and i didn't know what had happened. After searching through the internet, some had suggested that the phones randomly encrypt the memory card and therefore had caused the memory card to become unreadable due to the encryption (thus corrupted). The solution below was also suggested from the forum and i myself have not yet any chance to try it (i formatted my memory card and lost all my data when it happened to me that time), will update this post when i do.
SOLUTION: GOTO Menu > Tools > Encryption > Encrypt and save Key > Cancel (prior to actual encryption) unless you wish to encrypt your card.
When you choose 'encrypt and save key', you'll be asked for a passphrase (do not lose this) and a key name. This key name (it should be xxx.pk5 will be saved into folder 'others' in phone memory so be sure to back it up into your PC. The encryption status shall be turned to 'on'.
So whenever you get the memory corrupted error again, just simple go back into encryption mode and use 'encrypt with imported key', key in passphrase and it should solve the issue. Let me know if it doesn't, i may not be able to solve your problem but it would be helpful to other readers.
MEMORY CARD LOCKED
After all the frustrations, i felt like cleaning up my phone so i did a factory reset. As you may have guessed, i got the memory card locked error. Basically when i restarted the phone it would pop up a password menu for the memory card but problem was i didn't set any password, or did i?
SOLUTION: GOTO Menu > Tools > Settings > General > Security > Phone and Sim > Allow remote lock. You will be asked for a remote lock message, i entered "lockit" and then it will ask for lock code, the factory lock code should be "12345" (i strongly suggest you change this).
Thereafter you can simply enter "lockit" (remote lock message) as your memory card password to unlock it.
By configuring the remote lock, it wipes any password of the memory card and replace it with the new remote lock message password.
EDIT:I receive info from our reader, Bassam that the above method did not work on new firmware 210.21.006 i just updated my firmware to latest version 300.21.012 and as suspected i will get the 'memory locked error'. I tried the last remote lock message "lockit" and it was solved. So i tried hard resetting it again, and again the error message came out. This time i tried the above step and set a new remote lock message "phone", so i tried "phone" to unlock the memory card but was unsuccessful. so i tried my last password "lockit" and voila! it was unlocked.
Another reader, mäenpää suggested to try 'lukitse'as the password which may or may not be a generic/original password for the E71. Try it out and post here is it really works. thanks.
DO NOTE THIS: If you never set "remote lock" option then the above method may just work, but if you had, make sure to try the last remote lock message to unlock your code.
MEMORY CARD IN USE
This was the first problem ever encountered. Whenever i plugged my E71 to PC using the USB cable, i'd get to choose either "Nokia PC Suite" mode or "Mass Media Storage" mode. Whenever i chose Nokia PC Suite mode, i will get an error message saying "F:\ refers to location that is unavailable...bla bla" and therefore i cannot access the memory card. If i choose mass media storage mode, i can access the memory card and carry on with copying stuffs, but when i unplug the phone and browse to my memory card folder, i get the "memory card in use" error in my phone and it stucks there. Only workaround was to restart or reboot my phone and it was really annoying. From forums i browse, some believe that the memory card supplied may have been formatted with a different format which confuses the phone.
SOLUTION: With the memory card inside the phone, format it using the phone from the memory card menu. GOTO Menu > Tools > Memory Card > Format
After formatting, i was able to access my memory card from both nokia pc suite mode and mass media storage mode without the "memory in use" error.
MEMORY CARD CORRUPTED
I had this one only once and i didn't know what had happened. After searching through the internet, some had suggested that the phones randomly encrypt the memory card and therefore had caused the memory card to become unreadable due to the encryption (thus corrupted). The solution below was also suggested from the forum and i myself have not yet any chance to try it (i formatted my memory card and lost all my data when it happened to me that time), will update this post when i do.
SOLUTION: GOTO Menu > Tools > Encryption > Encrypt and save Key > Cancel (prior to actual encryption) unless you wish to encrypt your card.
When you choose 'encrypt and save key', you'll be asked for a passphrase (do not lose this) and a key name. This key name (it should be xxx.pk5 will be saved into folder 'others' in phone memory so be sure to back it up into your PC. The encryption status shall be turned to 'on'.
So whenever you get the memory corrupted error again, just simple go back into encryption mode and use 'encrypt with imported key', key in passphrase and it should solve the issue. Let me know if it doesn't, i may not be able to solve your problem but it would be helpful to other readers.
MEMORY CARD LOCKED
After all the frustrations, i felt like cleaning up my phone so i did a factory reset. As you may have guessed, i got the memory card locked error. Basically when i restarted the phone it would pop up a password menu for the memory card but problem was i didn't set any password, or did i?
SOLUTION: GOTO Menu > Tools > Settings > General > Security > Phone and Sim > Allow remote lock. You will be asked for a remote lock message, i entered "lockit" and then it will ask for lock code, the factory lock code should be "12345" (i strongly suggest you change this).
Thereafter you can simply enter "lockit" (remote lock message) as your memory card password to unlock it.
By configuring the remote lock, it wipes any password of the memory card and replace it with the new remote lock message password.
EDIT:
Another reader, mäenpää suggested to try 'lukitse'as the password which may or may not be a generic/original password for the E71. Try it out and post here is it really works. thanks.
DO NOTE THIS: If you never set "remote lock" option then the above method may just work, but if you had, make sure to try the last remote lock message to unlock your code.
2009-05-23
CIMB Credit Card Installment Plan
I decided to buy myself a smartphone, for work and for leisure; but since I don’t have any budget for this (har har..), I went searching around for installment plans.
Basically all the shops selling the phone only offered installment plans for credit cards by either maybank or hsbc. I asked if CIMB offered any installment plans, but the shops asked me to call CIMB credit card center to request for the installment plans; which i did.
As maybank and hsbc charges a one time service charge of 5% and 7% depending on either 12months or 24months installment, CIMB had a different plan - purchases above rm1,000 is charged a one time 3% for 10months installment and purchases above rm3,000 is 5% for 20months installment. Quite a good deal for me compared to the ones offered by maybank or hsbc.
There is one twist though, the installment plan is not pre-approved, it is subject to approval from the bank.
So this is how it works - you have to make the purchase first. Then after 3 workings days, give a call to CIMB credit card center; the number is at the back of your credit card. Tell the helpline staff that you wish to request for installment plan. The staff shall check your transaction (which is why you need to wait for 3 working days before you call to make sure the transaction is entered into their system) and verify the transaction which you would like to apply for the installment, upon your confirmation the staff will then submit your application into the system and that's about it for your part.
If your application is succesful, the installment plan shall be reflected in your next credit card statement. If unsuccessful, the helpline staff should call you to inform you about it. This is the not-so-good part; if unsuccessful, your transaction is considered a normal transaction and required to be paid in full before the due date stated in the credit card statement, failing which you will be charged the normal 18% per annum interest.
For this particular reason, i had prepared a simple excel calculation sheet just to calculate the amount needed to be paid if based on the normal interest rate and us paying a certain amount each month. You can get it HERE (it is made optimized for my smartphone excel's quicksheet usage).
____________________________________________________________________________________
For the calculation, i based on buying the phone at a price of rm1,000. So according to CIMB installment plan, there is a one time charge of 3% which is rm30, thereafter monthly installment of rm100. So for the excel sheet, i just based on paying monthly rm100 to compare the differences. Have a look at the spreadsheet to see the differences.
By the way, you should call your CIMB credit card center to verify the above procedure and to check if it is still available. If i'm not mistaken it is called “CIMB i-Pay Plan”
___________________________________________________________________________________
Basically all the shops selling the phone only offered installment plans for credit cards by either maybank or hsbc. I asked if CIMB offered any installment plans, but the shops asked me to call CIMB credit card center to request for the installment plans; which i did.
As maybank and hsbc charges a one time service charge of 5% and 7% depending on either 12months or 24months installment, CIMB had a different plan - purchases above rm1,000 is charged a one time 3% for 10months installment and purchases above rm3,000 is 5% for 20months installment. Quite a good deal for me compared to the ones offered by maybank or hsbc.
There is one twist though, the installment plan is not pre-approved, it is subject to approval from the bank.
So this is how it works - you have to make the purchase first. Then after 3 workings days, give a call to CIMB credit card center; the number is at the back of your credit card. Tell the helpline staff that you wish to request for installment plan. The staff shall check your transaction (which is why you need to wait for 3 working days before you call to make sure the transaction is entered into their system) and verify the transaction which you would like to apply for the installment, upon your confirmation the staff will then submit your application into the system and that's about it for your part.
If your application is succesful, the installment plan shall be reflected in your next credit card statement. If unsuccessful, the helpline staff should call you to inform you about it. This is the not-so-good part; if unsuccessful, your transaction is considered a normal transaction and required to be paid in full before the due date stated in the credit card statement, failing which you will be charged the normal 18% per annum interest.
For this particular reason, i had prepared a simple excel calculation sheet just to calculate the amount needed to be paid if based on the normal interest rate and us paying a certain amount each month. You can get it HERE (it is made optimized for my smartphone excel's quicksheet usage).
____________________________________________________________________________________
For the calculation, i based on buying the phone at a price of rm1,000. So according to CIMB installment plan, there is a one time charge of 3% which is rm30, thereafter monthly installment of rm100. So for the excel sheet, i just based on paying monthly rm100 to compare the differences. Have a look at the spreadsheet to see the differences.
By the way, you should call your CIMB credit card center to verify the above procedure and to check if it is still available. If i'm not mistaken it is called “CIMB i-Pay Plan”
___________________________________________________________________________________
2009-02-06
Malaysia E-Filing 2008
LHDN has now opened access for e-filing 2008 at their website:- E-Filing
Do take note that closing date for e-filing shall be 30th April 2009.
for those who have already used e-filing since submission year 2005, you may use the same login (I/C number) and password as the digital certificate is still valid.
For those who are still new to e-filing, you will have to go to any LHDN office and obtained your "no. pin" to enable access into the e-filing system. At their website, it also mentions that no. pin is also available by letter, fax or e-mail with the relevant details provided. Check it out at the e-filing website.
The time i collected my no. pin back then, i just showed my I/C card and the officer gave me the no. pin slip, as easy as that.
Once you have the no. pin, just "login first time" and you'll be on your way. If you need some guide, it's easily available at LHDN website: here
ADD. INFO: E-Filing is using "Roaming PKI Certificate" which means you can login and access into e-filing page from just any computer and not necessarily the computer which you registered initially. As this is very convenient, however be careful with which computer you use, if your login details are taken (for instance by means of a keylogger), anybody can simply login into your account and abuse it.
Do take note that closing date for e-filing shall be 30th April 2009.
for those who have already used e-filing since submission year 2005, you may use the same login (I/C number) and password as the digital certificate is still valid.
For those who are still new to e-filing, you will have to go to any LHDN office and obtained your "no. pin" to enable access into the e-filing system. At their website, it also mentions that no. pin is also available by letter, fax or e-mail with the relevant details provided. Check it out at the e-filing website.
The time i collected my no. pin back then, i just showed my I/C card and the officer gave me the no. pin slip, as easy as that.
Once you have the no. pin, just "login first time" and you'll be on your way. If you need some guide, it's easily available at LHDN website: here
ADD. INFO: E-Filing is using "Roaming PKI Certificate" which means you can login and access into e-filing page from just any computer and not necessarily the computer which you registered initially. As this is very convenient, however be careful with which computer you use, if your login details are taken (for instance by means of a keylogger), anybody can simply login into your account and abuse it.
2009-01-31
Updated Malaysian Income Tax Calculator BE2008
It has been a while since i updated the blog. Well i thought i'd update it every now and then when i have useful info to share, plus when i have the time to spare from my current work and family commitments.. :)
anyway, LHDN had just published their format for "Borang BE2008", you can easily have a look at it at their official website: LHDN Website : Borang.
On another note, i've just updated my spreadsheet income tax calculator to incorporate the changes to the new layout of the upcoming e-filing as well as to upate some calcs in the existing one. Have a try out and let me know of any errors you find.
Borang BE Income Tax Calculator Revision 2 (rapidshare)
Just a hint, most values are 'editable' and therefore i hope that the calculator can be used to plan and estimate your taxes in years to come. I'll update the spreadsheet when there is a change in layout (especially when government introduces new cuts and additional exemptions) but basically the calculations can still be used. Hope it is useful to most of you.
EDIT: Check out the latest calculator for 2009 HERE
anyway, LHDN had just published their format for "Borang BE2008", you can easily have a look at it at their official website: LHDN Website : Borang.
On another note, i've just updated my spreadsheet income tax calculator to incorporate the changes to the new layout of the upcoming e-filing as well as to upate some calcs in the existing one. Have a try out and let me know of any errors you find.
Borang BE Income Tax Calculator Revision 2 (rapidshare)
Just a hint, most values are 'editable' and therefore i hope that the calculator can be used to plan and estimate your taxes in years to come. I'll update the spreadsheet when there is a change in layout (especially when government introduces new cuts and additional exemptions) but basically the calculations can still be used. Hope it is useful to most of you.
EDIT: Check out the latest calculator for 2009 HERE
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