Repair Grub Entry after a Ubuntu Hardy Updates

Just few months after its official launch, Ubuntu Hardy Heron has release some kernel updates. Every kernel updates suggest us to create a new Grub menu. But unfortunately, if you choose wrong option, it might overwrite original grub menu entries, including non-ubuntu entries. I accidentally chosen let aptititute update whole list.

If this happen to you, no worry. No need reinstallation of OS. First is recover your lost non-Linux entries. Mostly user mixed with Microsoft OS, like Windows XP or Vista. Insert Windows XP or Vista installation CD. Upon setup option, instead of setup, select "Repair A Windows Installation". Choose command line repair. After a command line windows shows, type :
$ fixboot
$ fixmbr

For more command, your can type :
$ help

Close repair session, remove Windows CD, and then reboot. Now your box should be able to boot Windows. Next is repair grub entries. Insert Ubuntu Live CD, then reboot. Open a terminal session from Start Menu -> Accessories -> Terminal. Type :

$ sudo grub
grub >find /boot/grub/stage1

From given information, setup grub root and entries

grub> root (hd0,1)
grub> setup (hd0)
grub> quit

More reading about dual boot tips and emergency tips your may read Ubuntu official tutorial

Affordable Internet (for big city only)

After 6 months after my first post about affordable internet plan, no big and remarkable development for Indonesia internet plan for public. At least those hit the market and become headline on non-IT media. But the needs is clear. Public is now more and more aware the internet's purpose.

Actually we're not lack of idea to widening internet access. We have a lot. One of it is RT-RW Net which is originally proposed by local IT expert, Onno W Purbo. You can read his idea or simply visit his minimalist personal site. But all these come to a need for affordable internet backbones. Major ISP now still stick to a not-so-affordable price for home user. Not to mention the limited service area.

First media (previously Cablevision) is the first ISP provide affordable internet plan yet bigger coverage area. Priced at Rp. 99.000, Firstmedia provide unlimited internet bandwidth at 384Kbps through its digital TV cable network. But it cover big city, mostly in Jakarta only.

For small cities, expecting local goverment can be the leader to provide local loop and let local user to build RT-RW net.

Let see what connection we can get next 6 months.