HP Printers - Cartridges and DRM

I went to my usual Facebook feed because I join an IT Support Group (not mentioning the specific name of the group), they were talking about how upset they are because HP (Hewlett Packard) decide to change the rules on Ink and Toner Cartridges by introducing DRM policy. DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. There are 2 versions of DRM, one version is called IP (Intellectual Property) which we all know about the legal stuff regarding the Copyright and Trademark. Another one is about Manufacturer Ink Cartridges.

What is the DRM version of Ink Cartridge?
Very good question. This basically means that each printers has a firmware chip that detects branded and non-branded cartridges.
Branded are Original Manufacture or Re-Manuaftcure (refill inks by the original manufacture).
Non-Branded are 3rd party ink cartridges. They can be recycle or eco-friendly inks.

Why people buy Non-Branded inks?
Because they cost cheap and less as running costs. They are cost effective and are compatable with the printers.

What is the deal and why the Tech community are upset about the DRM rule?
Let is go straight to the point of this. What has basically happen is because of people complaining about how the printers are faulty when they are new because the consumers has modify the printers by using 3rd party ink cartridges. When these faulty printers return to the HP Assembly for assessment, the HP Engineers and Technician notice that the consumers are using recycle inks.

Since this was an ongoing issue HP decide to update the printer firmware so that way the printers can only take Original and Branded refill inks so that way the consumers will not void warranties. This basically means you can no longer use and recycle or non-HP eco friendly ink and have no choice but to use pay for an expensive original cartridges.

Here is a link for the article: https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997

This is one of the article, however there are lots of articles about this.
I made a video in defence of why I support the idea of HP using DRM policy on printer.

I am going write what I mention on the video.

A lot of techs are not going to like this but I will say my peace on the video.

Basically, at my workplace the company I work for uses 3rd party ink cartridges because they are cost effective. We all like to by inks which are cheap and save money which we all have no problem with. We all like to have low-cost solutions.

Unfortunately, the 3rd party/eco-friendly recycle inks started to degrade the print quality and also causes the printer's health and lifecycle.

The printer lifecycle is usually 5 years or more if the printer still works, however, because of use to recycle cheap cartridge, the print quality degrades and the printer last a year before it wears and tear, all because of 3rd party cartridge. So they resort to and start using original HP ink more often which is most cases remedy the problem. Recently that I notice that new firmware has prevent from using recycle ink because this will keep the warranty intact. HP stated that using recycle inks nullify warranty when buying HP Care pack.

This now become a controversy to the IT Tech Community because HP are doing this to protect the investment and the product. Also to remind the consumer that if you use cheaper solution by buying recycle in save cost, they are voiding a warranty and doing this at their own risk. HP will be responsible for the consumers' action as HP stated that they do not support 3rd party cartridges.

Tech Mall in Malaysia - Plaza Low Yat

I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 1st time in my life to meet my friend and whilst I was there I was exploring the Shopping Malls which were nice place to explore.

This one I come across a very large mall full of Technology. It was so exciting so I decide to film it so when I come back home to London, UK. I can edit the video and upload it. The mall turns out to be 'Plaza Low Yat'. Which is the Mall of Technology. The place was full of tech wonders from Gaming to Repair shops. The tech stuff place is every where.

When I explore every shop in the Mall, I getting constant hijacked by the each kiosk in a good way wanting me to buy something from them. I did not want to buy anything because there were nothing to buy as I already got I need and also I have to be mindful about the import customs when returning home. You know the Customs from the Airport.

My overall experience is I really had a nice time there.

Enjoy the footage from YouTube.

Facebook Meta Business Suite Phishing Scam

I made a video about the Facebook Meta Business Suite Phishing Scam and show you the screenshot as an example.

Basically, I am getting a lot of these message scam about how my page will get disabled or Terminated.

I can easily spot them with their fake names and accounts. They may use the Meta logo and sometimes upside down version of the logo.

When I get these messages I just delete them and pay them no mind.

Why do people get this phishing messages?

Just to steal your ID.

Basically I am writing this article to anyone reading this or watch my Video and run a Facebook Page to be aware of these phishing messages. I still get these Phishing messages.

If you get these scam message, just ignore and delete them and please do not open or else they got your ID.

More information: https://malwaretips.com/blogs/meta-business-help-center-facebook-scam/

Microsoft Office Specialist: Microsoft 365 Apps - Part 3: PowerPoint Associate

What an exam it was.

I did my usual skill refreshment by using G-Metrix and I almost forgotten all my PowerPoint skills and I could not wait until I did the exam.

When I did the exam, I was focusing of brushing up my skills. As soon as I completed the exam, the remote got disconnected from my end. Got lucky as I press 'Submit Project' or else it would time expire.

I did contact the Trainer to get me reconnected and he knew I pass the exam as the exam was walk in the park. However I almost got a perfection. I got 1 wrong answer somewhere. But I was so close to perfection to get a maximum of 1000 points.

Now I am the PowerPoint specialist there is only one exam left, and that is Outlook Associate.

Currently, there are debates between the Microsoft Trainers and Microsoft Education board about the restructure of the Microsoft Outlook Certification which is the reason why as of this date of this article blog post, the Outlook Apps is not released yet. I am not sure when Outlook will be released.

According to Microsoft, it is still coming soon.

Link = https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/microsoft-office-specialist-associate-m365-apps/

Until then, I will take a break from Microsoft Office Specialist Certification until Outlook arrive and when it does, this will be the last exam for me to become the 'Microsoft 365 Apps: Grand Slam'.

My 2 Microsoft Certifications has been Rechristened!

In 2019, I achieved 2 certifications I achieved was Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate and Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert and I renewed them with the Assessment test ever since.

Months ago Microsoft informed that some Certifications will be renamed because of the reflection of the technology.

Click this Link.

It was originally from August but they move it to September.

As of 6th September 2023 my 2 certifications has been changed
Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate -> Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate

Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert -> Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert

Now instead of 2 exams, you now just have to pass 1 exam to get the Certificate.

The reason why the Desktop Certification change to Endpoint is because the Desktop Support Certifications is not just about Desktop PCs and Laptop. It is more than that Desktop Support as now the Endpoint which featuring Microsoft Intune now also deal with devices such as mobile devices. Not just Microsoft, but also Macintosh OS and Samsung Android OS.
Include a bit of Linux.

Desktop Technician like myself now not just do PCs and Laptops. We also image and deploy mobile phones. At my workplace I do a lot of Intune work deploying Android OS on the Samsung Work phones and also set up Kiosk phones.

Even the name changed, however I always be the Desktop Technician guy.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Microsoft 365 Apps - Part 2: Word 365 Apps Double

This exam was a walk in the park as I am been expose to Microsoft Word for 2 decades and 5 years of utilising all the tools.

However I use G-Metrix practice exam to refresh my skills as I sometimes forget about all the tools because in life on the daily basis and at the workplace that we all use a fraction of the tools when using the Microsoft Office packages.

Associate Version:
I done many practices on the test and when I sit in the exam and this exam was so easy to pass. However I did not get the best score as it was almost 900 points. But still I am happy with the results because 'pass' is a 'pass' and as long as I pass. I get the certificate.

Expert Version:
The exam was tricky, however thanks to G-Metrix to refresh my skills. I manage to pass with ease. A good score of over 800 points.
Also watch out for Macros task.

Now I not just completed the Word Double, I also completed the Exam side of the exams. Now, I got only Associates left which are PowerPoint and Outlook.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert - Microsoft 365 Apps

After I done a retake and I become the Expert on Microsoft 365 Apps. I feel like the burden has been lifted because I have pass the beast of the Microsoft Excel Expert exam.

On my previous blog talking about completing the Excel Double aka both Excel Associate and Excel exams, where I always mention how challenging Excel Expert is. Only the Excel Expert 2016 version where I pass the exam in one go which had a better score than other versions.

The question is how did I become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to become MOS on Microsoft 365 Apps?

Well I tell you:

The general Certificate pathway is you have to pass Word, Excel and PowerPoint to become an Associate and pass Word Expert and Excel Expert including Associate Certificate to become Expert level.

The Certification pathway has also as an elective route. Since I have the Grand Slam in Office 2019, I only require pass any 1 of 4 Associate Exam to become an Associate Level and then any 1 of 2 Expert Exam to become an Expert.

So basically saying I got complete either Word Double or Excel Double to become an Expert in an instant.

I never know that achieving the Grand Slam gives you a shortcut to Certification goal.

This was also explain from my previous article about Microsoft Issuing me a challenge for the new Certifications and the screenshot pictures shows you hoe to get the Associate and Expert Certificate.

This is the 2nd time I become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to become MOS Expert on 365 Apps, 1st time was MOS Expert in Office 2019.

Now I am happy with the achievement, I will complete and pass the rest of the exams to gain the Grand Slam which is the biggest prize of them all.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Microsoft 365 Apps - Part 1: Excel 365 Apps Double

This exam was very interesting because I had to go through delays because of the bookings and I missed one as I was late, so it was rescheduled within a fortnight.

This time, the Training Provide use a new remote tool called 'Quick Assist'. This is a Microsoft version of 'TeamViewer'. You require Microsoft Account to use it.

My exam experience was much smoother than the previous web-based counterpart.

Let us get to the 2 Excel Exams:

Associate Version:
I done many practices on the test and when I sit in the exam, the task was a bit complex, however I learn the refresher skills on how to create basic formulas and charts. I have done well on the exam and pass with a score above 800 points which I am happy with.

Expert Version:
When it comes to Excel and the Expert exams, the Excel Expert is definitely the beast of them all because of complex formulas to learn.

When I took this exam for the 1st time, I was completely confused on how to do the formulas. Even I did a lot of practice with G-Metrix tests. The test was featuring Macros, Vlookup, Pivot Chart and tables. End up failing the exam.

After I fail the exam, I remember all the projects and tasks then I start practicing all of the tools and formulas and how to learn them as I had to refresh my Excel skills when it comes to Advance Formulas.

I spend time writing notes on each sections on how to learn the Expert skills.
I had to wait another 2 weeks to get a retake and I wish it was 1 week as I was ready for a rematch.
Then 2 weeks later, I finally had an opportunity to do a retake.
As soon as I done a retake, the project and task was in different order, but the same as the previous attempt which means I know the tasks off by heart (no, there are no dumps on Microsoft Office Exams). 

After I took the test, I thought I smashed the exam with ease because this was the exactly the same questions/tasks/projects as before.

When I got the exam results, I thought that I would get at least 800 points or more, however I pass on the dot (700 points) which was not I was expected. I was not happy at first because I pass on the dot, but I expect better results.

But at the end of the day, it does not matter how good the score is, I pass, and I am happy with it.

I am now not just completed Excel Double (Associate and Expert), I also become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to become certified as Microsoft Office Specialist - Expert: Microsoft 365 Apps.

Next stop: Microsoft Word Double.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate - Microsoft 365 Apps

After few months of announcement about my journey to MOS Microsoft 365 Apps certifications, I finally get to sit in the exam.

The layout is a bit different from the 2019 counterpart, however when I did the last exam by remote, it was via some Virtual session which was not bad and good.

This remote was using an App called QuickAssist which a Microsoft Remote Assistant App and I been told that I am the 1st person to do the Microsoft 365 Apps version of the exam.

The 1st exam was Microsoft Excel Associate which as MO-210. It was an interesting exam.

I will go more in depth with the Excel version on my next topic as I require to pass the Expert version. Not looking forward to it because Excel Expert is the toughest one.

Since I pass Excel Associate and done the Grand Slam in Office 2019 which was the prerequire, I manage to get the Associate Level.

I am happy with the exam and a lot of thinking when it comes to instructions.

ITIL v4 Foundation - 10 years after ITIL v3

Before I get into this post, I will mention about my previous post about how I am planning to do the new MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) in Office 365 Apps certification. However I put this on hold because there were delays of the online proctor which will start in months from now and some providers did not do the exams at the time. So until then, I decide to learn ITIL v4 until the online proctor becomes available to do the new MOS exams.

Now, let us get into ITIL v4

The reason for the title because I did the ITIL Course in 2012 and this was based on ITIL v3.
The readers who do not know what ITIL acronym is. ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library.

The reason decide to do the new ITIL v4 exams because I like to keep myself up to date with the ITIL process model.

When I look at the ITIL v4, there are few differences then the previous ITIL.
I learn about that the practice management has evolved such as Continual improvement, IT Security Management as now alot of things are now in the cloud. Portfolio Management has merge with Service Portfolio and Business Relationship management.

Unlike v3, v4 has now got 4 key framework components (Service Value System (SVS), Service Value Chain (SVC), 4 Dimensions of Service Model and ITIL Guiding Principles.
The Service Lifecycle is now become Service Value System such as Continual Service Improvement where the organisation/company evaluate the technology and resources they use (what need to keep, upgrade and change).

More information between ITIL v3 and ITIL v4:
Link = https://www.globaledulink.co.uk/the-differences-between-itil-v3-and-itil-v4

The exam:

PeopleCert now governs ITIL, Prince2, DevOps and Scrum. Even Axelos runs ITIL but I have to book the ITIL exam from PeopleCert.

I remember I book the ITIL v3 exam over 10 years ago. When I took the exam, 1st was through ISEB which I failed 1st and then I done a retake from EXIN which I pass a long time ago when I received 'ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management'.
Over a decade later into 2023. I took the v4 exam and I just passed. Even I studied and practice hard for 2 months.

I remember a decade ago technicians told me that is a dry and boring subject which I agree, even now it still is, however it is worth it.

Since I pass the exam, PeopleCert has change the rules saying that is anyone pass the ITIL v4, new version of Prince2 and other exams run by PeopleCert is now become a 3 year certification. Basically means I have to renew every 3 years which is understandable.

Link = https://www.peoplecert.org/ways-to-get-certified/keep-your-certification-valid

My view about the 3 years is I am not worried because if my new one expired as I have no plans to renew it after 3 years, I still keep the 10 year old ITIL Certificate which is good for me.

The question to IT people out there is "Is the ITIL Certification is worth it?"
I say 'Yes'. Because it may be a 'dry subject' however you will learn who the whole of how the IT Services works in general. Also many people say that this will also help you get to the IT Service Desk Role before you move up in the IT world.