Intel 3945ABG, generic kernel 2.6.27 and Update Manager failure

This post refers to the following items:
Lauchpad Bug 285280
Ubuntu Forums Post

I applied a kernel update on October 15, 2008 which somehow didn't have the updated nic-firmware package installed. Thus, my Intel 3945ABG wifi card stopped working...in the middle of work.
So after a couple minutes of research, I found this nifty little thread in the Ubuntu Forums. Following the instructions on the page, I indeed got my card to work.

Problem:

Upon the release of the next update they included the proper firmware in the package linux-firmware. This fails package updater and Update Manager. When I attempted to remove the package via Terminal I would get the following error:

$ sudo apt-get remove nic-firmware
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
You might want to run `apt-get -f install' to correct these:
The following packages have unmet dependencies:
linux-image-generic: Depends: linux-firmware but it is not going to be installed
E: Unmet dependencies. Try 'apt-get -f install' with no packages (or specify a solution).

Fix:
Open the terminal and run the following:

# apt-get remove linux-image-generic

# apt-get remove linux-firmware

# apt-get remove nic-firmware

Then run updater and should update.

What was learned:
Packages have dependencies, and installing a dependency may not be the answer. You may need to work backwards. I had to remove all the packages that DEPENDED on nic-firmware before I could fix the problem. Seemed a bit backwards in my mind, but it worked.

Sun VirtualBox Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex and Spawning

So I am one of those kids who is always in the beta...of everything.

I decided to try the new version of Ubuntu (Intrepid Ibex). Install went pretty smooth, but when I went to open my Vbox Image it would just hang on spawning session.

The fix? Simple, reinstall VirtualBox or just run the recompile...

Download Package Here

or in the console enter:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure virtualbox-2.0

Problem Solved.

Microsoft Office 2008 (and the scam there-in)

Well, all I can say is this is precisely why I use Linux...nothing in this blog is recommended as a work around, but it is one. If you are interested in saving $250 US then read below.

Problem: Using Entourage 2008 from hosted exchange provider in conjunction with Office 2008 Home and Student

UPDATE: I would try this method below from the "Entourage Help Blog" first. It allows you to use office with the latest updates, giving you better security. If that doesn't work skip to the other method.

Method 1 (worked 50% of the time)

What you need:
Office 2008 SP1 update 12.1.0
Office 2008 SP1 update 12.1.3 or newer
30-45 Minutes

Note: that for this to work for me I had to completely remove the existing installation of Office 2008 off the computer by going to:
Applications -> Microsoft Office -> Additional Tools -> Remove Office. Reboot, then follow the instructions laid out HERE
***If the updater hangs on "checking existing / additional volumes," try clicking back and then initiate it agian. I had to do this on almost of the service packs.***

Method 2:

What you need:
Office 2008 CD/DVD
Entourage 2008 DMG
1 Hour

I have been doing a decent amount of work for a client who uses a Mac. Well they bought their Macs with MS Office 2008 Home and Student Edition. One of the reasons I was hired with them was to help them migrate to a better mail solution. No problem right? Well thats what I thought.

Problem 1:
Apparently Home and Student edition (which I guess is different than 2004's Student and Teacher Edition) no longer supports exchange connectivity in entourage. Talk about taking a step backwards apparently now that smartphones and iPhones have begun penetrating the consumer market, Microsoft thought it would be a good idea to pull support for free.

Solution?
Well, luckily (or perhaps not) Intermedia offers a free version of Entourage with each exchange account you create.
1. Download the .dmg
The Install Process:
1. Download the .dmg
2. Install...it gives a warning that installing this with Test Drive will cause a problem. Good thing we are using Home and Student!
3. Reboot...always a good idea.
4. Open Entourage
Uh oh, now you get a "Entourage Cannot Open the Main Identity" Whoops there goes all your old mail!

How to fix this:
Finder -> Documents - > Microsoft Office User Data
Drag the folders "Main Identity" to the desktop. Entourage now opens and works as stated.

5. Now lets edit a document in Word...or Excel...or PowerPoint.

We Cant! You now receive and error stating "The application Microsoft PowerPoint quit unexpectedly"

Solution:
Reinstall Office 2008 for Mac

Why does this happen?
Well after a lengthy conversation with a very nice person at Microsoft (really, MS does have great support agents), I was informed that the "Free" version given to me by Intermedia is meant to be a stand alone version and not used in conjunction with any other version of office. Perhaps the screen that stated "Will not work with "Test Drive" could have shed some light on this BEFORE we wasted 3 hours.

I was then informed that I could get a refund from their "refund department" at 888-673-8624 and then repurchase the non-upgrade version of Office 2008 for Mac (Standard) for a price difference of a mere $250 US.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/Office2008/shop-now.mspx

Oh yeah, and going from 2004 to the new entourage is seamless. Figure that one out.

The Caveat:
Well with "Method 2" you cant update office. Thats about it. Which is a security risk. But Macs can't get a virus right ;-)