Some Recommended Basic Android Apps

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Reynold

Nova Launcher: Replace your default launcher
Airdroid: View/Control your Android from another device
Airdroid Control Add-on: Helper app for Airdroid
Amaze: File Manager
Tasker: Automation
Electron: Battery and Power monitor
DroidCam: Turn your device into a webcam
IP Cam Viewer: View your cams in one interface
GBoard: Google Keyboard

Use an Thumb Drive to expand your root on a GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Router

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Reynold

These instructions were based on the info here:

https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/additional-software/extroot_configuration

I just added a few tips to make the update flow smoothly. First of all, I had to do a factory reset because following these instructions caused my disk space to fill up. This is because I had already installed Luci and other various apps.

Grab the packages you need. I omitted “parted”, because it wasn’t in the opkg repository, but I didn’t need it for this.

opkg update
opkg install block-mount kmod-fs-ext4 e2fsprogs

These commands set the DEVICE environment variable for the current mount point so we can use it later:

DEVICE="$(sed -n -e "/\s\/overlay\s.*$/s///p" /etc/mtab)"
uci -q delete fstab.rwm
uci set fstab.rwm="mount"
uci set fstab.rwm.device="${DEVICE}"
uci set fstab.rwm.target="/rwm"
uci commit fstab

Formatting your Thumb Drive: (Mine is a 64 GB USB 2.0 on /dev/sda1)

umount /dev/sda1
mkfs.ext4 -L extroot /dev/sda1

Setting your router to use this new filesystem as your boot drive:

DEVICE="/dev/sda1"

eval $(block info ${DEVICE} | grep -o -e "UUID=\S*")
uci -q delete fstab.overlay
uci set fstab.overlay="mount"
uci set fstab.overlay.uuid="${UUID}"
uci set fstab.overlay.target="/overlay"
uci commit fstab

Copying over your current root to the new file system and rebooting:

mount ${DEVICE} /mnt
tar -C /overlay -cvf - . | tar -C /mnt -xf -
reboot

That’s it, you now have more space for your programs.

Use an SD Card to expand your root on a GL.iNet AXT1800 Router

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Reynold

These instructions were based on the info here:

https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/additional-software/extroot_configuration

I just tweaked it to use my 128 GB SD Card.

Grab the packages you need for this setup:

opkg update
opkg install block-mount kmod-fs-ext4 e2fsprogs parted

These commands set the DEVICE environment variable for the current mount point so we can use it later:

DEVICE="$(sed -n -e "/\s\/overlay\s.*$/s///p" /etc/mtab)"
uci -q delete fstab.rwm
uci set fstab.rwm="mount"
uci set fstab.rwm.device="${DEVICE}"
uci set fstab.rwm.target="/rwm"
uci commit fstab

Formatting your SD Card: (Mine is /dev/mmcblk0p1)

umount /dev/mmcblk0p1
mkfs.ext4 -L extroot /dev/mmcblk0p1

Setting your router to use this new filesystem as your boot drive:

DEVICE="/dev/mmcblk0p1"

eval $(block info ${DEVICE} | grep -o -e "UUID=\S*")
uci -q delete fstab.overlay
uci set fstab.overlay="mount"
uci set fstab.overlay.uuid="${UUID}"
uci set fstab.overlay.target="/overlay"
uci commit fstab

Copying over your current root to the new file system and rebooting:

mount ${DEVICE} /mnt
tar -C /overlay -cvf - . | tar -C /mnt -xf -
reboot

That’s it, you now have more space for your programs.

How to modify Windows 11 Right Click Menu

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Reynold

The information below was gleaned from this website:
https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-customize-right-click-menu-windows-11/

Make a backup of your registry before modifying keys. Open “Registry Editor”, click Computer, then Export.

This is the key to add to get your old style right click menu back. So add this key, then reboot.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
InprocServer32

This is the key to modify if you want to add/remove things from the right click menu. Add new keys under shell that point to programs you want to call quickly.

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

How to change iTunes Backup location

Posted on March 12, 2022 by Reynold

The default location is on the primary drive at:
C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync

Let’s say you want to change it to:
G:\Backups\YourUserName\iTunesBackups

Run these commands in PowerShell:

c:
cd “C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync”
mklink /d Backup “G:\Backups\YourUserName\iTunesBackups”

Nox usage, de-bloating, and optimization

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Reynold

The Nox Player is a very good system for running high-quality Android Apps on your PC.

Download NOX
- https://www.bignox.com/
Enable Root
- Use settings icon
Install
- Nova Launcher
- File Manager
Delete
- Facebook Lite
- The Old Launcher
Delete Ads
- C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Nox\loading
Update hosts file
- C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
- Append the following

127.0.0.1 8.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 alog.umeng.com
127.0.0.1 android.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 androiden.duapp.com
127.0.0.1 api-new.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 api.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 api.mobula.sdk.duapps.com
127.0.0.1 app.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 app.static.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 app.test.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 attitude.applinzi.com
127.0.0.1 au.umeng.com
127.0.0.1 bbs.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 bi.yeshen.com
127.0.0.1 bignox.com
127.0.0.1 cn.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 common.duapps.com
127.0.0.1 de.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 dev.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 download.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 en.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 es.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 feed.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 fr.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 game.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 gift.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 gray.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 group.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 hm.e.shifen.com
127.0.0.1 hmma.baidu.com
127.0.0.1 id.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 image.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 info.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ios.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 kr.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 launcher-us.yeshen.com
127.0.0.1 launcher.us.yeshen.com
127.0.0.1 log.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 mail.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 mis.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 mobile.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ms.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 my.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 news.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 noxagile.bceapp.com
127.0.0.1 noxagile.duapp.com
127.0.0.1 nrc.tapas.net
127.0.0.1 open.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 passport-us.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 passport.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pasta.esfile.duapps.com
127.0.0.1 pay.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ph.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 phone.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 plat-api.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 player.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pop3.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pt.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pubstatus.sinaapp.com
127.0.0.1 res02.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res05.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res06.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res09.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res11.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res12.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res.noxmobi.com
127.0.0.1 ru.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sdk.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sdk.open.inc2.igexin.com
127.0.0.1 shouyou.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sj.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sns.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 st.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 survey.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 t.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tdcv3.talkingdata.net
127.0.0.1 tl.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tracking.apptrackerlink.com
127.0.0.1 tracking.trnox.com
127.0.0.1 tui.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tv.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tw.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 unauthorized.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 union.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 user.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 vip.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 wap.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 www.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 www.yeshen.com
127.0.0.1 www.yeshen.com.w.kunlungr.com
127.0.0.1 attitude.applinzi.com
127.0.0.1 launcher-us.yeshen.com
127.0.0.1 tracking.apptrackerlink.com
127.0.0.1 res.noxmobi.com
127.0.0.1 res09.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 noxagile.bceapp.com
127.0.0.1 bignox.com
127.0.0.1 8.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 id.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res02.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 passport-us.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 passport.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res05.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 bbs.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ru.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 t.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 cn.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 phone.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res09.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 de.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sj.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 st.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 log.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 gift.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 vip.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 unauthorized.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tw.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pt.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 www.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 es.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 android.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 app.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sns.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tui.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 my.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 fr.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 api.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 wap.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 group.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ms.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 download.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 mis.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res12.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 union.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 sdk.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 app.test.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 survey.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 plat-api.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 app.static.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ph.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res11.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 gray.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 game.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 user.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 kr.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tl.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 tv.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 dev.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 news.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 res06.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 api-new.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 info.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 mobile.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 en.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 player.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 feed.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 mail.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 shouyou.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pop3.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 ios.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 image.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 open.bignox.com
127.0.0.1 pay.bignox.com

Original instructions came from below: (above is just my summary)
https://gist.github.com/Log1x/12d330ef7685d6fbc611d1d57efb5c29

Running Android Apps on your Windows 10 PC

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Reynold

Why would you want to do this? Well, I wanted to view some of my apps, specifically some camera monitoring apps on my PC monitor.

I ended up testing some and started using Nox which specializes in running android games.

You can download it here:
https://www.bignox.com/

It will let you download whatever you want from the Google Play store using your own account and configure it however you want.

You can also auto-run apps by using “instances” of Nox by using the “Multi Drive” features. Just clone your original NoxPlayer, then open the app you want to launch. While the app is open, click the ellipse (…), then the shortcut icon, it will create a shortcut on your desktop. You don’t have to use instances, but if you don’t, you will find the same Nox session will load your auto-run app.

Now Nox is kinda bloated, but it can be un-bloated and optimized. Here is my post about Nox Usage, De-Bloating, and Optimization

Play Fallout 4 VR on Oculus Quest 2

Posted on December 25, 2020 by Reynold

This will work with other Steam VR games, and I did get it to work with SkyrimVR also.

Summary: (Software you will need)
- Virtual Desktop
- SideQuest
- SteamVR
- Fallout 4 VR

Details:
- Virtual Desktop:
  - Purchase the version from your Oculus 2 Headset, there are several versions of Virtual Desktop, and you will need this one to avoid problems.
- SideQuest
  - This is needed to be able to “side load” unofficial patches, so you will need to install the “Virtual Desktop” patch from SideQuest
  - You can download SideQuest here: https://sidequestvr.com/
  - More info about SideQuest here: https://uploadvr.com/sideloading-quest-how-to/
- SteamVR
  - This app is available from the Steam store on your computer.
- Fallout 4 VR
  - Purchase this from the SteamVR store.

Running Fallout 4 VR:
- Connect to Virtual Desktop from your Oculus Quest 2 headset
- Click the menu button to show the VR Menu
- Launch SteamVR
- Run Fallout 4 VR

At this point, if you are not using mods for Fallout 4 VR, then you’re done and can play.

If you are using mods that require the Script Extender, you cannot just “Run Fallout 4 VR” because it will not run the script extender. For me, I had to do the following:

Running Fallout 4 VR with Mods:
- Connect to Virtual Desktop from your Oculus Quest 2 headset
- Click the menu button to show the VR Menu
- Launch SteamVR
- Click the menu button
- Show Desktop
- In Vortex, click the FO4SE
- Click the menu button
- Return to VR

This setup is just a summary of what worked for me based on the following article:
https://uploadvr.com/how-to-play-pc-vr-oculus-quest-2/

Vortex is the mod manager used by NexusMods:
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/?

My Crypto Wallets

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Reynold

If you want to send me a ton of cash or a small tip, here are some of my public wallets. (Thank You)

Bitcoin (BTC) Public Wallet (Original)

38aDgRtK9BSEeeqzxpY7xw7ziAT1RmWRP7

Bitcoin (BTC) Public Wallet (Segwit)

bc1qpteh45cayhnsngys0mxjtqlewh3s2zv7z8uqhm

Electroneum (ETN)

etnjw6aVtRpG7CsmZvgBxhWWLL4FNzoMtfCXNZuVQy4EHZm2C6eZSR3bEKZYinTGAch5oRkxPoeeA2N3zdhffoLa1oGh2tf6n9

Setup HSTS and rewrite for IIS 8 and .NET

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Reynold

For your .NET Website, this is the simple way below, just update your web.config with the following:


<system.webServer>
    <httpProtocol>
      <customHeaders>
        <add name="Strict-Transport-Security" value="max-age=31536000" />
      </customHeaders>
    </httpProtocol>
    <rewrite>
      <rules>
        <rule name="HTTPS force" enabled="true" stopProcessing="true">
          <match url="(.*)" />
          <conditions>
            <add input="{HTTPS}" pattern="^OFF$" />
          </conditions>
          <action type="Redirect" url="https://{HTTP_HOST}{REQUEST_URI}" redirectType="Permanent" />
        </rule>
      </rules>
    </rewrite>
  </system.webServer>
</system.webServer>

If you want to do it with IIS 8

Open IIS 8
Click “Add Rule(s)”
Blank rule

Name: HSTS Redirect
Requested URL: Matches the Pattern
Using: Regular Expressions
Pattern: (.*)
Ignore case: Checked

Conditions

Logical grouping: Match all
Click “Add”
Condition input: {HTTPS}
Check if input string: Matches the Pattern
Pattern: ^OFF$
Ignore case: Checked

Action

Action type: Redirect
Redirect URL: https://{HTTP_HOST}/{R:1}
Append query string: Checked
Redirect type: Permanent (301)

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