Issue Tracking softwares Comparision

An issue tracking system (also trouble ticket system or support ticket system) is a computer software that manages and maintains lists of issues, needed by an organization.
Recently I needed to provide feature comparision for free Issue Tracking softwares. The softwares are evaluated according to a set of features that are on the left side of table.

	Spiceworks	JIRA	GLPI
Email support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Active Directory Management	Yes	No	No
IT purchasing management	Yes	No	Yes
Knowledge Base	Yes	Yes	Yes
Network Inventory	Yes	No	Yes
IT Asset Management	Yes	No	Yes
IT Audit Software	Yes	Yes	No
SQL Server Management	Yes	No	No
Add-ons	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	Free	Free for 30 days	Free
Feedback	Yes	Yes	No
Reporting	Yes	Yes	Yes
Custom Workflow	No	Yes	No
Network Mapping	Yes	No	Yes
Issue Tracking	Yes	Yes	Yes
Recognition	Won 15 awards	Security holes found in 2010	None

Why avoid Cyber Attack on Turkish websites?

Today some Turkish hackers infiltrated in PKNIC database, which is the official domain name registrar for Pakistani ccTLD (Country code top-level domain) .PK domains. As a result, the hackers were able to deface around 110 .PK domains managed by MarkMonitor like Google Pakistan homepage (google.com.pk), Paypal Pakistan homepage (paypal.pk) and Microsoft Pakistan homepage (microsoft.pk) etc. 

After this event, the Pakistani's are angry and unhappy. Their reaction can be found in comment section of various blogs, and it seems that they are going to strike back.

The Amazing Spiderman - Saads Version

How to improve performace of a Website ?

Evaluation of website is an important step in any performance aspect. Its level of aspect varies from application to application, based on a variety of factors (such as application at code level, architecture and databases). It has been an issue to pass judgment on the performance hurts either on database level or in application layer for many years. Here, I’m trying to focus on both levels.

Application Layer

Followings are some practices in my opinion through which we can improve the performance of web at application level.

• Select only required column

Don't query columns that you don't need in your application. We use entire table fields in most of the case by using active records.

• Avoid Group By, Distinct , Not In

These will create temporary tables on database which is major performance headache; these can be handling on application layer via server side scripting.

• Data Types

While creating a query at application, I have noticed many times, data types which are expected are not provided, Like When an integer is expected, it’s given under apostrophes’.  Data type length and type must be provided accurately.

• LIMIT

When Getting a Unique Row use limit. This way the database engine will stop scanning for records after it finds just 1, instead of going through the whole table or index.

• Fixed-length (Static) Tables

These are faster; it can be apply by replacing VARCHAR, TEXT, BLOB.

Database Layer

Followings are some highlighted issues for improvement.

• indexes

 Apply on primary key which are used on joins, frequently in search criteria and Used as foreign key fields. It will significantly improve the performance especially on big tables like practitioners.

• Default Values

Set default value rather than Null. Null means missing unknown value. It cannot use the arithmetic comparison operators such as =, .

• Use short primary keys

I’ve noticed, long keys are used on many times of length 11 digits, which is avoidable.

• Appropriate Data Types

Use integer field more as you can instead of string and varchar instead of text type.

• Use of Mysql functions

Avoid Mysql costly functions on queries; these can be handled on application layer.

• Correlated queries

Correlated queries also create temporary tables these can be handle by dividing the query into two queries, execute inner query as a separated request and provided the result to outer query via server side scripting.

Other Experiments which can enhance performance

• Persistent connections

Application of persistent connections on cross database scheme if its required

• skip-locking

It will improve SELECTs but has an overhead of INSERT/UPDATES.

• Partitioning

Partitioning would be helpful for big tables

Please add your comments if you have more suggestions.

My PHP V5.4 RC7 Build test results

NOTE: I tested PHP V5.4 with following environment:

Operating System: Ubuntu 10.10

Processor: Intel Pentium Dual CPU 2GHz

RAM: 4 GB

System Type: 32-bit

======================================

 TIME END 2012-01-30 07:47:23

======================================

RESULT SUMMARY

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Exts skipped    :   51

Exts tested     :   26

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of tests : 12007              8117

Tests skipped   : 3890 ( 32.4%) --------

Tests warned    :    0 (  0.0%) (  0.0%)

Tests failed    :   24 (  0.2%) (  0.3%)

Expected fail   :   36 (  0.3%) (  0.4%)

Tests passed    : 8057 ( 67.1%) ( 99.3%)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Time taken      : 2692 seconds

======================================

======================================

FAILED TEST SUMMARY

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Test open_basedir configuration [tests/security/open_basedir_linkinfo.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: BUG: open_basedir cannot delete symlink to prohibited file. See also bugs 48111 and 52176.Inconsistencies when accessing protected members [Zend/tests/access_modifiers_008.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Discussion: http://marc.info/?l=php-internals&m=120221184420957&w=2Inconsistencies when accessing protected members - 2 [Zend/tests/access_modifiers_009.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Discussion: http://marc.info/?l=php-internals&m=120221184420957&w=2Bug #48770 (call_user_func_array() fails to call parent from inheriting class) [Zend/tests/bug48770.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: See Bug #48770Bug #48770 (call_user_func_array() fails to call parent from inheriting class) [Zend/tests/bug48770_2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: See Bug #48770Bug #48770 (call_user_func_array() fails to call parent from inheriting class) [Zend/tests/bug48770_3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: See Bug #48770Initial value of static var in method depends on the include time of the class definition [Zend/tests/method_static_var.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Maybe not a bugDateTime::add() -- fall type2 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_add-fall-type2-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::add() -- fall type3 type2 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_add-fall-type3-type2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::add() -- fall type3 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_add-fall-type3-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::add() -- spring type2 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_add-spring-type2-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::add() -- spring type3 type2 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_add-spring-type3-type2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::add() -- spring type3 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_add-spring-type3-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::diff() -- fall type2 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_diff-fall-type2-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::diff() -- fall type3 type2 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_diff-fall-type3-type2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::diff() -- fall type3 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_diff-fall-type3-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::diff() -- spring type2 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_diff-spring-type2-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::diff() -- spring type3 type2 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_diff-spring-type3-type2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::diff() -- spring type3 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_diff-spring-type3-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::sub() -- fall type2 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_sub-fall-type2-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::sub() -- fall type3 type2 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_sub-fall-type3-type2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::sub() -- fall type3 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_sub-fall-type3-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::sub() -- spring type2 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_sub-spring-type2-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::sub() -- spring type3 type2 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_sub-spring-type3-type2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existDateTime::sub() -- spring type3 type3 [ext/date/tests/DateTime_sub-spring-type3-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Various bugs existBug #52062 (large timestamps with DateTime::getTimestamp and DateTime::setTimestamp) (32 bit) [ext/date/tests/bug52062.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Waiting for resolution of the 32-bit case.Bug #53437 (Crash when using unserialized DatePeriod instance) [ext/date/tests/bug53437.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Bug #53437 Not fixed yetRFC: DateTime and Daylight Saving Time Transitions (zone type 3) [ext/date/tests/rfc-datetime_and_daylight_saving_time-type3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: RFC not implemented yetBug #42718 (unsafe_raw filter not applied when configured as default filter) [ext/filter/tests/bug42718.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: FILTER_UNSAFE_RAW not applied when configured as default filter, even with flagsBug #60634 (Segmentation fault when trying to die() in SessionHandler::write()) [ext/session/tests/bug60634.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Long term low priority bug, working on itBug #60634 (Segmentation fault when trying to die() in SessionHandler::write()) - fatal error in write during exec [ext/session/tests/bug60634_error_1.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Long term low priority bug, working on itBug #60634 (Segmentation fault when trying to die() in SessionHandler::write()) - exception in write during exec [ext/session/tests/bug60634_error_2.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Long term low priority bug, working on itBug #60634 (Segmentation fault when trying to die() in SessionHandler::write()) - fatal error in write after exec [ext/session/tests/bug60634_error_3.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Long term low priority bug, working on itBug #60634 (Segmentation fault when trying to die() in SessionHandler::write()) - exception in write after exec [ext/session/tests/bug60634_error_4.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Long term low priority bug, working on itBug #60634 (Segmentation fault when trying to die() in SessionHandler::write()) - fatal error in close during exec [ext/session/tests/bug60634_error_5.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Long term low priority bug, working on itBug #45712 (NaN/INF comparison) [ext/standard/tests/math/bug45712.phpt]  XFAIL REASON: Bug 45712 not fixed yet.

======================================

======================================

TEST SUMMARY

---------------------------------------------------------------------

version string [sapi/cli/tests/001.phpt]

strip comments and whitespace with -w [sapi/cli/tests/007.phpt]

execute a file with -f [sapi/cli/tests/008.phpt]

using invalid combinations of cmdline options [sapi/cli/tests/009.phpt]

syntax check [sapi/cli/tests/011.phpt]

invalid arguments and error messages [sapi/cli/tests/012.phpt]

syntax highlighting [sapi/cli/tests/014.phpt]

CLI long options [sapi/cli/tests/015.phpt]

basic function [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_001.phpt]

$_SERVER variable [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_002.phpt]

Bug #55726 (Changing the working directory makes router script inaccessible) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_003.phpt]

Bug #55747 (request headers missed in $_SERVER) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_004.phpt]

Post a file [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_005.phpt]

Bug #55755 (SegFault when outputting header WWW-Authenticate) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_006.phpt]

Bug #55758 (Digest Authenticate missed in 5.4) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_007.phpt]

SERVER_PROTOCOL header availability [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_008.phpt]

PATH_INFO (relevant to #60112) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_009.phpt]

Bug #60180 ($_SERVER["PHP_SELF"] incorrect) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_010.phpt]

Bug #60180 ($_SERVER["PHP_SELF"] incorrect) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_011.phpt]

Bug #60159 (Router returns false, but POST is not passed to requested resource) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_012.phpt]

No router, no script [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_013.phpt]

Bug #60477: Segfault after two multipart/form-data POST requestes [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_014.phpt]

Bug #60523 (PHP Errors are not reported in browsers using built-in SAPI) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_015.phpt]

Bug #60591 (Memory leak when access a non-exists file) [sapi/cli/tests/php_cli_server_016.phpt]

====================================

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Can I expect PHP-GTK V3.0 in 2012?

PHP is a widely-used general-purpose scripting language, GTK is a cross-platform widget toolkit for creating graphical user interfaces and PHP-GTK is a set of language bindings for PHP which allow GTK+ GUI applications to be written in PHP.

I have been working on PHP-GTK for some-time, but it seems that PHP-GTK applications crash easily, they are slow and are not according to desktop application expectations. Also I have found a lot of criticism regarding it, like:

"if you want to build a desktop application, you can't really do that well in PHP (sorry php-gtk). Then .NET would be a better choice."
Reference: http://linkd.in/yB75JH

"PHP-GTK is a real stretch of PHP's intended use. I'd personally stay away."
Reference: http://bit.ly/wzxrKe

"I agree with the answers there in that PHP is not a language designed for GUI applications and can heartily recommend Python+Qt."
Reference: http://bit.ly/wzgttJ

However, as Andrei Zmievski says "I firmly believe that PHP is a better project because of PHP-GTK."
Reference: http://bit.ly/AgBLlr

I think PHP V6.0 is coming out any-time soon, GTK+ V3.0 is already there. Is there any work going on for PHP-GTK Version 3.0? Can I expect PHP-GTK V3.0 in 2012?

I have asked this same question on StakOverFlow. You can answer my question over here:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8955053/can-i-expect-php-gtk-v3-0-in-2012

PHPKetchup

What is PHPKetchup?
PHPKetchup is a PHP-GTK application development framework with a very small footprint, built for PHP-GTK coders who need a simple and elegant toolkit to create desktop applications. It focuses on MVC architecture and transformation of a PHP website application framework into PHP-GTK desktop application framework.

Practical Application: 
For companies who are more inclined towards website development, open-source and PHP, switching to another language can require reallocating resources, creation of projects from scratch, compilation of source-code after each editing, training of employees, or hiring of new employees; whatever is the case, leaving PHP for another language can be costly and time-consuming.


Details:
PHP-GTK is a cross-platform binding of PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) for GTK (GIMP Toolkit) which provides object-oriented interface to GTK classes. The existing frameworks of PHP-GTK for-example Callicore are not mature and up to mark, as many modern features like MVC (Model-View-Controller), Active Records, Internationalization and Scaffolding are missing. This necessitates the development of PHPKetchup.
PHPKetchup implements MVC architecture and resolves communication issue of View class and Controller class by using Symfony EventDispatcher, which is in fact Observer design pattern.
According to the July 2010 survey conducted by project team, highest market value of this project is $3000 per year. In future, this project can be extended so that PHP-GTK mobile applications can also be created.

FAST University - Policy clashes and managerial Issues

Update: Apology from Mr Asim-ur-Rehman:

Dear Asad Veqar Shairani,
It seems that there is some kind of misunderstanding; we treat our students, and their parents with utmost respect, and compassion. Anyhow, if anything I said has offended you then I am extremely sorry for that. If your cousin is interested in admissions, then we can offer him delayed payments. 
Regards, 
Asim RehmanDirector, 
Karachi campus

Update: Mr Ayub Alvi’s response:

Dear Ali Abbas, 
I do not dispute your contention that “some students have been dealt with in disrespectful manner”.
You are right. The problem is that we are a nation of “wadayraas”. Some of us like to be disrespectful and unhelpful to others (in a lower or weaker position). Being Muslims have not changed the people of this region.I pray that we learn to respect others. The Quran tell us “Respect humans because they are humans (and not animals)” 
Ayub Alvi

Update: Ali Abbas's response to Mr Ayub Alvi:

Respected Sir, 
First of all I would like to thank you for taking out the time and responding to the concerns in such a prompt manner.
It is understandable that being a self funded institute the management is bound to face challenges and other such difficulties, in an attempt to contribute to which the Alumni is in the process of forming a community which would provide financial aid to those in need. This is something we picked up from OSAF which is managed by FAST-Lahore alumni since 1996.Sir, I would very respectfully negate you on one point. This is not an one-off issue, there have been several such incidents where the students have been dealt with in an inappropriate or more clearly stated dis-respectful manner. The processes and flaws of the system are understandable but sir respect and being ethical is human basics.The financial aide policy was part of the entire issue, the other being the level and manner in which the correspondence took place. I am sure you will agree with me that the matter and other issues like this can be handled in a more organized and polite manner.The students ought to be treated well, respect is a give and take thing sir.I thank you once again for responding back, your reply is really appreciated. 
Regards, 
Ali Abbas.

Mr Ayub Alvi has responded to Ali Abbas's letter:

Dear Mr. Ali Abbas, 
Thanks for writing a long letter describing your perceptions as well as suggestions for improvements in the university system.
We appreciate suggestions for betterment, irrespective of where they come from.May I clarify that same rules apply to all campuses. There is no difference in policies for the four campuses.The problem which has been highlighted by an alumni and is running around in cyber space appears to be a one-off.The university entertains all requests that appear to be genuine. Perceptions of individuals may differ but someone has to be delegated responsibility.The perception of the person responsible has to be respected.The university survives on the fee income received from its students. There is no financial assistance from the government nor from any other philanthropic organization.FAST-NU can admit only a limited number of financially challenged students, and it is doing so.Even the complainant is reported to have been studying on financial assistance provided by the university.Rest assured that university is trying its best to impart quality education to its students, while remaining within its financial limits. 
Ayub Alvi

In continuation to the Open letter written to director FAST-Khi, Ali Abbas has sent a detailed mail to the respected Rector, Dean and Registrar. Following is a copy of the mail:

Aoa Sir, 
Hope you are doing well. Let me introduce myself as a concerned Fastian, I graduated from FAST-Khi back in 2009 but due to many friends in the university and my keen interest to stay connected I have been receiving news of the happenings. What really shocks me is the rapid change in attitude that this university is undergoing which has its affect not only on the current students but also on the university repute altogether. FAST is one of the most respected educational institution of Pakistan, I take great pride in associating myself with FAST-Khi but sir I am not sure in which direction this organization is headed and its future looks not so very bright at the moment.
I am sure there must be some system in place which takes care of the need to communicate all policy changes on a uniform basis? The issue in question here is about the financial loan policy, which according to students of FAST Lahore and Islamabad is available for them while according to the Director of FAST-Khi it is not an option. I must pause and add here that the current prospectus mentions financial aid to students in need. So you see sir, there is clearly a clash of policies which raises questions in the minds of students and parents alike. If it is a campus based policy then it must be made clear to the students, if not then it must be mentioned in the prospectus.This however is just a small view of the big picture, a rather alarming issue is the manner in which student problems are dealt with. Being such a well reputed university it is common sense to have a positive and smiling approach towards students. After all these very students will go on to become the representatives and ambassadors of FAST . I would like to draw your attention towards a recent event that took place in the main campus of FAST-Khi and has caused some stir and concern amongst the students and parent alike which concerns serious lack of management and information on the university policies.I would really appreciate if you can give a quick read to an Open letterwritten to the director of FAST-Khi in order to grasp the particular event and the situation at large. Be rest assured that this is just one of the many instances that has surfaced and problems like this are occurring regularly.I will like to extend this one step further however and would like to make a few suggestions to be implemented for the betterment of this institution. The first and foremost requirement sir is the need to provide a proper platform from where the voice of students can be brought to the concerned authorities. I suggest establishment of a students affair department (one already present in Islamabad campus) which acts as a bridge between the students and the top management. It is important that the students do not feel deserted and have atleast someone to look up to in time of needs. Secondly sir there is the need to induce some proper system for the transparency of policies across all campuses. I am sure there must be some sort of system in place but it is clearly not getting the job done. Last but not the very least sir, we need to have a forum/Fanpage/Group where students faculty and management can interact (moderated of course to maintain a civilized approach) this would again enable you to view perspectives of both students as well as the faculty.I am sure you are always working towards the betterment of this organization and surely you have done a lot for the students, therefore I maintain a strong faith that this letter will not go in vain. Myself and other true Fastians are genuinely concerned for the future of FAST and would love to contribute in any way possible. This sir is a sincere attempt on positive criticism and I am certain that it will be taken in the same manner by you and other respected authorities. However I apologize in advance for anything that may you may find inappropriate.Hoping for some sort of counter measure actions to be taken. 
Regards, 
Fastian.

How to install CGI in Ubuntu 10.04 ?

Go to System->Administration->Synapic Package Manager
Go to Settings->Repositories
Tick all options in "Ubuntu Software" tab
Tick all options in "Other Software" tab
Tick all options in "Updates" tab
Then Click "Close" button
Now Click "Reload" button from left top
Under "Quick Search", write "cgi"

After this, mark all the below CGI dependencies for installation:
libcgic-dev
libcgic2
parser3-cgi
libcgi0
libcgi-dev
php5-cgi
libgcgi0
libcgicc-doc
libcgicc5
libgcgi-dev
libcgicc5-dev
libcgi-doc
libcupscgi1-dev
apache2
When you are done marking, click "Apply" button and then CONTINUE with installation.
After installation, close Synaptic Package Manager.
Now, go to Applications->Accessories->Terminal
Inside terminal type: sudo nautilus

Then enter your root password and press ENTER
From left side pane, click on "File System"
Go to usr->lib
Search for "cgi-bin" folder

Right click "cgi-bin" and then click "Properties"
Inside "Permissions" tab, select "Change and delete files" where-ever you see "Folder access"
Now right click "cgi-bin" folder and select "Make Link"
Drag "Link to cgi-bin" to desktop
CGI installation is completed!

GXP

GXP stands for "Glade Xml to Php-gtk (converter)". I am creating this project as my Compiler Construction (CC) course project. Glade XML is a type of XML produced by a drag n drop widget tool called "Glade". The tool is used to create GUI for PHP-GTK programs, but the XML seems difficult to edit, as it does not have modules. So, there is need to convert Glade XML into PHP-GTK equivalent code which can be easily edited and used by PHP-GTK programmers.

Advantage of Project
The project can be used in following practical scenarios:
1- Online Glade XML to PHP-GTK converter website
2- PHP-GTK IDE
3- As a part of PHP-GTK Framework