Blog updates for geekness

10.31.06

Ubuntu 6.06 to 6.10 dist-upgrade successful

No sooner than me installing Ubuntu Dapper Drake (version 6.06) that Ubuntu Edgy Eft (version 6.10) get released. Fortunately, you can upgrade to the new version quite simply.

To be noted, there have been numerous problems experienced by people choosing to do the upgrade, rather than doing a clean install. But considering that my laptop was still a "stock" setup, I decided to take a stab at the upgrade process.

I just entered the command:

gksu "update-manager -c"

at the terminal and told Ubuntu to upgrade. About an hour and a half later, and two reboots, I was up and going just fine.

Seems that most problems experienced by those trying to upgrade are due to the following reasons:

1) Changing repositories from the default in /etc/apt/sources.list
2) This reason

10.23.06

Ubuntu - For the Win

Couple of years back, I tried to switch and stick with Linux. It was an earnest attempt, but it was super short lived. Getting Fedora Core 3 and my Dell Inspiron to play nicely was still too far above my head. Not that I didn't want a challenge, but I was too use to the "Windows world" and my expectations of what I thought of as a "challenge" was sorely misplaced.

Over time (and due to the job), I found myself using Linux more and more. Whether it was simply to use the tools that are native to Linux or migrating whole responsibilities over to it, I slowly learned by way around it. Now, I'm hooked.

Ubuntu Linux has found a nice little home on my laptop. I'm still tweaking things (fonts and network shares) so that they pass the "wife test", but I currently can't see myself going back to a Microsoft operating system. From a tech standpoint, I love the freedom I have with Linux, and from a consumer standpoint, I like free.

Ubuntu still has some significant areas that currently keep it from being a total "pick up and go" OS alternative for the masses (like the fact that MS core fonts are not installed and websites look strange with out them and lack of broad, easy to use product support). Those shortcomings are slight considering that so much help is available online.

Oh well, this wasn't meant to be a review. Ubuntu is what I've been looking for. It's an incredible presentation to the Open Source world and alternative operating systems.

4.19.06

Apache/Windows slow upload

There have been numerous forum threads about this topic. I've been chasing this issue myself here and elsewhere for a few years as well. While I thought I figured it out, I was never satisfied with what I seen.

The issue is that no single http upload would utilize all of my upload (now at 500kbps). It would initially burst to full speed, then drop down around 220kbps and stay there. When another connection is made, it will transfer at 220kbps as well. I have personally seen this happen with running Apache 1.3 on Windows 2000 and XP Pro. Online, I've seen the same issue with Apache 2.0.

Well, after my recent decision to migrate my server over to Linux (running Apache 2.0), the first thing I tested was my serving speed. Result? Full upload speed! I can only conclude that, while running Apache on Windows is possible, it really is a hack at best.

As a side note, Shoutcast on Windows produced the exact same result of the mysterious "220kbps limit".

4.12.06

Linux server uptime stats

Here's a bit of code to grab and display Linux uptime using PHP. It's a cleaned up version of a something I found online. I would give credit, but I can't remember where I originally got it from. Anywho, enjoy!

$uptime = shell_exec("cut -d. -f1 /proc/uptime");
$d = floor($uptime/60/60/24);
if ($d == 0){} else {
if ($d == 1) { $days = "$d day";} else { $days = "$d days";}}
$h = $uptime/60/60%24;
if ($h == 1) { $hours = "$h hour";} else { $hours = "$h hours";}
$m = $uptime/60%60;
if ($m == 1) { $mins = "$m minute";} else { $mins = "$m minutes";}
$s = $uptime%60;
if ($s == 1) { $secs = "$s second";} else { $secs = "$s seconds";}
echo "Server Uptime:

$days $hours $mins and $secs";

8.25.05

Google Talk won my heart

Google's new Instant Message offering, Google Talk, has just become my default IM client. Does it do everything? Nope, not in the least. It doesn't do file transfer, emoticons, or IMvironments. It doesn't even do chat rooms. So, what good is it? The fact that it doesn't do all those things.

Most other (brand) IM clients try to appeal to the kiddie Interweb users. The only useful feature I've ever found was file transfer on AIM. Aside from that, I mainly found those clients as an excuse to be online, rather than a tool to use while online.

Google Talk (yes, it's main feature is crystal clear calling to other GT users) stays out the way until I, or someone else, need to use it. It's one thing to minimize a window, but it's quite another to have it open and not see it jumping around in the corner of your screen like an excited Jack Russell. It simply sits there. No ads, no fuss.

Another appealing aspect is the it's intergration into Gmail. The two are seamless together. I'm to the point of really only checking my mail using Gmail. Having a client that patiently tells me when I have new mail and gives me a snippet of its content is really impressive. No extra clutter in the system tray either. Sending email through the buddy list window or chat window is seemless as well.

Also of note is that conversations can be preserved after you close a chat window. While that option can be turned off, I find it extremely convenient when needing to free up space on my desktop.

I could go on, but I'll wait until several upcoming features are introduced to really gush over Google Talk.

4.27.05

Trying out Charter's phone service

I've been considering changing my phone service for a while. For some reason I've never been totally comfortable with going completely to VoIP. Maybe I'm just use to the comfort "Ma Bell" gave me. But, it's time to be weened from her. I need an alternative.

I decided to try out Charter's phone service. Why Charter? Well, I already have their tv and Internet service, of which I can't complain the lease about. Also, for around the same price I'm paying SBC, I can get five additional features.

It's supposed to be installed next Friday, so I'll post back after I have a chance to test it out.

4.18.05

Revenge of the Sith Tickets!

Star Wars Episode III tickets are on sale! Oh my goodness, I almost missed getting my tickets. I love The Force.net for posting theaters already selling them. I thought I was going to have to wait until the first Tuesday in May to get them.

Nothing beats a midnight showing of Star Wars at the Esquire!

3.2.05

m0n0wall's Captive Portal and You

I run my wireless access point wide open. I even broadcast its SSID. Why? Because I'm lazy. I want fire up my laptop and connect to my network wirelessly without having to configure anything.

Well, the other day, after I set up a MRTG moniter for my router's WAN interface, I noticed that there was some Internet traffic that I wasn't making. After checking some DHCP logs, I noticed the IP lease request from a computer named "lish". Hmmmm....I have a neighbor named Lish.

Firing up Net Stumbler, I walk outside and find one of those SBC provided 2wire modem/wireless router deals. By default, SBC ships them with wireless encryption enabled. So to actually use the wireless portion, you will need to manually configure your computer to connect to it. Is the picture clear now? It would seem that Lish thinks he's using his connection, but is really using mine.

So, do I turn off my SSID broadcast and turn on encryption? No, remember, I'm the lazy one. I decide to have fun with Lish. m0n0wall has a nifty feature called a Captive Portal. What this does is blocks all traffic through a specified router interface. If that traffic happens to be for a web page, the user is redirected to a page that I specify with instructions on how to continue. Typically, this can be done by clicking a button on the page or logging in.

I decided just to leave a little "welcome" message for good ole' Lish, with no way to continue through.

No need to call SBC, Lish, your Internet access isn't broke...you're simply not using it. You've been using my connection wirelessly.

I know, I know...you have your 2Wire modem/router/wireless thingy from SBC, but because you didn't configure your computer correctly, it doesn't even know you're there. You've likely seen dropped wireless connections and slow speed. Well, not slow speed here, I have a 3mbps connection ;-)...but I can't let you use it anymore, sorry.

I also left my phone number so he could call me for help configuring his computer's wireless connection.

2.4.05

49 Gmail Invites left

For some strange reason, my invite level increased from 6 to 50. I've used one, so the rest are up for grabs.

12.27.04

Forcing myself to love that penguin

I decided recently to force myself into the world of Linux. There were several Linux based projects out there that I wanted to play around with, but without having much of a clue of how these operating systems even worked, I knew I had to wear some training wheels before really attempting serious.

I decided on Linux distro(bution) of Fedora (Core 3). I didn't have a preference as to which distro to use, but Fedora is a continuing free offer from Redhat Linux, and Redhat was the most familiar name to me.

I must admit, for years I've bought into the rumor that Linux was an unuser friendly operating system. Esspecially coming from a Microsoft Windows (NT) background, I wasn't expecting the install process to be easy at all. I was gladly wrong.

I decided to sacrifice my Dell Inspirion 8200 laptop to get to know Fedora. Suprisingly, everything (with the exception of my Netgear wireless card) installed without a hitch. There was NOTHING that went wrong! While I'm sure there are things that could likely be tweaked and tuned, in shot I have a fully functional laptop. Even my display (Ultra-sharp LCD) is rendering correctly.

The only real problems I ran into was learning how to install applications. Not that it's hard, just different. I plan to commit myself to 6 months Linux use. I figure by then I would know enough about it to truly appreciate its power and appeal.

Being a child of the "computer revolution", from elementary school through HS graduation, I grew up using Mac's. I actually had to learn to use Windows at 18 years old....I still used Xerox's Tabworks in 94 ;-) I figure that if I could manage that, I can manage Linux too!

11.19.04

Hmmm, maybe I was right...

While back, I wrote about how Microsoft shapes your world by forcing people to rethink how PC are to be viewed. Well after several recent announcements from MS, it seems that this speculation is less conspiracy theory.

Microsoft to release three versions of Xbox 2...with one that doubles as a living room computer.

Homepage of MS's TV initiative. Contains press releases about partnership with SBC to deliver digital tv via SBC ADSL2+.

This all points to MS not wanting the typical "home PC" being used for anything other than productivity. They want entertainment/multimedia shifted to the living room in "pay for content" enviroment.

11.11.04

Taking the VoIP plunge

I'm ready to make the move now. I got rid of my DSL for cable HSI (High Speed Internet) recently, so now I have a stable connection and basic dialtone service.

Now when I say basic, I mean BASIC. I can't even place LD phone calls. This service costs around $11. But, when you add in all the other taxes and fees, this nearly doubles to $21! I see no point in keeping this service when I can get a VoIP line for the same price with EVERYTHING and can make international calls for free. Oh, and SBC feeling the need to fire 10,000 to 20,000 hard working people wasn't a plus in my book either.

I'm well aware of the 911 limitations for VoIP, so that isn't an issue. I'm well aware of the back-up power requirements as well, so I'm good in that regard. Now I just need to settle on a provider.

Vonage is the obvious first choice. They have a great reputation, working 911 service and I can port my current number directly to them. On the down side, I'm looking to get a virtual number for Dayton, OH so my wife's sister can make toll free calls to us. Vonage charges $5 per number. In the end, my monthly total will be $30 for phone service.

My second choice is Broadvoice. They have a larger basic feature set than Vonage, the price is $5 cheaper, virtual numbers are $2, and they have a fine following as well. The down side, they do not have 911 working yet and I cannot get a direct port of my current number.

While the need of a number change isn't so bad, I really can't lose 911 access. Hopefully they will get it working soon. Until then, I'm going to have to go for Vonage and just bypass on the virtual number.

11.1.04

Pre-Halo2, impromptu Halo Beatdown

I like my Xbox. Oh, I like it a lot. The only thing is, I'm use to PC's. I'm use to the "keyboard and mouse" controls of game playing.

I'm also use to multiplayer games. It's nothing for me to fire up the old boxen and grab a few rounds of Tribes Vengence without thinking "wow, I'm playing against people online!" That's the main reason I can't see myself paying for Xbox Live.

But, one thing Xbox does that I'm not use to is the great communal entertainment it offers. Lately, I've been having Xbox "Beatdowns" at the house. Typically I'll provide food, my bro-in-law will bring over his tv and someone else will bring by their system. We'll hook them up over the LAN I have wired through the house and get down on each other, usually using games that support System-link. Fun times and plenty of memories!

I wasn't looking to have another one for about a month, but with the impending release of Halo2 next Tuesday, my bro-in-law decided it was time to waste another Saturday (emphasis on Saturday) going through Halo's cooperative mode. Oh yeah...there will be some thorough wearing out of four or five other people in free for all Deathmatch ;-)

8.26.04

New Gmail Invite

I have one left. If you want it, it's yours.

** Email addresses can't be seen by anyone other than me.

8.11.04

My ramblings, not so trivial?

I first got started with this whole web site deal being bored one night. I was in the Lockergnome IRC channel and asked someone, "how do you make a web site?" They gave a simple answer, "Save an easy page and start manipulating things." Well, I did and gradually this version came about.

Filling this web site with information came a bit harder. Good thing "blogging" became popular. That gave me an excuse to put whatever I felt like on here and feel I'm doing something reaaaaally cool. That's kind of how the "trivial ramblings" name came about.

Well, unlike more popular places on the web, I knew this site didn't get a lot of traffic. Never expected much. What I didn't expect, though, were people that ended up on this site through certain searches.

For instance, due to my constant rants about my Catera, someone using Yahoo! to find info on their "Catera oil pressure light" hopefully seen what a piece of crap these cars are....and that there's no hope for getting one to run well.

While there are other interesting queries that led here, I'm fully content if that one person learned something valuable by my contribution to the world.

I hate you Cadillac Catera!

8.9.04

For anyone interested

Here's the direct link to XP SP2's download page:

XP SP2

6.23.04

And I just got my first Invites!

I have 4 left. If someone reading this wants one, either post a comment with your email address, or shoot me an IM over on the left.

Note - Email addresses are only for contact from myself and are not shown publicly.

6.18.04

How Microsoft shapes your world

There have been several "root" blog articles lately pointing fingers at Microsoft entities as being brain dead and losing their core development audience due to seeming lack of improvements and/or direction. While both articles, and subsequent trackbacks, are indeed excellent reads, both seem to focus too narrow of a scope on a much bigger picture.

While discussing the two earlier articles with a co-worker, he made a very unobvious point. Microsoft doesn't want people to use PC's for gaming. After initial shock at such an allegation, conspiracy theories really started to hold water. MS made renouned controllers. The press realease as to why they stopped may have sounded plausable at the time, but why would they jump right back into a cousin industry with the Xbox?

The Xbox was initially received with the usual share of critical sneer, but has truly revolutionalized the home gaming/multiplayer market. PC's didn't do it, well at least on the common place scale as console gaming did. MS has also already stated that the Xbox was intended to be an extention to centralized entertainment, along with the Media Center OS.

So, where am I going with this? Why did I mention the two articles at the outset? Both of those look at flaws in what MS is doing because it seems counter productive. Wrong, dead wrong. What MS is doing is grooming people away from looking at their PC's as the multi-functional equipment that its seen as now, and making them see PC's/Windows OS as specific operation tools. MS's developmental focus isn't on improving Internet Explorer...on the PC. There isn't any reason that a new versions of the Xbox can't be used like an improved WebTV interface, complete with a top notch brower capable of all the tricks. MS already more than justified its inclusion of an Ethernet interface on it.

MS's new OS (Longhorn) plans to exploit "the full power of your computer." Nowadays, the main driving force for upgrading a PC is to play the new demanding games being produced. So, what if you're not a gamer? Well, there's a new reason to update your PC...if you want to stay up to date, OS wise. I'm almost willing to bet that once that OS drops, it will be nearly impossible to run games enjoyably on. Fortunately, MS will be there to offer the next generation Xbox to pacify the weary.

Is this speculation? Of course, but it seems to make sense. Why would MS devote a whole OS just to being a media recording center? What is stopping them from making an "office center" or "multimedia production center?" They already seen that with a simple OS update, they could convience people that they needed the latest and greatest hardware just to have the best XPerience from it. And remember, gaming is already burned into the psyche as solved by the Xbox.

What ever the future holds, Microsoft's dominance within the "home user's" is there to stay, in one form or another.

6.10.04

In hindsight...

My post from yesterday, while still true, failed to acknowledge one point...This new motherboard and Athlon XP 2500+ rock!

But considering the mobo has a 333Mhz fsb, but my current memory is rated at 266...and RAM is so cheap right now...

This is the time I'm forced to remember the shoes!

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