I have tried to use my little Nokia n800 tablet to blog in the past and find the lack of physical keyboard to be ultra annoying. I honestly haven't given the handwriting recognition a chance at all, so I may try that, but my experience is that it is never 100% and not easily edited/corrected like typing with a keyboard. Meaning, I don't type 100% accurate either, but it's a synch to hit and even hold the backspace button and re-type something.
The on-screen keyboard of the n800 is great, but you can't touch-type or type really fast with it because you have to sort of hunt and peck with the stylus. I've also tried the full-screen finger keyboard on the n800, and while this makes life better for typing, it is still less than perfect and has it's own flaws.
My desktop PC is by far my favorite device to use for everything having to do with computers, but it is a "desktop" and sits in my office in the basement. So, I'm essentially anti-social to the family when I'm down there. I have an old laptop that my mother-in-law was using and the HDD got fried... so it sat for a while until I figured I'd try it as a Linux install for blogging and internet browsing for upstairs. It has a really nice screen with higher than usual resolution (1400x1050) and lot's of other goodies. My one worry is that it may not be long for this world because the fan seems to be on it's last leg. At any rate, I dropped a 100GB HDD I had sort of lying around and got Ubuntu 8.10 installed on it in a snap. We'll see if it can last a while for me. If not, I may try and pickup a used one like this for cheap.
Hopefully, this will allow me to browse and blog with greater ease. I think I would love an Asus EeePC, but I can't see shelling out that much for an ultra-small laptop. If all I am doing is browsing the web and blogging/twitting with it, then it doesn't have to have a lot of horsepower... but screen size and resolution make all the difference in the world for those things.
Plus, I kind of wanted to keep Linux in my life in ways... so this can help with that.
Showing posts with label linux. Show all posts
Showing posts with label linux. Show all posts
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Wow! It's been a while...
A lot has changed for me, but I still use my n800. I have, however, stopped using Linux on my desktop PCs and switched to Windows Vista on my desktop and Windows 2008 Server for my server. I have been VERY happy with my change back to Windows.
On top of that, I am now switching back to a smartphone after having abandoned the idea and switching to a more standard phone. I'm switching back because I've started texting and the lack of a real keyboard was starting to piss me off. So expect to see some posts regarding that and other posts on how my outlook and computer use has changed.
So check back soon... maybe tomorrow I'll actually have a new smartphone.
On top of that, I am now switching back to a smartphone after having abandoned the idea and switching to a more standard phone. I'm switching back because I've started texting and the lack of a real keyboard was starting to piss me off. So expect to see some posts regarding that and other posts on how my outlook and computer use has changed.
So check back soon... maybe tomorrow I'll actually have a new smartphone.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Steam problems - Ubuntu Forums
*********ADDITION**********
I just wanted to add the following URL (http://www.fsckin.com/2007/10/15/how-to-run-team-fortress-2-half-life-2-hl2-ep-12-in-ubuntu-using-wine/) that I found which talks about installing The Orange Box set, I assume some of these steps should also work for Steam as The Orange Box uses Steam.
*********UPDATE************
Non of the earlier suggestions lower in this post seemed to be working for me, but in searching I found the below post at ...
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-615763.html
" OK, here's the story:
Reinstalling wine worked. Also the 'install gecko' worked also.
On the original install, I did not 'wait' for the over 5 minute installation of
'winecfg' to work. I just renamed the wine.xxxx to wine and went from there.
A big mistake.
(copy Steam to another directory for safe keeping)
1. Removed .wine via cd home directory, rm -rf .wine
2. Full Removal of package via Synaptics
3. Reinstalled via Synaptics (must have new repo's in config for latest wine) https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wine
4. Open terminal, cd home directory, run 'winecfg', see multiple errors with
mixer/printer, etc, IGNORE.
5. Take coffee break, come back 10 minutes later
6. Wine installed
7. Moved my Steam directory back into Program Files.
8. cd to Steam, run wine ./Steam.exe
9. Steam opens up, asks for Gecko install, say yes
10. All is well, can't seem to keep video settings, but I'll work that out.
For Vitaliy Margolen/WINE, Thanks for the help with my noob mistakes .
I closed the BUG report."
I haven't tried this method yet, but I think it sounds like the next step for me. However, Nautilus is acting up as well as other things, so I'm going to reboot my PC and see if some issues clear up.
*********UPDATE************
This did not solve my problem, but my guess is because POL creates "bottles" for each game/application. As I understand it, "bottles" are autonomous WINE instances, so you can have different WINE settings for each game/app. So, while the below worked to install Gecko into WINE, it was not in the bottle containing Steam.
What DID solve my problem was running "wineboot" from a terminal, then running Steam from POL again... this time it came up to the Steam app window with no content in it. Switching between the tabs and back to "Store" made the Gecko install message show back up. The difference is, this time when I clicked "Install", it actually ran the install in this "bottle"... well, it's still "Downloading" the install... so this STILL may not be the answer, but I'm getting closer I think. ;-)
*********************
Steam problems - Ubuntu Forums:
"Re: Steam problems
Open a terminal and enter the following:
Code:
wine iexplore http://winehq.org
This will install gecko. Once installation finishes, run Steam again."
I had this problem when I would run Steam after installing it through PlayOnLinux (POL). This was VERY helpful and simple.
I will post more on POL, but right out of the box, after installation there was no icon to launch it. I'm not sure if I did something wrong, but I had to browse to the installed location to launch it (it installs to /usr/share/playonlinux in case you are looking for it too). I will create a n icon for it... but I tried to use a steam install script off the web designed for POL and it would immediately exit... not sure why yet, but when I opened POL it had a choice to install Steam right from the app.. maybe POL needs to be running in order to run the scripts??
I just wanted to add the following URL (http://www.fsckin.com/2007/10/15/how-to-run-team-fortress-2-half-life-2-hl2-ep-12-in-ubuntu-using-wine/) that I found which talks about installing The Orange Box set, I assume some of these steps should also work for Steam as The Orange Box uses Steam.
*********UPDATE************
Non of the earlier suggestions lower in this post seemed to be working for me, but in searching I found the below post at ...
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-615763.html
" OK, here's the story:
Reinstalling wine worked. Also the 'install gecko' worked also.
On the original install, I did not 'wait' for the over 5 minute installation of
'winecfg' to work. I just renamed the wine.xxxx to wine and went from there.
A big mistake.
(copy Steam to another directory for safe keeping)
1. Removed .wine via cd home directory, rm -rf .wine
2. Full Removal of package via Synaptics
3. Reinstalled via Synaptics (must have new repo's in config for latest wine) https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wine
4. Open terminal, cd home directory, run 'winecfg', see multiple errors with
mixer/printer, etc, IGNORE.
5. Take coffee break, come back 10 minutes later
6. Wine installed
7. Moved my Steam directory back into Program Files.
8. cd to Steam, run wine ./Steam.exe
9. Steam opens up, asks for Gecko install, say yes
10. All is well, can't seem to keep video settings, but I'll work that out.
For Vitaliy Margolen/WINE, Thanks for the help with my noob mistakes .
I closed the BUG report."
I haven't tried this method yet, but I think it sounds like the next step for me. However, Nautilus is acting up as well as other things, so I'm going to reboot my PC and see if some issues clear up.
*********UPDATE************
This did not solve my problem, but my guess is because POL creates "bottles" for each game/application. As I understand it, "bottles" are autonomous WINE instances, so you can have different WINE settings for each game/app. So, while the below worked to install Gecko into WINE, it was not in the bottle containing Steam.
What DID solve my problem was running "wineboot" from a terminal, then running Steam from POL again... this time it came up to the Steam app window with no content in it. Switching between the tabs and back to "Store" made the Gecko install message show back up. The difference is, this time when I clicked "Install", it actually ran the install in this "bottle"... well, it's still "Downloading" the install... so this STILL may not be the answer, but I'm getting closer I think. ;-)
*********************
Steam problems - Ubuntu Forums:
"Re: Steam problems
Open a terminal and enter the following:
Code:
wine iexplore http://winehq.org
This will install gecko. Once installation finishes, run Steam again."
I had this problem when I would run Steam after installing it through PlayOnLinux (POL). This was VERY helpful and simple.
I will post more on POL, but right out of the box, after installation there was no icon to launch it. I'm not sure if I did something wrong, but I had to browse to the installed location to launch it (it installs to /usr/share/playonlinux in case you are looking for it too). I will create a n icon for it... but I tried to use a steam install script off the web designed for POL and it would immediately exit... not sure why yet, but when I opened POL it had a choice to install Steam right from the app.. maybe POL needs to be running in order to run the scripts??
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Ubuntu LAMP Server Installation With Screenshots -- Debian Admin
Ubuntu LAMP Server Installation With Screenshots -- Debian Admin:
"Configuring Static ip address in Ubuntu server
Ubuntu installer has configured our system to get its network settings via DHCP, Now we will change that to a static IP address for this you need to edit Edit /etc/network/interfaces and enter your ip address details (in this example setup I will use the IP address 172.19.0.10):
#vi /etc/network/interfaces
and enter the following save the file and exit
# The primary network interface
auto eth0
iface eth0 inet static
address 172.19.0.10
netmask 255.255.255.0
network 172.19.0.0
broadcast 172.19.0.255
gateway 172.19.0.1
Now you need to restart your network services using the following command
#/etc/init.d/networking restart
You need to setup manually DNS servers in resolv.conf file when you are not using DHCP.
#vi /etc/resolv.conf
You need to add look something like this
search domain.com
nameserver xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
This is really simple and easy server installation for new users and who wants a quick server."
My server will not get an IP from a DHCP server... I'm guessing it is because I installed it as a DNS server as well, but not positive. Anyway, I previously set the IP with some ifconfig commands, but upon reboot that info disappeared. So I found this as a more permanent fix. ;-)
"Configuring Static ip address in Ubuntu server
Ubuntu installer has configured our system to get its network settings via DHCP, Now we will change that to a static IP address for this you need to edit Edit /etc/network/interfaces and enter your ip address details (in this example setup I will use the IP address 172.19.0.10):
#vi /etc/network/interfaces
and enter the following save the file and exit
# The primary network interface
auto eth0
iface eth0 inet static
address 172.19.0.10
netmask 255.255.255.0
network 172.19.0.0
broadcast 172.19.0.255
gateway 172.19.0.1
Now you need to restart your network services using the following command
#/etc/init.d/networking restart
You need to setup manually DNS servers in resolv.conf file when you are not using DHCP.
#vi /etc/resolv.conf
You need to add look something like this
search domain.com
nameserver xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
This is really simple and easy server installation for new users and who wants a quick server."
My server will not get an IP from a DHCP server... I'm guessing it is because I installed it as a DNS server as well, but not positive. Anyway, I previously set the IP with some ifconfig commands, but upon reboot that info disappeared. So I found this as a more permanent fix. ;-)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Howto: Install VMware Server on Ubuntu 7.10 (Part 2) at x86 Virtualization
Howto: Install VMware Server on Ubuntu 7.10 (Part 2) at x86 Virtualization:
"[Optional Steps]
Remove CD from repository list:
sudo vi /etc/apt/sources.list
Once inside of VI, hit i to be in insert mode, scroll down to deb cdrom:[Ubuntu-Server 7.10 _Gutsy Gibbon_ …. and add # to the beginning of the line. hit esc, then :x to save and exit"
There are other good tips on here, but this one is huge for anyone running a Linux server that you are not near to put in the CD whenever you try to do an apt-get that wants to pull something off the CD. ;-)
*********UPDATE*************
Okay, I have my Ubuntu 7.10 server installed without X11, and therefore could NOT complete the configuration of VMware Server!! I couldn't find anywhere that says X11 is a requirement of VMware Server.
Anyway, it would throw up a list of the libraries I was missing and it took me FOREVER to find a post that gave me some good information to go on.
FIRST, install "apt-file" by typing: sudo apt-get install apt-file.
Second, update apt-file by typing: sudo apt-file update (this will take a long time as it is reading the package contents of all the packages it can find from your apt sources.list locations).
Third, look for a library/file by typing: sudo apt-file find.
Fourth, run apt-get install and the name of the package/s you need.
Once I resolved all the missing libraries the config went smooth as butter. I'm guessing this wouldn't be a problem on a workstation or server install that has X11 installed and configed.
What a PITA!
***********UPDATE************* (3/4/08)
While the above worked for me, I figured there must be an easier way. I found this bit of apt-get code that may have worked for me if I had tried it. It's too late now, but for anyone else and for my future use.
The previous apt-get command that I kept finding and trying had a package that was not valid for my version of Ubuntu (7.10)... I believe it was for v.7.04 or even earlier.
"[Optional Steps]
Remove CD from repository list:
sudo vi /etc/apt/sources.list
Once inside of VI, hit i to be in insert mode, scroll down to deb cdrom:[Ubuntu-Server 7.10 _Gutsy Gibbon_ …. and add # to the beginning of the line. hit esc, then :x to save and exit"
There are other good tips on here, but this one is huge for anyone running a Linux server that you are not near to put in the CD whenever you try to do an apt-get that wants to pull something off the CD. ;-)
*********UPDATE*************
Okay, I have my Ubuntu 7.10 server installed without X11, and therefore could NOT complete the configuration of VMware Server!! I couldn't find anywhere that says X11 is a requirement of VMware Server.
Anyway, it would throw up a list of the libraries I was missing and it took me FOREVER to find a post that gave me some good information to go on.
FIRST, install "apt-file" by typing: sudo apt-get install apt-file.
Second, update apt-file by typing: sudo apt-file update (this will take a long time as it is reading the package contents of all the packages it can find from your apt sources.list locations).
Third, look for a library/file by typing: sudo apt-file find
Fourth, run apt-get install and the name of the package/s you need.
Once I resolved all the missing libraries the config went smooth as butter. I'm guessing this wouldn't be a problem on a workstation or server install that has X11 installed and configed.
What a PITA!
***********UPDATE************* (3/4/08)
While the above worked for me, I figured there must be an easier way. I found this bit of apt-get code that may have worked for me if I had tried it. It's too late now, but for anyone else and for my future use.
apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r` libx11-6 libx11-dev x-window-system-core x-window-system xspecs libxtst6 psmisc build-essential
The previous apt-get command that I kept finding and trying had a package that was not valid for my version of Ubuntu (7.10)... I believe it was for v.7.04 or even earlier.
How to Install Vmware Server in Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) -- Ubuntu Geek
How to Install Vmware Server in Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) -- Ubuntu Geek:
I'm using this how-to to install VMware server on my Gutsy server. So far so good. ;-)
*********UPDATE*************
Okay, I have my Ubuntu 7.10 server installed without X11, and therefore could NOT complete the configuration of VMware Server!! I couldn't find anywhere that says X11 is a requirement of VMware Server.
Anyway, it would throw up a list of the libraries I was missing and it took me FOREVER to find a post that gave me some good information to go on.
FIRST, install "apt-file" by typing: sudo apt-get install apt-file.
Second, update apt-file by typing: sudo apt-file update (this will take a long time as it is reading the package contents of all the packages it can find from your apt sources.list locations).
Third, look for a library/file by typing: sudo apt-file find.
Fourth, run apt-get install and the name of the package/s you need.
Once I resolved all the missing libraries the config went smooth as butter. I'm guessing this wouldn't be a problem on a workstation or server install that has X11 installed and configed.
What a PITA!
I'm using this how-to to install VMware server on my Gutsy server. So far so good. ;-)
*********UPDATE*************
Okay, I have my Ubuntu 7.10 server installed without X11, and therefore could NOT complete the configuration of VMware Server!! I couldn't find anywhere that says X11 is a requirement of VMware Server.
Anyway, it would throw up a list of the libraries I was missing and it took me FOREVER to find a post that gave me some good information to go on.
FIRST, install "apt-file" by typing: sudo apt-get install apt-file.
Second, update apt-file by typing: sudo apt-file update (this will take a long time as it is reading the package contents of all the packages it can find from your apt sources.list locations).
Third, look for a library/file by typing: sudo apt-file find
Fourth, run apt-get install and the name of the package/s you need.
Once I resolved all the missing libraries the config went smooth as butter. I'm guessing this wouldn't be a problem on a workstation or server install that has X11 installed and configed.
What a PITA!
Monday, February 18, 2008
The pain I'm finding for Linux, and why Apple is successful (so to speak)
Well, it has not been long into my "30 day challenge" to use only Linux (not even a week) and I'm already feeling some pain. Basically, the pain I'm feeling seems stupid... it ALL revolves around PC hardware and driver issues. Well... not ALL of it... I still have some pain around apps I used on Windows and haven't found replacements I like yet, or, and this is another big one I'll try to tackle at some point, you have to compile the application from source to work on your distribution of Linux (I know there are "unsupported" packages for a lot of distros out there and they are great, but they aren't "in your face available" and you have to search around for them!). Like I said, I'll try to discuss my thoughts on the software subject in this post, but my first priority, that which relates directly to the title of this post, is around hardware drivers and stability because of this.
"Hardware Choices" and why that sucks for non-technical people trying to use Linux:
Hopefully I don't piss any *NIX loyalists off here, but I am trying to approach this from as neutral a ground as possible, thinking about a non-technical user's experience with Linux... someone new to Linux or not very well-versed in operating systems in general, let alone ever going to a command line. Let's face it, the command line is for geeks only. While I myself am a geek, I understand the complexities and lack of help that a command line brings users... just having a cursor sitting there blinking at you waiting for input, without it saying "type this to do that" can be intimidating. That is why GUI is SO important for regular users. It gives them things to click on... choices that they may not have known about.
So, my beef is that, as far as PC hardware is concerned, there are SO many hardware choices and configurations that it is basically endless. It doesn't help that Windows is the mainstream OS and that hardware manufacturers normally don't do a good job (or anything at all) in the way of producing drivers for Linux.
********************* 6/6/09
The above was as far as I got into this post in past... I don't remember exactly where I was headed with this, so I don't think I will finish it. I have since moved back to Windows almost exclusively and have really not had ANY issues. I have even been running Vista 64 for quite a while now and gaming a lot... NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!! That's saying something!
I think where I was headed is the fact that Linux trying to remain ambiguous and neutral is hurting it. Apple has an autonomous environment, and I think that's why it does as well as it does trying to compete with Windows... but Apple is FAR from perfect, and they actually annoy me (even though I willing decided to buy an iPhone 3G know all the things I know about Apple... it's the apps people).
Anyway, I personally think MS is doing most things right these days and am happy with using Windows. Seriously, things just work for me. I NEVER have BSOD's or viruses and I don't even run Anti-Virus software (I just make sure to backup my system every night in case... it's faster). I will even go as far as to say that things work better on my Vista 64 then they do on my wife's iMac 20" G5. This may be because she is still on a G5 and not Leopard... but I was having the same problems with that model when it was mainstream! I'll expand that statement by saying, "If you are using Apple and stay 100% inside Apple's world as far as software and hardware, then you should be just fine."
"Hardware Choices" and why that sucks for non-technical people trying to use Linux:
Hopefully I don't piss any *NIX loyalists off here, but I am trying to approach this from as neutral a ground as possible, thinking about a non-technical user's experience with Linux... someone new to Linux or not very well-versed in operating systems in general, let alone ever going to a command line. Let's face it, the command line is for geeks only. While I myself am a geek, I understand the complexities and lack of help that a command line brings users... just having a cursor sitting there blinking at you waiting for input, without it saying "type this to do that" can be intimidating. That is why GUI is SO important for regular users. It gives them things to click on... choices that they may not have known about.
So, my beef is that, as far as PC hardware is concerned, there are SO many hardware choices and configurations that it is basically endless. It doesn't help that Windows is the mainstream OS and that hardware manufacturers normally don't do a good job (or anything at all) in the way of producing drivers for Linux.
********************* 6/6/09
The above was as far as I got into this post in past... I don't remember exactly where I was headed with this, so I don't think I will finish it. I have since moved back to Windows almost exclusively and have really not had ANY issues. I have even been running Vista 64 for quite a while now and gaming a lot... NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!! That's saying something!
I think where I was headed is the fact that Linux trying to remain ambiguous and neutral is hurting it. Apple has an autonomous environment, and I think that's why it does as well as it does trying to compete with Windows... but Apple is FAR from perfect, and they actually annoy me (even though I willing decided to buy an iPhone 3G know all the things I know about Apple... it's the apps people).
Anyway, I personally think MS is doing most things right these days and am happy with using Windows. Seriously, things just work for me. I NEVER have BSOD's or viruses and I don't even run Anti-Virus software (I just make sure to backup my system every night in case... it's faster). I will even go as far as to say that things work better on my Vista 64 then they do on my wife's iMac 20" G5. This may be because she is still on a G5 and not Leopard... but I was having the same problems with that model when it was mainstream! I'll expand that statement by saying, "If you are using Apple and stay 100% inside Apple's world as far as software and hardware, then you should be just fine."
How To Enable EVDO DUN on any EVDO capable phone
HowardForums: Your Mobile Phone Community & Resource - How to enable EVDO DUN on ANY EVDO capable phone in 10 easy steps!:
"How to enable EVDO DUN on ANY EVDO capable phone in 10 easy steps!"
Didn't read this yet, but have to run and don't want to lose it.
****UPDATE****
Okay, I took a couple minutes to look through this and it looks like some great info... not just for the N800, but for any PC->Phone tethering (via USB or Bluetooth... doesn't matter). You have to modify your phone, which can be dangerous, but if there is a problem and you backup your phones qcn, you should be able to restore it to the way it was. Obviously, if you lose connectivity while writing data to the phone you could brick it, but there's always some element of risk. ;-)
Anyway, I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but I hope to over the next week before I go on my trip in case I don't have WiFi access and need something on my PC or N800.
Cheers!
"How to enable EVDO DUN on ANY EVDO capable phone in 10 easy steps!"
Didn't read this yet, but have to run and don't want to lose it.
****UPDATE****
Okay, I took a couple minutes to look through this and it looks like some great info... not just for the N800, but for any PC->Phone tethering (via USB or Bluetooth... doesn't matter). You have to modify your phone, which can be dangerous, but if there is a problem and you backup your phones qcn, you should be able to restore it to the way it was. Obviously, if you lose connectivity while writing data to the phone you could brick it, but there's always some element of risk. ;-)
Anyway, I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but I hope to over the next week before I go on my trip in case I don't have WiFi access and need something on my PC or N800.
Cheers!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Nautilus scripts (including 'Send To Gmail')
Nautilus scripts
Lot's of cool Nautilus scripts for adding right-click context menu goodness! ;-)
My personal favorites are the 'Gmail', 'mount-image' and 'rename-exif-date' for photos. The others are cool too, but I'm not sure I will use more than these two.
Lot's of cool Nautilus scripts for adding right-click context menu goodness! ;-)
My personal favorites are the 'Gmail', 'mount-image' and 'rename-exif-date' for photos. The others are cool too, but I'm not sure I will use more than these two.
How To: Print to PDF in Ubuntu
How To: Print to PDF in Ubuntu
I'm using Ubuntu 7.10, so my setup was a tad different, and some of what I needed was already in place, but this was useful as a starter.
Bottom line, it was a piece of cake once I knew where to look and how to start. I probably could have stumbled onto it if I tried adding a PDF printer myself.
I'm using Ubuntu 7.10, so my setup was a tad different, and some of what I needed was already in place, but this was useful as a starter.
Bottom line, it was a piece of cake once I knew where to look and how to start. I probably could have stumbled onto it if I tried adding a PDF printer myself.
Set Gmail as Default Mail Client in Ubuntu :: the How-To Geek
Set Gmail as Default Mail Client in Ubuntu :: the How-To Geek: "Every Geek uses Gmail… it's pretty much required. And now you can set Gmail as the default client in Ubuntu without any extra software."
Sweet!
On my home PCs I don't feel the need to have an offline email app like Thunderbird or Evolution (maybe I will one day) since I'm always online... AND, using Gmail on all my PCs means they are all 'in sync' by default with no download times, etc. So this is cool (for me).
*****UPDATE******
I thought this could also work for 'Send To' from the file explorer, but it is not an option when you select 'Send To'. I will keep looking for that, as that is mainly what I'm trying to do here. This script seems to only be tailored to executing when 'mailto:' hyperlinks are selected. This is still nice, but I'm pretty sure I already had this setup for me in Firefox by the Google Toolbar.
Sweet!
On my home PCs I don't feel the need to have an offline email app like Thunderbird or Evolution (maybe I will one day) since I'm always online... AND, using Gmail on all my PCs means they are all 'in sync' by default with no download times, etc. So this is cool (for me).
*****UPDATE******
I thought this could also work for 'Send To' from the file explorer, but it is not an option when you select 'Send To'. I will keep looking for that, as that is mainly what I'm trying to do here. This script seems to only be tailored to executing when 'mailto:' hyperlinks are selected. This is still nice, but I'm pretty sure I already had this setup for me in Firefox by the Google Toolbar.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Applepeels: The complexity of computing, even Apple's world
Applepeels: The complexity of computing, even Apple's world: "I didn't even know how to open a terminal window in Windows, but he fixed the Vista laptop in minutes."
Okay, I want to start off by saying I like to read this guys blog... BUT, while he is not a Windows basher, he seems to constantly reference that OS X is better than Windows, particularly Vista. Well, by his own statement, he wouldn't seem to be extremely well versed on a Windows environment. Sure, he may use Windows PCs a lot, but that doesn't mean he knows it as well as say, OS X, or any Apple OS.
Look, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I am no longer looking to argue with someone over a matter of opinion. I used to, sometimes at great length, but any of those efforts were fruitless and a waste of time... for both parties.
However, what I would like to say is, if you are not as familiar with something as you are of what you are trying to compare it with, at least make that clear. Being unfamiliar with something will ALWAYS make it more difficult... no matter HOW easy the OS may appear to be to some.
Let me give you a little background on my experiences. I was mainly a Windows user for my entire technical career (which basically started in 1996, but before that I had PCs, both Apple and Windows. I only used them for personal type stuff though). I dabbled in Linux back in '98-'99, and every once in a while thereafter. In 2001 I embraced Apple and OS X (pretty much became a fanboy). My best friend told me so many things about it that sounded incredible... the hardware was gorgeous, and the OS was beautiful. It was 'new' to me and felt great! Being that I was mainly a Windows user with only a little Linux experience, things weren't that easy to find. Stuff that I could do in my sleep on Windows eluded me on OS X. I KNOW I drove my best friend crazy always asking how to do simple things. When he would explain how to do something, I wold feel like an idiot. "That's so simple!" I would say. BUT, being that I didn't know it previously, it was seemingly impossible. Now, my friend will tell you that I think too much and over complicate things... and he's right. But that doesn't mean I'm unique in my approach. I still have Apple computers and use OS X along with my Windows PCs.
I'm now getting back into Linux, and my best friend and I are taking a '30 Day Challenge' so to speak where we are going to try to use only Linux for personal stuff for at least 30 days (both our jobs still require us to use Windows and MS apps). This experiment is two fold. 1) We wanted to see just how far Linux has come as a desktop OS for the masses, and is it conceivable for regular users to run Linux instead of Windows or OS X as their main desktop OS. 2) I have been getting frustrated with Windows and OS X and even bored. I also was recently given a Nokia N800 which runs Maemo, a tablet OS based on Linux for Nokia's small tablets (possibly other devices, but I haven't looked into anything else that runs it). So I wanted to learn what I could about Linux again to be able to get the most out of the N800. I KNOW Linux is a great and powerful OS, and I love the community aspect of the 'movement'. There are ALWAYS going to be things that you can only do on a particular OS, or some things that don't work exactly the same way across the platforms and you will have a preference of how you want that to work. Possibly, certain apps made for only one OS are better at what they do or require less steps, or both. For those instances, I personally can just go to that OS and perform that action. For the regular consumer, that option is normally not available or wanted. I personally have over 6 computers running in my house at all times, and that doesn't include some of my gadgets. I'm a bit of an extreme example and not the average consumer (sidebar: the number of systems I have is a direct reason why I can't STAND DRM, because I find it too limited on the number of devices you can 'register', and I tend to rebuild my systems too often which counts as a new registration).
So, at this point, you're probably wondering, "What the hell's your point St00pid?"... good question (I tend to ramble). My point is, anything that you are not familiar with will seem more difficult than what you are used to, or not seem to be set up logically. But that is more about familiarity than anything. Vista has a LOT of really great things going for it. It has a TON of features that Apple touts about Leopard having and 'breaking new ground' or making "PC" look stupid in the commercials. The reality is, Vista has most of the features that Leopard has, but most people don't know about them. I'm NOT knocking Leopard, or saying it is inferior to anything. All operating systems have great things going for them, ALL of them. The question someone should ask themselves is WHAT they are trying to do with a computer. Seriously. That's it. It will be different for every user. Because it IS different for every user, one users choice is not necessarily the best for another user, and no matter how excited that one user is about how well things work for them, they should NOT force feed it to others or assume that they have 'the best OS' or their's is better than others. It's silly. In fact, the best operating system is one that you, the user, doesn't even know is present. The OS should only be there to allow the applications to run efficiently. The APPLICATIONS are what should be the focus.
I look forward to the day when any application I want to use runs on any OS. When I don't have to think about how to install it or make it run. I know there are a lot of web apps moving in this direction. I'm all for it, but certain applications just don't work well from the web... especially when you may not be online at all times. There are also security concerns with web based apps... no matter how progressive a company is with their security, things can get hacked. So sensitive information should probably reside locally for the most part.
Well, this is getting kind of wordy, so I'm just going to stop here. Feel free to comment with your own opinions... this is just mine and mine alone. I don't expect anyone to agree with me, and I won't be hurt if someone doesn't. I'm trying not to be a fanboy anymore, and I would like to say that the person who writes Applepeels, thankfully, does not act as a fanboy. Bravo!
Okay, I want to start off by saying I like to read this guys blog... BUT, while he is not a Windows basher, he seems to constantly reference that OS X is better than Windows, particularly Vista. Well, by his own statement, he wouldn't seem to be extremely well versed on a Windows environment. Sure, he may use Windows PCs a lot, but that doesn't mean he knows it as well as say, OS X, or any Apple OS.
Look, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I am no longer looking to argue with someone over a matter of opinion. I used to, sometimes at great length, but any of those efforts were fruitless and a waste of time... for both parties.
However, what I would like to say is, if you are not as familiar with something as you are of what you are trying to compare it with, at least make that clear. Being unfamiliar with something will ALWAYS make it more difficult... no matter HOW easy the OS may appear to be to some.
Let me give you a little background on my experiences. I was mainly a Windows user for my entire technical career (which basically started in 1996, but before that I had PCs, both Apple and Windows. I only used them for personal type stuff though). I dabbled in Linux back in '98-'99, and every once in a while thereafter. In 2001 I embraced Apple and OS X (pretty much became a fanboy). My best friend told me so many things about it that sounded incredible... the hardware was gorgeous, and the OS was beautiful. It was 'new' to me and felt great! Being that I was mainly a Windows user with only a little Linux experience, things weren't that easy to find. Stuff that I could do in my sleep on Windows eluded me on OS X. I KNOW I drove my best friend crazy always asking how to do simple things. When he would explain how to do something, I wold feel like an idiot. "That's so simple!" I would say. BUT, being that I didn't know it previously, it was seemingly impossible. Now, my friend will tell you that I think too much and over complicate things... and he's right. But that doesn't mean I'm unique in my approach. I still have Apple computers and use OS X along with my Windows PCs.
I'm now getting back into Linux, and my best friend and I are taking a '30 Day Challenge' so to speak where we are going to try to use only Linux for personal stuff for at least 30 days (both our jobs still require us to use Windows and MS apps). This experiment is two fold. 1) We wanted to see just how far Linux has come as a desktop OS for the masses, and is it conceivable for regular users to run Linux instead of Windows or OS X as their main desktop OS. 2) I have been getting frustrated with Windows and OS X and even bored. I also was recently given a Nokia N800 which runs Maemo, a tablet OS based on Linux for Nokia's small tablets (possibly other devices, but I haven't looked into anything else that runs it). So I wanted to learn what I could about Linux again to be able to get the most out of the N800. I KNOW Linux is a great and powerful OS, and I love the community aspect of the 'movement'. There are ALWAYS going to be things that you can only do on a particular OS, or some things that don't work exactly the same way across the platforms and you will have a preference of how you want that to work. Possibly, certain apps made for only one OS are better at what they do or require less steps, or both. For those instances, I personally can just go to that OS and perform that action. For the regular consumer, that option is normally not available or wanted. I personally have over 6 computers running in my house at all times, and that doesn't include some of my gadgets. I'm a bit of an extreme example and not the average consumer (sidebar: the number of systems I have is a direct reason why I can't STAND DRM, because I find it too limited on the number of devices you can 'register', and I tend to rebuild my systems too often which counts as a new registration).
So, at this point, you're probably wondering, "What the hell's your point St00pid?"... good question (I tend to ramble). My point is, anything that you are not familiar with will seem more difficult than what you are used to, or not seem to be set up logically. But that is more about familiarity than anything. Vista has a LOT of really great things going for it. It has a TON of features that Apple touts about Leopard having and 'breaking new ground' or making "PC" look stupid in the commercials. The reality is, Vista has most of the features that Leopard has, but most people don't know about them. I'm NOT knocking Leopard, or saying it is inferior to anything. All operating systems have great things going for them, ALL of them. The question someone should ask themselves is WHAT they are trying to do with a computer. Seriously. That's it. It will be different for every user. Because it IS different for every user, one users choice is not necessarily the best for another user, and no matter how excited that one user is about how well things work for them, they should NOT force feed it to others or assume that they have 'the best OS' or their's is better than others. It's silly. In fact, the best operating system is one that you, the user, doesn't even know is present. The OS should only be there to allow the applications to run efficiently. The APPLICATIONS are what should be the focus.
I look forward to the day when any application I want to use runs on any OS. When I don't have to think about how to install it or make it run. I know there are a lot of web apps moving in this direction. I'm all for it, but certain applications just don't work well from the web... especially when you may not be online at all times. There are also security concerns with web based apps... no matter how progressive a company is with their security, things can get hacked. So sensitive information should probably reside locally for the most part.
Well, this is getting kind of wordy, so I'm just going to stop here. Feel free to comment with your own opinions... this is just mine and mine alone. I don't expect anyone to agree with me, and I won't be hurt if someone doesn't. I'm trying not to be a fanboy anymore, and I would like to say that the person who writes Applepeels, thankfully, does not act as a fanboy. Bravo!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sync Evolution Calendar with Google Calendar « Ubuntu Blog
Sync Evolution Calendar with Google Calendar « Ubuntu Blog
Possibly a better solution than the previous post since the previous post only deals with reading Google Calendar into Evolution. Especially since I will soon have an N800 and want to be able to just go to Google Calendar to see ALL my events, whether entered in Evolution, Outlook, or straight Google Calendar (or if I check from a PC that isn't mine).
Possibly a better solution than the previous post since the previous post only deals with reading Google Calendar into Evolution. Especially since I will soon have an N800 and want to be able to just go to Google Calendar to see ALL my events, whether entered in Evolution, Outlook, or straight Google Calendar (or if I check from a PC that isn't mine).
Google Calendar in Evolution « Johnny [Life & Code]
Google Calendar in Evolution « Johnny [Life & Code]
Now that I'm getting back into Linux, there is a LOT I need to learn again. I'm very interested in the ability to sync/open Google Calendar in Evolution, and the fact that Gmail supports IMAP now makes me want to start using this service more! I was leaning, recently, to the Windows Live offerings... and while they work great if you are straight Windows and IE, if you want to use them on any other platform it really isn't that great.
Again, I plan on coming back and giving a review/tips/tricks after checking it out. A friend of mine and I are thinking about taking the "30 days of nothing but Linux" challenge to see if it could be a viable solution for a personal workstation (for us). My fear is that I have too much dependency on Windows centric applications. We shall see.
Now that I'm getting back into Linux, there is a LOT I need to learn again. I'm very interested in the ability to sync/open Google Calendar in Evolution, and the fact that Gmail supports IMAP now makes me want to start using this service more! I was leaning, recently, to the Windows Live offerings... and while they work great if you are straight Windows and IE, if you want to use them on any other platform it really isn't that great.
Again, I plan on coming back and giving a review/tips/tricks after checking it out. A friend of mine and I are thinking about taking the "30 days of nothing but Linux" challenge to see if it could be a viable solution for a personal workstation (for us). My fear is that I have too much dependency on Windows centric applications. We shall see.
Moneydance® 2007 - Personal Finance Manager for Mac, Windows, and Linux
Moneydance® 2007 - Personal Finance Manager for Mac, Windows, and Linux
I will be giving this a try soon to see how it competes with Quicken and Money. I like the idea that it works across the three major OSes. Also, one license can be used on multiple PCs across versions.
I will be giving this a try soon to see how it competes with Quicken and Money. I like the idea that it works across the three major OSes. Also, one license can be used on multiple PCs across versions.
Syncing with the N800
» linux.conf.au Johns Blog
Didn't want to lose track of this, but also haven't had a chance to read it through fully. Looks like it may be referring to software that can be used to sync files with the N800.
Didn't want to lose track of this, but also haven't had a chance to read it through fully. Looks like it may be referring to software that can be used to sync files with the N800.
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