I just read 2 parts of a 3 part story of a womans transformation from being a Microsoft Windows user to a Linux user. Here, it brought back memories of my conversion.
I am something of a new computer user in all reality. My first system was a Packard Bell (no longer around) loaded with Windows 3.1, the next system I would own and use would be a computer with Windows XP. I actually had 2 HPs with this operating system. Both decided to crash with in a couple of weeks of each other. I had the restore disk and unfortunately neither of them wanted to work, fortunately I did save all my documents to disk every week. So I only lost a few days of work.
At the time I had to have a reliable computer and a high speed internet connection. As a contractor doing fulfillment work for a satellite company, I needed to be able to print out my work orders from a website. After completing the work required me to upload pictures of my work and the related documents of each job.
My first introduction was with a Knoppix Live CD version 3.6 I believe. I did finally get one of my computers to take it's re-install of windows, I downloaded a version of Ubuntu 8.04 with wubi. So I installed an extra hard drive used the wubi program to install it as a dual boot. My windows side of that computer finally crashed a few more times before I got frustrated with it.
The name Microsoft in my opinion is a contradiction, it's neither micro nor is it soft on the computers that it's installed on. I believe this is why the big computer manufactures don't want people to use Linux. It is my personal opinion that the software they install causes the components to stress unnecessarily, this means more money replacing computers designed to break.
My first computer was the only new one I ever owned, since then they have all been recycled or rescued. I find and clean them up the best of my limited ability. As I said I'm fairly new to the computer world, less than 10 years I went from using a webtv system for my internet service to using a desktop, then onto using a laptop.
In the past 4+ plus years of using Linux I have cleaned and used a variety of computers, most have always been upgrades to faster machines. I haven't done a re-install on any of the Linux systems I use. I have only done installs to find the one I like to use. This is for educational purposes to test different distributions and desktops.
I collect live cds and dvds of Linux software. Some are great and work well with the older computers while some require a little more knowledge of the command line that I don't have at the moment. Hopefully that will change soon enough. The base install of my Compaq is from a Debian net install disc, but the rest was done using the command line. Now I'm setting up an e16 Linux Mint laptop, some of the applications require me to know more of how a file system works.
Some how on the Minted Debian e16 set-up, the application I wanted to autostart works. Like the avant-window-navigator and Gkrellm system monitor. The Linux Mint 9 Fluxbox I converted to the e16 window manager needs a little more assistance from me to get the Lxpanel and Gkrellm to autostart.And that is where I am at. Trying to decipher the works of people who have been involved with computers all their lives, some have been reasonably simple to understand while others have flew over my head. I hope to remedy that soon.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
My Testing of the e16 window manager.
I've been tinkering around with the e16 window manager lately. I am impressed with it to some degree. It runs well on some of the older computers I have restored.
Through this testing I learned that using the nautilus file manager isn't a good idea, it brings gnome components to my e16 set-up and then disables my menus. To get back to the base e16 window you have to do a hard restart by holding down the power button, this is not a good idea with the equipment I am working with.
In earlier post I mentioned the e16 window manager being installed on 2 laptops.
1st is a Compaq Presario 1670, I have a 4.3 gig hd and it's maxed to factory specs with 192 mb's of ram. I have to occasionally restart the window manager to get it to operate correctly. I am replacing the nautilus file manager with pcmanfm, a lighter and less demanding file system. This I have discovered will end the gnome components that annoyingly pop-up from time to time.
This is also the only machine that is running Debian. My other computers are loaded with Linux Mint. I would have it on here but it's being spastic about what it will load.
2nd is a Dell Latitude c600, it has a 3.3 gig hd and 256 mb's of ram. I started with a Linux Mint 9 Fluxbox install, did the updates after the initial install, downloaded e16, removed Fluxbox, cups, bluetooth and some other non-essential software packages, installed the necessary wifi software. So far it's the better running system.
My only problem is understanding the some of the tutorials regarding the configuration of the e16 system. Manly getting the LXpanel and Gkrellm to autostart when I start the computer and enter the x-window.
Debian is heavy with gnome, so this is a way for me to discover what gnome components I can get out of a system without disabling it completely.
Through this testing I learned that using the nautilus file manager isn't a good idea, it brings gnome components to my e16 set-up and then disables my menus. To get back to the base e16 window you have to do a hard restart by holding down the power button, this is not a good idea with the equipment I am working with.
In earlier post I mentioned the e16 window manager being installed on 2 laptops.
1st is a Compaq Presario 1670, I have a 4.3 gig hd and it's maxed to factory specs with 192 mb's of ram. I have to occasionally restart the window manager to get it to operate correctly. I am replacing the nautilus file manager with pcmanfm, a lighter and less demanding file system. This I have discovered will end the gnome components that annoyingly pop-up from time to time.
This is also the only machine that is running Debian. My other computers are loaded with Linux Mint. I would have it on here but it's being spastic about what it will load.
2nd is a Dell Latitude c600, it has a 3.3 gig hd and 256 mb's of ram. I started with a Linux Mint 9 Fluxbox install, did the updates after the initial install, downloaded e16, removed Fluxbox, cups, bluetooth and some other non-essential software packages, installed the necessary wifi software. So far it's the better running system.
My only problem is understanding the some of the tutorials regarding the configuration of the e16 system. Manly getting the LXpanel and Gkrellm to autostart when I start the computer and enter the x-window.
Debian is heavy with gnome, so this is a way for me to discover what gnome components I can get out of a system without disabling it completely.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My Linux Education
Actually this is about the trials of loading the previously mentioned Compaq Presario 1670 laptop. It's been an educational experience for me. After much loading and reloading of various distributions, I have settled on a Debian base install.
I have also installed e16 a stable Enlightenment desktop environment, e17 is out and I have tested it. But, I think I prefer the more stable of the 2. I have even installed Linux Mint in the repository just to give it that Minty flavor I like.
The problem I found is that Linux Mint is built on the stable release of Lubuntu 10.04 if I'm not mistaken. Lubuntu is a derivative of Ubuntu which is built on Debian, they are not backwards compatible though. So the conflict is coming from the reworked Lubuntu packages.
I'll be uploading the Minted Debian e16 desktop @ my desktop snapshots along with the desktop of my Dell Latitude. Which I had to rework after I removed my hard drive, apparently my daughters hd crashed and she needed the memory of my hd, I can make do with the 2 laptops having minimum hard drives. The Compaq has a 4.3 gig hd, the Dell has a 3.3 gig hd. That's one of the reasons I chose to install the e16 desktop. I am most likely going to store all the backgrounds I use on these computer on a flash card or flash drive so I can change the look of my desktop. But for now I have plenty on my Minted Debian, now to replace the defaults on the Compaq. The wireless works on the Compaq, that's a plus.
These 2 laptops are for the Hughesnet satellite installs and will spend a lot of time in my truck. Both have a complete OS on them and are tweaked to my preferences with a little eye candy of my taste at the time.
Update of the Dell, I loaded Linux Mint LXDE and some how wiped out the root access to my OS. Here I am installing Linux Mint Fluxbox edition, after the install and updates I'll download the e16 desktop and the wireless drivers I'll need. Restart into the e16 desktop and remove the Fluxbox desktop, in theory this should change my default desktop environment at the next restart. Now if this works I'll try to download a kernel that will work with my Compaq Presario so that I can swap hard drives and do it all again. It's the only way I'm going to get wireless to work with it.
I have also installed e16 a stable Enlightenment desktop environment, e17 is out and I have tested it. But, I think I prefer the more stable of the 2. I have even installed Linux Mint in the repository just to give it that Minty flavor I like.
The problem I found is that Linux Mint is built on the stable release of Lubuntu 10.04 if I'm not mistaken. Lubuntu is a derivative of Ubuntu which is built on Debian, they are not backwards compatible though. So the conflict is coming from the reworked Lubuntu packages.
I'll be uploading the Minted Debian e16 desktop @ my desktop snapshots along with the desktop of my Dell Latitude. Which I had to rework after I removed my hard drive, apparently my daughters hd crashed and she needed the memory of my hd, I can make do with the 2 laptops having minimum hard drives. The Compaq has a 4.3 gig hd, the Dell has a 3.3 gig hd. That's one of the reasons I chose to install the e16 desktop. I am most likely going to store all the backgrounds I use on these computer on a flash card or flash drive so I can change the look of my desktop. But for now I have plenty on my Minted Debian, now to replace the defaults on the Compaq. The wireless works on the Compaq, that's a plus.
These 2 laptops are for the Hughesnet satellite installs and will spend a lot of time in my truck. Both have a complete OS on them and are tweaked to my preferences with a little eye candy of my taste at the time.
Update of the Dell, I loaded Linux Mint LXDE and some how wiped out the root access to my OS. Here I am installing Linux Mint Fluxbox edition, after the install and updates I'll download the e16 desktop and the wireless drivers I'll need. Restart into the e16 desktop and remove the Fluxbox desktop, in theory this should change my default desktop environment at the next restart. Now if this works I'll try to download a kernel that will work with my Compaq Presario so that I can swap hard drives and do it all again. It's the only way I'm going to get wireless to work with it.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Compaq Presario 1670
Yea, it's an old laptop I have acquired a few years ago. It is equipped with 192 mb of ram, 4 gig hd, and pcmia card slot for the network cards I have. When I got it someone had squeezed Windows XP on it, unfortunately that was causing problems. Since then I have had Puppy Linux, Knoppix, Debris, and a few other distributions on it.
My last disto I tried on it was Mint, this is actually my distro of preference. I was able to install the LXDE version. This would have been great because I prefer the networking tools they have in the base system. But, the updates and upgrades after the initial install was hanging up. I am now in the process of installing Debian again. I have had it installed and running well. During the tweaking and setting it up to my personal preferences I either overloaded it with software or de-installed some needed software to boot correctly. The Gnome version was to heavy and required more storage than I had available, the Xfce version would on occasion not install all the components that I liked or lose access to them after the install. I have tried the LXDE through some package changing and found it to be a very fast OS for this computer. So, I'm presently installing it Debian LXDE straight off the net install disc.
My last disto I tried on it was Mint, this is actually my distro of preference. I was able to install the LXDE version. This would have been great because I prefer the networking tools they have in the base system. But, the updates and upgrades after the initial install was hanging up. I am now in the process of installing Debian again. I have had it installed and running well. During the tweaking and setting it up to my personal preferences I either overloaded it with software or de-installed some needed software to boot correctly. The Gnome version was to heavy and required more storage than I had available, the Xfce version would on occasion not install all the components that I liked or lose access to them after the install. I have tried the LXDE through some package changing and found it to be a very fast OS for this computer. So, I'm presently installing it Debian LXDE straight off the net install disc.
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| Compaq Presario 1670 |
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Debris Linux
The newest distribution to test. I have installed it on a Compaq Presario 1670 laptop. The desktop environment is Gnome/Openbox or Openbox. I chose the Openbox for this install. I decided to also learn a new environment, so as soon as everything is done updating itself I'll start using it.
Debris Linux
Well, so far it seems to be okay, there's no Chromium Browser in the repository so I downloaded Google Chrome. My laptop only has a 4 gig hd, and I messed around with the packages until I disabled more than I should have. This distro is based on Ubuntu, the update manager shows an upgrade to 10.04 LTS for Ubuntu unfortunately I didn't have enough disk space for this. That how I screwed the laptop. So, I'm trying a different approach for the newer software. The kernel is right for the laptop, after the re-install I'll go through the package manager and take the upgrade first, then do the updates.
Debris Linux
Well, so far it seems to be okay, there's no Chromium Browser in the repository so I downloaded Google Chrome. My laptop only has a 4 gig hd, and I messed around with the packages until I disabled more than I should have. This distro is based on Ubuntu, the update manager shows an upgrade to 10.04 LTS for Ubuntu unfortunately I didn't have enough disk space for this. That how I screwed the laptop. So, I'm trying a different approach for the newer software. The kernel is right for the laptop, after the re-install I'll go through the package manager and take the upgrade first, then do the updates.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Bad News From Austin
I started following The Blog of Helios a while back, 1st in hopes of learning something new in the world of Linux, 2nd in hopes of helping support a good cause. Helping people get an education is a good cause, everyone has this basic fundamental right. Education is an important aspect to life. It's not what you are told that helps you learn, it's the trial and errors of how you do things that teach you. Hands on attitude.
The Blog of Helios: When "minor" and "devestating" are used in the same sentence.
I hope and pray for the best so that this partnership can continue. This idea has helped inspire me to learn more about Linux OS. I do wish there was some way to help them succeed in this venture. But these times are a financial burden to a lot of people even myself. At best the support I can give is by posting and promoting their idea for them.
The Blog of Helios: When "minor" and "devestating" are used in the same sentence.
I hope and pray for the best so that this partnership can continue. This idea has helped inspire me to learn more about Linux OS. I do wish there was some way to help them succeed in this venture. But these times are a financial burden to a lot of people even myself. At best the support I can give is by posting and promoting their idea for them.
I Hate When People Attempt to Put Words in my Mouth
First you'll need to read this article then read the comments, my handle is Wallfisher.
Am women pay highest price for Fukushima cover-up: 35% more dead babies - National Human Rights | Examiner.com
Now the information this is based on is supplied by the CDC, my problem is in believing the government of ours has any intentions of being honest with the people.
Considering they have supplied us with a 4 week period before and a 10 week period after that doesn't seem to be an honest way to make a comparison. What if they supplied us with a 10 week before and 10 week after would that change the percentage of this report and if so by how much? What would be gained by the intentional mis-information?
Am women pay highest price for Fukushima cover-up: 35% more dead babies - National Human Rights | Examiner.com
Now the information this is based on is supplied by the CDC, my problem is in believing the government of ours has any intentions of being honest with the people.
Considering they have supplied us with a 4 week period before and a 10 week period after that doesn't seem to be an honest way to make a comparison. What if they supplied us with a 10 week before and 10 week after would that change the percentage of this report and if so by how much? What would be gained by the intentional mis-information?
Reworking of the Computers
The past few days I have been reworking a few computers in the house, first one was for my 14 year old daughter. She has been using the Toshiba laptop I received as pay for work I did. Unfortunately she has also abused it just slightly, by getting soda and food in the keyboard. This has disabled the down button on it. I have had Ubuntu loaded on it, but the last upgrade didn't work so well. Then it was loaded with PCLinux Gnome Edition, that also didn't work well after the last upgrade. After using a live cd and copying her music files and documents to flash drives, I reloaded it with Linux Mint 10, updated the software, downloaded the additional software she wanted, set-up her Chromium and Firefox browsers with the add-ons. She is now good to go for a while I hope. The one thing about it is I have Linux Mint 10 on my desktop so it's not going to be difficult for her to use, since she has been using it while her laptop was down this week.
The second one I did was a little tweaking of my recycled Dell 2400 series desktop. Mainly added software, changed the desktop background re-arranged the look on it. I backed-up my files. This desktop has 2 hard drives on it. 1 is loaded with Linux Mint 9 XFCE Edition, the 2nd is Linux Mint 10 Main Edition with XFCE desktop environment installed. I haven't gotten around to hacking Seamonkey or Firefox to speed them up yet, hopefully that will get done today. I'll have to do this 3-4 times before it's said and done. My Dell desktops.
The third is a rescued Gateway. I'm using it at this time to write my blog, it is set-up basically the same as my Dell. 2 hard drives and 2 different versions of Linux Mint both with the XFCE desktop environment. This computer hasn't been backed-up since I put it back together. My daughter has been using the Chromium browser on the LM 10 Edition of this desktop. I backed-up this computer, upgraded the LM9 software plus changed the background, re-organized the desktop. My Gateway desktops.
I did this so that I can start testing another version or 2 of Linux. I'm thinking of adding a 3rd hard drive to the Gateway.
The second one I did was a little tweaking of my recycled Dell 2400 series desktop. Mainly added software, changed the desktop background re-arranged the look on it. I backed-up my files. This desktop has 2 hard drives on it. 1 is loaded with Linux Mint 9 XFCE Edition, the 2nd is Linux Mint 10 Main Edition with XFCE desktop environment installed. I haven't gotten around to hacking Seamonkey or Firefox to speed them up yet, hopefully that will get done today. I'll have to do this 3-4 times before it's said and done. My Dell desktops.
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| LM9 XFCE on Dell 2400 |
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| LM10 w/XFCE on Dell 2400 |
The third is a rescued Gateway. I'm using it at this time to write my blog, it is set-up basically the same as my Dell. 2 hard drives and 2 different versions of Linux Mint both with the XFCE desktop environment. This computer hasn't been backed-up since I put it back together. My daughter has been using the Chromium browser on the LM 10 Edition of this desktop. I backed-up this computer, upgraded the LM9 software plus changed the background, re-organized the desktop. My Gateway desktops.
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| LM10 with XFCE |
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| LM9 XFCE Edition |
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Addiction to Marijuana
Addiction to Marijuana
What a crock full of propaganda bullshit if I ever heard one. I have never in my life met some one who couldn't walk away from using cannabis if they chose to do so. The only time I have encountered anyone with a problem are the ones who use laced herb. In other words cannabis infused with chemicals, and usually these are the addictive drugs people need to worry about.
What a crock full of propaganda bullshit if I ever heard one. I have never in my life met some one who couldn't walk away from using cannabis if they chose to do so. The only time I have encountered anyone with a problem are the ones who use laced herb. In other words cannabis infused with chemicals, and usually these are the addictive drugs people need to worry about.
Gates pledges wider U.S. military presence in Asia - USATODAY.com
Gates pledges wider U.S. military presence in Asia - USATODAY.com
Mr. Gates if you'll excuse me a moment.
Don't you think the American people are stretched a little bit thin right now? We don't have the military to protect ourselves from an invasion as it is. And considering how over zealous our police forces seem to be, I damn sure wouldn't want to rely on them to protect the people from armed insurgents bent on destroying the country. Most aren't after the American people in general, but are tired of our governments meddlesome ways.
Our politicians have over stepped their boundaries with some of the policies they've passed, while at the same time stopped short on doing enough with their policy making. These extremes of the politicians in a so called civilized nation have to stop some time. As far as I'm concerned our politicians are more dangerous to the American society than any terrorist group will ever be.
Mr. Gates if you'll excuse me a moment.
Don't you think the American people are stretched a little bit thin right now? We don't have the military to protect ourselves from an invasion as it is. And considering how over zealous our police forces seem to be, I damn sure wouldn't want to rely on them to protect the people from armed insurgents bent on destroying the country. Most aren't after the American people in general, but are tired of our governments meddlesome ways.
Our politicians have over stepped their boundaries with some of the policies they've passed, while at the same time stopped short on doing enough with their policy making. These extremes of the politicians in a so called civilized nation have to stop some time. As far as I'm concerned our politicians are more dangerous to the American society than any terrorist group will ever be.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
We Have Another Report That Will Be Ignored and Downplayed as Misleading
Global Commission on Drug Policy | Report
And here's where the excuses of what's wrong with the report start.
I have been told we are the superior intelligence on this planet, I have sometimes questioned the concept of that statement. Are we superior because we have the ability to discover quicker and more convenient ways of accomplishing things? If so, does that make them right for everyone?
Being of superior intelligence shouldn't we also use the knowledge we have available? We do have a vast amount of it, I have mentioned what I like to call the peanut theory before. So here's a short recap for those who haven't heard of it.
We have discovered peanuts are an excellent source of protein, the problem is there are people who are deathly allergic to peanuts. That in itself should tell you peanuts aren't the right source of protein for some of the people. Now then, it doesn't matter whether you like it or not thats a basic fact of life. It's like that with everyone and everything we consume. So lets not be ignorant about it, accept it and move on.
The peanut theory applies to the alcohol and drugs we consume also, there is evidence to support that theory. Medical science has and continues to prove it on a daily basis. We aren't advanced enough to be individually specific when it comes to medicines or recreational products for that matter.
What kind of civilized world do we live in? Why would you believe or trust anyone who uses threats of fines and/or incarceration as an attempt to intimidate people to accept their opinion as the only opinion or right opinion?
And here's where the excuses of what's wrong with the report start.
I have been told we are the superior intelligence on this planet, I have sometimes questioned the concept of that statement. Are we superior because we have the ability to discover quicker and more convenient ways of accomplishing things? If so, does that make them right for everyone?
Being of superior intelligence shouldn't we also use the knowledge we have available? We do have a vast amount of it, I have mentioned what I like to call the peanut theory before. So here's a short recap for those who haven't heard of it.
We have discovered peanuts are an excellent source of protein, the problem is there are people who are deathly allergic to peanuts. That in itself should tell you peanuts aren't the right source of protein for some of the people. Now then, it doesn't matter whether you like it or not thats a basic fact of life. It's like that with everyone and everything we consume. So lets not be ignorant about it, accept it and move on.
The peanut theory applies to the alcohol and drugs we consume also, there is evidence to support that theory. Medical science has and continues to prove it on a daily basis. We aren't advanced enough to be individually specific when it comes to medicines or recreational products for that matter.
What kind of civilized world do we live in? Why would you believe or trust anyone who uses threats of fines and/or incarceration as an attempt to intimidate people to accept their opinion as the only opinion or right opinion?
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