A Random Pattern

Quick link: Check out our new granite (Tan-Brown) countertops, just installed.

Now if we can just get the sink hooked up….

Ok, not really old. But Google has just announced some exciting new features being rolled out to Google Talk users. This follows nicely on my last few posts.

IM and collaborative technologies are important to me, because I’m a “tele-worker” – that is, I live and work a few states away from my old office.

Now, if they’d just get a nice “whiteboard” going…

Finally! Google Maps offers a new feature – they’ll save addresses you search for, and you can even label them. The first one I’ll be putting in is “home” – the address I use as a starting point for 90% of my direction searches!

One of the most common requests we’ve received is for the ability to store a list of personal addresses on Google Maps — and now you can.

Oh, and for all you people still using Mapquest: Please, STOP! Try Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, anything but Mapquest!!! You have NO IDEA what you’re missing! (If you’ve tried the others, and went back to Mapquest, comment or email me – I’d really like to know why.)

I set up VNC from my work PC to my Ubuntu box last night.  It was actually really easy, went much smoother than I had expected.  For one thing, Ubuntu gave me no hassle about changing to a static IP, and neither did my Linksys router.  I did have to look around for a minute or two to find how to set it up, but that’s no different than in Windows.  Not to mention it was actually easier than Windows, no rebooting or anything.

It did take a while to figure out how what to use to do remote desktop.  I just want to go over my intranet for now, I’m not (yet) trying to open it up to access from the internet.  I decided to just pick VNC and go with it, since I’m somewhat familiar with that on Windows boxes.  From there, I just used the package manager to find vnc4server, and a few quick downloads, installs, and command-line checks later I thought I might have it setup.

The longest part of the setup was actually picking which VNC viewer I wanted on my Win XP installation.  Someone I respect (Tony A) had recommended UltraVNC, but when I looked at it it wasn’t what I remembered.  I’d also seen TightVNC referred to a lot, and decided to go with that as it looked open-source and ‘linux-friendly’.  The install was again quick.

One tricky part was that I needed to not just specify the server ip address, but also the x-display (like this: 192.168.1.100:1).  That’s an example using default numbers, btw, which no one should ever use (but most people do).  Once I figured that out, BAM!  I was in!

Now for the surprise – it wasn’t quite what I expected.  I didn’t get my whole linux graphical desktop, instead I got a terminal (or command line).  I could type in and run some graphical programs (somewhat slowly), but definitely not what I expected.

Things left to do:

1. See if I can put TightVNC server on Ubuntu, which might give me more what I want.

2. See if VNC is the right path, or if there’s some other type of Remote Desktop option.

3. Start looking into configuring my Ubuntu box as a server, with all the attendant benefits.

4. Help my dad get his old HP (running Win 98!) updated to Ubuntu.  Hopefully this goes well.

Anyone with questions on how I did what I did, or looking for more information / screenshots on what was accomplished?

Anyone have more information on how to set up some sort of Remote Desktop thing?  I’d love to learn, and I’ll point at any blog or resource you send me that is helpful.

Jupiter Research called my attention to this little iPod news bit:

Well, the final holdouts are on board with Ford, GM and Mazda offering iPod integration for their cars.

I’m glad to hear this, as I was appalled to discover Ford’s new Fusion didn’t even have an option (!!!!) for a stereo with iPod available plugin. Not only that, but they offer no option to downgrade to cassette tape either. That means it’s CDs, radio, or FM-adapter for me, and my 9000 tunes stay locked in my iPod for now….

The implications for satellite radio and ‘old’ radio are certainly interesting. Do you still listen to regular radio? Do you think it’s going away, or staying around? Why?

A few quick links for you puzzle freaks out there: These articles are all pretty much about the same thing. The NY Times article is best, but requires registration (hence the other links).

This is an impressively large and comprehensive exhibit on mechanical puzzles of all types, including one that is impossible.
Slocum puzzle exhibit opens next week

IU’s Lilly Library will acquire world’s largest collection of …

Portraits of, and by, the artists

NY Times article on Puzzle Exibit (reg required – or BugMeNot extension for Firefox )

Just a quick note:  Posts have been light because installing Ubuntu didn’t go off quite as easily as I had hoped, and wound up taking a lot of time over the last few days.  This is mainly because either a) I’ve got a hardware problem, or b) I’ve got a corrupt Windows installation, or c) most likely a combination of both.

Anyways, Ubuntu’s successfully installed (after a Grub error 18, followed by repartitioning, followed by a Grub error 21, followed by a little tweak of the BIOS).  Along the way I made some mistakes, the computer randomly restarted and/or partioner crashed several times, and I learned that Ubuntu-ers can be very helpful in IRC, but probably only for a couple questions or for interesting questions that they have experience with.

Now I’ve got several fun things ahead, but the main thing is I’m thrilled at how powerful desktop linux is, how much is out there, and how much more control I have than on Windows.  Other than being free and open, it’s pretty much the same as Windows – some problems, some need more knowledge or troubleshooting than others, everything else just works…most of the time.

Expect more detailed articles about Ubuntu and life in general once I catch up on some Work work, and some Home work (like getting plumbing hooked up, now that we have countertops and a sink again!)

I know I’m overdue on some more posts. They’ll be along shortly, but here’s a few reasons for my delay.

1) trying out new WordPress software. Conclusion so far: Awesome! Check out my new blog home, probably will end up permanently migrating though I will post several updates here when that happens.

2) Installed Ubuntu, which was also Awesome! However, had a few hiccups due to the PC I was using being very old, and somewhat broken. Everything is good now, however.

3) Finally got countertops installed, so we have an almost normal kitchen. (Pictures coming soon). Now just need to hook up sink and water, get a dishwasher, microwave, and put refrigerator in place….

4) Catching up on a sudden major load of work. This will keep me behind schedule for another week or so, probably. I’ll try to get posts up every day or two, though.

Lots to do still, but I should be back on track as far as regular posting. Thanks for stopping by. If you’re looking for puzzle posts, I’ve got a few coming your way very shortly.

You can see I’m really excited. That’s because I finally got around to sticking my Ubuntu CD in and trying it out.

Awesome! These guys are really doing something cool for Linux. I’ve been following Linux news for at least a few years, lurking but never actually getting it on one of my computers. Today, I’ve finally broken through the wall thanks to a number of factors, and there are even more things that make it look like I’ll stay happy with Linux.

Contributing factors:

1. Ubuntu will send you a CD with the OS FOR FREE. Really, honest to goodness, FREE.

2. Something called “Live CD” – you don’t have to install it, uninstall Windows, or do anything (other than maybe get a friend to help you boot from CD). Just start your computer with the CD in the drive.

3. I have an old PC that I built (a monster), that hasn’t been run in a year or two. It’s got Win XP Pro, but won’t start up anymore. I don’t know why, it just hangs on the Win XP screen. So I figured, why not? Guess what…Unbuntu started right up!

4. Lots of hype, people, lots of hype. I already get frustrated by Windows daily. The Linux hype convinced me (with a little help from myself) that Linux could save me. It’s probably not completely true, but I’m willing to buy the story. Especially since…

It’s FREE! (Well, minus an hour or so, but then again I’m a geek so that’s how I like to spend my time).

End result – the computer I couldn’t boot up for the last month is now up and running, on the internet, and I’m really excited.

One other nice touch: the Ubuntu guys have taken some criticism here and there for the brown theme when everyone else is doing blue. After about 5 minutes, it suddenly dawned on me that I was so glad not to be staring at another blue screen (no pun intended). The brown is calm, if not peaceful then surely not turbulent. In fact, one might say it is background, where blue is more in your face. Not to mention it’s different. Brilliant move, guys. I didn’t fully appreciate the genius of that little touch until a few minutes ago.

There’s a lot of other cool things, and some weird things (my PC does still have some sort of hardware problem). I’ll get into those in another article, though. Ubuntu lovers, leave me some advice!

Peace.

Only been working with this for a few minutes, and all I can say is,

WOW!!!

This is WAY Better than Blogger!  There’s some parts a little slower or more complicated, so for the beginning blogger (especially if you’re non-technical) Blogger may be a better starting point.  But if you want to do much with your blog, you’re going to quickly find yourself too limited and frustrated to stay on Blogspot.  So if you’re serious, try out WordPress.

Oh, this is soooo much better!