Today marks a year I've been working at my current job. I really like working at Sidtek (BTW I made that site), albeit it doesn't always pay every single bill every month, but it is a lot of fun. Tomorrow we'll be going to the business expo. For the past month and a half or so, I've been working hard on case mods and...well...this Hard Drive Collage Mobile Transit Unit. I really don't know how to describe it other than what I've done on my web page, so just follow the link. Most likely I'll be posting pictures of my latest and greatest case mod too.
Trailer life has been a little too exciting recently. This month we get two leaks for the price of one. A little while ago we sprung a leek under the bathroom sink at a "T" joint, and yesterday a new leek was discovered between the 12Volt water pump and something else that I don't know what it does. I'm guessing it's some kind of water filter. In any case, I guess I'll learn soon enough.
Now for a little trailer park drama...
Being the nice guy that I am, I do some minor computer repair for the front office here in the RV park. Normally I don't charge them because it's simple stuff; like removing floppies from the disk drive so they boot up. I only actually charged them once because I had to do a Windows reinstall, and since my loyalty to my job has increased with raises I'm not inclined to do under the table work. So I charged the RV park what I would charge any other customer for a reinstall of Windows, and they were happy. Not only where they happy they got a computer back up and running, but you see my boss is such a nice guy he let the RV park take the charge off of my rent instead of paying him. I certainly wasn't going to complain.
This all happen just before my electric meter stopped working. It's my curse to be an honest guy, so when I paid my electric bill I told them about my meter. No harm, I still got 3 weeks of free electricity. The front office was so happy with me, because seriously, who would say anything if their electric meter just stopped? They were so happy with me they sent me a fictitious electric bill to "recoup" their loss? Their loss? They're a freakin' RV Park! They have at least 200 people paying $265 a month, and they're worried about my few weeks of free electricity? On top of that they charged me more for the time my meter wasn't working than I've ever used before. The most I've ever spent on electricity was around 55 Kilo-Watt hours a day; they charged me 62.
My first instinct is to go in the front office and give them a piece of my mind, but after talking it over with my boss I came up with a new plan. The RV park showed me that they don't give a damn about anything but money. They didn't take into account that I've done all kinds of work for them without charge because they're more than landlords; they're neighbors too. I was always taught to be nice to neighbors. Apparently they weren't raised in such a way (kind of sad since I'm 24 and they're at least 100 and they don't understand the concept of neighborly). I also understand that it's not fair to blame the park, it's really just one person. Everyone else is actually really fair and neighborly. Anyway, back to my plan. They're greedy and care more about money than being neighborly or even satisfying customers, so they came up with an electric bill that could never hold up in court. And now, next time I go to take a floppy disk out of the drive, they get charged our minimum of 1 hour labor--$81.19.
So that was my plan, I wasn't sure when it would be put into effect, but guess who called the repair shop the day after I got the phony electric bill? Yup, you know it was my RV park. I was out of the shop for all of 12 minutes (so this includes drive time there and back) and charged them $81.19. When I went to go pay their made up bill I was able to hand them an invoice that was actually a few dollars more. My theory here is, I'm going to treat them the way they treat me, like ruthless bushiness men.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Monday, September 20, 2004
A Discovery
Tonight I was standing in my trailer and I stretched. My hands quickly found the ceiling. It made since to me that if I can stand on the floor and reach the ceiling, that I should be able to stand on the ceiling and reach the floor. I was right.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Some bad news...only some
Some bad news here at the Geek Wagon. First they replaced my defective electric meter. Oh well, free electricity was nice while it lasted, but that's what happens when you're honest. Now it's back to being energy conservative.
Not long ago, I was happy that in the three years I've owned my truck that I've never had a crack or ding in my windshield. Well today, that changed. A freakin' meteorite came from SPACE and landed on my windshield. Well, it probably wasn't a meteorite, but it left a crater instead of a crack. This one will definitely not be a free bee. Surprisingly I took it light heartedly. In fact I laughed...what else am I going to do?
I made an update to meatsock.net. I started a documentation of the Hard Drive Collage complete with a photo album.
Not long ago, I was happy that in the three years I've owned my truck that I've never had a crack or ding in my windshield. Well today, that changed. A freakin' meteorite came from SPACE and landed on my windshield. Well, it probably wasn't a meteorite, but it left a crater instead of a crack. This one will definitely not be a free bee. Surprisingly I took it light heartedly. In fact I laughed...what else am I going to do?
I made an update to meatsock.net. I started a documentation of the Hard Drive Collage complete with a photo album.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
The New York Times - Fans Hope Suns Can Rise Again on 'Star Trek'
The New York Times - Fans Hope Suns Can Rise Again on 'Star Trek'
Personally I'm a big Star Trek fan. I think most of everything I've learned about everyday life, I've learned from Star Trek. I believe mankind is good, and the human race will stand the test of time because we have the ability to overcome all odds. Star Trek has taught me this. It has shown me that there is nothing I cannot do if I really want to. It has helped me over come may obstacles with the use of logic, or on rare occasions when logic doesn't work, my gut feeling.
I know I'm not the only one passionate about Star Trek. Logically I say let "Enterprise" run it's course then let it die off. That way when it comes back it will come back big and make a lot of people happy (and others a lot of money). On the other hand, emotionally, I want it to go on. I want to see the crew of "Enterprise" make it on the big screen. I want a Star Trek series set in the 29th century. I want to see James T. Kirk come back. I want to see a movie that encompasses The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise (Voyager was intentionally left out). I even want to see shows about other people in the Star Trek universe. I know most of all that will be left to fan fiction, but that doesn't make me want it any less. I also know, having is not so pleasing as wanting. It is not logical, but often true.
Personally I'm a big Star Trek fan. I think most of everything I've learned about everyday life, I've learned from Star Trek. I believe mankind is good, and the human race will stand the test of time because we have the ability to overcome all odds. Star Trek has taught me this. It has shown me that there is nothing I cannot do if I really want to. It has helped me over come may obstacles with the use of logic, or on rare occasions when logic doesn't work, my gut feeling.
I know I'm not the only one passionate about Star Trek. Logically I say let "Enterprise" run it's course then let it die off. That way when it comes back it will come back big and make a lot of people happy (and others a lot of money). On the other hand, emotionally, I want it to go on. I want to see the crew of "Enterprise" make it on the big screen. I want a Star Trek series set in the 29th century. I want to see James T. Kirk come back. I want to see a movie that encompasses The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise (Voyager was intentionally left out). I even want to see shows about other people in the Star Trek universe. I know most of all that will be left to fan fiction, but that doesn't make me want it any less. I also know, having is not so pleasing as wanting. It is not logical, but often true.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Floppy Disk Becoming Relic of the Past
Yahoo! News - Floppy Disk Becoming Relic of the Past
I've been complaining about floppies for years; they so need to go somewhere else. There are two things in particular I can think of right now that, in most cases, can only be done with a floppy. Flash your BIOS and install Windows XP on unsupported controllers. Well that latter there is a work around, but it's still a pain. Some motherboard manufactures have moved to alternative means to flashing a BIOS. I've been fortunate enough to use Gigabytes web update BIOS flash utility. That's a trip and a half when you're used to using a boot disk to do it (and cross your fingers the power doesn't go out lol).
Unfortunately, as a computer repair technician, most of the stuff I work with is way behind the times. Even if all computer manufactures start making computers without floppies, it'll be a long time before I don't see them any more. Hell, I still get the occasional 5.25" floppy disk drive around here.
I've been complaining about floppies for years; they so need to go somewhere else. There are two things in particular I can think of right now that, in most cases, can only be done with a floppy. Flash your BIOS and install Windows XP on unsupported controllers. Well that latter there is a work around, but it's still a pain. Some motherboard manufactures have moved to alternative means to flashing a BIOS. I've been fortunate enough to use Gigabytes web update BIOS flash utility. That's a trip and a half when you're used to using a boot disk to do it (and cross your fingers the power doesn't go out lol).
Unfortunately, as a computer repair technician, most of the stuff I work with is way behind the times. Even if all computer manufactures start making computers without floppies, it'll be a long time before I don't see them any more. Hell, I still get the occasional 5.25" floppy disk drive around here.
Monday, September 06, 2004
Granted my blog has turned into my own personal Slashdot; filled with links to interesting articles so that, when they come up in conversation, I can show them to my friends. On occasion I still like to sit down and write about life in the Geek Wagon. Probably the most interesting of recent news, my electric meter has stopped spinning. My travel trailer has become free range for fast moving electrons, and you better believe those bad boys are moving. The A/C on high, all the computers on 24/7 folding their little proteins, hell I even leave random lights on just because I can.
I've got a few projects going on at the repair shop, between computer repairs. The grandest being the Hard Drive College Mobile Transit Unit. Some people know about the Hard Drive College. It's a collection of hard drives that have gone bad and I opened them up so that the platters and read/write heads are visible. Then a couple of power supplies were rigged up to power the hard drives and they do absolutely nothing...but it's loud and impressive. The place I work, SidTek, is going to a business expo, and we need something to attract attention. What better than something large, noisy, and shiny? Now I've undertaken the task of moving all the hard drives, 37 now, from their secure location on the wall to a large, and very thick, piece of plywood. It's amazing how heavy 37 hard drives can get. The completed Hard Drive College Mobile Transit Unit will hopefully have wheels.
Other in shop projects include helping my girlfriend paint her case so that she has a nice black base to do some original art work. Knowing her ability to be a perfectionist it should turn out great. Also I'm still working on the upside down computer case mod. This one may take a while, and it's kind of complicated to explain. I'll post pictures when it's done.
My web page, meatsock.net, has been updated in an effort to include things like substance. I've added a whole new section called odd mods; that I hope will turn into a place to show off case mods. Right now it's just a really neat looking place to put a column I wrote. I hope to add more columns in the future; mostly to practice my journalism skills...or maybe find out if I have any journalism skills. Also this is a unique opportunity to use the Google Adsense I got approved for.
Another exciting thing for me is my new found ability to invite people to use gmail. It was quite exciting when I got a gmail account, but now that I can invite people to gmail I think that's twice as fun. It seems the more people I invite, the more invites I get. Any one who might be interested feel free to email me at jamespryor@gmail.com.
I've got a few projects going on at the repair shop, between computer repairs. The grandest being the Hard Drive College Mobile Transit Unit. Some people know about the Hard Drive College. It's a collection of hard drives that have gone bad and I opened them up so that the platters and read/write heads are visible. Then a couple of power supplies were rigged up to power the hard drives and they do absolutely nothing...but it's loud and impressive. The place I work, SidTek, is going to a business expo, and we need something to attract attention. What better than something large, noisy, and shiny? Now I've undertaken the task of moving all the hard drives, 37 now, from their secure location on the wall to a large, and very thick, piece of plywood. It's amazing how heavy 37 hard drives can get. The completed Hard Drive College Mobile Transit Unit will hopefully have wheels.
Other in shop projects include helping my girlfriend paint her case so that she has a nice black base to do some original art work. Knowing her ability to be a perfectionist it should turn out great. Also I'm still working on the upside down computer case mod. This one may take a while, and it's kind of complicated to explain. I'll post pictures when it's done.
My web page, meatsock.net, has been updated in an effort to include things like substance. I've added a whole new section called odd mods; that I hope will turn into a place to show off case mods. Right now it's just a really neat looking place to put a column I wrote. I hope to add more columns in the future; mostly to practice my journalism skills...or maybe find out if I have any journalism skills. Also this is a unique opportunity to use the Google Adsense I got approved for.
Another exciting thing for me is my new found ability to invite people to use gmail. It was quite exciting when I got a gmail account, but now that I can invite people to gmail I think that's twice as fun. It seems the more people I invite, the more invites I get. Any one who might be interested feel free to email me at jamespryor@gmail.com.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
'Star Trek' actor James Doohan gets Hollywood star, farewell
'Star Trek' actor James Doohan gets Hollywood star, farewell
I'm surprised he didn't have it already....for that matter the entire original series cast should each have two stars.
I'm surprised he didn't have it already....for that matter the entire original series cast should each have two stars.
Flexbeta - AbiWord vs. MS Word - Page 1
Flexbeta - AbiWord vs. MS Word - Page 1
This is the first time I've heard of AbiWord, but from the article I think I'll probably be sticking with OpenOffice.org as my Microsoft Office suite substitute.
This is the first time I've heard of AbiWord, but from the article I think I'll probably be sticking with OpenOffice.org as my Microsoft Office suite substitute.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Apple - iMac G5
Apple - iMac G5
I can't think of a practical use for it, but I've always wanted a Mac. Granted I want the normal Mac that I can take apart and put back together again. The iMac has always intrigued me a little. I got the opportunity to take apart a G4 iMac once and it was kind of cool how everything fit together. It was like I unlocked some personal mystery when I took it apart. Now I have a new mystery, the G5 iMac.
I can't think of a practical use for it, but I've always wanted a Mac. Granted I want the normal Mac that I can take apart and put back together again. The iMac has always intrigued me a little. I got the opportunity to take apart a G4 iMac once and it was kind of cool how everything fit together. It was like I unlocked some personal mystery when I took it apart. Now I have a new mystery, the G5 iMac.
The Tech Zone Computer Hardware Reviews
The Tech Zone Computer Hardware Reviews
I used to carry a pocket knife all the time, but then I kinda quit because I never used it for much. This knife on the other hand I might get a little use out of.
I used to carry a pocket knife all the time, but then I kinda quit because I never used it for much. This knife on the other hand I might get a little use out of.
Monday, August 30, 2004
GmailFS - Gmail Filesystem
GmailFS - Gmail Filesystem
So nerdy it had to be blogged. I wonder if you could mount more than one gmail account?
So nerdy it had to be blogged. I wonder if you could mount more than one gmail account?
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Transparent aluminum
here is the link
I realize there are a bunch of new entries all at once in my blog, but it's been a while since anything really interesting in the nerd world has happened. This one is a few days old, but definitely bad ass. Anyone who's ever seen Star Trek IV will probably get a kick out of transparent aluminum.
I realize there are a bunch of new entries all at once in my blog, but it's been a while since anything really interesting in the nerd world has happened. This one is a few days old, but definitely bad ass. Anyone who's ever seen Star Trek IV will probably get a kick out of transparent aluminum.
IOL%3A Lucas to make more Star Wars%3F
IOL%3A Lucas to make more Star Wars%3F
This one's for John, although it doesn't prove your Episode 7, 8, and 9 theory, it's a step in the right direction.
This one's for John, although it doesn't prove your Episode 7, 8, and 9 theory, it's a step in the right direction.
Browse Happy %97 Online. Worry-free.
Browse Happy %97 Online. Worry-free.
I like this site because it doesn't even mention Netscape as an alternative web browser.
I like this site because it doesn't even mention Netscape as an alternative web browser.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Thursday, August 12, 2004
news@nature.com�-�Gene therapy cures monkeys of laziness
news@nature.com�-�Gene therapy cures monkeys of laziness
The first step, and next will come the ability to never sleep, eat, or even go to the bathroom....I just can't stand those things that waste my time.
The first step, and next will come the ability to never sleep, eat, or even go to the bathroom....I just can't stand those things that waste my time.
Monday, August 09, 2004
MSFN - Microsoft clears up confusion regarding illegal PIDs in XP SP2
MSFN - Microsoft clears up confusion regarding illegal PIDs in XP SP2
Good news for me and all my friends.
Good news for me and all my friends.
TrekToday - Shatner Set For Two-Episode Guest Stint?
TrekToday - Shatner Set For Two-Episode Guest Stint?
This one is for John, because we can get a laugh out of this next time we go to Denny's.
This one is for John, because we can get a laugh out of this next time we go to Denny's.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Tweakers.net - RAID 0: Hype or blessing?
Tweakers.net - RAID 0: Hype or blessing?
This is one I'm going to have to test out on my own. I find it hard to believe RAID 0 doesn't improve performance. On the other hand I've seen many things that would improve performance in theory but don't in practice.
This is one I'm going to have to test out on my own. I find it hard to believe RAID 0 doesn't improve performance. On the other hand I've seen many things that would improve performance in theory but don't in practice.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
MSN Web Messenger
MSN Web Messenger
I know a couple of people who will get a kick out of this. No installation needed to use MSN messenger, and hands down the best web based instant messenger I've seen yet. Although I have to admit I haven't played with AIM and Yahoo's versions of their web based messenger in a long time.
I know a couple of people who will get a kick out of this. No installation needed to use MSN messenger, and hands down the best web based instant messenger I've seen yet. Although I have to admit I haven't played with AIM and Yahoo's versions of their web based messenger in a long time.
Article: Atlantic ridge reveals underwater wonders�| New Scientist
Article: Atlantic ridge reveals underwater wonders�| New Scientist
So maybe my blog is slowly turning from computer nerd to marine biology nerd, but it gives me so many brownie points.
So maybe my blog is slowly turning from computer nerd to marine biology nerd, but it gives me so many brownie points.
Pool playing robots
The Globe and Mail
Another wonderful article with a lack of pictures. Here is a picture, albeit not the best.
Another wonderful article with a lack of pictures. Here is a picture, albeit not the best.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Computer techs hit with fee for license
Computer techs hit with fee for license
This artical may be in a New Orleans paper, but it hits close to home.
This artical may be in a New Orleans paper, but it hits close to home.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
"Snow White" DVD may be glitchy with XP | CNET News.com
"Snow White" DVD may be glitchy with XP | CNET News.com
Here's an old artical that's just too funny to pass up.
Here's an old artical that's just too funny to pass up.
PlayStation 3 to use Blu-ray Disc - News at GameSpot
PlayStation 3 to use Blu-ray Disc - News at GameSpot
Blu-ray technology seems kinda cool, I'm glad they found a practical application for it, but I wonder what load times would be like on a 50GB game.
Blu-ray technology seems kinda cool, I'm glad they found a practical application for it, but I wonder what load times would be like on a 50GB game.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Prolink's PixelView GeForce FX 5900XT Master of Monitoring
Tom's Hardware Guide Graphics Cards: Prolink's PixelView GeForce FX 5900XT Master of Monitoring - A Mainstream Chip With Overclocking Reserves
Video cards with Plasma Display Fan (PDF)? I think I'd rather it mean Pretty Darn Fast, but this is a neat idea for a video card.
Video cards with Plasma Display Fan (PDF)? I think I'd rather it mean Pretty Darn Fast, but this is a neat idea for a video card.
11.7-foot, high-resolution screen on display at homeland security demo
11.7-foot, high-resolution screen on display at homeland security demo
I so want this, but I don't think it will fit in the trailer.
I so want this, but I don't think it will fit in the trailer.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Sunday, August 01, 2004
This one is for my girlfriend
http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=3806235
This one is for my girlfriend, becuase she's a different kind of nerd than me.
This one is for my girlfriend, becuase she's a different kind of nerd than me.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
oreilly.com -- Online Catalog: Google: The Missing Manual
oreilly.com -- Online Catalog: Google: The Missing Manual
While we're on the subject of google, here is an intersting book.
While we're on the subject of google, here is an intersting book.
boogle.com - google search engine with quotes
boogle.com - google search engine with quotes
This is something interesting that came up on the meatsock forums today.
This is something interesting that came up on the meatsock forums today.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Tom's Hardware Guide Processors: AMD's Sempron Takes on Intel's Celeron Value Challenge - AMD's AthlonXP + The Athlon64= Sempron
Tom's Hardware Guide Processors: AMD's Sempron Takes on Intel's Celeron Value Challenge - AMD's AthlonXP + The Athlon64= Sempron
It's about time AMD replaced it's Duron line with something else, but they could have come up with a better naming scheme.
It's about time AMD replaced it's Duron line with something else, but they could have come up with a better naming scheme.
Tom's Hardware Guide: Doom 3 Requirements
Tom's Hardware Guide: Doom 3 Requirements
Does any one even have a 512MB video card yet? It's too early in the morning for me to remember.
Does any one even have a 512MB video card yet? It's too early in the morning for me to remember.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
MSNBC Newsbot
MSNBC Newsbot
Maybe it's just me, but everyone seems to be copying google. For example, both MSN Hotmail and Yahoo have upped their storage space on their free accounts to compete with gmail's 1000MB storage space. Now MSN has a news service, albeit it looks a little different than google news, but it seem to have a lot in common. What can I say, Google is the feces!
Maybe it's just me, but everyone seems to be copying google. For example, both MSN Hotmail and Yahoo have upped their storage space on their free accounts to compete with gmail's 1000MB storage space. Now MSN has a news service, albeit it looks a little different than google news, but it seem to have a lot in common. What can I say, Google is the feces!
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Tom's Hardware Guide Games & Entertainment: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - The Dawn Breaks
Tom's Hardware Guide Games & Entertainment: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - The Dawn Breaks
A very good friend of mine, Albert, spoke very highly of this game and was even nice enough to send me some screenshots since he was able to partake in the beta. I'll admit I'm not a big RTS fan, but this one does look pretty.
A very good friend of mine, Albert, spoke very highly of this game and was even nice enough to send me some screenshots since he was able to partake in the beta. I'll admit I'm not a big RTS fan, but this one does look pretty.
Are You Annoying? - Computerworld
Are You Annoying? - Computerworld
I don't think I'm an annoying computer nerd, but this does play into my theory that most computer nerds are egocentric. I strive to not be like most computer nerds.
I don't think I'm an annoying computer nerd, but this does play into my theory that most computer nerds are egocentric. I strive to not be like most computer nerds.
Friday, July 23, 2004
First Contact Within 20 Years
First Contact Within 20 Years
Alien contact within 20 years? Don't they know first contact doesn't take place until 2064?
Alien contact within 20 years? Don't they know first contact doesn't take place until 2064?
Wi-Fi Networking News: FCC Allows Add-on Antennas But Read the Fine Print
Wi-Fi Networking News: FCC Allows Add-on Antennas But Read the Fine Print
This is for anyone who's ever built a cantenna.
This is for anyone who's ever built a cantenna.
Windows XP Service Pack 2: Install With Care
Windows XP Service Pack 2: Install With Care
According to this article I found on slashdot, 3 out of 5 SP2 installs on Windows XP fail. I guess the odds are in my favor because I'm 4 for 4 with SP2 installs right now.
According to this article I found on slashdot, 3 out of 5 SP2 installs on Windows XP fail. I guess the odds are in my favor because I'm 4 for 4 with SP2 installs right now.
Tom's Hardware Guide Business Reports: Forensic Software Maker Gets Tough on Computer Crime
Tom's Hardware Guide Business Reports: Forensic Software Maker Gets Tough on Computer Crime - Introduction
Computer Forensics is an interesting subject, and I think this is the first Computer Forensics article I've ever seen on Tom's Hardware.
Computer Forensics is an interesting subject, and I think this is the first Computer Forensics article I've ever seen on Tom's Hardware.
Tom's Hardware Guide: RAID 5 Scaling Tests With Up To Eight Drives
Tom's Hardware Guide Mass Storage: RAID 5 Scaling Tests With Up To Eight Drives - RAID 5 Scaling Tests Using Three To Eight Drives
I've always been a big fan of RAID; I really cannot give a logical explanation to my fascination with RAID except that the whole concept is just freakin' cool.
I've always been a big fan of RAID; I really cannot give a logical explanation to my fascination with RAID except that the whole concept is just freakin' cool.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
[H]ard|OCP - id Software's Official DOOM3 Benchmarks
[H]ard|OCP - id Software's Official DOOM3 Benchmarks
This is great, but why only show us what top of the line cards do? I want to know how my GeForceFX 5900 will handle it....or my Radeon 9700. I'm sure some one will do some thorough benchmarks once the game is released.
This is great, but why only show us what top of the line cards do? I want to know how my GeForceFX 5900 will handle it....or my Radeon 9700. I'm sure some one will do some thorough benchmarks once the game is released.
Tom's Hardware Guide Mass Storage: MSI's DVD Drive Gets The SATA Connection
Tom's Hardware Guide Mass Storage: MSI's DVD Drive Gets The SATA Connection - Introduction
Tom has had so many good articles lately, today is the day I'm going to catch up on posting the good ones. This one is a no brainier, it's the first SATA optical drive. It is too bad there are hardware limitations on it too.
Tom has had so many good articles lately, today is the day I'm going to catch up on posting the good ones. This one is a no brainier, it's the first SATA optical drive. It is too bad there are hardware limitations on it too.
Tom's Hardware Guide PCs & HowTo: Your Own Server Part 2
Tom's Hardware Guide PCs & HowTo: Your Own Server Part 2: Windows Server 2003 Installation - Windows - Sometimes It's Hard To Grasp
Windows hard to grasp? Maybe programming for Windows, but I don't think there is anything in any version of windows that can't be figured out once you understand how Microsoft software works. Without a doubt there should be no problem that cannot be worked around provided one has time, resources, and internet access.
I did save this article for one reason though, it has a simple over view of how to set up DNS in Windows Server 2003.
Windows hard to grasp? Maybe programming for Windows, but I don't think there is anything in any version of windows that can't be figured out once you understand how Microsoft software works. Without a doubt there should be no problem that cannot be worked around provided one has time, resources, and internet access.
I did save this article for one reason though, it has a simple over view of how to set up DNS in Windows Server 2003.
Tom's Hardware - Intel's 925XE chipset and FSB1066
Tom's Hardware Guide Motherboards & RAM: Looking ahead to Intel's 925XE chipset and FSB1066 - Intel's 925XE And FSB1066 Platform Route
I know some of these articles are a few days old, but I wanted to post them here before I forget about them. This one is cool because it's all about an increase in Intel's front side bus by their 925XE chipset.
I know some of these articles are a few days old, but I wanted to post them here before I forget about them. This one is cool because it's all about an increase in Intel's front side bus by their 925XE chipset.
Tom's Hardware Reviews a $900 Video card
Tom's Hardware Guide Graphics Cards: Gainward's CoolFX Ultra/2600 Runs Water Cool and Performance Hot - Gainward PowerPack! CoolFX Ultra/2600: "man"
Tom reviews a $900 video card from gainward, but I'm sure most of that price is the water cooling system that comes with it. I found this one of note because I don't think I've seen a video card come with it's own water cooling system.
Tom reviews a $900 video card from gainward, but I'm sure most of that price is the water cooling system that comes with it. I found this one of note because I don't think I've seen a video card come with it's own water cooling system.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Extra Large Keyboard
Extra Large Keyboard
Okay, so I decided to start bloging a little more often by posting interesting things I find on line. At least this way when I try to find it again I'll be able to check my blog.
Okay, so I decided to start bloging a little more often by posting interesting things I find on line. At least this way when I try to find it again I'll be able to check my blog.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
The Game World
The Game World
So my friend John and I have created a little internet comic to help us kill time. John is the artistic and creative genius behind it. I just host it and throw in my 2 cents from time to time. It's fun for us, and I think that's what counts.
So my friend John and I have created a little internet comic to help us kill time. John is the artistic and creative genius behind it. I just host it and throw in my 2 cents from time to time. It's fun for us, and I think that's what counts.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Folding@Meatsock
Folding@Home
So today I realized I forgot all about having a blog. To get me back into the swing of things I decided to go with a simple post about folding@meatsock. The reason I do this is to help me keep track of how fast we are folding.
Date of last work unit: 2004-06-01 14:12:16
Total score: 20892
Overall rank: 5648 of 337567
Active processors (within 50 days): 19
Active processors (within 7 days): 10
In other geek news I moved the trailer up about four feet to maximize my shade coverage area. It's really starting to get hot here in Corpus, so I decided it was definitely time to maximize stuff. Also a new addition to the Geek Wagon is my pirate flag. It's the Jack Rackham Flag, better known as Calico Jack. He displayed cross swords instead of bones to show his willingness to fight. As a modern pirate, I can totally relate. Fight over priced software and the RIAA, arrrgh. I was going to put a link to a short bio of Calico Jack, but every one I read is dramatically different.
So today I realized I forgot all about having a blog. To get me back into the swing of things I decided to go with a simple post about folding@meatsock. The reason I do this is to help me keep track of how fast we are folding.
Date of last work unit: 2004-06-01 14:12:16
Total score: 20892
Overall rank: 5648 of 337567
Active processors (within 50 days): 19
Active processors (within 7 days): 10
In other geek news I moved the trailer up about four feet to maximize my shade coverage area. It's really starting to get hot here in Corpus, so I decided it was definitely time to maximize stuff. Also a new addition to the Geek Wagon is my pirate flag. It's the Jack Rackham Flag, better known as Calico Jack. He displayed cross swords instead of bones to show his willingness to fight. As a modern pirate, I can totally relate. Fight over priced software and the RIAA, arrrgh. I was going to put a link to a short bio of Calico Jack, but every one I read is dramatically different.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
meatsock.net Updates
meatsock.net
Today I did some updates on meatsock.net. I often wonder if anyone goes to the site, lol. If they do, I wonder if they know it's being hosted in an Airstream? Probably not, but these are the kinds of things I ponder.
Back when I was on livejournal I had a post about my computer naming scheme and how I came up with it. A few things have changed so I think I'll post an update, and I'll leave a description for computers that don't exist in my naming scheme yet. The first three are Truth, Love, and Courage. They are the three principals from with the eight virtues are founded on. They are also my three servers.
Truth (file server) - Truth is a PIII 733 MHz with a half a gig of RAM. She's got a 20GB hard drive for the operating system, a 0+1 RAID array that total's roughly 110GB and a separate 200GB hard drive. The idea here is to never loose anything, and have the space for whatever I may find I need space for. Obviously the RAID array is for important data, while the 200GB drive is just because I ran out of room. Future plans for this machine inclue another 200GB hard drive for data redunacy.
Love (web server) - Nothing fancey about this computer, all it does is host a web site I admin, meatsock.net. The most crucial thing about it is that this one runs ClarkConnect, one of the many Linux distributions.
Courage (game server) - This computer doesn't exisit yet, but when I have a game server it will be named courage.
The next group are named after the eight virtues baised on the three principals. Details are in that live journal post on exactily how that works and what it is from.
Compassion (entertainment pc) - All it does is stream music, play divx videos from the file server, and play DVD's. It's got an all new output device; a television. I've found it too be great except when watching some of the lower quality divx videos.
Honesty (unknown) - Could possibly be my girlfriends computer name if she decides to fit in with my current computer naming scheme. So far she has not, none-the-less, this name will most likely stay reserved for her.
Valor (primary gamming machine) - This computers whole purpose in life is to game on. It consist of an AMD Athlon XP 2500+, 1GB of dual channel RAM with 18 Light up LED's no less, a GeForceFX 5900 Ultra, and a Western Digital Raptor hard drive. I realize most people may not care about these details, but there might be one or two people who like to hear about light up RAM. Future plans for this machine include an Athlon XP 3200+ and another Western Digital Raptor drive so I can stripe them.
Justice (unkown) - Justice was orriginally the name of my file server, but now it is just another name I leave reserved for future use.
Sacrafice (unkown) - Another reserved name...who knows what I'll use this one for?
Honor (secondary gamming machine) - Although not currently available on my network, this name does pop up from time to time; at least until I need the parts for something else. Some day, when I build a new gamming machine, the current machine called Valor will take this name.
Spirituality (Dell Axim 5 PDA) - Granted not a true PC, but still included in the naming scheme none the less. Mostly because if you look at raw processor power it's 67 MHz ahead of my laptop.
Humility (laptop) - It's been hanging in there for more than five years now. Without a doubt the runt of the bunch coming it at only a PII 333 and 160 MB of RAM. With the aid of an all new and improved 20GB laptop hard drive I found at work and PCMCIA wireless card, Humility is probably the most used PC in the Geek Wagon. Ironic huh?
Today I did some updates on meatsock.net. I often wonder if anyone goes to the site, lol. If they do, I wonder if they know it's being hosted in an Airstream? Probably not, but these are the kinds of things I ponder.
Back when I was on livejournal I had a post about my computer naming scheme and how I came up with it. A few things have changed so I think I'll post an update, and I'll leave a description for computers that don't exist in my naming scheme yet. The first three are Truth, Love, and Courage. They are the three principals from with the eight virtues are founded on. They are also my three servers.
Truth (file server) - Truth is a PIII 733 MHz with a half a gig of RAM. She's got a 20GB hard drive for the operating system, a 0+1 RAID array that total's roughly 110GB and a separate 200GB hard drive. The idea here is to never loose anything, and have the space for whatever I may find I need space for. Obviously the RAID array is for important data, while the 200GB drive is just because I ran out of room. Future plans for this machine inclue another 200GB hard drive for data redunacy.
Love (web server) - Nothing fancey about this computer, all it does is host a web site I admin, meatsock.net. The most crucial thing about it is that this one runs ClarkConnect, one of the many Linux distributions.
Courage (game server) - This computer doesn't exisit yet, but when I have a game server it will be named courage.
The next group are named after the eight virtues baised on the three principals. Details are in that live journal post on exactily how that works and what it is from.
Compassion (entertainment pc) - All it does is stream music, play divx videos from the file server, and play DVD's. It's got an all new output device; a television. I've found it too be great except when watching some of the lower quality divx videos.
Honesty (unknown) - Could possibly be my girlfriends computer name if she decides to fit in with my current computer naming scheme. So far she has not, none-the-less, this name will most likely stay reserved for her.
Valor (primary gamming machine) - This computers whole purpose in life is to game on. It consist of an AMD Athlon XP 2500+, 1GB of dual channel RAM with 18 Light up LED's no less, a GeForceFX 5900 Ultra, and a Western Digital Raptor hard drive. I realize most people may not care about these details, but there might be one or two people who like to hear about light up RAM. Future plans for this machine include an Athlon XP 3200+ and another Western Digital Raptor drive so I can stripe them.
Justice (unkown) - Justice was orriginally the name of my file server, but now it is just another name I leave reserved for future use.
Sacrafice (unkown) - Another reserved name...who knows what I'll use this one for?
Honor (secondary gamming machine) - Although not currently available on my network, this name does pop up from time to time; at least until I need the parts for something else. Some day, when I build a new gamming machine, the current machine called Valor will take this name.
Spirituality (Dell Axim 5 PDA) - Granted not a true PC, but still included in the naming scheme none the less. Mostly because if you look at raw processor power it's 67 MHz ahead of my laptop.
Humility (laptop) - It's been hanging in there for more than five years now. Without a doubt the runt of the bunch coming it at only a PII 333 and 160 MB of RAM. With the aid of an all new and improved 20GB laptop hard drive I found at work and PCMCIA wireless card, Humility is probably the most used PC in the Geek Wagon. Ironic huh?
Friday, May 21, 2004
Geek Memorabilia #2
Today's geek memorabilia is my first 1GHz Processor. It's an AMD Athlon, what at one time was considered a classic slot A.
I really liked this processor. It was good to me and is now very hard to find, but there is a sad story to this particular processor. In my early days of geekdom, I experimented with dual power supplies. The main ATX power supply for this particular computer was plugged into a UPS. The secondary AT power supply that powered all the extra fans, including the one on the processor, was not plugged into the UPS. One day, like many days, I went to work, and when I came home I opened the door to my small apartment and knew, as soon as the electrical burn smell slapped me in the face, that something had gone horribly wrong with my beloved 1GHz processor and the dual power supply experiment. To this day I kick myself for over looking something so trivial, but I learned two lessons.
1. Don't use the cool computer hardware for crazy new geek experiments.
2. Pay attention to what goes where and why. Basically, attention to detail is key...Especially when working on crazy new geek experiments.
I'm still going to keep this piece of geek memorabilia. For some reason I've got this idea I'm going to encase my 1GHz processor in plastic and display it in my home made geek museum. More likely than not this, one time bad boy, will sit in a box until I decide to reminisce again.
I really liked this processor. It was good to me and is now very hard to find, but there is a sad story to this particular processor. In my early days of geekdom, I experimented with dual power supplies. The main ATX power supply for this particular computer was plugged into a UPS. The secondary AT power supply that powered all the extra fans, including the one on the processor, was not plugged into the UPS. One day, like many days, I went to work, and when I came home I opened the door to my small apartment and knew, as soon as the electrical burn smell slapped me in the face, that something had gone horribly wrong with my beloved 1GHz processor and the dual power supply experiment. To this day I kick myself for over looking something so trivial, but I learned two lessons.
1. Don't use the cool computer hardware for crazy new geek experiments.
2. Pay attention to what goes where and why. Basically, attention to detail is key...Especially when working on crazy new geek experiments.
I'm still going to keep this piece of geek memorabilia. For some reason I've got this idea I'm going to encase my 1GHz processor in plastic and display it in my home made geek museum. More likely than not this, one time bad boy, will sit in a box until I decide to reminisce again.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Folding@Meatsock
Folding@Meatsock
Date of last work unit: 2004-05-20 05:15:35
Total Work Units: 450
Total score: 16264
Overall rank: 6958 of 333031
Active processors within a week: 10
Date of last work unit: 2004-05-20 05:15:35
Total Work Units: 450
Total score: 16264
Overall rank: 6958 of 333031
Active processors within a week: 10
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Geek Wagon Updates
For the first time in 6 years there is a TV in the same place I live. I dunno why I never had one after I moved away from home; I guess it wasn't important to me. Not only that, for the first time in my life I've got cable TV. Got to love Road Runner right? The cable guy told me all I needed was a splitter even though all I'm paying for is internet access. Today I found out I've even got HBO. I decided I'm just not going to ask any questions.
Also the file server is going to be upgraded with a 200GB hard drive...as soon as it arrives from newegg.com. It'll be nice to finally have the room for all these episodes of Star Trek I've been downloading.
Also the file server is going to be upgraded with a 200GB hard drive...as soon as it arrives from newegg.com. It'll be nice to finally have the room for all these episodes of Star Trek I've been downloading.
Monday, May 17, 2004
I HATE Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Home Page
Let me start by mentioning how little I seriously use the word hate. I might jokingly say I hate something every now and again, but I'm not joking when I say I hate Wells Fargo.
I would also like to give a little bit of background on my relationship with Wells Fargo. I don't have a regular account with them. My checking account is at a bad ass bank, NetBank. All I have with Wells Fargo is a simple signature loan. One would think that when money is loaned, repaying that loan would be easy. Most people are very happy to take your money....Unless you're Wells Fargo. I walk into the local branch, only because online banking eludes them, and I walk up to the guy to make a payment. He was confused about the concept of a Visa check card that draws money directly from another banks checking account, but he attempted to run it none the less. It didn't work on the first try. I can understand that, it's an old card, it wasn't a "lack of funds" error, it was a simple read error. Immediately, he gives up and tells me I'm going to have to find another way to pay. I was like, "try it again man, it's an old card it doesn't always work on the first try." His second attempt ended in failure as well, no big deal, just key it in manually. "I'm sorry sir, our system doesn't allow for that." don't allow for that? What you don't want my money? It's bad enough that I'm standing in the financial institution I got the loan from and they can't tell me the amount owe this month (I have to guess I'm at least making the minimum monthly payment), or how much the total balance is, but you can't even key in a credit card manually? They cannot take my money on the internet, they cannot take my money on the phone, and now they can't take my money in person. My money must not be good enough for them. One would think that anyone who walks through the door, a bank would be more than happy to take their money. When I stand at a bank teller, I want to be able to make any kind of financial transaction possible. I should be able to give you my name, social security number, and my valid ID and/or drivers license, and I should be able to do anything. It's freakin' 2004, I am not going to go spend $2.50 to pull some cash out of an ATM to pay you guys because a BANK can't take a credit card. Nor am I going to write you a check...Checks are soooo 1999. I live in the 21st century, I should be taking care of this at home on my own time, not during your bank hours.
So yeah, all I have to say is I HATE Wells Fargo.
And I love my girlfriend, because she is the only girl sweet enough to make me feel better when I'm cranky.
Let me start by mentioning how little I seriously use the word hate. I might jokingly say I hate something every now and again, but I'm not joking when I say I hate Wells Fargo.
I would also like to give a little bit of background on my relationship with Wells Fargo. I don't have a regular account with them. My checking account is at a bad ass bank, NetBank. All I have with Wells Fargo is a simple signature loan. One would think that when money is loaned, repaying that loan would be easy. Most people are very happy to take your money....Unless you're Wells Fargo. I walk into the local branch, only because online banking eludes them, and I walk up to the guy to make a payment. He was confused about the concept of a Visa check card that draws money directly from another banks checking account, but he attempted to run it none the less. It didn't work on the first try. I can understand that, it's an old card, it wasn't a "lack of funds" error, it was a simple read error. Immediately, he gives up and tells me I'm going to have to find another way to pay. I was like, "try it again man, it's an old card it doesn't always work on the first try." His second attempt ended in failure as well, no big deal, just key it in manually. "I'm sorry sir, our system doesn't allow for that." don't allow for that? What you don't want my money? It's bad enough that I'm standing in the financial institution I got the loan from and they can't tell me the amount owe this month (I have to guess I'm at least making the minimum monthly payment), or how much the total balance is, but you can't even key in a credit card manually? They cannot take my money on the internet, they cannot take my money on the phone, and now they can't take my money in person. My money must not be good enough for them. One would think that anyone who walks through the door, a bank would be more than happy to take their money. When I stand at a bank teller, I want to be able to make any kind of financial transaction possible. I should be able to give you my name, social security number, and my valid ID and/or drivers license, and I should be able to do anything. It's freakin' 2004, I am not going to go spend $2.50 to pull some cash out of an ATM to pay you guys because a BANK can't take a credit card. Nor am I going to write you a check...Checks are soooo 1999. I live in the 21st century, I should be taking care of this at home on my own time, not during your bank hours.
So yeah, all I have to say is I HATE Wells Fargo.
And I love my girlfriend, because she is the only girl sweet enough to make me feel better when I'm cranky.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Geek Memorabilia #1: Half a Stick of 64MB SDRAM
Today's geek memorabilia is one of great importance to me. Back in the day, a member of my North Carolia geek brethren and I, broke a 64MB stick of synchronous dynamic random access memory. I, more so than him, dubbed this our friendship stick of RAM, and so I carried this on my key chain for some time. Recently, after the third of four chips fell off and the hole broke, I decided it was time to retire this piece of memorabilia. It was a constant reminder to me of were I found my niche in life.
Life in the Trailer Park
Life in the trailer park is definitely good. Today I spent most of the day cleaning out the trailer making more room for the rest of the humanoid crew. Put some stuff in her storage shed, and now there is half a closet that is unused. While I was going through things I found a few geek memorabilia I'll probably post pictures of here so that I can throw them away but they'll not be lost. Living in a travel trailer forces one to throw a lot of stuff away, but I honestly like it that way. I'll probably be posting pieces of geek memorabilia in blogs.
My good friends John and Alisa came over and the four of us went swimming/hot tub chillin' here in the park. Then we all went over to my neighbor's place to have some dinner and watched The Simpsons. It was a pleasant laid back evening; it's like being on vacation everyday.
So this is an edit, I just read my girlfriends post and noticed it was pretty much a synopsis of the same day. Here is her view on the same events.
My good friends John and Alisa came over and the four of us went swimming/hot tub chillin' here in the park. Then we all went over to my neighbor's place to have some dinner and watched The Simpsons. It was a pleasant laid back evening; it's like being on vacation everyday.
So this is an edit, I just read my girlfriends post and noticed it was pretty much a synopsis of the same day. Here is her view on the same events.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Hacking for Jesus Christ
Hacking for Jesus Christ
So I game on with these people here in Corpus Christi because I like to do that, and my guess is the site administrator of corpuschristilan.com pissed someone off.
Today marks two months since Agatha, one half the humanoid crew complement of the Geek Wagon, and I, the other half of the humanoid crew complement, started dating. To mark this occasion I decided not to go all out, but instead I kept it very simple. I got her hot chocolate and we went swimming; it's okay I made her wait at least half an hour after we had hot chocolate to go swimming so she was fine.
So I game on with these people here in Corpus Christi because I like to do that, and my guess is the site administrator of corpuschristilan.com pissed someone off.
Today marks two months since Agatha, one half the humanoid crew complement of the Geek Wagon, and I, the other half of the humanoid crew complement, started dating. To mark this occasion I decided not to go all out, but instead I kept it very simple. I got her hot chocolate and we went swimming; it's okay I made her wait at least half an hour after we had hot chocolate to go swimming so she was fine.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Resident Quadruped
I believe I have found a CSS I like, and with a little editing it will, over time, become my own.
The resident quadruped, also known as my cat, has been a little ill the past few weeks. I finally took him to the vet, which I would have done long ago had I been a little more observant. The vet gave him a shot in the butt and some pills. I think the pills were a joke, but for the past few days I've managed to get the majority of the pill powder in my cat. Today I found him actually running around and being a little bouncy like he used to be. I think he's feeling a little better. The vet was also kind enough to take care of the wound on his nose. I'm unsure how he got his nose bloodied up, but it doesn't surprise me with the way he's always sticking it places.
As for myself, I'm almost fully recovered from a sinus infection from last weekend. The rest of the humanoid crew complement, namely Agatha, seems to be feeling better too. Things are definitely looking up inside the Geek Wagon.
The resident quadruped, also known as my cat, has been a little ill the past few weeks. I finally took him to the vet, which I would have done long ago had I been a little more observant. The vet gave him a shot in the butt and some pills. I think the pills were a joke, but for the past few days I've managed to get the majority of the pill powder in my cat. Today I found him actually running around and being a little bouncy like he used to be. I think he's feeling a little better. The vet was also kind enough to take care of the wound on his nose. I'm unsure how he got his nose bloodied up, but it doesn't surprise me with the way he's always sticking it places.
As for myself, I'm almost fully recovered from a sinus infection from last weekend. The rest of the humanoid crew complement, namely Agatha, seems to be feeling better too. Things are definitely looking up inside the Geek Wagon.
Meatsock -- Stay calm, we're professionals.
Meatsock -- Stay calm, we're professionals.
Right now I'm in the process of learning about cascading style sheets and what they can do for my blog. Until I figure it out all the way my blog might look a little funny while I experiment with all new and improved forms of html code and java script.
I thought I'd post a little something about meatsock.com too. I am the administrator for meatsock.net. My friend Jimmy, also known as Googly Buttcheeks, is the admin for meatsock.com. He recently made some changes to it that include image mapping. I believe this is his first bit of playing around with those, and I think it's pretty neat.
Right now I'm in the process of learning about cascading style sheets and what they can do for my blog. Until I figure it out all the way my blog might look a little funny while I experiment with all new and improved forms of html code and java script.
I thought I'd post a little something about meatsock.com too. I am the administrator for meatsock.net. My friend Jimmy, also known as Googly Buttcheeks, is the admin for meatsock.com. He recently made some changes to it that include image mapping. I believe this is his first bit of playing around with those, and I think it's pretty neat.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Hard Drive Speakers
So yesterday at work John and I put forth effort to create speakers out of old hard drives. We have a lot of hard drives and free time. Sounds simple enough, all a speaker really consist of is a coiled wire and a magnet, but we had little luck with the whole thing. We got some streaming techno over our hard drive speaker for a short time and very quietly. None-the-less, it was a good waste of time and we made a mess while doing it.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Folding@Meatsock
Today folding@meatsock hit 300 work units.
Date of last work unit 2004-05-12 11:12:20
Total score 13819
Overall rank (if points are combined) 7968 of 330018
Active processors (within a week) 10
Date of last work unit 2004-05-12 11:12:20
Total score 13819
Overall rank (if points are combined) 7968 of 330018
Active processors (within a week) 10
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Making the Switch
My live journal
Thinking about making the switch from livejournal to Blogger. I see many advantages like no emotions and current music. Also the lack of friends linked to my journal would definatly be a move towards drama free. I'll mull it over for a few days and see what I come up with.
Thinking about making the switch from livejournal to Blogger. I see many advantages like no emotions and current music. Also the lack of friends linked to my journal would definatly be a move towards drama free. I'll mull it over for a few days and see what I come up with.
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