I love this tablet and it features. BUT I hate MS now (again). In linux if I want to change my theme, window decorations, etc. all I have to do is click "System-->appearance... If I want to install I click on the fucking INSTALL button.
In vista ... this just doesn't work. You have to download some hacked up .dll's that may or may not work with vista_64, and even when you do that you have to do some more hacking up to trick VS into allowing you to use the theme.
But that may not work either...
VISTA and Mircosoft SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, iTunes sucks too.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A few points...
- I Love Microsoft!
O.K. point of reference, I'm a UNIX system admin. Been one for almost 18 years. It's not really "Love", but man this damn HP tx2000 is wonderful!
MS Journal, Outlook (yes outlook), along with Ms One Note work really-really well.
I just got this (tx) so Linux will go on soon. But so far this is NICE.
-G-Max 685 helmet
$100! This thing is good and is worthy of the web bike world review (here).
- Ubuntu 8.04
It's not 6.04 or 7.10, they are master pieces compared to 8.04. Don't get me wrong, it's probably to best Os around, but the upgrade from 7.10 was horrible. And even after several updates Evolution is still broken (the Exchange plug-in).
But the beryl/ ComPiz effects work better. Umm... but that might be nvidia's new driver too.
- the Election
Obama should be the next Pres. Not because of "changes, and not because his economic policies are better... no he should be Pres. because he is charismatic. It's what we need right now. I like McCain, but his time was 8 years ago.
I am a conservative.
O.K. point of reference, I'm a UNIX system admin. Been one for almost 18 years. It's not really "Love", but man this damn HP tx2000 is wonderful!
MS Journal, Outlook (yes outlook), along with Ms One Note work really-really well.
I just got this (tx) so Linux will go on soon. But so far this is NICE.
-G-Max 685 helmet
$100! This thing is good and is worthy of the web bike world review (here).
- Ubuntu 8.04
It's not 6.04 or 7.10, they are master pieces compared to 8.04. Don't get me wrong, it's probably to best Os around, but the upgrade from 7.10 was horrible. And even after several updates Evolution is still broken (the Exchange plug-in).
But the beryl/ ComPiz effects work better. Umm... but that might be nvidia's new driver too.
- the Election
Obama should be the next Pres. Not because of "changes, and not because his economic policies are better... no he should be Pres. because he is charismatic. It's what we need right now. I like McCain, but his time was 8 years ago.
I am a conservative.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Next Pres.
As long as the choice is between Obama or McCain, then the it doesn't matter who wins. Let me tell you why;
Nothing much will change with a new Pres. He might promise to change health care, or improve the economy, but in two years when asked about the GRAND changes the Pres. promised, he'll just say "... the House ( or congress ) voted my change down...". Also, if Obama doesn't know now, he will after winning that we aint leaving the Mid-east - the generals and spooks (CIA, Mil-intel ) will tell him why...
But right now what we can use is charismatic leadership. Obama really does make you feel good, and thats all it would take to help this country move along.
On the other hand, McCain makes you comfortable. You know he's honest, and knowledgeable person ( he really does know whats going on in the world ). He's kinda like a good dad.
So at this point, with either one WE WIN!!
Nothing much will change with a new Pres. He might promise to change health care, or improve the economy, but in two years when asked about the GRAND changes the Pres. promised, he'll just say "... the House ( or congress ) voted my change down...". Also, if Obama doesn't know now, he will after winning that we aint leaving the Mid-east - the generals and spooks (CIA, Mil-intel ) will tell him why...
But right now what we can use is charismatic leadership. Obama really does make you feel good, and thats all it would take to help this country move along.
On the other hand, McCain makes you comfortable. You know he's honest, and knowledgeable person ( he really does know whats going on in the world ). He's kinda like a good dad.
So at this point, with either one WE WIN!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
More XPS M2010 with Linux
Linux Mint
Ok, so I had a decent install with Ubuntu 7.10... sooooo what I do is go and blow it up.
On some of the ubuntu forums I read about the Linux Mint project and how good it is. So I download it, and install it. I figure my m2010 install is experimental anyway.
The install: ( the first time ).
Ok, the installer is prettier, but still works the same, so BFD. Get to the desktop, Nice background ( again BFD ). Open the "gnome foot", umm interesting menu setup.
Um... I guess the nice thing about mint is the media stuff. Ok, but so far not enough to make so much better than regular Ubuntu. Ubuntu's forums and Doc's are too good, it's not that difficult to get plugins for firefox, and the rest.
So I figure I don't use the m2010's linux partition much except to play with linux ( my main workstation is ubuntu ). So i figure I why not try MINT and see what the fuss is about.
I install MINT, as expected the install is pretty but the same as ubuntu. The desktop comes up, and I know I need to get the ATI proprietary driver installed, for better graphics and to use compiz. I use Envy all the time, and I know I'd have to wget the most recent version. I fire up envy and install the driver.
Interestingly enough, the "restricted driver" manager says there are drivers available. I ignore this, preferring to use envy. So I install the ATI driver via envy.
Now I can't get the resolution right. the m2010's resolution is 1680x1050 WS. but xorg won't do it. I try all the GUI resolution bit's I can find. Nothing works. So then I start editing the xorg.conf. X keeps ignoring my adjustments. So now I'm using web based Modeline generators. finally I get my resolution ( a day later and lots of X restarts and reboots - uninstalling the ATI driver, and envy and using the restricted driver --> this did the trick ). But now compiz won't fire up. ARRRGGGG!!!
Now I find some google hits that suggest editing the /usr/bin/compiz script and changing the WHITELIST line to:
And change the BLACKLIST to:
and test run with compiz --replace
Still doesn't work.
Why is this a problem now? Does MINT not work as well as advertised? Must be MINT. Back to Ubuntu 7.10 that was working fine before.
...
Now Ubuntu 7.10 is working the same way... * after lots of attempts with Ubuntu * WTF?!? Jesus Christ!! ...
Ummmm... ok ... calm down. Whats this? KDE 4 coming soon? Linux MINT has a KDE setup... well... I need to experiment ( i feel it keeps one sharp ). burn MINT Daryna KDE and install...
Holly crap!! the restricted driver works with the right resolution. Wow, wow... k compiz??
Yes! but I had to make the changes above.
From what I tell, ATI put up new drivers... this seems to screwed GNOME... but what else as happened, I'm not sure...
Now MINT is supposed to react fast ( or faster ) to software updates and new software. WHERES KDE 4?!!? ( i know I can change my sources, but thats not really the point to MINT now is it? ).
Ok, so I had a decent install with Ubuntu 7.10... sooooo what I do is go and blow it up.
On some of the ubuntu forums I read about the Linux Mint project and how good it is. So I download it, and install it. I figure my m2010 install is experimental anyway.
The install: ( the first time ).
Ok, the installer is prettier, but still works the same, so BFD. Get to the desktop, Nice background ( again BFD ). Open the "gnome foot", umm interesting menu setup.
Um... I guess the nice thing about mint is the media stuff. Ok, but so far not enough to make so much better than regular Ubuntu. Ubuntu's forums and Doc's are too good, it's not that difficult to get plugins for firefox, and the rest.
So I figure I don't use the m2010's linux partition much except to play with linux ( my main workstation is ubuntu ). So i figure I why not try MINT and see what the fuss is about.
I install MINT, as expected the install is pretty but the same as ubuntu. The desktop comes up, and I know I need to get the ATI proprietary driver installed, for better graphics and to use compiz. I use Envy all the time, and I know I'd have to wget the most recent version. I fire up envy and install the driver.
Interestingly enough, the "restricted driver" manager says there are drivers available. I ignore this, preferring to use envy. So I install the ATI driver via envy.
Now I can't get the resolution right. the m2010's resolution is 1680x1050 WS. but xorg won't do it. I try all the GUI resolution bit's I can find. Nothing works. So then I start editing the xorg.conf. X keeps ignoring my adjustments. So now I'm using web based Modeline generators. finally I get my resolution ( a day later and lots of X restarts and reboots - uninstalling the ATI driver, and envy and using the restricted driver --> this did the trick ). But now compiz won't fire up. ARRRGGGG!!!
Now I find some google hits that suggest editing the /usr/bin/compiz script and changing the WHITELIST line to:
WHITELIST="fglrx nvidia intel ati radeon i810"
And change the BLACKLIST to:
BLACKLIST_PCIIDS=""
and test run with compiz --replace
Still doesn't work.
Why is this a problem now? Does MINT not work as well as advertised? Must be MINT. Back to Ubuntu 7.10 that was working fine before.
...
Now Ubuntu 7.10 is working the same way... * after lots of attempts with Ubuntu * WTF?!? Jesus Christ!! ...
Ummmm... ok ... calm down. Whats this? KDE 4 coming soon? Linux MINT has a KDE setup... well... I need to experiment ( i feel it keeps one sharp ). burn MINT Daryna KDE and install...
Holly crap!! the restricted driver works with the right resolution. Wow, wow... k compiz??
Yes! but I had to make the changes above.
From what I tell, ATI put up new drivers... this seems to screwed GNOME... but what else as happened, I'm not sure...
Now MINT is supposed to react fast ( or faster ) to software updates and new software. WHERES KDE 4?!!? ( i know I can change my sources, but thats not really the point to MINT now is it? ).
Friday, December 21, 2007
xps m2010 linux sound, and motorcycle stuff review
dell xps m2010 with linux:
Sound ( the stac92xx card ), well I've tried lots of stuff; including compiling, different versions of alsa with different compile options. I'm convinced its the speakers. Dell has a shim of some sort, somewhere. whether its in the driver, or the firmware, or... Dell as done something.
Other linux users with stac92xx sound cards ( in different hardware - even other XPS's ) have gotten over any alsa issues. So Dell has done something with the hardware path/speakers. Ummm I may take this thing apart....
Other than that the thing is stable, even with compiz running. BUT now I hear of an OS that maybe better implemented than Ubuntu ( that would be hard to do ) called - Mint. Umm, always gotta try new stuff.
~~~~~~~~~
MC gear review:
Most reviews of most stuff is done just after purchase, well since i'm lazy i'm gonna write up a coupla MC ( motorcycle ) reviews years after I bought them.
- Oxtar Matrix boots ( gore-tex ): these are fantastic. I figure I've got about 20k on them now. Still no water leaks and I still have a sole on them. In the summer they're a bit warm, ok, more than a "bit", but livable. They did take sometime to break in. The break in for me was mostly at the top of the boot, and a little at the ankle. Now they fit like a fine Italian boot -- :P
- Tour Master Gore-Tex winter glove: I'm not sure what exact model they are, they're all the way in the garage, too far to go check. Ok, this is what I've found. they fit a small window of temperature. My Held's are good to about 45degs, then the Tour Master's work well till about 30degs. I can feel cold in the lower 30's, if I didn't have heated grips my hands would get too cold. I can take the cold to the teen's but I don't like it. The biggest minus is the "feel", and this would be the case with ANY winter Glove ( so stop bitch'in ). The insulation takes room and makes space between your hand and the grips. It's annoying, you feel disconnected from the bike... but you get used to it - sorta.
-Cylock 3 season jacket: the company that made this jacket makes snow/ski/snowmobile gear in ... Switzerland (...or somewhere like that). It's a great jacket, and because they ended their attempt at selling stuff in the US I got a great deal. This jacket is close in design to the vaunted FG Kilimanjaro. It's been pretty water proof and is now just springing some small leaks. This is somewhat normal, nothing last forever. I plan on purchasing Gore-Tex "rejuvenator", or maybe I'll just get a new jacket.
Thats it...i'm tired of this....
Sound ( the stac92xx card ), well I've tried lots of stuff; including compiling, different versions of alsa with different compile options. I'm convinced its the speakers. Dell has a shim of some sort, somewhere. whether its in the driver, or the firmware, or... Dell as done something.
Other linux users with stac92xx sound cards ( in different hardware - even other XPS's ) have gotten over any alsa issues. So Dell has done something with the hardware path/speakers. Ummm I may take this thing apart....
Other than that the thing is stable, even with compiz running. BUT now I hear of an OS that maybe better implemented than Ubuntu ( that would be hard to do ) called - Mint. Umm, always gotta try new stuff.
~~~~~~~~~
MC gear review:
Most reviews of most stuff is done just after purchase, well since i'm lazy i'm gonna write up a coupla MC ( motorcycle ) reviews years after I bought them.
- Oxtar Matrix boots ( gore-tex ): these are fantastic. I figure I've got about 20k on them now. Still no water leaks and I still have a sole on them. In the summer they're a bit warm, ok, more than a "bit", but livable. They did take sometime to break in. The break in for me was mostly at the top of the boot, and a little at the ankle. Now they fit like a fine Italian boot -- :P
- Tour Master Gore-Tex winter glove: I'm not sure what exact model they are, they're all the way in the garage, too far to go check. Ok, this is what I've found. they fit a small window of temperature. My Held's are good to about 45degs, then the Tour Master's work well till about 30degs. I can feel cold in the lower 30's, if I didn't have heated grips my hands would get too cold. I can take the cold to the teen's but I don't like it. The biggest minus is the "feel", and this would be the case with ANY winter Glove ( so stop bitch'in ). The insulation takes room and makes space between your hand and the grips. It's annoying, you feel disconnected from the bike... but you get used to it - sorta.
-Cylock 3 season jacket: the company that made this jacket makes snow/ski/snowmobile gear in ... Switzerland (...or somewhere like that). It's a great jacket, and because they ended their attempt at selling stuff in the US I got a great deal. This jacket is close in design to the vaunted FG Kilimanjaro. It's been pretty water proof and is now just springing some small leaks. This is somewhat normal, nothing last forever. I plan on purchasing Gore-Tex "rejuvenator", or maybe I'll just get a new jacket.
Thats it...i'm tired of this....
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It's been a while... ( My Dell XPS M2010 and linux )
( I hate blog, vbullitin editors )
Like my last post said, I don't post much. But I think I need to now, not because I think someone wants to hear what I have to say, but more that someone will stumble across this and it will help them.
About 10 months ago I was lucky enough to get my boss to order an fairly expensive laptop. Well, ok, it's not really a laptop. But it's not a desktop either - it's a luggable. "It" is an Dell XPS M2010. It's a 21lbs laptop, Dual processor, with 256mb ATI radeon, and a beautiful 21" monitor. It's so big it's case comes with wheels.
Mini review: I like this thing, It's faster than a typical laptop and most desktops, has just about everything most people need ( bluetooth, wifi, big screen, etc, etc ). It came with "MS Vista Business". I don't like Vista, but it runs fine on this system. I've tried vista on an older Dell insprion, had to go back to XP. But disabling some of Vista's security has made it liveable. Truthfully tho, I don't use the M2010 much except for Word/Excel stuff that OpenOffice on my other computer doesn't like. I also use it for Web testing, some SAN apps, and so on. I may use it 20% of the time...
BUT!!! I do use it for gaming. Which it does very well. Only Crysis doesn't run well, but that doesn't seem to run well anywhere.
Ok, Your probably here to find out how well linux runs on a M2010. If you get yourself Ubuntu 7.10, then you find yourself on the way to happiness.
Now it's not perfect. But it's damn close. In fact, install Ubuntu 7.10, then immediately get over to Alberto's Envy page. Envy is a beautiful script that gets your video (ATI or Nvidia) straight. You will need download the newest script from Alberto's site as the the Ubuntu repositories don't have the latest. If you don't do this you'll find your video performance ( opening windows, moving windows, etc.). Once you Envy it and reboot things are good.
There are two things that don't work, to me they are small issues:
I've put more details in the right place; at Ubuntu's "LaptopTesting" site.
Oh yeah! For you Iriver Clix owners, my Iriver Clix ( 1st Gen ) works with Amarok and the MTP plug-in. I didn't do anything special, but Amarok sees the Clix and the music on it, where as my other Ubuntu box doesn't.
Again, hopefully this can/will help the other 11 people out there with Dell XPS M2010's...yes compiz works too
Like my last post said, I don't post much. But I think I need to now, not because I think someone wants to hear what I have to say, but more that someone will stumble across this and it will help them.
About 10 months ago I was lucky enough to get my boss to order an fairly expensive laptop. Well, ok, it's not really a laptop. But it's not a desktop either - it's a luggable. "It" is an Dell XPS M2010. It's a 21lbs laptop, Dual processor, with 256mb ATI radeon, and a beautiful 21" monitor. It's so big it's case comes with wheels.
Mini review: I like this thing, It's faster than a typical laptop and most desktops, has just about everything most people need ( bluetooth, wifi, big screen, etc, etc ). It came with "MS Vista Business". I don't like Vista, but it runs fine on this system. I've tried vista on an older Dell insprion, had to go back to XP. But disabling some of Vista's security has made it liveable. Truthfully tho, I don't use the M2010 much except for Word/Excel stuff that OpenOffice on my other computer doesn't like. I also use it for Web testing, some SAN apps, and so on. I may use it 20% of the time...
BUT!!! I do use it for gaming. Which it does very well. Only Crysis doesn't run well, but that doesn't seem to run well anywhere.
Ok, Your probably here to find out how well linux runs on a M2010. If you get yourself Ubuntu 7.10, then you find yourself on the way to happiness.
Now it's not perfect. But it's damn close. In fact, install Ubuntu 7.10, then immediately get over to Alberto's Envy page. Envy is a beautiful script that gets your video (ATI or Nvidia) straight. You will need download the newest script from Alberto's site as the the Ubuntu repositories don't have the latest. If you don't do this you'll find your video performance ( opening windows, moving windows, etc.). Once you Envy it and reboot things are good.
There are two things that don't work, to me they are small issues:
- The built-in cam doesn't work, linux doesn't even see it. I hear uvc drivers ( at the uvc project ) may work, but it's outside of Ubuntu, and I don't want to screw around with the setup right now.
- And the external speakers don't work, but linux/Ubuntu see them ( and the sound card. The Headphone jack works. I hope to find a fix this soon.
I've put more details in the right place; at Ubuntu's "LaptopTesting" site.
Oh yeah! For you Iriver Clix owners, my Iriver Clix ( 1st Gen ) works with Amarok and the MTP plug-in. I didn't do anything special, but Amarok sees the Clix and the music on it, where as my other Ubuntu box doesn't.
Again, hopefully this can/will help the other 11 people out there with Dell XPS M2010's...yes compiz works too
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