Rob the Geek

Category: Technology

  • Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty) + WiFi working on EEE

    When Ubuntu 11.04 released, things went backwards for the EEE. If the wireless adapter was enabled, Natty would hang soon after login – it turns out this was due to a kernel issue similar to that experienced in its predecessor. But, as per many things in the open software world, the community has come up […]

  • Skype Beta 2.2.0.25 for Linux – Webcam WORKING!

    Ugh – finally, after much backward and forward (even to the point I dragged out a Windows laptop) I’ve tracked down the issue which was stopping my embedded webcams (which otherwise works in all other applications) from working with the latest beta of Skype for Linux. The solution is this (thanks Ubuntu Forums): for 32-bit […]

  • Chrysalis Cam – Using Open Source to Open Minds

    The kids in Room 3 had a problem, all of the caterpillars that went into the pupa stage of their metamorphosis were emerging when the students were out of the classroom. The solution was to setup a laptop with a web camera programmed to take a snapshot of a waiting chrysalis once every minute. These […]

  • Running Macbuntu on Ubuntu 10.10

    I was having a chat to some people on Friday on why some devices were successful and some were… not. Essentially what it came down to was the user experience and, while the hardware plays a part in this experience, the interface was the major driver of intuitive and efficient use. To that end, I decided to […]

  • Visualising Public Data – Auckland Transport

    Chris McDowall is a very, very clever person. In addition to all the other cool stuff he’s done in the NZ data space, he has just released this post on taking the Maxx public transport data feed of movements over a day, and plotting it out on a map. It’s hypnotic and astounding in the […]

  • Organizing, Getting Things Done, (N)Evernote…

    With a recent move to a new working environment, I’ve needed to re-address how I’m working to compensate for the loss of an ability to leave my workspace setup ready for action each day. Part of this change has been to start using (then consolidate) ‘To Do’ lists. As as assistant for this – I’m […]

  • Getting an XT USB Modem working in Ubuntu

    Given that I’m rocking Ubuntu 10.04 on my beloved ASUS EEE 1005PE, I had a need to be able to use my Telecom XT T-Stick (a.k.a. ‘ZTE Corporation MF636 HSUPA USB Modem’) via Ubuntu. The issue with these particular devices is that they respond to the system by default as a CD drive or USB […]

  • Notes from Barcamp Auckland 2010

    Barcamp Auckland is an annual gathering of developers, designers, start-ups and social-media types. It’s a full day event held in an ‘unconference’ like style, where the attendee (see my attendee & interested folks list on Twitter) set the schedule – and people turn up to discuss topics which interest them. The following are the session […]

  • Profiling my Power

    To celebrate the introduction of the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS*) in New Zealand today (1 July 2010), I thought I’d publish the following article on what I’m doing in terms of residential Power Monitoring. Read on for: The Back Story The Unboxing Installing the Device Configuring the Software Results The Back Story A few years […]

  • Setting up the EEE 1005PE

    This post has been far too long in coming – mainly because some miscrent broke into my car and stole a bunch of my gear – including the charger for my 6 hour old ASUS EEE 1005PE. The replacment charger took over 40 days to source (that’s what you get for living in New Zealand). […]