Monday, October 26, 2009

Installling Linux (Mandriva 2009.1)

I must start by saying my hardware is a nightmare for Linux, it uses an SiS chip-set for graphics sound and the network etc. This is notorious for causing problems and the last version of Linux I put on here was a struggle, really a hassle.

Mandriva 2009.1 however, was a dream, I burned the CD the rebooted with it in the drive.

Mandriva booted first time with no problems, and ran fine, if a little slowly, straight off the CD.

Once I was satisfied it had identified everything properly I went for the install option. I mean how great is this (Microsoft take note) I could run the version of linux I was thinking of installing, without making any changes to my computer, to make sure everything works BEFORE doing the installation.

I know this is old news for hardened Linux users but for those thinking of taking the plunge this is a HUGE bonus.

The install took about 30 minutes, then a quick reboot and I had a working, up to date, Linux setup.

I do have to confess I had already prepared an empty partition, the install might have taken a little longer if that had had to be part of the process.

Plugged in a rather old Laser printer I have (Laser-jet 1100, not plug and play) and asked Linux printer manager to go look for it. 2 minutes later it's running.

Then the real test, the HP Desk-jet F2200 all in on printer, this was a faff to install on the old system, and I never got the scanner working.

I plugged this in, up pops a nice easy dialog, I answered a few simple questions and it was all installed, scanning fine and printing perfectly. No need to even find the installation CD or download anything, the printer manager went and found everything I needed by itself.

I remember the horror of the "torch" in windows as windows tried to find the correct drivers on the Internet, has that ever worked for anyone?

My MP3 Player and camera connect just as you'd expect, nice and simple.

Overall I'm very happy with it, looks good, works nice and quick and so far I have not had to go to the command prompt for anything!

Next I have to try my web-cam etc. but that's not here so I will report back some other time.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Daily Mail caught with hands in photoshop?

*important update 28-11-09

They have changed the pictures in the article, but the original images are still on their server!

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/23/article-1222586-06F13A88000005DC-789_468x253.jpg

and the full image

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/23/article-1222586-06F13A88000005DC-789_468x253_popup.jpg



The Daily Mail has it's usual "Bash the Beeb" head on in this article. They claim BBC bias as the BBC has broken with convention and put Nick Griffin first, whereas it's always the serving member of government first, in this case Jack Straw.

Scroll down and you find this image.

dailymail QT 2

Which seems to confirm their point, unless you enlarge it, when you see the full document it looks like this!

daily mail QT sheet

Nick Griffin appears to be on there twice! not only that, but there is no sign of Jack Straw.

Look again at that image, look at the creases on the paper, look at the creases on the paper under the Nick Griffin section, they match, apart from a slight darkening of the top section, this is clear proof they moved the Nick Griffin section.

I can't understand why someone would move it from the top spot down to cover Jack Straw if he was in the 4th position, but I can see someone might move it from the 4th position to the top, hence covering up Jack straws section.

The BBC state that this is not the document they issued. I think I believe them, don't you?

Incidentally, I have hosted the pictures on flickr, they are supposedly scans of BBC documents so therefore cannot be copyright of the Daily Mail, of course, if they have been altered, then they class as derivative works and the Daily Mail can use copyright laws to have them removed.

UPDATE: The Daily Mail may have been sent this forged document I suppose, but if that is the case, to publish it without a simple bit of fact checking is not a wonderful inditment of their editors.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Introducing Dream Stationery

Alison has just launch a new website, partner site to the dreambag

Dream Stationery offer customisable cards for all occasions, personalised photo baby birth announcements, christening invitations, naming day invitations and thank you cards.

They also do affordable business stationery printing, for business cards, A6 flyers, promotional leaflets, brochures.

Go have a look, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Dream Stationery, personalised photo baby birth announcements, christening invitations, naming day invitations and thank you cards. Business stationery printing, business cards, A6 flyers, promotional leaflets, brochures.

*disclosure notice, my partner Alison works for the company*

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Tornado A1 Peppercorn Class Steam Loco

Steaming through Crossgates Station on Oct 3rd 2009, A1 Peppercorn class Loco Tornado (60163) 105.2 Long Tons of power pulling 13 carriages



This is the train Clarkson raced May and Hammond in in Top Gears "Race to the North"

More information about this engine can be found on their website here

http://www.a1steam.com/

Although the wikipedia article lays out the information in an easier to read and more comprehensive way.

The video was shot by my 10yo Son, he's becoming quite the cameraman.