A bit of a problem occurred with my internet setup this weekend. Basically, effective connection speed was very intermittent on my netgear router, even though sync speed was still it's usual 15M+. There's many different reasons for this, but after looking at the advanced router stats, it was obvious that I had a tremendous amount of noise on the line, CRC errors were about 80% of the total packet traffic and SNR had gone from approx 7.5dB to about 6.5dB (1dB of noise is quite a bit of
noise to an ADSL2+ connection!).
Noise on the line, again has many reasons, and can seriously affect ADSL2+, since it's sync'ing at much higher speeds typically than ADSL.
Testing the router directly in the BT test socket behind the master faceplate, it shot up to 10.1dB! A massive improvement, now with only about 0.5% CRC errors (which is good for a phone line).
So, looks like i've got a re-wiring job coming up. I've ordered a pre-filtered faceplate for both the master socket and the extension socket from ADSL Nation. These are pretty much the best you can get, and they remove the need for a "dangly" microfilter. I'll keep you informed.
Two posts ago, I mentioned I'd moved to using OpenDNS for my DNS resolution service, well, I've been experimenting tonight with dnsmasq, a local DNS cache which I'd heard good things about. Well, they're all true! Fantastic functionality. Basically, sudo apt-get install dnsmasq, configure /etc/dhcp3/dhclient.conf, /etc/dnsmasq.conf and the obligatory /etc/resolv.conf and you've got a local DNS cache! Now, instead of subsequent calls to OpenDNS taking about 35-40 msec, it now gets it in about 1 msec. Fantastic. If anyone's interested in doing this, then have a gander at http://www.ubuntugeek.com/local-dns-cache-for-faster-browsing-on-ubuntu-machine.html.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Second Life (or lack thereof)
It's unbelievable how you mention a popular site / MMORPG (well, it's not technically a game....) like Second Life, how many responses you get saying people want to meet up online. Thanks to all who emailed, i'll see you in SL asap. The reason why I say ASAP is that a new version of the SL viewer was released today (1.15.0.2) (which i've been keen to see if it fixes any of the annoyances (mostly performance related which really seems to affect the linux viewer, I haven't tried it on Windows) that detract from an otherwise great experience), but the production grid is having login difficulties, hence no-one can access it. The beta grid is available, though, so anyone having serious SL withdrawal can at least get some kind of fix.
On a TV / film front (and I realise that I haven't blogged about telly for quite a while), I've recently got very much into the Catherine Tate show. While I realise that I jumped on the tate bandwagon a few months later than most people, I find the show utterly fantastic. Cleverly written and performed by one of the funniest comediennes I have seen since Victoria Wood came on the scene, it's just so utterly watchable (which is one of the best compliments you could give to a TV series of any kind). To anyone who cares to disagree (and I know she's got her fair share of critics), "How VERY dare you!". Absolute class.... "Dirty, Evil...."
On a TV / film front (and I realise that I haven't blogged about telly for quite a while), I've recently got very much into the Catherine Tate show. While I realise that I jumped on the tate bandwagon a few months later than most people, I find the show utterly fantastic. Cleverly written and performed by one of the funniest comediennes I have seen since Victoria Wood came on the scene, it's just so utterly watchable (which is one of the best compliments you could give to a TV series of any kind). To anyone who cares to disagree (and I know she's got her fair share of critics), "How VERY dare you!". Absolute class.... "Dirty, Evil...."
Friday, April 20, 2007
Going all technical...
I haven't posted for a while, various things have occurred, going to florida with the kids and staying in the wonderful Nickelodeon Hotel (the kids are big
Dora and Diego fans), just for starters, and coupled with the fact that i'm just lazy, means that my blog is getting very similar to my diaries from when I was a youngster, i.e. Jan 1st is about a page and a half long, detailing every step I took to school, which girls I fancied etc., but then quickly getting bored of writing diaries and the next entry is July 23rd "Auntie Freda's birthday".
However, I thought I'd just blog about the things that have happened recently. Firstly, and to my great delight, version 7.04 of Ubuntu Linux has been released. I've been using 6.10 for a while now, and loving every minute. 7.04, however, is a different class, so much quicker and easier to use.
Another thing I've switched over to, is using OpenDNS for my DNS resolution service. A fabulous service, and one I can heartily recommend. Much quicker than most DNS services and much more secure, automatically identifying and blocking various phishing sites and also correcting various URL spelling mistakes. It's also a doddle to switch over to, no need to register or anything, all you do is modify your network connection (in Ubuntu -> sudo network-admin and then specify the two IP addresses given on the website in the DNS tab, in Windows, it's done at the TCP/IP protocol adapter properties). Literally, two minutes and you're away.
I'm also more active on IRC (efnet) (usually on #oracle or #sql) and Second Life than i've been for a while (OpenDNS helps here as well!). I tend to go via the IRC name of "sequel" and the Second Life name of "Sequel Acronym" (yeah, ok, I live and breathe Oracle...).
If you're ever on either, IM me and we'll have a chat.
Dora and Diego fans), just for starters, and coupled with the fact that i'm just lazy, means that my blog is getting very similar to my diaries from when I was a youngster, i.e. Jan 1st is about a page and a half long, detailing every step I took to school, which girls I fancied etc., but then quickly getting bored of writing diaries and the next entry is July 23rd "Auntie Freda's birthday".
However, I thought I'd just blog about the things that have happened recently. Firstly, and to my great delight, version 7.04 of Ubuntu Linux has been released. I've been using 6.10 for a while now, and loving every minute. 7.04, however, is a different class, so much quicker and easier to use.
Another thing I've switched over to, is using OpenDNS for my DNS resolution service. A fabulous service, and one I can heartily recommend. Much quicker than most DNS services and much more secure, automatically identifying and blocking various phishing sites and also correcting various URL spelling mistakes. It's also a doddle to switch over to, no need to register or anything, all you do is modify your network connection (in Ubuntu -> sudo network-admin and then specify the two IP addresses given on the website in the DNS tab, in Windows, it's done at the TCP/IP protocol adapter properties). Literally, two minutes and you're away.
I'm also more active on IRC (efnet) (usually on #oracle or #sql) and Second Life than i've been for a while (OpenDNS helps here as well!). I tend to go via the IRC name of "sequel" and the Second Life name of "Sequel Acronym" (yeah, ok, I live and breathe Oracle...).
If you're ever on either, IM me and we'll have a chat.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
What a bizarre day....
It's a common northern expression in England to say "The weather doesn't know what to do with itself today", and this has never been truer than today. The meterological events of today are (in chronological order) : Rain, Sun, Hail, Rain and, now (as I write), Snow!
And people think that climate change isn't an issue.....
And people think that climate change isn't an issue.....
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Coding and the silver screen
It's been a while since I blogged last (frankly, not had much opportunity over the Christmas / New year period), and this one isn't exactly war and peace, however, just thought I'd share the following couple of websites which, frankly, had me ROTFL (yeah, I don't use these acronyms really, not since leaving the IRC scene a few years ago anyway, but that seemed a perfect excuse).
Both of these sites are about the way that IT, and coding in particular, is represented on both TV and the movies. I've covered this in a previous blog, but these were hilarious.
Both of these sites are about the way that IT, and coding in particular, is represented on both TV and the movies. I've covered this in a previous blog, but these were hilarious.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Forensic Anthropology
Those who have read my blog know that I am a big fan of Angel, for two reasons really. One is that it's got Vampires in it, and I'm a big "Vampiro-fiction" (my term, sounded good at the time!) fan, but also the quality of the writing was second to none, in my opinion, beating Buffy big time.
I am also a big fan of David Boreanaz, so it was with some hope that, about a fortnight ago, I watched the first episode of Bones, starring David Boreanaz as FBI agent Seeley Booth and Emily Deschanel as the forensic anthropologist assigned as his partner. Well, what a superb TV series. I got the
box set and have just (as in, about 20 mins ago) watched all of series 1.
Absolutely brilliant. Now, don't get me wrong, some of the plots require some extreme
"suspension of disbelief" moments, especially in the science of the forensics involved, computer generated holography which sometimes has to be seen to be believed, for example, but get over that, although it doesn't detract in the slightest, and what you end up with is a well-written and gripping hybrid between
CSI, X-Files and Waking the Dead.
The interplay between the cast, especially between Boreanaz and Deschanel, is enthralling, with the supporting roles, Brennan's team and the rest of the FBI, being
almost as important as the leads themselves. Again, the X-Files "will-they-won't-they" tension is built and built, and there's definitely an emotional rollercoaster, not only for the characters, but for the fans as well, with
episodes ranging in subjects as diverse and emotional as childhood cancer,
Iraq war veterans, racism and, of course, murder and suicide.
A stunning series, am now trying to catch up on series 2, currently showing on Sky One.
I am also a big fan of David Boreanaz, so it was with some hope that, about a fortnight ago, I watched the first episode of Bones, starring David Boreanaz as FBI agent Seeley Booth and Emily Deschanel as the forensic anthropologist assigned as his partner. Well, what a superb TV series. I got the
box set and have just (as in, about 20 mins ago) watched all of series 1.
Absolutely brilliant. Now, don't get me wrong, some of the plots require some extreme
"suspension of disbelief" moments, especially in the science of the forensics involved, computer generated holography which sometimes has to be seen to be believed, for example, but get over that, although it doesn't detract in the slightest, and what you end up with is a well-written and gripping hybrid between
CSI, X-Files and Waking the Dead.
The interplay between the cast, especially between Boreanaz and Deschanel, is enthralling, with the supporting roles, Brennan's team and the rest of the FBI, being
almost as important as the leads themselves. Again, the X-Files "will-they-won't-they" tension is built and built, and there's definitely an emotional rollercoaster, not only for the characters, but for the fans as well, with
episodes ranging in subjects as diverse and emotional as childhood cancer,
Iraq war veterans, racism and, of course, murder and suicide.
A stunning series, am now trying to catch up on series 2, currently showing on Sky One.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Shed 2a
I have a mate who's deadpan humour is equalled only by his astounding knowledge of
world history. For example, not many people know the level of detail of the jacobite rebellion, or the Wat Tyler revolt as he, and yet still work in IT (I told him, "forget IT, use your knowledge for good, young paduan, wear plaid and/or corduroy and represent
Fragfest college, Oxbridge on University Challenge", but he ignored me... wise, he is not).
Anyway, when you have a close interaction with people like this, you pick up certain traits and concepts. One of his favourite concepts is cultural osmosis, the idea that you pick up tidbits of information just from living your life in a given culture.
This information is not learnt in the traditional sense, but soaked up like a sponge, just by living. For example, we all have general knowledge, i.e. trivia that we can't seem to identify where we got it from, we just "know it", such as knowing the words to "Maybe Tomorrow" by Terry Bush, and knowing that it comes from the TV series / film, "The Littlest Hobo". You're not sure why you know this, you just do.
As part of my ongoing cultural osmosis, I learnt a very interesting fact today ( and this has been verified by http://www.amazingstoriesthatarealmostcertainlytruewethink.com (well, actually, Bill Bailey's 2001 show "Bewilderness")), and that is that in the 1960s, Buckingham Palace was moved (for "security" reasons) to behind the Authorised Personnel Only door in the little chef on the A1 near Leicester.
In it's place, stands a shed. But, not just any shed, no sir... but a shed with a
holographic cloaking device, allowing it to pass for the real Buck Palace.
MI6 know this shed only as "Shed 2a" (Shed 2b, of course, being the
real Buckingham palace). A further bit of information for those shed-trivia-hungry
blog readers out there, is that the shed is really a Malmesbury 400GL with optional twin gabling.
This will probably stay with me for life. I hope it does for you as well.
world history. For example, not many people know the level of detail of the jacobite rebellion, or the Wat Tyler revolt as he, and yet still work in IT (I told him, "forget IT, use your knowledge for good, young paduan, wear plaid and/or corduroy and represent
Fragfest college, Oxbridge on University Challenge", but he ignored me... wise, he is not).
Anyway, when you have a close interaction with people like this, you pick up certain traits and concepts. One of his favourite concepts is cultural osmosis, the idea that you pick up tidbits of information just from living your life in a given culture.
This information is not learnt in the traditional sense, but soaked up like a sponge, just by living. For example, we all have general knowledge, i.e. trivia that we can't seem to identify where we got it from, we just "know it", such as knowing the words to "Maybe Tomorrow" by Terry Bush, and knowing that it comes from the TV series / film, "The Littlest Hobo". You're not sure why you know this, you just do.
As part of my ongoing cultural osmosis, I learnt a very interesting fact today ( and this has been verified by http://www.amazingstoriesthatarealmostcertainlytruewethink.com (well, actually, Bill Bailey's 2001 show "Bewilderness")), and that is that in the 1960s, Buckingham Palace was moved (for "security" reasons) to behind the Authorised Personnel Only door in the little chef on the A1 near Leicester.
In it's place, stands a shed. But, not just any shed, no sir... but a shed with a
holographic cloaking device, allowing it to pass for the real Buck Palace.
MI6 know this shed only as "Shed 2a" (Shed 2b, of course, being the
real Buckingham palace). A further bit of information for those shed-trivia-hungry
blog readers out there, is that the shed is really a Malmesbury 400GL with optional twin gabling.
This will probably stay with me for life. I hope it does for you as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)