Feb 2008
It Lives!!!
27/02/08 19:14 Filed in: General
This happened at work last week. We've been getting a lot of rain 'round here.
My Nokia 6230i is a great little phone. Fairly basic, and does everything I need.
I made the mistake of turning it on before dismantling it to check it out. Everyone one told me later that "Oh no, you don't turn it on!". Pearls of wisdom that would have been more effective earlier rather than later.
I thought all was OK. It turned on and seemed to function. However, after a day or so, the keypad started to 'act up'.
I pulled the whole thing down to component level, noticed that the backup battery was starting to corrode... can't be a good thing for the phone in the long run... but couldn't see any water or damage.
After assembling and disassembling a number of times and getting nowhere I had almost resigned myself to having to get another phone. Even had one picked out. But, given a bone, I'm not one to stop chewing on the thing till I get it sorted.
So... at the suggestion of one of our cabling technicians I pulled it down again and left it on the window sill. I did this and have been walking around with my little Nokia 8210 as a backup.
The suggestion was to leave it for 3 weeks. I don't have that kind of patience, so today I put it back together.. just to check you see.
TADA! It works!!!
Just in case, I have iSync'd the phone to my MacBook to make sure I have a backup of everything.
Fingers crossed, it will continue to work long enough for me to get an iPhone... perhaps. But that's another story.
Rebuild Netware 6.5 DOS partition
20/02/08 19:13 Filed in: Novell
So your NetWare server has been running flawlessly
for years, and you've just restarted it to find it
wont boot.
Boot loader not found...
or
No operating system found...
You know the error, I'm sure you've seen it all before.
You could go through and boot from a utility disk and try and repair the partition, or you can recreate it with the NetWare install CD. How you proceed will depend on your comfort level, how/if you've done it before, and how many pointy-haired bosses you have yelling at you at the time. I'll take you through using the NetWare install CD.
Things you'll need to know are:
a) Your current OS version and patch level.
b) Any new driver updates you may have applied and modifications to the STARTUP.NCF file.
Get these ready, tell your pointy-haired boss to back-off before you insert the CD up his ...
...and focus.
1. Insert your NetWare CD with the latest patch overlaid (you can download this from Novell).
2. Start the install and select "Manual" so you get to choose all the options.
3. At the screen that asks you for the Boot Partition you'll see the current FAT16 partition. Delete this taking note of the size.
4. Create a new boot partition of the same size and continue with the install.
5. At the screen that asks for the SYS: partition DO NOTHING. You only have two options... recreate the partition or format the existing one. YOU DON'T WANT TO DO EITHER.
6. Switch to the Console screen (Alt+Esc and screen 1)
7. Down the server by typing "Down" and pressing enter.
8. Power cycle the server.
9. When the server comes back up it will be sitting at a DOS prompt. This is because the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is not created till later in the install. Edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and add the following:
@echo off
CD NWSERVER
SERVER -nl
(the -nl just turns off the splash screen so you can see any errors that may occur)
10. If you did NOT use an overlay CD at the same patch level as your server, you will need to copy the files from the patch CD. You will need the updated SERVER.EXE and any other updates. You can browse the patch CD for these files.
11. If you have a backup copy of your STARTUP.NCF file simply copy it back into C:\NWSERVER. You may be able to recreate it based on another server if you have another of similar hardware. If not, don't despair. Leave it alone and go to the next step.
12. Type AUTOEXEC and press enter to start the server. If you don't have a copy of your STARTUP.NCF file, once the server has started and is sitting at the console, type HWDETECT and press enter. Your NetWare box will go through and scan for new hardware and load the necessary drivers, or prompt you for them.
13. Once all the hardware is taken care of, reboot and you should be right to go.
As simple as that.
There are multiple ways of rebuilding your DOS partition and I think I've tried most of them. I didn't have any time constraints this time around so I thought I'd test out this method. It works a treat.
Last step.
Because you've had problems with your DOS partition, you should run a Pool verify over the NSS pools after you get the server back up. Regardless of the pressure you're under, don't put this off.
NSS /poolverify
Boot loader not found...
or
No operating system found...
You know the error, I'm sure you've seen it all before.
You could go through and boot from a utility disk and try and repair the partition, or you can recreate it with the NetWare install CD. How you proceed will depend on your comfort level, how/if you've done it before, and how many pointy-haired bosses you have yelling at you at the time. I'll take you through using the NetWare install CD.
Things you'll need to know are:
a) Your current OS version and patch level.
b) Any new driver updates you may have applied and modifications to the STARTUP.NCF file.
Get these ready, tell your pointy-haired boss to back-off before you insert the CD up his ...
...and focus.
1. Insert your NetWare CD with the latest patch overlaid (you can download this from Novell).
2. Start the install and select "Manual" so you get to choose all the options.
3. At the screen that asks you for the Boot Partition you'll see the current FAT16 partition. Delete this taking note of the size.
4. Create a new boot partition of the same size and continue with the install.
5. At the screen that asks for the SYS: partition DO NOTHING. You only have two options... recreate the partition or format the existing one. YOU DON'T WANT TO DO EITHER.
6. Switch to the Console screen (Alt+Esc and screen 1)
7. Down the server by typing "Down" and pressing enter.
8. Power cycle the server.
9. When the server comes back up it will be sitting at a DOS prompt. This is because the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is not created till later in the install. Edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and add the following:
@echo off
CD NWSERVER
SERVER -nl
(the -nl just turns off the splash screen so you can see any errors that may occur)
10. If you did NOT use an overlay CD at the same patch level as your server, you will need to copy the files from the patch CD. You will need the updated SERVER.EXE and any other updates. You can browse the patch CD for these files.
11. If you have a backup copy of your STARTUP.NCF file simply copy it back into C:\NWSERVER. You may be able to recreate it based on another server if you have another of similar hardware. If not, don't despair. Leave it alone and go to the next step.
12. Type AUTOEXEC and press enter to start the server. If you don't have a copy of your STARTUP.NCF file, once the server has started and is sitting at the console, type HWDETECT and press enter. Your NetWare box will go through and scan for new hardware and load the necessary drivers, or prompt you for them.
13. Once all the hardware is taken care of, reboot and you should be right to go.
As simple as that.
There are multiple ways of rebuilding your DOS partition and I think I've tried most of them. I didn't have any time constraints this time around so I thought I'd test out this method. It works a treat.
Last step.
Because you've had problems with your DOS partition, you should run a Pool verify over the NSS pools after you get the server back up. Regardless of the pressure you're under, don't put this off.
NSS /poolverify
Firefox 3 in Beta 3
The worlds best browser is getting even better.
Firefox 3 is now in Beta 3 release, and ready for you to download and try. You can get it here.
One of the many new features is the redesigned location bar. You can read about that here.
At the suggestion of the Mac Guru at work (aka Paul) I renamed my current Firefox application to Firefox2 so the install of the beta wouldn't overwrite it. I can now run the two versions side-by-side with nary a problem. Windows users shouldn't need this step. I haven't tested it (because I no longer use Win) but from memory the beta installs as a separate program, but you might want to pay attention during the install.
Be prepared for the bug or two, but as yet I haven't found any with the Mac binary. Most of the themes/plugins I was using no longer work, but I expected this. FF3b3 is doing it's update check each time I launch it and it will grab them as they become available. I'm not really concerned with themes as the out-of-the-box theme is so close to the minimalistic one I use in FF2. All is good.
Switch to Firefox, because friends don't let friends use IE.
(Now.. me wonders when the new version of Thunderbird will be released.. last news was late this year 2008.)
An Inconvenient Truth ~ Al Gore
12/02/08 05:52 Filed in: BotTF
Summary: Global warming, what it is, what it's doing and what we can do about it.
Leaving aside the man and how he went about delivering the message to the world, An Inconvenient Truth is worth a read. Or indeed, see the film, or check out the website.
I actually had difficulty reading this book and it took me a long time to finish it. The changes in type font, size and page layout made for very difficult reading. The message is sound in my opinion, but I'm no scientist. Even if the urgency turns out to be not as great as we believe, I think the message the book imparts (ie lets stop polluting the planet) is a good one to follow regardless.
I will find the film and watch it, that may help me absorb the information more readily.
The Quest ~ Wilbur Smith
12/02/08 03:33 Filed in: BotTF
Summary: Taita the slave has become master of the mystic arts, savant and upholder of the Truth. Pharaoh Nefer Seti has asked him to find the cause of the drying Nile and Taita must battle with a the powerful witch Eos, follower of the Lie.
The Quest is a continuation of the Egyptian series of Novels. It takes up the tale of Taita the Warlock, magus and master of magic. I have read a lot of Wilbur Smith's novels and really enjoyed the Egyptian series which consists of River God, The Seventh Scroll, and Warlock.
The Quest is written in the masterful story-telling way that Wilbur Smith has made his own. The Quest can be read as a standalone novel, but I highly recommend reading the preceding trilogy first. This will give a good background on Taita and where he came from, and all the adventures he has had up to this time. Taita and other members of his party make mention of events that occur in the earlier novels and it helps to understand them when making sense of the current circumstances he is in and the actions that he takes.
Well worth a read, as are all Wilbur Smiths Novels.
Scary, Very Scary.
06/02/08 09:01 Filed in: General
I'm not sure what is more concerning. The power of
the weapon or the manner in which the presenter talks
about it.
You gotta love FireFox
This always makes me laugh.
... and laugh
... and laugh
... and laugh
... and laugh
What would we do without him?
04/02/08 20:11 Filed in: General
Speeding? I think NOT!
04/02/08 19:32 Filed in: What the..?
Well good folks, it seems I've been pinged for
speeding!
Not an uncommon occurrence these days, but in this instance completely unjustified.
How fast was I going? 110kph in a 110kph zone. Do you now see my confusion?
As I was traveling home this afternoon I, as per usually, got onto the highway, set the cruise control to 110kph (depending on road conditions) and then cruise my way to the 100kph speed zone at Cooroy.
I was on the Bruce passing North Arm, just north of Yandina, when in the distance I saw the camera car on the side of the road. It was sheltered under the overpass. I double checked my speed and the speedo said a perfect 110kph. I was the only car on that stretch of road at that moment. A car and a semi trailer were about 1 km behind me. I have been passed hundreds of speed cameras at 110kph and never been pinged ever, so I thought nothing of it. I was obeying the road rules and driving to the conditions.
About 300m out I noticed the policeman standing beside the van with the speed gun on me. It had to be me. I was the only one within range to aim at. I checked my speed again, all good there, needle still on 110kph and I considered giving the fellow a wave as I passed.
But the flash fired.
As I've said, I have been passed hundreds of cameras and never been pinged. I have had radar guns pointed at me and after reading my speed the Cop has moved on to the next vehicle, never a problem.
But the flash fired.
I know from passed experience that my speedo is fine. My tyres are due for replacement so that should have even cut down my actual speed somewhat.
But the bloody flash fired!
So what could have possibly changed?
The only thing I can think of is the extra few PSI I added to the tyres two weeks ago. I usually run 34psi in all four tyres. When my car is serviced, Toyota reduce the pressure to 32, after which I add another two. Now, for the Aussies reading this, you will have probably seen the ads on TV saying that running a few extra PSI in your tyres increases your fuel efficiency by reducing drag on the road, and as such making your car somewhat better on the environment.
Two weeks ago I decided to give this a try.
For the first week I upped the tyre pressure to 40psi. Quite a jump.. all of 6. I checked my fuel consumption the next fill-up and the ads were correct. I had improved my fuel consumption. But 40psi is a lot of air in the tyres of a smooth riding 4 cylinder Camry, so last Friday I reduced the tyre pressure to 38psi which seemed to strike a nice balance. That was until today.
When the bloody flash fired!
I now await the portrait in the mail from the Queensland Police department. I know the look on my face will be one of calm oblivion. It's a pity they didn't get the shot AFTER THE BLOODY FLASH FIRED.
They had better have a bloody good excuse for pinging me because from what I can see I was perfectly within the speed limit and hence the law. I did not touch the brake because my conscious was clear.
I know I won't have much recourse. These days you're guilty until you can prove yourself innocent. I was alone in the car, no witnesses, and was not about to frantically grab for my phone to take a photo of my speedo. So I have almost resigned myself to contributing to the Charity of the Queensland Police Retirement Fund.
I can't remember who puts the ads on TV but if it comes to pass that it was tyre pressure that put me over the speed limit, I'll be writing a strongly worded letter to the RACQ advising them to inform motorists to be very careful when following the advice of ads on TV, and that they petition the stations to pull the ad from TV altogether.
I'm not impressed. Not impressed at all.
----
update: 27 February 2008
No ticket has arrived in the mail and it's been nearly 3 weeks. Looks like it was a stuff-up. Just as well, I say.
Not an uncommon occurrence these days, but in this instance completely unjustified.
How fast was I going? 110kph in a 110kph zone. Do you now see my confusion?
As I was traveling home this afternoon I, as per usually, got onto the highway, set the cruise control to 110kph (depending on road conditions) and then cruise my way to the 100kph speed zone at Cooroy.
I was on the Bruce passing North Arm, just north of Yandina, when in the distance I saw the camera car on the side of the road. It was sheltered under the overpass. I double checked my speed and the speedo said a perfect 110kph. I was the only car on that stretch of road at that moment. A car and a semi trailer were about 1 km behind me. I have been passed hundreds of speed cameras at 110kph and never been pinged ever, so I thought nothing of it. I was obeying the road rules and driving to the conditions.
About 300m out I noticed the policeman standing beside the van with the speed gun on me. It had to be me. I was the only one within range to aim at. I checked my speed again, all good there, needle still on 110kph and I considered giving the fellow a wave as I passed.
But the flash fired.
As I've said, I have been passed hundreds of cameras and never been pinged. I have had radar guns pointed at me and after reading my speed the Cop has moved on to the next vehicle, never a problem.
But the flash fired.
I know from passed experience that my speedo is fine. My tyres are due for replacement so that should have even cut down my actual speed somewhat.
But the bloody flash fired!
So what could have possibly changed?
The only thing I can think of is the extra few PSI I added to the tyres two weeks ago. I usually run 34psi in all four tyres. When my car is serviced, Toyota reduce the pressure to 32, after which I add another two. Now, for the Aussies reading this, you will have probably seen the ads on TV saying that running a few extra PSI in your tyres increases your fuel efficiency by reducing drag on the road, and as such making your car somewhat better on the environment.
Two weeks ago I decided to give this a try.
For the first week I upped the tyre pressure to 40psi. Quite a jump.. all of 6. I checked my fuel consumption the next fill-up and the ads were correct. I had improved my fuel consumption. But 40psi is a lot of air in the tyres of a smooth riding 4 cylinder Camry, so last Friday I reduced the tyre pressure to 38psi which seemed to strike a nice balance. That was until today.
When the bloody flash fired!
I now await the portrait in the mail from the Queensland Police department. I know the look on my face will be one of calm oblivion. It's a pity they didn't get the shot AFTER THE BLOODY FLASH FIRED.
They had better have a bloody good excuse for pinging me because from what I can see I was perfectly within the speed limit and hence the law. I did not touch the brake because my conscious was clear.
I know I won't have much recourse. These days you're guilty until you can prove yourself innocent. I was alone in the car, no witnesses, and was not about to frantically grab for my phone to take a photo of my speedo. So I have almost resigned myself to contributing to the Charity of the Queensland Police Retirement Fund.
I can't remember who puts the ads on TV but if it comes to pass that it was tyre pressure that put me over the speed limit, I'll be writing a strongly worded letter to the RACQ advising them to inform motorists to be very careful when following the advice of ads on TV, and that they petition the stations to pull the ad from TV altogether.
I'm not impressed. Not impressed at all.
----
update: 27 February 2008
No ticket has arrived in the mail and it's been nearly 3 weeks. Looks like it was a stuff-up. Just as well, I say.