Notes from Ubuntu 11.04 install on Acer Aspire 522 - BZ499

• C-50 Ontario processor is 64-bit, so we'll use the 64 bit image: ubuntu-11.04-desktop-amd64.iso
• installed image onto USB stick using: 'sudo usb-creator-gtk' command
• make sure BIOS is configured to read from USB stick before HDD
• note: ubuntu kept hanging on me (mouse cursor/throbber frozen)... from posts on Net I suspect it is due to wireless driver
• solution: install with wired connection plugged in; this allowed me to do install no problem
• this link sounds relevant: http://fossplanet.com/f10/[bug-775034]-[new]-natty-freezes-due-acer-aspire-one-522-wireless-148584/
• suspend and hibernate work right out of the box with this (tested both)
• clicking on Additional Drivers in top bar, it seems we are already using Broadcom STA wireless driver (hence could conflict with other one)
• now able to use wifi (w/o wired plugged in) using following:
• add in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf this line: "blacklist atl1c"
• "sudo update-initramfs -u"
• suspend still works
• outstanding issues:
• (non-proprietary) video driver has poor YouTube playback, etc.
• after resume (from Suspend?) the Ubuntu top and left bars stop updating visually (Ubuntu One compiz component; switch to "Ubuntu Classic" in GDM and all is well)
• attempting ATI/AMD proprietary FGLRX gfx driver install...
• resume from suspend no longer working... can't even ping the machine (but did not check earlier that I actually could)
• went back to non-proprietary video drivers

Ubuntu: gVim in fullscreen

Under compiz window manager, you need an extra package, which is not installed by default in Ubuntu 11.04. I've set the keybinding through gnome settings, and that was not sufficient to have the fullscreen action work.

Steps:

• apt-get install compiz-plugins-extra
• Systems Settings > CompizConfig Settings Manager > Extra WM Actions > Toggle Fullscreen (provide keybinding, such as Alt-Enter)
• I found that I needed to restart the window manager for this to start working.

Source:
  http://askubuntu.com/questions/2140/is-there-a-way-to-turn-gvim-into-fullscreen-mode

Ubuntu/gnome: disabling password request on resume

Problem: on resume from suspend, Ubuntu/GNOME presents password entry dialog,  which is annoying.

Found a working solution here:

  http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1466504

Namely:

1. As you've probably already done, uncheck:
"lock screen when screen saver is activated"
in the System->Preferences->Screen Saver menu.
2. Type gconf-editor in a terminal. Under apps/gnome-power-manager/locks check:
"use_screensaver_settings".
3. If still asked for password, you can (also in gconf-editor) go to desktop/gnome/lockdown and check:
"disable_lock_screen"
Credits to itslofty below for this tip!

I only had to do steps 1 and 2 on my Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwal on the Acer Aspire 522 BZ499.

Ubuntu + my Acer Aspire 522 BZ499

Various notes on trying to get latest Ubuntu (11.*) running on my AO522 netbook.

Useful links;

• http://phoronix.com/forums/showthread.php?31961-Notes-on-Acer-Aspire-One-522
• http://kered.org/blog/2011-02-24/acer-ao522-linux-compatibility-and-memory-upgrade-procedure/
• http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1543009&page=17
• http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1680348&page=2

writing effective Thank You notes

From:
http://www.thank-you-note-samples.com/how-to-write-a-thank.html

Here's how to get started:

1. Dear [Name of person]. If "Dear" sounds too formal to you and you know the person well, you can get away with "Hi", as in "Hi Michelle!"
2. Thank you for the [description of gift] [name of gift].Example: Thank you for the fuzzy brown scarf.
   
3. At least one sentence about the item; something you did with it, a reason you like it, when you plan to use it. Ideally, make the sentence 2 parts, like the example below. This makes the note feel more sincere.Example: It matches many of my clothes and I know I'll use it on my trip to Iceland.
   
4. Tell the giver you appreciate the thought or time they put into it and the occasion for which the gift was given.Example: It was so thoughtful of you to think of me on my birthday.
   
5. Mention something about the giver such as family members or something happening in their lives.Example: Best wishes to Tom and the kids. OR Have a great time in Maine next month. I look forward to hearing about it!
   
6. Sign off. "Love" is fine for family members and close friends. For others, some choices are "Yours Truly", "Regards", or "Warm Regards".
7. Sign your name. Don't make this an autograph scrawl; neaten it up so you they know it's you.

PDF virtual printer for Windows

Useful review of top free PDF printers:
  http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-pdf-writer.htm

I chose to install BullZip one.  Ran into issue where upon printing I would get error about macros.  The following post was useful:
  http://www.bullzip.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8538

In particular, the key seems to have been to run a tool for cleaning up after Mcaffee uninstall:
  https://community.mcafee.com/message/110147
  http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

blocking Flash in Chrome

Interesting post, seen on https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/cdngiadmnkhgemkimkhiilgffbjijcie:

You don't need any 3rd pary extension to block flash anymore. To enable Chrome's built in Flashblock type 'about:flags' into the address bar and hit enter. Scroll down to the botton and enable 'Click to play', then restart your browser. Now click the wrench menu > Options > Under the hood > Content setting > Plug-ins and select 'Click to play' from the right hand side. You can use the Exception button to whitelist specific domains.

setting up googlecl in Windows

Some instructions here:
http://publicint.blogspot.com/2010/06/setup-googlecl-on-winxp.html

However, it seems newest versions of the googlecl tool come pre-built. The only issue was I was missing MSVCRT71.dll file.  This can be obtained for Windows 7 here:
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/fix-msvcp71-dll-and-msvcr71-dll-missing-error-in-windows-7/

remapping CapsLock to extra Control key

To that end, I found this link useful:

  http://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/MovingTheCtrlKey#toc4

In *NIX:

 setxkbmap -option ctrl:swapcaps # Swap Left Control and Caps Lock
 setxkbmap -option ctrl:nocaps # Make Caps Lock a Control key

setting up my Acer Aspire One

Just got an Acer Aspire One (AO522); here are some things I bumped into with Windows 7 Starter, or otherwise interesting links:

• http://www.instructables.com/id/Windows-7-Starter-Easy-way-to-change-wallpaper/
• http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7desktop/thread/063bdfc6-6062-49b5-b34f-f7c413bb7f86
• http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/11243/how-to-personalize-windows-7-starter/
• http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/16041/change-the-wallpaper-and-customization-settings-in-windows-7-starter-edition/
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/10024-password-require-wakeup.htm

Xubuntu issues encountered:

• AMD "unsupported hardware" watermark with 'fglrx' driver
• unable to resume from 'sleep'
• xfce4 window manager does not have gui tool for setting keyboard options (e.g., swap CapsLock and CTRL)
• 
  

console-kit-daemon x60

If you run 'htop' you might see over 60 processes named 'console-kit-daemon'.  This seems to be a bug. On a mostly-single-user system one might as well uninstall 'consolekit' package (seems to be used for fast user switching).

For more see:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=3609863&postcount=10

P.S. Alas, some other packages depend on 'consolekit'; not removing for now.

changing CapsLock to Ctrl in XFCE4

From:
http://serverfault.com/questions/10437/how-do-you-swap-the-caps-lock-to-control-in-xfce

Run this on startup:

  /usr/bin/setxkbmap -option "ctrl:nocaps"


This can be placed in XFCE's startup (Settings > Session and Startup > Application Autostart tab > Add button).

favourite wallpaper sites

These are my favourite wallpaper sites, ranked by preference:

• http://nik.bot.nu/browse.fu
• http://wallbase.net/
• http://4walled.org/
• http://www.reddit.com/r/wallpapers

BenQ W9000 service menu / overscan

I found that on my BenQ W9000 projector, when feeding it 1280x720 signal from my computer (for when my gfx card cannot handle the full 1900x1080 at reasonable framerates), and using the Anamorphic mode to scale image to full display area, a fair bit of the image was being cropped. Turns out this has to do with "overscan" setting, which alas is not accessible from regular projector menu. However, it is modifiable if one enters a secret "service menu". For this projector, to enter the service menu press:

• Menu
• Up
• Down
• Up
• Down
• Up
• Down
• Menu

[the above is from http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=799576]

The setting is under Video Signal option ("overscan rate"). When showing the 720p image, the overscan rate was originally only 93%! I've set it to 100% and now there is no longer any cropping. Yay!

FYI, to get back to using the regular OSD menu once you're done with the service menu, select the first option Factory > Return User OSD.

HP 1022n on Linux

Installation instructions from:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-software-2/cups-unable-to-discover-an-hp-1022n-network-printer-710492/

Here are the essential instructions:

1. Configure the printer with its own facility, getting into its web page: http://the-actual-ip-address.
2. There, assign a static IP address of your choice.
3. You would have to (recommended) restart the printer with the new assigned static IP.
4. Configure manually the printer within CUPS.
5. Follow instructions up to the point where you are asked to specify the URI. There, write socket://the-new-ip-address
6. Specify it is an HPLIP printer, and when prompted to specify the type of printer, scroll down and find the "HP LaserJet 1022n Foomatic/hpijs, hpijs 2.8.10.33" (for example, version is actually the one shown in my system, could be some other).
7. Choose Add Printer.
8. Print a Test Page and...
9. Voila...!!

using multiple routers at home

http://forums.linksysbycisco.com/linksys/board/message?board.id=Access_Points&thread.id=11089 The above forum thread discusses how to setup multiple routers at home. In particular, the thread is by someone in a similar situation to my own, where the cable modem comes with a wireless router already, which are setup in the basement, and wants to add a second router on second floor of house for better connectivity. The solution:

There are 2 ways this can be done.

1. Use the WRT54GS as a router and cascade the routers.
2. Use the WRT54GS as an Access Point (AP).

Solution for option 1.
Set the LAN IP of the WRT54GS to 192.168.2.1
Set the WAN IP of the WRT54GS to 192.168.1.2
Set the Gateway and DNS to 192.168.1.1
Set the DNS server IP range to suit the new IP
Connect the Ethernet cable from the WAN port of
the WRT54GS to the LAN port of your choice.
Clients will get an IP from the WRT54GS.

Solution for option 2.
Install DD-WRT for the WRT54GS
Turn off the WAN port.
Turn off the DHCP server
Set the LAN IP to 192.168.1.2
Set the Gateway and DNS to 192.168.1.1
Connect the Ethernet cable from the LAN port to
of the WRT54GS to the LAN port of your choice.
Clients will get an IP from the TRENDnet device.

This was done from the top of my head as I was
to lazy to check my WRT54G for the settings, but
I am sure they are correct.

The difference between the 2 setups is that your
network will appear as 2 different networks under
option 1. In option 2 everything will appear as a
single network. As far as function is concerned
I don't think you will realistically notice the
operational difference.

As for the wireless side of things I suggest setting
a different SSID and channel to the primary router.
Try to use WPA security if the option is available.

Regards

Fred

Morrowind map

The following is a fantastic map of Morrowind. It uses GoogleMaps.

http://www.uesp.net/maps/mwmap/mwmap.shtml?centeron=Pemenie&

great explanation of nib sizes

According to:

http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/reference.php?id=5

• NP (needlepoint). A very small point to give an extremely fine line. Sometimes referred to as XXF or EEF (extra-extra-fine).
• EF (extra-fine). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.4mm. Suitable for those with very small writing.
• F (fine). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.6mm. Suitable for those with small writing.
• M (medium). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.8mm. Suitable for those with average-size handwriting.
• B (broad or bold). A nib that will give a line width of around 1.0mm. Suitable for those with large writing or for signatures.
• BB (extra-broad). A nib that will give a line width of around 1.2mm. Suitable for those with very large writing or for signatures.
• BBB or 3B (extra-extra-broad). A nib that will give a line width of around 1.4mm. Will give large flowing lines and usually good variation between down-strokes (wide) and side-strokes (less wide).
• OM, OB etc (oblique). A nib ground so that the tip slopes to the left, rather like your left foot. Designed for those writers that either rotate the pen anti-clockwise or hold the pen at an unusual angle. Note that oblique nibs do not normally give more line variation than a standard rounded point unless specifically stated otherwise.
• ROM (reverse-oblique medium etc). A nib ground so that it slopes to the right, rather like your right foot. Sometimes suitable for left-handed people. Sometimes confusingly called right oblique. Uncommon.
• LH (left-hand, eg Pelikano and Lamy). A medium nib but with the point shaped so that it may be more suited to left-handed writers, particularly those who hold their above the line of writing ("over-writers").
• MK (rounded medium). A special nib made by Lamy with a more rounded point such that the orientation of the pen relative to the paper is less critical than a standard point and therefore easier for beginners. The designation is no longer used but the current Lamy medium nib is made to the same specification as the MK.
• A. A rounded point made by Lamy for the abc school pen. Between fine and medium.
• Italic (eg IM, IB, 1.1mm 1.5mm etc). A nib ground so that the tip is flat instead of rounded. Designed to give extreme line variation between wide down-strokes and narrow side-strokes in the manner of a calligraphy pen. Often specified in terms of width (in mm). Most factory-produced italic nibs are actually stub- or cursive-italics meaning the corners of the nib are rounded so allow continuous writing unlike a proper calligraphy nib that requires much greater care.
• Stub. A more rounded, gentle version of an italic nib such that good line variation is produced. Like italic nibs, these are usually specified in terms of width (in mm). Less demanding in terms of angle to the page than an italic or stub-italic nib.

places to get Lamy nibs / sections

• swisher store : sells stand-alone nibs, converters (if link doesn't work, select "Lamy" button, then "Safari collection)
• Lamy USA : sells Safari sections, although they don't have orange!
• The Writing Desk : sells nibs

link: A Simple Guide to Keeping Your Counters Clutter-free

http://zenhabits.net/2009/06/a-simple-guide-to-keeping-your-counters-clutter-free/