Aaron Donohoe

I have recently become quite a fan of Linux, Ubuntu to be precise, using it as the primary operating system for one of my laptops (Dell Latitude D640). I chose to remove XP Pro from the laptop as I found it to be very choppy and laboured even whilst using the bear essential applications (Firefox, Pidgin, TweetDeck, McAfee, Notepad++). Despite the fact the laptop is a decent spec for the requirements — 2GB ram with 120GB harddrive, it can barely handle being on standby with XP! So the decision was made to port over to Ubuntu, following the success on the laptops predecessor (Dell Latitude D610). I like its clean no-frills UI and its easy customisability and being Linux the terminal is just so handy. But most of all it’s free.

Of course I could never see myself migrating away from Windows, as it is the primary OS for my main system, but for browsing on the laptop Ubuntu has served me well. It also takes pride of place on my server with Ubunto Server edition. The only thing that could have me migrating from Windows is the possible arrival of a Mac in the coming weeks.

Canonical have recently released the latest version of Ubuntu, 9.10, or Karmic Koala to the masses. Having played with it, let me assure you that it is a rocket compared to 8.10 (Intrepid Ibix). Kind of like the difference between Vista and 7 although without as wide of a margin between the two I’ve installed it temporarily on my main system via Wubi, Ubuntu’s Installer for Windows which allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as if it were an ordinary Windows application, very handy, and have been playing with it for a couple of hours prior to the installation of it on my laptop once I burn the ISO onto a CD. And if I get around to it, maybe I’ll update my Dev Server from 9.04 to 9.10 — installing Ubuntu on my main system made me realise that one of my harddrives is filling up fast…

Download Ubuntu

This is something I have been awaiting since the release of the iPhone on the O2 network. For too long O2 have held the iPhone monopoly in Ireland, which meant they had whoever wanted an iPhone over a barrel when it came to contracts — offering paltry data packages for extortionate amounts. I for one was one of those customers left with a bitter taste in my mouth after being tied to O2 solely for my iPhone.

Photo by renaissancechambara (cc)

Prior to moving to O2 I was a very satisfied Vodafone customer, and I only ported to O2 as Vodafone wouldn’t touch my iPhone with a barge pole — it was a pain in the arse as I wanted to utilise my iPhone’s 3G internet features. So O2 were my only port of call to get a somewhat satisfactory use from my iPhone — that was until the data plan exceeds the paltry amount allocated and you’re charged a princely sum from O2 to continue using the service.

It is without a shadow of a doubt that O2 have abused their position of power with the iPhone — but who can blame them? They’ve been left with no competitors for the iPhone in Ireland, and with the product being in such high demand they seized their opportunity and got away with it. A witty business sense of Supply and Demand came into effect. O2 can’t seem to keep their stockists in stock of iPhones, as it would appear that they leave the shelves as quick as they’re stocked.

Hopefully since the O2 exclusivity contract for the iPhone expires shortly, and now Vodafone have now joined the band wagon of iPhone carriers the end is nigh for the O2 iPhone monopoly. Consumers will be able to get value for money, and a choice between networks.

Photo by zone41 (cc)

Lets hope that Vodafone don’t get up to their usual tricks of branding their carried mobile phones which doesn’t nothing more then restrict and aggravate the user. Any former Vodafone branded Sony Ericsson K800i owners will know what I mean. I also hope that there will be severe competition between O2 & Vodafone for iPhone users. Afterall such undercutting can only benefit the user getting more for their money. No more having their bank accounts raped monthly by O2 for a scarce service, a third world comparison to our UK counterparts.

I’ve always been an avid Windows fan, most operating systems I use are of Windows XP or Vista origin, usually with Ubuntu on a partition for good measure. The general availability of Windows Software & Hardware appealed to me, as well as the scale of affordability and the variety of products and software available from Microsoft or individual developers. However, Windows has screwed me over a lot in recent months with many OS corruptions, and hardware failures. I’ve been looking for a replacement for my current aging Dell XPS desktop for a few months now.

I’ve admired Apple computers for their crisp, modern, minimalist style and I’ve admired their user orientated operating systems. Apple has always been a company to go against the grain, which is evident in todays climate where every other manufacturer is trying to reduce costs of manufacture, Apple is still turning out elegant aluminium encased marvels, with an Apple price tag. Yet despite their hefty price tags Apple have a large section of the market and have an almost Cult following — Apple fanboys have to be the first to buy every new piece of hardware, software, or accessory Apple produces. This puzzled me until I began using a MacBook Pro on a regular basis.

The MacBook Pro I had been using didn’t contain any of todays cutting edge technology, in fact it was around 2 years old, with some battle scars and a lacsidazical battery. Yet despite this, it still retained a lot of its resale value! It wasn’t Apples built quality I’m sure, nor was it a case of rarity. It was becaust it is a product which is still in demand. People are so desperate to get into the Apple brand, that they are willing to pay top dollar for 2 year old hardware! For Apple shareholders this can only be a good thing. They now have their customers firmly grasped, as apparently once you go Mac you never go Back!

I suppose this is down to the company’s charismatic CEO Steve Jobs who became Apple’s saviour a number of years ago, when he dragged the company out of the gutter by introducing user appealing products such as the cutting edge iMac & MacBook range, the revolutionary iPod, and now the new benchmark for the mobile phone/PDA industry — the iPhone.

What can a Mac offer me? This is a question I have been asking myself for a while. Basically most of the software I use on my Windows system is available on Mac OS X – such things as Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office (although I’ve heard iWork is much better), TweetDeck, etc. are already available for Mac OS X, and I already manage my music with iTunes which means I can retain my music collection and iPhone apps.

I’ve already jumped on the Apple bandwagon recently, with the purchase of an iPhone. Although the camera has broken, the fact it rapes battery power and I’ve turned to safe guarding it with various screen protectors and cases, I still couldn’t live without it. Apple really opened up something big with the launch of the iPhone – a cutting edge interface, customizable applications, iPod capabilities, touch screen, etc. No wonder it has a cult following. I know that I will probably buy another iPhone when my current one inevitably breaks!

I’ve been looking to upgrade to the new Mac Mini to make my Windows system redundant. The size, and capabilities of it really appeal to me. The fact I can use my own monitor and keyboard make the deal even sweeter. The price is also very competitive if you compare it to similar spec PC’s, or Mini PC’s like the Dell Studio Hybrid. The iMac isn’t much of a consideration at the moment, as I like having the flexibility of multiple monitors for my work station – luckily the new Mac Mini can accept dual monitors!

My main laptop (Toshiba Satellite Pro P300) is too bulky to carry about, and if I get offered the course I want, it will be too heavy to carry into college every morning. The MacBook Pro is similar in scale, but it’s little brother the MacBook is perfect in scale. It’s a compromise between the MacBook Pro and a netbook. And as I can’t see the screen in a netbook, a MacBook is a good alternative, albeit a more expensive one, when compared to the new Dell Inspiron 13 – which has similar hardware, but it is half the price of the base MacBook! Certainly Food for Thought. But having spoken to a number of owners, it appears a MacBook is an investment, as it can be upgraded considerably and has a better build quality then alternatives, and also has a greater resaleability.

No I can’t see myself becoming a Mac Fanboy anytime in the present. I’m very thrifty with my money, I don’t squander *insert a stab at Cowen & co.*, I merely want to get value for money. I can see value in the Mac Mini, as should I upgrade from it further, it will be able to nestle nicely into becoming a media centre. The MacBook I can’t see much value in unfortunately. For half the price I could get a Dell laptop with similar spec, just not as powerful, however for a laptop I don’t need much power. Once it can handle Word Processing and Surfing the Web, I’m happy. I might consider a second hand MacBook though

Excuse the long winded post — this is how I problem solve!

I’m a gadget hoarder through and through – most of the time I don’t even know what the gadget does or what use I’ll have for it. But recently, I have been lucky enough to acquire the ultimate gadget, the iPhone.

I’ve been putting buying one off for a while, as I couldn’t make out what the hype was, it was a touch screen phone – but so is the Blackberry. It could manage emails and my calender – so can the Blackberry. The iPhone has Wi-Fi – and so does the Blackberry. The only difference was the price, and ‘street cred‘.

I got the opportunity to repair one two weeks ago – simple battery job, but nobody told me that the batteries are soldered to the logic board. But it turned out to be pretty straight forward. But whilst waiting for the owner to showup, I started to play with it and immediatly I fell in love.

I loved the flawless and fluid transition between menu’s, I loved the gestures, I loved the fact that it had everything I needed in a pocket sized device – internet, phone, iPod, email and Twitter . That alone wasn’t the only reason why I had to have an iPhone, but the fact that there is now a cult following – you can give your iPhone a look to resemble your personality!

I’ve been searching high and low for one, I wanted an iPhone without having to pay iPhone prices. Well my quest has been successful, with the wonderful iPhone bearing the fruits of my labour. Since purchasing it, it hasn’t really left the grasp of my left hand – I’ve been adding and removing Apps galore, I’ve set it up to retrieve all of my email and I have been bumming Wi-Fi everywhere I go.

The only gripe is that I’ve become so conscious of this pricey bit of kit. It looks and feels quite fragile, and as I’ve learnt, it can scratch and dent easily. The fact that the screen is glass makes me extra cautious since I’ve seen the bill for a friends iPhone screen replacement! So I’ve ordered some protection accessories to keep my iPhone in good condition – a silicone case (a skeleton one, so it doesn’t detract from the phones definitions), protection film to stop the screen from becoming scratched and scored, and a dock for my desk to prevent it from being knocked over onto the floor whilst I’m working away on the computer – the dock will also remind me to continuously charge the phone, as iPhone’s absolutely rape battery power…I’ve gotten into the habit of carrying a power cable in my laptop bag – incase I get caught short!

All in all, 7/10 – it lost some points for shite battery longevity, and also for the fragility of the unit also.

Well the very first TeenCamp Ireland is almost upon us, so if you’re interested in attending and haven’t already registered then please do so now. For those of you living under a rock:

TeenCamp Ireland is a gathering of the techies/bloggers/fanboys age 13+ of Ireland to give talks, meet others, share ideas and have a laugh.

TeenCamp’s are organised/planned/run by teens for other teens.

The first TeenCamp will be held January 17th at Filmbase in Curved St. Temple Bar, Dublin.

As it’s organised and run by Teenagers, you can imagine that funds will be limited. So if you’re a company interested in sponsoring the event, lending AV equipment or providing refreshments, I’m sure Alan or Enda will be more than happy to accommodate you!

Teen tech and web heads alike will be interested in this bulletin – there’s been ongoing discussion between a few names on the ‘yewt’ side of the Irish blogosphere about organising a Youth orientated Barcamp style get-together, organised by and for Teens.

It’s aimed at Teenage bloggers, tech heads etc. from ages 13 to *whatever*. And so far, the response looks promising. Many teenage bloggers like myself are disheartened from attending events such as Barcamp as we don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb and there’s generally not many people our own ages there with similar interests. So it’s a perfect opportunity to develop and establish some contacts, put some faces to the names and I suppose have some craic also.

Head over to Enda’s blog (& Alan’s blog too) for more details. And don’t forget to pass the message around, after all the more people who hear about it the more likelyhood it will materialize!

And lads, if you’re reading this and need a hand with anything, drop me a line – I’d be happy to help out with the organising, settingup etc.

(Barcamp: Cork, Dublin)

Update: There’s a website online now, clicky. Register here, Twitter here. Gottit?

I spend a lot of my time at my desk, usually working, studying or just dossing about on the computer. So it’s important that I keep it a neutral quiet place free of distractions. So I thought that I’d throw up a photo and some specs of my workstation – considering I’ve finally gotten it into some order!

PC Specs:

• Dell Inspiron 531
• Windows Vista Home Premium (XP Dual Boot)
• 4 GB RAM
• 1.5TB SATA HDD (750GB x2)
• AMD 64 X2 6400+ Live processor
• Wireless Microsoft 5000 Keyboard & Mouse
• Logitech S-220 sound system
• Linksys 802.11G router
• Dell 20″ Flat Panel Monitor

Laptop (1 of 3):

• Dell Latitude D610
• Ubuntu 8.10 – Intrepid Ibex Desktop Edition
• 80GB SATA HDD
• 2GB RAM
• Intel Wireless 802.11G card
• Centrino processor
• Logitech Wireless mouse

Laptop (2 of 3):

• Dell Latitude D600
• Windows XP SP2
• 60GB HDD
• 1.2GB RAM
• Intel Wireless 802.11G card
• Centrino processor

Laptop (3 of 3):

• Toshiba Satellite Pro P300
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• 17″ Display
• 250GB SATA HDD
• 4GB RAM
• Intel Dual-Core processor 2GHz processor
• Logitech Wireless laser mouse

Home Server:

• Dell Optiplex GX280
• Ubuntu 8.10 – Intrepid Ibex Server Edition
• 250GB SATA HDD x2
• 2GB RAM
• Intel Pentium 4 processor

Other Items:

• Various models – pictured are a few buses, vans & lorries, also under the shelf are a few cars. I’ve around 100 scale diecast models which I’ve collected over a few years. I’ve some really rare collectors editions – for instance most of the buses were limited batches of 800 models (~€75 each nobody gets to go near them!).
• Nokia 6300 – only bought last week as a day-to-day mobile phone, not bad, but has a useless Nokia interface (preferred my old Sony Ericsson interface, but their build quality was shite).
• Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd – took the photo with it so it isn’t in the photo, bought recently, it was the subject of my PC World rant! Great camera, well worth the money just for the face detection – it improves photos tenfold.
• Managers Chair – considering I spend a lot of time at my desk it was a worthy investment. Really comfortable once an ass groove is worked into it, also the arm rests are in perfect alignment with the edge of the desk which means typing is very comfortable.
• Casio watch – haven’t a clue what model it is, I just bought it because it fits and doesn’t look to flashy. It also has a cool feature where the backlight comes one when you flick your wrist.
• Logitech pocket camera – got this a few years ago, but it lanquished away in my drawer until I recovered it recently.
• Signed Ireland Jersey – my uncle was close friends with Robbie Keanes father, and back in 1999 gave me the opportunity to meet the man himself who signed a jersey of his from a match on 29th May 1999 against Northern Ireland (Lansdowne Road IRC). I keep it hanging on the wall over my desk as it beats having it moth balled. Reminds me that I’ve to get it framed!

This post has been a draft for quite some time, but for the past number of weeks I’ve been trying to sort my priorities. I’ve been racking my brain about what I really want to pursue as a career path, whether I want to enrole into college of go headlong into the working world – in the not so distant future I’ll be out of the cushie nest and let loose into the real world! By no means am I prepared. I’ve yet to decide on a course which would suit me and that I would suit, and I’m teetering about the college I’m wanting to attend – I’m leaning towards DCU though.

I’ve been considering a course in Enterprise Computing, I don’t know exactly why, but that stuck out in the prospectus and I think that I’d be interested in such a course as it covers what I’m interested in – Computers, & Business. Plus it’s a stone’s throw away, and DCU and my school are linked by the Access programme – meaning they work in conjunction with one another to encourage students to go onwards to 3rd Level Education. We used to frequent the campus causing terror during many visits to DCU – they even had to put up with us during the ComputeTY course (which I came runner-up in!)

My main focus presently is catching up for any slacking done last year, I must admit I didn’t slack that much (not as much as others) is mainly recapping on some missed notes and refreshing my myself with anything I forgot over the summer. So far I’m only behind in French – possibly my worst subject until recently when I migrated to Ordinary Level, which is a refreshing relief!

I know I’ve been rambling on for ages about how I wanted to get into Engineering, but to be honest, I think I’d be better suited to an I.T. job for better career prospects and job satisfaction. Although tinkering around with engines and the likes is a hobby, I don’t think it’s a very promising career to be honest – for the initial investment of time, energy and money you get little from it. Where as doing an I.T. course won’t be as strenuous.

On another note, I’ve revived my dead laptop at last. After putting 3 laptops worth of parts into it, it’s become more of a Dr. Frankenstein creation – DELL Latitude D600 case and innerds, with 1GB RAM from simular DELL laptop, Processor from same laptop, and HDD & OS License from my former Inspiron. I’m running XP SP2 without a problem, was going to attempt Vista…but didn’t want to buy a license when I had a spare XP lying around. Still it’s only used for Browsing, Wordprocessing and Emails – will be rarely used by me. I just got it up and running for my sister who needs more internet access for projects and assignments in school…so I don’t have to forfeit my PC anymore

Well it appears that every blogger and his dog will be writing and reviewing the latest addition to the Google monopoly – Google Chrome which is the latest browser boasts to offer a no frills, back to basics experience feature the most commonly used Apps. So here is my opinion on the whole thing:

1. Interface – the style and layout of the whole thing really appeals to me. It shows that a lot of thought and consideration has been pushed towards a more refined user. Everything is out of your line of sight, which is good as it reduces distractions and allows you to focus soly on the content in which you are viewing. The only down sight to this, is having to place the tabs in the impromptu place of the top of the browser – they’re the only part which I think were an afterthought.
2. Usability – I found it to be like Firefox mainly. Easy to navigate, and configure – it also does imports all your bookmarks, your history, and passwords from Firefox. The only thing that in my opinion will make it the underdog to Firefox will be the plugins – my Firefox is laden with essential plugins, such as Twitterfox, some cool one that if I type in ‘flickr’ it automatically directs me to ‘www.flickr.com’ same as ‘google’, ‘ebay’, etc. I don’t think many developers will take to this, which means I don’t think I’ll take to it if I can’t have my array of plugins!
3. Features – like every browser out there it is feature packed. Google Chrome has some great features though, such as a splash page with Tabs featuring your most visited websites (very cool!), and widgets for recently added bookmarks and recently closed tabs. Also another great feature is incognito mode, which enables you to open a link without it going onto your browsing history (for those ‘inappropriate’ sites!).
4. Reliability – I have a few tests to test whether a browser can withstand the heat of my abuse. So I direct it to websites which set Firefox off in spasms and to be fair it held up well. No tantrums, no haste, it just got on with it – which is reassuring!

Whilst downloading the latest instalment from the Mozilla family in the form of Firefox 3.0 (yes I’m only downloading it now!) I came across Firefox As Gaeilge which I thought was pretty cool – I don’t know why, but Irish is never on a list of preferred languages for software installations.

I honestly can’t think of anyone who could use this version of Firefox though – a lot of friends and family can speak some Irish…but none would want to surf the net As Gaeilge… :drunk: