FergyTech

Well; we’re finally getting a Home Theater PC (HTPC). I’ve been dreaming of this moment for about a year or so, but never really pursed it. I’m the kind of person that doesn’t intoxicate myself with things I cannot have. So; I just left it alone. The wife and I’ve been talking about it, though, ever since I introduced her to the Boxee Box, showcased at CES 2010.  The wife LOVES Boxee and she’s been playing with it on her desktop machine.

I’m starting to do my research and getting ready to emerge myself into the HTPC-underworld. Of course, I know nothing about this. I have some PC-building skills, but that’s only a hobby. I’m a big Linux geek and I plan to run Mythbuntu and Boxee on the intended machine. I’ll blog from time to time to share my resources, but I’m also looking for any advice.

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Here’s my take on etiquette using location-based social platforms. Since I’ve only used Foursquare on my Blackberry 8820, well.. that’s what I’ll talk about. I finally dived into Foursquare when I caught wind that it came out with a BB app. It was exciting and also a bit confusing. I don’t go out much (family guy with little kids at home), so there aren’t many opportunities for me to “check in”. So; in order to participate I started checking in to places on my normal commute to and from work. It felt weird since I realized that I can easily become mayor of these places. It seemed like an unfair advantage.

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Before I share the “computer” version of this joke; above is the classic Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First” routine on YouTube. One of my LUG guys shared this on our mailing list and I thought it was hilarious.  I then shared it with some co-workers and I sarcastically asked one of them if they new this famous skit from Abbott and Costello.  She honestly told me “no” and didn’t know who Abbott and Costello was.  For a moment; I was in shock.  Unfortunately; this is a confirmation that I am getting old.  Is 30 the new 50?

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Hey folks, I’m writing these reviews just to help get more links out there for these podcasts.  You’re probably aware of the popularity of podcasts and if you follow my blog you know I’m a linux guy.  Quite the newb still, but a linux guy never-the-less.

Well this podcast, The Linux Action Show is one of the many shows produced by Jupiter Broadcasting, and by its title, you can tell it’s all about linux.  The chemistry of the two hosts, Chris and Bryan, are insane.  Two high-strung fellas ranting on and on about the wonders of linux and its community.  They are very comical and almost witty at times too.  They do a great job of bring you up to speed on some of the important linux topics.  Bryan is a nostalgic dude and you can tell he likes radio shows from the 50’s and beyond.  Chris is very knowledgeable about whatever he gets his hands on – both are full of opinions and great to listen to.

Along with The Linux Action Show, Jupiter Broadcasting produces other fine shows, such as: Beer is Tasty, Castablasta, Radio Revolver, and Mack Murphy, PI.  The Linux Action Show and Beer is Tasty are video recorded and streamed on their site and uStream.tv.

• Title: The Linux Action Show
• Host(s): Chris and Bryan
• Topics: Linux, Technology
• Web Site: www.jupiterbroadcasting.com
• Live Recordings: www.ustream.tv/channel/jupiterbroadcasting

Through Twitter, I was introduced to an amazing project called “gPodder“.  It’s a podcast receiver/catcher written in Python utilizing PyGTK (for its GUI).  It supports Linux and FreeBSD.  The amazing thing about it is, I was looking for a podcast catcher just a few days earlier and I was totally lost.  My keywords were just all over the place and I ended up with results that were totally left field.  I think the keyword would be “catcher” or “receiver”.  I’ve used Amarok and Banshee, but I could never figure out how to sync with my Blackberry.

Well a friend of mine tweeted someone on Twitter about Banshee so I started following the other person.  And luckily for me about a day later that guy tweeted about gPodder.  I jumped on it and I’ve been happy ever since.  Thank you Web 2.0 – you really work!

I’ve ran into this issue, from time to time, where I can’t access my graphical system monitoring tool (System Monitor) to kill processes. Luckily at that time I do have access to Terminal. The next question is, “Well; how do I view the processes running and how do I kill them?” Good question (I sound like a schizophrenic), let me tell you how to view your active processes, all processes, and how to MDK (murder death kill; Demolition Man reference) them.

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