This morning, while getting ready for work, I received a notification on my phone that there was a system update! I almost blew my wad! Yes; that’s a bit graphic, but for some odd reason I’m a BIG fan of system updates. Having the latest and greatest that’s been tested and tweaked to work on my device does something to me (internally). Maybe that’s another reason why I’m such a fan of Linux.

I was presented with three buttons (install, not install, and more info…). One would think that I’d read the “more info…” just to see what’s actually being installed. I blew right by that idea and clicked “install”. After clicking the button I did think, “Darn it, I really should have read what the update was… oh well.”

Initial Reaction

This is not a screenshot of my own phone. I just want to show you the new buttons and dots!

You can probably guess what my initial reaction was to the update. “Woot, oh yah, Froyo 2.2 here we go!” Once my Motorola Droid rebooted, I noticed that on the bottom of the screen were new shortcut buttons. Three to be exact with two small dots on both sides. The three buttons were: Phone, Menu, and Browser. That took care of some of the icons on my home screen. I learned that the dots on either side of those shortcut buttons represented desktops. Yup, I went from, stock, three desktops to five! Booyah!

Now; I’ve played with other desktop apps before, such as Home++ beta. There was one more, but I forget the name. I actually like it better than Home++. The problem I experienced with these desktop replacement apps was performance. At first it was great, but later on it took longer to get back to the home screen. As I flipped through Google Listen, Seesmic, LastFM and other data-intensive apps I soon realized that these cool home apps aren’t worth the lag. So; I went back to using the vanilla home screen. One of the benefits from my early experimentation with home screen apps was the ability to increase my desktop count. Because of the CPU/Memory limitation I could only go up to 4 desktops without significantly slowing down the OS.

I wish I had more desktops, but not at the sacrifice of performance. Well with Android 2.2, I’m up to five desktops and I’ve loaded it with widgets just to test the long-term effects. So far so good!

Application Management

Again; this is not a screenshot of my own phone. I just want to show you the four new tabs.

Since I’m a big tinkerer-of-things, I try out lots of apps at any given time. So; I was happy to see that the application management is a little easier. The biggest plus to me is I can update multiple apps at the same time through Android Market. No more clicking 15 x 3 times in order to update apps. Also; “Settings > Applications > Manage Applications” window has four tabs.

I noticed that “Task Manager” and “Twitter” apps came with the update. I had “Advanced Task Killer“, but I removed it just to give this “recommended” app a try. If I didn’t install the TweetDeck beta app yesterday I’d probably use the Twitter app. I did notice that I couldn’t remove the Twitter app. Looks like Verizon baked it right in! :-/

Wrap It Up Already

In the end; I’m very excited about this update and my phone seems to run smoother than before. I know there’s a lot more things this version of Android is supposed to do, but I haven’t explored them yet. This is just a first-hand experience with a Verizon customer finally getting a “system update” on his Android phone.

If you are looking for a more robust review, I think Smarterware has a good article.

So; I’m on Windows 7 doing a search for themes and I came across two Star Wars sets that have some real nice backgrounds and icons. I found them on the SWTOR forum. I thought I’d share. Thanks Paulius for creating them.

• http://www.mediafire.com/file/gymhnwnknmd/tor001.themepack
• http://www.mediafire.com/?mmg2ittdzmg

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.

To my surprise, after doing a Google search for “htpc” – the results were a bit disappointing. I immediately signed up for an account on HTPC Forum (without checking it out first). I realized after confirming my email address that this forum isn’t as active as I thought it was. Well that was a waste of time. With that lesson learned I’m looking for other resources.

Resources

• Tom’s Hardware, seems to have some good articles.

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.

I found it very odd that I couldn’t find any guidance on Foursquare’s web site. I guess they wanted the guidelines to evolve on its own through the users. I did a Google search for “foursquare etiquette” and I’ve listed some sites below that do a good job spelling out the Do’s and Don’ts of checking in.

My Do’s and Don’ts

• When you check in, don’t post EVERYTHING to Twitter and Facebook. It’s bad enough people get junk posts in their feed all the time. Don’t become an enabler. Post it within the Foursquare environment – it was meant to take that kind of abuse.
• Configure your settings to only post to Twitter and Facebook once you’ve achieved badges or mayorship. This way, people will be exposed to the application, but not burdened by your constant check ins.
• Don’t check in at home or work. You will become mayor and it’s definitely an unfair advantage. No one will be able to catch up to you.

Ha-ha. I thought I’d have more, but that’s my list. Check out the references below for more detailed lists.

References

1. http://www.oldmedianewtricks.com/foursquare-etiquette-guide/ – this site’s post dominates the search results.

Costello Calls to Buy a Computer from Abbott

• ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
• COSTELLO: Thanks. I’m! setting up an office in my den and I’m thinking about buying a computer.
• ABBOTT: Mac?
• COSTELLO: No, the name’s Lou .
• ABBOTT: Your computer?
• COSTELLO : I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one.
• ABBOTT : Mac?
• COSTELLO: I told you, my name’s Lou .
• ABBOTT : What about Windows?
• COSTELLO : Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
• ABBOTT : Do you want a computer with Windows?
• COSTELLO : I don’t know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
• ABBOTT : Wallpaper.
• COSTELLO : Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
• ABBOTT : Software for Windows?
• COSTELLO : No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
• ABBOTT : Office.
• COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
• ABBOTT : I just did.
• COSTELLO : You just did what?
• ABBOTT : Recommend something.
• COSTELLO : You recommended something ?
• ABBOTT : Yes.
• COSTELLO : For my office?
• ABBOTT : Yes.
• COSTELLO : OK, what did you recommend for my office?
• ABBOTT : Office.
• COSTELLO : Yes, for my office!
• ABBOTT : I recommend Office with Windows.
• COSTELLO : I already have an office with windows! OK, let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal.  What do I need?
• ABBOTT : Word.
• COSTELLO : What word?
• ABBOTT : Word in Office.
• COSTELLO : The only word in office is office.
• ABBOTT : The Word in Office for Windows.
• COSTELLO : Which word in office for windows?
• ABBOTT : The Word you get when you click the blue ‘W’.
• COSTELLO : I’m going to click your blue ‘w’ if you don’t start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
• ABBOTT: Money.
• COSTELLO : That’s right. What do you have?
• ABBOTT : Money.
• COSTELLO : I need money to track my money?
• ABBOTT : It comes bundled with your computer.
• COSTELLO : What’s bundled with my computer?
• ABBOTT : Money.
• COSTELLO : Money comes with my computer?
• ABBOTT : Yes. No extra charge.
• COSTELLO : I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
• ABBOTT : One copy.
• COSTELLO : Isn’t it illegal to copy money?
• ABBOTT : Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
• COSTELLO : They can give you a license to copy money?
• ABBOTT : Why not? THEY OWN IT!

A few days later

• ABBOTT : Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
• COSTELLO : How do I turn my computer off?
• ABBOTT : Click on ‘START’…

Now that I’ve been exposed to the harsh reality that I’m getting older, let me know if this was your first time being exposed to the famous Abbott and Costello comedy duo from the black & white days of television.

This Skit’s Ownership

Edited 05 October 2009. I recently got a comment from Tom King saying that he is the originator of this Abbott and Costello computer skit. He stated that it’s copy written and has no issues letting us use it as long as we link back to his site. I have to issues linking back to the source. I would like to make it known that I don’t know who Tom King is and in our SEO-driven world, this could be a ploy to get more traffic to his site. Oh well. Visit the link of the original skit here > http://twayneking.blogspot.com/2009/05/costello-calls-to-buy-computer-from.html

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.

Bash Command, “PS”

Open your terminal of choice and you will have the bash command “ps” available to you. “PS” stands for “process”; simple enough. You can find more about the bash command by typing in “man ps”. It will bring up the “man page” (Linux User’s Manual).

1. Type “ps -e” or “ps -A”, to list all processes running, and press <ENTER>.
2. Scroll down to find the program you want to kill and remember the process id number (pid).
3. Then type “kill {pid}” and press <ENTER>. Replace {pid} with the actual process id number.

Example:

In this example, we’ll say that tomboy was causing your system to freeze up and you needed to get rid of that process. After you execute the command “ps -e” to see all processes, find “tomboy” and remember the pid in the first column. Then run the kill command.

ps -e
kill 3009

Understanding the “Process”

According to the Linux User Manual, “ps” reports a snapshot of the current processes. What are processes, yeah this might be a good time to explain that. Check out Wikipedia… isn’t that where everyone gets their solid facts from!? Well anyway, a process is a running program; a task to be executed, especially one which is largely self-contained. Seriously; I’m not going to write a lot about it. Wikipedia has a lot more information.

“X” Marks the Spot

This command is very convenient and may be quicker than finding the process then killing it.  If the program that’s causing errors is right there in the open… then open your Terminal and type in “xkill”.  This will change your mouse pointer to a skull and crossbones.  Make sure you can easily see the program.  Once you click on it, Linux will kill the program clicked.  Pretty neat, eh!?

What is Flock?  I don’t know… ha-ha.  Seriously; I’m not too clear, but I found it on my RSS feed today from LinuxInsider.  So far it looks great.  It’s a web browser targeted to users of social networks, heh – that’s me!  You can have a side tab with your friends from different networks and you can even click n drag pictures to them to quickly share. Sounds like fun.  It’s based on Firefox (win win) so I’ll try it when I get home.

You can find more information from Flock’s web site.