Beyond Earth

Introducing Ubuntu For Free

Published on 9 May 2007 at 11:45 pm. No Comments.
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I switched operating systems. After using Windows for the past 10 years, I’ve added a VMWare Server to my home network. The host operating system I chose was Ubuntu. I selected it because of it’s excellent community support and because I didn’t have to purchase the operating system and all the software is free. I’m learning a lot using it, and I’m sharing my experince on my new Ubuntu For Free blog. I’ll also be providing tips and tricks, tutorials, and other stuff on the new site regularly, so stop on by or add the feed to your RSS newsreader.

Zend ZCE and Sun Java SCJP Programming Certification

Published on 6 Dec 2006 at 1:34 pm. No Comments.
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After getting my associate’s degree earlier this year, I’m still continuing my education. I’m ready to take my second insurance exam, and am preparing for some programming certification before going back for my bachelor’s. I’m torn regarding which to take first. I’m mostly prepared for the Zend Certified Engineer and the Sun Certified Java Programmer certficiates. SCJP has a low passing grade of 59% and so it seems the easiest for me to initially grab. Unfortunately threading is a programming feature new to me. It’s something I will probably have to study to pass. The ZCE is cheaper initially, and I enjoy PHP’s server side scripting nature. Fortunately I have the next couple of days to decide while I’m studying for my insurance exam to decide.

The comparison of sex and programming

Published on 4 Oct 2006 at 6:53 pm. No Comments.
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Finally, a good writeup on why sex is like programming.

8 Tips For Dragon Naturally Speaking 8

Published on 29 Jun 2006 at 6:56 pm. No Comments.
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I’ve started trying out some software that I think will help with my blogging. It’s rather complex, but it helps simplify thing with some practice. It’s easy to pick up, if not I think they’d call it “Dragon UnNaturally Speaking.” I think it holds true to it’s title. Dragon Naturally Speaking is very natural, it’s commands that you’ve used your hands to deliver for so long, but only through the power of your voice. I think if you give it a try, it’s very useful and powerful. I’ve put together this list of 8 Tips to help you along the way.

The tutorial’s good and of course I recommend training, but there’s some basic stuff that you need to check into.
Definitely check out crating commands called “MyCommands” that are like macros.
Single steps are very useful one at a time, but image the ability of stringing those together in a sequence to perform a series of tasks.
Make use of the ability to move the insertion point.
Practice and pay attention when correcting. You’ll be doing a lot of it, and it simultaneously trains to prevent the error from occuring in the future. This is a time saver when done right.
Take time to train commands. While you’re doing that, use the finding commands feature to look for commonly used commands.
I suggest checking the help contents for positioning the microphone.
In Windows explorer, you can select files, move, cut, paste, delete, copy, etc using commands from Dragon Naturally Speaking. I suggest being careful with delete until you feel you’re a pro. Using the software in Windows explorer may be reserved for experienced users, but put forth effort when attempting and you will be more satisfied with the results.

I found a link with some different tips in Getting the Most Out Of Speech Recognition.

Firefox Extension Review : DownThemAll!

Published on 9 May 2006 at 7:14 pm. No Comments.
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I came across a podcast I thought I might be interested in and wanted to put it on my Rio Carbon. I couldn’t bare the thought of installing, learning, or using another program, so I thought I’d look for a Firefox extension that suited the need. Luckily, I came across DownThemAll. It’s a great little program that let’s you download all the links from a page. I installed it without a hitch and ignored the instructions like any real man would.
After restarting Firefox, I made a guess since I didn’t see any changes to the interface. I tried my trusty right click and saw two new options. I went for the top, and was welcomed to a nice quick FULL dialog. It was obvious that the author has some kind of design experience, because I found everything I needed in a logical order. The top contained the first step and continued to the bottom of the page. It did this without any bulky or eye gouging huge notice that “THIS IS IN FACT STEP ONE!” as has become more popular in software design. Big thanks for that detail!

Here’s a screen shot of the selection interface:

Here’s a screen shot of the queue progress:

Overall, it satisfied my every need. It actually took me less time to install and do what I needed to, instead of right clicking on and then choosing save as. I’d say this one’s a keeper.

The cats are home!

Published on 14 Apr 2006 at 8:28 pm. No Comments.
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Wow, we didn’t think we’d see them until tomorrow. We got lucky with today being Good Friday. There’s wasn’t much traffic to hold us up, and we were able to pick them up today. They’ve got big bald spots where they’ve been shaved. The of course cried the whole way home.

The vet was kind enough to swap carriers with me for a bit, so we were able to get them both enclosed on the way home…even if they were in the same carrier. I think they’re going to be ok. Diva even let me hold her without much objection for about 3 minutes, though I haven’t seen her eat. In fact, I haven’t seen her in several hours. Reagan’s eaten a couple of times, but I’m kind of concerned because now his left eye is kind of puffy and he winks a lot.

Sam’s eye seems to be healing; We’re going to see how she does with out medicine and I’ve already scheduled a veterinarian opthamologist appointment on the day I graduate.

Tomorrow I have to swap carriers again, as well as return my Imak ergobeads ergonomic wrist rest to Staples. While I’m out I’m going to take advantage of the deal Fry’s has got going on their $4 usb 2.0 hub. Right now I’m having to manually swap one connection port between 3 USB devices and tomorrow I’ll be adding one with the RCA Lyra RD900W. On top of that, I have some work to do in my C++ Programming class. Well, that’s a busy day, so I should get some rest.

They’re alive.

Published on 10 Apr 2006 at 10:50 pm. No Comments.
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I heard from the vet today. They’ve made it through surgery and are doing fine. I bet they’re REALLY pissed off and hungry.

Having My Cats Declawed

Published on 8 Apr 2006 at 9:19 pm. No Comments.
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It’s time to get some furniture, and we want to take care of it, so we’re having our cats declawed. That’s right. Reagan and Diva will have their front claws removed. Since they’re so old (he’s 8.5 and she’s 8 ) they’re having blood work done and will be having an extended stay. The vet’s going to keep them about 5 to 7 days to make sure they heal well. I miss them and can’t wait to see them.

Steen Thottrup Feat.Anne K > I Hope Yesterday Never Comes

Published on 5 Apr 2006 at 6:32 pm. No Comments.
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I found a great track by someone I’ve never heard of. This one definitely deserves some mention. It’s got a great mellow liquid bass and some peppy beats, with some very incredible string work over an awesome vocal track.Steen Thottrup Feat.Anne K > I Hope Yesterday Never Comes