Category Archives: Software

Category containing all information relating to software.

Ubuntu – why didn’t I use it in the first place?

Leave a Reply

OK I have a bit of an apology to make to a few people, as I told them that I don’t use Ubuntu because it is a pain to get going and isn’t simple to use. Clearly, I realize now that I was talking utter rubbish!

It was only Friday night that I thought I’d try it with my new PC. I could never get it to work on the laptop, so I thought I might stand a fighting chance with the PC. I installed 9.10 from an image I had (which I’d burnt to CD) and what do you know – it worked absolutely perfectly.

You’d be amazed at how quickly I came to like it as well. The Software Centre is fantastic for getting any applications you might need. There’s plenty of applications that cater for music and video playback, MSN, Skype – the lot.

For those of us who are glued to Windows, WINE makes it easy to use Windows applications not yet available to Linux. Programs such as Spotify work really well through WINE which is great.

Drivers aren’t terribly easy to get hold of – which I find the only real issue. Ubuntu will pick up many basic hardware products and install them, but the less common hardware is sometimes quite hard to install.

Nevertheless, I love it. The graphics are awesome (I’ve never seen such a practical, simple GUI) and it works seamlessly.

I’ts not quite enough to wean me off Windows 7, but it will definitely remain as a dualboot on my system!

TVCatchup launches new Media Center plugin – full live TV and guide

3 Replies

I noticed today that one of the developers for TVCatchup has recently launched a newly updated plugin for Windows Media Center. If you haven’t heard of TVCatchup before, read here.

The developer has been working on a plugin for the popular Windows application for quite some time, but finally a very user friendly version has been launched. You can get the plugin here. You’ll need XP Media Center Edition 2005, Vista or 7 with Media Center installed to use it.

The new interface is much better. A long menu with all the features you’d need.

TVCatchup in Media Center

Sadly, the plugin can’t record as yet – but this will hopefully come in an upcoming release.

If you don’t want to install (or can’t access) a TV tuner or aerial, this is for you. Please respect TV Licensing rules – make sure you have one.

Internet Explorer 9 not for Windows XP

1 Reply

Inevitably, Microsoft has drawn the line from Windows XP and clearly they are attempting to slowly pull people away from XP and onto more recent versions of Windows.

I don’t suppose it concerns many people anyway – who wants Internet Explorer? Firefox is several times better and Chrome is another story altogether.

Nevertheless, it could prompt Mozilla and Google to start deciding when the pull the plug on support for XP for their programs.

If you’re still one of the 65% of us using Windows XP, you really need to consider moving on. Windows 7 is much more practical (despite the pathetic TV commercials by Microsoft). XP has really past it a bit.

Get the latest firmware on your 3 Mi-Fi with loads of new features (including web admin)

4 Replies

If you’ve been using 3 Mi-Fi for a little (which I have), you may have come to really like it. It’s generally very fast, and is so convenient for train journeys and travelling. However, there are a few drawbacks such as no web admin and a stupid wi-fi sleep time.

I’ve found a firmware update for the device which is by a Hong Kong mobile operator. It works on the device perfectly and is in English. It adds a few new features such as:

  • Web admin – you can access all the device settings wherever you are by going to http://192.168.1.1 on the device. Very handy! It also has a battery meter and signal strength meter on this.
  • Adjustable wi-fi sleep – you no longer have to wake up the wi-fi after 10 minutes idle. With this new firmware, you can lengthen the sleep time or turn it off altogether.
  • The (M) light on the device stays on permanently, letting you know whether your data connection is active or not.

It’s a very handy update that is well worth installing. However, please read the following: You do this firmware update at your own risk. GEEK! will not be responsible for any damage to your device or it’s functionality. This is ONLY for the Huawei E5830.

Here’s how you do it:

  1. Download this firmware update. It’s 30MB and comes direct from the Japanese operator. Don’t worry, all the files are in English. I seem to find this server is pretty slow, so get a coffee while it’s downloading.
  2. When it’s done, power down and disconnect your 3 Mi-Fi device from USB. Hold down the internet access button on the device followed by the power button, together, for at least 5 seconds. You will see the signal light and battery indicator come on and they should stay on. Once you’ve got the lights, remove the battery.
  3. Replace the battery, reconnect the device to your system and then run the file you downloaded.
  4. The setup file will detect your device. It asks you to remove the SIM from the device, but I didn’t and don’t think you need to. Once you’re happy and the system is ready, start the updating.
  5. It will take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to install. During the install process, do not remove your device from the USB connection or turn it off – you will brick the device if you do.
  6. Once it’s finished copying, the device will reboot and the setup file will confirm the successful installation. None of your settings should have been lost and you should be able to connect right away.

Now you’re done. The “3 Wifi Manager” will still work with your device but for most settings I would now use the web admin (http://192.168.1.1 – the default user and password is admin – the device will ask you to change this when logged in).

Enjoy the new firmware.

iTunes store collapses

1 Reply

Just a quick heads up to everyone who is concerned – the iTunes Store has collapsed and will not load globally as far as I’m aware.

According to forum results, the store has been offline for some time but Apple (as yet) has not issued any statement regarding the issue.

I suspect Mr Jobs is more concerned about the fortune he’s loosing in digital sales!

Update 5.29pm GMT: I can now access the iTunes Store again from here in the UK.