Raspberry Pi

This seemed as good a place as any to talk about my Raspberry Pi experiences. The Raspberry Pi, is a very low cost ($US30) computer the size of a credit card that has been promoted as a educational tool for the new generation of kids growing up in a 'computer world'. The 'raspi' runs Linux and as such is not necessarily a 'plug and play' option (as I am finding out!). Upon receiving the raspi from Element14, I proceeded to download the latest Debian 'squeeze' OS image, and installed it to a 16Gb Class 2 SD card using win32diskimager. After inserting the SD card, connecting cables I started up the raspi without a problem - a standard looking Linux boot up. Logging in as user:pi I tested the X server GUI using startx, which also started without a problem. Great.. what to do now? I have used Linux on and off for probably 20 years, but I am by no means an expert with the OS. I have a general idea how things work, and run http, ftp ssh, telnet etc without issues on another Debian PC. With that in mind I decided to start with what I know and run the usual web server programs. A little digging brought up lighttpd as a suitable lightweight httpd server to dish out web pages. "sudo apt-get lighttpd install" downloads and installs the server without an issue, and after a few moments I could navigate to http://192.168.1.16/ and show the default directory which is /var/www . Next up install an ftpd to enable ftp access to upload pages from my local network. Proftpd I think is a valid choice for an ftp server, and so "sudo apt-get proftpd install" show do the job. And here I run into a little trouble.

The Build PC-02

I'm almost done with buying gear for the new PC build. The current specs so far:

Case: Lian Li PC75USB
PSU: Corsair AX1200W
CPU: Intel i7 2600K
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120Gb
HD1: WD Velociraptor 450Gb
HD2: WD Caviar Black 2Tb
Fans: Noctua 140 and 120mm
Watercooled by DangerDen

Mother, RAM and GPU is still under consideration.

PC Build - p01

Started on a new PC build today. Its been many years since my last full build So this will be a large investment to be implemented over 2 to three months.
My view is that it will be a very capable all round unit with fast graphics and geared more toward the upper end of the market but nonetheless not going too over the top. I will not, for example, be running a Xeon CPU, and perhaps not twin graphics cards either. Regardless, lets see what the next few weeks brings shall we?? :)
Today, a CPU (from alphacity.co.nz) - 1 x Intel Core i7 2600K Unlocked Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz 8MB Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Hyperthreading Processor.
Thats $385.97 + GST and shipping.

mobility

How times move on. This blog entry comes to you from my mobile phone, a nokia e75, and a funky little unit it is. Internet whereever I go, yum to that.
So, lets see, .. I have a new provider for my website, and you can follow me on twitter too @rippingsilk. I'll be back, but don't hold your breath !!

bimota

After more months of trouble with the Triumph, and the godawful service from AMPS motorcycles in Auckland, I've decided to move on and get rid of the T595. In the meantime, I've just purchased an immaculate bimota YB8e. This is a 1994 model running a Yamaha FZR1000 engine. Its just been serviced and will be shipped in the next 5 days. I'll post more when it arrives.

Getting the bike going

So yesterday I picked a round and black set of Pirelli's for my '97 Triumph t595. They are the new Diablo SuperCorsa's, a 190/55/17 SC3(hard) for the rear and a 120/70/17 SC2 (medium) for the front. I've usually run the Dragon SuperCorsa's until now, but these should be fairly similar. The only thing of difference I can find in the press blurb is the fact that the front tyre has a 'sharper' profile for quicker steering. (different tread pattern too)
I had a pair of Dunlop D207GP's a few years ago with a very pointy front tyre that made the handling very nervous, and too keen to shake its head at higher speed. The bike used to fall into corners too quickly compared to the Pirelli's I later used. I'm hoping the new Diablo's don't display the same characteristics as the old Dunlops.
Ah yes.. I also picked up a battery (Yuasa YB14LA2), renewed the rego and got a warrant attached. $850ish spent.

Another 4 years to wait...

The All Blacks crash out of the World Cup this morning New Zealand time, as the French take the opportunities to win 20-18.
The All Blacks presented what was probably their best team in the 20 years since we last won the cup, and yet again failed to go the distance.
A dark and heavy cloud will hang over the collective New Zealand head for some time to come.
Lets hope Murphy and Richards can restore some faith in the flag as they take on Bathurst this afternoon.