Mandriva Linux 2006

Greeting, friends. Today's post is an observation of the latest Linux operating system , Mandriva 2006. My first comment is a commendation of its ability to do more on my computer than Mandriva 10.0. For example, It is able to connect me with most, if not all, of the websites which 10.0 could not. Given that my mouse no linger functions properly since installing 2006, I was able to learn how to emulate the mouse using the keyboard (Alt+F12). Use the arrow keys to move the cursor, and hit Enter to "click." Try it.

In any event, I am willing to try Linux for now, until I buy a NEW computer (spelled A-P-P-L-E)!!! I am leaning toward the Mac Mini, but I'm still finalizing my decision.

Well, another unread blogpost has come to an end. Buh-bye!

A Word-Processed Post

This is my first blogpost in which I use a word processor instead of the on-site editor at Blogger.com. The problem with using OpenOffice.org's Writer word processing program is that it takes forever to load! It is much slower at responding to commands (i.e., mouse clicks, keystrokes) than Microsoft Word . I think that is because Linux is generally slower than Windows. Sorry to burst someone's anti-Microsoft bubble. I do, however, see repeated by pro-Linux writers that Linux is less vulnerable to viruses, email attacks and spyware. I will grant them that.

Well, that was my first paragraph using Writer as a post editor. I must say I did notice the disadvantages mentioned above (slowness). I am even more reluctant to recommend Linux to the faint-of-heart, unless you have the patience of Job and nerves of steel. The good thing about composing offline is that you don't have the time limits imposed by ISPs or whatever.

I am happy to report that this is the third (and possibly final) paragraph in today's Writer Post. I fully realize that NOBODY READS MY BLOG  except me. Perhaps I will stumble upon the right formula for a successful blog.

Or not.

10/29/05 06:34:58 pm

WELCOME TO THE MOST UNREAD BLOG ON THE WEB!!!

Blaaaugh!!!
(That was an interjectory pun on the word blog;)

And now for some relevant content:

I believe I have achieved the unintended goal of making this the single most unread blog on the Internet today. And how did I gauge my progress? Well, by the lack of comments on each post, I was able to surmise that NOBODY reads my blog.

Ah, but YOU are reading it, my unknown and unsearchable friend.

I admit there are far better places to find life-changing content (such as the Bible). On that, I defer to my Infinite Creator.

But if you want a BLOG, this is it. I recommend Hugh Hewitt's site, http://www.hughhewitt.com/
for a truly professional, journalist blog. He is the guru of conservative ("intelligent") political talk and a Moses for us armchair pundits. One tip from him is to compose your posts in a word processor before posting it to the web. I keep forgetting!

Well, another short, futile, unread...blah, blah, blah. God bless.

"Illegal Amigos" Go Home!!!

There. That grabbed your attention, didn't it? I bet you thought I was a racist bigot. Well, I just happen to believe Chief Justice nominee John Roberts' comment about our "illegal amigos" in his memo to a subordinate way back when is just a harmless term which the Democrats want to use to derail his confirmation.

If only the Democrats could (or would) stop trying to ruin our country with their liberal insanity, we might actually get back to the business of being a right-thinking people. Thank God for all of the right-wing, conservative talk show hosts and their legions of listeners, most of whom I suspect are God-fearing people. Were it not for their common sense and wisdom to discern the nonsense from the good sense, we would all be living in ther New Dark Age. I'm not saying they're perfect, but they are a lot closer to it than the Looney Left is.

That's all for now:)

ONCE AGAIN, LINUX CAN'T GET ME THERE

Hey! What's all this hype about Linux being a "better" alternative to Windows? I'm here to tell you: it is AN alternative. But I am not ready to tout it wholeheartedly as anything superior.

You see, for the past few months, I have been trying Mandriva Linux 10.0 on my computer. In all my dozens of attempts to visit various major websites, I have succeeded...once! I was able to visit FoxNews.com, MSN.com, Apple.com...even my blog!!! But alas, that lone Wednesday evening has proven to be a single ripple in the cosmos, a one-shot deal. Before I try the latest version of a Linux distribution, I will reluctantly recommend it to the adventurous "hacker" (the benevolent variety).

Recommend Linux? "That does not compute." (robot on "Lost in Space")

A MINOR MILESTONE

Well, I was finally able to visit this blog using Linux instead of Windows. (Heretofore, I was only able to visit the blogpost create/edit page.) This was a momentous occasion because I have been trying for months to visit this and other websites, but with no success. I had posted a couple of entries here at another computer (with Windows XP on it). I was also able to visit several sites that I have been trying for weeks (or months) to visit, but Linux would just not connect to them no matter what I tried. It may have been the time of day that allowed them to connect to one another.

This may all seem trivial to some, but I find that an Internet connection is like a lifeline to the world. But I digress.

Back to the good news, I was inspired by Hugh Hewitt's blog to visit my blog--and here I am. Still, some sites work, and some sites don't. I'll keep trying.

Hey, wait a minute!

Under Linux, I CANNOT connect to the host peter2blog.blogspot.com (which happens to be the web address for my blog)!!! I can, however, connect to Blogger.com and publish posts, but I cannot view my blog unless I go to a Windows computer! Hmmm...This requires further investigaton. Unfortunately, I must reiterate my reluctance to recommend Linux unless I can actually visit websites. Alas, I must wait to use a Windows OS...for now.

IS IT LINUX, OR IS IT...?

Hallelujah!!! I just accessed my blog (actually the "Create Post" page) for the first time using Linux instead of Windows! I had to visit Blogger.com (the portal to my blog) because the blog's address (peter2blog.blogspot.com) NEVER works here in Linux country. Neither did Blogspot.com. Well, I am pleased as punch to get on my blog using Linux. I will bookmark the actual blog page and see what happens.

I am anxious to post this entry so I can see if it really works. I don't recommend using Linux unless your Windows operating system is so fraught with malfunctions and needs reinstalling (again) that you are willing to venture out to the unknown expanse known as Open Source software. I am a "newbie," which means my learning curve is Mount Everest! But I put my "boots" on (computer pun intended) for Linux.

Well, before this entry detriorates into silly oblivion, let me publish this post and go from there.

Till we read again.

A NEW POST

Well, it seems I could not stay away long from the blogosphere. I must gush some more about Windows--that "loveable" eight-hundred megabyte gorilla which every self-respecting geek-wannabe attacks from a distance but keeps at arm's length, just in case the Alternative (read: Linux/etc.) doesn't work. It is truly a pleasure to see a browser open up a web page clearly and quickly, without all of the unevenly-spaced text and missing sections (not ads). Perhaps there is some poor soul out there contemplating such a migration. Be warned. You may not like all of what you see out there in Open Source Heaven. I've been there and back. Like an African safari, there is much to see and experience. But not all of it is paved and smooth.

I could wax eloquent (indefinitely) about it. You see, I am currently waiting for a Windows Update to finish downloading to my computer. Ah, the miracle of working software that is available and easy to understand! After "roughing it" with Linux for a few weeks, I am more willing to tolerate what I once disdained about Windows: its ease of use, ubiquitous resources, apparent flexibility, and, oh yes, its "slowness." There must be a fifth item in my list! There must!!!

"MyWindowsHomecoming.com" would be an appropriate name for a website which describes the adventures of wayward Windows users who have rediscovered their appreciation for Big Brother Gates and Company. How about Linux Junkies Anonymous? We can have fun with this!

It looks like my download gained another percentage point. Ah, progress. Will it ever be out of vogue to pick on Windows? I think not. It's much too fun. Good humor is the balm that heals. Sixteen percent more! This looks like another successful install. One down. Ten billion more to go.

As I approach the magical "100%" mark, let me pause to say it has been a wonderful "homecoming" to return to Big Daddy Microsoft. Replete with splendid programs that are compatible with virtually everything else under the Windows Bigtop, let us indulge in the completion of another successful update!

Thank God the download is finished!!! Now for the next one...

THREE CHEERS FOR WINDOWS!!!

Well, now isn't this interesting? I spent valuable cyberspace blogging about the pros and cons of using Microsoft Windows versus Linux (a hobbyist's paradise), and now I am back-pedaling to a conciliatory tone and PRAISING Windows (XP) for saving my computer from a life of Perpetual Intro-net!

Will Linux EVER get me to MSN.com, FoxNews.com, or even Google.com? I will attempt further installations of different distributions of Linux in order to see if these and MOST websites I try to visit will in fact show up-- in part or at all! For those of you who may know about Linux, I tried many times and finally installed Mandriva Linux 10.0, but was unable to upgrade it to 10.1 for MANY reasons.

In sheer desperation, I reinstalled (gasp!) Windows XP. Guess what? It works--and quite well! I may have learned a valuable lesson from all this. Count your Windows before they're broken. If that means anything...

Anyway, this is a trumpet blast, a clarion call to all who will listen: back up your files; format your hard drive; reinstall Windows (if you want)! Then see if you can partition your hard drive for Linux to be installed (somehow). Don't get me wrong. I have every intention of pursuing a successful relaunch of Linux on my computer, a dual boot sytem if possible. It was a lot of fun to try and make Linux work. But for now, "Winflaws" is working pretty well.

There are many websites offering good and so-so advice on using Linux. You will need patience, a sense of humor, and the ability to backtrack from all of the deadends you may face while trying to figure it all out. Godspeed! And have fun (but not TOO much fun :^)

Really.

A Serendipitous Entry

Good day, reader(s)! This is simply another blog post to say I am alive and well, and working out computer problems. By the way, I just noticed that the word "Blogspot" is very similar to blogpost. Just thought you'd like to know that...

Back to today's post. It seems that Linux has a lot of difficulty loading websites like msn.com and foxnews.com. I have to wonder if it is worth upgrading to the latest version of Mandriva Linux (10.1), if it will not bring up most websites! This remains to be seen.

In the meantime, I will continue to look at my options: stay with Linux; go back to Windows; save for a new computer; or, all of the above. It IS possible to have both operating systems on one computer, without separate hard drives. Linux makes computing fun. Windows makes computing work. Think about it.

By for now.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Happy Birthday, America!!!

It's hard to believe that our country is 229 years old. God willing, we Christians--who largely founded and built this nation from the ground up--will be the salt and light that will preserve it from complete moral and physical destruction.

I am thankful to God for the blessing and privilege of having been born and raised here. May you find His peace and strength through trials and temptations.

Let's be careful and enjoy OUR DAY OFF!!!

THE SUPREMES' GREATEST HIT

There is much to discuss in the news, what with the Supreme Court showing their supreme ignorance of our country's Judeo-Christian heritage, and their obvious disdain for God's Law. Only a truly anti-Christian bunch of "men in black" (sorry, Justices Ginsberg and O'Connor) would even think of ruling against the public display of the Ten Commandments. I feel sorry for them as a Christian, because I know it takes God's sovereign grace and power to change someone from being lost to being saved, from unbeliever to believer, from anti-Christian to Christian. I can only pray that He would save them from their own sins and cause them to believe in His Word, through Jesus Christ His Son. Amen.

JUST CHECKING IN

Well, this is Arial font, and I'm thinking I might go with it. My only question is, why does this editor confuse a depressed "bold" button with a normal one? I finally got it to agree with what's onscreen!

I have been perusing the news and blog sites to get up to speed. It seems the world goes on whether I'm prepared to read about it or not. The nice thing is that there are plenty of people out there with cyber-savvy who blog and report the news far better than I ever could. And with more enthusiasm and passion.

A good example is Hugh Hewitt. I can listen to him on the radio, and check his blog later, and get a good gist of what may become the most important, crucial political football of the day. I suspect he is inspiring a whole generation of up-and-coming pundits who will revolutionize what he calls the "New Media."

Be a part of the blog revolution, the Information Reformation. Blog and be blogged!

FONT

At the moment, I am drawing a complete blank as to what to blog about. I am currently seeking a possibly new...FONT!!! Maybe even a BOLD font! Apparently, I have lost all sense of decorum when it comes to blogging. Why else would I be grasping for straws (and words)? I've decided to leave it on "Font." Bold Font. Bold Normal Size Font.

GOOD NEWS

Okay, the good news is I am searching for a more readable font. The only reason I titled this post "Good News" is because I was hoping to avoid changing font mid-post. Nothing is more distracting than changing font mid-post!!! Here is Trebuchet normal bold.

Here is "Normal Size Font." Here is bold. I wonder if it looks good "out there." I also learned that double-spacing after a sentence makes it easier to read. I just have to remember to do it!

Okay, second thought: I have grown accustomed to listening to Sermon Audio.com while blogging. I recommend listening to online radio or some favorite audio of your preference. I think I'll publish and view, critique and edit, revise, revise, revise (ad nauseum)...

I am not firmly decided on which font will be my default choice. I will decide based on these posts. :)

PLACE TITLE HERE

This post marks a virtual first in my blog: I am typing the body of the post before titling it!!! Such a reversal of protocol is momentous in that I must come up with a title relevant to the subject matter rather than the usual tail-wagging-the-dog approach, wherein I come up with a snappy title (?) and run with it. (Get it? Run? Dog?:)

Well, I am experimenting with different fonts. Here is Arial, but I must type right away, because it is context-sensitive. If I move the cursor to another portion of text, it will revert to whatever font surrounds it. Also, I can highlight text, then change its font. How about bold? This is an experimental post. I will publish it and see how it looks. Nothing wrong with a little improvement, right?

One more sentence, then I'll publish it... #8^)

NOTHING IN PARTICULAR TO POST

Well, I did learn to switch browsers when I was not able to post a new entry due to formatting errors in Opera. Here I am in Mozilla Firefox, typing away.

I titled today's post as such because I figured I would develop some sense of what I wanted to say while I was typing. At the commencement of any blog entry, it is helpful to have a good feel for what you want to say. This feeling will come and go. The fun part of blogging is thinking you are actually saying something worthwhile. Perhaps others will agree. Perhaps they won't.

Avoid excessive self-deprecation unless it is really, really funny. If you think it's funny, chances are, so will someone else. I say this because I resisted that temptation in the last paragraph. I rescued the point being made by avoiding EXCESSIVE use of negativity. I strive to say something worthwhile in a good humor.

I recommend listening to something online while blogging because it works in concert with what you want to say. Your mind is engaged in listening to the audio stream and in blogging. What a workout for the mind!

I should probably wind up the post. Who knows? I may change the title of my blog to Pete's Post.

Test Post

Blaaaugh!!!

THE TIME HAS COME

The time has come for me to post a new entry in my blog. It is a frustrating business to learn about blogs and blogging. But then, so is any worthwhile venture. When a role model inspires you to try something, it's very difficult to not, at least, try it.

Well, blogging has become a hobby, of sorts. It is certainly a part-time activity. One has to possess a minimal desire to pursue something before he or she actually does something. The hard part is staying focused and coherent.

Which brings me to today's point: if you love typing, writing, reading, thinking...then you'll love blogging. Imagine driving somewhere. That's like blogging. Perhaps you have a goal, a point. Perhaps you just like the activity of it. Either way, it's addictive in a benign sort of way.

The nice part of blogging is you can edit it. Clarity is key. What do you want to say? What do you not want to say? How do you want to say it? Just say it. Keep it clean and moral.

Blogging is like typing an open letter to the universe, so to speak. Any living creature with PC access can read it. Which is why one must be careful. Tread lightly, but be sure-footed. Watch your step! But have fun.

Well, you know the end is coming when your blog entry starts to use "well" alot. If you overcome the pitfalls in cyberspace--i.e. navigating your blog site at Blogger.com, for example, then you will be well on your way to virtual freedom! Blog on, and surf well.

A TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW

Although the last post is a "tough act to follow," I will try to grab and hold your attention for the proverbial eight seconds before you navigate away from here!

Now then, we were discussing the importance of spaces and punctuation in communicating with the written word. I assume this would apply to almost any other language as well. Suffice it to say that if I were to neglect using these tools for clarity, I would be remiss in continuing the delusion that you understand me. Hence, I am using spaces and punctuation.

A BLOG ABOUT NOTHING...
I am doing everything in my power to avoid becoming a Seinfeld-blog about nothing. Well, it may be a blog about blogging at times. I feel it should be formatted in such a way that it stands alone, apart from (ahead of? behind...) the competition, which can be either irrelevant or inspiring. A blog is an exercise in desktop publishing, or desktop journalism, if you will. An experiment with no immediate consequences. This could deteriorate into a largely philosophical blog with some occasional significance and relevance. O boy!

THEMELESS?
Well, my self-indulgence must cease presently, lest I forget the larger picture/perspective/purpose of publication , and that is, namely, information/knowledge/enlightenment/wisdom. I have virtually exhausted my creative juices and must pause for a refill, lest I mix metaphors and become (horrors!) like every other blog!!!
(My apologies to all the well-written, well-constructed blogs in cyberspace.) Mine is a work-in-progress. Sufficient unto the day is my blogpost thus far...

IHAVEANIDEA

I was thinking, as I am wont to do, about typing my blog entry without using any spaces, like a web address. It would look something like this:

Hello,thisisasentence,believeitornot.WhatifwereturnedtosomethinglikefirstcenturyGreek,where
theydidnotusespacesorpunctuation?Hereistheresult,andinallcapitalletters,too!

THISPARAGRAPHISBEINGTYPEDWITHOUTTHEBENEFITOFSPACESPUNCTUATIONOR
LOWERCASELETTERSITISMYATTEMPTTOREPRODUCETHESAMEEFFECTINENGLISH
THATWASPRESENTINEARLYGREEKMANUSCRIPTSOFTHENEWTESTAMENTIDONT
KNOWIFTHEYBROKESYLLABLESCORRECTLYATTHEENDOFTHELINEORIFTHEYJUSTSTARTEDA NEWLINEREGARDLESSOFTHEWORDITSELFWELLTHATSALLBFN:)

You see? We can all thank the unsung heroes of language and literature through the ages for our facility of communication.

What does that mean?

Microsoft vs. Open Source

Introduction

In typing this article, I felt it was necessary to prove to myself the usefulness of Microsoft Word versus OpenOffice Writer before assuming that Microsoft is a useless, arrogant monolith whose mission in life is to sit on and crush all competition (and possibly better companies, products and services). This is the somewhat justifiable opinion held by those purveyors of open-source software who spend every molecule of media telling the public that Microsoft is the big, bad wolf, and perhaps sometimes it is! I must admit, it is the 800-pound gorilla of the computer software jungle.

It seems to me, however, that the gorilla is learning how to make itself more like its smaller, more agile counterparts. By that I mean it is addressing very real threats to Internet security, and meeting its dissatisfied customer base with press-worthy reforms, lest a more promising open-source behemoth named Linux overtake it.

I have learned in my short cyber-career that Unix is the granddaddy of operating systems, that Linux is one of its progeny, and that Microsoft is the bloated, all-consuming monster who has usurped and absorbed all opposition, sometimes to its own detriment. Yet it has been soundly challenged by its less-formidable competitors to straighten up or face extinction. Witness recent developments in its anti-virus, anti-spyware, and other programs designed to protect customers’ safety and security. No operating system is perfect, but open-source software vendors (like Linux and others) have consistently met those challenges more effectively, forcing Microsoft to rethink its ruthless my-way-or-the-superhighway approach to making and marketing its products. Open Source software distributors are no longer scattered in the background, virtually unknown to us who were ignorant of their existence. Happily, we now know they are there.

Both Microsoft and Open Source software serve very valuable purposes. Open Source is an excellent alternative to MS, and MS is , well, Microsoft.

Oops!

My only complaint with Open Source is that it does not always work on my computer, whereas Microsoft usually does. I appreciate OS when it works, no doubt. I have purchased, downloaded, and/or installed (or attempted to install) Linux operating systems unsuccessfully. I admit ignorance of how to partition my hard drive, etc. I have, however, downloaded and used OpenOffice, Paint.NET (open source?), and others with some success. It seems that open source products are slower on my computer. It may be in some cases my computer is the problem. But I doubt if it always is. My unfamiliarity with Linux (or any other software) prevents me from fixing problems and experiencing the power and potential of open source.

Good Idea

It is my intention to learn more about and use open-source software in conjunction with Microsoft’s, so as to compare their merits and pitfalls. It is a lifelong pursuit, which I have only recently embarked upon. Having had my appetite whetted for a different-if-not-better computer experience by a caller to the Kim Komando show regarding Linux, and subsequent references to open-source alternatives to MS, my appreciation for them has bloomed and grown, as well as my appreciation for Microsoft. However, it is tempered by occasional failures from both sides.

Conclusion

In the meantime, my Open Source/Microsoft diatribe draws to a heartfelt conclusion. If nothing else, having an alternative to Microsoft has taught me to appreciate what it is good for, and that is more expensive convenience. I somewhat perceive its return to the roots of programming philosophy, that the computer is our slave—not the other way around. We self-proclaimed (and non-programming) enthusiasts of a better cyber-universe have pursued that philosophy in our own way, perhaps to the detriment of the bigger good. If both parties work together, perhaps we can slay the dragons of identity theft, pornography, and other unseemly enemies.

We’ve only just begun to boldly go where no mere Windows-user has gone before (not to invoke any Star Trek overtones). In a perfect world, Microsoft would be open source :)

Thank you Bill Gates for seeing the Light!

FOXNews.com - Cell Phone-Brain Tumor Link Still Inconclusive

FOXNews.com - Cell Phone-Brain Tumor Link Still Inconclusive

Well, that's good news for those of us who use cellphones! I suppose next they'll say using the computer alot causes...intelligence!!! Let's hope so.

SermonAudio.com - Worldview of UFOs

This is just a plug for Sermonaudio.com, a very good website for listening to sermons online. I have posted a link to one of their sermons, which you may find of interest. Happy listening!

SermonAudio.com - Worldview of UFOs

Jonah Goldberg on Blogs on National Review Online

I just thought I would post this link to a flattering article about blogs. Check it out:

Jonah Goldberg on Blogs on National Review Online

HughHewitt.com

Forgive my inexperience at blogging, but I was trying to figure out how to post a new panel. I would not want the Blog Patrol to give me a ticket for illegally parking my blog for four months!

I just had to give credit to Hugh Hewitt for inspiring me and a lot of other people to blog and keep on blogging. After visiting his blog at HughHewitt.com , as well as others referenced in his articles online, I was inspired to venture out into the blogosphere once again to try and post something new. Here's hoping it works.

I encourage people I know-- and even people I don't know--to start blogging. One place to learn about it is a book by Mr. Hewitt called "Blog," which I hope to buy sometime. If nothing else, blogging is journalism in its most available form. Ah, technology!

Well, again, I am inspired to keep up on current events by visiting news blogs and their links to other blogs and websites. What a vast, unsearchable universe of content there is! I would comend it to you to explore the possibilities.

This concludes today's post. I hope and pray you know God in His saving, gracious fullness through His Son Jesus Christ. Amen.