Cragnet

Since putting Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope)on my dell laptop there are already issues with a cpu core running at 100% due to Xorg. I followed a guide to revert back to a previous display driver from Intrepid Ibex but it did not work. To resolve the issue I found that by switching off remote desktop (vino-server) as suggested here has actually sorted it. Although I did not use 'sudo apt-get remove vino-server', I just went to 'System->Preferences-Remote Desktop' and switched off remote desktop here. Also the desktop effects would not enable so I could not use Compiz so I fixed it using this where whilst it may cause further issues, for the moment it is working and better than what it was. The issues are related to the Intel chipset where there is a more in depth explanation here. However, I will be patient and wait for the issues to be fixed now my laptop is running cooler and not peaking on a CPU core for no reason.

I have been an MS Office user since 1991 but over the past 2 years I have been using Open Office. Whilst saw Office 2007 in beta I thought whoever re-designed the interface has been on something especially to come up with the big Fisher Price Buttons. Why change it if it is not broke? After having to use Office 2007 along with Vista (I am of the same opinion here as Office 2007) for my new job I just cannot get used to the big buttons and illogical layout. It is taking ages to find things especially when I have to roll out documents quickly. I had heard of a way of bringing the old menus back so did some investigation and found this where you can download a tool to do just this. Whilst it does not completely replace the Office 2007 menus it adds another menu option called menu. On clicking on this you get the standard office 2003 menu bar and toolbars. I like this idea as it allows me to learn Office 2007 (as I need to) but have the backup of being able to use the old options. However

I hate it when I buy a new piece of hardware that has intentionally been restricted by the manufacturer or provider to control how it should be used. Nokia will only allow signed software to be installed onto their phones where a developer has to go through a convoluted process to obtain certification to allow their software to be installed. I have come across freeware that I wish to install but it needs me to get it signed beforehand. Apple lock their phones down so no background applications can run which could potentially hog the CPU and disrupt the experience when using the phone. Then you get mobile network providers that intentionally lock their phones/USB Modems to the network and charge an extortionate fee to unlock them. Thankfully both the Nokia and Apple phones can both be jailbroken to get around these restrictions although it might be deemed as illegal by each Manufacturer (just google for information). I have recently switched from a 3 mobile contract to PAYG but the m

Recently I have set up a twitter account which I have integrated into this blog and to update my facebook. In essence it simplifies things by only having to update in one place. I was originally using fring to do this but it was consuming too much ram on my 5800. I tried several java clients but did not like them so stuck with Fring. Then two new clients came on the block a bit like two buses turning up. Gravity and Twittix are both cheap under $10 where I ended up purchasing Gravity first, then trying a trial of Twittix. Gravity from Mobileways looks very professional, allows multiple twitter accounts to be added and also allows direct posting of images to twitpic or mobypicture. Twittix cannot send images but again allows multiple accounts but allows you to look at user profiles and follow people direct from searched tweets, two things gravity does not do. You can do the usual twitter actions of direct messages, reply, follow, retweet or add favourites with both applications. Tw

Well after some deliberation and the recent issues with the 5800XM I have blown the dust off my Nokia E90 (over 18 months old), reflashed it and then spent three days reinstalling it after two bundled attempts. The previous atempts failed due to the memory card where I had similar issues to my 16gb card. I had previously used the 16gb in the 5800 but it would not work and became corrupt. A similar issue happened in the E90 the first time. I then tried a 8gb card and the same issue here happened. Looking at both card they were both class 2, so I tried a class 4, 8gb card on the third attempt and everything now works. When I had the class 2, 8gb card in a N95 it slowed the response of the phone right down. So the moral is, class 2 for devices like ebook readers, cameras or mp3 machines. Class 4 for pdas or mobiles. The 16gb has gone in my camera and the 8gb in my N810 for extra storage. The E90 is like holding a shoe to your ear when making calls. However it has lots of memory, quite fa

Well the nokia 5800xm has reached the point of another hard reset. Web has died where it will not even load mobile versions of websites. There are two other browsers available such as BOLT or OPERA MINI but these either crash or are too cumbersome with a touch screen I am pondering the 3g iphone now it has grown up and will finally be able to do copy and paste, mms and sat nav later this year. But I will probably want to jailbreak and then it will be on ebay for sale. The N97 is due soon and whilst I like the form factor it still has the bad s60 browser. I will need to see the reviews before I jump as I am getting tiered of buying stuff that just doesn't work. There is windows mobile but there is not much to say on that The G1 or G2 but again lack of software or memory kills this for me. I have tried two devices but find it impractical and the n810 I have again has a bad web experience. Netbooks are too large to carry around all of the time to just get out and use. So I am on a fe

Finally Shozu is available for the 5800XM so videos and pictures can uploaded to a variety of social networking sites including direct blogging and twitter updates. I have also purchased a native s60 twitter client for s60v5 called Gravity which allows you to update your twitter, to follow other tweets, to complete searches and to respond to direct messages and post pictures. It only cost about £9 including VAT and is worth the money. Shozu is free, however it is not working very well with my youtube account where I have raised a technical support query with them. This including Fring means you no longer have to be tied to a pc and you can complete and follow updates whilst you are on the move. Although these applications can all run in the background I have found they are memory hogs and if you are using other applications in addition, these will slow the phone down. I have found it better to close these applications when trying to use the builtin web application because of th