Biggs' Zone

A Gamer Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Category: Technology Page 3 of 14

Biggs’ Labs: Progress Update

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On April 6, 2016

In Biggs' Labs, Technology

tosche_title_headerI know I talked about a few tech projects I have going on in my little computer lab at home. I mentioned that I was going to do a write-up on each of those projects upon their completion. I haven’t completed any of them yet, much to my chagrin; but that doesn’t mean they won’t be completed. Thus why I decided to provide a little update.

In Home Network

All the wiring has been completed for phase one of installing my in home network. I have installed 3 drop locations. One location has 6 drops which will be for the entertainment center. We will be able to plug the XBox, Blu-ray player, TV (if it can have a hardline) and any other internet capable equipment (such as the MythTV box) directly into the network. A second location has 4 drops and this will be for the computers. The third location will be for the Samsung SmartThings hub and the printer. The wireless router we bought has a USB plug that allows computers on the same network to print to a printer. We used a USB-to-CAT 6 adapter to allow the printer to sit in a different location other than next to the router.

Phase two of this project will be to eventually run CAT 6 to the second floor so each bedroom can have a network drop. Since we will need more ports in the switch and patch panel, we went ahead and bought a 24 port patch panel and switch for this phase of the project. This phase has an unknown start date.

MythTV – Plex – FreeNAS Media Server

Speaking of MythTV, we have made some progress. It turns out that if we put an HD antennae in the right location we can get quite a few channels. I have MythTV successfully recording shows from the HD antennae in 720p. I have also successfully installed FreeNAS and set up appropriate shares for the different types of media. I have not tested whether these shares can be accessed from other computers. I’ve run out of ports on the wireless router so configuring the shares to be accessible will have to wait until we finish the work in the basement and plug everything into the switch.

I haven’t made a lot of progress with Plex yet. I think a lot of my hangs are coming from the fact that some of the computers are plugged into the router and the NAS is plugged into the modem (which essentially means its on a different network). I know Plex can do everything that I want it to do (if only there was a way to allow it to play digital movies that I have codes for). I will go into more detail on this project once I’ve completed the full implementation.

Home Automation & Raspberry Pi

As I mentioned above we have a Samsung SmartThings hub that came with a few appliances for automating different parts of the house. We need a live Internet connection to begin working on implementing SmartThings so we haven’t really made any progress since its dependent on finishing the basement and hooking everything up to the internal network. The same goes with my Raspberry Pi, the one thing I am most excited to play around with, however, all the other projects have taken precedence over wiring up the Raspberry Pi. It hasn’t kept me from still working on what I want to do with it once I get the other things done.

I’ve thought about integrating it with the SmartThings home automation system. I know I can grab some arduino sensors. I’ve also heard of some people turning it into a mini gaming console that can play old arcade games. I’ve also found some libraries that will send data to the cloud, like Azure. The Internet of Things is a big trend these days and Raspberry Pi is right in the middle of it. I hope I can jump on board while it’s still cool.

Click the “Continue Reading” link below to see a couple of pictures as proof that I haven’t been a slacker! 🙂

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Is Virtual Reality the Next Evolution in Gaming

Is Virtual Reality the Next Evolution in Gaming?

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On March 9, 2016

In Gaming, Technology

At the Consumer Electronics Show this year there was a rather predominate theme among some of the tech companies: Virtual Reality (VR). Microsoft’s Hololens, HTC’s Vive, the Oculus Rift are currently the big three in Virtual Reality. Gaming companies like Valve, are starting to experiment using VR in some of their titles (i.e. The Lab).

HTC Vive

HTC Vive

Activision, Id, etc have their R&D departments burning the midnight oil to find the next big breakthrough in gaming. So that begs the question: is Virtual Reality the next evolution in gaming?

I’ve had the unique opportunity to try out VR goggles, specifically the Oculus Rift and it’s not for these that are easily motion sick. It was really, really cool but it can make you sick rather quickly. Using that experience and my imagination, albeit limited, and injecting that into a game like Portal and an amazing world appears in my mind’s eye. I can only imagine what VR would be like in other titles (Doom, Halo, COD, etc). It makes me giddy like a school girl.

If you’ve read Ready Player One, it seems we are getting closer to living in a world where OASIS is reality but we are probably still decades away from strapping ourselves into full body gaming gear like Wade Watts and entering a virtual world to go to school, work and play games. (P.S. If you haven’t read Ready Player One, you need to read that now, especially if you were an 80’s kid).

So all the drooling and daydreaming aside, is VR where we really want gaming to go? We are all already pouring hundreds of dollars a year into subscriptions and expansions and new titles, do we really want to dole out a years worth of subscription payments to buy gear that might make you motion sick? Most of the time when I’m playing my games, I don’t want to be fully immersed. I prefer to be aware of what else is going on around me. I often have something playing on Netflix in the same room when I’m on my PC (assuming I’m not raiding or doing something else that requires my undivided attention). Also, being aware of my surroundings helps me remain aware of how much time has elapsed. My biggest fear of something like VR is losing complete track of time and space. I have a really bad habit of losing track of time just playing console games so the more immersive the game the easier it becomes to be negligent.

It’s the nerd-vs-the-pragmatist in me that leaves me wondering if VR will ever be worth the time and money investment. In fact, will VR even be viable for the average gamer instead of just the affluent gamer. I’m not going to be too quick to judge because if companies want it to be the next great thing then they will figure out how to make it more readily available for even the most frugal of gamers. Well, that and they have to figure out how to keep us all from throwing up after every boss fight.

What are your thoughts?

/cheers

minion_keboard_smI could get so much more accomplished if I only had minions!

Still Enjoy The Smell Of A Book

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On February 19, 2016

In General Cogitation, Technology

Still Enjoy The Smell Of A BookAs technology evolves, new gadgets come out that change the way we evolve and as a geek I love to embrace that new technology. Also, as a geek, I love to read and I’ve been reading physical books long before there were e-readers. I do own an e-reader and I do use it but I still enjoy the smell of a book. There is also something elegant and nostalgic about the tactile properties of holding a book and turning the pages. Often times I am in the middle of two books at the same time. One on an e-reader and one in print and I have literally sat by the fireplace, in my recliner, reading a book.

Do I prefer one over the other? Not really. I probably use both pretty equally. I have plenty of books in print that I haven’t read yet and I intend to still read them, in their physical form. I don’t see the point in purchasing the digital versions of the books because, in my mind, that would be like buying a second copy. Granted, digital books definitely save on shelf space but with printed books you don’t have to worry about dead batteries or a crashed device. On the other hand, when I travel for vacation, I usually read a lot and I never know how quickly I might finish a book so the e-reader comes in quite handy. It’s a lot easier to have a library at your fingertips than to try to pack a library in your suitcase.

I’m not going to advocate for one format or the other. People should choose which they prefer for themselves and refrain from putting the other down. I do often worry that we will lose brick and mortar bookstores and libraries because there is nothing better than the look and smell of a bookstore or library. I could spend hours in a bookstore wishing I had the cash to buy every book that looked interesting; but I digress.

Whether you prefer physical books, ebooks or both I think its great that you read enough to have a preference. I hope, with all the technology today, kids still take the time to read a book (before seeing the movie). Reading will not only improve your vocabulary (which can make the difference between having a job and unemployment) but will also improve your creativity and critical thinking skills. Indulging in a good book is also a great way to relieve stress, for kids and adults alike.

/cheers

minion_keboard_smI could get so much more accomplished if I only had minions!
Home Network

Introducing Biggs Lab

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On February 5, 2016

In Biggs' Labs, Technology

Biggs' LabsI have been adding more projects lately, other than my online projects (i.e. vleaminck.com is technically my sandbox for new web technology). I have been branching out into more hardware based projects. I have talked to a few folks about what I’m working on and I’ve posted a few comments and pictures about it on Twitter and Facebook. In every conversation I’ve had people have asked me to keep them in the loop as to how the project is going and how it turns out. I decided I would create a new category of blog posts because as I complete each project I will write a blog post about how it went and any tips that I have for anyone that wants to try it out. I often refer to my projects in the context of “my lab” and thus the new category is “Biggs Lab”.

Here are a few projects I have going on and what is on deck:

In Home Network (almost complete)

MythTV – Plex – FreeNAS DVR and Media system (started)

Home Automation (up next)

Home Automation – Raspberry Pi integration (on deck)

These are just the projects I know I will be getting to in the near future. Depending on the success or failure of these projects could inspire new projects. I’m also always looking for ideas. If you have worked with any of the technologies or architecture that I’m using, I’d like to know what you did and/or some of the resources you used to help you succeed. I particularly interested in any Raspberry Pi projects. So check back to see what I have cooking up in my lab next.

The Force. It calls to you. Just let it in.

And the Geeks Have Inherited the Earth!

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On January 26, 2016

In General Cogitation, Technology

the geeks have inherited the EarthRemember us; from 20 years ago? I know you do. We were the daily mugging. It was never about the lunch money or the dress shirts. We were bullied because we were smarter than you, because we could thrive without trying, because you felt threatened by us. We warned you to be kind to us because you should feel threatened. We had many mantras.

“Be nice to geeks, you’ll probably end up working for one”

“Geeks, will one day, inherit the Earth.”

“Geeks rule the World”

Well now the geeks have inherited the Earth, and we remember! Our minds are steel traps. We haven’t forgotten who bullied and tortured us. Your misplaced machismo may have brought us down on the outside, but it steeled our willpower and drove our ambitions. Now we are the timid tormentors. We are the kings of passive retribution. There are now more of us than there are of you. We may hide behind our monitors and tablets, but that is to disguise our numbers. We may dress like Jedi, Nintendo princesses, hobbits and wizards but that doesn’t mean our resolve has been weakened. We dress as creatures of power because we are creatures of power!

Now we pray on your insecurities and inadequacies. While you sleep, we are building empires but now as CEO, CTO, CIO and even as actors and actresses. Now we control your fate as yours employer and your superiors. Most of us do it as presidents and board members; or we enter your homes through your televisions and Blu-ray players; but there are those of us that do it … “anonymously”, from afar. We know your secrets because we have silently infiltrated your life. Our manifesto from the ’80’s still applies today. You live in our world now! You cannot hide from us; we are smarter than you, remember?

We are abundant.

We are everywhere.

We are watching you.

And we tried to warn you – now go empty the trash!

Common Sense and Caution Keeps Your Computer Clean

By

On January 11, 2016

In General Cogitation, Tech Talk, Technology

Protect Your Computer With Common Sense and CautionI see the advertisements all the time on Facebook and on television for apps and software to “speed up your PC”. I’m not going to mention specific companies or products because this is not a smear post. I know some of that software is probably legitimate and who am I to ruin someone’s livelihood. I’m going to explain how I rarely have speed issues or viruses and I don’t use any of those products nor do you have to be a computer expert; and you can do it without spending money on software. You shouldn’t need to buy those kinds of programs when a little common sense and caution helps to keep your computer clean and performing well.

Anti-Virus

The first, and most obvious, step should be to install a virus scanner. The popular ones you have probably heard about: McAfee, Norton, Kasperskey, etc. Those also cost money and require a subscription in order to keep your computer protected against new viruses. Since I’m frugal (which is the polite way of saying “cheap ass”) I prefer less expensive means of virus scanning; and by “less expensive” I mean free. There are a couple of free options out there. I’ve heard that some people have pretty good luck with Avast, personally I like Clamwin.

I cannot speak on behalf of Avast, since I have never used it, but Clamwin is pretty discrete, low maintenance and does not consume system resources (when its not running a scan). I schedule it to run a weekly scan at a time I know I won’t be using my computer (2am on Saturday’s). If you shutdown your computer or you own a laptop then you will need to find a more suitable time for a scan, but you should definitely try to run it once a week.

Pay Attention When Installing

I install a lot of other tools to augment my everyday computer use. I install programs that allow me to move files to other computers (i.e. Filezilla), or programs for simple file edit that are more powerful than Notepad (i.e. Notepad++), etc. Pay close attention to each screen that comes up during installation, sometimes you need to uncheck a checkbox or deny an installation request because its going to install something you don’t need (like those pesky browser toolbars, ex: the infamous “Ask” toolbar). Granted Filezilla and Notepad++ are not notorious for installing that extra crap but if you download anything from the Internet 1) make sure its from a reputable source and 2) always do a custom install (if the option is available) and always double check what you are installing, don’t blindly click “Next”. There are a lot of programs out there that are great tools but they like to sneak in extra products because they can earn royalties from each installation so a little caution goes a lot way.

Paying attention to what you download and/or install is especially important if you use a lot of peer-to-peer software. You just never know what you are actually putting on your computer when you are using torrents. Granted if you are using a virus scanner or programs that remove spyware (such as SpyBot Search & Destroy) might prevent damage to your computer from something you downloaded but nothing is 100%. I’m not saying all torrents are bad just be careful and use some common sense.

Stop Looking At Porn

I’m sure I am getting some shocking looks right now. I’m also guessing a few of my male friends are rolling their eyes and mocking me from afar but hear me out. I am not trying to be your moral compass. I’m not your mother, I’m not your priest, this has nothing to do with morality.

Some of you may remember “warez”, websites that allowed you to download cracked software or product keys to pirate software. Warez sites were the underworld of the Internet and porn sites were often associated with many warez sites thus making porn sites seem more sketchy. Honestly, I don’t trust porn sites; harmful code can be embedded in pictures, videos, etc and can even be triggered by simply moving your mouse over it. You run a huge risk by downloading pictures and videos or any other programs and “games” those sites may offer. Remember a virus was spread by alleged nude pictures of Anna Kournikova. Hackers out there with malicious intents not only know they can exploit weaknesses of a system but also can exploit a persons lack of self-control. I’m sure there are probably some “reputable” adult websites and those might be safe, but if you are trying to be clandestine or access “free porn”, I think you are putting your computer, and maybe even your identity, at risk.

I love the analogy of comparing a computer to a car because 90% of the time maintaining a computer is very similar to a car. Of course the irony is that I could build a computer in my sleep but I can’t change the oil on my car. Be that as it may, treat your computer like its a brand new car. You want to keep it looking nice and performing efficiently. Obviously bad things can still happen despite your due diligence but as long as you pay attention and always be aware of what you are downloading, you can mitigate most PC performance issues.

minion_keboard_smI could get so much more accomplished if I only had minions!

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