Archive for the ‘Microsoft/Windows’ Category

Free X server for Windows

Monday, June 16th, 2008

I recently found XMing, a free X server for Windows, providing a useful alternative to VNC for accessing remote Ubuntu desktops. Instructions here.

Preserving UTF-8 filenames from Windows to Linux

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

On occasion I access (Ubuntu) Linux servers from Windows using Putty and WinSCP. In order to preserve UTF-8 filenames, some snakeoil is required. (more…)

Vista ATI PCI Express driver problem

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

I just had a BSoD on my laptop running Vista. It rebooted, and when I selected the option for it to tell me why. It ‘fessed up to a BlueScreen crash. I took the recommended solution to install a service pack, selected all available updates and let it reboot – and now my display driver won’t load so I get 1024×768 instead of 1280×800!

Following a bit more exploration, it seems the ATI PCI Express (3GIO) Filter Driver grabbed some resources that the Mobile Intel(R) 965 Express Chipset Family Driver wanted. I rolled back the ATI driver, and now my display works again.

PS. The exercise did something nasty to the Aero Glass theme, but I’m not all that bothered about that.

PPS. I subsequently got a ‘Superfetch has stopped working’ error. Jeez, Vista is a pile of …

Great photo management tools

Sunday, May 28th, 2006

To manage your sets of photos, try these (free) tools:

  • Picasa (part of the Google tool-chest) for Windows users
  • F-Spot for Linux

For online photo gallery, I like the tagging aspect of this PHP script.

Ozzie’s insight

Saturday, May 27th, 2006

Related to the post on M$, I like the insight of Ray Ozzie (new leader at M$) when it comes to energy/communications: (more…)

Astonishingly good post from the Schobleizer

Saturday, May 27th, 2006

I just read Robert Schoble’s excellent post about the ills at M$ as highlighted by minimsft.

I can relate to the pains, having seem them before in other organisations this side of the pond. I honestly don’t think you can maintain an efficient and creative global enterprise; the pack behaviour always detracts focus.

I particularly agree with comment #150 by Sean Daly; very well articulated and very much reflecting the experience and views held by me.

Oh, and a chuckle on the “Windows CE/ME/NT” branding; I’d never considered that before! :D

Screen-grabbing driver

Friday, February 24th, 2006

Reading Fabio Sonatti’s blog led me to an excellent (and free) screen-grabbing driver which is DirectShow compatible. Go visit Vladimir Hmelyoff’s site to download it.