For a client, I am using a web application written in Flash. This application behaves really strange with respect to the keyboard on Linux x86_64 (Ubuntu Hardy). I re-map the caps-lock key as a control key (a required action for any hardcore Emacs user to preserve sanity). Now the application has a hotkey CTRL-SHIFT-F to… Continue reading Does the Flash plugin play dirty tricks with the X keyboard?
Author: knielsen
BIT-aligned storage
I have been working on a set of efficient C++ classes for storing N-bit (N<=64) values at arbitrary bit offsets into a buffer. Essentially a way to address memory bit-wise, rather than the usual byte-wise or word-wise. The classes support either fixed-sized bitfield storage (eg. say 27-bit values), or compressed values where small numbers are… Continue reading BIT-aligned storage
Installing GCC-4.3.1
I sometimes see even seasoned developers be reluctant to use a different gcc version (ie. to reproduce a potentially compiler-specific issue or just to experiment with new optimisations or features). The reason is a fear of breaking their system by installing multiple compilers, or even by replacing their system compiler with a new one. But… Continue reading Installing GCC-4.3.1
Free SSL certificates
It seems that one can obtain a valid SSL server certificate here at no cost. I will want to remember that for my next web site. I always found it a bit silly to not support SSL/https on a web site given that Apache has SSL support built-in. But it is a bit of a… Continue reading Free SSL certificates
Using GMail from Gnus on Ubuntu Hardy
I have used GNUS (Emacs news/mail reader) to read mail for ages, so I wanted to use it to access my GMail account as well. I managed to get it to work on my Ubuntu Hardy installation, though not without some hacking (I did not spend that long looking for a cleaner way). GMail supports… Continue reading Using GMail from Gnus on Ubuntu Hardy
Zepto Znote 6024W laptop
So I got a new laptop, a Zepto Znote 6024W. I got it with 2GB of RAM, a 7200RPM 120GB harddisk, 1440×900 screen, 2.4GHz Intel Core Duo CPU, and Intel Pro/Wireless 4965AGN. First overall impressions are quite good. The good stuff: Everything seems to work out-of-the-box with Ubuntu Hardy. You can customize the configuration when… Continue reading Zepto Znote 6024W laptop
Upgrading Ubuntu from Feisty to Hardy
I just upgraded my main computer from Ubuntu Feisty (7.04) to Hardy (8.04). I had been running Debian exclusively since early 1997, but last year switched to Ubuntu. Mostly to get the hardware to “just work” which is nice for an old-timer like me. And Ubuntu is really Debian anyway. The upgrade itself (which went… Continue reading Upgrading Ubuntu from Feisty to Hardy
Cool OpenSSH authorized_keys tricks
I have used the ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file with OpenSSH for ages. However, I always treated it as just a dumb list of keys, where I would dump my public key whenever I needed access to a new account or host. But today I learned from this blog entry that there is a bit more to it.… Continue reading Cool OpenSSH authorized_keys tricks
dr.dk tv i Ubuntu Hardy
Her er en hurtig vej til at se dr.dk tv i Ubuntu Hardy (32-bit x86): sudo apt-get remove totem-mozilla sudo apt-get install mozilla-plugin-vlc Så virker de “direkte links” på http://dr.dk/tv/ (det er hvor man kan se Danmarks Radios egne produktioner fra de sidste 30 dage). Tip: dobbelt-klik på billedet giver fuldskærmsvisning. DRs streaming (hvor de… Continue reading dr.dk tv i Ubuntu Hardy
Quick Linux install
I happened to need an extra Linux install on one of my computers. I went to my local Ubuntu mirror (under network installer) and downloaded the files ‘linux’ (kernel) and ‘initrd.gz’. Copied them to random directory on the existing Linux install. Rebooted, and typed ‘c’ in Grub to get a command line. Entered the three… Continue reading Quick Linux install