[D-Dan]

Good idea, and I can probably knock a scene together that is lighter than the usual benchmark scenes, but still sufficient for a comparison.

And as lightweight systems go, I can use my ageing and underpowered laptop (which honestly takes forever to do anything) as a testbed to ensure that the 10 hours render is not an issue.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I’m paranoid, so am careful of what I install. However this isn;t the end of the world these days. A couple of weeks ago I got an update pushed to me by my provider, which softbricked my phone. After the expected faffing about I got it all back up and running, in factory condition (it even trashed my data on the SD card).

However, Google had my data backed up, and after a couple of hours, there it was awaiting local recovery or abandoning. Stuff I wanted, I recovered, and stuff I don’t need I didn’t bother.

So encrypting locally these days seems to be a lost cause.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Further update. It seems BT still have a fault recorded, despite me telling them more than once that I just wanted an answer, rather than reporting a fault. (I was reporting a fault solved and asking why), which now prevents me running a standard BT speed test (Ookla still works and shows things still stable).

Honestly, after my bank yesterday refused payment for my VPS (which I rely on) and having to jump through hoops to pay today (German provider and German VPS, with a hell of a login process and no telephone support anymore – but the VPS works just fine, so not complaining. My bank need to whitelist the payment), and now BT bending over backwards to “help” me when all I want is an explanation.

Am I just getting old and grumpy?

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

An update to this – and seemingly BT have upped their game.

My speed remains stable at 72.5 Mbs. BT complaints have just called me back, and apparently there was some noise on the line that was intermittent, but resulted in the lower speed. The line has been completely disconnected (hard disconnect) and re-wired last night (hence my outage) which appears to have solved the issue.

However, at no cost and no change to my contract they are also sending me the latest version of the home hub to keep it that way.

Did someone good take over BT customer service?

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

@johnbarry. I followed the link and noticed “This item does not ship to Haverfordwest, United Kingdom. ”

Now, I’m not even close to Havorfordwest (England rather than Wales for a start), and so it’s not a personalised message. What do you suppose they have against a Welsh town?

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Wow, this got me thinking, and I found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGloVvN9NXY.

Whilst interesting historically, more so for me, since I learned to program on an ICL 2966 (using COBOL) which is featured.

Just realised how old I am.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

8Gb HD. lol. My first one was 20 Mb.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

POKEY was about the only chip that had the edge over the Amiga’s PAULA. Having said that, my Miggy had a soundcard, so boo 🙂

 

EDIT: This is how my Miggy looked – had to change some stuff to make it work with fs-uae (I had a Cybergfx card, which I had to substitute a Picasso for for the emulation). Dopus was fully licensed, and after I dumped it, I bought Dopus for Windows (highly recommended, by the way). Now as a Linux user, it’s no longer required.

 

 

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I started with an A500, bought an A1200, got a cybergfx graphics card, Apollo 1260 processor (for free from a kind soul around the forums), IDE card and soundcard, and hacked the lot into a tower (I literally had to hack the tower back plate into pieces and put it back together in a different order to make it fit).

Coupled with a USB card (which never really worked that well using Poseidon drivers) and even 6 Mb broadband courtesy of Orange at the time, it kept me going until 1999.

I still have an image of my original setup, which still, by and large, works in fs-uae (though whdload seems to struggle with monitors, now, I should re-visit this).

I still fire it up from time to time.

Oh, and my own two flagship programs, AmigaDraughts and GHelpMUI both work just fine 🙂

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I already have an insertion tool with cutter from when I fitted the faceplate (for the extension wiring).

Trust me, I intend to take photographs, there are a bucket load of wires back there (most not connected, and probably includes support wires).

Not back up to full speed, but since the damage is all around the test socket I can’t rely on it. I’ll know better tomorrow after the new one is fitted. (not lost any speed, either. Just the same).

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Well, had a look at the test socket and the master socket has signs of damage. Gonna take a punt on replacing myself (cheaper than £130 for BT to do it), so replacement ordered. Should arrive tomorrow.

Pis shows the damage. At least this way I have internet for the time being. No phone, but who cares.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

On the plus side, we have isolated the problem to either outside, or faceplate/dsl cable. Oddly, since I posted I decided to try the test socket with a filter dongle, and that’s when I found the chewed screw head. So, I can’t currently remove the faceplate until I get some new screws. That’s weekend.

 

EDIT: The extension is wired from the BT side, not my side. It’s built in to the apartment.

 

EDIT 2: I did the same on Amazon, and many are no longer available, and how the hell do I know which is worth buying. Hence the request 🙂

 

Still, a new faceplate for the sake of a few quid won’t hurt, even if it’s just as a backup.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I heartedly suggest a trip into space, and then look back.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I don’t know how available it is, but I believe it’s multi-platform, so take a look at Natron. It’s a node based video editor that does a pretty good job, once you get past the quirkiness of the interface.

Oh, and open source.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

The Geordie phones have come a long way for not as much as the top brands. Take a look at Huawei (and the 9 should be getting cheaper now that the 10 has hit the streets). I love mine. OK, not so small (5″ screen), but not so expensive that you will cry in the corner for a month if it goes.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I only use Win10 at work, and honestly, I have to check what every update is going to install, since major updates WILL break my system (which is not good in a work environment).

The only Windows I will use at home, is Win7, in a VM, which whilst less and less relevant for me, at least works.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Have you tried a visual inspection for burnt components.

Personally, when the storms start I unplug the computer and remove the Eth cable from the socket. (mind you, 3rd floor flat, top one. I’ll be first hit)

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I wonder why? If you want to run Linux, run Linux, and if you prefer Windows, do Windows. If you want both, install both natively and dual boot.

But why, oh why, choose Ubuntu?

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

If you have a phone as well, have a look at NextSMS. It will use your phone to send texts from your tablet, and allow you to read received texts on the tablet.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Let me check what I have on my VPS in Germany, though I don’t think it’s too much. However, if I have free space, provided the load won’t be excessive, you are welcome to use it.

OK, I have 50Gb – 6.6 used.

It’s hosted on Debian, and is up mostly 24/7, but I have to restart from time to time since load can be heavy (It also hosts a private email server and an opensim server). Having said that, downtime is generally kept to a minimum (except right now, when I’m working on opensim upgrades that aren’t going that well).

 

EDIT: Drezha seems like the more favourable option.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[Author]

Posts