technology – Page 25 – frans goes blog

WP-Cache with Google Analytics?

This morning I updated the WordPress installation running this site into version 2.3.2. At the same time I also installed WP-cache plugin, which speeds up WordPress by using static, cached pages instead of making a PHP database query every time a single page is needed. What left me wondering though, is that will Google Analytics report correct numbers after this trick? I suppose it should work, since the actual usage database is being collected into Google servers, and they only need to get info about the page load (dynamic or static, no difference) every time the site is being accessed. But I am not sure about that, though.

Here is a Google Analytics screen shot of the Map Overlay for users accessing this site (I typically get c. 100-200 visitors per day; top countries, United States 1,867 for the last month; United Kingdom 630; Finland 474 [click for the full-sized map]):

Edit: It looks that there is a bug, and you need to manually comment out line 48 (add ‘#’ in line beginning) in file /wp-includes/cache.php; see: http://trac.wordpress.org/ticket/4045#comment:4

Smooth sounds

One thing that Santa brought us this year that has already proved to be almost constantly in use: Model One (Platinum Edition) by Tivoli Audio. Smooth sounds, intuitive no-nonsense interface and luxurious finish. Everything you need from a radio.

Bluetooth stereo headsets?

One thing that I have been missing in my travels and also while working is a wireless pair of headphones which would also work as hands-free system for taking those incoming calls. Ability to pair with both MP3 player (or: adapter) and a Nokia phone is thus a must. So far, it seems these are still first generation products and user experiences vary a lot. Some examples Continue reading “Bluetooth stereo headsets?”

Indexing the textbook

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Originally uploaded by FransBadger

Today is (hopefully) the final day of the indexing marathon for my forthcoming game studies textbook — I have used the 37″ Samsung Full HD television for this phase, as it is the only screen with enough surface to display the entire PDF proof page in legible format while I do searches and synthesize names, concepts and discussions into index entries. Damned hard work, but this should be the final battle in this particular project.

Unet.fi back online

Unet.fi, which is a file and web server in my home network, was transferred into new Internet service provider’s network yesterday. We are now using NebulaZone Advanced connection, which means that the theoretical maximum download is 8-24 megabytes/s, upload 3 megs per sec. This is still copper cable technology, using ADSL 2+ with Annex M extension (what a mouthful). I still need to test whether we actually get what we are paying for, but at least the line is working, and also the customer service. Having spent time among various operators whose reliability and particularly customer service is slapdash, this was particularly the criteria for turning to Nebula. I have used their services in various web hotel and domain arrangements for years, and they have consistently provided great service in the past, and I just hope this to continue.

The transition was not without its hurdles: my old Zyxel modem would not update its firmware into Annex M capable version, and I ran to buy a new one, TeleWell TW-EA501 v3. In the next phase TeleWell would appear to make connection, but then nothing would actually work over the new, bridged ADSL configuration. After three phone calls into Nebula service line (I had to run to work in between), the connection now appears to work, more or less. I think I have even configured all services in Unet.fi server to run again, somewhat surprisingly. With currently five computers (with various Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X and Linux configurations), two routers, two Wi-Fi routers, three online connected game consoles and some Internet phones etc. on top of that, our home network is a typical, challenging mixed home environment. I think I had to change parameters in perhaps 100-200 different places yesterday, and still consider this an easy transition. But you do not want to change ISPs every day.

Unet.fi goes offline?

Lets see what happens: our ISP contract with WlanNet is ending tomorrow, and the new one into Nebula should be starting day after that one. According to my experience, these things almost never go over smoothly, so lets be ready to live without Internet, and to accept that this domain and server will also probably be offline for some time starting tomorrow.

Eye-Fi card magic

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Originally uploaded by FransBadger

I ordered from the US a new invention: a SD memory card which has Wi-Fi integrated within its miniature shape. It arrived yesterday, and I was a bit surprised that the system actually seems to work: the couple of test photos I shot were automatically copied to my laptop and also directly into Flickr over the air. This is very handy and removes the regular hassle with cables and upload programs. The only downside is that the automatic upload does not filter or edit the photos in any way, and that the SD card does not fit into my SLR camera (CF card is needed), so this is not solution for everything, but a nice step in any case! Link: http://www.eye.fi/

Inspiration for future game interfaces?

Some of these are actually already here and in use, but most of these emerging ways of interacting are still some way from becoming mainstream experiences, in digital gaming or elsewhere. See: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/11/26/monday-inspiration-user-experience-of-the-future/.

Windows desktop searches

There are several good features in Vista, but you might want to stay away from it until the first Service Pack arrives next year (stability and driver issues being the main concern). Luckily, it is possible to stay within Windows XP and still derive benefits from most of the advanced features bundled with Vista. One of them is the improved search functionality, which is a crucial utility in these days of overflowing inboxes and hundreds of files in tens of different project timelines. For some time I have been a happy user of Google Desktop Search (GDS), which brings the power of Google search into your laptop or PC. But the problem has been that GDS stopped indexing my files, producing severely truncated results. Deleting and reindexing did not change the situation; I am not sure if there is some max file size which GDS index file can reach — I have tens of thousands of files in my daily use, so I need a desktop search capable of indexing them all. Luckily, Microsoft has now released their Windows Desktop Search also for Win XP systems as a free upgrade, and it seems to work fine. There are also many other add-ons you might consider to make your trusty old WinXP system to go still that extra mile. One of the best guides to this is: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_xp_apps.asp.

Kindle is here – but not for Europe?

This is something that I might actually use quite a lot — but it looks like that the wireless Whispernet is based on the US Sprint network, and thus this reader will not be available for Europe, not at least for now. See: Amazon.com: Kindle: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device: Kindle Store.