For those of you that aren’t familiar with Synergy, it is a very essential server/client tool for anyone using multiple computers at their desk. It eliminates the need to have multiple keyboards and mice on your desk, while virtually extending your desktop across Windows, Mac, and Linux environments. You still connect your monitors to the varying computers. I’ve seen seamless Quad-monitor (Three different OSes: WinXP, WinVista with dual monitors, OSX) setups using this program.

This post won’t outline how to use Synergy, but rather just how to take care of the little things that will keep it from being a good experience on Windows Vista/7. I’m writing the rest of this post for those that are already familiar with Synergy, and instructions are targeted at Windows 7 Professional users.

Anyways, I was running into problems with my Synergy client on my home-office setup. I have a laptop docked with a second monitor for my office computer (operating as the Synergy client), and then a single monitor rig in portrait-orientation for my home computer (operating as the Synergy server). I use Display Fusion, which runs as an administrator-level service on my desktop, and I use the multi-monitor taskbar available on the paid version of the software. I was unable to use the Synerg-ized mouse to select a window on that Display Fusion taskbar, and considering that was my 24” monitor where a lot of my work takes place it would be a huge problem if the laptop didn’t have a keyboard. On top of that, every time the client computer would prompt for UAC approval for various things, I would lose the ability to use my G5 mouse and G15 keyboard on my office laptop.

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It’s getting deeper into the time of year where we start to drive long distances through potentially hazardous winter weather. It is more important during these times to be prepared, as help may not come as quick as when the roads are clear. So following that good old Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” I’m going to place my thoughts on what you should have in your Winter Car Kit. I’d like to mention that my car kit consists of these items contained within a small Rubbermaid “Action Packer” which can be picked up for around $25. To modify the old saying, an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of well-being (or something to that effect).

So, for starters, lets take a look at what your normal car kit should have:

1. Basic First Aid Kit (for minor cuts, scrapes, burns)
   • Ideally, this is just for the little stuff you will inflict upon yourself from being clumsy working under the hood.
   • You might also want to add some kind of hand-sanitizer or cleaner.
   • Put this in a gallon sized ziploc bag.
2. Flashlight (extra batteries are always a good idea)
   • I’d have to say the 2x AA MagLites are perfect for this kit, though, if you want something smaller there’s a MagLite “Solitare” that uses 1x AAA battery.
   • I carry a 2x D-cell MagLite in my vehicle at all times, with an extra pair of batteries in the glove compartment. It’s size and weight has made it useful as a makeshift hammer to be used on my starter solenoid when the vehicle wouldn’t crank, such that I got it working so I could roll into the mechanic.
   • Add the small flashlight to your glove compartment. If you keep a larger flashlight I’d recommend keeping it up beside you, or under you at the driver’s seat.
3. Jumper Cables
   • You always need them when you don’t have them, and someone else usually needs them when you have them. You might as well keep them so at a minimum you can do your good turn of the day.
   • Put these inside the Action Packer.
4. Read the rest of this entry »

This time around he’s made a Winter Warmer style. Winter Warmer’s tend to have a bit higher ABV (this one is around 7%) where it gets its name is from the warming effect the alcohol provides. From beeradvocate.com:

These malty sweet offerings tend to be a favorite winter seasonal. Big malt presence, both in flavor and body. The color ranges from brownish reds to nearly pitch black. Hop bitterness is generally low, leveled and balanced, but hop character can be pronounced. Alcohol warmth is not uncommon.

Many English versions contain no spices, though some brewers of spiced winter seasonal ales will slap “Winter Warmer” on the label. Those that are spiced, tend to follow the “wassail” tradition of blending robust ales with mixed spices, before hops became the chief “spice” in beer. American varieties many have a larger presences of hops both in bitterness and flavor.

Average alcohol by volume (abv) range: 5.5-8.0%

When I started exploring and enjoying beer, one of the first big “hits” with me was a winter warmer style ale. The Moonraker Ale, by J.W. Lees & Co., introduced me to malts like I had never tasted before, and a smooth mouthfeel like I hadn’t ever experienced before. Though I’d have to go back and give it another go almost two years later, I’ve always been a huge fan of Porters, Stouts, and Winter Warmers.

So, lets see how Rob did this time! Read the rest of this entry »

CQ CQ CQ this is KJ4IKD. Calling all Windows 7 Users!

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Just testing the Windows Live Writer, part of the Windows Live Tools on Microsoft Windows 7.

And…. I’ll make an edit and add this:

Having purchased the Windows 7 Professional through the student upgrade program, and with a Windows 7 Launch Party tomorrow, I was anxious to get it installed last night. Even though I ran into a couple of snags with the 64-bit download unpacking to a 32-bit XP system (see “Unloading the Box” error), and will make a post for how to get around that issue later this evening or tomorrow afternoon, I am overall happy with my $30 purchase. I wanted to go over a couple of things that I really enjoy having in a Windows Operating System. Having come from Windows XP (with very little experience in Vista) some of these things are bigger value-adds for me. Read the rest of this entry »