Leinninger.com

The new server is up:

• Dual 500 mHz
• 1.25 gb RAM
• 1/4 Terabyte RAID array
• OS X Server 10.3

It has a few new tricks up it’s sleeve. One of them was the relatively simple and quick migration from OS X Server 10.2 to 10.3. Very smooth. Email performance has increased by a factor of 10 and the file system organization and system configuration is much more unix-like (even though the GUI remains Mac-ized). Personal rating, 9 out of 10, InfoWorld rated it highly too.

The LAN gaming season is up us. About a year ago, a few co-workers invited me to attend a LAN party. Since then, we’ve found it to be a great cure for cabin fever. One is coming up soon in at Brad’s place. If you would like to attend, but haven’t been formally invited, drop me a line.

- Duane

Gina completed her phd in Neurocience at the University of Michigan yesterday. Her thesis presentation and defense was acclaimed as one of the finest every witnessed by her peers. Additionally, Gina is the 100th graduate of the U-M neuroscience doctoral program. Eva Feldman, her mentor, is one of the earliest graduating members of the program. Appropriate indeed. Start making those invitiations out to Dr. and Mr. Leinninger!

- Duane

Part 3 of the MythTV vs. XP MCE is up. This part focuses on the TV/PVR features of each solution. I should mention that I never personally evaluated Tivo. I am sure that it is a great solution for many folks. A subscription is not required, but adds some important features… but there are many ways to work around the subscription. I already had the hardware (for the most part), and I wanted to browse the web and play some games… so Tivo wouldn’t cut it for me.

Once again, I’ve dug out my Newton and am trying to justify uses for it. It is still, by far, the best PDA I’ve ever owned. (I’ve had 3 Palm Pilots and a PocketPC.) It’s handwriting recognition is stellar, and it’s interface is intuitive and quick. It’s just to damn huge. I’ve destroyed jacket pockets carrying this thing around. Please, Apple, release a new device that his smaller and lighter with a big screen. For now, I’ll continue to telnet and email from my beloved Newton while I carry out all other personal organization with my Palm Zire. (I’m a sell-out.)

- Duane

I’ve posted part 2 (out of 4) of my home media center round-up. Check it out. Although I hoped to get updates out a few days apart, it looks like a week apart is more realistic. Blame school.

A few friends from work (Brad and Keith) and I are working on a geek review site. We’re hoping to cover hardware, software, phones, handheld gadgets, toys, etc. Elitegeek.net will be available in January of 2005.

- Duane

After far to long, I’ve finally added a new article. I’ve made up for my procrastination with a doozie. It’s a 4 part piece detailing the process of evaluating a few home media center options. I’ll post each section as I complete the editing and layout… most likely a day or 2 apart.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, as has the day-after-Thanksgiving shop-o-thon. Gina and I had dinner with my family at my Aunt Sharon’s house. Nice, simple, and relaxing… not to mention the good eats. Michigan delivered a little snow. Not enough to complicate travel, just enough to remind us that we are, in fact, still in Michigan. Sigh.

Gina has been putting in 12-18 hour days finishing her doctoral thesis. She is completing her graduate research in neuroscience at U of M. I’m sure she’s looking forward to getting her defense behind her and continuing with her career. I’ve always been fascinated with the microscope imagery she captures. In fact, I’ve decided to use these images as the basis for my next (and hopefully final) painting project at Wayne State.

- Duane