Guild Wars 2 on Linux
Following the guide here, I was able to get Guild Wars 2 running on my Linux Mint 14 laptop. Now I just need to get my performance up.
Feb
28
Feb
27
Switchable/Hybrid Graphics and Linux Mint 14
I decided yesterday to take the plunge and move my laptop (HP dv6t Quad with an Intel i7, 8GB RAM, AMD 6770M and Intel graphics) from dual-booting to Linux only. I had been using Linux Mint 14 as a secondary OS on my desktop for a while and really liked what I saw. So, I grabbed the install disc and booted it up.
As usual, the install went without a hitch. I ran all the updates and then went to go install the proprietary AMD/ATI graphics driver (which is now done via “Software Sources” in the Preferences menu). That’s where everything went to hell. Xorg failed to start after rebooting, leaving me at text-based login. Not that I mind playing on the command-line, but vim hardly meets my needs as an IDE and it’s going to be really hard to debug graphical applications that way. So, I began my search. After piecing sources together, here’s what got me running:
First, we need to add the PPA from xorg-edgers so that we can install the ATI/AMD Catalyst Driver 13.1 without having to build it ourselves. The PPA works with Ubuntu 13.04, 12.10, 12.04, Linux Mint 14 and 13.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xorg-edgers/ppa sudo apt-get update
Next, we can install the driver itself. While I highly recommend doing this just after running updates (and before breaking Xorg), it still works from the command-line after the broken drivers have already been installed.
sudo apt-get install fglrx
Now, everything I’ve read says that you need to remove the PPA before restarting, but nothing says why (if you know, please comment below).
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xorg-edgers/ppa sudo apt-get update
Finally, give the system a reboot. Everything should be working smoothly now… at least until the next Xorg update.
Feb
15
Getting FDMA Working on a CPN
As per my last post, I will show here the basic configuration of how to get FDMA working on a Lot 10 CPN. All CECOM documentation only shows how to get a JNN working, but (as CPNs don’t have a GPS to provide timing) we have to do things differently.
Cabling
- TFOCA-2 runs from Port 1 on the LOS case to J1 on the STT. In our LOS case, we had to use the spare fiber pair to connect to the CTM-100/C.
- Serial cable connects from NT2R Serial0/0/0 to the LOS case’s Channel 1 Red.
- Serial patch from Port 1 NRZ to Channel 1 Black (all on the LOS case).
- FDMA modem and CTM-100/C installed as labeled in the STT.
- KIV-7M installed as labeled in the LOS case, COMSEC loaded, and strappings matching the HUB.
CTM-100/C Configurations
The following setup will allow your CTMs to pull timing through your FDMA modem.
| SETTINGS | LOS CASE | STT |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Fiber | Fiber |
| Input | NRZ | NRZ |
| Rate | <Provided in SAA> | <Provided in SAA> |
| NRZ Mode | EIA530A | EIA530A |
| NRZ Config | DCE/EXT | DTE/EXT |
| NRZ Clock | ——- | TXC |
| Clock Source | Fiber | Input |
| Status (when complete) | <Rate> nF_ P_ L_ | <Rate> Nf_ P_ L_ |
NT2R Configuration
- Remove “passive-interface Loopback0″ from the OSPF configuration.
- Add a network statement to include the Hub’s NT2R (e.g. “network 144.104.201.224 0.0.0.0 area 0″). The IP of the Hub’s NT2R should be visible in your routing table, as it is a directly connected network via Serial0/0/0 (shown in the yellow box below).
NT2R Routing Table
Conclusion
That should be it. If any additional configuration is required, it is Hub-specific and not something we came across. If additional help is required, I can be contacted via this blog (must use a .mil email address).
Feb
13
Next Post: Getting FDMA Working on a CPN
Normally, a WIN-T Battalion Command Post Node (referred to as either BnCPN or CPN) is configured to connect to the WAN via a TDMA satellite link. This is the way things are normally done and the way we are trained to make it work. However, the powers that be have decided to make certain CPNs “Super CPNs” by providing them with an FDMA modem, which is normally reserved for the JNN. This has been done for a while: another CPN at FOB Wolverine (where I was working in Afghanistan) had an FDMA link back in 2010. The only problem is that no one, or very few people, know how to make it work.
Well, we figured it out this morning. I have copious notes and will be posting a write-up for the benefit of fellow CPN operators and the CECOM FSRs who support us.
Dec
29
New Texture Pack
I have been using Soartex Fanver for a while and really like the look of it. However, on my laptop, my framerate is awful. So, after browsing the Minecraft subreddit, I found Faithful 32×32 which is actually giving me better FPS than the default.
Nov
17
Beer-Brined Turkey with Onion Gravy and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1/4 c yellow mustard seeds
- 2 T black peppercorns
- 8 bay leaves
- 1 c dark brown sugar
- 1 c kosher salt
- 2 onions, cut into thick wedges
- 1 lbs bacon
- Six 12-ounce bottles Guinness stout
- One 12- to 14-pound turkey
- 1 c chicken broth/turkey stock
- 1 T unsalted butter
- 1 T AP flour
Directions
- In very large pot, combine the mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Toast over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar and salt and remove from heat. Add 4 cups water and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Let cool completely.
- Add the onions, bacon, stout, and 16 cups of cold water to the pot. Add the turkey to the brine, breast side down, and top with a heavy lid to keep it submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and position a rack on the bottom shelf. Lift the turkey from the brine, pick off any peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaves. Pat dry. Transfer the turkey to a large roasting pan, breast side up. Scatter the onion wedges in the pan and add 1 cup water. Using toothpicks, secure the bacon slices over the breast. Roast the turkey for about 2 hours, turning the pan occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted deep into the thighs registers 150 degrees. Remove the bacon and return the turkey to the oven. Roast for about one hour longer, until the breast is browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees. Transfer the turkey to a carving board.
- Pour the pan juices and onion wedges into a saucepan and boil until reduced to 3 cups (about 5 minutes). Add the chicken broth and return to a boil. In a small bowl, math the butter to a paste with the flour. Whisk the paste into the gravy and boil until thickened slightly (about 3 minutes).
- Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy and bacon.
Wine suggestion: Smoky, peppery California Syrah (2009 Terre Rouge Les Cotes de l’Ouest)
Sep
13
Upgrading to WordPress 3.4.2 Leaves Site in Maintenance Mode
Just a heads up for those of you running your own WordPress blogs…
I just ran the automatic update to the latest version of WordPress and it left my site in maintenance mode. Upon SSHing into my server, I noticed that a file, .maintenance, had been added to the root. Deleting this file returned the site to normal.
Aug
31
Chef Turned Soldier
My buddy, Jereme, is a trained chef that now works with me on WIN-T networks. He’s created a blog, Chef Turned Soldier, that introduces kitchen neophytes (like many of those young soldiers who live in the barracks) to new cooking methods and recipes that can apply to them. As such, this blog would also be great for college kids in dorm rooms and bachelors. Hell, even I find some cool stuff on it.
Aug
27
VeeServers.com is awful
I don’t normally trash companies online, but this one deserves it. VeeServers.com offers Minecraft servers at great prices, but is not worth even their low cost. Ordering a hosted service (other than domains, which take about 24) should take no more than 6 hours. My server wasn’t setup for FOUR DAYS! During that time, I haven’t received a single reply to any of my emails.
I’m now in a PayPal dispute to get my money back, as I’m not paying a full months prices for less than a month of (crappy) service.
TL;DR: Avoid VeeServers at all costs.
Aug
19
BBQ Sides and Appetizers
I seem to have my technique down for cooking ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder on my smoker, but that only gives me the entree. A meal, especially one planned for more than a few people, is much more than an entree. Lately, I’ve decided to start working on my sides and appetizers, so that I can do my first big cook right.
Appetizers
ABTs, or Atomic Buffalo Turds, are the BBQ version of jalapeno poppers. While there are many variations, I got my recipe here. They are very simple to make and take only 90 minutes to cook, so your guests will have something to munch on while they wait for the meat to finish.
Of course, standard party fair, such as chips with salsa and guacamole, are completely acceptable here, as well.
Side Dishes
Your classic BBQ side dishes are cole slaw, mac ‘n’ cheese, beans, and potatoes. Depending on your particular BBQ inclinations or geography, their style may vary, but they’re all accepted.
As I am already doing a good bit of cooking, I don’t tend to feel like shredding cabbage myself (it’s also surprisingly expensive here in Hawaii), so I but the bagged mix and make the dressing myself. For full disclosure, Lizz usually makes the dressing, so I’m not 100% that this is the recipe she used, but I know it was a Bobby Flay one. When she made it from scratch, it was great, but we didn’t like the onion.
I plan on playing with Meathead’s recipe for “Crack ‘n’ Cheese” and finding the perfect cheese and add-ins. I’ll post again when I do.
The wife and I disagree about the perfect baked bean, so we might compromise on a classic Boston recipe, but I’d also really like to try the Bourbon Baked Beans. Results ot my tasty testing to be posted soon.
As far as potato dishes go, there are fries and salads for BBQ. Any kind of fries you like (including sweet potato) will work just fine and your salad preference will be just fine, as well. My wife particularly enjoys the Salt Lick’s version (a take on German) and I’m always trying to find a good copy cat.
