Converting CVSNT to Linux CVS
Today at work we swapped from using CVSNT on a Windows server machine to using CVS for linux on a QNAP NAS storage box. All appeared to be working fine until I checked out a file that was committed as a binary file. I quickly realised that half of the repository was corrupt (i.e. all binary files). After a little bit of research it was clear that CVSNT and CVS for linux are not directly compatible any more as they store the fact that a file is binary in a different format.
In each repository file there are entries that specify file formats, cvs comments, versions, etc. In amongst these is a flag that specifies the file type.
A file specified as binary in CVSNT has a line reading (where the space is actually a tab):
kopt b;
A file specified as binary in CVS has a line reading (where the space is actually a tab):
expand @b@;
Bootable USB Drive
If you need to boot of a usb drive in order to install an operating system then follow these steps on a Windows machine in order to make the drive bootable.
C:\Windows\system32>diskpart
DISKPART> list disk
Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0 Online 149 GB 0 B
Disk 1 Online 3834 MB 0 B
Disconnect from a network share in Vista
Vista recently kept refusing to allow me to login to my NAS share because it was already connected with another user/session. I resolved this by forcing the connection to be disconnected.
From the command prompt enter:
Squid: Transparent Cache
This is my step by step instructions for how I setup Ubuntu server as a transparent Squid web cache.
Note: This post is by no means a definative guide on setting up a server, or squid, but is just the steps I took in getting it working in its most basic form.
- Install Ubuntu Server 9.10
- Logon to the server and login as root
- "sudo su"
Ubuntu Server: Up and running
I've spent a few days reading up and have managed to successfully (and fairly pain-lessly) setup Ubuntu Server 9.10. So far I have setup a clean install, installed OpenSSH and Squid and setup routing so that the Squid Caching is transparent to clients using the box as a gateway.
The server is setup with only one network card with 2 subnets, the system forwards requests on the HTTP port to the Squid port and provides a transparent cache. Requests coming in from either subnet pass through the server correctly however that is no isolation between the two networks.
Next I want to setup a 2nd network card and firewall between the two networks. I also want to setup Apache/PHP and serve an admin GUI for the system.
Step-by step configuration to follow....
Linux
For many years I have meant to really get to know Linux and how to set it up in a server environment. For one reason or another I have never got round to it.
I have decided to get my act together and attempt to setup a server box to replace my cable router and wireless access point, installing any other useful services like file sharing and website caching. As I progress I'll update this blog and eventually compile a page of my findings and usage notes.
Apache & PHP Setup
A page I have imported from my old site is my very quick and simple guide for setting up Apache with PHP on windows. Please visit the page here.
Updated Website
Today I decided to change my website to this new blog style layout. I have looked at using systems such as WordPress in the past and have always discounted them as being too complicated, not fit for my purposes or simply just because I like the idea of using something I have written 100% from the ground up. I have to say that after using WordPress for a few days, playing around with all the settings and features I am quite impressed and hence have decided to setup my page using it.
Bass head repaired!
A year since my Trace Elliot bass head went pop I decided to fix it as my replacement Laney head doesn't compare to it. After hours of diagnostics and drawing up schematics of the power amp board I discovered that the fan power supply feed and the P-Channel MOSFETs were damaged. I removed the fan supply components and took a seperate supply from elsewhere on the board. I tested the MOSFETs using the technique detailed in my electronics testing section and found that both of the N-Channel MOSFETs checked out fine and that both of the P-Channel MOSFETs were blown. I ordered some replacement FETs, checked all of the other components, re-soldered some suspect joints and reassembled the power amp board. I tested the amp again and it sounds like new! Some switch cleaner on the potentiometers and a good service has nicely finished off the job.
Bass head went pop
My old Trace Elliot bass head that I had managed to repair decided to go pop today! I had just finished installing additional fans and temperature sensor to keep and eye on it and during testing it died. When I tried playing through it there was lots of crackles! 
I've had to bite the bullet and have ordered a new Laney head.