Gadgets – Evening Report

DIY, learning & fun: computing with Ubuntu

Selwyn Manning — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 03:18:29 +0000

Tech Investigation by Carolyn Skelton. I have been enjoying my exploration of the Ubuntu version of the Linux Operating System (OS). It’s an active form of computing that requires a little more effort than using Microsoft’s Windows. Microsoft and the devices that use its systems, are very good at providing what looks like a wide range of choice, between the latest newest shiny things. But, in practice, the choices are limited. And increasingly, as with Windows 10, they aim for planned obsolescence, encouraging dependency on their OS. The result is we keep having to pay them more money to keep up-to-date, or to get add-ons. In my last post I argued for more teaching of computer coding in primary schools. Coding teaches a deeper understanding and transferable skills. Basically, a lot of current teaching is getting children excited about using the latest shiny things, without learning many new, or deep-seated skills: ones that could be easily transferred to new IT developments. Newer is not always better, as learned by young people who have ever had the pleasure of making their own toys and equipment (like trolleys) or who have learned to maintain and repair their old cars, motorbikes, or bicycles. There were new Ubuntu terms to use, such as “Dash” the name for the dashboard at the top of the launch bar on the left. I can search for folders, files and software from there. Further down the launch bar is the “Software Center” where I can search for some software to install from Ubuntu or its partners. All this can be done through mouse movements and clicks. A lot of the software available is free, but some cost money. A little bit of self-help is far more satisfying than being totally at the mercy of Microsoft. In the process I have learned things about the current state of computing software, and a few basic security rules. Now I want to learn more.

Setting up Ubuntu on a reconditioned laptop I got a start with using Ubuntu with an Intel Compute Stick, pre-loaded with Ubuntu. I enjoyed using it, but found it inadequate. I was (unnecessarily as it turned out) nervous about adding Ubuntu to a computer. I found a local computing business that advertised they would load Linux distros (versions of its OS) onto computers for $120.00. I was tempted, but chose to do it myself. I was told that many people buy a second-hand (off-lease), reconditioned computers, and load a Linux distro OS onto it . It is recommended that buyers of such computers go for A Grade ones with a limited warranty period, and from a reputable company. These are the ones most likely to have been well-looked after. I looked through some lists of laptop models that are known to work well with various Linux distros. I chose one with a reasonable amount of disc space on the hard drive, and that was available at an Auckland store. It cost just under $500.00 with a 3 month warranty. Loading Ubuntu as the second OS turned out to be pretty easy. I followed online instructions to load Ubuntu onto my reconditioned laptop. Things didn’t happen exactly as described. I did not attempt the suggestion to create a partition between Windows and the space to be used for Ubuntu. First I downloaded an an ISO file onto a DVD. The instructions said to then reboot the computer with the disc in the laptop. I tried rebooting several files but…. nothing. I had stupidly failed to tick the verify box, which would have resulted in a check to see if the iso file had downloaded properly. So I went to the DVD and clicked on the downloaded file … and THEN, suddenly things started to happen and I was away! Files began being extracted to my laptop, and then a pop up box invited me to reboot – I clicked on the “Boot” option. When the laptop restarted, a trial version of the Ubuntu desktop loaded. If I had stayed with that, it would have required to reboot in future from the disc. I was already committed to loading Ubuntu, so I clicked on the “Install” folder, sitting enticingly at the top of the desktop. Then I was taken through the set up process. As I did not have any files on my Windows OS that I wanted to keep, I followed a recommendation on Ask Ubuntu to use a slider. I slid the slider so that more of the hard disc space was for Ubuntu than Windows. The Ubuntu OS was then set up. Each time I log on, the rolling text stops with Ubuntu highlighted at the top. If I hit “Enter” or just wait, Ubuntu loads. If I arrow down to Windows OS _1 and click on that, Ubuntu boots up from Windows. If I arrow down to Windows_2, the Windows OS opens. All pretty easy. After my earlier post on difficulties with playing videos on, Ubuntu, Tim O’Brien tweeted me a very useful link to 10 things that can be done to tweak or improve Ubuntu 14.04. David H recommended using the html5 option for youtube videos. [caption id="attachment_7324" align="alignleft" width="300"] Image from linuxpitstop.com[/caption] I was nervous about typing in commands – it looked pretty scary. My first attempt was in response to TV One and TV3 videos ondemand not playing. It was recommended to install hal – which sounded to me like entering an alternative 2001 Space Odyssey universe. To do this I need to open a terminal. This can be done through searching for it on the dash. I prefer typing cntrl+Alt+T. That brings up a little box. When it prints my logon ID and stops, it is waiting for me to type in a command. If I have typed it correctly, when I hit enter text/code starts printing down the box. If there are no more commands for me to add, I type “Exit” and the box closes. Featured image from Canonical

]]>

Taking control: why computer coding should be taught in primary schools

Selwyn Manning — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 05:19:52 +0000

In my last piece I focused on the first device I bought to use the Ubuntu version (AKA Ubuntu distro) of the Linux Operating System (OS). I found much online collaborative activity contributing to the use of Ubuntu. I was looking for an alternative to the Windows OS, which does almost everything for us, making it easy to use and accessible: but with it we give up control to Microsoft and its big corporate, competitive, market-dominating enterprise driven by the profit incentive. Using Ubuntu requires a little more effort, but with it, comes a bit more control of my computing, and an increase in understanding about what makes computers and their software work. Using Ubuntu is much like using Windows in many ways. For the first couple of weeks I was able to do most things I wanted with mouse clicks. I was a little wary of taking the step to use the terminal to type commands. This involves communicating more directly with the OS, typing in coded commands. However, once I made the effort to do this, I soon gained confidence. I was reminded of the first computing course I did back in the mid-late 1980s. Those were the days before the World Wide Web, browsers and the mouse that can click on pre-coded links. Everything had to be done through typing in commands in a form (or language) that the OS could read. I learned to create my own graphical patterns, and was told this was a very simple form of programming. At the time it gave me a great sense of achievement, and confidence in my computer use. Back then, there was some optimism that computing use would equip all young learners with the ability to create their own programmes, thereby having a lot of control over their computing use, and stimulating their creativity. But gradually the big corporates gained prominence, and took a lot of the imitative from ordinary users. They started to do everything for us. Now many of us have no idea about how much of our personal information, stored in ‘My Documents’ and other folders, get sent back to Microsoft, and used for marketing purposes. We have no idea how many back-doors are included in digital devices by the NSA (us National Security Agency) and its 5 Eyes partners. As a result of my experiences with Ubuntu, I have begun to think about the importance of teaching computer programming in schools. There are growing calls for such teaching. The Australian Labor party leader Bill Shorten, recently announced that it would be Labor policy to include the teaching of programming in schools. In May this year, The Conversation reported:

Bill Shorten’s recent announcement that, if elected, a Labor Government would “ensure that computer coding is taught in every primary and secondary school in Australia” has brought attention to an increasing world trend.

Many foreground that this is necessary for building a successful national IT industry. However, the benefits for all or most young children learning the basics of computing is far greater than that: it’s about gaining more understanding and control of the use we make of digital devices. While specifics of the various computer languages change, the underlying principles remain pretty much the same. That means once learned they can be transferred to new computing developments. Much of the current focus on computing in schools focuses on how various current devices are used. On Tuesday, Radio NZ reported that a recent OECD study showed that:

… education systems which had invested heavily in information and communications technology had seen “no noticeable improvement” in Pisa test results for reading, mathematics or science. “If you look at the best-performing education systems, such as those in East Asia, they’ve been very cautious about using technology in their classrooms,” Mr Schleicher said.

Last year in NZ, the case was put for school students learning to write code. Lee Suckling reported, [caption id="attachment_7180" align="alignleft" width="287"] Photo accompanying Lee Suckling’s article on Stuff website.[/caption]

In a nutshell, learning to code enables pupils to learn the step-by-step commands to make websites, games, and apps. Common coding languages include HTML, Python, CSS and JavaScript: all of which are widespread and versatile. At the moment, coding is optional in New Zealand schools and the uptake is limited since it was introduced at NCEA level in 2011.

Nicholas Jones reported that students as young as 7 years old are successfully learning to write code at West Auckland’s Marina View School. I will describe the steps I took to use Ubuntu on a reconditioned laptop.]]>

Carolyn Skelton: The collaborative principle: computing with Ubuntu

Selwyn Manning — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 04:33:16 +0000

Tech Investigation by Carolyn Skelton. As I wrote in my last post, have started using the Ubuntu distro (distribution), a version of the Linux operating system (OS). I was looking to break my dependence on Microsoft and its Windows OS. I felt I had surrendered too much control over my personal computing to Microsoft. While it makes computer use easily accessible, and relatively effortless, my lack of technical knowledge results in me not really knowing what Microsoft is doing with my personal data. I was seriously looking at buying a new MacBook. This is an alternative for those who can afford the extra cost, and for those without the time to explore using Linux distros. Attracted by the cooperative approach to Linux’s free open source OS, I decided to try using its Ubuntu distro – recommended for beginners. I bought two devices: an Intel Compute Stick with Ubuntu pre-loaded on it, and a reconditioned (second hand) off-leased laptop. The latter had the Windows 7 OS on it, and I added Ubuntu as the second OS. I had thought the Compute Stick would be the easiest option for a beginner, but in fact, is the least satisfactory one, with more limitations and problems, and requiring more effort than the reconditioned laptop. On looking at moving to Ubuntu, I found that there are no new computers for sale in NZ with Linux distros pre-loaded on them. Microsoft dominates the market, with most computers having a Windows OS pre-loaded on them. The only computing device I found for sale with a Linux OS pre-loaded was the new device, the Intel Compute Stick. This is on sale for around NZ$200 (slight variation at different outlets). It is $50 cheaper than the version with Windows on it. However, the smaller amount of disc space on the Ubuntu version seems to be a big draw back. The other major problem I have encountered is that I cannot use it to play all the videos available online. A lot of my time has gone into looking for solutions to these two issues – and I’m still hopefully looking. In order to use it, I paid about $70 more for necessary accessories: A wireless key board and mouse is necessary for anyone to use the Compute Stick. As the Compute stick is set up for wireless internet access, I also bought a USB to Ethernet adapter: one that works with Linux. The Compute stick only has one USB port. The wireless keyboard and mouse and the adapter each need a USB port, so I also bought a cheap USB hub. As it would be dangling off my TV set, I opted for a squid one with dangly tentacles for each port, rather than a box type hub. This launched me into the Ubuntu world. In spite of the frustrations and wrong intitial choice, I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed the process. I’ve found a whole big, non-Microsoft world out there, with communities of people who share their ideas and collaborate on solutions. I see the time and effort I have put into this as a small step towards a deeper understanding of computing, and towards gaining a little bit of control over my use of computers and other digital devices.

Intel Compute Stick with Ubuntu – a review The Compute Stick is a great idea. It’s a small device that plugs directly into an HDMI socket in a TV or monitor. The marketers pitch it as a device for businesses to provide to staff for presentations or for use when travelling and staying at hotels. It’s not intended to have the capability of someone’s main computer, and is likened more to a tablet. However, I found it is more limited than a tablet. Specifications here: And here: Setting up the Compute Stick I attached to the TV’s HDMI2/DVI socket, pretty much as described here. There were a concerning few moments when it didn’t seem to work. The light showed the device was switched on, the on/off switch didn’t seem to work … and my TV screen was telling me to check connections and th. source. The power lead for the Compute Stick is pretty short, so I had plugged it into an extension lead. In desperation, I unplugged it and re-connected it…. And suddenly my TV screen turned purple. This was not something dangerous happening, but the sign that Ubuntu was booting up. [caption id="attachment_7002" align="alignleft" width="300"] Screenshot of the Ubuntu desktop on my reconditioned laptop[/caption] The TV screen then displayed the setup process and eventually I had a working computing system on my TV, and that moment WAS pretty exciting. This was my taster for my smart TVs of the future, and I like it. Now when I shut it down via the keyboard and mouse, the device switches off. I then need to step up and turn it on manually with the button on the device: quite quaint for a something that is very wireless capable. The video problem I soon found out that I could not play youtube videos, or TVOne and TV3’s ondemand videos using this device. Some of the issues are ones I also found with using Ubuntu 14.04 on a laptop (will explain more in a future article on my experiences with using Ubuntu on a reconditioned laptop). These issues relate to flash players, plugins, DRM capabilities and changes in the flashplayer applications used by some browsers. I have resolved most of these issue on the laptop, but only partially resolved the flash problems with the Compute Stick. As well as browsing the Internet, I can now play videos from the following places using the Compute Stick on at least one of the devices browsers (Chromuim and Firefox): Youtube, Maori and Prime TV ondemand, videos on Evening Report, and the Daily Blog, short news videos on the websites for TVNZ and TV3…. and more. However, as my main use for this device would be to watch TV Ondemand, a big drawback is that I cannot play any TV One ondemand videos with it. Also, I cannot play TV3 ondemand videos adequately: with the Chromium browser, I can play the small screen view, but when I switch it to full screen, the sound drops out, and the video stops and starts; on the Firefox browser, I get the ads in before the ondemand episodes, but when the ads finish, the screen goes blank. I have sought advice from Intel and have looked at the response giving instructions for updating the BIOS. I’m not game to try that till I have sorted out the lack of disc space issue. At the moment I regularly use the app from the Software Centre that comes with Ubuntu: the bleachbit. It strips out the cache’s, temporary files and other superfluous bits, to keep the low disc space warnings at bay. Endless warnings: low disc space It is argued in this discussion, that Ubuntu uses less of the disc space than Windows. Another commenter reckons that Intel deliberately reduced the capacity of the Ubuntu version of the Compute Stick so as not to outshine the Windows version. Whatever the reason, the limited disc space is a big problem with this compute stick. Some people are looking at loading Ubuntu onto the Windows Compute Stick. It’s ridiculous that I get low disc space warnings on a device I’ve bought in the last few weeks, and that I’ve added little to. The warning message says I need to remove programmes on something like the “FileSystemRoot” or put some files on another disc or partition. I don’t have enough knowledge to know what things to remover safely,or how. I am looking for usable advice on Ubuntu forums, such as this. So it looks to me that, while it is a great idea for a device, the Ubuntu version of the Compute Stick still needs some work before it is fully fit for purpose. I will use it. My taste of a smart TV (a thing for my future) has been exciting, but also frustrating. I’ve read that there are other devices already available that have overtaken the Compute Stick. Loading Ubuntu onto the reconditioned laptop was the much better choice. I’ll describe some of my experiences with this on another day.

]]>

Carolyn S: Back to the source – From Windows to Linux

Selwyn Manning — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 05:50:04 +0000

Looking for alternatives to Microsoft’s Windows OS Last week, I wrote about how my brief acquaintance with Windows 10 operating system (OS) triggered concerns that my dependence on Microsoft was leading me to places I didn’t agree with: too much corporate dominance and control over my most private digital activities and concerns with the way users were being unwittingly delivered to advertisers, marketers, and other profiteering corporates. Apple Macs My first response was to start looking at buying a Mac laptop, which use Apple’s own OS. I cruised some local shops, and was getting close to making a selection. But I also have some reservations about Apple: it’s poor record of employment conditions in China,and it’s approach as a competitive, corporate, with intensive marketing strategies, though somewhat less aggressively monopolistic than Microsoft. Between these 2 corporations they have been a bit of a duopoly dominating computing operating systems. Open Source and Free Software Movements Then I started to think about Linux. At that stage my knowledge of it was limited. I have the time and motivation. Windows is like the ready-made-meals option: very convenient and easy to use without a lot of effort. However, the small print on the package contains lots of potential unhealthy contents, masking the actual contents with e-numbers. The alternative to ready-made, highly processed foods, is to make an effort to shop regularly at fruit and veges shops, or farmers markets. And it’s maybe a small step towards something like the digital equivalent of growing your own veges – and some control over the OSes people are using. I associated Linux with the Open Source movement, which I associated with collaborative, non-profit-seeking development of computing software. In the 1980s, and 1990s, I was hopeful that the collaborative ethos was going to maintain a strong presence in computing and its development. Many had an ethos of contributing to the social good taking priority over competition and personal gain. However, I could already see that commercial interests were gathering, exploring ways to make money out of people’s voluntary efforts. And I was aware of the gathering momentum in popular culture towards individualism and profit-seeking. There has been some tension between the Free Software and Open Source movements. Open Source focuses on the practical benefits, with better systems being developed through collaborative efforts. The Free Software movement focuses more on a “freedom” ethos, with the “free” being more like “free speech” than “free beer”.

For the free software movement, free software is an ethical imperative, essential respect for the users’ freedom. By contrast, the philosophy of open source considers issues in terms of how to make software “better”—in a practical sense only. […]
For the free software movement, however, non-free software is a social problem, and the solution is to stop using it and move to free software.

However, Open Source advocates say the “Free Software” term is ambiguous, and that Open Source stresses the “availability of source code”, as argued here. The debates are laid out on Oxford Privacy, the source of the accompanying featured image.

Linux OS

Linux began with an ethos of providing a free operating system and software. In more recent times, it has become more of a paid enterprise, with the majority of people who work on it being paid. It is also used in many current applications, such as automated systems in people’s homes: Since I wrote my Windows 10 piece I have started investigating the possibility of using a Linux OS in order to wean myself off my Microsoft dependency. There are several version of the OS, each being developed by a team. They are called “distributions” or “distros”. Ubuntu I chose to go with the Ubuntu system, because it is the most well known, and it is claimed that it is a good distro for beginners. I was a bit nervous about doing this, so bought some hardware for this purpose, rather than risk downloading Ubuntu onto my laptop that currently runs Windows 7. Ubuntu seems quite familiar to this long time Windows user, while also having many unfamiliar features. There have been some frustrations and wrong turns, as happens when learning something new, and it has required some effort and time on my part. I still have much to learn, but feel the effort I will be rewarded with more control over the computing devices I use, and less dependent on the intrusive and manipulative market ethos of Microsoft. This article has been drafted on LibreOffice Writer, the default system on Ubuntu, and I have used the OS for some of the research. My next piece will be about my journey into Ubuntu.]]>

In the horse’s mouth: Windows 10

Selwyn Manning — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 05:12:19 +0000

Concerns for my Microsoft dependence My name is Carolyn, and I’m a long time Windows OS (Operating System) user. Recently I began to see how it might be impacting negatively on my, and maybe all our lives. I upgraded to Windows 10, used it for a couple of weeks, then began to have second thoughts. I reverted back to Windows 7 as offered in the first month after the upgrade. All seems well on the most visible surface of the new OS, but it is the less visible operations that require more investigation. My biggest concerns are with the ways Windows 10 may violate users’ privacy, and/or delivers users up to Microsoft’s other money-making services, and to other marketers. In this Microsoft seem to be taking a step beyond such incursions by others into social media, especially on Facebook, and delivering them to the most private spaces where we live. My worries are that, not being a tech-head, and having gone along with the ongoing developments of operating systems, I now have very little control over what Microsoft is doing with the systems I use for my most personal data. It is also a major step along the way to the commercialisation of computing and the internet, once seen as a revolutionary open source system that would promote grassroots, citizen democracy: a free, sharing, gift economy. Windows 10, as a (possibly desperate) move by Microsoft to protect and expand its market monopoly/dominance, in the face of increasing competition. It just seems to be a step too far for me. Windows 10: the pros and cons Generally Windows 10 has been getting good reviews as regards its usability, and the capabilities it offers. A few reviewers recommend that Windows 7 users stay with it. However, many also say 10 is a better option than Windows 8, which is considered to have been a pretty mediocre system: it took on a lot of features of touch screen mobile devices, but when used for a device focused on the keyboard and mouse, it seems a bit chaotic and confusing. For instance Woody Leonhard at infoworld says:

Windows 10 is what Windows 8 should have been, but it has too many rough edges to attract Windows 7 users. Continuous upgrades could change that as early as this fall.

He does not seem to have concerns about Windows 10 and privacy issues, praising the security features, which

… proudly offers a bundle of new features, including improved security, a new browser, and the voice-activated intelligent assistant Cortana. You might even call Windows 10 the most revolutionary version of Windows ever, mainly because it will be continually upgraded as part of Microsoft’s “Windows as a service” effort.

In the gift horse’s mouth: enticement to revenue-generating capabilities “Windows as a service” makes the OS free to non-business users, in order to shift the costs to businesses (they will have to pay for it), and to accessing add-on services such as games and apps. Search capabilities also aim to encourage the generation of revenue. Gregg Keiser explains:

Microsoft’s strategy is to go low on consumer Windows licenses, hoping that that will boost device sales, which will in turn add to the pool of potential customers for advertising, services and apps. In other words, what Microsoft gives up in selling each Windows license it figures to make up in volume elsewhere.

Leonhard is glowing about most of the new features in Windows 10, although he also does point out some flaws. His claim for increased security does seem to relate to a built in anti-virus and to security breaches by those outside of Microsoft’s sphere of influence:

This includes “… multifactor security techniques tied to accounts where you simply log in once and do nearly anything.

It also aims to make private data secure when using public networks, and more. Windows 10 and privacy Online there are arguments for and against Microsoft on privacy. The pro-Microsoft arguments tend to say that there are similar features in earlier Windows OS’s, and that the 10 version is just a continuation of that. They also argue for such features being necessary, and against them being a bad invasion of privacy. WheezyJoe outlines some of the privacy concerns, with a link to an article on Verge article on the privacy policy for Windows 10. WheezyJoe argues that Verge’s piece takes a “Microsoft-friendly” approach. There is also a link to the Windows’ privacy policy: Alex Hern writes in the Guardian, on 1 August:

Hundreds of commenters on sites such as Hacker News and Reddit have criticised default settings that send personal information to Microsoft, use bandwidth to upload data to other computers running the operating system, share Wi-Fi passwords with online friends and remove the ability to opt out of security updates.

Windows 10 includes embedded personalised adverts, gives the user a unique advertising ID, which is linked to the users’ email address. The latter is linked to other services.

Using that information, Microsoft is able to personalise ads to the user, during both web surfing and, for newer apps downloaded from the Windows Store, app usage.

For instance, Windows 10 turns Microsoft’s previously in-built Solitaire card game into an app that has unskippable ads. Some articles provide advice on how to switch of the 12 or 13 features that could enable privacy breaches: However, others claim the OS will continue to send data to Microsoft even after the data-sharing features have been turned off. Beyond privacy to loss of control, & spying potential This leads to suggestions of Windows 10 (possibly inadvertently) enabling spying on users – invoking the likes of the NSA/5 Eyes keystroke digital spying capabilities. Since I have reverted back to Windows 7, every time I logon, I get a pup op message saying Microsoft recommends that I upgrade to Windows 10, or that my Windows 10 Upgrade is waiting for me. Such a desperate hard sell just makes me feel resistant. Leonhard also points out that people like me, who have had second thoughts about Windows 10, will be locked from further upgrades for Windows 7 – he gives a step by step guide as to how to disable the lock. It puts me in mind of Doctor Who’s Cybermen and their refrain, ‘You must be upgraded” – to the free system, promising a higher level of humanity; but where people will become an integral part of the machine, and lose their humanity and freewill. The alternative to being upgraded, is being deleted [see Merovee on WordPress, site of the feature image]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQs3gVobcfg In the next part I will look at some of the alternatives to Microsoft. Also: Check out this thought provoking article: 8 Ways Technology Is Improving Your Health.]]>