Security: SSL or separate server users: choose one

I would like to set up my several shared hosted websites so that each server runs as a separate user.

I would also like to use SSL, to get password encryption for stuff like mediawiki passwords.

But I would like all the servers to use the same SSL certifucarte, since I have to pay for the privilege.

Unfortunately, the shared hosting service I use only allows different domains and subdomains to run as different users. It apparently does not allow different paths within the same domain, e.g. https://glew.ca/andy, to run as different users.

So it appears that, unless I pay for more certificates, or give in and run my own server computer, rather than just using shared hosting, I can have either SSL, or separate users - but not both.

(If they allowed wildcard certificates... but they don't. Or if they allowed setuid or the equivalent... but they don't.)

Forgot PC laptop power supply

Again. 200 miles away. 3+ hours' drive.

Need to get another iGo. Annoying that cannot get a matching tip for either of my 2 existing iGo generic power supplies.

Dell streak dimensions - the new PalmPilot?

Many folks are complaining about the Dell Streak, e.g. Dell Streak is not the droid you are looking for | ZDNet.  They say "why would you want a cell phone this big?"

I just watched one of the many Youtube videos (Dell Streak: The versatile 5-inch Android tablet ), and I'm not so sure.  I may *want* this beast.

It looked remarkably like my old, much beloved, PalmPilot, sitting in the demonstrator's hand.  So I looked up the sizes:

product	dimensions	weight
Pilot 1000	120x80x18 mm	160 g
PalmPilot Personal	4.7x3.1x.7 in	5.6 oz
PalmPilot Professional	117x81x17 mm 4.6x3.2x.7 in	6.0 oz
Palm III	81x119x18 mm	160g 5.6 oz
Kyocera 6035 1st SmartPhone?	14.2x6.6x2.2 mm 5.6x2.6x.86 in	208g 7.34 oz
Dell Streak	153x79x10mm 6x3.1x0.4 in	220g
iPhone	4.4x2.4x0.46 in 115x61x11.6 mm	4.8 oz 135g
iPad	242.8x189.7x13.4 mm 9.56x7.47x13.4 in	680-730g 1.5-1.6 lb

The largest screen that can fit into a man’s shirt pocket.” That’s how Dell executive Ron Garriques described the Streak which was showcased at the D: All Things Digital conference according to a CNet report.

The Dell Streak is almost the same size as my much beloved PalmPilot and, in particular, my old Kyocera phone. I _loved_ those devices. I would still be using my Kyocera - the original, pre-Microsoft, SmartPhone - except for coverage problems.

True, the Dell Streak is longer than my much beloved PalmPilot and my old Kyocera phone. Can you tell that I loved those devices? In particular, it is longer. I do wish that they did not need quite so much bezel, quite so much non-display; I do wish that the display could go much closer to the edge of the top surface. Sure, there has to be a place to put the display logic and drivers, but could not some smart packaging engineer figure out how to fold them under the display?

My biggest concern is not size, but passivity: one of the big reasons I loved my PalmPilot and, then, later, the Kyocera SmartPhone, was that it was a pleasure to enter data into it using the stylus and Graffiti. For several years they were my primary means of keeping track of addresses, to-do items, etc. - basically, they were my PDA! And I haven't had a PDA anywhere near as good since my Kyocera bit the dust, even though I have gone through several smartphones. My Ming A1200 with its stylus came close, but it was not BIG enough to be a good PDA. I doubt that the on-screen keyboard will cut it.

In any case - I look forward to trying the Dell Streak out in person. I hope that there will be some scribbling/handwriting app available, even if I have to write with my finger.

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Here's a dream: something the size of the Dell Streak, although perhaps a bit smaller. Multitouch, but also stylus (how?). Also touch on the backside, like the Motorola BackFlip (which my wife loves) (how to use touch both front and back, I am not sure - movement?).

Transitive Closure Propagation of Pipeline Replays

Logitech Marble Mouse Problems

Background: I have used trackballs for many years.  My favorite of all time was the Kensington TurboMouse: I still have 4 of them, but they are all breaking, not working so well.  I have reluctantly been forced to use the Kensington Expert Mouse, and have used others in the past.  (Reluctantly, because I find the newer Expert Mouse and SlimBlade and others just don't work so well.  I suppose that there must be a reason why Kensington discontinued the TurboBall. Probably reviews such as http://www1.epinions.com/review/cmhd-MousingDevices-All-Kensington_TurboBall/content_43841326724).

A few weeks ago I decided to try a Logitech Marble Mouse.  For several reasons, including:

a) it is available in more stores.

b) it is smaller than the Expert Mouse, and could fit on a small keyboard tray

etc.


I was concerned that it did not have a scroll wheel, like the Kensingtons.  And, that has been a pain. 

But, there is a much more important problem:  this trackball works for a while, and then stops.  Replugging the USB doesn't help.  The only thing that seems to help is rebooting, and/or reinstalling the Logitech software.


Like I said, I have used a wide variety of trackballs, manly Kensingtons but also others.  I have NEVER had these sporadic failures and silences with any other device. Heck, it should not be necessary to install software at all, should it?  I normally don't have to for other devices.


Buyer beware.  I can't recommend this Logitech Marble Mouse trackball.   I am going to go to the store and buy another Kensington Expert Mouse this evening or tomorrow.

ISO Coding Dojo

I heard about software or coding dojos (on Randall Schwartz's FLOSS weekly).

Sounds interesting.  Does anyone know of any dojos already running in thge Portland or Seattle area, that I could try out?  Failing that, is anyone interested in trying to start one?

From http://codingdojo.org/

A Coding Dojo is a meeting where a bunch of coders get together to work on a programming challenge. They are there have fun and to engage in DeliberatePractice in order to improve their skills.

The ParisDojo focuses on coding in front of others, most often something from scratch, in a very short amount of time (1 to 1.5 hours). They use various languages, various tools, various exercise formats. They consider the outcome of an exercise successful when it is completed within allocated time AND audience can repeat the exercise at home by themselves.

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I'm interested in software coding dojos, on many topics, in many languages.

I am also wondering if we could have a hardware coding dojo, in an RTL like Verilog, or with your favorite CAD tool chain.  FPGA design?  I am uncertain as to how much infrastructure is necessary to set that up, but it might be fun. Maybe we could get a CAD company like Mentor to sponsor.

No Pens! Squared!

I've arrived home in Portland, and apparently have left behind pens for my two pen based devices: my Tablet PC, and my Motorola Ming smart phone.

Fortunately, the Ming is touch based, so I can use the phone.  Writing notes is a pain.

Fortunately the Tablet PC is a convertible, so I have a keyboard and an ALPS pad, which I am using now.

But it is a pain to be able to leave behind such an essential piece of equipment.  My wife's Tablet PC pen has a tether.

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This is a good argument for a touch device like the iPad.  However, I *want* to be able to write and draw. I think that I still need a stylus to draw.  A pen is more precise than my fingers.

Ideal:  a touch screen that can also be used with a stylus made of plastic or wood, for fine work.