Posts Tagged: ‘Miscellaneous’

Android Fragmentation (2021-08)

July 18, 2021 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

Lately I’ve been doing research for my “About Android” workshop.  I’ve been an Android user since June of 2013 when I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 2.  I probably would have never bought it if Windows Mobile hadn’t started becoming a terrible operating system.  Since then, I’ve owned several Android phones and tablets,  I’ve used products from Samsung, Google, HTC, LG, Motorola and many other companies.

One of the greatest problems with the Android OS hasn’t changed since it was first released in 2008.  The market has always been fragmented.  Android is open source software.  Essentially, this means that anyone can modify it to fit their needs.

This is why the market has become so fragmented.  Phone manufacturers modify the OS and add in their proprietary applications and other things that a user may or may not want.  On my Samsung tablet, the Operating System is listed as “Samsung Experience”.  Other companies do the same type of thing.

Most end users buy their phones through one of the cell carriers.  In turn, these companies add more programs and bloatware.  These often include apps for finding your family, chatting and texting, news feeds, roadside assistance, etc.  For most users, these apps aren’t needed, use up storage space and slow down their phones.

Another thing that contributes to Android fragmentation are updates.  Google releases a monthly security patch.  Before your phone can be updated, the manufacturer has to incorporate it and make it available for downloading.  Many stop doing this after a year or two.  If it is a carrier phone, the security patches have to go through another layer of updates before they can be installed on phones.  It isn’t hard to figure out why many phones don’t have the latest updates.

It’s not unusual for updates to take three or four months to get incorporated by manufacturers and cell phone carriers.  Some companies are faster than others.  Others just help to increase the fragmentation.

One last problem with Android fragmentation is the problems that application developers find when they create new programs.  It can be difficult for them to make sure their app work on every device.  Don’t believe me?  Look at almost any app in the Google Play Store and there will be restrictions on devices and Android Versions.  Read reviews for almost any app and you will find comments that the app doesn’t work on a particular device.

So what can you, the user, do to avoid the problem of Android Fragmentation?  Unfortunately, not much.  Do a little research before you buy a new device and check the manufacturer’s update polices.  Buying an “unlocked” phone instead of a carrier phone will eliminate one step in the update process.  If you are adventurous, you can find instructions on the internet for installing your own Android OS.

Thanks for reading and keep on clicking.

The End

March 6, 2021 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

“Welcome to My Ramblings
     In this section you can find my thoughts on many things, mostly computers, consumer electronics and software reviews.
Most of the articles were originally published in the Southwest Louisiana PC Users Group monthly newsletter. The opinions are mine. If you find other writers on the internet that agree with me, they must be pretty smart. If they disagree, I’ll try not to lose any sleep over it.
     A Pain in the Whatchamacallit is a monthly rambling on various topics. Although I occasionally divert, I usually write about computers, the internet, consumer electronics or different ways that technology is used (or abused).
Lagniappe is a Southern Louisiana & Mississippi word that means an extra or unexpected gift or benefit. These Articles are reviews of software that is either open source or freeware. All of the programs have zero cost for home users.
From the Darkside articles are all about Android devices and software.”

The preceding was copied from my website information page.  This article will be the final Pain in the Whatchamacallit.  I sure wish I had used a different word in the title.  Whatchamacallit is a real “pain” to type.  At least, I probably won’t be typing it again.

After thirty‑seven years, the SWLAPCUG Club Newsletter has published its final edition.  I started writing these articles for the newsletter after I moved to Louisiana and joined the club.  Looking back, I’m a little amazed at how many there have been.  I’ve written 133 Whatchamacallits, 65 Lagniappes and 53 Darkside articles.

After each newsletter was published, I posted all of the articles on my personal web site.  I will continue to write the occasional review, rant, observation, etc.  I am also writing articles for another newsletter.  I’ll be posting them on my website in the future.

They say that all good things come to an end.  I hope that “A Pain in the Whatchamacallit” has been considered to be a good thing.

Goodbye and thanks for reading.

Covid Thoughts

February 7, 2021 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

I just got a voice mail from my doctor.  No, she didn’t want to let me know I was dying.  It was actually good news, I think.  I was informed that they had the Covid vaccine and wanted to know if I wanted to get the shot.  The answer is, “of course I will.”  I’m just not sure if it will be so soon.  This is still new “technology”, developed in a hurry.

There is still a lot I either don’t know or am not sure about.  The first injection outside of clinical trials was administered on December 14, 2020.  As I write this article, that is just a few days more than a month.  With the rush to produce the vaccine, I’m not sure that is enough testing time.

As is typical with all new technologies, there are two variations of the immunogen.  Which is better?  Personally, I don’t have enough information to make a decision.  I see no need to hurry my decision.  My state is still in lockdown and I hardly go out anyway.

I know for sure that I’m not planning to let any of the many Facebook myths influence my thinking.
• The side effects aren’t going to kill me.
• They’re not going insert a microchip with the vaccine.
• I’m pretty sure my DNA won’t change.
• I’m positive that I won’t have a miscarriage.

I don’t know if it means anything, but I’ve noticed that many of the myth spreaders are the same people that tried to convince everyone that the virus was a hoax.

I’m not too concerned about the possible side effects of the vaccine.  I am curious as to why they usually occur after the second shot.  Maybe it is because the effects need a “boost”.  In fact, I think some of the symptoms might be a nice change.
• Injection site pain – sounds like this would be more appropriate for a rear injection.
• Fatigue – nothing new. I’m old and fatigued quite often.
• Headache – easily cured.
• Muscle pain – is the jaw a muscle?
• Chills – my stimulus check can pay for a lot of extra heat.
• Joint pain – I’ve had this symptom for years. Glucosomine helps.
• Fever – finally a symptom to worry about.

That’s enough ranting for this month.  Thanks for reading.

Santa and Covid

December 11, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

Could it be that all of this Covid stuff was started by Santa Claus?  I got to wondering about this the other day when I started reading news stories that the little kiddies won’t be allowed to climb up on his lap this year.  After so many years of little monsters pulling his beard and peeing on him, I can see why he might do something drastic to change things.

Could it be that this isn’t the first time Santa has done some evil that has been blamed on something else.  After all, who else do we know that uses red as a primary color?  How do we know that those big, baggy pants aren’t really just needed to hide a tail.  Same way with his hat.  How do we know it isn’t just covering a couple of horns.  Are there any other names that “Santa” anagrams to?  Has anyone ever seen Santa and that other guy together at the same time?

Doesn’t it strike you as odd that “Covid” has the exact same number of letters that “Santa” does?  Even more strange is the fact the Santa’s real name, “Kris Kringle” also has the same amount of letters as Covid’s real name, “coronavirus”.  This is obviously by design.

Want more proof that Santa is the cause of this virus?
• Do an internet search and you will find thousands of articles about people who have proven that the virus isn’t real.  The only people that think Santa Claus is real are young children.
• Santa relies on people to deliver gifts from person to person to spread his evilness.  The virus relies on people to transfer it from person to person.
• As far as I know, the virus is neither a he or a she.  I’ve seen some articles that argue that Santa might be either.
• There’s a lot about the Covid we don’t understand.  The same is true for Santa.
• Santa likes both boys and girls.  He doesn’t care who he infects with Christmas cheer.  The virus also doesn’t care who gets infected.
• There is a lot about the coronavirus we don’t understand.  There’s a lot about Santa we don’t understand.
• Many parents in their leadership roles tell their children that Santa doesn’t exist.  Many politicians have done the same with Covid.
• Both Santa and the virus seem to be everywhere.

I’ve probably bored you enough.  I could go on for pages about how Santa and Covid are the same.  After all, Santa does have a funny looking nose that is eerily similar to the virus shape.  I’m going to start working on an article proving that Santa is a woman.

Thanks for reading.

A Fracture Made Me Sad

December 11, 2020 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

I’m so sad.  There are a lot of reasons I could be sad.  The coronavirus is keeping me from attending computer club and SubVet meetings.  I could be sad about how the elections were resolved.  I could be sad because Alex Trebek passed away.  Those things do make me downcast and blue, but that is not why I’m sad.

I’m sad because my cell phone now looks like my grandson’s.  There is a large spider‑web crack on the screen.  I’ve got to say that I’m not really surprised.  It was only a matter of time.  I have the habit of carrying my phone in my shirt pocket.  When I bend over, I occasionally forget it is there and it drops out.  My Moto G6 Play was a tough phone.  I’ve probably dropped it a couple of hundred times.  Actually, it still is a tough phone.  Even with a bad crack, it is still usable although the screen is hard to read.

I’m on the search for a new phone.  I’m fairly sure that it will be another one in the Motorola line.  They aren’t the fastest with updating, but I like the fact that there isn’t very much bloatware installed.  That is why I don’t buy my phones through the cell phone carrier.

One thing for sure is that I don’t plan to spend a lot of money for a high end device.  I don’t need the latest technology.  The only thing I really miss and want to make sure I get is NFC capability.  The search goes on.  I’ll be doing another review in the future.

Thanks for reading.

Changing My Website Host

November 8, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

A couple of months ago, I gave a presentation on why I thought everyone should have their own domain, even if they didn’t have a website.  One of the things I stressed was taking care in choosing a web site hosting company.  I told them how hard it was to change to a new web host.  It was a pleasant surprise to find out that I was wrong.

I’ve been using the same web host and domain registrar for twenty years.  I’m not going to name which one because I’ve obviously been satisfied with the service, up‑time stats, support, speed, accessibility, etc.  I currently have three active web plans and about a dozen parked domains.

About a month ago, the hosting contract for tinys-bs.com expired.  For the past year or so, I had been toying with the idea of changing to HostGator.  Both of my computer clubs use the company without any problems.  Why am I changing?  There isn’t any specific reason, but instead a bunch of little ones.  Of course, cost is always a factor.  I’m not going to save a lot, but every nickel counts.  HostGator also makes it much easier to use Let’s Encrypt.  The internet has evolved to the point where SSL is almost mandatory.

I made the change with only one minor glitch.  Before changing hosting services, I transferred my domain names.  This did not go easily.  I believe it was because I tried to transfer both tinys-bs.com and tinysbs.com at the same time.  One change was successful and the second failed.  It took about a week to get it corrected.  In the future, when I move other domain names, I will only do one at a time.

I was dreading having to upload all my web site files and data.  There are almost 38,000 files and more than 2GB of data.  This turned out to be extremely easy.  HostGator has what they call the “Migrations Department”.  This assistance is used to transfer data to your new site.  It is normally a paid service but was free as part of my new customer package.

I decided to give it a try and it worked easily and perfectly.  It was a simple, three step operation.  All I had to do was complete an on‑line form.
1. Select the Destination Hosting Package.  This information was pre‑inserted into the proper areas after I selected my hosting package in a drop down box.
2. Enter Your Old Hosting Information.  There were several items I had to input:
• Account Domain Name
• IP/Hostname
• Control Panel URL
• Previous Hosting Company
• Control Panel Used
• Is there an SSL Certificate?
• Account Username
• Account Password
3. Submit the Transfer Request.  They said it could take up to a week to complete.  I got an e‑mail three days later with a link to check that all my files had completed successfully.

After I checked everything and deleted a few things I no longer used,  I was ready to shift to my new hosting service.  I did this by simply logging in to my hosting panel and changing the DNS Servers to point to my new location.

I wish everything on the internet was so easy to do.
Thanks for reading.

Skool Dayze

September 6, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

With the COVID-19 pandemic in raging at full speed, there are a lot of changes in everyday activities.  All of my computer clubs and submarine veterans meeting are being held on‑line.  About the only time I ever leave my apartment is to dump the trash and check the mail.  With almost every thing being done electronically, the mail usually increases the amount of trash.  This is just another one of life’s little circles.

One of the biggest changes is in schooling.  Livingston Parish, like many other school districts, has shifted to on‑line instruction.  My youngest grandson is starting his Freshman year.  He is one of the students.  The school has issued him a thirteen inch Dell laptop.  I would describe him has being almost home schooled.

His parents live in the country.  Their internet service is via satellite.  He’s convinced his parents that he should come to Grandpa’s to do his schooling.  After all, he needs fast internet.  That does make sense, doesn’t it?

It only took me a few hours to realize that there was a tiny amount of smoke being blown into the air in the direction of my rear end.  It turns out that it is much more difficult to do farm chores when you aren’t at the farm.

I’ve written before about why he likes to visit.  He doesn’t come to see me.  He likes to play games and comes to visit my desktop computer.  When he is here, I am usually relegated to using my laptop.  It really isn’t a problem, except when I’m writing or coding.  I mostly miss having a full size keyboard.  The extra monitors are also nice.

So far, the typical Grandpa School Day starts with a student drop off around seven in the morning.  This is dependent on whether Mom or Dad is driving the school bus.  The classroom is in a bedroom.  His desk is a fold‑able card table.  His text books are stacked on the clothes dresser.  So far, the school uniform has been t‑shirt and shorts.

Class starts at eight.  So far, I don’t think there as been a lot of actual teacher to student instruction.  Mostly it seems to be assigning worksheets.  To be honest, I haven’t paid a lot of attention.

The first day, I told him that I was going open my router settings and block YouTube during school hours.  That turned out not to be feasible.  Blocking YouTube meant that I couldn’t watch Rawhide, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rifleman and many of my other favorite old time TV shows.

I’ve been attending a lot of Zoom meetings. This has caused an occasional conflict of interests.  I won’t let him use the desktop.  I’m not giving up my good camera and microphone.  Student break to play a game or Grandpa club meetings.  I’ll let you guess who wins in this situation.

So far, the best thing about home schooling at Grandpa’s house is that Grandpa got an idea for an article to write.
Thanks for reading.

The Twitter Hack

August 9, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

Darn the bad luck.  All those rich Twitter accounts giving back double Bitcoins and I wasn’t able to join in.  Unfortunately all of my spare money is tied up with helping out a Nigerian Prince that I had met through an e‑mail exchange.

I couldn’t have joined anyway.  I have neither a Bitcoin or Twitter account.  Sorry Jeff, Barack, Joe, Michael, Elon and all the other billionaires.  I’m kind of surprised that President Trump didn’t join the double back offer.  He has obviously been subjected to some kind of hack.  I’ve noticed that he has even been wearing a face mask.

I’ve come to the conclusion that these hackers weren’t very smart.  The only made a little over a hundred thousand dollars.  The break in was noticed almost immediately and Twitter shut down verified accounts.  I would think they could have made much more just by selling account sign in information on the dark web.

Like most scams, a lot of people actually fell for it.  Wouldn’t it have been smarter for the thieves to collect credit card numbers while collecting cash?  After all, there are still many people that don’t have a Bitcoin wallet.  There has to be many other ways they could have scammed more money.  Most of these accounts are big players in the stock market.

As I write this, nobody really knows what happened.  Like all major hacks, I’m sure it will be blamed on one of the standard reasons:
1) North Korea,
2) Russia,
3) China, or
4) A rogue employee.
It won’t be long before we will start seeing conspiracy theories.  It could have been the FBI, NSA, CIA or a myriad of other acronyms.  Could you imagine what we would be reading if the POTUS account had been hacked?

This hack will end up being like every other one?  Twitter will announce that they have figured out what happened.  They will assure us that they are extremely sorry but have fixed all the problems.  Life will go on and eventually there will be another big hack and we will forget about this one.

Ho Hum.  Thanks for reading.

Using the Windows Logo Key – Originally Published June 2020

June 7, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

I remember back in the last century when the computer mouse was invented.  I resisted buying one because I thought it was useless technology that wasted time.  After all, you had to remove one of your hands from the keyboard to use it.  Back then we could do it all with the CTRL and ALT keys.  Other tasks were easily accomplished with a batch file.

Back then, we were mostly limited to CTRL – cut and paste.  Now, the old saying has come true, “We’ve come a long way baby!”

When the Windows 95 operating system was released, a new key was added to the keyboard. For me, the windows key has always been a “super” key.  It has so many useful functions that I find it hard to believe how many people fail to use the flag key.

Here’s a list of the shortcuts I personally use the most often.  This list works in almost all versions of Windows.  Just hit your windows key and the key(s) in the left column to enable the right column action.  It’s a heck of a lot faster than moving the mouse and clicking.

+ (nothing) Open/Close start menu
+ Home Minimizes all but the current window
+ Left Arrow Tiles the window on the left side of the screen
+ Right Arrow Tiles the window on the right side of the screen
+ T Cycles through the items on the Taskbar
+ # key Switches to a running program on the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
+ M Minimizes all windows
+ D Show/Hide Desktop (minimizes/restores all windows)
+ L Locks the computer
+ E Open the File Explorer
+ I Open Settings
+ Comma Temporary peek at the desktop
+ Tab Accesses Windows Flip 3D and cycles forward through open programs
+ Plus Key Open the Magnifier
+ Up Arrow Maximizes the current window
+ Down Arrow Minimizes the current window
+ Home Minimizes all but the current window
+ Left Arrow Tiles the window on the left side of the screen
+ Right Arrow Tiles the window on the right side of the screen

In this article, I’ve focused on shortcuts using the Windows Logo Key.  There are many other keyboard shortcuts.  Some are not common and can improve your keyboard skills.  Windows shortcuts can be difficult to use at first.  After you use them a few times, they become a force of habit and you utilize them without thinking about it.

A search of the internet will find many sites with lists of keyboard shortcuts.  I recommend using Microsoft’s Windows Keyboard Shortcuts List.  Not only is it always up to date, but it is complete and easy to use.  Select your operating system in the drop down menu.  Then you will see expandable lists for all shortcuts.

I don’t think that it’s possible for anyone to memorize all the keyboard shortcuts.  I suggest you search the internet and make your own shortcut list.  I’m sure that you’ll enjoy your computer more when you waste less time reaching for the mouse.

That’s about all I’ve got to say this month.  I think that it’s time for me to either ALT+TAB or ALT+F4 away from my word processor.

Thanks for reading.

Tiny Inventions IV – Originally Published May 2020

May 5, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

I’m still not a millionaire.  Back in June 2013, I thought for sure one of my Tiny Inventions would be picked up for production.  Tiny Inventions II in March 2017 didn’t do any better, so I tried again in March 2019 with Tiny Inventions III.  You would think that I should have learned by now.

I haven’t so here are some more of my ideas for inventions to make those big bucks.
1) Battery technology has really advanced in recent years.  The problem is that they still have to be recharged.  You need to always carry cables, battery packs, solar chargers, etc.  The Tinarger will solve this problem.  This small device is a dongle that will connect to the phones USB port.  Simply speaking into the Tinarger will active a mini‑wind turbine to recharge the device.  Hot air blowhards can finally put their talent to a good use.

2) The Tinoilet is a modification to a standard toilet that will replace the flushing mechanism.  The tank lid that is usually used for storing odd things like decorative soaps will be replaced with a hand washing sink.  After using the toilet, users would wash their hands under running water that fills the tank.  When the users hands are cleaned, the waste wash water will then flush the Tinoilet.

3) Speaking of bathrooms, don’t you hate it when the mirror fogs and you have to wipe it with a towel?  The TinyWiper will solve that problem.  It works like a standard car windshield wiper and is powered by a small battery that is automatically recharged by light from bathroom fixtures.

4) The TinyMill is a needed exercise device.  Many doctors recommend walking.  Unfortunately, walking can be bad for your knees.  The TinyMill is a large tub with a revolving surface.  You can walk and soak at the same time.

5) The Tinife is an electrically heated knife with multiple settings and uses.  You can replace your toaster by toasting the bread while you slice it.  If you use pre-sliced bread, simply rub the Tinife over the slice.  If you’re slicing meat, you can warm it at the same time.  Hard butter pats are no longer a problem.  They melt as you spread.  The best feature is that the Tinife sanitizes itself.

I sure hope that someone will take my ideas and put them on the market.  I could use the money.  I’m also running out of ideas.

That’s all for this month.  Thanks for reading.