Shadetree Tech: Dreadlock Wigs and Chicken Bone Rattles
“Make the world go away… ” Thanks Eddie Arnold (and Hank Cochran) for that thought. In that spirit, no politics, social commentary or whatever from the “news” here, just play time for (low) techies.
Think back to “shadetree mechanics” and… begin.
Some of the fun of playing around with computers is attempting to use them–and “(in)appropriate” peripherals–for purposes they weren’t originally intended for. Now, we’ve all done that with computers from time to time: made them into hardware firewalls/routers, print servers, doorstops, boat anchors, shelving supports and more–or at least I assume we’ve all done so. *heh*
Ran across a neat lil peripheral recently as the result of some printing woes here at twc central. Background: because I’m a cheap, tightwad of a curmudgeon, I decreed some time ago that we all simply share one printer on the network (nice to be the potentate ruling my own domain *heh*). Currently, that printer is a nice HP AIO with memory card reader that’ll catch the memory cards from any (digital) camera in the house, scan, copy, print, etc. Then, along came my (completely unnecessary) upgrade of Ubuntu from 8.04 to 8.10. Since the printer at issue is connected to this computer (I have the largest desk, so by default EVERYTHING gravitates to it), naturally sharing ANYTHING–not just the printer–died with the upgrade.
*sigh* I fixed network shares pretty easily, except for the printer. Went right down the line by “the book”–no joy. Went off book with a vengeance. No joy. Hassled with the thing off and on for a couple of days and gave in and bought the HP Wireless Printing Upgrade Kit. Got my confirmation email from amazon.com that it had been shipped.
Shazam!! Printer magically appeared on other computers as shared.
Isn’t that the way it always works? Better than wearing a dreadlock wig and shaking a chicken bone rattle while mumbling arcana and dancing around, perhaps shrieking like a bansidhe* to boot. Just buy something to fix a problem and the problem disappears. *heh*
So, now I have the HP Wireless Printing Upgrade Kit and no need for it. What to do? Go ahead and screw up the working network printing by installing the kit and then spending days getting IT working? (Altogether too likely *heh*) I don’t think so. So, what else is the thing good for?
Looked at the thing. Can’t tell anything from the outside, so just thought over what topology the kit would have to introduce/fit into to work as advertised. Checked out the “advanced” setup mini-micro-nano-information on the CD concerning using the thing on an existing wireless network. *heh* “Looks like it’s just an access point and a wireless adapter the software configures for the printer use,” me thought. Plugged the part that looks like a thumb drive or wireless network adapter for a n otebook into this computer, enabled wireless networking, entered the network key and… bob’s your uncle. (Of course, enabling wireless networking has meant the wireless connection has usurped my network connection from my wired ethernet, but since the MIMO capabilities on my Netgear WPN824 seem to be used by the lil wireless adapter, I’m getting very nearly the same throughput I do with wired ethernet.)
Next up: installing the unit designed for (USB) attachment to the printer to the network elsewhere (say, an old XBox, using an already adapted XBox cable–a simple hardware hack) and see if it’ll act as the wireless access point it would seem it is. Heck, I might get more use out of this for entertainment value than by using it for its intended purpose. And, if networked printing goes south on me again, I can always pop this lil puppy out and install it for its intended purpose, eh?
Now, how can I retask that old 2.5′ tall P-II server I had made into a router/firewall… Ahhh! Attach it to the network as a subnet and play with the lil kit items on it. Hey! Might be able to make that back into my primary router/firewall, since its firewall capabilities exceed similar functions in the Netgear router…
All kinds of fun to keep me occupied away from getting more important stuff done, if I want it to let it. 
(Yes, this post does indicate I’m semi-sorta-kinda “icebound” for now. Just do not want to navigate the hill out of our lil neighborhood on the sheet ice I walked earlier.)
*”Bansidhe”–Don’t complain to me about the spelling! Complain to the bansidhes, if you dare! Spell it “banshee” if you want, but don’t come running to me if you wake up with one of ‘em shrieking under your window at night because of your inconsiderate spelling…
Note to any bansidhes reading this: I really, really need my sleep, and I tried to discourage folks from disrespectful spellings referencing your class, so lay off, OK?
Do check out Linkfest Haven Deluxe for the latest, greatest linkfests.
Posted: January 27th, 2009 under Compgeeky, Linkfests.
Trackback URL for this post: http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/wp-trackback.php?p=4789
Comments
Comment from David
Time January 27, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Well, Perri, after a call from his mom *heh* he decided to do the responsible thing and stay south with a friend. Worked out, although he did feel a bit harried when he found out the guy emailed/Facebook messaged us to let us know when S&H left. *heh*
I was out a bit ago, and ONLY the highway through town and main street are even sanded. Slick getting up the hill out of our lil neighborhood (Son&Heir clued me in before I got out) involved getting a drive wheel on some grass verge–and back the same–cos the street itself was packed sleet over sheet ice. By the time it starts melting the city “workers” will start sanding the residential streets. *heh* From past experience, I expect the schools will be out through tomorrow (confirmed), since many of the rural roads won’t begin to be safe for buses until probably Thursday at the earliest. I certainly know some I’d not drive on until then, if the forecast for today/tomorrow is anywhere near (within 10 degrees on temperature) close.
At least it looks like it’s not going to be a repeat of the January 2007 situation that blacked out much of the county for a month. No loss of any services so far; everything is still up to its nominal third world county standards (lousy road crews, except where the State has responsibility; local telco POTS line service spotty; cable service rock solid–but of course, it’s not based in America’s Third World County… )
Trackback from Wingless
Time January 27, 2009 at 5:22 PM
MUST SEE: What Lead to Cast Lead…
Examining the reasons Israel attacked Gaza
……
Trackback from Woman Honor Thyself
Time January 27, 2009 at 9:38 PM
International Holocaust Remembrance Day…
The tools at the BBC, (Burka Broadcasting Corp.), CNN (Crescent News Network), or Reuters refer not to the “State of Israel,” or even just plain “Israel.”
It’s always the “Jewish State”.
In other words…………yet again..tis all bout t…
Pingback from INSANITY! Israel agrees to ceasefire without Shalit!? | Wingless
Time January 28, 2009 at 12:18 AM
[...] to Rosemary’s Thoughts, Political Byline, Allie is Wired, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, The World According to Carl, DragonLady’s World, Rosemary’s News [...]
Trackback from Adam’s Blog
Time January 28, 2009 at 12:34 AM
Are Republicans Growing Spines?…
Podcast Show Notes
House Republican member takes on Rush.
The massiveness of Obama’s faux stimulus. (Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin.)
The interest costs of the faux stimulus.
Reasons to oppose the Obama stimulus. (Hat Tip: Instapundit)
Spending m…
Trackback from The Pink Flamingo
Time January 28, 2009 at 1:47 AM
Barack Obama’s Worst Nightmare: SarahPAC!…
I gather she’s tanned, rested, and ready!
It’s about time.
SarahPAC!
Cindy Adams has the “dish” about what is going on with the nation’s most glam gov!
I wonder how Rush Limbaugh is going to feel about this? Is she going…
Trackback from Political Byline
Time January 28, 2009 at 2:21 AM
From the “Awesomeness” Stack…
Earlier today, I received a tweet from John Hawkings over at Right Wing News. Which pointed to a posting over on his Blog. John Hawkings also runs the Conservative Ads over on BlogAds; which you can get great ad prices over there, might want to check t…
Pingback from Leaning Straight Up » The stimulus price continues to rise. Can we afford it?
Time January 28, 2009 at 4:24 AM
[...] to Rosemary’s Thoughts, Allie is Wired, third world county, Political Byline, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to [...]
Trackback from Democrat=Socialist
Time January 28, 2009 at 10:42 PM
School Children Pledging Allegiance To Obama (Glorious Leader)…
When I wrote some satire called “A Very Obama Day” I knew it would come true eventually, but I didn’t expect it in week two!
Newsblaze – A parent in the Clark County School District of Las Vegas, Henderson area reported today that hi…
Pingback from Cuba: Beautiful Country, People…Not so Beautiful System… | Wingless
Time January 28, 2009 at 11:54 PM
[...] to Rosemary’s Thoughts, Allie is Wired, third world county, Political Byline, Woman Honor Thyself, The World According to Carl, DragonLady’s World, [...]
Pingback from Leaning Straight Up » First graders pledge allegiance…to Obama?
Time January 29, 2009 at 12:05 AM
[...] Tree of Liberty, D=S, Prison Planet, Alex Jones, Wisdom, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Allie is Wired, third world county, Political Byline, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to [...]
Trackback from The Pink Flamingo
Time January 29, 2009 at 1:57 AM
The Death of Civility…
“…Some seem to believe that our politics can afford to be petty because, in a time of peace, the stakes of our debates appear small. Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community…
Trackback from The Pink Flamingo
Time January 29, 2009 at 2:24 AM
It’s Worse…
When news anchors like Brian Williams refer to previous Presidents as “EVIL”, we have a serious problem.
“…Marveling on Monday’s Late Show about how people were lining up during the inauguration “to buy merchandise with …
Pingback from Why Is Rahm Emanuel Holding Secret Briefings With CNN’s James Carville and Paul Begala, ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, And Pollster Stan Greenberg..Yet We Can’t Get Transcripts Of The Entire Daily Press Briefings? | Right Voices
Time January 29, 2009 at 7:49 AM
[...] – Sura 5:32 – When Killing isn’t Murder, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Political Byline, third world county, Allie is Wired, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to Carl, Wingless – Cuba: [...]
Trackback from Right Voices
Time January 29, 2009 at 7:51 AM
Why Is Rahm Emanuel Holding Secret Briefings With CNN’s James Carville and Paul Begala, ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, And Pollster Stan Greenberg..Yet We Can’t Get Transcripts Of The Entire Daily Press Briefings?…
transparent Definition
trans·par·ent (trans per??nt, -par?-)
adjective
transmitting light rays so that objects on the other side may be distinctly seen; capable of being seen through; neither opaque nor translucent
so fine in texture or open in m…
Trackback from Blog @ MoreWhat.com
Time January 29, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Secretary of State Clinton Sets Up Chinagate II…
one chapter from the Clinton book of scandals raises serious questions about a new Secretary of State focusing on China after Chinagate.
……
Trackback from Conservative Cat
Time January 29, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Rod Blagojevich and the Insane Defense…
There is a general perception that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has lost his mind. Blagojevich was arrested late last year after having been caught on tape trading his office’s executive privileges for campaign contributions and other valuable co…
Trackback from Democrat=Socialist
Time January 29, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Did Ya Hear? The War On Terror Is Finished!…
Well sorta, Roger Cohen at the New York Times proclaimed it finished because of Obama’s recent “proclamations.”
In his first White House televised interview, with the Al Arabiya news network based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Pr…
Pingback from Alastair Crooke on Gaza & Hamas – living in the twilight zone! | Wingless
Time January 29, 2009 at 9:08 PM
[...] Leaning Straight Up, Cao’s Blog, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Political Byline, third world county, Allie is Wired, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to [...]
Pingback from Leaning Straight Up » Blago is out. The Chicago political machine has one less cog
Time January 30, 2009 at 3:20 AM
[...] – Sura 5:32 – When Killing isn’t Murder, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Political Byline, third world county, Allie is Wired, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to [...]
Pingback from WFFOT: Still want that flying car? « Nuke’s
Time January 30, 2009 at 1:13 PM
[...] Blog, Leaning Straight Up, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Allie is Wired, Political Byline, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to Carl, Wingless – [...]
Trackback from Blog @ MoreWhat.com
Time January 30, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Is Muntazer al-Zaidi Waiting for Other Shoe to Drop?…
Iraqis are paying tribute to the journalist who threw his shoes at then-President George Bush at a statue dedicated to the incident.
……
Trackback from Democrat=Socialist
Time January 30, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Millions In Pell Grants Untouched…
So where does it go? Well, da gub’ment just lowers the bar so it makes sure they give it away.
A new study shows qualified Florida students are passing up millions of dollars in federal Pell grants because they haven’t bothered to apply for …
Trackback from Astrologers
Time January 30, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Astrology, Medicine and Astronomy…
There was a time when astrology was an accepted science and was a part of medical diagnoses, as much as were a patient’s physical symptoms. It’s hard to say whether we’ve e-volved or de-volved, as we no longer think about living in harmony with c…
Trackback from Political Byline
Time January 31, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Michael Steele elected Republican National Committee Chairman…
First the video of remarks by Steele:
Via The Politico:
Former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele triumphed over four opponents in the race for Republican National Committee chairman Friday, giving the party its first black chairman as well as a forceful…
Pingback from Leaning Straight Up » Is the “students pledge to Obama” story a hoax? Possibly…
Time January 31, 2009 at 4:12 AM
[...] Blog, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Nuke’s, Allie is Wired, Political Byline, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to Carl, Wingless – [...]
Pingback from Leaning Straight Up » Wonder why the Republicans voted against the President’s “Bipartisan Stimulus Packagae”
Time January 31, 2009 at 4:22 AM
[...] Blog, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Nuke’s, Allie is Wired, Political Byline, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to Carl, Wingless – [...]
Trackback from Democrat = Socialist
Time February 1, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Mr. Steele, Please Refrain From Photo Ops With McCain…
An article at the Swamp details some of the talking points Michael Steele has to brush the dust off the Republican party and move forward. Included for all to see is our new RNC leader standing next to one of the very stooges most responsible for sca…
Trackback from Conservative Cat
Time February 1, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Economics and the God Complex…
Once upon a time, ecology was a simple game: God had created a perfect world, and all man had to do was catalog it. But it turned out that the system wasn’t quite the miracle it appeared at first glance:……
Pingback from Leaning Straight Up » Well that didn’t take long. Obama asks military to cut budget during war – Correction: No he didn’t
Time February 3, 2009 at 5:14 AM
[...] Conservative Cat, Nuke’s, Allie is Wired, Faultline USA, Political Byline, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, Wingless – What Lead to Cast Lead, The World According to Carl, Wingless – [...]
Trackback from The Virtuous Republic
Time February 3, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Fiscal Stabilization Act of 2009 HR 1–Part Two…
Part two of the Fiscal Stabilization Act of 2009.
• Agriculture Department. $209 million for “deferred” maintenance at “Agricultural Research Service facilities”.
• $245 million for updating the Agricultural De…
Comment from Perri Nelson
Time January 27, 2009 at 12:26 PM
So did Son & Heir stay the night or attempt to negotiate the glaciers?