This evening, I went to install Enigmail on my 64-bit Ubuntu machine. Enigmail is an excellent Thunderbird extension which integrates GnuPG. I was rather shocked though to discover that the Enigmail team don’t offer a 64-bit 4Linux download for their latest version either on their own site, or at AMO.

What they do offer for 64-bit users (of Linux, or Windows for that matter) is a source code tar-ball and a some build instructions. The build instructions require you to first build part of Thunderbird before tackling Enigmail. Seems like a lot of effort to expect your average Joe-user to spend.

I spent that effort anyway, and here is what I did: read more

16th October, 2008 — computing — 5 comments

Virgin Media…

…appear to be tampering with network packets if they detect you are using a router on your network.

…are monitoring and policing the data you send through your internet connection and have begin sending threatening letters to it’s customers on behalf of the record industry; entirely of their own volition.

…believe that net neutrality is, “a load of bollocks“.

…are participating in Phorm (see here for info about Phorm).

We should boycott them. Sadly, it’s our only option as consumers. Fortunately, it’s also the language shoddy, money-grabbing companies like Virgin Media understand.

Update: The ASA have upheld complaints that advertised claims about Virgin Media’s broadband speeds are misleading.

Update: Since BT are now also on the bandwagon, my advice to anyone looking for an internet connection would be to get a BT phone line but go with 3rd party broadband. I’m currently with Be and I can definitely recommend them.

16th June, 2008 — computing,rants — no comments

When I started developing for GNU/Linux I’d only ever come across automake and autoconf when I’d run a few ./configure scripts over the years. My knowledge of them was fairly minimal and rather than learn all about them for the sake of writing a few small programs, I decided I needed a general-purpose Makefile.

The requirements were simple. It had to be easy to configure for whatever kind of project I was currently working on and It had to be fully featured. I immediately started scouring the web for one, expecting to find hundreds, and was fairly surprised when I couldn’t find any! So I decided to put together a simple general-purpose Makefile of my own.

Many revisions and a complete rewrite later, I have something that other people might find useful, so I thought I’d share it.

14th June, 2008 — computing — no comments

Sadly, while coming back from a fishing trip at the weekend, my wonderful car gave up and its engine seized. I’ve got so many memories of my poor car and I’ll be so sorry to see it go. When I eventually get around to developing my old 35mm films, I’ll post some pictures of it’s inception.

Until then, here is a picture to remember him it by…

20th May, 2008 — personal — no comments