Frank4DD, @2004
Linux Cluster for High Performance Computing
I have been fascinated by clusters since 1995, when DEC VMS clusters where state-of-the-art and first Windows clusters emerged for simple storage sharing. Almost a decade later, cluster technology becomes mainstream through Linux, with falling hardware prices making it affordable for "home" use. What could I use a cluster for? Finally start my education in 3D Graphics Rendering and Computer Art Design? Donate power to SETI? Compute rainbow tables and check out new ways of crunching passwords? [read article]
Frank4DD, @2003
Sun's Sparc Classic with Solaris 9
In todays fast-paced society, IT technology has gotten such a short lifespan were systems become obsolete in a year or two, creating a throw-away mentality and endless upgrade cycles at an ever increasing speed. And while I marvel at the latest technology with its possibilities and improvements, I have also grown fond of "the good old times". Could a "ancient" system from 1992 still do its job? Is having "less" even more useful? [read article]
Frank4DD, @2004
Nevadas oldest Town and Saloon - Snow, Deer and Whiskey
There is more then the lake or the casinos to California's Tahoe/Reno region. One example is the tiny town of Genoa, about half an hour from Reno or 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Mentioned as the oldest town in Nevada founded in 1851, it is also home to the oldest, still operating Saloon. [read article]
Frank4DD, @2004
Keeping Time with NTP and a WWVB Radio Receiver
Almost everything in modern computers relates in some way to time: CPU cycles, bus frequencies, graphics refresh rates, file dates, even a simple cursor blink. Correct time is fundamental for reliable and secure computing. Yet setting and keeping correct time is one of the challenges standard computers didn't solve yet. Computer time happily drifts away and relies on the user to be set, while any cheap digital watch keeps better time when radio synchronized to a public time service. But there is help out there, NTP [read article]