Rob's Blog

Last episode we saw our intrepid Linux noob battling to get Feisty installed on his new desktop machine….

After much frustration and beating of head against wall, I finally managed to get Ubuntu installed, working and stable on my new machine. In order to do this, I had to turn disable APIC support in the BIOS. A little research later on led me to the understanding that APIC is a requirement for multi-processor support, and sure enough, only one processor was being recognised in the OS…

A flurry of support emails to and from AusPCMarket then ensued – and the helpful folks there promised to build a new machine, to the same specs as mine, to try and replicate the problem. Obviously, theirs worked perfectly, and was happily stable with both cores of their Core2Duo chugging along merrily. I copied the exact BIOS settings used by AusPCMarket, but Feisty wouldn’t boot up or install. I then found this article which seemed to explain my problems exactly, and after realising that I’d spent far too much time trying to get this sorted, I asked for a new motherboard. The guys at AusPCMarket were extremely helpful, and swapped out my Foxconn motherboard for an ASRock board, and hey-presto! it worked straight away. Both cores, completely stable, no problems.

So I’ve changed my mind, and think that perhaps Linux is ready for the prime-time. Provided you have the right hardware.

Just wanted to say thanks to Michael at AusPCMarket for all his help through this ordeal.

Amazing… Look what’s happened overnight!

Last day in the dark for my baby ‘shrooms today.

I think I saw some fungal growth over the top of the mud, but then I sprayed on the 500ml of water and all evidence was washed away. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a decent photo tomorrow to prove that something is finally happening. Oh, the tension…

Mushroom Facts
Mushrooms contain virtually no fat whatsoever

Still nothing really exciting to report on the mushroom front. More water, more darkness, but no growth yet. I am confident that just underneath the surface, a fungal feast is just waiting to burst into view.

Mushroom Fact
There are approximately 30 deaths per year in France caused by eating poisonous mushrooms, meanwhile Britain’s National Poisons Unit reports around two deaths per year.

I guess it’s not too surprising really, but after spraying all that water into my mushroom nursery, a small leak has appeared. It seems that the mushrooms (if they’re in there at all) aren’t quite as thirsty as the instructions make out – and I found that their cardboard container is turning decidedly soggy. I’ve placed a towel underneath them for the time being, as there’s still a litre and a half of water to go over the next few days.

Apart from that, there’s still not much growth happening. Won’t be long now, though…

Mushroom Fact
The stinkhorns and related species, such as Aseroë rubra and Anthurus archeri, give off a powerful smell of rotting meat, attracting flies which then disperse the spores.

From: Fungimap

I’ve sprayed about a litre of water into this cardboard box so far. Never knew that mushrooms were so thirsty. Apparently they will need another litre and a half before they start popping their little mushroom heads above the soil.

Mushroom Fact
The Death Cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides is responsible for 90% of deaths caused by fungus poisoning world-wide.

Again, a disappointing lack of mushroom action today. It is only day 3, and the instructions say nothing will start appearing until day 8, so I guess there’s a few more pictures of mud before anything of interest starts growing. Have been watering with approx. 250ml of water each day so far, and the box is starting to become decidedly soggy.

Mushroom Fact
There are 2000 different species of mushrooms eaten throughout the world, but the most common variety cultivated is the white button.

No – I’m not trying to jump on the Digg / Slashdot bandwagon here. Just wanted add my 2 cents worth. What you’ll not find here are

• An in-depth review of Feisty, Beryl, Compiz or anything that seems to instantly make the front-page of Digg
• Scathing hatred and propaganda against Vista

There have been many articles recently explaining that the release of Feisty Fawn, coupled with the less that fantastic reception of Vista, must surely be Linux’s best chance yet of winning users over from Microsoft. Well, unfortunately, I think they are all wrong. Here’s why:
Read the rest of this entry »

Today was the baby mushrooms first watering. I emptied out a spray gun (which used to contain Windex – hope that won’t cause any growth defects in my miniature fungi). However, as you can see from the photo, there’s not much happening just yet.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another exciting picture of a box of mud.

Today is the first post in a riveting photo diary of the life of a mushroom. One of my birthday presents this year was a brilliant “Grow your own mushrooms” kit. Anyone that knows me will also be aware of my utter hatred of mushrooms, so I won’t be eating the little buggers when (and if) they grow. Anyway, today starts a terribly exciting 28 days of mushroom fun!