Aaron Lynch

I have a 32bit machine at work, that has 4 gigs of RAM.  In order to get my kernel to recognize the correct amount of RAM I have _ALWAYS_ customized and recompiled a new kernel, which obviously removed my ability to upgrade to the latest/greatest from the repositories.

Well, those days are over for me!  This week I rebuilt my machine, and opted to use Ubuntu 9.04 Alpha 4 (which by the way is very stable and awesome).  And since I had a fresh system, I wanted to look around and see if there was an easier way to handle my RAM challenge.

Look no further.  Just install the following packages and then reboot, its just that easy.

linux-server

linux-image-server

linux-headers-server

linux-restricted-modules-server (I actually had to do the one for my kernel linux-restricted-modules-2.6.28-7-server)

The result is a nicely set up, compiz enabled, Gnome environment, but with a whopping 4 gb of memory.

sudo apt-get install linux-server linux-image-server linux-headers-server linux-restricted-modules-2.6.28-7-server

#
# Here is the Mem section from running 'top'
#
Mem:   4040568k total,  3833644k used,   206924k free,    87580k buffers

Ever since installing Ubuntu 8.10, I have noticed my laptop operating temps are a little hotter than I like.  Not dangerous hot, but definitely in the "uncomfortable to my lap" range.  After a little research I found the package "i8kutils".

Definition: i8kutils: Dell Inspiron and Latitude laptop utilities This is a collection of utilities to control Dell Inspiron and Latitude laptops. It includes programs to turn the fan on and off, to read fan status, CPU temperature, BIOS version and to handle the volume buttons and Fn-keys. The package includes also a small Tk applet, designed to be swallowed in the gnome panel, which monitors the CPU temperature and comtrols automatically the fans accordingly to user defined thresholds. The programs require the kernel module i8k.o which can be compiled from the package sources or found in Linux kernel 2.4.14 and later versions. The kernel module has been tested only on Inspiron 8000 laptops but it should work on any Inspiron and Latitude laptops.  (from About.com)

WARNING.  Be careful with your settings, you might break your stuff!

Step 1:  Install i8kutils

sudo apt-get install i8kutils

Step 2: Modify /etc/modules 

sudo gedit /etc/modules

Add this i8k force=1 to the end of the file and save it.

Step 3:  Create i8kmon file (it will be a new file)

sudo gedit /etc/i8kmon

Here is the config I used for my laptop:

 # Run as daemon, override with --daemon option

set config(daemon)      0



# Automatic fan control, override with --auto option

set config(auto)        1



# Report status on stdout, override with --verbose option

set config(verbose)    1



# Status check timeout (seconds), override with --timeout option

set config(timeout)    1



# Temperature thresholds: {fan_speeds low_ac high_ac low_batt high_batt}

set config(0)   {{-1 0}  -1  45  -1  55}

set config(1)   {{-1 1}  45  60  55  70}

set config(3)   {{-1 2}  60  128  70  128}



# end of file 

Once you are ready, you can either restart the system or run the following command:

sudo modprobe i8k force=1

Optional Step 4:  Install/config gnome-swallow-applet

sudo apt-get install gnome-swallow-applet

Right-click on the toolbar to add the new swallow applet.  Then, in the application to watch enter i8kmon

The gnome-swallow-applet along with i8kmon is pretty neat.  It allows you to see the current temp as well as what fan speed is currently running.  But it also allows you to force the speed up or down when you want. 

Results: It wasn't uncommon for my laptop to work in the 120F+ range, now after running acpi -f -t  in terminal, you can see the results.

alynch@badonkadonk:~$ acpi -f -t

     Battery 0: Full, 100%

     Thermal 0: ok, 99.5 degrees F

I am looking to hire a full time (on site only) ColdFusion developer.

The type of applications we work on range from support of old legacy applications to object oriented ColdFusion business layer with Flex 3 UI.

Experience working in frameworks is a major plus.

Industry: Mortgage software
Location: Addison, TX
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: Depends on Experience

About FICS:
FICS is a small, family owned company (50ish employees). Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc.
(FICS®) specializes in providing flexible, comprehensive residential and commercial technology
solutions to the mortgage industry. FICS' solutions are designed around the latest technology,
while incorporating innovative imaging and Web-based capabilities into its full suite of products.

Job Function:

• Troubleshooting/enhancing/support of existing web applications.
• Developing primarily in ColdFusion with more and more Flex/ActionSript as we are moving towards Flex as our main UI technology.
• HTML, JavaScript, CSS, minor image manipulation/creation (buttons, etc)

Requirements:

• At least 2 years ColdFusion experience
• Web design/layout experience with HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• ActionScript/Flex experience is a plus
• A good troubleshooting ability is necessary.

Please send resumes to aaronjlynch AT gmail DOT com

Thanks!

Aaron