Synchronization with Java through File Locks Short version: use lockf/fcntl and not flock for synchronization through file locks with Java. When one process uses flock and the other lockf, then they will not be able to see each other’s locks. Rant version: Java praises itself as being truly portable. Since 1.4 it also has a platform-independent file locking mechanism that is visible accross process boundaries and is meant for synchronization with non-Java applications [1]. Read on

Installing Debian Sarge Linux on a IBM HS20 Blade (HOWTO) Start the management interface on your local machine Open a console for the remote Blade Attach the local CDROM drive to the remote destination Blade Boot the remote Blade from the local CDROM Press <F1>(Using the console’s F1 button) in order to get into the install disk menu By using the respective function key jump into the menu with the special boot characters Choose and enter the command line that disables framebuffer (with framebuffer display, which is on by default you won’t see anything in the console) You will possibly need to switch around the console’s keyboard settings in order to be able to enter the “special” characters “/” and “=” (the console wouldn’t map the local swissgerman keyboard correctly. Read on

When suspending and resuming my laptop all the processes that were accessing an external USB harddisk would freeze. The problem seems to lie in the combination between USB and SCSI, which do not seem to be stateless, that means that when the laptop goes silent and alive again the whole USB stack gets mixed up. I don’t know whether the problem lies within the kernel’s drivers or within the USB/SCSI protocols themselves - I’ve tried the 2. Read on

This are backports of Ruby 1.8.2 for Debian woody. They are the build from Akira Yamada’s unstable Debian 1.8.2-2 ruby package. In order to build them I had to use a few backports and apply a few dirty hacks - see the changelog. Use our packages at your own risk - remember it was a “quick” hack - but please do report back to us us any bugs you’ll find. Read on

Introduction MapDesk is a UMN MapServer based map editor and viewer. The built-in map file editor supports syntax highlighting, context-sensitive help and a preview function. Screenshot Features Standalone application, no need of UMN MapServer CGI Built-in map file editor Built-in viewer with map file preview, zoom, pan, etc. Preview of the legend Platform-independent architecture Download You can download the fully functional MapDesk binaries, now in the version 0.7.0: Debian package RPM package Windows ZIP file (Unzip and start mapdesk. Read on