Category Archives: computer tips

Evaluating a RAM disk as a MySQL data store

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DDR3 Memory

I have a situation with a relatively small set of MySQL data (5GB) and a decently large set of available ECC DDR2 memory (32GB). Therefore, I am evaluating storing the entire MySQL data directory on a ramdisk. Along those lines, here are some initial resources: 12 RAM Disk Software Benchmarked for Fastest Read and Write Speed • Raymond.CChttp://www.raymond.cc/blog/12-ram-disk-software-benchmarked-for-fastest-read-and-write-speed/Memory or RAM is much faster speed than a traditional hard drive. If you require to run a software that is database intensive,

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Dell PowerEdge 1950 & 2950 CMOS/RAID battery

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The Dell PowerEdge 1950 3rd generation server uses a standard CR2032 battery for CMOS/BIOS purposes. If your server is showing an orange warning on the front panel about low battery, you can buy a replacement battery here for less than $5 USD: 3 Volts, 2032, 2 batteries (Lithium Button Cell) CR2032http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DSVS8/This pair of three-volt lithium coin batteries is perfect for servers. 20mm diameter and 3.2mm height. Likewise, if the RAID controller’s battery is low you can find replacements starting at

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Dell PowerEdge 1950 III Drivers and Firmware Updates (2013)

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I recently set up two new Dell PowerEdge 1950 III servers. One for Weblogs.us (free blog hosting) and one for Branson’s Nantucket (a lakefront resort in Branson). Dell makes very nice servers but their support pages can be a bit confusing. Therefore, here are the latest updates/drivers for the PowerEdge 1950 III, as of July 2013: Latest Dell PERC 6/i Integrated Update, v.6.3.1-0003, A14http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/04/driverdetails?driverid=W83M2Fixes: 1. Fixes an issue where the Perc battery does not always charge up properly, causing Virtual Disks

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Download the latest version of ESXi for Dell

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Today I needed to download the latest Dell customized ISO of VMWare ESXi. It took me a moment to find the latest version, so here is a link to help you find it faster: http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/driverdetails?driverid=RD5JN This is VMware ESXi 5.1 Update 1 and it was released on April 29th 2013. You can burn it to a CD or mount it via an IPMI/DRAC interface if you so desire. Also, you will need a USB thumbdrive to install ESXi to as you

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Determine if TRIM is supported and enabled on an SSD!

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Today I was installing a Samsung 840 Pro 512GB SSD in a new server. Everything went smoothly, but I wanted to make sure that TRIM was actually working. This turned out to be slightly trickier than one might imagine! 😉 First Samsung’s SSD Magician Tool was of no use. CrystalDiskInfo reported that my SSD supported TRIM (which I already knew) but really gave no indication that Windows 7 and the SSD were working in concert to accomplish TRIMming. Nothing really

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Making your WordPress blog Retina ready

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Two handy-dandy plugins for making sure your blog displays high-res images to your readers that are using Retina (or equivalent) displays: WordPress › Simple WP Retina « WordPress Pluginshttp://wordpress.org/plugins/simple-wp-retina/Seamlessly replaces images with @2x versions on Retina and other high pixel density screens. Change is performed server side saving requests. No action is required on your part other than to activate it and to regenerate your thumbnails with the Regenerate Thumbnails plugin. WordPress › WP Retina 2x « WordPress Pluginshttp://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-retina-2x/Make your

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SE39UY04 4K LCD review and Accell Adaper

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I just ordered a 39″ 4K display from Amazon and will be posting a full review once it arrives. Until then, here is the download full manual in PDF format: (dl link) I am very intrigued to see how this display performs when connected to a PC and used as a high-resolution monitor. The $699 price makes it particular interesting when compared to >$1K 30″ 2560×1600 displays from Dell etc. Seiki Digital SE39UY04 39-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz LED TV

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Does the Google Pixel Chromebook support 128GB SD cards? [YES!]

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I can confirm that Google’s Pixel running Chrome OS supports 128GB SD cards. In addition to just being cool, it also means that significant additional storage can be purchased for a reasonable price! The 128GB card I used generally costs around $90 USD, woot! 🙂 PNY SDXC Class 10 High Speed Flash Memory Card (P-SDX128U2-GES3)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093XSOAS/Hi-Speed 45 MB/s transfer rates, Class 10 performance. Functions with SDXC host devices. Ideal for Hi-end DSLR cameras and HD camcorders. Capture and store more photos

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