Danie van der Merwe

I blog about #technology #gadgets #opensource #selfhosting #greentech #traditionalwetshaving #alternativeto #hamradio (ZS1OSS) #southafrica - see my blog at https://gadgeteer.co.za/blog and Fediverse full text posts at Danie (npub190v…zy8c) or follow my Peertube videos at GadgeteerZA (npub1g59…vv7q).

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Published at

2024-08-01T15:21:10Z

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Last Notes

2024-10-23 09:53:22

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a mobile phone OS success hinges a lot on the available app ecosystem. Huawei has actually done a good job on that front but they were still Android based apps. They make an excellent watch but the lack of compatibility with my Samsung phone has prevented me purchasing one. This is a brave move though.

2024-10-10 09:25:08

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good news. Yes a real issue with nodes just not coming back on, especially when they are located at remote sites.

2024-10-10 09:16:24

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yes I'm still wondering what the model is that supports it. It does not seem to have ads. Lots of sites "collect" or "store data" but that is often for logins, or 1st party cookies to retain preferences, etc. It's the usage of the data, if any, that is of more concern. That said all my posting and comms on these networks is public. I'm more careful with my Signal, SimpleX, etc apps.

2024-09-13 21:17:58

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it'll certainly come right as I have Steam on Manjaro KDE and play quite a few games like Snowrunner, War Thunder, Red Dead Redemption 2, etc. Think Steam may also install as Flatpak but not sure.

2024-09-11 14:18:35

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and the Rand improved quite a bit too...

2024-09-07 11:18:49

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I use Obsidian Notes myself for linking markdown notes together, but I've done one or two posts about FOSS author tools which may work:
* Zotero for reference work
* Manuskript
* Bibisco
* STARC, short for “Story Architect”
* novelWriter
* WIKINDX

2024-09-03 13:51:44

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I think it was older tech and more fragmented. It's been a long time to replace the old separate municipal systems. Complaints about water pressure in an area meant people going out to measure it in the day with pressure gauges. I'd really like to see this publicly available for us to see the status.

2024-08-28 14:03:03

South Africa’s Home Affairs needs a visible Dashboard for Uptime Monitoring of Service and Network Uptimes
There’s an old adage that says ‘What you cannot measure, you cannot manage’ which is actually not fully true, because many things have to be managed that do not have any hard metrics to go by. But the principle of having some signals and metrics doe ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/south-africas-home-affairs-needs-a-visible-dashboard-for-uptime-monitoring-of-service-and-network-uptimes/
#opensource #quality #southafrica #technology

2024-08-23 20:15:58

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I prefer to run my VPN access from my router at home and unfortunately that only provides choices between OpenVPN, IPSec VPN, and PPTP.

2024-08-17 20:01:06

10 obvious things I wish someone told me before I built my first PC
PC building may not be rocket science, but it isn’t a walk in the park either, especially for a first-timer. Most of us who have built a few PCs in our time have learnt these tricks already.
But these are good to read if you are thinking of build ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/10-obvious-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-before-i-built-my-first-pc/
#DIY #hardware #technology

2024-07-02 12:35:00

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thing also tho is that whilst something can work in theory under ideal circumstances, it is usually never as easy or ideal in the real world. But I'd be interested to see where they've managed to maybe pick up NFC signals from 2 m away.

2024-07-02 11:22:28

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not sure how they'd do that as they'd have to hold something literally next to your hand which you'd notice (like 5 cm). It is tap/touch to pay. But in our case our cashier I notice just wait for the person to get back even when that takes 2 mins plus - well stand there waiting.

2024-06-29 10:25:15

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yes on LongFast I can reach a whole bunch of people. We use it to announce starts of radio bulletins etc. But most are testing it from hiking spots etc. Two businesses also have two nodes each and I'm trying to find out what they actually use for, as it could be telemetry.
WE are applying to put a node at our upper cable car station too, to provide coverage on top of the mountain where there is no cellphone reception.

2024-06-29 10:18:00

My #Meshtastic node in #CapeTown #SouthAfrica has now seen 40 different Meshtastic nodes across Cape Town just by radio link alone. There are around 17 nodes that are active 24/7 and one or two high site nodes that help everyone connect to everyone else.
Longest link by single radio hop is 44 km to Stellenbosch (line of sight).
It is steadily growing over time and will help connect with no Internet if/when needed.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/699/381/710/917/791/original/f7151f83fb67f5d2.webp

2024-06-26 10:02:14

Switzerland mandates software source code disclosure for public sector: A legal milestone
The EMBAG law stipulates that all public bodies must disclose the source code of software developed by or for them, unless precluded by third-party rights or security concerns. This mandate aims to ensure greater transparency, security, and efficien ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/switzerland-mandates-software-source-code-disclosure-for-public-sector-a-legal-milestone/
#opensource #switzerland #technology

2024-06-25 17:01:04

The Moto Tag is an AirTag for Android: It Ticks my Boxes
This appears to be the first Find My Device network tag that supports UWB so that finally ticks one of my missing (so far) boxes for fine-grained locating of the tag.
It will be able to re-use my existing AirTag holders which is good, but on the ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/the-moto-tag-is-an-airtag-for-android-it-ticks-my-boxes/
#technology #trackers

2024-06-20 16:55:09

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yes, but sadly not a warning that reaches other Takealot customers who may go through the same thing.

2024-06-20 15:22:10

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similar thing happened with my Toyota hybrid when the smaller 12V internal electronic battery died during Covid lockdown. It also needed a bypass in order to get the doors open. It's a real problem when we only rely on having power.

2024-06-20 12:36:02

#LaptopOnline in #SouthAfrica sent me a Core i3 device when I'd ordered and paid for a Core i5 device. Seems they did not notice the visible Core 3 sticker on the front of the device. They sent my device to a different buyer, so I got the inferior product and must now battle the refund via Takealot.
Check your orders carefully on receipt, esp for refurbished devices.
This was not Takealot's fault, as the sealed box did show the correct Core i5 description.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/648/967/373/654/382/original/6c6f55d44c641a0b.jpg

2024-06-18 13:02:17

Linux-based postmarketOS v24.06 supports over 250 devices, taking on Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS
The appeal of running Linux on personal devices lies in the freedom it offers. postmarketOS does not require account setups, does not push cloud storage, avoids pre-installed bloatware, and does not follow privacy-invasive AI trends. Instead, it foc ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/linux-based-postmarketos-v24-06-supports-over-250-devices-taking-on-googles-android-and-apples-ios/
#linux #opensource #pocketmarketOS #privacy #technology

2024-06-17 20:00:14

FUTO Keyboard is an open-source mobile keyboard for Android that stays private and offline
If your computer keyboard doesn’t ask for internet access, neither should your mobile keyboard. FUTO Keyboard is a modern keyboard app with voice input and autocorrect, that is completely offline and never connects to the internet, in order to ensur ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/futo-keyboard-is-an-open-source-mobile-keyboard-for-android-that-stays-private-and-offline/
#android #FUTOkeyboard #privacy #technology

2024-06-17 11:22:04

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good incentive now for the #RCS open standard to move rapidly forwards towards E2EE

2024-06-15 16:51:20

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ah ok I'm not doing a checkout - but is odd as you may anyway not want to collect from the "closest" store. Won't a VPN do the trick with a local location activated I wonder.

2024-06-15 16:41:45

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think that is only for sorting the search - you can surely still search and select any store for collection?

2024-06-15 10:01:08

Use ‘Bridgy Fed’ to Connect Fediverse accounts (inc Mastodon) and Bluesky
It is as simple as just following the relevant bridge account, and your posts will appear on the other side with the same address you are currently using. So you are not creating a new profile on the destination network. The profile name is not iden ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/use-bridgy-fed-to-connect-fediverse-accounts-inc-mastodon-and-bluesky/
#bluesky #mastodon #socialnetworks #technology

2024-06-14 20:24:59

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yep especially versus Hubzilla, it looks like Friendica is easier all round.

2024-06-13 14:03:28

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I really cannot understand the US government putting any of their data in a Microsoft cloud service. Repeatedly now MS has shown they either don't understand security or just ignore it, but their PR about everything being secure and the "most secure ever" etc should surely by now stop. They may even have the record for being the most insecure tech company over time.

2024-06-13 14:02:04

10 of the most useful apps available on Steam
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore PC enthusiast, you must have heard of Steam. As one of the biggest digital game distribution platforms, Steam has a huge library of games spanning several genres. For those who like gaming on the move, you ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/10-of-the-most-useful-apps-available-on-steam/
#gaming #steam #technology

2024-06-05 10:10:09

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Worst is zero hints if the word is close to any match

2024-06-04 09:47:23

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beautiful camera. Yes I still have my grandfather's Asahi Pentax Spotmatic camera, with a zoom lens, flash, etc. Haven't used it for decades but it was all still working 100% when I last used 35mm film.

2024-06-02 18:00:26

South African Military Vehicles in War Thunder
War Thunder is a highly realistic battle game where players can choose from a number of armoured vehicles, tanks, ships, helicopters and planes represented for different countries. The player chooses a country and vehicle type, and works their way u ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/south-african-military-vehicles-in-war-thunder/
#gaming #southafrica #technology #warthunder

2024-06-02 15:56:30

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v4.2.9 of what tho?

2024-05-31 09:23:32

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you can check the nodes list tho to see which other nodes are being directly received with RSSI signals. Can also long press on them to do a traceroute to check 2-way comms. Thing is LongFast channel gives no real read verification, that is only seen on direct messages to other nodes.

2024-05-28 14:02:08

LibreOffice has some really excellent getting-started Guides for their open-source Office Suite
There are some good reasons why Microsoft Office gets used widely, and that is often because it comes pre-installed as trialware on Windows PC’s, it is pushed into schools and universities with educational discounts, it has massive funding for lobby ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/libreoffice-has-some-really-excellent-getting-started-guides-for-their-open-source-office-suite/
#libreoffice #opensource #technology

2024-05-28 10:25:44

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if logic determined voting, we'd probably be way better off today already... It feels like letting the kids run the school instead of a parent's governing body. Many globally are starting to realise that politics and democracy are not what they were made out to be. No idea what could be better, but it is probably a discussion that needs to be had at some point. We need a license to drive, but to vote I can be as clueless as I want to be, yet I'll be deciding the future of my country.

2024-05-27 12:55:02

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another one so quick, I don't know - I can't even type that fast to keep up with you guys. Think I'm going to try some other puzzle game. I get way too may incorrect words.

2024-05-27 12:53:52

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OK wow, I can't even type that fast for 6 words in 34 secs, let alone think of the words! I'm clearly way slower than anyone else here at 9 mins.

2024-05-27 12:03:19

Jumblie #237
🟢🔴🟠🔵
9 guesses in 9m 14s
https://jumblie.com

2024-05-26 15:29:05

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one of a few podcasts I listen to ;-)

2024-05-26 14:56:09

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Sim, é triste que tenhamos que contar com a Big Tech para tornar um serviço popular (ou eliminá-lo). Todos nós precisamos promover mais o RSS.

2024-05-26 12:56:41

Jumblie #236
🟠🔴🟢🔵
12 guesses in 9m 50s
https://jumblie.com

2024-05-24 09:19:49

Jumblie #234
🟠🔴
I gave up after 64 guesses in 1h 40m 11s
https://jumblie.com

2024-05-23 17:00:27

Earbuds for more restful sleep: Anker’s Soundcore Sleep A20 now officially available
With their air-filled Air-Win design with Twin-Seal ear tips, the new generation is said to offer up to 1.8 times better noise reduction than its predecessor, the Sleep A10, according to the manufacturer. Among other things, they are equipped with a ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/earbuds-for-more-restful-sleep-ankers-soundcore-sleep-a20-now-officially-available/
#earbuds #sleep #technology

2024-05-23 16:28:06

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which means the taxpayer pays....

2024-05-22 13:43:33

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pretty scary that voters could end up voting based on totally incorrect information. That is pretty scary for a democracy!

2024-05-21 11:58:58

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problem is politicians know what they know, through those who they surround themselves by. Those people decide what they need to know, or not. Politicians mostly have no real contact with average citizens through their daily commutes to work and back or whilst shopping...

2024-05-20 11:15:29

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got all your audible/mobile alerts set up, I hope! Don't forget the Eskom se Push API for load shedding warnings too.

2024-05-19 22:21:31

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Great thing is radio itself stays on the air!

2024-05-19 06:51:28

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no, it is mostly the luxury EVs like Volvo, Mini, BMW, etc which average drivers can't afford here.

2024-05-18 16:24:09

The Dayun Yuehu will be the cheapest practical #EV in #SouthAfrica at under R400,000.
It is claimed to have a 330 km range and a top speed of 100 km/h, making it suitable as an urban commuter.
It's going to be very interesting to see how this does in SA, as the price is nearing affordable, and it is faster than the 80 km/h that smaller EVs tend to have.
Is this still with the high EV import tax I wonder...
See https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/news/2024-05-15-enviro-automotive-to-launch-a-sub-r400000-electric-suv-in-south-africa/

2024-05-17 11:56:15

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no not at all, they have long been managing and monitoring the charging within the phone. USB chargers also have a lot of intelligence built-in, hence the need for the proper high-speed cable etc as the charger talks to circuitry inside the cable connectors. Both the phone and charger manage what can be delivered.

2024-05-17 11:50:05

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getting rid of chargers with every device is a very good thing. I have an entire drawer full of old Nokia chargers. I'd rather buy one very good high speed multi-port charger for all of my devices (which I did) and I re-use that for everything - one wire, one charger (brick), lot of devices.

2024-05-16 19:28:57

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I've always flashed mine with Tasmota firmware before using - more control and 100% local.

2024-05-15 16:59:19

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any "group" dictates can be dangerous - one has to have your own ethics and morals and live by those.

2024-05-15 14:47:13

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thanks yes I'm on X11 and that was fine, but the previous version was actually working (sort of) under Wayland, but now I also got the same - nothing but a black screen. I was really hoping the NVidia issue was now 100%.
On the plus side, under X11, the 30sec compositor delay I was getting has completely gone so that is really great.

2024-05-14 13:20:56

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covering up war crimes should be a crime itself against humanity. No law should be justifying keeping war crimes a secret.

2024-05-14 13:18:28

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that really seems to go against human rights, as far as exposing war crimes go. Covering up a crime should never be justified by law.

2024-05-13 16:39:12

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incredible! Shows again though, it is only teamwork and discipline that get you through something like that. If that falls apart, you're lost.

2024-05-13 15:00:34

Manjaro’s Plasma 6 update has gone globally live today
This was a major update from Plasma 5.27 to Plasma 6.0, but also along with just about everything else, and was a 6.8 GB download for me.
It all went off flawlessly apart from one applet I use for transparent folders, which seems to still only be ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/manjaros-plasma-6-update-has-gone-globally-live-today/
#linux #manjaro #technology

2024-05-12 11:40:50

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supposedly the board manages the charging and use of a battery attached to it, if the power supply is coming in on the USB-C port to the board.

2024-05-11 11:16:38

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because the Fediverse still has an account hooked to a server and an admin can block that. You migrate, you lose your posts, and migration is not seamless across diff networks.
Nostr requires no account creation on any server, and the keypair you use works seemlessly across any clients or Nostr websites. Any post you make with Nostr relays through 8 or more (of over 2,000) relays. Even if one relay owner were to "block" your profile, it still flows out seamlessly through any other.

2024-05-11 11:06:08

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not too sure as they don't go into the detail of "where" the algorithms are, but being a standalone APK I'm not sure it actually has any Google login?

2024-05-10 17:32:58

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yes as it all works local - I have the REolink integration in my HA and it connecst to teh WiFi cam locally.

2024-05-10 17:00:25

South African mobile network operators must zero-rate content from approved public benefit organisations
PBOs include non-profit organisations, trusts, and government departments with .gov.za domain names.
These PBOs will be required to apply to Icasa to assess whether they meet the requirements for having their content zero-rated. Once approved, th ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/south-african-mobile-network-operators-must-zero-rate-content-from-approved-public-benefit-organisations/
#southafrica #technology

2024-05-10 08:24:22

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just demonstrates naked greed for power. We've only had one honest politician in South Africa so far, when asked about why he was in politics, he admitted for "the power". He is an ex-gangster though (although not everyone is sure he is ex).

2024-05-09 11:18:10

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seems like he stopped posting a few months ago - so that sort of explains that. Not sure why SA is so behind the curve on many things.

2024-05-07 21:00:41

Five things to consider when making the transition to a new email address
Work and school emails are fine, but they might not last forever (and often neither does using an ISP e-mail address if you ever want to switch ISPs). You need something you can always come back to.
First, make sure your new email address is one ...continues
See https://gadgeteer.co.za/five-things-to-consider-when-making-the-transition-to-a-new-email-address/
#email #technology

2024-05-06 12:41:07

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problem is can't be an expense in percentage terms, unless that is just the bank fee costs relating to the payment transaction. Other internal costs like staff, hosting, etc should be roughly fixed and not really escalate or drop with the value of any donations.