Outgrowing my server

I’ve been running a Linode supplied UML virtual server for the best part of two years now. I have been extremely happy with it, but I’m now repeatedly running into performance problems with it, and things will only get worse. Basically the problem is Ruby on Rails, and more specifically the Typo weblog software. Ditching RoR is not an option because I host more than one application (with more to come) on it, and whilst I could ditch Typo for something lighter (but still RoR based) I don’t want to – even though that decision is mainly based on inertia. However I need to do something because occasionally my server will be brought to its knees and I get sick of sorting it out, especially as I host other sites on this server. Although I could switch to some managed RoR hosting, my preference to to host my own because I although I don’t like solving problems, I do like causing them!

As I see it, I’ve got the following options:

Before I make a final decision, has anyone got any suggestions/advice (other than ditch Rails)?

Published Again!

It’s always nice to see your work in print. Don’t get me wrong – online publishing is great, but there’s just something…nice about holding something you’ve written. Now it’s not the first time something I’ve written has been printed, but this time it is directly attributable to me.

On page 50 of Issue 66 of Linux User & Developer you will find my article about Open Source software for children, inspired by my childrens recent painless conversion to Linux.

Go buy, read, enjoy, and provide me with feedback please. Oh and keep an eye out – there is more where that came from (hint, hint)!

Browncoats Rejoice!

If you are a UK resident then tonight at 2100 hours you should run, don’t walk, to your television and switch to the SCI FI channel as they re-show the first episode of Firefly, with the rest of the series to follow.

Shiny.

Switching off

I’ve been working from home for a few years now, and whilst it works for me it’s not for everyone. The obstacle most people have trouble overcoming is how to make sure your personal and professional life do not get too confused. There is lots of advice out there of which the majority is common sense (like having a separate work area) to personal preference (like wearing a tie, even if you are not going to see anyone), but some of it is getting harder to implement in these days of ubiquitous WiFi and mobile technology.

LifeHack have just linked to an article about switching off in the evening. Turn off your computer (and phone) and go do something else. Sounds good in principle, but what – if you are really honest – if you don’t want to?

My solution is to dual-boot: Microsoft Windows for work (a necessary evil, and Linux for play. An old fashioned idea syou might think, but the secret sauce is the improved power management available in Linux these days. When I’ve finished my day job (or need to change gears at say lunchtime) I tell my Thinkpad to hibernate, then turn the machine back on and resume my Linux session I hibernated earlier.

It works for me, and it may work for you to.

If you don’t ask…

…you don’t get.

My childrens school sent out a questionnaire, which we returned this morning. It was the usual stuff – Are you happy with the amount of homework? What improvements would you make to the school facilities? etc.

It was the final question that caught my eye though: Any other comments? A fairly innocuous question you may think, but I saw a perfect platform for me:

I also added a note that I was happy to discuss this with them. Nothing may come of it, but on the other hand…