./hadak

For those in the know, the HOSTS file is a great way to locally cache DNS to commonly visited websites, or to give quick access to local machines via hostname on your network. There are many other uses for the HOSTS file, but today we're not really focused on what it is, but rather, how to enable it.

(continue reading...)

I had a lot of problems getting my Linux box to use my S-Video connection as it's primary and only display adapter. First, it would POST (black and white only) then, when X started, it would just cut out signal entirely. I'm still not entirely sure why this is, but I have come up with a solution anyway. First, one should note that if a VGA cable is plugged in, the system will mirror output through post, but will immediately cut out the S-Video once X starts. To get around this, we need to unplug the VGA cable, and work strictly off the S-Video. Not to worry once the X server cuts video feed to S-Video, as a terminal console does not use the X display drivers. To switch to a console, simply hold CTRL and ALT, and use a Function key (F1-F12.) F7 is typically reserved for the X display, so I like to use F2. Once you're in a console, display should pop back up on your TV (horray!). Then, we need to kill X. Depending on what distro you're using, and what window manager you're using, the commands vary. On Ubuntu, the command would be: (continue reading...)