#academic laptop

[ditigalcity]

Feeling Welcomed

A distance learner depends on hardware and software to study.  Having chronicled a linux users trails and tribulations attempting to use webex virtual meeting software.  My department has taken notice and they have worked diligently to make my learning experience easier as a linux user.  Overall the department has really made me feel welcomed as a learner.

Our department will no longer rely on microsoft-centric webex software, instead we will use visimeet.  I am also very impressed by visimeet's efforts to develop diverse platforms for their software...

It is refreshing to see Mac OS, Android and various Linux versions of this meeting software.  I now, have tested visimeet on my phone, laptop and desktop.  All work.  Visimeet also has a web interface for use without the desktop client, impressive.

I now use Lubuntu 14.04 as my laptop for school (I tested the desktop client on a laptop and desktop running Xubuntu).  Here is how the install went

First I downloaded and installed the Visimeet Debian package software..

Next I installed it with the gdebi package manager

It installed...

I logged in..

I ran the set up wizard

for audio

and video

And it works....

[ditigalcity]

1 down....

Academic laptop update.

The Lenovo G570 that ran debian Gnome 3 and XFCE died.  The mobo quit and it is now ebay bait.  As a student on a budget and as a distance learner I needed a new laptop.  I went to ebay and purchased a HP 6930p laptop with missing backspace and function keys for £59.00.   The p8600 core duo processor is old and just a little weaker than an i3 (yes I know about the threading differences).  I need to run visimeet meeting software, search and read pdf documents and e books.  A core 2 duo (p8600) is enough power for the quid conscious.

The OS..Lubuntu 14.04 LTS (Trusty Thar)

I have installed some additional software to make the laptop suit my needs.

I am very impressed with lubuntu, it is lightening quick and very malleable.  My academic needs should be met.  One annoying issue I have encountered is the lack of built in webcam and mic.  This is easily overcome though....: )

[ditigalcity]

First World Reading

Reading from a screen differs from reading paper based text.  Interactive on screen is a special experience, it stimulates the senses in a unique way.

Reading PDF documents that are not interactive can be time consuming.  Taking notes in a notebook as opposed to on screen slows my brain down.  I am aware that this could sound like a first world problem meme. However when I create text for reading on the web links add context for my ideas, at least that is what I tell myself. 

Writing on web based text is also useful for my brain.  Writing can include  sticky note type text or it may include the ability to highlight or underline.  It is difficult for me to critically read without writing on or interacting with text.  A luxury item in web based text is an available dictionary/thesaurus.

I have asked my students to read PDF scanned text.  On a computer or laptop screen the act of reading is not easy on the eye.  I justify such assignments because of my belief in the importance of thee text.  By is meaning lost from uncomfortable reading?

Reading on a tablet or mobile device can be a more comfortable experience, but for me a mobile phone screen is too small.  A 7 inch or 10 inch tablet are better.  With a useful device the quality of the PDF dictates the accessibility of the reading experience.

I sound spoiled and privileged. Perhaps this is a first world problem.