Monthly Archives: March 2010

Atom Server Complete

Posted by on 29 March 2010 No comments

So after some painstaking construction and setup and configuration I finally got my Atom server up.  Now originally I was going to show people how to build a computer using that setup, however I realized that the computer had a preinstalled power supply, a preinstalled CPU, and all it really was was putting in the RAM and connecting everything together.  So while I still may do a guide on how to build a computer using that machine, I think my main guide will use either my Dell XPS or my second hand PC.

The final hardware configuration (and links to sites where I purchased material) is as follows:

The online prices have changed, but I think the total cost to me was about $180.

I got Windows Server 2008 R2 setup, and I’ll be posting a guide on how I made a bootable USB. Here is a screenshot of proof that I finally got it working!

Atom Windows ServerStill not sure if I am going to stick with Windows Server.  I may switch to Windows Home Server, or maybe just over to Ubuntu Server 10.4 when released.

Boot from USB Nightmare

Posted by on 25 March 2010 No comments

My motherboard and RAM came, and while I’m waiting on the case I’ve been attempting to rig it up with another power supply to get the ball rolling.

I’m having terrible difficulty making a bootable USB, mainly because my laptop’s charger cable died so I don’t have a Windows machine to make one in.  Will post a full report once I manage to install Windows Server 2008 R2.

What would you do with 48 cores?

Posted by on 21 March 2010 No comments

AMD is hosting a contest, and I thought I’d give it a shot.

Using Computer Modeling to Promote Scientific Innovation

Given 48 cores of AMD computing power, I would set up an open-access super computer at my university, San Jose State University.  I would set it up in way that Aerospace Engineers could run Computational Fluid Dynamics on the machine, Mechanical Engineers could run heat transfer simulations, Biologists could run protein folding simulations, etc. The CPU-intensive research applications are endless. But I wouldn’t stop there.

The machine would be intended for research in subjects of Green Engineering or any research done for the good of society and not for profit.  A computer with 48 cores could be used to minimize drag on an automobile or a airplane to make them more fuel efficient.  Simulations could be run to optimize wind turbine blade dimensions to maximize power output.  Jet turbine engines could be acoustically modelled to reduce noise produced, thereby reducing noise pollution.  Protein folding simulations could be run to find cures for diseases such as cancer or Alzheimers.  Meteorological simulations could be run to analyze global climate change.

Universities are a large source of technological innovation, inspiring industries with their research. With an open access small-scale supercomputer, students would be able to take their research to higher levels of efficiency.  But in order to optimize the use and allocation of this machine, we could open up access to other universities when demand is low.  Since 48 cores would be more than enough for most simulations, we could use virtualization software such as Xen to allow multiple systems to be run at once, optimizing CPU cycle utilization.  Since San Jose State University is connected to high speed internet, the sharing of information would be very speedy.  If the computer ever sat idle, distributed computing applications such as Folding@Home and SETI@Home could be used to help contribute to research projects around the globe.

In order to maximize utilization of the computer, a dedicated website would be created for advising students on guidelines on how to sign up for research time, how long of a wait there is for compute time, and what projects the machine is currently working on.  In the lobby of our Engineering building is a large screen TV that displays information and announcements, a slide indicated current research on the machine could be used to help promote awareness of this computer.

The idea behind an open-access super computer is simple.  If someone has an idea, but doesn’t have the computing capability to analyze it, then they shouldn’t be turned down from pursuing their innovation. Just because a student is a freshman or a sophomore doesn’t mean they can’t come up with an idea that will reduce carbon emissions or increase vehicle safety.  With student driven innovation, society can benefit from the investment of their tax dollars in our future.

Taking apart an external harddrive

Posted by on 20 March 2010 No comments

So I had an external harddrive collecting dust on my shelf. I used to use it before I got a new external which covered everything I needed and more.  I wanted to find a use for this drive and with my recent purchase of a server I figured I could use another harddrive. So without any idea of how to take apart the drive, I dove in and looked to see what would happen.  The following is a guide on how to take apart this harddrive, but most external harddrives are similar and you might be able to apply some of my techniques to taking apart yours.

WARNING: This may permanently damage your harddrive and only you can be responsible for your actions

So the drive that I have is a Maxtor One Touch 320 GB hard drive.

Maxtor One Touch 3 320

The first step I took was to format the drive into one 320GB partition, using MS DOS FAT-32 as a filesystem.  I did this because if I were to plug the drive into anything else, FAT-32 is a pretty universal file system and I can’t imagine any software that would have qualms with it.  Previously the drive was Ext4, so this required changing if I wanted to use the drive as a second drive in a Windows system..

Reformatting the harddrive. With the drive formatted, I ejected it from Finder and then unplugged the drive from both the computer and the power source.  This step is VERY important, never take anything electronic apart while it is still connected to a power source. I then removed the two screws near the plug panel. Note the evil warranty sticker covering one of the screws.

Removing the screws

Once you remove the screws, it’s simply a manner of prying off the faceplates.  The two sides are kind of rubbery and are attached with little pegs.  When I pried these faces off the pegs broke, so you’ll probably hear some snapping.  I didn’t care about the pegs breaking but I didn’t necessarily want to break the face places so I gently worked them out until they broke.  In addition to the side plates there was a plate that wrapped around from the top to the front to the bottom.

Covers removed

With the covers removed, I unscrewed the two screws that were on the same panel as the fan, but on the opposite end.  These screws were very short and unscrewed simply.  Then, if you take a look at the tabs on the side of the drive you’ll notice that you can simply slide that cover a little and pull it off. Do not remove it full yet however, there are two screws holding in the fan that must be removed.

Removing fan screws

Next, I unplugged all the cables inside the enclosure.  The red ribbon with the black connector is the SATA cable, and the twisted red/black/yellow cable is the power connector.  These must be removed in order to remove the drive.

Unplugging harddrive

Once these cables are unplugged, all you have to do is lift out the harddrive.  My harddrive had rubber brackets mounted to reduce vibrations, so I removed these.

Removing the drive

After the drive was removed I was able to read the label.  Turns out the disk was a Seagate 320GB 7200.10 harddrive.  No surprise there as Maxtor is now owned by Seagate or something like that.  Not too shabby.  I also hadn’t thought about an additional benefit.  With the harddrive removed, the enclosure can now act as a SATA-USB/FIREWIRE adapter.

Harddrive and Enclosure

Now I just need to grab a 5.25 HDD tray and I can install this in the server case when it comes… Unfortunately the case for the server is on track to be delivered in early April.  And so I wait.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.  I’m still getting used to this whole instructional blog post sort of thing.

Coming soon to a tech blog near you…

Posted by on 18 March 2010 No comments

I’ve got some big plans for the website.  I’m assembling a consortium of posts that will all be themed around the central subject of amateur computing.  I have been taking apart and putting back together computers for about 8 years now, and I’d like to share the knowledge that I’ve learned.

So what kinds of things am I planning to share?  Well here’s a short preview of stuff I have planned:

  • Computer Technology Recycling
    I’m going to kick off by showing you how to take apart an old external hard drive and turn it into an internal drive.  This topic will focus on taking existing technology you might have lying on your shelf or in your closet, and turning it into something useful.
  • Building Computers
    A lot of people have never opened a computer. Some people may have had some success in installing RAM or a graphics card.  Some people may be brave enough to open up a laptop and fix something.  No matter what your skill level, I’ll write a guide on how to do specific things.  From building from scratch to upgrading parts, I’ll break it down with pictures and videos so it is easy for you to grasp.  My first project will be the silent and eco-friendly server that I’m building.
  • Software
    So you’ve built a computer… now what do you do with it?  Well the answer to that question I’m not even sure of myself.  I will, however, give some examples of how to utilize a home server or an HTPC or even just your desktop.  I expect to make some posts about my experience in Ubuntu Server, and also I’ll share my learning experience as I tinker with Windows Server 2008 R2.
  • Green
    I kind of hate environmentalists. But I love money.  I also sometimes like to be efficient for the sake of being efficient.  I think that most people who have desktops might be better off with a Nettop.

In addition to the new articles I will be writing, I’ll try to write more clearly and simply.  I’ll include likes to references for anything technical I introduce.  I hope this will bring in some new traffic to the website, and allow me to get feedback on what people want to hear.  Take note of the new category “HowTo” and it’s subcategories.  If you see that, you’ll know the post is a part of my new idea for the direction of this blog.

GuruPlug

Posted by on 16 March 2010 No comments

In doing some of my final research on the home server I stumbled across this awesome little gadget. The GuruPlug is an all-in-one linux server solution that fits in the palm of your hand and plugs into the wall like any other AC-DC power adapter.  For $99 it has a decent list of features.

Overview:

  • 1.2 GHz Processor
  • 512 MB of DDR2-800
  • Bluetooth
  • Wifi B/G
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • USB 2.0

The “Plus” version also comes with a second gigabit port and eSATA and MicroSD support.  I think the Plus version is an absolute must, if you plan on plugging in some serious storage.  However, the “Plus” version will cost you an extra $30

The GuruPlug is not yet out but is available for pre-order.  Should be released this April.

In other news, I purchased the server configuration I mentioned earlier. I swapped out the Newegg RAM for something from Amazon, I like Newegg but I don’t like having to pay sales tax on my purchases… Amazon always seems to come out cheaper.  Total price shipped was $166.  The next 5-9 days will be excruciatingly slow.

Blashphemy!

Posted by on 13 March 2010 No comments

So I’m still looking into replacing my giant server with a budget of $200.  Currently what I have so far is:

This brings me to about $160, well under budget.  I’ll cannibalize the 500 gig hard drive from the existing server, and borrow the DVD drive to install (dun dun DUNNNN) Windows Server 2008 R2.  I got a free copy through Microsoft’s Dreamspark, and I’m gonna try it out.  I’ll back up all the data on the 500 gig drive, and I wont touch the Ubuntu machine’s 60 gig OS drive, but I’m hoping to give it an honest try and see what Microsoft has to offer when it comes to a home server. Expected power usage is about 20 watts, which is about a tenth of the current power usage of the Dell server.

I dunno what to expect from using MS Server, but I want to at least try.  If I hate it, I can always just go back to Ubuntu Server 9.10.

Amazon is the best

Posted by on 8 March 2010 No comments

If you’re going to buy something on the internet, go out of your way to make sure you buy it on Amazon. Some products you might be able to get cheaper elsewhere, but I doubt it. Take my recent purchase as an example. I found $78 in Best Buy gift certificates in my closet, and knew exactly what I wanted to buy. I had been eying a pair of Sennheiser HD-280 Pro headphones for a very long time.  My in-ear headphones had stopped working in one of the ears, and my Sennheiser PX-100′s had become buzzy in the right ear.  So excited at the opportunity, I knew I had to buy them.  But I had Best Buy gift cards not Amazon.

Amazon had the headphones for a reasonable $74.  Not only was this a low price, but there was no sales tax and there was no shipping and handling costs.  Amazing.

Best Buy? The headphones were $99.99, the tax was $9.25 and the shipping was $4.99.  $114.23.  Unbelievable.  The product was 50% more expensive.  If I had not had a Best Buy gift card I would never have bought from them, it’s just ridiculous.  I wish I could have saved myself $4.99 by purchasing in store, but none of the three local Best Buys carried these in stock any more.

Amazon ships anything sold by them with a total order value over $25 for free, with no sales tax.  They are incredibly hard to beat.  I have no idea why anyone even bothers to buy stuff from Best Buy.

School Projects

Posted by on 3 March 2010 No comments

In terms of Formula Hybrid, we’ve been making slow but steady progress on our hybrid car. We’ve got motors mounted, and the front two wheels have been assembled completely. Once all the break rotors are remade and the bearing issue is resolved, we will have rolling chassis.

For my semester project of Aerodynamics and Aerospace Flight Mechanics, we’ve decided to analyze a theoretical situation in which you could launch cube satellites into space using a rail-gun mounted on a 747.