Random Thoughts: Samba, Cinnamon and Android Insufficient Storage Space Error

So I've been using Linux Mint a lot and there's been some adjustment.  I find Cinnamon to be a total regression to Unity's dock.  I've complained a bit about this but fortunately, someone pointed me to Cairo which is a decent replacement.  It's not as slick as Unity's Dock, but it's functional and familiar enough.  I just cannot go back to that old Start Menu, Taskbar thing.  Feels cluttered and useless.

While we're in the subject of Cinnamon, when the laptop wakes up from suspend or sleep, sometimes, Cinnamon starts acting very weird.  None of my mouse clicks the menus, Cairo's task switching doesn't really work.  The only way I got to recover from it was to kill Cinnamon.  

killall -HUP cinnamon

Then, there's samba.  In the university I work at, we have some specific configuration and Cinnamon's connect Windows Share interface is a bit wonky.  Turns out when I specify the server name, I have to leave out the slashes (e.g. //).  Then specify the share to use.

Lastly, there's a common problem on Android where the storage space is always running out.  This usually manifests itself when attempting to install apps.  Google Play Store will complain "Insufficient Storage Available" which is a real pain especially when you own those Chinese OEM tablets.  I've learned since that Android will build up junk cache over time and can easily chew up GB of space after prolonged use.  You can use any cache cleaner app and run your device through it.  I use the Clean Master but I'm certain there are better lightweight apps available.  I ran my cleaner app and it showed me the junk I should clean up.  Tapped clean and I was able to install the apps I wanted just fine.

That's a wrap!  Ciao!

Codemasters' F1 Online Beta

It's a decent browser game but they really need to fix a lot of things.

1. I can tell that this game is going to be a buy to win style.
2. The physical collisions,  shunts and dirty driving really detract from the experience.
3. They should give the option for keyboard controls and the chase camera angle because the game doesn't look bad and some guys want a more conventional driving game.  The mouse is serviceable but it can get disorienting.
4. Penalties for hitting the grass is not severe enough.  Several cars are able to cut corners and actually drive faster than those who honestly go around the circuit.
5. Post race penalties.  Dirty driving needs to be punished.  What better way to do it than applying time penalties after the race?
6. Linux port of Unity Webplayer.  Seriously... it's not even funny.