CTRL-ALT-DEL for Redhat Linux

It's not supposed to be possible to crash the desktop in Linux, but of course Sammi does it. To issue a shutdown without the ability to use the mouse, you have to go to a *virtual console*, which you can get to by CTRL-ALT-F1. After that, you can log in, do a proper shutdown command, or just skip all that and to a three-fingered salute.

HD-104 backshells

Aside from Glenair, few sources exist for backshells for HD-104 connectors, which are the rarely used "size 6" D-sub body, slightly bigger in all dimensions than the DD-50 or "size 5".

Strangely, the faeries put a size 6 backshell in one of my desk drawers, I don't know where it came from, and still haven't figured out how to buy them in the U.S.

They are made by a company called Inotec out of Germany. Their website in english: http://www.inotec-electronics.com/cms/servlet/Query?node=108422&language=2

Their german website translated by google: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.inotec-electronics.com/

Their catalog: http://www.inotec-electronics.com/cms/files/1/22286618732500.pdf

Search the catalog for part number DG104MSX.

Microtek ScanMaker V310

Trying to install this ancient scanner on my WinXP system. This scanner has the notable advantage of having a standard power chord rather than a wall wart.

Most driver download sites refer back to the microtek website (http://www.support.microtek.com/driver_download.phtml), but among their many scanners for driver downloads they don't list this one.

Found a forum (http://www.sysopt.com/userreviews/scanners/product.php/5920) where among hundreds of desperate nonenglish pleas for drivers, found an answer describing a "discontinued products" option at microtek's site.

Blundering around microtek's site, I found the page where this driver is listed (http://support.microtek.com/downloads/drv_specific.phtml?cnntn=c&slct_os=7&step=2&prod=105&bymdlnme=1&drvgrp=85&x=14&y=11), but it could not be found on their own server. However I got the name (drv_sw_v2_60_ad.exe), which I then searched on and found a few sites that had it.

After installing the software, I got a windows found new hardware wizard, which I proceeded to run the "automatic" installation option.

Mini Candelabra Base Light Bulbs

First off, can these be bought in anything but Halogen? This base is also called an E-11 base. What the hell is wrong with fixture designers these days?

Trying to get less than 50W for the side-lights of the addition's bathroom mirror. The next and apparently only lowest size is 35W.

Can buy them at these sites:

http://shopping.msn.com/specs/halogen-s-e-35w-clear-e-11/itemid1009875389/?itemtext=itemname:halogen-s-e-35w-clear-e-11

http://www.bulbsusa.com/shopping/catalog/T3-T4-Mini-can-Halogen-E11-Base-p-55.html

Iridite is not Anodization

But you all knew that already.

The primary difference, according to Ron, is that Anodization is insulating, Iridite is conductive. Also when you think you mean Anodization, you really mean Iriditing.

To specify iridite, add to the drawing notes: "FINISH: IRIDITE PER MIL-C-5541, CLASS 1A"

There's Class 1A and Class 3. Class 1A is the rich-looking dark gold, Class 3 is called "clear" but is actually more like a chromate yellow.

All this and more are explained in this helpful forum posting on the difference between Class 1A and Class 3: http://www.finishing.com/4400-4599/4558.shtml