User:Murraykj
From Xbox-Linux
July 17 2008
Hello folks, there have not been many changes other than the fact that Mr Bill Gates has recently resigned with microsoft. Mr Gates had released some of the best computer applications of the last 20 years. The times are rapidly changing, and the evolution of technology is as well. Microsoft set the initial pace for the typical standards that we use in home business and education. The way i see it its kinda like a car, what ever kind you drive they will all do the same thing get you from point a to point b. just that one might get you there 5 minutes quicker, and burn more gas.
I think Mr Gates brought a lot of technology to general society.
The Latest DD-Wrt Linux Router firmware is very stable and offers a wide array of options for data connectivity. High Quality Mesh Based Wireless networking can be acomplished with modification of inexpensive domestic routers. this means you can flick a router on the roof of your home, get a fiew friends together, and run your own wireless wan. hop to hop. accross the street, down the road, to the top of the tree powered by that solarpannel and cheap battery... have fun my phriends.
June 19 2008
Hello to everyone, This WIKI Has a lot of information in it, just read it as i add to it when i have the time. I have recently accepted another position within the Oil and gas sector, looks like my luck has finally changed after many years of hardships living in newfoundland. I guess hard work does have meaning for many in the end. I am happy that i was able to assist those who had a interest in the xbox project since it had first hit the scene over many years.
Sun Microsystems is releasing some fantastic material, and best of all the new stuff they are releasing, its free as well. This is really good for those who want a good solid unix based operating environment.
I know Im a little off topic here as the WIKI is for Xbox Linux, but im going to put you all in a positive direction if your here reading this.
Sun has a Free Version of their operating system called OpenSolaris. Its a 600meg bootable ISO image.
http://www.opensolaris.com/get/
There is also a really neet new porgram called VirtualBox. what makes this so special is that if you have a machine thats powerful enough, you can run almost anything on it. It Runs all the operating systems inside Virtual Machines and they are all windowed. It also can Boot ISO Images on the fly from your HDD and you can try lots of different bootable images with out the need to Burn cd's
Here are some links to get you going. Best wishes to everyone. I wish you all the best.
Yes This program will boot XP inside XP, Linux Inside XP, XP Inside Linux, Inside Solaris, you get the idea.. But guess what.. Mac on XP XP on Mac, yes its coming and its very close.
Put Virtualbox on your system, for a 20meg program, its going to suprise you. it kinda reminds me of a modern day style of DesQview, with multiple machine emulators.
I think it might also be able to boot Xebain Xbox Debian too (-:
Its Still Kinda New, So Improvements are always coming. What I would like to see is a small kernel built to boot this application as a standalone. that way multiple environments can run on top of this type of structure. this could revolutionize the entire way we look at our computers as entire images can be contined in one file preconfigured for what you really need os and all. hmm i wonder if they added a ftp to it or a intergrated browser... just a thought.. sounds more like a IDT now (-:
I share my ideas with many and it is nice to see the overall result in what we have today, as it will make for a brighter tomorrow.
All the same, lets not forget our little friends and the various versions of Linux.
DSL (Damm Small Linux) it will boot up on a 486DX and yes it will surf and do word processing. recycled hardware makes it possible for everyone to have a computer. dont throw them away, find places to give them. Free Software makes it possible for everyone to have something they can use. Everyone should be able to have a computer and with it everyone should be able to learn. There is a lot of material online, and with the right resources, makes for a Better Society.
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/
Ubuntu Linux is a fairly well rounded desktop environment geared towards most linux unix style and uses. there are a couple of different versions each configured and packaged for what is basically needed. again this is free although there are commercial versions as well.
OpenSUSE Linux is a well supported linux environment. it is also the base package for Novell also. With Suse/Novell you find this widely used in a variety of environments. In various Super Computing environments, SuSe Linux is widely used as Remote Xwindow Desktops for a variety of purposes. Novells support and intergration makes for a interesting option for business use.
Slackware Linux has been around for some time, it has its following and also its wide use in a variety of environments. its not for the timmid, although its getting better. its more geared towards a user who understands what they are doing, however it has a appeal for many who enjoy the challange of getting into linux unix. its well documented and supported.
April 28 2008
Please note I am no longer living at my residence on 43 Newcove road in St. Johns Newfoundland. I have also disconnected my Phone. There were a couple of issues at this residence. There was a Bike Stolen, as well some communications equipment was stolen during a later incident. The Bike was recovered, however the equipment was not. There is a reward for information related to the incident.
I may be contacted via email: murraykj709@yahoo.ca
December 20 2007
STATUS:
I have recently taken a position outside my usual occupational field. I am presently working with a oil company in a remote region of canada. Its hard work and the days are long, i am still able to be contacted via MSN for general questions, however please understand that i do not have the time at the moment to create individual and or customized dash solutions at this time.
It was unfortunate, however for my home region there was no suitable employment for someone of my specific skillset, only occasional consulting. It was not enough to make it in the end. My rotation is now 20 days with a 4500km flight home monthly. I work with many people, my company is about 250 people. it is a big project overall. Im either handing out tools to many workers, sweeping and mopping floors with the other crew, Fueling Equipment with my friend and fixing computers when needed.
I have considered putting my self through school again when im done here. However I have considered also to go abroad after work here is completed. im still working out some details through one of my embassy. At this time it would appear that i may be in Luxembourg sometime next year.
HMM... prehaps in some spare time we could do some xbox 360, one of my friends just picked one up as well.
360 users please go to the following site http://www.free60.org/
Old Blog entries to follow....
NOTE:
Please read all informations, as it includes other informational items as well as informations related to topics you may be unaware of.
UPDATE:
Due to the present reduced costs of various equipment such as used notebooks and used desktops, users that are presently seeking a cost effective computing solution are suggested to look for a used notebook or desktop. I have presently seen prices which are more suitable for general computing purposes which may be more suitable for some end users. If you are interested in expiermentation of XBOX Hardware support will still be provided through usual members and channels.
At Present Used notebooks P3 850 w/256megs and better can be obtained for under 200$ Canadian, Desktops $50 to $100. As a result a used system may be more suitable than modification of a console.
However, A Modified console is definately a valued project to anyone who has a interest in advanced computing and multimedia topics as well as programming.
Uses of Modified Xbox Consoles are limited only to your skills and imigination.
Consoles have been used in various projects as well as purposes. Modified consoles have been used in situations where similar type equipment at a cost of several thousand dollars more were usually used. This especially applies to Various Aspects of Broadcasting & Multimedia presentation. In My own Personal use in this area, a modified console was used as a IPTV Unit with Digital Video Playback suitable for Low Power UHF TV Broadcasting. Cable TV Companies utilized modified consoles to provide graphical displays for community based programming and production services.
More advanced uses consisted of Remote data network management as being intergrated to a administrators home theatre system. System monitoring of a major corperation at the push of a button on a remote. Another use was as Xwindows Terminal connected to a HD Television set on a push cart to manage a small Cray Cluster.
Most Computer users with minimal expierence were able to utilize German Based software such as XBMC, which was the best application to be created for the console. XBMC has become the baseline for multimedia on the console and has created a variety of uses within the advanced home computing market. Advanced faetures now only being present public in recent times, are old news to anyone who has been involved in the scene since we started modifying and booting up colsoles. IPTV is old news for most of us, and I myself have been watching broadcasts via IP as well as wirelessly on a global basias since 2000. This Specific project kickstarted by german and other european groups has pioneered the entire broadcast delievery market for IPTV.
As For Me, For anyone who has spoken to me, you already know, we were 5 years ahead of the game.
I had Created one of the best loaders in the scene to allow all alternate applications to be run on any version of the console with out modification of the original dash program, with out the need to purchase costly chips, with out the need to crack the case open. It enabled users to try out applications such as linux with out any additional costs.
Some users were successiful, others may not have been successiful. This was because some followed the instructions while others did not. It created a fantastic learning project that covered many topics of advanced computing and repair. Anyone who messed their dash up, had to figure out how to fix it. I Told you from the start... DO NOT MODIFY DRIVE C on the console.
Thanks for the kind words from all the users who had contacted me from all around the globe. It was a fantastic project and provided many with much fun as well as a chance to learn a little.
Everyone who compiled the XBE's helped contribute to the scene and with out you folks, we would have little to run.
The Linux Scene had a new piece of hardware to maximize and expierment with. The consoles were utilized in many ways and purposes. most all Linux users had played with a Xbox at some point.
Anyways, The First generation consoles are still alive and well, utilized in many homes and businesses around the world.
Many are now working on the New Xbox 360, its got more ram, a different processor, and a great video chipset.
Best wishes to everyone who had taken part over many years of this project.
Kenneth J. Murray 'FiFo' Newfoundland Canada
=
Hello,
My name is Kenny , I live in newfoundland canada.
If you need some help to install linux on your console,
I can Boot you up.
My Method of modification allows the unit to still play original games as well as run Linux.
It does not allow the console to run Pirated or Burnt backups.
Works with all known stock Microsoft kernels, dashes and ALL consoles 1.0 to 1.6
- preconfigured some Linux items to make the task much easier for novices to boot up quick.
- best contacted Via MSN, Just add me in, I'll send you the files and I'll help boot you Up.
- Material is for Educational purposes only.
- I am not responsible for anything that you may do with your console.
- I have many users world wide that i have assisted and booted up.
- Please do not request Modifications related to piracy ie: Games.
I will boot your linux up, after that I suggest you contact your local linux club for support.
NOTE: XBOX Can Run Linux, however, a inexpensive used computer works well also. (Recycled Xbox) (MultiMedia Toaster Conversions) (Gentoox Linux Home)
I have a complete loader kit, includes everything you need to modify any version of console. (patchless Soft Boot or Bios flash) (I do not flash consoles for usage of games) (You are responsible for flashing your console yourself if you require it to be flashed)
I Can preload your memory card also if you do not have the ability to do so with my latest gamesave loader (All usual games 007,Mech,Splintercell are supported) and includes a IP Dash loader as well, complete with a Console version detector to eliminate the guess work of console version indentification. 8meg minimum memory card supported.
I also support issues related to foreign and international users, so that they have the ability to view content from their home regions via IP, Contact for further details.
(My Loader automatically has ability to support this, easy to use.) (TV Over IP)
Custom solutions can be configured for users specific requirements. Such as the bility to watch news and other programming from your home country, if you are home or abroad. Or would like access to content from your home region. A custom solution can be created for each user that requires it. I try my best.
Additional Comments:
========
- Console makes a nice Stand Alone FTP or WWW Server, Small FootPrint (-:
- NOTE: All Console Modifications including gamesaves and loaders and flashes void your Microsoft Warranty.
- Microsoft does not support or recomend any console modifications.
- I do not install or support the use of the various chips used in various modifications.
- I do not flash consoles for members of the general public to play games.
- I do not repair consoles, or install modification accessories or larger Hard drives.
- I can Install your linux or load your memory card for free if you live in my area.
- I Can make you a Linux keyboard for the console, you provide the parts required.
I am best reached after 6pm NST (-3:30gmt)
Future Planned projects include, Usage of Xbox Console as a FTA Satellite Receiver Under Linux.
Voice: (709)683-8401 Msn: Murraykj@canada.com
Kenneth J. Murray
'FIFO'
PS> also to note: there is a possiblity that someone has been using my IRC nick, please contact me directly for any questions via email or telephone, or do a WHOIS on Irc.
For Users that require either Chip Installs, TSOP Flashes, Or other hardware specific items Please contact the following people, Andrew is good for West, Vincent great for east:
Western Canada-North America> Frozt@hotmail.com WEB: www.frostmods.com (fee)
Eastern Canada-North America> information@modchip-quebec.com Web: www.modchip-quebec.com (fee)
Big Thankyou to Mr. Gates @ Microsoft for the creation of a fantastic Product.
Best Wishes to all other Xbox Users Application and Game Dev's world wide. Cheers!
I would like to thank all the successiful users of my files home and abroad for participating with use of my concept. I am glad I was able to assist.
Demonstration of my concept has been proven to be effective to use the Microsoft Xbox game system as a alternative solution for Distrobuted Educational material, in a global market as a distance education aid.
Foreign and international users had the ability to view content from their home regions in near broadcast quality, in their native tongue. It also provided the ability for those who were learning other languages to view content and expierence culture related to that specific region.
Many users I have assisted were from a broad range of people, including members of the public who had a interest. as well as a couple of celeberities, who required custom solutions taylored to their specific needs. Im glad I was able to help.
I will not be releasing another loader for the first generation console.
I will at a later time release a new one for the xbox 360.
We meaning the programmers of the original utilities, as well as some others have not concluded a release date on additional material for the 360.
and we have been busy with other aspects of our lives as well.
all i can say for now is that some of us, we have spoken briefly, and you can expect to see some nice new programs released after christmas, in 2007.
Kenneth J. Murray VO1KJM Newfoundland Canada
'FiFo'
PS> The following link, shows a considerable hardware modification, I have one comment...
It was a awesome job these guys did. Mr. gates, you had to see this one for sure.
http://benheck.com/Games/Xbox360/x360_page_1.htm
Best wishes.
Kenny
NOTE: Jan 24 2007
Due to the increase in present used computer hardware, i would recomend users that have the specific linux interest portion of my project to simply, obtain a used pentium III desktop from a used shop for less than 50$. I would also like to recomend that anyone interested in trying Linux operating system, obtain a copy of the latest UBUNTU release from WWW.UBUNTU.COM for use on their hardware.
I would also like to announce at this time that at present I will not be working on anything xbox related at this time, unless something else comes up.
all the same if anyone needs anything for the first generation xbox systems v 1.0 to 1.6 i'll try to help you out as best I can.
Best wishes to everyone who had a active interest and participtated in many of the things we covered with the microsoft xbox.
foreign and international users especially enjoyed IPTV service via xbox hardware.
Many concepts were tested and utilized.
we proved that the xbox was more than a video game.
we pushed the hardware to the limits of what technology could permit.
the most interesting use of a xbox that i had seen was management of a small cray server cluster under xwindows. it was pretty cude with a 27 inch tv on a little pushcart with a keyboard.
The system was many things to many people.
we made it do what people thought to be impossible.
truth is through hard work, and creative ideas our thoughts had become your reality.
I'm going to release some other items again in future, but for now i have a couple of other projects that require attention.
Best wishes to everyone.
Kenneth J. Murray MCPS Newfoundland Canada North America
I would like to also thank the groups from the following countries.
Norway, England, Germany, France, Americas, Australia, as well as Japan, and anyone else who may have been a part of what we had been doing since 1999 to present. Thanks for the server space and bandwith, bots, and blogs.
Cheers
Kenny
Informations RE: IPTV And Satellite
There are many technologies that can be utilized to view IPTV content from a variety of sources.
IPTV because it utilizes the Internet is not considered as yet as a form of 'broadcasting'
There are several methods, some are free and some are subscription based. Again it depends on specifically what you want access to from where and what it is.
There is a migration to the delivery of digital based television services over the IP medium.
Rca has just released a product which is basically a IPTV PVR and they support it as a subscription device for 9.95 a month.
Microsoft will be utilizing the Xbox 360 to provide IPTV service to its owners and customers around the end of 2007.
In the past since 1999 we have used microsofts xbox in a variety of ways to view international content in different regions of the globe.
I was involved in this technology for many years and also one of the authors of a modification to all version of the console for this purpose.
There are many ways to stream content from the Internet, however because there is as such at this time no physical standard, many different types of technologies and formats are used.
a simple notebook computer which has either a S video or a Tv with a SVGA input can be used as a STB device with proper software.
a company called TVUNETWORKS presents a basic free software solution for viewing of television service, which is in working, experimental stages.
in all honesty, when Microsoft TV with the xbox 360 is public. it will provide the best and easily accessible method of hardware, and service to the general public.
microsofts technology and its wide use will lead to the standardization of IPTV and how the general public uses IP for the viewing of content. either live streamed, or instantaneous on demand services.
Thats whats happening with IPTV at the moment, but for users that do not have access to areas where the bandwidth required to utilize a ip based solution for television, satellite is the best option.
Best wishes,
Kenneth J. Murray Newfoundland Canada
Quote:
Originally Posted by tvman714 Let's just hope nobody tells that teenage kid about it.Just imagine what he might view or record if he gets tv and Internet access.
KJM Answer:
IPTV does not utilize Broadcast technology. there is a major difference in streaming and broadcasting.
Broadcasting is government regulated, Internet streaming is not.
The Internet is a uncontrolled and unregulated medium, and as such no specific standards have to adhered to.
Broadcasting is a controlled environment, government regulated, which has specific standards which must be upheld for a broadcaster to continue to broadcast with a valid FCC or CRTC Liscense.
The Internet is not. However today more and more sites are monitored for various reasons.
Main difference is Streaming is not broadcasting.
as for content access, thats up to the provider of the material to determine that its being accessed properly, if there is a fault then the transport provider becomes a mechanism by which material is accessed.
you will see the laws change as new technologies are introduced.
streaming formats: a common example today for The format per site will be carried in something called .strm files and also with embedded functions will utilize what are called 'scripts' which will use a language called python .PY and already in experimental stages, and yes very nice and do work nicely.
the delimiters in the files will also determine the codec requirement for the material to be accessed.
so yes there are many ways to prohibit material from reaching eyes that should not see it from a provider perspective, but nothing is foolproof.
On demand examples
If anyone would like to see some good examples of on demand streaming check out these sites.
no additional software is required
peekvid is a on demand site (www.peekvid.com)
and wwitv is a world wide stream collection. ( wwitv.com )
TVUnetworks is a collection of live network tv services ported to your desktop. a small selector app is required 4megs (www.tvunetworks.com)
www.viidoo.com is more broadcast streaming, also HTTP://www.andromedanet.com/tvu.html
Good luck with IPTV.
Now all someone has to do is make a good set top box, looks like they already did The Xbox... Sorta..
Its the way of the future to bring what ever you want to where ever you need it, when and how you want it.
Through what ever medium carries your IP (Fiber,Coax,Twisted pair,Wireless,Satellite)
What ever works best for you.
Lets Cross our fingers for the launch of MicrosoftTV late 2007 on Xbox 360.
Rca has already got a little jump on the market with its subscription based service already released January 2007.
Truth is more usage by the public will lead to standardization. This standardization will also lead to the incorperation of IPTV substructure within the set itself, through a wireless connection for IP services.
Future technologies will to say the least enrich our lives, however it is all in the end only to have value provided that suitable content is present for users of the technology.
With out content, you can have what ever technology you want, but if there is nothing on. Its not much good.
More content is required. Not just anything, but items suitable and of value to the end user either educational or entertainment.
Cheers,
Kenneth J. Murray Newfoundland Canada
Additional Information related to Satellite can be found from: www.Lyngsat.com www.satcodx.com www.f2atv.com www.al7bar.tk
Additional Informations pertaining to Amateur radio can be found from:
www.rac.ca www.qrz.com www.amsat.org www.nasa.gov
More Xbox Related Informations:
www.xbox-scene.com www.free60.org (Not much 360 out yet....)
Suggest Present Users interested in Linux Only should consider the purchase of a used computer such as a used pentium 3 with atleast 256 megs of ram. you can easily pick one up at a used shop or computer store for around 50$, they make a great system for playing with linux with out disturbing anything else you may have. you can also check with friends or family for old systems, school teachers ect... sometimes you can get most of what you will need free, just ask and usually someone will always be able to assist.
Install UBUNTU Linux on it, its a nice distrobution and very complete as well as professional, and near bug free almost....
www.ubuntu.com
Can always be downloaded and distrobuted free of charge.
F R E E
Also Have a look around your area for your local linux club or computer users group, check with your computer teacher, or computer science department at your local university, or administrator. Users helping users is what this is about.
Anyways Mr Gates just released Vista, looks nice.
Its going to be a while before i can afford a new computer, I have pounded over a million keystrokes on my good old toshiba tecra. Toshiba makes good gear, as long as you purchase in the right series, its like everything...
Bring on Microsoft TV, then there might be something fit to watch on television.
Best wishes everyone,
Thanks for reading my comments,
I hope that I have enriched your lives by provideing you with the tools necessary to modify your consoles for a more practical purpose other than games, but as a fun learning tool, with power and potential.
I honestly suggest that anyone interested in this should also pick up a free to air satellite system, satellite is a fun hobby and there is a lot of informational material presently open via satellite.
Best Wishes to all.
Kenneth J. Murray Newfoundland Canada
Just a note, IPTV And streaming services to work and can be received in broadcast quality. Depends on bandwith and codec of the originator of the service.
I have been using IPTV Related service for many years to have access to many TV services which were located in europe, however I live in newfoundland canada, and my dish would not receive programming from there.
With a Modified Xbox Console, Proper .Strm files, And Python scripts I had access to over 5,000 services... some better than others.
Another point is that I did all of this wirelessly, meaning the connection from my console to the internet gateway was also done wirelessly, over a distance of about 50 Feet in operation for almost 2 years with out any major problems. Broadcast quality tv service from europe, as well as other places i had preprogrammed, for me and others to use, free of charge.
When I had discussions with motorola, back a couple of years ago, with a rep on the phone, i went into the specifics of what i was doing, they said that it was pretty amazing and that they had never heard of their products to be utilized in this manner and for the purposes that I had demonstrated as well as were proven to be viable working concepts, and a prime example of the future of how we would watch television. with a product called a motorola ethernet bridge WE800G, i think they got something newer out now.
anyways IPTV is not new technology, we been doing this a long time, its only now that members of the general public are catching on and more and more services are becoming 'user friendly' and production units are out in the public. before we had to construct our own devices and debug our own scripts.
I released a lot of material and was considered to be one of the best uses of the console other than a video game system.
My loader was based on a PBL that ran through a game disk exploit. it did not require any dash hacks, patches, or bios flashes be preformed and was fully reversable to factory state. Worked on ALL consoles regardless of Dash Version or Console Revision. It was a universal Solution for all consoles. a very detailed evox script, support utilities, and programs, compacted into a 8meg memory card loader. With the ability to properly detect and identify the version of the specific console installed. The ability to Load the console Via IP with Alternate Applications including Xbox Media Center XBMC, with out additional hardware or creation of boot media.
With the Ability to Load a linux kernel, a Diskless Installation could also be preformed. Some linux versions also supported features such as MythTV and such.
So where is the future going to go with the Xbox 360...
The Unit will be the core entertainment device in many homes by early 2008.
It will provide users with intergrated as well as on demand entertainment solution, consisting of various services, from games to entertainment.
The 360 is basiaclly a PowerPC Under the hood, so its multimedia abilities are to say the least perfect for this type of appliaction.
Users will have the ability to access content rich services, and have access to continious updates of new services as they are ready.
Through what ever IP Medium they are presently using.
This service will be delivered to be sold as a broadband type solution called 'MicrosoftTV'
a lot of testing and work is going on behind the scenes as you are reading this.
Purchase the Original Xbox 360 remote kit, your going to want it for this, and from what i also understand, there may be a quick shortage of the remote control kits once they start to deploy the MicrosoftTV Service to the public.
what is 'PS3' goal?? pretty much a similar technology, they have the entertainment aspects, but not the technology of microsoft.
the big difference is really going to be 2009, you will see why as we approach that year on a technological basias.
as for me, looks like im still kicking the pebbles on the pavement for a while. as for us and the others, all we can do is wait. we have the technolgy, and we use it daily, for us we are many years ahead of what others around us will use or understand.
This also includes a new method of communication, through VVOIP from a set top box. video teleconferencing and gaming around the world easy as point and click.
Thats the future, and its here today, you just need to understand how it works to implement it.
you have been provided with tools and other informations, the rest is up to you to learn and utilize the technology at your disposal.
Best Wishes,
Kenneth J. Murray Newfoundland Canada
Additional Comments:
Hello again folks, and thanks for reading my Wiki, I would like to point out, that I appear lately to be contacted by more folks in the public and its is nice to see interest in the project.
There is one item that i would like for all users to note, and its not computer related but the proper procedures as to how you should go about meeting someone that you do not know from the internet.
I am a long time user of technology, and a well known figure within the technology sector of my region.
Here are some tips,
If you would like to ever meet someone that you do not know you should do it under very specific circumstances. Most people are ok and will be glad to help another user out if they can do so and prehaps make a new friend in the process.
If your a young person and you still live at home with mom and dad, alwaks ask their permission and tell them you have a guest coming over, and also the nature of what you are doing.
If you are a adult, and you are having a interaction with a young person, always speak with one of the parents, and provide them with proper identification, Photo ID Drivers liscense, as well as other qualifications.
I Know that it is fairly common for myself to speak with many members of the public, as various work within my field has put me into many suitations and homes.
Always have a good idea of who your actually speaking with, and let your folks know the basias of what their purpose is for being there.
I would like to outline something, and prehaps others could understand this one...
I was contacted by a young person about various types of technology, computers, xboxes, satellite, communications ect... I dont mind to spend any time with any young person as my personal time permits, to discuss or to provide guidance or suggestions within my field of work and research. As A Liscensed Ham Operator, Im actually one of the youngest longest liscensed ones in my province. Im am fairly accustomed to casual interactions with people from all walks of life and different countries. You can not show me anything that i have not seen before, I have been in most any suitation imaginable, prehaps the most amusing was a goat running out through the door of a home...
Anyways Thats me, but others may not be the same, so use good judgement, and always speak with the owner of the home.
For me I seen a suitation with a young fello, that required a little discussion as to avoid having potential problems. Some kids these day are really smart.. but there are certain rules which must be followed when dealing with communications equipment of a specialized nature. Sometimes Liscenses are required to own, operate, or posess on the premesis, certian types of equipment. In some specific instances, it is ok for certian types of equipment to be posessed by someone who is not liscensed, but it would be advisable if their use of it was guided in a proper manner, much the same as a bike with training wheels, by someone who knows the technology and is familiar with it.
There are un spoken RULES, they are not there to prohibit use or expiermentation, but to avoid potential problems through improper use and legalities. there are also sometimes certain moral oblications as well. as they say a ounce of prevention is sometimes worth a pound of cure.
If anyone has a interest in electronics or communications equipment, and you one of those types who likes to pick everything apart, put it back together, build electronic devices, modify or what ever. Go speak to your local Ham radio Club, someone there can usually provide you with some suggestions as to what you should and should not be able to do. there are rules with various types of equipment.
Another suggestion is that you can approach a teacher or other member of your school for assistance of a computer club or arrange to have special speakers come into your class to discuss certian issues that pertain to technology and or proper operation of some devices should they choose to be utilized in specific projects within the persons or groups interest.
There is one other note I would like to stress, and that is the importance of properly understanding various construction methods when dealing with electronics. It is a safety aspect for many reasons.
First of all, most electronics work involves soldering. it requires a proper work area, and a good understanding of safety should followed.
NOTE:
Kids have been known to purchase a soldering iron in a attempt to preform modifications ect.. with out proper skills, they are sometimes cause damage to their products they are working on. or even worse, improper use of a soldering iron and leaving it un attended in poor work areas, causing fires in the home.
The last thing we want is for kids to be burning down their home, or becoming injured because of their lack of expierence with electronic repair tools. Various levels of care and skill are required.
Soldering by inexpierenced persons or youths should be supervised by a adult, or a adult who has a adept technical background and can show proper safe working operational procedures.
You gain expierence through expierence. talk to someone who is expierenced, they will under most circumstances be willing to lend a hand as personal time permits.
Most Hams or other certified technical persons are generally willing to show a young person the proper way to preform such tasks and provide proper advice, but it is the responsibility of the parent of the actions of their child. If a youth with improper use of a soldering iron in a poor work area, causes a problem. its going to be the parents fault because it was un supervised. If the home burns to the ground, and it was because someone left a soldering pluged in, and it ignited papers on the computer desk. you will find that, you are liable for the damages as the guardian parent of the child, and you may not have coverage against such a incident although you may be insured. The same may hold true to other suitations as well.
Not trying to go off topic here, but if your smart enough to find my wiki and be reading it, atleast be smart enough to listen to what i have explained to you.
when in doubt, or if you actually have to question something, speak with someone who knows what they are talking about. My best recomendation is for any young person to either speak with their school teachers... Although a Better one in all honesty, is to speak with your local university, Computer science department. as time permits, they can and will always find a way to answer some questions for most young people, and put them on a proper educational path.
As for Xboxes, well, its not as common for folks to be turning these things into linux computers but it can be done, and its fun as well as educational, because it covers many different areas which much be throughly understood in order to preform the conversion. topics include, basic electronics, Computer theory, Firmware, Soldering, Unix, and more.
All this from a 150$ item sold as a toy.
believe it or not, but this actual toy, can be utilized as a very unique piece of equipment, and it is only limited to your skills and imagination.
I have used these things used as small Web Servers in a corperate environment, IPTV Boxes, and the heart of small robotics projects, and utilized as remote server management solutions for corperate super computer applications at home.
To me, the Xbox is much like a modern day Commodore Vic-20, and the Xbox 360 a modern day Commodore 64.
They were a cost effective way to put computing ability into the hands of many at a price that was affordable to many, yet provided a unique educational outlet for exploration.
My First computer I was exposed to was in 1979 a TRS80 Model 1, Later a Apple II, Atari and then Finally owned a Vic-20
I had various project with the vic-20... I wrote a war dialer in basic, no further explination should be required. Another project was using a vic-20 to control a toy car and make it run around a class room wirelessly. it was supposed to be a computer controlled blimp which would fly, but i lived in a very remote region and access to helium was expensive as well as difficult to obtain. but my proof of concept as well as wireless telemetry was demonstrated, as well as my through understanding of electronics, telemetry, wireless communications, and computer science. Thats what I did when I was a Kid. But Im 33 now, and still the biggest kid you will find (-:
Almost everything that is sold today can be modified in one way or another, and can provide many educational as well as practical aspects.
a new trend in modifications is with the newer MP3 Players like Ipod, Iriver, and Sandisk.
Guess what you can do with those, run linux on them, play pacman, doom, or what ever you can think of. check out www.rockbox.org many mp3 players are now supported.
If you are expiermenting with linux, you are already aware that it is based on unix, and thats the universal language the all computers speak, and your already ahead of the game a little.
Linux can run microsoft apps, as well as Apple apps. but you need good hardware.
its funny but here is what you will see, the xbox 360 will run almost everything under linux, it will chugg a little as did the first generation console. But it will introduce a vast array of the display of talent, consisting of various forms of electronic artwork, music, through the 'Demo Scene'
Linux pretty much makes everything universal in nature, Microsoft knows this as well.
microsoft they still support legacy os, but its not so much a problem today.
microsoft product supports a market of cost effective, and widely manufactured computer equipment from many many manufactures.
Apple releases their own hardware, and supports it with a OS, they are solid machines.
If microsoft Released a machine the same as apple, they would dominate the market.
Honestly, there is no real reason that microsoft can not create a computer like a xbox, and provide the keyboard, mouse as well as a monitor jack. as a desktop PC.
it would create a fantastic educational benefit as it would be the best over all cost effective solution for accademic as ell as educational purposes on the market. Electronics is getting really really inexpensive.
there is no reason that we can not have a Firmware based Device such as a CE type terminal for under 150$ in every home with USB ports so you can add a HDD or what ever.
I see in the future a all in one unit not much larger than the display itself just as a small square pannel, and you can plug your devices into it. and it works. no need for disks ect for basic functions, just a couple of SD slots and some usb ports, and a power jack. with automatic firmware updates via IP or built in wireless. Turn it on, instant GUI. Camera, headset and all. Sounds like a good idea to me, and would be the ultimate migration and media convergence between Computer, TV, telephone, and perhaps school itself.
we have the technology, concepts as well as ideas. the problem is the overall evolution of society. they are still back in the dark ages. however the kids today are on top of everything, they are our future, so we may as well provide them with the best of resources today that technology can permit.
Best wishes,
Kenneth J. Murray Newfoundland Canada
