Sunday, May 25, 2025
For various reasons over the month of May 2025, I collected $150 in Amazon Gift Cards. This post and the related video discuss what I purchased with my gift cards. The image below shows the actual cost breakdown of my original Amazon order.
The illustration above, provides summaries for grooming supplies, I ordered, while discussing in more detail other aspects of a recent Amazon order which combined- depleted my Amazon Gift Cards balances.
The grooming supplies in question, were for hair care maintenance items I use on a regular basis. I also do not discuss these items in the video.
I am pretty pleased with the items I ordered with my gift cards, however, I am still carrying about $200 as a credit on my Amazon Visa. I discuss in an early post why I had a $521 credit on my Amazon Visa.
The following is a video about my recent order using my Amazon Gift
Cards.
Amazon Links for items discussed in the video.
In other news related to my personal finances, my FICO score is finally on an
upswing after applying for two new credit cards earlier this year.
I applied for both cards because I liked the rewards being offered and since I would be spending the money in any case, felt I could justify adding them to my wallet. The downside with credit card applications? In the short term, even if you are good about paying off your cards, the application process takes a toll on your FICO score.
In other financial news, I do not know about you, but I do not always get a
Google Adsense paycheck. This month I did.
It is Memorial Day weekend and I have spent a lot of time experimenting with Davinci Resolve. Think I am going to use the grill tomorrow. Hope you are having a nice holiday.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
I went out yesterday morning, hoping to complete all of the errands left undone from last week. When I left the house it was about 54° F with weather reports claiming it would only get to 71° F for the entire day.
Though I have shown the outfit I chose yesterday as a try-on style
referenced in this post, I actually never wore the outfit, until yesterday.
I created the following short video (showing the style), with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, DJI Mic 2,
and Davinci Resolve, mainly experimenting with voice overlays.
I have to admit, I started experimenting with the voice overlay for the video yesterday evening around 6:00 PM and mostly worked on syncing the mic (DJI Mic 2) with the Windows 11 Pro system and Davinci Resolve 19, well into the evening.
I finally figured out how to sync the audio inputs with each element, however I am still working on the audio quality. There are a lot of features with Davinci Resolve and I feel I am learning more, each time I create a new project.
Am I trying to add professional video editor to my skill set? No, I provide this type of information to show my evolving skills in this area. Yes, I have a lot more to learn.
I am not sure that all who claim they do their own video editing, are actually doing their own video editing. I wade through a lot of tutorial videos that sometimes leave me in doubt.
Friday, May 09, 2025
I have been preparing for Mother's Day, late spring house maintenance, and researching my new cameras and video editing software.
The photographs below show recent additions to my camera bag. I have been
researching information about my new DJI Osmo
Pocket 3 and Action 4 cameras. I am very pleased with these additions to my
camera bag, however, taking my time about producing videos using the new
equipment.
I had an emergency this morning. I thought I saw a fat little mouse near the back door. I texted my brother asking if he could help and he was here within an hour. I am very grateful he was able to do this. Sometimes I think I can deal with anything.
A mouse, I am not going to deal with.
Monday, May 05, 2025
Over the last year, I began posting about outfits I wear or try on. I began doing this because I lost some weight and wanted to discuss styles I wore before I gained weight, and because I wanted to add new items to my online shop.
Though I think style blog posts can provide some interest, video shorts are also effective.
The problem for me? Video cameras are not my best friend. I have a big head and just not that camera pretty. So I wanted to look at options like video shorts and some of the new cameras like the OSMO Pocket 3.
On Sunday, I started playing with light settings on the OSMO Pocket 3 and found lots of information on Youtube.
Though I did not dress for the short video I filmed to test some of the
lighting effects, I did comb my hair and put on makeup.
I really like the ULANZI Magnetic Mini LED
Light I purchased as an
accessory for the OSMO POCKET 3, even though the Pocket 3 has a lot of settings that
those with the time to manually set, can do a lot with.
PS- Going to have to investigate sound issues I cannot hear until uploaded, next. Using the Youtube setting, Stable Sound silences most of that ambient noise in my video short. Not sure why I did not hear that noise before I uploaded the video. Muted the audio track in Davinci Resolve and uploaded the new video. Seems to have solved the problem.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
On Saturday, while reviewing videos about DJI Action Cameras & the Pocket 3 I noticed a reference to a video editing software application called Davinci Resolve. I downloaded the package to my new HP Laptop and today, finally had the chance to checkout some of the features of the software.
The short video I used to test the software is of me, taken with my Canon
Vixia HF R700 Camcorder. The following illustration shows some of the
effects features I tested today.
I have been using Active Presenter to edit my Youtube videos, however, I wanted a little bit more control over filters when I am in the videos. I think this software may work for the issues I want to correct.
The following, is my first Davinci Resolve video demonstrating some of the
features I tested today, including video cropping, text overlay, and the
watercolor effects feature.
This software seems pretty powerful (free version) and I think it may take a minute or so (metaphor) for me to come up to speed, however, I think it will be worth the time I invest.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
The last computer I purchased was in November 2020 just before starting my Maryland Real Estate course. I discuss the purchase in this post.
Since then, I have also purchased the following tablets:
- iPad Mini - May 2022 (related post)
- Samsung Galaxy Android - November 2023 (related post)
Forgot, I purchased a new laptop in November 2022, however it was a holiday gift for my mother.
For work, I primarily use the mini PCs with portable high resolution monitors or one of the tablets. The problem? The mini PCs are not mobile enough and my older laptops and desktops cannot handle today's technology.
Another issue? The space on one of the mini PCs was not adequate enough to handle the Visual Studio installation I wanted to experiment with. Yes, most of my development work (mainly Java) is done with the Netbeans IDE and Xampp, however, I wanted to experiment with Visual Studio on the non-production mini PC.
On both mini PCs I installed additional storage in the form of Seagate 500GB internal hard drives. In addition, both are setup with my software development tools, however, I do not install software tools I only want to experiment with, like Android Studio and Visual Studio on the production mini PC.
All this to say, last week, I ordered a new HP laptop.
New HP Laptop Specs (I paid under $600 on sale):
- Screen Size 14 Inches Touch Screen
- CPU AMD Ryzen 3 Processor (4 cores, 8 threads)
- Hard Disk Size 1 TB high-speed PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Ram Memory Size 32 GB
- Operating System Windows 11 Pro
- Display Resolution 1366 x 768 Touch Screen
- Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5
- Various Ports USB A (2), USB C, HDMI, SD
- Included Microsoft Office Lifetime License
- Included HP Original H10H Wireless Earphones
Applications I installed on the new HP Laptop, include:
- Netbeans IDE
- Java
- Php
- c/c++
- Xampp
- MySQL
- Php
- Android Studio
- Git
- Vim
- Microsoft Office 21 Professional (added Access & Publisher)
- Active Presenter
- Print Drivers for Konica Color Laser & Brother Monochrome Fax Laser
- FileZilla
- Canon EOS Camera Utilities
- Visual Studio
- node.js
- Python
- Chrome
- Thunderbird
- Any Video Converter
- FastStone
- Zoom
I am happy, I can pull out this new laptop wherever I am and work on tasks I cannot do on either my tablets or phone. No, the display on the laptop is not the 2560x1600 resolution of my portable monitors, however, I can live with that.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
One of the things I have tried to work on, my appearance in photos, virtual meetings, and videos. Photos are an issue, however not as much as the videos and virtual meetings.
One of the major issues, no matter good, bad, or ugly I have to be able to identify as me. I am concerned with mistaken identity as it relates to legal issues. This the reason I have not attempted to doctor or repaint my photos and videos with some of the new software editing technology.
One of the ways I try to filter my appearance is by using a low resolution video camera for videos and virtual meetings. I discuss my Zoom setup in this post.
Most of my photos are taken with my Canon EOS M50 and I am still trying to figure out how to downplay my big head in the full body shots.
The two photos shown below were taken Thursday evening (March 13, 2025) using my Canon EOS
M50, the first- as I was about to
set my hair. I had a good night's rest
the previous night and tried on my new sandals with different outfits for most
of the day (see last post). I did not have the haggard look I have noticed more often than I
want since mid
January 2025. The second photo, after I finished setting my hair.
This past week, I scheduled a virtual meeting with a business resource and
I was concerned I would have to use my Android Moto phone for the meeting. On
March 7, 2025 (see time stamps in the illustrations below), I ran some tests.
I was not happy, however was very tired and it showed.
I was rather surprised by how much the video editing software on the Android phone could change my appearance. I have never used Botox nor had any type of facial surgery. When I can afford to look better than I do, I am going to invest in good video editing software.
Monday, December 30, 2024
In April 2023, I installed a subscription version of Microsoft 365 Professional onto a new laptop. Earlier this year the subscription expired and I chose to use read only versions of the Microsoft Office Suite, including the database app, MS Access for the computer in question. I maintain several other systems with fully licensed versions of Microsoft Office 2021 Professional.
Yesterday, while checking some of my Amazon affiliate links, I noticed Amazon no longer offers the downloadable version of Microsoft Office 2021 Professional.
Googling "Microsoft Office 2021 Professional" provided
several purchase options for obtaining the software from other online
retailers including the two shown below.
I purchased the software through Walmart as shown above, and very happy with the product and installation. Software installed included:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Access
- Publisher
- Outlook
- Skype
- OneDrive
- OneNote
- Microsoft Teams
I discuss often, how I use the Microsoft Office 2021 Professional suite of applications, including:
- MS Access Database Amazon Best Seller Books Category
- MS Access Amazon Stores Database
- MS Access Updates To Amazon Stores Database
- Publisher Custom Bank Checks
- Power Point Presentation converted to an animated GIF
- Business and financial Excel Spreadsheets.
- PowerPoint + Active Presenter for Youtube Videos
- Microsoft Access Database for personal and professional contacts.
I maintain licensed copies of the professional versions of Microsoft Office on my hard drives because I use the applications quite a bit. I use a reliable and powerful Verizon FIOS network so I could use online versions of MS Office, however I simply love owning this software and accessing it in local mode. I even have it installed on androids and my iPad mini.
I offer Publisher Bank Check templates and custom Access databases (e.g., Contacts, Recipes). Submit the form on my Contact page to get more information.
The software I purchased was a digital download and several pre-conditions existed to enable successful installation of the software. If you are not used to installing your own system software perhaps check with your systems person or drop me a line.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Though I have had my PayPal Zettle card reader for some time (ref post), I rarely have the opportunity to use it.
That said, recently I watched a Youtube video discussing the new Tap To Pay phone features offered through the PayPal Zettle App.
One of the reasons I
decided to upgrade my phone was to be able to install the new PayPal Zettle
App to handle Tap To Pay transactions. My old phone simply did not have the
resources to handle the new app. I more than doubled my storage capacity.
Happy with my new phone and though I was a little under the weather on my birthday, had lots of well wishes and gifts.
Thursday, June 06, 2024
In November 2022, I received a brand new Tordorday Thermal Printer at no cost because I opted to open a Amazon Rewards Visa Signature account through Chase, received a $60 gift card, and had several other gift cards already in the account.
When the printer arrived, I tested it and installed the driver on most of my devices, however, other than printing a Costco return shipping label have done little else with the printer, until today.
Awhile back, I ordered 750 two-inch white round thermal stickers so I could
print my shop logo 
and use the sticker to seal a package or envelope. Recently, I ordered
colored stickers, so today I decided to create a Microsoft Word template to
use with the printer.
I did a little research and noticed that most shop owners use Canva to create similar templates, however whenever possible I create products and templates using Microsoft Office Tools.
Why am I only now getting around to projects like this, since my shop has been online for awhile? I have many projects. Simply not a priority, however happy I have my template now- if I need it.
I have watched several shop owners demo Canva and understand it is a great online tool. I simply love my local versions of Microsoft Office Productivity Tools.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Yesterday, I ran around town doing the weekly shopping. I only went by two stores- Costco and Food Lion. Normally, I also stop by Safeway, however, I only needed one item the others did not have, so decided to wait.
Before I left yesterday, I did not check my emails, however, later in the evening I did review and research issues related to the email (shown below), I received at 9:09 AM earlier that day.
As indicated in my last post, I am having too many issues with the APIs, XML, and RSS feeds I use to create my applications. The services are mostly being retired.
Highlighted in the illustration below, the application, Who Are My Representatives? affected by the latest "end of life" notice for a resource I am using.
Refer to this February 2017 post- New Political Officials Interface, which discusses the development efforts related to the application.
Research provides, I should be able to update my application by April 2025 to use a new resource that should be available in September 2024. As indicated by the email, the resource "downturn" (their term), will not go into effect until April 2025, however this is a big deal to me if all does not go as I hope.
All of this noise about my applications, do you want to know what I purchased from Costco? Are you worried about Mother's Day? Things I will get to next time.
Monday, November 06, 2023
Since 2017, I have been integrating Alexa devices throughout the house.
Almost immediately, I noticed the reception from radio stations was better
through Alexa devices rather than regular FM stations, so at the same time- I hooked
up most of the new Alexa devices to various stereo receivers and amps that were already
in the house.
This post provides a video of how some of the Alexa devices are used.
The most frequent uses for Alexa in my environment include:
- Streaming Music
- Streaming Security Cameras
- Information Requests
- Timers
- Intercom
Years earlier, before 2017, I hooked up the television in the family room to the receiver/amp and the four older floor speakers in that room. When I added an Echo Dot for streaming music, all I had to do was purchase an RCA splitter and add the 3.5mm (Echo Dot plugin) with a two male RCA plugs on the other end to the existing configuration.
All of this worked well, until recently, when I decided I wanted to create content in the kitchen, which is right off the family room and the television noise.
In December 2018, when I setup the Soundbar system discussed in this post, I noticed for the first time the term "Optical Audio" and noticed the cable included in the box, for this type of connection. That said, I used the 3.5mm cable with the 2 RCA plugs to connect the Echo Dot to the soundbar system. To date, none of my Echo devices support the Optical Audio feature.
When I was searching for a solution to quiet the noise from the television,
I checked the back of the Verizon Settop Box and noticed something labeled
"Optical Audio". So I checked Amazon and found headphones I thought
would be perfect.
ANSTEN Wireless Headphones for TV Watching with Digital Optical RCA 2.4GHz RF Transmitter Charging Dock, Over Ear Headset with 3 Audio Modes
Then, I remembered testing another older stereo system in the guest bedroom using a
pair of old headphones that belonged to my father. I checked to see if the
amp in the family room had the jack on the front panel I needed. It did.
Muting the quad speakers via the amp in the family room and plugging in the old headphones is going to work, however I would love to test the more modern Optical Audio jack using the headphones I linked to above. Have you used this type of connection?
Sunday, September 10, 2023
When it comes to graphics for content creation, sites, or presentations I have to rely on my own non artistic abilities.
That said, I developed Graphical User Interfaces for programs using C and the X-Window platform on Unix and DEC systems. This allowed me to screengrab program interfaces and incorporate the captured images in my user's guides and software product specifications.
Today, I continue to use a lot of screengrabs when creating content, however mainly because I think graphics explain more easily what I wish to convey.
In addition to screengrabs, I use fonts to try to assist with graphics I
need for my sites. For instance, the following illustration shows two graphics
files I created using only fonts.
When I do need to use a graphic, I use several versions of old software called Corel Gallery. I like this software because it offers vector data files for most of the elements in each package. Vector data allows for easier manipulation of the graphics files. Bit map graphics are like GIF, PNG, or Jpeg files. Vector graphics are transformed and un-grouped if the need arises without losing data. Examples of vector graphics files are Windows metafiles (WMF) and Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM).
In addition, especially with the technological advancements of digital cameras, I take and use a lot of photos.
What else do I use for graphics and content creation? Latest releases of Microsoft Office products and an older Microsoft product called ImageComposer.
Now- we come to why I am posting. In my opinion, ImageComposer is so powerful, I thought I did need anything else for graphics except PowerPoint to manipulate vector graphics files. That said, the program is older and it only supports bit map or raster graphics files (not vector graphics files).
Then I noticed several Instagram reels showing tricks for PowerPoint and I decided to start playing around. I can do a lot of the tricks with ImageComposer, and really do not have the time to play a lot with graphics, however, I do think these tricks are useful. If like me- you do all of your own graphics work- you may want to play around with an office copy of PowerPoint (a copy you can check out, do not want you to get in trouble).
I created a new video showing some of the neat things PowerPoint offers.
Monday, May 08, 2023
In a recent post, I discuss my old leather day planner.
On Friday, May 5, 2023 I decided to research day planner applications for my iPad Mini and downloaded the program shown in the following illustrations.
Yesterday (Sunday), rather than scream about the latest issues with my web hosts, I decided to wash (laundry), cook, work a little on a new database/Java JDBC servlet, and customize one of the templates that came with the AJournal program.
The reasons I chose the AJournal app for my iPad Mini include:
- User ratings
- Icons available within the program
- Multiple templates to edit and add too
- Writable
I am pretty happy with this free offering, though I did find one or two glitches.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Recently, I have been working a number of projects, including:
- Four of my online applications have gone into disrepair-
including:
- XML feed for JOLTS Labor (DOL) numbers provided on the WiredPages Employment page blocked. Repaired.
- History Channel no longer providing XML feed for current day's events. Affected the WiredPages Sports & Entertainment pages. In the process of searching for replacement feeds.
- Zillow property value estimates provided by Zillow. Expired API license.
- Tracking my schedule more efficiently... (next post)
- Experiment with a security cam and Alexa.
This post discusses the security cam experiment. For sometime I have wanted a camera for the front door. The problem? I did not want a battery operated camera, however felt a wired camera to much trouble for the experimental aspect of this project.
When I noticed security cameras that looked like light bulbs (August 2022) I immediately ordered one (around $10.00), however the shipment never arrived.
Recently, a highly rated LaView Light Bulb camera went on sale on Amazon, so I decided to experiment.
Because the original outdoor sconce (pictured) was too small to house the new camera, I setup the camera on a work light with a hook (also shown), which was attached to one of the garage doors.
Then ordered a larger outdoor sconce for the front porch (shown below).
The new front door sconce arrived the following Saturday (April 15, 2023) around 6:30 pm. I installed it later that evening. Ran into one or two problems, and happy I decided to cut the power to the outlet before I started work. By 8:30 pm or so, everything was back on and running correctly.
Pleased with how this is working out. The LaView app which controls the light bulb cam is installed on an Android, iPhone, and iPad mini. The Alexa Echo Show device is used to stream throughout the day, and the other devices in the evening or if more control over the camera is required.
 Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release)  |
 LaView 4MP Bulb Security Camera 
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pretty happy with the features on this security camera and the LaView app. The Echo Show does not have the same power, however the speaker, mic and display work well with the camera.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with the Microsoft 365 brand via Amazon. I was provided a copy of Microsoft 365 Personal version, which I installed on a new HP laptop.
The Microsoft 365 Personal applications provided for this installation, included:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
The video provided in this post discusses this installation, however also discusses the Microsoft 365 Professional suite of applications I owned prior to my work with the brand.
The suite of applications that make up the Microsoft 365 Professional version include:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Access
- Publisher
- Outlook
I began using Microsoft Office in 1992 or so, and continued to use the professional suite of applications for business, legal, and personal use over the years. I was impressed when I first began using these applications, and I continue to be impressed.
Friday, March 03, 2023
One of the subtasks involved creating an Excel spreadsheet, which once completed, I wanted to print to an older Brother Monochrome Fax/Laser printer.
I plugged in the USB cable from the printer to the new Windows 11 system and noticed it recognized the printer, however the print driver was unavailable.
Plug & Play was not available for either of my older printers while connected to the new Windows 11 system. My older printers include a Brother 2820 Monochrome Fax/Laser Printer and one of two- Konica Minolta Magicolor 1600W Laser Printers.
How did I resolve this dilemma?
I used the CD disc that came with the Konica Minolta Magicolor 1600W Laser Printer to install the driver and for the Brother 2820 Monochrome Fax/Laser Printer, I downloaded the driver for the Windows 7 platform.
The manufacturer, Brother claimed the Windows 10 operating system came with a built in driver for the fax/laser printer, the reason I had no option but to download the Windows 7 version. Windows 11 is so new (and probably the printer is so old), Brother did not offer a Windows 11 download version for the printer.
Both drivers installed correctly on the Windows 11 laptop.
Why not purchase a color wireless laser printer? Do not use hardcopy print enough to warrant a new printer, however did consider this printer.
Saturday, January 28, 2023
First of all let's define ROI. Return On Investment.
In August 2020, I received my EMV Chip & Swipe Card Reader, so I count that as my first ecommerce business tool. Since then I have added quite a few devices to my collection at what I consider to be substantial savings.
Most of you realize that I have been online for quite a number of years, so you maybe asking yourselves, why the acquisition of that first device was that recent?
First of all, I am a software developer and a business owner. So in my case- other than an online method to send invoices and accept payments, I really did not need anything other than a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to conduct business.
Though my business bank offers payment solutions, I have always used my PayPal business account to handle all of my business payment needs. The reason for this? It is simply not cost effective for me to have recurring monthly fees to maintain a business payment solution.
In 2012 or so, PayPal and others began contacting me about free card readers for point of sale payment solutions, however, I routinely passed on these offers.
In 2020, I finally decided to accept PayPal's offer of a free EMV Chip & Swipe Card Reader. I began reading about pop-up shops and wanted to learn more. I began thinking of things I could do with a free card reader. Yard sales, business meetings where I could accept development consultation fees on the spot, etc.
Then in 2021, after taking my real estate course, I was kind of concerned about the logistics of taking the state and national exams for the real estate license. I contacted the testing authority about my concerns and they would not respond. So I continued to push the test date back hoping to hear from them.
In the meantime, I decided to play with the OpenCart software offered by cpanel via my web host and then setup my own ecommerce shop- for what is now WiredShops.
I worked quite a bit setting up the shop, researching products, learning about digital commerce laws, drop shipping, registering for a Maryland State Tax Number, etc. however never had any sales.
Still this idea was fascinating to me, however in late December 2021, I decided I wanted to take the real estate exam, and time was running out. Once you take the course and pass, you have a year to take the state and national exams. So I began studying again, and scheduled the exams for late February 2022. After passing, finding a broker, and putting up my realty studio site, I began researching ecommerce. Real estate sales were down across the board and interest rates going up. So I have continued to study real estate options however have also focused on my ecommerce efforts.
So this brings me up to date and where I stand with my business efforts.
Today, I received another device which I will use for commerce that I want to discuss. Before I provide more details about my new device, lets look at all of the
business commerce tools I have acquired since August 2020.
| eCommerce Device | Cost To Own | Retail Price | Date Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|
  PayPal Here EMV Chip & Swipe Card Reader | $0.00 | $24.95 | August 2020 |
 Thermal Receipt Printer | $49.99 | $49.99 | August 2020 |
 PayPal Zettle Card Reader | $24.95 | $24.95 | July 2021 |
  Accuteck Gold 86Lbs Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Batteries and AC Adapter | $22.85 | $35.99 | November 2021 |
  Tordorday Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer 4×6 | $0.00* | $94.99 | November 2022 |
  GlocalMe DuoTurbo 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot | $84.00* | $179.99 | January 2023 |
* Credit Card Application Approvals/Online Surveys
Ecommerce business tools I would like to own, however cannot yet justify the cost include the following...
My thought was to create my own brand using the WiredShops logo, and justifying the cost by offering sublimation products to offset the cost of the branding equipment shown above. I am going to have to find some really good deals on that equipment before I can even think about it.
Check out the following video to see how this video blogger has custom branded her line.
I have collected some nice tools and devices and along the way learned a lot about ecommerce. If and when I join the ecommerce game, I think I will be ready. Even if I cannot move forward with this endeavor the cost to own the devices and tools I have acquired, is a cost I can afford.
Monday, January 09, 2023
This post provides supplemental information supporting experience summaries noted in my online résumé.
Under the Rockwell International work experience, I provide I am a Microsoft Office Power User. In addition, the next bullet describes the in house Human Resources (HR) system I developed using Microsoft Access.
In 1993 when I developed this system, the program was widely praised for its sophistication, cost effectiveness, time utilization reduction, and the fact I was able to bring together so many HR features under one system in a short period of time.
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Yesterday, I spent the day setting up Python on my experimental development mini PC and researching what would be required to setup my online hosting services to run cgi-bin Python files.
Normally, when I run php, c, or java files from the Netbeans environment, I can launch an external browser window to show the results.
The Netbeans plugin I installed for Python does not allow that option so I used the existing XAMPP Apache server to allow for manual requests of the Python script files. Php and MySQL requests also require the XAMPP Apache server in my developmental environments, however Netbeans can directly launch the browser using XAMPP in the background for these types of programs.
I installed Python39 in August 2021 on the same mini PC, however neglected to set the path correctly, so reinstalled a later version yesterday to enable the Apache XAMPP server access. Netbeans had no problem finding the older Python installation even though it was not part of the path environment.
I used to routinely update Windows autoexec.bat and config.sys system files and now cringe at the thought of having to manually do this with newer versions of Windows operating systems. The problem? More, where did I put those.
What about Python running on my online hosts (qisoftware.com/hosting-q.com)? I am continuing research into running cgi-bin files from my Apache Tomcat online hosting packages. That said, Python is an open scripting language, so I have no plans to use this resource for my own needs however can provide support for clients who would prefer programs written in that language.
Below is a photo of the mini PC (also the real estate course mini PC) I use to setup new experimental development environments. I do not setup these experimental development tools on the mini PC I use for production purposes (cannot afford to corrupt that environment), however the mini PC I use for the non-production development is now also the host for this blog. Long story short, I am thinking of getting a new mini PC. What do you think of the one shown below?
Still in the research phase of this purchase, however I have to say, I love the footprint (size) on the PC I have shown above.
