Comments
Vance says: Thanks for the ideas
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
First off, I just want to give fair warning that the future cadence is likely to be closer to one a month rather than one every two weeks. Someone else has already submitted hpr4717 so there will be some extra time between episodes. That will be true for other future episodes as I have mostly exhausted subjects I am familiar with, so these will need more research than past ones.
I appreciate the value in adding some more levity, but it's difficult as my nature tends to be more serious. The next episode (still being written) is a bit more frivolous, but not really humorous so far - will think about how I might re-write it to bring that in.
Good point about looking in different places - it recently occurred to me that I should be more open to utilities outside POSIX. I have identified a few that came from BSD and gained widespread use despite never being standardized, which might be interesting.
I'm surprised to hear that "xeyes" is even present on a system using Wayland. Of course the design of Wayland means "xeyes" cannot track the mouse pointer when it's outside the "xeyes" window, kind of defeating the point. Like with BSD, I'll start looking more into X-related programs to see if there are any that would be a good fit.
Very much appreciate the input, glad you are enjoying these!
Archer72 says: re: Suggestion for Linux Curio
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
ASCII Star Wars is another.
There is a command to telnet to towel.blinkenlights.nl
Here Star Wars plays in a terminal.
candycanearter07 says: re: Suggestion for Linux Curio
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
the train one is called "sl" (steam locomotive) and is specifically designed to prank you for typing ls too fast
the go-to silly program that theres a million articles about is "hollywood", and "genact" is another silly one that infinitely outputs garbage that looks productive, but at that point thats straying from the built in programs so it probably wouldnt be covered in THIS series. maybe you could make a secondary series about interesting non-standard packages that may or may not be useful
Whiskeyjack says: Obscure X Window programs
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Don't forget the obscure X Window programs as well. People did a lot of silly things with the X Window system that seem to have faded away and been forgotten. I'm not sure it is even possible to do some of these things with Wayland.
Here's a few:
XEyes
XNeko
XRoach
XSnow
GLXGears
I notice that XEyes is installed on my PC running Ubuntu 24.04, but I have no recollection of installing it, so perhaps it comes by default. I had no idea it was there until I just tried it now.
It doesn't seem to work quite correctly with Wayland, as it is confined to a single window.
Some of the others can still be installed, but I haven't tried that.
Where these things came from and why they were created could be an interesting story if someone were to research it.
Trollercoaster says: Suggestion for Linux Curio
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I've been enjoying your episodes of Linux Curio - and they're on my favlist.
But you are way too serious. Maybe an episode on the fun gems of the linux terminal could be cool. I'm pretty sure we all know cowsay already, but I once remember I saw a choo choo train too.
Maybe there are other perfectly useless but fun linux commands out there?
Laindir says: Fascinating interview!
RE: hpr4712::2026-08-25 friedcamp interviews part 1: Wim van Gool by Kristofffrom the series Interviews.00:43:28 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
When I initially glanced at the description, I assumed this was about a single badge design (either for a production run or a workshop-session-style assembly). Hearing that this is a REPEATED process with a new full development cycle (from design and prototyping through to sourcing and production) for EVERY event added a whole new layer that I found very interesting. Thanks so much for getting this interview!
Archer72 says: Interview
RE: hpr4712::2026-08-25 friedcamp interviews part 1: Wim van Gool by Kristofffrom the series Interviews.00:43:28 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Good interview.
Thanks for taking the time to break this into several shows, it was enjoyable to hear about the different parts of the design and debugging.
-Archer72
Whiskeyjack says: HPR4711 - TCL Flip phone
RE: hpr4711::2026-08-24 Second-Hand Phone by TrumpetJohn00:16:54 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I have a TCL Flip phone that is just over a year old. Different carriers will change the manufacturer model names, so I'm not sure what this equates to where you are.
I believe there are two different product lines with the TCL Flip. One uses KaiOS, and the other uses the AOSP version of Android. The one I have is the AOSP version, although it doesn't actually say "Android" anywhere on it.
Overall I would rate it as a very good phone, except for the SMS client. Unfortunately, what I mainly use it for is SMS.
The problem with the SMS client is that it doesn't allow me to save drafts or have a library of standard replies, features that I had with my previous phone (Huawei). It also resets to a simple "abc" keyboard instead of kt9 (predictive text) whenever I turn the phone off, which is annoying, as it doesn't make sense to use anything other than kt9.
As for the camera, it is just fine for a phone camera. If I need to take good pictures then I have a DSLR, and there is no phone camera in existence that comes close to even a low end DSLR.
If it had a better SMS client, then for what I want out of a phone, it would be the perfect phone.
candycanearter07 says: interesting!
RE: hpr4711::2026-08-24 Second-Hand Phone by TrumpetJohn00:16:54 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
i always wanted to get a flip phone for daily use, so hearing about your experience was interesting
Whiskeyjack says: HPR4707 Unix curio - Stack Machines
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I prefer using normal infix notation over RPN, but one of the easiest ways of making an interpreter is to create what is called a "stack machine" which does everything on a stack. Data values get pushed onto a stack, and operators work on the values in the stack. Forth is probably the best known stack oriented programming language.
RPN translates very easily to a stack machine, and dc clearly works with a stack because it gives the error "dc: stack empty" if you make an error such as not providing enough arguments.
I don't know the history of either HP calculators or dc, but I suspect that both may have used RPN more for the reason that it was easiest to implement it that way than because anyone thought it was better from a human perspective.
In episode 4 of my series on industrial controls (HPR4738) I talk about the stack based boolean logic interpreter in the Siemens S5 series PLCs. The concept is fundamental to most industrial controls, although it is often hidden from view.
The Postscript language used in PDF files is also a stack based programming language, so the concept is fairly widely used.
I find the subject of stack based interpreters to be fascinating even though they are not my preferred way of writing programs.
xmanmonk says: Thanks for the episode
RE: hpr4709::2026-08-20 Peertube: my two penneth by Kevie00:18:05 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I'm on sdf (the super dimensional fortress) and have known that they have a toobnix instance running, but never explored that part of the fediverse. I'll check it out now. I've already sent in an email to membership to get a login. Also, I know several of the channels you subscribe to, or at least the people behind them, so I may take a look at those channels/creators as well. Thanks!
Vance says: dc
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Thank you both! Whiskeyjack, you do have a good point. Thirty years ago when I was first learning about UNIX, 'dc' was often included in introductory materials, which is why I said it isn't obscure. However, I probably didn't fully appreciate how the situation has changed since then.
To be blunt, I'm still not a fan of RPN or 'dc' and I don't feel very motivated to dig any deeper into it. But I suppose one never knows; maybe one day it might catch my interest. Actually, regarding the HP calculator I described, its case was as fascinating to me as the device itself - it was the first place I had ever seen Velcro hook-and-loop, which in the 1970s seemed magical!
Whiskeyjack says: Reply to Trey on HPR4708 - PLCs Episode 1
RE: hpr4708::2026-08-19 Programmable Logic Controls - Episode 1 by Whiskeyjack00:19:52 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I am glad that you like the series so far. Episode 1 focuses on the historical relay hardware which preceded PLCs, and from episode 2 and onward I discuss more about the software of PLCs themselves.
You mention cybersecurity. In episode 5, which is HPR4748, I address this issue from the perspective of whether it constitutes a safety issue. You may find that episode interesting.
In episodes 7 and 8, which are not posted yet, I cover more issues relating to PCs in industry.
If you have anything to say about cybersecurity in relation to industrial applications, then I suspect that quite a few listeners would be interested in what you have to say on the subject. You should perhaps think about doing an episode on it. It's not a subject that I think I know enough about from a practical perspective to record an episode about it myself.
Whiskeyjack says: HPR4707 Unix curio - dc
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Having just read some of the background of dc, I would have thought that it would have been worth a "Unix Curio" episode all on its own.
It is obscure in that most people probably didn't know that it exists, it uses RPN notation, which few people use, it didn't become part of the POSIX standard, and it has an interesting relationship to the more commonly used bc.
I might be worth making this a subject of a future Unix Curio.
Trey says: Memories of Ladder Logic
RE: hpr4708::2026-08-19 Programmable Logic Controls - Episode 1 by Whiskeyjack00:19:52 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Hello Whiskeyjack,
Thank you for posting this series. I remember learning about electronics back in the '70s & '80s. I stumbled on some books about ladder logic, and building my first relay based "Holding circuit" blew my mind! What I learned playing with relays and building alarm systems became a foundation on which I have built throughout my career.
For the last few years, I have been researching ICS & OT, primarily from a cybersecurity perspective.
Keep up the fantastic work!
xmanmonk says: Another great show
RE: hpr4707::2026-08-18 UNIX Curio #12 - expr by Vance00:24:27 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I typically use bc or the kde calculator, but there was some stuff here I either forgot or didn't know! Thanks for the info!
Trollercoaster (our of character) says: Woopsie
RE: hpr4705::2026-08-14 Free Software Is Wasted On You Teens by Trollercoasterfrom the series Freedom is not Free .00:24:14 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Hey candycanearter07... You sent me a mail, because you were worried you hurt me. That was so nice of you, but I need to apologize: I was too much into my role of grumpy old geek.
So my apologies for worrying you - and thanks a million for reaching out to me. That was so sweet.
Now I'm gonna crouch back into my corner and cry about hurting the world. (don't worry, just slowly sliding back into my role - I'm aye okay, I hope you aretoo)
[note to janitors: I shared this with permission of candycanearter07]
Trollercoaster says: Who's talking about satire?
RE: hpr4705::2026-08-14 Free Software Is Wasted On You Teens by Trollercoasterfrom the series Freedom is not Free .00:24:14 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
candycanearter07 are you making fun of me?
You're one of those youngsters (definition: under 50), right?
GET OFF MY LAWN!
candycanearter07 says: good satire again
RE: hpr4705::2026-08-14 Free Software Is Wasted On You Teens by Trollercoasterfrom the series Freedom is not Free .00:24:14 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
i always find your satirical episodes quite enjoyable :)
Trollercoaster says: old guys together
RE: hpr4705::2026-08-14 Free Software Is Wasted On You Teens by Trollercoasterfrom the series Freedom is not Free .00:24:14 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Heya old guy,
you weren't supposed to hear this. Ken asked it for those youngsters out there. You can just continue your bug fix for xrandr in Cobol.
old guy says: :-)
RE: hpr4705::2026-08-14 Free Software Is Wasted On You Teens by Trollercoasterfrom the series Freedom is not Free .00:24:14 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
nice listening, nice rant ... enjoyed it! thx
Trollercoaster says: One left in my six pack
RE: hpr4705::2026-08-14 Free Software Is Wasted On You Teens by Trollercoasterfrom the series Freedom is not Free .00:24:14 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Since Ken didn't come over to pick up that last beer from my six pack... (Delirium Tremens, an old time favorite of mine), I sugeest you look me up when you're coming over for FOSDEM in February. We'll have one together.
Glad you enjoyed the show.
candycanearter07 says: re: Audacity for noise music
RE: hpr4692::2026-07-28 Noise Music Tutorial 2: Using Audacity to Make Noise by TheDUDE00:08:48 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
I don't know why it wouldnt be? You could just use localstorage to save the image as a .wav file and use a player to play it, likely.
Jack says: Misleading
RE: hpr4703::2026-08-12 Ebooks and Audiobooks by Ahuka00:07:59 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Slick way of getting an unwarranted dig against the President. Maybe check your facts first.
Kobo raised e-reader prices in the US and Canada by $20 to $30 per device, affecting popular models like the Kobo Clara BW ($159.99), Kobo Clara Colour ($179.99), and Kobo Libra Colour ($259.99). While industry analysts point to broader component and manufacturing cost pressures, Kobo implemented these mid-cycle adjustments directly across retail channels without citing specific tariff policy triggers.
Updated US Pricing Breakdown
Kobo Clara BW: $159.99 (previously $139.99)
Kobo Clara Colour: $179.99 (previously $159.99)
Kobo Libra Colour: $259.99 (previously $229.99)
Archer72 says: Audiobooks and Audible
RE: hpr4703::2026-08-12 Ebooks and Audiobooks by Ahuka00:07:59 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
Hi Ahuka,
Thank you for this show. I am going down an Audible rabbit hole that I should have avoided. Thankfully there is Libation set up on my server to Liberate those book in original m4b format and an option for mp3 in long format. I'm sure there is FLOSS tool for making chapters (other than Audacity).
https://getlibation.com
candycanearter07 says: re: a refreshing contrast...
RE: hpr3766::2023-01-09 ACER Nitro 5 laptop review by Bookewyrmm00:09:48 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
and now its been 3 years since it was recorded :D i wonder if booke is still around to make a followup on this if theyre still using it...
candycanearter07 says: useful!!
RE: hpr4703::2026-08-12 Ebooks and Audiobooks by Ahuka00:07:59 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
i used to love using the little rentable mp3 players from the library, this is totally up my alley :D
candycanearter07 says: useful!
RE: hpr4697::2026-08-04 Correcting the Dates of Files by Vance00:11:57 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
since different filesystems have different ways to store dates, this kinda thing is useful in a ton of senarios! thanks
wevaba6950 says: A refreshing contrast between enterprise gear and low-power hardware
RE: hpr3766::2023-01-09 ACER Nitro 5 laptop review by Bookewyrmm00:09:48 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
It’s rare to find a long-term review that actually covers two full years of daily use, especially for something as niche as the Pinebook Pro. I was particularly struck by the point about how the ARM architecture forces you to be more intentional with your workflow—knowing exactly what the hardware can and cannot handle before you even open a browser tab.
I spend most of my time working on the opposite end of the performance spectrum, usually configuring enterprise storage arrays with high-end Fibre Channel HBAs and dedicated RAID controllers https://serverorbit.com/hba-and-controllers/fiber-channel/raid-controller-en. In that world, everything is about maximum throughput and zero latency, so the idea of a $200 "daily driver" feels like a real shift in perspective. However, I’ve found that for simple tasks like monitoring a RAID rebuild or checking controller logs via SSH, you really don't need a massive workstation. There’s something very satisfying about using a low-power, fanless machine to manage a high-power server rack. It really makes you appreciate efficiency over raw horsepower.
After two years, do you think the battery degradation on the Pinebook has stayed manageable, or is it starting to feel more like a "desk-bound" laptop now?
Henrik Hemrin says: Exif in digiKam
RE: hpr4697::2026-08-04 Correcting the Dates of Files by Vance00:11:57 Listen in ogg, opus, or mp3 format.
DigiKam, an open source Photo management tool (which I happen to have talked shortly about here at HPR) make use of ExifTool and Exiv2.
I am not the person to explain any of them in more detail. For reference one passage in the digiKam documentation regarding them: https://docs.digikam.org/en/setup_application/metadata_settings.html
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