Author: Hamad Subani

Subversion for a Casual WordPress User…Promises and Challenges

Subversion offers many promises for casual Wordpress users, such as the ability to update Wordpress using a single shell command. But many underlying challenges also remain. This post examines what makes the lure of Subversion so strong for Wordpress users while thoroughly discussing the challenges the author faced in an experimental deployment of Subversion. Subversion clients are also discussed. The article concludes with a “wish-list” for the ideal theoretical Subversion client.

Why Subversion is not a complete way to update WordPress

While Wordpress offers the functionality of upgrading core files, themes and plugins via the Dashboard, this feature cannot be used with some webhosts who are keen on security. Upgrading via FTP is time-consuming and error prone. FTP is also not very secure. To quote one webhost, “Its 2012, and you shouldn’t be using FTP for anything.” Subversion offers the promise of one-click one-command, lightning-fast, server side upgrades. Is Subversion the way to go or has Subversion yet to grow up for the casual Wordpress user?

HP’s dreaded “Ink System Failure”

There have been numerous cases of an “ink System Failure” message popping up on HP inkjets. To give an extent of the problem, typing in “HP” and “Ink System Failure” throws up 340,000 results in Google. There appears to be no clear solution.

Who killed Encyclopaedia Dramatica?

In April 2011, the url of Encyclopaedia Dramatica began redirecting to OhInternet. In a span of a few days, an important part of the Internet subculture Anonymous had disappeared. And was replaced by a website similar to the dozens of websites that commercialize Internet phenomena. Here’s some investigation of what may have happened.

Enabling Hardware Virtualization on a SONY VAIO VGN-CR320 Laptop – An Experience

SONY disabled hardware virtualization on some laptops by providing these laptops with rudimentary BIOS Unlike typical BIOS, the BIOS provided simply did not have the feature for users to enable or disable hardware virtualization. But thanks to an assortment of Internet hacks, it is possible to enable hardware virtualization on some VAIO laptops.

Five cases that highlight “evil” at Google

While Google has become associated with computing and the Internet in general, it attracts more grumbling and raised eyebrows than other heavyweights, such as Microsoft. Its unofficial slogan, “Don’t be evil,” is sounding ironic as questions are being raised about its practices.

What is a Creative Commons License and why you should use one

With the rise of digital media and the Internet, reproducing copyrighted material has become stupendously easy. If you create digital content, and if you acknowledge (and maybe appreciate) the easily reproducible nature of digital media, you can modify your traditional copyright to be less adversarial towards those who will share your content by using a Creative Commons License. This post gives introductory information on how to do the same.

What to consider before buying a GPS device

Not all GPS devices are created equal. Some will give you seamless service for years to come whereas others may end up in an Kijiji fire sale, a testament to your lack of diligence. This article provides some essential considerations to be made before purchasing a GPS device.

What is a techtangerine?

The original tagline of this site was: "Tips, Tricks, DIY, Hacks and Rants by Hamad Subani." Since then, techtangerine has become a place to unload highly original meditations, musings and opinion on the tech world. In a nutshell (or tangerine?) this is about giving back to the web.

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