Friday, October 27, 2017

jEdit, optimal configuration for programming

jEdit is a powerful editor for programming and we can get more useful making some adjustments in its configuration.

jEdit, best the last version

JEdit version included in most distros are usually very obsolete, so I recommend you uninstall this version, download the latest one from its official web and install this one.
To uninstall it in debian/ubuntu and install the downloaded version type these commands:
apt-get install remove
sudo dpkg -i jedit_X.Y.Z_all.deb


Add the plug-ins you'll need

Add a close repository with these menu options:
PluginsPlugin managerDownload optionsUpdate Mirror List

I add these plug-ins:
  • JDiffPlugins : Compare differences between two files.
  • FTP: open and save local files or files in a FTP or secure server, you can use asimetric passwords.
  • PHPParser: Colourize your code using the syntax of your programming language, php in this case.

Configurations that make your life easier

Access to configurations with these menu options:
UtilitiesGlobal options 
These are my recommendations:
jEdit ► Appearance ► Show splash screen on Startupsave time in startup.
jEdit ► Editing ► Tab widthTap step, I use 4 characters.
jEdit ► Editing ► Indent widthIndent step, I use 4 characters.
jEdit ► Editing ► Soft (emulated with spaces) tabsConvert tab into spaces. So your code will be equal in any editor.
jEdit ► Saving and Backup ► Two stage saveTurn it off to avoid change permission and owner of files when you save changes.
jEdit ► Saving and Backup ► Backup directoryAll backup files in a separate directory.
jEdit ► View ► Always show search barVery useful to quick search anything.
Artículo original en castellano

Sunday, October 22, 2017

How to run DOS games in Batocera or Recalbox 4.1

You can run fullscreen DOS games in Batocera or Recalbox (4.1 or newer).
You need copy them like this:
  1. Select /recalbox/share/roms/dos/
  2. Create a folder with the name of the game adding ".pc" (like  galaxia.pc)
  3. Copy all the files of the game to this folder.
  4. Create a dosbox.bat file, these file must content the fullname of the executable file (like GALAXIA.EXE).
  5. Update games in recalbox/batocera menu.
We need repeat steps 1 to 4 for each game we add, and do the step 5 when we finished.
Artículo original en castellano
Note: Don't use notepad for Windows because this buggy software can add strange and invisible characters. Better use a good text edit like jEdit.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Open alternatives to proprietary software (II): Inkscape, the SVG editor

Inkscape is a marvellous softwate to make vertorial graphics, it use SVG open format, a standard than most software manage, including web browsers.
  • Available for multiple operating systems.
  • Very stable and light.
  • Compatible with other software.
  • Manage PDF files.
  • There is a lot of documentation to take advantage of the software.
You can see some screenshots to give you an idea of its possibilities.
Sometime ago, I design a forniture for my home in few minutes.

Artículo original en castellano

Tuesday, October 03, 2017

Manage recalbox from your PC browser: configuration, file upload, virtual remote control and kodi

Recalbox is surprising me every day with its ease of use and power, today I will talk about the wide possibilities of use from your PC browser.

Access to your configuration: http://recalbox.local

You can do here:
  • Configure the Recalbox OS.
  • Upload files dragging them.
  • Monitory the activity and see logs.

Virtual Game Pad: http://recalbox.local:8080 

If you click on Use Virtual Game Pad or input this url in your browser you see an image of a SNES virtual controller you can use like a real one.

You can use it with a mobile phone or tablet with access to your wifi.
Warning: Do not expect a high speed response due to limitations in your screen device.
 

Kodi: http://recalbox.local:8081 

You are probably asking for Kodi web service, can I use?
Yes, you can, but in recalbox use the 8081 port, and you can access if Kodi is running and the service activated.
So we can access from your PC web browser to your raspberry pi mediacenter, send youtube videos with Send to Kodi or use the mobile like a remote control with Yatse or any similar app.


Advice: If you can't access from these URLs, use your IP instead of recalbox.local
Artículo original en castellano