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jdboyd

1,052 karma · joined July 28, 2010

http://blog.jdboyd.net/

jdboyd@boydtechnicalsolutions.com for professional inquiries.

jdboyd@jdboyd.net to find me more broadly.

submissionscomments
jdboyd··on Fedora Linux devs discuss dropping 32-bit packages – bad news for Steam gamers
It seems like all the 32bit stuff could be wrapped in a container of some sort. Part of the issue, as I understand it, is that the Steam client itself is still 32bit. I don't understand why they are still doing that.
jdboyd··on Cosmoe: BeOS Class Library on Top of Wayland
Linux's xattrs appear to only be an array of bytes, while Haiku's extended attributes are typed (string, mime, int, llong, float, double, bool, icon, or raw). This means a compatibility layer is probably needed to handle encoding types into the value of the xattr. Xattr(7) says there is a limit of 64kb for the value. Some haiku programs allegedly use more, but i dont have an example handy. Further, specific file systems may impose additional restrictions. For instance ext4 requires all xattrs to fit in a single file system block (assuming that the man page I'm reading is not out of date).
jdboyd··on Running Qwen3:30B MoE on an RTX 3070 laptop with Ollama
I think there is a lot of value in people documenting what it takes to make models that will run on 8, 12, and 16GB GPUs work well for them, and the tools used.
jdboyd··on Using lots of little tools to aggressively reject the bots
The "shitbox computer in the basement" is something I would call a server. I mean, it is more capable than most VPSs (except in upload speed to the Internet).
jdboyd··on Ask HN: What projects do you donate to?
Here are the ones I can recall donating to in recent years: KiCAD Arduino tic-80

I'd like to donate to FreeCAD at some point, but the last time I had spare money to do that, I ended up paralyzed trying to figure out what would be the most impactful way to do so. Then Ondsel came and made a subscription the obvious choice (I thought) then they went away.

Ones that I probably should donate to but just haven't gotten to: Inkscape Gimp uv/ruff/ty

There are probably many more. My goal is to at least donate to any project that I make money from, preferably in a similar amount to what I might be paying otherwise. That is an awful lot to track down though, considering how many pieces there are for doing software development. Thus, I've been more focused on media and other engineering tools.

jdboyd··on 37signals is completing its on-prem move
They say that the move didn't require adding any staff, but aren't all of these physical servers going to require somebody to do occasional physical tending to them? What happens when a server fails? Sure the software might be able to handle failover and absorb the load, but isn't somebody going to have to go deal with the failed server at some point?
jdboyd··on My takeaways from DjangoCon EU 2025
The admin is at least 75% of why I choose Django over another framework.
jdboyd··on Ask HN: Freelancer? Seeking freelancer? (May 2025)
SEEKING WORK | USA | REMOTE

Versatile developer with 20+ years of experience, specializing in bringing products from concept to market quickly with a focus on generating revenue and demonstrating value. Whether modernizing legacy systems or building new solutions, I create maintainable code that grows with your business. Core expertise:

Embedded Development: Linux, RTOS, and bare metal systems using C, C++, and MicroPython Network Engineering: Distributed systems, protocol design, and networked applications Backend Development: Python/Django and Go microservices Mobile Development: Native iOS and Android applications DevOps & Cloud: AWS, DigitalOcean, Docker, and Ansible deployments Media Systems: Audio/video processing and streaming solutions

Available for part-time or full-time contracts, I'm committed to building lasting partnerships through reliable delivery and clear communication. Looking to bring your product vision to life or need help with an existing system? Let's discuss how I can help drive your project forward.

Github: https://github.com/jd-boyd Website: https://boydtechnicalsolutions.com/ | https://blog.jdboyd.net/ Email: jdboyd@boydtechnicalsolutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdboyd/

jdboyd··on Shoes on at home or shoes off? If you care about your health, it's a no-brainer
I get that shoes off is supposedly cleaner, but how does much difference does that make if one has a cat or dog as well?

We are a mostly shoes off for ourselves, but do what you want for guests.

jdboyd··on Intel admits what we all knew: no one is buying AI PCs
I think there is a mismatch with Intel/Window's idea of an AI PC being a beefed up edge TPU core, while customers who do want AI want LLMs, which I'm under the impression the Lunar Lake AI features aren't that great at accelerating (but are presumably good at non LLM vision and audio processing). If I'm misunderstanding this, I'd love a reply.
jdboyd··on Why Apple's Severance gets edited over remote desktop software
Last I looked, they didn't support passing through USB devices like Wacom tablets or edit controllers or space mice. I am eager for that stuff to work so that I can start using moonlight/sunshine for more of my work.
jdboyd··on A USB Interface to the "Mother of All Demos" Keyset
I would suggest being sure to use a cpu platform well supported by ZMK to make your HID software easier. The esp32-s3 doesn't appear to have Bluetooth support in ZMK yet. People who want Bluetooth support are being encouraged to use the nrf52 platform. People who want usb only might be better with a rp2040 as there is better support in ZMK for that platform than anything esp32.
jdboyd··on How 'Careless People' is becoming a bigger problem for Meta
It sounds like FB Marketplace is every bit the marketplace for scammers that people claim craigslist is.
jdboyd··on GIMP 3.0
Have you looked into if Paint.NET works with Wine? The latest report says the was an issue with the theme, but it otherwise worked for them, but then they didn't really test much. They were not trying the latest version of Wine at the time they were trying paint.net.

If you like Paint.NET, it might not take that much effort to file bugs against Wine for any problems you find until it works correctly. There is one user at least reporting that

jdboyd··on Show HN: Can I run this LLM? (locally)
It doesn't have any of my Nvidia GPUs, nor my AMD GPUs in the list and then always tells me I need more VRAM since I can't select a GPU.
jdboyd··on Solarpunk
What tend's to bug me about most now to near future solarpunk depictions that I see is that it tends to assume that we will be all spread out into nothing larger than a small village. I'm not sure that solar/wind/hydro powered suburban sprawl is the way to go. I'd like to see more imaginings of solarpunk urbanism.
jdboyd··on Scientists on alert as NOAA restricts contact with foreign nationals
https://archive.is/uSA7M
jdboyd··on How Spotify Killed Lo-Fi Hip Hop
A growing number of artists don't make albums anymore, either physical or something that can be purchased. I don't understand, but their choice.

However, I only buy albums (preferably physically, will accept flac download), so they won't be getting money from me.

jdboyd··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (February 2025)
Location: Lancaster, PA Remote: Yes Willing to relocate: No Technologies: Python, Django, Go, C, C++, uPython, iOS, Android, Linux, AWS, Docker, Ansible Résumé/CV: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdboyd/ Email: jdboyd@jdboyd.net

Versatile senior developer with 20+ years of experience in embedded systems, networking, backend services, and mobile development. I specialize in bringing products from concept to market, combining deep technical expertise with strong business understanding to deliver maintainable solutions that scale. Looking for a senior engineering role where I can leverage my broad background to drive product innovation and mentor junior developers. I thrive in environments that value technical excellence, clear communication, and continuous learning.

jdboyd··on Ask HN: Freelancer? Seeking freelancer? (February 2025)
SEEKING WORK | USA | REMOTE Versatile developer with 20+ years of experience, specializing in bringing products from concept to market quickly with a focus on generating revenue and demonstrating value. Whether modernizing legacy systems or building new solutions, I create maintainable code that grows with your business. Core expertise:

Embedded Development: Linux, RTOS, and bare metal systems using C, C++, and uPython Network Engineering: Distributed systems, protocol design, and networked applications Backend Development: Python/Django and Go microservices Mobile Development: Native iOS and Android applications DevOps & Cloud: AWS, DigitalOcean, Docker, and Ansible deployments Media Systems: Audio/video processing and streaming solutions

Available for part-time or full-time contracts, I'm committed to building lasting partnerships through reliable delivery and clear communication. Looking to bring your product vision to life or need help with an existing system? Let's discuss how I can help drive your project forward. Github: https://github.com/jd-boyd Website: https://boydtechnicalsolutions.com/ | https://blog.jdboyd.net/ Email: jdboyd@boydtechnicalsolutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdboyd/

jdboyd··on Dragonsweeper — A minesweeper game that requires observation
I haven't been able to figure out what the ? in squares mean.
jdboyd··on Minimal 64x4 Home Computer
There are two aspects to consider. They are can a VGA->HDMI adapter support 400 pixels wide, and can it support 240 lines.

VGA has no pixel clock. A line is a set of continuous waveforms for R, G, and B. This means that there is no problem with a mis-matched horizontal resolution, except that the edges may be ugly.

If a VGA->HDMI convert supports 240 lines is a bigger question, and the answer is less certain. Some might not support it. Vintage VGA cards could be convinced to do all sort of weird line rates, much stranger than 240, so a good VGA->HDMI adapter should support it happily.

jdboyd··on ZFS 2.3 released with ZFS raidz expansion
The first 4 seem like really big deals.
jdboyd··on Ask HN: Is maintaining a personal blog still worth it?
There is also something to be said for having the writing there when someone wants to find out something about you. I get hardly any traffic on my blog, but it still has helped secure jobs because the right person was looking for info on me and liked what they read.
jdboyd··on Mac Mini G4 – The best « classic » Macintosh for retro-gaming?
There is also MorphOS.
jdboyd··on License Plate Readers Are Leaking Real-Time Video Feeds and Vehicle Data
https://archive.is/NhXsR
jdboyd··on Ask HN: Freelancer? Seeking freelancer? (January 2025)
SEEKING WORK | USA | REMOTE

I am a 20+ year experienced developer. Most of my work has involved embedded development (Linux, RTOS, baremetal, C/C++/uPython), including various forms of networking and distributed systems, audio/video, as well as backend services (usually using Python, Django, and Go), deployments (AWS, DO, Ansible, Docker, etc). I also do iOS and Android development. I do some frontend work, but that isn't my specialty.

I love helping people develop new products to meet their goals and needs, especially with a focus for getting it in use and making money as soon as possible to demonstrate utility and make money. I also have extensive experience taking over existing legacy code bases.

I am available for part-time or full-time contract work, long-term or short-term. I would love for every project to turn into a lasting business relationship.

Github: https://github.com/jd-boyd Website: https://boydtechnicalsolutions.com/ https://blog.jdboyd.net/ Email: jdboyd@boydtechnicalsolutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdboyd/

jdboyd··on Lisp Is Not an Acceptable Lisp
Needs a (2006).
jdboyd··on A Minecraft server written in COBOL
That is incorrect. There are several bedrock compatible servers available. See the official one here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server/bedrock
jdboyd··on Build a Low-Cost Drone Using ESP32
FWIW, making just 10 might drive that $13 price down quite a bit.

Although, it looks like 1 unit might be closer to $50 (at least for the suppliers I might use), but $150 for 10.

I think costs could be cut somewhat though. The USB->serial chip is nearly $6, but differently packaged it can be $4.40 for 1 or $3.99/ea for 10, and alternative chips that seem like they should be good enough can be cheaper still. The voltage regulator they chose is $1/ea for 500ma, while the one I would normally go to is $0.22/ea for 1000ma (dropping down to $0.13/ea for 10).

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