Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with lamp

If I had a time machine this wouldn't be an issue.

you're a kitty! — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:45:10 -0800

Any idea where I can find this deco lamp? I haven't been able to find much of that type online so far, other than the super-expensive (or really trashy) things on eBay. Does anyone know of a company that makes reasonably priced deco reproductions? This company has exactly what I want, but, well, anything that requires a quote is pretty much sure to be out of my (grad student) price range.

Can a one-way CFL bulb be used in a three-way socket?

binary — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:38:02 -0800

Can I use a one-way CFL bulb in a three-way socket? I bought a lamp with a three-way socket that vaguely warns against using a one-way bulb. I quickly discovered that three-way CFL bulbs are incredibly expensive, so can a one-way CFL be used in it? Is this safe, and will the life of the bulb be affected?

LAMP to WISA

gringoese — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:18:53 -0800

After working in a mostly LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) environment the last few years, I need to make a quick switch to WISA (Windows, IIS, MS SQL, ASP). I have very little experience with WISA. Give me some tips to make a smooth transition. What is different and what is the same?

Open source PHP software and IIS

fx3000 — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:04:18 -0800

Disadvantages working with Open Source PHP Software in a WIMP environment? I may be looking a bunch a of work in a WIMP (Windows, IIS, MySQL, PHP). I typically utilize a lot of open source PHP open source software in a LAMP enivronment. I'm wondering how much of a disadvantage working in the WIMP environment this will be.

Devil Wears Prada Lamps - show me the light

Extopalopaketle — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:59:06 -0800

Lighting fetishists help me! Looking for the desk lamp from "The Devil Wears Prada" Already checked Google and searched AskMe... what are the desk lamps shown in "The Devil Wears Prada"'s office scenes? ie Anne Hathaway and coworkers' desks at the magazine.

I remember they were Poulsen / Henningson-like white glass shades, but on a longer articulating arm. I've checked Poulsen's site and the closest was the PH2/1, but it doesn't have the longer articulating arm, like that of a task lamp.

...or am I remembering the lamp incorrectly?

LAMP/Windows Comparisons

kirkaracha — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:27:41 -0800

I'm looking for good, neutral, non-dogmatic comparisons of LAMP and Windows for building and hosting database-backed web applications. Comparisons of cost, security, stability, and maintenance would be especially helpful.

My server needs a purpose

jofuu — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:32:15 -0800

What would you do with a fresh install of Ubuntu 6.06, perfectly functioning LAMP configuration and a 200gig hard drive with a high speed connection? It took me a few hours last night (mainly just learning how to use the command line) but I now have a brand clean install of Ubuntu serving itself up to my home network. As a complete Linux n00b up to this point I'm rather proud of myself.

After configuring my router, Apache, MySQL and giving the server a static IP address I decided to install Ampache, a web based music manager. I have yet to test it out it's music managing capabiliities but at first impression it is all installed and configured and I can log in over any computer on our network.

(My desire in terms of a local music server include streaming music to my roommates iTunes via RSS feeds, similiar to how iTunes handles podcasts - this is a whole other topic)

Ultimately I want to turn this into more than just a music server. I am a web developer at heart and if I no longer had to pay to host my personal domains I would be quite please.

With LAMP package all set up and running this should be easy right? I own a few domain names but I have no idea how to point them to this server.

I have never run a server before and am basically looking for any interesting projects that would help ground me in terms of what this technology is capable of. Preexisting projects are great but I would not object to getting really hands on and mucking around with PHP and MySQL and whatnot.

I like to tinker as well as think outside the box.

What would you do?

My touch lamp has the same vibrating static electricity feeling that my massage clients used to have. Why?

kristymcj — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:43:07 -0800

My touch lamp has the same vibrating static electricity feeling that my massage clients used to have. Why? I just though that I was feeling a client's "vibes" or "energies" but I feel the same thing when I very lightly touch my touch lamp.

Should I start over, with a new career in computer networking?

rosswald — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:31:54 -0800

Help me with my mid-career freak out: should I change directions and move into the exciting world of computer networking? Background: So I am 25, living in NYC, and have majored in biology from a small liberal arts college. Basically I have been pursuing a bio/medical career path for awhile. I have long been a computer hobbyist (took a couple CS classes here and there), and have been the go to guy amongst family and friends. At every job I have had, I always end up doing minor IT work on the side to help out, and everyone is always saying "wow, you should work with computers". I have been playing around with different linux flavors for the past 2-3 years, and have a modicum of networking experience. Basically I have always loved computers, and wonder if maybe transitioning from computers as a hobby to a career is a good idea.

Basically, my questions are, how feasible is it to get into the field with no directly related experience? Is the CCNA the best certification to get? Are there other certs that are more practical to the real world/respected by employers and those in the field? Is the job market stable? What kind of salary, hours, and life should I expect? Am i to late/old? Should I give up and become a bum?

Lamps for the plants and SAD?

a robot made out of meat — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:21:42 -0800

Lamps for the plants and me? Having recently moved to a high-rise, my trees (miniature bald cypress) are starting to show that they’re unhappy with the amount of light they receive. They’re facing south, but only get direct light for a fraction of the day thanks to some nearby buildings. My apartment isn’t bright enough as it is (moving from lower latitudes, the SAD is apparent), so here is what I’m looking for your recommendations on:
*light spectrum good for trees
*light spectrum attractive to people, helpful for the winter darkness/depression
*can be easily mounted to something mobile so that in the day they face the trees and at night can be bent to face the room
*energy efficiency always a plus

Bald cypress lose their needles in the winter, so during the worst months I won’t have to supplement them at all. There are only 4 bonzai-style trees, so the total quantity that I need won’t be too much hopefully. If you think that the requirements are mutually exclusive (eg, the best lighting for mood just won’t cut it for plants) tell me so and I’ll split it up!

Looking for an open source alternative to SharePoint for my own home/non-enterprise use.

DerekTheGeek — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:09:25 -0800

Looking for an open source alternative to SharePoint for my own home/non-enterprise use. I am looking to do the following things:

1. Archive scanned receipts, bills. etc ..
2. Keep track of ideas, shopping lists and the like
3. Repository for URLs, Links, Documents
4. Photo/Video storage

I like SharePoint's interface and it's ability to create lists, libraries, tables, and similar structures. I also like the web-part functionality that SharePoint has. What I don't need is the Enterprise level tie-ins that SharePoint has. I would like to be able to administer and add content to my portal all through a web browser. No need for Microsoft Office or other client support. Everything through the browser.

I have looked at Joomla! and though I find it impressive, it seems more targeted to creation of articles rather than the lists and databases I am looking for. I have also looked at Alfresco but it seems to be targeted at the Enterprise.

I should also mention that this is something I want to host on my own rather than use Google and or Yahoo.

So, basically I am looking for something similar to SharePoint in functionality though slimmed down and runs on the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySql, PHP) platform. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Light alarm clock.

davidriley — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:15:15 -0800

Do dimmer/timer combo adapters for lamps exist? I want to be able to set a timer AND dimmer on my bedside lamp so that at a scheduled time in the morning it will slowly scale upwards in brightness, simulating a sunrise. I know lamps with this feature built-in exist, but can you get an adapter that works on any lamp? I can only find timer and dimmer adapters alone, but never as a unit.

What is up with my lamp?

zembla3 — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:45:04 -0800

I have a table lamp that takes a three-way bulb. The lamp does not have a standard switch; rather, you adjust the intensity of the light and turn the lamp on or off by tapping the metal base one, two, or three times. Recently the lamp's bulb burned out and I replaced it with the same kind of three-way bulb that was in there before. But now tapping the base produces no effect - the lamp stays on its brightest setting and can only be turned on and off by plugging it in or unplugging it. What happened, and can it be fixed? I've only had this lamp for about six months, and it wasn't cheap. I've tried various different bulbs, but nothing seems to work.

Turn an antique bottle into an incandescent bulb!

Phyltre — Sun, 27 May 2007 16:43:47 -0800

Craftiwork Filter: Help me turn an antique bottle into a light bulb/fixture. The incandescent sort. This is a long-running idea of mine. I am not an electrician, but I understand the basics involved: one (airproof) antique bottle, inert gas, and a robust filament suspended within, then sealed. (If I'm wrong, tell me!) But I know zero about how to acquire the filaments, gas, or "blank" screw bases. I am looking to make this a hobby, potentially a money-making sideline (custom designer light fixtures go for hundreds and in some cases even thousands online, although I don't expect anything approaching those prices, of course) if it's cost effective. I know that I can purchase potentially hundreds of antique glass bottles for far less than five dollars apiece, but I don't know about the other supplies.

There are a few "make your own lightbulb" resources online, but they're pretty much experimental/temporary and I hope to make them relatively permanent. I realize that I could suspend LEDs within the cavities, probably at less cost and trouble, but the look would obviously be vastly different and just wouldn't be the same (although if you have any suggestions on this, by all means share them.)

I want to make two different types: 1) smaller bottles, transformed directly into actual bulbs, complete with screw, which could be fitted into a standard socket, and 2) larger fixtures meant to be plugged into the wall. My initial idea was for an arc lamp but upon research I have discovered that they never posessed significant longevity (extra points if you prove me wrong!)

Advice, words of wisdom, ideas, supply recommendations, practicalities, diagrams, personal experiences, etc. welcome (and begged for).

ShortStoryFilter: Lamp that you have to sell for half what you paid?

bertrandom — Mon, 21 May 2007 22:29:38 -0800

I read a short story once about ten years ago, it was in a compiliation of short stories but I don't remember the title or author. The part I remember from the plot is that there's a magic lamp that gives wishes but you have to sell it for half of what you paid for it. I believe the main characters keep trying to find lower currencies so they can continue reselling it.

Champagne taste on a beer budget.

slowfasthazel — Mon, 07 May 2007 13:41:05 -0800

Where can I find a cheaper cousin of this lamp? I want a lamp something like this or this. But the real deal is way out of my budget.

I used to have an Ikea "interpretation", but time and crazy cats and moving all took their toll on the paper shade. Ikea has since quit making it. I still have the base, so I would be happy to just replace the paper shade. Or find a whole new lamp that is in that style but not over say $75.

I know big, bulbous, non-perfectly round paper shade lamps must exist out there, but where?

Thanks!

I have a touch lamp. I want to know what it's costing me to run.

Solomon — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:13:24 -0800

I have a touch lamp, which I'm finding incredibly useful to turn off when I'm half asleep. However, I'm also a bit of an eco-warrior. I've been looking online, and found that a small amount of energy is supplied to the lamp at all times. Surely that must be costing me something? Using my Kill-a-watt, I've found that while the lamp is "off" (as in unlit), the only energy being registered is 1.0 PF. Nothing else is active on the display. When the lamp is lit at 20w, the PF is 0.70, when lit at 35w the PF fluctuates between 0.86 and 0.94 and when the lamp is fully lit (40w) the PF is 0.99.

What is a PF?
How much is it costing me (per week/month/year/whatever is easiest) to leave the lamp switched on, but unlit? I'm in the UK, on a 240v supply. Better still tell me how I can work it out myself.

I am an electrical-term-n00b, so please keep your answers simple. Please let me know if you need more info. Bonus points if you can point me at a site that explains this stuff in a very basic way, so I can get my head round it.

Latecomer to Open Source Programming

Deathalicious — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:20:51 -0800

What are some good resources for a ColdFusion programmer who's thinking about going to PHP? I'm thinking of finally taking the plunge into learning how to do web development using PHP. I've been programming in ColdFusion for over 10 years now, so I'm ashamed to say I'm a bit set in my ways. I need some resources that are geared towards someone really familiar with web development already and just needs to know how to to do x in PHP.

I've gotten L, A, and M down, I just need help with the P. So, just to repeat: beginners guides to web development--not so useful. I want to plunge into the deepend, not waste my time in the kiddie pool.

Also, since I'm taking the plunge anyway, what other Open Source tech should I be putting under my web development belt? I like functional languages, so that might be fun to learn. I tend to prefer languages where I can plunge my hands right into what the database and data are doing.

Books are okay but my budget is currently a bit limited and on top of that I'm in Egypt so getting them shipped here is a bit of a pain (in the rear and the wallet). Websites are peachy-keen and save trees!

LinuxDellFilter: How well does Linux run on the lower-end Dell Dimension series?

afx114 — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:36:27 -0800

LinuxDellFilter: How well does Linux run on the lowest-end Dell Dimension C521? I'm looking to set up a cheap LAMP machine for local web development, and figured it would be easier to just grab a cheap pre-built machine than build one myself. I'm not looking for anything with GUI or major power, just a small, quiet box running LAMP that I can stick in my closet for my own personal development.

I know that Linux is now an option for some models of the Dell Dimension series, but what about the lowest-end C521? It is not listed as an option for getting the machine without Windows pre-installed. I also wonder if the C521 hardware is compatible with Linux.

This leads me to a second question: If I purchase a machine with Windows pre-installed, and I wipe it to install Linux, can the copy of Windows be installed on another machine? Or does it come pre-validated to the Dell?

The lightbulb in my head won't light up... because of my other lightbulb.

Xere — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 23:59:58 -0800

College student looking for a really good studying/reading lamp. Preferably of the nice, bright "white" light variety rather than the eye-straining, weak "yellow" light. Any suggestions? Currently, I study by the single bulb attached to my room fan. It's not as bright as I'd like it to be, and it's probably slowly ruining my eyesight. I just need a good study lamp. I'm willing to pay up to $100 - hey, a good study lamp is worth it. I could go to a library to get some decent studying done, but libraries tend to be closed at 3 am.

Previously, I had a little $8 incandescent/filament bulb lamp from Walmart, but that didn't quite cut it, either. My problem with incandescent bulbs is that they give off a weak, yellow light that tends to strain my eyes.

I had also envied a friend's fluorescent study lamp before, with two of those long, cylindrical fluorescent tubes. That one gave off a nice, bright, "white" light. Problem is, I've never come across such lamps in stores - or maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. And it's not as simple as asking my friend where she got hers from and buying a similar one from there, because hers came from an 80's yard sale. I suppose I could steal it from her, but that might destroy our friendship, you know? ;)

I've also come across natural or simulated daylight lamps in stores, but I'm unsure as to whether or not they live up to the hype.

Any reviews, suggestions, or definite no-no's are appreciated!

LAMP scaling and NFS. Good Idea or Not?

Freen — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:41:37 -0800

So, I've got myself a web application. LAMP. I need to scale it up. Can I run the php application across multiple machines loaded off a mounted NFS share on another machine? I'm running gig-e with jumbo frames on a private LAN. Our application is fairly high load, hence the need to scale it up. We can't afford a real fiber SAN, so, can we replicate the benefits of having all of our application scripts live in one place, and each of the web-servers mount the nfs share and serve the application off of the nfs share?

We've thought about other possibilities, such as rsync, etc. But we're concerned about race conditions. Particularly two servers communicating with clients and with the DB using different codebases.

other datapoints:
We use a bytecode cache, called eaccelerator. those caches would be on the local webserver, not on the NFS share.

We use memcache for stuff like sessions across machines.

Would there be significant network throughput setting up our application this way? What are the downsides? Would it outweigh the benefits of having one codebase for our application?

Virtualization Recommendations

afx114 — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 10:51:01 -0800

LAMPFilter: Which VPS solution (Virtuozzo, VMware, freeVPS, etc) is recommended for a small web-hosting company? I run a small web-hosting company who in the past has always used dedicated servers for larger clients. But with today's modern servers sitting mostly idle, even for traffic heavy sites, we're looking into a virtualization solution to combine multiple dedicated servers into one VPS'd powerhouse machine.

I've done plenty of research online about the various options, but I am looking for anecdotal evidence and experience of real life users out there. How realistic and how easy is it to get a VPS setup going? Any happy or horror stories are appreciated.

(Note: We run strictly LAMP-style servers)

LCD Projector Bulb life - when to turn it off

Busy Old Fool — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 07:36:07 -0800

To maximise bulb life, what's the minimum length of time an LCD projector should be turned off for? Bulbs for my projector are awfully expensive (it's used off and on for about 12 hours per day) and contain mercury, so I want to replace them as rarely as possible.

So how long does a gap between uses need to be before it's worth turning a projector off? If I'm not using it for ten minutes? Thirty minutes? Ninety minutes? (For fluorescents, it's supposed to be 15 minutes, but projector bulbs are super-hot, so I assume undergo much more stress when turned on/off.)

I do try to replace the bulb when the warning message appears, but sometimes bulbs fail before that and sometimes someone else is using it and ignores the message.

Please help me toast myself!

Tacos Are Pretty Great — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 16:19:55 -0800

Any recommendations for a natural sun lamp? Not one of those wimpy little 70 watt incandescents. A real one. In an ideal world it would be like an entire wall of lamp so bright that it feels like I'm at the beach.

I know this world isn't quite ideal.

Linux/LAMP for dummies...

Davaal — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:34:06 -0800

i am a complete Linux Noob and i've decided to go a few rounds with a simple LAMP server. Where can i find helpful resources and suggestions? i've decided to stop bullshtting around dive head first into Linux. i have 3 PCs of various ages.

1)i set up a LAMP server using this tutorial on a Compaq 750mh with one 6gb HDD and a 30gb HDD packed with MP3s i really wanna keep. the server is running fine.
2)i've installed Ubuntu desktop on a Dell optiplex GX240 with a 30gb HDD.
3)i have windows XP running on my Dell GX270, which has 80 gbs of space.

ok, so now i'm ready to shred and i have no idea what to do next. i read that its a web server. nothing i've found shows me how to actually serve, they just tell me how to do it better. i'm walking thru Unix for Beginning Mages. i'm using Torrent Flux (for legal content only, of course). i'm unfamiliar with the Apache, PHP and SQL stuff. i'm looking for basic ways to maximize my linux experience.

anyone been thru something similar and have better suggestion than google?

oh, and anyone know how to get the the info on the second LAMP drive beyond simply putting it in the XP machine?

thank, sorry for my noobieness.