# Life of a software developer

> by Vladimir Paskov

## Posts
- [RJ45 Ethernet Pinout: T-568A and T-568B Crimping Reference](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/rj45-ethernet-pinout-t-568a-and-t-568b-crimping-reference/index.md): A quick RJ45 Ethernet crimping reference with T-568A and T-568B wire orders, connector orientation, and notes on crossover cables.
- [Switching Android Emulator to the Old Location UI on GNU/Linux](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/switching-android-emulator-to-the-old-location-ui-on-gnu-linux/index.md): Restore the Android Emulator’s old Location UI on GNU/Linux to work around blank maps and freezes by disabling LocationUiV2.
- [OpenWRT and PPTP VPN](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/openwrt-and-pptp-vpn/index.md): Troubleshoot PPTP VPN connections on OpenWrt by installing NAT helper modules and configuring an nftables connection tracking helper.
- [Restore Xfce4 to default settings](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/restore-xfce4-to-default-settings/index.md): Restore Xfce4’s default desktop settings for the current user with a Bash script that removes configuration files, caches, and saved sessions.
- [Launch Android app via ADB using a deep link](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/launch-android-app-via-adb-using-a-deep-link/index.md): Launch an Android app via a deep link with adb shell am start, with explanations of the component, action, category, data, and wait flags.
- [Disable speech-dispatcher on Debian 12](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/disable-speech-dispatcher-on-debian-12/index.md): Prevent speech-dispatcher from starting on demand on Debian 12 with DisableAutoSpawn to address high PulseAudio CPU usage.
- [Managing SSL for Jenkins with Sectigo Certificates](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/managing-ssl-for-jenkins-with-sectigo-certificates/index.md): Configure HTTPS for Jenkins with Sectigo certificates by creating PKCS#12 and JKS keystores using OpenSSL and keytool.
- [Quick Tip: Who is listening on given TCP port on MacOS?](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/quick-tip-who-is-listening-on-given-tcp-port-on-macos/index.md): Find which process is listening on a specific TCP port on macOS Big Sur or later using lsof and grep in Terminal.
- [Git: How to remove submodule](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/git-how-to-remove-submodule/index.md): Remove a Git submodule by updating .gitmodules and .git/config, removing it from the index, and deleting the untracked files.
- [Automating Google Play Store reports with 'gsutil' and Windows PowerShell](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/automating-google-play-store-reports-with-gsutil-and-windows-powershell/index.md): Automate Google Play install and rating reports by Android version with gsutil and Windows PowerShell to help prioritize app testing.
- [Moving Files from one Git Repository to Another, Preserving History](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/moving-files-from-one-git-repository-to-another-preserving-history/index.md): Move a directory to another Git repository while preserving its commit history using git filter-branch and merging unrelated histories.
- [Git checkouts fail on Windows with "Filename too long error: unable to create file"](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/git-checkouts-fail-on-windows-with-filename-too-long-error-unable-to-create-file/index.md): Fix Git’s 'Filename too long' checkout error on Windows by enabling core.longpaths in the system Git configuration.
- [Hex codes for every opacity value](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/every-opacity-value-hex-code/index.md): A reference table of alpha hex codes for opacity percentages from 0% to 100%, with examples for Android #AARRGGBB colors.
- [How to reset the macOS Dock to its default settings](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/how-to-reset-mac-os-x-dock-to-default-settings/index.md): Reset the macOS Dock to its default settings with a Terminal command that deletes its saved preferences and restarts the Dock.
- [Retro FC Plus 168 in 1 games list](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/retro-fc-plus-168-in-1-games-list/index.md): A complete list of the 168 games on my Retro FC Plus, also known as the Coolbaby RS-6 A portable 8-bit console.
- [Make a directory writable by Apache on macOS](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/make-a-directory-writable-by-apache-on-mac-os-x/index.md): Make a directory writable by Apache on macOS by assigning ownership to _www and setting permissions with chown and chmod.
- [Recompile with -Xlint in Android Studio](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/recompile-with-xlint-in-android-studio/index.md): Enable detailed Java compiler warnings in Android Studio by adding -Xlint:unchecked and -Xlint:deprecation to Gradle’s JavaCompile tasks.
- [Automatically increment versionCode when building production APKs](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/auto-versioncode-increment-when-building-production-apks/index.md): Automatically increment an Android app’s versionCode for release APK builds using Gradle and a version.properties file.
- [Copying Cyrillic URLs in Google Chrome and Firefox](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/copying-cyrillic-urls-in-google-chrome-and-firefox/index.md): Why Cyrillic URLs become percent-encoded when copied from Chrome and Firefox, with workarounds for preserving readable links.
- [Settings.canDrawOverlays() always returns false on Android O](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/settings-candrawoverlays-allays-returns-false-on-android-o/index.md): Work around Settings.canDrawOverlays() returning false after permission is granted on Android O by testing a temporary invisible overlay.
- [Java: Parts of the Day](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/java_parts_of_the_day/index.md): A Java utility method that maps an hour from 0 to 23 to labels such as Early Morning, Afternoon, Evening, or Night.
- [Gentoo: No image size information in Dolphin](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/gentoo-no-image-size-information-in-dolphin/index.md): Restore image dimensions and metadata in Dolphin on Gentoo by enabling the semantic-desktop USE flag and rebuilding the file manager.
- [Gentoo Linux: Ugly fonts in NetBeans and how to fix them](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/gentoo-linux-ugly-fonts-in-netbeans-and-how-to-fix-them/index.md): Improve NetBeans font rendering on Gentoo Linux by enabling Swing antialiasing and configuring the look and feel in netbeans.conf.
- [Truncating MySQL tables with foreign key constraints](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/truncating-mysql-tables-with-foreign-key-constrains/index.md): Truncate MySQL tables with foreign key constraints by dropping and recreating constraints or temporarily disabling FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS.
- [TortoiseGit disconnected: No supported authentication methods available (server sent: publickey)](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/tortoisegit-disconnected-no-supported-authentication-methods-available-server-sent-publickey/index.md): Fix TortoiseGit’s publickey authentication error by converting an SSH private key to PPK format with PuTTYgen and loading it into Pageant.
- [Hyper-V: Change the screen resolution in a CentOS or RHEL virtual machine](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/hyper-v-how-to-change-screen-resolution-in-centos-red-hat-enterprice-linux-virtual-machine/index.md): Change the screen resolution of a CentOS or RHEL virtual machine in Hyper-V using grubby to configure the hyperv_fb framebuffer driver.
- [Connecting my PC XT clone to the network: Part 1 - Ethernet adapter](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/connecting-my-pc-xt-clone-to-the-network-part-1-ethernet-adapter/index.md): Configure a PCN-001 8-bit ISA Ethernet card for a Pravetz 16 PC XT clone, including jumper settings and the NE1000 DOS packet driver.
- [Digital clock for my PC XT compatible, or having fun with Borland Graphics Interface (BGI)](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/digital-clock-for-my-pc-xt-compatible-or-having-fun-with-borland-graphics-interface-bgi/index.md): Build a digital clock for a PC XT clone using Turbo C and the Borland Graphics Interface (BGI), with source code and compilation instructions.
- [SINFO.EXE, or playing with BIOS interrupts on my PC XT clone](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/sinfo-exe-or-playing-with-bios-interrupts-on-my-pc-xt-clone/index.md): Explore BIOS interrupts 11h and 12h with SINFO.EXE, a Turbo C and inline assembly program that reports hardware details on a PC XT clone.
- [Get Android Studio debug certificate fingerprints on Windows](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/get-android-studio-debug-certificate-fingerprints-on-windows/index.md): Display Android Studio’s debug certificate fingerprints on Windows using keytool and a batch file that reads the default debug keystore.
- [Fix Eclipse keyboard shortcuts with non-Latin layouts on GNU/Linux](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/eclipse-hotkeys-fix/index.md): Restore keyboard shortcuts with non-Latin layouts in older Eclipse versions on GNU/Linux by building and using eclipse-hotkeys-fix.
- [Console screen resolution (framebuffer) with NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu, Debian, or Linux Mint](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/console-screen-resolution-frame-buffer-with-nvidia-drivers-on-ubuntu-debian-or-linux-mint/index.md): Set the framebuffer console resolution with proprietary NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu, Debian, or Linux Mint using GRUB 2 graphics settings.
- [Diskettes for the Pravetz](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/diskettes-for-the-pravetz/index.md): Finding 5¼-inch floppy disks filled with old games and programs, plus drive cleaning disks, for my Pravetz restoration project.
- [Restoration of Pravetz-16 Turbo (IBM PC XT compatible)](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/restoration-of-pravetz-16-turbo-ibm-pc-xt-compatible/index.md): Restoring a Pravetz-16 Turbo from a scrap depot, with hardware specifications, photos of the cleanup, and memories of learning Turbo Pascal.
- [Disable overlay scrollbars in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/disable-overlay-scroll-bars-in-ubuntu-14-04-lts/index.md): Disable overlay scrollbars in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and switch to normal scrollbars with a single gsettings command.
- [Enable root login on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/enabel-super-user-log-in-on-ubuntu-14-04-lts/index.md): Set a root password on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with sudo passwd root, then use su - to open a root login shell.
- [Installing JD-GUI on openSUSE](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/installing-jd-gui-on-opensuse/index.md): Run the JD-GUI Java decompiler on openSUSE by installing its required libraries, with dependency lists for 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- [Install Oracle JDK on openSUSE](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/install-oracle-jdk-on-opensuse/index.md): Install Oracle JDK 8 on openSUSE from an RPM package, configure the default Java tools with update-alternatives, and set JAVA_HOME.
- [Eclipse (ADT) hangs on 'Building workspace' at startup](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/eclipse-hang-on-building-workspace-on-startup/index.md): Work around Eclipse ADT hanging on 'Building workspace' at startup by terminating running adb processes and restarting the IDE.
- [GoClever GC-4366FMBT firmware](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/goclever-gc-4366fmbt-firmware/index.md): Restore a GoClever GC-4366FMBT GPS by reinstalling its firmware from an SD card and setting up Mireo viaGPS Black Edition 3.1.
- [Hard reset: Nokia 5800 XpressMusic](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/hard-reset-nokia-express-music-5800/index.md): Restore a Nokia 5800 XpressMusic to factory settings with a hard reset, including backup advice, the reset code, and the default security code.
- [CLastError](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/clasterror/index.md): Convert Win32 error codes into readable messages with CLastError, an MFC helper class using FormatMessage and AfxMessageBox.
- [Unknown Undo/Redo Error](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/unknown-undoredo-error/index.md): Notes on Visual Studio .NET 2003’s Unknown Undo/Redo Error in Windows XP Mode and attempts to resolve it by reinstalling or upgrading the IDE.
- [CRLF in SQL Server](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/clrf-in-sql-server/index.md): Insert CRLF line breaks into SQL Server strings using CHAR(13) + CHAR(10), with an example UPDATE statement.
- [Windows 7 USB installation](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/windows-7-usb-installation/index.md): Create a Windows 7 USB installer for legacy BIOS systems using DiskPart, NTFS formatting, and installation files from an ISO or DVD.
- [CSortArray updated](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/csortarray-updated/index.md): An updated CSortArray template for MFC, adding binary search and context pointers for sorting and searching structured records.
- [Sorted MFC CArray](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/sorted-mfc-carray/index.md): Sort MFC CArray elements with a CSortArray template that wraps qsort, including a custom comparison function and a complete C++ example.
- [Visual Studio add-ins that will boost your productivity](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/visual-studio-add-ins-that-will-boost-your-productivity/index.md): Four Visual Studio add-ins for C++ productivity: Visual Assist X, AtomineerUtils, Productivity Power Tools, and Spell Checker.
- [SQL Server ODBC connection string](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/sql-server-odbc-connection-string/index.md): ODBC connection string examples for SQL Server using either a username and password or Windows authentication with a trusted connection.
- [MFC: MDI singleton doc/view application](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/mfc-mdi-singleton-docview-application/index.md): Implement a singleton document/view window in an MFC MDI application by activating the existing view instead of opening duplicate windows.
- [Using the rpm command – part 1](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/using-the-rpm-command-part1/index.md): Learn to install, upgrade, remove, and query RPM packages, with openSUSE examples for package details, file lists, and file ownership.
- [How to remove GNOME from openSUSE](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/how-to-remove-gnome-opensuse/index.md): Remove GNOME-related packages from openSUSE with a shell command that combines zypper, rpm, and grep.
- [Set KDM’s font DPI on openSUSE](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/force-kdm-fonts-dpi-opensuse/index.md): Fix oversized fonts on the KDM login screen in openSUSE by setting a custom DPI through DISPLAYMANAGER_KDM_LOCALARGS.
- [TwinView, openSUSE, and the NVIDIA driver](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/twinview-opensuse-and-the-nvidia-driver/index.md): Configure a monitor and TV with NVIDIA TwinView on openSUSE 11.4 and save the display settings permanently in the X server configuration.
- [When you say you support GNU/Linux, support it in all of its shapes and forms](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/when-you-say-you-support-gnulinux-support-it-in-all-of-its-shapes-and-forms/index.md): Frustrations with NComputing’s Ubuntu-only GNU/Linux support, an unsuccessful openSUSE setup, and the case for open source thin clients.
- [Heroes III on GNU/Linux](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/heroes-iii-on-gnulinux/index.md): Install and patch Loki’s native Heroes of Might and Magic III on GNU/Linux, with 64-bit installer workarounds and custom map setup.
- [Texas Instruments 5-in-1 Multimedia Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD) and openSUSE 11.4](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/texas-instruments-5-in-1-multimedia-card-reader-sdmmcmsms-proxd-and-opensuse-11-4/index.md): Enable the Texas Instruments 5-in-1 card reader on openSUSE 11.4 with a setpci workaround and apply it automatically at startup.
- [Update system time using NTP and NetworkManager (Gentoo)](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/update-system-time-using-ntp-and-networkmanager-gentoo/index.md): Automatically synchronize Gentoo’s system clock with NTP when a network connection comes up using a NetworkManager dispatcher script.
- [Using OpenSSL with Apache Tomcat 6](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/using-openssl-with-apache-tomcat-6/index.md): Configure HTTPS in Apache Tomcat 6 using OpenSSL and Tomcat Native, with an APR connector, PEM certificates, and certificate chains.
- [Gentoo GNU/Linux on Acer Extensa 5620Z](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/gentoo-gnulinux-on-acer-extensa-5620z/index.md): A guide to Gentoo GNU/Linux on the Acer Extensa 5620Z, covering kernel configuration, Xorg, touchpad setup, and power management.
- [Command Prompt Here](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/command-prompt-here/index.md): Add a Command Prompt entry to the Windows XP folder context menu using Folder Options, so you can open a terminal in any selected folder.
- [Adding custom resources to the Visual Studio 2003 “Add Resource” dialog box](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/adding-custom-resources-in-visual-studio-2003-add-resource-dialog-box/index.md): Add reusable dialogs and images to Visual Studio .NET 2003’s Add Resource dialog by copying them into the mfc.rct resource template file.
- [Using an alternate IP configuration in Windows XP](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/usefull-feature-in-windows-xp-sp2/index.md): Configure Windows XP to use DHCP with a static IP fallback, making it easier to move a laptop between home and work networks.
- [Moving Visual Studio .NET 2003 settings to another PC](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/moving-visual-studio-net-2003-settings-to-another-pc/index.md): Move Visual Studio .NET 2003 settings to another PC, including registry preferences, configuration files, and Visual C++ search paths.
- [The 404 poem](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/the-404-poem/index.md): A humorous poem found on a 404 error page, told from a web server's point of view with a nod to Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven.
- [Fix: Can’t type Cyrillic characters in Internet Explorer web forms](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/fix-you-cant-type-cyrillic-characters-in-web-forms-using-internet-explorer/index.md): Fix Cyrillic typing problems in Internet Explorer 6 web forms by disabling conflicting add-ons such as BitComet Helper and Google Toolbar.
- [Laws of Computer Programming](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/laws-of-computer-programming/index.md): A collection of humorous programming laws about obsolete software, endless bugs, documentation, maintenance, and late projects.
- [Restoring deleted files when you have emptied the Recycle Bin](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/restoring-deleted-files-when-you-have-emptied-the-recycle-bin/index.md): Recover deleted files after emptying the Windows XP Recycle Bin using Brian Kato’s Restoration utility for FAT32 and NTFS drives.
- [iTouch-Control plugin for Audacious](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/itouch-control-plugin/index.md): Control Audacious playback, skip tracks, and adjust volume with your keyboard’s multimedia keys using the iTouch-Control plugin.
- [How to play StarCraft over the internet without Battle.net](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/how-to-make-a-network-game-of-starcraft-without-battle-net/index.md): Play StarCraft and Brood War over the internet without Battle.net using Battle.LAN, with firewall configuration and multiplayer setup.
- [iPod nano and GNU/Linux](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/ipod-nano-and-gnulinux/index.md): Using a 1 GB iPod nano with Gentoo GNU/Linux, from automatic USB mounting to managing its music library with gtkpod.
- [Тотем със субтитри на кирилица](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BC-%D1%81%D1%8A%D1%81-%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B1%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0/index.md): Как да настроим енкодинга CP1251 и размера на субтитрите в Totem Movie Player за правилно показване на кирилица.
- [Синхронизация на лаптоп с настолна машина и обратно](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%85%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BF-%D1%81-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B0/index.md): Синхронизиране на файлове и директории между лаптоп и настолен компютър под GNU/Linux с rsync, SSH и кратък Bash скрипт.
- [ASUS WL-107g](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/asus-wl-107g/index.md): Set up the ASUS WL-107g PCMCIA wireless card on Gentoo GNU/Linux with open source drivers, kernel configuration, and wireless tools.
- [Access ext2 and ext3 partitions from Windows](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/access-ext2-and-ext3-partitions-from-window/index.md): Browse Linux ext2 and ext3 partitions from Windows and export files using Explore2fs, a free utility with an Explorer-style interface.
- [Play .wmv and .rm files with Totem](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/play-wmv-and-rm-files-with-totem/index.md): Enable WMV and RealMedia playback in Totem on Debian and Gentoo GNU/Linux by installing the required codecs.
- [Червената Шапчица](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/chervenata_shapcica/index.md): Хумористична компютърна версия на „Червената Шапчица“ с Red Hat Linux, IRC, файъруоли, Големия лош вълк и дуумър с BFG.
- [Ефективност и използваемост за потребителите](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%B8-%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5/index.md): Размисли за ефективния код, удобния графичен интерфейс и ролята на потребителите в отворения модел на разработка на софтуер.
- [TIP: How to solve the KDevelop automake problem?](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/tiphow-to-solve-kdevelop-automake-problem/index.md): Fix KDevelop’s compatibility issue with Automake 1.9.1 on Slackware by installing Automake 1.6 alongside the existing version.
- [Как да си настроим часовника под GNU/Linux?](https://paskov.vmsoft-bg.com/%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BA-%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D1%81%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B8%D0%BC-%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B4-gnulinux/index.md): Как да настроим часовата зона, системния и хардуерния часовник в GNU/Linux с /etc/localtime, date и hwclock.