Tutorial: How to create a simple HTML5 JavaScript based progress bar

Since I needed a javascript based progress bar for a Web project and I could not find a component that meets my expectations, I decided to write my own progressbar.
The project was implemented in JavaScript with help of the HTML5 canvas element. The progress bar gets along without any image files, as it is usually the case with other JS / CSS progress bar solutions. By default it can handle 100 states (0-100%) and input errors will be caught and visualized.
Since I like to share my developments I present you the progressbar of course. I’m always open for criticism, praise and suggestions.
For a demo / example click here. The source can be found over here: pbar.js
Below I will show you quickly how to use the progressbar.
At first you have to embed […]

How to use gzip on WordPress

Posted by Raffael on 01/07/2013 Posted in PHP, Tutorials, Wordpress Tagged gzip, how to activate gzip on wordpress, use wordpress with gzip, Wordpress, wordpress gzip, wordpress gzip activation

gzip So far I never worried about the page load speed of this blog. But so far I even thought WordPress would use gzip compression on it’s own. Like I said, so far. Today I realized that WordPress is not just doing exactly that.
For those who are lost in gzip, I’ll give a short explanation at first. Gzip is a compression method in order to minimize the size of a file. Today it is mostly used on Unix systems. In the website context, it is used to reduce the size of data which is transferred from the server to the user’s web browser. This not only reduces the traffic and, by implication, the overheads too, but also it brings a reduction of the website’s loading time with it.
To put it […]

How to build a low cost Bluetooth relay

Posted by Raffael on 01/05/201301/05/2013 Posted in Tutorials, Web Tips Tagged bluetooth home automation, bluetooth relay board, bluetooth relay switch, home automation, low cost bluetooth module, low cost bluetooth switch

Meanwhile there are lots of solutions for home automation in the market. However the most of them share one flaw – their price. But blessedly there is Youtube where you can find a video for each topic…
On Youtube I came across a clever tinkerer named Lou, who shows how you can build a low cost Bluetooth relay. I think this is really cool, because there are a many application areas. You could open your garage door, switch lights on and off or unlock an electric lock. To build up one of these Bluetooth relays you must not even be a technical genius, because the use of a soldering iron is sufficient. Knowledge in programming or microcontroller-technology isn’t necessary.
For the Bluetooth relay you need only one transistor and a Bluetooth headset from Samsung. (Although I think […]

Send emails in C#

Posted by Raffael on 01/04/2013 Posted in C#.Net, Tutorials Tagged C#, c# email template, c# fake mail, c# fake sender, c# mailmessage, c# mailto, c# system.net.mail html, mail, system.net.mail

Today I’ll show you how to send easily emails in C#. All that is required, comes with the System.Net.Mail namespace.
In order to be able to send email using the subsequent snippets, all you need is the address of a SMTP server and some login data for even those. (Open, i.e. anonymous STMP servers, aren’t eas to find these days.)
To obtain the address of your provider’s SMTP server you should look on the websites of your provider or glance at one of the following three lists ([1] [2] [3]).
If you have found out the server address and your credentials, we can begin.

public void sendMail(string sender, string recipient,
[…]

How to run a full-value Linux on your Android device

Posted by Raffael on 01/03/2013 Posted in News & Apps, Tutorials, Web Tips Tagged Linux on Android, Ubuntu on Android, Ubuntu on Android device, Virtual machine on Android

I know, why I love my Android smartphone. It is open, flexible and the opportunities to use it seem to be endless. In times companies don’t let me choose, what software I can use to I transfer my music onto the device (Apple – iTunes), I, as an Android user, can ask myself the question: “Should I install the new Cyanogen Mod or straigt way a full-value Linux distribution on my device today? “.
Yes, you heard correctly, a full Linux distribution on your Android device. Ruan from Androidclone managed it and shares his knowledge gladly with all Android fans. At Androidclone board you can find a detailed tutorial, how to run Ubuntu 10.10 on your Android device.
It can be used […]