Joe's Bunker

After about a month of testing out different Linux distributions, I’ve decided to use Mint as my OS for my home PC. I’ve given up Windows entirely, and now have a machine that uses Mint as the primary OS, with Ubuntu 9.10 as a secondary OS. I tried all the flavors of Ubuntu, including EEEBuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, etc. I liked them all for different reasons. I also tried several other Linux distributions, with varying degrees of success and likes/dislikes.

Then, I found Mint, and after a VERY easy install and setup, finding a huge wealth of support and info from the Mint Community, and all the tools for both personal computing and small business that I could want or need, I was sold. After a little time learning the ropes, I had Compiz Fusion up and it was awesome.

I’ve spent the better part of a month testing, working with, playing with, and generally just trying to learn all I can about Mint. I have to say I’m impressed. As a non-expert, basic computer user, I found Mint to provide everything I needed in an operating system and then some. I have had no issues of any significance; no crashes, no lag, no problems at all.

Installing software is also a breeze using the built in software manger, the package manger, and apt. It took me about 15 minutes to read the forums and find out how to install software and personalize my OS for me.

The total cost to me for this fantastic new operating system? $0.00. That’s right, it costs you nothing to download, install and use on your PC. You can even set it up to dual boot so you can keep windows on your machine and run Mint at the same time. I’m no expert by any means, but I know that I like what I’ve found in Linux Mint.

After submitting a bunch of new resumes today, I began to feel a little stir crazy, and wanted to get out of the house for a bit. I decided to do a little geocaching, and to check on my own geocache while I was out. I had been wanting to test the BlackStar Navigation app I had installed on my Blackberry Bold anyway, so this was a good chance to do just that.

So, after checking to make sure that my cache was in good shape and well stocked, I opened the BlackStar app on my blackberry. Within a couple of seconds, it located several satellites, and had my location locked in. Now, I simply opened the menu and scrolled down to “Geocaching.com Closest Caches”.  I was immediately directed to the geocaching.com site, where I was greeted with a list of nearby geocaches. Amazing!!

The nearest one to my current location was closer to town. I clicked on Download LOC Waypoint File and saved the .LOC file to my media card.

I then go back to the Blackstar app and pull up the menu again. This time, I click “New Waypoint”, then open the menu and click “Import GPX/LOC File” Then I just navigate to where I saved the .LOC file from Geocaching.com and the file is added. I follow the direction and open menu and select “Close” to be taken to a list of saved waypoints. I highlight the new waypoint and click “Set As Destination”.

And, I’m on my way. I drive to the general area of the cache, which happened to be a local park. Once there, I get out and begin to search, using the BlackStar app to guide me. It worked flawlessly. It was very accurate, and took me straight to my target. After a few minutes of searching, I located my geocache and was on my way.

BlackStar also integrates with Google Maps and Blackberry Maps, has the ability to save waypoints and tracks, and tons of other features, all for free. If you love to geocache, or if you’ve never been geocaching but want to try; and you have a blackberry, this is the app for you. It is easy to learn, has tons of support, including a forum, and it’s free.

This is truly paperless geocaching. You need only take your blackberry and a pen/pencil to sign the log. Have fun!!