How to Install Windows 11 on a Dell Optiplex 990 (and perhaps other older hardware)

To perform a clean install

  1. Configure the BIOS
    • Set boot mode to UEFI
    • Set SATA configuration to AHCI
    • Enable Secure Boot/TPM
  2. Prepare a USB drive
    • Use Ventoy to create a USB drive
    • Copy the win11 ISO to the data partition of the drive
  3. Wipe the drive during the install process
    • Boot from the USB
    • When you see the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt
    • Then type the following commands,
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How to properly join threaded metal plumbing fittings

For a while I struggled with ensuring that a joint between two metal plumbing fittings did not leak. On my most recent project that required multiple threaded fittings I took some time, did my research, and finally sorted out the details.

There are four things to do that will ensure a water tight joint:

  1. Join like metals together: Use the same, or similar, metal types for both male and female fittings. If you have copper pipe, use a copper or
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How to calibrate a Whirlpool WTW4816FW3, or similar, washing machine

There are many similar models of both Whirlpool, Amana, and Maytag washers to which this process applies. One of the first things to do with these machines if they are acting a bit wonky is to re-calibrate them.

The process is a bit esoteric and after finding a video of it online I wanted to write it down for future reference. In the following directions when it says “turn it R”, it means to turn the center control knob one → Continue reading “How to calibrate a Whirlpool WTW4816FW3, or similar, washing machine”

Mount External, Encrypted, LMV drives

First decrypt the drive. When I plugged it in GNOME displayed a dialog and asked for the key. I’m guessing that cryptsetup luksOpen /dev/device device_crypt would work as well.

Run lvdisplay to get the LV Path for the logical volume that you want to mount.

Then, activate the volumes , there is a way to activate a specific one volume, but the following activates them all.

vgchange -ay

Then mount it

mount <lv-path/mnt

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PDF Commands Cheat Sheet

Following are a number of common PDF processing commands on a Linux box

Convert a series of images to a PDF

convert image-1 image-2 ... images.pdf

convert-im6.q16: attempt to perform an operation not allowed by the security policy `PDF’ @ error/constitute.c/IsCoderAuthorized/426.

ImageMagick, specifically version 6 (im6), is preventing the conversion of PDF files due to a security policy. To address this

  1. As root, edit /etc/ImageMagick-6/policy.xml
  2. Search for the line <policy domain="coder" rights="none" pattern="PDF" /
  3. Update rights="none" to rights="read|write"
  4. Save
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DID Motorcycle Chain Rivet Flare Specifications

I have decided to exclusively use DID chains where they make an applicable part. I have found that they last the longest and are not too much more expensive than competing products. I have also exclusively been using rivet master links as they are much more reliable than the clip types and the tools to properly rivet them are trivial to acquire.

Each time I replace a chain I have to go searching for the rivet flare dimensions, so I → Continue reading “DID Motorcycle Chain Rivet Flare Specifications”

Prepping a Motorcycle for Long-Term Storage

The best thing for a motorcycle is to ride it regularly. However, if you are not going to ride your motorcycle for two years or more the best thing for it is to mothball it properly so that it will not suffer long-term damage in storage.

Wash, polish, and wax

Give the motorcycle a really good bath. First rinse it and then wash all of the painted surfaces with soap and water. Then rinse and go back and use mineral → Continue reading “Prepping a Motorcycle for Long-Term Storage”

Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

Ingredients

  • 12 – 20 pound turkey
  • 1 large yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 orange, quartered
  • 1 apple, quartered. It doesn’t matter what kind as it is going to cook inside the turkey and you will not eat it
  • 3/4 oz fresh rosemary
  • 3/4 oz fresh sage
  • 3/4 oz fresh thyme

Herb Butter

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 6 – 8 cloves of garlic, minced
  • herbs

Directions

  1. If the turkey is frozen, thaw it
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