Setting Up Jekyll on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

The evolution of web development has seen a significant shift from static HTML pages to dynamic, database-driven content. While this shift has enabled more interactive and personalized web experiences, it has also introduced challenges such as slow loading times, high bandwidth usage, and increased server load. Content management systems like WordPress, powered by PHP and MySQL, often face performance issues despite various optimization techniques like caching and preloading. The Static Site Advantage One effective solution to these performance challenges is static site generation, with Jekyll being one of the most popular tools in this space. Jekyll converts dynamic content into static HTML files, allowing for efficient caching and gzip compression. This approach can significantly improve site performance, though it’s worth noting that converting a large blog with thousands of posts to a static site might not always be the optimal solution. ...

February 22, 2014 · 3 min

Resolving the HAXM Installation Conflict with Hyper-V

When developing mobile applications for Android or Kindle devices on Windows, developers often encounter a frustrating roadblock: the inability to install Intel’s Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager (HAXM). This virtualization technology is crucial for running Android emulators at acceptable speeds, but it conflicts with another essential development tool – Microsoft’s Hyper-V. The Virtualization Conflict The root of this problem lies in how Windows handles virtualization technologies. When Hyper-V is enabled on your system, it takes exclusive control of the hardware virtualization features, preventing other virtualization solutions like HAXM from functioning. This creates a significant challenge for developers who need both Hyper-V (for Windows Store and Phone development) and HAXM (for Android and Kindle development). ...

January 9, 2014 · 3 min

Understanding and Fixing TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery) Problems in Windows

Introduction Windows’ Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) system represents a crucial advancement in system stability, particularly for graphics-intensive applications. This feature, introduced in Windows Vista and refined in subsequent versions, acts as a safety net for your computer, preventing complete system freezes when graphics-related issues occur. However, while TDR has improved overall system reliability, it can sometimes create frustrating experiences for users, especially those running demanding games or applications. What is TDR and Why Does It Matter? TDR is essentially Windows’ way of handling graphics driver failures gracefully. Instead of allowing a graphics problem to crash your entire system, TDR detects when the graphics processing unit (GPU) is taking too long to respond and initiates a recovery process. This process involves resetting the graphics driver and restoring your desktop to a usable state, all while attempting to preserve your work and prevent data loss. ...

March 14, 2012 · 5 min · Tim