Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Best Uses For An Old Apple Watch:

Best Uses For An Old Apple Watch:  
"... selling or trading in your old Apple Watch will be a no-brainer. (And you should manage to get at least something for it, as Apple products tend to hold second-hand value better than competing gadgets.)"

*  One of the best uses for your old Watch is to keep it around as a dedicated sleep tracker
*  Save it for swimming or dirty work
* Dedicated music player - loading its internal storage with albums and playlists gives you a modern equivalent of Apple's iPod
* Get an Apple Watch adapter that transforms your old model into a pocket watch:
     https://www.amazon.com/HiPai-Necklace-Compatible-Connector-Stainless/dp/B08GQC6B6G
     https://www.amazon.com/ZSJSRP-Compatible-Suitable-Fitness-Travel-Compatible/dp/B0CBYKRK53/ref=sr_1_3
     https://www.amazon.com/yothchose-Compatible-Keychain-Carabiner-Silicone/dp/B0BVTBW2BY/ref=sr_1_1
     https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Carabiner-Military-Tactical-Breathable/dp/B0CD5RNHBF/ref=sr_1_6
     https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Mount-Compatible-Apple-Watch/dp/B09CVZKBVV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa
*  Wearing a watch on your arm or leg
     https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-South-ActionSleeve-Protective-Activities/dp/B09RYSBX4J
     https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY8G4Y74/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1
     https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8H18XGX/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1
*  Pass it on to someone else ...
*  Leave it on its charger as a tiny desk clock
*  For Apple TV, repurpose your old Apple Watch as a remote for Apple's streaming set-top box
*  If you have a smart home, you can use your Apple Watch to control different things without using your iPhone
*  Stash it away as a backup
*  Trade-in, sell, recycle, or donate (Apple and Best Buy both let you trade in your old device to save a bit):
  Before selling or trading your old Apple Watch, be sure to unpair and factory-reset it for a new owner:
  •       Open the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  •       Go to the My Watches section at the top.
  •       Tap All Watches.
  •       Tap the info button (an "i" inside a circle).
  •       Choose Unpair Apple Watch.
  •       If it's a cellular model, remove your cellular plan when it asks during the unpairing process.
More ideas (scroll down): https://www.simplymac.com/apple-watch/repurposing-your-old-apple-watch
      https://www.idropnews.com/gallery/10-things-you-can-do-with-an-old-apple-watch/236206/13/
      https://www.cnet.com/pictures/extend-the-utility-of-your-old-apple-watch/
      https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/what-to-do-with-old-apple-watch


Saturday, April 26, 2025

Intel Processor N95 description

"... an entry-level mobile CPU for thin and light laptops from the Alder Lake-N series. It was announced in early 2023"
"The average N95 in our database is in the same league as the Pentium 7505 and the Core i3-1115G4, as far as multi-thread benchmark scores are concerned. That's not a great result, to put it mildly."
"The integrated graphics adapter is based on the Xe-architecture and offers only 16 of the 32 EUs (Execution Units) operating at only 1200 MHz. Due to the single channel memory, low clock speeds, and low shader count, the gaming performance of the iGPU is very limited."
"The N95 has a base power consumption of 12 W (compared to the 6 W of the N100) and is therefore well suited for thin and light systems."

"Earlier this year it transpired that in 2023, Intel intends to cease using its Celeron and Pentium brands for entry-level notebook CPUs."
"Since the Intel N95 is an entry-level product with only four efficient cores and rather low frequencies, it was certainly not designed to offer breakthrough performance. ... Yet, it stacks up very well against Intel's existing Celeron 7305 CPU with one high-performance and four energy-efficient cores that operate at 1.10 GHz. "

" ... both the Intel Processor N95 and Intel Processor N100 were released in the first quarter of 2023 and are based on the Alder Lake N architecture.
...
The two processors each have 4 processor cores that do not support hyperthreading, but the clock frequency is slightly different. The Intel Processor N95 has a slightly higher base clock frequency of 2.00 gigahertz; this is slightly lower for the Intel Processor N100 at 1.80 gigahertz. The maximum turbo clock frequency is identical at 3.40 gigahertz, but the Intel Processor N95 still reaches 3.20 gigahertz when all cores are utilized, whereas the Intel Processor N100 is already at 3.00 gigahertz."
" The biggest difference can be found in the power consumption: The Intel Processor N95 has a fixed TDP of 15W, while the Intel Processor N100 has 2 power limits, the first is 6W and the second is 25 watts."

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Mossberg 990 Aftershock review

The 990 is a semi-auto Shockwave available in 12 Gauge:
" This "other firearm" takes what makes the Mossberg 590 Shockwave cool, but with the fast-action shooting of a semi-auto shotgun. ... meaning you can rock through six rounds of 12-gauge mayhem that much quicker."

Monday, April 21, 2025

DOSBox Emulator

DOSBox is a free open-source emulator which runs software for MS-DOS compatible disk operating systems - it can be used to run older BASIC versions on modern Windows & Linux systems.

Basic Setup and Installation of DosBox:

More recently update:  https://dosbox-x.com/
"Unlike DOSBox's original focus on DOS games, DOSBox-X gives more focus on general DOS emulation, with the eventual goal of being a complete DOS emulation package that covers all pre-2000 DOS and Windows 9x based system scenarios, including all types and manners of hardware that were made for DOS PCs of that time."

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Dietary Supplements That Can Interact With Your Diabetes Medications

Watch your blood glucose more closely to verify the effect of these supplements.

1. Niacin - is found in many foods, such as beef, chicken, and marinara sauce. It's available as both a prescription medication and supplement to help lower cholesterol. But niacin and diabetes may not be the best mix.
Some studies have found that high doses of niacin (1,500 mg per day or more) can raise your blood glucose.

The dose of niacin in a multivitamin is unlikely to lead to a noticeable change in your blood glucose levels.

2. St. John's wort - an herbal product that's marketed to help improve mood.  It's notorious for interacting with medications. In most cases, it makes them leave your body too quickly, lowering medication effectiveness. But St. John's wort can amplify the effects of some medications, too.
There haven't been many studies that look into how St. John's wort affects diabetes medications. But it may make sulfonylureas like glipizide, thiazolidinediones like Actos (pioglitazone), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors like Januvia (sitagliptin) less effective.
Another study found that St. John's wort can raise the level of metformin in your body. This can lower your blood glucose by raising the amount of insulin released by your body.

3. Ginseng - a plant that's been used for thousands of years in medicine.
Newer research also suggests that ginseng may lower fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C in people with Type 2 diabetes. It's thought that ginseng does this by telling your body to make more insulin and remove glucose from the blood.
If you start taking ginseng with diabetes medications, you may want to watch your blood glucose more closely.
Good to know: Many types of ginseng are available, the most popular ones being Asian and American ginseng. They might not all have the same effect on blood glucose.

4. Aloe vera - a plant that's well-known for relieving the symptoms of conditions like sunburn. But aloe vera also comes in oral forms...
Topical aloe vera isn't a concern for diabetes interactions, but oral aloe vera may impact your blood glucose. Some studies found that it might lower fasting blood glucose in people with prediabetes. It may also lower A1C for people who already have diabetes.

5. Ginkgo biloba - One study found that ginkgo biloba can raise blood glucose levels in people who take oral diabetes medications. It's not exactly clear why this happens, but researchers think it causes your liver to break down insulin faster. To be safe, keep an eye out for high blood glucose symptoms and monitor your blood glucose more frequently after starting ginkgo biloba.
On the other hand, some interactions may be positive. Another study looked at taking ginkgo biloba with metformin. It found that ginkgo biloba helped improve blood glucose for people who didn't see much improvement from metformin alone.

6. Ginger - has been used for thousands of years to flavor food, but people also use it to treat certain ailments, such as nausea and menstrual cramps.
It's not fully clear if ginger interacts with diabetes medications, but some studies suggest that it can lower both your blood glucose and A1C. Other studies show it doesn't affect fasting blood glucose, but it can lower your A1C.

7. Vitamin E - an essential vitamin that is found in a variety of foods, such as nuts, broccoli, and tomatoes. Vitamin E may help improve heart, eye, and brain health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
High doses may increase your risk for certain problems, including stroke and prostate cancer. On the other hand, some studies say that vitamin E is helpful for people living with diabetes. It may help lower fasting blood glucose levels in the short term.

8. Chromium - a mineral that's found naturally in many foods, such as fruit juice, certain meats, and lettuce. It may play a role in helping the body break down food for energy.
Chromium supplements may help improve your body's response to insulin, but more research is needed. What's more, it may also lower fasting blood glucose levels for people living with diabetes.

9. Green tea extract - It's been reported to potentially support lower blood pressure, improved digestion, and kidney stone prevention. Studies suggest that green tea may also slightly lower the risk of diabetes.
As a supplement, green tea extract may improve inflammation and skin quality. What's more, it may lower A1C and fasting blood glucose levels.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Open source low-code and no-code definitions & solutions

Some open source low-code and no-code definitions & solutions -

"Low-code is a visual approach to developing software using a low-code platform. While no-code development involves zero coding, low-code accepts minor coding as part of the build process. It is this balance of abstraction and flexibility that provides the user with a fast and extensible experience."

Why low-code and no-code can be a route through recession - Businesses in need of cost and time-savings might benefit from alternative methodologies
https://www.itpro.com/software/development/369154/why-low-code-and-no-code-can-be-a-route-through-recession
"AI was a harbinger of doom for low-code solutions, but peaceful coexistence is possible – developers still love the time savings and simplicity despite the allure of popular AI coding tools"

The impact of AI coding tools on the low-code market hasn't been quite as disastrous as predicted:
https://www.itpro.com/software/development/ai-coding-tools-low-code-no-code-development
"With AI coding tools gaining significant traction in recent years, some tech leaders worried the technology spelled doom for low-code and no-code solutions – if anything it's been quite the opposite."

Best Open Source No-Code Platforms [Free & Time-Tested]:
"No-code is becoming the preferred alternative to conventional software development. Now anyone can build software from scratch, with simplicity and with zero coding requirement. "

1. Budibase - lets you host your own apps using Kubernetes, Docker and many other options. It allows connection with an external database to gather data from a Rest API. You can either import a CSV or start fully from beginning using the platform's built-in database.

2. NocoBase - Lets you build a highly scalable collaboration platform and management system in minutes using data tables and fields, layout of blocks and data tables and fields. You can get this from GitHub.

3. Baserow - helps you create online databases that can be self-hosted on Docker, Ubuntu, Cloudron and Heroku or can be hosted on SaaS on the Baserow website. This open-source platform is an alternative for Airtable

4. StackStorm - automate DevOps by simplifying complicated workflows. It acts as an extensive automation machine. It allows quick integration with current infrastructure by tying together your existing workflows and application environment.

5. Rowy - build apps through connecting databases and creating cloud functions. Through this businesses can get a UI similar to Airtable quickly. Code is in API, JS or any npm package. It's a platform for firebase and firestore.

6. Convertigo - Offers scaled deployment and a huge list of capabilities particularly suited to assist enterprises. There are two parts to this platform, one which focuses on no-code and another on low code. These are known as Convertigo No-code studio and Convertigo low code studio. And, now, the no-code studio integrates AI driven app generation as well.

7. Basetool - a platform that will help businesses take care of their data in an improved manner. It allows collaboration through this easy management of data. It lets its customers focus more on business while data is fully handled.

8. Gdevelop - A platform to create games easily and intuitively. Gdevelop has an event system that is easy to use. You can also publish your games on iOS, Steam, Android etc. These games can run everywhere and can be exported easily.

9. PocketBase - helps to create SaaS and mobile apps. Users can self-host their apps. This platform allows users to build apps specific to business use cases. PocketBase has real-time embedded database.

10. Directus - It is a headless CMS that can quickly convert every SQL database into an API and an app. The modular codebase has 100  percent Javascript through Node.js and Vue.js. It provides extensibility and fast performance.

11. Tooljet - solutions to build internal tools that are highly critical to business processes. It lets you build complicated front ends without using CSS, React and event HTML.

12. NocoDB - can be used to turn all of your databases in smart spreadsheet. It connects to new or existing SQL databases. This platform is free and apps can be self-hosted. It is a preferred alternative for Airtable

13. Motor Admin - allows users to launch tailor-made admin panels. It helps you manage data easily using a simple UI. You can also analyze your data. It helps you save your time, safeguard data and offer community support.

14. MarsX - unites AI, NoCode, Code and MicroApps. It lets you start building using no-code as long as you stay within the scope of existing micro apps. For example, you can make a simple Uber-like app without coding. But if you want to make something unique, you'll need to use Mars' coding part, which is like a more advanced tool for writing code.


The Top 12 Open-Source No-Code Tools with the Most GitHub Stars:
 
Number 1: Strapi - a headless CMS built entirely in JavaScript/TypeScript, allowing developers the freedom to manage content using their preferred tools and frameworks, and to publish content anywhere.

Number 2: AppFlowy - an alternative to Notion, designed for offline use with a focus on data privacy and customizable features, supporting a wealth of plugins and templates.

Number 3: NocoDB - an alternative to Airtable, capable of transforming any database into a smart spreadsheet for powerful data management and automation.

Number 4: ToolJet - a low-code platform designed for building business applications. It can connect to databases, cloud storage, GraphQL, API endpoints, and more, utilizing a drag-and-drop app builder to create applications.

Number 5: FlowiseAI - a low-code tool specifically designed for developers to rapidly build and deploy customized large language model (LLM) applications.

Number 6: Directus - an open-source headless CMS that provides instantaneous REST and GraphQL APIs, allowing developers to manage content and data in a headless manner.

Number 7: GrapesJS - an open-source web builder framework that enables the creation of HTML templates without coding knowledge. It is designed to replace conventional WYSIWYG editors to optimize the process of creating HTML structures.

Number 8: AMIS - a low-code front-end framework that rapidly generates complex front-end interfaces through JSON configuration.

Number 9: APITable  - a powerful automation tool focused on streamlining workflows through a visual database, supporting connections with over 6,000 applications via tools like Zapier and Make.

Number 10: Mitosis - a development tool that allows developers to write component code once and then run it across multiple front-end frameworks, such as React, Vue, Angular, etc.

Number 11: NocoBase - an open-source, self-hosted, highly scalable no-code/low-code development platform that is flexible and easy to use, designed to rapidly build and extend enterprise applications through a plugin and modular approach.

Number 12: Formily - Formily is a performance-focused form library that supports React and Vue, utilizing JSON Schema for dynamic form generation.


The top 10 open source low-code platforms:  
The author deliberately chose different platforms for different use cases:
    Budibase - best open-source, low-code app builder.
    Huginn - best for process automation.
    WordPress - best for building drag-and-drop websites.
    Node-Red - best for IoT apps.
    PyCaret - best for machine learning and real-time applications.
    Manifest.Build - best for low-code backends.
    StackStorm - best for DevOps automation.
    GrapeJS - best for building HTML templates.
    Flowise - best for LLM orchestration.
    AppFlowy - best for collaboration and project management.


Build Your Next App with these Open Source Low-Code/No-Code Platforms:
https://geekflare.com/dev/open-source-low-code-platforms-for-apps/
"First things first, there is nothing such as No-code in application development. There will always be code running in the background handled by software professionals.
But with No-code software, you don't write a single line of code. A simple drag-and-drop interface and your application will be up and running.
Conclusively, this also means limited customizations. No-code platforms are aimed at non-coding tech-savvy users.
However, if you can include a few scripts to enhance the overall user experience and functionality, that would become a low-code development platform like Tooljet. So, a low-code doesn't mean code as an essential requirement; that's optional but is used to add custom flavors in any application.
So, low-code software are assistive tools aimed at coding professionals to speed up software development.
And finally, a low-code platform can function like a no-code, but the opposite isn't true."

1) ToolJet - is a low-code app development platform to build internal applications. It's compatible with numerous database management systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, Cloud Firestore, MongoDB, etc.

2) NocoDB - is a free Airtable alternative to build no-code applications with ease. This works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite, Amazon Aurora & MariaDB databases.

3) Baserow - is a web-browser-based no-code app development platform. It assists you in building a database without any detailed technical experience.

4) Frappe Framework - is a DocType low-code platform to create commercial applications without much effort.  Support for MariaDB and PostgreSQL databases allows for role-based permission for varying access levels. You can also integrate with external applications using Rest API and Webhooks.

5) Directus - is an open-source headless CMS compatible with any SQL database.  It supports data input and adaptation by REST+GraphQL API, JavaScript SDK, and Pure SQL. This also skips over the need to migrate as you can install it over the existing SQL database. However, there is always an option to start afresh.

6) Convertigo - is a low-code/no-code app development platform to build Android and iOS apps in a single instance.  Convertigo is a standalone platform that doesn't need any third-party SDK to build smartphone applications. However, you can use external SDKs for local builds.
Its low-code module has many noteworthy features like support for multiple deployment environments, SQL databases, Rest APIs, etc.
But the no-code is aimed at what Convertigo calls citizen application makers. This is limited to form builder, progressive web apps, offline deployment, etc.

7) Saltcorn - a go-to resource for building web applications without writing a single line of code.  You can use this open-source utility to create desktop and mobile-friendly web apps with relational data having flexible views, data types, and layouts.

8) Rowy - is an open-source Airtable alternative for database management.  Exclusive to Google Firestore, Rowy permits the use of any NPM package or API for added functionality.

9) Motor Admin - is an open-source no-code data management platform that focuses on the admin panel of your applications.  It helps you perform CRUD actions within a user-friendly GUI. Additionally, Motor Admin eases data analysis with custom SQL reports and charts. Besides, you can integrate specific reports in a single panel and share them with your team.

10) NocoBase - is a no-code development platform that allows full customizations without coding skills.  Like many others on this list, NocoBase also boasts granular access control. The application easily integrates forms, statistical charts, tables, calendars, etc., into blocks.
You can display the information in various ways and maintain a discrete data structure to support it. And you can use plugins should you need extra processing prowess.


20 Open-source Low-code and No-Code Platforms: 
"Low-code approach is not just about end-user apps as mobile apps, but it is also about automation, business process automation, headless API systems and building IoT systems."

1- ABP - a rapid web application development framework (RAD) for ASP.NET developers.

2- Skyve - a platform that mixes Low- and No-code application development approaches. Although aimed for citizen developers with no developer experience, it aims for enterprise users as it helps in cutting the cost.

3- Appsemble -  a low-code platform with a web-based editor with multiple data source supported out-of-the-box. Appsemble platform is ideal for citizen developers because it does not require any technical or coding knowledge.

4- nuBuilder - a RAD (Rapid Application Development) platform that mixes low- and no-code concepts.  nuBuilder helps to create web-based database event-driven apps in a matter of minutes. The result will be PHP and HTML/ JavaScript apps.

5- Budibase - helps developers and IT staff create a useful productive tool in no time.  
It supports multiple data sources and databases, comes with an IDE and data wizards which makes building apps effortless.

6- Structr - a low-code software development platform built on top of Graph technology. It features a graph builder, a visual builder, and a logic IDE. With Structr, you can enjoy building apps with top speed, but also with complex logic.
Currently, Structr supports Ubuntu and Debian Linux distros, Microsoft Windows, and Docker. Structr offers a dual license project GPL/AGPLv3.

7- JOGET - a development platform that combines low- and no-code with a dynamic rapid application development (RAD) workflow.
It is built for citizen developers and non-coder people to help them visually model their ideas then create, build and run apps without worrying about technical details.
JOGET also offers a low-code for users to build, integrate and maintain their apps by taking care of repetitive tasks.

8- formsflow.ai - a low-code platform for making a quick dynamic workflow and a customizable powerful analytics dashboards.
formsflow.ai offers a rich visual interface that helps developers build logic, design custom forms, custom workflow, configure your app security options, and automate your deployment to a public and private cloud.

9- Baserow - a unique low-code system to create and manage databases, forms, and data views.  Baserow offers built-in multiple database management, view builders, a headless system, and a developer-friendly plugin system.

11- Open Lowcode - a cross-platform, open-source rapid application development and low-code platform for the enterprise.
Open Lowcode helps create dynamic business use-cases and complex data management.
It offers many security options out of the box (OOTB), supports many data views, automatic database management, and advanced reporting.
The solution is written in Java and SQL, it runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

12- Amplication - a multi-API low-code system that allows users to generate high-quality code for different use cases. Amplication aims for front-end developers and back-end developers.  Amplication supports both REST-API and GraphQL.

14- Steedos - built for citizen developers and enterprise business developers, as it allows them to take full control of the product's life-cycle in a visual method.  With Steedos, developers have understood the data objects, metadata, and how to build the basic data structure of the app.  Steedos requires Node.js, Yarn (or npm).

15- Tymly - a low-code open-source solution released as an open-source solution by West Midlands Fire Service.  It features a unique method to build and automate apps, which is Tymly blueprints. The blueprint is a JSON-Schema approach to build app logic and design features.

16- Lowdefy - a low-code platform that helps you build quick tools with just using YAML files.  With Lowdefy, you can build interactive and dynamic UI (user-interfaces), mobile-friendly apps, dynamic data forms, and handle login and authentication with limited code.  Lowdefy has a rich library of sample codes and a developer-friendly documentation portal to ease things up for developers.
It is the ideal solution for creating a quick web app, admin panels, BI (Business Intelligence) dashboards, dynamic workflow models, and CRUD interfaces in no time.

17- Saltcorn -  a no-code/ low-code platform and app builder that allows normal users to write complex apps without writing any code.
Developers can install and self-host it on a private cloud or a local machine.  Saltcorn supports plugins and many data types, building database tables in secs, and user-interface views with just a drag and drop builder.

18- Node-RED - a low-code programming tool that uses a visual IDE to build app logic and features to ease wiring hardware devices, headless systems, and online services.  The IDE features a simple drag-and-drop with customized flow editing tools, which makes it ideal for IoT prototyping and production.  Node-RED is built on Node.js and comes with many tools and the benefits of using the Node.js ecosystem.  Node-RED can run locally, on a server, or on a device like Raspberry Pi, Android, and BeagleBone Black.

19- Corteza - a Low Code platform for building enterprise applications. It is used for enterprise digital transformation in many companies.  Corteza is battle-tested as it has been used to create CRM systems, ERP, accounting systems, and more. It features a built-in administration panel, logic automation, a messaging system, and rich development tools alongside extension-ready API.

20- Elemental - a low-code platform built on Node.js. It is shipped with API builder, and a JSON Schema to define the APIs, interface builder, and Identity provider and manager.  Elemental integrates well with external services and is a developer-friendly system without a steep learning curve.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Electric Power Steering for classic cars & trucks

In this conversion, the electric motor and other components are under the dash, just a short distance from the steering wheel.  There is a post on FB where this was done in an early Falcon.