pCreate

Activating PHP on OS X 10.5 ‘Leopard’

Phil — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 06:42:42 +0000

I’ve finally gotten around to updating to OS X 10.5, and consequently lost my PHP setup for Apache. I want to use the fantastic Entropy package from Marc Liyanage instead of the standard package install (as I had done previously). There are a couple of extra steps that need to be taken to make it play nice on 10.5, though (installation fails if you try to install it using the instructions on Marc’s website)…

Before you run the package installer, run the following command (using Terminal or such like):

sudo ln -s /etc/apache2 /etc/httpd

There is a much more convoluted way of editing the installation files (which I will happily provide to anyone that isn’t happy using a symlink - drop me a line).

Also, you’ll need to manually activate the PHP5 module in Apache (something that I’m sure was done automagically by the Entropy installer in previous versions of OS X). Go to the command line and find your httpd.conf file:

locate httpd.conf

It should be somewhere in the apache2 folder. Once you the file, edit it using your favourite command-line editor (I personally use the command-line extension of TextMate for ease). Uncomment the following line (remove the hash symbol):

#LoadModule php5_module libexec/apache2/libphp5.so

You will also need to add to the DirectoryIndex portion of the file to enable the use of index.php files:

DirectoryIndex index.html

Add index.htm index.php after index.html and you’re laughing. Save the file, restart Apache (either through the ‘Sharing’ panel in System Preferences or through the command line). Et voila!

Rollin’ on 10.5’s

Phil — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:51:31 +0000

Well, it’s taken long enough but I’ve finally updated my old faithful Mac Mini to OS X 10.5 ‘Tabby Cat’. My main reason for finally taking the plunge (despite the fact that it has TOTALLY screwed my sweet Apache/PHP setup) is so I can take a closer look at this new fangled iPhone SDK. I’ve already spent me money on Amazon for the relevant texts, so watch this space for the next mobile application revelation :-).

Peace out, Rabbit!

TYPICAL! In true Apple style, as soon as I adopt the technology, the next new thing is already on the horizon!

Portfolio now online

Phil — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:07:51 +0000

I finally decided to start archiving all of my work (that I’m proud of) from the past 4-5 years, partly to remind myself of the journey I’ve taken to get to this point in my life/career, but also to showcase the wide range of work that I am capable of producing (if for no other reason than to add to the great ’should designers code, and programmers design?’ debate). Hopefully there is a clear progression and steady improvement apparent in my work since my first Flash-based website back in early 2004 (I do have work that goes back earlier than that, but I’m yet to dig it out).

Anyway, pop on over to www.pcreate.co.uk/portfolio and take a look at what I’m capable of. I’m still steadily adding work, so check back regularly. I’ll also be adding more images to each piece, plus descriptions and possibly full case studies. Where some websites are no longer live, I’ve attempted to replicate them fully on my own server, but in some cases certain functionality might be lacking (the property booking system on VH48, for one).

Enjoy!

Apple are cheeky bastards - the reprise

Phil — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:43:16 +0000

Okay, so I’ve already ranted about the fact that Apple charged me for the original software update for my iPod Touch to enable email and wot-not, so at least I was prepared to have to part with a bit of cash for the new Software Update 2.0 for iPhone to enable installation of the new onboard apps. And this time it only cost me £5.99, so that’s not too bad

So far I’ve downloaded 6 or 7 applications (mostly free) and for the most part I’m impressed. The real revelation, as far as I’m concerned, is the Remote app from Apple, which allows you to control iTunes (via WiFi) from your iPod - basically turning it into a touch screen remote control. At home I have my Mac Mini hooked up to my speakers, and by using Remote I no longer need to have my monitor switched on to use iTunes. Sweet!

I’ve also installed the usual plethora of social networking apps - Facebook, Twitter and WordPress (watch out for posts on-the-fly from now on!), as well as purchasing the obligatory Super Monkey Ball, and am looking forward to seeing where this new era in mobile computing (cos that’s what it is now) will take us. In my mind, by opening up the SDK for the iPhone, Apple are going to make an impact on the world of mobile consumer electronics that’s every bit as big as when they released the first iPod (if not greater).

So I take it back - Apple aren’t cheeky bastards, and I loves them.

Love to your mothers.

UPDATE: I’ve got my grubby little hands on the iPhone SDK, and I’ve got a few ideas for some useful apps, so watch out for my own contribution to the App Store!

The Dark Side of Catholicism

Phil — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:23:57 +0000

From the mighty See Mike Draw…

I normally put stuff like this over on my Tumblr account, but felt that this guy’s talent was too good not to share.

Good design…

Phil — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:15:40 +0000

The Power of a Pound

Phil — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:45:01 +0000

Some time ago I did a little bit of design work for a company called PicPac over in Morley, Leeds. The main thing that struck me was the boundless enthusiasm and self-confidence of the founder/MD - a guy called Gareth Boot. Apart from the fact that he pretty much gave us carte blanche to do some interesting print and brand work for him, I really enjoyed working with him because of his strong will to make a difference in the world.

I’m not sure how successful he’s been so far, but he had the intention to set up a campaign to get a one-off donation of just £1 from colleagues/customers/people off the street so that they could send a container of food/aid over to Africa, and prove that everyone can make a difference, and that it doesn’t take much (something that I firmly believe also).

Any-hoo, pop over to http://www.pickingandpacking.co.uk/?pagename=make-a-difference to see what he has to say, and to find out a little bit more about his company.

Love to your mothers.

You need this in your life….

Phil — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:03:50 +0000

One word…

I reckon it’s gonna be bigger than SpaceBook and MyFace put together. Remember, you heard it here first!

Holla!

I’ve been tinkering

Phil — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:30:21 +0000

Following a previous post where I coveted Whitevoid’s use of the Papervision3D library for Flash, I’ve had a quick play about. The result is largely inspired by the PicLens plugin for Firefox, and is very much a first stab in the dark with Papervision.

Shoot over to http://assets.pcreate.co.uk/photospace/ for a quick gander. It’s quite clever actually - all of the images are loaded in dynamically using an external XML feed, so should provide interesting results when hooked up to Flickr or some such.

Click on the images to take a closer look at them. Use the icons in the top left corner of the screen to do interesting stuff with the images (and reset them), and bask in full-screen glory using the button at bottom right.

I’ll have a bash at improving it later, when I get a spare bit of time.

Peace out. Love to your mothers.

Problems with themes in WordPress 2.5

Phil — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:29:41 +0000

I have created yet another theme for this site, and at the same time I decided to upgrade my installation to 2.5. Everything went perfectly smoothly, except that WordPress would keep reverting back to the default Kubrick theme after I had left the site.

Anyway, I’m sure there’s a much better work around, but all I did was copy my new theme folder and rename it ‘default’ (after backing up the Kubrick theme, of course). It seems to work (hopefully you can see my new black/grey/green theme right now!).

I’m sure that this bug will be sorted shortly, but just in case anyone else is having the same problems and need a short-term fix.