Michael L. Belanger

Category: Programming

  • Linux Mint on a Sony Vaio Laptop

    Linux Mint on a Sony Vaio Laptop

    Linux Mint Logo

    I’ve just finished installing Linux Mint on a mostly ignored Sony Vaio laptop. This machine came with one of the first distributions of Windows Vista (and with only a gig of memory, shared with the video card) so it was dog slow.

    As I’m starting to develop training materials for the Raspberry Pi I figured it was time to beef up my Linux skills and the Linux Mint install is a good starting point*.

    Installation is a breeze assuming you are totally overwriting the Vista install (highly recommended)! The distro disc is also a live DVD so you can boot and run a Linux Mint OS directly from the DVD to try things out with your hardware before you make things permanent. So far I’m very pleased. Running Mint the Vaio is easily 3 times faster

    * – once I started using the linux shell to navigate directories, list files, etc I realized I haven’t really used a Unix system since 1988 or so in college. That pre-dates Linux by about 3 years. lol.

  • Raspberry Pi No Waiting…

    Raspberry Pi No Waiting…


    Well, okay, some waiting. I just placed my order for a Raspberry Pi single-board Linux computer (street price about $35). In theory it will be here in about 30 days. Much better than the 4-month lead times from when they first came out.

    I’ll be using it to port my Intro to Arduino and Electroics class into an Intro to Raspberry Pi and Electronics class. Yep, gonna start working on that just as soon as it arrives… in September…

    In the mean time I need to brush up my Linux skills…

    For more information on the amazing Raspberry Pi click HERE

  • Arduino Programming Notebook

    Here’s the link to the Arduino Programming Notebook free PDF download, written by Brian W. Evans. It’s a handy reference to the Arduino programming language and even includes a few simple circuits with matching code in the back. You can also order a printed version for about $5.

  • Intro to Arduino Class (round 3)

    Intro to Arduino Class (round 3)

    Introduction to Arduino Class Round 3
    Round 3 of the Intro To Arduino Class for L.A. Robotics Club

    Last week’s class had such a turn-out that we had to split off a another session this weekend for 40 more students. It’s fantastic to see so many people interested in Arduino and microcontrollers / robotics in general. Teaching these back-to-back definitely helped me refine my presentation as well.

    Here’s more student feedback:

    I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and the level of professionalism in which it was presented. I appreciated the pace of the class, the constant check for any questions and/or extra needed help (and immediate help was offered). Thank you all who helped make this possible. I very much look forward to the next class with the L.A. Robotics Club. Again, thank you!
    – Brian J.

    Great little introductory class. I was quite surprised at the turnout!
    – Guy

    I really enjoyed the class. I look forward to an intermediate and advanced class.
    – Julie

    Sorry that I was late, but the information and the pace of the instructor was spot on.
    – Michael C.

    Awesome class, As an intro class I especially liked how no one was left behind. If some one was stuck, Michael made an effort to get the person up to speed. My friends and I are will defiantly attend the next arduino class. Thanks to Michael, Annika, Tim and the rest of the group.
    – Alexis A.

    That was awesome. Thanks……!
    – Brant L.

  • Intro to Arduino Class (round 2)

    Intro to Arduino Class (round 2)

    Arduino microcontroller with a laptop computer
    An Arduino microcontroller and it’s best friend

    40 more students learning Arduino for the first time. This was my second time teaching the materials that will eventually be the YouTube tutorial videos. This one went really well and the new meeting space at Black Design Associates is awesome! Special thanks to Annika O’Brien, founder of the L.A. Robotics Club.

    Here is some student feedback:

    This was exactly the right level and pace for an intro Arduino class. I really enjoyed it and everybody was ready to learn.
    – Barry B.

    Wow! What a great class. Michael is a fabulous instructor. Thank you Annika and Michael 🙂 Looking forward to learning more with you.
    – Staci T.

    Fantastic class. Clear, concise, well thought out. Thanks! Can’t wait to continue.
    – Mosa K.

    Except for a few times when it was too noisy to hear anything, it was the best ever. There was a lot of reasons why, not just do it this way.
    – Tim L.

    I learned a ton!
    – Andy E.