I’ve just had a problem with Kubuntu where the start menu didn’t appear. So it was not possible to launch applications, or pretty much do anything. For anyone that has a similar problem this is how I fixed it. First identify the problem. To be able to do some diagnosis you need a shell. To […]

I’ve recently published a book Beginning Game Programming with Pygame Zero. To accompany the book I’ve created some videos showing some of the games that you can create and some of the techniques that have been covered in the book. I’ve also created some other videos and tutorials that are not directly related to the […]

This is my second professionally published book, published by Apress. Beginning Game Programming with Pygame Zero. The is a fun way to learn computer programming by creating computer games. This is designed as a book to give you all the skills you need to start programming your own games, from designing the game, creating the […]

A few years ago I backed a Kickstarter project for the original NexDock for use with the Raspberry Pi. Last year they created an updated version called the NexDock 2. A new improved version. You can see my NexDock 2 unboxing and review video here, or read on for more information. What is a NexDock? […]

Pygame Zero is an easy way to get started in game programming. It used Python Pygame, but makes getting started easier by reducing the amount of code required. I’ve previously created a tutorial getting started with Pygame Zero programming. One feature that is missing from Pygame Zero is support for joysticks or gamepads. It is […]

I have had a 3D printer for about two and half years now and I’m still learning. One of the biggest problems I have had is problems with getting the first layer to stick to the print bed. This is a common problem, but not one that I’ve been able to find a simple solution. […]

In the past I have run a Code Club in a mainstream first / primary school. This involved going into the school at the end of the normal school day and spending 45 minutes to an hour working on Scratch projects. This is something that I really enjoyed, watching children taking their first steps in […]

I’ve recently bought myself a new computer. It’s a high spec laptop, a Dell Inspiron 5580 (Inspiron 5000 series), with Intel i7 processor, SSD and 1TB hard disk, and a Nvidia graphics card. The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows but I really intend to use it running Linux. I don’t want to remove Windows completely […]

I have recently been upgrading some of my home automation. I already use Energenie Pi-Mote to control some electrical power sockets, I’ve now replaced some of my light switches with Sengled home automation light bulbs. Initially I’ve been using my Pi-power software running on a Raspberry Touch Screen and some timed actions to automatically turn […]

I have created some DIY home automation in the past. This was based around using remote control of mains electrical sockets (Home automation – controlling Energenie power sockets using a Raspberry Pi) but I also used a home automation light on one of my home lights. Since then the number of commercial home automation devices […]