Mysql 5.1 downgrade to Mysql 5.0 on Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex

Hi couldn't understand why apt-get would always give the following error when trying to downgrade mysql on ubuntu:

Unpacking mysql-server-5.0 (from .../mysql-server-5.0_5.0.51a-3ubuntu5.4_amd64.deb) ...
Aborting downgrade from (at least) 5.1 to 5.0.
dpkg: error processing /var/cache/apt/archives/mysql-server-5.0_5.0.51a-3ubuntu5.4_amd64.deb (--unpack):
 subprocess pre-installation script returned error exit status 1
Errors were encountered while processing:
 /var/cache/apt/archives/mysql-server-5.0_5.0.51a-3ubuntu5.4_amd64.deb
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)

Finally figured it out. For downgrading, you must delete /var/lib/mysql directory.

After deleting that directory, I ran the following command, and had mysql setup and ready to go:

sudo apt-get -f install

Home Theater setup - HDMI

I have a Sony STR-K7100 HDMI Pass Through system. When I got a laptop with integrated HDMI, I was confident I could get a digitally tuned home theater setup. What I wanted to do, ofcourse, was play netflix movies on my computer, and route them to my projector through the Sony receiver.
This way, I will be able to get digital quality sound through my receiver, and digital quality picture on my projector!

Unfortunately, HDMI pass through means your receiver does NOT read the data passing through it, and only switches two HDMI input ports to one HDMI output port. Quite a waste I think.
So bottomline, I am using a 3.5mm jack to listen to music right now.

Blue Proton Micro Card Reader Review

I accidentally bought a micro MemoryStick card for my Sony DSC-H3. While there was a mini card adapter for the micro, which let it fit fine in the camera, but Laptop SD Card readers declined to accept the adapter.

Looking for the best way a laptop can read a micro card, I found the 'Blue Proton' Micro Card Reader at Amazon.

This thing costs less than $20 with a 4GB Micro memory card included. You can buy it individually for about $6 too.

Here's a closer look at the BlueProton.

Open the BlueProton, and you'll notice, it first looks like a regular USB Memory Stick, and if you pop open the hood, you'll notice it can take Micro SD, MMC Micro, and Micro Memory Stick (M2) cards.

Build Quality:

Unfortunately, build quality of this memory stick is sub-par. It is clunky, and looks cheap. But, once you get over that, you'll find it's able to do its job just fine. I do wish it wasn't so plasticy.


Setup:

Using the memory reader is a breeze. Pop it into the USB memory reader (I used XP and Vista 64 machines to test), and it immediately is recognized and shows up two drives.

Performance:

Given the USB 2.0 specification, it is not surprising that this device gives you great read/write speeds. Upload/download photos like it was an attached hard disk.

Final Take:

If you want a micro card reader, that's easy to take along, and has good performance, this is it. If you want something that looks and feels good too, then the blueproton is not up to the challenge.