Today I tried logging into weightwatchers.com to track my points for today.

After a brand-spanking new install of Kubuntu on my 64-bit computer, I tried accessing the site in KDE’s default browser - Konqueror.

The result was not pleasant…

Unfortunately for me, and many others, we have to have Flash 9 installed on one of 3 browser (IE, Safari, or Mozilla). This is rather poor design on WW’s decision to simply block access for unsupported browsers.

There are many, many more than 3 browsers, and perhaps they don’t care about 2-3 people a week in their stats that won’t be able to access their site, but when it happens to me - I write about it.

I recently installed Kubuntu 64-bit on my desktop, which went off without a hitch - about 20 minutes to install and I had a working dual boot system (the other OS being Windows XP 64-bit).

I have to say the windows install was more trouble than the Ubunut install, mainly in XP’s lack of a SATA driver.

I have come across one problem of which I have no solution - yet.

Flash 9 is not supporting the x64 architecture. After downloading the .tar.gz file for Flash 9, and following Adobe’s instructions on their Flash 9 download page, I got the following error:


$ ./flashplayer-installer

ERROR: Your architecture, \'x86_64\', is not supported by the
Adobe Flash Player installer.


This is a bummer for me, as one site I regularly use everyday requires Flash. I’m even more disappointed that a major web site does not realize the inaccessibility of using Flash.

Here are a few threads about Flash 9 and getting it to work on Linux + 64-bit (actually, that is a mis-statement), because it requires you convert your browser and kernel to 32-bit…now what’s the fun in that?

1. ubuntu
2. adobe blog

My advice? Don’t support these “flash-only” sites…find an alternative. Another work-around is to install Opera + ia32-libs ;)

Hello Barbara,

This is the 2nd time in 2 years I’ve written you.

With the recent discovery of a 25 square mile crack resulting in a floating ice shelf (BBC News 12/29/06)…I’d like to recommend you and your colleages invest for the future.

Let’s encourage telecommuting and give tax incentives for companies that allow their employees to telecommute during the regular work week. This would encourage people to drive less, resulting in cleaner air, un-congested roadways, and less dependency on oil (foreign or domestic).

My “sphere of influence” and I are willing to support those in office who are devoted to solving the climate crisis. We will voice our support globally on the Internet and throughout local action, from family and friends, to co-workers, and on the web.

Thank you,
May the ice be with you.

Anthony Ettinger
Web Developer (telecommuter)
http://chovy.com