MySQL Server Crashed – Site was still online!

You don’t hear this often… MySQL server crashed and the sites hosted in that server went offline for hours together. But, when a similar thing happened to my VPS, it wasn’t the case. My site was still online, while I was troubleshooting the issue with MySQL server. Ultimately, I could not figure out the issue and I had to purge the entire MySQL installation. However, I was still cool during the entire process. You may ask how. Here is what happened and how you can prevent the same for your own VPS too…

First Things First

As part of regular tweaking of MySQL, I changed a few things in my.cnf, then restarted the mysqld. Bump! It didn’t start. I reverted the changes. Still it didn’t budge. Immediately I knew that MySQL server has crashed for unknown reason. Upon checking the log, here is what I found…

120525 06:54:11 mysqld_safe Starting mysqld daemon with databases from /var/lib/mysql
120525  6:54:11 [Note] Plugin 'FEDERATED' is disabled.
06:54:11 UTC - mysqld got signal 11 ;
This could be because you hit a bug. It is also possible that this binary
or one of the libraries it was linked against is corrupt, improperly built,
or misconfigured. This error can also be caused by malfunctioning hardware.
We will try our best to scrape up some info that will hopefully help
diagnose the problem, but since we have already crashed,
something is definitely wrong and this may fail.

key_buffer_size=31457280
read_buffer_size=524288
max_used_connections=0
max_threads=100
thread_count=0
connection_count=0
It is possible that mysqld could use up to
key_buffer_size + (read_buffer_size + sort_buffer_size)*max_threads = 133850 K  bytes of memory
Hope that's ok; if not, decrease some variables in the equation.

Thread pointer: 0xffffffffbfb01d80
Attempting backtrace. You can use the following information to find out
where mysqld died. If you see no messages after this, something went
terribly wrong...
stack_bottom = ffffffffbfb03ab8 thread_stack 0x20000
/usr/libexec/mysqld(my_print_stacktrace+0x2d)[0x83b70e2]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(handle_fatal_signal+0x4a2)[0x829d156]
[0xb777c400]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z18ha_resolve_by_nameP3THDPK19st_mysql_lex_string+0xad)[0x82a104c]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z14open_table_defP3THDP11TABLE_SHAREj+0x1822)[0x82213c2]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z15get_table_shareP3THDP10TABLE_LISTPcjjPij+0x197)[0x8169869]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z10open_tableP3THDP10TABLE_LISTP11st_mem_rootP18Open_table_context+0x545)[0x817010a]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z11open_tablesP3THDPP10TABLE_LISTPjjP19Prelocking_strategy+0x456)[0x8171683]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z20open_and_lock_tablesP3THDP10TABLE_LISTbjP19Prelocking_strategy+0x54)[0x8171f86]
/usr/libexec/mysqld[0x81adf41]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z11plugin_initPiPPci+0x8dc)[0x81b0db9]
/usr/libexec/mysqld[0x8133a34]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(_Z11mysqld_mainiPPc+0x42a)[0x8136cc8]
/usr/libexec/mysqld(main+0x27)[0x812ce33]
/lib/i686/nosegneg/libc.so.6(__libc_start_main+0xe6)[0xb7288ce6]
/usr/libexec/mysqld[0x812cd95]

Trying to get some variables.
Some pointers may be invalid and cause the dump to abort.
Query (0): is an invalid pointer
Connection ID (thread ID): 0
Status: NOT_KILLED

The manual page at http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/crashing.html contains
information that should help you find out what is causing the crash.
120525 06:54:11 mysqld_safe mysqld from pid file /var/run/mysqld/mysqld.pid ended

I tried everything I could, for about 90 minutes. Then I gave up and purged the entire MySQL installation and installed it again. Viola! It started fine! Then it was only a matter of taking the latest database backup and putting it back.

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SCORP Robot

Today, robots are used for variety of actions, and if you’re looking for a surveillance robot, today we have a robot that comes from privately owned Swiss company.

 Micro Unmanned Ground vehicle is based on SCORP platform, and according to Novatiq, this surveillance robot is lightweight, so you can easily put it in your backpack. As for dimensions, SCORP robot is 4cm (13”) long, 27cm (10”) wide, and 12cm (4.7”) high with it weighs 3.5kg (7.7 pounds).

This robot features four different cameras, so user can see in all directions, and thanks to the IR illuminators, you can easily use this robot for night surveillance. SCORP robot can be remotely controlled from up to 500m (1,650 feet) and it can achieve speed of 8km/h (5mph), and thanks to the built-in battery, it can work for 2 hours, but you can also add an external battery.

 n addition to external battery, there are varieties of additions such as robotic arm, biochemical detector, firing explosive charges, and many more.

 SCORP robot is great for surveillance, and it should become available in March for $11,447.

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Flygrip

There is variety of accessories for your smartphone on the market, but if you’re looking for an accessory that can keep your smartphone safe, you might be interested in this latest accessory called Flygrip.


Dropping your smartphone is always a problem, especially if you don’t have rugged case that will protect it from damage, but luckily for you, there’s a Flygrip that should keep you from dropping your smartphone. If you usually use your smartphone with one hand, than you know that you can easily drop it and cause potential damage, but thanks to the Flygrip attachment that attaches to your smartphone, you should have a firm grip on your smartphone, even if you’re holding it with one hand. After you’ve attached Flygrip to your smartphone, you just need to slide your fingers into the “grip”, and you should have somewhat a better hold on your phone.

Flygrip is available in small, medium and large sizes, depending on the size of your fingers, and in regards to the price, each Flygrip costs $29.95.

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Windows 8 brings password management and synchronization

We all know that Windows 8 will offer a variety of features, and regarding the upcoming features, we’re pleased to inform you that Windows 8 will have an improved password management system.

You probably use a variety of passwords on your computer, so it’s not uncommon that you lose or forget your password, and the only solution for that problem is to request a new password, but that can be a tedious process sometimes. Luckily for you, Windows 8 will try to eliminate this problem with enhanced password storage and syncing feature. By logging in to Windows 8 with your Live ID, you’ll automatically retrieve passwords that you’ve used on this computer, and all your website passwords will be saved on Internet Explorer 10, so you won’t have to log in again. However, if you need to see those passwords, you can do so easily right from the credential manager.

Password storage and synchronizing feature sounds promising, however it has it flaws, but we can’t wait to see how it works in action.

Source: http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/12/28/windows-8-brings-password-management/

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Unboxing Samsung Galaxy Note Android smartphone

We were fortunate to have been sent the Samsung Galaxy Note (GT-N7000) just before the Christmas holidays began and whilst we’ve been keeping our mouths full of mince pies, chocolate and mulled wine we’ve also taken some time to unbox and capture a quick gallery.

Is it a tablet or is it a smartphone? Difficult to say and we’ve seen mixed reviews regarding its 5.3″ front panel. While we continue to test out the Galaxy Note, here’s a quick summary of its key specs.

•     Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS
•     Dual-core 1.4GHz Cortex A9 processor
•     5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED screen
•     8 megapixel main camera capable of recording 1080p videos, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera
•     802.11 b/g/n, bluetooth 3.0
•     HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
•     a-GPS and GLONASS systems
•     Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Source: http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/12/26/gallery-unboxing-samsung-galaxy/

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SMK-Link Bluetooth Calculator Keypad combines keypad and calculator into one

Using your Mac with compact-size keyboard saves your space, but it also deprives you from your keypad, but luckily for you, we have a device that will give you back your keypad functionality.

Bluetooth Calculator Keypad comes from SMK-Link, and this keyboard gives you quick access to numerical and mathematical keys. Besides its keypad functionality, Bluetooth Calculator Keypad can also work as a calculator, so you don’t have to start any additional calculator applications on your computer. There are also buttons for specific functions such as memory recall, percentages, and decimal change, so you’ll be able to do perform basic calculations with ease.

If you’re looking for a keypad for your Mac, Bluetooth Calculator Keypad might be perfect for you, because it comes with built-in calculator as well, and it’s fully compatible with both Mac and PC computers. As for the price, Bluetooth Calculator Keypad can be purchased from Apple Online Store for $59.99.

Source: http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/12/28/smk-link-bluetooth-calculator/#more-32800

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New and improved ASIMO from Honda

After seeing Primer-V2 robot that drives a bicycle, we have to wonder what happened to the older robots such as ASIMO. In case you’re a fan of ASIMO, we’re happy to inform you that Honda Motors has introduced new and improved ASIMO robot, so let’s see what new ASIMO can do.

According to the creators, the new ASIMO will be able to change its behavior and to adapt to the current situations. Unlike the previous model, new ASIMO uses pre-set space sensor, so it can predict direction in which people are going, and it can use that data to avoid collisions. In addition, the new ASIMO also comes with face and voice recognition, so it can speak with multiple people simultaneously. Despite these improvements, we also have to mention that ASIMO also features a highly functional multi-finger hand that allows it to work better with certain objects.

New ASIMO looks great, and its developers have done an amazing job with it, and we can only wonder what ASIMO will be able to do in the future.

Source:http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/11/16/improved-asimo-honda/#more-32292

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Primer-V2: The first robot that drives a bicycle

 We don’t need to remind you that robots can do all sorts of amazing things, and after the robots that can sing and walk, we have the first robot that can drive a bicycle on its own.

Dr. Guero, also known as Masahiko Yamaguchi, created Primer-V2 robot, and unlike other robots that we saw, this one is capable of driving a bicycle on its own, almost like a human. Although this robot probably isn’t the fastest bicycle driver, and it can only achieve speed of 10kmph, it’s probably the only robot that is capable of doing that. In order to keep its balance, this robot is using data from a piezoelectric angular rate sensor and thanks to that data it corrects tilt with the handlebars. Although this robot uses automatic balance, when it comes to determining a direction, it has to be controlled remotely at all times.

Primer-V2 is one of a kind robot, and we hope that we’ll see similar robots in the future.

Source:http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/11/15/primer-v2-robot-drives-bicycle/#more-32280

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Rob Eyeborg Spence: The first man with wireless camera instead of eye

We have seen all sorts of medical implants and prosthetics that could improve the lives people with certain medical conditions, and speaking of which, today we want to introduce you to Eyeborg.

Rob Spence, also known as Eyeborg, lost his eye due to the accident, and ever since then, Rob has been working with the team of engineers to develop a camera replacement for his lost eye. Together they have managed to transform an endoscope into a working video camera that is placed inside of Rob's eye socket. As for this camera, it transmits the wireless video signal to a handheld LCD viewer wirelessly, and Rob turns the camera by moving the magnet in front of the camera. So far, this camera isn't connected to Rob's brain, but someday scientists might find a way to do that.

Bionic eyes are still far away, but scientists believe that they will manage to connect bionic eye with a visual cortex someday in the future and help many visually impaired worldwide.

Source:http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/09/08/rob-eyeborg-spence-man-wireless/#more-31381

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APEN A3 Digital Pen transfers your notes to your smartphone via Bluetooth

We take notes all the time, during the class or during work, but the problem occurs when we need to retype those notes in our computer, so in order to save you from all this tedious retyping process, company APEN has released an interesting solution.

APEN A3 Digital Pen looks like an ordinary pen, but unlike other pens, APEN A3 Digital Pen has one extra feature that allows it to store anything that you write in its memory. This means that you can write, draw, or sketch anything that you want, and it will be stored in pen's memory. After you've stored your writings to the pen's memory, you can send it to your smartphone via Bluetooth and use a special app to share your drawings or notes on social networking websites with your friends.

APEN A3 Digital Pen can save you a lot of time so you won't have to retype your notes, but APEN A3 Digital Pen comes with a price, and it is currently priced at $129.99.

Source:http://www.gadgetlite.com/2011/09/09/apen-a3-digital-pen-transfers/#more-31387

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