I just started up Mail.app on 10.4. It did its import thing, importing mail from the older mail.app I guess, and then downloaded the new mail from the server. After it had finished downloading, I clicked on one of the unread mails, and the damn thing crashed. And everytime I start up Mail.app, it just crashes. This is not good.
Looking at the crash report, it seems it might be the gpg module I installed using fink. I'm going to try to recompile those modules. If that does not work than I'll probably be installing OS X Tiger from scratch. Dont want anything broken on the system.
The directory ~/Library/Mail/Bundles contains a directory called GPGMail.mailbundle which I moved from their, and the Mail.app came up properly.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
I installed OS X Tiger as soon as I got home from work yesterday. Nice and painless upgrade from 10.3 Panther. All my apps are workiing, and the display seems sharper. I am running Safari v2.0 and the RSS feature seems nice enough. I restarted the laptop this morning, and played world of warcraft for about half an hour this morning. It worked fine. After that I decided to leave the system as is, so that it could spotlight could do its cataloging thing. At least I hope thats what is taking the large percentage of CPU power. I have quite a lot of ebooks and stuff that the system needs to catalog. Top shows mdimport as the process that is using the most cpu, and I am hoping this is part of spotlight. Lets see.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Making old technologies new By Jon Udell
Making old technologies new By Jon Udell:
Here�s a case in point: Last week I blogged about a simple solution to the thorny problem of Web SSO (single sign-on). It�s a bookmarklet -- a chunk of JavaScript code wired to a button on your browser�s linkbar. You activate it when you�re on a page that�s displaying a password field. The script prompts you for a master pass phrase, combines it with the domain name of the site you�re visiting, hashes the combination to produce a scrambled string of characters, and writes it into the password field. Use the same master pass phrase on a different site, and it produces a different password. It works repeatedly in most browsers, using nothing but local JavaScript code. (IE restricts the size of bookmarklet scripts by default, although you can work around the limitation.) Bottom line: You remember one secret, derive many strong passwords from it, and never store or transmit the secret.
Ensight - Jeremy Wright ? Tiger: How to Wow Kinda
Ensight - Jeremy Wright ? Tiger: How to Wow Kinda:
"I�m concerned that the reviews I�m reading seem to be all �well, this sucks and this doesn�t work and this is badly designed and this blows� but it�s great anyways". That really concerns me. As Apple goes more mainstream they need to be held to a higher standard. And, considering their hallmakr has always been how much stuff �just works", you�d think their QA will be better. Like all major OS releases, expect at least 3 major rounds of patches, several of which conflict. My mac friends always hate new OS X upgrades for this very reason. Hang in there guys, it�ll be stable and rocking again in a few weeks :)"
Converting e-Books to Open Formats | Linux Journal
Converting e-Books to Open Formats | Linux Journal
This might be useful, I read a lot of ebooks. But most of the ebooks I have are either .chm, or .pdf. And I have not had a problem finding readers for them. I'm sure I've seen conversion tools for the .chm format as well.
This might be useful, I read a lot of ebooks. But most of the ebooks I have are either .chm, or .pdf. And I have not had a problem finding readers for them. I'm sure I've seen conversion tools for the .chm format as well.
Doom 4: End of the Game Industry?
Opinion Column by PC Magazine - Doom 4: End of the Game Industry?
I guess Mr. Dvorak missed out on the advance of MMORPG games. Game companies have already figured it out, and they are advancing the MMORPG games. Sony and Blizzard are two examples. And there instead of shelling out $50 per game, you shell out $50, plus $15 a month. And it becomes similar to getting cable, just that there is interaction involved. And it seems to me that at least in World of Warcraft, Blizzard has got round the problem of "grrls". Even though I dont play that much, (lvl 18 warlock, lvl 7 druid, lvl 5 paladin), my friends (lvl 60 tauren warrior, lvl 59 elf hunter) are both guys who are member of guilds that are led by females. Two different guilds. I dont remember the ratio of boys to girls, but as far as I remember there were more girls. So ummm... I think the gaming industry is gonna do just fine.
Am I the only one who expects a collapse of the gaming business soon? Does anyone else think that it is overdue? It has happened before, and I can't see how people will keep shelling out $50 or so for a video game when the games have hardly changed since the invention of the first-person shooter.
I guess Mr. Dvorak missed out on the advance of MMORPG games. Game companies have already figured it out, and they are advancing the MMORPG games. Sony and Blizzard are two examples. And there instead of shelling out $50 per game, you shell out $50, plus $15 a month. And it becomes similar to getting cable, just that there is interaction involved. And it seems to me that at least in World of Warcraft, Blizzard has got round the problem of "grrls". Even though I dont play that much, (lvl 18 warlock, lvl 7 druid, lvl 5 paladin), my friends (lvl 60 tauren warrior, lvl 59 elf hunter) are both guys who are member of guilds that are led by females. Two different guilds. I dont remember the ratio of boys to girls, but as far as I remember there were more girls. So ummm... I think the gaming industry is gonna do just fine.
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger : Page 4
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger : Page 4:
"The Mac OS X kernel has undergone some very significant changes in Tiger. The kernel is an interesting beast: a Mach microkernel fused to a traditional BSD-style system call interface, plus several entirely Apple-created technologies like IOKit. But for the purposes of this discussion, and from the perspective of most developers, the kernel can be seen as a single entity that just happens to have several different interfaces."
Thursday, April 28, 2005
VolkerW's WebLog : Working for Microsoft
VolkerW's WebLog : Working for Microsoft
Oh my! I came across this post just as I was thinking of how lame the whole Winhec thing was. The screenshots were just simply boring. All this stuff that is supposed to be exciting about Longhorn is here, now, in various different incarnations. BeOS, OS X (Tiger) contain most, if not all the features that Microsoft is implementing in Longhorn. Its not new and cool. What would be cool stuff to talk about? Cool stuff with Avalon, or scripting through monad. But there is no information about this stuff. If you want to get people excited, make monad available for people to play with. From what I saw of Monad from the .Net show, that is something developers would get excited about. Imho.
Actually I dont even think that the features being touted for OS X Tiger are that big a deal either. But at least its here and now, not a year later.
Oh my! I came across this post just as I was thinking of how lame the whole Winhec thing was. The screenshots were just simply boring. All this stuff that is supposed to be exciting about Longhorn is here, now, in various different incarnations. BeOS, OS X (Tiger) contain most, if not all the features that Microsoft is implementing in Longhorn. Its not new and cool. What would be cool stuff to talk about? Cool stuff with Avalon, or scripting through monad. But there is no information about this stuff. If you want to get people excited, make monad available for people to play with. From what I saw of Monad from the .Net show, that is something developers would get excited about. Imho.
Actually I dont even think that the features being touted for OS X Tiger are that big a deal either. But at least its here and now, not a year later.
Stefano's Linotype ~ On the new
Stefano's Linotype ~ On the new
Ummm... all this is cool, but anybody remember what happened the last time browsers started supporting non-standard tags? Thats what bothers me about Ajax as well. Oh well, at least things are exciting.
via Sam Rubys blog
Ummm... all this is cool, but anybody remember what happened the last time browsers started supporting non-standard tags? Thats what bothers me about Ajax as well. Oh well, at least things are exciting.
Sam Ruby: Bloglines: Hide Google Image Ads
Sam Ruby: Bloglines: Hide Google Image Ads
Sam points to a greasemonkey script that will stops the ads from showing up in bloglines. Awesome.
Sam points to a greasemonkey script that will stops the ads from showing up in bloglines. Awesome.
Om Malik RSS, Tiger Safari and the Bandwidth Bottleneck
Om MalikRSS, Tiger Safari and the Bandwidth Bottleneck: "Admittedly, since I don't have Tiger yet, not sure if Safari RSS does time-based check (every hour at :15) or checks related to when the computer/browser is started, which is relatively random and what other feed readers do. Clearly this is an imaginary scenario, but it could happen. So what's the fix? "I certainly hope that Safari does conditional GET. I can't imagine it doesn't but I could be wrong," says Brent Simmons, founder and the man behind hit feed reader, Net News Wire, "With conditional GET you download the feed only if it's different from the last time you downloaded it this cuts way down on bandwidth use." (More on conditional GET.) Conditional GET which NetNewsWire and most other aggregators support is hugely important, says Simmons. But even that can go that far, since most of these news operations churn out headlines with monotonous regularity."
joehewitt.com
joehewitt.com:
"This is probably not a big deal to most, but it is a big deal to me, because this AIM has now been re-written from scratch using Boxely, a GUI toolkit that I designed and implemented during my final year at AOL.
Boxely is an XML and Javascript based system for building desktop GUI applications, in the same family as Mozilla's XUL and Microsoft's upcoming Avalon. Just as XUL makes it really simple for people to write browser extensions for Firefox, Boxely makes it easy to write extensions for AIM. I don't know if Skype should be worried yet, but it seems AOL is interested in making AIM an attractive platform for all kinds of communication."
Booting Mac OS X
Booting Mac OS X:
"This page contains a brief description of the Mac's firmware (analogous to the PC BIOS in many respects), the bootloader, and the typical Mac OS X boot up sequence. There are significant differences between how older (68k, 'Old World' PowerMacs) and newer (everything currently, but essentially 'New World' machines with Open Firmware 3.x that load ROM from a file) boot. The discussion here applies to the newer systems."
...
An Open Firmware implementation is based on the Forth programming language, i particular, the FCode dialect (FCode is an ANS Forth compliant dialect that support compilation of FCode source to bytecode). Apple and Sun are two prominent compute system makers that use implementations of Open Firmware in their systems (Sun' trademark is called OpenBoot). The Open Firmware Working Group's home page is hosted at various places, including Apple and Sun.
...
Even though this Forth "shell" supports reasonable (for a BIOS) command line editin (you can use ctrl-a to go to the beginning of a line, ctrl-e to go to the end, ctrl-u to erase a line, the up-arrow key for history, etc.), you would find it more convenient (particularly if you are trying to write any code in the firmware) to access a Mac's Open Firmware from another (arbitrary) computer, over the network.
Mac OS X System Startup
Mac OS X System Startup:
Hey thats awesome. :)
"By default, the loginwindow application (loginwindow.app under /System/Library/CoreServices) is executed for the console device. You can change this line in /etc/ttys if you do not want a graphical login."
Hey thats awesome. :)
Mac OS X Hacking Tools
Mac OS X Hacking Tools:
"This page is a compendium of some programs you might come across while tinkering with Mac OS X. Documentation for most of these tools exists, therefore my aim is not to reproduce documentation, but simply to maintain a cache of relevant information. I believe this would be useful to those who are new to Mac OS X, but are interested in exploring the system at a low(er) level."
"Our web services are based on a RESTian framework,
which has forced the refactoring down into more layers than just the web
tier, since it is very much a paradigm shift in thinking. REST
(Representational State Transfer) is a collection of design
principles best embodied by the Web--stateless client/server
protocol, a small set of well-defined operations, a universal
syntax for resource identification, and hyperlinking between
resources--and the exclusion of RPC-like ideas. The end
result is, I believe, a much tighter codebase, and we've been able
to chop out large chunks of now-unnecessary source; imagine an Army
barber with a large pair of shears and a nervous, long-haired
hippy, and you'll get an idea of the amount of virtual detritus
we've managed to discard."
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Python Humor
Python Humor:
I'm trying to find out how efficient Python is when used as CGI. For me at least, Python code is definitely easier to grok than Perl. However, is it as efficient in perl during execution. The user does not care what the code looks like, but they do care what kind of performance the web app gives them.
I'm reading the reviews but I havent found anything conclusive. Most of those articles are pretty outdated. Any suggestions?
"LUKE: But how will I know why Python is better than Perl?
YODA: You will know. When your code you try to read six months from
now."
I'm trying to find out how efficient Python is when used as CGI. For me at least, Python code is definitely easier to grok than Perl. However, is it as efficient in perl during execution. The user does not care what the code looks like, but they do care what kind of performance the web app gives them.
I'm reading the reviews but I havent found anything conclusive. Most of those articles are pretty outdated. Any suggestions?
"route" on Linux systems when run as is, prints out the routing table. However, on solaris8 and Mac OS X, the route command prints out the default usage information, instead of the routing table. Instead I have to use "netstat -r -n" to check the routing table. -n Show network addresses as numbers (normally netstat interprets
addresses and attempts to display them symbolically).
-r Show the routing tables.
quickies
netstat -r -nto look at routing table
route add <badip> 127.0.0.1I use this to block badips sending bad data/exploits to the server (amongst other methods)
you can also send the trafic to /dev/null
route delete <formerbadip> 127.0.0.1to unblock an ip blocked by the above command
/var/qmail/bin/qmail-qstatto check the queue for qmail
Sam Ruby: Downsides of Consistency
Sam Ruby: Downsides of Consistency
That is why on my Linux machine, I use aterm with a bright red foreground for all outgoing ssh connections. No chance of mistaking a production server for your local machine. If I am doing something on a test server, it is opened in a normal aterm.
That is why on my Linux machine, I use aterm with a bright red foreground for all outgoing ssh connections. No chance of mistaking a production server for your local machine. If I am doing something on a test server, it is opened in a normal aterm.
MacDevCenter.com: Housecleaning Tips for Tiger
MacDevCenter.com: Housecleaning Tips for Tiger:
"Partitioning your drive%u2014that is, creating two separate virtual hard drives%u2014has one great advantage for power users: You can install a second operating system on the other partition, then choose which one you want to boot from. (You make this choice either in the Startup Disk system preference, or by holding down the Option key during bootup.)"
Oh man, I forgot all about tagging. I'm going to have tag all my posts since yesterday! There has to be an easier way to do this! I guess thats where third party programs like "ecto" can make a difference.
BTW, creator of ecto Adriaan emailed me yesterday and asked if I wanted to help create a Linux version of ecto, after having read my earlier post. I said sure, just let me figure out how much time I can dedicate to the project.
BTW, creator of ecto Adriaan emailed me yesterday and asked if I wanted to help create a Linux version of ecto, after having read my earlier post. I said sure, just let me figure out how much time I can dedicate to the project.
O'Reilly Radar > Book Sales as a Technology Trend Indicator
O'Reilly Radar > Book Sales as a Technology Trend Indicator:
"Apart from giving us some interesting technology trend indicators (C# is gaining on Java, python is gaining on perl, InDesign is eating Quark's lunch), the data may also give us some intriguing insight into other economic factors. For example, might the increase in sales of books on QuickBooks and Excel indicate a rise in small business activity?"As interesting as the article is, it was even more interesting to see that they are using flickr for the image in the article. Clicking on it takes you to flickr. Cool.
AppleInsider | Photo shows new Power Mac G5 palette shipments
AppleInsider | Photo shows new Power Mac G5 palette shipments
Whats up with apple? They just seem to be going a little extreme over this "very hush hush" stuff. Its getting kind of embarrassing isn't it?
Whats up with apple? They just seem to be going a little extreme over this "very hush hush" stuff. Its getting kind of embarrassing isn't it?
Google != Googkle
Google != Googkle:
"Reader Alan Phelps wrote in this morning to alert us to a malicious site that has registered a domain that might be entered as a typo for google.com. DO NOT VISIT THIS SITE! Visiting this site installs about 49 pieces of spyware, uses the local hosts file to block access to popular anti-virus websites, and offers a link to a website that sells AV and anti-spyware tools with the slogan 'We help people'... No comment."
....
Several readers have written in to add that there are several other sites similar to the Googkle site including:
msnm(dot)com, gfoogle(dot)com, ghoogle(dot)com, googfle(dot)com, luycos(dot)com, msn1(dot)com, passpport(dot)com and xcnn(dot)com.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Now that I have moved over the my Powerbook G4 as a primary machine, I have my older laptop to play with. I also have two hard drives for that machine. One hard drive is now running windows xp with sp2 installed. It also has the Microsoft anti spyware software, and symantec antivirus. I have not downloaded any other third party app, other than bittorrent for downloading. I wanted to see how long it would take for the machine to get infected. I've been running the system non-stop for the past two weeks. After work, I use that machine exclusively for all my web browsing. The machine has not been infected by spyware so far. In fact, I have not even had a single web site show the activex dialog that is shown to confirm the install of some spyware software. Now this surprised me. The websites I visit it turns out can all be trusted. This would lead me to believe that I need to start visiting web sites that I normally dont visit, and see what effect that has. My plan though is to click "No" on all those spyware activex dialogs. I am just trying to see how long I can have the machine last without getting spyware on it.
BetaNews | AOL Testing Next Generation AIM Client
BetaNews | AOL Testing Next Generation AIM Client
In other words, Triton will bring half the functionality already offered by Skype. Now if only I knew someone who used Skype!
Underneath its new veneer, Triton has been completely rewritten from the ground up to support advanced communications services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) Internet telephony.
More specifically, AIM will directly connect with AOL's Internet Phone Service. Triton will not be able to dial out at this time, but that capability will arrive in a future iteration of the client.
In other words, Triton will bring half the functionality already offered by Skype. Now if only I knew someone who used Skype!
Blue Sky On Mars: Magic voodoo for MySQL 4.1 upgrade on Fedora Core 3
Blue Sky On Mars: Magic voodoo for MySQL 4.1 upgrade on Fedora Core 3
Thats why I stopped using FC3 a while back. I had similar problems where an update of yum would leave certain things broken (dont remember what, this happened a while back). Other than the yum update though, everything worked fine on FC3. Mileage varies for different people, but SuSE 9.1 has been good to me, and I stick with it. Just download and force install the KDE 3.4 rpms and everything I need works. And KDE 3.4 is just amazing. In my opinion it looks better than OS X 10.3.
Thats why I stopped using FC3 a while back. I had similar problems where an update of yum would leave certain things broken (dont remember what, this happened a while back). Other than the yum update though, everything worked fine on FC3. Mileage varies for different people, but SuSE 9.1 has been good to me, and I stick with it. Just download and force install the KDE 3.4 rpms and everything I need works. And KDE 3.4 is just amazing. In my opinion it looks better than OS X 10.3.
Schneier on Security: Ants Staging Ambushes
Schneier on Security: Ants Staging Ambushes
Interesting article. I wonder what Bruce Schneier would say about this guy?
Interesting article. I wonder what Bruce Schneier would say about this guy?
SecurityFocus HOME Columnists: Security for the Paranoid
SecurityFocus HOME Columnists: Security for the Paranoid:
Yes, this dude, is extremely paranoid. The amount of patience that must be required to reach your email after having typed in five different passwords...
"I don't just throw out shredded documents; I spread the shredded bits into my garden to use as mulch. "
Yes, this dude, is extremely paranoid. The amount of patience that must be required to reach your email after having typed in five different passwords...
Cipherdyne -- Security Software
Cipherdyne -- Security Software
psad is a collection of three lightweight system daemons (two main daemons and one helper daemon) that run on Linux machines and analyze iptables log messages to detect port scans and other suspicious traffic.
Too little time. I'm itching to write more about the work that I am doing, but I haven't been able to find time. Soon though. In the meantime, I'll keep posting articles I find interesting, with one or two line comments. Thats the only thing I get time for in between compiles/installs, coding and stuff.
Teal Sunglasses: eating dog food....
Upgrading to OS X 10.4 Tiger
Good to know. My plan is to do an upgrade as well.
Good to know. My plan is to do an upgrade as well.
I like Apple's Mail.app and I use it for checking most of my email addresses. However there is one irritating problem with the app. Every day when I come into work, it downloads my mail, and depending on what it feels like, it either marks spam as junk, all my mail as junk or none of it. It just does not understand which emails should be junk and which not. Compaired to spambayes, or thunderbird the spam filtering on Mail.app sucks! I am hoping that with Tiger they have got this right. Lets see! I guess we will find out around Apr 29th.
Let's Get the Facts Straight - Spread Firefox
Let's Get the Facts Straight - Spread Firefox
Today, TechWeb has an article that flat out lies about the Firefox 1.0 downloads and claims Opera has had a bigger launch. I'm not sure where they got these bogus, lowball stats, but they need to hear from you all that such blatant factual errors or misrepresentations are not acceptable. I mean, a simple Google News search would have made it quite clear how far Opera lags behind our initial download figures.
Monday, April 25, 2005
I'm trying out Omniweb and I was surprised to find that Gmail works with this browser. Plus the way the browser handles tabs, in the drawer is amazing. I've only used it a minute or so, and already I love it. Its not free though.
ecto: ecto for MacOSX 2.3 available for download
ecto: ecto for MacOSX 2.3 available for download
Looks like really good software. Raises up some confused emotions. It makes me want to buy the software, and at the same time try and start work on BlogniX again!
Looks like really good software. Raises up some confused emotions. It makes me want to buy the software, and at the same time try and start work on BlogniX again!
Bink.nu | Cool, new printing protocol coming to Longhorn
Bink.nu | Cool, new printing protocol coming to Longhorn:
"'Metro offers a unified framework to address the growing use of electronic document-based workflows, and inclusion of advanced graphics and extended color information in everyday documents and Web applications. %u201CMetro%u201D offers an open document format that uses Extensible Markup Language (XML), a public standard for exchanging data between disparate systems, and other current, industry standards to create a modern, cross-platform document and imaging technologies. %u201CMetro%u201D simplifies creation, sharing, printing, viewing and archiving of digital documents, while also improving image fidelity and print performance.' Hmmm so could this be a Acrobat/PDF killer? What do you think? read on... "
SecurityFocus HOME News: Hushmail hit by DNS attack
SecurityFocus HOME News: Hushmail hit by DNS attack:
"Surfers trying to visit the web site of popular secure email service Hushmail were redirected to a false site early Sunday following a hacking attack. Hush Communications said hackers changed Hushmail's DNS records after 'compromising the security' of its domain registrar (Network Solutions). These changes were undone after a few hours on Sunday and normal Hushmail services have now been restored."
Nmap Hackers: Microsoft Tightens the Noose on Raw Sockets
Nmap Hackers: Microsoft Tightens the Noose on Raw Sockets:
"Many of us were annoyed last year when Microsoft intentionally broke raw sockets on Windows XP, while leaving the feature enabled in Windows 2003. MS is well known for maintaining the upgrade treadmill by dubious means such gratuitous file format incompatibilities, butThis is why I dont like auto-update. Its that paranoia thing. Who knows what changes are being downloaded on my system. I'd rather have manual update.
this is a new low. People pay $299.99 for WinXP Pro with working raw
sockets, then MS cripples their systems and demands $1019 (WS2003
retail price) to return the functionality. Of course Microsoft claims
this change is necessary for security. That is funny, since all of
the other major platforms Nmap supports (e.g. Mac OS X, Linux, *BSD)
offer raw sockets and yet they haven't become the wasp nest of
spambots, worms, and spyware that infest so many Windows boxes."
Macintosh Trojan Discovered
Macintosh Trojan Discovered:
"As a Mac aficionado (3 Powerbooks between home & work), I'm happy to report that we've finally warranted some attention from the Malware community. It's about damn time. Intrepid ISC reader Juha-Matti alerted us to Sophos' (brief) writeup on the Cowhand trojan. If any readers have spotted this thing in the wild, please let us know."
Sunday, April 24, 2005
I need a digital camera. My family back home has been asking for photographs. I also need a new cell phone, one that works with SprintPCS. Any recommendations? Picture quality should be good, is all I ask.
I dont have a contract, so a phone that comes with a new contract might be a good option. Time to do a little research on phones I guess.
I dont have a contract, so a phone that comes with a new contract might be a good option. Time to do a little research on phones I guess.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Acid Search: free plugin to expand searches in Safari
Acid Search: free plugin to expand searches in Safari:
Technorati: safari, search
"Probably the #1 reason that I've been using Firefox instead of Safari has been the lack of type ahead find aka find as you type, aka that thing where you start typing and it searches the page without having to pop up a window, so it's like really convenient and you can just press enter to follow a link so it's good for navigation too. Acid Search brings that feature to Safari and adds the ability to really expand Safari's search box. It's worth noting that Saft, the uber-Safari plugin, adds type ahead find as well"via Blue Sky On Mars
Technorati: safari, search
Bundles
Del.icio.us has a feature in beta that lets you collect a set of your tags into a "bundle" that then shows up at the top of the your personal page. For example, if you declare the tags "parody," "sarcasm" and "puns" to be part of a "humor" bundle, all three of those tags will be listed under a big, bold "Humor" on the right hand side of your del.icio.us home page. You can create a bundle by going to http://del.icio.us/settings/YOURUSERID/bundle.via Joho the Blog
This is an awesome feature, but is there a way I can tie del.icio.us with my blog?
Technorati: del.icio.us
Scripting News: 4/23/2005
Scripting News: 4/23/2005:
Yes yes, all well and good. Now Microsoft needs to release some cool enhancements... And not just any enhancements, something cool and different. Heck, even a speed up of the hotmail interface and message display would be cool!
We are talking about web technologies here. How hard is it to setup a few servers (with the budget MSN probably has, how about a couple of hundred servers), put your beta software on it and start letting people see it. Then once its stable, and reliable phase it in to your stable service. Lets take hotmail. How about introducing a new interface that people can test? Something like Gmail beta. Why would Microsoft want to do this? To keep in the game. To keep people in Microsoft happy, since they will be able to see the cool things happening within Microsoft, and will want to be part of it. The consumers in the market will not see Microsoft as a huge big hulking dinosaur that can't compete with its smaller, nimbler and fresher competitors. Stop being scared of introducing new features, and remove the processes that slow down the introduction to new features. Obviously things can go very wrong if they dont do this right? So make these changes carefully. However, if they dont make these changes, things will definitely go extremely wrong.
Why do I care? My career is IT. And at the moment the IT eco system is flourishing. Competition is good. Hence, I want Microsoft to come up with solutions, together with Google, Yahoo, Adobe/Macromedia, Open Source software, Free Software, Shareware software, Independant Developers software. I want small companies like Skype, Six Apart and Technorati to flourish. Its healthy, and ideas flow in such an environment. I want cool people like Jon Udell to keep coming up with wonderful ideas and beautifully written/researched articles. I want Dave Winer to fight, argue and diss people of as he spreads the meme's for wonderful technologies he helped develop.
Technorati: Microsoft IT
"I just spent a half-week at Microsoft, jammed full of meetings and ideas and brilliance, more of my energy and intelligence was used in these 2.5 days than usually is used in a full month of my time. In my experience, this only happens at Microsoft. I don't know why. Harvard is not so intense, Silicon Valley pushed me very far away; when I used to visit IBM in the 80s they would put me in a hermetically sealed room in Boca Raton and people would fly from Texas and California to meet with me."
Yes yes, all well and good. Now Microsoft needs to release some cool enhancements... And not just any enhancements, something cool and different. Heck, even a speed up of the hotmail interface and message display would be cool!
We are talking about web technologies here. How hard is it to setup a few servers (with the budget MSN probably has, how about a couple of hundred servers), put your beta software on it and start letting people see it. Then once its stable, and reliable phase it in to your stable service. Lets take hotmail. How about introducing a new interface that people can test? Something like Gmail beta. Why would Microsoft want to do this? To keep in the game. To keep people in Microsoft happy, since they will be able to see the cool things happening within Microsoft, and will want to be part of it. The consumers in the market will not see Microsoft as a huge big hulking dinosaur that can't compete with its smaller, nimbler and fresher competitors. Stop being scared of introducing new features, and remove the processes that slow down the introduction to new features. Obviously things can go very wrong if they dont do this right? So make these changes carefully. However, if they dont make these changes, things will definitely go extremely wrong.
Why do I care? My career is IT. And at the moment the IT eco system is flourishing. Competition is good. Hence, I want Microsoft to come up with solutions, together with Google, Yahoo, Adobe/Macromedia, Open Source software, Free Software, Shareware software, Independant Developers software. I want small companies like Skype, Six Apart and Technorati to flourish. Its healthy, and ideas flow in such an environment. I want cool people like Jon Udell to keep coming up with wonderful ideas and beautifully written/researched articles. I want Dave Winer to fight, argue and diss people of as he spreads the meme's for wonderful technologies he helped develop.
Technorati: Microsoft IT
Friday, April 22, 2005
Insects and Entropy
Insects and Entropy:
"Jon was a Computer Science major at Ohio State University taking a
course in artificial intelligence. The professor had set up an
interesting group project where each student was responsible for writing
an insect program that would be matched against all the other student's
insect programs in a really cool network based insect war simulation
environment thing that rocked."
Advertisements from Google adsense are now occasionaly relevant. Advertisements related to South Asia or Cricket have been cropping up. Lets see if I can start work on a PHP or Python project this weekend. Blogging about the project might get IT related Ads. As you could probably tell, I have not been doing quite a lot of system administration these past few days. Most of my work revolved around extending an internal module at work that was written in python and our internal framework.
When I now visit google.com it is automatically logging me in to Google accounts, and there are option to view my search history. This is only through Safari on my powerbook which is what I used to sign in to check my search history. This is all well and good, but there is a bug. I am not sure if this bug is a problem with Safari, the fact that I have the middle click button set to cmd+click globally through the mouse software, or because its a bug with either google accounts, or my search history. When I middle-click a link shown in googles search results, instead of normally opening in a new tab, it will open in the same window. Very irritating.
O'Reilly Network: The New Freshman Comp
O'Reilly Network: The New Freshman Comp
Reading the blogs of the great (Jon Udell in this case) is why I blog. I want to one day be able to write eloquently about topics I care about, just like the greats do. I think writing much like coding, requires practice. So by the time I am 40, this blog should mean something! :)
Reading the blogs of the great (Jon Udell in this case) is why I blog. I want to one day be able to write eloquently about topics I care about, just like the greats do. I think writing much like coding, requires practice. So by the time I am 40, this blog should mean something! :)
aseigo: why khtml is important
aseigo: why khtml is important:
"however, this effort does not reduce the usefulness of khtml (the KDE html rendering suite) to KDE. khtml is a bridge to other projects, a way to stress test the rest of our libraries, is a source of interest for several KDE hackers and is lighter on resources that gecko making it more appropriate as a component for apps that need to show some html but whose primary purpose on this planet is not to be a web browser. but these are not the most important reasons for khtml continuing to exist and be maintained."Ummm... isn't Safari based on this engine? When i am using KDE I am using Konqueror which uses KHTML. I like it that way. I want the alternative. Whose brain dead idea is it to kill khtml?
Laffer Project: Homepage
Laffer Project: Homepage:
Here is a web based messenger client.
"LWC is pure HTML web application using JavaScript and DOM. Don't mess
it with
Java applet. LWC uses PHP as backend and MySQL as Database server. LWC
supports the following features:
exchanging text messages
contact list visualization
presence statuses
getting information about the user"
Here is a web based messenger client.
ONLamp.com: Bosworth's Web of Data
ONLamp.com: Bosworth's Web of Data:
"Google's Adam Bosworth suggested that we 'do for information what HTTPDoes google believe Sun's old slogan of "The network is the computer"? Is that what the google browser is about. Are they going to release a network appliance which has their software on it (The Gbrowser and so forth?) Sure looks like it to me. And it will probably sell. All those people tired of viruses, spyware and so forth should welcome such a solution. This is pure speculation on my part.
did for user interface.' Ten years ago, when he first started paying
attention to the web, he was interested in the idea that he could zero
install applications and that they could be accessed from anywhere at
any time. He said that a personal computer to him is like a phone: it
is a useful access point but it is not where he stores stuff."
PageRank Update In Progress | Threadwatch.org
PageRank Update In Progress | Threadwatch.org
My blog is ranked 5 last I checked. Its been five for a while now. :(
My blog is ranked 5 last I checked. Its been five for a while now. :(
goowy
A very nice interface. Email is getting more enjoyable, barely any spam on gmail and so forth. :)
via serverside.com
Pakistan and Pakistanis News Blog - Dareecha Pakistan
Pakistan and Pakistanis News Blog - Dareecha Pakistan
They have it wrong. This is not the first car produced in Pakistan. There were mini-vans and cars produced in Pakistan before, and they were completely Pakistani. And what completely Pakistani means is that the engine, the chassi, everything was produced and grown up in Pakistan. But for some reason or the other, no one supported the entrepreneur who built up the car, and the factory and the poor company went down. I think it was called Aero or something, I'll have to look around and see if I can find any reference to that car on the net or if I can verify the name.
They have it wrong. This is not the first car produced in Pakistan. There were mini-vans and cars produced in Pakistan before, and they were completely Pakistani. And what completely Pakistani means is that the engine, the chassi, everything was produced and grown up in Pakistan. But for some reason or the other, no one supported the entrepreneur who built up the car, and the factory and the poor company went down. I think it was called Aero or something, I'll have to look around and see if I can find any reference to that car on the net or if I can verify the name.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Creating screencasts on Mac OS X
Presentation Software by Qarbon - Download our Free Presentation Software
I've been meaning to create a few screencasts that I could post to my blog. Unfortunately, in the five minutes that I got to search for such software I came up with zilch. I'll look deeper into it later. The link above provides free software from Qarbon, but the Mac version has no link that can be followed. I am assuming that they are still working on it. Lets see what they come up with. I'm not even sure if this is software that can do screencasts yet. Leave me a pointer if you know of some good free screencast creation software.
Jon Udell who created the term screencast, was unable to find a good solution for the Mac. I wonder if he has found one now.
I'll give vnc2swf a try. Even though Jon says the files created are too large, there might be a way to work around. I'll never know unless I try. :)
I've been meaning to create a few screencasts that I could post to my blog. Unfortunately, in the five minutes that I got to search for such software I came up with zilch. I'll look deeper into it later. The link above provides free software from Qarbon, but the Mac version has no link that can be followed. I am assuming that they are still working on it. Lets see what they come up with. I'm not even sure if this is software that can do screencasts yet. Leave me a pointer if you know of some good free screencast creation software.
Jon Udell who created the term screencast, was unable to find a good solution for the Mac. I wonder if he has found one now.
I'll give vnc2swf a try. Even though Jon says the files created are too large, there might be a way to work around. I'll never know unless I try. :)
Google pays sys admins only $35k? (by Jeremy Zawodny)
Google pays sys admins only $35k? (by Jeremy Zawodny)
Ummm... that has to be wrong! $35k is way too wrong! In California! Are they supposed to live in their cars? Have no families? I think that figure would be right for someone working part time or something.
Ummm... that has to be wrong! $35k is way too wrong! In California! Are they supposed to live in their cars? Have no families? I think that figure would be right for someone working part time or something.
SecurityFocus HOME News: Privacy watchdog warns job seekers to beware
SecurityFocus HOME News: Privacy watchdog warns job seekers to beware
Uh oh... maybe I should take down my resume! I'd been thinking about this for a while....
Uh oh... maybe I should take down my resume! I'd been thinking about this for a while....
SecurityFocus HOME News: Privacy watchdog warns job seekers to beware
SecurityFocus HOME News: Privacy watchdog warns job seekers to beware
Uh oh... maybe I should take down my resume! I'd been thinking about this for a while....
Uh oh... maybe I should take down my resume! I'd been thinking about this for a while....
New Delhi Times: Google v/s us, huh?
New Delhi Times: Google v/s us, huh?:
"Just when Ourmedia started to make news, Google announced its own video publishing service. Google is basically going to let you sell your videos online. So though Ourmedia and Google have different goals, comparisions are inevitable.From what I can remember a more apt comparision of Ourmedia would be flickr. Just that Ourmedia also deals with movies.
Our role with Ourmedia is to develop the technology behind it. We are pretty resource constrained right now because Ourmedia is yet to get funded so there is just enough money to fund a couple of devs."
blogthis error
I for some reason thought that blogger was running on microsoft software. At least we know its jsp and apache now, but what about the OS running this software on top?
ongoing ? Blogging Client Round-up
ongoing ? Blogging Client Round-up
If only I had funding for blognix I may have continued work on it.
We�ve been funding work on bloged, originally a Gosling weekend hack, and needed to checkpoint how it�s doing; so I went and tried out a bunch of blogging clients, with very mixed results. So far I�ve tested basic writing-in-the-browser, bloged, Ecto, MarsEdit, and w.bloggar.
If only I had funding for blognix I may have continued work on it.
Skype Wishlist
Skype Wishlist:
"As Skype gains in popularity, I'm finding that I am using it more often to communicate with clients. It has an edge over simple text messaging, and better sound quality than voice on MS Messenger. Here are a couple of things that I would like to see added to the feature list"
Apple - Downloads - Productivity Tools - ASCII/edit 1.1
Apple - Downloads - Productivity Tools - ASCII/edit 1.1
A really useful tool. I've had to draw diagrams on several occasions for the networks I manage.
A really useful tool. I've had to draw diagrams on several occasions for the networks I manage.
Raid 6
Raid 6:
"RAID 6 stripes data on a block level across arrays just as RAID 5 does. But RAID 6 uses a second set of parity codes for each data stripe. Because RAID 5 uses only one set of parity codes, it can only reconstruct data on one spare disk. If another disk fails at the same time, data is permanently lost. If a second disk fails with RAID 6, data can be reconstructed onto a second drive."via Hack the Planet
Mozilla Gains Canvas Element Support - MozillaZine Talkback
Mozilla Gains Canvas Element Support - MozillaZine Talkback
Stuart "pavlov" Parmenter reports that support for the HTML canvas element has been checked in to Mozilla. This new element allows Web content providers to use scripting to draw arbitary bitmap graphics on to a designated area of a webpage. The canvas element is part of the Web Applications 1.0 specification, which is being created by the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group. WHATWG is a loose group that aims to develop new technologies to allow richer applications to be delivered via the World Wide Web. The Mozilla Foundation, Opera Software and Apple Computer are all members of WHATWG. The canvas element was originally introduced by Apple for use in the Dashboard feature of Mac OS X.via Hack the Planet
Oh man, web 2.0, wait till you see web 3.0!!! :)
who am i?: karachi meri jaan
who am i?: karachi meri jaan (karachi my life)
What is Karachi? Its my home city, where I grew up and spent my first 18 yrs before moving to Austin Texas. Its a part of me!
What is Karachi? Its my home city, where I grew up and spent my first 18 yrs before moving to Austin Texas. Its a part of me!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Ryan Dawson on Longhorn : The Saga continues
Ryan Dawson on Longhorn : The Saga continues
Looks like someone is having a bad day. I hope he does not technorati this or else he'll find out all the anti ms stuff I wrote today, and well, the 2 shots of everclear might turn into more!
Looks like someone is having a bad day. I hope he does not technorati this or else he'll find out all the anti ms stuff I wrote today, and well, the 2 shots of everclear might turn into more!
I have two ways of searching my blog. One is through feedster, and second is through site: keyword on google. The search boxes are on the sidebar for this blog. I was looking for this entry, specific to my blog. It was regarding some sed stuff. But the google search for my blog got me nothing. I searched for grep first, and then sed (which returned one that was completely unrelated).
Searching on feedster got me more results. This leads me to believe that google have been ignoring the blogs they host themselves. The sed tutorial link from feedster leads to a 404 page though. I'll have to look into it deeper later, but I think i may have renamed the post title or something.
Searching on feedster got me more results. This leads me to believe that google have been ignoring the blogs they host themselves. The sed tutorial link from feedster leads to a 404 page though. I'll have to look into it deeper later, but I think i may have renamed the post title or something.
Scripting News: 4/20/2005
Scripting News: 4/20/2005:
Hahahhahaha... sort of follows what I said in my previous posts!
"Fortune says Bill Gates is riled and he's making a Google killer. Yeah Fortune always says stuff like that, but it's never been true. Bill Gates does get riled, or simulates getting riled, but what really happens is the other guys get scared and blink and then he wins by default. But that was when Gates was young and feisty and more convincing. And when he had Ben Slivka who wore shorts and ate red meat, not the people working on the search engine at MSN these days. Give me a break. Those guys freak out if you raise your voice. All Google has to do is say Boo and they'll spend a year getting over it"
Hahahhahaha... sort of follows what I said in my previous posts!
Google: Changes in Google Ranking Strategies
Google: Changes in Google Ranking Strategies:
How come Microsoft has tons of evangelist while google does not? Its because of the cool stuff that google is working on, which is reviewed by third party users/customers. Now if Microsoft released a technically cool service, I am sure they would not need professional evangelists. Oh boy... today is an anti-microsoft day for some reason! :)
"There have been several reports in search engine optimization forums that Google is now increasing its cache size per page. That is, the reported cache now exceeds the 101 Kilobyte limit which Google had previously imposed. The increased amount of cache per page and the use of cached data from the previus 14 months implied that Google has substantially increased its server resources."
How come Microsoft has tons of evangelist while google does not? Its because of the cool stuff that google is working on, which is reviewed by third party users/customers. Now if Microsoft released a technically cool service, I am sure they would not need professional evangelists. Oh boy... today is an anti-microsoft day for some reason! :)
Google Tackles Search Memory in Beta Service
Google Tackles Search Memory in Beta Service:
Features galore! :)
Where is microsoft in all of this? I expect a new service to crop up from Yahoo anytime now.
Its funny, but the strategy that Microsoft had used to make its software gain traction can no longer work. When Microsoft was competing against a competitor in the software space, it used varous tactics to get its software accepted. First was the fact that they could bundle the software with the OS (browser, media player so forth) and that would remove the one step required of other third party software. Installation. Second Microsoft would give away software (Internet Explorer), and that would help them gain market share.
Now however, with the google services there is a simple reality of no installation required. So now there is no reason for users to use MSN search, or hotmail. In fact, the services from google are better at the moment (Gmail vs. Hotmail). Therefore, the same rules dont apply. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft counters this. For once, their applications (web services) have to be better than what is currently being offered. Can they do it?
This is all my humble opinion ofcourse!
Most of my friends use MSN messenger. Most of my friends are international students from Pakistan. When they came to the US for their undergraduate studies, most of them did not have a PC. They would use the computer lab at the University. At the computer lab, there was no way of installing software. You did not have permission. Further everytime you logged, the machine would delete whatever profile that may have been saved. The only instant messaging software already installed was windows messenger that was bundled in Windows. Hence, they all used MSN messenger. I on the other hand, had been using ICQ since Pakistan. I had a huge list of friends on ICQ, and I'd carry around a zip disk with that ICQ installed on the zip disk. Most people couldn't be bothered with doing that kind of thing, and most didn't have a reason to. I hate the fact that I have to use MSN messenger all the time. I dont like being tied to one app. But thats the reality, I had to use it. It was a relief when Jabber was released, but it just didn't work for me. Dont remember why. I still use MSN messenger, but I am just looking for a reason to jump ship. Google needs to start an Instant messaging service.
And google can actually do it as a service like gmail. Here is the MSN equivalent. I'm sure google can do a much better job. Heck I could do a much better job if I had the resources :D
Why do I want to move away from msn messenger. Well simply because the service sucks! There hasn't been a feature added that I liked since I started using it. It keeps getting disconnected. Its not tied in (as well as I would like) to any of the other services I use. There is no way to send offline messages. ICQ had that years ago and it was a good feature. If a friend was offline, I did not have to fire up email, send a message and hope that he still reads that email address.
"Google on Wednesday launched a personalized Web search service that stores users' search histories, builds individualized search data into Web results and suggests related searches."
Features galore! :)
Where is microsoft in all of this? I expect a new service to crop up from Yahoo anytime now.
Its funny, but the strategy that Microsoft had used to make its software gain traction can no longer work. When Microsoft was competing against a competitor in the software space, it used varous tactics to get its software accepted. First was the fact that they could bundle the software with the OS (browser, media player so forth) and that would remove the one step required of other third party software. Installation. Second Microsoft would give away software (Internet Explorer), and that would help them gain market share.
Now however, with the google services there is a simple reality of no installation required. So now there is no reason for users to use MSN search, or hotmail. In fact, the services from google are better at the moment (Gmail vs. Hotmail). Therefore, the same rules dont apply. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft counters this. For once, their applications (web services) have to be better than what is currently being offered. Can they do it?
This is all my humble opinion ofcourse!
Most of my friends use MSN messenger. Most of my friends are international students from Pakistan. When they came to the US for their undergraduate studies, most of them did not have a PC. They would use the computer lab at the University. At the computer lab, there was no way of installing software. You did not have permission. Further everytime you logged, the machine would delete whatever profile that may have been saved. The only instant messaging software already installed was windows messenger that was bundled in Windows. Hence, they all used MSN messenger. I on the other hand, had been using ICQ since Pakistan. I had a huge list of friends on ICQ, and I'd carry around a zip disk with that ICQ installed on the zip disk. Most people couldn't be bothered with doing that kind of thing, and most didn't have a reason to. I hate the fact that I have to use MSN messenger all the time. I dont like being tied to one app. But thats the reality, I had to use it. It was a relief when Jabber was released, but it just didn't work for me. Dont remember why. I still use MSN messenger, but I am just looking for a reason to jump ship. Google needs to start an Instant messaging service.
And google can actually do it as a service like gmail. Here is the MSN equivalent. I'm sure google can do a much better job. Heck I could do a much better job if I had the resources :D
Why do I want to move away from msn messenger. Well simply because the service sucks! There hasn't been a feature added that I liked since I started using it. It keeps getting disconnected. Its not tied in (as well as I would like) to any of the other services I use. There is no way to send offline messages. ICQ had that years ago and it was a good feature. If a friend was offline, I did not have to fire up email, send a message and hope that he still reads that email address.
Boing Boing: Berkeley laptop thief is scared out of his wits by professor
Boing Boing: Berkeley laptop thief is scared out of his wits by professor
:) someone is in deep trouble.
The last few minutes of this video from a biology class at Berkeley is of professor explaining the terrifying consequences that will soon befall the student that stole his laptop. Hell, I'm 500 miles away from Berkeley and I'm scared after watching this. (Forward to 48:50. It's a RealPlayer file, unfortunately, so be prepared for it to stop playing at least three times while you're watching it).
:) someone is in deep trouble.
The world's Web-savviest nation: Denmark
The world's Web-savviest nation: Denmark
Not surprising. I think the most important thing for my country right now is education. We need widespread education and literacy. All those economic packages mean nothing but trouble. We keep taking aid, and endup in a bigger debt than before. We need some real help in the form of education. Without it, there is no hope.
Of the 65 countries surveyed, Azerbaijan remained at the bottom of the list with just 2.72 points, up from 2.43, only slightly worse than Pakistan with 2.93 points.
Not surprising. I think the most important thing for my country right now is education. We need widespread education and literacy. All those economic packages mean nothing but trouble. We keep taking aid, and endup in a bigger debt than before. We need some real help in the form of education. Without it, there is no hope.
Novell Ships Richest Linux Distribution Ever to the Market
Novell Ships Richest Linux Distribution Ever to the Market
I still use 9.1. There were significant changes from 9.0 to 9.1. I tried 9.2 and well there was just no reason to switch my main machine to it, and in fact, there were some devel packages and the like that were missing (dont remember which). So I use 9.1 Lately I upgrade to KDE 3.4 on 9.1 but thats about it. Other than that, it is pure 9.1 and now that I have KDE 3.4 I guess I wont be going to 9.3. The craze of trying out a new distribution as soon as it is out is gone anyways. Now its all the same!
I still use 9.1. There were significant changes from 9.0 to 9.1. I tried 9.2 and well there was just no reason to switch my main machine to it, and in fact, there were some devel packages and the like that were missing (dont remember which). So I use 9.1 Lately I upgrade to KDE 3.4 on 9.1 but thats about it. Other than that, it is pure 9.1 and now that I have KDE 3.4 I guess I wont be going to 9.3. The craze of trying out a new distribution as soon as it is out is gone anyways. Now its all the same!
Toshiba Revives Libretto, Announces U100 Notebook : Gizmodo
Toshiba Revives Libretto, Announces U100 Notebook : Gizmodo
I used to dream of owning this machine, when it was first introduced, way back. Maybe now I can.
I used to dream of owning this machine, when it was first introduced, way back. Maybe now I can.
Spatial Navigation in Mozilla
Spatial Navigation in Mozilla
Finally... could this be the end of the need for a mouse for web browsing? I know its designed with people using a remote control in mind, but could this also lead to better keyboard navigation, leading to my not needing the mouse at all while web browsing/researching?
Finally... could this be the end of the need for a mouse for web browsing? I know its designed with people using a remote control in mind, but could this also lead to better keyboard navigation, leading to my not needing the mouse at all while web browsing/researching?
Alienware : The Best Custom Built Gaming PC for the Ultimate PC Gamer!
Alienware : The Best Custom Built Gaming PC for the Ultimate PC Gamer!
I have a feeling that the dark side will sell more than the light side.
I have a feeling that the dark side will sell more than the light side.
CNN.com - Opera Web browser ups security - Apr 19, 2005
CNN.com - Opera Web browser ups security - Apr 19, 2005
I'm not sure who Opera is targetting, but their has to be significant reason why someone would shell out money, or put up with advertisements in a browser. I dont see anyone shelling out cash for a browser, especially when it is competing against a browser like firefox, which is highly extensible, and is gaining widespread support.
I've noticed on a redmond blog (I think, bloglines database is down), people saying that web developers should check their websites with browsers other than the current ones. I was reading that most web developers are using either firefox, or browsers with cleartype to see if their web sites look good. These developers forget to check the web site in older version of IE, 5.0 and 5.5. Also without cleartype this makes a difference. But I think there is a conflict of interest here.
If web developers dont check sites in older browsers, people will be forced to upgrade. And there is danger that those who upgrade will upgrade to a browser other than internet explorer. I feel its a good thing that web development is not checked in any browser other than the latest. That means more people forced to use browsers that are up to date. Its very easy to say that and much harder for the people, I know how much of a pain it can be to update software, especially for the less computer literate. However, a computer should not be considered an appliance like a TV. A one time purchase. It should be more like a car. It has dynamic parts which need maintainence every few months. We need computer mechanics and computer servicing, and people need to realize that.
I'm not sure who Opera is targetting, but their has to be significant reason why someone would shell out money, or put up with advertisements in a browser. I dont see anyone shelling out cash for a browser, especially when it is competing against a browser like firefox, which is highly extensible, and is gaining widespread support.
I've noticed on a redmond blog (I think, bloglines database is down), people saying that web developers should check their websites with browsers other than the current ones. I was reading that most web developers are using either firefox, or browsers with cleartype to see if their web sites look good. These developers forget to check the web site in older version of IE, 5.0 and 5.5. Also without cleartype this makes a difference. But I think there is a conflict of interest here.
If web developers dont check sites in older browsers, people will be forced to upgrade. And there is danger that those who upgrade will upgrade to a browser other than internet explorer. I feel its a good thing that web development is not checked in any browser other than the latest. That means more people forced to use browsers that are up to date. Its very easy to say that and much harder for the people, I know how much of a pain it can be to update software, especially for the less computer literate. However, a computer should not be considered an appliance like a TV. A one time purchase. It should be more like a car. It has dynamic parts which need maintainence every few months. We need computer mechanics and computer servicing, and people need to realize that.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
adot's notblog* "firefox, cats, mars, and more": it's the community, stupid:
"Over the last few days I've seen several stories around the release of the Firefox 1.0.3 update with ridiculous headlines like 'Firefox Comes Under Attack', 'Firefox Singed By Security Holes', and 'Security Holes Bite Firefox'.
I understand that sensational sells, and I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news for all of the lazy journalists out there, but Firefox wasn't hit, or attacked, or bitten, or singed, by anything."
Java and Safari issues after updating to Mac OS X v10.3.9
Java and Safari issues after updating to Mac OS X v10.3.9
Looks like I'm fine.
Verifying the issue
Go to the Utilities folder inside your Applications folder.
Open Terminal.
Type: java -version
Press Return.
If this issue affects your computer, you will get the the message, "Segmentation fault" (if you don't see this, your computer is not affected by this issue). To resolve the issue, reinstall one or both of the following software updates.[172 12:29 PM Tue Apr 19] [Session: ttyp3 ~]
==> java -version
java version "1.4.2_05"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.2_05-141.4)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.2-38, mixed mode)
Looks like I'm fine.
Laurie Garrett memo
Laurie Garrett memo:
"The deterioration we experienced at Newsday was hardly unique. All across America news organizations have been devoured by massive corporations, and allegiance to stockholders, the drive for higher share prices, and push for larger dividend returns trumps everything that the grunts in the newsrooms consider their missions. Long gone are the days of fast-talking, whiskey-swilling Murray Kempton peers eloquently filling columns with daily dish on government scandals, mobsters and police corruption. The sort of in-your-face challenge that the Fourth Estate once posed for politicians has been replaced by mud-slinging, lies and, where it ought not be, timidity. When I started out in journalism the newsrooms were still full of old guys with blue collar backgrounds who got genuinely indignant when the Governor lied or somebody turned off the heat on a poor person's apartment in mid-January. They cussed and yelled their ways through the day, took an occasional sly snort from a bottle in the bottom drawer of their desk and bit into news stories like packs of wild dogs, never letting go until they'd found and told the truth. If they hadn't been reporters most of those guys would have been cops or firefighters. It was just that way."
via Dare Obasanjo
Microsoft to license test software for real-world use | CNET News.com
Microsoft to license test software for real-world use | CNET News.com
Ummm.. this is not good. Running a beta test site, like Google mail is one thing, but actually having server software that is in beta be licensed for production use? People will pay for this? This is weird. How can you run enterprise servers on beta software? Has it come to the point that Microsoft is losing market share because they cant release stable non-beta software. To keep up and hold on to market share they release beta software, which is stable enough in most cases but not all. I guess this is what happens when smaller nimbler companies/ open source software competes with older, slower companies.
Slashdot thread
Ummm.. this is not good. Running a beta test site, like Google mail is one thing, but actually having server software that is in beta be licensed for production use? People will pay for this? This is weird. How can you run enterprise servers on beta software? Has it come to the point that Microsoft is losing market share because they cant release stable non-beta software. To keep up and hold on to market share they release beta software, which is stable enough in most cases but not all. I guess this is what happens when smaller nimbler companies/ open source software competes with older, slower companies.
Slashdot thread
I'm not sure if this is a Safari 1.3 feature, or if it has been there from before, but when I click on an ftp link, the system mounts the ftp directory as if another drive on the system. Being used to seeing the ftp directory on your local system, and being able to navigate through it in the browser is a habit. This makes the mounting a little irritating. Guess I have to get used to the mac way of doing things.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Techdirt:Making Music More Enjoyable? Not Allowed!
Techdirt:Making Music More Enjoyable? Not Allowed!
Its come to the point now that I dont listen to music anymore. Sure I'll enjoy a tune once in a while when watching a show or movie, but I rarely watch shows or movies anyways. Music isn't fun anymore... and the music execs did it. No iPod, no mp3 device, no music on my systems, no time for it.
Its come to the point now that I dont listen to music anymore. Sure I'll enjoy a tune once in a while when watching a show or movie, but I rarely watch shows or movies anyways. Music isn't fun anymore... and the music execs did it. No iPod, no mp3 device, no music on my systems, no time for it.
Food on a Shoestring Budget
Food on a Shoestring Budget
I just finished having lunch from McDonalds... **yuck**.
I miss aloo parathas! (Fried Potatos and fried bread... you have to try it... there is nothing like it in the west).
One of the many food joints my friends and I have discovered as students with extremely limited finances and huge appetites is Indus Foods, situated in Khadda Market. Must-try entrees include their biryani, nihari and aloo parathas. While it looks like your regular takeaway from the exterior, its actually quite clean and well ventilated inside. Even though the food is on the greasier side, a lunch there is enough to easily sustain you through the day. Head over to Indus Foods if you're ever in the mood for a good old desi dish.
I just finished having lunch from McDonalds... **yuck**.
I miss aloo parathas! (Fried Potatos and fried bread... you have to try it... there is nothing like it in the west).
New shuttle tank ready for lift-off
New shuttle tank ready for lift-off:
Who would have thought that 36 years after Apollo 11, we would still be having problems getting out of earths airspace. :(
"Set against the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, shuttle Discovery emerged on Thursday from a cocoon of protective metal gantries to undergo a final test, stemming from the 2003 Columbia accident."
Who would have thought that 36 years after Apollo 11, we would still be having problems getting out of earths airspace. :(
How to look beyond search sites
How to look beyond search sites:
Ummm.... I dont agree.
"This knowledge means that users are also learning the limits of searching via a site such as Google, Yahoo! or MSN, says Mr Cowan. Especially as these sites expand into new areas of information."
Ummm.... I dont agree.
Mozilla flaws could allow attacks, data access
Mozilla flaws could allow attacks, data access:
"Multiple vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to install malicious code or steal personal data have been discovered in the Mozilla Suite and the Firefox open-source browser."
Buyout mania continues: GameStop snaps up Electronics
Buyout mania continues: GameStop snaps up Electronics
Wow! Lots of buyouts happening. Amazing how things are shaping up post dot-com. One thing though. Most new companies (bloglines, flickr, del.icio.us... etc) are based on sound ideas, however, there is one niche where companies have been cropping up left and right. They add very little value. These are the vertical search providers. I dont think there is much value in them, just people who did not learn from the dot-com debacle. I mean what value is there in a bunch of scripts wrapped around a search engine like Lucene? Google is good enough for those searches, and I dont see people flocking to these search engines. There is nothing ground breaking about these companies. No amazing algorithm, nothing that makes a better search engine. No value. Just my opinion.
Wow! Lots of buyouts happening. Amazing how things are shaping up post dot-com. One thing though. Most new companies (bloglines, flickr, del.icio.us... etc) are based on sound ideas, however, there is one niche where companies have been cropping up left and right. They add very little value. These are the vertical search providers. I dont think there is much value in them, just people who did not learn from the dot-com debacle. I mean what value is there in a bunch of scripts wrapped around a search engine like Lucene? Google is good enough for those searches, and I dont see people flocking to these search engines. There is nothing ground breaking about these companies. No amazing algorithm, nothing that makes a better search engine. No value. Just my opinion.
Mac OS X Update 10.3.9
Mac OS X Update 10.3.9
Delivers improved compatibility and reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 �Panther� and is recommended for all users.
Improvements include:
- file sharing and directory services reliability for mixed Mac and PC networks
- Mail, Safari and Stickies application reliability
- compatibility for third party applications and devices
- previous standalone security updates
Cross site scripting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cross site scripting:
"Cross site scripting (XSS) is a type of computer
security exploit where information
from one context, where it is not trusted, can be inserted into another
context, where it is. From the trusted context, an attack can be launched. Note that although cross site scripting is also
sometimes abbreviated 'CSS', it has nothing to do with the Cascading Style Sheets technology that is more commonly called CSS."
Microsoft DoSed my Grandma!
Microsoft DoSed my Grandma!:
"I called to check in on my 'grandma' this week and she complained that all of a sudden should couldn't surf the web or download her email. 'Everything is timing out, or server's aren't available,' was the reported symptom. 'Am I infected again?' she worried aloud. It turned out to be her machine pulling down the patches. I told her to leave it logged in while she's watching her television programs and it would all work out. Take two patches and call me in the morning."
Be Careful What You Filter and Anti-Spyware Infrastructure Ideas
Be Careful What You Filter and Anti-Spyware Infrastructure Ideas:
"1) James uses a squid proxy for all of his outbound surfers. Then, he runs an anti-virus tool with spyware sigs on the squid cache to catch a whole bunch of nasties on their way in, including a bunch of downloader trojans and redirection exploits. Now, he enforces the proxy settings in the browser using AD for all of his IE users."
Techdirt:Adobe Buying Macromedia -- Creative Consolidation
Techdirt:Adobe Buying Macromedia -- Creative Consolidation
Here is to hoping that this is good for both companies. They create wonderful software.
Here is to hoping that this is good for both companies. They create wonderful software.
Slashdot | Freeciv-2.0.0 Stable Released
Slashdot | Freeciv-2.0.0 Stable Released
The graphics are much better than Freeciv 1.0, but no where near todays games. This from the screenshot ofcourse. But still, this makes the game a whole lot more interesting.
The graphics are much better than Freeciv 1.0, but no where near todays games. This from the screenshot ofcourse. But still, this makes the game a whole lot more interesting.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Gaurav to the rescue of the Indian cricket team
New Delhi Times: Gaurav to the rescue of the Indian cricket team:
BBC: Pakistan wrap up series triumph
Well, Pakistan whooped Indias behind!!! Woohoo! :)The performance of our team in the last 3 matches has caused a lot of distress to the entire nation. There is despair everywhere. I have myself been perplexed by this total annihiliation of our bowling attack in the last game. Well, tomorrow's match is right here in Delhi and they better perform this time because I AM GOING TO BE THERE WATCHING THE MATCH LIVE!!! My dear friend JJ (to whom I am going to be eternally grateful) managed to get two tickets for tomorrow's game. And good tickets too. If you live in Delhi and read the newspaper, you know how hard it is to get tickets. JJ must have pulled some real strings to get us these tickets.
BBC: Pakistan wrap up series triumph
Simon Willison: Safari 1.3 has a JavaScript Console
Simon Willison: Safari 1.3 has a JavaScript Console
My single biggest complaint about Safari in the past has been its terrible support for JavaScript debugging. Safari 1.3 has just been released, and tucked away in the Debug menu is a brand new JavaScript console option. It's not as good as the Firefox equivalent (it throws up far too many "Undefined value, line: 0" errors for my liking) but it's a big step in the right direction.
Surfin' Safari
Surfin' Safari:
Those of you running Panther can now update to 10.3.9. This update includes Safari 1.3 and new versions of WebKit, WebCore, and JavaScriptCore that contain thousands of improvements we've made to the engine since Safari 1.2.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
I hate it when large companies buy smaller companies, and then mess up the service that the smaller companies provided. Case in point, bloglines. I cant log in to bloglines at the moment. I've never had a service issue when bloglines was running on its own. Ever since AskJeeves took over, the server has been dodgy on a number of occassions. Time to find another aggregator?
I'm being harsh though, considering that I have stuck with blogger/blogspot over the years, even though they have had a much worse service than bloglines. Since these services are free, the attitude might be a little laid back. However, free or not, a service should have the decency to inform users that their service is going down for maintainence on such and such data, at such and such time. Very rarely is that done by websites that provide a service. This should be the norm.
I would not have thought of moving from a web based aggregator to a rich client application, but blogbridge's sync capability has me intrigued. I'll try it out.
I'm being harsh though, considering that I have stuck with blogger/blogspot over the years, even though they have had a much worse service than bloglines. Since these services are free, the attitude might be a little laid back. However, free or not, a service should have the decency to inform users that their service is going down for maintainence on such and such data, at such and such time. Very rarely is that done by websites that provide a service. This should be the norm.
I would not have thought of moving from a web based aggregator to a rich client application, but blogbridge's sync capability has me intrigued. I'll try it out.
Friday, April 15, 2005
ONLamp.com: Python on Your (S60) Phone
ONLamp.com: Python on Your (S60) Phone:
Cool.
"Just before Christmas 2004, Nokia put up a version of Python to run on Symbian Series 60 phones. While this is cool just because, is it also useful? Nokia describes its purpose as one of prototyping, teaching, and application development. The prospective audience is application developers who want to use the 'native features and resources of the Series 60 phones.'"
Cool.
Blue Sky On Mars: Traction for SQLite
Blue Sky On Mars: Traction for SQLite
The interesting thing here is that AOL developers helped to enable this. Couple this with Apple using SQLite in the new CoreData feature of Mac OS X Tiger and it would seem that this little database is getting some hefty attention.Its also now part of Solaris 10. More traction!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
SecurityFocus HOME News: Beware of toxic blogs
SecurityFocus HOME News: Beware of toxic blogs:
I promise my blog will not have any spyware on it. It cant, there is no way to upload those executables to blogger (at least I dont know of any). Unless blogger starts hosting spyware itself ofcourse. Thats the day I move of blogger (oh crap, now they know how to get rid of me! :)
I really dont get how such common sense stuff can be made into a big story. I mean, if people are provided with an easy way to host spyware, under a guise of a blog, they will. It is just something to be expected. Whats the big deal?
"Toxic blogs are been used to distribute malware and keyloggers, censorware firm Websense warns. Websense Security Labs said it has discovered 'hundreds of instances' of blogs involved in the storage and delivery of harmful code this year. Anti-virus firms question why Websense has singled out blogs as a particular security risk but Websense does come up with at least one concrete example of the trick having been used in anger."
I promise my blog will not have any spyware on it. It cant, there is no way to upload those executables to blogger (at least I dont know of any). Unless blogger starts hosting spyware itself ofcourse. Thats the day I move of blogger (oh crap, now they know how to get rid of me! :)
I really dont get how such common sense stuff can be made into a big story. I mean, if people are provided with an easy way to host spyware, under a guise of a blog, they will. It is just something to be expected. Whats the big deal?
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Sam Ruby: Continuations for Curmudgeons
Sam Ruby: Continuations for Curmudgeons:
"This essay is for people who, in web years, are older than dirt. More specifically, if there was a period of time in which you programmed in a language which did not have garbage collection, then I mean you. For most people these days, that means that you had some experience with a language named C."
Mini-Microsoft: BillG on Dinosaurs
Mini-Microsoft: BillG on Dinosaurs
Geez indeedz. Thanks there, chairman, for summing up the great powerful features of Office 2003 (now with such innovation we just plain can't explain it to you).
OS X: change default application
OS X: change default application :
"1. Right Click/command click a pdf file.
2. Choose Get Info
3. Open with: Choose prefered app
4. Click Change All....
Microsoft Monitor: The Tiger Roars at Longhorn
Microsoft Monitor: The Tiger Roars at Longhorn:
Umm... this does not make sense to me. Filing is important. You may want to search a large database of information, but why would you want to search a small section of files that you work on from time to time. I'm not sure if this is such a big deal. Would'nt you rather just navigate the directory to the file, instead of thinking of a search term, and then searching for it? Maybe not, I guess we'll have to see. I never found the utility called quicksilver of that much use to me (Apples spotlight is supposed to be similar to quicksilver, I think). Maybe that is just because I'm getting started with a Mac. Oh well.
"The archaic file folder metaphor is long past its prime. Do people think about where to file their memories in their brains? Robust search is much closer than file folders to how most people think."
Umm... this does not make sense to me. Filing is important. You may want to search a large database of information, but why would you want to search a small section of files that you work on from time to time. I'm not sure if this is such a big deal. Would'nt you rather just navigate the directory to the file, instead of thinking of a search term, and then searching for it? Maybe not, I guess we'll have to see. I never found the utility called quicksilver of that much use to me (Apples spotlight is supposed to be similar to quicksilver, I think). Maybe that is just because I'm getting started with a Mac. Oh well.
Scobleizer: Microsoft Geek Blogger
Scobleizer: Microsoft Geek Blogger
My feed list on bloglines is up to 250 feeds. There is no need for a bloglines notifier anymore. I know there is going to be at least five feeds that have updated at any time during the day. I have no idea how one could go through 1300 blogs, and remain sane! I'm getting better at only reading stuff that is interesting, but there is always a nagging feeling that I might have skipped over something that might be important.
Another effect I have noticed of being subscribed to so many feeds is that sites such as slashdot are no longer relevant for getting the important news factor. Stories on slashdot are old now by two or three days. I've already the story through posts in the blogosphere. The only thing slashdot might be good for is the discussion that follows the story, but usually that itself is just a bunch of posts claiming "First posts!".
But not putting the pressure on myself to read 1,300+ feeds every night sure is making life more enjoyable.
My feed list on bloglines is up to 250 feeds. There is no need for a bloglines notifier anymore. I know there is going to be at least five feeds that have updated at any time during the day. I have no idea how one could go through 1300 blogs, and remain sane! I'm getting better at only reading stuff that is interesting, but there is always a nagging feeling that I might have skipped over something that might be important.
Another effect I have noticed of being subscribed to so many feeds is that sites such as slashdot are no longer relevant for getting the important news factor. Stories on slashdot are old now by two or three days. I've already the story through posts in the blogosphere. The only thing slashdot might be good for is the discussion that follows the story, but usually that itself is just a bunch of posts claiming "First posts!".
TextWrangler and Fugu
TextWrangler
A free native Text editor for OS X. I've been looking for good text editing solutions, other than VI in the terminal, and well here it is. Hey I'm new to the mac, it will take me time to know what standard utils/programs are used on the Mac.
Oh and Fugu for scp on the mac. Any recommendations for good mac software?
A free native Text editor for OS X. I've been looking for good text editing solutions, other than VI in the terminal, and well here it is. Hey I'm new to the mac, it will take me time to know what standard utils/programs are used on the Mac.
Oh and Fugu for scp on the mac. Any recommendations for good mac software?
Micro Persuasion: Targeting Through Tagvertising
Micro Persuasion: Targeting Through Tagvertising:
I'm not sure I like tagging. At least the way it is implemented on del.icio.us. The problem is that I can tag an item, maybe an article with a dev tag. To me it means its a development article, not related to webdev. Whats webdev? A webdev tag is an article that is related to development for the web. So first, others who see my del.icio.us bookmarks might get confused, since each user has his own set of tags and tagging method. Second, a single item can fall into various categories. Third, each user defines a category with his own keyword. People can use Development, Develop, dev, Dev, codedev, code and so forth. No real way of keeping track of whats in a tag. .
It seems to me that the difference between this sort of tagging, is the creation of a portal by the people for the people, whereas normal portals are those that are created by a single authority (for instance, Yahoo Portal). With this kind of tagging, its the people concerned who create those tags. Sort of like the difference between the content of an encyclopedia and a wiki. A wiki system has content generated by the people for the people, whereas an encyclopedia is a system that is generated by a single authority.
Tagging seems pretty chaotic to me, but nature has a way of bringing order from chaos. Lets hope it works!
"The consumer phenomenon is called �tagging� or �folksonomies� (short for folks and taxonomy). Tagging is powerful because consumers are creating an organizational structure for online content."
I'm not sure I like tagging. At least the way it is implemented on del.icio.us. The problem is that I can tag an item, maybe an article with a dev tag. To me it means its a development article, not related to webdev. Whats webdev? A webdev tag is an article that is related to development for the web. So first, others who see my del.icio.us bookmarks might get confused, since each user has his own set of tags and tagging method. Second, a single item can fall into various categories. Third, each user defines a category with his own keyword. People can use Development, Develop, dev, Dev, codedev, code and so forth. No real way of keeping track of whats in a tag. .
It seems to me that the difference between this sort of tagging, is the creation of a portal by the people for the people, whereas normal portals are those that are created by a single authority (for instance, Yahoo Portal). With this kind of tagging, its the people concerned who create those tags. Sort of like the difference between the content of an encyclopedia and a wiki. A wiki system has content generated by the people for the people, whereas an encyclopedia is a system that is generated by a single authority.
Tagging seems pretty chaotic to me, but nature has a way of bringing order from chaos. Lets hope it works!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The Linux Box: Why I Switched to Linux
The Linux Box: Why I Switched to Linux:
Since when is DVD software part of the operating system. Linux has people spoiled! :)
Poor Microsoft probably finds itself in a hard place when the Antitrust people keep running after them when they try to include stuff in the OS, while Linux keeps adding world class applications to its list.
"Here's another example. One day, you come home from work and just want to relax and watch a DVD movie. Once again, Microsoft is miles ahead in creating an incomplete operating system. Windows XP has the capability to play a DVD, but not out of the box. Playing a DVD requires you to spend at least $30 on a commercial DVD encoder first."
Since when is DVD software part of the operating system. Linux has people spoiled! :)
Poor Microsoft probably finds itself in a hard place when the Antitrust people keep running after them when they try to include stuff in the OS, while Linux keeps adding world class applications to its list.
Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan
Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan
I needed to check on one of the work stations we have, and well, the symantec anti-virus installed on the machine was no help. So I heard about the above link, and well it works pretty well! Free anti-virus scan. Cool.
I needed to check on one of the work stations we have, and well, the symantec anti-virus installed on the machine was no help. So I heard about the above link, and well it works pretty well! Free anti-virus scan. Cool.
Python CGI Scripting
I want the ability to call a python CGI script and run a specific
function from within the script. The os.environ variable has a key
called 'REQUEST_URI'. This contains the URI with which the script was
called. Here is some code I worked out:
So now if your script resides in cgi-bin folder, and you call
http://somehost.somewhere.com/cgi-bin/test.py/test, the test_func()
call should go through.
Now I have to figure out if there is a way to tie the python script with XMLHttpRequest. Why do I want to that?
function from within the script. The os.environ variable has a key
called 'REQUEST_URI'. This contains the URI with which the script was
called. Here is some code I worked out:
import os, string
print 'Content-Type: text/html'
def test_func():
print 'Running test function'
str_list = os.environ['REQUEST_URI']
func_call = string.split(str_list, '/')
if (len(func_call) > 3):
if (func_call[3] == 'test'):
test_func()
else:
print 'Unknown method called'
else:
print 'Called without an argument'
So now if your script resides in cgi-bin folder, and you call
http://somehost.somewhere.com/cgi-bin/test.py/test, the test_func()
call should go through.
Now I have to figure out if there is a way to tie the python script with XMLHttpRequest. Why do I want to that?
The user requests a page from the server, which is built and delivered to the browser. This page includes an HTML form element for capturing data from the user. Once the user posts their input back to the server, the next page can be built and served based on the input, and so the process continues. This is largely dictated by the nature of HTTP and differs from the traditional desktop application model of an interface which is inherently connected to the application layer.
...
A solution to these problem presents itself in the form of the XMLHttpRequest object. This object, first implemented by Microsoft as an ActiveX object but now also available as a native object within both Mozilla and Apple's Safari browser, enables JavaScript to make HTTP requests to a remote server without the need to reload the page. In essence, HTTP requests can be made and responses received, completely in the background and without the user experiencing any visual interruptions.
This is a tremendous boon, as it takes the developer a long way towards achieving the goals of both a responsive user interface and keeping all the important logic in the application layer. By using JavaScript to ferry input back to the server in real time, the logic can be performed on the server and the response returned for near-instant feedback.
Pakistan snatch last-ball victory
Cricket | Pakistan snatch last-ball victory:
"Fourth one-day international, Ahmedabad
Pakistan (319-7) beat India (315-6) by three wickets"
"Fourth one-day international, Ahmedabad
Pakistan (319-7) beat India (315-6) by three wickets"
Monday, April 11, 2005
Few takers for linux version 4 in Punjabi - The Economic Times
Few takers for linux version 4 in Punjabi - The Economic Times
I guess Punjabi is one language that is spoken in both countries, Pakistan and India. Urdu and Hindi sound alike but are written differently. I can speak Hindi and Urdu, but cant write Hindi. I'm assuming Punjabi is written the same way though. Urdu has alphabets that are derived from persian and arabic. Hindi alphabets are sanskrit. Or so I've been told. I wish there was an Urdu version of Linux.
Well, for those wondering where this tome is going, here�s the news peg. Red Hat, the largest distributor of Linux in the world, has unveiled its Enterprise Linux Version 4 in Punjabi.
I guess Punjabi is one language that is spoken in both countries, Pakistan and India. Urdu and Hindi sound alike but are written differently. I can speak Hindi and Urdu, but cant write Hindi. I'm assuming Punjabi is written the same way though. Urdu has alphabets that are derived from persian and arabic. Hindi alphabets are sanskrit. Or so I've been told. I wish there was an Urdu version of Linux.
Burningbird ? I love to code
Burningbird ? I love to code
There are very few people who think this way. I personally have had a total of two friends during college life who were as interested in coding as I was. Those who lived for the 'Aha' moment. The fun that it is to code. Out of about fifty or so computer scientist that I've known. All concerned usually got in it because it was a good career (during the dot-com days). I got into computer science and programming because it was my hobby and thats what I wanted to do in life.
Coders will understand when I mention the �Aha!� moment; when you hear from the other side of a cubical wall a cry of triumph�usually followed by the person bouncing out of their chair and in a hyperkinetic frenzy, walking about, dancing about�rapid swoosh of slinky being balanced from hand to hand, and shit-eating grin wide across the face. There were no cubical walls around me, and I scared my cat I think, but today I had one of those moments. And I re-discovered that I love to code.
There are very few people who think this way. I personally have had a total of two friends during college life who were as interested in coding as I was. Those who lived for the 'Aha' moment. The fun that it is to code. Out of about fifty or so computer scientist that I've known. All concerned usually got in it because it was a good career (during the dot-com days). I got into computer science and programming because it was my hobby and thats what I wanted to do in life.
Firefox Kills Cookie Alternatives | Threadwatch.org
Firefox Kills Cookie Alternatives | Threadwatch.org:
"The Firefox extention allows users to delete PIE's just like cookies."
Gmail vs. Hotmail
I have to use a webmail interface for all my email. I have too many computers, and no primary computer. Webmail is the only way I can have all my email in one place. When I was still an undergrad, I could ssh into the server, and use pine. I was the admin for the server for about four years. Not a single problem. But six months after I left, the server got hacked, and well, I didn't have email for about a week, maybe two. When the server finally came up, I decided it would be a better idea for me to forward my mail to Gmail. My secondary email account has always been a hotmail account. When I decided to phase out my UT email account, hotmail was not a choice at all. Why? Too slow, clunky and some slight problems with Safari. Gmail on the other hand had a super fast interface, that was extremely productive. Even though Gmail was beta, and there was a chance that the service might go down, and things like that, I chose to use Gmail. Its just that much more productive. Plus now that it is 2 gigs of space, its not just an email account, but a store for most of my media files (articles, books, music and such).
Review of D-Link's DGL-4300 Broadband Router
Review of D-Link's DGL-4300 Broadband Router
I'm not sure if this is a problem for me yet. I signed on to World of Warcraft again. I gave in over the weekend. The best part was that they had only frozen my account when I unsubscribed, so my characters were still their. I'm not sure thats because I had not deleted World of Warcraft from my powerbook, or if the profile for the character is stored on the server, but it worked.
Which brings up this question. What happens if your hard drive gets trashed, and you lose your WoW stuff. It better be stored on the server, or your level 60 character is toast! I'm not level 60 yet, but one of my roommate is, and the other is lvl 53. And the amount of months these guys have spent getting their it would be a horrible shame to lose all that.
My character is a level 14 warlock named "Bhoot". It means Ghost in Urdu. :)
Screenshots to come soon!
Your connection speed or hardware isn't necessarily your biggest problem in online gaming, but rather how you and others use your connection at the same time. Typical download speeds range from 768Kbit/sec to 3Mbit/sec, with upload speeds of 128Kbit to 1Mbit. That's more than enough for several people to enjoy broadband-only games online. So why do so many users experience so much lag? Usually something else happens on your home network that slows things down a bit. Peer-to-peer file sharing trashes your network connection, as do really big local file transfers."
I'm not sure if this is a problem for me yet. I signed on to World of Warcraft again. I gave in over the weekend. The best part was that they had only frozen my account when I unsubscribed, so my characters were still their. I'm not sure thats because I had not deleted World of Warcraft from my powerbook, or if the profile for the character is stored on the server, but it worked.
Which brings up this question. What happens if your hard drive gets trashed, and you lose your WoW stuff. It better be stored on the server, or your level 60 character is toast! I'm not level 60 yet, but one of my roommate is, and the other is lvl 53. And the amount of months these guys have spent getting their it would be a horrible shame to lose all that.
My character is a level 14 warlock named "Bhoot". It means Ghost in Urdu. :)
Screenshots to come soon!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
James Kew: Resident Alien: Google, Maps, Mail and Microsoft
James Kew: Resident Alien: Google, Maps, Mail and Microsoft:
Microsoft may have been sitting on this stuff, but they did not know how to leverage and use this stuff. Take IE for example. They had no idea what to do with it, and in fact had disbanded the dev team until firefox came along. Without competitors Microsoft cant do shit. And they know it now. They wipe out competition, then the application market becomes boring. The app becomes boring. An app that is boring, but without a serious competitor for now. Office. Microsoft does not know what do with it. How can they come out with a new version that has features that everyone wants? They have to wait for a competitor to come out with some important features. They will copy those then, and the office suite space will become hot again.
Well, OK, Terraserver. Microsoft got there first. But who cares? Google Maps is attractive not because it was first (there's been mapping on the web for years) but because it's the easiest to use. And Google Maps is here now.Google's secrets: it's very good at reliability, speed, simplicity, and cleanliness.
Microsoft may have been sitting on this stuff, but they did not know how to leverage and use this stuff. Take IE for example. They had no idea what to do with it, and in fact had disbanded the dev team until firefox came along. Without competitors Microsoft cant do shit. And they know it now. They wipe out competition, then the application market becomes boring. The app becomes boring. An app that is boring, but without a serious competitor for now. Office. Microsoft does not know what do with it. How can they come out with a new version that has features that everyone wants? They have to wait for a competitor to come out with some important features. They will copy those then, and the office suite space will become hot again.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Adding Persistent Searches to Gmail [persistent.info]
Adding Persistent Searches to Gmail [persistent.info]
Damn, this is awesome. Its hard to imagine life without firefox.
Damn, this is awesome. Its hard to imagine life without firefox.
Will the Next Version of Windows Be Worth the Wait?
Will the Next Version of Windows Be Worth the Wait?:
There is a difference between the needs of all computer users. Most computer users need a device, which allows them to communicate, hear music, watch programs. They may want to visit their banks web site, and check their accounts. To them the computer is a device that replaces older technologies such as a television. However it is not a personal computer that these people are after. They dont require the flexibility that is afforded with having a computer. For these people I would think something like a PDA environment is more than enough. An environment that is not scriptable. They need an email program, instant messenger, web browser and word processor. Nothing more. A computer is too complex, like a car.
Just as you have mechanics for cars, you need technicians for your computer. You need to take it in for a overhaul every three months (like you give your car an oil change). Until people realize this, and give small computer shops who can provide these services a chance things will get worse.
People are stupid (Imho).
"Microsoft's reticence cannot last much longer. In two weeks, it will be host for a conference for hardware vendors, setting down the minimum specifications that must be met in order to run Longhorn. You may be eager to know whether that PC on your desk will meet the specs. If your PC does not, it's unlikely that you will replace it just to be able to run the latest version of Windows. Michael Cherry, a senior analyst at Directions on Microsoft, a consulting firm based in Kirkland, Wash., observes that many PC users now treat their computers like TV sets.
'Unless the TV doesn't turn on,' he says, 'they won't replace them.'"
There is a difference between the needs of all computer users. Most computer users need a device, which allows them to communicate, hear music, watch programs. They may want to visit their banks web site, and check their accounts. To them the computer is a device that replaces older technologies such as a television. However it is not a personal computer that these people are after. They dont require the flexibility that is afforded with having a computer. For these people I would think something like a PDA environment is more than enough. An environment that is not scriptable. They need an email program, instant messenger, web browser and word processor. Nothing more. A computer is too complex, like a car.
Just as you have mechanics for cars, you need technicians for your computer. You need to take it in for a overhaul every three months (like you give your car an oil change). Until people realize this, and give small computer shops who can provide these services a chance things will get worse.
People are stupid (Imho).
Privacy... who cares? First we need to solve the Congo problem!
Goodbye to Privacy:
Yes yes all well and good. Privacy is no longer. But what I want to know is what we can do, or how it will change society. Anybody can see that computers have brought forth the ability to store and track data at a large scale, what I want to know is how it will effect the coming century.
DR Congo's atrocious secret
Something is terribly wrong when things such as the above happen in the world we live in today. How is this possible? Surely all this advancement in civilization, culture and technology can put what is happening in Africa away. Why dont we use all this technology towards those ends? How long is the developed world going to turn a blind eye towards the less fortunate? Its a simple matter of Priorities.
Privacy... who cares? First we need to solve the Congo problem!
"The computer's ability to collect an infinity of data about individuals -- tracking every movement and purchase, assembling facts and traits in a personal dossier, forgetting nothing -- was in place before 9/11. But among the unremarked casualties of that day was a value that Americans once treasured: personal privacy."
Yes yes all well and good. Privacy is no longer. But what I want to know is what we can do, or how it will change society. Anybody can see that computers have brought forth the ability to store and track data at a large scale, what I want to know is how it will effect the coming century.
DR Congo's atrocious secret
But the region in and north of the forests of central Africa has hosted Rwanda's genocide, the massacres in Burundi, the devastation of southern Sudan, the mutilations in Uganda, and the atrocities of the north-eastern Congo.
Something is terribly wrong when things such as the above happen in the world we live in today. How is this possible? Surely all this advancement in civilization, culture and technology can put what is happening in Africa away. Why dont we use all this technology towards those ends? How long is the developed world going to turn a blind eye towards the less fortunate? Its a simple matter of Priorities.
Privacy... who cares? First we need to solve the Congo problem!
BBC NEWS | Americas | Man gets nine years for spamming
BBC NEWS | Americas | Man gets nine years for spamming
I really dont like this. Nine years, for spamming? That just does not seem right. I hate spam as much as any other person, but there are tools that help you detect it and get rid of it. I just dont believe that sending spam is a crime. Its the price of having an interactive medium. Its just my opinion.
I really dont like this. Nine years, for spamming? That just does not seem right. I hate spam as much as any other person, but there are tools that help you detect it and get rid of it. I just dont believe that sending spam is a crime. Its the price of having an interactive medium. Its just my opinion.
Pakistan and Pakistanis News Blog - Dareecha Pakistan
Pakistan and Pakistanis News Blog - Dareecha Pakistan:
India is not the only country in South Asia. Pakistans got tons of programmers, and we want part of the action too! I interviewed with a startup in Palo Alto, California, and one small reason that they found me interesting was because I was from Pakistan. The person had worked with Pakistanis before, and had enjoyed the experience. Ofcourse there were other things on my resume that probably got their attention too!
"Computer Associates, one of the leading independent software management companies of America, plans to invest in Pakistan as part of its regional expansion strategy. Its country manager Saeed Marashi stated this on April 5."
India is not the only country in South Asia. Pakistans got tons of programmers, and we want part of the action too! I interviewed with a startup in Palo Alto, California, and one small reason that they found me interesting was because I was from Pakistan. The person had worked with Pakistanis before, and had enjoyed the experience. Ofcourse there were other things on my resume that probably got their attention too!
How do you migrate a server with thousands of clients?
Imagine you work for either hotmail, or blogger. You have hundreds of servers (probably more), each storing, and serving thousands of customers. How do you migrate that server to newer software? Without incurring downtime. How do you make sure that the software you are implementing does not break something that your customer uses? What if the customer is happy with the way things are, and they dont want to change anything. But you have to because of security issues or such. What does an admin do in that case? Mind you this is not one or two customers, this hundreds or thousands.
Qumana Investor Blog :: RSS Advertising...it's coming and fast
Qumana Investor Blog :: RSS Advertising...it's coming and fast
I'm not sure if RSS advertising is going to be a big hit. If the advertisements are not irritating it might. I know I have a feed, dont remember from whom that has googles advertisements in it. I still subscribe to the feed. Thats because the advertisements are small text boxes, with links in them. They are not images or flash advertisements that may be obtrusive, resource and bandwidth intensive, and distracting. Hey, and if the post is something that interests me, these ads might interest me too. But the moment the adds become obtrusive or distracting, the feed goes. I hope marketers realize this, I doubt it though!
P.S. its a feed from arstechnica.com that has the text ads.
Russell Beattie's feed also seems to have similar advertisements.
I'm not sure if RSS advertising is going to be a big hit. If the advertisements are not irritating it might. I know I have a feed, dont remember from whom that has googles advertisements in it. I still subscribe to the feed. Thats because the advertisements are small text boxes, with links in them. They are not images or flash advertisements that may be obtrusive, resource and bandwidth intensive, and distracting. Hey, and if the post is something that interests me, these ads might interest me too. But the moment the adds become obtrusive or distracting, the feed goes. I hope marketers realize this, I doubt it though!
P.S. its a feed from arstechnica.com that has the text ads.
Russell Beattie's feed also seems to have similar advertisements.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Longhorn to use UNIX-like User Permissions
Slashdot | Longhorn to use UNIX-like User Permissions:
Its really funny to see how things work out in time. I remember the time when there were articles all over asking if Unix was dead. Yet, Unix thrives in one form or another. In fact, the OS that did ultimately die was the old Mac OS, replaced by Mac OS X, which is Apples GUI bolted over a BSD (Unix) kernel. All the Unix command line tools are available for use on OS X. BeOS, which was a very advanced OS and technically ahead for its time, had Unix utilities available. The only system that has not been like Unix is Windows. The NT kernel was based on VMS.
Microsoft has windows as its cash cow, and it would make sense that they could not do something like Apple. They could not take Windows, and put a Unix kernel underneath. However, to keep Windows competitive they have to add utilities and behavior similar to Unix. Hence there is monad. And now this. Windows seems to continue to march towards abilities that Unix already has. The added advantage is that Windows also has the largest application base. Plus, with things like monad, you can manipulate and access things in the .Net Framework.
From what I've seen and know, it does not seem like Java has this close tie-in with Suns own operating system called Solaris. Whether this is good or bad remains to be seen. I would think monad gives a really rich environment to be able to write scripts in. However, we all know how badly a rich environment can be exploited. I am talking about VBA enabled applications (outlook and such).
"Longhorn to use UNIX-like User Permissions"
Its really funny to see how things work out in time. I remember the time when there were articles all over asking if Unix was dead. Yet, Unix thrives in one form or another. In fact, the OS that did ultimately die was the old Mac OS, replaced by Mac OS X, which is Apples GUI bolted over a BSD (Unix) kernel. All the Unix command line tools are available for use on OS X. BeOS, which was a very advanced OS and technically ahead for its time, had Unix utilities available. The only system that has not been like Unix is Windows. The NT kernel was based on VMS.
Microsoft has windows as its cash cow, and it would make sense that they could not do something like Apple. They could not take Windows, and put a Unix kernel underneath. However, to keep Windows competitive they have to add utilities and behavior similar to Unix. Hence there is monad. And now this. Windows seems to continue to march towards abilities that Unix already has. The added advantage is that Windows also has the largest application base. Plus, with things like monad, you can manipulate and access things in the .Net Framework.
From what I've seen and know, it does not seem like Java has this close tie-in with Suns own operating system called Solaris. Whether this is good or bad remains to be seen. I would think monad gives a really rich environment to be able to write scripts in. However, we all know how badly a rich environment can be exploited. I am talking about VBA enabled applications (outlook and such).
I've been reading some articles where people have used Spybot and find that spybot does not remove all the spyware on their machine. Now I love Spybot. I have it installed on most of the Windows Machines I use. Why do I like it?
Its called teatimer. According to the site:
Even though it is eating up resources it is well worth it. I have never had spyware on my machine. This might also have something to do with the fact that I exclusively use firefox for all my browsing!
Its called teatimer. According to the site:
The Resident TeaTimer is a new tool of Spybot-S&D which perpetually monitors the processes called/initiated.
...
...
In addition, TeaTimer detects, when something wants to change some critical registry keys. TeaTimer can protect you against such changes again giving you an option: You can either "Allow" or "Deny" the change.
As TeaTimer is always running in the background, it takes some resources of about 5 MB.
Even though it is eating up resources it is well worth it. I have never had spyware on my machine. This might also have something to do with the fact that I exclusively use firefox for all my browsing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)