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User: TimButterfield

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  1. Re:FAIL! on This Is Apple's Next iPhone · · Score: 1

    From the How Apple Lost the Next iPhone post. "Apart from that, just six pages of applications. One of them was Facebook." Given Apple's level of security, what is the possibility a secret prototype iPhone would be let out of the building without it using a passcode and auto-lock?

  2. Gimpel/PC-lint bug of the month on Brain Teasers for Coders? · · Score: 2

    If this is to be strictly C/C++ oriented, a fairly steady supply of puzzles may be had by using Gimpel's Bug of the month. I have seen these for many years and have usually found them to be interesting and sometimes even educational.

  3. Other considerations on What's the Best Way to Handle Scripting Under XP? · · Score: 1

    There have been many scripting suggestions given. Before selecting one, you may wish to identify some other items first.

    Does your workflow need to be a GUI application? Can it be a set of console applications? Can it be a web based application? I currently work with a system that scans and scores school assessment test documents. The section I work with, the input side, tracks the document workflow with an Oracle backed web application. How you intend to manage the workflow of the images may have an impact on which, if any, standalone scripting languages you use. How complex of a workflow do you need? Our system has many stages for several types of items with both static and dynamic handlers for different stages along with a split processing path through some parts of the workflow. Before deciding on how to implement the scripts, it may be beneficial to lock down the workflow first. The workflow may be more complex than initially estimated, thus requiring a more complex solution.

    If you are doing image manipulations, have you identified the tool you will use for that. It may be something like Netpbm, ImageMagick, or something else. The interfaces for that tool (or other tools you may need to use) may have an impact on which scripting language you select. Many support different interfaces like COM, DLLs, or calling executables and reading STDOUT. Not all scripting languages have the same level of support for these things. So, instead of starting at the outer level and working down, it may also be helpful to start at the inner level and work out. The first cut at this may not meet in the middle.

    How does the script (and tools) need to be distributed? Does it need to be a single file or small set of files that can be easily copied between machines or can it require installation of graphics tools, script engine, scripts, etc.? Is the installation only at the company or can it also be on individual photographer machines? If support of photographer machines is required or desired, what platform(s) are they using? Could a web interface help with portability?

    Can you implement a cross-platform compatible solution? Being familiar with the Mac, it may be beneficial to you to develop on the Mac, so long as the solution is still deployable on the client's Windows machine. Consider cross-platform compatible scripting languages like Perl, Python, or Tcl/Tk. Use xAMP for a web app may also be portable, allowing development on one platform while targeting another. There are a lot of options available. Narrowing down some of the design decisions may help narrow the possible choices.

  4. Re:Pawn shop on Has Anyone Made an Artificial Diamond Ring? · · Score: 1

    If you are worried about the "new/used" stigma, you can always buy the ring at the pawn shop and have a jeweler remount the stone in a different "new" setting.

    Or, you can just skip the stone altogether as my wife and I did. We recently celebrated our 20th anniversary and replaced our aged and dulled wedding bands with new two-tone tungsten and gold wedding bands. Neither of us missed paying for the stone. Besides, she doesn't really like diamonds anyway.

    If you don't know what she likes yet, it may be helpful to do some window shopping and browse through some jewelry stores looking at various watches, rings, bracelets, etc. to see what type of jewelry she likes and get a feel for whether having the rock up front is really that big of a deal to her. It would be a shame to spend the money only to find out that it did not matter.

  5. Re:How about reading the article? on VoIP Providers Given 120 Days to Provide 911 Service · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Yes, it is really useful to tell a recording where you are!

    Why not? When I call 411 on my cell phone, the automated system asks for City, State. Why can't 911 on VoIP do the same thing if the IP being used isn't registered? VoIP will need to account for both registered and unregistered IPs. If the IP is registered, then route the call to the mapped 911 call center. If the IP is not registered, the automated system can ask for City, State the same as 411 does and route appropriately.

  6. good vs efficient on What Makes a Good UI? · · Score: 2, Insightful

    There are good UIs, which follow all of the official look and feel requirements. There are efficient UIs, which allow users to work at their maximum speed. Do not confuse the two. They may not and most often are not the same.

    My wife works in accounting and is extremely fast at using one of those printing calculators. However, the user interface in her accounting software make her mouse or tab between fields, greatly reducing her speed of entering data. It looks nice, but is difficult to use quickly. The interface for DOS applications was often much more efficient than their Windows counterparts because it allowed the users to keep their hands in place and reduced hand/arm movement to just finger movement. Compare that with having to reach for the mouse all of the time.

    Here are some quick guidelines for improving data entry speed in applications:

    1) Minimize hand movement for numeric entry and forward navigation through numeric fields by encouraging use of the numeric key pad.
    2) Minimize hand movement for character data entry and forward navigation through character fields.
    3) Try to keep fields of similar data type in order (where appropriate) to facilitate use of #1 and #2.
    4) Allow the use of the mouse but don't require it unless you absolutely have to. This can be aided by selecting field types which allow the most efficient entry of the data such as text entry for a date instead of a calender popup. If your hand is already on the keyboard, keys, even hot-keys, are faster than the mouse.

    This all boils down to reducing the amount of motion required to perform a task. Generally speaking, reducing motion increases speed. As for inspiration, take a look at some of those efficient DOS apps and see if you can use the same keystrokes in a GUI version. You get bonus points for combining that efficiency with UI look and feel requirements.

  7. Analogy not quite correct on Microsoft's Martin Taylor Responds · · Score: 1

    Rob's analogy is a good one. No car maker could get away with making customers sign a form relieving the maker of any responsibility.

    Typically, most cars are not modified straight off the lot. Some have add-ons, but most of these do not affect the functionality of the vehicle. An OS, on the other hand, is almost never used as is, a raw, uninstalled CD, suitable only for use as a coaster. There is a computer it gets put on and usually some other software added to get the functionality you want, word processor, spreadsheet, etc. With a car, installing other items ofen voids the warranty. Since an OS, almost by definition, requires installing other items, why should any warranty by the OS include untested and often unforseen combinations of software and hardware? If you buy a computer with OS preinstalled, that warrantee should come from that manufacture.

    A more appropriate analogy would be buying a engine (just the engine) from a manufacturer. You then put it in your own chassis, add on your own body, engine, transmission, interior, etc. If you did this, it is highly unlikely that the manufacturer will warrantee the final product. This combination is more like an RV than a car and an RV will often have different warrantees depending on the manufacturer of that piece is.

  8. add heat on Running a Server at Freezing Temperatures? · · Score: 3, Interesting

    There have quite a few suggestions on how to keep the computer warm by wrapping it, using a light bulb, etc. Another option is to just install a heater. We added a gas heater to our garage. It is a Modine Hot Dawg unit that hangs from the rafters. You could set it at a minimum setting to just keep the chill off things. Or, you could set the thermostat a bit higher and use the garage for something other than just storage, like a workshop. Of course, then you get into other issue with the computer like sawdust or dirt.

    If you want to heat just the computer, there are some other options like a Heated kennel pad to set the computer on or even some heat tape like that used to keep pipes from freezing. Either of these type of things would probably transfer enough warmth through a metal case to keep the inside temperature above freezing. One advantage to the heat tape is that you could probably coil it inside the computer and leave the thermostat outside. This would keep it warm enough when it is cold, but not get too hot when the temps rise.

    A garage floor is a great tempurature moderator in the summer, but it can really pull the heat from something when the temps drop outside. Uninsulated walls have a similar problem. Make sure you isolate/insulate from both as much as possible.

  9. Yes you can on What is the Tech Jobs Situation in Late 2004? · · Score: 1

    Which brings up the catch-22: can't have a job without any experience, and can't get any experience without a job.

    Yes you can.

    Think FOSS. Typically, an open-source project will not ask to see your resume before you can get involved. Take a look at SourceForge. There are many, many projects to pick from. Find something you are interested in. Join the mailing list. Become active. This helps to document the work you do, which you can then put on your resume.

    A personal web site can also be used to document skills. For example, my web site runs PHP on Linux and there is a page on generating random values in PHP. (Caution: DSL bandwidth limited.) I have zero project/position experience with PHP, yet a recruiter called me about a PHP position. Even though it is not listed related to a specific project or position, it is a skill I have documented and can show evidence of having worked with.

    There is nothing to prevent you from documenting this type of work on your resume. And, there is the upside of showing that you actually enjoy the work and are not doing it just to pay the bills. Enthusiasm counts. Of course, it is up to you to show that you are enthusiastic about what the company considers 'work' and not just about playing games, browsing the web, etc.

  10. resume as web page on What is the Tech Jobs Situation in Late 2004? · · Score: 1

    Targetting recruiter search placement/visits is similar to targetting search engine placement/visits. Your use of "keywords" can help with placement. Are the keywords mentioned just once with a position or are they also summarized in a 'skills' area?

    Once a viewer gets to your site/resume, will they immediately exit or browse for a bit? Check your page layout. Does it present the material your visitor is looking for in an easily accessed way or do they have to hunt for it? If they plan to present you to someone else, like their client, does the resume layout say 'I really need help with presentation' or does it say 'I am ready now'? The better your layout is, the less work they will have to do to polish it and the more likely they are to choose your resume to present instead of that of someone else, which may need more work. If you are in doubt and are talking to a recruiter other than the client, ask for constructive criticism. Different recruiters have differing and sometimes conflicting opinions. Take these as suggestions, not requirements.

    If you have your resume on a personal site, are download files available? Is the text also visible in the browser or do they have to download a file and then launch another app to see it? Make access to the information as easy as possible for your user by having it viewable in the browser. If they like what they see, they may also need a separate file to pass on to someone else. So, provide files in formats they might be able to use.

    Finally, don't forget to include open-source project work on your resume. This helps to show enthusiam, that you enjoy this type or work and are not just doing it to pay bills.

  11. Re:Calls Coming In on What is the Tech Jobs Situation in Late 2004? · · Score: 1

    Same here. I get on average 1-2 calls per week from recruiters, some even for LAMP work. Even though I am in the Chicago suburbs, some of the permanent and contract positions were in Seattle, Texas, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, etc.

  12. Default browser only on Google Releases Gmail Notifier · · Score: 1

    I had Gmail Notifier briefly installed on my XP box at work. It seems that the current version of Notifier will only use the default browser for viewing my inbox and handling the mailto links. The default browser on my box is IE, which is required to run the web app I inherited when I started working here. For anything else, I prefer a tabbed brower and currently use Firefox. Hopefully, Google will add an option to Notifier to allow selecting which browser you wish to use. Until then, I will do without it.

  13. New theory - IBM did it on IBM Files for Partial Summary Judgement vs SCO · · Score: 2, Interesting

    or some other pro-Linux company.

    Wait. Wait. Here me out. I am just playing the devil's advocate here to bounce an alternative theory off of the group. I do not think this is true, but 'what if' ...

    This is the scenario:

    1. A (privately) known bad case is put forth with great publicity.
    2. Distrust regarding Linux is created due to the FUD surrounding the case.
    3. After a sufficient length of time, the case is publicly shown to be legally invalid.
    4. The case collapses.
    5. The negative becomes a positive.
    6. Profit!

    I know, too many steps.

    It is easy for many /.ers to think of Microsoft as the evil giant seeking to destroy Linux. What if this case is more like a legal vaccination? The SCO case could be used to create legal precendents to make it more difficult to attack Linux in the future. That which does not kill you makes you stronger.

    To repeat, I do not think this is what is happening, but I do find it interesting to consider the possibility.

  14. concerns on Has Anyone Tried Corneal Reshaping? · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Scenario: Eyes changing at an inopportune time such operating a motor vehicle (car, plane, etc.) in conditions of marginal visibility. Having your eyes change at a time like this can be a lethal combination.

    From what I have read, the change is temporary and the eye returns to normal after not wearing them. In the beginning, this change is within a day. Is the change gradual or instantaneous change? I am concerned about being between 20/20 and my normal nearsighted vision so that I cannot see clearly with or without my glasses, or with only one eye and not the other.

    After having worn them for a while and getting used to not needing my glasses during the day, will I still need to carry my glasses/contacts 'just in case' my eyes decide to change back? If I have to carry my glasses all the time 'just in case' they can change, I might at well just wear them.

  15. Re:Popular Science ... link on Has Anyone Tried Corneal Reshaping? · · Score: 1

    Popular Science article is here

  16. Slippery slope on How Microsoft Could Embrace Linux · · Score: 1

    Microsoft is at the top of a slippery slope they do not want to slide down. The distribution of MS Office for Linux would encourage the use of Linux. They want to avoid that at all costs. Consider the following:

    • Competition from linux servers - This is already here and impacts os, db, web, mail, etc.
    • Footsteps towards linux desktop - This is already starting with POS apps, some businesses switching or trying it, geeks using it and non-geeks getting exposed to it.
    • MS releases Office for linux - eventually(?)
    • Migration to linux desktop speeds up - Windows market further erodes, impacting other Windows desktop software, even games.
    • Once on linux desktop, use of other linux apps increases - if they are already on linux, they will at least look at OpenOffice.

    MS is not in the software service business. They are primarily in the commodity software business. The use of linux reduces the cost of commodity software, which directly attacks MS's bottom line. They must deter, postpone, delay any movement in that direction for as long as possible. Eventually, they will be pushed over the edge in spite of their best efforts. Then it becomes a matter of how long they can stay afloat and if they can provide sufficient innovation to survive long term.

    Consider two bell curves, one inverted from the other. MS is starting down the desktop slope. Linux is starting up the desktop slope. MS does not want to continue that trend. Release of any software for linux at this stage cannot help MS slow that trend and will likely have the opposite effect.

  17. Re:Hmm.. on Top Ten Linux Configuration Tools? · · Score: 1

    and great for downloading lots of empty space

    EmptySpace 3.1.4.1.5.9.2.6.5 was an awesome download, well worth the time. I just wish I could find the url again.

  18. Train on The Future of Cars According to Toyota · · Score: 1

    Actually, that might be kind of cool. It could combine the freedom to work on other things while travelling/commuting with the freedom to drive your own vehicle at the destination.

    A "conductor" would drive a set route and cars could connect/disconnect as they wanted. I could see that being quite popular along the major interstates, especially if a two or four passenger car was added.

  19. Re:Where's the source??? on Microsoft WiX Code Released to SourceForge.Net · · Score: 1

    The source is in CVS. For example, check here.

  20. speedy and compact on Server CE Database Development with .NET · · Score: 1

    Perhaps someone can port Softfocus' BTree/ISAM to CE. Now, that was a small, fast way to handle data.

  21. Re:Steve Jobs Gets It. on Steve Jobs and the State of Legal Music Downloads · · Score: 1

    take
    v:
    to get possession of

    steal
    v:
    to take the property of another wrongfully

    wrongful
    a:
    having no legal sanction

    thief
    n:
    one that steals

    Yep. It still fits. If you downloaded music illegally, you took possession of something wrongfully and are a thief.

  22. Re:fedora... on Redhat Reports 90% Return Subscription Rate · · Score: 1

    Well, for one support.

    Maybe. At $179 (WS) and $349 (ES), the 'Basic Editions' do not include support, at least according to this page.

  23. or not on Redhat Reports 90% Return Subscription Rate · · Score: 1

    On the Support Options page, you can buy the 'Basic' server addition for $349 and do not get support. You get updates, but no support.

  24. Legality of wiki spam? on Spam Through HTTP Referrer Logs · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Web sites can be defaced. This is typically thought of as illegal. Does the level of security on that site affect the legality of the defacement? Just because a wiki is more easily editable than an otherwise non-secure site should not automatically allow hijacking of that site for purposes other than those intended by its owner. Would the appearance of 'specific wording' on the site make enforcement of this easier?

  25. maybe on IBM Subpoenas SCO Investors, Analysts · · Score: 1

    This chart makes it look like a hiccup. Of course, it could go down at a sharper angle than it went up. Just call it a gentle slope up to the edge of the cliff.