Sorry, but it is beyond me why anyone should need a manual to use a device which is capable of displaying large quantities of information, backed by a large data storage, not to mention a data link. Resetting preferences isn't an everyday thing, but nor is it especially complex. Users should not be forced to seek out their manuals, in the event they haven't lost them, and interpret written instructions when the interface can guide them through the process perfectly well.
Software engineering is a discipline and languages are just tools. Unfortunately, detailed knowledge of technologies such as Java,.NET, and so on are often over-valued by managers and recruiters who have little technical knowledge.
Nevertheless, it is important to maximise your knowledge of the pervasive aspects of software development. For example:
Study some software engineering texts - newer ones about agile development and XP, as well as older ones that will cover the waterfall model, testing methodologies, and so on.
Learn about design --- many principles stay the same regardless of technologies. There are now good books on design, especially design patterns, and also case studies available. Open source programs can sometimes help you to understand how to build large systems effectively.
Keep up with the community - not just online...join professional associations - learn from them and contribute to them.
This is a strange comment from a space.com article on the contest. It explains why a Russian show might be a bit more economical:
Previous attempts by U.S. companies to organize a TV reality show and send the winner to space on board of a Russian Soyuz capsule failed due to the lack of funding. However, Rosaviakosmos traditionally charges domestic customers a smaller fee than that paid by foreign clients.
"Traditionally?" A couple of years ago there was no such thing as space tourism. Now we're told there's even a tradition of targeted price structures!
So Elevator Action will finally have a worthy sequel --- I can't wait to shoot those light bulbs and watch them fizzle out in total silence. And finally when I reach the other side of the solar system, I'll fly into the horizon in a red spaceship;-P
That'll make Pacman 2130, "Pac in 4D", look pretty lame.
I'll bet you the movie will have a scene where Homer jumps a shark.
Re:As someone who has interviewed 50+ people...
on
Resume Tips For Jobs
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· Score: 1
And here's how to think like a headhunter without being one, although it only applies if you're already in a job: Whenever you get a chance, get into a position where you're helping your company with the selection process. Your manager is busy and does not understand all of the technology on the CV.
If you make yourself available to help screen CVs, many managers will be very pleased to let you see them. Believe me,looking through dozens of CVs is a great way to learn about what works and what comes out like crap.
Likewise for performing interviews.
And of course there's another big benefit too. It gives you a very candid view of what's going on out there...what technologies are being used, what industries are hot, and of course how many $$$ are certain skills worth.
Is this book anything like this book with the same name and authors. This one's published by O'Reilly, the other was published by some group called O'Reilly and Associates. Hmmm maybe that's the difference.
Go directly to bookmark column (`) (vi just goes to the first character in the row)
Easy navigation back and forth (Ctrl-O and Ctrl-I)
GUI if you need it (gvim)
Compared to vi, vim is easier for beginners and more productive for experts. It's easier for beginners because of features such as arrow keys, online help, and commnand-line completion (including completion of vim keywords). It's more productive for experts for countless reasons mentioned above.
I've noticed that the coders who frown on Vi/Vim/Emacs as being excessively difficult are often the same people whose code is messy, in need of proper indenting, variable renaming, and so on. Developers spend so much time editing their code, knowing how to use a good editor effectively can improve productivity tremendously. Also using macros stops you from getting bored performoing tedious tasks and distracted from your actual work.
Linus:Hi, I hacked the Linux kernel together. Jobworthy recruiter: Sounds kewl, this'll help the IPO no end. Sign here.
2002
Linus: Hi, I'm seeking work in OS development. Jobworthy Recruiter: OS? No sir, I'm afraid we don't even have fully-developed OS jobs. We only have domestic jobs available. Linus: erm OS - I mean "Operating Systems". Jobworthy Recruiter: Oh right yes aha, some of our clients are using "Operating Systems". What Operating Systems do you know? XP, 95, 98, 2000, NT, whatcha got son? Linus:I'm more on the Unix side of things. Jobworthy Recruiter: Eunuchs? Ooooh Unix. You're a Unix bod huh? You Solaris, or maybe Sun then? Linus: I'm really Linux. Jobworthy Recruiter: Sure, you're Linus, I remember that. But I mean, what kind of "Unix" can you work on? Linus: Hmmm well most really? Jobworthy Recruiter:Sorry, I really need to know the technology you can do. Unixes are all very different you know. Linus:Actually there are two main varian- Sensitive Recruiter:Heard it before. No, they really won't take you on unless you done what they're using like say Solaris for example. Linus:OK OK I can do Solaris Sensitive Recruiter: Great. I think I got a VB job for Solaris, have you used VB before? Gotta be version 6.0...
In the UK, one sunday paper (Sunday Times?) recently gave away an Oasis CD with every purchase. Half the songs were playable on a CD player, and half were PC-playable four times, before they expired. Imagine if CD giveaways were integrated with MP3.com-like portals.
This would be a great way to promote new music, since CDs are cheap to manufacture and small enough to package with a newspaper. It would be great to see the newspaper websites host local artists' music, and then their distribute songs.
One of the arguments in favour of Free(dom) music is that artists can promote themselves with free distribution, then earn their feed by doing live gigs. Newspapers are an excellent mechanism for alerting people to upcoming events. They could play an integral part in reinventing the music industry by promoting small artists and helping them sell tickets.
No reason why these things couldn't be done with free software either.
Another early example (early 90s) was the Intel 486 chip series. The 486SX was the cheap alternative to the 486DX because it supposedly contained no math coprocessor. Ah, but it *did* contain a coprocessor - not that you could use it.
486s were all built with a coprocessor, but the SX coprocessor was disabled.
Easter Eggs should be part of the software engineering process. From a company's point-of-view, unspecified "features" represent a threat to security and reliability. Even if your CV/funny drawing/initials seem harmless, it will appear a risk to less technical types.
For a phenomenon that's been going on strong for decades (Missile Command anyone?), there's been very little discussion of easter eggs in computing mags/books. And I'd be willing to bet most non-techies aren't even familiar with the topic.
The only reference i can think of is usability guru Allan Cooper - he discussed Easter Eggs in Chapter 24 of "About Face". He strongly encouraged developers to put fun easter eggs into their apps, to help make the system more enjoyable.
Example of Valid XML (according to Perl :-)
on
Perl & XML
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· Score: 1
I wonder if this conforms to the dtd
a bit of xml i wrote -- xml comments look something like this
-->
Yes, software engineering is different to computer programming. Like chemical engineering and chemistry, one is a practical application of science, the other is a science itself, which the engineering discipline heavily draws upon.
BUT it's a bit extreme (pardon the pun) to say software engineering is "at the other end of the spectrum". Software engineering, like any professional engineering, is a discipline where you consciously investigate how much error is tolerable and establish a plan accordingly.
The exteme programming techniques, interweaved with tools, and managed carefully, can be great software engineering tools for the right kind of project. The skill is in choosing the ones that are suitable for the job - which may be none or all.
Sure, most of these things won't work too well ofn a safety-critical system, at least not if they are the main way to ensure the desired quality. But for a typical, small-medium business application, extreme programming might well be chosen as the most productive route to the necessary quality.
"I was born human. But this was an accident of fate - a condition merely of time and place. I believe it's something we have the power to change. I will tell you why."
A recent UK article about next-gen Java phones pointed out one major downside: you can expect to be paying for games. So not only will the phone come with genuine retro games, they'll also be equipped with a genuine credit facility. Except you won't be dropping quarters in a slot.
This is one big way the phone companies will get people to pay for content - they've been worried about how the Japanese IMode model of paying for pics etc would stack up in the west. But with pay-per-gameplay, they have every chance of making big bucks.
Google is in prime position to be the first major micropayment site. It's the one site people would be willing to pay 1 or 2 cents per page... for several reasons:
Unique No search engine comes close in terms of quality search results.
Useful Regardless of net trends and fads, searching will always be a popular task, for just about every application (business, technical, entertainment).
Unbiased Google has a strong reputation for delivering fine results first, rather than sites who've paid for "featured" links.
Up-to-date As we saw in yesterday's story on Alta-Vista, the old-time search engines aren't keeping up. In contrast, google keeps stuff fresh. Any webmaster knows how frequently the google robot hits their sites.
Usable No BS portal stuff, no "Search for 'Syntax Error: Cannot create HitException'". Just clean, fast, results.
Some sites are coming close in terms of some of these things (e.g. Teoma, Vivisimo, and Alta-Vista's Raging. Hoppefully, new sites will continue to give google a run for their money. But right now google is way ahead and continues to improve without adding unnecessary complexity. Considering how much people pay for net access, which will consist of frequent google visits, I think many people would pay $5-10/month for google if google started charging for general access.
Vince Idiot, not Bill Joy
on
VIM 6.0 is Out
·
· Score: 1
But I always thought Vince Idiot created VI, not this Bill Joy bloke, what's Bill Joy ever done for society anyway? At least, this story claims Vince Idiot is the true father of VI:->.
Slashdot Mirror
Sorry, but it is beyond me why anyone should need a manual to use a device which is capable of displaying large quantities of information, backed by a large data storage, not to mention a data link. Resetting preferences isn't an everyday thing, but nor is it especially complex. Users should not be forced to seek out their manuals, in the event they haven't lost them, and interpret written instructions when the interface can guide them through the process perfectly well.
Read The Manual!
Don Norman has said people should not have to read a sign to make a door work. Likewise, why should people have to rtfm to get a TV working?
Nevertheless, it is important to maximise your knowledge of the pervasive aspects of software development. For example:
Study some software engineering texts - newer ones about agile development and XP, as well as older ones that will cover the waterfall model, testing methodologies, and so on.
Learn about design --- many principles stay the same regardless of technologies. There are now good books on design, especially design patterns, and also case studies available. Open source programs can sometimes help you to understand how to build large systems effectively.
Keep up with the community - not just online...join professional associations - learn from them and contribute to them.
This so-called Exchange "killer" follows the recent
"outlook killer".
Do not be alarmed Outlook and Exchange users: your products remain alive and well.
The island of tokelau [nic.tk] gives away .tk domain names
.tk represents a token registration :-)
So you could say
This is a strange comment from a space.com article on the contest. It explains why a Russian show might be a bit more economical:
Previous attempts by U.S. companies to organize a TV reality show and send the winner to space on board of a Russian Soyuz capsule failed due to the lack of funding. However, Rosaviakosmos traditionally charges domestic customers a smaller fee than that paid by foreign clients.
"Traditionally?" A couple of years ago there was no such thing as space tourism. Now we're told there's even a tradition of targeted price structures!
So Elevator Action will finally have a worthy sequel --- I can't wait to shoot those light bulbs and watch them fizzle out in total silence. And finally when I reach the other side of the solar system, I'll fly into the horizon in a red spaceship ;-P
That'll make Pacman 2130, "Pac in 4D", look pretty lame.
At $39 I don't worry about it being broken, lost, stolen, whatever.
I hope you're backing up and not storing any important or confidential data.
I'll bet you the movie will have a scene where Homer jumps a shark.
And here's how to think like a headhunter without being one, although it only applies if you're already in a job: Whenever you get a chance, get into a position where you're helping your company with the selection process. Your manager is busy and does not understand all of the technology on the CV.
If you make yourself available to help screen CVs, many managers will be very pleased to let you see them. Believe me,looking through dozens of CVs is a great way to learn about what works and what comes out like crap.
Likewise for performing interviews.
And of course there's another big benefit too. It gives you a very candid view of what's going on out there...what technologies
are being used, what industries are hot, and of course how many $$$ are certain skills worth.
Is this book anything like this book with the same name and authors. This one's published by O'Reilly, the other was published by some group called O'Reilly and Associates. Hmmm maybe that's the difference.
Compared to vi, vim is easier for beginners and more productive for experts. It's easier for beginners because of features such as arrow keys, online help, and commnand-line completion (including completion of vim keywords). It's more productive for experts for countless reasons mentioned above.
I've noticed that the coders who frown on Vi/Vim/Emacs as being excessively difficult are often the same people whose code is messy, in need of proper indenting, variable renaming, and so on. Developers spend so much time editing their code, knowing how to use a good editor effectively can improve productivity tremendously. Also using macros stops you from getting bored performoing tedious tasks and distracted from your actual work.
BTW Are your going to tell us your secret after receiving all this useful advice?
1997
Linus:Hi, I hacked the Linux kernel together.
Jobworthy recruiter: Sounds kewl, this'll help the IPO no end. Sign here.
2002
Linus: Hi, I'm seeking work in OS development. ...
Jobworthy Recruiter: OS? No sir, I'm afraid we don't even have fully-developed OS jobs. We only have domestic jobs available.
Linus: erm OS - I mean "Operating Systems".
Jobworthy Recruiter: Oh right yes aha, some of our clients are using "Operating Systems". What Operating Systems do you know? XP, 95, 98, 2000, NT, whatcha got son?
Linus:I'm more on the Unix side of things.
Jobworthy Recruiter: Eunuchs? Ooooh Unix. You're a Unix bod huh? You Solaris, or maybe Sun then?
Linus: I'm really Linux.
Jobworthy Recruiter: Sure, you're Linus, I remember that. But I mean, what kind of "Unix" can you work on?
Linus: Hmmm well most really?
Jobworthy Recruiter:Sorry, I really need to know the technology you can do. Unixes are all very different you know.
Linus:Actually there are two main varian-
Sensitive Recruiter:Heard it before. No, they really won't take you on unless you done what they're using like say Solaris for example.
Linus:OK OK I can do Solaris
Sensitive Recruiter: Great. I think I got a VB job for Solaris, have you used VB before? Gotta be version 6.0
In the UK, one sunday paper (Sunday Times?) recently gave away an Oasis CD with every purchase. Half the songs were playable on a CD player, and half were PC-playable four times, before they expired. Imagine if CD giveaways were integrated with MP3.com-like portals.
This would be a great way to promote new music, since CDs are cheap to manufacture and small enough to package with a newspaper. It would be great to see the newspaper websites host local artists' music, and then their distribute songs.
One of the arguments in favour of Free(dom) music is that artists can promote themselves with free distribution, then earn their feed by doing live gigs. Newspapers are an excellent mechanism for alerting people to upcoming events. They could play an integral part in reinventing the music industry by promoting small artists and helping them sell tickets.
No reason why these things couldn't be done with free software either.
Another early example (early 90s) was the Intel 486 chip series. The 486SX was the cheap alternative to the 486DX because it supposedly contained no math coprocessor. Ah, but it *did* contain a coprocessor - not that you could use it.
486s were all built with a coprocessor, but the SX coprocessor was disabled.
Easter Eggs should be part of the software engineering process. From a company's point-of-view, unspecified "features" represent a threat to security and reliability. Even if your CV/funny drawing/initials seem harmless, it will appear a risk to less technical types.
For a phenomenon that's been going on strong for decades (Missile Command anyone?), there's been very little discussion of easter eggs in computing mags/books. And I'd be willing to bet most non-techies aren't even familiar with the topic.
The only reference i can think of is usability guru Allan Cooper - he discussed Easter Eggs in Chapter 24 of "About Face". He strongly encouraged developers to put fun easter eggs into their apps, to help make the system more enjoyable.
I wonder if this conforms to the dtd
a bit of xml i wrote -- xml comments look something like this
-->
Yes, software engineering is different to computer programming. Like chemical engineering and chemistry, one is a practical application of science, the other is a science itself, which the engineering discipline heavily draws upon.
BUT it's a bit extreme (pardon the pun) to say software engineering is "at the other end of the spectrum". Software engineering, like any professional engineering, is a discipline where you consciously investigate how much error is tolerable and establish a plan accordingly.
The exteme programming techniques, interweaved with tools, and managed carefully, can be great software engineering tools for the right kind of project. The skill is in choosing the ones that are suitable for the job - which may be none or all.
Sure, most of these things won't work too well ofn a safety-critical system, at least not if they are the main way to ensure the desired quality. But for a typical, small-medium business application, extreme programming might well be chosen as the most productive route to the necessary quality.
R
Wired Article by Warwick is Here. It looks like his 1998 plans are coming to fruition.
"I was born human. But this was an accident of fate - a condition merely of time and place. I believe it's something we have the power to change. I will tell you why."
A recent UK article about next-gen Java phones pointed out one major downside: you can expect to be paying for games. So not only will the phone come with genuine retro games, they'll also be equipped with a genuine credit facility. Except you won't be dropping quarters in a slot.
This is one big way the phone companies will get people to pay for content - they've been worried about how the Japanese IMode model of paying for pics etc would stack up in the west. But with pay-per-gameplay, they have every chance of making big bucks.
MS's Halloween Docs ;-D
Some sites are coming close in terms of some of these things (e.g. Teoma, Vivisimo, and Alta-Vista's Raging. Hoppefully, new sites will continue to give google a run for their money. But right now google is way ahead and continues to improve without adding unnecessary complexity. Considering how much people pay for net access, which will consist of frequent google visits, I think many people would pay $5-10/month for google if google started charging for general access.
But I always thought Vince Idiot created VI, not this Bill Joy bloke, what's Bill Joy ever done for society anyway? At least, this story claims Vince Idiot is the true father of VI :->.