At some level of computing, it's going to be complex.
I personally think that the "certification boom" really insulated many people from the reality that computing systems are, in general, complex. Many IT/IS people became so pigeon-holed that they came to believe that their little corner of the IT/IS world was all there was. Now, it seems that diversity of knowledge is again becoming the desired hiring trait over uber-specialization.
Besides, flexibility typically comes at the cost of complexity.
Why is a comment which is just the link you get by clicking the printer icon on the original story worth +5 ??
Probably because a large percentage of the/. community prefers "to-the-point" links instead of the typical multi-page click versions. I personally get really annoyed by online articles that require page-click after page-click just to read an article, so printer-formatted versions typically are consolidated and easier to read. It was really just a courtesy that many in the/. community enjoy.
Was my post worth +5? Probably not, but obviously, enough appreciated it enough to mod it up....
I wrote an article a few months back on my attempt at simplifying my PDA use, and after a couple months, I really prefer the PDA simplicity over the bloated complexity of handheld PC's.
You see, the problem with so many current handheld devices is that they simply try to do everything, and they end up doing nothing well. The new handheld devices (Windows-based or otherwise) completely miss the point of handheld efficiency and productivity. I had a chance to play around with an oQo for a week, and once I got over the "wow" factor, it turns out that using it was simply a nuisance--I longed for my Palm PDA. The allure and success of Newton and PalmOS PDA's was that you could simply and quickly store and retrieve information in a pocketable or portable device. The designs were simple yet powerful, and they were elegant. Yes, there were many slams against the HWR, but the fact remains that these devices were extremely useful, and they did exactly what they were designed to do.
Now, over a decade later, where are we? Yes, we have convergent devices that can do a myriad of tasks, but really, how truely functional are they? Getting text data INTO the devices is still tedious at best, and synchronizing the data is often hit-or-miss. OK, so MANY people have great success (myself included) but the "perfect PDA/handheld" simply doesn't yet exist.
EyeOS is quite cool, and yes, it is very easy to set up and host yourself, but YouOS also has a nice development screen that lets you easily create simple add-on applications. The YouOS users can easily generate new apps or tweak existing ones. Most apps currently are simple "Web site frames" while others are more complex. It'll be interesting to see just what new apps surface.
To me, the really exciting aspect of YouOS is its persistance. Open apps, logout, login again (on the same a different PC ans your workspace is where you left it. There aren't many online apps that do this...
...kids really need to exercise their imaginations. Toys that do everything for you (makes sounds, moves on its own, etc.) really take away the "fun" of playing with toys. Sure, the whiz-bang toys are often the envy of most children, but it's simplicity that typically wins out. It reminds me of the story of the kids who got the latest and greatest, most sought after toy, and after an hour or so, the toy was in the corner and the kids were happily playing with the box.
It's one thing to see kids zombie-like adeptly playing video games, but it's a joy to see them when they're imagining and really "playing" with toys that encourage imagination.
It's good that TFA deals with remembering the basics...
A business could certainly define "what it needs" and then actively regulate and manage additional needs. It's just a matter of enforcement of the basic rules and not caving to the whims of vocal and pushy users. The real challenge is making the hard decvision as to what the company really needs, and sticking to it.
Though it may be obvious to most, if you execute the Google search, don't just start clicking on the returned links, because the links point to virus-infected files. Our Trend Micro Office Scan immediately caught several viruses after clicking on several links...
Check out DL.tv, an online tech show hosted by Patrick Norton (of former "The Screen Savers" fame") and Robert Heron. Episode 72 shows off the function. It's pretty cool. It's a lot of eye candy, but it is pretty stunning. And supposedly, it's running on a not-too-state-of-the-art video adapter, illustrating how the implementation, unlike Windows Vista, doesn't require the highest-end hardware.
I concur. The PortableApps concept really intrigues me. Just be forewarned that large suites like this (even including an app like Portable Firefox) can have HORRIBLE performance if you are not using USB 2.0. That said, it's very nice, convenient, and probably pretty secure to keep a library of often-used "portable" tools on a Thumb Drive.
One method of "finding" portable applications is to try installing your favorite application, copy the installation directory to a thumb drive, and then try running that on another computer. Sometimes, you get lucky, and end up with a fine, portable application! Basically, you want to find applications that only install into their own directory, and don't write anything into other directories or the registery. Just be smart about it and don't expect large, commercial applications to be able to do this...especially Microsoft applications that write large quantities of stuff to the registery.
This is a fascinating concept, and it looks like it could be very useful, especially when using pen-based input. But in looking at other posts here, it seems that others are failing to see the bigger picture. Don't look at this as the end product, but look at as an add-on to curent GUI technology, or a component within a more sophistocated GUI. Coupled with other existing UI features, this could prove to be a powerful addition that would make pen-based interaction much more useful. No, it's not an answer in and of itself, but looks like a promising tool to enhance the pen-based GUI concept.
The problem with these kinds of technology demos is that many people view them as an end product, and then write them off without considering how they might fit into a larger environment. Besides, isn't part of the usefulness of computers to be able to perform tasks virtually that could not otherwise be done in the physical world? If such function is provided in an intuitive way, then it makes computing more seamless and useful.
What he's looking for isn't so much a database itself anyways. It's something to create "GUIs" with it. Things like ASPMaker/PHPMaker/whatever from http://hkvstore.com/ or such that'll easily and quickly create a simple web front end for the various DBs. If more time/budget permits, then yes by all means use code generation & ORM tools to create a quality, well made app instead (the generated ones aren't exactly the best, but it takes minutes to create the thing, and it's almost free)
Cool! Are there any free (as in beer) implementations of software like PHPMaker?
Great point, but could you please elaborate on the 'permanent' part of your statement, "but should be only an intermediary to tape/dvd/'permanent' media"? I am looking for a 'permanent' solution to store large quantities of data, specifically video and music files. My understanding is that burnable CD's and DVD's don't have the longevity that was originally thought. What are your suggestions for 'permanent' storage?
I installed this extention into Portable Firefox v1.5.0.3 at work, then on my PC at home (again, Portable Firefox v1.5.0.3) and it worked like a charm. Install was simple, and congifuration was quick and easy.
One nice thing about Browser Sync's function is that it prompts you to restore the last session. I opened FF at home, opened several sites in several tabs, and then closed FF. I next opened FF at work, and was prompted to restore the last session. I restored, and voila! all tabs that I had open at home displayed at work. In fact, the last tab active at home was the active tab at work. Very nice! And because the restore is prompted, you don't have to worry about opening something you had open at home that may not be suitable at work (or vice versa.) If you choose not to restore, your default home tabs open.
I used to use the excellent "Bookmark Synchronizer" extention, but this will like ly replace it. Highly recommended!
In an effort to curb the misuse of my technological terms by the industry, I am now trademarking Web 3.0, Web 4.0, Web 5.0, Web 6.0, Web 7.0, Web 8.0, Web 9.0, Web 1337.0, Web 69.0 and Web Pi.
I got my Technician license (N9ONL) back in the early 90's in the Chicago area, and and was immediately enamored with packet radio. Interestingly, I actually hated TALKING over the radio--conversing via packet really did it for me. Hopping from nodes to node locally and around the world through "wormholes" and such was very cool stuff at 1200 baud, especially considering that 2400 baud modems were about as good as it got at the time. Connecting to BBS's was obviously the hot topic in the early 90's, but the idea of being able to connect simultaneously to multiple nodes on the same channel was just mind-blowing.
I got really interested in KA9Q TCP/IP packet operation, including variants like JNOS, and it's what probably launched me in understanding TCP/IP networking--obviously very useful today. I always waited and waited for native Windows TCP/IP packet drivers. You know, install a driver, hook up a serial-connected TNC, configure the settings, and voila, packet-based networking. Problem is that it never happened--(at least I don't think it did. Does anyone know of native Windows drivers (XP, preferably) that would facilitate TCP/IP packet connectivity?)
Though TCP/IP was considered the "icing" on the preverbial cake, interestingly, setting up simple digipeaters, local nodes, and packet BBS's were so simple and very fun. It was just amazing to be able to wirelessly connect to other computers in the area.
Probably the most exciting event was actually hearing a packet station in space! I honestly can't remember if it was MIR or a shuttle mission, but I do remember getting an copying the ID text. Very exciting!
I always hoped that someone would market a multi-band handheld HT that incorporated a TNC with a keyboard that would let me have a truely portable packet radio system. I think Kenwood still has a model or two with an integrated TNC, but it's quite pricy, and I don't know how input works....
Anyway, Ham radio filled a technological niche for me at a time when I was ripe for wireless data communication. Unfortunatly, the Internet reared it's head, and my packet radio days eventually faded. I still have my 2m HT, TNC, and software. I've been thinking lately of setting it up again to see what it'll do.
If you have family or friends who are less than computer saavy, take the time to explain the issues and concerns to them. I get questions all the time about whether this or that is a scam or not. Do I get annoyed by it? of course! But it's certainly a lot less painful than having to deal with the after effects of someone who got stung.
Many (most?) states have "at will" employment laws where the employee can be fired/let go/terminated for any reason. Does this ruling apply in those states?
Slashdot Mirror
At some level of computing, it's going to be complex.
I personally think that the "certification boom" really insulated many people from the reality that computing systems are, in general, complex. Many IT/IS people became so pigeon-holed that they came to believe that their little corner of the IT/IS world was all there was. Now, it seems that diversity of knowledge is again becoming the desired hiring trait over uber-specialization.
Besides, flexibility typically comes at the cost of complexity.
Was my post worth +5? Probably not, but obviously, enough appreciated it enough to mod it up....
http://ww6.infoworld.com/products/print_friendly.j sp?link=/article/06/07/31/31FEajax_1.html
"Maatt Daaammonn"!
I wrote an article a few months back on my attempt at simplifying my PDA use, and after a couple months, I really prefer the PDA simplicity over the bloated complexity of handheld PC's.
You see, the problem with so many current handheld devices is that they simply try to do everything, and they end up doing nothing well. The new handheld devices (Windows-based or otherwise) completely miss the point of handheld efficiency and productivity. I had a chance to play around with an oQo for a week, and once I got over the "wow" factor, it turns out that using it was simply a nuisance--I longed for my Palm PDA. The allure and success of Newton and PalmOS PDA's was that you could simply and quickly store and retrieve information in a pocketable or portable device. The designs were simple yet powerful, and they were elegant. Yes, there were many slams against the HWR, but the fact remains that these devices were extremely useful, and they did exactly what they were designed to do.
Now, over a decade later, where are we? Yes, we have convergent devices that can do a myriad of tasks, but really, how truely functional are they? Getting text data INTO the devices is still tedious at best, and synchronizing the data is often hit-or-miss. OK, so MANY people have great success (myself included) but the "perfect PDA/handheld" simply doesn't yet exist.
EyeOS is quite cool, and yes, it is very easy to set up and host yourself, but YouOS also has a nice development screen that lets you easily create simple add-on applications. The YouOS users can easily generate new apps or tweak existing ones. Most apps currently are simple "Web site frames" while others are more complex. It'll be interesting to see just what new apps surface.
To me, the really exciting aspect of YouOS is its persistance. Open apps, logout, login again (on the same a different PC ans your workspace is where you left it. There aren't many online apps that do this...
...kids really need to exercise their imaginations. Toys that do everything for you (makes sounds, moves on its own, etc.) really take away the "fun" of playing with toys. Sure, the whiz-bang toys are often the envy of most children, but it's simplicity that typically wins out. It reminds me of the story of the kids who got the latest and greatest, most sought after toy, and after an hour or so, the toy was in the corner and the kids were happily playing with the box.
It's one thing to see kids zombie-like adeptly playing video games, but it's a joy to see them when they're imagining and really "playing" with toys that encourage imagination.
It's good that TFA deals with remembering the basics...
-Jim Barr
http://jimstips.com/
Maybe this has been brought up before, but it seems like there's lots of posturing in the media, but no difinitive answers.
Is AllOfMP3.com legit (in the USA, or for sake of the article, the UK) or not?
Do artists get paid or not?
Are customers liable if they purchase and download?
DaVinci Code?
[ducks from assorted flying debris...]
...to welcome our new crab overlords!
Great idea. But doesn't the player require "installation"? It's not just a standalone file.
A business could certainly define "what it needs" and then actively regulate and manage additional needs. It's just a matter of enforcement of the basic rules and not caving to the whims of vocal and pushy users. The real challenge is making the hard decvision as to what the company really needs, and sticking to it.
Though it may be obvious to most, if you execute the Google search, don't just start clicking on the returned links, because the links point to virus-infected files. Our Trend Micro Office Scan immediately caught several viruses after clicking on several links...
Check out DL.tv, an online tech show hosted by Patrick Norton (of former "The Screen Savers" fame") and Robert Heron. Episode 72 shows off the function. It's pretty cool. It's a lot of eye candy, but it is pretty stunning. And supposedly, it's running on a not-too-state-of-the-art video adapter, illustrating how the implementation, unlike Windows Vista, doesn't require the highest-end hardware.
I concur. The PortableApps concept really intrigues me. Just be forewarned that large suites like this (even including an app like Portable Firefox) can have HORRIBLE performance if you are not using USB 2.0. That said, it's very nice, convenient, and probably pretty secure to keep a library of often-used "portable" tools on a Thumb Drive.
One method of "finding" portable applications is to try installing your favorite application, copy the installation directory to a thumb drive, and then try running that on another computer. Sometimes, you get lucky, and end up with a fine, portable application! Basically, you want to find applications that only install into their own directory, and don't write anything into other directories or the registery. Just be smart about it and don't expect large, commercial applications to be able to do this...especially Microsoft applications that write large quantities of stuff to the registery.
For another excellent portable apps site, check out PortableFreeware.com
This is a fascinating concept, and it looks like it could be very useful, especially when using pen-based input. But in looking at other posts here, it seems that others are failing to see the bigger picture. Don't look at this as the end product, but look at as an add-on to curent GUI technology, or a component within a more sophistocated GUI. Coupled with other existing UI features, this could prove to be a powerful addition that would make pen-based interaction much more useful. No, it's not an answer in and of itself, but looks like a promising tool to enhance the pen-based GUI concept.
The problem with these kinds of technology demos is that many people view them as an end product, and then write them off without considering how they might fit into a larger environment. Besides, isn't part of the usefulness of computers to be able to perform tasks virtually that could not otherwise be done in the physical world? If such function is provided in an intuitive way, then it makes computing more seamless and useful.
Cool! Are there any free (as in beer) implementations of software like PHPMaker?
Great point, but could you please elaborate on the 'permanent' part of your statement, "but should be only an intermediary to tape/dvd/'permanent' media"? I am looking for a 'permanent' solution to store large quantities of data, specifically video and music files. My understanding is that burnable CD's and DVD's don't have the longevity that was originally thought. What are your suggestions for 'permanent' storage?
I installed this extention into Portable Firefox v1.5.0.3 at work, then on my PC at home (again, Portable Firefox v1.5.0.3) and it worked like a charm. Install was simple, and congifuration was quick and easy.
One nice thing about Browser Sync's function is that it prompts you to restore the last session. I opened FF at home, opened several sites in several tabs, and then closed FF. I next opened FF at work, and was prompted to restore the last session. I restored, and voila! all tabs that I had open at home displayed at work. In fact, the last tab active at home was the active tab at work. Very nice! And because the restore is prompted, you don't have to worry about opening something you had open at home that may not be suitable at work (or vice versa.) If you choose not to restore, your default home tabs open.
I used to use the excellent "Bookmark Synchronizer" extention, but this will like ly replace it. Highly recommended!
I got my Technician license (N9ONL) back in the early 90's in the Chicago area, and and was immediately enamored with packet radio. Interestingly, I actually hated TALKING over the radio--conversing via packet really did it for me. Hopping from nodes to node locally and around the world through "wormholes" and such was very cool stuff at 1200 baud, especially considering that 2400 baud modems were about as good as it got at the time. Connecting to BBS's was obviously the hot topic in the early 90's, but the idea of being able to connect simultaneously to multiple nodes on the same channel was just mind-blowing.
I got really interested in KA9Q TCP/IP packet operation, including variants like JNOS, and it's what probably launched me in understanding TCP/IP networking--obviously very useful today. I always waited and waited for native Windows TCP/IP packet drivers. You know, install a driver, hook up a serial-connected TNC, configure the settings, and voila, packet-based networking. Problem is that it never happened--(at least I don't think it did. Does anyone know of native Windows drivers (XP, preferably) that would facilitate TCP/IP packet connectivity?)
Though TCP/IP was considered the "icing" on the preverbial cake, interestingly, setting up simple digipeaters, local nodes, and packet BBS's were so simple and very fun. It was just amazing to be able to wirelessly connect to other computers in the area.
Probably the most exciting event was actually hearing a packet station in space! I honestly can't remember if it was MIR or a shuttle mission, but I do remember getting an copying the ID text. Very exciting!
I always hoped that someone would market a multi-band handheld HT that incorporated a TNC with a keyboard that would let me have a truely portable packet radio system. I think Kenwood still has a model or two with an integrated TNC, but it's quite pricy, and I don't know how input works....
Anyway, Ham radio filled a technological niche for me at a time when I was ripe for wireless data communication. Unfortunatly, the Internet reared it's head, and my packet radio days eventually faded. I still have my 2m HT, TNC, and software. I've been thinking lately of setting it up again to see what it'll do.
Nice article reference. I've been looking for a decent explanation.
"The circle is now complete."
If you have family or friends who are less than computer saavy, take the time to explain the issues and concerns to them. I get questions all the time about whether this or that is a scam or not. Do I get annoyed by it? of course! But it's certainly a lot less painful than having to deal with the after effects of someone who got stung.
Many (most?) states have "at will" employment laws where the employee can be fired/let go/terminated for any reason. Does this ruling apply in those states?