Any site that try to protect their content with stupid tricks
Actually, what they did was trade-off stream security for the user experience - if the stream does pre-load, then the viewer can start viewing the movie much faster after they pay.
Its actually kind of a _good trick_ if enough of your users do pay, as they get the video they pay for much faster (since it's already pre-loaded) than if the paid content was sent in a separate stream that did not start until after the payment was processed. Faster viewing may = happier viewers = more use of the service.
Mainly, this is an artifact of delivering video via http/progressive download vs. rtsp - you have a few options: 1. deliver one stream - tradeoff - geeks can view for free 2. deliver two streams - tradeoff - slow, annoying start up while you wait for the second stream to load enough to start playing 3. use rtsp - tradeoff - reduces the quality of the video to match minimum bandwidth between the server and the viewer
I guess a system designed by a video geek would probably lean towards providing the best quality viewing experience while making it possible for a geek to get the video for free:-).
Any site that try to protect their content with stupid tricks
Actually, what they did was trade-off stream security for the user experience - if the stream does pre-load, then the viewer can start viewing the movie much faster after they pay.
Its a good trick if most of your users do pay, as they get the video they pay for much faster (since it's already pre-loaded) than would be possible if the paid content was sent in a separate stream that did not start until after the payment was processed.
Mainly, this is an artifact of delivering video via http/progressive download vs. rtsp - you have a few options: 1. deliver one stream - tradeoff - geeks can view for free 2. deliver two streams - tradeoff - slow, annoying start up while you wait for the second stream to load enough to start playing 3. use rtsp - tradeoff - reduces the quality of the video to match minimum bandwidth between the server and the viewer
For really secure video, you'd use either RTSP or DRM (or both8-0), but they both have other problems with quality and user experience.
I guess a system designed by a video geek would probably lean towards providing the best quality viewing experience while making it possible for a geek to get the video for free:-).
Generally, it describes a webserver or service that runs on multiple computers where any of the computers can be removed/replaced without stopping the service.
A good example (perhaps _the_ good example:-) is GFS.
It expands the concept of a cluster - in that most clusters the database servers and perhaps the NFS/SAN run on dedicated, specialized machines vs. the cloud running all services on the same kind of machines.
The big advantage for the webhost/service provider is that (theoretically) they can run all services on basic, inexpensive, computers.
IMO, a true 'cloud' runs on computers at multiple data-centers, so that even a local catastrophe can't take it down.
The big difference between a cloud and a mainframe is that the cloud itself runs on 'micro-computers' - so the old problem of the micro-computers obeying Moore's law and out-running the mainframe is obsolete.
Anyway, cloud computing is the latest greatest thing, and you can expect many forwards of 'the website is down' until you agree:-).
Google Docs Offline
If the 'cloud' explodes, I guess you can open your Docs offline folder with a web browser, and save the documents as OO, HTML, etc.
Other folks have posted about using IMAP to get your email, etc.
Your description doesn't actually show switch grass is less efficient than solar panels. You are leaving out several issues with solar panels - energy and pollutants to make them, and to dispose of them. Loss of electric power to the distribution network, etc.
A nice thing about generating solar power via bio- fuel - the solar generators (plant leaves) are bio-degradeable and don't require toxic chemicals to produce. And, the power once produced can be transported with minimal reduction in efficiency.
Not really enough data here to decide which one is 'better' - in fact a Swiftfuel plug-in hybrid seems like the best of both worlds.
Microsoft did a nice deal with Moodle for adding MSSQL server support - rather than specifying just MSSQL server support be added they funded the development of an XML tool for adding database support - so it was easy to also add support for Oracle and other RDBMSs to Moodle (which already supported PostGreSQL and MySQL).
Just got mine, it's smaller than the OLPC, with a nice lightweight Linux OS. This is a great little machine with a QWERTY keyboard that is actually usable (typing this on it now) VGA out, 3 USB 2 ports, multi-card reader, full version of Firefox and OpenOffice, etc.
Come by the Albuquerque Moodle Moot on Feb 16 to see how UCLA, Intel, The Open University, The Carnegie Foundation, etc. are using Moodle.
Moodle is simply the most flexible mature LMS out there, with a wide range of completely different formats for supporting different pedagogies built in, and it's relatively easy to build new interfaces to meet the specific goals of a particular institution.
For some of the best commentary on the Blackboard patent issue, see Al Essa.
I would get on the list now, but Cingular doesn't have coverage in my area:-(.
The phone/pda/media player itself is one of the best things I've seen in a long time.
But it won't really be great until you can use it with other carriers-otherwise Apple is limiting itself to buyers who have decent Cingular coverage, or to folks who just want a really nice wireless PDA.
For instance, Moodle has a built in feature that lets you run all uploaded files through a server a side anti-virus application (by default CLAM, but commercial ones can be used as well if you have a server side license).
Seems to me that Mediawiki should be able to do this with uploaded files..of course users should all patch their systems and not trust any downloaded files regardless of where they are from. But it does seem to me that the host site should certainly scan uploaded files as well.
If Hoboken had specified "Open Source"* software in the original RFP, then they would own the license to use the software regardless of what company they chose to build and manage the garage. A good RFP would also specify that the software include documentation and training for city workers to serve as a backup if the original contractor went out of business or got predatory.
*As in software with an open source license, such as GPL.
From TA:
"This case is about them using software without a license," said Dennis Clarke, chief operating officer of Robotic Parking, in a telephone interview last week."
One thing educational institutions can do is use Elgg's open source social networking software, which provides the features of MySpace, etc. Install it locally or on an institutional server, and block MySpace, etc. at the firewall.
for interface standards in productivity apps:-). Then the manufacturor of the application would have the same weight as it does in choosing a QWERTY keyboard, all the main menu items would be in the same place (though some apps. might add custom 'function' menus or more compact or extended layouts), and arguing that all students use the product of a particular software maker would make about as much sense as mandating all students use Dell keyboards:-).
Kind of interesting, QWERTY is still the primary user interface, and such a state evolved almost entirely by accident (or due to original conditions few even think about:-).
perhaps 'education' is best served by teaching students the principles of spreadsheets, wordprocessors, and presentations, rather than 'click button X to accomplish task Y'?
If that were the case, then perhaps educated students would be able to rapidly adapt to new interfaces rather than being stuck when a different product (or a new version of the product they were schooled on) is put in front of them?
IMO, kids that memorize button positions rather than learning principles are always going to be less productive, as even the same exact product will go through version changes, menus are replaced with ribbons, the UI flavor of the day (say docking windows or floating animated helpers) is tried out, etc.
IME, the real world in IT is one of constant change, and the folks best positioned to thrive there are the ones who are able to easily cope with multiple interfaces to the same basic task or principle.
for students to help develop their own next generation virtual learning environment.
The project is very supportive of folks who would like to contribute, serveral programmers who started adding features to Moodle as students at Humboldt State University are now core developers, and have the experience of having tools they have developed be used, reviewed, and built upon by educators and educatees around the world.
Slashdot Mirror
It's really in the redwoods, and weird stuff happens all the time. It's the county seat of Humboldt County, after all...
What's really amazing is that SCIFI had no idea there was a city in northern california named Eureka before the chose the name.
Also, long before there was Eureka, the TV show, there was Schenectady, aka Kurt's Illium & zip code 12345:-).
Any site that try to protect their content with stupid tricks
Actually, what they did was trade-off stream security for the user experience - if the stream does pre-load, then the viewer can start viewing the movie much faster after they pay.
Its actually kind of a _good trick_ if enough of your users do pay, as they get the video they pay for much faster (since it's already pre-loaded) than if the paid content was sent in a separate stream that did not start until after the payment was processed. Faster viewing may = happier viewers = more use of the service.
Mainly, this is an artifact of delivering video via http/progressive download vs. rtsp - you have a few options:
1. deliver one stream - tradeoff - geeks can view for free
2. deliver two streams - tradeoff - slow, annoying start up while you wait for the second stream to load enough to start playing
3. use rtsp - tradeoff - reduces the quality of the video to match minimum bandwidth between the server and the viewer
I guess a system designed by a video geek would probably lean towards providing the best quality viewing experience while making it possible for a geek to get the video for free:-).
Any site that try to protect their content with stupid tricks
Actually, what they did was trade-off stream security for the user experience - if the stream does pre-load, then the viewer can start viewing the movie much faster after they pay.
Its a good trick if most of your users do pay, as they get the video they pay for much faster (since it's already pre-loaded) than would be possible if the paid content was sent in a separate stream that did not start until after the payment was processed.
Mainly, this is an artifact of delivering video via http/progressive download vs. rtsp - you have a few options:
1. deliver one stream - tradeoff - geeks can view for free
2. deliver two streams - tradeoff - slow, annoying start up while you wait for the second stream to load enough to start playing
3. use rtsp - tradeoff - reduces the quality of the video to match minimum bandwidth between the server and the viewer
For really secure video, you'd use either RTSP or DRM (or both8-0), but they both have other problems with quality and user experience.
I guess a system designed by a video geek would probably lean towards providing the best quality viewing experience while making it possible for a geek to get the video for free:-).
Generally, it describes a webserver or service that runs on multiple computers where any of the computers can be removed/replaced without stopping the service.
A good example (perhaps _the_ good example:-) is GFS.
It expands the concept of a cluster - in that most clusters the database servers and perhaps the NFS/SAN run on dedicated, specialized machines vs. the cloud running all services on the same kind of machines.
The big advantage for the webhost/service provider is that (theoretically) they can run all services on basic, inexpensive, computers.
IMO, a true 'cloud' runs on computers at multiple data-centers, so that even a local catastrophe can't take it down.
The big difference between a cloud and a mainframe is that the cloud itself runs on 'micro-computers' - so the old problem of the micro-computers obeying Moore's law and out-running the mainframe is obsolete. Anyway, cloud computing is the latest greatest thing, and you can expect many forwards of 'the website is down' until you agree:-).
Google Docs Offline If the 'cloud' explodes, I guess you can open your Docs offline folder with a web browser, and save the documents as OO, HTML, etc. Other folks have posted about using IMAP to get your email, etc.
You can use GoogleDocs without a web connection: http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2008/03/bringing-cloud-with-you.html
Your description doesn't actually show switch grass is less efficient than solar panels. You are leaving out several issues with solar panels - energy and pollutants to make them, and to dispose of them. Loss of electric power to the distribution network, etc. A nice thing about generating solar power via bio- fuel - the solar generators (plant leaves) are bio-degradeable and don't require toxic chemicals to produce. And, the power once produced can be transported with minimal reduction in efficiency. Not really enough data here to decide which one is 'better' - in fact a Swiftfuel plug-in hybrid seems like the best of both worlds.
Microsoft did a nice deal with Moodle for adding MSSQL server support - rather than specifying just MSSQL server support be added they funded the development of an XML tool for adding database support - so it was easy to also add support for Oracle and other RDBMSs to Moodle (which already supported PostGreSQL and MySQL).
Just got mine, it's smaller than the OLPC, with a nice lightweight Linux OS. This is a great little machine with a QWERTY keyboard that is actually usable (typing this on it now) VGA out, 3 USB 2 ports, multi-card reader, full version of Firefox and OpenOffice, etc.
A few shops here and there, sure, but not much.
One of them had an idea about a world wide wiki.
Another started letting people put up faces and join groups of friends.
I'm not sure what this one does, but it serves billions of pages/day via hypertext preprocessor (and now with peanut butter:-)).
Come by the Albuquerque Moodle Moot on Feb 16 to see how UCLA, Intel, The Open University, The Carnegie Foundation, etc. are using Moodle.
Moodle is simply the most flexible mature LMS out there, with a wide range of completely different formats for supporting different pedagogies built in, and it's relatively easy to build new interfaces to meet the specific goals of a particular institution.
For some of the best commentary on the Blackboard patent issue, see Al Essa.
there can be no doubt, this must be very embarassing for Google:-).
I would get on the list now, but Cingular doesn't have coverage in my area:-(.
The phone/pda/media player itself is one of the best things I've seen in a long time.
But it won't really be great until you can use it with other carriers-otherwise Apple is limiting itself to buyers who have decent Cingular coverage, or to folks who just want a really nice wireless PDA.
~8 million students and teachers at almost 20,000 institutions, including some pretty large ones like the Open University, UK, UCLA, NZVLE, etc.
Compares quite well on features and usability with the market leaders in a >1 billion $ market.
One could mention that mediawiki thing, also:0).
For instance, Moodle has a built in feature that lets you run all uploaded files through a server a side anti-virus application (by default CLAM, but commercial ones can be used as well if you have a server side license).
Seems to me that Mediawiki should be able to do this with uploaded files..of course users should all patch their systems and not trust any downloaded files regardless of where they are from. But it does seem to me that the host site should certainly scan uploaded files as well.
not a patent issue. It's very similar (almost exactly) to Linus' ownership of the Linux trademark.
Very few people would have a problem with Blackboard suing Desire2Learn if D2L had been saying it was 'powered by Blackboard'.
If Hoboken had specified "Open Source"* software in the original RFP, then they would own the license to use the software regardless of what company they chose to build and manage the garage. A good RFP would also specify that the software include documentation and training for city workers to serve as a backup if the original contractor went out of business or got predatory.
*As in software with an open source license, such as GPL.
From TA:
"This case is about them using software without a license," said Dennis Clarke, chief operating officer of Robotic Parking, in a telephone interview last week."
One thing educational institutions can do is use Elgg's open source social networking software, which provides the features of MySpace, etc. Install it locally or on an institutional server, and block MySpace, etc. at the firewall.
More http://elgg.net/
for interface standards in productivity apps:-). Then the manufacturor of the application would have the same weight as it does in choosing a QWERTY keyboard, all the main menu items would be in the same place (though some apps. might add custom 'function' menus or more compact or extended layouts), and arguing that all students use the product of a particular software maker would make about as much sense as mandating all students use Dell keyboards:-).
Kind of interesting, QWERTY is still the primary user interface, and such a state evolved almost entirely by accident (or due to original conditions few even think about:-).
perhaps 'education' is best served by teaching students the principles of spreadsheets, wordprocessors, and presentations, rather than 'click button X to accomplish task Y'?
If that were the case, then perhaps educated students would be able to rapidly adapt to new interfaces rather than being stuck when a different product (or a new version of the product they were schooled on) is put in front of them?
IMO, kids that memorize button positions rather than learning principles are always going to be less productive, as even the same exact product will go through version changes, menus are replaced with ribbons, the UI flavor of the day (say docking windows or floating animated helpers) is tried out, etc.
IME, the real world in IT is one of constant change, and the folks best positioned to thrive there are the ones who are able to easily cope with multiple interfaces to the same basic task or principle.
would make more sense for nanotech that is not designed to be consumed, while FDA would be the logical choice for medical nanotech.
In using Java to write JavaScript?
This will sure be great to have!
for students to help develop their own next generation virtual learning environment.
The project is very supportive of folks who would like to contribute, serveral programmers who started adding features to Moodle as students at Humboldt State University are now core developers, and have the experience of having tools they have developed be used, reviewed, and built upon by educators and educatees around the world.
Project ideas and discussion.