Recent Posts

10551

General Software Discussion / Re: How much trouble is a 64-bit OS right now?

« Last post by 40hz on February 25, 2009, 05:40 PM »

This just in from our friends over at Heise Online (emphasis added):

Link: http://www.h-online....ernels--/news/112724

Fedora project plans to use 64-bit and PAE kernels

The Fedora team plans to optimise the Linux distribution's versions for various system architectures. The 32-bit version for the x86 platform is to be built for i586 instead of i386 as it is currently. Given compatible hardware, an x86-64 kernel is to be used as standard, even when installing the distribution's 32-bit version. Wherever possible on 32-bit x86 systems, the developers intend to use a default PAE kernel. They will continue to use a 32-bit kernel for the 32-bit live CD.

The main advantage of using a x86-64 kernel in a 32-bit operating system is the considerably larger memory address range the kernel can make use of, allowing for systems with over 4GB of RAM. Due to the 32-bit userland, users won't need special 64-bit versions of their programs. 32-bit plug-ins for programs like Firefox run without the tricks that the users of the 64-bit version have to resort to, for example nspluginwrapper. The Fedora Engineering Steering Committee, which decides on the integration of new features into the distribution, has accepted the changes proposed for the forthcoming Fedora 11.

Very nice!

10552

General Software Discussion / Re: Another Google WTF moment (or is it just me?)

« Last post by 40hz on February 25, 2009, 05:33 PM »

(Pretty, isn't she?)

-40hz (February 25, 2009, 09:18 AM)

RaviShing

-cranioscopical (February 25, 2009, 09:25 AM)

 

10553

Living Room / NASA inviting you to vote on naming part of the space station

« Last post by 40hz on February 25, 2009, 03:32 PM »

RELEASE : M09-034
 
 
Be Part Of History -- Help NASA Name The Next Space Station Module
 
 
WASHINGTON -- NASA is asking the public to help name the International Space Station's next module - a control tower for robotics in space and the world's ultimate observation deck.

Eight refrigerator-sized racks in the Node 3 module will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to the node is the cupola, a one-of-a-kind work station with six windows around the sides and one on top. The cupola will offer astronauts a spectacular view of their home planet and their home in space. In addition to providing a perfect location to observe and photograph Earth, the cupola also will contain a robotics workstation from which astronauts will be able to control the station's 57-foot robotic arm.

Individuals can vote for the module's name online, choosing one of four NASA suggestions -- Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity or Venture -- or writing in a name. Submissions will be accepted Feb. 19 through March 20. The name should reflect the spirit of exploration and cooperation embodied by the space station and follow in the tradition set by Node 1, named "Unity," and Node 2, named "Harmony."

The winning name will be announced at the Node 3 unveiling April 28 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The node is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy April 20 and is targeted for launch in late 2009.

For more information, to submit a name and to view pictures of the node and cupola, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/namenode3

Serenity is currently ahead with 83% of the vote.

Those of you Joss Whedon fans (like me!) who truly want to right the cruel injustices done to the Firefly series finally have the chance to do something about it.



Shiny!

Keep flyin'

10554

Living Room / Re: Meme time! Five Things People Don't Know About Me

« Last post by 40hz on February 25, 2009, 02:29 PM »

Oh, I "got it" OK. In spite of the fact I was mad about a close friend, and had relationships with others. The redoubtable Ms. Rigg was soooo unattainable. And I was doing a lot of attaining in those days!

-OldElmerFudd (February 25, 2009, 02:18 PM)

Same here. But I always liked "older women."

At least I did until recently. Now those same older women are my age.

Or younger.

10555

General Software Discussion / Re: $100 Linux computer that looks like a wall wart

« Last post by 40hz on February 25, 2009, 09:24 AM »

Who needs OLPC?! Now slap an i7 chip in that sucker. Cool find.

-zridling (February 25, 2009, 05:46 AM)

Put an i7 in it and it wouldn't be cool at all. In fact, it would probably melt.

Cute, but it looks kinda clunky

-f0dder (February 25, 2009, 01:50 AM)

Then it fits the whole "Linux" thing perfectly! [/flamebait]

-Deozaan (February 25, 2009, 02:14 AM)

What's wrong with clunky?

When it comes to Linux, some people walk the walk - others waddle the waddle.

10556

General Software Discussion / Re: Another Google WTF moment (or is it just me?)

« Last post by 40hz on February 25, 2009, 09:18 AM »

I got 6 million plus hits from the US site.

Maybe Google is aware of that restraining order?


(Pretty, isn't she?)

10557

General Software Discussion / $100 Linux computer that looks like a wall wart

« Last post by 40hz on February 24, 2009, 09:36 PM »

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Marvell Semiconductor will soon be releasing a complete Linux based computer with decent specs for only $100. This little critter is tiny, and could easily be mistaken for your usual AC "wall-wart" adapter.



Write-ups can be found all over the blogosphere, but one of the best is up on LinuxDevices.com

http://www.linuxdevi...34061300.html?kc=rss

Marvell Semiconductor is shipping a hardware/software development kit suitable for always-on home automation devices and service gateways. Resembling a "wall-wart" power adapter, the SheevaPlug draws 5 Watts, comes with Linux, and boasts completely open hardware and software designs, Marvell says.

In typical use, the SheevaPlug draws about as much power as a night-light. Yet, with 512MB each of RAM and Flash, and a 1.2GHz CPU, the unobtrusive device approaches the computing power found in the servers of only a decade ago.

Furthermore, the platform is available in single quantities, and is priced within reach of students, hobbyists, and tinkerers. Its hardware design is completely open -- everything from schematics to Gerber files will be available on a website, Marvell said. For those that do wish to build products on the platform, volume pricing could fall to $50, Marvell expects.

And also at Heise's h-online.com

http://www.h-online....puters--/news/112713

Marvell's Kirkwood processor looks to be one of Atom's competitors. Its ARM v5TE compatible Sheeva core operates at speeds of 800 MHz to 1.2 GHz and offers both a Memory Management Unit (MMU) and relatively large caches (L1: 16 KBytes each for data and instructions, L2: 256 KBytes/300 MHz). The memory controller can handle DDR2 SDRAM with a speed of up to 400 MHz via 16 data lines. Interfaces and controllers are particularly abundant. Depending on the version of Kirkwood, there are two integrated Gigabit Ethernet MACs (Media Access Controllers), one or two SATA II ports, a USB 2.0 host controller and an SDIO controller for memory cards, as well as a PCI Express x1 cards used for connecting components like a WLAN adapter. The SATA ports can reportedly handle more than two hard disks via port multipliers – which can also be obtained from Marvell.

Full functional specifications can be found on Marvell's website:

http://www.globalsca...evaplug-dev-kit.aspx

One example of how it can be used is as a web-enabled (NAS) network attached storage device.

A company called Pogoplug ( http://www.pogoplug.com ) is doing just that for $79:

The Pogoplug is a small device that plugs into your wall, and connects to your home router and to any external hard drive. After a very simple setup, you can share and access media and files from anywhere in or out of the home. All you need is an Internet connection!

The Pogoplug is the perfect accessory to your connected life. Imagine accessing all your files and media from any laptop or desktop computer, anywhere in the world. There's even an iPhone application so you can always "phone home" to get your files!

A similiar device called the CloudPlug will soon be available from Ctera

http://www.ctera.com...ctera-cloudplug.html

No More Servers

The CloudPlug delivers Network Attached Storage (NAS) services, without requiring a separate file server. It reduces hardware and maintenance costs with low energy consumption and a low carbon footprint.

No More Tapes

Backup tapes are a thing of the past. Slow, unreliable, and expensive, they require constant manual care, and unless taken off-site regularly, they are not a viable solution for disaster recovery. There is a better alternative.

The CloudPlug automatically backs up your files, using the CTERA online backup service. Your backup is encrypted using high-grade AES encryption and encoded to maximize bandwidth utilization.

No More Data Loss

Many backup solutions work well for backup, but not so well when it comes to recovery. The purpose of backup is to enable recovery of your data when you need it, yet many backup solutions make recovery unreliable and difficult.

The CloudPlug was designed to make recovery of lost data a breeze. By giving you instant access to previous versions of your files, the CloudPlug enables you to roll back any file – or entire folders – to the way they were just before disaster struck.

No More Frustration

You painstakingly copied the files from your home computer onto a USB thumb drive, only to realize when arriving at the office that you forgot to take the USB thumb drive with you. With CTERA's technology, users can access their files from anywhere. Moreover, CTERA's appliances also serve as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) gateways, so access is secure and tightly controlled, with no need for a additional VPN layers

Key Features

    * Turns any USB drive to a Network Attached Storage device for file sharing
    * Performs  automatic and secure online backup to the cloud
    * Easily restores data snapshots
    * Provides secure access to files from anywhere
    * No desktop software to install
    * USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet
    * Tiny form-factor, low-power consumption
    * Ideal for 1-5 users

Other companies are planning media servers and additional products based on this device.

Makes me wonder if this little gadget could turn out to be the real "Killer" app that Linux has been looking for.

 

10558

Living Room / Re: Stop-motion videos

« Last post by 40hz on February 24, 2009, 05:29 PM »

Gee, I didn't claim to understand it!

-cranioscopical (February 24, 2009, 01:11 PM)

Whew! Now I feel a little better. 

Still, if you imagine say every 20th one of those canvases hung sequentially in a gallery it would make an interesting exhibition.

Yes it would, even if it were done as an online gallery.

10559

General Software Discussion / Re: How much trouble is a 64-bit OS right now?

« Last post by 40hz on February 24, 2009, 05:23 PM »

I hope the DRM situation is either FUDdy rumors or something that's going to be rectified,

-f0dder (February 22, 2009, 07:28 PM)

Seems to be FUD. Turns out that whole "draconian DRM" post got pretty much ripped to shreds on Slashdot and the tech blogs.

Which is good.

10560

Living Room / Re: Tech News Weekly: Edition 08-09

« Last post by 40hz on February 24, 2009, 05:19 PM »

Wow. What a week huh?

To summarize this edition:

Trouble here
   Trouble there
      Trouble, trouble everywhere.
Here a trouble
   There a trouble
      Everywhere's got trouble trouble.

 

10561

Living Room / Re: Stop-motion videos

« Last post by 40hz on February 24, 2009, 11:38 AM »

Khoda is a very impressive piece of work from the visual perspective.

But I'm not sure I'm getting what it all means.

Still, it's a beautiful bit of work.

10562

General Software Discussion / Re: Lower The Lights? Easier To Read Websites?

« Last post by 40hz on February 21, 2009, 12:43 PM »

Maybe this might be of interest. It just showed up on Download Squad.

http://www.downloads...-to-the-time-of-day/

F.lux adapts your display to the time of day

by Jay Hathaway Feb 21st 2009


Let's face it: some of us don't get outside as much as we should. When you're working or playing in front of your computer all day, you don't always notice little things like a sunset. An ingenious little app called F.lux lets your monitor adjust to ambient lighting conditions around you, even when you're glued to the keyboard. It adjusts your display settings based on location and your current lighting setup, complementing the lighting inside your room or cube.

As time passes, F.lux checks the status of the sun in your zip code or latitude, and adjusts your display's color temperature accordingly. As a writer, I love the extra bit of environmental awareness it offers. As a designer, I would probably be utterly annoyed by shifting display settings. Good thing there's a handy "turn off for one hour" feature you can use to switch back to your regular whitepoint while you're working with color.

10563

Living Room / Re: Why I Avoid Apple Products

« Last post by 40hz on February 21, 2009, 12:34 PM »

Today, the most compelling reasons I have for choosing something else over an Apple product all comes down to choice and freedom. I like being free to choose from many options, and unless Apple decides to give me that, I'll continue to stay away from their products.

I want to choose my hardware, my software, and everything else...not allow a company to tell me what to use, where I can shop, what I am allowed to buy, who I can code for, etc.

-app103 (February 21, 2009, 11:49 AM)

Well said.

10564

Living Room / Re: What if Google ate it's own dog food?

« Last post by 40hz on February 21, 2009, 10:57 AM »

I often suspect that Google's extreme secrecy about the internals of their search engine algorithm is less about keeping people from "gaming the system" and more about hiding just how simple minded and arbitrary it is.

-40hz (February 19, 2009, 09:26 PM)

I am still writing "dirty code" but when I had started with programming it was looking even worse and I have never been able to understand "what, the hell, I've been thinking"

Maybe in Google's case it's the same? Maybe it's not simple code but very, very ugly one? They might think: "Why I put THAT? What does it suppose to do? Why? What? How? ... OK. It is still working so I will not touch that!"

-fenixproductions (February 20, 2009, 06:00 AM)

Ummm....yeah.  I have a few pieces of Perl code I wrote (and still use) that are like that. 

10565

General Software Discussion / Re: Two in-depth articles for developers and open source enthusiasts

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 09:58 PM »

One nice thing about Perl is that it lets you be as clever as you want to.

This is an example of functional Perl code courtesy of 99-Bottles-of-Beer.net
It prints out the lyrics to (what else? ) the 99 Bottles of Beer song.

Link: http://www.99-bottle...nguage-perl-737.html



You can also see the same program in 1252 additional programming languages at:
 http://www.99-bottles-of-beer.net/

Welcome to 99 Bottles of Beer

This Website holds a collection of the Song 99 Bottles of Beer programmed in different programming languages. Actually the song is represented in 1253 different programming languages and variations. For more detailed information refer to historic information.

All these little programs generate the lyrics to the song 99 Bottles of Beer as an output.

 

10566

General Software Discussion / Re: Spicebird - an open source e-mail collaboration application for Linux or Windows

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 09:30 PM »

@tomos: Yes. Haven't tried on Linux yet.

-TucknDar (February 19, 2009, 06:55 AM)

It works very nicely under Linux.

I haven't tried it on Windows yet. 

10567

Living Room / Re: What if Google ate it's own dog food?

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 09:26 PM »

This makes me rethink the SEO "strategy" I was using before on my site. Maybe I should just stop that nonsense and concentrate on content rather than ranking. Or make stuff easier to find for a human user than a bot...

-housetier (February 19, 2009, 06:28 PM)

I often suspect that Google's extreme secrecy about the internals of their search engine algorithm is less about keeping people from "gaming the system" and more about hiding just how simple minded and arbitrary it is.

That's my 

10568

Living Room / Re: Why I Avoid Apple Products

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 09:17 PM »

Anybody who doesn't realize that marketing always trumps technology in the technology business is either very young, not paying attention, or has severe memory problems.

-Jimdoria (February 19, 2009, 06:00 PM)

While that may often be true for trivial consumer devices, I don't think that generalization applies to all technology.

(BTW: I'm not all that young; I have been paying attention; and my memory is just fine!  )

10569

Developer's Corner / Re: Which Technology Use?

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 09:12 PM »

There are 350+ ongoing medically related software projects listed on SourceForge.

Look there for ideas and inspiration:

http://sourceforge.n...ft&words=medical

10570

Living Room / Re: Why I Avoid Apple Products

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 02:21 PM »

I try not to have too much to do with crazies - or their friends!

-40hz (February 19, 2009, 09:53 AM)

What the heck are you doing on here, then?!  

-cranioscopical (February 19, 2009, 12:47 PM)

Well...I was on a plane flight. We hit really bad weather...then we saw this island...

And I woke up here!

10571

Living Room / Re: Why I Avoid Apple Products

« Last post by 40hz on February 19, 2009, 09:53 AM »

As it has aged, Apple (along with Steve Jobs) has grown increasingly psychotic.

(I try not to have too much to do with crazies - or their friends! )

Apple's biggest problem is that it owes much of its greatness to the "shoulders of the giants" it stood on. The whole Mac "concept" was lifted from PARC research (for which I understand they paid $1); and their first truly stable OS came about when they scrapped their flaky System in favor of a Unix derivative based on the Mach microkernal.

Not invented here (NIH) is anathema to the engineers in most technology companies. Apple turned that around, enbraced it, and ultimately based their entire company on it. Which just proves how smart they are, despite the fact they can be unbearably arrogant to deal with.

But like many companies who were in the right place at the right time, Apple is not happy about it. Because deep down inside, I suspect Apple Computer worries that it is a fake.

People who are afraid they will not be able to come up with their own new ideas are always protective of whatever 'products' they currently have. Much like bands who don't continue to develop and evolve. These are the so-called 'artists' who worry more about wringing every last penny out of their current CD than they do about writing their next one. And that's because they're horribly afraid they won't be able to do it again.

Apple is afraid.

Fear can be an excellent teacher and motivator. But it can also make us stupid, selfish and ugly. It all depends on the person or group.

10572

General Software Discussion / Re: Spicebird - an open source e-mail collaboration application for Linux or Windows

« Last post by 40hz on February 18, 2009, 08:29 PM »

Maybe I will check it out when version 1.0 arrives.

-Shades (February 17, 2009, 09:48 PM)

Probably a lot smarter to do it that way. 

(I'm running it in parallel with the same Thunderbird/Lightning combo. I don't completely trust it either. But the 0.7 version has been very stable so far. fingers crossed...)

10573

General Software Discussion / Re: Ten Tips for Windows users making the switch to Linux

« Last post by 40hz on February 18, 2009, 08:25 PM »

You need an app that doesn't run well under cygwin or virtual box. 

-e712 (February 18, 2009, 03:54 PM)

That is an excellent reason - it was precisely this that got me into using Linux in the first place.

(In my case it was a project management app.)

10574

Living Room / Re: When you make your 100'th Post

« Last post by 40hz on February 18, 2009, 04:55 PM »

here’s my 5555th post:
 (see attachment in previous post)

-Darwin (February 17, 2009, 11:02 AM)

Go Bro!

10575

General Software Discussion / Re: Two in-depth articles for developers and open source enthusiasts

« Last post by 40hz on February 18, 2009, 02:57 PM »

You really have to be thought guy to write programs in it.

-bgd77 (February 18, 2009, 02:36 AM)

You might be right. It does have a passing resemblance to Klingon script doesn't it?