Kids on the Net (KidZui review)

The internet age now starts much earlier. My got my first computer when I was 10 and it was Radio-86RK built by my father.

My kid’s computer experience is much different: desktop and two laptop computers are basically always available for them to us.

We got a few computer games as presents, but none of them were as good as the kids websites that we found. Here’s some of  the more favorite ones

• http://www.starfall.com
• http://www.nickjr.com
• http://pbskids.org

Check out my full list of kids related sites at http://delicious.com/guessman/kids

One of my latest finds was . KidZui is a browser specifically designed for kids. Instead of working as a filer and preventing kids from going to restricted sites, it is designed to be the one and only application that the kids will interact through. The User Interface is great, very kids friends. Every page is hand picked by KidZui and verified to be Child Safe. This is really a Closed System browser.

Downloading the application from http://www.kidzui.com/downloading is straight forward. I had to install the application, and register myself as a parent. My KidZui account allows full monitoring of what my son views through the program. It will also send me a daily activity report with screenshots of the sites that he visited.

My son was able to pick and character, not only give him the name, but also select what the character would look like. The browser looks excellent. Very interactive, colorful, easy to navigate. KidZui folks did a truly remarkable job. I’ve put some screenshots of the UI below.

My son loves the browser. He can get around to all his favorite sites by himself. The search bar on top allows to quickly look through all available content.

We still try to limit the amount of time my kids spend at the TV and the computer. But while he’s on it, he is totally loving it.

Technorati Tags: Kids,Tools,Internet

Kids on the Net (KidZui review)

Batch converting Unicode files to ASCII in Subversion (utilizing Powershell)

Recently we’ve worked on importing our database structure into subversion. After scripting out the database schema into thousands .SQL files, and checking them in, we’ve realized that the files were creating in Unicode. Subversion used binary encoding when sending the files into the repository. Even though client side tools were able to work on files without any problems, all server-side tools (like FishEye, Bamboo, etc…) considered them binary, and were not able to properly process them. Batch converting them to ASCII took a little research, but overall was relatively straightforward.

After checking the structure out to the local drive, I’ve used a 1 line Powershell script convert the files to binary (note: this is one lone line)

dir --recurs -include *.sql | foreach {$FileName = $_; $fileData = get-content -path $_; out-file -filePath $FileName.FullName -inputObject $fileData -encoding ascii}

After having all files changed to ASCII, we had to remove the svn:mime-type property. To do that, run the following:

snv propdel svn:mime-type –R *.sql

Finally, we checked in the changes back into the repository.

Technorati Tags: Subversion,Tips

Batch converting Unicode files to ASCII in Subversion (utilizing Powershell)

AddToAny.com

Just made a small addition to my blog. I am using buttons from www.addtoany.com to provide a better interface to subscribe to the blog, as well as share links to the individual entries.

Hopefully readers will find them usefull

Technorati Tags: tips,blogging

AddToAny.com

Remotely shutdown Outlook (Another IPhone hack)

I wrote about creating an Outlook rule to help out with IPhone / Exchange push issue. One thing I realized, is that sometimes, I leave the Outlook running after I leave the office. That breaks the Exchange push to the IPhone. I wanted to be able to shutdown the Outlook remotely.

• Download PSExec from the Microsoft SysInternals suite (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx)
• Create a batchfile “ShutdownOutlook.bat with one line “c:\SysInternals\pskill Outlook.exe” (Replace c:\SysInternals\ with the path to pskill)
• Create a rule
• Process messages when they arrive
• from “Your User Name” and Subject “Shutdown Outlook”
• Start a Program “ShutdownOutlook.bat”

Now, all you have to do is send yourself and email with a subject “Shutdown Outlook” to shut down your outlook. I guess this can be used for other situations as well.

Update: Just corrected the command in the batch file. Originally had PSExec not PSKill (think one type the other)

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Office,Tips,Outlook

Remotely shutdown Outlook (Another IPhone hack)

IPhone Exchange push peeves and some workarounds

I am really impressed with my IPhone. I’ve switched to it from the old Blackberry Curve and now every time I use a smart phone without touch screen, it is VERY, VERY annoying.

There are however a few peeves that I have about its functionality. One of the main ones is Exchange Push connectivity. It works great when you only have an inbox, however, with multiple mail folders and server side filtering, IPhone does not receive notifications of the email in the other folders. This is definitely an IPhone issue, since Exchange push protocol fully supports monitoring of multiple folders. A minor Outlook rule made the Synchronization work the way I want it it.

• Setup a client side rule that is applied to every email before it is processed. Mine is to display a notification box (Another Outlook issue is that if messages are moved to a folder in a server, popup notification will not be display!)

When I am in the office, my Outlook is opened, and messages get sorted into their appropriate folders. When I am out, the Outlook is generally closed. Since the client rule can not be applied, Emails will stay in the Inbox, and will be properly pushed to the IPhone. Once outlook is opened, emails will get sorted into appropriate folders.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Office,Tips

IPhone Exchange push peeves and some workarounds

CAPICOM.dll Removed from Windows SDK for Windows 7

Its not that often that I hear that of a system component of Windows SDK being removed from a future version of windows. As the matter of fact, this is the only time that I know off (I am sure it happened before)

Karin Meier from Windows SDK Team announced on his blog that CAPICOM is now considered to be depreciated and is providing alternatives at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc778518(VS.85).aspx

Technorati Tags: Development,Microsoft

CAPICOM.dll Removed from Windows SDK for Windows 7

OpenID – Using it and Liking it

You might have noticed a little icon on some of the sites you are visiting. The icon is a log of the OpenID network. From the openid.net, “OpenID is a free and easy way to use a single digital identity across the internet.”

OpenID was developed in 2005 and is now accepted by many mainstream websites. Some of the big players are Google, Yahoo!, IBM, Microsoft, AOL, MySpace. More history on Wikipedia. OpenID is a very open API and a number of Open Source free libraries are available for a variety of languages. A list more then 30 is available at the http://wiki.openid.net/Libraries

For me the benefit of OpenID is tremendous. I have a large number of sites that I register on, and having to remember my User ID and Password is a hassle. There is the option of using the same one for all the websites, but then having them in sync is even worse. OpenID provides a perfect solution. One secure website to manage remember and use.

I was following a discussion on StackOverflow on why NOT to use OpenID. Main points are

• If the UserID / Password is compromised then attacker will get access to all sites that are registered with OpenID
• Overall complexity, an less then technical user would have a hard time registering and using OpenID

My suggestions to OpenID use,

• Do not use it on the sites where account security it critical (For example anywhere money is involved)
• Use a trusted OpenID provider (Google, Yahoo!)
• Create a strong password on the OpenID provider

Here some more Pro/Con links with very good points to read.

http://www.shoemoney.com/2007/02/20/11-reasons-why-openid-rockssucks/
http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2007/02/pros-and-cons-o.html
http://lifehacker.com/software/technophilia/one-openid-to-rule-them-allor-not-302156.php
http://idcorner.org/2007/08/22/the-problems-with-openid/

OpenID – Using it and Liking it

Benefits and Hindrances of Regular Server Reboots

First of all, stackoverflow.com is very, very cool. I’ve talked about it before, and would like to reiterate the point. The site gets tremendous amount of traffic and is great for asking any development questions or starting technology related discussions.

Now to the main point.

Over the years that I’ve doing software development and architecture, I had a chance to work directly on server and data center architecture. One of the most important points of the software and hardware design was stability, which is generally measured in amount of uptime. We’ve spent a lot of time looking for memory and other resource leaks. Servers needed to be designed with the same resiliency in mind.

However, I’ve also worked with IT managers with extensive experience, who followed a different paradigm: Weekly, controlled reboots of all servers. I looked around and the policy is not at all uncommon:

• http://www.databasejournal.com/features/mssql/article.php/3484421/Checking-the-status-of-weekly-rebooted-SQL-Servers.htm
• http://www.serverintellect.com/support/windowsserver2003/sched-auto-reboot.aspx
• http://www.clarkconnect.com/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=105211&page=0

I brought this question to Stack overflow for more comments, please check them out there.

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/410413/benefits-and-hindrances-of-regular-server-reboots

Some consider this a Foolish Policy, For Others, this is a weekly test that is good if you can afford it. Even though I definitely see benefits of testing startup scripts and resource cleanups, I would have to stand behind my original view: Reboots for the sake of rebooting are an overkill, adds downtime and waists resources personnel resources. Scheduled maintenance windows for server maintenance (hardware and software) and are a completely different story.

Technorati Tags: Development,Hardware,infrastructure

Benefits and Hindrances of Regular Server Reboots

Stack Overflow

The site StackOverflow.com is available for a few months, but I just recently discovered it. It is created by Joel Spolsky, Jeff Atwood, Jarrod Dixon, Geoff Dalgas, Jeremy Kratz, and Brent Ozar.

The idea behind a site is a Question / Answer forum for all things development related. Not language specific at all. Definitely recommended place to visit.

http://www.stackoverflow.com

Technorati Tags: Tips,Development,Blogs

Stack Overflow

Rebuilding my PC – And thank you Mozy for the backup

I’ve finally rebuilt my PC. The installation Vista install was relatively painless, except for one minor snag. When I booted from the DVD Drive, and deleted my old partition, Vista refused to install with a message: “Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets it's criteria for installation.” Ohh Sh*t… Well a quick search on Google (using a laptop), provided a solution. Removing USB from the boot-up sequence in BIOS settings resolved this problem.

Before rebuilding the machine, I’ve spent a few hours backing up data from my desktop to DVDs. However, after reinstallation, I found out that I missed to backup my music collect. I don’t have that much, only 8 gigs or so, but it is still not something that I would want to miss. So here’s were Mozy comes in. I subscribe to Mozy’s online backup solution (http://www.mozy.com) For 4.95 a month, it provides a complete “Set it and Forget it” backup solution. After my machine was back up and running. I logged into the Mozy website. Selected “Restore using Web”, and chose my music folder. In about an hour, Mozy sent me an email notifying my that my restore files was ready. The email contained 3 links to file downloads: 3, 3, and 2GB files. About 1 hour for download, simple extract to the c:\ and I am back having my full music collection restored.

Mozy provides a pretty neat interface, very simple, yet pretty powerful. Ability to create multiple backup sets, bandwidth throttling, explorer integration (for Backup and Restore functions). Professional version provides even more functionality. And if all that didn’t get you excited, guess this: All that functionality is available FREE for up to 2GB of space. Yep. Completely Free. So check it it out: http://www.mozy.com

Technorati Tags: Hardware,Tips,Tools,Windows

Rebuilding my PC – And thank you Mozy for the backup

XKCD - 11th-Grade Activities

Sometimes, XKCD gets it just right.

So, to all you students out there, theory is important, but you aren't a developer unless you actually WRITE CODE!

XKCD - 11th-Grade Activities

Offshore consulting

I've just encountered a blog entry on managing offshore consultants: http://blogs.msdn.com/techleaders/archive/2008/12/18/how-to-manage-remote-employees-part-1.aspx

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At my workplace we are pretty big into using offshore consultants. As a matter of fact, half of my team is offshore.

We use a Globant for an offshore resource provider (http://www.globant.com) In two words: Highly recommended. Our interaction with the Globant team is somewhat different then what I am used to with an offshore development team.

• They are considered full fledged members of a development team.
• They all speak excellent English
• They work our hours
• They join all regular meetings
• They are able to travel onshore when required

There are always certain inefficiencies of working remote, some of them I can relate to (I work away from the main office most days of the week). However, there are always ways around them.

• It is sometimes hard to get in touch with a person in a moments notice. This usually requires planning, as well as an ability to put off your "onshore" things when you receive calls from a member of an offshore team. Time Management and flexibility is key.
• Regular scrum meetings are a must. It is very critical to have understanding between everyone on the team, on what all tasks are delivered, when, and by who.
• I found it extremely useful to have offshore developers come onsite for at the beginning of the engagement to establish communication. This allows all members of the team (offshore and onshore) to understand how the engagement will work. Offshore developers get a chance to see firsthand how their product effects the business, possibly meet the end users. Most importantly it opens up the communication channel where offshore developers are able to openly engage onsite team.
• Having an offshore project manager to help with the engagement helps.

Offshore consulting is not something to be afraid of. Most people I know, work for companies that are split across multiple locations, sometimes across the street, but sometimes across the country or the world. Who knows, your business partner might be considering you "offshore"

Update: Interesting set of answers on the Stack Overflow : Offshoring: does it EVER work? (http://stackoverflow.com/questions/502995/offshoring-does-it-ever-work/503037#503037)

Technorati Tags: Business,Management,Consulting,Globant

Offshore consulting

Hard Drive Defragmentation

Recently my laptop had been spinning its hard drive a bit too much and I thought to my self "when was the last time I defragmented?" Apparently too long ago:

• 36% fragmented files
• 5% Free Space
• Very red looking picture
• Very slow drive access

I have Diskeeper Lite (a free version) - and ran that overnight. The picture became slightly better, but not quite what I wanted:

Its very hard to defragment the harddrive with less then 20% free space available. So after removing some old files, and freeing up some space, 2nd run was much better:

Running it for 3rd time did not help much, so for now I am leaving it at that.

 

Overall.... The machine definitely seems faster. Lesson: Defragment regulargly. I'll update the post in a few days to note if the performance stayed good.

Technorati Tags: Performance Tools

Hard Drive Defragmentation

Incremental Shortcuts in Eclipse

I am fairly new to Eclipse, but the more I use it, the more I like it.

My latest discovery is how efficient it is to use of shortcuts to find "stuff" in Eclipse. The lookups are incredibly fast and are very useful.

There is Open Type (CTRL+SHIFT+T) and start typing

Open Method (CTRL+O) and start typing

The typing part is critical. It is available even in preferences setup.

I really wish this functionality would exist out of the box in Visual Studio.

Incremental Shortcuts in Eclipse

Google Maps Mobile Rocks!

I am using GoogleMaps on my blackberry curve. I don't have a GPS, however, I find the tower based location pretty usefull. Now I am in Paris, and for kicks I tried to use the future here. Well, to my surprise, Google Maps correctly found me in the middle of Paris with accuracy of 1700 meters. That's pretty damn close. This app rocks!!! If you still don't have it, get it at http://maps.google.com/mobile/

Google Maps Mobile Rocks!