When I was forced to finally upgrade my computer, I found myself also having to upgrade my PS2-connector-ed keyboard of many years. The keyboard I received with the system left much to be desired. It was definitely not designed with a writer in mind. I went shopping and found what is perhaps the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used for writing: the featured player in the Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5000 Desktop. Continue reading
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks, computer-wise, here at the casa. My main machine has started showing its age and I’ve been forced to put it on blocks for a while to see if I can get it back to its usual self. In the meantime, I’m having to do my work on my laptop — which beats not having a computer at all, n’est ce pas?. Continue reading
I agree with the idea that we need a new way to name celestial bodies that helps the public feel a bit more in touch with the cosmos. We have two major problems with that now: the vast number of objects, and the limited number of thematic names we’ve traditionally used. Continue reading
I’ve gotten to use a lot of operating systems over the past few decades. Some I like, some…well, not so much. In recent years I’ve come to like Linux in general and Ubuntu in particular. Maybe you should give it a try, too. Continue reading
Once they start talking, will we ever get them to shut up? I mean, people have tried altering my programming to stop the river of words, but so far, their attempts…er…and…um…we don’t talk about that. Shhhh. Wow—robot language. Cool, huh? … Continue reading
I think Steve Wozniak is perhaps, overall, the neatest of the old-school geeks. Partly is comes from the boxes he designed, but it’s also largely because he’s just a cool human being as well. Continue reading
Thirty-five years ago, Fred Brooks wrote a small technical book, The Mythical Man-Month, which he named after the flawed assumption that more manpower meant predictably faster progress. Now he’s written a new book, The Design of Design, that extends his … Continue reading
This is potentially the game-changing issue of the information age. It can seem like tech esoterica, but in this inter-connected world, it’s resolution will touch just about everyone. Electronic Frontier Foundation weighs in on th Google-Verizon Net Neutrality Proposal – … Continue reading
David Cope’s software creates beautiful, original music. Why are people so angry about that? A great exploration of one man, computers, and creativity. via Triumph of the Cyborg Composer | Miller-McCune Online Magazine.
When it comes to computing with “the cloud”, I’m of mixed opinion. Conceptually it’s brilliant. In terms of how it’s being implemented, not so much. Continue reading
For lightweight portable computing, I’m still going with netbooks, for now. 10 Things Netbooks still do better than an iPad | Crave – CNET.
So much happens in the world. Everyday. There’s a person ready to either stand up for a cause or stamp it out for just about every event that happens. Some big, some small. Some should be no-brainers, some should be ignored at all costs. This post is about none of that. Just a couple of things on my mind at the moment. Continue reading
Ask many AIBO owners if robots can have emotions. MIT: “Creating a Robot So Alive You Feel Bad About Switching It Off” -A Galaxy Classic.
This has been my feeling since I left Jurassic Park 3. Directors more in love with the tech than the story. Serenity often looks better for the “low-budget”/”low-tech” practical effects. Does CGI Ruin Movies? – Avatar – io9.
Regardless about how I feel about any Apple computers post Apple ][, this commercial is about as good as it gets. Thank you Steve Jobs. Continue reading
