the-smartidiot

CodeSOD: Double Spaced

noreply@blogger.com (Justin McClure) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:26:00 +0000

This is a pretty funny blogpost. No wonder there is so much bad code out there :)

CodeSOD: Double Spaced: "
If past CodeSOD articles are any indication, it would seem that "certain" developers have a very difficult time wrapping their minds around spaces and spacing.
How do you replace double spaces? What about triple spaces?? Or quadruple??? Clearly, these were questions asked by the coders of today's two specimens. And obviously, they found their answers.
Damian came across this snippet while reviewing code; obviously, the author didn't think six blank spaces were possible.

/**
* This method checks to see if any of the input fields are blank spaces.
* Creation date: (1/3/01 3:12:19 PM)
*
* @return boolean
* @param param
*            java.lang.String
*/
public boolean isBlank(String str) {
if (str.equals("") || str.equals(" ") || str.equals("  ")
|| str.equals("   ") || str.equals("    ")
|| str.equals("     "))
return true;
else
return false;
}// end

The other snippet is from Hervie Adkisson, who still can't quite figure out the logic behind it.

' Replaces the characters set in strUnwanted as spaces
Public Function RemoveCharacters(ByRef strText As String) As String
Dim spaces10 As String = "          "
Dim spaces3 As String = "   "
Dim spaces2 As String = "  "
Dim spaces1 As String = " "

RemoveCharacters = Replace(Replace(Replace(Replace(Replace(strText, spaces10, spaces1), _
spaces10, spaces1), spaces3, spaces1), spaces2, spaces1), spaces2, spaces1)
End Function"

Ubuntu 10.04.1 LTS Delayed To Next Month

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:53:00 +0000

[Phoronix] Ubuntu 10.04.1 LTS Delayed To Next Month

Canonical's Robbie Williamson has provided an update on the status of the Ubuntu 10.04.1 LTS release, which is the first re-spin since the Long-Term Support release of the Lucid Lynx in April. Ubuntu 10.04.1 incorporates the package updates and minor fixes committed to Lucid since the original release. Ubuntu 10.04.1 was supposed to be released next week, but now it's been postponed to August.

Interesting. Ubuntu is really good about getting updates out especially for their LTS line. It makes for a good environment for people who don't like to be on the bleeding edge.

Wine 1.2 Officially Released With 23,000+ Changes

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:55:00 +0000

[Phoronix] Wine 1.2 Officially Released With 23,000+ Changes

While a month late, Wine 1.2 has been officially released today. This is the second major stable release of Wine following the 1.0 release over two years ago. Over the course of two years the developers have committed more than 23,000 changes to this release!

Highlights of Wine 1.2 include support for 64-bit application support and new graphics/icons. With the 23,000 changes is more than 3,000 bug-fixes. Some other features include support for symbolic links within their Windows registry implementation, better XDG support, sub-pixel font rendering, and greatly enhanced Direct3D support. When it comes to the Direct3D support, FBOs (Frame Buffer Objects) are used by default for off-screen rendering, a large portion of the DirectX 9.0 specification is now implemented, fog handling is improved, and many new OpenGL extensions are supported.

Finally :) Can't wait to see how well the changes work. Maybe I can download it tonight.

Latest updates for Opensuse 11.3 and Ubuntu Maverick Meerkat

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Two popular Linux distributions recently released new developmental versions on the road to their finals. One is early in its cycle and the other is about to cross the finish line.

It will be very interesting to see the new changes that come to the Ubuntu Software center. Looks like Ubuntu is switching to i686 instead of i586, leaving some users with older systems behind. Not sure how many people are really using those older systems.

Runner Up Linux Video in 2009 Linux Foundation Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Justin McClure) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The origin...

The Origin... from Agustin Eguia on Vimeo.

I love the special effects and the formula at the end.

I + You + We = Linux

Great Dilbert

noreply@blogger.com (Justin McClure) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:29:00 +0000

I am sure our business side at my work feels this way sometimes :)

Winning Linux Video in 2009 Linux Foundation Contest

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

YouTube - The Linux Foundation Video Site:: Linux AD - What does it mean to be free

The Linux Foundation Video Site:: Linux AD - What does it mean to be free

Interesting video - I missed this contest. I like how the video emphasizes the freedom you gain by using Linux.

Firefox Updates with Chrome-Like Crash Protection from Plug-ins

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Firefox Updates with Chrome-Like Crash Protection from Plug-ins

Windows/Mac/Linux: Mozilla just pushed out a new stable Firefox update, Firefox 3.6.4. The most notable feature in the update: Firefox now has crash protection (like Chrome) that prevents Flash, Silverlight, and Quicktime crashes from bringing down your entire browser.

Unfortunately crash protection doesn't yet support OS X (but OS X is still receiving an update, presumably of smaller bug and stability fixes). There's not much else to know about the update beyond that, other than the fact that you can go grab it now or hit Check for Updates in your Firefox menu to use the built-in update tool.

Read an interesting thing on Lifehacker today. Firefox is copying Chrome now :) I think this was long overdue and I look forward to not crashing whenever flash has issues.

Not sure how many people have been using Chrome but I have found it to be useful when I need to test something in another browser.

Certified DBA Story

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:13:00 +0000

The Certified DBA - The Daily WTF

And the shell script worked. In fact, it worked so well that the Certified DBA took a screenshot of it and used it in an article he wrote about database “tuning” for a trade magazine. And, being the nice guy that he was, the Certified DBA gave Paul a signed copy of that issue.

Though the Certified DBA is long gone, Paul still keeps the signed magazine hanging in his office. It’s taught him more about database tuning than he ever could have hoped for.

This is a great funny article. Read it if you have time. Sometimes people just make things too complex.

Ubuntu 10.04 releasing in 14 days

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:49:00 +0000

Another 6 months another version of Ubuntu. This time however we are getting a new LTS release which for some people is the best way to go - as they want a solid environment that does not often change.

If you want a preview - you can get the beta from here Download Ubuntu 10.04 beta.

New features added.

1. GNOME
2. Mozilla Firefox
3. Linux kernel 2.6.32
4. KDE SC 4.4
5. HAL removal
6. Major new version of likewise-open
7. New default open source driver for nVidia hardware
8. Improved support for nVidia proprietary graphics drivers
9. Social from the Start
10. New boot experience
11. New Indicators
12. New Themes
13. Ubuntu One File Syncing
14. Ubuntu One Music Store
15. New features for Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud (UEC)

I will be installing the beta and looking into some of the changes. Social from the Start seems interesting. They built-in integration with Twitter, Facebook etc. It will be interesting to see how well this works and it if can replace apps like Tweekdeck.

The new default theme is great - no more orange :)

Ubuntu keeps Google as default search provider

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Follow up to Default Search Provider Changes for 10.04

Each release we determine the best default web browser and the best default search engine for Ubuntu. When choosing the best default search provider, we consider factors such as user experience, user preferences, and costs and benefits for Ubuntu and the browsers and other projects that make up Ubuntu. Up until Ubuntu 9.10 these defaults have always been Firefox and Google. Earlier in the 10.04 cycle I announced that we would be changing the default search provider to Yahoo!, and we implemented that change for several milestones. However, for the final release, we will use Google as the default provider. I have asked the Ubuntu Desktop team to change the default back to Google as soon as reasonably possible, but certainly by final freeze on April 15th. It was not our intention to "flap" between providers, but the underlying circumstances can change unpredictably. In this case, choosing Google will be familiar to everybody upgrading from 9.10 to 10.04 and the change will only be visible to those who have been part of the development cycle for 10.04. Cheers, Rick

Not that it matters much - but I like Google better than Yahoo.

Teach a kid to program - PyJunior

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:57:00 +0000

Making Programming Easier For Kids With PyJunior | Linux.com

PyJunior is a little program that has a very focused goal: to provide a simple environment for kids to play with Python.

This article reminded me of why I got into programming. When I was a kid I loved to play all kinds of games. When I found out I could make my own games I really wanted to learn. At that time the main system I had access to was a Commodore 64 - which provided a Basic Environment.

PyJunior is a great idea to help foster kids learning.

Bart Stupak annouces retirement

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:47:00 +0000

Rep. Bart Stupak to retire, putting seat in play - Mike Allen and Josh Kraushaar - POLITICO.com

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who had a central role in the health reform fight as the leader of anti-abortion Democrats, plans to announce Friday that he will not run for reelection, a Democratic official said. Without Stupak on the ballot, the seat becomes an immediate pickup opportunity for Republicans.

Looks like the first casualty of the Democrat Health Care Plan is Bart Stupak. This guy left his beliefs behind and now he is leaving his seat.

It will be interesting to see how much the American people hold the people who voted in the Health Care system accountable for their actions.

Thunderbird 3.0 released

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Thunderbird 3 Officially Released with New Features, Improved Look - Thunderbird - Lifehacker

After firing it up for the first time and adding my Gmail account, the new Thunderbird feels extremely fast, but the improved search really is the feature most likely to wow. It's also very fast, and it lets you filter by messages to you, from you, starred messages (if you're a Gmail user), and attachments. It teven quickly identifies people who participated in messages matching your search terms and quickly lists them in the People section of the filter sidebar to help you narrow it down even more quickly.

Even if you don't plan on using Thunderbird as your main email client, it's an excellent tool for simply backing up your email—or even for accessing Gmail when it's down. Thunderbird 3.0 is a free download for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. If you're a Thunderbird die-hard, let's hear how you like the latest release in the comments. (You can find the full release notes here.)

Thunderbird 3.0 - great! Loved this in beta - if you can get your mail with IMAP or POP this client is highly recommended.

Groklaw - Microsoft Patents Sudo?!!

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Groklaw - Microsoft Patents Sudo?!! - Updated 2Xs

Lordy, lordy, lordy. They have no shame. It appears that Microsoft has just patented sudo, a personalized version of it.

Here it is, patent number7617530. Thanks, USPTO, for giving Microsoft, which is already a monopoly, a monopoly on something that's been in use since 1980 and wasn't invented by Microsoft. Here's Wikipedia's description of sudo, which you can meaningfully compare to Microsoft's description of its "invention".

This is why what the US Supreme Court does about software patents means so much. Hopefully they will address the topic in their decision on Bilski. Sudo is an integral part of the functioning of GNU/Linux systems, and you use it in Mac OSX also. Maybe the Supreme Court doesn't know that, and maybe the USPTO didn't realize it. But do you believe Microsoft knows it?

Perhaps Microsoft would like everyone in the world to pay them a toll at least, even if they don't want to use Microsoft's software? Like SCO, but with more muscle behind the request? Or maybe it might be used as a barrier to competition? What do you personally believe Microsoft wants patents on things like sudo for? To make sure innovative new companies can compete on an even playing field with Microsoft?

And how do you like the final wording of the patent?:

Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention.

Please don't ever again write to me that software patents are good for us because they include full disclosure, so others can build on the "invention".

Sometimes I think Microsoft forgot that they did not invent the computer. I hope this goes to the Supreme Court and Software patents can be eliminated.

Mac versus PC - Box

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

MAC vs PC - Box

This one is pretty funny and true. It takes a few weeks to get Windows running with the required software. Installing Linux over Windows makes things work a lot better.

I'm Linux Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

I'm Linux Commercial

If only they would play this one on TV. I really like the fact that they show all the major services people use and major tech pieces are powered by Linux.

Mac Versus PC - How my wife feels about computers

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Mac Vs PC

This video describes what my wife feels about computers. No matter which OS you use - they just suck :)

MAC vs PC (Viruses)

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

This one is very funny and truthful. Too bad Microsoft cannot figure out how to implement security. Eventually they will just copy Unix/Linux just like Apple did.

Direct link to Youtube. http://bit.ly/2hPQcV

Get a Mac ad with Gisele Bundchen

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000

This one is pretty funny - up until the PC Gisele comes out. Then it is gross.

Direct link to Youtube. http://bit.ly/1Km5km

Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Here are some fun links to enjoy on Halloween

WARNING - This guy cusses a lot in case that is something that offends you. If it does don't play this video.
YouTube - Halloween - Angry Video Game Nerd http://bit.ly/37dgMW

Top 5 Halloween costumes for a nerd - http://bit.ly/20s09m

Linux Halloween [pic] - Linux http://bit.ly/1QO3PV

PC versus Mac Versus Linux - http://bit.ly/3nxNij

Hope you have a great Halloween - enjoy and be safe.

Upgraded to Ubuntu 9.10

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:29:00 +0000

The hardest thing was waiting for it all night :) I started the upgrade and the downloads were very slow becasue so many people were downloading. Once that finished all I did was copy a few config file changes and press reboot.

It booted perfectly and I had zero issues. Seemed to work great. Updated my software sources to Karmic sources and now I am running Ubuntu 9.10.

Nice, clean, simple upgrade. I also setup UbuntuOne to backup files and Tomboy notes. That will be very useful too.

Microsoft Retail Store copies Apple Release event, Organizer is a Former Apple Retail Store manager

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Microsoft borrows Apple Store blueprint, manager (video)

Anyone who witnessed the opening of Microsoft's first retail store in Scottsdale must have been feeling a bit of deja vu at the whole experience. It started with the camping and the long meandering lines leading to a raucous countdown. When the doors finally opened, customers were greeted with sturdy high-fives from overly-enthusiastic employees dressed in their casual, every-man uniforms. Inside were products placed on tables within easy reach of a curious public as well as an "Answer Bar" where presumed geniuses will tenderly solve customer issues. Failing that, you can always sign-up for the in-store events and training sessions scheduled throughout the day. Sound familiar... maybe a bit too familiar? But the icing on this plagiaristic cake is Lisa Seigneur, a former Apple retail store manager who famously (in our circles, anyway) introduced Oprah to Bono's Product RED iPod nano in Chicago -- the very same Microsoft Store employee who handed out free Zune HDs to those early campers in Scottsdale.

Good thing MS has no morals that they will just copy an event - almost exactly - to strum up interest in their new store. I really hope someone brings Microsoft back down to a level where there can be competition, especially in the gaming area. Right now gamers mostly are stuck with Windows. I have not yet had a chance to try Windows 7 - but I have heard it has the same old problems whenever Windows is released.

Ubuntu 9.10 Releases Today

noreply@blogger.com (Justin McClure) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Another half a year another release. Canonical will be releasing Ubuntu 9.10 today. The release notes can be found at Ubuntu 9.10 Overview

Overview Summary
1. Upstart - great idea to get users to the desktop quicker. Makes time for the user to log into x windows shorter.
2. Ubuntu Software Center - This replaces the Add/Remove Software package and eventually will provide a great tool for software developers to easily create and distribute packages.
3. Gnome - Upgraded to 2.28 with all the latest bug fixes. Empathy replaces Pidgin as the default chat client. Evince upgraded to a new version with an AppArmor profile.
4. Ubuntu One - 9.10 comes preinstalled with this service - it backs up your files and settings - up to 2 gigs for free.
5. Linux kernel 2.6.31
6. ext4 - This is now the default file system for Ubuntu.
7. Grub 2 - This is now the default boot loader.
8. Uncomplicated Firewall - Added a lot of features for 9.10 - Ubuntu Firewall

It looks to be a good upgrade with some needed updates and I am sure there are a lot of security fixes. I can't wait to try it out.

Novell Get a Mac Spoof 3

noreply@blogger.com (the-smartidiot) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Novell Get a Mac Spoof 3

This one is great and gets down to the point. Why run an OS that only works on certain hardware - run Linux and it will go anywhere and it will work better than the other OS's as well :)

It is really funny that they show the guys PC and Mac as nerds while Linux is a cool girl.

Previous Novell Spoof Video posts:

Novell Spoof 1

Novell Spoof 2