Free software is wonderful. Imagine finding the perfect tool for your task, and not having to leave money on the table for license fees. Go GNU, etc. Except that for those who have to live in a world with Windows, there’s a dirty little secret. More and more companies are monetizing their gift to the world, by signing deals with the dark side.
posted in computing, economy | Comments Off on Little remains free | 252 words
I’ve been playing with my first personalized Sidebar Gadget, and I love the concept. My weather server (once I find the missing link) will generate an XML file containing a data set, and upload that file to a web server for public access. Then, a little “gadget” that someone developed will display my local temperature and windspeed sets in something approaching real time. It will. I believe.
posted in computing, media | Comments Off on Parents should not attempt to choose good movies (or so I have been informed) | 261 words
Today was a study in stationary motion. I went to work, with a particular task to complete. I was motivated, focused, enthusiastic; for all my good will, I accomplished very, very little.
posted in computing | Comments Off on Spinning my virtual wheels in virtual mud | 272 words
The stories used to come in, and we’d laugh; stories that were too good to be true. The thieves in Tignish who robbed their local grocery while wearing hockey jackets with names on the sleeve, or the would-be bank withdrawal specialist, who handed over a note (you know, that kind of note) with an identifier on the recto. Giggle, etc. There’s an updated version out today, from Pennsylvania: the housebreaker who paused to check his Face account, and didn’t remember to log out.
posted in computing | Comments Off on Unbreak my boot loader | 276 words
To boldly go where few have gone before; to take a computer that is functioning well and try something new. Tonight, my little netbook is getting a “make over”, and things are going fairly well. Not perfectly; somewhat akin to trying out a new haircut (and I don’t do that any more).
posted in computing | Comments Off on Jumping into new waters | 319 words
Once again, on a beautiful sunny afternoon, I found myself solving a computing problem in someone’s home. Which leads to the obvious question: Am I happy because I get paid to do what I like, or am I unhappy because work has taken over my existence? Ask me later.
posted in computing | Comments Off on Walls that would withstand the fury of nature | 258 words
Mark my words. Software piracy is a terrible thing to behold. Worse, still; the reactions of certain larger corporations who believe that their rights have been slighted.
posted in computing, economy | Comments Off on Big farms and bigger claims | 324 words
I can imagine one of my snarkier friends saying something like “Show me what you have on your laptop and I’ll tell you who you are.” Not far from wrong. With the idea of a road trip floating, it’s time to plan the baggage list.
posted in computing | Comments Off on Packing for every eventuality | 281 words
Just got back from being walked around the neighbourhood by the dog. I’m very impressed by an insignificant looking harness called a “walking halter”. No more tugging, or running off to visit the fences (I’m trying hard to control my behaviour in public these days). The dog and the man, in perfect harmony.
posted in computing, pets | Comments Off on My XO is bilingual | 300 words
All it took was the technical equivalent of a “One Night Stand”. A moment of indiscretion, and things turned sour.
posted in computing | Comments Off on A moment of indiscretion | 254 words
