What Microsoft Needs To Do

Ok, let's insert this opinion right here. After reading tons of articles and comparing products and such, it is clear to me what Microsoft needs to do in order to not only survive, but somehow improve.

Release Operating Systems More Often

One issue we've seen with them is their lack of dependability because of operating system vulnerabilities. Rather than continuously putting out new patches and fixes each month, they should just mimic Apple (like they do for their OS anyways). Release an operating system every year to 1.5 years. This would make it easier to insert current tech features into the OS, and periodically reinforce security issues. The whole OS could be progressively improved, and it would also make a great way to keep hackers from figuring out the code. If its always changing, then its less likely to be hacked and exploited. It would also provide improved revenue.

I understand that the cost to support all of the new products at this measure would increase, but that's another area where Microsoft could make money, in offering support contracts with every OS that they release. This would guarantee enough revenue to handle the support. Every 3 to 5 years, they could just drop support for the oldest OS, as they do now. This would prompt people to upgrade every couple of years to keep up with new changes.


Innovate

Let's face it. When was the last time that Microsoft actually came up with something original? Do you mean to tell me that with billions of dollars flowing throughout that company that they can't just invent something new? They've been copying ideas long enough. Its hard to give somebody credit for their work, when most of it is copying their main competitors ideas 5 years after their competitor introduced the concept.


Read comments in the comment box

Come on, Microsoft! I've been reading article after article where people have been mentioning huge annoyances that have existed for years in Microsoft Operating systems. Why doesn't Microsoft address it? The registry? The false "Time remaining" stats when you're copying files? The copy feature that quits in the middle of copying a huge amount of files if there is one error, and you have no idea what files are copied are what ones didn't make it. These issues have existed for many releases. Listen to us and fix them please!!!!

Of course, I'm no expert. I know that there are probably a few flaws in my rant, but I think that the ideas are still something Microsoft should consider. If they keep going in the same direction like they are now, my daughter might be reading about them in her history books when she grows up.

Links and Thoughts #4

Thought: Sorry for the delay on the latest post, for all 0.5 of you who actually read this. I was out of town for the weekend.

Need to find some good uses for duct tape but run out of ideas? Check these out:

http://www.ducktapeclub.com/ducktivities/


Interesting little blog with some facts about how crappy things are with electricity:

Click here to read the blog


Did you grow up playing video games? If so, then you must read this article:

read article here

Still have a tape recorder? Is it big and bulky? Compare it with the first videotape recorder ever:

Kicking it really old school

Links and Thoughts #3

Why is this news? And why did I post it on my blog..oh well. If you really care about running out of names for hurricanes, this link is for you:


Click here for the article

This is something you should read if you have problems remember names like I do. Seriously, just ask...now what was their name...?


Click here for the article


$150 computer? Yes, its true:


Click here for the article

Not that I plan on doing it myself, but its interesting to see why other people think that Linux is better than the alternatives:

Click here for the article

From a guy who himself seems to be a Microsoft Basher, here is an interesting article on Media Bias with Technology Reporting:

Click here for the article


This is one of the coolest time-lapse videos I've ever seen. It tracks the development of this 2005 season of hurricanes. Simply amazing:

Click here for the article

Thought: This season is proving to be one of the least exciting sports seasons for me. No interesting baseball drama, the NFL has been turned upside down with hurricane influence, immoral boat parties, and long-time crappy teams doing great. And will somebody let me know when the hockey season starts? Oh wait, it did? Don't get me wrong, I'm still paying attention, but its just not as exciting.

Links and Thoughts #2

short video of the forth-coming JAVA Operating system

http://www.darlugo.com/?id=124&p=10

thought: Dear PC World. Can you publish just one edition of your magazine that doesn't have a huge article on either spyware, viruses, or windows secrets that you act like nobody knows?

great commentary on "microsoft innovation", from a PC World columnist. He's harsh, but a lot of what he says makes sense.

Steven Manne's Commentary

test out the linux Operating System in your browser...very, very cool!!!

http://opensource.region-stuttgart.de/test_linux_desktop.php

John C. Dvorak sounds off on Microsoft's Incompetent Operating System:

Dvorak Commentary

Interesting concept on document filling for people who need better organization. Never tried it, but it looks like a good idea to try if I can ever get organized to do it... :-)

http://www.lise.jp/honyaku/noguchi.html

Tips to speed up your computers booting time (mostly for windows xp):

Windows Boot Speed Tips

thought: Is there anybody out there that uses Windows and likes it? Every article I read these days is a rant against them. Interesting, considering that they probably write their rants using a windows machine (credit for thought on that goes to Paul Fink). Even a recent pc world article was talking about "alternative operating systems" and discussed a Mac. Why? You would think that a magazine that is solely about PC's would stay away from Mac info. Maybe the writers DO use macs?



Like the new look? Let me know. Also, report any bad links to me, so they can be corrected. Thanks!!!

Links and Thoughts #1

Oh no, not another browser! Can't they just fix the ones we have??? Just kidding. This browser takes a different approach than all of the others. Particuarly in areas of social networking of bookmarks and stuff. Its called "Flock". Check out the article

Flock Article

Hate spam? Want to sign up for a service, but don't want stupid junk mail in your already-bombarded e-mail inbox? How about a disposable e-mail address. Yep, that's right disposable addresses are temporary and allow you to "use it and lose it" Check out a list of services that provide them.

Disposable E-mail account services


If you use firefox, and REALLY want to speed it up, check out this extension. I've not tried it myself, but the reviews are unanimous that it makes a huge difference in the speed of your browser. Now if only somebody could figure out a way to speed up the actualy launching of firefox. I swear it seems like hours when I first start it up in the morning. Must run on deisel or something. Update: I've tried it and it WORKS!!! Very fast indeed!!

http://fasterfox.mozdev.org/

Does the RIAA have any friends? Now they are suing satellite radio companies as well. I've heard that they will soon be suing individuals who hum any copyright protected tune while walking down the street.

RIAA to sue sattelite radio providers

Ok, so these are nerdy quotes, but if you like nerdy quotes, check them out. They are funny enough to rattle the pens out of your pocket protector.

Read them here


Random thoughts:

-Hockey started its season again last night...did anybody who's not wearing a Hockey Jersey at least 3 times a week notice?

-You know that people have blind spots when the media talks about how the Steelers will play better on Monday with a more prepared offensive line...uh, does anybody happen to be aware that our secondary has sucked for like 10 years or something? I give up. What's the point?

-So Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are having a baby...that's about as relevant to my life as saying, "Somewhere out in a swamp, a crocodile just ate two of its newborn offspring for dinner".

-If you have dial-up and still surf the internet, be aware that most of what the web can now be used for has passed you by completely. Other than viewing websites and reading e-mail, you've reached your limit. Just thought I'd share.

-George Bush really hasn't said anything much different in the past year or so about our presence in Iraq or the war on terror. I get why we are there ,but I don't get why some of us are so dumb that we need 70 speeches from him to explain why we are there.

A little change in the direction of this blog.

The other day I read a very informative article on blogs and how they work. My first impression was that blogs were merely online diaries or commentaries on things. I've found that that is true in one case. Some people consider a blog to be more of an informative listing of interesting links with some commentary.

My blog has mostly been personal thoughts, with the occasional link or two. I'm going to turn that direction towards linking towards informative articles and commentaries that I encounter throughout the day. I hope that those who read this blog will find the links and minor commentaries a refreshing change from the drab and borrng opinions I've been spewing for about a year now. Of course, I will still comment on any interesting news in my pesonal life, but as a whole this blog is about to take another direction. Stay tuned, all you readers, for a new look and content.

Monday Morning Football Thoughts Week 4

Umm..uhh..there was football on? Sorry. The Steelers had a bye and there weren't any interesting matchups, so I ended up watching, well no football. Couldn't get into it. However, my thoughts about the results:

Cincinatti, Tampa Bay, Washington, and the Colts are undefeated....there's something really wrong about all of this. Kind of like some sort of reverse dream that shouldn't be happening. Cincinatti is offically on my "Scary teams the Steelers have to play" list. Speaking of which, the Chargers are now on the list, after a gigantic pummeling of the Patriots. Give the Pats some credit, they had no Rodney Harrison. THe WERE however, at home, which you would have thought might help them...not at all.

After watching Pittsburgh lose to New England, I'm kind of doubtful about their ability against the good teams. I'm just hoping that they can hold their own against what seems to be a new NFC North Juggernaut, Cincinatti Bengals. If they can defeat the Chargers this coming Monday night, it might sway my faith.

On a non-football related note, my brother Donovan is getting married in Cleveland this coming Saturday. I think I'm feeling as surreal as he probably is right now. Never pictured him having a wedding and getting married. Its a neat thing. I'm in the wedding, and very glad to be a part of it.

Monday Morning Football Thoughts Week 3

Steelers / Patriots
Antwaan Randel El lost this game. Not only did he blow a huge play that could have given the Steelers a comfortable lead, he dropped some key passes thereafter, which he clearly should have caught. Still, there were many other holes to notice. The zealous blitz style of the Steelers D is keeping the quick outs a good option for any team with a decent Offensive line. It just so happened that the Patriots have a great O-line. Even with injuries, the Patriots reminded the Steelers why they beat them last year and went on to win the Super Bowl.

Packers / Tampa Bay
Green Bay is in trouble. Favre's back is growing weary of carrying the entire organization on his back at his age. Its really sad to watch a legend die so slowly on the field. And Tampa Bay is 3 and 0? What has this world come to?

Bengals / Bears
The Bengals are for real and they are 3 and 0. Somebody needs to alert Pittsburgh that things need to improve if they are going to beat this team. As for the Bears, I guess that Defense didn't have what it takes...scary thought.

Everybody Else
Not much to talk about here. Nothing exciting happened, and my fantasy team is getting pasted because our players have checked out or something. Either way, I'm still reeling at a disappointing Steeler weekend.

Monday Morning Football Thoughts Week 2

Steelers / Texans
Once again, I'm happy that the Steelers won. I'm also happy that my fantasy team's recent acquisition of Willie Parker last week produced a result. As for pushing the Steelers as super bowl material, that remains to be seen. They still need to play a good team and look convincing. Beating the Titans and the Texans doesn't say much. If they can beat the Patriots next week, then I think I'll be more convinced.

Bengals / Vikings
Culpepper is really making people wonder. 8 INT's in 2 games? We can't count him out though because Bart Starr did the same thing, and then went on to lead the Packers to the Super Bowl in Super Bowl 8. As for the Bengals. They are starting to scare me.

Browns / Packers
I normally wouldn't even comment on this sort of game, but I found it interesting that the Browns were playing the Packers in Lambo Field and still managed to make them look pathetic. This is despite the fact that the Browns are also pathetic.

Ravens / Titans
So much for worrying about the Ravens this year. Their offense is so bad that the defense has to stay on the field most of the game. This means for a tired Defense that eventually runs out of steam. They need to rebuild or something. The old 2000 team game plan where their defense wins games isn't gonna work anymore.

Colts / Jaguars
Peyton Manning is human? Never saw that one coming. :-)

Eagles / 49'ers
Did anyone think that this was even going to be a game? McNabb is one of the best QB's I've ever seen.

All the Rest
Not much else to blab about in week 2, except on how dumb it was that of all the games that were on, I got the crappy ones that didn't have any relevance to my favorite team or the fantasy team I own.

Monday Morning Football Thoughts

Pittsburgh Steelers/Tennesee Titans
They pulled it off in spectacular fashion. Willie Parker stepped up and came out big. Ben R. had a perfect QB rating. No sacks were allowed by the 0-line. Wow. Good stuff. I'd rave more about this, but I'm gonna need to see more of this type of play against some very good teams to be convinced. Tennesee isn't exactly the powerhouse they used to be. Still, let's give up a little love to the home team. They looked great in the opener.

Baltimore Ravens/ Indy Colts
I'll say now what I said last night when watching the game: The Baltimore Ravens were responsible for the score on both sides of the ball. Their defense and offense kept the points down. To Bohler's credit, he had no help from his O-line. They crumpled instantly on every pass play. I've read that their offensive line was built for the run, not the pass. It was evident. As for Indy, I'm not ready to jump on board their "Our defense is tough" bandwagon. They need to beat a team with a decent offense before they get any love from me.

Cleveland/Cincinatti
Cincinatti may just turn out to be a huge force to be reckoned with. They have a very good offense, and their defense plays with a lot of heart. But there's really nothing to say about the huge can of whoop-*** they opened on Cleveland. Cleveland is just going to suffer all season in their condition, so a win against them is also nothing to brag about.

Everything else

-Miami slapped Denver all over the field yesterday in just under 110 degree heat. Awesome.

-Duante Culpepper rubbed butter all over his hands yesterday, and then tried to be the QB. Uh, 2 fumbles and 3 Interceptions? Way to hand a victory to Chucky and his Pirates.

-Despite the Cowboys win, I impressed with two things: Drew Brees looked great without Gates, and Keyshawn (Me-shawn) Johnson can still play half-decently.

-Panthers shouldn't have lost against the saints. Since when did the Saints get to take the Cowboys title of "America's Team"? Sorry, lots of pity for the saints, but come on, let's not over-do things.

-F-U-M-B-L-E-JETS!JETS!JETS! 6 fumbles? Hey Pennington, did you shake hands with Culpepper any time on Sunday?

-Bills beat Texans...big deal. Texans smack-down line forms to the left.

-49ers beat the Rams. Okay, that's just weird. The Rams will be spending extra hours studying tape after that one.

-Will people stop quoting Lee Corso's "Not so fast my friend!"??? It was never funny, and its worse when it gets quoted.

-Bears vs. Redskins. Hmmm, next time both teams should bring their offense to the game.

Monday Morning Football Thoughts

About Apple's new Nano

For years now, I've not been able to put my finger on the strange attraction to Apple. Although I don't own a mac, and iPod, or any other device made by apple, I've been feeling this strange pull towards Apple product. I doubt I'll buy one anytime soon, but, as I was reading a blog on the new Apple iPod Nanon, I came accross a comment posted by another reader of the blog. I think that this comment accurately defines the reasoning for this strange attraction:

" I used to believe that it was simply brilliant marketing that took Apple from the verge of bankruptcy to the best brand in the world in ten short years. What I've realized is that Apple has something that Creative, Samsung, Sony, and the rest lack, and that is a true philosophical understanding of electronics, and how consumers relate to them. As members of a consumer society, we inevitably fetishize and idealize certain consumer goods. We actively pursue nice things. Consumer goods need not be thrust upon us, though they usually are. This is the marketing ritual, where a handful of masters of manipulation gather to create an image that will hopefully transcend a poorly-engineered product. Apple has tapped into a secret of the 21st-century capitalist psyche that is rooted in primal desire. Form is more important than function. It's how we often choose our lovers, food, pets, clothes, and most things that we lust for, or have an intimate bond with. This profound understanding of aesthetics has allowed Apple to think outside the box and create truly beautiful products. Although it doesn’t hurt that Apple has some of the best engineers and most creative marketing teams. Consumers will sacrifice an FM tuner, and other frills for a product that taps into the core of their desires and makes them feel like they are better now than they were before. Yeah, it’s false consciousness, but it works. While other electronics companies are still using the McDonald’s model of value to push mp3 players, Apple’s iPod has become a connoisseur’s brand, and achieved ubiquity in the mp3 player market. Not easy to juggle the two. I predict the Nano is going to sell like hotcakes, or better yet, like iPods."

What I read today.

This article brings up an interesting (although cynical) perspective on the information that we pass on over the internet each day. Kind of scary really.

Justice for us all

This article is a nice victory for the little guy. Stupid AOL...

Laptops Replace textbooks.

This is the coolest implementation of Technology in schools that I have ever read. I makes me want to be a teacher again.


Click here to check it out

Stupid article. Sad Reality.

I read an article yesterday that proved to be no less than a joke. It was a survey that said that rich people are happier than poor people. Although I don't agree with the article, I found the article to be funny. Who does a poll like this anyways? In any case, I can't agree that rich people are happier than poor people. I don't think happiness comes from wealth or material things. The only advantage there might be with money is that you can use it to distract you from dealing with the real problems in your life. Its just another medium for filling an empty void that everybody has already. A void that can only be filled by God alone. However, what riches and wealth can do is destroy you and blind you from the reality that life does end and you can't take it with you.

Yet another Apple Commentary

I read yet another article discussing the new switch for Apple from IBM Procs to Intel Procs. What was interesting was the comment on Apple's motivation. Many were saying that it has to do with making Macs run faster in the future to be able to compete with the current trend in PC speed. But this article pointed out something really interesting they essential said (paraphrased) : "The reality is that what keeps people from buying a Mac is the cost and software availability. Apple's move to Intel has really not addressed either of these issues." He further goes on to explain that putting Intel Chips on proprietary Mac hardware really does nothing for costs of a Mac. And that even though the processor is now x86, it still requires new software to be re-written. This is an essential "back to the drawing board" for programmers. Unless all of the conspiracies about Steve Jobs wanting to create a PC version of the Mac OS are trye, then I don't think anybody is really sure where Apple is thinking of going with this. Right now it just looks like Apple has just changed it shoes, but is not really walking in any different directions.

The Beginning of the End?

Hines Ward needs to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.They can't afford to lose such a caliber player. Who cares if he wants more money? He's worth it. He knows it, the fans know it, and I'm sure the team and owners know it. If they blow this one, they might be staring at another 6-10 season again. What is worse than not having Hines Ward on the team is the thought of him on another rival team, like the Baltimore Ravens. Good grief!! Somebody work this out before its too late!!!!!

How LOW can you go?

I just read an article talking about a neat back to school deal where you can buy a computer from curcuit city for as little as 199.99. It comes with a free 17 CRT Monitor and printer. The catch? You have to sign up for a whole year of AOL service.

It seems that AOL is becoming desperate for promoting their service and software. I mean, just by the fact that you get bombarded every month with at least one or two promotions from them in the mail, plus you get ads on tv. And if you buy any kind of new software, it always seems that AOL is weasleing their way onto your desktop with icons and offers. And now to take the cake they corner you into deals of signing up for their service for a full year in order to get a new computer that is probably LOADED with AOL software. Come on, AOL! Give it up. Your marketing strategy is doomed to annoy and not to gain customers. The world of customers that needs your type of help and support is waning by the day.

I once bought a PC and the person who sold it to me told me that I HAD to sign up for the 6 months of free AOL even though I didn't want it or need it. I told him that I didn't want to, and he told me that he couldn't give me the "best" deal unless I did. I remember cancelling that trial service with AOL (like the same day) and after the usual harassments from them about why I should want their service, I told the rep about being forced to sign up for it. They were surprised that a store would do that. Why? Their company does it all the time! Go figure.

A New Name for Windows

The news of the recent name for the new Operating System soon to be released by Microsoft has had mixed reactions. The new name, formerly known by its codename "Longhorn" will be Windows Vista. As we've seen in the past, Microsoft rarely takes to continuing any sort of naming scheme that makes sense. Look at the list: Win 2.0, Win 3.1, Win 95, Win 98, Win 98 Second Edition, Win NT, Win Millenium Edition, Win 2000, Win XP, and now Win Vista. If you can see any sort of rational pattern in that, let me know. Anyways, I have some ideas that I've come up with or seen others suggest that might perhaps be a better name for the new Operating System from Microsoft:

1. Windows Contaminated
2. Windows Security Vulnerability Edition
3. Windows Patches
4. Windows OS X Elephant
5. Windows Two-Thousand-Something
6. Windows Crash
7. Windows Shiny Blue
8. Windows Virus Lovers Edition
9. Windows Limited Support Edition
10. Windows Service Pack Collector's Edition

Got any more ideas for names? Feel free to add a few.

The Danger of Babies

Two days ago I was giving my 19 pound 11 month old baby girl a bath when, as I lifted her out of the tub, a sharp pain suddenly shot through my lower back immobilizing me temporarily. Several minutes later, I would foolishly attempt to something of considerably less weight only to make things altogether worse for me. The pain was so bad I couldn't move. The only two positions I could tolerate were standing or lying down. As I write this blog, the pain still exists to a point where I find that I can only tie my shoes or put on socks with the accompanied severe pain surging through my lower back. Despite the fact that I'm a 28 year old guy complaining about back aches due to the stress of lifting 19 pounds, what was even more humorous was the look on my daughter's face as I screamed out in pain during that initial injury. She had this, "Uh, Dad? Are you okay?" look on her face. All of this is written to warn those of you who don't suspect it. Babies are dangerous. So if you're considering having any children, just keep that in mind. And I suspect that the more children you have, the more maimed and injured you will become. Just a word of caution.

Making the World a Better Place

I was listening to a quote from an astronaut today, talking about the launching of the space shuttle. The news was that the shuttle launch was delayed due to repairs, etc. What struck me was how he mentioned that they were eager to get back to doing their jobs and "making the world a better place". Excuse me? So, sending an astronaut into outer space to examine rocks and study radio waves is going to someday prevent massacres in Kenya, and feed the starving in India, and save unborn children from being aborted? Maybe it will stop the terrorist attacks? Nah. None of that. But perhaps they might find a new moon rock that could prove that the moon used to be a part of the Earth or something. And then maybe I can take that moon rock and throw it at their head. Sorry, call me when your billions of dollars in expenses pay for themselves or for things a little bit more crucial saving lives and promoting peace.

Shut it off!!!

I was reading an interesting article discussing The PCTurnoff initiative which is being promoted for the week of August 1st through 7th. The plan is to keep kids from spending their entire summer in front of a computer screen and promoting them to do something most kids don't do much these days: Play. The site leads to a few articles and facts of interest on the benefits of play.
This article discusses the benefits and rewards of play for children. I totally agree with this. As a child, I remember spending a lot of time playing with my friends and my brothers in our neighborhood. Exploring woods, playing football, baseball, climbing trees, etc. Those are things that I remember and wouldn't trade for anything. Some of our kids today will be spending most of their adult lives in a cubicle in front of a computer screen. Why start them early? Why create a social and interactive culture that grows only via the internet? Get em' out there! Let them play? Un-plug that computer!!!

Pathetic

Some people have no line as to what they will do for money.

This story is yet another example.

News and Rants

This morning the nation learned that NY City will NOT be hosting the 2012 Olympic games. It appears that a recent poll of New Yorkers has revealed more of a sigh of relief. Now they won't have to deal with epic porportions of gridlock traffic, and serious security lock-down issues. From what most people are saying, despite its grandeur in the past, the Olympics don't quite have the appeal to Americans as it used to. Reasons being that now, without a cold-war, we no longer have a big rivalry with Russia, and that most of the major sports in the olympics are not as big in the U.S., as they are in the rest of the World. They say that for most other countries, the Olympic celebration lasts for weeks. Its a grandeur sporting event. For Americans, its little more than a two-week entertainment venue.

NFL training camp for the 2005 season begins in about a month. I can't wait. Baseball season just drags out too long to keep my interests, and golf just isn't a sport most people can follow week by week. BRING ON THE FOOTBALL!!!

I'm going to start riding my bike again. I'm going to try and commit to a plan of getting up every morning at 5am and biking two miles around my neighborhood. If I somehow find the willpower to do this, two things will happen for my benefit: 1. I'll lose weight, which is something I've been wanting to do for the past 2 years. 2. I'll start my day with some exercise, which is sorely needed. I sit all day long at work as a programmer.