Saturday, January 17, 2009

A new day


It is a new day and I decided to pick a non-mainstream language and learn it from the inside out. My choice was Python and I have been picking away at Dive Into Python since last Friday and so far so good. It is an interpreted language which means there are obvious limitations including speed, but for quick and easy jobs that require multi-platform support I think it will come in handy.

After I finish the book, I am going to write a web script to enable syncing in my new PasteBox project. This will allow sharing and multiple desktops to access the same data. It will allow me to use it in a real world application so I can get more familiar with the ins and outs.

Next I will be brushing up on my java, since it seems everyone is looking for java these days ;)

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Windows 7: First Impressions


Since my hard drive died this week and I needed to re-install Windows XP I figured I would leave a little space for the newest edition of Windows. After an entire day and a few restarts I managed to grab the Windows 7 beta from Microsoft.

To start with I am impressed to say the least. The installation was a breeze, it installed all of the drivers except those for the built in card reader, but that is not the end of the world. And it installed the default Microsoft drivers for my Intel graphics chip, which does not allow me to use the TV out, but again this is a beta. The install went faster then my install of XP and was simple in asking me where I wanted it to live and it went about it's business.

On the first boot it loaded in a snap. Of course, the first thing I did was reconfigure the desktop and install Firefox. All of my regular applications installed like a charm.

The only thing I noticed right off that will take some getting used to is the new task bar. I have only been using it for an afternoon, so far it is a little akward, but I expect it will grow on me.

I originally got this Toshiba Satellite with Vista Home Premium and it chugged out of the gate, after 8 months I broke down and bought an XP license, now I am pondering a Windows 7 license when it is released. Since this machine was a steal at 800.00 plus an XP license 150.00 and a new hard drive this week 90.00 and a Windows 7 license at least 185.00 I am looking at the potential of a 1225.00 laptop with 3 different Windows licenses on it. I am starting to think Microsoft planned Vista this way on purpose.

I love it so far and fear for Ubuntu's grand future since Microsoft may have a new contenter.