Hi all,
well done to everyone who successfully completed their interim demos, over two days I certainly saw a wide range of weird-and-wonderful technologies and techniques. Here is a sampling of a few of the cool things that I've learned more about on Thursday and Friday:
Software / Systems
* Apache Lucene http://lucene.apache.org/java/docs/
* Apache Maven for project management http://maven.apache.org/
* Cocoa API http://developer.apple.com/mac/library/navigation/index.html#topic=Guides§ion=Resource+Types
* Google Web Toolkit http://code.google.com/webtoolkit/
* Hibernate Java persistence framework https://www.hibernate.org/
* Impronto Developer Kit (Java tool for building Bluetooth applications) http://www.rococosoft.com/blue_dk.html
* Jaxcent framework and API for AJAX programming http://www.jaxcent.com/
* JiST / SWANS (Java in Simulation Time / Scalable Wireless Ad hoc Network Simulator) http://jist.ece.cornell.edu/
* Mozilla XUL (XML User Interface Language) https://developer.mozilla.org/En/XUL
* Prefuse visualization toolkit http://prefuse.org/
* Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment http://sakaiproject.org/
* Subversion (SVN) http://subversion.apache.org/
* TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library http://www.turnkeylinux.org/
* Windows Presentation Foundation http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms754130.aspx
Techniques / Tools
* Accesskeys http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_key
* Automated planning and scheduling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_planning_and_scheduling
* Levenshtein distance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levenshtein_distance
* McNemar's test http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McNemar%27s_test
* Qualitative coding: Initial and Focused Coding http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/programs/report/focus-QualCode.php
* Smoke testing in software development http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_testing#Smoke_testing_in_software_development
* X10 standard for home automation http://software.x10.com/pub/manuals/xtdcode.pdf
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Interim Demo Schedule
The scedule for the interim demos is included below, if you can't make your time for some reason, can you let me know as soon as possible?
http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/fyp/interim/DT228FYPSchedule.htm
http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/fyp/interim/DT228FYPSchedule.htm
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
10 essential items for onsite tech jobs
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1331
When you’re out on a troubleshooting call, the last thing you want is to be unprepared. Not only does it make you look bad, it’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on your company. Because you can’t always know what you are getting into, it’s best to travel with more than enough. Luckily,
Here’s a list of the items I have with me on every run out. With these items, I am rarely unprepared.
1: ccleaner
--------------------------------------------------
Ccleaner is a freeware utility for system optimization, privacy, and cleaning. This tool will remove unused files from a hard drive and clean up online history. But more important, it includes an outstanding registry cleaner. Just be sure you use this tool with caution so you don’t delete files that are actually important.
2: AVG Antivirus
--------------------------------------------------
AVG Antivirus is one of the first lines of defense I suggest to clients. And although AVG Free is fine for household use, make sure you are suggesting the Pro version for your commercial clients. The Pro version adds many features, including the ability to scan for rootkits.
3: Puppy Linux (or Knoppix)
--------------------------------------------------
I don’t leave the house without Puppy Linux. You never know when you are going to require a tool that can run checks on hardware that a running operating system can’t do. With either Puppy or Knoppix, you can reboot your machine into a live system and do maintenance that Windows simply can’t do while running.
4: Extra flash drives
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you done backups or needed to save log files and had nothing to save to? I always carry numerous flash drives of various sizes. I even carry empty flash drives in case a client needs one. Those items can always be billed.
5: Combofix
--------------------------------------------------
Combofix can really save your hide. This tool will scan for known malware and/or spyware and safely remove it. When Combofix completes its scan/removal, it will generate a report you can save and reference later (when billing or when a similar behavior strikes.)
6: Paper and pen
--------------------------------------------------
Paper and pen will always win. You never know when you need to jot down notes. And although most consultants are never too far away from their trusty laptops, you can’t leave your laptop with the client so they can read your recommendations. Being able to quickly jot down an error message or thought is so much easier with your trusty pad and writing utensil.
7: Malware Bytes Anti-Malware
--------------------------------------------------
Malware Bytes Anti-Malware is one of the best tools for removing malware from a PC. Unlike a lot of its competition, Malware Bytes Anti-Malware can safely remove even advanced malware.
8: MiFi-like device
--------------------------------------------------
There are times when you need your good old friend Google. But what happens when your client’s network is down or when you can’t join their wireless network? You need to be able to have a connection with you at all times. Most mobile providers offer portable wireless access points (like the Verizon MiFi). These tools can get you wireless access where ever you have a cellular signal.
9: Ethernet cable
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you had to scramble for another Ethernet cable? Whether it’s to hook up a printer or that other machine that’s just “sitting around doing nothing,” most clients won’t be prepared with spare cables. Having a spare can also provide your own laptop with connectivity when you can’t get on your client’s wireless network.
10: Snacks
--------------------------------------------------
You’ve been tirelessly working on an issue and lunch time comes and goes. You’re trying to track down that virus and your stomach is growling. If you’re like me, you start getting a bit grouchy once that hunger really sets in. Do yourself a favor and carry around a snack to avoid this problem. You and your clients will be happy you did.
When you’re out on a troubleshooting call, the last thing you want is to be unprepared. Not only does it make you look bad, it’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on your company. Because you can’t always know what you are getting into, it’s best to travel with more than enough. Luckily,
Here’s a list of the items I have with me on every run out. With these items, I am rarely unprepared.
1: ccleaner
--------------------------------------------------
Ccleaner is a freeware utility for system optimization, privacy, and cleaning. This tool will remove unused files from a hard drive and clean up online history. But more important, it includes an outstanding registry cleaner. Just be sure you use this tool with caution so you don’t delete files that are actually important.
2: AVG Antivirus
--------------------------------------------------
AVG Antivirus is one of the first lines of defense I suggest to clients. And although AVG Free is fine for household use, make sure you are suggesting the Pro version for your commercial clients. The Pro version adds many features, including the ability to scan for rootkits.
3: Puppy Linux (or Knoppix)
--------------------------------------------------
I don’t leave the house without Puppy Linux. You never know when you are going to require a tool that can run checks on hardware that a running operating system can’t do. With either Puppy or Knoppix, you can reboot your machine into a live system and do maintenance that Windows simply can’t do while running.
4: Extra flash drives
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you done backups or needed to save log files and had nothing to save to? I always carry numerous flash drives of various sizes. I even carry empty flash drives in case a client needs one. Those items can always be billed.
5: Combofix
--------------------------------------------------
Combofix can really save your hide. This tool will scan for known malware and/or spyware and safely remove it. When Combofix completes its scan/removal, it will generate a report you can save and reference later (when billing or when a similar behavior strikes.)
6: Paper and pen
--------------------------------------------------
Paper and pen will always win. You never know when you need to jot down notes. And although most consultants are never too far away from their trusty laptops, you can’t leave your laptop with the client so they can read your recommendations. Being able to quickly jot down an error message or thought is so much easier with your trusty pad and writing utensil.
7: Malware Bytes Anti-Malware
--------------------------------------------------
Malware Bytes Anti-Malware is one of the best tools for removing malware from a PC. Unlike a lot of its competition, Malware Bytes Anti-Malware can safely remove even advanced malware.
8: MiFi-like device
--------------------------------------------------
There are times when you need your good old friend Google. But what happens when your client’s network is down or when you can’t join their wireless network? You need to be able to have a connection with you at all times. Most mobile providers offer portable wireless access points (like the Verizon MiFi). These tools can get you wireless access where ever you have a cellular signal.
9: Ethernet cable
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you had to scramble for another Ethernet cable? Whether it’s to hook up a printer or that other machine that’s just “sitting around doing nothing,” most clients won’t be prepared with spare cables. Having a spare can also provide your own laptop with connectivity when you can’t get on your client’s wireless network.
10: Snacks
--------------------------------------------------
You’ve been tirelessly working on an issue and lunch time comes and goes. You’re trying to track down that virus and your stomach is growling. If you’re like me, you start getting a bit grouchy once that hunger really sets in. Do yourself a favor and carry around a snack to avoid this problem. You and your clients will be happy you did.
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