EkosDeux

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Apple recently introduced the iPad… I was both excited, and disappointed. I understand running the full OS X is hard for a mobile device that small, but how about doing like the iPod and taking the core, and introducing the iPad’s own version of the User Interface. In the Days to the event, I found myself thinking of the possibilities, and now find myself looking to see what the HP Slate will offer. Following are reasons I will wait before diving in…

The iPhone is great, don’t get me wrong, but its just that. The iPad was supposed to be much more, and its just a giant iPod touch. It lacks the forward facing camera we all dreamed of. Can you imagine having Skype installed on this device, and chatting with friends.

Second, the lack of multi-tasking is ridiculous. So if I am working on something I have to stop, and go to the next app, only to come and have to relaunch the previous app? Ridiculous. The lack of a built in SD card slot is unacceptable, and a loss. Having to get different kits to load your photos on the go is inconvenient, and should have been included. Also, having to sync with a PC through a cable seems out dated for such a device… How about a one time hook up, and then just wirelessly have the device do a time machine like kind off sync while you do other things.

Lastly, the very small amounts of storage feels almost restrictive. I would fill it up in podcast and iTunes U videos alone. Add to that the many movies, music, and apps and soon its full. Also, iBooks looks great, but no mention of books I already own in pdf. This might be a premature decision, as the iPad has yet to be released, but I will wait like I did with the original iPhone and save myself major disappointment. Who knows maybe I will get one of the slate PCs running the NVIDIA Tegra… What was your opinion, reaction? Thanks for reading.

Photo source is linked to acknowledge the original owner.

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As you know this blog helps me keep track of things I have learned, and helps burn things into my brain. Today we are going to discuss the software life cycle, which was broken down into seven steps. Different people explain it with less steps, but as you will see the results are the same.

1. Specify the Requirement
2. Data Analysis
3. Problem Analysis
4. Algorithm
5. Coding
6. Testing
7. Maintenance

The first four steps are known as the front end, and help eliminate logic errors. The front end requires that you carry out the algorithm by hand, and the data gathered can be used as test data once the code is compiled. The front end represents the logic of the problem, and if completed successfully the only errors remaining should be in the syntax. The last three steps are known as the back end, and are used to write the solution in a manner in which the computer will be able to utilize it. Through out this post any examples will be in written in pseudocode.

Next time I will dive into the front end, and follow that by covering the back end. All your comments are welcomed as I would like others searching for answers to have the best information available.

A First Book in Software Development covers this information in more detail.

Welcome back, it’s been a while. I have been on the move a lot here lately, but have no fear… There were plenty of sleepless nights where I was attempting to accomplish something, but could not get my equipment to comply… So more blogs are to come…

On to the topic at hand… The evil case. Beware of what you wish for!!!

Whenever I setup a new rig it has to be exactly what I want, or what’s the point. I always like to have a powerful, yet smaller system running as it saves space. This seemed like a great idea at the time of planning, but assembly went on it backfired. The case is a Antec Mini P180 Black Computer Case and is a great looking case. The problem came when I decided to slap it together…

As you can see, the motherboards power cable was going to be in the way of the harddrive rails just slghtly. This did not deter me though, as I simply modified it a little bit. All I required was a pair of sheet metal cutters, and the job was complete.

The cuts were small, about (1/2)” and then folded back and flattened. The end result is not pretty, but its the insights that really count and once the cover is on… Only you and the case will know what really did happen that evil day.

The before and after show the small mod, but I am currently running three 250GB drives for my operating systems, and have a DVD Burner in one of the bays as well. There are no problems at all, and the system is just like I wanted. Do not be afraid to modify it, or customize it… Its just metal after all.