steven n fettig's Jitterin' Thoughts

     I may spend a good amount of my time debating (internally and written) the value of Microsoft products over those that can be found in the Open Source world. I have done quite a bit of work with mostly Open Source products in the past three years and am convinced that especially for small businesses, Open Source products (software) will provide us the relief we desperately need from the ever increasing complexity and cost of software products. The types of discounts that academic and large organizations get on software from organizations like Microsoft are enormous in comparison with the per user costs that a business of 25 users or less must sustain, thus while we might enjoy Microsoft products for little money in school and perhaps at the large company we work at, when we go into the smaller, real world, those prices rise dramatically. Another issue comes to mind, however. While teaching a Windows 2000 Server admin class at a local college, I realized how little time is spent on focusing on problem solving instead of dealing with the latest and greatest. What this leads to is an overemphasis on dealing with new technology, instead of focusing on using current technology and appropriately integrating it into the work environment. Part of this obsession with new technology makes us forget that old and current technology needs to be maintained. While Microsoft is constantly focusing on the next upgrade path, we continue to suffer from patches gone uninstalled, etc. I don't blame Microsoft for this dilemma - I also blame the administrators. An administrator's job should not just be to bow to every whim of the public they server (their job is like any leader - they should be aware of the pitfalls of constant change), but to guide through logic and intelligence.

     My original opinion of the new 17" PowerBook from Apple was one of semi-ridicule. Then, as I was working on my 15" PowerBook the other day - going through and compiling some programs in the background - that nagging techie voice in my head said, "man, wouldn't it be nice to have one of those machines w/ the 17" screen... all that visual real-estate... wow." So, now I'm addicted to finding more out about the PowerBook, so much so, I am thinking of taking a trip (completely unnecessary, I might add) to the nearest Apple store to see one first hand. That same techie voice reminds me, however, that I was planning on waiting until Apple could get its head out of its u-know-what and speed up the processors on the machines in general - and significantly. (No, I am not taken by the Mhz Myth, but I would simply like a faster machine. Period. I really, really like my PB, but sometimes I want something with a little more power and I am NOT willing to go back to the Intel/AMD platform w/ Windows until I can get a pre-configured, stable version of Linux running on the machine from the factory. Actually, I would probably fall for FreeBSD faster, but the fact is, that I would be back to square one and not have a really usable machine, like I do with the PB.) Anyway, to end this random thought, I would really like to know what people's thoughts are about it. I originally thought a machine that size to be ridiculous (or at least the name laptop), but the more I think about all that screen space, the more I am interested in it.
     So, are you someone with one, or do you know someone who has seen one first hand? If so, please comment here:

     I don't know how sound the discussion is that can be found at the following link:
TCPA / Palladium FAQ
But, I was fascinated to say the least. I have had a great number of issues since Microsoft began to push for stronger digital rights management tools (hardware, software and legal) that were, in my view, an invasion of my privacy (#1) and a potential hole for hackers to gain access to my OS. After I saw the writing on the wall, I made the move to OS's like FreeBSD, OS X and Linux. I still manage and run a number of Windows machines, but this is becoming a more reluctant part of my administrative duties... Nevertheless, discussion should ensue and perhaps in the end, Microsoft will make the right decision.

     I have a new programmer coming to work for the company I am at (he is actually an old friend who I have worked with often in the past) and we will be working on setting up a new manufacturing database. The prerequisite for this new database is that it has to run on Open Source software. Another requirement I have thought hard about was whether or not it will be web based - i.e. the user front end should be a web interface. It will... That way, if we continue to struggle with software costs from Company XYZ, then we can choose to move to another OS and use that default web interface/browser.
     So, here we are working on finishing a project that was started over two years ago (it is a long story why it never was finished) and we have chosen RedHat 8.0 as the development platform - 1) Because he is familiar with Linux and 2) he needs to work with a graphical interface (gui) and I am not willing to learn how to set up Xfree86 on the Via Eden machine we will be using. As I write this, our machine is going through the installation process... we'll see how things go (and you will be the second to know - I'll be the first).
     I am somewhat reluctant to use RedHat again - after the problems that I had with it originally, but my philosophy is to let programmers use what they are most comfortable with. I can't imagine me being forced to work (regularly) on a non OS X machine. I like the chewy interface of OS X and I like being able to hook up my Firewire Hard Drive, DVD drive, etc. without a hitch. The most important aspect of this project is that we stick with Open Source software or software that is well known for inter-OS-operability (like Java). My personal preference would be to have most of this built in perl, but since he is primarily a Java programmer, that's what we will be using.
     Here's to hoping for a more successful run with RedHat!

I was so excited this morning when I saw that Acquisition finally downloaded a few Safari betas that I have been looking [desperately] for. By turning on the debug menu, I was told, you can turn on tabbed browsing. Well, I missed being able to download the v64 and up betas, and because so many people put the betas out for public use (ironically, through tools like Acquisition), Apple pulled the plug on the beta and took it from the site. But, I finally got it. v67 does NOT have tabbed browsing. v64 Does :) I don't understand the logic in not letting the public use the tabbed browsing versions... but I also don't care. I have it and am excited about using it. It is a little slower than the non-tabbed sisters and brothers, but I am willing to put up with that considering that the Pith utility slowed things down anyway and I have become a true tabbed browsing junkie. I hope that Apple listens to the OS X community (at least the one I travel in) and actually keeps the tabs... I know this potentially goes agains the Humane Interface philosophy, but I like it. Damn it's good to be a gansta'...

I love it. I received 2 opened-in-the-box-but-not-used PowerBooks from UPS on Tuesday. It took a day for me to get around to opening one of the boxes, but when I did, I was pleasantly suprised. (It's a long story as to how I got ahold of the laptops, but suffice it to say, I have a very legal, very reliable source.) I am planning on buying the 17" PowerBook (after finally seeing it in person at the Apple store in MayFair Mall in Milwaukee, WI last Saturday), but I want to wait until its next iteration comes out. Actually, I don't want to wait, but I really want to see if they make any refinements. I am selling my 15" PB to my brother. It will be great for him, and for me. He needs a "surfing machine" and I wanted to try the 12". I pumped a lot of money into the 15"er, but I am a tech junkie that likes trying new things. We both get what we want... So, on to the review (I'll make it simple):
- it is small and light
- great screen
- the aluminum case is better than the titanium case on the 15" because it is more solid. The iBook copy, but with aluminum, is a great idea because the case is much more solid. A structural engineer can appreciate the difference between a boxed shell case and a clam shell case...
- it gets hot. My TiBook (15") got hot. What the heck do you expect out of a machine that is skinned with metal with a ridiculous conductivity rating??? People are dumb for being surprised.
- it doesn't get too hot.
- it might be annoying.
- I don't care that it gets hot. (Get it?)
- there is a good improvement in speed - processor speed. I can tell with the stuff I work on (Safari, Camino, Kung-Log, Open Office, Preview, Acrobat Rreader, Mail, iPhoto). You might not notice with other Apps. I don't know.
- the hard drive is slower (I had the 5400 RPM in my TiBook) - not too bad, though.
- the hard drive is a lot quieter.
- I can't hear the cooling fan (that is good). I don't know, though, whether this is allowing the machine to run hotter, thus slower.
- AirPort Extreme is a waste of money, but then again, I didn't buy an Apple to save money (I buy Apple, so I don't have to use Windows). Maybe I will care when more of my WiFi devices are 802.11g.
- the speakers are awesome!!!

I'll add to the list when I have thougth of some more things...

I love the net... I was thinking of a way to do this today and voila! Here's the link:
iTunes Remote via SSH

The quickest way to support early/quick adoption of any technology is to open it to natural open market forces. Only the end consumer, free of artificial price increases or decreases (both will eventually adversely effect purchasing choices), will decide whether a technology is going to succeed based upon the positive impact it has on their lives. In a round-about way, I am trying to say that by the Japanese government deciding to scrap requirements for service providers to get a license for [wireless] base stations, they are promoting the adoption of technology based upon its real public merits.

Link: Japanese government dumps wi-fi licensing

Analyst: E-sex appeal overestimated
Sex may not ring the cash register for mobile telecommunications companies, or users, as much as previously thought, according to The Yankee Group, a research firm. Streaming adult services such as pornography will generate just 5% of mobile content revenues by 2008, said Philip Taylor, senior analyst. "We believe the advantages of the mobile phone as a personal and discrete device for viewing pornography are overstated," he said. The value of the mobile channel to the porn industry will be greatest as a tool for customer service, he added.
Taylor also disputed estimates that the adult entertainment business has revenues of $20 billion a year. He believes the figure is actually $4 billion, of which $500 million will be generated online. "This is less than half the value of the ringtones' market in Western Europe," added David Kerr, VP of The Yankee Group.

The facts surrounding why DARPA has pulled funding from the OpenBSD project aimed at providing a more secure open source platform are uncertain to say the least. de Raadt has never been shy of giving his opinion, and even though he may often come off as being arrogant, I respect the guy for holding to his guns. I find the pulling of the grant even more typical of government mismanagement of money - and this is pure speculation in relation to the project being discussed - why give money to a program and only after most of it is spent, realize that it was a mistake. Dutiful research should be done as to the intended use of the money and whether there will be eventual issues brought up by its disbursement. Anyway, I find it unfortunate, as OpenBSD continues to push the envelope with security related issues and a so-called secure system. They have taken the voluntary effort of a few in relation to the halls of employees at companies like Microsoft, Sun and AOL and come up with one of the most stable and secure computing platforms available today. And on top of that, it is free.
It would be nice to know why...

Link1: DARPA pulls OpenBSD funding
Link2: DARPA pulls OpenBSD Funding
(yes, two postings, same title)

This is going to hit the edge of being ridiculous, but I'm going to say it anyway. I have 3 laptops in my house (along with 9 other server/workstations) and the most frustrating part of buying a laptop is purchasing extra batteries... Each laptop has its own design, and thusly, its own battery. I am ecstatic that Apple prices its batteries reasonably (not like IBM's $240 for a battery that only lasts 2 hrs anyway), but I end up spending close to 1/4 of the value of the actual laptop on batteries (so that I can go truly wireless for a decent amount of time). When I go to sell the laptop, that really adds no value to the sale (if you think it should, try explaining to someone buying your used equipment on eBay that they should shell over an extra $200 for the extra batteries). So, what I want is wireless power. I can't remember where I read about using microwave technology for providing objects with wireless power, but NASA was working on something along these lines years ago and I wonder how far the research got... I'll donate $100 to help... if I could only really get rid of these wires.

Well, I posted a few days ago that I was going to wait until the next iteration of the 17" PowerBook. I lied. I got (from the same source mentioned before) a lead on a deeply discounted 17" PowerBook and had to jump at it. I am now typing on one. Just as with the 12" PowerBook, I am impressed. I have to laugh everytime I look at it, though. I feel like I am taking out one of the original 20 lbs. laptops (w/ their 9" greyscale screens) when I pull it out of my backpack. But, the moment I open the screen, all changes. I sit in front of my computer the good part of every day and am simply amazed at what a difference a 17" screen makes on your eyes. For some reason, I like screens that are wider than they are tall. The side-to-side real estate is much more important for me than sheer size - and that is what makes this machine the ultimate pleasure. The fact that I can put two browser windows side by side (almost) and/or a text/html editing window next to the browser window is soooo nice. That and I no longer need to hook up to an external monitor to do my web-work. I'm going to miss the 12" PB, but I'm not going to regret using this machine... I still need a power solution for this beast (it runs a little bit short on battery power when streaming audio and reading/writing - worse than the 15"), but I think I'm willing to deal with the pain ;)

The Inquirer has a great article talking about the dispute that the RIAA has brought to the table time and time again over the past year (or more, I don't remember when the whole discussion really got off the ground). I will preface my short comments with the following: I believe that downloading copyrighted materials - whether you agree with the copyright grounds or not - is wrong. This means that I do not support the P2P downloading of music unless you are planning on purchasing the album/songs or are getting MP3 versions of what you already have. Regardless of how ridiculous I find CD prices (considering that they have stayed at the $17 mark for over 15 years***), I still do not agree that taking music you do not own is okay.

I am searching my head for the right word to describe IBM's new ThinkPad line... really... I am speechless (and that happens rarely). In a word: bad.

I have been a huge supporter of IBM products (although lately, you wouldn't have noticed due to my Apple craze). My favorite desktop replacement (up until the 17" PowerBook) was the IBM ThinkPad 770ED. It ran and ran and ran and ran... in fact, it still is running over at my cousin's house. Considering it was bought back in 1998, that is a feat in the world of computers. (It has been everything from a souped-up movie and paper writing machine for my University days in Germany to a wireless router running FreeBSD. Now it is a lowly, but important, finance manager of the Homan residence.) I thought IBM did a great job at designing computers that just work. Now, I have seen a product that may work, but is simply ugly and a design that makes puting it in a case difficult and gives it an awkward look to boot. I can see how IBM is pushing for a "more usable" desktop replacement - and I understand that market well - but this is not it. IBM, a bit of advice: keep with ideas of a light for the keyboard, webcame integrated into the top of the screen, integrated everything and great battery life - but, please, pretty please, do not bring us back to the days of the 20 lbs. brick/briefcase laptop. That is not the way to go...

I was having one of my sleepless episodes last night and working on the new 17" aircraft carrier (17" PowerBook) and thinking about the question of why or why not Apple should move to the ix86 processor line. I've heard arguments as to why the x86 processor is better than the PowerPC line (DJ Bernstein has some articles on this subject: PowerPC speed, x86 speed & Advice for computer buyers) and I have read the infamous article from John Dvorak at PC Magazine about Apple needing to move to the 64-bit x86 processor. I still don't know up from down, however. The PowerPC chips are indeed slower than the newest Intel and AMD chips, but I don't really care because I'm not running Windows. In the case that I do use the x86 processor, I run FreeBSD or RedHat Linux - and there I see a definite improvement over the same-machine performance running Windows. That, however, is not due to the CPU, but due to the OS. The complaint I have with the PowerPC is simply one of price. Apple is out of their minds if they think they can continue to lag behind Intel - megahertz myth or no myth (in my opinion, myth, but that's another story). So, what should Apple do and will IBM or Motorola ever be able to catch up? Is the market for their chips even worth the catch-up? Forget the infantile religious arguments as to why one way is better than the other, I want to know if we are ever going to see sound statistics to back up Apple's consistent backing of PPC (other than to create a proprietary hardware line). Will this work in the long run? I really don't know. These are only the late night rantings of a sleepless Mac & FreeBSD geek...