Welcome to my tech corner on the web!

This is my tech blog, here you’ll find my thoughts on emerging technologies, things I like or not! I’ll try where possible to include podcasts.

You’re welcome to agree or disagree with anything I write about – freedom of speech welcome – All I ask is that you keep the comments civil!

Have fun, and if you want click on the about me link for more information on my technical background.

Will .exe’s become extinct?

Most people might laugh if you tell them that the days of the traditional windows executable file are numbered, but I wonder if instead of laughing we should be preparing ourselves for this day. If you didn’t know this today, Google unveiled their new OS, which is basically a Chrome front end on top of a Linux distribution. More info can be found here: http://lifehacker.com/5309868/google-releasing-chrome-operating-system.

Google at this point in time have a lot of open ambitious projects on the table, including G-Drive, Google Wave, Android, Google OS, Native Code, Google Voice to name a few. This really is starting to look like  a hostile take over. I’ve said it before but I will say it again, if Google want their slice of the action, they will have to annihilate their competition, completely blow them out of the water, take over and destroy. It seems Google are lining up all their ducks.

You might be thinking all of this is panic talk, because Google OS is targeted at Net books. If you really think it will end there, please grow an imagination. Net books are the ideal hardware to target because Net books are lacking a Safe, Simple and Fast OS, welcome Google OS. But it won’t stop there because if you didn’t know this Google OS is not really a self standing product, its a Linux port that will target ALL x86 based hardware. Yes that does include the PC!

Linux has been sitting quietly in the background for way too long. I had another good look at it recently as a desktop replacement OS for Windows, but its kinda lacking in some areas, mainly its just not getting the support it needs from major software vendors like Microsoft, Adobe, Skype, Google to name a few. Linux has also never had a really good marketing campaign. Linux alone is not enough to spark a take over. What Linux has always needed is some major backing, and it looks like Google will be providing this backing. Right now we have 3 main players in the desktop arena. Windows, Linux and Mac OSX. Google enrolling Google OS really does change things considerably, because now vendors targeting Google OS (which will be mainstream) will also inadvertently be targeting Linux platforms, because it seems that really Google OS will just be a Linux port, and not a complete rewrite. Before you say – that leaves Windows and OSX on an equal playing field think again, take a look at what is running under the OSX hood, that’s right its a UNIX based OS. Something of a cousin to Linux and Google OS, while Windows is sitting somewhere on left field.

The article above states: Developers looking to specifically target the Chrome OS need not apply, as Google says “the web is the platform”—the system will, in other words, run web applications online and offline. But this is not to say that creativity for this platform will be lost. Rather what it means is that Google envisage an era where JavaScript and Native Code will replace the traditional windows executable. Essentially this means that all future OS’s will be built around the web platform (According to Google JS and Native Code). If this is not starting to make a lot of sense, you have to think cost of implementation and reuse. Things just got a whole lot cheaper to implement.

What does this mean for the average Microsoft Developer? Do not worry, none of this is going to happen next week, Microsoft are not going to go out without a fight. But lets just imagine that Google are successful with their take over, where does this leave the C# or VB.net developer? That’s what I like most of all about Googles strategy, it seems Google are really trying their best to cater for all kinds of existing developers, and not asking them to learn all new programming languages. 2 of Googles most ambitious projects are examples of how Google are catering for non Google developers. Native Code and Wave have been designed  to allow for development in all the big languages :  C#, Java, Ruby, C++, etc.

My final thoughts are, I am a bit disappointed that Google OS will start its life as a very basic OS (really just a browser running web apps). But after thinking about it, I realise that this might be the best thing for computing, to break away from the old model, and move forward. The idea is to have code that runs on multiple platforms, as efficiently as possible without requiring additional layers of interpretation. True write once, deploy more software. True a lot of work still needs to happen, but things are looking up.

Don’t you get tired of hearing what we can’t or won’t use?

As a web developer with over 10 years of experience the most perplexing things I come across is how certain companies, development teams, managers or partners undermine certain technologies. You come across this all the time, good technologies or products not being used because someone in the team is prejudice. The justifications for ignoring, sometimes the technically superior solution can be amusing.  Here are a few of my pet annoyances that I’ve encountered most often.

1. Flash is a dirty word for some – I often get told “We can’t use Flash in the solution “. Its usually not up for discussion especially on larger projects or intranet related projects.  I am not a flash developer, so I don’t push it for personal reasons. but Flash when used correctly can add value to the end user. I am not talking about changing the app to being “a Flash Site”. Using it for certain tasks like multiple file uploading or media viewing is not technically a bad idea, and its cross browser compatible, unlike an Active-X control.The 2 main reasons Managers seem to come up with for not using Flash are: (1) It violates some security policy at the client (2) The client should not have to be bothered to install the flash component to use the application. Both these arguments really hold little weight at all. If you’ve coded that Flash object correctly it will present no more of a security risk than any other component in the system. These managers also seem to think that Flash is somehow banned by IT policies in large corporates. It simply is not! The reality is that most business users are allowed to have flash installed, and most corporates will intentionally block access to certain sites like YouTube or MetaCafe, rather than blocking the underlining video hosting containers to these sites. Yet still time and time again, I see inferior components being used in the solution (media player for example) simply because of unjustified paranoia.
2. We don’t want a Java Applet or Active-X. While I agree Active-X is getting old and stale, and I don’t have any love for Java Applets. Both these technologies have their purpose and place. The point is not to rule them out entirely because of management phobia or some techies opinion based on half hearted arguments or hear say.
3. Silverlight. Again I am not a huge personal fan of Silverlight because I believe what ever Silverlight can do Flash can do better. But I’ve heard really stupid reasoning for not using it. The main reason is “The client won’t install this component” or “Its an additional download”. Sure its an additional download, but its less than 5MB. I think its about time we started giving the user some credit, we do after all have quick ADSL connections in most offices.
4. Limiting the version of the .Net Framework. This is a common mispractice I’ve come across a lot of the time. Managers insisting that they simply cannot roll out a 3.5 Framework based solution because the client is already used to V2 Framework solutions. Common arguments include the following: “We’re not sure on the impact of hosting v2 and 3.5 simultaneously”, “We simply cannot include 3.5 features because the application is written in V2″ mostly these arguments hold no weight, they’re based on speculation, and no due diligence has been done.
5. Open Source. I’ve met a certain stubborness along the way too regarding Open Source components. Some companies are totally against using Open Source components in the overall solution. The reason is typically because of the licensing attached to these components, and the maintenance issues that could arise from using these components. Hence great value adds like Log4Net and nHibernate are not even considered by many, and instead expensive custom solutions are implemented.
6. Non Microsoft Alternatives: Some companies are so focused on using strickly MS Tecnologies that they seem to ignore any other solutions that are out there. The message is pretty clear really, there are lots of tools and components that will do the job better, perhaps its about time to really survey the market before diving in and doing it by the Microsoft book.
7. “Expensive 3rd party components” : I’ve been in situations where I do not really want to develop a certain component due to time constraints, so I have a look at buying certain black box components, mostly to do with the UI of an application. Now its true a lot of these components are not cheap at first glance, but if you really do the maths and consider the time it takes to build that component then things look a little more viable. Mostly I find that eventually the budget for these purchases do not get approved, and instead the functionality gets scrapped from the solution. Cutting corners at the end user experience.
8. Skype or Messengers: Its a good idea that companies have strong security policies in place to avoid corporate wide infections, or any intrusion. What I am against is the inconsistency often displayed by the Networking Department. Don’t ban instant messaging but allow cracked software including keygens. This type of inconsistency is commonplace. Skype and Messenger can actually boost your productivity. I remember before Google Days a lot of technology experts would pen together as MSN groups to help each other. It often was quicker to ask another developer than to research the topic.
9. HTML 4 Transitional : Purists will argue that everything should be done using XHTML Strict. I agree its a good idea to have well structured code, but this can be achieved using either HTML 4 or XHTML. Its even possible to code both at the same time. If you’re more comfortable coding your application using HTML 4, then that is what you should be using. Remember at the end of the day that the end user doesn’t care at all what the site is written in, as long as it works, and well.

I suggest we all take another look at our motivations for not using certain techs and get down to the business at hand, making usable, functional and good quality business applications.

7 Quality High Def Nature Wallpapers

I decided I would do an article on wallpapers for your PC. Having a good wallpaper can be important in your overall computing experience, considering most people spend more than an hour a day on their computer. The following is a list of my 7 favorite nature wall papers, all are provided from http://www.my-wallpapers.com if you’re interested in browsing the site for more.

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Do Apple think you can use iTunes to manufacture Biological and Nuclear Weapons?

YES, it seems they do. If they didn’t why else would they put these statements in their EULA.

From the actual iTunes End User License Agreement.

It seems Apple are not exempt from employing plonkers! more reading here : http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant

This is a public announcement to Sony and Adobe

Dear Sony and/or Adobe

About 18 months ago I bought a Sony Vaio VGN-AR41s. When installed with Vista home premium factory state, the notebook came with too much bloat ware to mention, but it did include at least 1 useful utility, Adobe PhotoShop Elements 5.0.  Since the laptop cost over $4300 dollars, I would have expected more to be honest.

Its now 18 months later, and I’ve done yet another clean install, this time I would like to use PhotoShop Elements, however neither Sony, nor Adobe bothered to include any installation media for Adobe PhotoShop Elements 5.0 because of this you have essentially put me, the customer in a position that is somewhere between a rock and a hard place.

I decided to save both Sony and Adobe the trouble of a support call, and decided I would visit Adobe.com to try and locate the install media, but after a while I searching I see that Adobe do not offer downloads of old versions of Adobe Photoshop Elements. Neither is there any mention of this software on the Sony site, neither Europe or World.

To resolve my issue that frankly I blame both Sony (for not including any install media with their products) and Adobe (for not providing any archived versions of products for download), I have decided to download and install Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0 (Yes a fully functioning version!) This is the closest version I could find that relates to the product I have paid a premium for.

I have posted this decision publicly, because I feel it is the quickest resolution of the problem for all parties involved (a) Sony (b) Adobe (c) Me. If any Sony or Adobe representive is unhappy with the way I have dealt with this then contact me with details on how to obtain installation media for Adobe PhotoShop Elements 5.0.

What does Microsoft mean when it says – This product is pre-pidded?

For all of you wondering what Microsoft are talking about when they state : This product is pre-pidded, here is your answer!

What Microsoft are trying to say is: The product key is included with this product. Essentially, no additional product key is required.

Hope this helps! If you know of anymore Texan farm slang that Microsoft use on their MSDN site, please include it in the comments.

The unpublished guide to writing an RPG

1. Rule number 1: Before You read any further, know that WoW defines an MMORPG, if its not WoW then its not an MMORPG, period. Try to clone WoW, if you can’t copy every last detail, extract and use as much of the original game as possible.
2. Its really important you develop around all the stereo-typical races players have come to expect, never release a game without the usual suspects (Elves, Dwarfs, humans, etc)
3. Its equally as crucial that you continue to reuse all the old class types, Warriors, Paladins, Mages, Druids, etc. While we’re discussing classes make sure you limit each class to use only certain gear and weapons. It would be blasphemous if  a warrior somehow managed to learn a spell. Equally as blasphemous would be a mage that might have muscles and be able to wear plate armour. If you get stuck revert to what WoW did.
4. Have mounts in the game, always call them mounts, because mounts are mounts. Limit the player’s ability to climb on a mount until later, late enough for him/her to be crying out in frustration for the mount. Make prior mount walking speed as slow as you can possibly make it. Even if 3-4% of players leave the game due to this slow walk speed, most players love starting off gimp.
5. Include all the typical melee weapons for the warrior class (don’t even think about inventing new ones), and make sure all the spells in the game are based on the same tried and trusted elements (Earth, Fire , Wind and Water). Every other RPG does this, WoW did this, what makes you think you’re special?
6. Thinking of releasing a truly good and up to date RPG thats based in the future, something mindblowing? Retire from game design, what the world really needs is ANOTHER WOW CLONE, and don’t you forget it. Be like WoW, be like AoC, be like EverQuest 1 and 2. Be like Oblivion, Be like WAR, ALL the rest of em. Think Medieval, Swords and Magic, nothing else exists to you.
7. All NPC’s must always stand around looking dumb, if the NPC chops wood, let that NPC chop wood indefinately, never needing to break for food or drink. Remember NPCs are pixels and because of this can stand around for as long as it takes without ever needing to take a toilet break. just code NPC’s like they are in WoW.
8. Make the monster AI really stupid, every single monster of its kind should respond in exactly the same way every single time, they should also stand around looking stupid until directly attacked, they should stand around looking at the wall, until the player gets close enough to them, then they can run out and attack. Any mobs standing more than 10 yards away from an active fight should also just stand around picking their noses, waiting their turns to be killed.
9. Make all monsters carry stuff and gold. It makes perfect sense to players – crocodiles also need cash? Why not have them drop some silver. Good thing that wolf you just killed was holding some mana potion. And that Dino just dropped that Exceptionally rare blue sword.
10. Include an unparamounted number of mobs for the player to kill and grind through, make sure the mobs are all mindless idiots that drop stuff (maybe), make sure you include enough of these grindable mobs in the game to really give the player a good grind for his money, remember all players love senseless grinding, if you get stuck – refer to WoW.
11. Reuse the same questing mechanics as what you’ll find in WoW, either (a) walking from a->b (b) slaying a certain amount of mobs (c) slaying mobs to gather a certain amount of X (d) slaying some boss mob
12. Implement a really poor and unbalanced PVP system. Anything will suffice, players aren’t really expecting too much.
13. Include a complex crafting system, thats really taxing on players time. At the same time make sure all the very best gear drops from boss mobs. Make sure you include an auction house where the players can sell this rare gear. Include lots of hype about crafting in the marketing material for the game, so players will think. Crafting IS important, it is ESSENTIAL to reach a high level of my craft to make gold or items.
14. Make a lot of areas inaccessible, yet include them on the map giving the impression that the game world is larger than it is.  Remember if you get stuck think WoW.
15. Brainwash players into thinking they’re playing the ultimate game, give them lots of marketing material to swallow, they’ll play your game for 4-5 years before realising they’ve been dupped into playing just another WoW clone.

Lastly don’t call your game WoW, WaR or AoC, but your game must comply with the 3 letter acronym naming convention. WoW did this, so should you!

Is WoW worth playing?

WoW (World of Warcraft) is the most worlds most popular MMORPG. As a gamer I decided I would try WoW, this is what I experienced.

MMORPGs are stagnant

I’ll start off by saying that ALL MMORPGs are very similar and the genre is stagnant, has been for a long time. The mass continue to pay because there just isn’t anything better on the market at this time. Its this blend of mindless grinding and the same restated class and ability system that MMORPG fans have come to enjoy, and expect in an RPG. You’ll notice most MMORPGs on the market are really just WoW clones.

WoW is simplistic

I don’t really consider WoW to be that deep a game. No matter what Race or Profession you decide to play in WoW, and no matter what so called hard-core WoW gamers will tell you, the over game elements are so simplistic that its a bit laughable. Whats laughable is that people boldy talk about WoW with statements like – “Indepth fun and interactive quests”, “Unique Character Creation”, “Complex Game World”. If you’ve actually played WoW and if you have an IQ over 120, then you’ll agree with me, the challenges in WoW are so simplistic that the average 8 year old could easily master WoW.

The game breaks down into:

• Levelling – this essentially breaks down into (questing/grinding or just raw grinding).
• Exploring – WoW is huge, there is no doubt about that, but don’t confuse HUGE with complex, WoW areas are made up of Zones, and typically each zone has a level range (how convienient) of mobs. I will give credit to the designers of these Zones, they look good, but I always found the game world looks semi dead, sorry to say. Maybe its because the NPC/U’s just stand around looking stupid. Maybe its because the graphics are a bit old school. Maybe its because once you’ve been to a zone, you know exactly what to expect.
• Upgrading gear – Upgrading gear in WoW is pretty satisfying, the Auction house offers an easy way to get gear, and gold is easy enough to get hold of.
• Guild life – This is the usual story with any MMORPG, logging on and talking to guild mates mainly about : yup you guessed it WoW. I’ve played a few MMORPG’s and most people that you interact with in the game only want to talk about the game.
• Talent tree and upgrading spells, etc. Its nice when you upgrade your skills, because you can start fighting back with some pride, but then what happens? The mobs get harder and higher level, so you remain constantly uneffective until really late in the game. I found I was avoiding unnecessary fights just because of the sheer energy it took to take down a mob.
• Crafting, Fishing etc – a nice touch but boring and repetative as hell to upgrade these skills.

Despite all this WoW can be addictive

I noticed that a lot of people get addicted to WoW, and I wondered why this was. I mean lets face it the PVP system is kinda lame, and not balanced at all, the game could easily be mastered by 8 year olds, so why do full grown men/woman end up spending years of their life in this game, some players averaging 8-11 hours a day in the game? I think that the sheer size of the game is what gets people hooked initially. Most of the game play is boring, average, repetative and a grind, but every now and again the game administers a dose of fun to the user, and its this does that keeps the user hooked and keeps the user coming back for that little bit more. Most gamers new to WoW will put up with the repetition waiting to see when the “real fun” starts. Perhaps some people are just so lifeless that grinding is fun to them.

The varied characters are another main reason behind the addiction. Blizzard have constucted WoW in such a way that all the classes  have some good features and some really crap features. This means that not one choice of class is ideal, while you’re levelling your class to level 70-80, you’ll find a lot of other players in the game who will tell you they have the perfect class – Shamans can walk on water! Shamans don’t need a mount they have Ghost Wolf, etc. If you’re not careful you’ll want to try out that class too, because now you think you’re missing out on something. Thats the danger of WoW wasting your time, its a long way from level 1-80, and if you intend to become a WoW expert, you’re going to have to spend time playing each class till level 80, and that my friend is a lot of grinding.

Would I recommend WoW as a game? Short answer, No!

Long answer: Read a book, watch a documenary, go for a jog around the block, essentially do anything but waste your time playing WoW. Almost all the WoW players I know say that they enjoy the game, but see the time played as wasted, and if they could do it all again, would never have started playing WoW.

One future car we really don’t need.

I see they’ve found an alternative to teaching someone how to park, let them drive a futuristic looking crane.

YouTube needs some serious boycotting

I’ll get straight to the point, lately YouTube are permitting sensoring that is seemingly in violation of a basic human right called freedom. Since when is singing a song in violation of a copyright act?

Don’t believe me watch this here:

Now you might be thinking that YouTube are only complying with legislation, but the point is, YouTube should be fighting for our human rights, and our freedom. What ever did happen to freedom of speech, freedom to broadcast. Why are so many movies continually popping up with – this movie is not available in your country, or WMG has removed the audio track because it does not comply with certain standards.

What I’m thinking is if YouTube is going to comply with this dubious sensorship, then perhaps its time we found and used a free media service, one that won’t chop off our tounges when we open our mouth.