Friday, April 3, 2009
iPhone++ (the hallmarks of the new device revolution)
Including compact database capability is also a compelling feature, since it allows storage of data sets and relational capabilities.
Network access is a "must have", too.
Bonus points: A virtual version of the device (allowing developers and testers to be productive without requiring actual hardware).
Conclusion: Look for devices that include network access, accessible APIs, compact database capability, and virtual simulation to go a long way.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Encrypted backups
I've found it kind of depends on how you’re doing the backup and the media type you’re storing the backup image to.
- If you want to back up just a few hundred folders and files, then Winzip works OK, and the most recent version includes AES encryption. The cost is $30.
- If you’re storing to a USB flash drive, Winzip will also work, or you can use the flash drive supplier’s vault software (if any). I’ve used the EncryptX software for securely storing a few data file and doc backups OK.
- For large partition image backups, the backup software (for example, Dantz Retrospect or Acronis True Image Home) often includes built-in support for password protection or encryption.
I haven’t used free PGP, full-featured commercial PGP, or Gnu PG for encrypting backup images, but I suppose they will work, too. It's probably worth checking out freshmeat.net for open source options, too.
Remember that encryption has the potential to throw a wrench in the works when attempting to access the file later. I’ve had issues with Windows Vista, and it’s possible on other platforms, too. So make sure you have a secure backup of the root encryption key or certificate for this reason. Most encryption software supports exporting the encryption key or certificate in some fashion. If you are using file and folder encryption on Windows, check out Microsoft's Best Practices article for useful tips.
Advanced Home Networking
Check out his Blog at http://westcoastsmarthome.com/blog/
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Scrum
We were sort of doing Scrum at my last job intuitively, without knowing it, except the part for "standing up at Scrum meetings" to intentionally keep them short!
Biting off just what you can chew makes a lot of sense. And fixed, incremental cycles of chewing is one way to finish a meal gracefully or, in the case of Scrum, to keep product software moving forward without losing momentum.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Disk drive backup and management
I've had generally good experience with Acronis True Image because it's flexible. I've also had some issues with it, like when I tried to restore a Linux backup on a dual boot system, and the boot path lost all notions of the Windows OS. In that case, I had to do some creative dancing, just to get the boot path into shape again. But it eventually worked, and all was happy again :)
BTW, I've seen mention that Acronis doesn't work well with the new solid state drives. So heads up there; your mileage may vary.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bye Bye PDA!
Now, I'm in a rut. I still like the pocket fit and five-function management of the PDA. Of course, I can upgrade to a smartphone. But I really don't want the on-going cost of the pricey service plan.
The other options are:
- HP iPAQ: A nice device, but it looks pretty lonely out there. Doesn't give me good feelings for its longevity.
- Netbook: Yeah, it'll do what I want. But it won't fit in my pocket, so it's a luggable as far as I'm concerned.
- iPod Touch: Probably my best option, assuming Apple sticks with it. It'll do the basic five functions (calendar, mail, contacts, to do, and notes), sync with a PC, and more.
Hey, I think Apple's found another market opportunity :-)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Jeremiah Grossman
See his Blog at http://www.jeremiahgrossman.blogspot.com/
Oh, and check out the WASC website, too.
Secure inter networking?
It's generally accepted that TCP/IP was not designed with security in the forefront. However, considering the increasing amounts of commerce occuring on the Internet, it's ostrich-like to assume current secure networking methods will scale well or eventually become ubiquitous.
I suppose IPsec will help. But without pre-registering end-to-end security, is there a way that a client or server can expect it?
The typical vulnerabilities seem to reside in a few key areas:
- Proxy-based (man in the middle)
- Denial of Service (distributed or otherwise)
- Phishing (impersonation)
- Injection leading to loss of control (trojans, worms, poison packets and pages, botnets, etc.)
Thoughts?
How to tick off your customers
NB: These are good examples of how to tick off your customers (perhaps others can avoid them!)
- Start charging for features that were previously free. I'm specifically thinking about the Encrypted File System (EFS), which was included in Windows XP Pro, but now costs $ in Vista.
- Add injury to insult: Put EFS only in the Windows Ultimate Edition.
- Require all OEMs to ship only Windows Vista (but not specifically the Ultimate Edition).
- Inflict a complete Windows recast on the customer, followed by a robust, reliable version a year later (e.g., Vista -> Windows 7) Therefore, after already spending more $ to upgrade to Vista Ultimate, I have nothing better to do than spend $ to upgrade to Windows 7, too, right?
My point: Customer satisfaction is a many-faceted gem. It not only includes product features, reliability, and a timely delivery - but subtle factors as well - such as perceived value, clear messaging, and keeping migration and upgrades simple.
Windows 7
After taking a look I agree :-)
Windows 7 features a "Back to basics, lean and mean" approach. It gets Windows out of the way, and puts the spotlight back on the applications software.
I installed it on a Lenovo ThinkCentre P-IV box with 4GB RAM. A straightfoward desktop, not cutting edge.
Observations:
- It installs faster than previous Windows versions
- It starts up and shuts down faster than Vista
- Just the basic features are evident on the UI and desktop (as mentioned: lean and mean)
- UAC finally works without being so annoying :-)
- It will install and run under the free VMware server. However, the usual vmnet virtual network adapter didn't work for me, so the VM had no networking capability.