zakaluka

Both are GUI systems for linux. Both systems are mature and provide high-level functionality for writing software.From a user's perspective, the major difference is look and feel. Some people prefer the L&F of KDE, whereas others prefer Gnome. There are some programs that only have one interface. So, if you use such a program in the opposite environment (for example, use a Gnome program in a KDE environment) it will look very different. However, the functionality will all stay the same.System and configuration utilities are also different for the two systems. In the end, it is all a matter of preference, as there is no substantive difference between them.Regards,z.

Small sites basically means a forum or blog. The majority of non-corporate sites can fall under this. Remember that large sites are written using combinations of PHP and AJAX also (Yahoo, I believe at one time, ran off PHP). Sites that require online applications ("enterprise systems") usually use Java or some other language to get greater coupling between the interface, db, etc. and a single-language development environment. There are no certificates you need to buy. This is even more true with downloadable applications. The user simply has to agree to provide the right permissions to your application. I think you are referring to SSL certificates. If you want a secure site (https), you need to buy a SSL certificate no matter what language / platform you use. If .NET were more mature and offered some real added value compared to Java, I would probably use it. However, since Java is multi-platform, it makes development and testing in other environments much easier. Plus, it's a very good thing that online Java applications (and most other online apps for that matter) run in a "sandbox" that limits their capabilities. Otherwise, even malicious newbies could cause havoc with people's computers. Regards, z.

On Ubuntu 8.10, there is a program installed by default that lets you measure disk usage. On the menu bar, go to Applications -> Accessories -> Disk Usage Analyzer. That will give you an idea of where the space is going. However, be aware that randomly deleting files from anywhere other than /home will probably result in problems somewhere down the line. If you want to remove applications, start up Synaptic (System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager) and see what is installed. At least that way, all dependants of a program / library will be removed when you delete it from the system.If you have questions as to whether a specific package (program or library) is safe to delete, post here to get a response.Regards,z.

These are some of the steps you need to do (assuming using SQL for a database and PHP for the back-end): (1) Design a database to hold your data. (2) Learn basic SQL, enough to perform basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations. An overview is at http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp . (3) Learn basic PHP, to make the SQL connection and present data to the user in an usable format. An overview is at http://us3.php.net/tut.php and http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp . (4) Know enough HTML to submit forms. An overview is at http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_forms.asp . Learn how to integrate the form with PHP. (5) Post the set of pages to a site that has a PHP processor (the majority of sites should be able to handle this, or maybe you have an internal one for your class) (6) Make updates as needed. Regards, z.

That's right. This is why a lot of data-heavy applications will be written so that they take a chunk of data (let's say a chunk equal to half of physical RAM), subject it to a whole bunch of transformations, then write out the final result before going to the next chunk. Prevents what is known as cache-thrashing or swap-thrashing - the main symptom is continual access to the harddrive while performing a computationally intensive operation. When using a 32-bit system, if you have a data file that is larger than 4GB, you would open up parts of the file at a time to work on. This requires more care, as you sometimes have to worry about offsets into the file, ensuring proper updates when the data in the file is changed, etc. (depends on programming language, platform, etc.). The programs you mention are the ones that gain the most from 64-bit capability, except for games which are a mixed bag. Some games that are made for both 32 and 64-bit CPUs seem to do better at the 32-bit part (a lot of APIs are optimized to work with 32-bit / 4-byte data formats, so it makes sense). The reason to move to 64-bit CPUs is to future-proof yourself so you don't have to deal with the hassle when 64-bits versions of operating systems and applications are more advanced than their 32-bit counterparts. Also, people (me included) love owning the latest and greatest . If the move involves having to update hardware, then you will most likely see an improvement in speed (maybe not much, but still). 64-bit operating systems, as opposed to applications, have traditionally differed greatly from their 32-bit counterparts. In fact, for a long time (back when DEC was making Alpha chips in the 90's), 64-bit operating systems were required for running a "real" server. They handled multi-tasking better and were designed specifically for server environments as opposed to general computing, emphasizing multi-user environments, better file locking mechanisms, ability to stay running for months (years, in some cases) without a reboot, rock-solid stability, and so on. The 64-bit version of MSBS 2003 will be able to address more memory. This, in and of itself, may provide a boost if that was ever a bottleneck in the past. Also, file serving will probably be a little faster, though by how much I couldn't imagine. As for working with the files, it depends on what you are doing. You are correct in that most clients will work with a local copy for changes before a save is committed to the server. This is not true for really thin clients (ones that don't even have a hard drive and are logging directly into the server to work off of), but most companies do not use those. I'd say you should be excited unless the company is laying people off in order to pay for the upgrades. Most importantly, if it is a public company or has to justify itself to private investors / venture capitalists, moving from 32-bit to 64-bit systems is a great way to throw a bunch of buzzwords at people who are expecting a return on their investment. This works for employees as well. While real gains may be nonexistent, it will at least ensure a good stock price and flow of money into the company, as well as a belief that the company is "heading in the right direction." Regards, z.

One thing they could do is make it much harder (read: spread FUD in the warning, like Could harm your computer, Could contain viruses / trojans, etc.) to install non-Microsoft-approved software. However, anyone with even a bit of computer knowledge should be able to get around that. Other than that, they don't have too many legal ways to get around it. Another thing they can do is embed IE into certain key applications. So, for example, you couldn't use certain charts from Excel without IE enabled. This would ensure that while you could install a competing browser, IE would stay on as an annoying presence.Regards,z.

I'd say warm-up is the most important part of the exercise routine. Without it, even conditioned athletes can experience injuries and sprains. However, cool-downs are almost as important as warm-ups. These 2 sets of stretches don't have to take very long. Just need to make sure that you stretch out all the major muscle groups (and if you're doing a compound activity like swimming or running, you will be using all of them). The rest of the suggestions (diet, environment, etc.) I would consider secondary to these 2 items. By taking 10 minutes (5 for warm-up, 5 for cool-down), you will reduce the risk of injury by over 50% (my own experience having worked out with many groups on many routines (aerobics, weight lifting, toning, etc.)). Travis: I was going to reply to you, but I realize that it's already the 14th. Good luck at USMC boot camp!Regards,z.

Thanks for that. It actually made me laugh out loud. As for the pool, dogs for sure. Just love them, and I hope to own one soon. Saw a post at the beginning of the thread about Native American Dogs. I've never heard of these before, but I'll definitely be taking a look at them. Regards, z.

Have to go with dogs here. Friendly, sensitive to moods, protective of their families. What more can you ask for?Regards,z.

Definitely dogs. Just love them. Hope to get one of my own soon.Regards,z.

This petition is completely pointless. There is nothing stopping anyone from tuning a radio to any AM news station or the Emergency Broadcast Station to get updates on their area. If you have a cell phone with internet access, you can use your mobile browser to check updates on the US govt's site and weather.com.If a company is providing an additional service, i.e. sending SMS / text messages to cell phones or even calling your house to warn you, then they should be compensated for that. The fee is not for the information, but for the added convenience of how it is delivered to you.I doubt you would be complaining that the cell phone company is charging you money to access the internet so you can get weather updates, which is the same exact thing. Otherwise, nothing to do with any so-called "public domain" information could be monetized at all, and this is not the case. In your petition, you even mention that the information can be obtained for free. So, what do you have against companies that are selling the information as well? Are they stopping you from using your free sources? If not, there is no basis for stopping a company from conducting legitimate business. Are you trying to protect "innocents" from being bilked by them? Then start an education / awareness program in your neighborhood. Just because you don't want to pay someone to call your home in case of a weather alert, doesn't mean your neighbors don't want to either.I don't mean to sound rude. However, trying to shut down companies providing real added value benefits to free information is a ridiculous demand.Regards,z.

The most dangerous animal I've been close to is a cobra. This was while I was living overseas many years ago. It slithered right past a group of ours, obviously not worried about us (probably could sense intense fear from all of us).Since that time, I've been close to scorpions, poisonous spiders and a lot of creepy crawlies, but none scared me as much as that experience.Regards,z.

(1) People who say they will do something, but never follow through. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. For example, someone in your group takes a copy of a document you've all been working on and promises to have it typed up and sent to everyone by the next day. However, a week later, they haven't done anything. When you contact them, all you get are excuses. (2) People who have no integrity, and so assume that no one else does either. For example, let's say you are in line at a gym for getting on the treadmills. Someone else cuts in front of you just as a machine opens. You go up and tell them that you had been waiting in line, and that they need to do the same if they want to get on a machine. The immediate assumption people like this have is that you are lying, though they may have walked right past you on the way to the machines. This sort of behavior is irritating regardless of the circumstances.(3) People that are being mean just for fun. Whether it is to another person, animals or someone else's property. No need for examples here, anyone with a conscience and a sense of right and wrong will know something is wrong when they see it.Regards,z.

I have used Orbitz for booking quite a lot of flights, and overall, as long as you are a smart consumer and do your research on the various airlines, fees, etc., you will be fine. The customer service is quite good (at least within the US), tickets are sent to you instantly via e-mail. No need for anything else.Never visited airfare.com or novatravel.com, so can't really comment on them.Regards,z.

I think that most people just jump to the extreme scenario where there are legions of clones being used as slaves and second-class citizens. That is a ways away and it would be very hard for governments or private companies to do something like this without there being quite a lot of moral outrage from around the world.For the more immediate future, if there is a way to grow organs using a limited form of cloning, I fully support it. I don't support cloning a fully conscious human being just to kill him / her for the organs. In addition, if cloning can be used on rare species to increase their numbers, I am in support of that as well (although, we don't want to end up in a scenario where all the current members of a species come from one parent / set of parents -- see problems with purebred dogs for details). Also, if we can find a good specimen of cattle / goat / sheep / etc. and clone it in order to increase food yield, I am thoroughly for the idea.The whole point is to take baby steps. Until we can see what the result is from an incremental action, we will always be hard pressed to correctly guess the effects of the more extreme scenario.Regards,z.

I would say that even if it didn't directly impact your job, learning another popular business language can only benefit you in the future. Even if you always work for companies that conduct business in English, you will, sooner or later, have to interact with a Chinese company or Chinese businessman. In that scenario, your additional skills will prove invaluable. Plus, learning the culture, you will understand the best ways to set up business deals, conduct negotiations and so on.Regards,z.

Read A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R R Martin. It is a fantastic series with a unique writing style (at least, I haven't encountered it before and similar attempts have been less than satisfactory).You might also enjoy the Dune series by Frank Herbert, especially as it is much more Sci Fi than fantasy.Regards,z.

A few series, in no particular order:Sword of Truth - Terry GoodkindLord of the Rings - J R R TolkienHarry Potter - J K RowlingA Song of Ice and Fire - George R R MartinDresden Files - Jim ButcherAnita Blake - Laurell K HamiltonDune - Frank HerbertRegards,z.

Started by reading the 7 Harry Potter (J K Rowling). Then, I started reading all the Harry Dresden books (Jim Butcher). Just starting on Book 11 (Turn Coat). In the queue: The Sword of Truth series (Terry Goodkind) Anita Blake series (Laurell K. Hamilton) Sookie Stackhouse / Southern Vampire series (Charlaine Harris) Re-read A Song of Ice and Fire series (George R R Martin) Left Behind series (Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins) Regards, z.

Last book I read was Small Favor by Jim Butcher (book 10 of The Dresden Files). Starting on Book 11 now (Turn Coat).Regards,z.

I've heard a lot about it, but I'm not sure whether I should read it yet. I'll probably end up doing so, just because I can't resist a good vampire story (even if it's a "chick-book"). As has been mentioned, the movie reviews seem to fall into extremes, so it's hard to get any good information about it.Regards,z.

Are you typing in two backslashes before the system name? They are needed before the IP address as well. For example: to get to computer 'yoda55', you can go to Start -> Run -> explorer \\yoda55. That should bring up the network shares for yoda55. Regards, z.

Like you said, it's the quality of the cable. The same thing happens in CPU and GPU production also. The chips are made in a plant that wants to produce them to run at a certain speed. However, due to any number of reasons (impurities, defects, etc.), they are only stable at a lower frequency. So, they are branded as the lower speed CPUs / GPUs and the ones that meet the quality standards are priced higher as faster speed CPUs / GPUs. Take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable to see what quality requirements a cable has to meet to be marked as Cat 6 (i.e. supporting 1Gbps). Regards, z.

I've been using the Totem Movie Player in Ubuntu. It works quite well and integrates with any codecs that are installed using the Ubuntu package manager (apt-get). It's very simple but gets the job done and is quite stable.Regards,z.

Fantasy and SciFi at the top, followed by action/adventure, comedy and drama.Regards,z.