Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Caffeinated Haze
From the home chemistry lab (aka the kitchen)...
Are there any side effects from free-basing coffee :)?
(Just kidding... really..)
Database.. Sha!
Another database projects has emerged along with another deadline. Solution based on LAPP (Linux Apache PHP and PostGreSQL) is underway.
Cool Apps
Downloaded Oracle's SQL Developer for MacOS X. The port runs will on Tiger 10.4 no noticeable issue.
Found a neat application for MySQL database management, CocoaMySQL. I had my apprehensions after having a love-hate relationship with the MySQL Browser. To my surpise, no issues and in true make fashion, it just works.
RSS
Verdict is current out on Vienna. I have been looking for a reliable RSS reader to replace the aggregator I was using under Linux, Akregator. So far so good..
Off to finish a paper..
Are there any side effects from free-basing coffee :)?
(Just kidding... really..)
Database.. Sha!
Another database projects has emerged along with another deadline. Solution based on LAPP (Linux Apache PHP and PostGreSQL) is underway.
Cool Apps
Downloaded Oracle's SQL Developer for MacOS X. The port runs will on Tiger 10.4 no noticeable issue.
Found a neat application for MySQL database management, CocoaMySQL. I had my apprehensions after having a love-hate relationship with the MySQL Browser. To my surpise, no issues and in true make fashion, it just works.
RSS
Verdict is current out on Vienna. I have been looking for a reliable RSS reader to replace the aggregator I was using under Linux, Akregator. So far so good..
Off to finish a paper..
Saturday, June 24, 2006
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." ~Charles Dickens
Websites and Databases
That pretty sums up this week's work adventures. Next week marks the end of the fiscal year so things are a little crazy with programs trying to get loose ends tied up before the new year.
All work and no play
Podcasting
In the area of foolin' around (ie. DSL connection went out due to a thunderstorm), I was able to bundle my first "podcast" type recording using the MacBook and GarageBand. The seamless integration of the iLife suite continues to impress me.
Mac OS X and Videoconferencing
The IU has invested heavily in videoconferencing and the exploration of the technology continues. One of the downsides to moving to Apple is that there is not a native H.323 (Video over IP) client - SIGH - .
Open Source Technology is a funny beast. Just when you think there is not a light at the end of the technology tunnel or you've become a roadkill on the Information Superhighway voila there appears an application.
Thus is the case again with videoconferencing, enter X Meeting for Mac OS X. It's not perfect but it works.. Check it out.
Skype
This is not an endorsement for Skype merely, a if you don't know about Skype, you should.
One of the folks I work with, Preston, is camping this weekend at near Bellefonte
. He IM'd me last nite to say he was hanging out at a cabin that had Internet Access (Wireless Broadband). I inquired whether or not the campground's name was the "Hilton." Sha..
The text messaging lead to an attempt to call via video and audio with iChat to go. On a whim, I suggested trying Skype. After a few minutes to download, we were having a VoIP conversation. Success!
Side-bar: Skype is offering free calling across the US and Canada until the end of the year.
That's all for this week. We'll add some project links later this evening.
Ciao,
Tom
Websites and Databases
That pretty sums up this week's work adventures. Next week marks the end of the fiscal year so things are a little crazy with programs trying to get loose ends tied up before the new year.
All work and no play
Podcasting
In the area of foolin' around (ie. DSL connection went out due to a thunderstorm), I was able to bundle my first "podcast" type recording using the MacBook and GarageBand. The seamless integration of the iLife suite continues to impress me.
Mac OS X and Videoconferencing
The IU has invested heavily in videoconferencing and the exploration of the technology continues. One of the downsides to moving to Apple is that there is not a native H.323 (Video over IP) client - SIGH - .
Open Source Technology is a funny beast. Just when you think there is not a light at the end of the technology tunnel or you've become a roadkill on the Information Superhighway voila there appears an application.
Thus is the case again with videoconferencing, enter X Meeting for Mac OS X. It's not perfect but it works.. Check it out.
Skype
This is not an endorsement for Skype merely, a if you don't know about Skype, you should.
One of the folks I work with, Preston, is camping this weekend at near Bellefonte
. He IM'd me last nite to say he was hanging out at a cabin that had Internet Access (Wireless Broadband). I inquired whether or not the campground's name was the "Hilton." Sha..
The text messaging lead to an attempt to call via video and audio with iChat to go. On a whim, I suggested trying Skype. After a few minutes to download, we were having a VoIP conversation. Success!
Side-bar: Skype is offering free calling across the US and Canada until the end of the year.
That's all for this week. We'll add some project links later this evening.
Ciao,
Tom
Thursday, June 15, 2006
CMS and Ghost
The search continues for the ideal content management solution to replace our current system. Joomla! looks like overall winner but we'll see if another contender steps up to the challenge.
Work continues on a procedure to re-image the computer labs in a single mouse click using Symantec Ghost. Reality is only a day away (hopefully).
The question lingers "How do these two topics fit into Ed Tech?" Both are quasi-techie concepts however, definitely worth a few keystrokes to try to explain.
CMS
The notion is to provide our Districts with a solution that they can easily create a home on the web. More importantly, a mechanism to create District/Teacher Portfolios. From the readings in ED649, it's becoming very apparent how paramount PR is between Schools/Districts and Parents. CMS tools serve as that conduit.
Ghost
This concept is a little harder to defend the time invested in the project (or maybe not). First from the tech side, the procedure will allow a lab of 12 computers to be re-imaged in 12 minutes. The end result to a tech coordinator is not-holds barred sandbox where they can look to their students and say bring it on and then "blip" the lab is back to it's original state. The ultimate goal is the ability to offer instructors their choice of programs customized to their workshop needs.
Basically, the time savings once the system is implement may justify time to develop. Stay tuned.
Until later... Later...
Work continues on a procedure to re-image the computer labs in a single mouse click using Symantec Ghost. Reality is only a day away (hopefully).
The question lingers "How do these two topics fit into Ed Tech?" Both are quasi-techie concepts however, definitely worth a few keystrokes to try to explain.
CMS
The notion is to provide our Districts with a solution that they can easily create a home on the web. More importantly, a mechanism to create District/Teacher Portfolios. From the readings in ED649, it's becoming very apparent how paramount PR is between Schools/Districts and Parents. CMS tools serve as that conduit.
Ghost
This concept is a little harder to defend the time invested in the project (or maybe not). First from the tech side, the procedure will allow a lab of 12 computers to be re-imaged in 12 minutes. The end result to a tech coordinator is not-holds barred sandbox where they can look to their students and say bring it on and then "blip" the lab is back to it's original state. The ultimate goal is the ability to offer instructors their choice of programs customized to their workshop needs.
Basically, the time savings once the system is implement may justify time to develop. Stay tuned.
Until later... Later...
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Welcome
Thanks for stopping by. I'll be posting often so stop back soon.
Ciao,
Tom
Ciao,
Tom
