Noscope

So Windows Vista Launches Today 10 Comments

January 30th, 2007 operating-systems, vista, windows

It’s January 30th, the launch date of the new version of Windows, Vista. For better or for worse, Windows is still the de-facto operating system for computers, and will most likely cover quite a bit of ground with Vista being installed on new PCs sold. If you’re wondering what it looks like, visit Engadgets exhaustive screenshot gallery, it pretty much covers all you need to see.

I’ve had access to Beta 2 and RC 1 at work, and so I’ve gotten my first impressions. Basically, it’s prettier, it’s more stable, it feels more secure. Most importantly, all the things that really suck about Windows XP, seems to suck much less. Another interesting thing is that the transparent “glass” effects aren’t quite as distractive as I had expected them to be.

I’m expecting Vista will be a very welcome change for the bulk of its userbase (which means a lot of people). That said, it’s most definitely not the best OS out there and as such, not “switcher-proof”.

British Pupils To Be Taught Atheism In Religion Class 4 Comments

January 24th, 2007 atheism, intelligent-design, religion

Good news of the day:

The new guidelines for key stage 3 (11 to 14-year-olds), published yesterday, say: “This unit focuses on creation and origins of the universe and human life and the relationship between religion and science. It aims to deepen pupils’ awareness of ultimate questions through argument, discussion, debate and reflection and enable them to learn from a variety of ideas of religious traditions and other world views.

Ultimately, I’m a fan of knowledge, science and healthy debate. Since ID advocates the opposite, it won’t stand a chance when scrutinized!

Fullscreen On MacOSX Finally!? No, Just Megazoomer 10 Comments

January 24th, 2007 annoyances, mac, usability

One of my long time Mac annoyances — the lack of proper fullscreen — is now fixable using a new app, Megazoomer. I’m not on a Mac myself, but should I ever want to switch I’d want something like this to work. Now if only someone would test it and post a larger screenshot…

Upgraded to Wordpress 2.1 5 Comments

January 23rd, 2007 diary, wordpress

I just finished upgrading Noscope to Wordpress 2.1. In the process, I was reminded of just how damn lovely a piece of software it is. Despite rather large changes to the core, the upgrade was fairly smooth. One thing that broke, though, will require small changes to Fauna, which I hope to get time to finish (1.0 final!) soon enough. In the mean time, head on over to Michaels place for a few screenshots and a few annoyances.

The Idiots Primer To Wi-Fi Internet Connections 10 Comments

January 20th, 2007 diary, hardware, mac

After having recently struggled with setting up Wi-Fi, here’s a short list of info that might be useful to those of you starting out. Knowing is half the battle.

1. To get wireless internet in your home, you need an always-on internet connection and a wireless router. I’m told you can also use a wireless access point.
2. A wireless router is a mini computer with no screen, probably running linux. That means once you’ve initially configured it via your desktop computer, it can run on its own. In other words, you do not need your desktop computer be powered on in order for the wireless internet to work.
3. If you’re setting up Wi-Fi because you want to connect your Nintendo Wii or Nintendo DS to the internet, check that your router is compatible first: official “not working” list, unofficial list.
4. Be sure to use 128bit encryption, or others will mooch off of your Wi-Fi connection.
5. If you’re having trouble connecting your Mac to your newly setup connection, it’s probably due to one machine using ASCII WEP Keys, the other one using HEX WEP keys. To resolve, try typing in $ before the WEP Key. For example, if you’re WEP Key is 00000000000000000000000000, try typing in $00000000000000000000000000 as the WEP Key on your Mac.

Thanks to Mr. Cabanillas and Mr. Heilemann for tips.

Update: See comments for insights.

Apophysis - Pretty Cosmic Recursive Fractal Flames Comment

January 18th, 2007 art, random, software, windows

Apophysis let’s you explore an array of pretty fractal flames, rotate them, colorize them, and render them in high quality. It’s an incredible demonstration of the beauty of generative math and pseudorandomness.

Colophon Updates [Update] 7 Comments

January 15th, 2007 noscope

I have made changes to my about section, also called colophon. Specifically, I have added new pictures of earlier versions of myself, including large ones for your viewing pleasures. [Update]: Now part of the main menu. Look up!

Could Indy IV Have Been Star Wars VII? Comment

January 12th, 2007 indiana-jones, starwars

While the source seems unreliable, the news is delicious. “The source” states that Harrison Ford, prior to accepting the role as Indiana Jones in Indy IV was offered to wear the black vest of Han Solo in a Star Wars spinoff:

George wanted Harrison to play Indy but cleverly sounded him out about playing Han Solo instead. Harrison was horrified. After that he was delighted to be playing Indy again. He told George he just couldn’t face being stuck in a spaceship with Chewbacca again.

What kind of project would this be? To me, ?20 million doesn’t smell like a Star Wars TV series cameo, but rather like the oft rumoured Star Wars VII project.

Apple iPhone Hints At Future OSX Look? 42 Comments

January 10th, 2007 interfacedesign, mac, operating-systems

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re also subscribing to a feed that has recently informed you about the new Apple iPhone. You might have even heard that the next Mac OS X will probably get a new UI.

Keeping this in mind and looking at the video depicting the phone aspect of the iPhone, I’m wondering if we aren’t being dropped hints at the new OSX look. I spy some iTunes 7 like chrome and some new fancy semi transparent (* cough * Vista) black glass. Your thoughts?

Top 20 All-Time Stupid Republican Quotes 2 Comments

January 3rd, 2007 politics, quotes

A few faves from the list collected by Daily Kos:

• 20. The implication that there was something wrong with the war plan is amusing.” –Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, on criticism of his management of the Iraq war
• 17. “I like the color red because it’s a fire. And I see myself as always being on fire.” –California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
• 16. Capital punishment is our way of demonstrating the sanctity of life.”– Orrin Hatch
• 9. Isn’t that the ultimate homeland security, standing up and defending marriage?” –Sen. Rick Santorum
• 6. The Holocaust was an obscene period in our nation’s history. I mean in this century’s history. But I didn’t live in this century.” Vice President Dan Quayle
• 3. I think gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman” — Arnold Schwarzenegger

Indy IV Happening: Starts Filming June 3 Comments

January 3rd, 2007 indiana-jones, movies

Although he has been developing other projects, including a biopic about Abraham Lincoln with Liam Neeson attached to star, Spielberg has decided the “Indiana Jones” sequel will be his next directorial outing.

“George, Harrison and I are all very excited,” Spielberg said. “We feel that the script was well worth the wait. We hope it delivers everything you’d expect from our history with Indiana Jones.”

Although a spokesman for Spielberg said Monday that no casting has begun, Lucas and Ford have said that they would like to include Sean Connery, who played Indiana Jones’ father, Professor Henry Jones, in “The Last Crusade.”

Can I get a Woo Hoo?