Start-up Tools: Microsoft BizSpark
Good developers need good tools, it’s simple as that. If you are building software for Windows, the only real option is Visual Studio. The down side to Visual Studio? The $1,200 starting price tag. While Microsoft is now providing the free Express editions, these are aimed more at hobbyists, not serious developers. Microsoft thankfully is here to help: If your company is less than three years old and has less than $1 million in annual revenue, they have a program to give you all that you need.
Read more…Silverlight 3 Tools Available
It looks like the core Silverlight 3 tools are now available: Microsoft Expression Blend 3 + SketchFlow RC Microsoft® Silverlight™ 3 SDK Microsoft® Silverlight™ 3 Tools for Visual Studio 2008 SP1 Deep Zoom Composer Though the tools needed for development seem to be public, I’ve yet to see the end-user run-time; though I imagine we’ll see that in the release anticipated for tomorrow. Time to have some fun. 🙂 Update: Client run-time is now available.
Read more…Lumix DMC-FZ8 & Infrared
After several months of tests and experiments, I have finally determined something: Infrared with the Lumix DMC-FZ8 just doesn’t work. I’ve been trying to use a R72 Near-Infrared filter to filter out the “normal” light that we see, leaving only the infrared light that I wanted to capture. The FZ8 is sensitive to infrared, as can be easily demonstrated by taking a picture of a TV remote control. What you’ll see is a couple of points of light coming from the remote; these are the infrared lights that are used to transmit commands to the TV.
Read more…Avatars – Why roll your own?
I’ve been working on a project recently that uses avatars, while planning out this specific feature it occurred to me – why should we re-invent the wheel? There’s already at least one service that specializes in doing it right: Gravatar. While building something as simple as avatar support takes a relatively small amount of time, when working against a tight deadline or a tight budget every minute counts. In the world of an ISV (especially a young one) the balance of user satisfaction and development time is critical.
Read more…Start-up Tools & Services
Over the next few weeks (and months) I’ll be posting a series of articles on the tools and services that start-ups can use to make their business both more efficient and more profitable. This is aimed at ISVs (both micro and close to micro) though most of this should apply to any technology startup. When you are starting a business, there are many important considerations with anything you use, here are the keys points I’ll be looking at:
Read more…Remember The Milk
I’ve been a fan of Tasks for quite some time, though as time goes on and updates don’t come out, it seems less and less attractive. As most web-based services have fully embraced Web 2.o with all its AJAXy goodness, Tasks remains firmly entrenched in Web 1.0; and I’ve finally given up. We are in a world where instant is no longer a nice-to-have, but an absolute must. Applications and services should; no, must provide immediate feedback and minimize full-page loads whenever possible.
Read more…Switching hosts, again.
So here we go again – my 4th hosting company since I started this blog. Maybe I’ll have better luck this time? For those interested, here’s the rundown of which hosts I’ve used, and what I’m doing today. Radical Vision** – Lasted 4 years** Radical Vision was once a great host, though as time went on I had more than a few issues with them. I tried to give them a chance (several chances, actually).
Read more…Programmers are Expensive
I normally don’t write posts just to point out an article by another author, but the latest by Jeff Atwood is a must read: Hardware is Cheap, Programmers are Expensive I point this out because this is something I’ve been fighting recently. It’s easier for management to tell the development team to fix a performance issue than to request money for the new hardware that’s needed. In the long run it would be much cheaper to just throw more hardware at it – though that requires higher level approval.
Read more…Dell Mini 9 Spacebar / Keyboard Issues
I recently wrote about some issues I’ve had with my Dell Mini 9. Since I received my Mini it’s had issues with the keyboard, primarily that the space bar wouldn’t respond. Something I’ve heard several other people say; leading me to believe it’s a flaw in the design. A quick chat with Dell support and a new keyboard was on the way. Shipped FedEx Priority Overnight no less. I ordered my Mini within hours of it being released, so it’s a fairly early unit.
Read more…Working Late, Again
Ladies, do you know where your husband is? [N.B. I am leaving this line intact, though it bothers me. This line makes unfair and inappropriate assumptions, and I wish I could remember why I wrote it.] If he’s anything like me (or the rest of my team), he’s at the office. At 4AM. Again. For the third week in a row I find myself at work at the wee hours of the morning preparing for a project launch.
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About Me
Security researcher, engineer and software developer with more than 20 years of experience.
Work: I primarily focus on application security, usable security, secure communications, and cryptography. I build and lead strong and dynamic teams, who cover all facets of security and privacy.
Writing: I write about my research, security in general, development and software design, and leadership through my blog, essays, and various publications. I also engage in some creating writing when I can.
Photography: I am a purist fine art photographer, working primarily in black & white, and focused on sharing new perspectives of the world. Limited edition prints of my work are available on my online gallery. I also have a background in photojournalism, and volunteer in this field when I can.