WordPress 2.0.4
It’s upgrade time again, WordPress 2.0.4 has been released (changed files list & zip), and after a fairly painless upgrade (instructions, though I didn’t follow the method they suggest), seems quite stable. This release sports over 60 changes, clearing up a fair number of small issues, as well as a few security fixes. If you have a WordPress powered blog, it’s worth the upgrade.
What It Takes To Be A Great Developer
Recently a programmer I know decided that it was time for a career change, leaving the IT field entirely. This gave me cause to think; what does it take to be a great developer. Many people go through school believing they have what it takes, only to receive a rude awaking once they enter the real world. Before I go on, I think it’s important to define what I mean by developer, and the differences between a developer and a programmer.
Read more…Useful Notepad Tip
Here’s a great little feature I just heard about to make the always useful though mostly featureless Notepad utility even more useful. If you create a new file and put “.LOG” (case-sensitive) as the first thing in the file, each time you open the file after that it will append a timestamp to the end of the file. While you could just press the “F5” button to insert the timestamp, this does have the advantage of added simplicity.
Read more…In Comes The Schwag
The third edition of ValleySchwag has arrived. Yet again, there is a nice collection of goodies – well worth the membership fee. While a bit less loaded than last time , I’m still quite impressed with the package they’ve put together. The two big hits this time are the rather cool shirt from imeem and the laptop bag (see below) from MI6. While the bag doesn’t have the padding of my regular bag, it’s a lot lighter, so I know it’ll see some use.
Read more…Another must-read for ISV’s
If you own, or are starting a small software business – or perhaps you’re still daydreaming about your future empire while slaving away in your cubicle, I’ve got another must-read for you. Five Things Every Micro-ISV Should Know About Intellectual Property is a (very) quick & dirty introduction to some of the legal issues all developers need to be aware of, especially those looking to go into business.
Looking for a better calculator?
If the default calculator included with Windows doesn’t cut it for you, and you need more muscle than Power Calculator packs, then Microsoft Calculator Plus just might be for you. This Calculator replacement offers all the classic functionality plus quite a few new tools. Great little tool for your laptop to use when Google Calculator isn’t an option. Note: For those that don’t like the look, just go to “View > Classic View” to go to the more traditional style.
Read more…Demise of The WWW
The WWW is dying – no, not the web itself, but the ubiquitous WWW prefix on many domains. While there have been efforts to encourage developers to move away from the use of this prefix for some time, this movement seems to be gaining ground. Matt Mullenweg of WordPress fame has released a plug-in to automatically remove the WWW prefix. While this isn’t earth shattering news, it does show a trend away from the traditional prefixes to a simpler model.
Read more…Of Victory and Pair Programming
It’s been 3 weeks, 450 man-hours and 6,880 lines of code, and it’s done. Working as a developer for a call center, I often see some interesting and rather challenging projects. The latest is no different. One of our largest clients (a major bank) asked us to develop an application to assist in processing credit card applications. While the original request seemed simple, the final specification though was far less simple.
Read more…Google Spreadsheets
Could it really be? Rumors are flying that tomorrow (Tuesday) Google will open a beta for a new spreadsheet tool. This is quite a move, and one that will certainly turn up the heat on the Microsoft – Google rivalry. Google Spreadsheet will have support for the Excel file format, a move that seems to be setting a direct course for competing with the ever popular Microsoft Office suite. When combined with the launch of Calendar and the acquisition of Writely, Google seems to have an eye of the market now controlled by Office.
Read more…Blog Traffic: Another View
There are hundreds of guides on how to get more traffic directed to your blog, and most are wrong. Seth Godin recently posted on this topic, and I have to disagree with most of his points. While there are a few basically good ideas, there are many more that I just don’t see holding up. Here’s what I look for in the blogs I visit: Writer is an expert in the field.
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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.