JavaGeek.org - General category

Resurrecting my blog

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:20:28 GMT

It's really been a long time since I've updated this site. I could make up excuses like too much work, too little time, or simply that I didn't think there was anything worth to say. Some of it may be true, but the important thing here is that what I wanted to do with this blog was to put something that was "worth it". I didn't want to become one of those blog people who start talking about family, politics, etc. I wanted to really dedicate this blog to Java related stuff. And not just small tidbits of information, but actual articles that I thought would benefit at least someone. But inspiration never came for those long articles.

However, in the last months I've been really itching to at least think about something that I could post. It's been over a year since I did my last entry, and after all the effort I went through to get this thing running, I just couldn't let it die. So, in the last couple of weeks I've been upgrading the software I use (Pebble) to the latest version, re-applying my layout and fixing some things that I didn't like (like replacing regular rss links for feedburner links) and I think I'm now ready to "resurrect from the ashes".

What am I going to talk about? Mostly Java stuff, of course. But this time, I'll try to be less analytical about what I want to write and Just Do It. Writing long articles about certain technologies is cool, but I also think small tidbits of information, hints, etc. are useful. Even though they might seem basic to me, there's always new people entering the wonderful world of Java Development, and hopefully some of what I say here will help someone somewhere somewhat.

On a related note, this year has been very fortunate for me job-wise, and I've been involved with many new technologies. It's time to put out some of what I learned to good use. Besides, writing on this blog is a good way for me to "store" what I've learned in an easy to search format.

If what I add here seems too basic for you, you're free to move ahead. If it's helpful to you, you're free to use it. Welcome (back).

Fight for your Freedom

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 16:08:19 GMT

I was looking at the new Windows Live Messenger application that Microsoft released to replace the MSN Messenger. One of the things that I found really odd is that on of the terms on the EULA (End User License Agreement) states:

2. HOW WE MAY MODIFY THIS CONTRACT.

We may change this contract at any time. You must review this contract on a regular basis. You can find the most recent version of the contract at 'http://messenger.msn.com/Help/Terms.aspx'. The changed contract is in effect right away. If you do not agree to changes in the contract, then you must stop using the Service. If you do not stop using the Service, then your use of the Service will continue under the changed contract.

So, once you accept the first version of the EULA, they are free to change it anytime and it is our job to check for any changes? Not only that, if we fail to check the contract the day it was changed, we automatically agree to the new terms? Is this even legal?

It is incredible how more and more corporations are trying to control everything you do on a computer, and care more about profits and revenues than actually providing a useful service to its consumers. And the worse part is that I read this term just after reading the Wall Street Journal article " Zen and the Art of Classified Advertising".

It makes me wonder about the ongoing battle that has been going on between big corporations (Microsoft, music labels, movie studios) and open source advocates for the control of a consumer PC.

Big corporations want to control everything you do on your computer (examples of this: DRM, CSS, phone-home windows update, etc) so that you really don't have control over what you legally own. By trying to modify the law, they are setting the stages so that if they find a new way to increase revenue, they can just change their licensing terms, or access your computer and change how software works. Imagine a cable bill that comes with an extra hundred dollars, and when you ask the cable company why the extra charge, they tell you "Oh, we changed the terms so now every time you change channels, an extra dollar is added to your account. If you didn't agree with these terms, you should've terminated your contract the day we changed the terms. It was your responsibility to keep track of these changes, you know. It's the law".

Open Source Software, even better than being free (or at reasonable costs), what really gives you is Freedom. Freedom to be the true owner of your computer and your (legally acquired) media. Freedom to do your daily tasks, listen to your music, watch your movies, interact with other people, etc. without a third party interest on what you are doing. By encouraging open standards that trascend companies or organizations, OSS really cares about its consumers, not making a profit everytime the format is changed. OSS gives you Freedom to have privacy and security over your information and your (perfectly normal) habits.

Bronze artifact is world's oldest Astronomy computer

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 21:03:04 GMT

An ancient bronze artifact scooped out of a shipwreck in 1900 by sponge divers and kept at the Athens National Archaeological Museum has been analyzed by a team of Greek and British scientists and has been established that it is the world's oldest Astronomy computer. With over 30 bronze wheels and more than a thousand greek characters, the device "could calculate the position of certain stars, at least the Sun and Moon, and perhaps predict astronomical phenomena". The scientists have just recently managed to decipher over 95% of the inscriptions, and the new findings will be presented in November at an international congress.