Oct
16

Larry And The Ping Of Death

Here’s another great anecdote from Larry Osterman, one of the really old timers from Microsoft.

Oct
16

Using Hang-Up Calls To Send A Message

mobile

Microsoft researcher Jonathan Donner in Bangalore, India and has written a new paper on a growing trend among cellular phone users in Africa - calling an individual and then hanging up after their phone registers your number in hopes that they will call you back on their dime. It’s being called ‘Beeping’ and Donner’s paper is called “Rules of Beeping”.

It’s a fast grow phenomenon apparently. Studies quoted in his paper estimate that 20% to more than 30% of the calls made in Africa were just split-second flashes — empty appeals across the cellular network.

Apparently there is an entire protocol on how and who to do this against. For instance, never ‘beep’ someone poorer than you, never beep someone you need a favor from, never beep your girlfriend lest you look cheap, etc…

LA Times has the full story.

Oct
16

Here’s Some Insurance In Case You’re Abducted By Aliens

Earth Dog Tags

Here’s the scenario:

You’re abducted from Earth by aliens. Somehow you are separated from them in the wilds of the universe, maybe they dump you off because you make a terrible backseat driver, maybe you escaped, but you’re on your own and need help finding your way back. Guess what? Any life forms you come across that might be in a helpful mood likely won’t be able to understand you or you’re not going to be able to properly describe how to find the 3rd rock from Sol.

That scenario now has a better chance of successful return to home thanks to the Earth Dog Tags that contain a similar diagram to that engraved on the Pioneer 10 plaque.

So if you need a weird and unusual gift for your space, alien, or UFO lover this is it. Think of me when you’re putting together your Christmas shopping list. :)

Below is the dogtag engraving followed by the actual Pioneer 10 plaque engraving:

dog tag from earth Earth Dog Tag

Pioneer 10 plaque

Oct
15

.Asia Domains Go on Sale

Domains

Registration for .asia top-level Internet domain names began last week for companies and other legal entities, giving corporations an opportunity to secure trademarked domain names without having to contend with cybersquatters.

Australia-based Instra’s AsiaRegistry.com was selling .asia domain registrations for $90 each.

Infoworld – October 09, 2007

Oct
15

You Can Now Purchase Windows Home Server

image

Looks like you can now get your hands on your own copy of Windows Home Server through New Egg. It’s 32 bit OEM version of the sku for $189.99.

You basically get a slightly fixed function server OS based on Win2k3 R2 bits that you can install on some old hardware you have laying around the house and voila.

If you’re not familiar with this sku, it’s primary functions are to act as:

  •  a daily backup server for up to 10 PCs
  • file server for sharing files around the house
  • print sharing
  • easily manage pics/docs/media from around the house on a headless system.
  • It also comes with a unique system management application
  • media streaming to XBox 360

I’ve had a home server as well the last few years but it’s leveraging Windows Small Business Server 2003, now that’s a much more powerful OS for geeks.

References: