Windows 7 E
Via Engadget
It's refreshing to see that Microsoft has had to bow down to the EU and remove the auto install of IE. I suppose this is a rare moment where large companies have to remove a monopolising attribute to their business. In the case that led to Microsoft and the EU battling it out in the courts, it has left the unsuspecting user a slight dilemma: What browser do I use? And, how do I go about getting it?
Will Microsoft set up a direct link via ftp to Mozilla, Chrome or Opera as well?(there are others but lion's share goes to these three) I shouldn't think they will. But you never know.
Incidentally, how will the user, once they've installed the OS, browse the internet to access the site to download your chosen browser? Can this be done via the OS explorer?
Interesting.
Splash Up
There I am thinking "How am I going to get a new background and theme to this 'ere site. I want a new theme and really kick this thing off by the end of the summer holidays (incidentally it means no travel plans!). So there I am thinking what mac freeware is there to use for picture editing.
I was racking my brains for an app that I could either use in VMware as a Windows app or a download either a windows or Mac app. So ancient in my thinking. Web 2.0 really has thrown a wealth of opportunity and availability fr this arena.
SplashUp is taken from the SketchUp name (I would imagine) and is marvellous. A lite weight version of Paint.net where you can use layering and magic wand to edit and add elements. Brilliant! Of I go then and edit the image without having to downoad or install.
New Scratch update
Enjoying the new scratch updates and the additons it brings. The camera tool is updates with web cam automaton, Lego support and new network install options.
Scratch 1.4 for testing is avaialable here
OU and the 3rd Assignment
A real pet is one where it i used for human companionship like dog, cat or gerbil. These have some kind need that the human can fulfil in the form of feeding and making a suitable habitat for that animal to live in. For children, the cyber pets that are available like Tamagotchi and Moshi Monsters also use human interaction to fill that void. I am yet to come accross one that is wild and can autonomously feed itself or keep itself happy.
The game of life invented by John Conway in 1970 is one that can, in a very simplified way, automate. This, if you don't know, is a set of algorithms that allows sprites to cluster and thrive or separate and die. The idea is that the randomness of the patterns is considered 'Wild'. Tamagotchi on the other hand are not wild. They are pre-programmed to 'need' from the inputs of the human. If the human denies the input then the Tamagotchi or Mimitchi goes into a comatose state that only allows feeding. The opposite to a dog or cat where, respectively, the dog dies (loyal and stays put) and the cat finds a place to live next door.
There is a grey area though. This is where the owner tries to tame a species of animal that really can't be tamed. We've seen them in all the extremes from iguanas to hyenas. This is where the wildness card is played and someone loses an appendage or two.
I've yet to hear of a Furby tear a chunk from the owner!
Scratch
For a Long Time now we've been using Scratch from MIT as our programming and Conrtrol topic from Year 4 to Year 6. The idea is to make games (pong), story based games or simple apps like noise measuring devices (great home-made data collection programs for laptops)