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Databases

First MySQL 5.5 Beta Released 95

joabj writes "While MySQL is the subject of much high-profile wrangling between the EU and Oracle (and the MySQL creator himself), the MySQL developers have been quietly moving the widely-used database software forward. The new beta version of MySQL, the first publicly available, features such improvements as near-asynchronous replication and more options for partitioning. A new release model has been enacted as well, bequeathing this version the title of 'MySQL Server 5.5.0-m2.' Downloads here."
Operating Systems

Submission + - The Google OS is Announced (blogspot.com) 2

popdookey writes: "It's true, it's real, and it's announced. Google will have an OS aimed at netbooks, and it will co-exist with Android. It will be fast booting, all applications will run over the web, and they will be supported through any standards-compliant web browser. The announcement is here, http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html"

Comment Re:Wait... (Score 1) 299

The risk of illness of course, is a fact of life, but carelessness in spreading infections needs not be as acceptable as it is now. Taking reasonable efforts to prevent illness shouldn't be legislated, rather it should be taught through social stigma. The tendency of sick people in Asia to wear masks for example is a courtesy that we could all benefit from here, but it's more likely that you'll be stigmatized for wearing one than not in the USA. Social change can fix some of these dangerous and inconsiderate behaviors, and it starts with visible change by well-seen individuals.

Comment Re:Calibrate Per Use? (Score 2, Insightful) 217

Unfortunately you'll get the same screen alignment problems with the cash machine approach. I've seen many cash machines where the screen text was not aligned with the buttons, creating an ambiguity about which one you touch. You can count from the bottom most of the time to figure it out, but some voters will inevitably miss that logical step.

Paper is still the best choice.

Comment Great timing (Score 4, Interesting) 435

I picked a good year to get licensed for ham radio. I sure get sick of hearing about how you can work Australia on a wet noodle during high Sunspot years. At least the low bands are reliable, but then again those bands require ginormous antennas. So as a consequence my house looks like some sort of martian communications test zone. I think my neighbors fear me enough not to seriously ask what's going on.

Security

Calif. Politican Thinks Blurred Online Maps Would Deter Terrorists 597

Hugh Pickens writes "California Assemblyman Joel Anderson plans to introduce a bill to force Google Earth and similar services to blur images of so-called 'soft targets' like schools, hospitals, churches and government buildings to protect them from terrorists. 'All I'm trying to do is stop terrorists,' said Anderson. 'I don't want California to be helping map out future targets for terrorists.' Concerns that detailed satellite imagery and photographs available on Web services could help terrorists plan attacks are not new, with reports that terrorists have used such imagery to carry out attacks in Iraq and Israel, and an Indian court is considering a ban on Google Earth following reports that its imagery played a part in the Mumbai terrorist attacks."
Windows

The Broken Design of Microsoft's "Fix it" Tool 165

$luggo writes "Curious about MS Fix It, I recently went hunting in the MS knowledge base for articles that provide the new EZ-button. After locating on few, I decided to click the button to download the Microsoft Installer package containing the executable and/or files that automatically enable the DVD Library feature in Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate — on my XP Media Center. 'Surely, MS will use some scripting, HTTP User-Agent sniffing, or even Genuine Windows validation to verify that I am running Vista,' I thought. It did not and I canceled the download when I received the prompt to save the file. So, I wonder: is there a Fix-it for Fix it? Because I can easily imagine someone doing what I did without scrolling to the bottom of the KB article and verifying that the article applies to their OS/version. This is a great example poor design. Why not simply use the download approach that other articles / fixes / service packs use, whereby the user must select the appropriate OS?"

Comment Re:United States of Google (Score 1) 407

I think that my original statement is pretty on-topic and relevant though the Google Fanboys Klub has modded it otherwise.

Obviously few people on this thread understand how email works or what the consequences of it may be.

The fact is that Google will be the recipient of emails going to the highest levels in the Government. They will be able to scan them, read them, etc. I don't care whether they're forwarding or storing, they still are the first point of routing and thus have full control over what happens to them. This is not appropriate any more than having RIM as an intermediary to the President's priviledged Blackberry communications.

But by all means, go back to droning "but they do no evil" if it makes you feel better.

Comment United States of Google (Score 0, Offtopic) 407

I support Obama, even canvassed for him, but I smell poo. This is actually worth considering because...

1) Google was Obama's #1 campaign contributor and has already received a number of "special considerations" that embed them into the Obama administration.

2) Once you start using an email address it is with you forever unless you're willing to dump all of your contacts. Not to mention force of habit.

3) Lame other reason here cause we must speak in threes to sound convincing.

Hate to be the paranoid guy when I'm usually working the opposite angle, but I don't like where this is going.

Comment Bollocks (Score 3, Interesting) 400

Eisenhower had it right when after liberating a concentration camp he told the troops to pick up every scrap of film, every picture because someday some idiots would claim that it never happened.

People should have their noses rubbed in it. Faces can be obscured to protect the participants but the American public needs to know what these people it elected did.

Comment Re:Riiight (Score 1) 685

FWIW I also have had to replace 4 out of about 15 CFLs in the 2-3 years I have been using them. No cost savings seen here whatsoever, plus the disposal (mercury) requires a special trip to the recycling plant.

Some manufacturer out there (got mine at Lowes/Walmart) is selling some crap bulbs.

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