Building Web Services with C# and DB2
This tutorial demonstrates the techniques needed to build a Web service in C# that accesses an IBM DB2 Universal Database using the DB2 managed data provider.
Microsoft Research Focusing on Search Interfaces
Found a couple interesting links over at NooFace, a site dedicated to user interfaces. First, Microsoft Research is plugging away at one of the growing dilemmas in computing: so much data, so little time. XTend is a next generation product which uses a powerful Relational File System to deliver the world's first "Save With" oriented interface. And speaking of Knowledge Management (where XTend can be useful), you can read this recent interview over at TheIdeaBasket with the CEO of YellowPen, Inc.
IntelliJ IDEA 3.0.4 for Java Released
IntelliJ IDEA is a Java IDE packed with leading-edge development features which include: industry setting refactoring support, intelligent code editing assistance, a wide range of J2EE development features for rapid web-application and other enterprise development, a powerful Code Inspection tool, integrated CVS, VSS and StarTeam support, an Open API for third-party plug-in support, and a mountain of other productivity features that make Java development a pleasure. Version 3.0.4 was released recently for Mac OS X, Windows, Solaris/Unix and Linux.
Sanos: A Core For Java-Based Appliances
XPde 0.3.5 Released; InterfaceWM, XFCE and XWin.org News
XPde 0.3.5 has been released, which according to the site is a major upgrade to the XPde desktop environment and window manager. We reported on the (Pascal-written) XPde before (shots). On other X11 news, InterfaceWM 0.2.4 was recently released, XFCE 4 is getting closer to release (screenshots and one more), while the XWin.org team had another conference call last week.
64-bit Solaris for Opteron is Coming
Sun is attacking the low end x86-based server market with force, as it has announcements around both AMD's Opteron processor and Intel's Xeon processor on the way, executives told TheRegister.
Mac OS X 10.2.6 Tweak on Tap
Apple is preparing another free update to Mac OS X 10.2, sources said. The company this week provided developers with the first pre-release seed of Mac OS X 10.2.6, labeled build 6L51. According to the seed's release notes. 10.2.6 will improve graphics and OpenGL, as well as OS X's Address Book application. Additionally, the update will provide greater compatibility with PC cards and USB hubs.
Longhorn M5 4015 and Mac OS X Panther 10.3 Screenshots
Unfortunately, these days people seem to not be able to keep... any 'secret'. Longhorn 4015 has leaked and Neowin has aquired some tailor-made screenshots showing off a few of the new features taking shape in what is becoming known as Milestone 5. Also, Apple-X.net claims to have the first leaked screenshots of of MacOSX Panther 10.3, clearly showing the "piles". UPDATE: Gsurface writes: "A quick look at what's new in the new 4015 build. To my surprise, it was actually an upgrade rather than the full version. Luckily, I still had my Longhorn 4008 installed on my D:\ drive. Continue to read with tons of screenshots here."
Locking Down Windows Server 2003; Interoperability Issues
Microsoft Corp. on Thursday released a massive set of documents and guidelines meant to help administrators lock down servers running the company's new Windows Server 2003 operating system.
The Business Case for Windows Server 2003, Part 1 and 2
Tom Bittman, lead Windows Server analyst at Gartner, told the E-Commerce Times that for some entities whose server requirements are simple, the improvements Microsoft has included in the new release might be overkill.
Although Microsoft's new release can provide good ROI, most businesses cannot justify the upgrade without tying it to a routine hardware refresh. Enterprises typically replace their hardware every three to four years.
What Next for .NET?
Microsoft's .NET strategy and framework have done more to raise the industry's awareness of Web services and XML (extensible markup language) than any product or public relations campaign. They also saved Microsoft's keister just as enterprises were beginning to realize the company's previous Web platforms were not going to work as advertised, and the mood was turning sour. Read the article at NewsFactor.
Sun Solaris 9 x86 Proves Uneven
Lack of hardware and application support eclipses OS' potential benefits. When it comes to Unix, Sun Microsystems' Solaris operating system shines on the company's 64-bit SPARC processors. Unfortunately, the picture is less bright for the version of Solaris written for Intel's 32-bit Pentium family.
Red Hat Warms to Itanium-booster Plan
The leading Linux seller is exploring Intel technology that improves the ability of the chipmaker's Itanium processor to run older software written for Xeon or Pentium chips.
Billboard Offers Details on Apple’s Digital Music Service
Billboard is the latest to report on Apple's digital music service, today posting an article that further describes the service. According to Billboard, the service is an "a la carte" download store that is built into iTunes. No subscription will be required for the service, and tracks will retail for an average of 99 cents. Once purchased, songs are automatically transferred to your iTunes library and synched to an iPod (if available). The content can also be burned to CD. Read more here, here and here.
Flash Preview of Apple’s Piles
Someone has created a Flash preview of what he thinks Apple's new "Piles" features could be like. My Take: It is worth checking out, but it seems lacking- as implemented in the preview, it doesn't seem very useful; the author also mistakenly claims that such a feature couldn't be done on Windows.
Index of Windows Server 2003 Technical Articles
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is the latest version of the Windows Server platform. Listed here are the articles about Windows Server 2003 that you'll find on Microsoft's Web site, organized by technology. Additionally, Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Release Candidate is out to betatesters.
Weekly Q&A with Fleecy Moss – Week 7
Week 7 of the 'Weekly Questions and Answers' sessions with Amiga's Chief Technology Officer Fleecy Moss is now live at AmigaWorld.net. A few days earlier than originally planned.
AROS Status Update and Screenshots
AROS, the AmigaOS re-implementation posted a status update dicussing their latest advancements. Two new screenshots also posted. The team is looking for active developers to join them.
The Linux Filesystem Explained
"The first thing that most new users shifting from Windows will find confusing is navigating the Linux filesystem. The Linux filesystem does things a lot more differently than the Windows filesystem. This article explains the differences and takes you through the
layout of the Linux filesystem." This is a pretty old article, but it's still a good read, especially for newbies.
Interview with João Paredes of Chefax R&D
João Paredes is an almost-21-year-old student of Electrotecnical and Computers Engeneering at Oporto's State University for Engeneering (Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto), in Portugal. He is well known and respected in his community, known to be a visonary and a good leader. Also known to be an excelent programmer, as he's been programming computers for 16 years now (yes, since he was 5).