Current Trends in Computing

My regular readers have read my posts dealing with current trends in computing -  such as some of the new LINUX desktops which strikingly resemble iPhones and the "ribbon" interface in Micro$oft's Office.

A trend I find especially worrisome is the apparent decline in reliability and functionality of software I encounter and need to use. Blackboard LEARN,
Oracle Java, some LINUX distributions, and even Libre Office are a few outstanding examples. My previous post covered a java runtime auto-update that went horribly wrong, basically rendering my PC unusable at one of the worst times possible.

I, for one, would like to see a return to basic, solid functionality in software applications. I detest change merely for change's sake - especially when such changes remove useful features and/or break something else. I personally would like a return to straight forward, intuitive menu structures as we have had for many years, rather than the (in my opinion) mess that is Micro$oft's "ribbon". I won't even get into what I think of Windows 8 - other than its new interface is practically unusable for my purposes. But obviously mine is NOT the only viewpoint around - and I'd like to better understand what others either like or dislike about today's computing environment.


To anyone reading this - I'd love to hear your opinions on today's computing trends. If you're comfortable sharing, I'd like to know:

1) Do you like or dislike the new user interfaces? Why?

2) Are you adopting tablets, or do you (like me) still like or need the desktop/laptop paradigm? Why?

3) Have you noticed a change one way or the other in software reliability? Anything in particular stand out in your experience?

4) What OS do you favor and why?

5) Demographics? Example - occupation; level of tech savvy; approximate age group -  under 25, 26-45, 45-60, 60+, ...

6) Hobbies, interests, ...

I'd also like to hear from any software developers their design rationale, their intended audience, how long they have been in the business, ...

And don't forget to download any backups you might need of Java 1.6.34 BEFORE Oracle removes these from its web site.  See my previous post for details on why.

A Warning to Those Forced to Use JAVA: Get Your Backup copies of 1.6.34 NOW!

Well, here it is: Final exams week at school. Final graduate school research project due within a few days. I have a stack of papers to be graded for the classes I teach. But in the midst of all this I will be spending at least half a day completely reinstalling my Windows 7 system. I've already wasted several hours today in an utterly futile exercise, trying to repair it. Why?

 Three Words: Oracle Java auto-update.

 I ALWAYS make a habit of NOT having my computers auto-update ANYTHING so I can avoid situations like I'm in tonight. But Oracle's Java console decided it knew better than I do what I should have on my PC and went right ahead and "updated" my Java 1.6.34 installation to Java 1.7. So now:
1) I cannot log into my school email account that is java-based, because Java 1.7 doesn't work with it.
2) I cannot log into my university's Blackboard LEARN system to submit assignments, ... because Java 1.7 doesn't work with it.
3) My Open Office, which is java-based, is now unstable.
4) Atmel Win Studio 6.0 just doesn't work at all anymore.

Thank God I have LINUX - with that I at least can still read my email!

My final project (which needs a little more last-minute tweaking), deals with AVR microcontrollers and uses Win AVR Studio 6.0 from Atmel. Atmel doesn't cater to either LINUX or Mac users - it's Windows or nothing. This is the very last time I use one of their development boards - the STK600 in this case. If I used someone else's development board I'd at least have the option of using "AVR Dude", or even CodeBlocks, for LINUX.

 My telephone call to Oracle Tech Support was less than useless - all they would say is "Sorry sir. We offer no telephone support for java. You'll have to go to the java.com web site." When I explained that I already HAD thoroughly explored their web site and gotten the same pablum about how to turn java support on in my browser, and that this also did NOT work, I got the same robotic answer - "you'll have to go to our web site ... we have no live support ... "

 When I explained that a graduate school research project is on the line and that I use this computer in my part-time teaching job, I got the same tired refrain "I understand your frustration, but we offer no support ... "

I wasted 45 minutes in telephone purgatory, clawing my way up the chain of command through several layers, yet getting nowhere.

 I think I might have gotten more done if I had stood outside my house, flailing my arms and screaming like a mad man at passing cars, than by bothering to call Oracle about their defective products. They really DON'T CARE.

 Here are the steps I took that did NOT work:

1) Tried un-installing java 1.7 and re-installing Java 1.6.34. The software would supposedly install, but when I would try to log into java-based web applications, all I got was the dreaded "There is no java runtime installed on this computer." error.

 2) Tried using the "System Restore" feature of Windows 7 to return it to a previously working configuration. The system became very unstable, and an examination of the installed software list in Control Panel showed that Java 1.7 was STILL installed. Oddly enough, the "Which Java do I have?" applet on the java.com web site identified my installation as "An older, obsolete version", without specifying WHICH old, obsolete version I was using.  

What I Will Do Now to Correct The Problem

1) Wipe the hard drive and do a clean install of Windows 7 and all my applications. This alone will take several hours.

2) Install Java 1.6.37 - unfortunately, I'm forced to use it for several mission-critical applications.

3) Immediately make BACKUP copies of JAVA 1.6.34 for ALL PLATFORMS I use - Oracle says it will discontinue providing this critical download early next year - so get yours now while you still can!!

4) Make a clone of this drive onto another one so I have one I can immediately switch to at a moment's notice if something goes wrong.

5) BLOCK ALL ACCESS through the firewall to Oracle.com or java.com once my system is fixed. This should prevent the software from deciding to "call home" and do this again. I regard them as malware sites and will treat them accordingly.


 6) This one deserves to be set apart: From now on, in any workplace in which I have any influence, do ANYTHING in my power to DISSUADE decision-makers from buying ANY Oracle product. I think even Micro$oft provides better product support - and THAT is a strong statement coming from me!

Oh, did I mention "Make several backups of Java 1.6.34 for both Windows and LINUX BEFORE Oracle removes these from its web site? "

 FWIW.

Quick Update - 08/29/2012

Regular readers of this blog may be wondering where I have been. I've been around, but due to exigent personal circumstances have not been able to post anything for the past month or six weeks. During the month of August I have had final exams for my summer classes, worked part time, as well as taken care of a critically ill relative. Because of all this, I have fallen behind on my writing and personal research, as well as more mundane things such as household chores and completion of repairs on my vehicles. I am now feverishly playing "catch-up" to get some of these projects done before I get further into the Fall semester.

Please check back periodically - as I plan to post some new material soon. This includes but is NOT limited to:
1) Atmel 2560 microcontroller and the STK-600 development board
2) An improved PVC archery bow design. I'm investigating that, and plan on sharing what I find out.
3) Some LINUX distributions I have been testing and using.

To all my readership - thank you for stopping by and reading what I have posted here! --Karl

DNS Changer and Internet Access On July 9, 2012

By now, many of you have no doubt heard of the DNS Changer malware that affects mainly Windows and Mac computers. The piece of malicious code changes how your computer receives DNS (Domain Name Service) information when you are surfing the web. Without accurate DNS information, your computer cannot connect to the Domain Name Server(s) that resolve the human-readable domain names you type into your browser to their corresponding machine readable IP address numbers. The following blog nicely explains how all this works, how to use the "dig" utility in UNIX/LINUX systems to retrieve numerical IP addresses, and where to go to determine if your computer is infected. Go to : http://harishpillay.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/a-helper-note-for-family-and-friends-about-your-connectivity-to-the-internet-from-july-9-2012/#comment-2309 Kudos to the person(s) who put this article together - it's the best I've seen written on this subject!

Honey, I Shrank The Car!

Readers might recall my recent post on an electric truck I did some rewiring work on. In the few short weeks since that post, prices at the gas pump have risen sharply. While electric vehicles are by no means a panacea, the need to find practical, alternative fuel/power sources is painfully obvious.

Not only has there been much talk about electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, but many entities have been involved in trying to perfect the use of hydrogen fuel cells as a means of powering cars. A fuel cell is a device that takes hydrogen and oxygen gas as inputs and produces electricity and water as outputs. Water is the only "waste" product during this portion of the energy cycle. If a clean way of producing hydrogen could be devised, this could be a clean energy source overall. A fuel cell can extend the range of an electric vehicle and/or perhaps help recharge its battery bank. If the issues of hydrogen production, transportation, and storage could be worked out, it could possibly be a viable alternative sometime down the road.

About 3 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of working with a hydrogen fuel cell powered car. Unlike the electric pickup truck in my previous post, this was a scale model car. Called the "H Racer 2.0", it comes as a kit is made by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. They manufacture hydrogen fuel cells and educational kits which use them. You can reach their website here: http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/products.htm

Their educational kits - including the H-Racer 2.0 - are a ton of fun for kids of all ages - and would be a wonderful father-son (or daughter) activity. Definitely beats the mind-numbing garbage on TV any day!! The educational kits are listed here: http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/education_kits.htm Check online for prices - I've seen them cheaper elsewhere besides Horizon's web site. Some "bricks and mortar" retailers such as "Hobby Lobby" also carry part of the line.


A student at my university had already assembled the H-Racer 2.0 kit; I was asked to test it and get it running for a lecture and demonstration.
The kit consists of an IR remote controlled model car, fuel cell, a hydrogen fuel station which uses electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, a small solar panel, and miscellaneous bits and pieces to make it all work.


The Hydrogen Fuelling Station:
The hydrogen fuel station can either be run from the included solar panel or on two AA type flashlight cells. It consists of a small water reservoir and an electrolysis module. On AA cells, I found the fuelling station took about 10 minutes to generate enough gas pressure for fill-ups. When running, the fuelling station gives a cool light show with bright, flashing green LEDs. To avoid contamination of the electrolysis cell, the instructions warn you to ONLY USE PURE DISTILLED WATER. Nothing else is added to the water.

The hydrogen fuel station connects to the car via a small hose and fitting. An inflatable bladder inside the car provides storage for the hydrogen. This stored hydrogen supplies a fuel cell which provides a nominal voltage of 0.6 to 0.7 volts DC.






















Electronics Inside The Car:
A circuit board inside the car performs two main functions: It handles the IR remote control signals. It also, presumably using a switching power supply, takes the 0.7 volt DC from the fuel cell and steps it up to about 2.4 volts DC for running the motor and IR control circuit.

Before running the car, the fuel lines and storage bladder have to be purged of any air. This is done via a purge valve on the car and a syringe, which was also provided in the kit.

Once the system was purged of air, charged with hydrogen and functioning, I measured typical run times of about 30 seconds on a fill-up.

A note about the fuel cells used:
These fuel cells are warrantied for a year by the manufacturer. The instructions also warn you to return the car's fuel cell to its aluminum foil pouch if the car won't be run for several days or more. Apparently the fuel cell deteriorates with age, and allowing it to dry out accelerates this process. Using anything but distilled water in the fueling station risks contaminating the car's fuel cell as well as the electrolysis module. I haven't priced out replacement fuel cells, but I know they aren't cheap - as they use a platinum catalyst.

I had hoped to use these fuel cells as a possible emergency power source for small electronic devices such as the Ten Tec radio I built or to recharge small batteries, but their fragility and short lifespan would be quite problematic.

The pictures on this page pretty well tell the rest of the story.