GIT

GIT usability quote of the day:

Of course, there may be users who like to spend a lot of time
grasping the internals of Git first, before issuing their first Git
command. Just like there are people who like electrodes on their thighs.

A new twist on an old saying

Q: How many hardware engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. We’ll fix it in software.

Q: How many system programmers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. The application can work around it.

Q: How many software engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. We’ll document it in the manual.

Q: How many tech writers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. The user can figure it out.

Ext2 filesystem on Linux

When you do embedded software development and have a need to access a filesystem from Windows, it is unfortunate to have to waste a flash partition for VFAT. Now there is hope. There is a Windows compatible driver for EXT2 and EXT3 filesystems. That means you can access your root filesystem on your device quickly from Windows. Now if only they would support the Mac!

More here.

Sean

Recognizing talented software engineers

I do a lot of hiring for my software teams and I frequently work to fine tune my criteria for software engineering candidates. In general I keep it simple:

Smart
Gets things done
Works well with others

I came across an article on the subject that I found useful. It goes into a little more detail. I try not to overcomplicate the interview process. It is easier for me to see patterns and themes. A lot of those points mentioned can easily be summed up in the above three key targets of my own. But to each their own. You can read the article here.

Sean

Developing for Android is funtastic

Google recently announced their Android Platform for devices. It uses Java syntax but actually has their own JVM to translate byte compiled java code into their own VM format. They fully support Eclipse for development.

one laptop per child – olpc

OLPC has just launched OLPC USA: XO-1 laptop sales at $400 per computer in a “Give 1 Get 1″ program:

Starting November 12, One Laptop Per Child will be offering a Give 1 Get 1 Program for a brief window of time. For $399, you will be purchasing two XO laptops – one that will be sent to empower a child to learn in a developing nation, and one that will be sent to your child at home.
But you better sign up quick. XO-1 computer orders only be accepted for two weeks, November 12 to November 26, with delivery promised in time for One Laptop Per Christmas Tree.

I have a personal interest in this project as it involves some people that I personally know.  They are developers from RedHat.  It is an exciting project.  I plan to participate in this program.

Sean

Git

My personal quote of the day: 

Git has got to be the most unusable piece of SCM software I have ever inflicted on someone intentionally.

Sean

SCO has lost their legal battle against Linux

District Judge Dale Kimball ruled late Friday that Novell owns copyrights covering Unix, a computer operating system. In 1995, Novell licensed Unix source code to Santa Cruz Operation, which later became SCO. SCO argued it had also picked up Unix copyrights from the transaction. 

More here.

Sean

Linux Symposium

I am considering attending the Linux Symposium this year in Ottawa. What I am most excited about is the focus on the kernel and hands on tutorials. I am hoping to bring some of my staff along. Unfortunately, due to increased security you now have to have a passport just to enter Canada. I hope we can rush a passport in the next four weeks for one of my engineers.

Sean

Broadcom

Is a ridiculously tricky wifi chipset to handle with Linux. Not only are the reversed engineered bcm43xx drivers awful, but ndiswrapper does not play nice with NetworkManager on Ubuntu Feisty. Here is hoping that the recent announcement by Dell to start pre-installing Ubuntu will improve their laptop support for Linux.

Sean