Month: May 2004
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My Very First Operating System
[this post has been partially damaged during a server failure on Sunday 11th July 2004, and it has been possible to recover only a part of it]
[more of this post was recovered on 13 October 2018]
I've just written my very first Operating System! And I'm putting it here, online, so that you can give it … -
I AM Scared Of Bootloaders
I've spent the evening looking at bootloader source code (small programs, crucial to every Operating System, which do the first fundamental steps towards loading the kernel, the 'core' of the OS). Just to show you quite how scary this stuff is, here's a snippet of code to "stop the floppy drive motor from spinning":
mov dx,3F2h
mov … -
Remember Microsoft vs. Netscape?
Then you're old enough to appreciate this: OSNews is running an article about the upcoming fight between Google and Microsoft. Where the Netscape/Microsoft battle involved web browsers, the weapons of the Google/Microsoft battle will be search engines and e-mail services.
If you're confused as to how companies can be fighting by trying to increase the market … -
EU To Use Quantum Crypto-Key Passing To Beat ECHELON
[this post has been partially damaged during a server failure on Sunday 11th July 2004, and it has been possible to recover only a part of it]
[further parts of this post were recovered on 13 October 2018]
Now here's an interesting article [security.itworld.com]. It seems that the European Union is investing €11 million over four years … -
Is There Anything More Romantic?
Claire and I stayed up late and played multiplayer Civilization 3: Conquests together. When the Carthaginians picked on her, I stuck up for her and razed one of their cities. We're hoping that by working together, we might be able to get a spaceship to Alpha Centauri before 1900.
We played until it started to get … -
All Questions Answered
This repost was published in hindsight, on 11 March 2019.
Ruth wrote:
Today we have been...
...testing Dan. Earlier I sent in to ask how many times the big Panda said 'nice' in Panda Ko Panda (12, 5 times referring to bamboo). When we were getting food at the Chinese, Dan accused Bryn of having sent that … -
Half-Life 2 To Be Released As Twin-Pack
Yay! Take a look at this piccy (especially you, Paul).
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From The Minutes Of Our Office Staff Meeting
Just extracted this from the just-released minutes of our last staff meeting. It's from a section about what tasks are assigned to whom:
Dan:
Hmmm, what new projects can we give Dan to do. Got it, Bovini version 2; Remote desktop connection; Something about Apache; Blah, blah, blah, terminal services, blah, blah, blah, on Pandora, blah, … -
Common OS Myths Debunked
[this post has been partially damaged during a server failure on Sunday 11th July 2004, and it has been possible to recover only a part of it]
In this era of pro-Linux and pro-Windows hoo-hah, it's good to see an article who's writer really has his head screwed on: Common OS Myths Debunked is a wonderful … -
Mmm… Pathogens
Typhoid in my left arm. Hepatitis A in my right arm, and a heap of Malaria tablets to boot. Decided that the best way to get this lot into my bloodstream as fast as possible was a quick sprint around Aberystwyth. Now I feel slightly dizzy and nauseous. Lovely.
On the up-side, I didn't have to … -
New XML-Based Markup Language: MRML
Take a look at this, fellow geeks.
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“To Test Security On Your PC, You Must First Make It Inherently Insecure”
WTF??? If you go to Symantec's Online Virus Scanner using most browsers, you'll be told that you need to use Microsoft Internet Explorer to continue! Isn't this just asking for trouble? It's like saying, "Yes, we'll check your house is secure. Now just unlock your door..."
Just plain weird.
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Re-Arranging The Flat
Yes, the the rumours you've heard are true - The Flat has been rearranged. In a mighty effort (and with the help of Claire, Paul and Bryn), we've pretty much 'mirrored' the room widthways. This change provides several benefits:
Space saved has been reinvested in floor space and room for two sets of shelves. … -
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The ID Card But Were Afraid To Ask
The Register are running an article about the new UK ID card, and what it all means. They're always a great source of information on such things, if slightly cynical... and this document is no exception. Go read it. Then throw rocks at Mr. Blunkett. <grin>
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Last Few Dreams
Last night's dream
Claire was complaining at me because I'd bought online driving lessons, which she considered to be significantly worse value for money than 'traditional' ones. I argued that I didn't actually want the lessons, but they were only 10p each and I only had 20p pieces and I needed 10p pieces, so I bought …