Category: Random Links

• Useless Gadgets (via Gizmodo):
  • Mouse with Built-In VoIP Phone
  • SnackShotz Dog Biscuit Launcher
• Computers (via Lifehacker):
  • Get information on any file extension
  • Tracing an email – a tutorial which tells you how to trace the source of an email.

• The cost of trying too hard: Splay trees – an interesting little piece about how a clever algorithmic choice can be the wrong one in terms of user experience. (Computer Programming)
• Wireless Fabric Keyboard – it’s a keyboard made of fabric and it just folds away. (Gadgets)
• Is Your Computer Killing You? – tips on how to avoid computer-related pains and injuries. (via Lifehacker)

• In The Beginning – a funny experiment, aiming to write the Internet’s history, bible style. (Geeks only, via Alex Barnett’s blog)
• Aroma Waker Clock – in case smell is what’s going to wake you up.
• USB Data Transfer Device – to easily transfer files between PCs.
• Firefox is spreading – a new study claims Firefox 20% marketshare in Europe, 15% in the US.
• Some things money can’t buy – funny ad.

• Funny
  • Tripod perform at a Comedy Festival – funny video of a song by Tripod. Listen to the words.
  • You cannot ignore yourself – in Yahoo! Messenger.
• Computers and Programming
  • Why do words beginning with “home” get treated as URLs? – how and why windows looks on the web for some addresses that you type in the “Run…” dialog box.
  • Mozilla releases Thunderbird 1.5
  • The web’s download disasters – an article listing the worst 5 downloads (in the sense of how much adware/spyware they install), following a research by an MIT startup. (via Slashdot)
• Cool
  • TENORI-ON – a video of a new and very cool musical instrument. (via Digg)

• The decoy visual style – A nice little behind-the-curtains story about the development of Windows XP’s visual style.
• Ultra small (Linux) PC – only 2 by 2 by 1.7 inches.
• Windows XP and Vista beta Side-by-Side – a comparison of the two operating systems (via Download Squad).
• Quick Vibrating Lockpick – create an instant lockpick. Pretty interesting. (via Lifehacker)
• When web sites rely on security holes – a story on how, when you plug a security hole someone who relies on it might lose money, and so you have to be semi-backward compatible with the security hole.

I decided to post some links that I found interesting while browsing the Internet. I’m going to try and make it a daily habit. The links are supposed to be a mix but today, by chance, all of them are technology-related.

• On XML Language Design and Gall’s law (via a notes.co.il post)
• When programs assume that the system will never change, episode 3 and The decoy display control panel
• AOL Betrays Google (via Digg)
• Agile Management Blog (now in my RSS reading list)
• Overhaul of GPL set for public release
• Golden ratio in the design of the iPod