Random Notes

Last book read - Wikinomics. It wasn't exactly the book I thought it would be. It was a little dry and repetitive, probably more compelling to the business mind, than the technologist. It is interesting to think about open source as bringing us into a new era. I was listening to Leo recently discuss Microsoft, and he pointed out that Microsoft created their own industry and set the paradigm that we should pay for software, but those days might be coming to end, hence their need to buy Yahoo and get into the online game. As I've stated before Google has really set a new standard with their free applications. Additionally I think the days of the "classic" PC will come to an end. It seems that most people don't care about what OS they use anymore. Most of the tasks previously requiring a PC will move to other devices. Smart phones will take up IM, Chat, email and some browsing. Game consoles have already taken over the gaming side of computers. I use my DVR to do more video editing than the PC. This may leave the home computer as an entertainment component, with its main importance being a home server to store multimedia files. I'm already considering building my next PC as an HTPC. Strangely, ten years ago it seemed like such an advancement for PCs to move into the "Tower" form factor to free up valuable space, but the trend seems to be moving back to those wide boxes.

In other news. . .

Russia is once again displaying its military might and is trying to re-enter global politics. They recently reaffirmed the possibility of first use of nuclear weapons.

They have also recently begun playing games with their bombers, after sixteen years of non-use. Besides flying into American and British airspace, they seem to like the USS Nimitz, first buzzing them in February, and then again this week. It will be interesting to see what Global Chess moves result from this activity.