asp.net web services

Coding for server-side applications have changed drastically (in the last 2-3 years) with the advent of web services. ASP.NET and JSP are all full fledged web services proponents... and we need to understand how this effects us in the GIS industry.

Now.. in any GIS Web Development... we need to think about how to consume web services in order to work with live data without full page postback, to update/read database tables directly, remote connection / control of functions, interactive websites, powerful interfaces, faster websites and of course... using AJAX.

Here are good references:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310143
http://www.developer.com/net/asp/article.php/3657826
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/prognetws/chapter/ch02.html

microsoft and windows tech updates...

First up: Expect "Fiji," the new version of Windows Media Center, to resurface. Fiji, which probably now has a boring codename like Windows 6.5, will reemerge from information lock-down in early 2008. I wouldn't be surprised to see Microsoft field a private test build of Fiji as soon as January (timed with the Consumer Electronics Show). Because Fiji allegedly requires Vista Service Pack 1 to work, a public beta is probably unlikely until spring. Final Fiji release: I'm betting late summer 2008 (in time for Holiday 2008 preloads).

Apple is none too happy when it can't maintain its shroud of secrecy. That's why Apple still hasn't announced -- even though it would make many business customers happy -- that it licensed the ActiveSync protocol from Microsoft that will make it easier to sync the iPhone with Exchange Server.But Apple can't hold off forever. CEO Steve Jobs might admit Apple inked the licensing agreement with Microsoft at Macworld in January. Or he might wait until later next year to acknowledge the deal. But in 2008, Apple will admit publicly that it has sought Redmond's blessing, yet again.

When Roz Ho left her post as head of the Microsoft Mac Business Unit earlier this year, she disappeared into the depths of the Mobile and Entertainment Division. Word is Ho is heading up the mysterious "Pink and Purple" project, which is all about bringing Zune features and functionality to Windows Mobile devices. It sounds like Ho also is part of the oft-denied skunkworks project to create a Microsoft ZunePhone. Word is some of the new Windows Mobile music features will see the light of day (in beta or final form) in 2008.

Even though Windows 7 isn't expected to ship until 2010, word is that Office 14 is still on track to be released to manufacturing in 2009. If Microsoft sticks to schedule, the company could field Beta 1 of the product in 2008.

Windows 7 exists. Folks inside Microsoft are running early builds already. Does that mean we can count on seeing test builds of Windows 7 in 2008? I bet not. I'd be very surprised to see any kind of broad tech preview out next year.


Source: TechRepublic

security tech tips

Its important to note there are more and more irritating threats to our computers these days. We need to be super vigilant and careful about our workstations and home PCs.

Here are some IMPORTANT tech tips to note:

1. I remember suggesting a few years back to use Trend Micro's Housecall (a free online scanner). Now Kaspersky has won the best anti-virus and anti-spam software battle for 2007. Please use this free online scanner http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner. If you detect anything, run Symantec to clean it. If it cannot clean, download the client version of Kaspersky.
2. Spywares have an effect on ur net privacy and slows down ur internet connection. First of all, spyware or adware progs are installed on ur system (most of the time w/o ur permission or knowledge) to monitor ur net behavior, return back some sensitive data or spam emails. Careful of the pages you visit. Try to start with my blog page everyday... u will be safe :-)
3. I also suggested a few years ago (still recommend) that u use Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy for this, their both free and effective: www.lavasoft.nu and www.safer-networking.org
4. I would also recommend using a Net browser other than Internet Explorer. IE regardless of its version is prone to attacks coming from spywares and is very vulnerable. I recommend using Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/).
5. Please update your Windows Patches and Service Packs (click Start>Programs>Windows Update)
6. Uninstall any freeware, Google toolbar, Yahoo toolbar or unauthorized software from your PC
7. Run XP Defrag and Checkdisk once a week
8. Please ask if dunno
9. Pray that Step 1-7 is completed successfully :-)

Cheers and Happy New Year all :-)