OutLook Express Rescue

For those of us still using OutLook Express, Inside OutLook Express has a great set of tips and technical support.

Top 20 Programming Languages

The Tiobe Community Programming Index, lists the popularity of programming languages. This is an interesting idea when trying to figure out what tools to use to write your next next system in. This month's winners are:
Java, C, C++, PHP, Basic, Perl, C#, Python, JavaScript, Delphi/Kylix, SAS, PL/SQL, Visual FoxPro, Lisp/Scheme, Coldfusion, VB.NET, Cobol, Ruby, Ada, D.

From their commentary:

It is important to note that this only one of many criteria to be used before taking a decision to adopt a language. Other criteria are suitability for the application domain, reliability of compilers, expression power, performance, and scalability. Hence, Ada can still be used for mission-critical systems although one should consider alternatives. This is what you also see in daily practice, Ada is hardly used for new mission-critical systems anymore. The other way around is also true. Everybody will agree that it is not wise to program missile software in JavaScript.

I think it is interesting that the first 12 languages in the list can be considered cross-platform. (i.e. work on Windows/Linux/Macs/mainframes...) and that the first ranked Windows-only language is Visual FoxPro. Also, Coldfusion actually shows up before VB.NET. I think that suggests that data-centric languages still have their place over general purpose languages as a way to leverage database queries and manipulation. Yet...yet, the three top-ranked languages could be considered third-generation, even low-level, general purpose languages. Fortunately, there are all manner of ways to leverage these with application frameworks and automation tools, which offset their level. Few application programmers write with just an ASCII editor nowadays, and I would suggest that when hiring a programmer for a specific application you examine not only the language that they will use, but also the tools.

US Ranks 12th in Broadband Penetration

The U.S., which has 16.8 broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, is ahead of the U.K., which has 15.9 broadband subscribers for every 100 inhabitants, but behind Japan, which has 17.6 broadband subscribers for every 100 inhabitants.

via IPDemocracy

Onfolio sucumbs to The Borg

Microsoft bought Onfolio. While this wouldn't automatically cause me to gag, I do think it unfortunate that their plans include the following changes:

1. Onfolio is free (!) and is incorporated into the Windows Live Toolbar (lame-o)
2. Support for FoxFire is dropped.
3. The reports function in Onfolio Professional is dropped in any new versions.
4. The academic version is dropped.

So, in my case, at least, the program is dumbed down, incorporated in a stupid toolbar accessory, that I don't use, and crucial enhanced functions are discontinued.

The good news is, version 2.02 still works fine...with FoxFire.
So many good programs bite the dust. Remember Lotus Agenda?

Closing the Loop: Getting your Taxes Back.

The dumb thing people do is apply to the IRS for their tax refund. The IRS is very uptight over refunding your money. But, any other government agency will gladly refund your tax money. All you have to do is politely ask them in a nice way at the right time.

Don Lancaster - The Incredible Secret Money Machine.

The ISMM is one of my favorite small business books. Its first edition came out in 1978 and an updated edition came our in 1991. I don't think it is currently in print, or available on Don's web site. It does, however, appear to be available used from Amazon. (and look at the price!....they are becoming collector's items.)

Here's where you ask:
www.grants.gov

Monthly Introduction April 2006

Welecome to Tech for Non-Profits, the unplugged version of Microdesign Consulting. We feel that non-profit corporations and NGOs deserve the same advantages that technology can bring to for-profit business. To that end, we've dedicated ourselves to finding cost-effective ways to bring the benefits of wide-area networks, computer databases, IP videoconferencing and Voice over IP to our clients and friends. Check out our (mostly) annotated VoIP resource guide.