When performing a mathematical calculation by hand, what symbol do you use to signify division? Do you use a slash (/), a horizontal line with the numerator and divisor above and below, or the divide (÷) symbol? Personally, I use one of the first two, depending on the context. And, I can’t remember the last time I used ÷. However, a good estimate would be back in grade school.
Monthly Archives: June 2011
The WordPress.org Commit Breakin – Evil Code
If you have not heard about the unauthorized SVN commits to the WordPress.org plugin repository for the plugins AddThis, WPTouch, and W3 Total Cache, you may want to read the post on the WordPress.org blog first. This event has prompted a WordPress.org password reset for all registered users. While these are three high profile examples that happened in the last 48 hours, a similar incident happened back in February.
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New Box Build
Originally, this year was the year to get a new laptop or a tablet (ASUS Eeepad Transformer). However, due to another rash of BSoD’s and memory issues with the desktop, and a real lack of laptops worth buying (more on this later) it was time to replace the desktop. Part of me really wanted to push this off until AMD’s Bulldozer launched this summer, but I needed a stable desktop.
Truth be told, this wasn’t a fully new build. I only updated the following components:
- CPU: C2D E8500 => i7 2600K
- Memory: DDR2 800 4GiB XMS2 with DHX => DDR3 1600 8GiB Vengeance
- Motherboard: DQ35JO => GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3
- SSD: 80GB x-25m G1 => 120GB Intel 320
Is it fast? Of course. The processor and memory upgrade is the most noticeable, especially for tasks such as video trans-coding. However, the transition from the x-25m to the 320 was not a big upgrade. Under load, the system runs significantly cooler than the old C2D based system. Part of this may be due to replacing the front exhaust fan (the PC-A05NB vents to the front) with a PWM controlled one that can move much more air if needed.
Overall, I’m enjoying this new build, and can once again rely on my desktop for important tasks such as programming.
-John Havlik
[end of transmission, stay tuned]