Linux is Doomed, Thanks to Microsoft

The Linux community was left stunned when Windows Server software outsold Linux in the server market. Gartner, Inc. recently reported that sales of Windows systems accounted for nearly 37 percent of all server revenue in the last quarter while Linux accounted for 31.7 percent. Windows has a 5+ percent lead over Linux, which should be the cause for celebration at Microsoft.

Source: CoolTechZone::Linux is Doomed, Thanks to Microsoft

30 fashion statements to make before you turn 30!

Interesting article on Indiatimes People.
Written with the female of the species in mind though.

Arghhh!!! Now a Perfume phone

Just when you thought that the phones were becoming bloated with features that no one wanted to use, here come Hyundai MP 280 - a Perfume phone
And worse, this phone targetting the females plans to sell for more than $1200 (USD)

Intel new logos revealed

If X86-secret.com is right then Intel is gearing up for the some important rebranding campaign. The picture shows an updated Intel corporate logo, with the "e" no longer dropped, and the swoosh wrapped around.

Syntax Directed Quality Processes

If you are confused and bewildered by the jargon behind Software Quality; if the acronyms NCR, VOE, and KPA inspire in you fear and loathing; if you find yourself doing meaningless things at work in the name of Quality; then read on, enlightenment is at hand.
Syntax Directed Quality Processes by Joseph Koshy provides great insights.

Grads or school dropouts: no disparity

Grads or school dropouts: no disparity from The Economic Times
Sample this:

Salaries drawn by sweepers, attendants, drivers and helpers working at power giant NTPC can arouse strong envy among students from IIMs and IITs as the packages offered to school dropouts comes very close to what top MNCs might offer B-school graduates.

Lal Beni, who perhaps never went to school and works as a sweeper in National Thermal Power Corporation, draws an annual package of Rs 8,68,146. One Safal Ram working as a helper in the company enjoys a handsome package of Rs 8,98,369 per annum, according to the annual report of the Corporation.

List does not end here. Raghu Nath Sharma, a school dropout (quit studies after 4th std), enjoys a remuneration of over Rs 6.5 lakh per annum. Prem Singh, could not continue studies after 6th standard, brings home Rs 7,89,821, which is well enough to embarrass a highly educated person.

Satbir Singh, a driver who discontinued studies after 8th standard, earns Rs 9,18,941 per annum which is few thousands less than R D Kapoor, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and holds an MBA degree, and serves as Director in the same company and takes home Rs 10,62383, the report says.

After having struggled to acquire MSc and PhD degrees, one D N Roy, Deputy General Manager in the company, could only manage half the salary (Rs 5,21,903) as that of Satbir.

A senior driver Rumal Singh earns Rs 5,67,447 which is few thousands more than that of Roy's.

Thirty six years of experience and BSc (Engineering) degree could fetch only Rs 8,79,658 per annum for one S S Chakraborty, who serves as Chief Executive Officer in one of the units under the company, the report says.

DNA to solve the world's pending energy crisis

Synthetic Genomics, a start-up with J. Craig Venter as its Founder President and CEO hopes to exploit the properties of DNA to solve the world's pending energy crisis. It plans to create new types of organisms that, ideally, would produce hydrogen, secrete nonpolluting heating oil or be able to break down greenhouse gases. The initial focus will be on creating 'biofactories' for hydrogen and ethanol, two fuels seen as playing an increasing role in powering cars in the future. Hydrogen also holds promise for heating homes and putting juice into electronic devices.

Sony "Rootkit" and DRM "Removal"

Barb's Connected World reports about the "removal kit" that has not been offered by Sony BMG here

Sony, Rootkits and Digital Rights Management Gone Too Far

Mark's Sysinternals Blog makes for very interesting reading

The entire experience was frustrating and irritating. Not only had Sony put software on my system that uses techniques commonly used by malware to mask its presence, the software is poorly written and provides no means for uninstall. Worse, most users that stumble across the cloaked files with a RKR scan will cripple their computer if they attempt the obvious step of deleting the cloaked files.
While I believe in the media industry’s right to use copy protection mechanisms to prevent illegal copying, I don’t think that we’ve found the right balance of fair use and copy protection, yet. This is a clear case of Sony taking DRM too far.