How to Think Like a Computer Scientist – C++

This is intended for people with little or no programming experience, and is appropriate for first year college or advanced high school students, or anyone interested in learning to program. Under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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How Binary Numbers and Hexadecimal Works

Ever wonder how the binary number system works? Or how Hexadecimal functions? Wonder no more, here is a little introduction to the realm of binary and hexadecimal (two of the most important systems for all computing). Need more? Here is a link to the Wikipedia page explain binary in quite some depth. Learn how to use the binary number system, and confuse all of your friends and family!

New BMW 3 Series Coupe Revealed

The new BMW 3 series coupe has just been revealed, and all I can say is wow. With completely new looks, this BMW has definitelly changed for the better. "In true BMW tradition, it also establishes a new standard of performance and driving dynamics with the introduction of an exceptional engine: the first inline six-cylinder with twin-turbochargers, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase." Read more here.

Architects using old Boeing 727s and 737s fuselages in new building

New York's urban architect recyclers, LOT-EK, have recently designed a library in Guadalajara made entirely of refurbished airplane fuselages.

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Gentoo Linux?? Not any time soon…

Ha, being the naive Linux noob that I am, I tried installing Gentoo Linux 2006.0 today. Let me tell you, this is a distro not meant for noobs (or not-as-experienced-users)! I should have know… Anyways, as soon as I got to the installer, I was already confused by the options which I really had no clue about. So, I clicked around, applied what I already knew, and… well, after thinking for a little bit, I thought that if the installer was already so confusing to me, I really shouldn't install the whole OS. So, I retreated (for the better I suppose) and now I am back in my trusted SuSE 10.0 environment. I guess I will just learn as much as I can about Linux through SuSE, and then move on to install a more complicated distro of Linux on my other hard drive. Oh well, just a little set-back for now, but also an opportunity that forces me to learn more about Linux. Still, from what I hear, Gentoo is an EXCELLENT Linux distro, used and loved by many, so don't let my little post here scare you off. : )

AMD cuddles with Linux

AMD apparently wants to set up a research group in Dresden not only to optimize Linux for its own processors, but also to integrate the requirements of the open operating system in the development process for future processor generations. Read more here.

Boot Faster with Parallel Starting Services

If the slow booting time of your Linux box is driving you crazy, consider parallel booting techniques.

What kind of improvements might you see, compared to your current sequential boot process? Well, let's start by seeing what kind of times you're getting currently. Either grab a stopwatch, or write a simple script to time the boot

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Could this Invention Save us from our Dependence on Oil?

"A tiny chemical reactor that can convert vegetable oil directly into biodiesel could help farmers turn some of their crops into homegrown fuel to operate agricultural equipment instead of relying on costly imported oil."

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Samorost and Samorost2

In a world of bloody war-simulation video games, it is rare thing to find a game that shines out past the rest, without violence. These games are often neglected and passed off as boring or not exciting enough. But, Samorost 1 and 2 are 2 of the best games I have ever played, without a single drop or "virtual" blood shed. They are simple, point and click flash games, but are made with so much love and skill that playing them is like nothing ever done before. Samorost1 is about a little guy trying to save his "planet" from an immanent collision with another "planet." In Samorost2, the same little guy tries to save his dog from the "aliens" who took him. To start off with, I must complement the art work of the game, which is the best I have ever seen. Such simply surreality is hard to accomplish, but the makers (Amanita Design) have done an excellent job. The great, life-like background is such a beautiful contrast to the rather simple, animated figures which constitute the characters of the game. I could go on for ages about how great the game looks, but I will let the reader find that out for himself. The game play just as good as the artwork. Each level presents you with new puzzles to solve, often quite thought provoking. Playing the game was fun at another level. It wasn't that exciting, make-your-heart-race kind of fun you would normally experience in video games, but a more profound sense of enjoyment. I HIGHLY recommend these games to anyone that has ever been disgusted by the modern themes of video games. These games are legends of their own time, a real milestone in what can be done with creativity.

AMD Continues To Gain Market Share From Intel!

Intel was stung by excess chip inventories and slowing PC sales in the first quarter and it won't get better soon! Especially with AMD steadily gaining market share from Intel!

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