software

AT&T Network Client and Virtual Machines

Virtual machine software, such as VMware, VirtualBox or Microsoft Virtual PC, will setup "bridge" networking drivers that allow them to connect to the Network through your PC. These drivers can conflict with the AT&T Network Client VPN drivers in Windows XP and prevent it from passing network traffic over your VPN. The AT&T Network Client can still make a connection successfully. However, it will not pass traffic over your VPN.

Here are the steps to correct this issue.

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Ubuntu 9.04 Not Ready for Prime Time

I've installed Ubuntu 9.04 on a virtual machine and couple different physical machines. While the virtual install was pretty smooth, the physical installs have not gone as well. In both cases, aquiring, installing and configuring the video drivers, both from ATI and NVIDIA, turned out to be a complete pain. Even after spending many hours getting them working, it's difficult to change resolutions. I don't think it's too much to ask for a driver that automatically detects the available resolutions and allows you to select between them. Apparently, in Ubuntu, that is too much to ask.

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PortableApps Suite v1.1

The PortableApps Suite has just been upgraded to version 1.1. It contains many new features, such as a movable menu, an eject button which closes the menu and opens the Safely Remove hardware dialog, and a global keyboard shortcut for opening the menu. I used this platform daily and it's continued development is very welcome.

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USB Portable Applications

When I started my current position, I decided that I wanted to establish a distinct separation between my work data and personal data. While I'd love to have a separate personal laptop, the ultra light models have been too expensive to justify the cost. This year looks to change that with the introduction of many small inexpensive laptops. In the mean time, I am using USB flash drives and a USB portable hard drive. With all of these drives, I had three different options for running portable applications: Ceedo, U3 and PortableApps.

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Coding IDE

I've switched my development tools from Flash and Notepad++ to Flex Builder. I have tried a number of environments in search of the best environment for my style of coding. Since all of the ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook examples are all based on Flex Builder, i decide to give it a try. It has some clear advantages.

Source Control and Coding

I knew I would use source control right from the start. There are a couple reasons. First, it just makes sense as a best practice. It provides a good form of backup and offers a way to revert to earlier versions of code in case I get into trouble. Second, I want to be able to switch between multiple computers for development. I have a home-brew WinXP system and a Mac Book Pro laptop. The laptop is great for working outside on the deck, especially in the mornings when it's cool. At other times, I can work in on the PC in the basement.

Documentation

I've finished pouring over the Flash Help documentation for ActionScript 2.0 and 3.0 and I now know just enough to be dangerous. I've started work on a design document for the third game idea, space tank. It seems like a good concept to get started with and learn the basics.