Tagging System

For a while now, I have been adopting new, cleaner way of organizing my files in folders. Instead of having, for example, Documents/School/JC and Documents/School/University, I put them as Documents/School - JC and Documents/School - University. This is to reduce going deep down a hierarchy. Instead, I can just go down one hierarchy and find everything there, lists after the "-". I limit the "-" to two maximum, though, otherwise the window will be full of list. I have folders of Pictures, Musics, Videos, Documents (for work or school), Installers and Files (for any other files). Then inside there I will use the "-" naming system. In my Documents, I have something like "Documents/Computing - Blackberry Theme", "Documents/Computing - XNA Game", "Documents/School - JC", and so on.

Though this is easier for me to navigate, there is still one problem with the folder system. What if a file can be classified into more than one folder? Do I need to have two copies of the file? Or should I merge the folders?  Well, I thought of another alternative to the folder system: tagging system. It works similarly like Gmail tagging system. A file (email in Gmail) can be tagged with two tags, and the tags themselves can have hierarchy.

How does this work better than the folder system?

Firstly, a file that would fall into more than one category need not have copies thus consume less memory.

Secondly, faster search. The arrangement of files can be done by type of files/extensions, followed by name. Since there are no folders, all files are just in one big area thus searching should be able to be faster (since the search engine need not to explore into each folder). All this despite you can still using the navigation of folder system, just by exploring the tag hierarchy.

What are the possible downfall of the system?

Firstly, the User Interface (UI) change needs time for adaptation. The UI itself is not designed yet, such as what would you see after double-clicking File Explorer? The whole pool of files? Then, how do you add tags? Right clicking? It seems easier to Ctrl-C/Ctrl-X and Ctrl-V or even dragging files.

Secondly, programmers would have a headache since modular programming has been using folder system forever, and using tag system would destroy ALL programming syntaxes of using more than one file in different directories. If all application is put into one pool, application files of same name would be replaced thus one program will work at the price of another.

Solutions?

I can't think of any solution for the UI. For the programming part, possibly the tagging system is only deployed on personal files, i.e. the pool of files are divided into files added by user and files used by programs. This allows tagging system to work better with less interruption to programmers' lives. However, this again creates another problem. What about those people who like to mess around with the system (hackers) or developers? This is another headache. If the access to program files is removed so that people cannot mess around with the program files, then PC will just become like Mac OS X - dumb-proof.

Probably Chrome OS could try this system. Why? Google is an internet giant. It uses tagging system in many of its product, thus its familiarity with the deployment. Another reason would be that Chrome OS user is very limited that implementing tagging system would not disrupt majority of business as compared to implementation in Windows. If it could win the heart of users, then Google would reap the profits. Otherwise, dump the whole idea. Why not Linux? Because Linux is for those who like to mess around with system files, and as of above, this tagging system would not really work for those people.

In Research: New Laptop Cooling Technology

What a cool technique to cool off those laptops, especially being more silent and more efficient. Probably Razer Fiona should use this to compensate for the compact form it has.

Originally read at: The Verge

"GE says that, in addition to consuming half the power of a regular fan, its new tech is more than half as thin, enabling cooling systems that are only 4mm tall. Because of the comparatively simple construction, it'll apparently offer higher reliability rates than conventional cooling methods as well. The company says DCJ is virtually silent, and will enable "thinner, quieter, and more powerful tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.""

Homescreen Arrangement

A friend of mine complimented me for my homescreen arrangement. I would like to share it with you all.

Let's start from the dock. I put the essentials on the dock. Calling, SMS, Whatsapp, and Browser (I browse a lot). I removed Contact Book since I can always access it from the Phone.

My home is the center window in the picture above. It only has the clock widget. There is no difference whether you put it analog or digital. The essential is I want my wallpaper to be clear of obstacles. So simply, just clock.

To the left of the home is email windows, while to the right is calendar. Probably my habit from using Blackberry, I need my email and calendar to be forever accessible, and even better, easy viewing. However, I don't want them to fill the whole page alone because that would just waste space.

I scaled down the width of email by one block because I found reducing the width by two blocks make the emails unreadable while full screen and less one block has little difference. This also allows me to put the important shortcuts: Clock - to access alarm, because I found the alarm widget not so user-friendly and too big (2 x 1); Gallery - well, habit; Camera - I am using Samsung Galaxy SIII, so no hardware camera button thus I need the shortcut; and Files - I like to explore folders, but you can replace it with any frequent apps you used.

For the calendar, I reduce the length instead because I found reducing the width by one is ugly, whether more to the right or to the left, probably because the header is big or the position is right of the home. I put the shortcuts below the calendar because above the calendar would make the shortcuts hard to reach on one hand operation. Well, the shortcuts here are less defined: any shortcuts that you like would do. I put Maps because in Singapore it is important for me to have ready access the public transport guide in Google Maps; Dictionary because my vocabulary is bad; S Memo allows me to jot down anything quickly; Google Translate just for fun.

The most right page would be Entertainment Page: Music Widget, Facebook, Instagram, Playstore and Mango (Manga Reader). Nothing much, really. I used to put games' shortcuts as well, but I got bored of the games so I removed them.

To the most left are nothing much, just to fill the pages. I have no logical reason why, probably symmetry, but I found having 5 pages is more appealing than 4 pages (4 pages make the home not the center). So I just put anything that would fill my time - Flipboard and Stock. Assistive Light and Turn Off All Sounds are for convenience, for example when I am walking in dark places and when I am in exam hall just to make sure nothing gives sound alert.

In SIII, there are still 2 more pages that can be used, but since I use nothing more, I just deleted the two pages :D If you have a lot of apps, you could always add more pages for shortcuts only, I suggest to the left or right end.

Cheers :)

Module Review: 2012/2013 Semester I

I am going to put up the modules I took in the blog, so that people looking to study in NUS School of Computing (SoC) or going to take the same module as me can look at my review. There is a dedicated site for that though, Module Review. I am using the posts to track the module I have taken as well. So, here goes.

Note: Please note that there might be differences between modules in semester 1 and semester 2

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My Module Reviews

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CS1010 - Programming Methodology (4 MC) (Open Book Exam)

A basic for programming. This is the first programming module for SoC Students in NUS¹. The language used in the module is C, and students are required to be familiar with Unix environment. I had a basic in programming before taking the module, so it was fairly easy for me (though it requires a lot of logic for the problems presented). The exams are comparably easy compared to the take-home labs' problems.
Workload: five take-home labs (each having three problems), two practical exams, one written midterm exam and one written final exam.
- For those with some experience: This will be a breeze. You just need to practice more and make sure no flaw AT ALL in your logic. Especially if the markers guess that you have enough knowledge, they want you to make the program efficient as well, although the course has been stressed to be for basic programming skill rather than efficiency in programs.
- For those without experience: BEWARE! You should start looking at some tutorial, because I feel although the module is meant for you, the very basic of programming itself is quite abstract in reality. I know that what was taught was really basic of programming, but you might question 'WHY' or 'HOW'. I find the module quite confusing for ones with no experience at all. I suggest if you have the time then you should familiarise yourself with the flow programming (such as header, body, functions and so on). An easy alternative would be just take it and don't question it.

¹with the exception of those who are exempted from the modules. Exemption is by test before school term begins, usually taken by Polytechnic graduate and A-level graduate who took Computing in A-level, though it is unrestricted and anyone who is confident with their programming skill can take the test.

CS1231 - Discrete Structures (4 MC) (Open Book Exam)

The module structure for semester I and II are different, thus this only applies to semester I.
A very abstract module. Learning the very basis of mathematics in the module, mainly proofing arguments in mathematics, numbers, trees and graphs. Very difficult for me due to the abstractness of the topics. Added with the easier exam compared to the practice, the bell curve is very stiff and some difficult questions are the main determinant of your grade. This also forms the very basis of computing - as the teachers said - and many of the topics are going to be used in later modules for algorithms.
Workload: one group project (making videos of proofing some mathematical ideas), one midterm exam and one final exam.

MA1101R - Linear Algebra I (4 MC) (Closed Book Exam - Cheat-sheet allowed)
A calculation module. The concepts are hard to grasp, but once you get it, you can solve the questions. Deals with matrices, part geometry. Computing students take the subject together with students majoring in Mathematics. The homeworks are very much based on fundamental concept, while the exams are  very much calculative, thus self extra practice is expected. The subject is used on many computing applications,  such as search engine and digital imaging.
Workload: one lab quiz (using MATLAB as helper), one midterm exam and one final exam.

BSP1004X - Legal Environment of Business (4 MC) (Open Book Exam)

A business law module. This would be a very logical module, dealing mainly with business problems when facing the law. Some general laws are touched as well. An interesting module, though very content heavy. Exam focuses on ability to analyze and write out the problems in question, possible solutions/remedies and mitigations on the problems.
Workload: one group project (answering questions and analyzing an article), class participation and one final exam.

LSM1301 - General Biology (4 MC) (Open Book Exam)
As the name suggests, the module is a basic biology module. Very content heavy on cells, DNA, ecosystem, plants, animals and so on. Many parts of the content are similar to Singapore O-level Biology (I took the exam in 2009), though more in depth. Very interesting module, indeed, but many students who previously took Biology enroll for grade, so expect a very stiff bell curve.
Workload: one quiz, one museum visit report, five lab reports, one online assessment and one 60-MCQ final exam.

Total MC - Sem 1     : 20
Total MC - Overall    : 20

External GPU for Extra Portability

The idea of an external GPU unit has been lying around pretty long. As far as I know, the idea has been present since 5 years ago (2007). I was recommended to get any laptop, then get an external GPU unit to power the laptop whenever I am going to play heavy games. Indeed, the pickup has been slow. Manufacturer prefers to make powerful GPU more mobile and fit for laptop. ASUS tried to make one, but sales have not been easy. The question is: why? I mean, doesn't the idea sounds extraordinarily great? You could get one laptop with integrated graphics then just power it up with the GPU unit. This includes netbooks which was popular 4 years ago.

Reason being the connection was not ready enough for the technology. Currently, the idea has been popularised by ViDock. The GPU can be changed in case newer ones come out and you want to get up to date GPU. But the dock needs PCI Express slot. This is true to even DIY external GPU. Why? Because that is the fastest connection you can get in which the GPU will work perfectly, otherwise the graphic in your laptop would be lagging behind still due to the information from the GPU not transferred fast enough to the laptop back. So, two problems here. Not all laptops, especially most netbooks and ultrabooks which is more possible to require powerful external GPU, do not have the PCI Express slot, thus shattered is the dream of external GPU. The other problem is that ViDock requires you to connect it to external monitor as well, thus the external GPU does not work with the dock and laptop only, thus it is not the answer to playing on your laptop if you do not want to have other gadgets lying around. Is the dream dead by now?

Meet Sony's Power Media Dock for VAIO Z Series. Compact, yet powerful. Indeed, it removes the possibility of changing the GPU every now and then, but then it does not require PCI Express, thanks to the new USB 3.0 which is faster, and it works with the laptop's monitor only. Although it uses USB3.0, it has proprietary connection to the laptop of USB and power slot, thus it only works for the VAIO Z Series. However, the idea is notable.

 

Now, why is the idea all the more important now? Because of Windows 8 hybrids. The convertibles most of the time pack only Intel HD 4000, which may deter gamers and content creators from picking up due to fear of lags or worse, programs not running. ASUS Transformer Book is quite different as the salesperson said that the 13" and 14" would have the keyboard dock packed with discrete graphics. But, there are many more lying around such as Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro and Sony's very own VAIO Duo 11, especially that they have active digitizer which would mean a lot to artists. While each brand could have their own, this would mean trouble because changing laptops means impossibility to reuse the external GPU. This is a new market. An external GPU unit that works with any devices with Windows 8 and USB 3.0 would become a very great product.

So, who should produce it? Any manufacturer who could achieve that general GPU unit should be okay, but I think Razer might be the best manufacturer for this. Why? It does not side with any manufacturer. Furthermore, being specialised in gaming should make external GPU unit for gaming within its main focus. Also, Razer design has been slim and simple, looking at Razer Blade and the concept projects.

The market is there, especially now that the notebook market is spammed with laptop-tablet hybrids and convertibles. It will be a matter of who could see the potential first.

Other Links on Sony's Power Media Dock:
Sony VAIO Z with Power Media Dock - PC World Magazine New Zealand
Hands on with Sony's external graphic card: it's superb - PC Gamer

Razer: Project Fiona

I might be a little late updating the blog, but YEAY!! Razer's Project Fiona is on!!! The specs are announced. Below is the link to the news by Razer CEO himself on Facebook.

Razer: Project Fiona

I have been looking for a new laptop for a while now. I want to get those Windows 8 Hybrid, specifically the convertibles. Or at least the tablet form with Intel Core i series and no the Atom series and with Windows 8 instead of Windows RT. I had been eyeing Project Fiona, but no update came until the news above. I was looking at Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro, but it has no discrete graphic card which makes me hesitate due to the work I do. I looked into ASUS Transformer Book as well, but same as Project Fiona, no update on the device. Of course, there is Sony VAIO Duo 11 as well, but its stylus - in a preview video - was less responsive compared to the Smart PC Pro. Due to spec consideration, I moved my interest to Sony VAIO S series, because it is thin yet has powerful-enough graphic card, albeit not a tablet or other convertible form.  But Project Fiona now has it all: discrete graphic (at least for the spec sheet in the link above, and I voted for that as well ^.^) and tablet form. If you think it's a stupid device for the controller on the left and right, users have asked to make it detachable and yes, the link above stated Min-Liang has granted so. Here comes the wait~~~

Android Development

So, I started some Android Development Tutorial. You can find it here. Cheers :)

Android Development Tutorial

Phorce - Updated

I just added a widget on the sidebar on Phorce. *I have removed the widget* It's a Kickstarter project of a bag which can be carried in three ways and it has a battery which can charge most things charged through USB and also power Macbook Pro. Better watch the video yourself :D

PHORCE

 

This is not a paid content

Update:

The new Phorce could be used to charge most laptops and not just MacBook!! This also results in product delay, though.

Blog Design

Hi, I just changed the Blog design. The reason is that the Dynamic View (the cool tabs at the top and on the left side) is not a very good template for now. It loads slowly, and I could not display any widgets on the side. So I returned to more traditional view. Indeed, the design was cooler and simpler, but remember what Steve Jobs said, "Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works", and I found the traditional view works better overall.

Anyway, I still could not post any song cover because I still have no access to piano :( Now I am entering semester break and should post somethings soon (not sure about recording, probably some songs after I return home if I have time to record, One More Night and Missing Piece by David Choi (I put the video down below)) :)

If you have spare time, check out Wong Fu Productions on Youtube. They make love story videos. Yes, some are quite a generalization, but quite fun to watch :) Also, some of their comedies are funny. Beware! You will find a lot of Asians on their videos :)

Nokia Selling Its Headquarter

The news came to a shock to me.

There is no technology company in the world who has sold their HQ before they are out of business. So why would Nokia do it? The obvious reason would be they need cash.

Indeed the reason given was owning real estate was not their core business, but don't forget that every business needs an icon and a HQ is important. But that reason is acceptable. The problem is that the trouble ahead might be bigger. Firstly, as my mom always says, property prices would generally go up. They never go down unless under fluctuation or crisis. This is because in Economics (here we go again, school) scarcity drives price up, and as population and business grow, less space is available thus higher prices. This means Nokia would never be able to buy its HQ at the price they sold it. Secondly, the new owner of the HQ can really make big bucks. How? Just threaten Nokia that if they don't want to pay more, they need to get out. Unethical indeed, but that is the profit point of view. Would Nokia go out of their HQ? Most likely not, since every company must be proud of their HQ. Would they pay more? Most likely yes! What does that mean? They need to pay more whenever they need to renew the lease contract. This is true because as the property price goes up, the lease price would go up, too, because selling would be profitable thus if the lease price does not go up, it would be "unfair" to the property owner.

This is assuming the owner is really in the property business. Let's say the owner is a nice guy who just want to help Nokia. What if there are rival companies (you all should know) want to play the bad guys and offer a very high lease? If Nokia could not pay that much, they lose their HQ. If Nokia could pay that much, they just lose more money. Would Microsoft, Nokia's latest partner, help them pay? We would never know. So? I think the decision to sell the HQ is a desperate measure indeed which would only take place in times of danger, because it is quite irrational for the reasons above. Let's just hope Nokia stays in the game because they revolutionized mobile phone in the early mobile phone era, and we hope them to continue revolutionizing it.