March 26, 2008
Programmers Create Computer Crash Recorder
Life rarely offers the opportunity for a corrective second shot; on the playground there is the “do-over” and the golf course the ”Mulligan”. Two software developers have created an instant replay application that allows software designers to “proofread” their programs live and “records” any crashes from bugs in the system. Follow the link for the full story from the New York Times.
Home computer users may have a long wait for a similar product so in the mean time follow the simple advice to prevent a disastrous loss of your data: back-up, back-up, and back-up. Backing up your data onto an external hard drive or burning back-up CDs will give a baseline for recovery from if your computer crashes.
For advice on preventing computer crashes and instruction on creating back up discs and using external hard drives consult the book Troubleshooting Your PC for Dummies. Recent articles from Forbes (hardcopy available at HPL) and David Pogue’s NYT column (follow the link) offer further options in hard drives and back up software.
Posted by hinsdalereference at 4:02 PM
March 14, 2008
Starbucks Saves Lives
Baristas, like bartenders, get to know their regulars. Sometimes this interaction leads to a deeper friendship, as is the case with Starbucks barista, Sandie Anderson and patron Annamaries Ausnes. Starbucks, or rather their employee -- Sandie Anderson really saved Ms Ausnes’ live by donating a kidney. Read the story as reported on EfluxMedia.
Then there’s Michael Gates Gill’s more metaphorical salvation through employment -- How Starbucks Saved My Life. Gates’ home life and career were in the dumpster when he filed an application at Starbucks. Working with a much younger and ethnically diverse workforce he discovers the joy of the daily grind.
Posted by hinsdalereference at 10:41 AM