The Firefox is coming, the firefox is coming

The next version of Firefox (3) is released tomorrow. Highly recommended everyone use it. Has improved phishing detection, faster and nifty new features.

Skype: Look for alternatives

I don't like Skype and I never have. It's nothing personal. I'm just disappointed that it is 2008 and the IM/VoIP consumer market is a fractured group of un-interoperable proprietary protocols. Add in ISPs (or in my case a uni) that doesn't get the idea of the internet (dumb network people!) and blocked ports etc. (in my case everything but HTTP/HTTPS) so I can't use Jabber/XMPP or SIP (without proxies) and it's even worse.

The best hope for the future seems to be Google actually putting some muscle into Google Talk and their acquisition of Grand Central. Or some other startup doing it for them. I sincerely look forward to when Skype is just one minor player in a inter-operating commodity market and VoIP is not considered novel.

So it's no secret that I don't love Skype. But it does work. And by misbehaving it manages to get around the brain dead internet access policies of many places. And with the above caveats I've been reasonably pleased with Skype and with family/friends around the world I've used their (paid for) SkypeOut facility to good effect.

But despite me being a good, paying customer Skype seems determined to drive me away. Two weeks ago I found that Skype had blocked my ability to use SkypeOut saying "Your SkypeOut Account has been blocked." Thanks. No warning. I have paid Skype money for SkypeOut facilities that I can't use.

But these things happen right. So I posted a support request. And another one. And another one. I've posted in the Skype forums (apparently I'm not the only one with these problems). I have heard nothing official from Skype and judging from other comments in the forums it could be awhile yet. Meanwhile my purchase Skype credit creeps towards expiring and Skype enjoys a small interest free loan on my money.

Skype seems to have forgotten a rather basic rule of business. When you take someone's money in return for providing a service, then provide the service or give the money back. Please, someone, develop a credible alternative to Skype. You'll have my business!! Unfortunately, I've yet to find a nice alternative to Skype that works behind my uni firewall so I'll keep trying to get it fixed. But my customer loyalty is negative.

Unfortunately I don't know of any really compelling replacements for Skype that works in most internet situations (where every internet provider takes it upon themselves to randomly block a few ports) so you may be best to use Skype. But my advice, if you can find an alternative, use it, particularly if it is standards compliant. Some options Google Talk (can't call POTS numbers) or the Gizmo project.

Bottom line: Dance on their grave when they go out of business and get replaced by a standard.

Recommended RAM supplier: Upgradeable.com.au

I have purchased RAM twice from Upgradeable.com.au. Both times they have offered excellent prices, free shipping, prompt delivery and clear communication.

If you are in Australia and in need of a RAM upgrade (often a cheap way of extending the lifetime of a computer) check them out.

Bottom line: Highly recommended.

Don't buy from Asys Computers

I've had a few markedly contrasting consumer experiences recently so I've decided to make them public in case they are helpful for others.

First up ASYS Computers (www.asys.com.au). I attempted to buy a router from them - I was initially told it should ship in 5 days (my credit card was charged on purchase). The product never shipped. They took weeks to respond to emails and in the end I obtained a refund through my credit card company.

Bottom line: Don't buy!!!

Sage - open source MATLAB/Mathematica

I cannot believe I have never heard of Sage before (see also the online version). It is very cool. This is a cool and seemingly mature open source alternative to Mathematica/MATLAB etc. Python based, with a slick web interface.

I wonder when Google Docs will open up to let 3rd parties incorporate file-types - it would fit right in.

HT: Michael Nielson

The mongrel mob in NZ

I've just finished watching Ross Kemp's documentary on the NZ mongrel mob
Part 1, 2, 3 (Warning: This contains descriptions of disturbing violence)

I think overall Ross manages to make the documentary about understanding the mob more than simple sensationalism and therefore worth watching. I never knew the origins on the mob or much about changes modern recreational drugs were having.

I wasn't sure how to react. Sadness? Anger? Empathy? But I think actually this documentary exposes hope. The mob form from a dissatisfaction with the way society is and a need for strong friendship, a search for loyalty, respect and a place to belong. Heartbreakingly, this leads them to band together in a grab for power. Thoughtless, violent short-term efforts to gain respect (through violent intimidation, forced sex) and fulfillment (drugs) abound. But underneath all that, are people, needy humans trying to solve their problems. I don't have answers, but that gives me hope that there is some.

In considering the origins of the mob as hurt, abused, social welfare kids I thought of the positive. Those who do show love and acceptance to hurting children, far more than any police drug raid, are solving NZ's gang problems.

PS. It's not clear to me how trying to ban gang patches is anything other than a pointless infringement of freedom of expression (giving local councils the unilateral ability to designate a group as a gang is problematic, to say the least) and that will have little effect on the gangs who are already openly at war with society and the law.

My hero, Horton

I meant what I said, and I said what I meant.
An elephant's faithful, one hundred per cent!

Dr Seuss' Horton