Bryan's Weblog of Stuff

Windows Server 2003, Part 2
I went ahead and rebuilt my dev server late Saturday night with the final version of Windows Server 2003. Everything went smooth, as expected (this server has been running Windows Server 2003 since beta 1). Now I just need to load some of my web apps on it and start testing.

Now, if VS.NET 2003 would hurry up and RTM...

By Bryan at 1:43 PM , in Developer Stuff - Permalink
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Windows Server 2003
I've been running Windows Server 2003 RC2 on a dev server for some time, and have been eagerly awaiting RTM. After hearing yesterday that Windows 2003 Server had gone gold, I started keeping my eye out on the MSDN Subscriber downloads page for it. About mid-afternoon today, I logged on to see if the final version was there yet, and what do you know, it was!

I've pulled down the Standard Edition and the Web Edition. I'll probably pull down the Enterprise Edition tomorrow.

Thank goodness my MSDN Universal Subscription was just renewed.

By Bryan at 10:09 PM , in Technology - Permalink
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Searching The Weblog Part 2
I mentioned earlier that I was going to start on this this past weekend, but better late than never. Anyway, I've begun to play around with implementing search functionality for the weblog. At the moment it is a very basic search that matches everything entered, and only the body of an entry is searched.

You can see it for yourself over at what is becoming the testing ground for this site.

Of course I've got a few things to work out still, but the search functionality should find it's way into production shortly.

By Bryan at 6:21 PM , in Weblog Applications - Permalink
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Splishin' And A Splashin'
A little humor for all parents out there, but especially for newer parents.

FYI: If you are at work, or in a public place, put headphones on, or at least turn down the volume initially.

Enjoy!

Gruntin' n Dumpin Lil' Dumplin'

By Bryan at 9:05 AM , in Cool Stuff - Permalink
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Doing The Dual Monitor Thing
After reading Brad's post on working with a dual monitor setup, and after hearing good things about it from my friend Zach (no site at the moment), I decided to give it a whirl. Fortunately I had an extra monitor and video card, so I was able to try out the dual monitor setup without laying out any cash.

I don't have the two monitors situated ideally at the moment, but even so, I don't see how I will be able to not utilize this setup going forward. It just makes sense. So now I am going to look for a new monitor, most likely an LCD. Brad likes his new ViewSonic, and I've heard good things about the Samsung models.

For those of you who have made the switch from CRT to LCD, did you move down in viewable area, stay the same, or go up? If you moved down, are you happy with that decision, or do you wish that you'd have gone with a larger LCD? Are you using a dual monitor setup?

By Bryan at 2:21 PM , in Technology - Permalink
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Update: U of Texas Database Hack
This is an update to this post.

The following link provides the range of SSN's that might have been compromised.

https://www.utexas.edu/datatheft/affected.html

By Bryan at 2:56 PM , in Security - Permalink
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Does anyone implement search on their blogs? The .NET weblog systems I have seen don't, neither does Radio. But Sam Ruby's does. I would think that search would be a useful feature. Is it? If not, why not?
[Harry Pierson's DevHawk Weblog]

By Bryan at 9:10 AM , in Weblog Applications - Permalink
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University of Texas Database Compromised
Important information to be aware of if you are a current/former student or current/former employee of the University of Texas.

http://www.utexas.edu/datatheft/

By Bryan at 12:31 PM , in Security - Permalink
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New Look Archives
Previously, I discussed using the ASP.NET Calendar Control as an additional means of navigating my archives.

Since then, there has been a lot of talk about what is the best (or preferred) method for presenting archives and navigating them, and it seems that most people don't care for the calendar method (at least not as the only method).

Personally, I do like the Calendar method for navigating, as long as it isn't the only method. I especially like the ability to select a range of dates using the ASP.NET Calendar Control -- such as everything for a month, week, or day, so you aren't forced to click each individual day to view posts.

Anyway, I've always provided the ability to navigate archives by month using the simple Archives list you see on this page. I even show the number of posts for a given month. Prior to right now, clicking a link in the Archive list would display all the posts, in their entirety for that month. Now, I list only the titles of each post and provide a link to each individual post, as others have done.

I am not sure which presentation method I prefer. When you click an Archive link for a specific month, do you want to have all the posts right there in front of you, or do you prefer just to see their titles, and perhaps even a summary?

By Bryan at 3:39 PM , in Weblog Applications - Permalink
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My Inner Dragon

A SILVER Dragon Lies Beneath!

I took the Inner Dragon Online Quiz and found out I am a Silver Dragon on the inside. My Inner Dragon is to dragons what the Ranger is to humans. Like all metallic dragons, Silvers rigidly adhere to an internal code of conduct. Each Silver, however, must develop their code individually, a fact which explains their unique dispositions and actions. Silvers are often considered shadows dwelling on the periphery of dragon culture (much like human Rangers), but they can always be counted upon to speak the truth and help their allies. Because no one but a Silver knows what they'll do next, their alignment is "Chaotic Neutral."

Being a Silver isn't all shady head-games, though. I possess considerable intelligence and self-confidence (whether they manifest themselves or not :P ). Magic isn't really my bag, but I'm awfully good at slipping in and out undetected. Which, by the way, is probably due to my slightly-below-average size. My favorable attributes are dependability, durability, problem-solving, mist, and pewter. Like my human counterpart - the Ranger - I'm a superb weapons user and have an especially good command of my icy breath weapon. I know I might be tough to understand at times, but that's just my way.

By Bryan at 10:49 PM , in Cool Stuff - Permalink
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