The Ramblings of Rob Cooper: The Web

UI-Patterns.com - Worth a Look, Just Don't Look for "Patterns"

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:36:10 GMT

This site got a mention on MSDN's channel9, the title suggested (IMO) that it would focus on the software architecture revolving around the UI layer of an application. I thought this would be great, as a I do have a bit of an affinity for nice looking, "smart/rich client" applications that have great UI's.

I was a little disappointed to actually see the content, rather than a technical discussion around the architecture issues of effective UI design, it's more of an overview of elements that can make the user experience better. These include a few screenshots as well as an overview as to why to employ it etc.

However, it is a nicely laid out site, and can provide thought-provoking insight into what makes a "good UI". I would say don't let the title mislead you (maybe pattern was a bad term when faced with code punchers!). But, if you are looking to open your mind a bit and refresh your memory on those nice little features that can make your users lives easier, then definitely take a look!

O'Reilly - "Safari Books Online" - GO THERE NOW!

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:28:34 GMT

I came across a site on Bob's blog (http://bobdotnet.wordpress.com), this site is of course O'Reilly's "Safari Books Online" (Safari). I was skeptical at first, since it sounded too good to be true. They offer a free trial, so I figured "what the hell" and thought I would check it out.

Right... But what is it?

Well, Safari is basically an online technical library for us geek's. You have a virtual "bookshelf" that you can add books from the library to. You can then read the entire book online. You pay a monthly fee for access, and you can view as many books as you like (provided your bookshelf isn't full - see below).

I'm very impressed! The site is fantastic, its well laid out, there's a ton's of books available and I think the "bang for the buck" is great, I don't feel like I am not getting my "money's worth".

Here's a summary of how things work on the minimum subscription ($22.99pm - my current subscription):

Up to 10 books on your bookshelf at a time.
5x download tokens a month (and they carry over).
Many books available in "print fidelity" (i.e. see it how its printed on paper).
Books have a minimum shelf time.
Free trial (50 pages or a week, which ever sooner, I hit the 50 pages) :)
Up to 35% discount on the actual books.

Other things I like about Safari:

The search integration is great, when you are reading a book, you get recommendations that actually tie up to what you are reading.
When viewing in HTML view, key words are linked up to a global library to assist in figuring out any technical terms you are unfamiliar with.
They have a "Labs" feature which encourages involvement and feedback in new features they are developing.

There is bound to be a few features I have missed, so don't take these lists as gospel!

I already have a couple of books on my shelf to assist in my MCAD course, which are proving invaluable, as well as some reference books for when you need them. Some of these books are really expensive to purchase "as a reference" which you may not consult often, this solves that problem nicely!

So go check it out for yourself, have a free trial at "Safari Books Online"!

Technorati Tags: books,library,online,technical,software,references

A Warning to those "App-Happy" People on Facebook

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:39:21 GMT

I read an interesting blog entry this morning with regards to Facebook's privacy policy for applications developed for the Facebook platform.

I personally can't stand a lot of the applications on Facebook, but I thought I should pass this message along. As you can see in the blog post, you may be inadvertently opening your personal information up to the web by adding an application..

In a "thought experiment" the two conducted in the United States before visiting Australia, Howard said they managed to acquire enough information on one young user to steal her identity.

I think that sums the seriousness up quite enough.

Play safe!