Run Mono in Visual Studio

Visual Studio uses the Microsoft .NET Framework and doesn't seem to provide an easy way to use Mono. Well, here's an article to lead the way to easier Mono and Visual Studio integration. Part 2 of the article addresses some common errors. Thanks, Christopher Cyvas, for the great articles and templates!

See the auto-starting apps in Windows

Autoruns for Windows is a free tool from Microsoft to let you see what processes start up when you boot the OS. You can also disable individual items, though you should proceed with caution.

Adobe Strobe

Adobe will be highlighting a new technology effort called Strobe at the National Association of Broadcasters. Read more about it here: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Application-Development/Adobe-Delivers-New-Content-Creation-Delivery-and-Playback-Technologies-at-NAB-2009-267323/

Java's future unclear

Infoworld talks about Java's future under Oracle ownership: http://www.infoworld.com/d/open-source/java-we-know-it-doomed-298?source=NLC-DAILY

Update: Why Oracle's acquisition of Sun is good news for Microsoft.

Free Autodesk software for faculty/staff

You can get the powerful Autodesk software for free if you're a student or faculty: http://students8.autodesk.com/?nd=register

.NET SDK for Google API

Google has developed its .NET SDK for its various technologies (YouTube, Documents, Picasa): http://code.google.com/p/google-gdata/downloads/list

Download Microsoft software from DreamSpark

Microsoft is offering free downloads of many of its development and server products; the only requirement is for you to be a student. Go here to get such titles as Visual Studio 2008 Pro and SQL Server 2008 Developer: https://www.dreamspark.com/

Rich web app diagrams in Visio

This post walks you through creating a rich web app diagram in Visio 2003, along with a custom stencil for download.

Integrate Flex and JBoss Seam

Granite Data Services technology connects Flex and Java using an open source and free API. More code examples and a discussion are on the Seam Framework forum. Very promising technology, now out with Version 2.0.

Building n-tiered ASP.NET apps

A friend on the ASP.NET architecture forum pointed me to these great learning resources for building n-tiered Web apps:

• http://imar.spaanjaars.com/QuickDocId.aspx?quickdoc=416

• http://imar.spaanjaars.com/QuickDocId.aspx?quickdoc=476

• http://weblogs.asp.net/dwahlin/archive/2007/02/05/video-creating-an-n-layer-asp-net-application.aspx

• http://weblogs.asp.net/dwahlin/archive/2008/02/28/building-an-n-layer-asp-net-application-with-linq-lambdas-and-stored-procedures.aspx

Thanks, ScottyB :)

3DS Max + After Effects + 150 Euros = Amazing film

Tim Smit, a Dutch student, has assembled an amazing short film titled What's in the box? using some off-the-shelf software and a small budget. He's already getting contacted by major Hollywood studios:

Embed HD YouTube videos

A great blog post on HD YouTube embedding.

Coding inspiration

Coding isn't just about syntax, IDEs, design patterns, frameworks... It's also about inspiration. To get you going when you need a lift, here are a few pieces of music that get my brain working. What's some music you enjoy while working?

Requiem For A Dream - jared leto

End Of All Hope - Nightwish