Channel 9 - Discussions by clint_hill

Coffeehouse - Microsoft Security Alert, here's where to go

clint_hill — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 00:28:30 GMT

Charles wrote:

You want a 100% secure browser, 100% secure operating system, 100% secure Internet? Well, then don't connect to the Internet.

This is the comment that sent me down the road I went. And to be very clear, I am in no way trying to be the ungrateful end-user. I was simply trying to point out that comments like the one above can get really twisted (obviously as I am victim). Even scobleizer mentions all the time how ASCII can get twisted.

More to the point, I really like hearing from the MS folks especially from behind the curtain. This site is exactly what I would want to see and hear. I am a fan of MS tools and products. But when I see comments like the one above it makes me think MS (and yes Charles I am picking on you) folks are just tired of us "stupid users" wanting our cake and eating it too. And I know there are humans behind the curtain scobleizer, I wouldn't have thought otherwise, yet it is the caliber of human that I would expect. I know it takes time as I said I am a developer too. To reiterate my thoughts from earlier, it seems to me you should be considering solutions, and if nothing else saying "we're working on it." Don't tell us to not use the internet.

And you guys are allowed to be informal, please do. But you have to realize you're sitting in the castle and we don't know what goes on back there behind the walls.

Lastly, Charles, scobleizer I would like to say that the responsiveness of MS from this site is truly a credit to you channel 9 guys. I consider you the gatekeepers and appreciate your efforts to put together this site. Just be easy on the "stupid end users" because we pay the money to use the products that your company sells to be able to pay your checks.

Coffeehouse - Microsoft Security Alert, here's where to go

clint_hill — Sat, 26 Jun 2004 04:22:17 GMT

Charles, with all due respect listen to what you are saying. You are providing this forum to us to voice our opinion. To hear the cockpit and also talk back. Now, when you guys open your mouth about another security patch and we respond not so pleasantly - you say more or less to shut up and stop whining.

Hear me out because I am a software engineer and I know what it is to debug something in production and also get all clients updated. My point is MS is a company that I think would be unrivaled in intelligence (at least that is what I would suspect). Wouldn't you listen to these comments and say "hmm, how do we get things done quicker?" or think to yourself this is an interesting challenge and wonder how to attack it? From your replies I would sense you are tired of hearing the "whining" and wanting someone to give you a break. No breaks in software development. This is a job you signed up for, and now you need to take your medicine.

You don't want to hear us challenge MS or it's products - don't participate in your own site.

How does that feel coming from me? Maybe now you can walk in our mocassins a mile.

Tech Off - File Cache/Storage dilemna

clint_hill — Fri, 28 May 2004 20:02:47 GMT

Thanks for the reply. I agree the FS/Meta in SQL is probably the best, and for reasons you outline specifically holding up the SQL resource for the download. But I find that really isn't as much of the problem as is the stream to the client. Performance aside I am finding that PDF files actually "request" twice? Here is the handler I built to accomodate file extensions and for PDF and SWF files, I am showing two hits to this handler?

public void ProcessRequest(HttpContext context)

HttpResponse response = context.Response;

string fileName = context.Request.QueryString["FileName"].ToString();

if(fileName.IndexOf(".doc") > 0) response.ContentType = "application/msword";

if(fileName.IndexOf(".pdf") > 0) response.ContentType = "application/pdf";

if(fileName.IndexOf(".jpg") > 0) response.ContentType = "image/jpeg";

if(fileName.IndexOf(".gif") > 0) response.ContentType = "image/gif";

if(fileName.IndexOf(".swf") > 0) response.ContentType = "application/x-shockwave-flash";

if(fileName.IndexOf(".xls") > 0) response.ContentType = "application/vnd.ms-excel";

DateTime start = DateTime.Now;

System.IO.FileStream file = new System.IO.FileStream(fileName, System.IO.FileMode.Open);;

long bytesize = file.Length;

byte[] buffer = new byte[(int)bytesize];

file.Read(buffer, 0, (int)bytesize);

file.Close();

response.BinaryWrite(buffer);

response.Flush();

DateTime end = DateTime.Now;

FileCaching.FileCache fileCache = new FileCacheing.FileCaching.FileCache();

fileCache.Log(fileName,bytesize,end.Subtract(start).ToString(),FileCaching.WorkType.SelectFromFolder);

}

So now I have two hits to the FS? Is there something I am missing here? (Disregard the FileCaching it's only stubbed out right now).

Tech Off - File Cache/Storage dilemna

clint_hill — Thu, 27 May 2004 15:33:52 GMT

I have an application that I am working on that is on the front end of implementing some file storage. The choices I have are to store the files in SQL (Image type) and retrieve accordingly or to store the file on a network share and store meta info in the SQL DB. So, my question isn't which method is easier, but which method has the most advantage? My key points of consideration are for availability, performance and re-usability since this will probably end up being SOA. I have a rough assumption of average file size (1MB) - typically PDF, and being accessed roughly 100's of times a day if not more. My major concern is building a performant downloading utility for accessing these files.

Any good suggestions?

Tech Off - Interfaces

clint_hill — Fri, 21 May 2004 05:11:28 GMT

Sure, but if you take good care of the interfaces that this abstract class has originally and just add features to the abstract class, aren't you getting best of breed?

Tech Off - smart XML logging

clint_hill — Fri, 21 May 2004 04:59:20 GMT

Interesting. So what I'm thinking is your asking if IM would have events listening to the text to see if "phone" or "mobile number" come up and when they do, the next reply will be encapsulated with the tag.

I would say that is a tough call. I would think that SmartTag type of technology could help you there, yet I don't think it would be 100% successful.

Then again, I don't work at MSFT.

Tech Off - Error Handling, use exceptions?

clint_hill — Fri, 21 May 2004 04:54:04 GMT

Exception handling is a tough topic to corral. I now work in a large development environment and even they have yet to formalize a standard exception handling methodology.

IMO, your code should reflect two things when considering exceptions:

1. Possible data entry
2. Possible data corruption

And the key word is obviously "possible". If you cover all possible entries (checking for type safety etc.) and then check for computational correctness then exception handling becomes very small in scale. This is the core. Find the exception. How you deliver it should be flexible. Log files, emails, bubble to the client and blue screen are all effective in getting the point across. (sarcasm on the bsod).

By no means am I an expert. And hardly a "seasoned" exception guru. But I follow this standard in all of my code. And some days it means I do hundreds of drivers for my objects with different data scripts until I find one that bugs out. Then I catch it, and start over. I like to think that if my applications actually get exceptions thrown (and they do without fail), I would hope to see what data caused it cause I will go to the source, add the catch and recompile.

Tech Off - Interfaces

clint_hill — Fri, 21 May 2004 04:40:04 GMT

Thanks for all the feedback. And I will admit, I still don't like the idea of interfaces. I see the beauty of sharing "behaviors", yet I find it so limiting when change-management rolls in to the picture.

hurcane wrote:

If you're dealing with public interfaces that are going to be used by people over whom you have no influence, you must be very careful about the design because it truly becomes a "contract" once it is implemented by others.

And so I would wonder how might there be a way to still get the advantages of interfaces yet keep the flexibility of classes. Abstract comes to mind and I was wondering how you guys play this into your designs?

Coffeehouse - Does anyone actually watch the videos?

clint_hill — Fri, 21 May 2004 04:36:00 GMT

Button on the bottom right.

Coffeehouse - Visual Studio is just way too expensive!

clint_hill — Wed, 19 May 2004 19:55:31 GMT

Lowrez wrote:

We presume that anyone can learn an IDE and we only worry that you know the languages we use and that you have some other knowledge that is useful to our team.

I agree 100%. Now that isn't to say that I don't get impressed when someone says I use Emacs totally. I just beleive that the knowledge of the language/architecture is king and the IDE you use is semantic.

Coffeehouse - GILLETTe's spy shelf photographs CUSTOMERS!!

clint_hill — Wed, 19 May 2004 19:50:41 GMT

RFID is great when it is used the way Wal-Mart wants it. To expidite operations in distribution centers and streamline inventory counts. This example is just bad.

Tech Off - Interfaces

clint_hill — Wed, 19 May 2004 19:41:40 GMT

Thanks guys. As I read your replies I see my actual question with interfaces is this: what happens when updates need to occur to interfaces?

So I see how two disparate objects retain uniformity of behavior. But now lets say I add a behavior to the interface like so:

public interface IObject
{
   void Save();   //original
   void Delete(); //original
   void Copy();   //NEW Behavior
}

This will require me to go to any object implementing this interface and add logic. I see this as a bad methodology and I was curious how people would get around this. Would you even change the interface or just change the derived objects?

And for arguments sake lets say this scenario happens because in a release test of an app a business rule changed and required this type of change.

Tech Off - Interfaces

clint_hill — Wed, 19 May 2004 17:19:23 GMT

I am interested to find out what the opinion is of using interfaces for your objects. And secondly, how is it used. Does it benefit change management or does it protect object definition?

I have never really created interfaces for any of the objects I have built - I just never saw a need. Any opinion on this would be great.

Coffeehouse - .NET and ColdFusion MX

clint_hill — Wed, 19 May 2004 06:16:39 GMT

Sweet. I'm not a CF fan, but used it back in the 4.5 days.

Do you get published often?

Coffeehouse - Internal Channel 9 Team Email Thread on Content Planning

clint_hill — Wed, 19 May 2004 06:13:47 GMT

To the point: You're right on target with the scope of the content.

I think there can be an overwhelming sense to improve from yesterdays work when a project takes off like this one has. I know I get the same way, I don't like the code I wrote yesterday and want to scrap it and start over and make it entirely different.

This is great, and keeps progress alive. However, keep chuggin with what you have. Let is simmer a little bit longer. The interviews are getting better (vid quality and content). Certainly you guys need your internal processes, but what I see I like.

For Lenn not being on IM. I wouldn't know how you do it. I have very few "friends" and even fewer contacts and still I get at least 10 IM's by 9:30am. Keep it up brother.

So all that to say this: I would love to see "a day in the life". Follow a developer for a day. Not an 8 hour documentary, but a 20 minute with cutaways to different times of the day.

Tech Off - Exception using CreateProcessWithLogonW from ASP.NET

clint_hill — Tue, 18 May 2004 02:40:01 GMT

You may want to look into PrincipalPermission and Principal under the System.Security namespace. Look into Impersonate() method. There is a good example of this in MSDN library.

Coffeehouse - possible idea..

clint_hill — Mon, 17 May 2004 14:00:07 GMT

tinytiger wrote:

We could compete to accomplish the best possible solution to a particular problem, backed by design and coding. The competitions could even be for things used by the Channel 9 site, something practical.

Best idea yet. This could be just like the silly Pet Stores MS and Sun demo with. But rather a measured competition for completeness, performance, fewest lines of codes etc.

Tech Off - Future Suggestions for Windows Services

clint_hill — Mon, 17 May 2004 13:50:25 GMT

I agree with you, the Service Controller should have some better organization ability. You would think this would have been a natural decision as this is kind of the core management tool on a server. However, I still think you could quickly (within a day or so) build yourself a really nice tool to take care of your needs specifically your desire to organize the processes in a single service.

Sometimes it's just better if you do it yourself.

Tech Off - Future Suggestions for Windows Services

clint_hill — Mon, 17 May 2004 01:45:07 GMT

You guys should check out System.EnterpriseServices namespace. I think all of your complaints can be developed by yourself. ServiceController class is an object you can use to communicate to all of the services on the machine.

As for seperation of services you build vs. system services it is probably typical that you would see the login as the best way to seperate them. Local System login is usually reserved for system services. Not to say you can't use it yourself. However ServiceController also has a ServiceType enum that will provide the type of service, further ability to filter them.

Coffeehouse - Videos during work hours only?

clint_hill — Sat, 15 May 2004 15:15:12 GMT

lenn wrote:

It was a sight to see ... but I am not going back to those days ... no way.

Ditto. I love the idea of being able to open emacs up -> code -> compile -> run an app, just because I can. It makes me feel like I still got it.

I thought more about the projector idea and I came to the conclusion, it would be pretty cool. Make the interview a two part type of thing. I know this is starting to reak of MSDN TV, but I really like that First part is the intro to the content, second part is the code. But more important to me is if the Eric or Bill Hill types would walk us through what they do when they sit down to do work. Not answering emails or jotting down meeting notes (keep that stuff away from me) but when they roll up their sleeves and peck at the keyboard.

Call it stalking, I would love to see how they work.

Coffeehouse - possible idea..

clint_hill — Sat, 15 May 2004 05:52:49 GMT

I thinkn Prodev brings up a key point. Government. I totally think tackling this sites development as a community rocks. I would have time, desire and skill to lend. However, my concern would be the utter chaos of managing developers from far reaching corners. It is tough enough in the company that I just left with developers in 4 time zones.

My thoughts would be towards a more refined goal. Columns by us, monthly Editors Note (one of us being the monthly editor), and submission of videos from us with our questions or better yet.....aah this just hit me! When I have code that just doesn't work, it always without fail works when someone else is looking over my shoulder. SO - submit a video of you at your screen doing a bit of uncooperative code and submit it as a question. Granted it can't be something you need answered right away, but maybe it is a piece of code you are developing for this. Then we get a chance to see how other developers work. We have already shown an interest in everyones workspace. Now shows us you in your workspace doing your code. Escpecially if you have troublesome code.

Personally, I think that ideas got some legs.

Coffeehouse - Videos during work hours only?

clint_hill — Sat, 15 May 2004 05:20:52 GMT

I thought about that after I posted. That is a tough call. But how about a more midieval approach. Get a projector up on the wall and video that? With laptops and projector quality going up it couldn't be that bad. The monitor might be a bad call to video, but the project might do the trick.

Now this means a little more preparation, but I am sure you guys have tons of time right?

The reason I mention the code is I watched a MSDN TV episode with Chris and Don talking about xaml "XAML Beyond the basics". Now the content was predictable. What wasn't however is the fact that Chris (or maybe Don) was using Emacs.

I had always and now incorrectly assumed that at MSFT VS was dogfood. But clearly here I saw Emacs. This made me very interested so much so that I downloaded Emacs again and started over with it. Hadn't done this since school.

Coffeehouse - Why people build things for free

clint_hill — Sat, 15 May 2004 04:48:16 GMT

Maybe I'm confused. What does a new Linux box and copying 98 have to do with .

To clarify my point I meant that as an individual developer I might not have the backing to publish my self commercially as opposed to a Microsoft. So with that said maybe as an individual developer I would try creating something that will change everything about the industry. I wasn't as much attacking MS as much as I was agreeing with the comment about Bill Gates from the zdnet article.

Coffeehouse - Videos during work hours only?

clint_hill — Sat, 15 May 2004 00:11:43 GMT

Man the quanity of the videos aren't the issue. I think two a day is great. Maybe it is just me, but I love seeing code. Can we get the interviewees to show some code. Put their money where there mouth is?

Coffeehouse - This is not nice

clint_hill — Sat, 15 May 2004 00:07:34 GMT

I think Jamies funny. I find amusement in trying to figure out if he is drunk or not.