Rodrigo Henriques ~ Information Technology and Services

Get The New Google Bar

2011-12-03T14:45:00.001+00:00

Here are a few steps on how to get the new Google Service Bar NOW.

ON CHROME

Open the browser and visit any google page.
Press the following keys to open the browser console:

Ctrl+Shift+J (Windows)
Cmd+Alt+J (Mac)

On the console Tab paste the following code and press enter:

document.cookie="PREF=ID=03fd476a699d6487:U=88e8716486ff1e5d:FF=0:LD=en:CR=2:TM=1322688084:LM=1322688085:S=McEsyvcXKMiVfGds; path=/; domain=.google.com";window.location.reload();

Refresh the page and the new layout will be available.

ON FIREFOX

Open the browser and visit any google page.
Press the following keys to open the browser console:

Ctrl+Shift+K (Windows)
Cmd+Shift+K (Mac)

On the console Tab paste the following code and press enter:

document.cookie="PREF=ID=03fd476a699d6487:U=88e8716486ff1e5d:FF=0:LD=en:CR=2:TM=1322688084:LM=1322688085:S=McEsyvcXKMiVfGds; path=/; domain=.google.com";window.location.reload();

Refresh the page and the new layout will be available.

ON SAFARI

Open the browser and visit any google page.
Press the following keys to open the browser console:

Alt+Cmd+C (Mac)

On the console Tab paste the following code and press enter:

document.cookie="PREF=ID=03fd476a699d6487:U=88e8716486ff1e5d:FF=0:LD=en:CR=2:TM=1322688084:LM=1322688085:S=McEsyvcXKMiVfGds; path=/; domain=.google.com";window.location.reload();

Refresh the page and the new layout will be available.

Enjoy...

Get Facebook Timeline (Developer Preview)

2011-11-24T20:29:00.001+00:00

A couple of days ago Facebook announced a new layout - Timeline - for those who want to test this layout it's possible to do so, all you have to do is follow the next steps:

In Facebook search for "Developer".
Enable Developer Mode.

Go to the developers app.
Create a new app. This is done to verify the Platform Privacy agreement. Give the app any display name and namespace, your app will no be available for anyone.
Read through and agree to the Platform Privacy agreement.
Go to your app main screen. The app name should be on the top of the page.
Click the link "Get started using Open Graph", then create a action for your app. (this will be private, only visible to you)

Click trough the settings pages, there should be three of them.
And you are done. Once you go back to your profile there should be an invite to try the "Timeline". Sometimes it takes a wile for the invite to show.
Have fun with the new layout.

Source

Get the new Youtube layout NOW !!!

2011-11-24T19:04:00.001+00:00

Here are a few steps on how to get the new youtube layout NOW. This will only work on Firefox or Chrome.

ON CHROME

Open the browser and visit the youtube page.
Press the following keys to open the browser console:

Ctrl+Shift+J (Windows)
Cmd+Alt+J (Mac)

On the console Tab paste the following code and press enter:

document.cookie="VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE=ST1Ti53r4fU";

Refresh the page and the new layout will be available.

ON FIREFOX

Open the browser and visit the youtube page.
Press the following keys to open the browser console:

Ctrl+Shift+K (Windows)
Cmd+Shift+K (Mac)

On the console Tab paste the following code and press enter:

document.cookie="VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE=ST1Ti53r4fU";

Refresh the page and the new layout will be available.

New Youtube Layout

[Mac Game] UberStrike

2011-11-07T23:27:00.001+00:00

If you are a FPS enthusiast and own a Mac you have to try UberStrike. This game, developed by Cmune, reminds me a little of Unreal Tournament with it's frenetic and non-stop action.

Despite not being as graphically powerful as other games launched recently, UberStrike is very adictive. UberStrike has several maps, a wide variety of weapons and character customization. There are two basic weapons a bat and a machine-gun, in order to have other weapons available you must earn money to buy them (they will only be available for a pre-determined period of time after which you have to buy them again), however during the game there are some available in the map. The only advantage of buying weapons is that you can use them right from the start.

Initially you have to do a training session and level up to be able to enter in multiplayer games. This allows the player to learn the basics about UberStrike and know some of the maps.

There isn't much more to say about the game, here is a little review and gameplay of it:

In conclusion have to say that I'm pretty much addicted to the game, its quite interesting and amusing despite all its limitations. Give it a try, besides its free.

UberStrike Homepage

Useful Mac OS X Applications II

2011-10-30T15:05:00.002+00:00

Here is another set of applications for Mac OS Lion X. Some of these applications are available at the App Store however i suggest visiting their website for more information before installing.

Evernote

Evernote is a powerful application. Evernote allows the user to create text notes, save snapshots, clip web pages, and take audio notes. This software uses technology to help users organize various types of information from several different sources into one, central, web-based location. The product also allows users to clip web pages and archive them for later reference, store screen shots, photos and text notes, all within a customizable storage system.

The software contains several different ways to categorize information, such as Tags, Note Titles and Notebooks. Evernote allows the user to keep track of several projects at once with the “Notebooks” feature. The user creates and titles a notebook, then can further organize the information within that notebook with “tags.”

With Evernote, you can access your notes from any computer that has Internet capabilities. The interface is similar to the desktop version. It's possible to share notebooks with either individuals or the whole world.

In conclusion, Evernote is a powerful organizational tool that increases your efficiency by organizing all those little bits of information you gather.

coconutBattery

coconutBattery is a nice application for monitoring your mac battery status. Providing such information as:

Current charge
Maximum charge
Current capacity
Battery temperature
Design capacity
Mac model
Age of your mac
Battery loadcycles
Battery power usage

coconutBattery

AppCleaner

One of Mac Os problem, in my view, is that it does not have an built in application for removing apps. You can find only several applications to solve this problem, my favorite is AppCleaner for its simplicity and ease to use.

AppCleaner

Clean My Mac

Clean my Mac is a powerful maintenance solution. This application has a set of tools as:

Cache Cleaner - cleans your mac cache, improving your browsing speed.
Logs Cleaner - removes unnecessary log files increasing your disk free space.
System Junk - removes files that are left behind by removed applications.
Trash and Leftovers - Removes unnecessary files and folders from your Mac.
Application Uninstaller - Uninstall aplications and associated files.

This application has over 50 features however its a payed application.

Clean My Mac

Useful Mac OS X Applications

2011-10-25T22:17:00.003+01:00

Here is a small list of applications for Mac OS Lion X with a little review. Some of these applications are available at the App Store however i suggest visiting their website for more information before installing.

Dropbox

Despite the launch of iCloud by Apple, Dropbox is still the reference service for cloud Sync, Share and Web Access. Dropbox supports Windows, Mac, Linux and has available a mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry.

The basic account offers freely 2GB that can be increased by inviting others to join. You get 250MB for each friend that joins Dropbox. You can buy additional space trough a monthly fee.

Dropbox provides file sharing and synchronization between all computers were the application is installed. It also allows file sharing and/or folders from your dropbox with others. Dropbox allows web access to all your data with a SSL protection and file encryption amount other security measures.

There are other services similar to dropbox, one must choose according to ones necessities. Still i recommend dropbox.

Dropbox

Wunderlist

Wunderlist is a very complete and easy to use task manager. It allows you to share your lists with friends through e-mail. All your list can be stored in the cloud so that you don't lose important data.

Supports Windows, Linux, Mac Os, iPhone, iPad, Android.

Wunderlist

Textual

For everyone that still uses IRC. Textual is a lightweight IRC client for Mac Os X. With easy-to-use functionality and a very simple design is great for novice users. Textual has support for scripting for advanced users.

Textual

iStat Menus

iStat Menus is a great application for monitoring your mac. It provides system monitoring tools: CPU (processes your CPUs are performing), Memory (monitors memory usage), Drives (available disk space and read/write data rates), Network (network bandwidth and usage, Sensors (watch the temperature of your Mac’s components), Date & Time (expanded features for the standard Date & Time menu display).

iStat Menus

Onyx

OnyX is a multifunction utility for Mac OS X. It allows you to verify the Startup Disk and the structure of its System files, to run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, to configure the hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock and of some of Apple's own applications, to delete caches, to remove a certain number of files and folders that may become cumbersome and more.

Onyx

Deeper

Deeper is a customization utility for Mac that enables or disables hidden functions of file managers such as Finder, Dock and applications like Spotlight, iTunes. The utility is considered as a lighter version of Onyx.

Deeper

Autodesk SketchBook Express

Autodesk SketchBook Express for Mac is a drawing application allowing you to use professional-grade tools and brushes to create and save images to your Mac. It's a very simple yet complete application. If you can't afford Photoshop or Corel Draw this a nice replacement, however its not as complete as the previous mentioned applications.

Autodesk SketchBook Express

[How To] Use iChat with Facebook

2011-10-17T22:05:00.002+01:00

Using iChat to contact with your Facebook friends is relatively easy.
First open iChat, then Preferences. Then do as follows:

select as account type - Jabber
set account name as "facebook_username@chat.facebook.com"
set your Facebook password
in server option add "chat.facebook.com"
use port 5222
click done and you are set.

In case you do not know your Facebook username, then just visit your one profile and the browsers url should be something like "https://www.facebook.com/username".

Facebook account in iChat

[How To] iChat with Gmail

2011-10-17T22:05:00.001+01:00

Using iChat to contact with your Gmail friends is relatively easy.

First open iChat, then Preferences. Then do as follows:

select as account type - Jabber
set account name as your gmail account name
set your gmail password
in server option add "talk.google.com"
use port 5223
enable the "use ssl" option
click done and you are set.

Gmail in iChat

Outsystems's Agile Platform - Development Platform

2011-10-12T16:00:00.000+01:00

Overview
In recent years we have witnessed the emergence of various technologies for application development. OutSystems has developed a platform, the Agile Platform, promising to speed development of web applications and does not require much knowledge of programming according to OutSystems.
This development platform has been widely adopted by a large number of companies such as Via Verde, Edp, Turismo de Portugal, Sata, TNT, ANA, Brisa, Cofidis, Ok Tele Seguros, Reffer, Sonaecom, among others.
The OutSystems Platform begins with a set of tools and services that fully automate the process of creating enterprise applications that integrate with existing systems and reach users through web, email, and mobile user interfaces.

Agile Platform Overview

The Agile Platform also provides support for developing Workflows. This means that while developing applications with Service Studio you will be able to use user interactions flows in order to describe and keep end-user navigation patterns across the application. Application pages are represented, as well as transitions and actions that take place upon user interaction. You can also easily grant or revoke the access rights of multiple user profiles to each of the pages and transitions.

Service Studio
Service Studio is the base of the Agile Platform, it's where applications are developed. Service Studio lets you design and preview the user interface of your applications using what Outsystems calls "WYSIWIG" (What You See Is What You Get) editor. It offers a wide set of visual elements that you can drag'n'drop into web pages to retrieve, display, and transform information at your discretion, based on your end-user requirements.
In order to accomplish that an approach with the design of Business rules that is very easy to learn was made. These rules are designed using familiar constructs like conditions, cycles, nested calls, assignments, queries, and a wide range of other pre- packaged or visual building blocks.

The Agile Platform was designed to be a composition tool for heterogeneous business services and data. Service Studio facilitates the whole pipeline of data handling, transformation, and composition, whether you are getting data from one system to send to another or are mixing data from multiple data sources to present in a unified user interface.
Another great advantage of the Agile Platform is the creation of multilingual applications. By providing a series of tools to generate, extract, and load multiple resource files to be used at runtime to present data and content in multiple languages to users, it allows developers to freely develop entire applications in one language, and then generate and extract each text element for translation.
The Agile Platform allows multiple developers working on the same application, when publishing the application it's possible to "merge" the existing version on the Service Center with the version developed. To do so a screen with all the differences is presented and developers only have to select what they what to keep and to change.
The Agile Platform also allows to runtime debug and follow, step-by-step, the execution of the application for the purpose of identifying and correcting errors. When developing its possible to developers to import functions and other components from other applications (eSpaces) reducing code duplication.

Integration Studio
Integration Studio is an integration tool that enables the extension of Service Studio through the creation of custom adapters to integrate any class of APIs, databases, or enterprise application platforms.
Integration Studio has a built-in set of tools and wizards to integrate functionality from multiple systems into developed applications without resorting to low level API programming and extensive testing. It also provides a very simple and user friendly WebServices support, where developers are able to Consume and expose functionalitys as standard Web Services.
The Integration Studio also allows developers to easily connect to SalesForce.com, Microsoft Dynamics, Siebel accounts. The OutSystems Community developed hundreds of integration adapters to connect multiple ERPs, CRMs, external databases, EAIs, CMSs, GIS, portals, and many other proprietary technologies increasing compatibility with other systems.

Service Center
Service Center is the centralized management console that coordinates the administration, monitoring, auditing, operation, and deployment of all applications, services, integration adapters, and any other resources.
The Service Center integrates all configuration and versioning information about each application. All applications are stored in Service Center's version repository. As an Application Manager or System Administrator, developers can use Service Center to decide which version of the application must be running in the production environment. This allows developers to easily go back to a stable version or retrieve functions removed from the current version.

Community
A major advantage of the Agile Platform is the existing community where questions are solved, and knowledge and extensions shared. The community also serves as a way for OutSystems to maintain direct contact with developers in order to know the problems that have arisen and suggestions for future versions of the platform.

Conclusion
In conclusion the Agile Platform is a powerful tool for developing web applications however the development costs can become prohibitive for small businesses. The support given by the OutSystems community is a great advantage, as well as the existing extensions.
The OutSystems Agile Platform has much more features than the ones referred, give it a try and post what you think of it.

Outsystems
Community

Source Code

2011-09-09T01:44:00.000+01:00

Source Code is a very interesting movie. It has a very compelling storyline that draws us, develops a curiosity to know what will happen next and what is really going on. Despite some tedious moments this movie is quite watchable, specially for science fiction enthusiasts.

info: imdb

First Impression of "Google + "

2011-07-26T19:50:00.000+01:00

Google is giving another try at Social Networks with the project "Google +".

One of first things that that caught my attention was the minimalist design, something familiar to google users. Google + has a different approach to social networking, trying to distance it self from existing social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, among others.

[ref]

Here you can find the similarities and differences between Google+,Facebook and LinkedIn. You can see that Google+ tries to include some features from both services and at the same time introduce something new. But lets look at some Google+ features:

+1

"Like" Facebook Like.

Circles

This feature allows you to "follow" posts from others. You will be able to view posts from others in three situations (public post, your in the circle where post was published, post shared directly to you). The follows a line similar to Twitter. However with Google + you can define "circles" and then share specifically with that circle.

[ref]

Hangout

This the one of the main features of G+. With hangouts you can have video chats with multiple friends simultaneously. This is a strong point for G+. Facebook recently presented a similar feature but only allows one to one video chat.

To conclude this post i must say that Google+ is on the right way, but there are still some problems to solve. Is there a Social Network war on the way ?

Masters Dissertation

2010-12-13T23:06:00.000+00:00

Due to the time needed to complete the dissertation, it was not possible to keep the blog updated with all I've been doing throughout this year. Below is the dissertation in .pdf format. That way it's possible to verify what was done and the conclusions reached.
Ant Colony Optimization - Planeamento de Transportes Escolares http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf

Portal 2

2010-11-20T03:28:00.000+00:00

Surely you've heard or tried the game Portal. I must say that is one of the most original games I've played lately. Now that the first videos of Portal 2 are available what should we expect from this game? Here's a small gameplay video:

Given the available videos on the internet we can expect an increased complexity as well as a new cooperative mode. How this mode will work? I have no idea, watch the video and make your conclusions:

I'm pretty eager to try it. The expectations are enormous. I anticipate long hours trying to overcome the various levels.

More info here.

Salt

2010-08-23T23:06:00.000+01:00

This is a great movie, with lots of action and a great storie. I strongly recommend.

info: imdb

Starcraft II

2010-06-14T03:16:00.000+01:00

Starcraft was one of the first RST games i've played. Recently i managed to get a key to play the beta. I have to say thanks to Bgamer magazine.
After a quick registry in the battleNet website and a few minutes downloading the game, i was on my first multiplayer game. The beta only allows multiplayer gameplay which, for me, is a fist time with Starcraft. However i must say i enjoyed it a lot. The first thing i notice is the graphics. The details in the new version are spectacular.
The game has a new ranking method which which seeks to determine the capabilities of the players and thus choose an opponent who is in the same level as us. This increases the competitiveness. You can add friends by account name, e-mail, or even seen and add which Facebook friends are playing the game.
But lets talk about the game. Strategies aside the gameplay is very easy. Each race has its advantages and disadvantages. My favourite is the Protoss, despite thinking that Terran are benefited by the changes introduced in the last few days.
Here is a video of a multyplayer game:

I think there is still some aspects to improve, such as races equilibrium. But the game itself is very good.
Can't wait to get my hands on the final version.

Predators

2010-04-11T03:08:00.000+01:00

Im a huge fan of predator series. I played some video games to, so i'm very pleased to hear that a new movie is about to be displayed. Here's a sneak peek:

Can't wait to watch it.

The Bounty Hunter

2010-04-10T18:32:00.000+01:00

This is another great movie. I enjoyed watching it a lot. Has plenty of funny moments together with a good plot.
Recommend it.

info: imdb

Dropbox - a must have

2010-03-25T00:04:00.000+00:00

Dropbox is a file hosting service which uses cloud computing to store and share files and folders across the internet using file synchronization. There are both free and paid services.

After creating an account in dropbox.com you receive a free storage capacity, which can be increased by inviting some friends to use dropbox too. Besides the website access, you can install a simple application on your computer, that creates a folder. This folder will be synchronized with all the other folders on any computer you have installed dropbox, and in the company's server so that you can acess the data even when your computers are turned off.

More dropbox features here.

Dropbox is very useful for people who use several computers during their activities. With dropbox you have the files you need always available. This means theres no more need to always walk around with a pen drive in your pocket, there is always the risk of losing the pen drive and all the important data in it.

I've been using dropbox for several months and must say i'm very pleased with it. For me the main problem is the storage capability for those who only have a free account. Right now i have 3gb of storage, and it's getting almost full.

One other pssibility is spideroak. I haven't tried it yet, but it has some features that dropbox doesn't. Try them out and them give your opinion.

If anyone wishes to create a dropbox account follow this link: dropbox register

Dissertation Update - Ant Colony Optimization

2010-03-13T21:35:00.000+00:00

Another twist in the development of the dissertation, we will apparently continue a different path from the one spoken in the last post. We seek to develop a solution based on Ant Colony Optimization.
You can find more information on this link.
The theme of this work is very comprehensive and widely investigated by academics.

In addition to developing a solution, i still have to write an article, leaving no room for error.
I hope there are no more twists.

Dissertation Update - Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)

2010-03-07T18:56:00.000+00:00

After some problems developing a solution using genetic algorithms, my regent suggested another approach - Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO).

PSO, as genetic algorithms, is initialized with a population of random solutions and searches for optima by updating generations. However, unlike GA, PSO has no evolution operators such as crossover and mutation. In PSO, the potential solutions, called particles, fly through the problem space by following the current optimum particles. [reference]

You can find some more information here : link1, link2, link3.

I would write a little more on this subject, but i'm in a tight schedule, so this will be a short post. As soon as i can find some available time i'll try to develop this theme.

Saw - The Game

2010-02-25T19:00:00.000+00:00

Recently I had some free time, so i tried the game "Saw - The Game".

I was a little apprehensive because im a big fan of the movie. After a couple of minutes instaling, i found myself immersed in a world very similar to the one in the movies. A very dark and frightful place.

The game history is different from from any presented in the movie theater. That was a good move by the developers. This game isn't recommended for some one impressionable, because some of the images presented are very "gore".

The controls are very intuitive, and easy to learn. The game difficulty reside in the puzzles we need to solve during the game.

Here's some video from the game:

For those who like puzzles and riddles, this is the game to play, enjoy...

UPDATE: just finished the game. The ending is very surprising. I must say this is a great game. Despite some hard parts, it´s a relatively easy game to finish. But can get to your nerves.

Is this the Future: Bloom Box, a power plant for the home

2010-02-23T11:28:00.000+00:00

During a web browsing session, i found this article (webpage).

Fuel cell's has been researched for long time, however no one as yet presented one.

This may change in the future. In the article i presented earlier you can find information about this new and innovating scientific advance.

There are already some companies using this new invention on a daily basis, and despite some "normal" setbacks, some have it running for some months.

Despite being a little sceptic about it, i can't help sharing the same vision as the creator of the "bloom box".

Law Abiding Citizen

2010-02-17T16:31:00.000+00:00

Yesterday, despite all the work i'm having with my dissertation, i was able to find some time to see another movie.

The choice was "Law Abiding Citizen". I've seen the theatrical trailer before, but i never expected the movie to be this good.

This movie has a great plot and some awesome scenes that resemble the movies Saw. Despite the brutality of some scenes, i must focus in the plot. It's been some time since a movie plot made me think about it so much.

I strongly sugest this movie. You wont regret it.

info: imdb trailer

Genetic Algorithm 101

2010-02-15T15:43:00.000+00:00

During the dissertation's meetings it's been established that we would work with genetic algorithm. In the following websites there's information about it:

Genetic algorithms are a powerful tool when working with a large amount of data.

In this project there's about 70 to 80 different points, therefor we would have about 1.1978E+100 possible routes. This makes it impossible to calculate every possible route and it's fitness (value that indicates if the route is a good solution or not).

This is the main reason why we will use genetic algorithm, thru it's usage we don't need to determine all of the routes.

In my next post i'll talk about how we used genetic algorithm to solve our problem.

Dissertation - presentation and objectives

2010-02-08T17:54:00.000+00:00

Here's a some information about my dissertation. Soon i'll post my first impressions on it.

Presentation

This project involves the construction of a computational platform for the planning and management a school transport.
This project aims to build a system to support the decision that implements the following functions:

1. Dynamic design of a network of transport and establishment or amendment of different lines, based on statistical information on demand.

2. Preparation of schedules and journeys to be made, taking into account the interaction between the different lines, the range of collections and the road network.

3. Assign vehicles and crew to the schedules defined earlier.

4. Define staff member services as economically as possible, fulfilling a set of restrictions.

5. Distribution of staff and member services.
In the area of knowledge extraction, the main contributions include the introduction of forecasting and its subsequent interpretation without thereby compromising the prediction results and also the automatic learning of the parameters needed for forecasting techniques to be used.
From the standpoint of the student who embraces this project, it will deal with different paradigms of software and programming that will provide the expertise essential to a good start in life, just the completion of their undergraduate theses. Thus, among others, will be part of the study technology: Googlemap, C # and WEB programming (ex. PHP).

Objectives

Building a computational platform for the planning and management of school transport. Its implementation should use different programming paradigms technically capable of valuing the student's project.