Systems, architecture and engineering solutions!

I just bought a Toyota and all I want to do is tear it apart to figure it out

Surf4Fun — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:43:28 GMT

That is the nature of a person who has my job, technology is often opened up and the put back together again. I have owned a 2008 Prius since 2008 and have loved the car. Now that my Mother in Law needs a replacement for her car, my wife wants to give her my Prius and let me buy a new one. Say no more! I found a deal and bought one. It was expensive, but with a recent windfall I had the money, so technically it is a birthday present from my deceased Mother, plus the $4000 from the government rebates. But the BIG deal was the HOV tags, I get to drive in the HOV lanes till 2015 all by myself! Now that is worth money.

So could you write an app that would show up on your console in your car? It has apps. How do you build apps for it, now I am motivated to find out more about the application process for the Entunes system.

Charging the car, could this be a source for an app, let’s look at how that works (this is something you need to do when you are building a software application):

It is Pluggable because you plug into the wall and it charges the battery, if the car salemen was correct it is a one amp charge. If that is true, then that seems low, 3 hours at 1 amp is 360 Watts which is about 1/2 of a horsepower. So I got to do more research on that to determine the amount of current or amperes while charging does it take.

And at the same time look at one of the potential “apps” that controls the charging time and length of time which I think it is included the more expensive model, which I didn’t get, I got the lowest cost model.

Opportunity:

Then this is the opportunity: Entunes doesn’t support Windows Phone 7 at this time, a drill down is definitely needed here.. Oh well, hopefully, it will come along soon, and if it doesn’t I am going to continue to report on the progress. This might be a feature set for an later Windows Operating System.

Fortunately, the car works fine without the Entunes being used through a phone, the GPS works fine, XM works fine (but will I pay for it?), and so forth. The fascinating charging displays are all I really care about, the Entunes is definitely secondary for me, I don’t eat out much, I still use the paper newspaper to find a movie to watch, as you might guess I am not dating much these days. So I won’t be able to check my stocks and weather through my center screen while driving, that is a good thing, I am safer that way, a concern my wife of 30 years was worried about.

With the 3 months of free XM, I am enjoying that. The USB power port is all I need. But if you have one of the phones that works with Entunes then it looks to be awesome.

Now let’s take a step back from this and take a look at what kind of operating system that Toyota and Ford might be using in their cars. Although this is not a statement that Toyota or Ford is using the following O/S, but is an example of one you could use in an automobile or automobile based system that you would design for a senior project:

Windows Automotive 5.0 and 5.5

Now I have to connect this with Windows 8, Azure and maybe Dynamics CRM, which is fairly easy to do:

1. You would create an app that works with an automotive system, this requires that the manufacturers open their systems to the public. I hope you are understanding that the auto manufacturers have to be very careful about allowing people to hack into their systems since a failure could result in the death of the drivers and passengers. But let’s say you want to use the Audio system or maybe add an alarm system, then this O/S would be a good idea. Make sure to include a way to access the internet SECURELY. You can test this system using any hardware that can run the AUITK, which is any Intel computer that you can boot from. So in this case you could design something would work with emergency systems for example such as fire departments. Or if you want to people to really hate you, but make a lot of money off of: Parking Enforcement, rake in the money and not tell anyone what you do, this is one you want to scale out carefully.

2. On the Internet use Azure to implement a mobile system similar to the Azure Mobile sites:

Rock-solid platform

3. Tie the Azure mobile to Windows 8 applications.

4. Study the CAN (Controller Area Network) at, this makes for an interesting paper for High School Digital Media Classes and would be freaky awesome senior project for college seniors*:

*Why is this freaky awesome? It shows that you are capable of creating a networking tool using specifications and then consume the sensor outputs from a vehicle. Aerospace jobs need this, medical jobs need this, automotive design jobs need this and so forth. So in my opinion it is freaky awesome!

Conclusion: Really cool cruising down to the beach on battery with the A/C on, cause if you run out of battery the car automatically switches to gas like a regular Prius (and the super nice thing is that I don’t pay any road taxes for the Electric component!) But se

IE 10 Preview, you should read it! and use it

Surf4Fun — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 20:20:59 GMT

IE 10 Preview, wow, this is a great way to learn more about Modern Design and get into the right mind set for Windows 8 Store Apps. No kidding.

Let’s say you are using one of the trailing edge operating systems like Mountain Lion, and you want to get into the new way of design software, then take a look at IE 10 Preview. Light, interesting and easy to design, it’s a new look this modern software design stuff from Microsoft.

http://ie.microsoft.com/testdrive/

Fun things that should not be used at work (unless you are a game designer):

The Arcade, an awesome package of fun, fun, fun. And excellent design example.

Free Windows 8 help and software tools

Surf4Fun — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:43:54 GMT

Please click on the links and check out these offers, they cost you nothing and might help you make money!

Azure 90-day Free Trial:

Get started or learn how to build cloud apps!

http://aka.ms/socalacademic_90day_azure

VS Express 2012 RC for Windows 8 & Windows 8 Release Preview Downloads on Dev Center

This has SDKs, hands on labs and other useful items to get you started

http://aka.ms/socal_academic_vs2012Express_dev

VS Express 2012 RC for Windows 8 Download on VS Site:

Similar to the previous one, except has different tools and guidance

http://aka.ms/socal_academic_vs2012Express_VS

30 to Launch Win8 Signup:

Guidance for doing an app in 30 days!

http://aka.ms/socal_academic_30DayToLaunch

Phone SDK Download:

Windows 8 Phone SDK

http://aka.ms/socal_academic_PhoneSDK

30 Day to Launch Phone:

Like the Windows 8 30 days to launch but for the Current phone or future Windows 8 Phone, but no in person labs and some material that will be changing as time goes on

http://aka.ms/socal_academic_30DayToLaunchPhone

GenApp HomePage:

Windows 8 app ideas, community and other stuff!

http://aka.ms/socal_academic_GenApps

First Prize in Imagine Cup: $50,000

Surf4Fun — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:14:44 GMT

Get signed up at http://www.imaginecup.com NOW. And it’s THREE, that’s right 3 $50,000 first prizes for Game, Innovation and the World Citizenship. You don’t get to read the rules till you register, but if you are a real software person, you know how to sign up for things before you sign up if you get my meaning.

Also, you and your team, if you win, will also get a free round trip to St. Petersburg, Not St. Petersburg Florida, but St. Petersburg, RUSSIA! I am thinking major party! Well for you, if I get to go, I have to work. As always.

Don’t waste time, get over there and sign up, then get building that $50,000 app. NOW!

Windows 8 Game Design Syllabus: Any comments appreciated

Surf4Fun — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:55:00 GMT


Instructor:	Term:
Office:	Class Meeting Days:
Phone:	Class Meeting Hours:
E-Mail:	Class Location:
Website:
Office Hours:

I.1. Course Information

University Course Catalog Description

At successful completion of this course the student will design, implement and market a game in the Windows 8 store using tools that can also be utilized with other online stores. The student is not expected to have any knowledge about programming, but will need to have a motivation to learn programming languages. Out of class work by the students, if requested extra tutoring will be provided via internet or other distance learning tools.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this class the students will have created the beginning of a lifelong portfolio of digital games and design concepts. The student portfolio will include the experience of successfully submitting a Windows 8 Application for their application, the student will also receive positive motivation to also submit their application into the other online stores. For specific computer science skills the student will demonstrate the capability to create design specifications, discover and use online assets and to implement their design for use by others.

Course Prerequisites/Requirements

There are no Prerequisites for this class

Required Texts and Materials

All learning material will provided by professor at no cost to the student, they are posted in the Blackboard modules

Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials

Students should own a computer that can run Windows 8 and Visual Studio 2012 (Most computers)

I.2. Course Assignments and Grading

The successful student will provide a design portfolio, marketing evidence and programming implementation of their design

Assessment	Percent of Final Grade	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	Points	Grade
Design Portfolio	40%	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	950-1000	A
Virtual Marketing	10%	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	910-949	A-
Game Implementation	40%	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	880-909	B+
Class Quizzes	10%	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	820-870	B
Total	100%	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	750-819	C+
xxxxxxxxxxxxx	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	600-749	C
xxxxxxxxxxxxx	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	400-599	D
xxxxxxxxxxxxx	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	xxxxxxxxxxxxx	0-399	F

I.3. Course Policies: Technology and Media

Email

You can email the instructor with questions and I will usually answer within 1 business day (which means that an email on Friday may not be answered till Tuesday).

Online training

There will requirements for the student to utilize the online videos and hands on training as required by the instructor

Laptop Usage

If you need a new Laptop, please buy one, make sure it can run Windows 7, you get Windows 8.

Classroom Devices

Since this is a technology oriented class, please feel free to use them, just don’t be annoying.

I.4. Course Schedule

Class #

Finish this before Class

Topic to be discussed

· No Homework

What is expected
Build your first Windows 8 Application
Build your first game using a tutorial
The Metro Design Solution

Homework:

Start your Portfolio:

· Start your design portfolio

Build a game:

· Create a Powerpoint based Storyboard for your game

· Build a simple game using a Construct2 tutorial and post it to a hosting site

· Beginner's guide to Construct 2

· http://www.scirra.com/arcade

· Modify the game using art, sounds you discovered online

Create online presence

· Create a Blog

· Generate a “professional” Facebook

· Generate a LinkedIn

· Create a YouTube Station

Quiz:

· Take Quiz that will be posted at 7 PM of date of class

Design Processes, you are required to meet with your assigned teams and discuss the following:

· Review what you should put in a blog with respect to game design

· What is a design portfolio?

· What are the available tools to make a video

· Review simple games

Read:

· User Experience Design Fundamentals

Before class make sure to read:

o The Metro Design Solution

o User Experience Design Fundamentals

o Applying User Experience Process to Metro Applications

Turn in:

Links to your :

o Blog, YouTube Station, Professional Facebook and LinkedIn

o Game on Arcade

At the end of class session turn in:

· Turn in your Facebook baseline report

· Turn in your baseline Blog analytics

· Quiz

Discuss Design Principles in first three reading modules

Game Design for Slats:

· Snap

· Fill

· Full

Adding another level to your game:

Review of Treasure Map example

· Read:
Introduction To Metro Design Principle: Do More with Less

Turn In

Add a level to your the beginner game
Create a Platformer game using the tutorial at: http://aka.ms/csudh495platformer2
Design thoughts on your blog, Link only, about how you will use a platformer for a Holiday theme game
Video on how to you created the beginning game
Facebook postings

In Class:

· Turn in Documentation

· Quiz

Discussion about doing more with less, demonstration of design and implementation

Student demos of design considerations

In class lab:

· Students will gather design documentation from other students and then begin to break down the scenario implementation

· Introduction of HTML5/JavaScript code for Windows 8

Read:

Organizing Features To Fit The Scenario

Turn In:

Using the Platformer you created using the tutorial at http://aka.ms/csudh495platformer2, modify the game to a Holiday theme and upload it to the Arcade, turn in the link
Post your design thoughts on your design issues and implementation
Video on why people should play your game
Facebook postings

In Class:

At the end of class turn in scenario experiments
Quiz

· Discuss and experiment with scenarios

· Students will demonstrate and discuss their “platformer” games

· Feedback on games

Read:

Introduction to Metro Design Principle: Pride in Craftsmanship
Selected Online Article

Turn In:

Add a level to your Holiday Themed game
Develop a marketing plan for your game
Post upgrade to the Scirra.Com arcade
Demonstrate how you will implement this game in Windows 8 using drawings, scenarios etc.

In Class:

Check-in Modified lab component to Team Foundation Services

Quiz

· Discuss Metro Design Principle and Pride in Craftsmanship

· Discuss Game design using HTML5/JavaScript Hello World App

· Quality software and how to create quality software

· Team Foundation Services

In Class Lab:

· Check-out lab component, modify and check-in modified component

Read:

Being Fast and Fluid, and Authentically Digital

Selected Online Article

Turn In:

· Modifications to assigned HTML5/JavaScript code

· Addition of Scoring and simulated Leaderboard to your Holiday Themed game

· Marketing plan for your Holiday Game

· YouTube Video about your game

In Class:

Quiz

· Discuss what it means to be Authentically Digital

· Examine MS Project report of status of the HTML5/JavaScript Hello World App

· Discuss Agile Design

· Selected Students Demo their Holiday game

· Review of selected YouTube Videos

Read:

Winning as One: Using and Charms Contracts
Selected Online Article

Turn In:

Report on Blog Traffic and YouTube Video

In Class:

· Quiz

· Discuss what a contract is and how to implement in it your code

· Selected students will demo their Holiday game

· Discuss “Promise” and “Then”

· Discuss Scurm approach to design

Read:

Introduction to Live Tiles and Notifications
Selected Digital library article

Turn In:

· Update your “Hello World” Game to incorporate the Search Charm

· Update your “Hello World” Project to Incorporate Settings Charm

· Expand use of “Promise” and “Then”

In Class:

Code Profiling Lab Outcome

Quiz

· Discuss Live Tiles and Notifications

· Selected students will demo their “Hello World” Use of Charms and how they implemented their code

· Code Profiling

· UML and Game Design

Read:

Designing for Multiple Screens and Resolutions
Selected Online Article

Turn In:

Update to Holiday Themed Project to include Live Tiles and Notification
Update to “Hello World” Project to demo use of dynamic CSS

In Class:

Quiz

· Discuss Snap, Fill and Full Screens in Windows 8

· Selected Students demonstrates Promise and Then

· Designing for the Windows 8 Phone

· Selected Students demonstrate their Holiday Themed Projects

Read:

App Submission Process

Turn In:

Addition of Windows 8 Snap and Fill solution for your Holiday Game
Addition of Dynamic CSS to “Hello World” project to handle Snap, Fill and Full

In Class:

Results from the WACK test

Quiz

· Discuss the Submission Process

· Students run WACK test on their Projects

· Students are assisted in determining how to fix their WACK test failures

Read:

· Online articles about WinRT, to be determined

Turn In:

Design Portfolio for online evaluation by other students
Submit game to Windows Store evaluation
Begin Design process for a game based on seasons

In Class:

Submit Hello World consuming the WinRT Project

Quiz

· Review of design process

· WinRT and what it is

· Selected Students will demonstrate their submitting games

In Class Lab:

· Students will consume an existing C# based WinRT project in their Hello World Project

Read:

· Introduction to C++ WinRT

Turn In:

Design Portfolio improvements from Online Evaluations
Implement Seasonal Game Design

In Class:

Submit WinRT Lab component

Quiz

· Demonstration of how to create and write a C++ WinRT module

· Students will explore and implement a simple WinRT Module and then consume it in their “Hello World” program

Read:

· Leaderboards Online material

Turn In:

Addition of WinRT to your Seasonal Game

In Class:

Quiz

· Discussion of Leaderboards and how to implement them using existing tools

· Selected students will demonstrate their games

· Class Evaluations

Read:

· No reading assignment

Turn In:

Blog Analytics
Facebook Analytics
YouTube Analytics
Design Portfolio (online material only)
Holiday Game
Seasonal Game

· All students will play the other student’s games and give feedback

* Note: The Schedule is subject to revision

I.5. Academic Integrity:

<<Boilerplate from Your School>>

I.6. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

<<Boilerplate from Your School>>

I.7. Course Policies: Attendance and Plagiarism

University Attendance Policy and Class Expectations

<<Boilerplate from Your School>>

University Academic Conduct Policy

<<Boiler Plate from your School>>

I.8. Resources

University Library

You will be given assignments that require the use of the digital library, if you don’t know how to use it, then walk over to the library and find out.

Disability Resource Services

<<Boiler Plate from Your School>>

Schedule Changes

<<Boilerplate from your School>>

Late Work

<<Boilerplate from Your School>>

Grades of "Incomplete"

<<Boilerplate from Your School>>

SharePoint workspace shows up after installing Office 15 or Office 2013

Surf4Fun — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:45:44 GMT

So, there was groove, the tool that seemed cool but I never really understood. It would be nice to have a system that simply synched my files between machines. So groove was ungroovy and others came up with a system that they could own and get others to use. Groove was unloved. Then along game the SharePoint workspace in 2010, nicely done, easy to use, once you got over the confusing documentation and lack of ownership.

Now I notice that it is included in the Office 15or Office 2013 whatever and there is the Start Synchronization. Of course if everyone is using Drop Box, etc. then it is pretty useless. Like have one phone handset, no one to talk to.

So, since I am goofing off, what the heck I go to the web to find out more. Not much out there. Or is there?

Well there is, but the SharePoint links, etc. in the Help file are out of synch with the latest information. Or at least the presentation appears to be for the older version of office 2010.

Think I am going to give this a try and see if it is useful.

Direct2 QuickStart Sample, not for Direct2 with XAML or Win8

Surf4Fun — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:36:11 GMT

The Direct2D QuickStart sample is for use with W32 and not XAML or Win8 . The sample uses the ID2D1HwndRenderTarget, which is NOT supported in the Windows Modern UI style apps. I spent a few minutes reading the article and realized that it was relatively useless for the implementation instructions on how to combine Direct2, direct3, and directwrite.

In Direct2D you need to use device context, this links to the XAML with the Direct2 and Direct3 libraries.

In a future post I will review a number of recent samples.

Changes in Visual Studio 2012: Deployment or installer has significantly changed

Surf4Fun — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:59:50 GMT

If you are NOT building Windows 8 apps, you may want to deploy your app to Windows 7, etc. Well things have changed.

You use the InstallShield and need to sign up when you create the deployment application.

For more information see:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/2kt85ked.aspx

You should do Windows 8 apps so to prepare your app use 30 days to launch

30 Days to Launch: Got the call from the MSPE

Surf4Fun — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:02:24 GMT

Ok, you sign up for the 30 days to launch, you get the emails that hopefully you are paying attention to. Then you get the phone call. Don’t hang up if you hear this introduction:

Hi I am <Name of caller> of Microsoft Solution Partner Experts calling on behalf of Microsoft.

DON’T HANG UP! This is a real offer for free design consultation on your app. Seriously. No kidding!

To be prepared for this call make sure to READ the 30 days to launch emails. The person from Microsoft Solution Partner Experts will ask you a few questions, which are around these areas:

You will ask, about state of app, benefits of the program and set-up consultation.
Tips and Tricks email
Phone call is a follow up my signing up at 30 days to launch, and it is definitely the most useful call I have gotten in quite a while
There will be a click to chat link but it was up when I used the site, but I reported it
Email: 30TOLAUNCH@microsoft.com (not an email I deal with)
For instance I need Design Consultation on my graphic artists, but they will likely only point to websites

Don’t be like this guy, get started with your App design. He just realized that he is going to lose easy money

Wear a Hat (^) when you do that thing, if that thing is Object References

Surf4Fun — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:21:08 GMT

You weren’t thinking that I was talking about something else were you? Some people might call the ^ a carat, but in our world, it is a hat. Use the “Hat” or ^ only if you are using with Windows Runtime Objects or are creating a Windows Runtime component.

(Keep in mind that there are WinRT API objects AND WinRT objects that you create, or I create).

Why use the “Hat” or “^” ? Seriously, it’s garbage. Really that is why, you use it to do garbage collection or automatic deletion for those of you that get a twitch whenever Microsoft mentions garbage collection. See you DON’T have to use the Garbage Collection or Automatic Deletion for anything other than WinRT, all other C++ function just like you would expect it to.

This means you use the “Hat” or “^” instead of AddRef or Release with Windows Runtime, but it might be confusing about the difference between C++ and C#/VB. As expected C++/CX compile directly to run directly on the CPU. C#/VB compile to the MS intermediate language and execute in the Common Language Runtime (CLR). And then JavaScript simply execute in the run-time. VB, C# and C++ all communicate with the run-time presentation through the Application Binary Interface.

So what about C? Yeah, there is way to use C. I don’t want to talk about that right now, ok?

Then there is the Windows Metadata (.winmd) files, just to confuse everyone

WTF, or What’s the file? The file is .winmd, which compiled at the same time as the Metro App. Since JavaScript, C# and VB don’t know what C++ is doing when you use regular classes, arrays, templates or STL containers, .winmd makes the connection.

Wow a lot of stuff to learn about.

Free Online Hackathon! This is a first

Surf4Fun — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:50:32 GMT

Hey sign up for this free Hackathon, win prizes (as described in the link):

Free Online Hackathon!

Build that Windows 8 application and make big money!

But I like this process, no spending long hours on Saturday in a room away from home. You can drink your own coffee and use your own bathroom. Nice, very nice.

So join us online! Learn, program, make money.

Data Structures using Windows 8 approach to UI: WinRT combined with JavaScript

Surf4Fun — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:32:47 GMT

In a blog that I wrote that can be found on http://aka.ms/javascript_winRTp1, where I duplicate but upgrade an excellent video on channel 9, the video lacked the code component and used really early interfaces. (For people wondering why I didn’t use one of the two “M” words that are used with UI, is that I don’t want to get distracted by outside blogs, who I respect but not related to the discussions about the classroom.)

WinRT and COM are similar, in fact WinRT is a subset of COM, the specifications can be found in the ECMA 334 specs and are a free download, if you are using this for your students then you should consider having them download it and do a quiz to make sure they look at the paragraph on COM.

So I wrote a class objective for our class objective:

At the conclusion of this class the student will be able to demonstrate User Interface design using C++ that can operate either connected or disconnected with cloud based computing.

In this class the professor would lead the students through structured learning to combine user interface design that incorporated C++ with cloud computation when required and client based computing when economical. The software design will incorporate Modern UI design, with standard feedback for the user touch, device rotation, as well as onboard sensors and ports. Further the software design would introduce the concept of cost of computing in the cloud versus on the client and then how to inform the user which types of computing is being accomplished.

The class will use game design as the goals of the design, although students will be encouraged to follow their own design arc.

If we are going to do Data Structures, then we need to be able to access C++, but keep the students interested and feeling that the work they do has impact on their world. For a few, mainly students who will become researcher or engine designer (games, database, etc.) then the pure C++ data structure makes sense. Data Structures using Java is somewhat interesting, but like C#, there has to be a great deal of effort to make Java seem like a language that uses pointers, etc. This was effective for Sun Microsystems, but now that Oracle controls the language, don’t we have the same issues that professors had with C#? Except that Java has no specifications, which C# does. Also, C and C++ knowledge is important for engineering students who will use older simulation systems or need to build compact systems. Finally, maintenance of the systems created by the researchers and “engine” creators often requires in-depth knowledge of C and C++.

Use of WinRT with JavaScript can move the students to a place where they feel that the classroom isn’t something to just get through, but rather a place that they are learning material that can be put to use immediately.

Implementing C++ and even C code using WinRT is easy to do, and connecting it to JavaScript is seriously easy. But will it work on all versions of Windows 8? Bear in mind that the C++ and C code you write may not be supported on the ARM style of WinRT, but will work on the so called Intel version of WinRT. Again out side of the scope of these articles.

So how do you use WinRT in your class? With this blog I have given a link to instructions on how to implement a very Simple WinRT program and how to consume it in HTML5/JavaScript. I am working today on an article that describes how to do arrays with WinRT and HTML5/JavaScript. This will be my next post in this series.

The only problem is casting it so that is in a game and useable for a Windows 8 application.

Data Structures class using Windows 8 Modern UI design

Surf4Fun — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:11:25 GMT

In many schools there is a move to consolidate the two data structures classes into one, so what should a department do with the remaining class. Well, I guess the General Ed folks might want to steal that spot for another class that doesn’t do a good job of preparing the student. Or maybe the spot will go to a Senior Design class, and that would be good. On the other hand there are some other spots that could fill that class that has been reduced. For instance a class that implements design, on the Modern UI design with C++ and user interfaces with a little cloud computing thrown in.

Here is what it might look like (and I am just making this up, but you know that if you are a regular reader, in which case thank you):

Class objective:

At the conclusion of this class the student will be able to demonstrate User Interface design using C++ that can operate either connected or disconnected with cloud based computing.

In this class the professor would lead the students through structured learning to combine user interface design that incorporated C++ with cloud computation when required and client based computing when economical. The software design will incorporate Modern UI design, with standard feedback for the user touch, device rotation, as well as onboard sensors and ports. Further the software design would introduce the concept of cost of computing in the cloud versus on the client and then how to inform the user which types of computing is being accomplished.

The class will use game design as the goals of the design, although students will be encouraged to follow their own design arc.

Now that we got that out of the way, what would the curriculum look like and how would you get started. I think that this would be an interesting class for 2 or third year students.

Powerpoint Storyboard Shapes for you!

Surf4Fun — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:28:00 GMT

Here is a shape sheet that I created for use in my Windows 8 storyboards. All you have to do is drag and drop, resize in PowerPoint. I have included ones that I find useful and thought that you might want to use as well. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog to download the shapes:

Possible C++ Interview question: static functions and virtual

Surf4Fun — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:34:00 GMT

When declaring a static function could you declare it as a virtual?

Discussion:
Static functions are not related to objects so they would not be declared as a virtual.

Virtual functions are used with specific objects that determines which virtual function to call.

Responsive Apps are better than non-responsive apps

Surf4Fun — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:17:00 GMT

Yep, if you use the asynchronous programming approach you can avoid the sadness and social issues related to creating non-responsive apps.

Check out these articles

An article that also shows you how to build an app that can compile to both Windows Phone and Windows 8:

Hello World, WinRT !

Type System in the C++/CX–Windows Metadata or winmd

Surf4Fun — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:05:00 GMT

This winmd thing, what’s up with that? With .NET managed code there was the desire to do the right thing, protect the casual programmer from themselves. In my opinion that time is now gone. With Windows 8 and the re-emergence of C++ as a real language in the Microsoft World and the use of JavaScript/HTML 5 means that there needs to be some review, at least on my part, of C++ outside of .NET. Sad, but true.

One of the articles I am reading carefully is the one on the type system:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/hh755822(v=vs.110).aspx

How types are visible in metadata and this article does a good job of explaining how to program for the Winmd. As with most of the Windows 8 articles there seems to be a desire to not close the deal with working samples. But then why am I complaining, I have not been doing working samples lately either.

C++ Security: Security Descriptor

Surf4Fun — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:52:00 GMT

What is a security descriptor?

A security descriptor is a structure and associated data that contains the security information for a securable object. A security descriptor identifies the object's owner and primary group. It can also contain a DACL that controls access to the object, and a SACL that controls the logging of attempts to access the object.

And just what is a DACL? This is a discretionary access control list and when present on the object the system will grant access. For information on DACLs see:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa446683(v=vs.85).aspx (and this is a useful article, that as far as I can tell is correct)

A code sample that is current can be found at:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa446595(v=vs.85).aspx

For a more complete and generalized discussion see:

http://www-unix.globus.org/toolkit/docs/4.0/security/authzframe/security_descriptor.html

Free eBook: Introducing Windows Server 2012!

Surf4Fun — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 15:38:00 GMT

This is a book that programmers as well as administrators should keep on their client machine. Lot’s of tips and insight into the latest and greatest Windows Server 2012:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/06/04/free-ebook-introducing-windows-server-2012.aspx

Please note that as of this writing only the PDF is downloadable.

Just download, don’t hang around here.

Connecting Power Point to Team Foundation Server using your buddy game

Surf4Fun — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:19:22 GMT

This is a two step process currently, you have to define the work item in Team Foundation Server and then go back to PowerPoint to connect the workitems.

I am using VS 12 RC Premium, it should work in VS 2010 Professional or Ultimate, but not Express, and you need to have either Team Foundation Server or Team Foundation Services (the free internet version):

Now you can link to the storyboard, but be on a PUBLIC location, for some reason when I browsed to the location in the file explorer on my client machine it kept bringing up the file on my client not the skydrive. I went directly to the skydrive and did a share, it worked fine.

Once you get this linked, when changes are made to that specific file then your Team Foundation Server keeps the link and you have the file stored in a manner that you can use for collaboration.

In the next blog I will detail how to generate the tasks that you can hook the work items to the Storyboard. I have been told that the feature you may have noticed in the earlier versions of storyboard: Add Work Items is not in this branch of the Storyboard tool. (As of the post date of this blog.)

So you will have to create tasks generated in the storyboard and then attach them to the various items in the PowerPoint Storyboard.

Game Design: Architectural Tools

Surf4Fun — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:43:00 GMT

In the current environment of game design you can get away with flash and dash game design, that is rapidly put together your game post it and make your money then move on to another project. Many technologies go this way from time to time and then they move back to design, design, build, maintain and modify. Technologies that are innovative allow this type of environment and teamwork.

If you write a quick game engine and then are unable to maintain it, because one or two of your workers leave without documentation, then you will lose money. If you use a robust version control like GitHub (is it really worth $100,000,000? Wasn’t Digg worth something like that figure a few years ago? It just sold for $500,000), that’s good for source control and build. But what if you really want to graduate to a total design package that allows you to view the total design situation?

Enter Team Foundation Services, which has cleaned up nicely, I will tell you now that I could never get that to work without a silly amount of work. That has all changed, Team Foundation Server is available at:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29918 (this will load the TF server on your system, this is not cloud based)

For the online server go to: https://tfspreview.com/en-us/ and sign up, either works with Android, Eclipse, etc.

What about other tools, etc. You will need to also install Visual Studio 12 RC on your system:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4D74E784-4D26-40A8-9DFB-D6500355A67F&displaylang=zh-cn&displaylang=en

You will need the Visual Studio Premium 2012 RC so that you can create team projects

Once you install both of them, get the Office 2013, whatever version you want to try, I used the Home Premium, and go ahead set up the skydrive functionality.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/en?WT.mc_id=MSCOM_EN_US_HP_FEATUREWORK_131L1ENUS21367

You can use PowerPoint 2010 with storyboarding, but I will use the PowerPoint2013

Then you will need Visio and Project, so get the Visio 2013 and Project 2013 at:

Visio:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh973399

Project:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh973401.aspx?wt.mc_id=TEC_119_1_33

Free Stencils for Visio 2013 which is New and much better!

Surf4Fun — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:34:40 GMT

Yeah, sure you say. You might be thinking: “Sam you work for Microsoft, of course you will say that Visio is better!” But you don’t use it and see no reason to use it.

Too bad. But like you, my managers don’t want to see complex diagrams from me, nor an email longer then 4 lines. Since I came out of engineering complex objects, I always get confused about the amount of time software and marketing people are willing to “get to work” and fix later. Try that with electronic circuits or aircraft, doesn’t happen anymore, it did at one time. With electronic circuits things got really small and complex. With aircraft people didn’t like crashing and then dying, well at least their families and investors didn’t like it, the pilots were dead so did they care? Don’t think so.

Well, Visio is much better more connected and collaboration that was expected in Visio 2010 made into this version of Visio.

Unfortunately there is still the same lame shapes for software, totally useless unless you are used to using them, but I have my own set. Some new shapes that I hadn’t noticed before are electron tubes. Used to be called Vacuum tubes. Really, vacuum tubes symbols, I guess you would use them for musical amplifiers or really slow computers. The sad thing is I can think of uses for these symbols.

Well back to design, yes the stencils are somewhat lame, it would have nice if Office Labs had ask for input on what symbols are needed, but no, they didn’t.

It would have been nice to have the ability to Storyboard Win 8 metro designs and Phone apps. But not in Visio.

Good news: You can storyboard in PowerPoint!

More Good News: You can create your own stencils, download stencils others have made and make your own stencil sheets.

Where you can get free stencils, there are more online, but most are old or already included in with Visio 2013, but stencils are easy to make and people who use Visio are always looking for new ones. Making stencils is easy and a great giveaway on your web site.

Visio Educational Shapes

From <http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=2497>

Office Communications Server 2007 and 2007 R2 Visio Stencils

From <http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=9194>

SOA Stencils:

http://servicetechbooks.com/SOA_Visio_Stencil.zip

Interesting stencils for software people:

http://nickfinck.com/blog/entry/visio_stencils_for_information_architects/

And if you want to create your own Office Comics download this Visio Template:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26513

Installing Office 15 for the very first time

Surf4Fun — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 23:25:03 GMT

Once you figured out that the install was all online, it went pretty fast. I am in the office today, unusual for me, and had to use the Microsoft office network for. Although the office network is in reality it is relatively fast, my cable is faster, still the download and install took less time then it I could notice, but slightly longer then instant. At a certain point you can play around with the Office, and installation continues.

The website though was confusing, the default installation is for 32-bit, which makes sense if you think about it, but not if you are a power user who is using 64-bit Office. 32-bit Office is friendly to the macros created by end-users, where as 64 bit doesn’t always support these older macros.

The installation gets to a point where you can use it but hasn’t completed (about 19%) and looks like the following, this is the Home Premium version:

In this case I did a semantic pinch and created a group called office. Since the installation hadn’t completed I am not sure if that just doesn’t happen at the completion of the install.

Look and feel

While waiting for the installation to complete, I tried out Word and PowerPoint. The start screen made them look Metro, but still had the feel of the previous Office version, which is good for most everyone, except for Metro wonks, then it was a little messy. Not being a Metro Wonk, I more on the side of “trailer trash” design style, it looks pretty good to me.

Conclusion:

More tomorrow, my battery is dying and I forgot my power supply for this beas

C++ Security Practices in Visual Studio 2012

Surf4Fun — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:30:00 GMT

This is whining blog so you might want to come back later

Sorry.

Do you want some cheese with that Whine?

HTML5/JavaScript security practices are one thing and most developers in HTML5 can safely ignore them. They shouldn’t but come on, media stuff has to get done. On the other hand where do you go to find C++ Security Best Practices? Here is the article for you:

Security Best Practices for C++, in general:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/k3a3hzw7(v=vs.110).aspx

What about Windows 8? There is an rather odd article at the following link, on reading this is a general document but isn’t for Windows 8. If you are a student or someone starting with C++ programming for Windows, then the article is of interest, but no focus on Windows 8 or the improved requirements. What is odd is that this document comes up in the search for Windows 8 Security.

Games for Windows Technical Requirements: Best Practices for Games on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ee417691(v=vs.85).aspx

Not to be grumpy, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a well written security document for Windows 8 Developers? And by this I mean that if I enter the phrase into the search engine: “Windows 8 Security” this article would appear in the first 100 entries on the Dev Center Desktop which is usually used by Windows 8 Security.

Ok, finally, let me end on a non-grumpy note, make sure you review these Security Features and Privacy Features:

Windows 8: New and Improved Security and Privacy Features

Security on Azure: Microsoft® Codename Trust Services Samples

Surf4Fun — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:06:00 GMT

Check out the Codename Trust Services to help better understand security in Azure and how to secure your applications

Microsoft® Codename Trust Services Samples
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=28793

Think about it, executives are worried about the security of their cloud applications. For good reason, it’s the law. US Federal law puts the focus on C-level executives if something goes wrong.

Work through these examples and you will have a much better idea of what is going with Azure and security.