Acrobat

I just found this really cool info online that tells you how to make acrobat reader load really fast (basically by taking away all the unnecessary plug-ins). Here are the instructions:

Go to your C Drive -> Program Files -> Adobe Acrobat
Open the folder called "Reader"
Create a folder called "optional"
Move all files from the "plug-in" folder to the "optional" folder except: EWH32.api, print.api, search.api

I tried it and it make acrobat load wicked fast!

Filed under: Thoughts

The Web

Here is a manifesto called "Social Silicon Valleys" that describes by social innovation is important.

Here is an article where Jakob Nielsen, a big HCI guru, gives his views on the "Evolving Web".

Lastly, this is an article for The Edge that has caused a big stir in the blogosphere: Digital Maoism. Although I do not agree with these views, they are an interesting counterpoint to all my research :P

Filed under: Academic Research

Social Networking Sites

Here is an article that describes how employers look up information on undergraduates on social networking sites. I guess data on Facebook is not as private as some undergraduates believe. However, it makes me question how ethical it is for employers to go "snooping" around on people, and then not hire them because of their personal lives which have no reflection on their professional abilities. If the private lives of many employees were investigated, I am sure lots of unsavory information could be uncovered. Perhaps the fact that this information is "public" or at least semi-public, the employers feel justified in looking around for it.

Then again, the Pentagon has begun data mining the sites as well. Lovely. As if phone surveillance was not enough.

Filed under: Social Media

Net Neutrality

A report released by Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of American and Free Press states that if Congress does not support Net Neutrality, that the economic effects will be substantial.

"The proponents of network discrimination get the policy problem exactly backward," said Mark Cooper, director of research for the Consumer Federation of America. "They say we should not risk imposing Network Neutrality for fear of stifling competition and innovation. Yet it is Network Neutrality that has given us vibrant competition and innovation. The question Congress should be asking is why abandon network neutrality and risk destroying the Internet?"

See the press release here, and the full report here

Also, several musicians have come together and created a song for Net Neutrality. Listen /download the song and view lyrics here

Filed under: Academic Research, Thoughts