On this episode of Spark: Boot-up Times and Iconoclasts
- Nora reads responses to What do you do while your computer boots up?
- David Schlesinger respresents call centre employees who are suing their employers over long boot-up and login times
- Matt Richtel explains the future of quick-booting computers
- Andy Hertzfeld tells the story of saving lives by reducing boot times
- Spark listeners respond to Nora’s interview with Dan James
- Gregory Berns on Iconoclasts (full interview)
This episode features Creative Commons music and sound effects:
- “Freedom (RipleyRemix)” by IamTheStev
- “Bongo Avenger” by Eric & Ryan Kilkenny
- “See You Later” by Pitx
- “Gloria” performed by The Generators
- “Hepatitus Gee” by Windom Earle
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[Original image by 416style]
I found it quite ironic that today’s episode of Spark contained the interview with Gregory Berns about Iconclasts, when I have received four copies of a petition denouncing the current Coalition situation in the House of Commons, today alone. Simply being an Albertan, seems to mean that a certain way of thinking is expected. Where are those innovators and iconclasts that took our lowly province from the Great Depression to arguably the most prosperous of the “have” provinces in our country? It seems that most people I know and read about in the news, are happy to only know others like themselves – their social groups reflect an unwillingness to push their personal boundaries and even think outside the political box. While the world is getting smaller vis a vis technology and travel, too many people make their own world smaller because of fear and distrust of the unknown. Funny dichotomy we live in.
The mere thought of LONGER loading times is enough to make me hesitate to buy a new computer. Well, that and the cost.
Basic boot up isn’t a problem for this retiree, however, downlloading server homepages [whether MSN or TELUS] tests my patience, both in terms of time and, for me, overwhelmingly useless, even offensive contents [like all the PEOPLE/FAME updates];so, I usually go to the bathroom and brush my teeth, thoroughly!
PS: this is my first response to ANY program–obviously you hit a nerve!
Not to brag but my PC on windows XP boots up in less than 30 seconds and the first time I turned it on I left to make tea and was shocked to come back and discover it ready for use.
I recently upgraded my computer with an ASUS motherboard that had a Express Gate application attached to it. It allows me to turn on my computer and be browsing the internet within 5-10 seconds.
Its nice when I’m rushing out the door and need to quickly check something, but otherwise I’d rather wait a minute for my real desktop, web browser and bookmarks at a proper resolution.
I do a lot of my computing these days on a Norhtec Microclient Sr running Mandriva Linux off of a compact flash card with an lcd monitor. The system uses 5 watts (measured) when idle so I don't bother turning it off. Besides the efficiency, I also like that this system has no moving parts so it runs completely silent. The trade-off is that it is only a 500 Mhz processor and 512 Mb ram so it's a bit slow in use. Norhtec has a 1 Ghz Microclient JrDX out recently that I might upgrade to sometime.
I use two LAN platforms where I work – one takes five (!!) minutes to boot and load the applications I need, while the other takes almost as long. On the first machine, there's a half-dozen applications that I normally use (three of which, I have ben told, are used to track my "start" and finish times); the second LAN platform also carries an application that I have to sign in on at 8:00 a.m. precisely, and I have to go through three (!!) levels of security to get there.
I have to swipe my card to get in the *&%$#!! building — don't they know when I come to work?