Hi, I am Balakumar Muthu, a strong passionate blogger, java, open source programmer, web developer and highly motivated by web, wireless and user experience technologies. Welcome to my my thoughtpad on web , google, java, user experience, apache, linux, opensource, mac, mobile, xml, eclipse, technical gadgets, geeks and my personal stuff. Please do send me your comments or views at i5bala@yahoo.com.
Until then Happy blogging sorry b-logging.
I have MOVED my B-log to http://i5bala.blogspot.com.
After a very long manual B-logging, I thought it's time for me to start
using automated B-logging tool like Blogger. This will help others to
post comment and share views and make the network big, has feeds. Please
Note: Only my B-logging has been moved, but my other informations will
be maintained and updated in this same website http://oocities.com/i5bala.
I would like to thank all the people for their support and please do kindly
continue to read my new updated and interesting B-log at http://i5bala.blogspot.com,
thank you :).
all your comments are welcome:) !. 13|02|05
:: I attended the Extramural Lecture by Richard Stallman [RMS]
Yesterday, I attended the Extramural Lecture by Richard Stallman [RMS]
- GNU Founder, at HSB, IIT-Madras who explained about software patents
and its causes. RMS came to chennai for startup of FSF- chennai. >>
feeling good to attend such lectures. 08|02|05
:: Improved Performance in J2SE1.5
Some More features are noted below:
If you haven't started a desktop Java application in the last
few years, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. The introduction
of class data sharing (in combination with other streamlining
options) has shaved nearly 30 percent off the startup time for
some applications.
The J2SE 5.0 64-bit JVM delivered record results with the AMD64/Opteron
CPU and Suse Linux Enterprise Edition 8.0 SLES 8.0. In addition,
the 32-bit version of the JRE can run side by side under the same
64-bit OS for use with existing 32-bit web browsers.
The JVM is now self-configuring and self-tuning on server-class
machines. A server-class machine is a machine with two or more
CPUs and at least 2 GB of memory. The server-based performance
ergonomics kicks in by rightsizing both the memory required and
the class of optimizations needed for longer lived applications.
This has resulted in an 80 percent improvement on one application
server benchmark without changing a line of code or supplying
any runtime options!
The Java platform already contains a pluggable Look-and-Feel
framework. The addition of the new Ocean Look-and-Feel enables
cross-platform applications to switch between Ocean or the native
operating system's look-and-feel, without the need to rebuild
or recompile them.
great change in VM. 05|02|05
:: Reduce Coding Effort using J2SE1.5
Few features are noted below:
Many of the J2SE1.5 changes reduce the amount of code a developer
has to write. The above figure quantifies that reduction, in comparison
to J2SE 1.4.2. To take a real life example, one open source application
server uses over over 2,000 Iterators. By substituting the new
enhanced for loop, the code would be reduced by up to 40,000 characters.
To a developer, that is a saving of at least two hours of solid
coding (5 characters a second).
The introduction of class data sharing (in combination with
other streamlining options) has shaved nearly 30 percent off the
startup time for some applications.
The J2SE 5.0 64-bit JVM delivered record results with the AMD64/Opteron
CPU and Suse Linux Enterprise Edition 8.0 SLES 8.0. In addition,
the 32-bit version of the JRE can run side by side under the same
64-bit OS for use with existing 32-bit web browsers.
The addition of metadata into the platform provides the greatest
scope for reduced development time through the use of tools that
can generate boilerplate code and configuration information. In
the case of SOA and web services, as defined in JSR 181, developers
should expect to see over a 50 percent reduction in code by auto-generating
common code. The preceding figure shows a metadata JAX-RPC example
from 209 to 95 characters, Enhanced for loop using generics 139
to 100 characters, non-generic enhanced for loop for each 121
to 90, to/from autoboxing 69 to 56 characters.
Metadata will reduce the amount of effort required for deployment
descriptors. One proposal for EJB 3.0 removes the need for any
deployment descriptors by default by generating the configuration
information from the application itself. >>
very good changes in many issue. 03|02|05
:: I am the Supreme Nerd God! ?
As everyone is checking their nerd level from wxplotter website. I too
took up the test and checked about my nerd level and I could get only
this Low Score ;) and the result states me as "Supreme Nerd God!"
and I am nerdier than 99% of all people. I believe Nerd Quiz is not big
enough to calculate our Nerd thing. You too can take up the test from
here.
hmmmm... OK!. 02|02|05
:: Changed Firefox's Default Icon to Java Coffee Cup!
Changing Firefox's icon default icon is relatively simple. Yesterday,
I tried that and did it. Look above the icon I have changed the default
icon to Java coffee cup.
How to change:
Go to the Firefox folder in (e.g. C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\)
and then go to the subfolder chrome.
In chrome, create a new subfolder called icons, then go to that
folder and create yet another subfolder called default. The full
path to this folder could be C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\chrome\icons\default\.
Choose the .ico you want to use and then place it in this folder
and rename it to main-window.ico, and restart the Firefox.
very simple. 01|02|05
:: New Download Page for Eclipse
Eclipse Foundation has created a prototype Web page for downloading Eclipse
files and code. It replaces the old download page and is designed to make
it easier to download Eclipse, find files and other downloads, and find
a mirror for downloads. >>
think it will be faster. 31|01|05
:: A J2SE 5.0 Tweaking Guide
I found a diagnostic guide for J2SE 5.0, help trouble-shoot problems.
The document provides a description of the tools, command line options,
and other items that can be used when analyzing a problem. The document
also provides guidance on how to approach some general issues like memory
resource issues. You can download that pdf from here.
very good and informative guide. 30|01|05
:: ILUGC Meet up
Todays, ILUGC meet was really informative and highly interative and It
helped me alot to have a good and better understanding about the shell
commands, regular expressions. I would like to extend my BIG thanks to
Hariram and Shakthi.
i am eagerly waiting for the next weeks session
:). 29|01|05
:: Using Preferences class in Java
Usually we have used Properties class to store the information about
the user settings. But the file can be accessed by the user, Now with
the Preferences API since JSDK 1.4, allows for the easy storage of user
preferences without the developer having to worry about where this information
will be stored. For example, when running an application in Windows, the
preferences will be stored in the Windows registry. Look at the Prefs
root node above, which stores my personal information in the registry
using Preferences class.
i think it is a better way then using Properties
class. 28|01|05
:: IBM's School of the Future !
Big Blue's old Skunk Works building in Florida - where the IBM PC was
invented - has reopened as Don Estridge High Tech Middle School. It's
the world's most gadget-laden campus, pumped up with electronics for pedagogy,
connectivity, and surveillance. This composite classroom shows some of
the highest-tech equipment spread throughout the facilities. The Estridge
campus is wired for surround sound and wireless mikes. The library is
designed less for books and more for interaction-online and in meatspace.
Bookshelves on wheels, overstuffed chairs, and Wi-Fi create a coffeehouse
vibe. Chalkboards are out; whiteboards are in - they're easier on the
eyes and on the lungs. And smartboards let teachers and students interact
directly with computer-projected displays. Attendance at Estridge is recorded
by handprint scanners at the door of every room. No more napping in class.
Alongside the traditional sheet music and socially maladjusted students
are electronic keyboards, mixing software, and MIDI files.
that sound rocks! . 27|01|05
:: Do you know Google Calculator ?
Google Calculator, a feature less known by most of the people. It evaluates
mathematical expressions. To use Google's built-in calculator function,
simply enter the calculation you'd like done into the search box like
2+2 and hit the Enter key or click on the Google Search button. You will
get the result as 4. The calculator can solve math problems involving
basic arithmetic, more complicated math, units of measure and conversions,
and physical constants. eg. +.- /, * and much more. >>
i use it for some sqr functions. 26|01|05
:: Balloon Tool Tip in Java!
Yesterday, I tried to create a different kind of balloon tool tip [with
the shadow] in Java, which looks similar to the one in Mac OS 9 - balloon
tool tip and I am happy that I am able to do it to some extent. Look at
the screen shot with the black shadow.
i would like to create the balloon tips, in different
shapes. 25|01|05
:: iWork '05 Keynote 2 and Pages
Steve Jobs revealed iWork '05 during his Macworld Conference. As the
successor to AppleWorks, iWork features Keynote 2 and the new word processing
application Pages and integrates, via a media browser, with the iLife
suite of digital video, audio and photography software. Apple expects
to ship the new bundle on Jan. 22 for US$79. Keynote 2 include the ability
to export presentations in Macromedia Flash format, animated text effects,
new transitions and themes and more. In addition, you can now use the
software to create interactive and self-playing presentations. Pages includes
40 templates for creating everything from brochures to resumes to newsletters,
with support for dynamic text wrapping and alignment guides. Supported
file formats PDF, Adobe Photoshop, TIFF, JPG, QuickTime and others is
also included. >>
suddenly lots of good things happens in apple!
- great job, jobs. 24|01|05
:: Linux Glossary for Newbies!
I found a interesting Linux Glossary for Windows users from IBM, highly
informative and terms are defined in simple manner. Links are also provided
to get more informations. You can download it by clicking here.
nice for linux newbies. got any article like this,
please do share with me at i5bala@yahoo.com.
thanks in advance. 23|01|05
:: I am Planning to sell my Never Used Joystick !!
Recently, I attended the Baazee's [an e-bay company] training on how
to sell products more effectively and safely on the net in Reliance Web
World, It was really informative and a good interactive session. Now I
am planning to sell out my never used [really, as I never play games,
do believe me ;)] Genius Flight F-22 Joystick - specially designed to
handle-grip keeps you comfortable and reduces fatigue. Four easy-to-access
buttons never let you miss a shot. It provides adjustable and multiple
views with a touch of a button for convenience. Speed controller make
games virtual Rudder: Instant virtual reality 3D control gives you excitement.
4 way easy-to-access buttons let you be superior in all games. Innovative
design should last a lifetime. Sturdy base keeps control stable. It is
still in its big good pack, received as a compliment for buying my PC.
Hope I will get a good bid.
if you plan to buy, do mail me at i5bala@yahoo.com,
lets settle for a good bid :). 23|01|05
:: Using System Tray in Java !
Yesterday night, to make my application reside on the System Tray, I
worked with 'SysTray for Java' an API written to enable Java applications
access the system tray. The coding is simple and good and supports the
creation of submenus, checkable menus, and allows modification of everything
during runtime. >>
i am planning to try other system tray api's for
java. 22|01|05
:: Creating Z-ORDER in Java
J2SE 5.0 adds a number of enhancements and makes a number of bug fixes
to AWT. One of these is added z-order support. The Container class in
java.awt package provides two new methods setComponentZOrder(Component
c, int layer) and getComponentZOrder(Component
c). We should also make sure to use isOptimizedDrawingEnabled()
method set to false to
prevent, the components overlap. I have the code which clearly shows how
to use z-order, shown below:
import java.awt.*;
import javax.swing.*;
public class MyZOrder {
public static void main(String args[]) {
EventQueue.invokeLater(new Runnable() {
public void run() {
JFrame frame = new JFrame("Bala's Favourite Technologies :
Z-Order");
frame.setDefaultCloseOperation(
JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
JButton first = new JButton("JAVA");
JButton second = new JButton("OpenSource");
JButton third = new JButton("Wireless");
int x=25;
int y=50;
int width=140;
int height=40;
int overlap = 25;
int widthDelta = width - overlap;
int heightDelta = height - overlap;
first.setBounds(x, y, width, height);
second.setBounds(x + widthDelta, y + heightDelta,
width, height);
third.setBounds(x + (widthDelta) * 2, y +
(heightDelta) * 2, width, height);
if you find any other methods like this please do
share with me at i5bala@yahoo.com.
21|01|05
:: Nine Key Factors for Successful Technical Career
I read a very interesting MindTree's lecture series article - Nine Key
Factors Behind a Successful Technical Career, is very short and good informative.
You too can download these pdf from here.
a must read for every growing technical professionals.
19|01|05
:: Working with Nokia's J2ME Suite
I am a regular user of Sun's J2ME Wireless Toolkit 2.0 for creating
MIDlets. Yesterday for a change I tried and worked with Nokia Developer's
suite for J2ME, It is more or less the same like the WTK, but it includes
a UI designer, Music tone modifier and the Emulator has very good look
and feel [look at the screen shot]. It includes series 60, 90 phone emulators.
But overall I love only the Sun's J2ME Wireless Toolkit. >>
emulator seems to be very cool and more realistic.
18|01|05
:: Google Mini
Google Mini a new search appliance, helps small and medium-sized organizations
with up to 50,000 online documents can get google search for their own
websites and intranets and it comes with a price of $4995. It indexes
the documents, and its security features ensure that users only see the
documents to which they have proper access and easy to set up and minimal
administration. >>
seems google trys to retain their global search
market in all ways, a good product. 17|01|05
:: Microsoft AntiSpyware 1.0 Beta
Microsoft offered its first version of the anti-spyware program purchased
from Giant Company Software. It offers a real-time monitor, automatic
spyware-signature updates, and provides an optional peer-based exploit-detection
data-sharing mechanism to help protect against fast-breaking new spyware
woes. >>
a long waited comes atlast, a must for all window
users . 16|01|05
:: iPod shuffle
Apple introduced it's new 512MB and 1GB flash based iPod. It has no
display and there's just two modes straight and shuffle is the key feature.
It is just $99, which will and has made a big hit in the market within
a short period. Along with it Mac Mini is also released. >>
apple's technology is an fine art of cutting edge
product. keep it up jobs. 15|01|05
:: I have GMail invitations
I have some GMail invitations, if you want it do drop in a mail to me
at balakumar.muthu@gmail.com, along with your first and last name.
hurry make it faster!. 14|01|05
:: I visited the 28th Chennai Book Fair
Today evening, I have visited the 28th Chennai Book Fair Organized by
the BAPASI held in Quaid E Millet College, chennai. I am a regular visitor
of this book fair since 1991. As usual I am bit confused on buying books,
these time I browsed books mainly on JSP, Wireless technologies, Eclipse,
WebSphere and some philosophical books too. I even bought some second
hand books from outside the fair hall, the deal seems to be good too :).
>>
I am very much passionate and love :o) to visit
such book fair, where i can browse books on various subjects. 13|01|05
:: Most popular mobile phone 2004
I have list the most popular mobile devices [according to Russell] in
2004, all the devices are color and most of them are with camera with
very advance rich high resolution screen. Some of the devices are bluetooth
enabled and with other great added value functions.
i am planning to get my next mobile with camera,
wifi, bluetooth, high resolution display. It also should has .net Compact
Framework and j2me midp enabled. 11|01|05
:: Apache Struts Framework Tutorial
I found a very good step by step Struts framework, recommend for starters. Download tutorial from http://i5bala.blogspot.com/ Please Note: It can be downloaded from blog dated Friday, March 18, 2005.
good tutorial. 08|01|05
:: Google Scholar released
Google Scholar enables you to search specifically for scholarly literature,
including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and
technical reports from all broad areas of research. Use Google Scholar
to find articles from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional
societies, preprint repositories and universities, as well as scholarly
articles available across the web. >>
now google search gets more refined. 18|12|04
:: I am using Ant in Ecplise for my scripts
For the past few months, I am experimenting and using ant in Ecplise
platform for compiling, bulding and other purposes. Writing simple ant
scripts is very interesting and I will continue to use it when and where
every where possible, look at the screen shot.
build.xml - ant is an handy tool. 12|12|04
:: Koders - Open Source search for code
Koders makes it easy for software developers to find existing source
code that solves many common development problems. It provides codes for
most of the programming language including java, .net, php and much more.
>>
koders a good reference when needed. 26|11|04
:: India government prefers Java
Financial express article states Java gets a thumbs up from government
which says: Giving a government perspective on the increasing acceptance
of Java, an official in the department of information technology (DIT)
said, "Excise department's tender specifically said J2EE, department
of company affairs project mentioned J2EE. Income tax project uses underlying
J2EE technologies and many more large projects in the offing are expected
to move towards J2EE. Some of the other government departments which are
running on J2EE include the customs department and Employees Provident
Fund. >>
j2ee impacts now in goverments sectors in india.
13|11|04
:: My First Ecplise plugin
Yesterday night, I tried to create my first eclipse plugin, and created
it successfully, look at the screen shot. My plugin added on the toolbar
in a seperate 'actionset'. The development was not much tougher, also
it's not easier either.
that's a good start with PDE, i have to make it
great!. 29|10|04
:: Google Desktop
Google has introduced the desktop search, which helps in searching email,
files, web history and chats, lots of information in our computer. It
also finds web pages we previously seen, email we sent or received, IM
chats, and files on our computer. >>
sunddenly, a lot of product releases happens in
google. 28|10|04
:: Google SMS service
Google's introduced SMS service, sending an SMS to 46645 will help you
to local search for businesses and residential addresses, Froogle searches,
definitions, calculation results as well as area code and zip code lookups.
If you forget how to use the service, send the word 'help' to get instructions
or go to But the service is only for USA. >>
the power of mobile is felt everywhere we go. 23|10|04
:: Ecplise SysDeo Tomcat Plugin
I downloaded and tried the SysDeo - Tomcat plugin for Ecplise platform.
I started with a simple HelloServlet program [look at the screenshot].
The plugin automatically added in a new actionset in the toolbar. It is
very simple to deploy servelts and jsp files using SysDeo in Ecplise.
>>
a very good and useful plugin for ecplise. 20|10|04
:: Mobile Virtual Girlfriend
Artificial Life in Hong Kong has developed a new game called Virtual
Girlfriend. The game is due for launch at the 3G World Conference in Hong
Kong on November 15, but has already created a storm of interest, especially
in South America, Europe and Asia. Virtual Girlfriend players establish
a relationship with a "girlfriend" and progress to new levels
as the relationship evolves. The artificial girlfriend needs a lot of
attention and likes gifts such as chocolates and flowers. To get "boyfriends"
playing the game as often as possible, the company has designed play so
that the girlfriend needs a visit every day. She has secrets the boyfriend
needs to discover to get to the next level. She reveals the secrets little
by little. The game uses technologies such as streaming, video and live
chat. It has a natural language processor, text-to-speech voices, including
English, German, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Unlike most other games,
the user can chat live with the artificial girlfriend," Schoneburg
says. The user can follow and interact with the girlfriend during different
activities, such as when she is shopping, when she is out for a coffee
with her friends, at the workplace or at her virtual home.
virtual girlfriend!?. 19|10|04
:: Synth look and feel in Java
Yesterday, I tried one of the new most useful feature in the new Java
- Synth. Synth is a new look and feel added to Swing J2SE 5.0. Synth is
a skinnable look and feel, where the user interface is controlled by an
seperate XML file. The UI properties can be set simply by using the XML
file without writing code. It is very simple to use and modify. >>
Simply changing the XML file, and without recompiling
your program, is a good feature. 18|10|04
:: Symbol of Courage
Christopher, the superman who passed away :( was an real life inspirational
hero , through his painstaking efforts to overcome total paralysis.
one of my favourite real life here. 16|10|04
:: Amazying G5 iMac is here !
Apple's G5 iMac is amazying. Im speechless. iMac G5 almost looks
slimmer and lighter than Dell laptops, those things are bricks, and theyre
supposed to be portable. Hope Apple has solved the heat problem. Personally
Mac is one of my favourite and frequently used system >>
apple has made it again. 10|10|04
:: Hey, I have received a gift from Sun Microsystem! :)
Haa! Haa! Haa! :) , Today I have received a java tiger-keychain gift
[look above] along with some java powered stickers and java badges from
Sun Microsystems, for testing java 1.5, and replying
them about what are the features I like in the newer version. A very big
special thanks to Mrs. Mary Smaragdis from Sun Microsystems.
Greeeeeeeeat feeling! :O). 06|10|04
:: No MS Attachment
The GNU are trying to promote an end to the use of Word documents/Powerpoint
presentaions etc as attachments. Quite rightly they point out that companies
offer word documents as Application Forms. So you have to visit and take
the prescribed action whenever you get a Word document. >>
may be it would takes a longer time for that. 03|10|04
:: Tasting Java 1.5 Tiger
Today morning, I downloaded and installed Java 1.5 and started trying
and testing applications on the newer version. There is big difference
on the performance, a lot of new features and the look and feel "ocean"
too is cool. >>
i will try all the new features in 1.5 one by one.
02|10|04