So, the answer to the overall question is that physics requires an apportioning of bandwidth between up and down, but economics can here route around physics: If a provider were committed to providing symmetry without lowering download speeds, it could have (for example) put in a second line when it put in the first. The trade-offs were made by the access providers, largely based on business concerns. For example, one reason we have asymmetric fiber may be that the providers have been charging such high premiums for symmetric access that they don’t want to lose that extra money, even as the technology makes symmetry more plausible.
Category: General Tech
The Power of the Referral
At some point, everyone in the creative to technical fields have been asked to give advice about a designer, vendor or product. It’s a common thing, especially in fields where no single person can know everything.
Personally, I have a network of IT guys and designers around town I know I can ask questions of, knowing I will receive an answer based on their experience and knowledge.
In turn, I serve as a point of reference for numerous people as well, and try to make sure that my answers are thought-out and helpful.
The Hurley Bird and the App Orchard
Tilt-Shift AND Fast Driving?
How to Use Time Machine for Updating an Offsite Backup Drive
There are lots of great tools for backing up data, but none are as simple as the built-in Time Machine.
With a little work, Time Machine can be used with an alternative drive for offsite backups. It is pretty simple, but I’ve created a PDF to make it even simpler.
Instacast and Air Server: Podcasts at Home, Over Wi-Fi
I’m a big fan of podcasts.
I use Instacast to subscribe and listen to podcasts on my iPhone 4. I can listen to shows in my truck or at my desk easily. I also don’t have to deal with syncing my iPhone all the time for new episodes, since Instacast download shows right to the device.
At work, I usually have my headphones on. I plug my iPhone into my MacBook Pro’s audio-in jack, and launch the excellent (and free) LineIn application, which allows me to patch audio from the audio-in jack right to the headphone jack.
AOL Hell
Some people struggle to write for their whole lives, and only dream of ever getting paid for it. And here was I was, Mr. Big-Shot-Razor-Blade-Man, getting paid a real salary. I could sit at home and write in my pajamas while eating take-out food; and that’s what I did. I was so grateful.
But this was part of the problem. We — by which I mean me and my fellow employees — were all so grateful. Which allowed us to ignore — or willfully overlook — certain problems. Such as the fact that AOL editors forced us to work relentless hours. Or the fact that we were paid to lie, actually instructed to lie by our bosses.
Home is Where the Text Files Are
Several months ago I started using nvALT and Simplenote as a portable electronic notebook. Both apps are easy to use and offer near ubiquitous access to my stuff. Today, that combo is my Great Database of Everything, from reference emails to post ideas and driving directions.
I have the same setup going on my machines. nvALT is a great little app, and with Simplenote syncing, I’ve got my notes and files on my phone and on the web. The two sync perfectly and quickly with each other.
On Not Changing the World
Jim Dalrymple, to RIM’s co-CEOs:
Guys, you are not changing the world — the world is laughing at you. The only reason you birthed a tablet in a year is because you are so far behind Apple, you had no choice but to come out with something, and that wasn’t very good.
‘Hate. Love. Fear.’
Cody Fink has written a must-read for tech writers.
Offsite Backups
What if our home was destroyed and we lost all our belongings? Or what if someone were to break in and rob us? Apart from one another, the only irreplaceable things in our house are the priceless memories, work, and other information that we keep on our computers.
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If there ever were a situation where grabbing the external drive on the way out the door wasn’t an option, or if it were destroyed by a tornado, or if it were stolen, then we would I lose year’s worth of photos and music as well as access to much of our livelihood, including the documents and passwords related to our business, finances, etc.