Category: Computing

The ups and downs of working with computers

Categories
Computing Web Development

How browsers detect whether the URL points to a file or a directory

Suppose you are a browser and you get a URL like:
https://www.enavigo.com/awesome
How do you know if awesome is a directory or a file?
A really nice hint you’d be nice to give is to append a slash to the URL whenever you denote a directory.

So how *can* you find that out?
The only way I found out had to do with headers. It appears that when web servers are sent a URL like https://www.enavigo.com/awesome and awesome *is* a directory, the response header will redirect the browser (or requestor for that matter) to the properly specified URL
https://www.enavigo.com/awesome/ which has the trailing slash character. I am sure that has to do with server setup.

Need to research this issue more…

Share
Categories
Computing

Nokia N810 impression

I am writing this post using the Nokia N810 internet device. It is definitely an impressive piece of technology. The browser is phenomenal and makes connectivity an even more prevasive part of our already connected life. What’s more is that it brings the eponymous cloud right to you. Yes, the device has applications and the community supporting it is creating many more, but its real power is derived from its ability to run AJAX apps like your browser would. So as long as your apps run in a browser, and the world is moving there, you can live with this browser device. Awesome, right?
Two things make me sad about this awesome device:
It currently cannot go online, sorta necessary for cloud applications, unless you have WiFi or you are connected through Bluetooth to the Internet. WiFi is sketchy so relying on a second device makes the N810 a tad lame. then there is the slippery and unpleasant keyboard. Typing this is painful.
There is a WiMax model coming but who knows its release date.
And it only does Skype audio despite having a webcam. So close to killer status.

Share
Categories
Computing Web Development

Microsoft Windows Live Writer does rock

Yes. You are allowed to refuse to believe me. I still beg you would. Microsoft has a winner in a small free application called Windows Live Writer.  The tool is essentially an offline editor for your blog posting, and WordPress and many other services are supported. And like me, even when you are the host of the blog on your own domain, not through a blog site.

The interface is simple to use, it is very WYSIWYG in the sense that it even downloads the style of your theme so when you write you will see how it looks, and thus avoiding WordPress’ awful awful web-based editor. It is a small application, it has many creature comforts and even allows you to write to multiple blogs.

Share
Share