We get up early so that you don't have to.

The Daily Grind 599

By Mike Gunderloy
Tuesday, April 12, 2005

If we can put a man on the moon, why can't we put an end to the common cold?

Software

xNetServer - VB.NET Web Server for ASP.NET - A VB.NET port of Cassini, with additional security configurable in an XML file.
ZAM 3D - 3D modeling tool that produces XAML markup. You can download a beta that works with the March 2005 Avalon CTP.
TopDesk 1.3 - Sexy-looking task switcher for Windows $9.95. (via Scott Hanselman)

IBM Claims Fuel Cells Give Laptops 8-Hour Charge - Prototype only, but it's nice to see this idea moving along. Plus, it's methanol-based, which means in a pinch you could crack it open, drink it, and go blind.

Bugger the Debugger - Pre Interaction Debugger Code Execution - Lovely: someone has figured out how to make their little piece of malware execute some code just by noticing when it's loaded into the debugger. Another "safe" diagnostic technique isn't so safe after all.
C# and VB.NET Comparison Cheat Sheet - Syntax translations for the confused developer. (via Tim Haines)
Managing the "Surface Area" of SQL Server 2005 - Developer.com has been letting me blab about Yukon again. This time I tackled one of the nifty new security features.
Operator Overloading in VB.Net 2.0 - An interesting new feature, but one that I fear is destined to be overused by those developers more interested in appearing cool than in being sensible.
Adding a ProcessContext to ASP.NET - A bit of noodling around to improve the way ASP.NET handles state.(via Tim Haines)

Blog Burner - Just in case you thought blogs were only a tool for good, here's a way to use the blogging process to help your search engine rankings!

Mike Gunderloy is the lead developer for Larkware and author of numerous books and articles on programming topics.