where IT comes alive!
Internet Explorer 8 Final was finally released today at 12am. It's feels less horrible and is way faster than pervious version. Though if you use other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Safari, you will find a lot of very famaliar features.
Firstly, tab and frames are individual processes, so if one of them crashes, the browser would not fail. Application crash recovery is also introduced in this version.
Another famailar feature is the smart address bar as well as search suggestions.
The address bar was also redesigned to highlight the domain name. Moreover, Internet Explorer 8 finally passes the acid2 test and supports web standards although there are about 200 major websites that do not work with Internet explorer 8's web compliant view and will switch to compatibility view. But Microsoft decided to put a broken page icon on the address bar when pages are rendered in compatibility view. New (blank) tabs do not take forever to open ad list recently closed tabs, accelerators and an option to launch an InPrivate Window.
Other new features include:
A first look at some of the javascript experiments from google. There are about 23 uber cool experiments available on the site and makes you rethink about javascript. It's not simple scripting to create simple effects for your page. [Note: Some experiments requires a fast javascript engine like Chrome, Firefox 3.1 beta, Safari 4 beta]
SPIC was invited to the "IBM: Simple Solutions in Tough Times Workshop" on 19th March. The workshop was to showcase IBM Technologies and affiliates to help reduce running costs, improve efficiency and growth of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) during the current economic climate.
The event started off with Mr. Peter Leong, the centre director of SME Infocomm Resource Centre (SIRC) showcasing innovative ways to increase business viability and what centres in Singapore can help, particularly SIRC.
Next up, there was a run through on how the Internet can aid in business and how Web 2.0 had changed the internet experience. Business can take leverage on the power of Web 2.0 to improve growth and attract customers by using IBM Lotus Suites.
After the intresting overview of Web 2.0, we were introduced on moving over a paperless working enviroment to cut cost, increase productibility vis collobration, sharing, searching and e.t.c. using existing technlogies such as a SharePoint(Microsoft) Server and IBM Technlogies. We were also give a run thru of Cognos Software from IBM, and how it can improve growth by pinpointing weak points in your business and can generate reports literally on the fly with the data feeded into it, unlike spreadsheets where employees have to painstakinly enter and compile which may contain calculation or human errors.
After the coffee-break, IBM showcased their Technnlogies on how to cut Data Centre (Servers) cost by using their space effecient server with built in cooling which can be use in any enviroment (not creative Zii). They also showed us another alternative for SMEs with existing server, which may be difficult to replace as these arn't cheap. This was a liquid cooling device attached to the exaust of the servers to almost remove all heat away from the server. These two technologies help reduce hot spots and thus reduce running costs.
Last of all, we were introduced to two softwares, namely SAP and SUGARcrm. SAP can help reduce costs and outperforming competitors by putting the customer in the center and linking all the departments in an enterprise to form a cohesive enviroment which is similar t0 IBM's Cognos Software. SUGARcrm is a opensource (3 editions, onlly community edition is free) Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software which can improve relation ship between customers and enterprises to improve sales.
Updated Mar 16, 2009
Note: This is only for those coming stated in the email dated 16 Mar
Venue: CSSC
Date: 26th March, Thursday
Time: 2.30pm at SAA
Remarks: We will be meeting Miss Jesslyn and help her load the new desktops to her van. She will then send us to CSSC and proceed on with the installation.
The club will be retaining 3 old desktops for further courses and such. (DIY, troubleshooting, etc)
SPIC is working on a few major projects at the moment. Some of which are: SP Multimedia Amazing Race, WhyILoveSP Blogging Competition and a tech E-magazine. We have big plans for this year, so stay tuned for more updates. 
The first two activity sites are 80% up and running, so you can check that out in the meantime. (Links are at the top, together with home, about us etc)
If you would like to be part of these happening projects, send us an email at spic[at]cca.sg!
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