Pex - Automated White box Testing for .NET

Tomorrow 5th Feb, I am giving a talk on white Box Testing in my Software engineering Class. Software Testing really excited me and has show me a new prespective towards Code rather than my developer's view onto building robust systems. I have browsed many new contents on the web and has fine tuned new testing concepts which I am eagerly waiting to share with my friends @ the session. I found this recent PEX -MSR Initiative very interesting as i was skimming through the pages in google. MSR Rockz!!!! Check this Out!!! 

Right from the Visual Studio code editor, Pex finds interesting input-output values of your methods, which you can save as a small test suite with high code coverage. Pex performs a systematic analysis, hunting for boundary conditions, exceptions and assertion failures, which you can debug right away. Pex enables Parameterized Unit Testing, an extension of Unit Testing that reduces test maintenance costs. Pex also comes with Moles, a lightweight framework for test stubs and detours.

Download Pex and Moles Now!

Bing's 30 - Minute Outage: A Sally Field Moment?

This really hocked me up knowing that the popular nebiee Bing Search Engine was down for nearly 30 minutes on Thursday evening (3-12-2009). This resulted in flurry in media coverage and loss of hits for Bing. I believe MS will not repeat this service-Outage in future for any reasons as they must understand that there are servers that haven't been put-down for years running VFS in them...

If I am not wrong, Its more important to write-on the problems if any than  always spelling laurels on a product/service as it helps it to grow... I hope my review here is to make my favorite Bing better!!!

Windows 7 Community Launch Party, Chennai - Seven is More Special!!!!

The Celebration Started...

Seven is More Special As...
Seven colours makes Rainbow...
Seven swaram makes up Music...
Seven days makes a Week...
Windows SEVEN Makes the Perfect OS among others!!!

Today 31st October,2009, it was a Perfect day to celebrate the Perfect OS, "Windows 7" here at Haddows Club in Nungambakkam, Chennai. It was 9:30 AM, when I parked my bike, and came into the wonderful venue where the Launch party was scheduled to happen. CITUG (Chennai IT Pro User Group) hang-outs and the scenic front office greeted me, as I headed to the floor where Mr.Ravikumar, UG Lead had already started with his introduction note of the day.

Lightening Talk on Windows 7

Mr.RaviKumar begun the most awaited Launch Party by showcasing us some exciting videos on Windows 7, which was a perfect intro-snack on the party. Then he started with the powerpoint on "Windows 7: our PC Simplified". The presentation gave us a chance to explore the 3 dimensions where Windows 7 makes our life easier and more productive. Here are those remarkable features which he discussed with us,

1. Making everyday task Simpler
    -> Simple to Use
    -> Easy to browse the web
    ->Easy to connect
    ->Easy to Communicate and share

2. Works the way we want
   -> Faster and more reliable
   -> More Secure
   -> Compatible with you

3. Makes new things possible
   -> Media on our terms
   -> Work Anywhere
   -> New ways to engage

Windows 7 Exclusives :

Aero Shake, Aero Peek, Live Taskbar Preview, Aero Snap, Device Stage, HomeGroup, Productivity enhancements like sleep and resume feature, Power Management, search and federated search, security enhancements, Problem Step Recorder, Live Features, Windows Media Player Mini-mode, Location Aware Printing, Windows Media Center- Improved, Parental Control, Play-to are the latest inclusive of Windows 7, which we were introduced in the session. The Minimum Configuration for Windows 7 was no more than an ordinary PC required for XP to run smoothly (1GHz Processor, 1GB Ram, 16GB HDD).

IE 8:

We also explored IE8 and its new features like Accelerators, Web slices and much more. This really added up to the event.

Windows Answers

We were also introduced to Microsoft Answers Portal and Mr.RaviKumar suggested us the importance of Community in helping out customers to carter their needs.I am sure Microsoft Answers will surely complement to the better user experience (in troubleshooting) and satisfaction of users on the product.

"I am PC " - Loaded with Goodies

The power-packed session was even more entertaining with  "I am a PC" contest. The contest was all about, we need to say " I am a PC" and state the most fascinating (needful) features, Windows 7 provides us which we wished earlier versions to provide.

Interestingly there were many who raised hands and said "I am PC" and came up with the exciting features of Win7 and received T-Shirts and one lucky gentleman even won a 4GB Microsoft Pen Drive. I too stated few and won a comment " That's good!!". I didn't get any goodies, Still I was happy with the activity as it was a good interaction and some even came up with new ideas for  Windows 7 SP1:)!!!

The Blog 'o' Contest 

I was waiting for another chance to grab atleast any of the goodies, but I was left with no other chance. But Ravi sir on spelling out the Blogging Contest for the attendees, many of us were excited to take part in it ( as we all had the spirit to explore and blog on Win7 and we were real PC's). Article contest on Windows 7 also spiced up today's event. These activities really accelerated all the attendees to explore Windows 7and helped to spice us the party.

Yummy Brunch...

                                             A Tasty vigee Brunch by the attendees 

I cannot finish either the Launch Party or this post by missing out the tasty vegiee. It was 12:00 noon, myself ( Santhosh, MSP ,Arunai Engineering college), Gokoulane (MSP, P.M.R. I.T) and Sham (MSP, Velammal) together had an yummy brunch to finish the party. During our brunch, we had a strong debate on which was the most exciting feature on Windows 7....and finally came to a conclusion as..."the whole Win7"!!!!

                                                    

 It's the Beginning...

                                   Sham (MSP, Velammal) and Myself (Santhosh, MSP, Arunai Engineering College)

I thank Mr.RaviKumar who took us to a splendid Windows 7 Tour and together we really enjoyed the Launch Event. Here is where the fabulous event came to end, but I believe as a Microsoft Student Partner, Its the beginning for me and other MSP's to start spreading the benefits and excellence of Windows 7 to large Student, Corporate and other communities and I am sure we will do that. The Windows 7 Launch Party was indeed a great success and I thank all tech enthusiasts, Mr.RaviKumar, MeraWindows and all those who were behind in organizing such a wonderful event.I wish MeraWindows to do continue their splendid work, and we will always be with you in making the event- "an history".

Check this video I've created on the Windows Community Launch Party , Chennai.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out for my next blog-post on CITUG ( Chennai IT pro User Group)....

This has really dragged my interest!!! - Interoperability India

When I was seriously surfing the web to find out, what's new; I found "AREA 91" an Open Source Community hosted by Microsoft’s Developer and Platform Evangelism team and Interoperability in India. I have always wondered on how developers can integrate two different platforms irrespective of its architecture or technology. I don't mean (OS), but the application development framework. This is more vital. As a developer, I suggest all my blog readers to check out "AREA 91" to learn on how to use PHP in windows, start building Silverlight Apps using Eclipse and to configure free database engine with reporting services.

We have excellent tutorials in this portal. Kindly use the link here and learn these Interoperability How-to's. 

Microsoft Imagine Cup 2010 - Calling all Students!!!

As you know , the software giant Microsoft is conducting a student technology competition called "Imagine Cup 2010".I would like to ask you to take part in the competition.There are lots of challenges/types of competition in this contest , I assure you will enjoy the contest .The registration method for the competition is mentioned below:

Just use this link .This will lead you to the registration page :
https://imaginecup.com/registration/default.aspx?EmailID=youremailid&ReferralCode=mstechindia&Country=India

Check for filling in the referral code as "mstechindia" before submitting.

Registration takes just a minute.Do also confirm your registration through the confirmation mail in your inbox and update your profile an sign in for various contest. Hope everyone participate and win exciting prizes.

Also refer to my post titled "Microsoft Student Programs" for useful resources to contest Imagine Cup 2010.  

Microsoft Student Programs - To Empower your Dreams

I found "Student Programs" tab under ImagineCup 2010 useful to all my blog readers and MS fans to learn and stay connected with MS Technologies. I'll CTRL+C and CTRL+V the article here. Check this out...

Microsoft Student programs mission is: to empower you to achieve your hopes and dreams, both in your personal and professional life.  The Imagine Cup is just one of these programs.  Learn more about the other amazing Microsoft programs and jump start your career, find free software, or communicate online with other students.

Microsoft.com/student is a one-stop resource for the Microsoft tools, information and resources students need get ahead in school, work and life. Visit Microsoft.com/student for exclusive discounts on Microsoft products, access to the all new Student Lounge and much more!

View This Site

Do you think you got it? Do you feel prepared? Do you consider that you are in the top 2500 technical students from all over the world? Microsoft Student Partners is an opportunity for top young minds around the world to build skills for their career, help others learn about the technology of tomorrow and have a ton of fun along the way. The brightest and most talented students get a chance to share their passion of Microsoft technologies and programs to their peers through campus events and technology focused student user groups.

Microsoft Student Partners get access to software, technology focused training, and opportunities to improve their presentation skills. They are recognized for the talent and skills they have developed through their participation in this program allowing them to build their own resumes while having fun working with top young minds around the world. View This Site and View This Blog

Starting your career? Microsoft Students to Business links you to Microsoft industry partners and provides you practical experience to establish skills and competencies. Thousands of Microsoft partners are looking to recruit interns and new graduates as .Net Developers, IT Support, and Web Developers. Find entry-level opportunities in your country/region today! View This Site

DreamSpark is simple. It's all about giving students Microsoft professional-level developer and
designer tools and training at no charge so you can chase your dreams and create the next big breakthrough in technology - or just get a head start on your career. Microsoft believes that students can do amazing things if they only have the right tools. DreamSpark gives you the chance to develop world class software, web applications, cool and creative designs as well as amazing games. View This Site


Student Tech Clubs There are many ways to learn technology around the world. We realize that sometimes the one way you can master professional tools is on your own time with your friends. Our goal is to support you with access to tools, training and a platform to connect to others.  Student Tech Clubs are communities of people just like you—problem solvers, challenge seekers, leaders, and people who love to discover everything they can about the latest technologies.  Now, Microsoft makes it easier than ever for you to start a Student Tech Club at your school.

As an Imagine Cup participant, Student Tech Clubs will be a piece of cake for you. This is your opportunity to start something, get your friends together and build the next technology dream. We provide you with the tools, support materials and access to local speakers to get your club up and running. You’ll make new friends, share insights and learn about the hottest new trends in technology. View This Site

Watch out for my next post titled "Microsoft ImagineCup 2010 - Calling all Students" to find on ImagineCup 2010 -India's Premier Technology Event.

Into the Future: The PC Revolution has is Begun!

I know its too early to blog on Win8, but I am more interested in compiling the rumors and wish-list of Windows 8. I Binged and found many interesting blogs writing on Win8. Interestingly, I found Robert Morgan, Senior Research and Development Employee, Microsoft, posting updates on LinkedIn, exposing some Company secrets!

“Robert Morgan is working to get IA-128 working backwards with full binary compatibility on the existing IA-64 instructions in the hardware simulation to work for Windows 8 and definitely Windows 9.”

“Robert Morgan is using Hestia (custom software package) for experimenting with the processor for scientific analysis and 3D graphics. Error: Memory Latency? Always gotta be a challenge barrier, it’s gotta be a bug in Hestia. right?!”

“Robert Morgan is frustrated with process standards and regulations! Delays Delays!”

Windows 8 is expected to come only in 64bit and interestingly in 128bit. This is because Windows Server 2008 RC is only released in 64bit and surely next Windows OS is expected in 128 bit version.64bit adoption is low and Windows 8 in 128bit will be surely be like the Windows Vista, in performance. Hardware transition is really slow and Windows 8 if adopted through 128bit, then customer experience might be poor as driver availability might be scarce.

For More Future: Enjoy the Concept Screen-shots of Windows 8!!!

Hope this post helped you to look into the future!!!!