7 Steps to Achieving Internet-Browsing Nirvana (1)

Do you want to unleash the latent capabilities of your computer and yourself? Do you want to be able to access and sort through information at lightning speeds without the pain and annoyance of slow, inefficient browsing? If so, get on the path to trouble-free, effective access to the internet through this guide to enlightenment.

The concepts are fairly simple:

1. Remove unnecessary software from your computer
2. Update your browser
3. Install plugins
4. Test your browser
5. Fine-tune browser settings
6. Evaluate your tools
7. Improve, consolidate, integrate!

I have split the process into two parts. Steps 1-5 will comprise the first part. If you have a typical computer and just need to tune up your browsing experience, this first part shouldn't take longer than 15-30 minutes. However, it is meant to be a generic resource so you may come across a lot of information that does not apply to you.

Step 0 - Identify the Cause
Test Connection Speed [Skip this step if you just want to get straight to the fun part]
Before, we get started tweaking, it might help to find out why you're so dissatisfied with your internet. There may be many reasons that explain your crippled internet experience. I narrow them down to these three reasons:

• Your internet connection may be awful
• Latent software on your computer may be unnecessarily bogging down your device
• Your computer hardware may just not be sufficient for your needs

The easiest way to find this out is to run an internet speed test which will give you an idea of your true internet connection speed. The sites listed below will basically return a value for your download speed, your upload speed and your latency (or lag). If the latency is too high, the server may be too far away and the results may not be representative of your actual connection speed. Try a closer server or search for another internet speed test for your region.

http://www.speedtest.net/

http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest [I have only tried the Flash-based test]

http://www.pingtest.net/ - This information will likely not be important to you. It is from the makers of the speedtest

You may want to compare your average value with what you're actually paying your internet service provider (ISP).

Next, open up 2 or 3 of the most graphic- and computing-intensive applications that you have on your device. I opened Solid Works, DivX Plus Player and BlackBerry Desktop Software all at once. While these are loading, run the test again. You will notice one of three scenarios:

• Everything remains the same: This likely means that your computer hardware is fine and you should consider purchasing greater bandwidth. Otherwise, it may mean the applications you opened were not sufficiently stressful; however opening an HD movie in DivX Plus should do the trick for most computers.
• Download speed alone drops: This likely means that your computer is struggling either because of hardware, software of both. This guide will help you quickly alleviate the discomfort.
• Download speed and upload speed drop: This likely means that your computer has some serious hardware short-comings and this guide will only help some of that. Consider upgrading your memory or in seriously debilitating cases, replace your operating system.
• Some other combination: This is difficult to diagnose without further information as there may be several scenarios involved.

Step 1 - Get rid of the Old!
Remove unnecessary software
Delete unused or out-of-date software from your computer as these can keep you from experiencing Nirvana. To find these on a PC:

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Select 'Programs and Features', 'Uninstall a Program' or 'Add or Remove Programs'
3. At the top of the column of the list of programs, right click and select 'More...'
4. Find and select the checkbox next to 'Used' and click 'Ok'
5. Click on the header for the new column such that the list is now sorted from 'Rarely' to 'Frequently'. NOTE: The first few items may be small APIs that are listed as 'Frequently' but are separated from the full programs on the list.
6. Remove the software that you use rarely and/or feel you will not need in the future.

Delete unnecessary toolbars, plug-ins, and extensions in your current browser

Try to remove these using an option within your browser if possible. In addition, you may need to follow the steps described for uninstalling unused software to remove these toolbars and plug-ins. If this does not work to remove a toolbar, you may need to carefully read through the list of installed software or make advanced edits to your registry. In rare cases, you may need to uninstall your browser entirely. REMINDER: Be wary of the terms you agree to when you download software!

The following three tips are from articlebase.com:

• Remove temporary internet files
• Clean up disk errors
• Remove unnecessary background processes

If you want some help with these, check out the original article: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/top-5-steps-to-optimize-your-web-browser-experience-877577.html

Replace your Operating System (Helpful in Extreme Cases ONLY!)
If you're dealing with a seriously troublesome computer that all you try to do with it is browse the internet, consider removing your entire operating system (OS) and replacing it with a lighter OS. This may seem an extreme measure for internet browsing, but the honest truth these days, is that most computer are simply hubs for internet connectivity. If this is the case for you, consider a stripped-down and light-weight operating system that will let you do just that. Examples:

• Chromium OS (Chrome OS)
• Xubuntu (Ubuntu) - USB Install
• Jolicloud

Step 2 - In with the New
Update your internet browser software.

If you're not using a stripped down Web OS, you will need to use a stand-alone web browser. Pretty simple, go to the site and follow instructions to download or update your browser.

Mozilla Firefox 3.6
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
Google Chrome
Apple Safari 5

Coming Soon:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 *Beta*

I will refrain from taking any sides as of right now regarding which browser you should use. You need to experience them for yourself and decide which is in tune with your energy. What I recommend that you NOT do, however, is simply go with the same browser because you have always used it and think it is the best. Try something new for long enough, and you may be pleasantly surprised. I personally have Firefox, Explorer and Chrome installed on my computer and use all three depending on the situation. I have not tried the Beta for Explorer 9 that was released today, but I did find a seemingly reliable download source and listed it anyway.

Step 3 - Get the Basics
Install basic plugins

Plug-ins give your browser access to software that require greater control over your computer. These plugins will let you do things like play games online, view videos, and even use online word processors. Note that some of these tools may be phased out fairly soon with the increasing adoption of new internet standards and popularity of tablet and mobile devices.

This very useful tool from Mozilla might give you a good idea of what you need: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/

The Basic Essentials:
Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Others:
Java
DivX Plus Web Player
Apple Quicktime
Adobe Shockwave
RealPlayer


Step 4 - Time for a Joy Ride!
Test Browser Performance

First, follow the instructions outlined in Step 0 to test your connection speed.
Next, the following tests will look at how your browser renders pages and if it meets standards:
Acid3 Test
Sputnik
HTML5 Test

After testing the connection speed/bandwidth and browser compliance, check out the following resources that will push your browser to the very pinnacle of web browsing requirements today:

IE9 Test Drive
  FishIE Demo
Apple - HTML5
Chrome Experiments

DO NOT be alarmed if your computer wheezes and coughs while trying to run some of these scripts, you will not come across very many of these kinds of websites anytime soon anyway. They are just meant to give you an idea of what will be possible and how your computer and browser measure up.



Step 5 - Tweak the Knobs
Modify Browser Settings

Based on the test from the previous step(s), you may need to make some additional tweaks to optimize your browser. The following pages may help tremendously:

eHow - A general guide to optimizing the four major web browsers

Mozilla Firefox - A guide to optimizing Firefox by PC World
Internet Explorer - A guide to optimizing Explorer by Microsoft
Google Chrome - Chrome Tips and Tweaks

After you have dusted, cleaned and tuned your browser into shape, you are now ready to tune yourself. The next two steps will help you match your online tools with browser extensions and your overall aura so that the World Wide Web will feel feel like it extends from your fingertips - perfect harmony.

I will cover steps 6 and 7 in Part 2 of this series. These are the tips that will really help boost your browsing experience by removing the clutter from your web presence and streamlining your information consumption. Have any questions about these first steps, drop a comment below and I will be sure to get back to you soon.

Solar Vehicles - Pushing the Bounds of Technology and Design

Mechanical Bike 
I've been doing a lot of work on my sister's bike recently and pretty much merged the parts of my older bike into it. After replacing a few parts and several failed attempts to tune the brakes, I finished today and went on a much anticipated victory lap around our neighborhood. Now, I put a lot of effort into this Frankenstein of a bike just to get it moving (and stopping) well, so I have much respect for a guy that can make a bike run on the sun. That's right, a solar bike!

Solar Electric Bike
Hama Zero's Fujin is an electric bike which can charge it's batteries using sunlight. It runs up to 45mph, which is suitable for most roads and should be able to complete a 30-mi trip with just a 9-hour bath in the sun. In the video below, the creator of the bike, Mr. Yamawaki, discusses the bike and the inspiration for reducing it's rolling friction.



The reason such technology is so interesting to me is more than just amazement at the workmanship that it takes, but also it's influence on and statement about the current industry of solar energy: On The Go!

Mobile Energy Sparks Imagination
It seems that everywhere you look, solar energy is taking to the streets, the skies, and even in space! There seems to be a general shift in the design paradigm at the fringes of engineering and technology. While the production industry is focused on improved efficiency and lowering costs, the design side is looking to meet non-traditional needs to renew excitement about the technology. Sure when we hear news about full scale photovoltaic plants being built, concentrating solar power generators and even government rebates for home installations, we get excited. But what really ignites the imagination is news about solar briefcases for third-world healthcare and stuff like this: Solar power on a bike. Wow!


Solar On The Move
I don't know why such technology strikes a deep harmonious tune with me. Maybe it's the stark contrast to oil spills, atmospheric pollution and exploding oil rigs. It could also be the faint dream of perpetually available, free energy - a beautiful, though fanciful dream indeed. Nontheless, I chose to put together a quick mock-up of solar vehicles that I have heard about recently in the news:

Solar Motorcycle - Fujin
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hama-zeros-solar-bike-fujin-runs-thanks-to-the-sun-not-on-it/
I would give anything to get my hands on this thing!

Solar Car - Infinium

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/30/students-go-sun-day-drive

Solar car's are not brand new, but a nod from the White House gives the impression that these achievements are nothing to be sneezed at. 

Solar Plane - Solar Impulse

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10550430 [+VIDEO]
Heard about this guy, Bertrand Piccard, and his plan to fly without fuel sometime last year, so it was almost surreal when I heard his plane completed a 26-hour flight! Flying through day and night without a single drop of fuel is the amazing brand of inspiration that can effect a true paradigm shift regarding solar power.

Solar Satellite - IKAROS

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/solar-sail-spacecraft-100902.html
Solar panels have indeed been used in space for decades now, but never has the power of the sun been harnessed to provide thrust anywhere. IKAROS, a Japanese probe, recently demonstrated that it has actually gained thrust from the incidence of light from the sun alone. That, is AWESOME!  So, not only can you utilize sunlight in photovoltaics and solar thermal applications, you can also propel a craft with sunlight using a solar sail.

It seems that though it is difficult to predict the realistic potential for solar energy to expand in the energy market without financial incentives (carbon tax, etc), the imaginative potential for it's use is vast and seemingly limitless. 

--
I'm sorry if the collection of articles seems somewhat incongruent. I did not go hunting for these articles, I just ran across them through my regular news consumption (various blogs and podcast references).

Anxiously Awaiting AUDI TTS Pikes Peak Climb (Autonomous Vehicle)

As the much-anticipated Pikes Peak Challenge for the autonomous vehicle by Stanford University approaches, I decided to take a look back at Odin and some research I did on the Victor Tango team and the DARPA urban challenge.

The Challenge
The Defense Advance Research Projects Agency is an arm of USDOD which has been birthplace for some of the greatest developments in technology of the late 20th Century, including the internet! DARPA had the first Grand Challenge in 2004 which featured a 150-mile road race with the most successful competitor reaching 7.38 mi. The second competition, held in 2005 featured a 132-mile off-road race was finished by five competitors and paved way for the Urban Challenge which was held in 2007.

Awesome-O
Last year, for my Introduction to Robotics course, my partner and I were tasked to research an application of robotics of our choice. Being an autonomous vehicle fanatic, I essentially did all the research myself and let him take care of compiling the presentation. After selecting to study the third-place finalist, Odin, I shot an e-mail over to the professor in charge of the project who replied with two papers: one about navigation, the other about  driving. I had previously learned a lot about path-following and simple algorithms from our very own autonomous vehicle:

Awesome-O - Our maze-solving robot

However, the two papers that I read exposed me to an impressively familiar combination of hardware and software tools used to produce an hierarchy of functionality that was much more reliable and drove full-scale vehicles.

Odin | Boss
The Victor Tango team of Virginia Tech utilized a slew of LabVIEW and NI software and interfaces to work with the many sensors, controllers and other instruments to achieve autonomy. The navigation paper describes a state machine architecture which identifies objects, sets goals and maneuvers around obstacles to reach a set destination. The following video from Wired provides an idea of what it takes for the competition champion,  Boss (Tartan Racing), although I'm not sure what the flux capacitor is used for. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULl63ERek0

How can you get a car to drive all by itself?
Basically, the vehicle first receives instructions about where it needs to go and possibly how it should get there. It is also supplied with information regarding where it can or cannot go including some areas where some behaviors are restricted i.e. passing. By utilizing various combinations of instruments (LIDAR, RADAR, Differential GPS, INS, and various Optical Cameras), they are able to create a very accurate model of where the vehicle is and what is in its immediate (and sometimes distant) environment. From there, the software is able to 'make decisions' about how to behave and what exactly to do. Once an action decision is made, it is then carried out usually through drive-by-wire interface to the throttle, steering, shifting, and braking systems. The end result is an autonomous, driverless vehicle which can robustly reach a set destination irregardless of obstacles and the behavior of other vehicles. The whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts:



Commercialization
The Urban Challenge was in 2007 and a lot really has happened since then. Most notable might be the commercial adoption of several autonomous features for parking and accident avoidance in luxury vehicles although this trend began way back in 1999 with the Japanese Nissan Cima. However, these commercial vehicles certainly have their limitations as well:



Shelley to Speed up Pikes Peak!
After winning the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge with Stanley and placing second in the 2007 Urban Challenge with Junior, the Stanford Racing Team is betting against all the odds and limitations to brave the arduous Pikes Peak race next month (September 2010) with Shelley, an Audi TTS, named after "Michèle Mouton, the first female driver to win the uphill climb." - http://news.stanford.edu/news/2010/february1/shelley-pikes-peak-020310.html

"Unlike Stanley and Junior, who sense the road with radars and cameras, Shelley will follow a GPS trail from start to finish. The trick will be to stay on the road at race speeds while sliding around the corners."

Although the vehicle is not quite as autonomous as its predecessor, it is facing a daunting challenge and intends on doing so at ridiculous speeds. "If anything goes wrong on the summit, someone on the team can flip the "kill switch," Shelley's only remote control feature."


Excitement and Anticipation
I can't wait to see this car in action! Nerves are already on edge, media is starting to get excited and it's going to be a true spectacle to behold! If I can, I will try to go see it live. However, I still can't find a source which states the exact date in September that the timed race will be held. Now, if you're like me and can't wait, check out Shelley as she makes final preparations for the race:








Further reading:


Check out the August 12 Scientific American article - 

Automatic Auto: A Car That Drives Itself

February 3, 2010 Stanford University News article - 

Stanford's robotic Audi to brave Pikes Peak without a driver

If you would like a copy of the technical Virginia Tech publications, send me a message @fadeyifemi and I will connect you to my source.


Thanks for reading, hope this contributed a little to your Engineering Genius. Interested in more tech news, check out the T3CH H3LP blog I came across a little while back.