I am currently using rsync as a backup solution between two computers and an external backup drive, all operating across my wireless LAN. However, every so often - and always when syncing a lot of files - rsync has knocked out my wireless internet. Today, I decided to find out what was going on, and found the solution:
rsync --bwlimit=500 ...
It turns out that rsync was overloading my router with data, causing it to reset the connection. Setting a bandwidth limit (in kBPS) to one nearer that of the router prevents overloading, and allows the scripts to complete.
Just noticed that the BBC are live webcasting a conference on the We Media Global Forum. Interesting stuff that relates nicely to my dissertation. Hopefully the full broadcast will be available to download later.
My dissertation is now finalised and ready for submission. From the Abstract:
Current trends in the use of the Web are shifting its basis from a technological to a social context. These changes occur as an increasing global population connects to the Net, and realises its potential as a platform for publishing, as well as one for consumption. As people become attuned to the possibilities offered by the Web, powerful social shifts occur, mirroring the decentralist construct of the Web itself.
We find ourselves at a point in time when the balance of power between centralised institutions and the individual are changing. The Web offers a glimpse of how society might look, and more importantly operate, in the future. However, to realise the democratic potential presented to us, we must acknowledge and interpret the warnings of those who predict that we might first have to bear the consequences of our unregulated construction of the information super-highway.
In this dissertation, I examine the development of the Web as a social platform. I analyse the warnings put forward by Paul Virilio at the end of 20th century, and compare how our digital society has the potential to shape our socio-political future.
Researching the dissertation was very interesting and enlightening - especially in the current political climate. I would have loved to have gone much further into this subject, and produce a fuller work…but alas, deadlines are tight!
The following Web resources are referenced in the dissertation:
A very early prototype of my game demo (more a proof of concept) is now working. The rapid development is thanks to the foundation engine I developed for my HoneyBee demo, which forms the basis of this new game.
I also received some good feedback on my dissertation draft, although various parts of it need building up and the content needs shifting around. My dissertation, which explores the cultural impacts of social software, is providing the critical foundation for both my Final Project and the Production of Space module.
These projects, which are being developed in Java (see transience), are progressing and I hope to have beta versions available within a month or so.
If you’re interested in helping test the project (being social, the more people that use it, the better it is :)), please send me a quick email and I’ll let you know when versions are available.
Over the Christmas season, while indulging far too much in seasonal foodstuffs, I have found some time to work on the two key components of my final year: my dissertation and final project. The component parts of my final project are now working, and all that remains is to combine them into a working prototype which I hope to complete by the end of January.
Due to the nature of the project, it’s important that it has been running for a number of months (and has been used!) by the time I have my final presentation around Easter.
For my dissertation, I have spent the majority of the holiday researching my subject matter in-depth and writing a 1st draft which I shall submit on returning to Plymouth. The subject has drilled down to Virilio’s observation of the (information) generalised event, something that it appears has renewed relevance in the context of Web (2.0). Researching this area has certainly highlighted some key concepts that I hope to explore further in both my research and development for the final project, and the related Assignment for Production of Space.
Outside University work, I’m finding some spare moments to make updates to HostManager, the webhost’s toolkit for OS X. On Saturday I’m taking a trip to Milan. Hopefully, I’ll get some nice photography, as I’m informed Milan is running temperatures comparable with those I’ve been experiencing at home (below). More than anything though, it will be a great place to greet 2006.
