Home computer lab

Although it is still costly (mainly hardware-related) operation, nowadays it is still much easier to setup a home computer lab to test your website, database, etc. There are freeware or open source quality software out there (GNU\linux, opensolaris, openbsd for OS; MySQL, postgrep, sqlite for database; lighthttpd, Apache for webserver; GIMP for photo-touching; Scribus for DTP; Scratch, Alice for animation; etc). One can also bid for cheaper second hand Cisco routers from Ebay to create a mini network, and add a Wireless hub as well.

The problem is: besides coping with certification exam, what are you going to do with this setup considering the running cost (rent, electricity bill, sir!)?

Animation besides Flash and children software

Can you imagine the combination of kindergarten, computing scientist and animation?

You may think of the programming language LOGO that is about 40 years old then. Yes, the humble turtle that accompanied some of us in 1980's. As time goes by, there is Flash and then Flex from Adobe. But MIT Media Lab keep themselves busy with a new one by working with kindergarten group. And the outcome is Scratch.

Sounds like a children's version of Flash but it is like LOGO that have underlining programming structure and power - and with the help of Internet, it is slowly building up a community of users.

Similar effort also occurs at Carnegie Mellon University with Alice, which focus on 3D animation.