Universal Rule

Book Reviews

Tuesday, March 9, 2004

The slowness of Britannica -- Comment()
Sven-S. Porst commented my entry on Google vs. Britannica:

My parents let me have their Britannica CDs (they've got the real stuff) and I know what you mean.
However, I think it's worth remarking that the modern versions of Britannica, at least on the Mac, are painfully slow. Also I don't find them particularly good to use.
If Britannica were as easy to use and as quick as Google is, I'd certainly use it more as the information is better and more concentrated. In the current state, however, I'll be done with my Google search before Britannica has finished launching.

EB 2004 is not as slow as the previous version was, but definetely the start-up time is too much. I usuall have EB running, and then the speed is not so bad, even though with Google you get lots of search results much faster. But if you are not connected to the net, then EB of course wins.

Modeling a loaded elastic beam with Elmer -- Comment()
Today I modeled a loaded elastic beam with Elmer. Here are the results when a linear or a nonlinear model is used (load value -5.0e8 N/m2):

The linear model is shown on the left and the nonlinear on the right. The nonlinear model describes the situation much better.

Computers are an environmental hazard -- Comment()
Short-Lived PCs Have Hidden Costs: "[Your] computer is a much bigger material and energy hog than previously believed. The most effective way to reduce its oversized environmental footprint is to increase its useful lifespan, according to a new book released Monday. [...] The average desktop PC and 17-inch CRT monitor takes an SUV-sized 1.8 tons of water, fossil fuels and chemicals to make, the book reports."

Google kills encyclopedias? -- Comment()
How The Web Ruined The Encyclopedia Business: "Don't remember an encyclopedia salesman knocking at your door lately? Turns out, [Americans are] turning to the Web for answers, according to AP/Miami Herald. What's more interesting is that even the software encyclopedias are not selling as well, with Google changing the landscape of finding good reference information."

I do have Encyclopedia Britannica 2004 on my PowerBook, but admittedly I don't use it that often. Google is always visible in the Safari browser. Perhaps the immediate feedback is what Google is about. In any case, EB2004 works well when you need focused data on a subject.