The LINQ project

This is really interesting. Microsoft has came up with the new project called LINQ (Language Integrated Query). By extending C# and VB.NET language, it provides few classes to take advantage of the database query. The real version of LINQ is targeted for C# 3.0 and is in preview state now. The downloadable tech preview version only works with VS.NET 2005 beta or Visual C# 2005 Express Edition Beta 2. Still, there are 2 more flavours of LINQ, XLinq and DLinq. Former is for using XML as a database, while latter is use for relational database. Currently, DLinq only supports MS SQL Server (no surprise) :-). I've downloaded and installed LINQ tech preview and it is working fine with my copy of Visual C# 2005 Express Edition(beta). I will be exploring it in depth in coming days. BTW, Channel 9 video in which Anders Hejlsberg explains the features of LINQ is worth watching.

Camera, Action, Go!

Well, my new camera is already in action. Here is a sample. This picture was taken at 6 this morning at my house terrace.

There are few more to watch on flickr.

Learning Photography

I don't have any hobbies except music and reading computer related stuffs. I was thinking about doing some photography but that never happen. Taking good pictures and showing them to friends was what I thought about. it's now time to learn some photography as I have upgraded my camera. I had Nikon Coolpix 2000, which is point-n-shoot kind of camera. There is nothing much to think about while taking a shot. Recently I bought Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom. I couldn't believe that it has so many features. Even after going through it's online manual , I couldn't understand the functionality. Because I don't understand buzz words from photography world. I am very thankful to my friend Om, who explained some of the features in detail. I am now in position to get some nice shots of objects around me. In order to understand the concept of Aperture, ISO, Depth of Field etc, I tried to search the Net for resources. Among many web sites, I found Photoxels site very useful. Everything in this site is very clearly explained. After getting used to the camera, I will be uploading pics to flickr.