Google and the moon?

Let me first say that this post is 'on the lighter side of things', and is not intended to be serious. That said, don't discount the possibilities.

If you haven't heard about Google's offering to anyone who can launch a lunar rover to the moon, then read up. Why might Google want this to be done?

Servers. Yes, that's right. If Google could launch servers to the moon at a low $30 Million, it would be cheaper. Why? Many reasons.

1. Physical security. Not just anyone can get to the moon. And of those that could, they would be known, and can be monitored. Furthermore, any data they send could be monitored and/or jammed, or their landing location would be determinable for pickup. Plus Google has eyes watching the moon at their whim, giant eyes in the sky. Physical security overrides every other security.

2. E-Security. Even if there is some noteworthy flaw in the server's security or Google's access to these machines, there would be small windows of time when the machines could be contacted. This would mean that the times to watch for attackers would be much smaller. Furthermore, since Google would be the only one officially accessing it, it would be easy to filter by IP, MAC address, etc. They could also use very precise laser communication so you have to have a certain physical location to have any access.

3. Space. Yes, there is almost limitless space available up there for the taking. If Google launched their servers up there, it would be at least a few years before real estate would be in more demand up there. So Google could claim say, 20 acres for nothing but servers. They wouldn't need a building, as there wouldn't be rain or storms or people.

4. Electricity. Since space would be at practically no cost--just the cost to get there and set up, Google could have massive solar arrays to power the servers. Power would be 'free'.

5. Cooling. Probably one of Google's largest issues right now. The fact that the moon has only 1/4 of an inch of dust covering rock, and since rock is a fairly good conductor of heat, the moon could be used as a giant heatsink. Furthermore, if machines were used to drill into the rock, liquid (or compressed gas) could be pumped into the rock to extend the depth of the heatsink.

So, is free cooling, 'free' power, free land and free security worth the cost of flying (several trips) to the moon? Well, since data centers cost millions by themselves, and the staff to run it costs a minimum of $50K/person/year, for at least 100 people, and land around here typically goes for hundreds of thousands by the acre (plus the cost of preparing it), , plus security, plus electricity, plus.... It probably is worth tens of millions to do it.

Is there a lunar data center in the future? I guess we will have to ask the man on the moon, as he would be the one Google has to negotiate with.

ZunePhone? 30 ways I say "NO THANKS!"

Microsoft is saying there may be a possible 'ZunePhone" in the near future. Due to Microsoft's software (OS) track record, I think I'll pass. Why?

1. When you go to a cellphone company, they would only be allowed to offer ZunePhones.
2. When you buy a plan, the phone will come preinstalled. If you want to use another phone, you will have to buy it and put it on the plan yourself.
3. When you power the phone on, it will take several minutes to boot.
4. When you first turn on the phone, you will have to activate the phone within 30 days lest it cease to work or go into 'reduced functionality mode', meaning it will only accept calls from telemarketers.
   
5. You will only be able to change phones settings a maximum of 3 times in 6 months or you will have to call Microsoft to reactivate your cellphone plan.
6. During a call, the phone might lockup forcing you to pull the battery.
7. Upon powering on again, the phone might bluescreen.
8. You would have to purchase extra software to take notes or manage your contact list.
9. You might have to put up with Clippy's "You appear to be making a call, would you like to...."!
10. On patch Tuesday you will have to click "Later" on the update popup.
11. If you keep auto update enabled, you will have to fear that the update might brick your phone or lead to a "red ring of death".
12. If you accept the update, you will have to fear it will force you to restart the phone no matter what you are doing, or be bugged to death every time you open the phone.
13. You will have to fear Microsoft might push an update that causes your phone to declare you are a pirate and automatically call Microsoft so they can demand payment, or your phone will not work for other calls (not even 911)!
14. You will have to install drivers for every device your phone connects to.
15. You will have to worry Microsoft will save your documents in a format they will cease supporting or providing software to read it within 2 years.
16. You will have to fear Microsoft might secretly without your consent or knowledge be collecting information about your calling habits for who knows what.
17. You will have to fear Microsoft might intentionally lock out competing programs.
18. You will have to "Continue" on every action, including every call you make or accept.
19. If you surf the internet with your phone (or even if you don't) you will have to fear contracting malware which will slow your computer down.
20. You will have to run an antivirus program as well as a firewall on your cellphone, however, with the firewall up, you will be unable to receive calls, and with the antivirus running, you will be unable to accept text messages or file transfers from trusted friends.
    
21. You will have to learn a new phone, interface, and location of settings every two years when Microsoft 'rewrites' their phone from 'scratch' and breaks all compatibility with old phone files (ex phonebooks).
22. Your phone will be prettier than the iPhone, will look much like the iPhone, but will actually do less.
23. Your phone will tell Microsoft whenever a program crashes, so Microsoft can make it crash more elegantly next time.
24. Your phone will require regular tune ups to keep it performing at peak speed.
    
25. Your phone will require you to download a new version of Windows Media Player every time you change your ring tone, so you can't use the ringtone you purchased on third-party devices or other phones you may own.
26. Every time you change cell towers (when moving down the road), you will receive a "new hardware found" message.
27. If you go into roaming, the phone will try to reinstall everything over again.
28. Sound memos will either be stored in large wave format, or a Microsoft DRM'ed sound format, tying the memos to that phone and only allowing you to listen to it if Microsoft gives you permission.
29. Images taken with the built in camera will be stored in Microsoft's mdi format which can only be read by Microsoft programs.
    
30. You will have to press the Start button to turn it off.