WindowsDevCenter.com
Serving the community of windows developers, system administrators, and power users
A Thousand-Pound Gorilla That Never Sleeps
The sheer size of Microsoft and Windows—plus the long march toward the release of Vista—means constant activity
There’s an old joke that asks, “Where does a thousand-pound gorilla sleep?” The answer/punch line is, “Anywhere it wants.” A similar question could be posed about Microsoft and Windows. But it would more likely read, “When does a thousand pound Gorilla sleep?” and the answer would be, “Never.”
The very size of Microsoft and the installed base of Windows means constant work is required to update, patch, and secure current applications. Meanwhile, the sheer size and sprawl of these applications means a hefty community of Windows developers, system administrators, and power users are always seeking information.
In other words—though the gorilla gets to choose where it wants to sleep—it’s unlikely to get the chance to catch any Zs.
As the newest edition to the O’Reilly Network, WindowsDevCenter.com focuses on the developer, power user, and system administrator getting the most out of the existing version of Windows. Special attention is given to subjects such as SQL, wireless, building applications, and security.
In addition, through its .NET channel, the site covers Microsoft’s .NET strategy, which was deployed in order to enable businesses to integrate systems more rapidly and develop and deploy a web-service-connected architecture. This means discussing everything from ASP.NET, which allows developers to build dynamic web apps and services, to localizing websites for users no matter where in the globe they come from, to multithreading and so-called Extreme Programming.
Both categories of content emphasize the march toward the release of Vista, a risky but inevitable move for Microsoft that has anticipation running high and the development community abuzz.
The site’s mix of deep technical content coupled with more accessible articles has meant a steady growth in the number of users, with current stats averaging 350,000 pages a month served to 220,000 unique users.
Editorial Content
In addition to the content areas noted on the left nav-bar, coverage includes articles such as: "Getting Your Bluetooth Headset to Work in XP;" "Hacking Your Car: Install Windows on a CompactFlash Card;" "Security Myths, Network Sniffers;" "Creating Applications from Scratch;" "What’s New in Windows Mobile 5.0;" "Enhancing Skype;" "Using Testing in .NET Projects;" "Building a Complex Custom Control;" "ASP.NET with JavaScript;" "ASP.NET File Uploading," and much more.
Source Code: Preston Gralla is the editor of WindowsDevCenter.com. He is the author of Internet Annoyances, PC Pest Control, Windows XP Power Hound, and Windows XP Hacks 2nd Edition, and co-author of the Windows XP Cookbook. He has written for major national newspapers and magazines, including PC magazine, Computerworld, the Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News, USA Today, and others. A well-known technology expert, Preston has also appeared on many TV and radio programs and networks, including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. In addition, he’s won a number of awards for his writing, including "Best Feature in a Computer Magazine" from the Computer Press Association. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“Today most software exists, not to solve a problem, but to interface with other software.”—I.O Angell
