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Thursday 5th February 2021

Here's some of what you missed in the discussion at 'The Thirsty Robot':

Technical Musings:

Instantiation. We discussed the problems when a software suite provides control over preferences and settings, but then does not instantiate them correctly when you start a new session or tab. This can lead to security/privacy problems where rules about restricted scope or domains are not followed, or where information leaks, and more. Testing this type of deep functionality can be a challenge with software that has lots of user control and many derived capabilities. Explore deeper:  Mocks   Control

Conglomerate or Accretion. Stolen from geology, these are possible terms for describing software that has had functionality randomly added over time, without any clear overall plan or structure. A bit like someone else's toolbox where the drill bits are stored in the little metal box decorated with roses - if you don't know this then it can take some time to find the drill bits! Microsoft Word and OWASP's Zap were cited as possible examples for further study and critique. The links provide just two examples of reviews that are critical in their appraisal, rather than just providing positive marketing fodder.

Recommended Movies:

The Shape of Water All 4 UK (free)

    The conversation went from determining the gender of hamsters that led to fish (guppies), and ended up with this amazing movie. 50s-flavour sci-fi that breaks the mould...

Bio-Dome  Amazon Prime Video Apple TV Microsoft Video (rent/buy)

    Adam Sandler was mentioned, and this led to Pauly Shore, which led to this movie...

As usual, we reckon it is best if you don't know anything before watching a film! So only click on a link if you want your experience to be potentially spoiled...

Recommended TV:

The Equaliser (Not known which streaming service this will be on in the UK)

    TV Series, then Film, then reboot the Film, then reboot the TV series. This is how media is made these days. Having multiple film and TV series makes searching for it difficult!

Recommended YouTube:

    Fruit Juice from the previous Millenium.   Fruit Juice (may not be politically correct in 2021)

    Do reservoirs have overflows? Wow!

Tech Developments:

    Cinemas are selling access to big screens to gamers... Cineworld

    Suffolk (& Norfolk) Innovation Network: Innovation Network

Recommended Interweb URLs to visit:

    Poorly chosen Domain Names: Domain Names Not To Have... (thanks, Ian)

    Gritting Lorry Names: Names...  Names...  Names...

    Infinite zoom-ins and outs: Link. Link. (The original)

Security and Pen-Testing:

Recommended Foodstuff:

Cornish Pasties delivered to you: Link.  Link.  Link

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The next online meeting at The Thirsty Robot is on Thursday 25th February 2021 at 7:30pm GMT.




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