PDF Thumbnails in .NET

This:
http://code.google.com/p/pdfviewer-win32/

Not this:
http://www.mattephraim.com/blog/2009/01/06/a-simple-c-wrapper-for-ghostscript/

RealVNC + Vine Server > TightVNC + Max OSX Default VNC

For some time now, I've been using an old Mac Mini as my home server. This setup has a few advantages:

• Time Machine: two 3 TB external drives, one backed up to the other
• iTunes Home Sharing: iTunes serves the media collection to two AppleTV's and two sets of AirPort Express-connected speakers (and one printer) all controlled by the Apple Remote App on various iOS devices
• Unix foundation: offsite backups via rsync+ssh+cron
• MAMP: painless development platform
• DVI/HDMI output: server can play hulu/netflix/etc to the connected HD TV

To access the server remotely, I had previously been using the built-in Mac OS X "Screen Sharing" feature (a no-frills VNC server) and TightVNC client. At best, it was a slow, laggy, unstable connection. This setup was functional, but a pain to use.

After some experimentation, I discovered that Vine Server combined RealVNC client is a much better combination in every way. Connection time is instantaneous, lag is drastically reduced to almost native-app speeds, and connection stability is rock-solid. I don't have any hard data to back up my claims, but try it for yourself. The difference is night and day.

You're welcome, internet.

Easier Is Better Than Better

Sometimes, easier is better than better--a philosophy that applies to more than just software design.