.NET Framework gives the control and flexibility over the way applications run. We can have the control over the resources accessed, which versions of the assemblies to be used and where remotes objects are located.These settings can be done in the configuration files , avoiding the need to recompile the applications when changes are required.

Locating Assemblies at Runtime:

Here is an article from MSDN that explains about the way runtime framework searches for the assemblies.

This is a sample which shows the configuration to pick assemblies which are at remote site and directories other than the Application Directory

<configuration>
  <runtime>
     <assemblyBinding xmlns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1″>
       <dependentAssembly>
          <assemblyIdentity name=”myAssembly”
                                      publicKeyToken=”32ab4ba45e0a69a1″
                                      culture=”en-us” />
          <codeBase version=”2.0.0.0″
                           href=”http://www.somesite.com/myAssembly.dll”/>
        </dependentAssembly>
        <dependentAssembly>
          <assemblyIdentity name=”myAssembly2″
                                      publicKeyToken=”32ab4ba45e0a69a1″
                                      culture=”en-us” />
          <codeBase version=”3.0.0.0″
                           href=”file:=///D:/ProgramFiles/SomeDir/myAssembly2.dll”/>
         </dependentAssembly>
     </assemblyBinding>
  </runtime>
</configuration>

For more detailed article refer to Specifying an Assembly’s Location. It explains about different ways to bind the assembly using the <codebase> and <probing> . This element can be used in the application configuration file, machine configuration file (machine.config), and the publisher policy file.

Blogging !! a new way to show yourself.

A bit of googling gave me few famous blogging services. WordPress , Blogger , LiveSpaces , LiveJournal , TypePad  to list a few. All does the same at the end ie., publish your blog. Each service provides unique features and presentation style but definitely provide common functionality: Create Posts, Upload Pictures , Allow Comments, Configure the Appearance  etc. End user has to choose these based on few parameters. It can be ease of creation , technical expertise needed to use , advanced features and the look and feel. Here are the reviews & recommendations of them.

All these have built-in web based editors. You may be limited to functionality when you stick to these. Here is a desktop tool Windows Live Writer which integrates with blogging applications ,& have ease of inserting links, keywords, categories, and images , specifying the date/time for blog post publishing and publishing directly to the blog in either draft or live form . Although browser tools excel they lack the desktop client features and smooth usage. Plugins are available for Live writer.

Keep tracking your favorite blogs and feeds with BlogLines or Google Reader which uses RSS. You can read the latest entries at one shot.

How much is your blog worth??