>>I wonder why kids are too lazy to even come up with their own project ideas.

I think that most of them are not lazy but stuck with the wrong branch. Here in India most of the parents want their...

How about taking a good book and reading.

My coding is done equally on paper and on the computer. Its much easier to do the math on paper before finally typing the program.

Some colleges here have open book exams to discourage students from last minute cramming. A person can bring any number of books with him into the examination room. The questions however are such...

If you can come up with sloutions of problems.
If you know for what values will your program fail.
If you understand the ethics of coding.

You may want to try Topcoder (topcoder.com/tc)

Google for the term social engineers or search wikipedia, I did not post a link because I thought it might violate forum rules.

It is the art of fooling someone to believe something you are not....

>>What would you consider an experianced programmer?

My answer would be someone who knows his math and can see the thin line between programming and mathematics.

Most hackers are excellent social engineers, humans will remain the weakest link in security.

Didn't you write any programs in your course? If not, I suggest you start with downloading the compiler and writing a simple "Hello World" program.

If you are dealing with MS office I think using a software from MS (such as C#.NET, vb.NET or any other .NET varient) will be of more help as compared to other platforms. I think that office activex...

Many big stores have it to catch shoplifters, but instead of reprogramming the tag they simply cut it off.

Usually its the RFID sensors that cost a lot, the tags are not the problem.

You can try something like theft prevention if you are interested in RFID, take for example a library. Attach tag to...

It is for you to come up with new ideas, I will comment on a few

- a robotic arm that pours beer (a joke!) or any beverage into a glass.

Would require fairly complex engineering. There is a...

I think you are referring to Kevin Mitnick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Mitnick), there is a myth that this guy could trigger a nuclear war by whistling into a payphone however that has never...

Deciding the problem statement for the project is half the fun of doing the project. Carefully identify your areas of competency and then choose a problem. It will give you more insight about the...

I would suggest you use stepper motors Stepper motors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepper_motors") for the controllers try pic pic microcontroller (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pic_microcontroller)...

^ 1980's cool. What language did you use back then? It must be really cool to see how programming evolved to the level it is today. I cant even begin to imagine.

4 years for me.

I got 47 out of 60

Yes that is what I meant :)

Is it the same as running OS X on VMware on my windows machine?

The worst part about using mac is that one has to get a seperate machine. I would use XP/ubuntu, install all the patches and an anti virus, rather than spending 3 times that amount on an Apple...

Yes 3gp is the best option. The file size is very small and the quality is good. Xilisoft can be used to convert avi video to 3gp.

I find C++ coolest one around