I will have to agree with Yagu on a couple points.
1) Price - non-free eBooks are way too expensive. Free eBooks are not as comprehensive in selection. 2) Device - the Sony eBook Reader looks to be the end-all, be-all of eBook readers, so I was going to look into that when it arrives in April. It would be interesting to see if the new Origami devices can handle multiple eBook formats. Although since it has a full OS on there you could just up your favorite eBook ready software.
Anyways, once these two things are fixed, I could get heavily into eBooks instead of paperback.
On a side note, I did buy the reader from eBookWise and I like it. It is only greyscale and only reads a few formats (not including PDF or images), but it is nice for simple eBooks and Word Docs. I got this until something better comes along.
The large Exchange environment I help administer (30,000+ users) imposes a 100MB limit by default (with 10MB increments for prohibit send, prohibit send & receive). We keep 15 days of retention, and do no archive yet. We just got done upgrading our equipment so we can accomodate more growth, but we estimate that we will have to do something (ie: an archiving solution) in the next two years again.
... remember all my passwords. I am only talking on the order of 20-30, but I remember them all. It is not that hard, but then again flying isn't that hard for superman.;-)
In 2003 I got into geocaching bigtime. I was nearly at 100 by the end of last summer. Using a Garmin Legend, I became a fanatic. I went to the Indiana Geocachers picnics and had a blast. I think it is a very fun hobby, great for families and singles/couples alike. It truly gets you places you never would have thought to go.
My one problem lately is the number of caches around. In my city, Bloomington, Indiana, the cache numbers within about 6-7 miles went from maybe 50-60 a year ago to over 120. That is just insane. There is a rails-to-trails project here and there are over 15 along a 3-4 mile series of trails.
I think the point of caching, like several have indicated here, is to go out to neat areas, find a couple caches, and witness some place you have never been. But with the popularity growing, it seems that more people are just about the numbers. This causes more demand, and makes cache-hiders put more out, inundating a region.
This phenomenon is perhaps great for kids and families - "Hey mom, I just found my 537th in 3 weeks!" But I think it ruins the sport if it gets to crazy and too frequent of caches.
I have not done much caching this summer due to this growth. And actually, one thing I find truly fun is Benchmarking. The National Geodetic Survey has benchmarks (usually metallic disks) all throughout the country for surveying purposes. And the Geocaching.som site has links to all recorded objects. It is an alternative hobby to go find them, log your find/no-find on geocaching.com, and if you want, report it to NGS.
This hobby seems much more fulfilling to me, and you can be assured that the number of these things will not grow exponentially like rabbits.
Anyways, just my two cents. I think it is a fun activity none-the-less, so have at it!
Z
PS: Other equipment to consider: bug spray, whistle (especially if alone), walkie-talkies for spreading out with your friend/fam, flashlight for cave/rock caches, pocket knife, calamine lotion, and I always wear pants, even if it is hot, to avoid bugs/plants.
You have a good point. If I could mod your comment up I would. I guess the movie Hackers may have glorified the act of creating a clever alias, to the point of stereotyping IT professionals or deviants (or hackers more specifically). Maybe we should all start choosing aliases that are just different names. "In today's news, Bob Sanders, also known as JimSmith online, was arrested for writing the code for the Ebola.C virus." That would teach em!
Ok, if he is a true geek, he has spent a lot of money on gadgets and computer stuff. And chances are, some of that money is not his. So, take his latest credit card statement and make a payment of $100 on it. He will be delighted.
Then, refer to my colleague's sex tips in previous replies.
I asked for shelves from walmart.com to hold my CD's and increasing DVD collection. Cheap, easy, and functional. Not very geeky though. I guess most the geek stuff I want is way to expensive or I already have it.
The thing I like about Friendster is that there is no download and it is accessible from anywhere - doesn't matter what software you have, what browser you use, what OS you are using, or most importantly where you are when you want to check your friends list. If Huminity could have it all on the web (with Java chat clients like all the other chat services provide), they would get my vote. Until then, I will stick to the service for which I don't have to do anything to use but sign up.
Unfortunately, it is not anywhere for download. I have thought about making a package out of my php/mysql system, but I really don't have the time. LOL
My organization, a 15-person support unit for 1500 faculty and staff at a university, developed its own Help Request system. It is on a MS SQL backend with CF front. It is pretty nice, and we are finally starting to utilize it for knowledge management instead of just a functional request system.
We require all users (and outside departments) to use the web form to ask questions or request aid. No phone numbers or private emails are given. And if something gets through, we either send them to the web forms or submit a request ourselves.
But this was a custom system. I designed a similar system for my servers - a problem ticket system - in PHP and MySQL. It is fairly easy to build your own inhouse custom Help Request system. Just takes some time and design considerations.
I concur. I have been using MyWay quite a bit for the last half-year or so. It beats out yahoo in addins AND the google search engine. Plus, it has some cool customizations. I find it a much better interface for my "start page".
The university for which I work uses SSNs as student ID numbers as well. They are in the process (another 3 years or better) of converting over to PeopleSoft, which will use another unique ID number for staff, students, and faculty. Until then, we just have to hope all our systems are secure.
Some time ago I thought about taking older computers from the University and turning them into machines for the unfortunate in my town. The only problem I had was that Windows 95/98 costs money and normal people might not be able to use a Linux box. However, with the features X has nowadays and the idea of maybe giving them to schools instead of (or in addition to) just people/families in the city, I think it could work. Now if I could just get startup money... HAH! (this is the correct story for this reply, btw)
Some time ago I thought about taking older computers from the University and turning them into machines for the unfortunate in my town. The only problem I had was that Windows 95/98 costs money and normal people might not be able to use a Linux box. However, with the features X has nowadays and the idea of maybe giving them to schools instead of (or in addition to) just people/families in the city, I think it could work. Now if I could just get startup money... HAH!
Coming from an environment where we use Microsoft product across the board (basically because it is free), I find Microsoft's sites quite useful. WindwsUpdate is good fro security patches and Service Packs; the Knowledge Base, although hard to search through, is quite extensive; and there are countless other areas of great use to the MS Enterprise administrators of the world, like Technet, and MSDN. So people like myself would definitely notice if their site was down, and be in a world of hurt if it was permanent.
Slashdot Mirror
If you download the latest version of Google Earth, it is built-in. There is a button to "Switch between Sky and Earth". Works well so far for me.
Z
I will have to agree with Yagu on a couple points.
1) Price - non-free eBooks are way too expensive. Free eBooks are not as comprehensive in selection.
2) Device - the Sony eBook Reader looks to be the end-all, be-all of eBook readers, so I was going to look into that when it arrives in April. It would be interesting to see if the new Origami devices can handle multiple eBook formats. Although since it has a full OS on there you could just up your favorite eBook ready software.
Anyways, once these two things are fixed, I could get heavily into eBooks instead of paperback.
On a side note, I did buy the reader from eBookWise and I like it. It is only greyscale and only reads a few formats (not including PDF or images), but it is nice for simple eBooks and Word Docs. I got this until something better comes along.
Z
The large Exchange environment I help administer (30,000+ users) imposes a 100MB limit by default (with 10MB increments for prohibit send, prohibit send & receive). We keep 15 days of retention, and do no archive yet. We just got done upgrading our equipment so we can accomodate more growth, but we estimate that we will have to do something (ie: an archiving solution) in the next two years again.
Z
... remember all my passwords. I am only talking on the order of 20-30, but I remember them all. It is not that hard, but then again flying isn't that hard for superman. ;-)
Z
In 2003 I got into geocaching bigtime. I was nearly at 100 by the end of last summer. Using a Garmin Legend, I became a fanatic. I went to the Indiana Geocachers picnics and had a blast. I think it is a very fun hobby, great for families and singles/couples alike. It truly gets you places you never would have thought to go.
My one problem lately is the number of caches around. In my city, Bloomington, Indiana, the cache numbers within about 6-7 miles went from maybe 50-60 a year ago to over 120. That is just insane. There is a rails-to-trails project here and there are over 15 along a 3-4 mile series of trails.
I think the point of caching, like several have indicated here, is to go out to neat areas, find a couple caches, and witness some place you have never been. But with the popularity growing, it seems that more people are just about the numbers. This causes more demand, and makes cache-hiders put more out, inundating a region.
This phenomenon is perhaps great for kids and families - "Hey mom, I just found my 537th in 3 weeks!" But I think it ruins the sport if it gets to crazy and too frequent of caches.
I have not done much caching this summer due to this growth. And actually, one thing I find truly fun is Benchmarking. The National Geodetic Survey has benchmarks (usually metallic disks) all throughout the country for surveying purposes. And the Geocaching.som site has links to all recorded objects. It is an alternative hobby to go find them, log your find/no-find on geocaching.com, and if you want, report it to NGS.
This hobby seems much more fulfilling to me, and you can be assured that the number of these things will not grow exponentially like rabbits.
Anyways, just my two cents. I think it is a fun activity none-the-less, so have at it!
Z
PS: Other equipment to consider: bug spray, whistle (especially if alone), walkie-talkies for spreading out with your friend/fam, flashlight for cave/rock caches, pocket knife, calamine lotion, and I always wear pants, even if it is hot, to avoid bugs/plants.
You have a good point. If I could mod your comment up I would. I guess the movie Hackers may have glorified the act of creating a clever alias, to the point of stereotyping IT professionals or deviants (or hackers more specifically). Maybe we should all start choosing aliases that are just different names. "In today's news, Bob Sanders, also known as JimSmith online, was arrested for writing the code for the Ebola.C virus." That would teach em!
Z
Atilla, you don't need a cool alias - you already have one!
"It's the sound of inevitability. It's the sound of your death. Good bye, Mr. McNealy!"
XNEWS & Porn Viewer... don't need anything else.
Ok, if he is a true geek, he has spent a lot of money on gadgets and computer stuff. And chances are, some of that money is not his. So, take his latest credit card statement and make a payment of $100 on it. He will be delighted.
Then, refer to my colleague's sex tips in previous replies.
Z
This may be redundant, but I was thinking the ISS (Internet Security Scanner) had a leak. That would be equally bad, I presume.
I asked for shelves from walmart.com to hold my CD's and increasing DVD collection. Cheap, easy, and functional. Not very geeky though. I guess most the geek stuff I want is way to expensive or I already have it.
Z
The thing I like about Friendster is that there is no download and it is accessible from anywhere - doesn't matter what software you have, what browser you use, what OS you are using, or most importantly where you are when you want to check your friends list. If Huminity could have it all on the web (with Java chat clients like all the other chat services provide), they would get my vote. Until then, I will stick to the service for which I don't have to do anything to use but sign up.
Z
According to this page, it means "ultimate, indivisible unit". Interesting. :)
Z
Unfortunately, it is not anywhere for download. I have thought about making a package out of my php/mysql system, but I really don't have the time. LOL
:)
Besides, if I can do it, so can you all!
Z
My organization, a 15-person support unit for 1500 faculty and staff at a university, developed its own Help Request system. It is on a MS SQL backend with CF front. It is pretty nice, and we are finally starting to utilize it for knowledge management instead of just a functional request system.
We require all users (and outside departments) to use the web form to ask questions or request aid. No phone numbers or private emails are given. And if something gets through, we either send them to the web forms or submit a request ourselves.
But this was a custom system. I designed a similar system for my servers - a problem ticket system - in PHP and MySQL. It is fairly easy to build your own inhouse custom Help Request system. Just takes some time and design considerations.
Z
I concur. I have been using MyWay quite a bit for the last half-year or so. It beats out yahoo in addins AND the google search engine. Plus, it has some cool customizations. I find it a much better interface for my "start page".
-Z
The university for which I work uses SSNs as student ID numbers as well. They are in the process (another 3 years or better) of converting over to PeopleSoft, which will use another unique ID number for staff, students, and faculty. Until then, we just have to hope all our systems are secure.
ZeTeS
I am an idiot. This reply was supposed to go to the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle story. My apologies.
Some time ago I thought about taking older computers from the University and turning them into machines for the unfortunate in my town. The only problem I had was that Windows 95/98 costs money and normal people might not be able to use a Linux box. However, with the features X has nowadays and the idea of maybe giving them to schools instead of (or in addition to) just people/families in the city, I think it could work. Now if I could just get startup money... HAH!
(this is the correct story for this reply, btw)
Some time ago I thought about taking older computers from the University and turning them into machines for the unfortunate in my town. The only problem I had was that Windows 95/98 costs money and normal people might not be able to use a Linux box. However, with the features X has nowadays and the idea of maybe giving them to schools instead of (or in addition to) just people/families in the city, I think it could work. Now if I could just get startup money... HAH!
Coming from an environment where we use Microsoft product across the board (basically because it is free), I find Microsoft's sites quite useful. WindwsUpdate is good fro security patches and Service Packs; the Knowledge Base, although hard to search through, is quite extensive; and there are countless other areas of great use to the MS Enterprise administrators of the world, like Technet, and MSDN. So people like myself would definitely notice if their site was down, and be in a world of hurt if it was permanent.
We all need one of these...
http://www.realdoll.com
I'll start coding my web pages in BHTML (Braille-HTML)