I was born and raised in Microsoft land (MCSE since 1999), and although I've been playing with Linux for several years out of curiosity, I didn't get serious about it until a year ago. I've seen hundreds of books on Linux, and own several myself, but the one I recommend hands down over all the rest, especially in your case, is "Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide" by Steve Shah. It's written specifically with your kind of users in mind. From the blurb:
Steve Shah writes to the millions of people who are familiar with Windows (and perhaps NT and/or 2000) but not with *nix. (He's even provided a 16-page blueprint section comparing how to perform common tasks in Linux and Windows 2000.)
It helped me over the hump when I became serious about learning Linux, and I use it as a resource still today. Even if you don't use it as a guide for your class, I'd highly recommend that you mention it to your students.
The software they're using to power the iPod has been rumored to be ported to other hand-held devices as well. There are even talks of making the devices compatible with PCs, but possibly with limited functionality.
Just strike it out, and change it to: company owns the rights to code written during working hours and in direct furtherance of any tasks assigned by the company
Amen! That's the clause in my employment agreement. When I started doing open source development, I pulled it out and double checked. If I create it at work it's theirs. If I create it at home, it's mine.
Of course, I just have to be careful not to use any of my open source code for anything at work. That would make it very easy for them to claim I worked on it at their expense. If you've written something you want to use at work, right up a separate contract and license it to your employer for one dollar, just to keep everything clean.
The article was well written, and makes sense. Especially relevant was his argument that money just doesn't "disappear" when companies choose open-source software, but that it is invested into their own business in different ways, eventually ending up in the same place.
For all the discussions about Linux taking over the world, or Microsoft obliterating the competition, etc., it's fun to just sit back and watch how several breakout OSes and technologies (Linux, OSX, MP3s, etc.) slowly and naturally build in popularity and find a solid niche in our lives. I guess it all comes down to "natural selection".:-)
...by my mail server is not and open relay, effectively blocks Spam, and requires authentication to send through, but I can send email from anywhere I get an Internet connection. I just have to provide my username and password.
Is that too much of him to ask of his users? Or is he just unaware of how and what to do?
Since these babies aren't really released to the public yet, is the manufacturer going to assume the liability for them if they falter, crap out, or kill someone?
Imagine some rich, lucky bastard steaming down the sidewalk in a crowded city, taking out old ladies with his 75 lb. beast and his 300 lb. fat ass. From what I remember, these initial models were more suited for mail carrying, military testing, etc.
Also, if the toy breaks, will the manufacturer repair it? Three "someones" are gonna spend a lot of scratch on these bad boys...I hope they don't fall apart right out of the chute.
--SC
Pronunciation? Purpose? Audience?
on
Dot.Con
·
· Score: 2, Flamebait
So, is the title supposed to be pronounced "dot dot con", or just "dot con?" If the former, it should have been titled ".Con". If the latter, well, that's just stupid.
Whatever the book is about, it's old news folks. Hell, most of us were in the middle of the "dot cons". Either this book is too little too late, or it doesn't apply to us. Kind of like commentary after a sporting event. Please.
I agree. As long as Linux continues to be a viable alternative OS, I believe that it's popularity will continue to rise.
I use Windows when I have to, such as syncing my Sony Clie (pilot-xfer is working on supporting it), playing DirectX 8 games (Transgaming is working on supporting that), and running MS Office when absolutely necessary (otherwise, I'm loving StarOffice 6 and KOffice.)
Linux has become an alternative for me, so I use it. Many others are discovering the same thing. It did replace Windows as my primary desktop, but only because I was willing to take the time to learn it, and willing to tolerate some of the lingering annoyances. It's getting better all the time, too.
When you think of a *nix geek, how do you picture him? For me, it's one of two extremes: gangly and undernourished, or obese and unkempt. I know this is a horrible stereotype, but like all stereotypes, it has some basis in truth. My bias is justified, though, when I see pictures of some of the more famous geeks:
Now, keep in mind that my observations on the health and appearance of these people does not at all reflect the respect I have of their work, where respect is due. Many of these geeks and hundreds more have made stunning contributions to the world: especially to the world of technology.
Are they unhealthy because they are geeks, or are they geeks because they are unhealthy? I venture to say that it is the latter. Let's face it, if you are unhealthy and/or unattractive, you are likely to develop a more introverted personality. That, by it's very nature, will estrange you from the public eye. Technology is a wonderful haven for people who are hiding from the general public, and as all of you know, the more time you spend with technology the more profecient you become, and the more likely you are to make a significant contribution to the public through it.
As an example, let me ask a question: Would Stephen Hawking have made the same advances if he had not been confined to a wheelchair and so severely disabled? He is one of my true heros, but he has since he has chosen not to give up and let his handicap destroy him, the only way he has to fight it is to use his mind--so that's what he does, constantly. I daresay that if he were not disabled, he would have spent more time in social situations, with family, etc., and would have had less time to explore the universe with his mind and report the results.
Unfortunately, under- and over-nourishment is dangerous, and a serious detriment to anyone's health. When this is the staple that geeks swear by, how can we expect to stay healthy?
What we need to realize is that, while we should praise the endeavours of geeks around us, and even those of ourselves, we should come to an awareness that our health needs to be our number one priority, regardless of our social status (ascribed or percieved). Personally, I've begun to work out on a daily basis (I gave up on gyms...get a Bowflex, they're worth the money, and it's yours to keep long after a gym membership has expired!), watch what I eat (lay off fried foods, cut back on caffiene, cut out most beef and pork), and get plenty of rest.
It may seem futile now, but a lifestyle altered for the better will likely extend your life for many years, and make those last years good ones. It's time to spread the word, but most of all, to heed it yourself. The following are some great books and articles with more information:
An interview with a "fitness guru" on Fatgeeks.com.
An eating guidebook by two computer geeks with a child and active careers.
A website dedicated to "Yummy teen and geek nutrition...
When you think of a *nix geek, how do you picture him? For me, it's one of two extremes: gangly and undernourished, or obese and unkempt. My bias is justified, though, when I see pictures of some of the more famous geeks:
Now, keep in mind that my observations on the health and appearance of these people does not at all reflect the respect I have of their work, where respect is due. Many of these geeks and hundreds more have made stunning contributions to the world: especially to the world of technology.
Are they unhealthy because they are geeks, or are they geeks because they are unhealthy? I venture to say that it is the latter. Let's face it, if you are unhealthy and/or unattractive, you are likely to develop a more introverted personality. That, by it's very nature, will estrange you from the public eye. Technology is a wonderful haven for people who are hiding from the general public, and as all of you know, the more time you spend with technology the more profecient you become, and the more likely you are to make a significant contribution to the public through it.
As an example, let me ask a question: Would Stephen Hawking have made the same advances if he had not been confined to a wheelchair and so severely disabled? He is one of my true heros, but he has since he has chosen not to give up and let his handicap destroy him, the only way he has to fight it is to use his mind--so that's what he does, constantly. I daresay that if he were not disabled, he would have spent more time in social situations, with family, etc., and would have had less time to explore the universe with his mind and report the results.
Unfortunately, under- and over-nourishment is dangerous, and a serious detriment to anyone's health. When this is the staple that geeks swear by, how can we expect to stay healthy?
What we need to realize is that, while we should praise the endeavours of geeks around us, and even those of ourselves, we should come to an awareness that our health needs to be our number one priority, regardless of our social status (ascribed or percieved). Personally, I've begun to work out on a daily basis (I gave up on gyms...get a Bowflex, they're worth the money, and it's yours to keep long after a gym membership has expired!), watch what I eat (lay off fried foods, cut back on caffiene, cut out most beef and pork), and get plenty of rest.
It may seem futile now, but a lifestyle altered for the better will likely extend your life for many years, and make those last years good ones. It's time to spread the word, but most of all, to heed it yourself. The following are some great books and articles with more information:
An interview with a "fitness guru" on Fatgeeks.com.
An eating guidebook by two computer geeks with a child and active careers.
A website dedicated to "Yummy teen and geek nutrition...
That's because, unfortunately, the Mac is dying. Don't get me wrong, Steve Jobs has done an outstanding job in the last 12 years pulling Apple out of a dark crevase, but it's too little, too late.
Mac OSX isn't making the kind of surge they had hoped for. Pre-sales of the new iMac are low (although the machines are really cool!), and with so little market share to work with, Apple's fate is sealed.
Even Time's review was less than glorious, and had a very ominous feel to it.
Too bad, too. I kind of like the fruity little buggers.
Reuters, January 24, 2002
Microsoft sues HP over utilizing the prefix "Micro-" in defining their new chip technology:
"We're afraid that the customer will make the assumption that Microsoft manufacturers these chips," states company CEO Steve Ballmer, aka "Monkey Boy". "If this technology ever makes it into intrusion detection systems, they'll effectively have 'microchip windows', and that's confusingly similar to our trademarked Microsoft Windows."
The interviewer's rectum fell through his colon as he laughed.
The new BSD-style licensing only applies to the 16-bit PDI-11 versions and some of the early 32-bit releases (excluding System III and System V), but it's still very cool.
I don't mean to sound like a stick in the mud here, but why exactly is this cool? This source code was obviously available before, for people who actually needed it. Why, then, is the simple fact that anyone can get to it now a "cool" thing?
Will this spawn development of breakthrough products? Will this help administrators of these old system finally take control of their network?
Or is this just another geek trophy to have, print, wave around over coffee, and ultimately collect dust on shelves full of other useless time-wasting trinkets?
Good point. I don't think I've ever been to a ".tv", nor would I be inclined to go to one. I'd not think to try it automatically, and if I saw one in an ad I'd likely think it was about as important as an infomercial at 2am.
Just my opinion, though. Good point! If I had mod points, I'd throw one your way.
...the articles he posts? Tim, baby, if you don't like or agree with the article, either don't post it or keep your opinion to yourself.
I know I'll get modded down for this, but here's an example:
Posted by timothy on Tuesday January 22, @02:45PM JackBlack tells us about the "unbelievable deal you can get at KMart on all their overstocked computers and periphials! You won't believe the kind of prices on these things! I don't know about you people, but I'd rather swallow Draino than buy boxen from Big K! But, shit, whatever, I guess.
If it's one thing I can be happy about, it's that Tivo has one more reason to be dominant now. MS's offering was crap, and poorly supported and implemented. I own a Tivo, and with one less stumbling block out of the way (MS out of the market), there is one more reason for someone looking for a PVR to buy a Tivo. More purchases, more subsciptions, more customers...longer product life.
The best thing about the Tivo is that it runs Linux! Just the other day I booted into Linux (after an uptime of at least 7 weeks) and I noticed that my icons were damaged in KDE. I emailed the developers, and it turns out that there is a new release of mod_widget that fixes that very problem!
Anyway, if any of you have this same problem, just be sure to visit the main site and do a search for "mod_widget". Add the word "+damaged +deuglify +QTSplat" to your search to narrow it down a bit.
Slashdot Mirror
It helped me over the hump when I became serious about learning Linux, and I use it as a resource still today. Even if you don't use it as a guide for your class, I'd highly recommend that you mention it to your students.
--SC
--SC
Amen! That's the clause in my employment agreement. When I started doing open source development, I pulled it out and double checked. If I create it at work it's theirs. If I create it at home, it's mine.
Of course, I just have to be careful not to use any of my open source code for anything at work. That would make it very easy for them to claim I worked on it at their expense. If you've written something you want to use at work, right up a separate contract and license it to your employer for one dollar, just to keep everything clean.
For all the discussions about Linux taking over the world, or Microsoft obliterating the competition, etc., it's fun to just sit back and watch how several breakout OSes and technologies (Linux, OSX, MP3s, etc.) slowly and naturally build in popularity and find a solid niche in our lives. I guess it all comes down to "natural selection". :-)
--SC
Is that too much of him to ask of his users? Or is he just unaware of how and what to do?
Clue me in, folks.
--SC
For me, and for my homies. --SC
Hmm...That would be interesting...but I'm not hoping for it. Happy Troll Tuesday, btw!
Imagine some rich, lucky bastard steaming down the sidewalk in a crowded city, taking out old ladies with his 75 lb. beast and his 300 lb. fat ass. From what I remember, these initial models were more suited for mail carrying, military testing, etc.
Also, if the toy breaks, will the manufacturer repair it? Three "someones" are gonna spend a lot of scratch on these bad boys...I hope they don't fall apart right out of the chute.
--SC
Whatever the book is about, it's old news folks. Hell, most of us were in the middle of the "dot cons". Either this book is too little too late, or it doesn't apply to us. Kind of like commentary after a sporting event. Please.
--SC
(not the real Taco, mind you)
--SC
I use Windows when I have to, such as syncing my Sony Clie (pilot-xfer is working on supporting it), playing DirectX 8 games (Transgaming is working on supporting that), and running MS Office when absolutely necessary (otherwise, I'm loving StarOffice 6 and KOffice.)
Linux has become an alternative for me, so I use it. Many others are discovering the same thing. It did replace Windows as my primary desktop, but only because I was willing to take the time to learn it, and willing to tolerate some of the lingering annoyances. It's getting better all the time, too.
--SC
Hate to break it to you, folks, but this is already being done. It's called the Gaydar.
No, this is not a troll, and this is not a joke. Check the link.
--SC
- Eric "esr" Raymond
- Richard "rms" Stallman
- ...even our own CowboyNeal
Now, keep in mind that my observations on the health and appearance of these people does not at all reflect the respect I have of their work, where respect is due. Many of these geeks and hundreds more have made stunning contributions to the world: especially to the world of technology.Are they unhealthy because they are geeks, or are they geeks because they are unhealthy? I venture to say that it is the latter. Let's face it, if you are unhealthy and/or unattractive, you are likely to develop a more introverted personality. That, by it's very nature, will estrange you from the public eye. Technology is a wonderful haven for people who are hiding from the general public, and as all of you know, the more time you spend with technology the more profecient you become, and the more likely you are to make a significant contribution to the public through it.
As an example, let me ask a question: Would Stephen Hawking have made the same advances if he had not been confined to a wheelchair and so severely disabled? He is one of my true heros, but he has since he has chosen not to give up and let his handicap destroy him, the only way he has to fight it is to use his mind--so that's what he does, constantly. I daresay that if he were not disabled, he would have spent more time in social situations, with family, etc., and would have had less time to explore the universe with his mind and report the results.
Unfortunately, under- and over-nourishment is dangerous, and a serious detriment to anyone's health. When this is the staple that geeks swear by, how can we expect to stay healthy?
What we need to realize is that, while we should praise the endeavours of geeks around us, and even those of ourselves, we should come to an awareness that our health needs to be our number one priority, regardless of our social status (ascribed or percieved). Personally, I've begun to work out on a daily basis (I gave up on gyms...get a Bowflex, they're worth the money, and it's yours to keep long after a gym membership has expired!), watch what I eat (lay off fried foods, cut back on caffiene, cut out most beef and pork), and get plenty of rest.
It may seem futile now, but a lifestyle altered for the better will likely extend your life for many years, and make those last years good ones. It's time to spread the word, but most of all, to heed it yourself. The following are some great books and articles with more information:
- An interview with a "fitness guru" on Fatgeeks.com.
- An eating guidebook by two computer geeks with a child and active careers.
- A website dedicated to "Yummy teen and geek nutrition...
- A discussion on Slashdot about this very subject.
Promote Healthy Geeks!--SC
- Eric "esr" Raymond
- Richard "rms" Stallman
- ...even our own CowboyNeal
Now, keep in mind that my observations on the health and appearance of these people does not at all reflect the respect I have of their work, where respect is due. Many of these geeks and hundreds more have made stunning contributions to the world: especially to the world of technology.Are they unhealthy because they are geeks, or are they geeks because they are unhealthy? I venture to say that it is the latter. Let's face it, if you are unhealthy and/or unattractive, you are likely to develop a more introverted personality. That, by it's very nature, will estrange you from the public eye. Technology is a wonderful haven for people who are hiding from the general public, and as all of you know, the more time you spend with technology the more profecient you become, and the more likely you are to make a significant contribution to the public through it.
As an example, let me ask a question: Would Stephen Hawking have made the same advances if he had not been confined to a wheelchair and so severely disabled? He is one of my true heros, but he has since he has chosen not to give up and let his handicap destroy him, the only way he has to fight it is to use his mind--so that's what he does, constantly. I daresay that if he were not disabled, he would have spent more time in social situations, with family, etc., and would have had less time to explore the universe with his mind and report the results.
Unfortunately, under- and over-nourishment is dangerous, and a serious detriment to anyone's health. When this is the staple that geeks swear by, how can we expect to stay healthy?
What we need to realize is that, while we should praise the endeavours of geeks around us, and even those of ourselves, we should come to an awareness that our health needs to be our number one priority, regardless of our social status (ascribed or percieved). Personally, I've begun to work out on a daily basis (I gave up on gyms...get a Bowflex, they're worth the money, and it's yours to keep long after a gym membership has expired!), watch what I eat (lay off fried foods, cut back on caffiene, cut out most beef and pork), and get plenty of rest.
It may seem futile now, but a lifestyle altered for the better will likely extend your life for many years, and make those last years good ones. It's time to spread the word, but most of all, to heed it yourself. The following are some great books and articles with more information:
- An interview with a "fitness guru" on Fatgeeks.com.
- An eating guidebook by two computer geeks with a child and active careers.
- A website dedicated to "Yummy teen and geek nutrition...
- A discussion on Slashdot about this very subject.
Promote Healthy Geeks!--SC
--SC
Mac OSX isn't making the kind of surge they had hoped for. Pre-sales of the new iMac are low (although the machines are really cool!), and with so little market share to work with, Apple's fate is sealed.
Even Time's review was less than glorious, and had a very ominous feel to it.
Too bad, too. I kind of like the fruity little buggers.
--SC
According to young bald children everywhere, "There is no bug".
In related news, the motherboard manufacturers are quoted as saying, "It's not a bug with the motherboard, but with the Athlon processor."
--SC
Microsoft sues HP over utilizing the prefix "Micro-" in defining their new chip technology:
"We're afraid that the customer will make the assumption that Microsoft manufacturers these chips," states company CEO Steve Ballmer, aka "Monkey Boy". "If this technology ever makes it into intrusion detection systems, they'll effectively have 'microchip windows', and that's confusingly similar to our trademarked Microsoft Windows."
The interviewer's rectum fell through his colon as he laughed.
--SC
I don't mean to sound like a stick in the mud here, but why exactly is this cool? This source code was obviously available before, for people who actually needed it. Why, then, is the simple fact that anyone can get to it now a "cool" thing?
Will this spawn development of breakthrough products? Will this help administrators of these old system finally take control of their network?
Or is this just another geek trophy to have, print, wave around over coffee, and ultimately collect dust on shelves full of other useless time-wasting trinkets?
--SC
Just my opinion, though. Good point! If I had mod points, I'd throw one your way.
--SC
--SC
I know I'll get modded down for this, but here's an example:
Posted by timothy on Tuesday January 22, @02:45PM
JackBlack tells us about the "unbelievable deal you can get at KMart on all their overstocked computers and periphials! You won't believe the kind of prices on these things! I don't know about you people, but I'd rather swallow Draino than buy boxen from Big K! But, shit, whatever, I guess.
Timothy is his own conflict of interest.
What is happening to Slashdot these days?
--SC
I use it all the time. No unsecure sockets!
--SC
The best thing about the Tivo is that it runs Linux! Just the other day I booted into Linux (after an uptime of at least 7 weeks) and I noticed that my icons were damaged in KDE. I emailed the developers, and it turns out that there is a new release of mod_widget that fixes that very problem!
Anyway, if any of you have this same problem, just be sure to visit the main site and do a search for "mod_widget". Add the word "+damaged +deuglify +QTSplat" to your search to narrow it down a bit.
This is the Power of Open Source, people!
Call me a Troll if you will, but I'll stand up for what is RIGHT every chance I get!!!
--SC