Agreed! I moved half way around the globe, took half my original salary because I wanted other things than money. I'm still doing the same job, but wanted more experiences out of life, than that of pigeonholing myself into the same lifestyle and grind as everyone. The bonus is that it's also good for my career!
It took a lot of guts to get off my... and do it, but I haven't looked back.
How do you know what you like straight out of high school? I'd guess that less than 5% of young adults have any clue. I'm lucky to have just fallen into positions, which at the very least interests me, and gives me job satisfaction, but I think I'm in the minority.
I think you're better off not worrying about a degree until later in life.
What's the flow on effect up the food chain both for the virus and the lack of mosquitoes?
All I can picture are 2 different cases in Australia where scientist thought they knew best... Introduced Species - Cane Toads Introduced Virus - myxomatosis - for rabbit control Both failed miserably.
Good luck Florida! I'm not a tree hugger by any means, but it seems the scientists never consider the far reach repercussions of this type of exercise, and often they seem to cause more bad than good...
Of course it would be nice if we could get people educated about that sort of thing. Then the only ones we'd have to worry about would be those who just plain can't upgrade - either because they have custom software or because their job-specific hardware has no drivers for modern Windows versions.
So true, education is the key, move forward or don't complain about redundant old functionality with security holes everywhere. It gets to the point where silicon just won't fix your leaky pipe.
Though; Custom software should always be being redeveloped etc, if it hasn't changed in a long time, then it's probably time to rethink it's purpose and efficiency. Plus specific to IE, IE "should be able to" handle all web comms since the dawn of time. (maybe if Microsoft had more resources this might be better) Backwards compatibility for hardware this is a tough one. Maybe it can only be solved by Microsoft providing some type of redundant API's for the ancient gear (maybe as like a non-standard package update). Basically like a hardware "sandbox" for the gear. Keeping the bloatware off the core OS.
This is such an antiquated IT Industry philosophy! (if it ain't broke don't fix it).
Thanks to this idea, Microsoft has to spend most of it's resources patching old systems, (which they no longer receive revenue for), making upgrading more expensive. Granted Microsoft needs to rethink how upgrades can be more efficient and provide a better model, but we could all benefit from a smoother and cheaper upgrade model especially if Microsoft didn't have to keep plugging today's security holes for yesterdays OS/Apps.
How often do you (or the general populous) update you smartphone or tablet, just because there is a new version? or even install a beta/preview version? is it broken, does it need the update?
Don't get me wrong I'm in Tech support, and I know the grind of change in both the App and OS development side is tough. But even for the apps I support, it makes me angry when someone requests a fix for an old version even though there's a new version. It takes time away from the development resource to fix a non-issue.
The reality is that it the local polluters (primarily energy companies, but also manufacturing and agriculture) pushed the price onto consumers, and exporters suffered from either less profit or higher commodity pricing (leading to less gross exports) because there was no international transfer rate. The government provided the all of these industries with subsidies, offsetting the actual carbon price anyway (and this wasn't pushed onto local consumers anyway, so in fact had higher profits).
All they need to do is cut the billions of dollars they spend on polluter's subsidies and transfer it to renewables. Such a simple task/idea, but they don't have the guts to take on the primary industries. (cause they're mostly the key party funders).
Repealing the Carbon Tax was a good thing, but they should have put in the same bill their alternate plan. Instead they failed and currently have no real plan to cut emissions. (politicians always whinge that renewables cost too much but that's only because of the subsidies they provide to the polluters industries)
Bleugh I'm glad I live in germany now, where they (seem) to have one of the better green policies!
Is this just a precursor for implanting signals into a brain (totally scifi), but from my understanding encryption and "packet" injection/hijacking is far easier than decryption... so wouldn't it provide "them" the building blocks to push direct data/memories etc into the brain? Just a thought.
The other thought was this tech in combination with reactionary neural sensory tech (currently available off the shelf) would lead to direct neural interfaces for "their" upcoming Mech's - I prefer that term than the DoD's term. I don't mean by a plug, I mean direct signal connection. So the ability to write a brain API for a Mech... Being able to have the reactionary neural sensors pick up the correct part of the brain which means turn right, and no other meaning of the word right, along with the the brain and interface "speaking" in the same language, would make for some pretty scary future tech in my opinion.
When the Tsunami hit the east coast of Japan and caused so much saddening destruction.
Our industry (MFP) was hit with a shortage of faxes, and this was purely down to a single low cost chip from a factory in the Tsunami effected region. It was a single point of weakness that no manufacturer was aware of. The supplier companIES were actually just all distributors for the one single producer/factory of the chip.
Lucky the chip was simple and manufacturing was moved to another factory in Chine, but it still took several months for stock to reach a nominal level.
Everyone in the IT industry knows that single points of failure are the most critical aspect of any process. And it's not just the IT industry it's the same in all industries, eg logistics, mining, agriculture, etc. Hence why process design is big in all industries (or getting there).
Why do people continue to cling onto things, like XP and Windows 7 for that matter... I use Win 8 and Server 2012 in my testing environment and I swear by them...
My company still uses Win 7 in the production environment with no upgrade plans, and this just makes me angry. They're not even thinking about transitioning, as they have highly customized, legacy systems, hell we're still using IE8 for some of the ActiveX compatibility requirements.
Companies need to think more about future proofing when designing systems, I have to when I'm designing products. Individuals should think about why their STILL using XP and what benefits newer tech offers...
Why would we care what a HPC Consultant has to say about consumer grade products? (Which we would purchase of the net for similar reasons as Backblaze's purchasing policy?)
Yes, there are known flaws in some drives (which anyone can check the manufacturer's website). Yes the use them to extreme or beyond the specifications of the products. Yes we can make the same conclusions that Mr Newman as quite honestly stated the obvious... And contrary to his beliefs, consumers can retain HDDs in PCs for over 5 years... Who hasn't put an ancient HDD in a kids PC, or media server etc, just because it works?
What the 'study' does show us is that even with manufacturer noted flaws, the drives are still working 'pretty' well for the price, beyond their years... and I'm pretty much safe buying any HDD and (excluding the Lemon Factor) it should last me as long as I need it for at my 'consumer' level requirements.
Thank you Henry Newman for you inspiring words of wisdom in a domain that you clearly have no authority in. Please stick to your day job!
Why don't they just update via the internet when a viable connection is available. Like "Smart" TVs etc... so what if you can't listen to the radio for the 40 minutes it takes to download.
They could even build wifi into the cars so that when you're at home you can just connect to your home network.
And AUDI??? chipset replacement!?!! why use hardware!?!! If they want a midlife update they should just include tablet/smartphone type replaceable tech in their card... They just seem antiquated:/
I work for one of the Manufacturers, and I can tell you that at the SOHO level they're pretty much all the same. They all have their positives and negatives though none really related to the function of printing or standout. In fact most of the manufacturers re-badge the print engines and add their own features for which can be good and bad (good if they pull it of, bad if there are compatibility issues between the engine and controller Firmware).
NOTE: stay clear of inkjet cause they just cost you a fortune.
My usual question to people in your market is "Why do you need a printer"? Unless there is a specific legal requirement which is daily business, you don't actually need a printer. There are a host of ways to communicate without printing out reams of paper (ie email). Of course this is different in every country, so check what "legal needs" you have for hard copies before deciding. The other point is that in most cases an account at your local print shop can often suffice for incidentals, just save to PDF and get them to print it out, it will cost a lot less, and they usually offer pretty decent contract rates based on minimum volumes (can can often include mailing services if eg it's like an invoice run). (remember I work for a manufacturer of printer products, so I don't say the above lightly).
Finally, if it's a must, get a Multifunctional network device, that was you'll have all the doc input/output functions you need, and make sure that the printer works with whatever "special" systems you use on your network (ie anything not Microsoft related, and even then sometimes Microsoft)
For those of you that don't "like" windows 8, you're a pack of cry babies!
You'll fall behind the kids of today and end up like your 80/90yo grandparents and their ability to adopt technology. My 5yo niece picked up windows 8 in a month coming from XP.
I actually like the interface and all the advanced new features. If your argument is that you don't like the new locations of everything, it sounds much like the XP/7 debate. If you're argument is that you don't like the new Metro App Framework, it sounds much like "http://ask.slashdot.org/story/13/05/08/002258/ask-slashdot-why-wont-companies-upgrade-old-software".
Resistance to change is an inherent human flaw, but I thought fellow slashdoters would generally be on the other end of the scale.
I could be wrong, but wouldn't the big bang itself and matter existing in a higher state lend to the notion of matter/energy continuously undergoing a change in state (albeit over a very long period.)
If Dark Energy only started to exist "turn on" 6 billion years ago, what state was it in previously and where will it go next?
If the fundamental forces within the universe are ever evolving, then can we actually say that everything before 6 billion years ago was actually part of "Our Universe" it maybe observable, but may not be within our frame of reference...
Wouldn't it be more like all matter would exist in the same space, so it would present the big crunch theory where all matter and energy converge?
I don't any of it's true, I think there'll be a fundamental shift in matter states similar to just after the big bang.
Slashdot Mirror
For Europeans at least this should change somewhat for the better next year with the GDPR being enforced.
Especially given the penalties for breaches!
Ah, what I meant was that; love the job, but work/life balance was no good, cost of living was far more expensive, and career opportunities were slim.
Move = Australia -> Germany
Agreed!
I moved half way around the globe, took half my original salary because I wanted other things than money. I'm still doing the same job, but wanted more experiences out of life, than that of pigeonholing myself into the same lifestyle and grind as everyone.
The bonus is that it's also good for my career!
It took a lot of guts to get off my ... and do it, but I haven't looked back.
How do you know what you like straight out of high school? I'd guess that less than 5% of young adults have any clue.
I'm lucky to have just fallen into positions, which at the very least interests me, and gives me job satisfaction, but I think I'm in the minority.
I think you're better off not worrying about a degree until later in life.
If he feeds back into the Grid... you're welcome!
What's the flow on effect up the food chain both for the virus and the lack of mosquitoes?
All I can picture are 2 different cases in Australia where scientist thought they knew best...
Introduced Species - Cane Toads
Introduced Virus - myxomatosis - for rabbit control
Both failed miserably.
Good luck Florida!
I'm not a tree hugger by any means, but it seems the scientists never consider the far reach repercussions of this type of exercise, and often they seem to cause more bad than good...
Of course it would be nice if we could get people educated about that sort of thing. Then the only ones we'd have to worry about would be those who just plain can't upgrade - either because they have custom software or because their job-specific hardware has no drivers for modern Windows versions.
So true, education is the key, move forward or don't complain about redundant old functionality with security holes everywhere. It gets to the point where silicon just won't fix your leaky pipe.
Though;
Custom software should always be being redeveloped etc, if it hasn't changed in a long time, then it's probably time to rethink it's purpose and efficiency. Plus specific to IE, IE "should be able to" handle all web comms since the dawn of time. (maybe if Microsoft had more resources this might be better)
Backwards compatibility for hardware this is a tough one. Maybe it can only be solved by Microsoft providing some type of redundant API's for the ancient gear (maybe as like a non-standard package update).
Basically like a hardware "sandbox" for the gear. Keeping the bloatware off the core OS.
Seriously?
This is such an antiquated IT Industry philosophy! (if it ain't broke don't fix it).
Thanks to this idea, Microsoft has to spend most of it's resources patching old systems, (which they no longer receive revenue for), making upgrading more expensive.
Granted Microsoft needs to rethink how upgrades can be more efficient and provide a better model, but we could all benefit from a smoother and cheaper upgrade model especially if Microsoft didn't have to keep plugging today's security holes for yesterdays OS/Apps.
How often do you (or the general populous) update you smartphone or tablet, just because there is a new version? or even install a beta/preview version? is it broken, does it need the update?
Don't get me wrong I'm in Tech support, and I know the grind of change in both the App and OS development side is tough. But even for the apps I support, it makes me angry when someone requests a fix for an old version even though there's a new version. It takes time away from the development resource to fix a non-issue.
Anyway rant over!
The reality is that it the local polluters (primarily energy companies, but also manufacturing and agriculture) pushed the price onto consumers, and exporters suffered from either less profit or higher commodity pricing (leading to less gross exports) because there was no international transfer rate. The government provided the all of these industries with subsidies, offsetting the actual carbon price anyway (and this wasn't pushed onto local consumers anyway, so in fact had higher profits).
All they need to do is cut the billions of dollars they spend on polluter's subsidies and transfer it to renewables. Such a simple task/idea, but they don't have the guts to take on the primary industries. (cause they're mostly the key party funders).
Repealing the Carbon Tax was a good thing, but they should have put in the same bill their alternate plan. Instead they failed and currently have no real plan to cut emissions. (politicians always whinge that renewables cost too much but that's only because of the subsidies they provide to the polluters industries)
Bleugh I'm glad I live in germany now, where they (seem) to have one of the better green policies!
Is this just a precursor for implanting signals into a brain (totally scifi), but from my understanding encryption and "packet" injection/hijacking is far easier than decryption... so wouldn't it provide "them" the building blocks to push direct data/memories etc into the brain? Just a thought.
The other thought was this tech in combination with reactionary neural sensory tech (currently available off the shelf) would lead to direct neural interfaces for "their" upcoming Mech's - I prefer that term than the DoD's term.
I don't mean by a plug, I mean direct signal connection. So the ability to write a brain API for a Mech...
Being able to have the reactionary neural sensors pick up the correct part of the brain which means turn right, and no other meaning of the word right, along with the the brain and interface "speaking" in the same language, would make for some pretty scary future tech in my opinion.
Quick someone patent the idea of a Brain API !
Remote gaming! Bringing the likes of full rez Call of Duty to your pocket device ;)
I must admit that I find this also to be the case for taking notes in meetings at work as well... or at least it applies to me...
When the Tsunami hit the east coast of Japan and caused so much saddening destruction.
Our industry (MFP) was hit with a shortage of faxes, and this was purely down to a single low cost chip from a factory in the Tsunami effected region. It was a single point of weakness that no manufacturer was aware of. The supplier companIES were actually just all distributors for the one single producer/factory of the chip.
Lucky the chip was simple and manufacturing was moved to another factory in Chine, but it still took several months for stock to reach a nominal level.
Everyone in the IT industry knows that single points of failure are the most critical aspect of any process. And it's not just the IT industry it's the same in all industries, eg logistics, mining, agriculture, etc. Hence why process design is big in all industries (or getting there).
Why do people continue to cling onto things, like XP and Windows 7 for that matter...
I use Win 8 and Server 2012 in my testing environment and I swear by them...
My company still uses Win 7 in the production environment with no upgrade plans, and this just makes me angry. They're not even thinking about transitioning, as they have highly customized, legacy systems, hell we're still using IE8 for some of the ActiveX compatibility requirements.
Companies need to think more about future proofing when designing systems, I have to when I'm designing products.
Individuals should think about why their STILL using XP and what benefits newer tech offers...
Disclosure: I work for an MFD manufacturer
Why would we care what a HPC Consultant has to say about consumer grade products? (Which we would purchase of the net for similar reasons as Backblaze's purchasing policy?)
Yes, there are known flaws in some drives (which anyone can check the manufacturer's website). Yes the use them to extreme or beyond the specifications of the products. Yes we can make the same conclusions that Mr Newman as quite honestly stated the obvious...
And contrary to his beliefs, consumers can retain HDDs in PCs for over 5 years... Who hasn't put an ancient HDD in a kids PC, or media server etc, just because it works?
What the 'study' does show us is that even with manufacturer noted flaws, the drives are still working 'pretty' well for the price, beyond their years... and I'm pretty much safe buying any HDD and (excluding the Lemon Factor) it should last me as long as I need it for at my 'consumer' level requirements.
Thank you Henry Newman for you inspiring words of wisdom in a domain that you clearly have no authority in. Please stick to your day job!
Why don't they just update via the internet when a viable connection is available.
Like "Smart" TVs etc... so what if you can't listen to the radio for the 40 minutes it takes to download.
They could even build wifi into the cars so that when you're at home you can just connect to your home network.
And AUDI??? chipset replacement!?!! why use hardware!?!! :/
If they want a midlife update they should just include tablet/smartphone type replaceable tech in their card...
They just seem antiquated
I work for one of the Manufacturers, and I can tell you that at the SOHO level they're pretty much all the same. They all have their positives and negatives though none really related to the function of printing or standout. In fact most of the manufacturers re-badge the print engines and add their own features for which can be good and bad (good if they pull it of, bad if there are compatibility issues between the engine and controller Firmware).
NOTE: stay clear of inkjet cause they just cost you a fortune.
My usual question to people in your market is "Why do you need a printer"? Unless there is a specific legal requirement which is daily business, you don't actually need a printer. There are a host of ways to communicate without printing out reams of paper (ie email). Of course this is different in every country, so check what "legal needs" you have for hard copies before deciding. The other point is that in most cases an account at your local print shop can often suffice for incidentals, just save to PDF and get them to print it out, it will cost a lot less, and they usually offer pretty decent contract rates based on minimum volumes (can can often include mailing services if eg it's like an invoice run).
(remember I work for a manufacturer of printer products, so I don't say the above lightly).
Finally, if it's a must, get a Multifunctional network device, that was you'll have all the doc input/output functions you need, and make sure that the printer works with whatever "special" systems you use on your network (ie anything not Microsoft related, and even then sometimes Microsoft)
For those of you that don't "like" windows 8, you're a pack of cry babies!
You'll fall behind the kids of today and end up like your 80/90yo grandparents and their ability to adopt technology.
My 5yo niece picked up windows 8 in a month coming from XP.
I actually like the interface and all the advanced new features. If your argument is that you don't like the new locations of everything, it sounds much like the XP/7 debate. If you're argument is that you don't like the new Metro App Framework, it sounds much like "http://ask.slashdot.org/story/13/05/08/002258/ask-slashdot-why-wont-companies-upgrade-old-software".
Resistance to change is an inherent human flaw, but I thought fellow slashdoters would generally be on the other end of the scale.
My only gripe is the Market Place policy.
Rant complete!
I could be wrong, but wouldn't the big bang itself and matter existing in a higher state lend to the notion of matter/energy continuously undergoing a change in state (albeit over a very long period.) If Dark Energy only started to exist "turn on" 6 billion years ago, what state was it in previously and where will it go next? If the fundamental forces within the universe are ever evolving, then can we actually say that everything before 6 billion years ago was actually part of "Our Universe" it maybe observable, but may not be within our frame of reference...
Wouldn't it be more like all matter would exist in the same space, so it would present the big crunch theory where all matter and energy converge? I don't any of it's true, I think there'll be a fundamental shift in matter states similar to just after the big bang.