The classical idea of employee "loyalty" has nothing to do with warm-fuzzy feelings towards work. The loyalty came from union contracts that provided seniority pensions and benefits. Nobody faced the furnaces in steel mills and factories for fun.
Depends where you work. I work at a state government agency where people who get things done are promoted quickly to a good salary level.
Working a good gov't IT shop is like working at an insurance company or big bank. The real nitty-gritty business is done on Mainframe, and other stuff on open systems and windows.
Projects in our shop vary by application. There's web-enabled child abuse tracking apps written in C and Java, a statewide ldap, DMV systems on mainframe DB2 and all sorts of other stuff.
If you want to work with the latest and greatest at some ISP or whatever, that's cool. I find it more interesting to work in a hybrid environment where the priority is getting things done. The stakes in our development work is high -- can prevent an abused child from getting help, deprive a person of disability benefits, or allow a nursing home to milk medicaid for millions.
It's not suited for everyone. If publishing papers about some esoteric algorithim is what floats your boat, go for it. If you think that you go to school for CS to be a sysadmin, you're probaly not going to be a CS professor.
Also, IT in universities offers the cushiness and security of a government job, with the added advantage of hot chicks close by. University IT pay always sucks.
Whatever, real men enjoy working 80 hours. Coding is art and I want to code 24/7. My girlfriend gets all turned on when my pager goes off 5 times after midnight.
The value of a house is directly related to the state of the economy. The difference between a $800,000 home in the Bay Area and a $75,000 home nearly anywhere else in the US is the location and access to commerce. When commerce breaks down due from hyperinflation, your property isn't worth anything.
The key to becoming wealthy in an inflationary environment is debt. The rise of the Nazi party was largely funded by "new rich" who made money borrowing and purchasing durable goods during hyperinflationary times.
You are arrogant and short-sighted. What makes you so smart?
Just because you looked at some mutual fund magazine and saw that an S&P 500 index fund has averaged an excellent return over the last 30 years doesn't mean you're George Soros. The 20th Century has been a rare era of monetary stability.
There's a good reason why all stock graphs start in 1929. Throughout the history of financial markets, economies and money supplies have been hit with cycles of booms, panics, inflation and even deflation.
Another poster mentioned the hyperinflation that has wrecked once-prosperous countries like Argentina and Brazil. What makes you think that this won't happen here? We live in a country who is actively exporting all manufacturing and other wealth-creating activities to the Far East. When your neighborhood Wal-Mart is faced with bare shelves because the Chinese have imposed an economic embargo, you'll see your $5 million 401(k) account become worthless in weeks.
I know a highly skilled mechanic who makes $150k as the head gearhead at a Kia dealership. Nobody wanted to take the gig, so they bought him a complete set of tools as a signing bonus. (prolly $25k worth)
He's been approached by a NASCAR team and offered even more as well.
I find it amusing when IT dorks and Project Managers turn their nose on skilled mechanics and plumbers because they get their hands dirty. Skilled blue-collar workers make big bucks without having to pay for the trappings of success (fancy car, $50 ties, etc.) that schmucks who sit at a desk all day do.
I downloaded from Napster, and continue to download music from Kaaza and other online sources. I've also purchased about 50 CD's since New Years.
Why would one not buy CD's? I like to sample popular songs with MP3s, but you really can't beat getting the full album, with the album, deep tracks, and sound quality.
Why would anyone want to keep thousands of songs on a computer anyway? Personally, I like using an entire wall of shelves to hold jewel cases and CDs.
Paying $25 for the newest Britney Spears album gives me a feeling of pride that my money is helping Britney develop her musical career. Downloading every piece of music every recorded for free doesn't give me that satisfaction.
On Slashdot, you always do things with a Linux/MySQL combination or have an unlimited budget and use an IBM S/390 running Slackware.
Also remember that the 97th percentile self-described sysadmin on Slashdot has not run anything more complex than the wire between his DSL router and PC. Most of the rest worked on help desks at local ISPs before they got bought out.
One of the big problems with applying Microsoft patches, is that Microsoft uses patches to push unpopular and/or useless software on people.
For example, applying security hotfixes to Windows XP causes MSN Messenger to be installed, even if it was previously removed. This practice got a Microsoft infantry mobile-computing solution to be disqualified when Outlook Express and MSN Messenger were installed to Army XP-Embedded machines.
If you blindly apply MS patches to a mission-critical system, you're nuts. If you have the time to verify the multitude of MS patches as they come, you are probaly soon to be unemployed.
Middleware is another name for "Proxy Server" or "Firewall". Having middleware adds security as long as the application is designed well.
In general, middleware, firewalls, proxies, and VPNs add to overall security. They do this by pushing the most important piece of the overall system, the database and data as far away from the public as possible.
In many cases though, a 3-tier or similar configuration adds more needless complexity which creates more problems then it solves. I recently did some work at a datacenter that provides directory services for a large (500,000 user, 350,000 host) enterprise. This datacenter literally has two racks of PIX firewalls providing access to one rack of LDAP servers!
Whether a "hacker" or an admin makeing a mistake takes down access to a web or middleware server which denies access to data, the application is still down.
There is no general rule to "secure" services -- you need to make an intelligent decision based on your budget, staffing and application. Multi-layered, locked down configuration cause plenty of grief to regular users and often pose no challenge to intruders, who exploit bugs to get full access to everything anyway.
In plenty of cases a single, secureed server providing all services is a simpler and affordable solution.
There's a good reason why "/. look[s] to the rest of the world more like a bunch of know-nothing kids typing at each other than a group of technically literate activists with something of value to contribute."...
The only contribution I make because of Slashdot is about $5000 annually to literacy organizations.
All cars on the road today have little metal things attached to the bumpers commonly refered to as "license plates"
These plates allow the police or anyone else to link you to a car with a unique VIN. All of the dangers of abuse that could take place with RFID exist already with license plates.
I'm sure someone made the same argument against license place in the early 20th century, but the argument was lost in favor of public saftey and common sense.
...highly debateable mis-truths such as "Every kid does it, so let's facilitate some standards in the marketplace."
Nobody buys CDs anymore dude... why do you think new releases are $10.99 again? I don't think the music industry should entitled to having the government place a levy on CDRs, but don't try to argue that music piracy isn't rampant.
IT basically moves back in forth between distributed computing and centralized computing. Six Sigma might cause somebody to question all of the bonehead decisions made in pursuit of the latest "right" way to do things.
In 1981, VAX and Mainframe ruled IT. Users poked at terminals. IT Gurus talked about JCL and Serial ports.
In 1991, PCs were in. All the bigshots demanded PCs so they could type memos with TrueType fonts and draw graphs with Excel or 1-2-3. Companies spends hundreds of thousands of dollars hiring IT people to allow these people to share a printer. IT gurus talked about QBasic and Thinnet cables.
2001... Centralized server apps rule IT. Users poke at web browsers. It gurus talk about XML and security.
DirecWay is a great solution for people in rural areas or just out of the range of DSL. It's fine for small business or for home users with two or three computers.
It is what it is. If somebody was selling DirecWay as a T1 or DSL replacement, and I bought it, I'd be disgusted too.
Slashdot Mirror
Give me a break. The metric system is a system of measures designed by committee.
Celsius temperatures are just a hack to make it easier for people to switch from the standard systems.
If you are going to be a measurement elitist, go all the way and add 273.16 to all celsius measurements.
PS For those who can't grasp the obvious, yes, I'm talking Kelvin here.
You're right - that was what he was saying.
I must have been annoyed at traffic or something and looking for an argument!
The classical idea of employee "loyalty" has nothing to do with warm-fuzzy feelings towards work. The loyalty came from union contracts that provided seniority pensions and benefits. Nobody faced the furnaces in steel mills and factories for fun.
Depends where you work. I work at a state government agency where people who get things done are promoted quickly to a good salary level.
Working a good gov't IT shop is like working at an insurance company or big bank. The real nitty-gritty business is done on Mainframe, and other stuff on open systems and windows.
Projects in our shop vary by application. There's web-enabled child abuse tracking apps written in C and Java, a statewide ldap, DMV systems on mainframe DB2 and all sorts of other stuff.
If you want to work with the latest and greatest at some ISP or whatever, that's cool. I find it more interesting to work in a hybrid environment where the priority is getting things done. The stakes in our development work is high -- can prevent an abused child from getting help, deprive a person of disability benefits, or allow a nursing home to milk medicaid for millions.
It's not suited for everyone. If publishing papers about some esoteric algorithim is what floats your boat, go for it. If you think that you go to school for CS to be a sysadmin, you're probaly not going to be a CS professor.
Also, IT in universities offers the cushiness and security of a government job, with the added advantage of hot chicks close by. University IT pay always sucks.
Whatever, real men enjoy working 80 hours. Coding is art and I want to code 24/7. My girlfriend gets all turned on when my pager goes off 5 times after midnight.
Oh, yeah?
The value of a house is directly related to the state of the economy. The difference between a $800,000 home in the Bay Area and a $75,000 home nearly anywhere else in the US is the location and access to commerce. When commerce breaks down due from hyperinflation, your property isn't worth anything.
The key to becoming wealthy in an inflationary environment is debt. The rise of the Nazi party was largely funded by "new rich" who made money borrowing and purchasing durable goods during hyperinflationary times.
You are arrogant and short-sighted. What makes you so smart?
Just because you looked at some mutual fund magazine and saw that an S&P 500 index fund has averaged an excellent return over the last 30 years doesn't mean you're George Soros. The 20th Century has been a rare era of monetary stability.
There's a good reason why all stock graphs start in 1929. Throughout the history of financial markets, economies and money supplies have been hit with cycles of booms, panics, inflation and even deflation.
Another poster mentioned the hyperinflation that has wrecked once-prosperous countries like Argentina and Brazil. What makes you think that this won't happen here? We live in a country who is actively exporting all manufacturing and other wealth-creating activities to the Far East. When your neighborhood Wal-Mart is faced with bare shelves because the Chinese have imposed an economic embargo, you'll see your $5 million 401(k) account become worthless in weeks.
What do you mean... centralized computing was invented in the 90's. Linux is a brand new technology! Markup languages are a new, extreme development!
I know a highly skilled mechanic who makes $150k as the head gearhead at a Kia dealership. Nobody wanted to take the gig, so they bought him a complete set of tools as a signing bonus. (prolly $25k worth)
He's been approached by a NASCAR team and offered even more as well.
I find it amusing when IT dorks and Project Managers turn their nose on skilled mechanics and plumbers because they get their hands dirty. Skilled blue-collar workers make big bucks without having to pay for the trappings of success (fancy car, $50 ties, etc.) that schmucks who sit at a desk all day do.
What fools do these RIAA fascists take me for?
I downloaded from Napster, and continue to download music from Kaaza and other online sources. I've also purchased about 50 CD's since New Years.
Why would one not buy CD's? I like to sample popular songs with MP3s, but you really can't beat getting the full album, with the album, deep tracks, and sound quality.
Why would anyone want to keep thousands of songs on a computer anyway? Personally, I like using an entire wall of shelves to hold jewel cases and CDs.
Paying $25 for the newest Britney Spears album gives me a feeling of pride that my money is helping Britney develop her musical career. Downloading every piece of music every recorded for free doesn't give me that satisfaction.
Try not to be too real on Slashdot.
On Slashdot, you always do things with a Linux/MySQL combination or have an unlimited budget and use an IBM S/390 running Slackware.
Also remember that the 97th percentile self-described sysadmin on Slashdot has not run anything more complex than the wire between his DSL router and PC. Most of the rest worked on help desks at local ISPs before they got bought out.
One of the big problems with applying Microsoft patches, is that Microsoft uses patches to push unpopular and/or useless software on people.
For example, applying security hotfixes to Windows XP causes MSN Messenger to be installed, even if it was previously removed. This practice got a Microsoft infantry mobile-computing solution to be disqualified when Outlook Express and MSN Messenger were installed to Army XP-Embedded machines.
If you blindly apply MS patches to a mission-critical system, you're nuts. If you have the time to verify the multitude of MS patches as they come, you are probaly soon to be unemployed.
Middleware is another name for "Proxy Server" or "Firewall". Having middleware adds security as long as the application is designed well.
In general, middleware, firewalls, proxies, and VPNs add to overall security. They do this by pushing the most important piece of the overall system, the database and data as far away from the public as possible.
In many cases though, a 3-tier or similar configuration adds more needless complexity which creates more problems then it solves. I recently did some work at a datacenter that provides directory services for a large (500,000 user, 350,000 host) enterprise. This datacenter literally has two racks of PIX firewalls providing access to one rack of LDAP servers!
Whether a "hacker" or an admin makeing a mistake takes down access to a web or middleware server which denies access to data, the application is still down.
There is no general rule to "secure" services -- you need to make an intelligent decision based on your budget, staffing and application. Multi-layered, locked down configuration cause plenty of grief to regular users and often pose no challenge to intruders, who exploit bugs to get full access to everything anyway.
In plenty of cases a single, secureed server providing all services is a simpler and affordable solution.
There's a good reason why " /. look[s] to the rest of the world more like a bunch of know-nothing kids typing at each other than a group of technically literate activists with something of value to contribute."...
The only contribution I make because of Slashdot is about $5000 annually to literacy organizations.
Does not jive with the warranty. A sale is either final or not final.
If you have a problem with this device, contact your friendly credit-card issuer to dispute the charge or take them to small claims court.
There are alot of potentially good aspects to RFID -- like taxing road users instead of the general public.
The concept of RFID is the same as a license plate, only a more convenient application.
My point is, if someone wants to track you -- they already can.
Put the tinfoil hat away and layoff the weed.
All cars on the road today have little metal things attached to the bumpers commonly refered to as "license plates"
These plates allow the police or anyone else to link you to a car with a unique VIN. All of the dangers of abuse that could take place with RFID exist already with license plates.
I'm sure someone made the same argument against license place in the early 20th century, but the argument was lost in favor of public saftey and common sense.
I guess you haven't shopped for CDs lately
p ro dtype=musics ic_home
http://www.bestbuy.com/mandm/default.asp?m=254&
http://www.samgoody.com/portal/sg_mu
A review of Shakespere's new play -- Julius Caesar.
...highly debateable mis-truths such as "Every kid does it, so let's facilitate some standards in the marketplace."
Nobody buys CDs anymore dude... why do you think new releases are $10.99 again? I don't think the music industry should entitled to having the government place a levy on CDRs, but don't try to argue that music piracy isn't rampant.
Yeah that would be a great idea... some punk kids can spoof my phone number or redirect a business to my home phone.
I think that's an exagerration at best.
IT basically moves back in forth between distributed computing and centralized computing. Six Sigma might cause somebody to question all of the bonehead decisions made in pursuit of the latest "right" way to do things.
In 1981, VAX and Mainframe ruled IT. Users poked at terminals. IT Gurus talked about JCL and Serial ports.
In 1991, PCs were in. All the bigshots demanded PCs so they could type memos with TrueType fonts and draw graphs with Excel or 1-2-3. Companies spends hundreds of thousands of dollars hiring IT people to allow these people to share a printer. IT gurus talked about QBasic and Thinnet cables.
2001... Centralized server apps rule IT. Users poke at web browsers. It gurus talk about XML and security.
DirecWay is a great solution for people in rural areas or just out of the range of DSL. It's fine for small business or for home users with two or three computers.
It is what it is. If somebody was selling DirecWay as a T1 or DSL replacement, and I bought it, I'd be disgusted too.
If there is to be any retaliatory action it should be performed by the offenders ISP or hosting provider, and noted in their contract.
This whole notion of "strikeback" is the dream of some security lunatic who is serverely lacking in the clue department.