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  1. Re:Read the RegistryPro link on TLD Registrar Wants To Charge $300 For .Pro Names · · Score: 1
    So the question for engineers is, what certificate? Degree? MCSE?? RHCE? And how do you classify engineers? This may be why there is currently no option for engineers. Added to the fact that engineers don't sell themselves to the public in the way the other professions listed do.

    My guess? If you can cough up the 300 bucks, you'll be a professional. Sure they'll be slective at first but give it a quarter or two.

  2. The HowTo Text on PC/104 Linux Minicluster - miniHowTo · · Score: 1, Redundant
    What Is PC/104?

    PC/104 (IEEE P996.1) was developed to fill the need for an embedded platform, which was compliant with standardized hardware and software of the PC architecture. Mechanically quite different from the PC form factor, PC/104 modules are 3.6 X 3.8 inches in size. A self-stacking bus is implemented with pin-and-socket connectors composed of 64- and 40- contact male/female headers, which replace the card edge connectors used in standard PC hardware. Virtually anything that is available for a standard PC is available in the PC/104 form factor. PC/104 components are designed to be stacked together to create a complete embedded solution. Normally there will be a single CPU board and several peripheral boards connected by the PC/104 (ISA) system bus. Often there will be a PCI bus provided by the CPU board that will accommodate PCI peripheral boards (this standard is called PC/104+). Overall the price point for a highly integrated PC/104 CPU module is lower than for a comparable IBM-compatible PC. However, due to the power dissipation constraints typically found in embedded applications, CPU horsepower is generally lower. For more look at the PC/104 consortium site .

    The MiniCluster power base is a custom assembly available from Parvus Corporation. Referring to the parts list, the power base is composed of a custom extrusion, end plate, power entry module, open frame power supply, and (Parvus P/N PRV-0974A-01) PC/104 power interface w/ temperature sensing. The end plate and custom extrusion form the base for the MiniCluster. The custom extrusion is machined for the power entry module and the open frame power supply. The power entry module contains a power cord receptacle, fuse, and power switch. Switched 110Vac from the power entry module is wired to the open frame power supply, which supplies all required DC voltages for the PC/104 stack. DC outputs supplied by the open frame power supply feed the PC/104 power interface module, which is the first (bottom) module in the stack. The PC/104 power interface module contains two fans, which ventilate the bottom of the stack and the open frame power supply.

    For those hearty souls wishing to construct their own power base, the open frame power supply is manufactured by Connor Power Supplies (800) 235-5929 www.condorpower.com. For technical information, reference the model GLC65A switching power supply here. The PC/104 power interface module specifications are listed here.

    The CPU modules in the system are operated as Single Board Computers (SBCs) with the exception of the top CPU in the stack. The bottom three CPUs need only be supplied power on the PC/104 bus. To interrupt all PC/104 bus lines except for the bus power lines, double-height stack-through adapters are used to connect the CPU boards together, and all PC/104 bus connections except power connections are interrupted by means of cutting pins on the adapters.

    Advanced Digital Logic MSMP5SEN/SEV CPU's are used in the MiniCluster, sporting the following features: Pentium II 266 MHz, 128 MB DRAM, LPT1 parallel port, COM1 & COM2 serial ports, speaker, PS/2 or AT keyboard interface, PS/2 mouse interface, floppy disk interface, AT-IDE hard disk interface, VGA/LCD interface, 10/100Mbit Ethernet interface, (Optional) video input with frame grabber, (optional) compact flash socket, and many more features.

    Dual PCMCIA Interface Module The Parvus PRV-1016X-03 PC/104 dual left loading PCMCIA interface works with PC Cards and compact flash devices. The board uses the Intel (Cirrus Logic) PD6722 chip which works well in Linux systems. This interface is used to provide a second (wired or wireless) network interface on node 1 (top CPU in the stack) of the MiniCluster. The second network interface is used to connect to the public network. Since Node 1 has both private and public network interfaces it may act as a routing or masquerading node for the cluster. All modules above Node 1 in the stack (Hubs, PCMCIA interface, and Quad CPU switch) share a full PC/104 bus with Node 1. Install the PCMCIA interface module with default Parvus configuration.

    The PRV-0752X-01 pC/104 10Mbit Ethernet hub board has four 10BaseT ports, one AUI port, and one 10Base2 (thin net) port. As configured in the MiniCluster, two of these hub cards are installed in the stack. One TP port on each hub module is used to interconnect the hubs - leaving six ports available. Four of the ports are used to connect the stack CPUs on a private network, one port is connected to an RJ-45 jack on the MiniCluster end plate (making the MiniCluster private network available to the outside world) and one port is unused (spare). Refer to the Parvus "PC/104 Ethernet Products User Manual" at this place for configuration and connection options.

    The Parvus PRV-0886X-01 Quad CPU Switch is essentially a KVM switch, which is integral to the PC/104 MiniCluster stack. This module also routes reset, speaker, and COM port lines to a specific CPU that it is switched to. The quad CPU switch has proven to be very useful in performing local and diagnostic operations on the MiniCluster. Refer to the Quad CPU Switch manual (pg.2) for the board and connector layout. When configuring this module be sure to jumper off the P1, P2, P3, P4 power select options. Leave the card in the default base address configuration. If an external CPU Selector switch is used, be sure to remove the 74HC574 chip from sock U7. Refer to the PC/104 Quad CPU Switch manual at this place.

    PS/2 adapter for keyboard/mouse, reset switch, speaker connections are made to the Quad CPU Switch J8-utility connection. Refer to the Quad CPU Switch manual, pg.4

    VGA port adapter is connected to the Quad CPU Switch J9-VGA. Refer to the Quad CPU Switch manual, pg.5. A cable is available from Parvus (CBL-1009a-01).

    External CPU Select Switch is connected to Quad CPU Switch J11. Refer to pg.6, Quad CPU Switch manual

    COM Port DB-9P connector can be connected to the Quad CPU Switch J7. Refer to pg.5, Quad CPU Switch manual. A cable is available from Parvus (CBL-1010a-01).

    The MiniCluster is built with Parvus SnapStick components, which form an incremental card cage as modules are put into the stack. Refer to the Parvus SnapStick webpage for more information on Snapstick Components.

    Connect a CPU Module to the Power Base via a modified double-height adapter (bus power adapter) and power the stack. Check PC/104 bus voltages. Attach Advanced Digital Logic keyboard/video/utility cable set to the CPU under test and check the CPU for proper operation. Install a compact flash microdrive with preinstalled operating system and power the stack. Check for proper operation.

    Continue to add power bus adapter/CPU modules to the stack, checking each CPU for proper operation each time a new CPU is added.

    After the fourth CPU is added to the stack, add the PCMCIA adapter interface to the stack by use of a pc/104 double height adapter. Power the stack and check that to PCMCIA module detects correctly under Linux. The CPU Modules are numbered one to four, top to bottom (of the stack). The Node 1 CPU is connected to the PCMCIA interface.
    Install a hub module into the stack. Test for proper private network operation by connecting two nodes to the hub, powering stack, and running ping tests against each of the nodes under test.

    Install the second hub module into the stack. Cross connect the two hub modules, and connect two nodes - one to a port on each of the two hub modules, power the stack and run ping tests against each of the nodes under test. This completes the test for each of the hub modules.

    Remove the PCMCIA/HUB/HUB substack above node 1 and install the Quad CPU Switch module. Connect the end plate to the Quad CPU Switch to supply mouse/keyboard/VGA monitor connection to the Quad CPU Switch. Connect a CPU to the Quad CPU Switch (utility/com/VGA connections). Select the channel under test with the external CPU select switch. Power the stack and check for proper operation of Quad CPU Switch.
    Connect remaining CPU com/utility/VGA cables to the Quad CPU Switch. Power the stack, switch between each node and check for proper operation of each CPU and of the Quad CPU Switch.
    Once the Quad CPU Switch has been integrated into the stack, reinstall the PCMCIA/Hub/Hub substack into the stack. Power the stack and check for proper operation.

    If not performed prior to this point, 1/4-20 threaded rod should be inserted into each SnapStick corner and screwed into the power base SnapMounts. The SnapStick assembly should be tightened at the top by use of a SnapWrench applied to each of the top SnapNuts. The end plate is bolted to the 6/32 nut end of the SnapNut.

    Slide the MiniCluster plastic case over the top of the stack. The cover should interface well with each set of SnapGuides in the SnapStick cage. Connect the case fans to the power base 5V screw terminal just prior to pushing the case all the way to contact the powerbase extrusion.

    Attach the case top plate to the stack end plate with sheet metal screws.

    Happy Parallel Computing!

  3. Re:People should stay away from Walmart on Slashback: Wal-Modem, Culpability, Misquotes · · Score: 1

    and people bitch that wal-mart puts the lil guy out of business, which is true, but now they are putting Winn-Dixie out in Texas and Oklahoma. Fear that.

  4. what? on Fewer Jobs, Less Pay In The IT Industry · · Score: 1
    average IT workers pay is down by 11 percent - down from $71,000 to $63,000.

    Average salary was that high? Shit, right now I could make half of the new average and STILL be making more than I was.

  5. Re:15,000 Layoffs you say. on HP/Compaq Merger Official Today · · Score: 1
    and which companies announced today that they'd be hiring 15,000 new employees? When the biggest employer in the nation is a temp agency, I don't think you can say that the economy is healthy, at least not any definition of "healthy" that applies to normal people.

    I agree wholeheartedly. It's a damn tuff market out there.

  6. Re:Obsured on Is Verizon Up to Speed? · · Score: 1
    However, they want to charge us, the employees, 30 bucks a month to have it. My boss won't let me expense it and I'm not about to pay for the service.

    Ever hear of Unreimbursed business expenses?

    Hint it's a deduction on your taxes.

  7. Re:huh? on "EverQuest II" to debut in 2003 · · Score: -1, Flamebait
    how gay is that? who's designing this, a committe of soccermoms?

    My guess is that most kids ask their mommies to buy them games, so yeah I am guessing soccermoms are involved.

  8. Re:boycott Wal-mart on Installing Linux On A Wal-Mart OS-less machine · · Score: 1

    Although I don't like Wal-Mart very much, I think the blame lies with hp, dell, and gateway and Microsoft and the OEM prices

  9. Re:well the weather outside is frightful... on Cable Without Cables · · Score: 1

    Wow, you get it to work insode a house???

  10. Re:well the weather outside is frightful... on Cable Without Cables · · Score: 1
    As anyone with DirecTV can attest, Ku-band is horribly affected by bad weather.

    Well thank Goodness I have DISH network then.
    Seriously, I've had my DISH ofr 3+ years and can count the weather related interruptions on one hand.

  11. Re:The main probelm seems to be... on Sneaking Open Source Software Through the Front Door · · Score: 1

    yep

  12. Re:My Company ... on "Industry Standard" Paycuts in IT? · · Score: 1

    wow that sounds like my old company. Funny, though I didn't think 30k was a lot

  13. Re:Klez virus analysis on Klez, The Virus that Keeps on Giving · · Score: 1

    I usre hope that code wasn't covered under the DMCA..yer screwwed then

  14. huh? on Klez, The Virus that Keeps on Giving · · Score: 1

    Did corporate cut off the big fat pipe?

  15. Re:The main probelm seems to be... on Sneaking Open Source Software Through the Front Door · · Score: 1
    Try telling windows users to switch to a Gimp which doesn't support GIF files. How does anyone plan to open their files with it?

    Strange I just opened some gif's yesterday with GIMP 1.2

  16. Re:At my company... on "Industry Standard" Paycuts in IT? · · Score: 1

    and remember, after the cutting raises doesn't work, they WILL start laying off.

  17. Re:No raises here on "Industry Standard" Paycuts in IT? · · Score: 1
    Plus, once that is lifted, raises will take effect as needed.

    Do you honestly believe that?

    I was told the same thing, several times. Then the day after another promise of "in six months" 20% of us were laid off.

  18. Re:Ah, those were the days. on Back on TV: Max Headroom · · Score: 1

    Alf is doing 10 10 220.
    he's also ( well the gus who doe steh voice) is shopping for a talk show.
    He's also to be in NBC's 75th anniversy show.

  19. Well first on Rolling Your Own Business Desktops? · · Score: 1

    Make sure that MS has no problems with you recycling that OS

  20. Re:My favorite tech support story on Tech Support Getting Even Worse · · Score: 1

    huh? Why would you wait to call 119 to replace a mouse?

  21. wait a second... on Shakedown: How the Business Software Alliance Operates · · Score: 1
    # failure to produce licenses for all commercial or shareware software will constitute prima facie evidence of illegal possession, with penalties that could range from the confiscation of the machine to the firing of the user;

    How can they fire a violater?

  22. Re:The Dirty Secrets of A Technogrrl..... on Is Programming a Dead End Job? · · Score: 1
    But the point is that it's friggin hard for a 40+ year old coder to get a job in todays market. WHen I heard the same story from people back around 5 or 6 years ago I though "What a bunch of whining lusers!"

    Actually it's pretty hard no matter the age.

  23. My answers. on Hardware Manufacturers that Actively Support Linux? · · Score: 1

    My nvidia TNT 2 Ultra - Perfect.
    Aureal Vortex 2 - perfect
    USR Modem - perfect
    Netgear NIC - perfect
    Epson C60 printer USB and LPT - Perfect in LPT, only prints .ps files in USB mode. no jpg, etc.
    Mustek LPT port scanner - perfect
    Zip Drive LPT port, daisy chained from scanner - perfect
    Hauppage Video Capture card - perfect
    Belkin 4 port USB hub - perfect

  24. Re:Styrofoam on Recycle Fee For Each PC? · · Score: 3, Insightful
    Really, computer cases are the least of our environmental worries...

    Given a choice between styrofoam or mercury and cadium, I'd take styrofoam

  25. The Article for those who are behind slow links.. on History of Video Games Exhibit · · Score: 3, Informative
    Behold! The largest, most comprehensive collection of computer and videogame memorabilia ever assembled is about to go on display. Game On, opening at the Barbican Gallery in London in May (and traveling to the US in 2003), chronicles 40 years of game development.

    The show is every player's dream. View more than 250 separate exhibits, including hard-to-find vintage titles. In a wonderful coup, organizers nabbed one of only 10 or so known working DEC PDP-1 minicomputers, which runs Steve Russell's legendary Space War! (1962), the first computer game ever. From there, you can move through old arcade favorites - Computer Space (1971), Pong (1972), Space Invaders (1978), and Pac-Man (1980) - and on to the Atari 2600 (1977) and Magnavox Odyssey (1972) consoles. Of course, the 21st-century Xbox, GameCube, and PS2 are represented, too.

    There's more than hardware to lust after here. As curator Lucien King says, "Our broad aim is to explore the culture, history, and global context of the industry." The exhibition and accompanying book, Game On ($28, from Laurence King), deconstruct characters (like Lara Croft) along gender and age lines and examine their relationships with players. They also consider the various sociological contexts of releases from Japan, the US, and the rest of the world.

    Game On offers case studies of specific titles (Pokémon and The Sims among them) that demystify just how games are made. It's not about a single creative genius working alone in some back room anymore. Games come from the collective imagination of large development teams. This idea, it turns out, parallels the evolution of the way we play games. What began as heroic individualism - solitary epics of self-expression - is increasingly about interaction among many participants.

    The show also delves into the complex relationship between the gaming community and Hollywood. Comparing film posters, screenings, and playable versions of franchises like James Bond and Final Fantasy, it becomes clear that what makes a good game doesn't always make a good film and vice versa (think Tomb Raider).

    Game On ultimately reminds us that games are part of a living culture. By making the works available to the public in an art gallery instead of a commercial environment, King hopes to invite a fresh, more critical appraisal. Who are they kidding? Fifty game stations. Zero quarters required. I'm there.