Back in November of 2001 I was laid off from the cybercenter hosting division of a western U.S. telecommunications company. Since the economy was going into the tank due to 9/11, I started my own business refurbishing IBM RS/6000s and selling them on eBay.
In the 2+ years since I was laid off, I've had the best time of my life. I like the challenge of running my own business and finding those great buys that end up making a significant profit when I resell it. (Example: purchased a system management module for an IBM router for $10.00 and sold it for $600.00).
Don't get me wrong; I've also tried finding a new job and had a few temporary contracts. Most recently, I was hired onto a government contract for $60K/year after being told what a great job this was and they really needed a Unix guru. I quit after 2 months because it was utterly BORING; the highlight of my week was running antivirus scans on Sun servers.
Aside from being in control of my time and making more money by selling more boxen, my boss and I get along quite well. He may be an @$$hole, but he's MY kind of @$$hole. I've also learned more about myself and sharpened my interpersonal skills by running a business.
If you're in a boring / dead-end / abusive job, find something you love and do it instead. The stress that you go through by hating the job you currently have is far worse than the stress you have when you do something you love. No amount of money is sufficient when the job negatively affects your attitude, personal relationships, and your health.
Think of proprietary software as a normal home with wooden or brick walls, roof, shades on the windows and locked doors.
Think of Open Source Software as a glass house where everything is transparent and anyone can look inside to see what's going on.
Wouldn't it be easier to see if there is something malicious going on inside a glass house than inside a normal house? Does Jones really think a burgler would try to rob a glass house? I certainly hope not! People with malicious intent prefer to HIDE their actions, whether it's sneaking in a home's back door or distributing an encypted binary with malicious code, because they don't want to be caught.
No sane burgler is going to rob a home where everyone can see what they are doing. Anyone who adds malicious code to an OSS project will get caught just as fast.
Take him to dinner at a cozy little restaurant. Buy him some roses and chocolate. Go for a long stroll on the beach in the moonlight. Expect great sex afterwards!
Over the years I've seen many pictures of places I'd like to visit (as I'm sure the rest of you have as well). IMHO, including GPS and other location metadata in a picture is a great idea! Now we'll know exactly where that beautiful water fall we want to visit is rather than just knowing that it's somewhere in Ecuador.
The downside of this is that every tourist with a GPS can find places that are virtually unspoiled by man and end up spoiling them.
It is my perception that many people who use and advocate Linux are also in favor of eliminating spam. It's perhaps one of the major reasons they prefer Linux. We know that virus/trojan horse/worm writers prefer to attack Windows-based systems because of the multitude of security holes it has.
What's happening with the MyDoom trojan sounds like spammers are trying to use the attacks against SCO and Microsoft (and maybe more targets) as a diversion for what they really want to do: send spam and discredit the groups that seek to eliminate spam. In their perception, Linux and the anti-spam movement are closely related. Discrediting one side of the pairing will eventually weaken the other.
Ask yourself this: If SCO wins and starts charging $699.00 per copy for Linux, what's the average user of Linux going to do? Probably switch to a Microsoft product and give spammers another system to use for a DDOE (Distributed Denial of E-mail) zombie.
Having had the oppotunity to work at NASA and get to know some of the astronauts and staff, I know that they are remembering the people who died in the Apollo 1, Columbia and Challenger accidents. If you work there you become part of a very large family that has been tasked with doing the impossible on a shoe-string budget.
Many are ex-military, many have PhDs, all of them are the best of the best. The loss of any member of the family, whether it's an astronaut or a technician, is felt by all. All honor those who have given their lives in pursuit of space exploration.
and once a tool is created the user assumes the responsibility for how it is used. Any tool can be turned into a weapon if the user is so inclined. A hammer to can be used to build a house or bash someones head in. Explosives can be used to create a sculpture (Mt. Rushmore) or used to destroy a building. A packet sniffer can be used to solve a network problem or steal user IDs and passwords.
It's unfortunate that the Chinese government chooses to use Microsoft's product to track down and punish people who don't think like they do. But, never thought I'd say this, it is NOT Microsoft's fault that the Chinese government has chosen to use their products in this fashion. Just remember that they could have chosen to use OSS instead.
Maybe the Queen is tired of worms/viruses/trojans in her Outlook e-mail and this is her way of getting even. Just think of all the derisive jokes that will come out of this!
How many knights does it take to install a copy of Windows XP? (Fill in punch line here)
There are lots of advantages to Sun hardware generally, but this machine doesn't seem to have those:
- Sun machines usually have high-quality SCSI disk drives. This machine has a standard PC IDE drive. - Sun machines usually have support for many CPUs. This machine supports one. - Sun machines usually have insane memory bandwidth. This machine has less bandwidth than a P4. - Sun machines usually have extensive I/O capabilities. This machine has your standard 64/66 PCI slots.
You forgot to mention that Sun USED to manufacture their own machines. Now they have Acer Computers do it for them (literally!).
I worked for MCI for three years doing 80+ hours a week; they only paid me for 37.5 hours per week to avoid having me on the books as a "full-time" employee. I sat down one day and figured out that what they were paying me divided by the average number of hours per week I worked was LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE!
American companies simply do not want to pay people what they are worth and corporate execs are way OVERPAID for what they do, IMHO. If you doubt that, then start a business that has only executives and no employees. Your business won't go far.
I've often wondered about companies that don't have a clue. If you don't pay people a decent wage they won't have the money to buy your products (or anyone else's) beyond what they need to merely survive. If it's a choice between feeding your kids or buying a high-tech item most people will choose feeding their kids.
The largest problem with outsourcing/off-shoring software development is SECURITY. Remember Y2K? Many major corporations outsourced their Y2K work to foreign countries because they didn't want to hire the extra programmers locally to do it. What several companies found when they got the code back was that trojan horses, backdoors, logic bombs, and other nasties in the code in addition to the Y2K fixes.
NOTE: I am *NOT* saying *ALL* people from other countries are dishonest. You can find dishonest people anywhere in the world.
What I am saying is that if you turn control of your software code over to someone else, you run the risk of them altering it to their advantage. This also applies to local hires as well, but it's MUCH easier to keep track of what your people are doing locally than half a world away.
Why do you think that the US Government/Military doesn't outsource? The same with most financial institutions: SECURITY. (Microsoft not included.)
I often read about how much "Bang-for-the-Buck" that you get from CPUs, Video cards, etc. I think that this might lead to a new system for rating laptops!
I'll admit that I have an easier time than you; I run my business out of my basement. Even hung a sign with the business name on the door. I get up every morning, shower, shave, and dress for work (every day is casual day!) I also have set business hours so that I know when it's time to "go home".
But, like so many people have already suggested, get out and about during the day. I take time, every day, to drive around and find local businesses that I can do business with. I've made friends with several of the business owners whose shops I frequent. It has lead to deals and $$$$.
And take classes at a local community college or other continuing education program: when you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot! Excellent way of meeting people, making contacts, and even drumming up business.
Too many websites go into the bit-bucket simply because it's no longer "fun" or becomes too much work to manage. If your parents are really interested in having their own site, go for it! I'd recommend getting them a free website to start then move them to a larger setup when the time comes.
Don't forget to wrap it in continuous feed printer paper and use a ribbon cable for the bow!
I've bought and sold items on Usenet as early as 1990 using a go between to make sure the sale completed properly (and I'm sure other people did that even before I did). AT&T is trying to patent a method that has been used since the creation of telephones, credit cards, and credit card processors. Just because it's over the Internet doesn't make it patentable; you are STILL using the TELEPHONE.
Who does the reprogramming of the device; the end user or the company that make the device? For security, I'd rather it be the end user. Also, shouldn't they make a cheap version for home users since those are the machines that are most vulnerable?
Or does it seem silly that Micro$oft is expending time, energy, and money to bash Linux instead of using that effort to work on the security problems they have?
Of course, it doesn't help the Linux community to bash Micro$oft, either. We incur the wrath of a company that has a bigger PR company than many of the companies that support Linux. And, unfortunately, the suits listen to the PR instead of the techs.
This is really sounding like SCO believes they're trotting down the Yellow Brick Road; they are in lala-land to think they can pay major corporations to change their infrastructure; SCO would have to sell itself to get the money to do it.
Cast: The Wizard: SCO Dorothy: Linux Users (Not in Kansas anymore) Toto: Tux Glinda, Good Witch of the North: IBM The Scarecrow: Darl McBride The Lion: SCO's shareholders The TinM(e)n: SCO's Lawyers Wicked Witch of the West: Micro$oft
I am married to a wonderful lady who is only 4'3" tall. She works for an aerospace company as an engineer (and blond!) and makes over $55K/year. Her company and team have said on several occasions that she is an indespensible resource.
I am 6'2" and have been out of work for almost two years now. And employers are not flocking to my door to hire me because I'm tall.
The amount of money you make depends on how well you perform your job and much the company you work for values you as a person. If you feel that the company you work for is paying you less because you're short: find another company to work for!
Slashdot Mirror
Back in November of 2001 I was laid off from the cybercenter hosting division of a western U.S. telecommunications company. Since the economy was going into the tank due to 9/11, I started my own business refurbishing IBM RS/6000s and selling them on eBay.
In the 2+ years since I was laid off, I've had the best time of my life. I like the challenge of running my own business and finding those great buys that end up making a significant profit when I resell it. (Example: purchased a system management module for an IBM router for $10.00 and sold it for $600.00).
Don't get me wrong; I've also tried finding a new job and had a few temporary contracts. Most recently, I was hired onto a government contract for $60K/year after being told what a great job this was and they really needed a Unix guru. I quit after 2 months because it was utterly BORING; the highlight of my week was running antivirus scans on Sun servers.
Aside from being in control of my time and making more money by selling more boxen, my boss and I get along quite well. He may be an @$$hole, but he's MY kind of @$$hole. I've also learned more about myself and sharpened my interpersonal skills by running a business.
If you're in a boring / dead-end / abusive job, find something you love and do it instead. The stress that you go through by hating the job you currently have is far worse than the stress you have when you do something you love. No amount of money is sufficient when the job negatively affects your attitude, personal relationships, and your health.
that SOMEONE finally told SCO to shut the fsck up unless they are willing to PROVE the FUD they've been spewing.
Think of proprietary software as a normal home with wooden or brick walls, roof, shades on the windows and locked doors.
Think of Open Source Software as a glass house where everything is transparent and anyone can look inside to see what's going on.
Wouldn't it be easier to see if there is something malicious going on inside a glass house than inside a normal house? Does Jones really think a burgler would try to rob a glass house? I certainly hope not! People with malicious intent prefer to HIDE their actions, whether it's sneaking in a home's back door or distributing an encypted binary with malicious code, because they don't want to be caught.
No sane burgler is going to rob a home where everyone can see what they are doing. Anyone who adds malicious code to an OSS project will get caught just as fast.
"His design is utterly revolting!"
"Shocking!"
"If I add more power, can I overclock it?"
"An electrifying hack!"
"More power to him."
I remember reading about these rovers when I was in GRADE school. Or am I carbon dating myself?
Take him to dinner at a cozy little restaurant.
Buy him some roses and chocolate.
Go for a long stroll on the beach in the moonlight.
Expect great sex afterwards!
Over the years I've seen many pictures of places I'd like to visit (as I'm sure the rest of you have as well). IMHO, including GPS and other location metadata in a picture is a great idea! Now we'll know exactly where that beautiful water fall we want to visit is rather than just knowing that it's somewhere in Ecuador.
The downside of this is that every tourist with a GPS can find places that are virtually unspoiled by man and end up spoiling them.
It is my perception that many people who use and advocate Linux are also in favor of eliminating spam. It's perhaps one of the major reasons they prefer Linux. We know that virus/trojan horse/worm writers prefer to attack Windows-based systems because of the multitude of security holes it has.
What's happening with the MyDoom trojan sounds like spammers are trying to use the attacks against SCO and Microsoft (and maybe more targets) as a diversion for what they really want to do: send spam and discredit the groups that seek to eliminate spam. In their perception, Linux and the anti-spam movement are closely related. Discrediting one side of the pairing will eventually weaken the other.
Ask yourself this: If SCO wins and starts charging $699.00 per copy for Linux, what's the average user of Linux going to do? Probably switch to a Microsoft product and give spammers another system to use for a DDOE (Distributed Denial of E-mail) zombie.
Having had the oppotunity to work at NASA and get to know some of the astronauts and staff, I know that they are remembering the people who died in the Apollo 1, Columbia and Challenger accidents. If you work there you become part of a very large family that has been tasked with doing the impossible on a shoe-string budget.
Many are ex-military, many have PhDs, all of them are the best of the best. The loss of any member of the family, whether it's an astronaut or a technician, is felt by all. All honor those who have given their lives in pursuit of space exploration.
and once a tool is created the user assumes the responsibility for how it is used. Any tool can be turned into a weapon if the user is so inclined. A hammer to can be used to build a house or bash someones head in. Explosives can be used to create a sculpture (Mt. Rushmore) or used to destroy a building. A packet sniffer can be used to solve a network problem or steal user IDs and passwords.
It's unfortunate that the Chinese government chooses to use Microsoft's product to track down and punish people who don't think like they do. But, never thought I'd say this, it is NOT Microsoft's fault that the Chinese government has chosen to use their products in this fashion. Just remember that they could have chosen to use OSS instead.
of Windows does it take to become a knight?
Maybe the Queen is tired of worms/viruses/trojans in her Outlook e-mail and this is her way of getting even. Just think of all the derisive jokes that will come out of this!
How many knights does it take to install a copy of Windows XP? (Fill in punch line here)
There are lots of advantages to Sun hardware generally, but this machine doesn't seem to have those:
- Sun machines usually have high-quality SCSI disk drives. This machine has a standard PC IDE drive.
- Sun machines usually have support for many CPUs. This machine supports one.
- Sun machines usually have insane memory bandwidth. This machine has less bandwidth than a P4.
- Sun machines usually have extensive I/O capabilities. This machine has your standard 64/66 PCI slots.
You forgot to mention that Sun USED to manufacture their own machines. Now they have Acer Computers do it for them (literally!).
I worked for MCI for three years doing 80+ hours a week; they only paid me for 37.5 hours per week to avoid having me on the books as a "full-time" employee. I sat down one day and figured out that what they were paying me divided by the average number of hours per week I worked was LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE!
American companies simply do not want to pay people what they are worth and corporate execs are way OVERPAID for what they do, IMHO. If you doubt that, then start a business that has only executives and no employees. Your business won't go far.
I've often wondered about companies that don't have a clue. If you don't pay people a decent wage they won't have the money to buy your products (or anyone else's) beyond what they need to merely survive. If it's a choice between feeding your kids or buying a high-tech item most people will choose feeding their kids.
That's why I said MOST, not ALL.
The largest problem with outsourcing/off-shoring software development is SECURITY. Remember Y2K? Many major corporations outsourced their Y2K work to foreign countries because they didn't want to hire the extra programmers locally to do it. What several companies found when they got the code back was that trojan horses, backdoors, logic bombs, and other nasties in the code in addition to the Y2K fixes.
NOTE: I am *NOT* saying *ALL* people from other countries are dishonest. You can find dishonest people anywhere in the world.
What I am saying is that if you turn control of your software code over to someone else, you run the risk of them altering it to their advantage. This also applies to local hires as well, but it's MUCH easier to keep track of what your people are doing locally than half a world away.
Why do you think that the US Government/Military doesn't outsource? The same with most financial institutions: SECURITY. (Microsoft not included.)
I often read about how much "Bang-for-the-Buck" that you get from CPUs, Video cards, etc. I think that this might lead to a new system for rating laptops!
I'll admit that I have an easier time than you; I run my business out of my basement. Even hung a sign with the business name on the door. I get up every morning, shower, shave, and dress for work (every day is casual day!) I also have set business hours so that I know when it's time to "go home".
But, like so many people have already suggested, get out and about during the day. I take time, every day, to drive around and find local businesses that I can do business with. I've made friends with several of the business owners whose shops I frequent. It has lead to deals and $$$$.
And take classes at a local community college or other continuing education program: when you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot! Excellent way of meeting people, making contacts, and even drumming up business.
Will they actually use/update it?
Too many websites go into the bit-bucket simply because it's no longer "fun" or becomes too much work to manage. If your parents are really interested in having their own site, go for it! I'd recommend getting them a free website to start then move them to a larger setup when the time comes.
Don't forget to wrap it in continuous feed printer paper and use a ribbon cable for the bow!
I've bought and sold items on Usenet as early as 1990 using a go between to make sure the sale completed properly (and I'm sure other people did that even before I did). AT&T is trying to patent a method that has been used since the creation of telephones, credit cards, and credit card processors. Just because it's over the Internet doesn't make it patentable; you are STILL using the TELEPHONE.
Who does the reprogramming of the device; the end user or the company that make the device? For security, I'd rather it be the end user.
Also, shouldn't they make a cheap version for home users since those are the machines that are most vulnerable?
Thousands may be able to witness your satellite returning from space in the form of a shooting star, a fireball that burns up in Earth's atmosphere!
Yeah, thousands of fish as it plunges into the Pacific.
I wonder if they'll let you deorbit it at the right time to hit Redmond?
where are they going to put a gear shift on a laptop?
Will it cause the hard drive on the system spin in reverse?
Will I be able to see Satanic messages when I retrieve my Word documents backwards?
Or does it seem silly that Micro$oft is expending time, energy, and money to bash Linux instead of using that effort to work on the security problems they have?
Of course, it doesn't help the Linux community to bash Micro$oft, either. We incur the wrath of a company that has a bigger PR company than many of the companies that support Linux. And, unfortunately, the suits listen to the PR instead of the techs.
This is really sounding like SCO believes they're trotting down the Yellow Brick Road; they are in lala-land to think they can pay major corporations to change their infrastructure; SCO would have to sell itself to get the money to do it.
Cast:
The Wizard: SCO
Dorothy: Linux Users (Not in Kansas anymore)
Toto: Tux
Glinda, Good Witch of the North: IBM
The Scarecrow: Darl McBride
The Lion: SCO's shareholders
The TinM(e)n: SCO's Lawyers
Wicked Witch of the West: Micro$oft
I am married to a wonderful lady who is only 4'3" tall. She works for an aerospace company as an engineer (and blond!) and makes over $55K/year. Her company and team have said on several occasions that she is an indespensible resource.
I am 6'2" and have been out of work for almost two years now. And employers are not flocking to my door to hire me because I'm tall.
The amount of money you make depends on how well you perform your job and much the company you work for values you as a person. If you feel that the company you work for is paying you less because you're short: find another company to work for!