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User: ChuckRoast

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  1. Regarding the power tangent on Rack Mount BTX Case · · Score: 2, Interesting
    We've been using virtualization technology for some time, but not on production server systems. We are considering doing that now for a variety of reasons (not the least of which include facilitating software upgrades and disaster recovery by leveraging the hardware abstraction layer). Because we run a [un?]healthy mix of operating systems, we are currently looking at VMware, but perhaps OSDN is in a position for considering Xen? It might well help your power needs scale much better.

    Isn't there some Computer Science adage about solving problems by adding another layer of abstraction?

    --
    Do we need more fiber to keep our network regular?

  2. Most of the above on How Effective are Ergonomic Keyboards? · · Score: 2, Informative

    I combined common sense and professional advice with practical application for a successful outcome.

    I used to have dull aches and pains on my right, upper forearm. Learning to mouse left-handed fixed that problem (~2 weeks to become proficient). Now I right-mouse at work and left-mouse at home to achieve a nice balance and I don't have that pain anymore.

    Fast forward two years ...
    I was waking up about three times a night with numb hands. I saw my doctor and he said it was a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. I researched on the Net and decided to go with the Kinesis Contour keyboard ( http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/ ). I also modified my seating area to improve kb height, monitor view, etc. The Countour is very good for typing letters, but using Emacs and vi is still sometimes challenging (I'd gotten use to Ctrl-[ for Esc). It is easier on my hands and I feel less pain and I got down to waking up only a few times a week with hand numbness.

    I went back to the doctor and he sent me to a sleep lab, where I found out I have Sleep Apnea. Now I use CPAP to sleep at night.

    By combining common sense and professional advice/eq with practical application, I have successfully eliminated pain, improved my sleep at night, and I'm now more productive during the day.

    NB: My docoter also said CTS cannot be eliminated by these devices, but if the pain is subsided, then that is enough for me right now.

  3. Weather Underground did it *right* on Salon Goes For Annoying Jump-Through Ads · · Score: 2, Interesting
    The Weather Underground was doing those annoying pop-up ads. However, they went one step beyond and offered an additional option: You can pay $5US/year to get an ad-free login ID. That, my friends, rulz.

    For sites I hit daily, like that one and this one, I'd gladly fork over money to get rid of the annoying ads! I just hope people don't start abusing (sharing) their login ID/Passwords. I'm sure some simple scripting would ferret out those abusers for appropriate treatment.

  4. One word: Deming on On Getting Management Interested in Improving Quality? · · Score: 1

    When talking to suit types, it's important to use their language. There was an awesome suit-dude, named "W. Edwards Deming," who did a lot of work in post-war Japan. In his book, "Out of the Crisis," Deming demonstrates how quality invariably improves productivity.

    The only problem here is that suits are now tuned to improving shareholder value on a damn near immediate basis. What you'll have to do is demonstrate how quality will improve short-term returns. However, the point is that there is a direct relationship between quality and productivity, which can drive profits.

  5. DIY or custom home office? on Building a DIY Home Office? · · Score: 1

    I'm not convinced you are looking for a DIY. I think maybe what you want is just a custom home office. My wife and I hired, of all things, a closet designer! This closet designer worked with melamine (sp?). You would think it would look cheap, but people *love* our office. He introduced us to the fact that melamine comes in various wood veneers. It is also very sturdy. We chose a maple look. Because he is a designer he had lots of excellent ideas we hadn't thought of when we tried it ourselves. Now, we have a very nicely balanced office. There is plenty of room for us to work and everything has its own space. The handles on drawers are fancy, which improved the look quite a bit. The surface is very smooth and non-conductive (good for my electronics work). Finally, because it was all custom, we have kb/mouse trays that are actually comfortably wide and the correct height for optimal comfort (same goes for the monitors). A think for small spaces, it helps to have a pro. He inventoried all of our needs (in your case, fridge, coffee maker, etc.), then came up with a kewl plan that we love. All his work is guaranteed and was built and installed in a timely fashion. He even caulked around the edges for a clean look. When he designed the desk, he accounted for how to hide all the cables and still not cover up the power/data outlets. Upon installation, he drilled the holes johnny-on-the-spot exactly where we needed them for all the devices. He brought along some little portals to stick in the holes so the cut edges wouldn't damage cords and it organizes them better. After he left, I routed the cables underneath the tabletop so the room has a real clean look. I hope that helps 1) recommend using a pro and 2) give you ideas if you DIY. BTW the cost was just over $1K for parts and labor. It was all done in just a couple weeks. This, for us, was well worth the expense.

  6. Bind 9.0 web page is posted, but not linked on Bind 9.0.0 Final Released · · Score: 5

    The official Bind 9 page is written, just not linked, yet.