I've only been 'mugged' once; chased the guy for 3 miles, opened a can of whoop-ass, and performed a gen-yoo-wine citizen's arrest. (the 5-Oh actually charged the guy with resisting arrest for running from me:)
So my advice is, be large, shave your head, and try to look mean:)
Put a small HTML Doc on the web, protected by a password (ala.htaccess)
write a simple script in bash, using wget, to fetch the document (wget can supply the password)
the password keeps anyone else from hitting the url
Any other information you want sent, have wget stuff into the referer header
Have init run the script (don't put it in your profile, cause then a login will be necessary to run the script)
Now, if your laptop gets stolen, just check the logs!
(assuming I already have a bootloader, kernel, and init, etc....)
bash
links (with graphics)
ncftp
openssh
nmap
perl
mutt
tcpdump
vim
sudo
oh, and gcc, if by some chance It isn't already there.
That's really all one needs, isn't it?:)
I get concerned about my privacy when it is violated without my consent... e.g. when I have no choice.
GMail, in terms of privacy 'violations' (can't comment on the legal ramifications the article brings up) is perfectly fine... they are not being sneaky about it, and you can opt to get your email on elsewhere.
Nothing is free; make no mistake, you are paying for the Gig-o-storage; just not with $$, but by consenting to having your mail 'read', and ads presented in context.
The key point here is that you have a choice; everyone gets to decide whether it is a fair trade for themselves. Noone is being coerced; nothing shady is happening. Move along, nothing to see here...
I am not talking about "bleeding edge" here.
I am not suggesting we saddle newbies with "unstable" or "testing" branches of Debian, for example.
I am talking about making sure that they get the latest stable release of .
In my experience, getting the latest stable distro will provide the best new user experience, because
a) more stuff will likely work
b) at least the known bugs are squashed
Put shrink wrapped copies on the shelf, and in a year, patrons (newbies included) will be getting software that is old... what if someone went in today, and checked out a copy of Redhat 6... do you really think that that would provide them with the best overall experience?
Mind you, first impressions matter; and you never know who might make use of those facilities, and be making decisions regarding the adoption of Linux/FreeBSD/other FOSS of your choice at some org somewhere down the road...
Hopefully, when a potential user/adopter/contributer borrows a FOSS distro of some sort from a library, they will get the best possible experience, so that they develop the most relevant opinions, realistic expectations, and accurate perceptions regarding the community and its products.
Distributing OSS software (maybe software in general) via CD is lame. In my experience, by the time you get a CD, half of its contents are out of date.
My first Linux distro was a store-bought, shrink-wrapped copy of RedHat. I was hip deep into it before I realized it was a couple of versions old...
Don't most libraries nowadays have internet access? Maybe broadband? (if not, they should... but that is a different rant)
So how tough would it be for a library to set up a mirror of the ISOs for linux/bsd/etc. distros, and a directory of tarballs for packages?
Then all you need is a few cd burners, and you are all set... strapped for cash? Make 'em provide their own blanks... (cd burners are cheap nowadays)
Strapped for the storage space? How about just an index, a starting point for the uninitiated, that will point them to the projects' sites where they can download the ISOs, RPMs, DEBs, etc. that they want. (Cache 'em with squid, maybe).
Now, the library doesn't have to worry about the CDs being returned, or being damaged (or getting 'stale').
My point is, (and I am truly not trying to pick on anyone here) that the mindset of someone asking this question is a bit askew; they are overlooking the Internet! Now I am a dead tree lover; obsessed, really. But I realize that dead trees are no longer the best way to distribute information in all cases... particularly information that is prone to becoming dated quickly.
All you are really interested in is getting folks information here, right? just the bits... my claim is that the best way to do that is give it to em from the source; fresh, hot, up-to-date, and maybe they will learn something from that experience (like where to go to *get* FOSS!
The library should focus on helping people find that information... hence my suggestion for a link page... a jumping off point, or directory of sorts. Perhaps local cached copies of n00b-appropriate distros, maybe even a few pre-burnt CDs to cut down on the wait time (Knoppix would be an excellent choice for this)
One last point to beat the proverbial dead horse...
If the library has broadband internet access, where a user can download debian, for example, and a little help finding it for the newcomers... and the ability to make a cd of what they want...what value does shelving copies add to the transaction?
Having been laid off myself, I realize that it usually has nothing to do with the ability or character of the individual in question; when, in the past, I have been in the position of selecting new hires, I can say that having been laid off did NOT give me a negative impression of the candidate.
And all it means if you have worked for a number of smaller or less stable companies, and been laid off a number of times, is that you are willing to take a little risk.
Consider this: being laid off, or currently unemployed, means that you can start immediately. That frequently is a big plus...
I have found this mindset to be generally the norm.
Bottom line; you need make no apologies about being laid off.
Good Luck!
I have received nothing (many times), a frozen turkey (numerous times), a week's pay, and a month's pay.
I expect nothing, so anything is appreciated. I think a month's pay is extremely, and unusually, generous.
Bottom line is, bonuses, other than those delineated in work agreements (which aren't really "bonuses" now, are they?) are just that; a gift. Give what you think is generous.
I think that any amount is appropriate; $20 should be appreciated.
If they can obtain a judgement against M$ for shitty software, then that means that the standard waiver of liability in the EULA is not enforceable, which likely means that the similar waiver of liability in the GPL, etc. is not enforceable, which means that you and I could potentially find ourselves in the same position for something we gave away for free, not to mention the effect it would have on those who run mom-and-pop software shops.
There is a mechanism in place to pressure M$ (and all of us) to ensure product quality: competition.
I think that Windows sucks; but Windows 2000 sucks quite a bit less than 98 did; It seems that M$ has taken notice of the alternatives, and is beginning to come around in terms of security and quality of their software (not saying that they don't have a long way to go, still) presumably due to market pressure.
Besides, look at it this way: I hate Windows because it sucks; If/when M$ improves the quality of their OS (and other software), don't we all win?
I am a Linux fan; but if M$ produces a product that is truly an attractive alternative, from both quality and price standpoints, I am not going to ignore it because of some "religious" viewpoint. (Nor will I bother myself with Windows until they do).
The point is, this is a textbook example of a situation where the govmint should keep out of it, and let capitalism/competition work things out naturally. People are just beginning to be exposed to Linux (and others) as real alternatives; M$ will naturally have to improve, or die.
Re:what is WARN? please define
on
How Were You Fired?
·
· Score: 3, Informative
WARN
Sorry. Should have made that a link in the original.
I arrived at work on the day of the layoffs to find the doors locked; the only door unlocked was the main entrance, staffed by security guards, inside and out. When I entered, there were processing tables, you told them your name, they told you which room to report to.
So, I was escorted to the room, where the corp counsel was waiting; he went through my severance package: essentially 2 weeks salary IF I agreed to sign of saying I wouldn't sue them; I didn't, because It appeared to me that they were violating WARN...
The funny part: this guy then demanded my company ID, since it was company property. "Fine", I say, "after I retrieve my personal belongings from my desk." He says I can make an appointment to come get my stuff next week. I say "fine. You can likewise make an appointment to come by my house and get your ID next week." He says, you don't understand, we need your ID, it is ours. blah blah blah. End with "You don't understand: I am not turning it over until I get my stuff. You can't make me, and you can't threaten me; what are you going to do, fire me? It's a matter of principle, and there is no room for negotiation. Besides, I intend to get my stuff, today, regardless, so you can just make this easy on both of us and avoid an ugly situation if you just let me collect my belongings, which is what you SHOULD do anyway..."
I was escorted to my desk to get my stuff. Who knew that they wanted it back that bad? (I was the only one that left with a box; everyone else got a laugh out of that one...)
You didn't mention cost as a factor; so I am assuming that it is not one, for whatever reason...
So my question is, Why Not?
Think it looks funny on your CV? Don't List it
It's a chance to learn something that you are interested in, and get a pretty piece of paper to show for it. Might even keep you out of the unemployment office one day. I, for one, have never suffered in my career from knowing too much! (maybe from too little, at times;).
Given money not a problem, I (also a software person) would sacrifice my spare time for the opportunity, no question.
Not to defend the RIAA; much of what they are doing makes me sick (my wife and I are boycotting), but this story seems a little rabid to me. Quoted:
"If the labels acknowledge a legitimate use for P2P programs, it would undercut their case as well as their zero-tolerance stance."
So let me ask you this: If auto manufacturers analyzed theft patterns to determine which of their cars are most popular... does that imply that they condone the theft (thus "undercutting their case?")
Ah, you say, your analogy is flawed... RIAA is saying that ALL file swapping is evil... so I ask, if the American auto manufacturers analyze theft statistics, or sales statistics, of foreign cars (or ALL cars, foreign and domestic), in order to design marketing/product to better serve the market, does that undercut their case for, say, higher import barriers/tarriffs?
(RIAA wants you to listen to music; it just wants you to obtain it from their sources; so that they get paid, just as, say, GM wants you to drive, they just want to you drive a GM product)
I fail to see how RIAA making use of these statistics affects, in any way, their position that downloading music "illegally" is bad... I think that it would be foolish to NOT take advantage of any useful marketing information, even if you believe that the activity it represents is harmful to you.
I think wanting to contribute "just because" is motivation enough...
At my POE, we are planning to rewrite a lot of stuff real soon now; when we do so, we intend to create a LOT of generic, reusable components a) for our own benefit, naturally and b) so we can contribute (the now not-so-proprietary) code back to the community, because essentially, without Free Software, we would not be able to operate (and trying to convince the boss to give money is futile;).
My point is, simply wanting to contribute back to the community that many of us have benefitted so much from is motivation enough; why would you suggest that someone only contribute when they have a personal need for a feature set? Isn't that sort of selfish? And so what if someone just wants to contribute for "geek points" or ego, or whatever; their code shouldn't make it into the kernel unless it is up to snuff, so to speak, so who the hell cares what their motivation is?
I have used various Promise "RAID" Cards quite extensively...
In my understanding, the "RAID" stuff is actually done in the driver
The 3ware cards do the RAID functionality onboard; I have had MUCH better luck with them; they are Fast... simple, easy to install, and all around superior in every way; and my experiences with their tech support have been fantastic, in the rare occasion I have had to call...
Bottom line: the so-called "RAID" controllers (Promise, HighPoint) that are really nothing but IDE Controllers w/fancy drivers don't hold a candle to the 3ware cards; and I only paid about $15 or $20 more for my 3ware than I did for the last FastTrak I purchased... save yourself some headaches!
I usually let my mod points go to waste; but today, I wish I had some to mod you up!
I do agree that vendors should get together, and put something slick and standardised together that looks and feels like windows (like Lindows has done), to make newbies comfortable until they learn the ropes
But that does NOT mean that I have to lose my choice of KDE, Gnome, Ratpoison, FluxBox, etc. etc.
Has everyone forgotten that those choices are one of the main reasons that Linux/BSD are cool in the first place?!
Let's not forget that (IMO) the "competition" between KDE and Gnome, for example, helps to drive innovation in both; Who the hell wants the Linux Desktop to stagnate like some others?
Or why not get yourself a few of those neato caddies that hold a HDD, and allow you to swap them out (internally; I am not talking about external enclosures) they are available for IDE, and the more expensive ones (claim to) allow hot swapping, even (I cannot personally verify how well the hot swap feature works or doesn't...). I have seen them that even allow you to lock them in place with a key; how cool is that?
Much cheaper in the long run, in terms of media costs, at least for large quantities of data. Especially if you score some inexpensive smaller drives (like a surplus batch of 10 GB or so)
Hell, if you went all the way and just put an inexpensive RAID controller in there, it might pay off in the simplification of your backup procedures... i.e. just pull a drive, and put a fresh one in, let the card rebuild it for you; backup your whole system if you like. Restoring doesn't get much easier than that, either.
"How many of us have had to sit on hold for hours and reformat a hard drive as DOS just to convince the tech support lackey on the other end that a hard drive really is bad? "
For what it is worth...
I have had excellent luck with the few tech support calls I have had to make in the past 5 years by just (politely) telling them that I was a software developer, likely understood what was going on under the hood as well as or better than they did, walking me through the script would only be wasting both of our time, because I had tried everything obvious, I only need specific answers to specific questions, answers which you can't provide, and may I please speak to an "engineer";
My DSL providor's engineers even gave me their direct line, in case I had any further problems, and even asked for my number, in case they needed to ask me a question! (my problem was with a Linux box; they didn't support Linux).
Slashdot Mirror
Closures and Currying are two of my personal favorites.
Overloaded Functions are sweet.
I am also quite fond of operator overloading.
twin gives you all the goodness of X, without the X-ness :) ... X-lite ... low-carb X ... or something like that.
It's like diet X
I'm about 6', 250 lbs.
:)
:)
I've only been 'mugged' once; chased the guy for 3 miles, opened a can of whoop-ass, and performed a gen-yoo-wine citizen's arrest. (the 5-Oh actually charged the guy with resisting arrest for running from me
So my advice is, be large, shave your head, and try to look mean
Put a small HTML Doc on the web, protected by a password (ala .htaccess)
write a simple script in bash, using wget, to fetch the document (wget can supply the password)
the password keeps anyone else from hitting the url
Any other information you want sent, have wget stuff into the referer header
Have init run the script (don't put it in your profile, cause then a login will be necessary to run the script)
Now, if your laptop gets stolen, just check the logs!
(assuming I already have a bootloader, kernel, and init, etc. ...)
bash
links (with graphics)
ncftp
openssh
nmap
perl
mutt
tcpdump
vim
sudo
oh, and gcc, if by some chance It isn't already there.
That's really all one needs, isn't it? :)
I get concerned about my privacy when it is violated without my consent ... e.g. when I have no choice. ... they are not being sneaky about it, and you can opt to get your email on elsewhere.
...
GMail, in terms of privacy 'violations' (can't comment on the legal ramifications the article brings up) is perfectly fine
Nothing is free; make no mistake, you are paying for the Gig-o-storage; just not with $$, but by consenting to having your mail 'read', and ads presented in context.
The key point here is that you have a choice; everyone gets to decide whether it is a fair trade for themselves. Noone is being coerced; nothing shady is happening. Move along, nothing to see here
I am not talking about "bleeding edge" here. I am not suggesting we saddle newbies with "unstable" or "testing" branches of Debian, for example. I am talking about making sure that they get the latest stable release of . In my experience, getting the latest stable distro will provide the best new user experience, because ... what if someone went in today, and checked out a copy of Redhat 6 ... do you really think that that would provide them with the best overall experience?
a) more stuff will likely work b) at least the known bugs are squashed
Put shrink wrapped copies on the shelf, and in a year, patrons (newbies included) will be getting software that is old
Mind you, first impressions matter; and you never know who might make use of those facilities, and be making decisions regarding the adoption of Linux/FreeBSD/other FOSS of your choice at some org somewhere down the road...
Hopefully, when a potential user/adopter/contributer borrows a FOSS distro of some sort from a library, they will get the best possible experience, so that they develop the most relevant opinions, realistic expectations, and accurate perceptions regarding the community and its products.
Distributing OSS software (maybe software in general) via CD is lame. In my experience, by the time you get a CD, half of its contents are out of date.
...
Don't most libraries nowadays have internet access? Maybe broadband? (if not, they should ... but that is a different rant)
... strapped for cash? Make 'em provide their own blanks ... (cd burners are cheap nowadays)
... particularly information that is prone to becoming dated quickly. ... my claim is that the best way to do that is give it to em from the source; fresh, hot, up-to-date, and maybe they will learn something from that experience (like where to go to *get* FOSS!
... hence my suggestion for a link page ... a jumping off point, or directory of sorts. Perhaps local cached copies of n00b-appropriate distros, maybe even a few pre-burnt CDs to cut down on the wait time (Knoppix would be an excellent choice for this)
... ... and the ability to make a cd of what they want ...what value does shelving copies add to the transaction?
My first Linux distro was a store-bought, shrink-wrapped copy of RedHat. I was hip deep into it before I realized it was a couple of versions old
So how tough would it be for a library to set up a mirror of the ISOs for linux/bsd/etc. distros, and a directory of tarballs for packages?
Then all you need is a few cd burners, and you are all set
Strapped for the storage space? How about just an index, a starting point for the uninitiated, that will point them to the projects' sites where they can download the ISOs, RPMs, DEBs, etc. that they want. (Cache 'em with squid, maybe).
Now, the library doesn't have to worry about the CDs being returned, or being damaged (or getting 'stale').
My point is, (and I am truly not trying to pick on anyone here) that the mindset of someone asking this question is a bit askew; they are overlooking the Internet! Now I am a dead tree lover; obsessed, really. But I realize that dead trees are no longer the best way to distribute information in all cases
All you are really interested in is getting folks information here, right? just the bits
The library should focus on helping people find that information
One last point to beat the proverbial dead horse
If the library has broadband internet access, where a user can download debian, for example, and a little help finding it for the newcomers
Moved from South Florida to Seattle;
kept my nationwide plan, kept my number, kept my contract.
No Problem.
They let me change my billing address, immediately, keeping my South Florida number until I was ready to change it.
Having been laid off myself, I realize that it usually has nothing to do with the ability or character of the individual in question; when, in the past, I have been in the position of selecting new hires, I can say that having been laid off did NOT give me a negative impression of the candidate.
And all it means if you have worked for a number of smaller or less stable companies, and been laid off a number of times, is that you are willing to take a little risk.
Consider this: being laid off, or currently unemployed, means that you can start immediately. That frequently is a big plus...
I have found this mindset to be generally the norm.
Bottom line; you need make no apologies about being laid off. Good Luck!
I just built my system a couple of months ago:
and as far as I am concerned, it Screams
(note that I am not a hardcode gamer, nor doing and rendering; just surfing the web, watching dvds, using openoffice, and the occasional build)
Why? $60 for the processor; I'll upgrade to a 3200 when they drop beloy $75 or so...
I build the whole thing for < $700
And, if I "invented" something on company time, would be happy just to be recognized for it.
They are paying you a salary for your work, aren't they?
I have received nothing (many times), a frozen turkey (numerous times), a week's pay, and a month's pay.
I expect nothing, so anything is appreciated.
I think a month's pay is extremely, and unusually, generous.
Bottom line is, bonuses, other than those delineated in work agreements (which aren't really "bonuses" now, are they?) are just that; a gift. Give what you think is generous.
I think that any amount is appropriate; $20 should be appreciated.
If they can obtain a judgement against M$ for shitty software, then that means that the standard waiver of liability in the EULA is not enforceable, which likely means that the similar waiver of liability in the GPL, etc. is not enforceable, which means that you and I could potentially find ourselves in the same position for something we gave away for free, not to mention the effect it would have on those who run mom-and-pop software shops.
There is a mechanism in place to pressure M$ (and all of us) to ensure product quality: competition.
I think that Windows sucks; but Windows 2000 sucks quite a bit less than 98 did; It seems that M$ has taken notice of the alternatives, and is beginning to come around in terms of security and quality of their software (not saying that they don't have a long way to go, still) presumably due to market pressure.
Besides, look at it this way: I hate Windows because it sucks; If/when M$ improves the quality of their OS (and other software), don't we all win?
I am a Linux fan; but if M$ produces a product that is truly an attractive alternative, from both quality and price standpoints, I am not going to ignore it because of some "religious" viewpoint. (Nor will I bother myself with Windows until they do).
The point is, this is a textbook example of a situation where the govmint should keep out of it, and let capitalism/competition work things out naturally. People are just beginning to be exposed to Linux (and others) as real alternatives; M$ will naturally have to improve, or die.
WARN
Sorry. Should have made that a link in the original.
Oh, I did, and do, too. ...
:)
Only thing I had there was my keyboard, mouse, and headphones
Like I said, it was a matter of principle
I arrived at work on the day of the layoffs to find the doors locked; the only door unlocked was the main entrance, staffed by security guards, inside and out. When I entered, there were processing tables, you told them your name, they told you which room to report to. ...
..."
So, I was escorted to the room, where the corp counsel was waiting; he went through my severance package: essentially 2 weeks salary IF I agreed to sign of saying I wouldn't sue them; I didn't, because It appeared to me that they were violating WARN
The funny part: this guy then demanded my company ID, since it was company property. "Fine", I say, "after I retrieve my personal belongings from my desk." He says I can make an appointment to come get my stuff next week. I say "fine. You can likewise make an appointment to come by my house and get your ID next week." He says, you don't understand, we need your ID, it is ours. blah blah blah. End with "You don't understand: I am not turning it over until I get my stuff. You can't make me, and you can't threaten me; what are you going to do, fire me? It's a matter of principle, and there is no room for negotiation. Besides, I intend to get my stuff, today, regardless, so you can just make this easy on both of us and avoid an ugly situation if you just let me collect my belongings, which is what you SHOULD do anyway
I was escorted to my desk to get my stuff. Who knew that they wanted it back that bad? (I was the only one that left with a box; everyone else got a laugh out of that one...)
You didn't mention cost as a factor; so I am assuming that it is not one, for whatever reason ...
;).
So my question is, Why Not?
Think it looks funny on your CV? Don't List it
It's a chance to learn something that you are interested in, and get a pretty piece of paper to show for it. Might even keep you out of the unemployment office one day. I, for one, have never suffered in my career from knowing too much! (maybe from too little, at times
Given money not a problem, I (also a software person) would sacrifice my spare time for the opportunity, no question.
Not to defend the RIAA; much of what they are doing makes me sick (my wife and I are boycotting), but this story seems a little rabid to me. Quoted:
... does that imply that they condone the theft (thus "undercutting their case?")
... RIAA is saying that ALL file swapping is evil ... so I ask, if the American auto manufacturers analyze theft statistics, or sales statistics, of foreign cars (or ALL cars, foreign and domestic), in order to design marketing/product to better serve the market, does that undercut their case for, say, higher import barriers/tarriffs?
(RIAA wants you to listen to music; it just wants you to obtain it from their sources; so that they get paid, just as, say, GM wants you to drive, they just want to you drive a GM product)
... I think that it would be foolish to NOT take advantage of any useful marketing information, even if you believe that the activity it represents is harmful to you.
"If the labels acknowledge a legitimate use for P2P programs, it would undercut their case as well as their zero-tolerance stance."
So let me ask you this: If auto manufacturers analyzed theft patterns to determine which of their cars are most popular
Ah, you say, your analogy is flawed
I fail to see how RIAA making use of these statistics affects, in any way, their position that downloading music "illegally" is bad
Which sort of brings us back to the original question, doesn't it?
... "where can I start?"
So give the guy a suggestion, if you have one, to channel his aimless enthusiasm into something more pragmatic.
That is really the question he was asking, sort of
I think wanting to contribute "just because" is motivation enough ...
;).
At my POE, we are planning to rewrite a lot of stuff real soon now; when we do so, we intend to create a LOT of generic, reusable components a) for our own benefit, naturally and b) so we can contribute (the now not-so-proprietary) code back to the community, because essentially, without Free Software, we would not be able to operate (and trying to convince the boss to give money is futile
My point is, simply wanting to contribute back to the community that many of us have benefitted so much from is motivation enough; why would you suggest that someone only contribute when they have a personal need for a feature set? Isn't that sort of selfish? And so what if someone just wants to contribute for "geek points" or ego, or whatever; their code shouldn't make it into the kernel unless it is up to snuff, so to speak, so who the hell cares what their motivation is?
I have used various Promise "RAID" Cards quite extensively ...
... simple, easy to install, and all around superior in every way; and my experiences with their tech support have been fantastic, in the rare occasion I have had to call ...
... save yourself some headaches!
In my understanding, the "RAID" stuff is actually done in the driver
The 3ware cards do the RAID functionality onboard; I have had MUCH better luck with them; they are Fast
Bottom line: the so-called "RAID" controllers (Promise, HighPoint) that are really nothing but IDE Controllers w/fancy drivers don't hold a candle to the 3ware cards; and I only paid about $15 or $20 more for my 3ware than I did for the last FastTrak I purchased
Perfectly stated!
I usually let my mod points go to waste; but today, I wish I had some to mod you up!
I do agree that vendors should get together, and put something slick and standardised together that looks and feels like windows (like Lindows has done), to make newbies comfortable until they learn the ropes
But that does NOT mean that I have to lose my choice of KDE, Gnome, Ratpoison, FluxBox, etc. etc.
Has everyone forgotten that those choices are one of the main reasons that Linux/BSD are cool in the first place?!
Let's not forget that (IMO) the "competition" between KDE and Gnome, for example, helps to drive innovation in both; Who the hell wants the Linux Desktop to stagnate like some others?
Or why not get yourself a few of those neato caddies that hold a HDD, and allow you to swap them out (internally; I am not talking about external enclosures) they are available for IDE, and the more expensive ones (claim to) allow hot swapping, even (I cannot personally verify how well the hot swap feature works or doesn't ...). I have seen them that even allow you to lock them in place with a key; how cool is that?
... i.e. just pull a drive, and put a fresh one in, let the card rebuild it for you; backup your whole system if you like. Restoring doesn't get much easier than that, either.
Much cheaper in the long run, in terms of media costs, at least for large quantities of data. Especially if you score some inexpensive smaller drives (like a surplus batch of 10 GB or so)
Hell, if you went all the way and just put an inexpensive RAID controller in there, it might pay off in the simplification of your backup procedures
Here is one made by 3ware
Here is one made by Promise
There are plenty of other, cheaper ones out there, too
"How many of us have had to sit on hold for hours and reformat a hard drive as DOS just to convince the tech support lackey on the other end that a hard drive really is bad? "
...
For what it is worth
I have had excellent luck with the few tech support calls I have had to make in the past 5 years by just (politely) telling them that I was a software developer, likely understood what was going on under the hood as well as or better than they did, walking me through the script would only be wasting both of our time, because I had tried everything obvious, I only need specific answers to specific questions, answers which you can't provide, and may I please speak to an "engineer";
My DSL providor's engineers even gave me their direct line, in case I had any further problems, and even asked for my number, in case they needed to ask me a question! (my problem was with a Linux box; they didn't support Linux).