They use an in-house software installation applet called RIATA (don't ask what it stands for, I never knew).
Here's how it works:
The systems are built using the same hardware. Each system is tracked by internal code name (laptops usually follow a cigar theme, desktops another, etc). Once a working profile is created for a particular line of hardware, its stored on the imaging server. Network-enabled DOS-based bootdisks are inserted into the systems and predefined scripts are run that will automatically install the OS and all bundles. If all is successful, the DOS window's background changes to green. Remove the disk, shutdown and move to the next one. If it fails, there's a warning buzz and the screen changes to red. Look at the logs and find out why, restart.
Now, this all sounds relatively easy, but searching for the latest available packages and drivers based on X, Y, Z hardware types and versions is a regular PITA. Fortunately, RIATA replaced FIDA (similar program, developed by the same group) which was a lot shittier.
I worked in a lab. We were CONSTANTLY having to build new RIATA packages for the laptop line.
They probably *do* have the production images updated on a semi-regular basis. Anyone who installs a system or gets a new PC needs to check for the avilability of updates regardless.
You could also insult their intelligence and the fact they can't read. I'm generally for treating them like the intrusive little shits they are.
I've tried that before. Their argument : "I'm not selling anything"
No, you're handing out fliers for 'FREE' carpet cleaning, etc. Which only leads to your sending someone to my house for a hardline sales pitch.
I just usually tell them that they have no reason to be ringing my doorbell unless they're handing out wads of free cash, and without any strings attached.
Fortunately, no one's been dumb enough to attempt to block my closing the door in their face.
And the be nice they're just doing their job crowd, they are forcing their presence on me, not the other way around.
We've been pretty diligent about telling telemarketers to put us on their "Do not call list." My SO is also a Nazi about not giving out contact information (hell, she won't even give out zip codes to WorstBuy and CircuitShity.)
Nor will I. I don't sign the electronic pads when I pay with my debit.
Sure, they can get my info that way, but big deal. Who says its valid anyway?
When someone asks for a phone number, I just give them the main access number for CallNotes (512-302-1111). They can reach me if they can find out which mailbox is mine.
I know. I live in Round Rock (5 min. north of Austin).:-)
Hmmm. Looks like I need to take a trip to McBride's and get that nice 12 gague I've been looking at.
Does it have to be at the property line? I don't have a gate at the property line, nor any way to put a sign there. I do, however, have a large pillar at the start of my front porch.
I guess I could always let the dogs out. They're labs and between 65-85 lbs each. Most people don't realize labs don't bite and freak when they see them all puffed up and barking at them.
Can we add companies to the list that use door-to-door salesmen who still insist on knocking on my door despite the No Soliciting and No Trespassing signs?
While the Do-Not-Call list does protect you from unsolicited calls from private groups, it does not protect you from non-profit groups (such as charities).
True, but I *think* they still have to remove you from their calling list if you request it. Failure to do so is punishable by a $500 fine.
Fortunately, most charities get the picture when you tell them you're not interested. I've not had to tell a charity more than once.
The SLA should specify how and when things are done. It should also classify work request priorities.
Put an SLA in place and have management sign off on it. When a request comes in, prioritize according to this. When the users come back and start bugging you, point them to the SLA and tell them that things are done in order according to the SLA. If they don't like it and complain to their manager or yours, inform management that they signed off on the SLA and that you're simply following the official policies already in place.
This would also allow you to get the most important issues resolved first, without having to worry about Sally in Accounting beyotching about her screensaver while you're trying to fix a server.
Thanks for the link. I'll be removing my copies of NAV from all of my home PCs now. Got links to anything like this that runs on a server?
I used to use McAfee. Then the last update installed some 'malware' cartoonish GUI that would pop ads for their products up all the time. I couldn't get the POS to go away. I had to get McAfee support on the line to tell me how to rip it out.
I preferred McAfee until then. Now I'll never use them again. With Norton moving to this 'everyones a pirate unless they register' scheme, looks like I won't be using them any more either.
The scheme would force car makers to fit the microchip in all new vehicles. Older cars would have them added during an MOT
and
Car registration and MOT details would be carried on every chip, making stolen or uninsured vehicles simpler to trace.
WTF is an 'MOT'?
What happens when you sell a vehicle? What incentive would the lot or private citizen have to ensure that the registration information on the chip is changed?
How about home-brew programmers that either remove all restrictions or change the registration to that of someone else? How about everyone change their on-chip registration to Prince Charles?
Unfortunately, the article doesn't go into any technical details.
I'd like one too, but include some 33" Mickey Thompson tires and a Gatlin gun from an A10 Tank Killer. That way I can take it on the road as well and use the gun as an aid in lane selection on my way to work.
" CRN: Why do you say that? What's happening behind the scenes? Might this case be resolved quietly, rather than become the intellectual property case of the century?
McBride: They're putting this on a [slow, legal] path. But customers have been putting pressure on IBM to get this resolved. This is not a case IBM can get knocked out on--they'd be filing motions to dismiss the case [if they thought they could win]. Our case is up to $3 billion--they'd have to come up from a few hundred million dollars to settle. Every month we keep finding more and more [Linux code that violates our Unix System contract]. We'd want a settlement and royalty [on Linux] going forward.
"
Uhm, no dumbass. IBM is waiting patiently for you to dig up some code that doesn't belong to someone else to prove your claims.
That, and they're watching patiently as your company digs its own grave.
Or just pull your ethernet cable when playing the game. I mean, GTA and Vice City aren't multiplayer games. Yes, I know about MTA (MultiTheft Auto) but all that did was hose my GTA installation so it doesn't count.
.. Ocean sponges better for fiber optic transmissions. Don't we need the sponges in the oceans? I mean, we upset the ecology down there and everything's going to hell in a handbasket (well, quicker anywway..)
What next? Someone discovers that the bashed skull of a baby seal routes packets better than Brand X's latest switch? Or perhaps that by falling some might redwoods, we'll increase the distance of our 802.11g transmissions and thus its worth it?
I agree - your mindless clone army is buying all the American Idol records and keeping people like Justin Timberlake and Christina Whore-u-lera in business.
Please reign in your clones, because a clone is a terrible thing to waste.
Slashdot Mirror
Tech support, yes.
However, development and testing is slowly moving to China.
I was going to bring up this same point.
The click-through has been there for *years* (at least since 2000). This isn't anything new.
Having worked at Dell, I can tell you why.
They use an in-house software installation applet called RIATA (don't ask what it stands for, I never knew).
Here's how it works:
The systems are built using the same hardware. Each system is tracked by internal code name (laptops usually follow a cigar theme, desktops another, etc). Once a working profile is created for a particular line of hardware, its stored on the imaging server. Network-enabled DOS-based bootdisks are inserted into the systems and predefined scripts are run that will automatically install the OS and all bundles. If all is successful, the DOS window's background changes to green. Remove the disk, shutdown and move to the next one. If it fails, there's a warning buzz and the screen changes to red. Look at the logs and find out why, restart.
Now, this all sounds relatively easy, but searching for the latest available packages and drivers based on X, Y, Z hardware types and versions is a regular PITA. Fortunately, RIATA replaced FIDA (similar program, developed by the same group) which was a lot shittier.
I worked in a lab. We were CONSTANTLY having to build new RIATA packages for the laptop line.
They probably *do* have the production images updated on a semi-regular basis. Anyone who installs a system or gets a new PC needs to check for the avilability of updates regardless.
Doh! Well, its a Visa/Debit card. I thought 'Debit/Visa' and typed 'debit'
Touche.
You could also insult their intelligence and the fact they can't read. I'm generally for treating them like the intrusive little shits they are.
I've tried that before. Their argument : "I'm not selling anything"
No, you're handing out fliers for 'FREE' carpet cleaning, etc. Which only leads to your sending someone to my house for a hardline sales pitch.
I just usually tell them that they have no reason to be ringing my doorbell unless they're handing out wads of free cash, and without any strings attached.
Fortunately, no one's been dumb enough to attempt to block my closing the door in their face.
And the be nice they're just doing their job crowd, they are forcing their presence on me, not the other way around.
If only more people felt the same way.
We've been pretty diligent about telling telemarketers to put us on their "Do not call list." My SO is also a Nazi about not giving out contact information (hell, she won't even give out zip codes to WorstBuy and CircuitShity.)
Nor will I. I don't sign the electronic pads when I pay with my debit.
Sure, they can get my info that way, but big deal. Who says its valid anyway?
When someone asks for a phone number, I just give them the main access number for CallNotes (512-302-1111). They can reach me if they can find out which mailbox is mine.
I know. I live in Round Rock (5 min. north of Austin). :-)
Hmmm. Looks like I need to take a trip to McBride's and get that nice 12 gague I've been looking at.
Does it have to be at the property line? I don't have a gate at the property line, nor any way to put a sign there. I do, however, have a large pillar at the start of my front porch.
I guess I could always let the dogs out. They're labs and between 65-85 lbs each. Most people don't realize labs don't bite and freak when they see them all puffed up and barking at them.
Can we add companies to the list that use door-to-door salesmen who still insist on knocking on my door despite the No Soliciting and No Trespassing signs?
Please?!?
While the Do-Not-Call list does protect you from unsolicited calls from private groups, it does not protect you from non-profit groups (such as charities).
True, but I *think* they still have to remove you from their calling list if you request it. Failure to do so is punishable by a $500 fine.
Fortunately, most charities get the picture when you tell them you're not interested. I've not had to tell a charity more than once.
Their statements consistently look like the ramblings of a bunch of inbred morons who have no concept of what is right or the truth.
You know, while reading that single line, Deliverence came to mind and then Dualing Banjos starting playing in my head.
I can't wait for this to go to trial. I want to hear IBM's lawyers tell McDumbass to 'Sqeal' and then 'Louda. Louda. I said louda'.
Service Level Agreement.
The SLA should specify how and when things are done. It should also classify work request priorities.
Put an SLA in place and have management sign off on it. When a request comes in, prioritize according to this. When the users come back and start bugging you, point them to the SLA and tell them that things are done in order according to the SLA. If they don't like it and complain to their manager or yours, inform management that they signed off on the SLA and that you're simply following the official policies already in place.
This would also allow you to get the most important issues resolved first, without having to worry about Sally in Accounting beyotching about her screensaver while you're trying to fix a server.
Thanks for the link. I'll be removing my copies of NAV from all of my home PCs now. Got links to anything like this that runs on a server?
I used to use McAfee. Then the last update installed some 'malware' cartoonish GUI that would pop ads for their products up all the time. I couldn't get the POS to go away. I had to get McAfee support on the line to tell me how to rip it out.
I preferred McAfee until then. Now I'll never use them again. With Norton moving to this 'everyones a pirate unless they register' scheme, looks like I won't be using them any more either.
There are license plate covers (at least here in the states) you can buy.
Clear to the eye, but the cameras can't get your license #.
Now if they've got a film you can put on your windows to do the same I don't know.
Quoth the article:
The scheme would force car makers to fit the microchip in all new vehicles. Older cars would have them added during an MOT
and
Car registration and MOT details would be carried on every chip, making stolen or uninsured vehicles simpler to trace.
WTF is an 'MOT'?
What happens when you sell a vehicle? What incentive would the lot or private citizen have to ensure that the registration information on the chip is changed?
How about home-brew programmers that either remove all restrictions or change the registration to that of someone else? How about everyone change their on-chip registration to Prince Charles?
Unfortunately, the article doesn't go into any technical details.
I'd like one too, but include some 33" Mickey Thompson tires and a Gatlin gun from an A10 Tank Killer. That way I can take it on the road as well and use the gun as an aid in lane selection on my way to work.
From the last link in the topic:
"
CRN: Why do you say that? What's happening behind the scenes? Might this case be resolved quietly, rather than become the intellectual property case of the century?
McBride: They're putting this on a [slow, legal] path. But customers have been putting pressure on IBM to get this resolved. This is not a case IBM can get knocked out on--they'd be filing motions to dismiss the case [if they thought they could win]. Our case is up to $3 billion--they'd have to come up from a few hundred million dollars to settle. Every month we keep finding more and more [Linux code that violates our Unix System contract]. We'd want a settlement and royalty [on Linux] going forward.
"
Uhm, no dumbass. IBM is waiting patiently for you to dig up some code that doesn't belong to someone else to prove your claims.
That, and they're watching patiently as your company digs its own grave.
to put his tinfoil hat back on.
Hey Darl - Its no IBM thats waging the attacks in the press, its Slashdot your fscking moron.
Hm. Maybe IBM can add the business version of 'defamation of character' to their lawsuit?
ROFLMAO.
Mod parent UP! Mod parent UP!
..hear "Whaaaaa Whaaaaa" in their heads when reading SCO articles, or am I alone?
Or just pull your ethernet cable when playing the game. I mean, GTA and Vice City aren't multiplayer games. Yes, I know about MTA (MultiTheft Auto) but all that did was hose my GTA installation so it doesn't count.
I did - I didn't like the interface.
I've downloaded it again and will install it when I get home. I want to see if its gotten any better.
Nope. I've used ES5 in the past. I wasn't impressed with the interface.
.. Ocean sponges better for fiber optic transmissions. Don't we need the sponges in the oceans? I mean, we upset the ecology down there and everything's going to hell in a handbasket (well, quicker anywway..)
What next? Someone discovers that the bashed skull of a baby seal routes packets better than Brand X's latest switch? Or perhaps that by falling some might redwoods, we'll increase the distance of our 802.11g transmissions and thus its worth it?
Oh, I'd tap it given the opportunity. I just think she was hotter before she started dressing like a whore.
I agree - your mindless clone army is buying all the American Idol records and keeping people like Justin Timberlake and Christina Whore-u-lera in business.
Please reign in your clones, because a clone is a terrible thing to waste.