There is no mention of NAT in his analysis. NAT is even included in some DSL modems these days from SBC. Lots of companies will have 100+ computers behind a single IP address.
Why is this guy's post news? Can I sit around and write bad formulas to get my blog linked by slashdot too?
Most of these fixit shops are small mom+pop stores, and don't worry about the things large corps do. Things like data rentention, backup, and hostile workplace/sexual harrasement issues.
I've done work on home PC's and it's much more difficult and time consuming to provide a level of service + professionalism than in the corporate setting.
To do the job right, you've got to start with creating good backups, which takes time and space. If the current install has a dead NIC because of spyware/malware/etc, it's fastest to disk image by ripping the drive out, but still time consuming.
Reinstalls are painful because of varying hardware/drivers and because users many times don't have valid licenses for all their software.
Finally, there are problems with warez and pr0n in the corporate environment.
----
In summary, I think your problems are less legal, and more time consuming. I'd say easily 2x time per trouble ticket.
If your boss really wants to go this route, I'd be forward thinking and begin allowing employees to purchase the same identical hardware/software packages you are using the enterprise. Then you're slamming out the same ghost images and drivers, and you're not scratching your head wondering if some obscure part is defective or not.
Unfortunately, the current dual core CPU options do not fit with 'typical' office workers needs/budgets.
Intel/AMD are pushing high speed, high cost CPU's and hoping someone will buy them for the office.
As other's have said, all the background widgets (anti-spam, spyware, virus, IM) apps could benefit from dual core and increase the user experience. BUT, they don't need the dual cores to: -Run hot -Be Expensive -Run at High Speeds -Raise the power bills
Personally, I've deployed and used some Athlon64 (single and dual) systems. I've liked the power management features and would like to see Sempron/Celeron versions of these chips a year from now to deploy to the average user.
As an aside: Do you think the widespread adoption of dual core systems will help Grid computer or interesting massive P2P type projects gain acceptance?
You're using your baseline computing conditions. Letting the GUI eat up cycles opening up firefox is fine. There are other times when you're doing computationally intensive tasks such as: compiling, ripping, packing files, watching video.
I don't want the GUI to compound the problem and fight for system resources when I'm just opening a window or browsing my filesystem. I want to rip a CD and use the computer without the GUI screwing things up. The GUI needs to know it's the assistant and helper, NOT the main event.
Some of the older games have less steep learning curves that spawned a whole genre.
Starcraft: Can be played 2players vs. computer or real players online. You'll have to do some of the heavy lifting if you're playing online.
Diablo2: Simple LAN game, easy to share items, you share XP gained, and you can take breaks anytime you want and pick up later.
Natural Selections: Multi-player online shooter, but has a good smaller community of players. Less abusive youngsters. Different roles for different players, particularly for the Alien side. Gives an opportunity to work very cooperatively.
I'm not so into the MMORG for just getting into gaming. The fees, long commitment times to the clan/group raids, and the fact that you'll play more and then advance further causes issues. This is unless you play two different games... one you play with her, and one without.
Intel has beat on AMD by:
1 Dumping memory prices to hurt AMD's bottom line. AMD's working on corporate restructuring to fix this.
2 Having a proprietary lead in tech. AMD has a better 64bit option, so Intel lost this battle.
3 Advertising/Corporate mindshare. AMD's making significant inroads with the blue suits AND gamers.
4 Better Manufacturing/Better product delivery. Intel still beats out AMD. Even now, AMD is NOT producing enough Athlon64's in the 3000-3500+ speeds to keep up with demand.
Intel retains a significant operational lead, but not design and tech. Having an operational lead does NOT justify higher prices and margins on the free market.
You do have a risk that none of us on broadband have:
Dial-up Hijacking.
Malware on your computer changes your dial-up settings in Windows, and you end up dialing to a pay number in another country, and VERY expensive. Many people don't notice it, until you get your phone bill.
You don't hear about dialers as much now, but they're still out there.
Am I just showing my age?
http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/articles2/modem-h ijacking.htm
The EPA gas rating is a Federal Govt issue, but many states have different gas blends, and sometimes different blends at different times of the year to meet air quality standards.
Here in California, there's ethanol and other oxygenates in the gas. The sum total of which, reduces the amount of real combustible gas per gallon, and so reduces the MPG.
So, it matters what color the neighbors cat is, what month it is, and where you buy your gas.
Slashdot Mirror
There is no mention of NAT in his analysis. NAT is even included in some DSL modems these days from SBC. Lots of companies will have 100+ computers behind a single IP address.
Why is this guy's post news? Can I sit around and write bad formulas to get my blog linked by slashdot too?
Most of these fixit shops are small mom+pop stores, and don't worry about the things large corps do. Things like data rentention, backup, and hostile workplace/sexual harrasement issues. I've done work on home PC's and it's much more difficult and time consuming to provide a level of service + professionalism than in the corporate setting. To do the job right, you've got to start with creating good backups, which takes time and space. If the current install has a dead NIC because of spyware/malware/etc, it's fastest to disk image by ripping the drive out, but still time consuming. Reinstalls are painful because of varying hardware/drivers and because users many times don't have valid licenses for all their software. Finally, there are problems with warez and pr0n in the corporate environment. ---- In summary, I think your problems are less legal, and more time consuming. I'd say easily 2x time per trouble ticket. If your boss really wants to go this route, I'd be forward thinking and begin allowing employees to purchase the same identical hardware/software packages you are using the enterprise. Then you're slamming out the same ghost images and drivers, and you're not scratching your head wondering if some obscure part is defective or not.
Unfortunately, the current dual core CPU options do not fit with 'typical' office workers needs/budgets.
Intel/AMD are pushing high speed, high cost CPU's and hoping someone will buy them for the office.
As other's have said, all the background widgets (anti-spam, spyware, virus, IM) apps could benefit from dual core and increase the user experience. BUT, they don't need the dual cores to:
-Run hot
-Be Expensive
-Run at High Speeds
-Raise the power bills
Personally, I've deployed and used some Athlon64 (single and dual) systems. I've liked the power management features and would like to see Sempron/Celeron versions of these chips a year from now to deploy to the average user.
As an aside: Do you think the widespread adoption of dual core systems will help Grid computer or interesting massive P2P type projects gain acceptance?
Here's the problem with your assumptions:
You're using your baseline computing conditions. Letting the GUI eat up cycles opening up firefox is fine. There are other times when you're doing computationally intensive tasks such as: compiling, ripping, packing files, watching video.
I don't want the GUI to compound the problem and fight for system resources when I'm just opening a window or browsing my filesystem. I want to rip a CD and use the computer without the GUI screwing things up. The GUI needs to know it's the assistant and helper, NOT the main event.
B
Some of the older games have less steep learning curves that spawned a whole genre. Starcraft: Can be played 2players vs. computer or real players online. You'll have to do some of the heavy lifting if you're playing online. Diablo2: Simple LAN game, easy to share items, you share XP gained, and you can take breaks anytime you want and pick up later. Natural Selections: Multi-player online shooter, but has a good smaller community of players. Less abusive youngsters. Different roles for different players, particularly for the Alien side. Gives an opportunity to work very cooperatively. I'm not so into the MMORG for just getting into gaming. The fees, long commitment times to the clan/group raids, and the fact that you'll play more and then advance further causes issues. This is unless you play two different games... one you play with her, and one without.
If I fully cook it, can I eat fat people without getting fat?
Intel has beat on AMD by: 1 Dumping memory prices to hurt AMD's bottom line. AMD's working on corporate restructuring to fix this. 2 Having a proprietary lead in tech. AMD has a better 64bit option, so Intel lost this battle. 3 Advertising/Corporate mindshare. AMD's making significant inroads with the blue suits AND gamers. 4 Better Manufacturing/Better product delivery. Intel still beats out AMD. Even now, AMD is NOT producing enough Athlon64's in the 3000-3500+ speeds to keep up with demand. Intel retains a significant operational lead, but not design and tech. Having an operational lead does NOT justify higher prices and margins on the free market.
You do have a risk that none of us on broadband have: Dial-up Hijacking. Malware on your computer changes your dial-up settings in Windows, and you end up dialing to a pay number in another country, and VERY expensive. Many people don't notice it, until you get your phone bill. You don't hear about dialers as much now, but they're still out there. Am I just showing my age? http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/articles2/modem-h ijacking.htm
The EPA gas rating is a Federal Govt issue, but many states have different gas blends, and sometimes different blends at different times of the year to meet air quality standards. Here in California, there's ethanol and other oxygenates in the gas. The sum total of which, reduces the amount of real combustible gas per gallon, and so reduces the MPG. So, it matters what color the neighbors cat is, what month it is, and where you buy your gas.