I'm finishing up my 4th complete book and have done chapters for several others. Philip is VERY accurate when he talks about the technical book industry. Everything he says is true... They want bigger books with more useless screenshots and then they want you to dumb it down.
If you have never written or co-authored a book, think real hard before you start. They are a LOT of work. It takes months to finish the book and you are constantly watching for deadlines.
It's a lot of fun to see your book in stores, but it sucks up all your free time. I'm finishing up a Linux LPI Study Guide that my wife and I are doing now...and I can't wait to have some free time again to do projects I currently have on hold.
If I took the same amount of time I put in to the book and just did consulting I'd make a lot more... So, I definately don't do it for the money. But it's a nice resume builder.
Is it a flat rate or a royalty and advance? I've dealt with a couple of book companies and they usually have standard contracts, since they put out a lot of books. If you are a full time author with them you can negotiate better terms...but if you do one here and one there, you usually get what they offer.
I'm not sure what my confidentiality agreement says on me releasing numbers, but if you want to mail me in private we can compare notes. Just remove spam-free from my email address.
The current builds have to be activated, just like a retail copy. When I've done the activation is has been quick and easy. If you don't have an Internet connection you have to call...but since mine are connected I just do it over the internet.
Also, there is a difference between activation and registration. Registration is optional...that's where you fill out the form and send them info about you and your system. If you do not activate the system it will start warning you in a week. If time runs out the system won't be useable until you do activate it.
I've been using the beta of XP, and so far it has been stable...especially for a beta. The interface takes some getting used to, and frankly, I find it a little too cutesy. Also, they have dumbed down a lot of the file options so that a user will have to try and delete important things. So, you have to spend the first 15 mins after an install turning off these self-protection options.
Games have been working fine.... IE6 is nice (I'd kill for IE under Linux).... The install was easy.... And the stability is there.
In his original license he said that if someone modified his code and it was compatible with the original, it HAD to be called ssh. The others are still compatible with his code and based on it..so they are just doing what he originally asked.
Look up the difference between push and pull. Using Windows Update, how do I push an update to Bob's machine in another state? You can't. I can with Red Hat Network.
Windows Update does NOT compete with Red Hat Network. I can't push updates to my workstations using Windows Update. I can't check to see which versions of software they have instaleld with Windows Update.
With RHN you specify exactly which updates will be sent to which systems. So, hopefully, you've tested this update on a test system at some point before rolling it out.
If you are worried about someone putting a backdoored package on the site, any packaging method could have that happen. But RHN does do checking of the packages to make sure they haven't been tampered with.
They are selling a support service. You can either get the updates yourself and apply them to your systems, or use the easy push method from Red Hat Network.
What's the problem? They have to make money somehow, and supposedly support is the way it should be done with open source. Support them.
It was free during the trial period while they worked the bugs out. It was never going to be a free server. I knew it was going to be $10/month ages ago.
But, each person gets one free system on the network. So if all you run is a Red Hat workstation you don't have to spend anything. Only people with multiple systems do.
I can see the benefits of RHN. I like the single console view, and I like being able to push updates to clients, but at $10/month/workstation that can get pricey if you have a lot. Then again, I'm sure if you have 500 or 1000 workstations you can work a better deal with them.
Check Freshmeat and do a search for Debian and ReiserFS. Last I looked there were two projects that had made boot disks to install Debian with Reiser. The older one had you create the volumes manually, while the newer project integrated it in to the install. I used these the last time I did a Reiser install and it worked great. ReiserFS is wonderful.
There are jobs out there. I didn't have a real hard time finding one, it's just fewer than before. I don't totally blame it on the flood of paper certified admins because there are fewer high end jobs too.
My.com failed...so I went searching about a month or so ago. I'm a skilled admin. I have 8 years experience with several good senior level consulting and engineering jobs behind me, so I'm not new to this. I work with NT (a lot), Linux (good bit), and Solaris (Some), as well as most network hardware. Over the last several years I've always had a huge response to putting out my resume.
Not this time. I got calls, some goood, some bad, but not nearly in the volume I had seen before. With everyone saying "recession" the market is really on hold for a while. Companies just aren't hiring right now.
I just took a contract position at a good company. I'm not doing as much UNIX or security work as I like but the pay is good and hopefully it will get me through this market downturn.
The people I feel bad for are those in lower level positions. I'm sure they will be hit the hardest when out there looking.
Have you priced bandwidth for a site like that? You can't exactly run it off of a cable modem...or a simple T1... Colocation is NOT cheap, especially if you host files for download.
I'm a SysAdmin and I work with Linux, Solaris, BSD, and NT/2K. I'm an expensive NT SysAdmin that knows to apply service packs and hotfixes, and have done so since long before Windows Update. Many people prefer to hire a less experienced admin for their NT network becuase they can find them cheaper, and they don't know the difference.
It all comes down to, you get what you pay for in a SysAdmin. Many admins don't know you need to apply these fixes. I've worked for several companies that limited the service packs and fixes that could be applied. When all they allow is Service Pack 3, they get what they deserve.
So...don't blame Microsoft. Blame the companies that don't hire the right people and the clueless admins that don't do their job. We all get busy, but it's time to stop making excuses when you're behind 2 service packs.
After you've installed XP you have like 2 weeks to "activate" it. You'll start getting notices. If you don't activate it within the two weeks the app and OS (Whistler does this too) stops working.
To activate it the software connects to a Microsoft server and verifies your key hasn't been used by 20 other pirates.
I think it was on Discovery channel. Very interesting. They covered some of the ideas to get samples out of the lake, including some robots that melt their way down inside of a shell...and then come out a few meters from the lake. That way it isn't contaminated.
The interesting thing about this is that this is a great exercise in what it will take to explore some of the oceans on other planets and moons. The same rules about not contaminating apply.
If you run the unstable distribution, be prepared for problems every now and then.
Now..since you've hit a problem go to #debian on irc.openprojects.org. Every time I've hit a problem with an update to an unstable system the problem has been reported and usually a fix is in the channel topic.
And it should be repeated... If you trashed a web server doing an update, why were you updating a production system to new packages without testing them on another system? The ONLY source in my sources.list on my production systems are for security updates, and I apply those one at a time and test them.
I love to work with hardware. To me overclocking is a lot of fun. Sure, I could go buy a 1.2GHz Ahtlon, but I rather push my 1GHz to 1.2. Some people like to hack code, I like to mess with hardware.
A lot of people don't OC because they think it causes instability. If a system is not stable after being overlcocked, then it isn't a success! If my system is one bit less stable than before, the speed goes back down. Most OCers put their systems through serious torture tests to make sure they are stable. I bet most normal users don't do any tests like that.
So..in the end I get a faster system and several hours of enjoyment. It's fun to put on a new fan and lower the CPU temp by 2C.;)
But..if your neighbors are all getting pr0n they all go through the SAME central office at the phone company...meaning..you are still affected by your neighbors.
I'm so tired of hearing this. ALL BANDWIDTH IS SHARED AT SOME POINT. People with DSL like to say that cable bandwidth is shared. Sure, DSL people have a copper cable from their house to the CO, but once it hits the CO it is SHARED. I have a friend in Texas on GTE. They oversold the CO's SHARED BANDWIDTH so much his ping to his ISP gateway was 500ms.
After months and months my roadrunner ping is 8ms and I still get 300K/sec. I think they are doing a damn good job.
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I'm finishing up my 4th complete book and have done chapters for several others. Philip is VERY accurate when he talks about the technical book industry. Everything he says is true... They want bigger books with more useless screenshots and then they want you to dumb it down.
If you have never written or co-authored a book, think real hard before you start. They are a LOT of work. It takes months to finish the book and you are constantly watching for deadlines.
It's a lot of fun to see your book in stores, but it sucks up all your free time. I'm finishing up a Linux LPI Study Guide that my wife and I are doing now...and I can't wait to have some free time again to do projects I currently have on hold.
If I took the same amount of time I put in to the book and just did consulting I'd make a lot more... So, I definately don't do it for the money. But it's a nice resume builder.
And it's a Linux book! ;)
Is it a flat rate or a royalty and advance? I've dealt with a couple of book companies and they usually have standard contracts, since they put out a lot of books. If you are a full time author with them you can negotiate better terms...but if you do one here and one there, you usually get what they offer.
I'm not sure what my confidentiality agreement says on me releasing numbers, but if you want to mail me in private we can compare notes. Just remove spam-free from my email address.
Works fine with my VIA chipset board, KT7 with KT133, and my SoundBlaster Live. I upgraded the included Live driver to the latest from Creative.
The current builds have to be activated, just like a retail copy. When I've done the activation is has been quick and easy. If you don't have an Internet connection you have to call...but since mine are connected I just do it over the internet.
Also, there is a difference between activation and registration. Registration is optional...that's where you fill out the form and send them info about you and your system. If you do not activate the system it will start warning you in a week. If time runs out the system won't be useable until you do activate it.
I've been using the beta of XP, and so far it has been stable...especially for a beta. The interface takes some getting used to, and frankly, I find it a little too cutesy. Also, they have dumbed down a lot of the file options so that a user will have to try and delete important things. So, you have to spend the first 15 mins after an install turning off these self-protection options.
Games have been working fine.... IE6 is nice (I'd kill for IE under Linux).... The install was easy.... And the stability is there.
In his original license he said that if someone modified his code and it was compatible with the original, it HAD to be called ssh. The others are still compatible with his code and based on it..so they are just doing what he originally asked.
Look up the difference between push and pull. Using Windows Update, how do I push an update to Bob's machine in another state? You can't. I can with Red Hat Network.
Windows Update does NOT compete with Red Hat Network. I can't push updates to my workstations using Windows Update. I can't check to see which versions of software they have instaleld with Windows Update.
Different service.
With RHN you specify exactly which updates will be sent to which systems. So, hopefully, you've tested this update on a test system at some point before rolling it out.
If you are worried about someone putting a backdoored package on the site, any packaging method could have that happen. But RHN does do checking of the packages to make sure they haven't been tampered with.
They are selling a support service. You can either get the updates yourself and apply them to your systems, or use the easy push method from Red Hat Network.
What's the problem? They have to make money somehow, and supposedly support is the way it should be done with open source. Support them.
It was free during the trial period while they worked the bugs out. It was never going to be a free server. I knew it was going to be $10/month ages ago.
But, each person gets one free system on the network. So if all you run is a Red Hat workstation you don't have to spend anything. Only people with multiple systems do.
I can see the benefits of RHN. I like the single console view, and I like being able to push updates to clients, but at $10/month/workstation that can get pricey if you have a lot. Then again, I'm sure if you have 500 or 1000 workstations you can work a better deal with them.
When I passed my RHCE exam the other week I asked how many there were. I was number 2,406.
Good exam though...
Check Freshmeat and do a search for Debian and ReiserFS. Last I looked there were two projects that had made boot disks to install Debian with Reiser. The older one had you create the volumes manually, while the newer project integrated it in to the install. I used these the last time I did a Reiser install and it worked great. ReiserFS is wonderful.
There are jobs out there. I didn't have a real hard time finding one, it's just fewer than before. I don't totally blame it on the flood of paper certified admins because there are fewer high end jobs too.
But unlike them I'm qualified. :)
I agree with others on here...good qualified people are finding work. I did, and am happy. It just took a bit longer than usual this time.
My .com failed...so I went searching about a month or so ago. I'm a skilled admin. I have 8 years experience with several good senior level consulting and engineering jobs behind me, so I'm not new to this. I work with NT (a lot), Linux (good bit), and Solaris (Some), as well as most network hardware. Over the last several years I've always had a huge response to putting out my resume.
Not this time. I got calls, some goood, some bad, but not nearly in the volume I had seen before. With everyone saying "recession" the market is really on hold for a while. Companies just aren't hiring right now.
I just took a contract position at a good company. I'm not doing as much UNIX or security work as I like but the pay is good and hopefully it will get me through this market downturn.
The people I feel bad for are those in lower level positions. I'm sure they will be hit the hardest when out there looking.
Have you priced bandwidth for a site like that? You can't exactly run it off of a cable modem...or a simple T1... Colocation is NOT cheap, especially if you host files for download.
I'm a SysAdmin and I work with Linux, Solaris, BSD, and NT/2K. I'm an expensive NT SysAdmin that knows to apply service packs and hotfixes, and have done so since long before Windows Update. Many people prefer to hire a less experienced admin for their NT network becuase they can find them cheaper, and they don't know the difference.
It all comes down to, you get what you pay for in a SysAdmin. Many admins don't know you need to apply these fixes. I've worked for several companies that limited the service packs and fixes that could be applied. When all they allow is Service Pack 3, they get what they deserve.
So...don't blame Microsoft. Blame the companies that don't hire the right people and the clueless admins that don't do their job. We all get busy, but it's time to stop making excuses when you're behind 2 service packs.
After you've installed XP you have like 2 weeks to "activate" it. You'll start getting notices. If you don't activate it within the two weeks the app and OS (Whistler does this too) stops working.
To activate it the software connects to a Microsoft server and verifies your key hasn't been used by 20 other pirates.
I think it was on Discovery channel. Very interesting. They covered some of the ideas to get samples out of the lake, including some robots that melt their way down inside of a shell...and then come out a few meters from the lake. That way it isn't contaminated.
The interesting thing about this is that this is a great exercise in what it will take to explore some of the oceans on other planets and moons. The same rules about not contaminating apply.
If you run the unstable distribution, be prepared for problems every now and then.
Now..since you've hit a problem go to #debian on irc.openprojects.org. Every time I've hit a problem with an update to an unstable system the problem has been reported and usually a fix is in the channel topic.
And it should be repeated... If you trashed a web server doing an update, why were you updating a production system to new packages without testing them on another system? The ONLY source in my sources.list on my production systems are for security updates, and I apply those one at a time and test them.
I love to work with hardware. To me overclocking is a lot of fun. Sure, I could go buy a 1.2GHz Ahtlon, but I rather push my 1GHz to 1.2. Some people like to hack code, I like to mess with hardware.
;)
A lot of people don't OC because they think it causes instability. If a system is not stable after being overlcocked, then it isn't a success! If my system is one bit less stable than before, the speed goes back down.
Most OCers put their systems through serious torture tests to make sure they are stable. I bet most normal users don't do any tests like that.
So..in the end I get a faster system and several hours of enjoyment. It's fun to put on a new fan and lower the CPU temp by 2C.
But..if your neighbors are all getting pr0n they all go through the SAME central office at the phone company...meaning..you are still affected by your neighbors.
I'm so tired of hearing this. ALL BANDWIDTH IS SHARED AT SOME POINT. People with DSL like to say that cable bandwidth is shared. Sure, DSL people have a copper cable from their house to the CO, but once it hits the CO it is SHARED. I have a friend in Texas on GTE. They oversold the CO's SHARED BANDWIDTH so much his ping to his ISP gateway was 500ms.
After months and months my roadrunner ping is 8ms and I still get 300K/sec. I think they are doing a damn good job.