There is a reason why trade schools teach MS products: They let you get a product to Market FAST. Wizards, N generation languages, OCX component integration, etc. lend themselves to a high paced development environment. For the purposes of teaching, research and mathematical foundations such >4GL languages are actually detrimental to learning the art of programming IMHO. *nix based development environments are typicallly much more opened ended than something like Visual Studio. Through the wonders of scripting a program like XEMACS can let you develop efficiently in hundreds of languages. If you are working with VB, you can use...VB...maybe some c# and some scripting tie-ins.
Programming and technical students will learn how to use microsoft products on their own. It is more important to teach them the fundamentals using a wide scope. Not to say that MS products dont have a niche and a function even for hardcore programmers, but more often than not they seem to adapt an "the ends justify the means" attitude. Dizzying libraries rarely supply you with optimal code, but greatly speed the development process. Its a trade off I guess.
Don't get me wrong, google does a great job is easily my favorite search engine. However, does it bother anyone else that they are trying to patent an algorithm? Patents are for specific devices/solutions to problems, not methodologies for solving said problems. An algorithm is an idea; a mathematical or verbal expression of understanding. As such there should never be a patent granted because it could never be enforced. In order to enforce a patented idea you need to control how people think. (ah the 1984 references) Short of mind control, you cant stop people from sharing an idea or using it themselves, or modifying it for the betterment of such an idea.
Software runs, well, everything. Ergo, it's difficult to represent members of the programming proffession with any overall accuracy. Granted, Office Space was a great attempt, and remains my favorite movie ever. Even the Great Office space defines the environment at a Corporation whith an "cog in the wheel" Mentality.
There are a lot of small software firms, or even individual developers who lead lives very different from our friend Peter. I work for one such small software firm as one of two programmers. About 40% of what I do in a given day is programming. Much of it is tech support for other employees, fixing servers, talking to customers, developing marketing material, doing web design etc. As a general rule, the smaller company the more hats you have to wear, and I wouldnt have it any other way.
As it turns out, I do "code by the seat of my pants" most of the time thanks to undefined, yet inflexible deadlines which are often dictated not by an array of bosses, but business parters, customers, and generally anyone who knows about our company and has a valid opinion.
The issue at hand is the interpreted disregard programmers have for hardware. This is largely created due the the enormous amount of hardware abstraction present in most modern operating systems. Windows developers couldt give to craps about hardware they are not specificially coding for thanks to the enormous volume of API and library calls available to provide a seamless interface for them.
To paraphrase; It's unfair to brand "black box" brand software engineers with some engineers' stigma because they dont code for, not care to code for each specific piece of hardware they may come in contact with.
I work for Software company that builds Point of Sale Systems, and as such I have have the opportunity to talk to both hardware and software interfaces, such as credit card units, pinpads, MSR readers, receipt printers, etc. Some are handled with Windows APIs, making it transparent what specific piece of hardware is on the other end of my commands.
The reason Black Boxes of any type, but particularly software black boxes exist is to modularize code. OOP centers on the idea that you can take a chunk of code, wrapper it with an API and make it a component someone else can slap into their program to save them time and effort.
Maybe purists will insist that you need to write your nlogn search algorithms from scratch each and every time you use them, but in production, and particularly consumer grade systems programming modularlizing code, using (gasp)ActiveX controls, and other such "Black Box" techniques save untold time and money. Programmers who hit deadlines are programmers who keep their jobs and maybe even get raises.
"To insinuate that you have to play games to be a good programmer is... beyond ridiculous."
My insunuation was acutally that an interest in your chosen proffession beyond the strict bounds of a classroom serve to make you better at your chosen proffession.
Whether its gaming or designing web pages or building little gadgets form parts you buy at radio shack; Having hobbies related to you proffesion serves to strenghten both your interest and IMHO your abilities(note I said IMHO, not this is absolutely how it is).
I graduated about a year and a half ago from SUNY Stony Brook (shameless plug) with my B.S. in computer science. By and large, the geeks who spent all day gaming and coding were far more proficient programmers than the people who "heard you could make a good living as a programmer" but otherwise werent too into computing (or gaming).
Granted, gaming as part of a curiculum isnt exactly par for the course. However, introducing analysis of production quality products into any curiculum where you're learning to build such products is a necessesity. Most "traditional" C.S. programs tend to focus more on theory than practicle application. This is great for academia, but leaves the graduate struggling to aquire production level skillz upon entering industry. With a good mathmatical background, programmers can pick things up easily and teach themselves any skills they need. The only problem is the learning curve of new technologies they were not taught puts them that far behind other programmers who went to tech school for 3 weeks to learn C# or something.
What I'm getting at is the Guildhall is a program designed by INDUSTRY not ACADEMIA, and therefore necessarily is supperior for both the industry-minded student and the industry.
I wonder what Will Wheaton's take on this is...I was pleased with his 5-arsed monkey people reference that I heard during the Twighlight Zone marathon this past new year's. Props to Wesley, even if he did wind up on the cutting room floor of Star Trek Nemesis...
...so you mean you'd like to see an MMORGP similar in flavor to the Lord of the rings(fantasy setting) where you can function in a merchant capacity and enjoy the company of dwarves, elves, and other assorted mythical creatures...
When are you going to release your next album of spoken word classic rock a la Priceline.com commercials? I found a recording of a science ficiton awards show where you did a rendition of Elton John's "Rocket Man" and can't wait to get the latest edition of Shatner rocking the Mic.
Why must we be so sue-happy that respectful citizens cant even enjoy their own names without some over-paid copyright lawyer hearing the crinkling of his clients not-so-hard earned money.
In today's rapidly changing and down-sizing business environments it is often the MIS and development people who find themselves on the short end of the stick for the simple reason that they generally do not generate enough cash flow to cover their employment expenses. Exceptions might be in smaller software firms where their only business is contract development.
When a company falls on hard times, rather than expanding your skills in whatever your specialty is, try talking to sales people or some of the tech writers or try coming up with some business ideas to present to your higher-ups or generally try to demonstrate your flexibility and "swiss army knife - like" ability to do multiple things well.
Particularly in the software field there are a large number of people who's primary language is not English. It may be politically incorrect of me...but here it goes. English is the language of business. If you have better English skills (reading, writing, communication, bull$hitting) you will have a leg up on your peers. A well written email with some industry buzz words and a few $2 words thrown in for flavor will likely impress people. Use spell check every time!!! There is nothing worse than trying to impress people with your verbal skills and getting a word's, or worse, a colleague's name wrong.
Are you a hard-core engineer? Try writing a white-paper on some piece of technology you have expertise with. Your initiative and competence will likely be noticed by someone, and if it isn't, keep a copy and add it to your resume as another selling point if you ever find yourself looking elsewhere for work.
Communication skills are key for getting, keeping, and excelling in any job. All the technical expertise in the world in useless if you can't express to you your employer exactly what you can, and are willing to do.
Many DSL providers operate over the PPPoE protocol. Bundled with Verizon's was their crappy support software that I really didnt want or need.
Typically, the implementation used by the DSL provider (my experience was with Verizon), is not nearly as good as other versions available.
If you're a tweaker, bandwith whore or just generally care about your connection's performance I recommend heading over to DSL Reports.com and grabbing a copy of RASPPPoE and Dr. TCP. Packet size and receiving window settings can make a world of difference.
Re:and how many are single ...
on
The Aging Gamer
·
· Score: 2, Informative
The moral of the story is when your wife/gf walk in while you're coding and jump on your lap blocking the screen...overlook the fact that they arent transparent and give em some sweet loving. The code will not feel neglected and the code will still love you 5 minutes later, (okay 10 mins with foreplay).
Given that Every other planet is named after some Roman God/Goddess/Diety it seems a bit inconsitent to name this new "planet" anything that isnt consistent for, well, consistency's sake.
I mean, I can understand how an Indian astronomer would want to name it Vishnu or something, but the way I see it: our telescope = we name the planet.
Let your congressmen(women) know you want this!
on
Lofgren's Anti-DRM Bill
·
· Score: 5, Informative
Its amazing and exciting that a member of congress has her finger so precisely on the pulse of the geek community with respect to the whole digital media fiasco.
What now? EVERYONE WRITE/CALL/PETITION your congressmen and your senators. Let them know that geeks vote too and we have the ability to get/cost them a large number of votes thanks to our prowess with all the latest communications technologies.
Find out what congressional district you live inLook up
Call your congressperson's office. Get them on the phone and tell them you want them to vote for this bill
If you get your congressman on the phone, schedule an appointment. If you cant' schedule an appointment, write 2 letters, yes 2.
The legislative process only works if you involve yourself. Oh, and don't forget to vote!.
DDoS terrorism...everyone go to their site!
on
That Link Is Illegal
·
· Score: 1
All the need to do is have a different article every day on/. about a different terrorist organization. All us/. faithful will read, link to, and distribute their URL to everyone on earth with a computer, PDA, WAP phone or IP enabled toaster...
Being a "educated" person is no longer a student's goal in University learning...but it really should be. Educated people have taken calculus. Educated people are familiar with Shakespeare. Educated people understand Hegel's Dialectic. Educated people know what Piaget's developmental stages are.
All of this is not to say that you have to master everything you do, but rather to learn for the sake of better understanding the world and ourselves independant of our efforts to contribute meaningfully to science, society or industry.
Yes I am a programmer, and yes I took every math course under the sun, but the college courses I remember the most about and enjoyed the most were the ones not even closely related to my major.
Firstly, my condolencses. Regardless of your take on MMORPGs, a real human being has passed and that's always an aweful thing.
Admittedly, I have played MMORPGs before and I found that most people I encountered in game were interesting, friendly, and often perfectly willing to talk, give me directions or just throw back some ale and b.s. about life.
This article makes the point somewhat touching point that communites and friendships can develop online that are as rewarding or at least as "real" as stumbling into your local drinkery and chatting with the poor schmoe next to you for a couple hours a night.
With regard to Dark Age of Camelot...the game was such a success because the structure of the game focused on teamwork and served to galvanize players to work toward common goals and to do so together. In addition, teams of players were in competition with other teams of players, so cross-"realm" rivalries and reputations were built.
Just my 2 cp
Uh, I think anyone trying to patent the "idea" of moon travel will have a peaved bus driver and equally peaved housewife, who, incidentially has apparently been there many times.
The true, problem with starting teacher salaries is that teachers are required in most states to have a minimum of 2 college degrees and also continue their education (usually on their own time/money) just to keep their jobs and qualify for raises.
Quick comparison: 18-year-old Tech savvy kid with a tech school education and an MCSE...salary: 30-40K starting (in most markets).
Starting Teacher with a degree in their field and going to graduate school nights/weekends which they have to pay for.
average salary: 27K
This cant be expected to change any time soon unless our society suddenly develops a socialist attitude toward the world and decides that regardless how much revenue teachers generate their pay should be commensurate with their education level and proffesional training.
Further, how can you expect highly trained, highly motivated, highly successful people to choose teaching as a proffesion when they are so inadequately compensated for all they have to do just to be teachers?
For the record, if i wouldnt be taking a 60% pay cut, I'd get certified and start teaching tomorrow (btw, i'm 22 with a comp sci degree and no need to ever step foot in an educational institution to continue on up the pay scale at a rate of not less than 10% a year.)
I hear Coca-cola is planning to have Paula Abdul shoot some comercials for them too...but that's just a rumor at this point. I heard about it on that new Cable TV channel..MTV is it?
Slashdot Mirror
There is a reason why trade schools teach MS products: They let you get a product to Market FAST. Wizards, N generation languages, OCX component integration, etc. lend themselves to a high paced development environment. For the purposes of teaching, research and mathematical foundations such >4GL languages are actually detrimental to learning the art of programming IMHO. *nix based development environments are typicallly much more opened ended than something like Visual Studio. Through the wonders of scripting a program like XEMACS can let you develop efficiently in hundreds of languages. If you are working with VB, you can use...VB...maybe some c# and some scripting tie-ins.
Programming and technical students will learn how to use microsoft products on their own. It is more important to teach them the fundamentals using a wide scope. Not to say that MS products dont have a niche and a function even for hardcore programmers, but more often than not they seem to adapt an "the ends justify the means" attitude. Dizzying libraries rarely supply you with optimal code, but greatly speed the development process. Its a trade off I guess.
Don't get me wrong, google does a great job is easily my favorite search engine. However, does it bother anyone else that they are trying to patent an algorithm? Patents are for specific devices/solutions to problems, not methodologies for solving said problems. An algorithm is an idea; a mathematical or verbal expression of understanding. As such there should never be a patent granted because it could never be enforced. In order to enforce a patented idea you need to control how people think. (ah the 1984 references) Short of mind control, you cant stop people from sharing an idea or using it themselves, or modifying it for the betterment of such an idea.
Software runs, well, everything. Ergo, it's difficult to represent members of the programming proffession with any overall accuracy. Granted, Office Space was a great attempt, and remains my favorite movie ever. Even the Great Office space defines the environment at a Corporation whith an "cog in the wheel" Mentality.
There are a lot of small software firms, or even individual developers who lead lives very different from our friend Peter. I work for one such small software firm as one of two programmers. About 40% of what I do in a given day is programming. Much of it is tech support for other employees, fixing servers, talking to customers, developing marketing material, doing web design etc. As a general rule, the smaller company the more hats you have to wear, and I wouldnt have it any other way.
As it turns out, I do "code by the seat of my pants" most of the time thanks to undefined, yet inflexible deadlines which are often dictated not by an array of bosses, but business parters, customers, and generally anyone who knows about our company and has a valid opinion.
The issue at hand is the interpreted disregard programmers have for hardware. This is largely created due the the enormous amount of hardware abstraction present in most modern operating systems. Windows developers couldt give to craps about hardware they are not specificially coding for thanks to the enormous volume of API and library calls available to provide a seamless interface for them.
To paraphrase; It's unfair to brand "black box" brand software engineers with some engineers' stigma because they dont code for, not care to code for each specific piece of hardware they may come in contact with.
I work for Software company that builds Point of Sale Systems, and as such I have have the opportunity to talk to both hardware and software interfaces, such as credit card units, pinpads, MSR readers, receipt printers, etc. Some are handled with Windows APIs, making it transparent what specific piece of hardware is on the other end of my commands.
The reason Black Boxes of any type, but particularly software black boxes exist is to modularize code. OOP centers on the idea that you can take a chunk of code, wrapper it with an API and make it a component someone else can slap into their program to save them time and effort.
Maybe purists will insist that you need to write your nlogn search algorithms from scratch each and every time you use them, but in production, and particularly consumer grade systems programming modularlizing code, using (gasp)ActiveX controls, and other such "Black Box" techniques save untold time and money. Programmers who hit deadlines are programmers who keep their jobs and maybe even get raises.
IMHO
No more pirating...er, i mean sampling with the intent do delete Flash 4 off of IRC...
ouch...such flames...
... beyond ridiculous."
"To insinuate that you have to play games to be a good programmer is
My insunuation was acutally that an interest in your chosen proffession beyond the strict bounds of a classroom serve to make you better at your chosen proffession.
Whether its gaming or designing web pages or building little gadgets form parts you buy at radio shack; Having hobbies related to you proffesion serves to strenghten both your interest and IMHO your abilities(note I said IMHO, not this is absolutely how it is).
I graduated about a year and a half ago from SUNY Stony Brook (shameless plug) with my B.S. in computer science. By and large, the geeks who spent all day gaming and coding were far more proficient programmers than the people who "heard you could make a good living as a programmer" but otherwise werent too into computing (or gaming).
Granted, gaming as part of a curiculum isnt exactly par for the course. However, introducing analysis of production quality products into any curiculum where you're learning to build such products is a necessesity. Most "traditional" C.S. programs tend to focus more on theory than practicle application. This is great for academia, but leaves the graduate struggling to aquire production level skillz upon entering industry. With a good mathmatical background, programmers can pick things up easily and teach themselves any skills they need. The only problem is the learning curve of new technologies they were not taught puts them that far behind other programmers who went to tech school for 3 weeks to learn C# or something.
What I'm getting at is the Guildhall is a program designed by INDUSTRY not ACADEMIA, and therefore necessarily is supperior for both the industry-minded student and the industry.
I wonder what Will Wheaton's take on this is...I was pleased with his 5-arsed monkey people reference that I heard during the Twighlight Zone marathon this past new year's. Props to Wesley, even if he did wind up on the cutting room floor of Star Trek Nemesis...
Go to the back of radio shack and look for anything that resembles the inner workings of a computer...pick up said items and purchase for your geek.
Also, let me know if you come across a flux capacitor or an oscillation overthruster!
(shameless buckaroo banzai reference)
...so you mean you'd like to see an MMORGP similar in flavor to the Lord of the rings(fantasy setting) where you can function in a merchant capacity and enjoy the company of dwarves, elves, and other assorted mythical creatures...
*coughEVERQUEST *coughDarkAgeofCamelot *coughAsheronsCall2 *cough
When are you going to release your next album of spoken word classic rock a la Priceline.com commercials? I found a recording of a science ficiton awards show where you did a rendition of Elton John's "Rocket Man" and can't wait to get the latest edition of Shatner rocking the Mic.
...a good start...
Why must we be so sue-happy that respectful citizens cant even enjoy their own names without some over-paid copyright lawyer hearing the crinkling of his clients not-so-hard earned money.
In today's rapidly changing and down-sizing business environments it is often the MIS and development people who find themselves on the short end of the stick for the simple reason that they generally do not generate enough cash flow to cover their employment expenses. Exceptions might be in smaller software firms where their only business is contract development.
When a company falls on hard times, rather than expanding your skills in whatever your specialty is, try talking to sales people or some of the tech writers or try coming up with some business ideas to present to your higher-ups or generally try to demonstrate your flexibility and "swiss army knife - like" ability to do multiple things well.
Particularly in the software field there are a large number of people who's primary language is not English. It may be politically incorrect of me...but here it goes. English is the language of business. If you have better English skills (reading, writing, communication, bull$hitting) you will have a leg up on your peers. A well written email with some industry buzz words and a few $2 words thrown in for flavor will likely impress people. Use spell check every time!!! There is nothing worse than trying to impress people with your verbal skills and getting a word's, or worse, a colleague's name wrong.
Are you a hard-core engineer? Try writing a white-paper on some piece of technology you have expertise with. Your initiative and competence will likely be noticed by someone, and if it isn't, keep a copy and add it to your resume as another selling point if you ever find yourself looking elsewhere for work.
Communication skills are key for getting, keeping, and excelling in any job. All the technical expertise in the world in useless if you can't express to you your employer exactly what you can, and are willing to do.
Many DSL providers operate over the PPPoE protocol. Bundled with Verizon's was their crappy support software that I really didnt want or need.
Typically, the implementation used by the DSL provider (my experience was with Verizon), is not nearly as good as other versions available.
If you're a tweaker, bandwith whore or just generally care about your connection's performance I recommend heading over to DSL Reports.com and grabbing a copy of RASPPPoE and Dr. TCP. Packet size and receiving window settings can make a world of difference.
The moral of the story is when your wife/gf walk in while you're coding and jump on your lap blocking the screen...overlook the fact that they arent transparent and give em some sweet loving. The code will not feel neglected and the code will still love you 5 minutes later, (okay 10 mins with foreplay).
Given that Every other planet is named after some Roman God/Goddess/Diety it seems a bit inconsitent to name this new "planet" anything that isnt consistent for, well, consistency's sake.
I mean, I can understand how an Indian astronomer would want to name it Vishnu or something, but the way I see it: our telescope = we name the planet.
What now? EVERYONE WRITE/CALL/PETITION your congressmen and your senators. Let them know that geeks vote too and we have the ability to get/cost them a large number of votes thanks to our prowess with all the latest communications technologies.
The legislative process only works if you involve yourself. Oh, and don't forget to vote!.
All the need to do is have a different article every day on /. about a different terrorist organization. All us /. faithful will read, link to, and distribute their URL to everyone on earth with a computer, PDA, WAP phone or IP enabled toaster...
CLICK THIS LINK AND WIN A MILLION DOLLARS!
I bet you 9 out of every 10 AOL-heads will click it too...
Being a "educated" person is no longer a student's goal in University learning...but it really should be. Educated people have taken calculus. Educated people are familiar with Shakespeare. Educated people understand Hegel's Dialectic. Educated people know what Piaget's developmental stages are.
All of this is not to say that you have to master everything you do, but rather to learn for the sake of better understanding the world and ourselves independant of our efforts to contribute meaningfully to science, society or industry.
Yes I am a programmer, and yes I took every math course under the sun, but the college courses I remember the most about and enjoyed the most were the ones not even closely related to my major.
Perhaps this comment was a bit of a troll, but wasnt' it also a little piece of social commentary about Christianity?
Maybe its time for "Buddy Christ"
Firstly, my condolencses. Regardless of your take on MMORPGs, a real human being has passed and that's always an aweful thing.
Admittedly, I have played MMORPGs before and I found that most people I encountered in game were interesting, friendly, and often perfectly willing to talk, give me directions or just throw back some ale and b.s. about life.
This article makes the point somewhat touching point that communites and friendships can develop online that are as rewarding or at least as "real" as stumbling into your local drinkery and chatting with the poor schmoe next to you for a couple hours a night.
With regard to Dark Age of Camelot...the game was such a success because the structure of the game focused on teamwork and served to galvanize players to work toward common goals and to do so together. In addition, teams of players were in competition with other teams of players, so cross-"realm" rivalries and reputations were built.
Just my 2 cp
Uh, I think anyone trying to patent the "idea" of moon travel will have a peaved bus driver and equally peaved housewife, who, incidentially has apparently been there many times.
The true, problem with starting teacher salaries is that teachers are required in most states to have a minimum of 2 college degrees and also continue their education (usually on their own time/money) just to keep their jobs and qualify for raises.
...salary: 30-40K starting (in most markets).
Quick comparison: 18-year-old Tech savvy kid with a tech school education and an MCSE
Starting Teacher with a degree in their field and going to graduate school nights/weekends which they have to pay for.
average salary: 27K
This cant be expected to change any time soon unless our society suddenly develops a socialist attitude toward the world and decides that regardless how much revenue teachers generate their pay should be commensurate with their education level and proffesional training.
Further, how can you expect highly trained, highly motivated, highly successful people to choose teaching as a proffesion when they are so inadequately compensated for all they have to do just to be teachers?
For the record, if i wouldnt be taking a 60% pay cut, I'd get certified and start teaching tomorrow (btw, i'm 22 with a comp sci degree and no need to ever step foot in an educational institution to continue on up the pay scale at a rate of not less than 10% a year.)
Just food for thought.
...to lay some fiber?(you thought i was going to say screw in a lightbulb)
I hear Coca-cola is planning to have Paula Abdul shoot some comercials for them too...but that's just a rumor at this point. I heard about it on that new Cable TV channel..MTV is it?