I see where you are coming from but that is not always as clear cut as you make it. I have experience with Linux, Solaris, Windows, and DNS, E-Mail servers, Web and Database servers in all three environments.
UNIX takes more understanding when initially setting up. I know more UNIX commands then I could write down in one day (ok, an exageration:) ). I can do seeming more advanced administration from *NIX platforms, but that is because of the cool tools that come with the systems by default (windows requires a "resource kit" to get many similar, but not nearly all, of the admin functionalities as a *NIX)
Windows on the other hand is more *click* *click* crap, and yes, VERY easy to install by comparision.
HOWEVER...what determines an admins knowledge? The ability to set something up or fix it when it is broken?
I can set up either with ease. But, because windows is constantly randomly breaking, I have learned SO much more about networks and OS' then any class or certification course has ever taught me. I feel much more challenged when a *NIX station suddenly goes dumb, mostly because it rarely happens (I think I can count the number of times on one hand with out my tumb or pinkie:D) I have to scratch my head and think about what I once read in order to fix it. If a windows box goes down, I know that system inside and out, because I have been everywhere fixing so many problems with those boxes. All of the books I read stay fresh in my head, because I have to use its information more frequently. Whereas, on *NIX stations, there are several places I have not ever had to venture.
I have learned more about DNS from setting it up in UNIX, but more about network data packets from constantly monitoring oddities with windows. (for example)
So, while one is more challenging to setup and remember its commands and purpose/functionality, the other is more challenging to keep up and running. Herein lies the knowledge differences. Different, but oddly equal in their own respect.
I use one of 3 resources for windows administrating:
www.eventid.net support.microsoft.com and microsofts, relatively spam free, free public news forums: news.microsoft.com (ok, or deja/google which ever you like better...i'm still old school with the newsreaders and such)
For up to date information, i subscribed to the following mailing lists: bugtraq multiple securityfocus lists symantec (word of caution: bugtraq and securityfocus groups have been having ocassional spammer breakin's who have spammed the list, and/or stolen the emails and handed them out like candy!...all I know is that is my only email account that gets spam and those lists are all that it's used for...and i don't post, just read.)
Other then that the rest is just propaganda/FUD type of news crapola.
Actually, for solaris/linux/windows news I rely mostly on the mailing lists.
Oh, yeah theregister.co.uk is another all around good news source, too.
I don't understand... why can't all email servers just check forward/reverse MX record lookups to help deminish spam. I know that will not end it, but it would drastically help from spoofing email... which is all that AOL's initiative seems to be doing (i.e. not killing it, just preventing their servers from being spoofed).
Oh, yeah, and have the email servers not accepting relays, and patch the damn home user windows boxes. Instead of AOL blocking ADSL, they just need to block windows '95-ME, 2000 pro, and XP. They are all home systems, not servers. Network packets can show OS footprints, so this is doable.
Just more media hype, I'll beleive it when I see it. AOL just has to rebutt microsoft (MSN) from stealing more AOL users with their latest news about anti-spam pledge from Gate's.
I don't remember everything it is used for, but it is more then just the LED;) One thing it does is sit ready for a "power-on" command. Which you would need your battery in the laptop for anyway. Intel's site explains it in full somewhere. I do know that the government supposed to lower it to 1-watt but it has not gone into effect yet. Intel explains in the 1-watt initiative: The 1-watt measurement applies to the S5 standby mode, in which the computer is plugged into the wall, but the power is off on the computer. There is some more info on Intel's site about the 3,2, and 1 watt power consumptions. But, here is one about the bill to lower it to 1-watt: intel article
Note: most documents refer to "power-down" as "stand-by", and windows/linux "stand-by" modes as "sleep".
depends on how long you are using your computer for... Even in "off" mode your computer still consumes 3 watts of energy (2 watts if motherboard and power supply were manufactured after July 2003). In standby mode my 250watt powered PC consumes 5 watts. My 600watt PC consumes 11watts in standby. To be energy star compliant, a 250watt can consume no more then 17.5watts, and anything over 400watts cannot consume more then 10% of the power supply wattage.
If you put your computer in "hibernate" it is the same as power-off, which is 3 watts of energy.
So, in answer to you question, if you had your computer on for 24 hours not in standby mode, obviously the answer is yes. However, I assume you meant in stand-by for 24 hours, which is exactly why I stated that you had to use your computer at least once a day (which last time I checked was 24 hours). In any case, the actual answer would vary depending on how many hours your computer was in use. But, it is possible, absolutely! As a developer, I have calculated it out in the past for me, and for the amount of hours I put on a computer per day (and how few hours in stand-by), mine definatly outweighs the power spike (minus the monitor's energy of course). I forget how to calculate the power spike off hand, my father was an electrical contractor and gave me a formula, but I don't know where it went.
If you use your computer once a day, it is more energy efficient to just put it in stand-by. Most monitors take up more energy then the actual computer does. So, turn off your monitor, and stand-by your computer to be the most efficient.
Don't believe it? Electricity spikes whenever an appliance is powered-on. This is why many people rightfully recommend to turn your monitor on before turning your computer on, so to shield the computer from the electricity spike. That spike takes up a lot of electricity on its own. When I first learned about this in high school, I remember I did a test at home and had my brother turn on the vacuum at while I looked at the power meter on the house. It is true. That meter dial sped up like crazy for a few seconds, then dwindled back down to the vacuum's running electricity level (and of course slowed back down after it was turned off). As you know, it is that meter that determines your electric bill.
Oh yeah, and there are reasons to shut down XP...like when it crashes, and the only thing to do is to power it off, because not even reset works!;)
If I have a class or structure that defines constants, such as a set width or length for a parent object. Then I utilize this class/struct in another class which is creating a child object, also with length and width, but this time a user defined value, I can use "width" for the user value, and "WIDTH" for the constant value, without having to rewrite as much code in the new class. It also helps me, as the programmer, to help better identify my own code. "VALUE"? Oh, that is a constant, or struct. "Value"? Oh, that must be my function, or class name. "value"? Oh, that is a program defined variable.
I stated off with Ada '95 (ok, technically it was Logo, back in grade school in the early 80's, but I don't think that really counts;) ) which is case insensitive. Then I moved onto Java, C++, VB, and now C#. When I first learned Java, I initially hated the fact that it was case sensitive. However, once I learned how it made my life easier as a programmer, and my code more readable, I quickly fell in love with case sensitive languages. Now, I hate VB just for that fact (oh yeah, and it's lack of semicolon end lines, and funky for loop structures, and...oh who am I kidding, I just hate VB:) ), and I no longer code in Ada (for less personal reasons, like, no one really uses it much anymore).
The only place I find case insensitivity worth while is in a quick and dirty script. However, even most scripting languages are case sensitive (Perl, JScript). Which leaves only vbscript and WSH (I think...I program case sensitive out of habit, now) as case insensitive scripts (of the ones I've used, anyway). But, again, in most programmers opinions (programmers that I know, anyway), they will all prefer Perl or JScript over VBScript due to their ability to be a little more robust, and ability for shorter scripts to acomplish a lot of work.
Obviously, if you are going to use ThIsAsAvArIaBlE name, you are just being stupid, and defeating the purpose. Making it less readable, less portable, more difficult to work with, and you less liked by your co-workers.
I have the antivirus set to search all files, including compressed files, upto 7 (or 10?) levels of compression deep. And 15GB of my data are compressed downloads. Yeah, I have the 875p chipset (ASUS P4G800-E deluxe - a sweet motherboard, BTW), that came with pc-chillin too:) But, I am currently using Norton instead of pc-chillin...maybe that is the problem?:p
So, does that mean that Microsoft Office 2000 is shittily designed software? Because a normal user can't install that. StarOffice, and Open Office can BOTH be installed by a normal user on non-MS platforms. Also, even if an administrator installs MS Office 2000 for the user, there is a known (by microsoft) bug that prohibits normal users from RUNNING even word without getting an error. Why does this error exist? Because, the normal users have read-only access to HKLM/Software registry key, which Word tries to modify (write) when it is launched for the first time by each user. Which, BTW, is the registry hive microsoft developers are recommended to put any registry information for their software, in order to be "microsoft compliant" (aka non-shitty software...supposedly). Which means that if any software ever tries to modify their own registry key (which they put right where microsoft said it should be) after install, they might run into similar difficulties (dependant upon how, exactly, they do this; since it can be done, but can be a pain to do).
No, usually the software that can be installed without admin privilages is old 16-bit software (its what all the students I used to admin, often tried to install to get around the no-installation policies on the university comptuers), or software that does not use the registry, as recommended by microsoft, which is normally ends up being small, unimportant programs, or programs created by students without any real world experience in programming.
Let's see, I went to bed last night and now, 5 1/2 hours later norton antivirus scan is STILL running (and yeah, it's a 875p chipset that came with pc-chillin, too:) ). Also, has anyone ever told you that in Linux there is no "defrag"? Yeah, because Linux can never get beyond 3% fragmentation in the first place! Do you have any idea how taxing defragmentation is on your hard drive? It's not mission critical, but it does take its toll. No wonder you have to reboot to scan your hard drive for errors all the time. Oh, yeah, BTW a reboot is not needed for this in linux, mearly unmount the drive, or do a force check(althought forcing is not recommended). I have seen windows boxes at places I have started working for with over 51% fragmentation. There is no need for this craziness, ever! What if you are running WIndows 2000 server, or advanced server? Are you going to reboot this ever few nights and have you IIS, e-mail, SQL, et al. get turned off because you have to do all these things to bring your system to its knees while scanning, or being rebooted? Granted you should have redundancy, but still, it cripples the network for hours while these jobs are performed.
I started out on a UNIX system IV, went to Mac, then to Windows, Then came back to UNIX(Linux/Solaris). I have used all as both user and administrator. IMO Mac is great for the home user and beginner - intermediate user, and UNIX is great for servers and intermidiate - advanced users. There just is no place for windows, there is no need for all the unpleasantness of windows. It is not friendly/easy enough for beginners or the average home user, it is pure hell on administration making sure they don't catch viruses, defragged, suddenly wigging out overnight, whatever (although I do admit that automation is made simple with AD and GPOs, but it is this automation that causes all the viruses to spread so easily, too). It is not capable of being a powerhouse, it's too bloated and takes up WAY too many resources. Nor is it capable of being a server, it has to constantly be rebooted, and way too much craziness with worms. Oh, yeah, while I do agree that many viruses are aimed at windows because of its popularity, just remember that Apache web server has over 2/3 of the web server market, and just how many worms have crushed it due to some exploit? I am sure there are some, but I can't think of any off the top of my head, IIS however, I can think of 4 MAJOR ones right off the bat. There is a reason not even Hotmail is run of WIndows...heck they even tried but had to revert due to windows not being able to handle the load.
So come one, just because you CAN do all these things to keep your system healthy, let me ask you this...why are you, when it doesn't HAVE to be done? Your just wasting money, hardware, time... uhgg, n/m some people will just never understand...
Yeah, but how much time do you spend trying to make sure you don't get anything? Searching for viruses on my 2.8GHz SATA 150 through less than 30GB of data on a RAID 0 drive takes HOURS. Then another 5-10 minutes everytime you install a program to make sure it's not kitted with spyware and such crap. Besides even normal users can install stuff in linux (contained to their home directory, only), whereas you cannot in windows, which forces Windows' users to Admin up EVERY time , which GREATLY increases the virus' accessibility. Plus the file structure is alot more accessable to normal users in Windows. Remember, the UNIX backbone has been around WAY before Gates stole DOS from that poor guy. If Windows users didn't have to admin up so much, they would be less inclined to log in as root all the time. I mean, even the "Run as.." function is hidden in windows! you have to hold the Shift key down while right mouse clicking to get it! If they can't figure out how to run as/su without jumping through hoops, of cource they are going to login and run everything as admin. I NEVER run Linux as root, I ALWAYS run windows as admin. It's just too much of a pain in the @ss in windows. Does the world need better PC education, or a better OS? I think we need both.
I have always thought that NASA being the Air Force of space was not a matter of if, but when, as I am sure many other people do, as well. Making NASA the "space military" only makes sense. The only reason it hasn't happened yet, is that we haven't had a need/reason to make a space military. But pulling them under federal funding is only a matter of time.
Looking at the history of the US, what is our ratio of keeping treaties vs breaking them? I would say that we usually break them, overall, wouldn't you? So, what about this treaty again?;)
This may be seen as good and bad, but like anything, will take time to evolve. Personally, I have refused to buy any game that requires a subscription on top of a $50 initial buying fee. So have over a dozen of my friends and family. It is a ridiculous concept to pay so much money for something that you do not own, and never have the option to own. So, while the gaming industry is making oodles of money off of this concept, they will also be driving away gamers. How many 12 year olds do you know that can pay monthly subscriptions fees, let alone even have a checking account or a credit card? If the trend goes as the author suggests, the gaming industry might lose their biggest audience (kids). Or, what might happen is that it will force more users to the other side, like XP's activation service did. Granted it is not a large number, but if such brutal restrictions, high costs, and lack of ownership are the only option, people will make a second option. Smaller gaming companies might emerge making games for any of the platforms, and in my best hope, will target Linux desktops as that picks up momentum. When not given a choice I think people will make one. So, if this trend continues as the author stated, I think it will only be a temporary low in gaming (well, for me and my friends, since we won't be purchasing them:) until a viable alternative arises from the lower depths to compete and reverse this incredibly insane notion of subscription fees, plus purchase fees, plus lack of ANY kind of ownership for well over $100 worth of hard earned money, with nothing to show for it! I think the same will happen with games as has been done with many overly priced software and OS'... it will be community ware in some similar manner such as much of the GNU/GPL licensed software, currently. It is a type of a rebellion against capitalism...the people are speaking, and will be heard, despite how much their elected officials are bribed...err...lobbied with;)
So, the bad is that it is too expensive and nothing to show for it, and I won't be playing any of these games that I otherwise would have played. The good is that it might make games open source, or free, and/or target other platforms besides Windows.
I am glad that you administrate 3000 Windows PC's at a University, because so have I, although mine were closer to 250 unique PCs for DNA sequencing, hooked up to alot of odd equipment (of which I was the only admin, but hey it was my first job out of college, and I am admittingly still green with only 3 years experience). My network comprised of Solaris, Linux, and Windows. So unlike you, I have a more insightfull understanding as to the comparision between OS'. Unfortunatly, I am not a Mac user, so I can't include that as a comparision, too. I never had a production system fail due to windows update, but that is why I have a test box, which did fail once due to a peice of software for a Microarray machine. But, I fixed it before deploying it (obviously)...but how many home users have a "test box" at home? Come one, now. As a comparision, NONE of the Solaris or Linux updates have EVER failed...and we have just as bizare equiment and software installed on them as well. Since all of my machines were unique, I could not just reimage them once a month like I am sure you do, and neither do home users.
Here is the run down in my experience: UNIX: faster to install Windows: faster to setup UNIX: less time in post-install maintance
The main things that kills windows are: 1. its popularity 2. its file structure security permissions 3. mulitple files dependent on system files (but I won't get into that here, since that is a another long thread within itself, one which effects several platforms, also)
1, Its popularity make it a greater target for people to do evil things such as insert spyware, et al. I mean like you, I don't have any spyware on my systems, but I am an advanced user that has the appropiate firewall to catch anything I miss, plus I run anti-spyware software and obviously anti-virus. But, see that's just it...with the other OS' I dont' have to spend time and company money constantly checking log files of these programs to make sure nothing slipped in. These programs don't have to constantly run in the background eating up resources and the coffers every year for renewals.
What you and many others are saying is not about basic education, it is about *advanced* education. It is not telling someone to take their car in for an oil change every 3000 miles, it is about telling them that they have to change the oil themselves. I am sorry, but if I had to perform all the maintanace on my car myself, there is no way my car would run properly. This, in turn, harms others on the road by jeprodizing their saftey, just as a compromised computer jepordizes my livelyhood (by being used as jump points for hackers, and spam, etc.) I am sorry, but the majority of people don't have time to learn every aspect of their computer or vehicle, and shouldn't be expected to, either.
I don't have to be constantly watching over all the *NIX systems everytime a weird peice of email comes in either. Why? because it can't harm the system as a whole, just the user's information. Which brings me to point 2:
2. Sure there are trojans and such for *NIX systems too, however due to its secure OS, the most harm that comes of it (from a user POV) is that the user's home directory gets snuffed. And that's what backups are for. You can retore their data. Any malware that the user catches is confined to their home directory, and cannot gain access to the main system files (unpatched systems, for the most part, are excluded - as exploits to this theory exist on every platform). Therefore making viruses, and other malware more contained, and less of a threat to the system as a whole. Windows, however, inherently lets greater access to the system's file structure (which somewhat ties into point 3). If windows had a more secured file structure that containted all malware to the user's directory, then it would make life ALOT easier. But let me ask you this, if a user comes to you and says "I need this software installed to finish my Ph.D., make it so." do you not spend th
umm how about switching to a more secure OS so you don't have to put up with all that BS.
In the past 3 years I have only used linux at home. Never had to worry about viruses, nor spam (yeah, that's right, I averaged 2-3 peices a year), nor spyware (spam maker), nor adware (spam maker), nor web browsing issues (IE security flaws). Now I spend more time cleaning up all this crap then anything cause I have to have a winblows box at home so i can do.net crap >:[
Granted I kept the system patched, and used the built in firewall (switched no to yes, how hard is that? Thanks to SuSE for the easy prebuilt firewall). But at least I never had to reinstall my entire OS because a windows update failed (which just happened to my brother yesterday, and I have seen it several other times, too!)
So, no, it is not just about educating users, it is about makeing a more secure system! Windows is crap,when will the world realize this? (I'm not saying linux is the best, just better...every OS has it's problems, but windows just has the most...by far)
1. Last time I checked (in Jan 2003) it only cost about $30, which is very cheap.
2. The government web site also blatently stated that you do not HAVE to register copyrights. But you do need legal proof of the material, which can be obtained via one of two *suggested* methods:
a. print your code and mail it to yourself, do NOT ever open it. This sealed envelope containing your code with the US postal stamp on it is admisable as court evidence (again, provided it is not opened) - cost 37
b. get it notarized - cost ~$2.00
My software company closed their doors the other month, putting 35 poeople out of work, including 12 programmers 1 sys admin and 3 graphics guys. It's been about 7 weeks now, and no one has found work yet. I am searching 4 different states (the one's where i have family/local addresses) with over 45 applications put out. 3 years programming (.NET and Java) and 3 years systems admin (UNIX/NT) and still NOTHING...not even a call or an interview (except for recruiters, which don't count...offering a mere 3 month contract job at 1/2 my old salary...but even then I hear nothing back). I have a Bachelors in Political Science (I know, doesn't count for much) but also and extra 30+ semester hours in Computer Science/Mathematics (Combined, putting me at about 3 years into a CS degree,too).
What is the trick? I am so fustrated. I have tried both project detailed 2 page resumes and 1pg job specific resumes. Neither work. I am really bummed out at this point. Any pointers?
I would like to pose this question, too: If one takes a contract job, when the contract is up, are you eligable for unemployment again?
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I see where you are coming from but that is not always as clear cut as you make it. I have experience with Linux, Solaris, Windows, and DNS, E-Mail servers, Web and Database servers in all three environments.
:) ). I can do seeming more advanced administration from *NIX platforms, but that is because of the cool tools that come with the systems by default (windows requires a "resource kit" to get many similar, but not nearly all, of the admin functionalities as a *NIX)
:D) I have to scratch my head and think about what I once read in order to fix it. If a windows box goes down, I know that system inside and out, because I have been everywhere fixing so many problems with those boxes. All of the books I read stay fresh in my head, because I have to use its information more frequently. Whereas, on *NIX stations, there are several places I have not ever had to venture.
UNIX takes more understanding when initially setting up. I know more UNIX commands then I could write down in one day (ok, an exageration
Windows on the other hand is more *click* *click* crap, and yes, VERY easy to install by comparision.
HOWEVER...what determines an admins knowledge? The ability to set something up or fix it when it is broken?
I can set up either with ease. But, because windows is constantly randomly breaking, I have learned SO much more about networks and OS' then any class or certification course has ever taught me. I feel much more challenged when a *NIX station suddenly goes dumb, mostly because it rarely happens (I think I can count the number of times on one hand with out my tumb or pinkie
I have learned more about DNS from setting it up in UNIX, but more about network data packets from constantly monitoring oddities with windows. (for example)
So, while one is more challenging to setup and remember its commands and purpose/functionality, the other is more challenging to keep up and running. Herein lies the knowledge differences. Different, but oddly equal in their own respect.
I use one of 3 resources for windows administrating:
...all I know is that is my only email account that gets spam and those lists are all that it's used for...and i don't post, just read.)
www.eventid.net
support.microsoft.com
and microsofts, relatively spam free, free public news forums:
news.microsoft.com (ok, or deja/google which ever you like better...i'm still old school with the newsreaders and such)
For up to date information, i subscribed to the following mailing lists:
bugtraq
multiple securityfocus lists
symantec
(word of caution: bugtraq and securityfocus groups have been having ocassional spammer breakin's who have spammed the list, and/or stolen the emails and handed them out like candy!
Other then that the rest is just propaganda/FUD type of news crapola.
Actually, for solaris/linux/windows news I rely mostly on the mailing lists.
Oh, yeah theregister.co.uk is another all around good news source, too.
I don't understand... why can't all email servers just check forward/reverse MX record lookups to help deminish spam. I know that will not end it, but it would drastically help from spoofing email... which is all that AOL's initiative seems to be doing (i.e. not killing it, just preventing their servers from being spoofed).
Oh, yeah, and have the email servers not accepting relays, and patch the damn home user windows boxes. Instead of AOL blocking ADSL, they just need to block windows '95-ME, 2000 pro, and XP. They are all home systems, not servers. Network packets can show OS footprints, so this is doable.
Just more media hype, I'll beleive it when I see it. AOL just has to rebutt microsoft (MSN) from stealing more AOL users with their latest news about anti-spam pledge from Gate's.
Ah, you took the words right out of my head! :D
I don't remember everything it is used for, but it is more then just the LED ;) One thing it does is sit ready for a "power-on" command. Which you would need your battery in the laptop for anyway. Intel's site explains it in full somewhere. I do know that the government supposed to lower it to 1-watt but it has not gone into effect yet. Intel explains in the 1-watt initiative: The 1-watt measurement applies to the S5 standby mode, in which the computer is plugged into the wall, but the power is off on the computer. There is some more info on Intel's site about the 3,2, and 1 watt power consumptions. But, here is one about the bill to lower it to 1-watt: intel article
Note: most documents refer to "power-down" as "stand-by", and windows/linux "stand-by" modes as "sleep".
depends on how long you are using your computer for...
Even in "off" mode your computer still consumes 3 watts of energy (2 watts if motherboard and power supply were manufactured after July 2003). In standby mode my 250watt powered PC consumes 5 watts. My 600watt PC consumes 11watts in standby. To be energy star compliant, a 250watt can consume no more then 17.5watts, and anything over 400watts cannot consume more then 10% of the power supply wattage.
If you put your computer in "hibernate" it is the same as power-off, which is 3 watts of energy.
So, in answer to you question, if you had your computer on for 24 hours not in standby mode, obviously the answer is yes. However, I assume you meant in stand-by for 24 hours, which is exactly why I stated that you had to use your computer at least once a day (which last time I checked was 24 hours). In any case, the actual answer would vary depending on how many hours your computer was in use. But, it is possible, absolutely! As a developer, I have calculated it out in the past for me, and for the amount of hours I put on a computer per day (and how few hours in stand-by), mine definatly outweighs the power spike (minus the monitor's energy of course). I forget how to calculate the power spike off hand, my father was an electrical contractor and gave me a formula, but I don't know where it went.
References: energystar.gov, energy.gov
If you use your computer once a day, it is more energy efficient to just put it in stand-by. Most monitors take up more energy then the actual computer does. So, turn off your monitor, and stand-by your computer to be the most efficient.
;)
Don't believe it? Electricity spikes whenever an appliance is powered-on. This is why many people rightfully recommend to turn your monitor on before turning your computer on, so to shield the computer from the electricity spike. That spike takes up a lot of electricity on its own. When I first learned about this in high school, I remember I did a test at home and had my brother turn on the vacuum at while I looked at the power meter on the house. It is true. That meter dial sped up like crazy for a few seconds, then dwindled back down to the vacuum's running electricity level (and of course slowed back down after it was turned off). As you know, it is that meter that determines your electric bill.
Oh yeah, and there are reasons to shut down XP...like when it crashes, and the only thing to do is to power it off, because not even reset works!
If I have a class or structure that defines constants, such as a set width or length for a parent object. Then I utilize this class/struct in another class which is creating a child object, also with length and width, but this time a user defined value, I can use "width" for the user value, and "WIDTH" for the constant value, without having to rewrite as much code in the new class. It also helps me, as the programmer, to help better identify my own code. "VALUE"? Oh, that is a constant, or struct. "Value"? Oh, that must be my function, or class name. "value"? Oh, that is a program defined variable.
;) ) which is case insensitive. Then I moved onto Java, C++, VB, and now C#. When I first learned Java, I initially hated the fact that it was case sensitive. However, once I learned how it made my life easier as a programmer, and my code more readable, I quickly fell in love with case sensitive languages. Now, I hate VB just for that fact (oh yeah, and it's lack of semicolon end lines, and funky for loop structures, and...oh who am I kidding, I just hate VB :) ), and I no longer code in Ada (for less personal reasons, like, no one really uses it much anymore).
I stated off with Ada '95 (ok, technically it was Logo, back in grade school in the early 80's, but I don't think that really counts
The only place I find case insensitivity worth while is in a quick and dirty script. However, even most scripting languages are case sensitive (Perl, JScript). Which leaves only vbscript and WSH (I think...I program case sensitive out of habit, now) as case insensitive scripts (of the ones I've used, anyway). But, again, in most programmers opinions (programmers that I know, anyway), they will all prefer Perl or JScript over VBScript due to their ability to be a little more robust, and ability for shorter scripts to acomplish a lot of work.
Obviously, if you are going to use ThIsAsAvArIaBlE name, you are just being stupid, and defeating the purpose. Making it less readable, less portable, more difficult to work with, and you less liked by your co-workers.
Good to know, thanks :)
I have the antivirus set to search all files, including compressed files, upto 7 (or 10?) levels of compression deep. And 15GB of my data are compressed downloads. Yeah, I have the 875p chipset (ASUS P4G800-E deluxe - a sweet motherboard, BTW), that came with pc-chillin too :) But, I am currently using Norton instead of pc-chillin...maybe that is the problem? :p
So, does that mean that Microsoft Office 2000 is shittily designed software? Because a normal user can't install that. StarOffice, and Open Office can BOTH be installed by a normal user on non-MS platforms. Also, even if an administrator installs MS Office 2000 for the user, there is a known (by microsoft) bug that prohibits normal users from RUNNING even word without getting an error. Why does this error exist? Because, the normal users have read-only access to HKLM/Software registry key, which Word tries to modify (write) when it is launched for the first time by each user. Which, BTW, is the registry hive microsoft developers are recommended to put any registry information for their software, in order to be "microsoft compliant" (aka non-shitty software...supposedly). Which means that if any software ever tries to modify their own registry key (which they put right where microsoft said it should be) after install, they might run into similar difficulties (dependant upon how, exactly, they do this; since it can be done, but can be a pain to do).
No, usually the software that can be installed without admin privilages is old 16-bit software (its what all the students I used to admin, often tried to install to get around the no-installation policies on the university comptuers), or software that does not use the registry, as recommended by microsoft, which is normally ends up being small, unimportant programs, or programs created by students without any real world experience in programming.
Let's see, I went to bed last night and now, 5 1/2 hours later norton antivirus scan is STILL running (and yeah, it's a 875p chipset that came with pc-chillin, too :) ). Also, has anyone ever told you that in Linux there is no "defrag"? Yeah, because Linux can never get beyond 3% fragmentation in the first place! Do you have any idea how taxing defragmentation is on your hard drive? It's not mission critical, but it does take its toll. No wonder you have to reboot to scan your hard drive for errors all the time. Oh, yeah, BTW a reboot is not needed for this in linux, mearly unmount the drive, or do a force check(althought forcing is not recommended). I have seen windows boxes at places I have started working for with over 51% fragmentation. There is no need for this craziness, ever! What if you are running WIndows 2000 server, or advanced server? Are you going to reboot this ever few nights and have you IIS, e-mail, SQL, et al. get turned off because you have to do all these things to bring your system to its knees while scanning, or being rebooted? Granted you should have redundancy, but still, it cripples the network for hours while these jobs are performed.
... uhgg, n/m some people will just never understand...
I started out on a UNIX system IV, went to Mac, then to Windows, Then came back to UNIX(Linux/Solaris). I have used all as both user and administrator. IMO Mac is great for the home user and beginner - intermediate user, and UNIX is great for servers and intermidiate - advanced users. There just is no place for windows, there is no need for all the unpleasantness of windows. It is not friendly/easy enough for beginners or the average home user, it is pure hell on administration making sure they don't catch viruses, defragged, suddenly wigging out overnight, whatever (although I do admit that automation is made simple with AD and GPOs, but it is this automation that causes all the viruses to spread so easily, too). It is not capable of being a powerhouse, it's too bloated and takes up WAY too many resources. Nor is it capable of being a server, it has to constantly be rebooted, and way too much craziness with worms. Oh, yeah, while I do agree that many viruses are aimed at windows because of its popularity, just remember that Apache web server has over 2/3 of the web server market, and just how many worms have crushed it due to some exploit? I am sure there are some, but I can't think of any off the top of my head, IIS however, I can think of 4 MAJOR ones right off the bat. There is a reason not even Hotmail is run of WIndows...heck they even tried but had to revert due to windows not being able to handle the load.
So come one, just because you CAN do all these things to keep your system healthy, let me ask you this...why are you, when it doesn't HAVE to be done? Your just wasting money, hardware, time
Yeah, but how much time do you spend trying to make sure you don't get anything? Searching for viruses on my 2.8GHz SATA 150 through less than 30GB of data on a RAID 0 drive takes HOURS. Then another 5-10 minutes everytime you install a program to make sure it's not kitted with spyware and such crap. Besides even normal users can install stuff in linux (contained to their home directory, only), whereas you cannot in windows, which forces Windows' users to Admin up EVERY time , which GREATLY increases the virus' accessibility. Plus the file structure is alot more accessable to normal users in Windows. Remember, the UNIX backbone has been around WAY before Gates stole DOS from that poor guy. If Windows users didn't have to admin up so much, they would be less inclined to log in as root all the time. I mean, even the "Run as.." function is hidden in windows! you have to hold the Shift key down while right mouse clicking to get it! If they can't figure out how to run as/su without jumping through hoops, of cource they are going to login and run everything as admin. I NEVER run Linux as root, I ALWAYS run windows as admin. It's just too much of a pain in the @ss in windows. Does the world need better PC education, or a better OS? I think we need both.
I agree. And from all the news with the Eolas, it seems as if any prior artwork makes a patent null and void. Thank goodness for that, if it is true.
You are right, my bad. What I had ment was under the federal *defense* budget, like another branch of the military. -Sorry
I have always thought that NASA being the Air Force of space was not a matter of if, but when, as I am sure many other people do, as well. Making NASA the "space military" only makes sense. The only reason it hasn't happened yet, is that we haven't had a need/reason to make a space military. But pulling them under federal funding is only a matter of time.
Looking at the history of the US, what is our ratio of keeping treaties vs breaking them? I would say that we usually break them, overall, wouldn't you? So, what about this treaty again? ;)
This may be seen as good and bad, but like anything, will take time to evolve. Personally, I have refused to buy any game that requires a subscription on top of a $50 initial buying fee. So have over a dozen of my friends and family. It is a ridiculous concept to pay so much money for something that you do not own, and never have the option to own. So, while the gaming industry is making oodles of money off of this concept, they will also be driving away gamers. How many 12 year olds do you know that can pay monthly subscriptions fees, let alone even have a checking account or a credit card? If the trend goes as the author suggests, the gaming industry might lose their biggest audience (kids). Or, what might happen is that it will force more users to the other side, like XP's activation service did. Granted it is not a large number, but if such brutal restrictions, high costs, and lack of ownership are the only option, people will make a second option. Smaller gaming companies might emerge making games for any of the platforms, and in my best hope, will target Linux desktops as that picks up momentum. When not given a choice I think people will make one. So, if this trend continues as the author stated, I think it will only be a temporary low in gaming (well, for me and my friends, since we won't be purchasing them :) until a viable alternative arises from the lower depths to compete and reverse this incredibly insane notion of subscription fees, plus purchase fees, plus lack of ANY kind of ownership for well over $100 worth of hard earned money, with nothing to show for it! I think the same will happen with games as has been done with many overly priced software and OS' ... it will be community ware in some similar manner such as much of the GNU/GPL licensed software, currently. It is a type of a rebellion against capitalism...the people are speaking, and will be heard, despite how much their elected officials are bribed...err...lobbied with ;)
So, the bad is that it is too expensive and nothing to show for it, and I won't be playing any of these games that I otherwise would have played. The good is that it might make games open source, or free, and/or target other platforms besides Windows.
If you actually READ what I wrote, you would note that it is not MY theory, it is Copyright.gov's SUGGESTION...retard.
I am glad that you administrate 3000 Windows PC's at a University, because so have I, although mine were closer to 250 unique PCs for DNA sequencing, hooked up to alot of odd equipment (of which I was the only admin, but hey it was my first job out of college, and I am admittingly still green with only 3 years experience). My network comprised of Solaris, Linux, and Windows. So unlike you, I have a more insightfull understanding as to the comparision between OS'. Unfortunatly, I am not a Mac user, so I can't include that as a comparision, too. I never had a production system fail due to windows update, but that is why I have a test box, which did fail once due to a peice of software for a Microarray machine. But, I fixed it before deploying it (obviously)...but how many home users have a "test box" at home? Come one, now. As a comparision, NONE of the Solaris or Linux updates have EVER failed...and we have just as bizare equiment and software installed on them as well. Since all of my machines were unique, I could not just reimage them once a month like I am sure you do, and neither do home users.
Here is the run down in my experience:
UNIX: faster to install
Windows: faster to setup
UNIX: less time in post-install maintance
The main things that kills windows are:
1. its popularity
2. its file structure security permissions
3. mulitple files dependent on system files (but I won't get into that here, since that is a another long thread within itself, one which effects several platforms, also)
1, Its popularity make it a greater target for people to do evil things such as insert spyware, et al. I mean like you, I don't have any spyware on my systems, but I am an advanced user that has the appropiate firewall to catch anything I miss, plus I run anti-spyware software and obviously anti-virus. But, see that's just it...with the other OS' I dont' have to spend time and company money constantly checking log files of these programs to make sure nothing slipped in. These programs don't have to constantly run in the background eating up resources and the coffers every year for renewals.
What you and many others are saying is not about basic education, it is about *advanced* education. It is not telling someone to take their car in for an oil change every 3000 miles, it is about telling them that they have to change the oil themselves. I am sorry, but if I had to perform all the maintanace on my car myself, there is no way my car would run properly. This, in turn, harms others on the road by jeprodizing their saftey, just as a compromised computer jepordizes my livelyhood (by being used as jump points for hackers, and spam, etc.) I am sorry, but the majority of people don't have time to learn every aspect of their computer or vehicle, and shouldn't be expected to, either.
I don't have to be constantly watching over all the *NIX systems everytime a weird peice of email comes in either. Why? because it can't harm the system as a whole, just the user's information. Which brings me to point 2:
2. Sure there are trojans and such for *NIX systems too, however due to its secure OS, the most harm that comes of it (from a user POV) is that the user's home directory gets snuffed. And that's what backups are for. You can retore their data. Any malware that the user catches is confined to their home directory, and cannot gain access to the main system files (unpatched systems, for the most part, are excluded - as exploits to this theory exist on every platform). Therefore making viruses, and other malware more contained, and less of a threat to the system as a whole. Windows, however, inherently lets greater access to the system's file structure (which somewhat ties into point 3). If windows had a more secured file structure that containted all malware to the user's directory, then it would make life ALOT easier. But let me ask you this, if a user comes to you and says "I need this software installed to finish my Ph.D., make it so." do you not spend th
ok, didn't think about that :o ...personally I just pay $30 to cover my a$$
...and a magnifying glass :p
but, there is always font size 1
umm how about switching to a more secure OS so you don't have to put up with all that BS.
.net crap >:[
In the past 3 years I have only used linux at home. Never had to worry about viruses, nor spam (yeah, that's right, I averaged 2-3 peices a year), nor spyware (spam maker), nor adware (spam maker), nor web browsing issues (IE security flaws). Now I spend more time cleaning up all this crap then anything cause I have to have a winblows box at home so i can do
Granted I kept the system patched, and used the built in firewall (switched no to yes, how hard is that? Thanks to SuSE for the easy prebuilt firewall). But at least I never had to reinstall my entire OS because a windows update failed (which just happened to my brother yesterday, and I have seen it several other times, too!)
So, no, it is not just about educating users, it is about makeing a more secure system! Windows is crap,when will the world realize this? (I'm not saying linux is the best, just better...every OS has it's problems, but windows just has the most...by far)
BTW 2a is 37cents (the cents symbol didnt appear :o )
Just a note on registering copyright stuff:
1. Last time I checked (in Jan 2003) it only cost about $30, which is very cheap.
2. The government web site also blatently stated that you do not HAVE to register copyrights. But you do need legal proof of the material, which can be obtained via one of two *suggested* methods:
a. print your code and mail it to yourself, do NOT ever open it. This sealed envelope containing your code with the US postal stamp on it is admisable as court evidence (again, provided it is not opened) - cost 37
b. get it notarized - cost ~$2.00
My software company closed their doors the other month, putting 35 poeople out of work, including 12 programmers 1 sys admin and 3 graphics guys. It's been about 7 weeks now, and no one has found work yet. I am searching 4 different states (the one's where i have family/local addresses) with over 45 applications put out. 3 years programming (.NET and Java) and 3 years systems admin (UNIX/NT) and still NOTHING...not even a call or an interview (except for recruiters, which don't count...offering a mere 3 month contract job at 1/2 my old salary...but even then I hear nothing back). I have a Bachelors in Political Science (I know, doesn't count for much) but also and extra 30+ semester hours in Computer Science/Mathematics (Combined, putting me at about 3 years into a CS degree,too).
What is the trick? I am so fustrated. I have tried both project detailed 2 page resumes and 1pg job specific resumes. Neither work. I am really bummed out at this point. Any pointers?
I would like to pose this question, too: If one takes a contract job, when the contract is up, are you eligable for unemployment again?