We tried it once. The number resume's we got was tremendous. The number of them from people with names we could pronounce was about 10. The number of those that we could understand was about 5. The number of those willing to relocate was about 3. The number of those with technical and communcation skills we considered mandatory was about 0.
As someone currently hiring 4 positions, I can offer you this...
Be honest (about downtime in your case especially)
Don't exaggerate your achievements
Stay calm, don't bounce around in your chair
Appear interested and "aware"
Don't say "yeah" or "ok" after every sentence the interviewer says
Smile
Also, I know the IT scene is tough right now, but from the interviewer's perspective, it's hard finding good people too. We typically hire 2 to 4 IT staff each year, and finding good ones is a chore. I wish I had a dollar for every DBA interview candidate I've talked to that couldn't write a simple select statement when asked to. Bear in mind, their resume statement that they were "SQL Experts", or had x years of experience with SQL Server (yes, we're a Microsoft shop).
Either you've got something wrong, or simply don't care for the graphics themselves. Both UT2K3 and UT2K4 look very good, and I'm only running a Radeon 9700 Pro - meaning, not much more GPU power than you.
Helpful Tip:
I use Google Alert for my personal site. I use it to track when other pages link to my site.
Per their About page:
With Google Alert, you can automatically keep track of anything on the web!
Google Alert is the web's leading automated search and web intelligence solution. It runs daily Google searches for you and emails you when new results appear.
Many people use Google Alert to keep track of what the web is saying about them, their interests or projects they are involved in. You can use Google Alert to keep track of any time someone mentions your name on the web. You can also track mentions of your website, your place of work, or your favorite hobby or celebrity -- the uses are limited only by your imagination. Click here for some great search ideas and some useful tips.
The Frequently Asked Questions provide more detailed information about Google Alert.
Selected as BBC's Website of the Day and USA Today's Hot Site, the free Google Alert service enables people in over 120 countries to stay up to date with their interests. Users include journalists, marketers, IT professionals, lawyers, doctors, salespeople, educators, researchers, and government employees.
Click to start using Google Alert right away - it's easy and free!
The reason I go somewhere else to get the tabbed browsing capability, is because that's one of the VERY few things the other browsers offer that IE doesn't. More than likely, the next version of IE will, so I can wait it out.
As for the email, they're spam. Don't click anything in them. I really don't see that as being an issue at all.
I've found a couple of sites that offer.png files, but those are few and far between (as you noted). The only ones I can remember, were one or two utilizing SourceForge.
It's not necessarily the pointing out of weaknesses that makes people like me defensive. It's the repeated unnecessary bashing of issues that would often times be considered features if any *nix distro offered them.
I'm no more pro Microsoft than I am anti Microsoft. I do however use what works best for me, and what I like best. If knowing everything inside and out, and having complete control meant as much as many Linux users claim it does, they'd never buy anything prebuilt. They'd be building their own vehicles, sowing their own clothes, and growing their own food so they'd know EXACTLY what was in everything, since they never trust anyone.
What you don't get is MyIE is just IE with some browsing enhancements. It's the same underlying browser.
Don't have an Aunt Hilda, but Aunt Linda hasn't found it to be an issue either.:) I'd imagine it's because these security holes are exploited by what? Around.0001% of the sites on the net?
What's the percentage of sites actually offering me PNG files? Now, how many offer up JPG's?
Keep using Mozilla, no one's busting your chops to change. Why are a lot of/. readers busting everyone elses to change?
I have a suggestion that's not in the Knowledge Base: don't use IE!"
Flamebait!
As a career developer, and computer hobbyist going back to around 1982 I can assure you, I'm no newbie to PC's. For those of you interested, here's why I and many other people use IE.
Plugins; they install seamlessly, and it supports everything out there. No visiting multiple sites to get one plugin to work.
Are popups an issue? No, the free Google Toolbar eliminates those, and offers other positives as well.
Is security an issue? Not really. I've been on the net a LONG time, and have yet to visit a site that's caught me off guard due to an IE exploit.
What about tabbed browsing? Sure, it's nice. I get that via www.myie2.com. It's a wrapper around IE so that I get the benefits of the IE engine, with popup and content filtering tabbed browsing, and many other nice enhancements. It's also free, check it out.
A lot of these same things transfer to the discussion between using Windows and Linux. Can I do MOST of what I want in Linux? Sure. Linux is EXTREMELY versatile and powerful. Can I do them as easily? Nope. If I screw up in Windows, it's either easy to fix immediately afterwords, or after a quick visit to Safe Mode. In Linux, things are MUCH more involved, and often times to get something to work I'm required to edit text files all over the place.
Gaming is where Linux loses me for sure. I like to play First Person Shooters, and although there are a few out that support Linux, a lot don't. I just purchased a new Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. Not only do the games and software it shipped with not work in Linux, but if I boot into PC Linux 2K4 (LiveCD) I get a loud buzzing sound. Hmmm, I don't get that in Windows with or without installing drivers. Beginning to see my point?
Security holes or not, people will use what's easy, convenient, and full featured if they can fine one item that matches each of those pieces of criteria.
The only reason you think windows is easier is that it was probably installed when you got the computer.
No, actually, I've been building my own computers for years now.
And there is no way you are gonna convice me that installing apps in windows is easier.
Primary problems with the second OS:
I just bought a new scanner, there's no software on the CD for it.
I just bought a new digital camera, there's no software on the CD for it.
I just bought a new MP3 player, there's no software on the CD for it.
I tried installing new video drivers, but something went wrong. Something called X is having problems. I see a black screen
I went to Best Buy, and there are isles of software for Windows, but almost nothing for my operating system.
I think "most people" would include users that fit into the above category, rather than into the category that can do something about each of those "issues".
See my point?
For most people, WinXP, AVG Antivirus (free), and Sygate Personal Firewall (free) add up to a system that's secure enough they'll be safe. Add to that a broadband connection with a router/firewall,and it's highly unlikely they'll get themselves into any trouble outside of online purchases and P2P file trading.
Sure! Just don't forget to read the gazillion-page EULA very carefully;-).
Or, if it were Linux related:
Sure! Just don't forget to read the gazillion-page install procedures very carefully;-).
Linux has a lot to offer, no arguing that. But until it's applications don't require patches from multiple sources, 10 page install instructions, and are easy to undo if something goes wrong (video drivers/settings anyone?) it's gonna remain behind.
About once every 4 months or so I retry a couple Linux distros, only to find out that for the average Windows user, there are still a lot of little things that need work. If I choose a wrong setting with regards to video card/monitor settings, I'm looking at a reinstall. Yeah, I'm sure there's a way to fix it without the wizard/gui, but just throw me into 640x480 at 60hz and let me try again.
It's "little" things like that holding Linux back IMO.
That's more than likely because of your age. In my late teens, I pulled away from gaming quite a bit too. However, now in my 30's (34 in Feb), Married, w/2 children, I play when I get the time. It's a nice way to relieve stress, and the lan parties are still fun. Almost all of us are between 27 and 35 that attend.
I'm also at the point where I can afford the latest technology, so it's nice seeing the benchmarks. The FBucks are interesting, but won't sway my purchasing decision. I typically buy one step below the best, and upgrade when a new tech comes out (GF1 to GF3, etc.).
FWIW, I'm currently running a 2.8Ghz Intel, 1G of Crucial XMS, a R9700 Pro, and an Audigy 2 ZS. Basically, about one step behind the leading edge.
I got my wife a 395t and thought the same thing. They are almost hidden in the package. If you still have it, completely take it apart, and I bet you find 'em.
If you haven't given ATI a shot lately, give 'em a try. I was nVidia only until my 128M Radeon 9700 Pro. Prior to it I'd had a TNT, a TNT2 Ultra, a GF2, and a GF3. Given the "optimizations" nVidia chose on my behalf (sacrifice image quality for speed) I decided to give the 9700 Pro a shot right after it came out. I've been very happy, and have had no issues to date. I'm running WinXP though, so if you are running Linux, I can't really speak for the driver support there.
"WINE is not part of Linux, dipshit."
Eat shit. Why do Linux users take everything so personally?
WINE is for Linux to run Windows software. It exists because there aren't good Linux alternatives to popular Windows applications.
Exactly. In addtion to that list, off the top of my head, how about:
GetRight
Ulead Video Studio
Nero
Partition Magic
Drive Image
Ghost
Any new popular games
and for good free software:
Performanced tuned drivers (video, etc.)
SmartFTP
UltimateZip
iDisk
AVG Antivirus
Sygate Personal Firewall
Google Toolbar
SpyBot
Ad Aware
Skype
Motherboard Monitor
3DMark 2003
WinAmp
Diskeeper Lite
The list goes on and on.
Slashdot Mirror
We tried it once. The number resume's we got was tremendous. The number of them from people with names we could pronounce was about 10. The number of those that we could understand was about 5. The number of those willing to relocate was about 3. The number of those with technical and communcation skills we considered mandatory was about 0.
As someone currently hiring 4 positions, I can offer you this...
Be honest (about downtime in your case especially)
Don't exaggerate your achievements
Stay calm, don't bounce around in your chair
Appear interested and "aware"
Don't say "yeah" or "ok" after every sentence the interviewer says
Smile
Also, I know the IT scene is tough right now, but from the interviewer's perspective, it's hard finding good people too. We typically hire 2 to 4 IT staff each year, and finding good ones is a chore. I wish I had a dollar for every DBA interview candidate I've talked to that couldn't write a simple select statement when asked to. Bear in mind, their resume statement that they were "SQL Experts", or had x years of experience with SQL Server (yes, we're a Microsoft shop).
Off Topic? I was pointing him to a faster hard drive to eliminate his troubles. Nice modding. *shaking head*
I just got a new 7200RPM HD from NewEgg and it made a world of difference.
The Linux client will ship with the Windows client.
Either you've got something wrong, or simply don't care for the graphics themselves. Both UT2K3 and UT2K4 look very good, and I'm only running a Radeon 9700 Pro - meaning, not much more GPU power than you.
ROFL
Helpful Tip:
I use Google Alert for my personal site. I use it to track when other pages link to my site.
Per their About page:
With Google Alert, you can automatically keep track of anything on the web! Google Alert is the web's leading automated search and web intelligence solution. It runs daily Google searches for you and emails you when new results appear. Many people use Google Alert to keep track of what the web is saying about them, their interests or projects they are involved in. You can use Google Alert to keep track of any time someone mentions your name on the web. You can also track mentions of your website, your place of work, or your favorite hobby or celebrity -- the uses are limited only by your imagination. Click here for some great search ideas and some useful tips. The Frequently Asked Questions provide more detailed information about Google Alert. Selected as BBC's Website of the Day and USA Today's Hot Site, the free Google Alert service enables people in over 120 countries to stay up to date with their interests. Users include journalists, marketers, IT professionals, lawyers, doctors, salespeople, educators, researchers, and government employees. Click to start using Google Alert right away - it's easy and free!
The reason I go somewhere else to get the tabbed browsing capability, is because that's one of the VERY few things the other browsers offer that IE doesn't. More than likely, the next version of IE will, so I can wait it out.
.png files, but those are few and far between (as you noted). The only ones I can remember, were one or two utilizing SourceForge.
As for the email, they're spam. Don't click anything in them. I really don't see that as being an issue at all.
I've found a couple of sites that offer
It's not necessarily the pointing out of weaknesses that makes people like me defensive. It's the repeated unnecessary bashing of issues that would often times be considered features if any *nix distro offered them.
I'm no more pro Microsoft than I am anti Microsoft. I do however use what works best for me, and what I like best. If knowing everything inside and out, and having complete control meant as much as many Linux users claim it does, they'd never buy anything prebuilt. They'd be building their own vehicles, sowing their own clothes, and growing their own food so they'd know EXACTLY what was in everything, since they never trust anyone.
I didn't know my 5yr old neighbor read /. Hello Johnny
What you don't get is MyIE is just IE with some browsing enhancements. It's the same underlying browser.
:) I'd imagine it's because these security holes are exploited by what? Around .0001% of the sites on the net?
/. readers busting everyone elses to change?
Don't have an Aunt Hilda, but Aunt Linda hasn't found it to be an issue either.
What's the percentage of sites actually offering me PNG files? Now, how many offer up JPG's?
Keep using Mozilla, no one's busting your chops to change. Why are a lot of
Flamebait!
As a career developer, and computer hobbyist going back to around 1982 I can assure you, I'm no newbie to PC's. For those of you interested, here's why I and many other people use IE.
Plugins; they install seamlessly, and it supports everything out there. No visiting multiple sites to get one plugin to work.
Are popups an issue? No, the free Google Toolbar eliminates those, and offers other positives as well.
Is security an issue? Not really. I've been on the net a LONG time, and have yet to visit a site that's caught me off guard due to an IE exploit.
What about tabbed browsing? Sure, it's nice. I get that via www.myie2.com. It's a wrapper around IE so that I get the benefits of the IE engine, with popup and content filtering tabbed browsing, and many other nice enhancements. It's also free, check it out.
A lot of these same things transfer to the discussion between using Windows and Linux. Can I do MOST of what I want in Linux? Sure. Linux is EXTREMELY versatile and powerful. Can I do them as easily? Nope. If I screw up in Windows, it's either easy to fix immediately afterwords, or after a quick visit to Safe Mode. In Linux, things are MUCH more involved, and often times to get something to work I'm required to edit text files all over the place.
Gaming is where Linux loses me for sure. I like to play First Person Shooters, and although there are a few out that support Linux, a lot don't. I just purchased a new Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. Not only do the games and software it shipped with not work in Linux, but if I boot into PC Linux 2K4 (LiveCD) I get a loud buzzing sound. Hmmm, I don't get that in Windows with or without installing drivers. Beginning to see my point?
Security holes or not, people will use what's easy, convenient, and full featured if they can fine one item that matches each of those pieces of criteria.
I apologize for running on.
The only reason you think windows is easier is that it was probably installed when you got the computer.
No, actually, I've been building my own computers for years now. And there is no way you are gonna convice me that installing apps in windows is easier.
Then I won't try.
Ok, let's be honest.
Primary problems with the second OS:
I just bought a new scanner, there's no software on the CD for it.
I just bought a new digital camera, there's no software on the CD for it.
I just bought a new MP3 player, there's no software on the CD for it.
I tried installing new video drivers, but something went wrong. Something called X is having problems. I see a black screen
I went to Best Buy, and there are isles of software for Windows, but almost nothing for my operating system.
I think "most people" would include users that fit into the above category, rather than into the category that can do something about each of those "issues".
See my point?
For most people, WinXP, AVG Antivirus (free), and Sygate Personal Firewall (free) add up to a system that's secure enough they'll be safe. Add to that a broadband connection with a router/firewall,and it's highly unlikely they'll get themselves into any trouble outside of online purchases and P2P file trading.
I know I'll probably get trolled for this, but...
;-).
;-).
Sure! Just don't forget to read the gazillion-page EULA very carefully
Or, if it were Linux related:
Sure! Just don't forget to read the gazillion-page install procedures very carefully
Linux has a lot to offer, no arguing that. But until it's applications don't require patches from multiple sources, 10 page install instructions, and are easy to undo if something goes wrong (video drivers/settings anyone?) it's gonna remain behind. About once every 4 months or so I retry a couple Linux distros, only to find out that for the average Windows user, there are still a lot of little things that need work. If I choose a wrong setting with regards to video card/monitor settings, I'm looking at a reinstall. Yeah, I'm sure there's a way to fix it without the wizard/gui, but just throw me into 640x480 at 60hz and let me try again. It's "little" things like that holding Linux back IMO.
Re: flamebait I was simply offering the full version of the signature of my parent poster. No insults intended.
Those who can, do. Those who can't, consult. Those who can't consult, teach.
Yeah, I've got a celeron 566 that's been running at 933 since the beginning of the 1Ghz days.
:)
They just don't make 'em like they used to.
That's more than likely because of your age. In my late teens, I pulled away from gaming quite a bit too. However, now in my 30's (34 in Feb), Married, w/2 children, I play when I get the time. It's a nice way to relieve stress, and the lan parties are still fun. Almost all of us are between 27 and 35 that attend. I'm also at the point where I can afford the latest technology, so it's nice seeing the benchmarks. The FBucks are interesting, but won't sway my purchasing decision. I typically buy one step below the best, and upgrade when a new tech comes out (GF1 to GF3, etc.). FWIW, I'm currently running a 2.8Ghz Intel, 1G of Crucial XMS, a R9700 Pro, and an Audigy 2 ZS. Basically, about one step behind the leading edge.
I got my wife a 395t and thought the same thing. They are almost hidden in the package. If you still have it, completely take it apart, and I bet you find 'em.
I've got a small form factor pc (AMS Electronics ECube) you can see here
ECube
I play a LOT of UT2K3 and heat hasn't been a problem yet. Maybe the ECube has good cooling?
If you haven't given ATI a shot lately, give 'em a try. I was nVidia only until my 128M Radeon 9700 Pro. Prior to it I'd had a TNT, a TNT2 Ultra, a GF2, and a GF3. Given the "optimizations" nVidia chose on my behalf (sacrifice image quality for speed) I decided to give the 9700 Pro a shot right after it came out. I've been very happy, and have had no issues to date. I'm running WinXP though, so if you are running Linux, I can't really speak for the driver support there.
"WINE is not part of Linux, dipshit." Eat shit. Why do Linux users take everything so personally? WINE is for Linux to run Windows software. It exists because there aren't good Linux alternatives to popular Windows applications.
Remember, you are referring to a 1999 (almost 5yr old) game. Where does Halo run faster? How about UT2K3?
Exactly. In addtion to that list, off the top of my head, how about: GetRight Ulead Video Studio Nero Partition Magic Drive Image Ghost Any new popular games and for good free software: Performanced tuned drivers (video, etc.) SmartFTP UltimateZip iDisk AVG Antivirus Sygate Personal Firewall Google Toolbar SpyBot Ad Aware Skype Motherboard Monitor 3DMark 2003 WinAmp Diskeeper Lite The list goes on and on.