Ya know Ted, on the face of it, this post looks pretty cool. But honestly, this kind of technology evangelism is the reason my mom hates computers. The technologists have over-promised and under-delivered so many times that she's just burned on the whole computing thing. (side note, completely unrelated, I'm getting her a Mac-mini, in the hopes that a simple to use machine will bring her back to the fold).
I have lots of issues with autonomic computing in general (if the system fixes itself, why does it need me?), but that's another discussion. The issue at hand is this: I have a problem now (constant attacks against my systems), and I want my solution now, not some "in the future, this won't be a problem because..." mumbo-jumbo. I've heard the preaching, and I might even be a convert, if the promises ever come true.
I've been holding off on upgrading my iBook to a PowerBook for a number of reasons. One of the holdups was that I currently haul several computers around with me (I'm a security consultant). I love being able to run my open source apps on my mac (nmap, nessus, nikto, etc), but there are some Windows based tools that I use too (SuperScan, LanGuard, MS Baseline Analyzer). I could run those tools in Virtual PC, but if you've used VPC you know why I don't. Moving the PBook to an Intel Architecture will allow me to either dual (or triple) boot a PBook, or run VMWare/VPC at speeds that make it worthwhile. I get to use the tools I need, on a system I like, and carry less equipment.
Maybe this won't bring more Windows users to the Mac side, but it does mean some of the arguments against buying a Mac go away.
Clam AV works fine for me on Panther, but I haven't upgraded yet to Tiger. Then again, the only virused emails I get are from buddies on Windows (Hey Man, is this email attachment a virus?). I can safely open and scan the attachment, and let them know.
To date (12 years in the tech world) I have only once been to a job interview that didn't end with a job offer. Every one of those interviews included questions like "Can you use tool x?", and I have found that most HR guys are actually smart enough to see that if I can use tool y, tool z, and if necessary code my own tool, I can probably handle tool x. The interview is about understanding the company's needs and offering solutions to those needs.
That's not evading or being dishonest, it's showing the interviewer how my skill set is relevant and helpful.
Now our high school graduate applies for a job (with better interview skills)
Can you use Excel?
I can use several spreadsheet programs, and can even develop complex math functions.
Can you use Word?
I have experience with several word processing tools, and can help the company by ensuring that documents transfer well between programs.
Can you use Windows?
I have extensive experience with windows environments and graphical interfaces, and can even use a computer when those interfaces fail.
Slashdot Mirror
Ya know Ted, on the face of it, this post looks pretty cool. But honestly, this kind of technology evangelism is the reason my mom hates computers. The technologists have over-promised and under-delivered so many times that she's just burned on the whole computing thing. (side note, completely unrelated, I'm getting her a Mac-mini, in the hopes that a simple to use machine will bring her back to the fold).
I have lots of issues with autonomic computing in general (if the system fixes itself, why does it need me?), but that's another discussion. The issue at hand is this: I have a problem now (constant attacks against my systems), and I want my solution now, not some "in the future, this won't be a problem because..." mumbo-jumbo. I've heard the preaching, and I might even be a convert, if the promises ever come true.
But Blaster and Sasser both caused me some headaches, and they were all about exploiting the OS.
Now, if we accept the position that IE is part of the OS, then we can really expand the list....
MSBlast ring any bells?
I've been holding off on upgrading my iBook to a PowerBook for a number of reasons. One of the holdups was that I currently haul several computers around with me (I'm a security consultant). I love being able to run my open source apps on my mac (nmap, nessus, nikto, etc), but there are some Windows based tools that I use too (SuperScan, LanGuard, MS Baseline Analyzer). I could run those tools in Virtual PC, but if you've used VPC you know why I don't. Moving the PBook to an Intel Architecture will allow me to either dual (or triple) boot a PBook, or run VMWare/VPC at speeds that make it worthwhile. I get to use the tools I need, on a system I like, and carry less equipment.
Maybe this won't bring more Windows users to the Mac side, but it does mean some of the arguments against buying a Mac go away.
Clam AV works fine for me on Panther, but I haven't upgraded yet to Tiger. Then again, the only virused emails I get are from buddies on Windows (Hey Man, is this email attachment a virus?). I can safely open and scan the attachment, and let them know.
To date (12 years in the tech world) I have only once been to a job interview that didn't end with a job offer. Every one of those interviews included questions like "Can you use tool x?", and I have found that most HR guys are actually smart enough to see that if I can use tool y, tool z, and if necessary code my own tool, I can probably handle tool x. The interview is about understanding the company's needs and offering solutions to those needs.
That's not evading or being dishonest, it's showing the interviewer how my skill set is relevant and helpful.
Now our high school graduate applies for a job (with better interview skills)
Can you use Excel?
I can use several spreadsheet programs, and can even develop complex math functions.
Can you use Word?
I have experience with several word processing tools, and can help the company by ensuring that documents transfer well between programs.
Can you use Windows?
I have extensive experience with windows environments and graphical interfaces, and can even use a computer when those interfaces fail.
Thanks, can you start Monday?