That might not be such a bad place to be. You, and your code, free to explore whatever idea suits your fancy. If you look at the origins of companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, I think you'll agree that you may be more likely to come up with the next "big thing" working from your in-laws' basement than if you tried to fit the cookie cutter into which some companies would try to press you.
...I find the stance taken to prosecute these kids as something that is criminal. I don't condone the behavior, but the kids don't need a rap sheet. These kids need to understand the downside of taking and posting such photos (e.g., they almost never stay private or with the intended recipient). They also need to understand that their real worth and beauty in this world does not come from their naked bodies. Shame on the prosecutors who are making these kids out to be criminal peddlers of child pornography! If they were taking photos of other kids and passing them around, I can see some sanction (a juvenile offense), but this is just rediculous.
How would you feel if you were a parent of one of these kids? They made some stupid choices. We all--to varying degrees--made stupid choices when we were younger. When I was a kid, they just called it "growing up".
Check out small non-profit organizations. Many would benefit from technology help, but often do not have budget funds to make it happen. Sometimes, there will be funds for hardware or software, but not both. Every little bit helps.
Except that there are many examples of getting a service now and paying later. Many services are like that--you get the goods now, but are enrolled in a service that requires an annual fee. Consider cell phones. Most of the time, you can enter into a cell service agreement and walk away with a phone and the first bill doesn't show up for one or two months. In both the case of the cell phone and the for-fee OpenOffice download, there was a legal document that detailed what the future payments would be. The consumer is responsible for reading the fine print.
The courts are constitutional offices. A court can rule that a law is unconstitutional if the law contradicts protections and definitions in the constitution. Once an ammendment is passed, it is treated with the same weight and force as the constitution (by definition, the ammendment adds to the original constitution). On what grounds could the courts side for Google? They certainly cannot cite constitutional grounds, since the ammendment passed.
If the people of California do not like their constitution (as ammended), then they should take steps to repeal that ammendment (re-ammending the constitution).
As a society, we have agreed upon this constitutional form of government. If it is to prevail, we cannot allow the courts to redefine the constitutions of the various states or this nation by simple judicial edict. If we were to allow that, then the courts would have supreme authority in our states and nation, and there would be no checks and balances. As constitutional offices, courts must abide by constitutional writ. Constitutions may be ammended, but that is typically far more difficult that passing a new law.
Is that really a stereotype of Americans--that we all have guns?
I guess I'd like to have a hunting arm, but have never had anyone volunteer to take me hunting, so I've had no need. Besides, I don't need a gun. I have ten kids. If anyone were to break into my house, I'd just yell, "Hey, kids, it's your long-lost uncle Leo! Give him a hug!"
Sure, it may not be a significant departure from Vista, but maybe that's the point. Microsoft announced it early enough (six months after Vista's release) that vendors had a heads up to get their drivers in order before the next Windows flavor du jour is realeased. If it is very close to Vista, the Vista drivers may work under Windows 7, or with only minor modifications. Windows 7, in my opinion, is/was a PR move.
If, to you, "having a real job" means working a Microsoft-only shop, enjoy your job while you still have it. Microsoft has continued to simplify computer and network adminsitration so nearly anyone could do it. Because of that, more and more small to mid-sized companies will start contracting services for computer and network administration instead of paying for their own IT departments. The larger companies may be able to avoid some of the financial pain for now, but the cost of paying Microsoft licensing fees (and other proprietary vendors' licensing fees) is becoming increasingly unacceptable. Whether you want to admit it or not, open source alternatives are increasingly becoming more robust and more feature rich. My company just adopted SugarCRM, abandoning ACT! We were ready to dive into Microsoft Exchange, but the cost of licensing is leading me to seriously consider Zimbra.
It's not that we don't have the money to acquire these specific tools--we're not defaulting to open source solely because we don't want to spend money on technololgy--it is, rather, that we've determined that Microsoft is no longe the only option, and it certainly is not automatically the best value. If I, as an IT manager, can provide technologies and services that meet the needs of our user base while saving tens of thousands of dollars every year by reducing licensing costs, I'm helping our enterprise succeed and remain profitable. Microsoft may continue to dominate for a time, but, unless it is able to realign itself and become more realistic regarding its licensing model (something it has both the financial and human resources to accomplish), it will face an inevetable end.
You make a good point. I didn't even think of it from that angle. I can't imagine any school district would tolerate a physical education teacher telling students that they will lose points if they don't wear Nike shoes (of course, on the football field it is a completely different and disgusting story).
If you don't get anywhere with the teacher, you should definately ask the school board to put the topic on your agenda. Formatting instructions should only go so far as to specify point size and font type (i.e., serif, sans-serif). If truly concerned about variances in font size or style, the teacher should distribute an example paragraph that shows the basic font style, line spacing, etc. Minor variances should only bother power-hungry, small-minded individuals who are concerned more about form than they are about substance.
Now, if the students were submitting something for publication (some in-school publication that would not require electronic submission), I can see violating exact formatting specifications being a disqualifier, but that should be handled seperately than any grading that should be examining the student's writing, logic, grammar, and syntax, with only a fraction of points hinging on format.
GM? That means you were the game master for your student group's favorite RPG, right? Slick move putting that on the resume. Everyone will think you meant "general manager" or something like that.
If your folks give you a cute, furry, long-nosed mammal, they may have just taken out a large life insurance policy on you and may have plans to retire in the Caymans.
How to convince her??? Just agree to be her personal slave for the rest of your life. You'll get your video card, but you'll never have time to use it (unless she has you online, putting swimsuits on her 3D virtual model)!
I think they're relying on the lower ambient temperature of the surrounding soil to help minimize heat issues--the way a heat pump does it.
I'd be all for having one burried in my back yard. At least, if I ask to have one installed, my neighbors may be more willing to let me have my milk cow and chicken coop--they'll seem like gold-plated street signs compared to the thought of my kids having access to both shovels and a nuclear generator!
Do you forget the shape of a finger? Unless you've had a catastrophic accident with a snowblower (as did my father), the shape of the finger is such that a gentle touch can easily hit a small target. We're not talking about pressing the entire finger pad onto the surface of the touchscreen.
Until they own the machines, they need to be kept according to company standards. To make it easy on yourself, use the same list of blocked or allowed traffic that you currently use for other computer in the school system. The student agreement should note and acknowledge that there will be some personal use of the machines, but that they are intended for educational purposes only for as long as they are school-owned (i.e., any time prior to the buyout).
You can't leave the machines too open, or you will end up with a potential support nightmare on your hands. Of course, you can get around that by requiring that the first step for troubleshooting/fixing any student PC is to rebuild the machine's OS install. It might even serve as a deterrent.
If you were in a private company, you would never be so concerned about this issue. They are school owned machines and need to be treated as such. Once the students own them, they may do as they please. If some oppose your seemingly draconian ways, just let them know that you are preparing the students for service under their Corporate Overlords, and that your PC use agreement is comparable to what would be expected of them in any business.
It's still possible, but it may take a while
on
IT Job Without a Degree?
·
· Score: 2, Informative
It is still possible, but it might take a while to obtain. The gatekeepers use the degree requirement as a way to weed through the multitude of applicants they get. They figure that a degree (in almost anything) shows that the applicant is able to apply him-/herself for at least four years. While I'll agree with many who say degrees are overrated, I will say this: they tell me that the applicant should have a basic body of knowledge. Experience is what lets us take book knowledge and make it work in the enterprise, so I'll favor experience any day. Sadly, I've seen both degreed and experienced people who simply can't make things happen in an enterprise. I'll assume you wouldn't fall into that categeory.
Unless you are well connected (a good network), it will be difficult to jump into a sysadmin position without a degree or significant prior experience. You may need to start in an entry level job and pray that you move through the ranks quickly. Alternately, and perhaps a better way for the enthusiast, would be to document all of the significant projects on which you've worked, and then seek out volunteer positions with non-profits. The non-profits will (most often) be more concerned about your skills, and since you won't be paid, they have less to lose in taking a chance on a non-degreed person. The non-profits will then give you those experience items on your resume (like a list of jobs--people perspective employers may call for references).
In any case, be sure to structure your resume to focus on your technical expertise, rather than your employment history. Start with a list of major projects and IT skills, then employment history, and finally education (if you have any degrees or certifications of any type). When preparing to interview, be sure to have stories and illustrations ready that demonstrate your level of skill, and the complexity of the environments in which you have served.
I landed my first two full-time IT gigs without a degree, but I started in support positions. Over time, I went back to school and earned a degree (in business management with an IT emphasis), mostly as a "just in case" degree--in case I ever needed to apply for another job, since degrees were starting to become a litmus test. In time, that degree served me well, and helped me to parley my way into some better positions.
Now, after the spider is bombarded with cosmic radiation, it makes its way back to planet Earth where it either joins Reid Richards and his team of do-gooders, or it goes on to become the newest super-villain to ever face the Fantastic Four!!!
I can't wait for the episode where our new villian tries to sink its fangs into The Ever-lovin' Thing!
Slashdot Mirror
That might not be such a bad place to be. You, and your code, free to explore whatever idea suits your fancy. If you look at the origins of companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, I think you'll agree that you may be more likely to come up with the next "big thing" working from your in-laws' basement than if you tried to fit the cookie cutter into which some companies would try to press you.
This really ads new meaning to the term "kill switch."
...I find the stance taken to prosecute these kids as something that is criminal. I don't condone the behavior, but the kids don't need a rap sheet. These kids need to understand the downside of taking and posting such photos (e.g., they almost never stay private or with the intended recipient). They also need to understand that their real worth and beauty in this world does not come from their naked bodies. Shame on the prosecutors who are making these kids out to be criminal peddlers of child pornography! If they were taking photos of other kids and passing them around, I can see some sanction (a juvenile offense), but this is just rediculous.
How would you feel if you were a parent of one of these kids? They made some stupid choices. We all--to varying degrees--made stupid choices when we were younger. When I was a kid, they just called it "growing up".
Check out small non-profit organizations. Many would benefit from technology help, but often do not have budget funds to make it happen. Sometimes, there will be funds for hardware or software, but not both. Every little bit helps.
At least, while at sea, you can always throw a line into the water and hope to catch some food.
But what in the U.S. Constitution is blatantly against the change to the California constitution?
Paraphrasing: those powers not expressly provided to the Federal government are reserved for the States and the People.
Except that there are many examples of getting a service now and paying later. Many services are like that--you get the goods now, but are enrolled in a service that requires an annual fee. Consider cell phones. Most of the time, you can enter into a cell service agreement and walk away with a phone and the first bill doesn't show up for one or two months. In both the case of the cell phone and the for-fee OpenOffice download, there was a legal document that detailed what the future payments would be. The consumer is responsible for reading the fine print.
The courts are constitutional offices. A court can rule that a law is unconstitutional if the law contradicts protections and definitions in the constitution. Once an ammendment is passed, it is treated with the same weight and force as the constitution (by definition, the ammendment adds to the original constitution). On what grounds could the courts side for Google? They certainly cannot cite constitutional grounds, since the ammendment passed.
If the people of California do not like their constitution (as ammended), then they should take steps to repeal that ammendment (re-ammending the constitution).
As a society, we have agreed upon this constitutional form of government. If it is to prevail, we cannot allow the courts to redefine the constitutions of the various states or this nation by simple judicial edict. If we were to allow that, then the courts would have supreme authority in our states and nation, and there would be no checks and balances. As constitutional offices, courts must abide by constitutional writ. Constitutions may be ammended, but that is typically far more difficult that passing a new law.
If the terms were disclosed in the agreement, then it will not be considered wite fraud.
Caveat emptor.
I think I did--no "Submit" button. Clicking the button at the bottom of the screen seemed to treat my comments like a search.
Is that really a stereotype of Americans--that we all have guns?
I guess I'd like to have a hunting arm, but have never had anyone volunteer to take me hunting, so I've had no need. Besides, I don't need a gun. I have ten kids. If anyone were to break into my house, I'd just yell, "Hey, kids, it's your long-lost uncle Leo! Give him a hug!"
LOL--"do not abbreviate anything. Ever." Read your "sig" lately?
Thanks! Great link. I stand corrected on Zimbra.
Sure, it may not be a significant departure from Vista, but maybe that's the point. Microsoft announced it early enough (six months after Vista's release) that vendors had a heads up to get their drivers in order before the next Windows flavor du jour is realeased. If it is very close to Vista, the Vista drivers may work under Windows 7, or with only minor modifications. Windows 7, in my opinion, is/was a PR move.
If, to you, "having a real job" means working a Microsoft-only shop, enjoy your job while you still have it. Microsoft has continued to simplify computer and network adminsitration so nearly anyone could do it. Because of that, more and more small to mid-sized companies will start contracting services for computer and network administration instead of paying for their own IT departments. The larger companies may be able to avoid some of the financial pain for now, but the cost of paying Microsoft licensing fees (and other proprietary vendors' licensing fees) is becoming increasingly unacceptable. Whether you want to admit it or not, open source alternatives are increasingly becoming more robust and more feature rich. My company just adopted SugarCRM, abandoning ACT! We were ready to dive into Microsoft Exchange, but the cost of licensing is leading me to seriously consider Zimbra.
It's not that we don't have the money to acquire these specific tools--we're not defaulting to open source solely because we don't want to spend money on technololgy--it is, rather, that we've determined that Microsoft is no longe the only option, and it certainly is not automatically the best value. If I, as an IT manager, can provide technologies and services that meet the needs of our user base while saving tens of thousands of dollars every year by reducing licensing costs, I'm helping our enterprise succeed and remain profitable. Microsoft may continue to dominate for a time, but, unless it is able to realign itself and become more realistic regarding its licensing model (something it has both the financial and human resources to accomplish), it will face an inevetable end.
You make a good point. I didn't even think of it from that angle. I can't imagine any school district would tolerate a physical education teacher telling students that they will lose points if they don't wear Nike shoes (of course, on the football field it is a completely different and disgusting story).
If you don't get anywhere with the teacher, you should definately ask the school board to put the topic on your agenda. Formatting instructions should only go so far as to specify point size and font type (i.e., serif, sans-serif). If truly concerned about variances in font size or style, the teacher should distribute an example paragraph that shows the basic font style, line spacing, etc. Minor variances should only bother power-hungry, small-minded individuals who are concerned more about form than they are about substance.
Now, if the students were submitting something for publication (some in-school publication that would not require electronic submission), I can see violating exact formatting specifications being a disqualifier, but that should be handled seperately than any grading that should be examining the student's writing, logic, grammar, and syntax, with only a fraction of points hinging on format.
GM? That means you were the game master for your student group's favorite RPG, right? Slick move putting that on the resume. Everyone will think you meant "general manager" or something like that.
If your folks give you a cute, furry, long-nosed mammal, they may have just taken out a large life insurance policy on you and may have plans to retire in the Caymans.
How to convince her??? Just agree to be her personal slave for the rest of your life. You'll get your video card, but you'll never have time to use it (unless she has you online, putting swimsuits on her 3D virtual model)!
I think they're relying on the lower ambient temperature of the surrounding soil to help minimize heat issues--the way a heat pump does it.
I'd be all for having one burried in my back yard. At least, if I ask to have one installed, my neighbors may be more willing to let me have my milk cow and chicken coop--they'll seem like gold-plated street signs compared to the thought of my kids having access to both shovels and a nuclear generator!
Do you forget the shape of a finger? Unless you've had a catastrophic accident with a snowblower (as did my father), the shape of the finger is such that a gentle touch can easily hit a small target. We're not talking about pressing the entire finger pad onto the surface of the touchscreen.
Until they own the machines, they need to be kept according to company standards. To make it easy on yourself, use the same list of blocked or allowed traffic that you currently use for other computer in the school system. The student agreement should note and acknowledge that there will be some personal use of the machines, but that they are intended for educational purposes only for as long as they are school-owned (i.e., any time prior to the buyout).
You can't leave the machines too open, or you will end up with a potential support nightmare on your hands. Of course, you can get around that by requiring that the first step for troubleshooting/fixing any student PC is to rebuild the machine's OS install. It might even serve as a deterrent.
If you were in a private company, you would never be so concerned about this issue. They are school owned machines and need to be treated as such. Once the students own them, they may do as they please. If some oppose your seemingly draconian ways, just let them know that you are preparing the students for service under their Corporate Overlords, and that your PC use agreement is comparable to what would be expected of them in any business.
It is still possible, but it might take a while to obtain. The gatekeepers use the degree requirement as a way to weed through the multitude of applicants they get. They figure that a degree (in almost anything) shows that the applicant is able to apply him-/herself for at least four years. While I'll agree with many who say degrees are overrated, I will say this: they tell me that the applicant should have a basic body of knowledge. Experience is what lets us take book knowledge and make it work in the enterprise, so I'll favor experience any day. Sadly, I've seen both degreed and experienced people who simply can't make things happen in an enterprise. I'll assume you wouldn't fall into that categeory.
Unless you are well connected (a good network), it will be difficult to jump into a sysadmin position without a degree or significant prior experience. You may need to start in an entry level job and pray that you move through the ranks quickly. Alternately, and perhaps a better way for the enthusiast, would be to document all of the significant projects on which you've worked, and then seek out volunteer positions with non-profits. The non-profits will (most often) be more concerned about your skills, and since you won't be paid, they have less to lose in taking a chance on a non-degreed person. The non-profits will then give you those experience items on your resume (like a list of jobs--people perspective employers may call for references).
In any case, be sure to structure your resume to focus on your technical expertise, rather than your employment history. Start with a list of major projects and IT skills, then employment history, and finally education (if you have any degrees or certifications of any type). When preparing to interview, be sure to have stories and illustrations ready that demonstrate your level of skill, and the complexity of the environments in which you have served.
I landed my first two full-time IT gigs without a degree, but I started in support positions. Over time, I went back to school and earned a degree (in business management with an IT emphasis), mostly as a "just in case" degree--in case I ever needed to apply for another job, since degrees were starting to become a litmus test. In time, that degree served me well, and helped me to parley my way into some better positions.
So, it can be done, but it can be a long road.
Now, after the spider is bombarded with cosmic radiation, it makes its way back to planet Earth where it either joins Reid Richards and his team of do-gooders, or it goes on to become the newest super-villain to ever face the Fantastic Four!!!
I can't wait for the episode where our new villian tries to sink its fangs into The Ever-lovin' Thing!