So I've been in corporate life for 18 months and to be honest, I'm really enjoying it. There is a dynamic that a person can thrive on and it's exciting as a young person in the business world. With that in mind, I've realized my thoughts on so many concepts over the past year and a half have gone unpublished.
For one, Microsoft doesn't seem like the big bad wolf anymore (respectfully disregarding Dick Brass's opinion). The release of Windows 7 has turned a debacle of a product that was Vista into something worth enjoying. The environment works well with old and new programs, what more could an IT person ask for? How about an easily adaptable virtual environment with networking that actually works? Excellent!
Secondly, e-readers have taken off. Books have held a special place in my life since I picked up my first picture book as a younger child. In college, the passion continued right into my major, but the cost to keep up with my literary fetish was unreal. Along came Christmas and a wonderful addition to my life: an Amazon Kindle! Double digits in the number of books read, the addition of books and a very handy syncing feature between the Kindle, my Blackberry and my Apple iPod Touch (1st generation Mr. Jobs). Regardless of where I am, I can always access my books and everything stays in sync. Nice work Amazon.
The final piece for this entry: I need to stay focused with this blog and bring back my readers. To my current readers, spread the news and let me know what you would like me to elaborate on and explore more. To my future readers, I hope I can keep you interested in what I have to say without coming across like a preaching IT know it all. There are already enough of those blogs on the web. My thought is that people need to know and understand technology if they plan to stay safe and be educated in an ever-changing environment. That is my intention with this site.
Have a great day and, as always, let me know what you think.
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Fresh Start
So it's official. I've graduated from college and now I can start writing in my blog again. I must apologize to all of my readers and subscribers for not updating in several weeks, but I will begin to do so on more regular basis now.
I've taken the summer to enjoy a little downtime and search for a job. My passion for IT is pushing me towards that field, but my major seems to be something of a dilemma. With an English degree, it appears as though my credibility is questioned quite frequently.
Who would have guessed???
It does not matter if I have two years of paid, well trained experience. The degree is key and with the economy in the current state, a recent college grad is left to search, call on connections and be willing to work. I AM ALL OF THESE!
This all is due to the fact that the majority of what I know is self taught and the simple idea that my IT skill is not only justified by my technological knowledge, but by the simple fact that I can communicate the most complex systems to individuals of varying technological knowledge. My English degree assists me well in this category.
If anyone has any recommendations, leads or connections for a recent college grad trying to get into IT, let me know. I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks and have a great day!
I've taken the summer to enjoy a little downtime and search for a job. My passion for IT is pushing me towards that field, but my major seems to be something of a dilemma. With an English degree, it appears as though my credibility is questioned quite frequently.
Who would have guessed???
It does not matter if I have two years of paid, well trained experience. The degree is key and with the economy in the current state, a recent college grad is left to search, call on connections and be willing to work. I AM ALL OF THESE!
This all is due to the fact that the majority of what I know is self taught and the simple idea that my IT skill is not only justified by my technological knowledge, but by the simple fact that I can communicate the most complex systems to individuals of varying technological knowledge. My English degree assists me well in this category.
If anyone has any recommendations, leads or connections for a recent college grad trying to get into IT, let me know. I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks and have a great day!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Idiot IT Guy in Everyone
Everyone that has been reading my blog for the past year already knows that I have a passion for IT, technology and life in general. I work for the university that I will be graduating from in May and love my IT position.
Knowing that my position needs a replacement in the upcoming months, my supervisor has asked that if I know of anyone that has some potential as a social IT person that I mention that the position is opening up. Well today, I thought I found someone! And then I realized I was COMPLETELY WRONG!
I was working with some corrupt files for a professor and one of the professor's students was sitting in the office working out some test questions. I began my work and came to realize that only a small percentage of the files were corrupt and that it would be nearly impossible to undo the corruption farther than I had already done. The kid in the room chimes in asking if I've tried this procedure and that procedure and I've informed him that I have. I was impressed that he knew the correct procedure and began to inquire into if he was interested in the position that would be opening up. He seemed interested and then he hit me with a load of information that told me he was either way "overqualified" or a complete dumb @ss!!! (I'm going with option 2. Alex)
He mentioned that he was kicked out of two other schools for hacking (I'm going to call B.S. on this one). He also made the offer to "provide" several expensive applications at the cost of...wait for it...free! Hmm...I wonder where and how he was going to do that? Anyone?
This brings me to my point: This kid has learned nothing while in college. If he had been kicked out of school TWICE for hacking, then he shouldn't be at my university in the first place. He should be sitting on a black hat list. Just because you know how to run a BitTorrent to download programs files does not qualify you as a hacker or even a great computer user.
It seems as though there are individuals who know what they are doing and then there are individuals who think they know what they are doing. You either are or are not someone that truly has a passion for IT.
It's not for everyone.
I have a passion the runs deep and I truly want to be able to fix, learn and teach/translate everything to do with computers to everyone that is willing to learn and adapt.
Everyone functions on different skill levels. It's the people, like this kid, that think they know everything there is to know, in a field where the knowledge base grows at an exponential rate, that basically screw up how the IT world works.
Learn and keep learning! Don't brag! The majority of people simply use the computer and expect it to work. Then there is the small percentage of IT people, like me, who work IT and try to make sure that we can understand and fix Anything and Everything that becomes a problem on a computer.
True wisdom comes from the person that can admit that they do not know EVERYTHING!
To the moron I met today: I work as an internal computer consultant and ensure that all network and computer systems are functioning at the level that my clients need. Don't play devil's advocate and bad/dumb @ss to make yourself look good!
You turned into a fool in my book.
Have a great day and let me know what you think.
Knowing that my position needs a replacement in the upcoming months, my supervisor has asked that if I know of anyone that has some potential as a social IT person that I mention that the position is opening up. Well today, I thought I found someone! And then I realized I was COMPLETELY WRONG!
I was working with some corrupt files for a professor and one of the professor's students was sitting in the office working out some test questions. I began my work and came to realize that only a small percentage of the files were corrupt and that it would be nearly impossible to undo the corruption farther than I had already done. The kid in the room chimes in asking if I've tried this procedure and that procedure and I've informed him that I have. I was impressed that he knew the correct procedure and began to inquire into if he was interested in the position that would be opening up. He seemed interested and then he hit me with a load of information that told me he was either way "overqualified" or a complete dumb @ss!!! (I'm going with option 2. Alex)
He mentioned that he was kicked out of two other schools for hacking (I'm going to call B.S. on this one). He also made the offer to "provide" several expensive applications at the cost of...wait for it...free! Hmm...I wonder where and how he was going to do that? Anyone?
This brings me to my point: This kid has learned nothing while in college. If he had been kicked out of school TWICE for hacking, then he shouldn't be at my university in the first place. He should be sitting on a black hat list. Just because you know how to run a BitTorrent to download programs files does not qualify you as a hacker or even a great computer user.
It seems as though there are individuals who know what they are doing and then there are individuals who think they know what they are doing. You either are or are not someone that truly has a passion for IT.
It's not for everyone.
I have a passion the runs deep and I truly want to be able to fix, learn and teach/translate everything to do with computers to everyone that is willing to learn and adapt.
Everyone functions on different skill levels. It's the people, like this kid, that think they know everything there is to know, in a field where the knowledge base grows at an exponential rate, that basically screw up how the IT world works.
Learn and keep learning! Don't brag! The majority of people simply use the computer and expect it to work. Then there is the small percentage of IT people, like me, who work IT and try to make sure that we can understand and fix Anything and Everything that becomes a problem on a computer.
True wisdom comes from the person that can admit that they do not know EVERYTHING!
To the moron I met today: I work as an internal computer consultant and ensure that all network and computer systems are functioning at the level that my clients need. Don't play devil's advocate and bad/dumb @ss to make yourself look good!
You turned into a fool in my book.
Have a great day and let me know what you think.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Stealth Microsoft Updates...Big Deal!
It's been all over the technology news article in the past day. Microsoft has been updating your system even if you don't want it to. Bloggers and professional journalists alike are complaining that this is an invasion of privacy and is unethical in regards to what a company should be doing for the user.
Guess what? It's not an invasion of privacy! Guess what? It's not unethical!
When you buy a product from Microsoft, you are simply buying the rights to use that product. That is why when you buy a copy of Microsoft Office, XP, Vista or Server, you are usually given a certain number of copies that can be distributed among computers you own.
Ranging from one copy to enterprise editions, these products are there for you to utilize and increase your productivity. So what is the problem with stealth updates?
I can understand if you are an IT professional that runs images or test machinery that is meant to check on limitations and run diagnostics. The last thing you want is to have updates running in the background and you not knowing about it. But if you work in IT, shouldn't you know that you have options? Scott Gilbertson of Compiler, a blog on Wired.com, states it quite well by saying make sure you hit the "NEVER" option on updates.
So before you complain and worry about this "stealth update uphevel" that is being spread, think about it. Your personal information isn't being consumed and distributed to third party companies by Microsoft. You are simply getting updates that they feel is necessary to run Windows effectively.
I'm not a Microsoft clone and most of the time, my issues only run with Microsoft products, but this particular issue requires thought and common sense. You don't own the Microsoft product, you own the rights to use it and Microsoft still reserves the right to update it if necessary.
I could be wrong. PROVE IT!
Have a great day!
Guess what? It's not an invasion of privacy! Guess what? It's not unethical!
When you buy a product from Microsoft, you are simply buying the rights to use that product. That is why when you buy a copy of Microsoft Office, XP, Vista or Server, you are usually given a certain number of copies that can be distributed among computers you own.
Ranging from one copy to enterprise editions, these products are there for you to utilize and increase your productivity. So what is the problem with stealth updates?
I can understand if you are an IT professional that runs images or test machinery that is meant to check on limitations and run diagnostics. The last thing you want is to have updates running in the background and you not knowing about it. But if you work in IT, shouldn't you know that you have options? Scott Gilbertson of Compiler, a blog on Wired.com, states it quite well by saying make sure you hit the "NEVER" option on updates.
So before you complain and worry about this "stealth update uphevel" that is being spread, think about it. Your personal information isn't being consumed and distributed to third party companies by Microsoft. You are simply getting updates that they feel is necessary to run Windows effectively.
I'm not a Microsoft clone and most of the time, my issues only run with Microsoft products, but this particular issue requires thought and common sense. You don't own the Microsoft product, you own the rights to use it and Microsoft still reserves the right to update it if necessary.
I could be wrong. PROVE IT!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Back To School Computers and Some Recognition
The days are incredibly hot and becoming increasing shorter. This can only mean one thing: It's time school to start!
Woohoo and Boo at the same time! Great for the fact that it's time to get back to some mentally stimulating work and boo for the fact that this is the last year for me and the boring classes that seem to consume a lot of time are right around the corner.
For those who are going to be sending kids to college or private schools or who are just looking because their children are begging for a computer of their own; I have some suggestions.
Warning!: First of all, figure out how responsible your child is. If they are careful with their possessions and seem to be on the go all the time; buy a laptop. If they don't fit those two qualities, stick with a desktop because you'll thank yourself a few months down the road.
The only reason for that warning is the fact that laptops can be dropped, stolen, misplaced and spilled on and if any of those happen, life for that computer will cease to exist. A desktop is a bit harder to move, pretty hard to be stolen or misplaced and if a keyboard is spilled on, it can be replaced for a very reasonable price. Warranty plans only cover so much unless you spend extra at companies like Dell for a CompleteCare program.
#1. After you've decided on what kind of computer, pick a brand and budget that works for you. Good laptops for a decent price come from companies like HP, Gateway and Toshiba. The warranties are decent, the computers are good for everyday use and it's hard to beat the $500-900 price tag on one of these laptops. If your student is into design and graphics and overall great appearance, buy a Mac. Remember to apply the desktop/laptop warning above as these computers start $900 and go up quickly! If you are into gaming and lots of modification options, try Dell and use the same warning again and the price range fluxuates as you modify.
BIG NOTE: Almost every university has an agreement with Dell and Apple and sometimes the others companies. Just click on the student area of the websites and you will be asked to select your school and you should recieve a very good discount on almost all products!
#2. The specs! All computers, excluding Mac's, have a standard that should be followed. Desktops should have at least:
-2-3 GB of RAM
-2.0 Ghz Dual Core Processor
-200 GB Hard Drive
-128 bit video card
-if possible, Windows XP.
(This addition will be taken differently but XP has a stronger following and is supported completely by most universities whereas Vista is still in a building block stage.) If you have to pick Vista, choose Home Premium.
For laptops, the same specs would be nice but the price will increase with this kind of setup so at least:
-2 GB of RAM
-150 GB Hard drive
-same processor
-same video card
-same Windows system.
And Mac's require the same thing but the RAM is a little smaller because of faster processors.
That's the small amount of information. Keep in mind that this is coming from a university IT guy and I would rather have students with computers that can adapt over four years rather than fail after four months!
I have one more quick thing. If you like my blog, you will definately like this new blog I've found about tech, programming and books. Have a look at Mega Voltage! I can only hope this blog develops like is has started: wonderfully!
Enjoy and have a great day!
Woohoo and Boo at the same time! Great for the fact that it's time to get back to some mentally stimulating work and boo for the fact that this is the last year for me and the boring classes that seem to consume a lot of time are right around the corner.
For those who are going to be sending kids to college or private schools or who are just looking because their children are begging for a computer of their own; I have some suggestions.
Warning!: First of all, figure out how responsible your child is. If they are careful with their possessions and seem to be on the go all the time; buy a laptop. If they don't fit those two qualities, stick with a desktop because you'll thank yourself a few months down the road.
The only reason for that warning is the fact that laptops can be dropped, stolen, misplaced and spilled on and if any of those happen, life for that computer will cease to exist. A desktop is a bit harder to move, pretty hard to be stolen or misplaced and if a keyboard is spilled on, it can be replaced for a very reasonable price. Warranty plans only cover so much unless you spend extra at companies like Dell for a CompleteCare program.
#1. After you've decided on what kind of computer, pick a brand and budget that works for you. Good laptops for a decent price come from companies like HP, Gateway and Toshiba. The warranties are decent, the computers are good for everyday use and it's hard to beat the $500-900 price tag on one of these laptops. If your student is into design and graphics and overall great appearance, buy a Mac. Remember to apply the desktop/laptop warning above as these computers start $900 and go up quickly! If you are into gaming and lots of modification options, try Dell and use the same warning again and the price range fluxuates as you modify.
BIG NOTE: Almost every university has an agreement with Dell and Apple and sometimes the others companies. Just click on the student area of the websites and you will be asked to select your school and you should recieve a very good discount on almost all products!
#2. The specs! All computers, excluding Mac's, have a standard that should be followed. Desktops should have at least:
-2-3 GB of RAM
-2.0 Ghz Dual Core Processor
-200 GB Hard Drive
-128 bit video card
-if possible, Windows XP.
(This addition will be taken differently but XP has a stronger following and is supported completely by most universities whereas Vista is still in a building block stage.) If you have to pick Vista, choose Home Premium.
For laptops, the same specs would be nice but the price will increase with this kind of setup so at least:
-2 GB of RAM
-150 GB Hard drive
-same processor
-same video card
-same Windows system.
And Mac's require the same thing but the RAM is a little smaller because of faster processors.
That's the small amount of information. Keep in mind that this is coming from a university IT guy and I would rather have students with computers that can adapt over four years rather than fail after four months!
I have one more quick thing. If you like my blog, you will definately like this new blog I've found about tech, programming and books. Have a look at Mega Voltage! I can only hope this blog develops like is has started: wonderfully!
Enjoy and have a great day!
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