Archive: November, 2008

Make sure to wire Cat-5 in your house

November 21st, 2008 · · Entertainment, Technology No comments - Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After doing quite a bit of reading, wiring up a new office building for EDG (okay, doing the punchdowns and crimping), I am convinced: all new construction and/or rewiring jobs should have Cat-5 and probably coaxial cable run throughout.

Think about it. Many years ago, people realized that phone lines needed to be run during construction to avoid having to retrofit buildings or have unsightly wires showing along baseboards and such. From my generation forward, there is not much need for landline phones to be run as most everyone is using mobile phones. Even if someone eschews mobiles, VoIP and Skype are eliminating the need for traditional phone lines.

VoIP, Skype, computers, home automation, cutting-edge televisions, and more use Cat-5 cabling for their connections. Doesn’t it make sense to have your new home wired to be ready for the future? Why spend so much money on new home construction or rewiring and then skimp on something that can add so much value and perhaps ‘future-proof’ your home?

I have to admit that even being a self-proclaimed geek I was a bit slow to jump on this train. To me it sounded at first like just another expense and/or way for the contractor or electrician to rip you for some more money. Having spent some time thinking though, it makes sense now.

Homes have (or should) a utility room. It sounds logical to have a little space dedicated to a punchdown panel for your networking/phone/cable in that room beside your electrical panel. This way you can conveniently set a home server (pretty cheap today), your cable modem, and incoming cable lines in one place.

No longer would there be a need to have ugly coaxial cable bursting through the walls, Cat-5 cable runs, or the hassle of finding the perfect spot for your wireless access point. Convenience would be anywhere you and your contractor/electrician believe there is a need for an outlet.

I’m trying to find a downside to this idea, and other than the small cost/convenience issue I can’t find one. Heck, companies even sell prebundled versions of these cables specifically for this purpose. You may not need both, and they can be had individually fairly cheap.

Let me know your thoughts.

Great article for all tech workers

November 21st, 2008 · · Technology 2 comments - Tags: , , , , , ,

I just came across a great letter/article in my daily tech news reading that strikes a significant nerve. My first-morning reading generally consists of checking for breaking virus/trojan/network attacks to be prepared here at the office. LinuxPlanet.com is normally a ‘recreational’ reading I reserve for home, but for some reason I clicked on this particular link.

I have to say it states several plain truths that apply to Linux, but even to IT people. To a slightly lesser degree it makes sense that it can be used in any tech and some general life situations.

We as people tend to forget what it was like to start out using a computer, gadget, phone, or whatever we know a little more about than someone else. Having a bit more knowledge than whomever we are helping often leads us to be short and forget “Nobody is born knowing this stuff.”

I think back, and I am guilty of this as we all are from time to time. Never forget what it’s like to be the new guy. Someday this new person could wind up knowing more or doing something great. Do you want them to remember you as helpful or with a poopy attitude? Think about it.

Daniel’s Tweets for 2008-11-20

November 20th, 2008 · · Twitter No comments
  • Great first meeting at the RLC Marketplace! #
  • Got some interest already from our new meetings and location. I’m excited. #
  • Walgreens interview in an hour and a half. #
  • Got out of my interview about an hour ago. Hope I impressed them. #
  • Now that my excitement is over, back to regular work. 🙂 #
  • Just looked at blog stats. People actually read my garbage. #

Walgreens Interview

November 20th, 2008 · · Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology One comment - Tags: , , , , , ,

I just went to Walgreens for my interview. It was a great refresher since I haven’t had one in awhile. The two people interviewing me were very nice and laid back throughout the process. I think that made it much easier.

I answered the questions honestly, but I think I was a little rusty given how long it has been since I did a real interview. My process and delivery probably weren’t what they should be in an interview. At least I know I answered everything as well as I could.

Most of the questions were standard fare about previous employment, what did you like, etc. The technical questions were more up my alley, but I don’t know a lot about the proprietary systems they use. My experience is mostly networking, WIndows, and standard office support. They use IBM equipment that I don’t have experience working with yet, as well as some printers that I hadn’t heard of before. That may count against me.

I have to say that it was a great experience as Tom and Dusty were very nice and seemed interested in what I had to say about my previous knowledge.

I am very hopeful that they offer me the position. I would gain in pay, job security, benefits, and a position I could learn and become proficient with in time. They would gain a dedicated employee who will appreciate the position and strive to do well.

I know lots of people say that, but I mean it. I want to stay local, make a decent living, and enjoy what I do. This position can satisfy all of those goals. Plus, Em will get to finish her dental assisting, and I can take classes here and there (if need be) to finish my IT degree at RLC. Altogether it sounds like a great prospect.

Daniel’s Tweets for 2008-11-19

November 19th, 2008 · · Twitter No comments
  • Time for some Win Server learning. #
  • Jaycees meeting at 7:30 tonight. Room 354B at the Rend Lake Marketplace tonight and the next 3 weeks. #