Category: Technology

Make sure to wire Cat-5 in your house

November 21st, 2008 · Daniel · Entertainment, Technology No comments - Tags: 5, automation, build, cable, cat, construction, consult, electric, Home, internet, lan, mobile, network, phone, plan, Technology, wan, wire, wiring

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 · Daniel · Technology 2 comments - Tags: help, job, Linux, new, teacher, Technology, train

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.

Walgreens Interview

November 20th, 2008 · Daniel · Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology One comment - Tags: Center, distribution, employment, interview, job, Walgreens, Work

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.

John Garrett Comedy

November 10th, 2008 · Daniel · Entertainment, Illinois, Technology No comments - Tags: Breese, CD, Clinton, comedy, FrankTV, G, Illinois, John, McRae, Mike, TBS

Friday night Emily and I were fortunate enough to be sans-kids. Don’t get me wrong, we love the little tax-write-offs, but mom and dad need some time together without deciding who hit who first. Luckily, my parents agreed to keep the little shenanigans so such an evening could happen.

Once we discovered we were free, I called Hooch and Ashley to see what they were doing and if they wanted to get together. Ashley (I called her first, any man in a relationship knows they are really in charge) said she didn’t care, but that they were going to some comedy show in Highland, IL. After Ash gave the thumbs-up, I called Hooch. We worked out the logistics and met at their apartment in Salem at about 8:30.

Up to this point I was expecting a trip to a real comedy club in the metro-east of Saint Louis or something. Nuh-uh. We wound up in a small bar in a town of small bars. The place wasn’t trashy or anything, just not what I had expected. We chatted for 20 minutes or so, and then the show began at 10.

First up was the morning guy(?) from one of their local stations. He wasn’t bad, and we found out after his set that it was his first time. For his first time, it REALLY wasn’t bad. That was the opening, then came John.

I didn’t expect much of anything as Hooch had billed him to me as ‘a local guy’. At that point, I gave up on Drew Carey, and settled for B-list entertainment. Still, it was better than Em and I watching MASH and going to bed early.

John was very good. He had great delivery, timing, improv (bar crowd), and the stage presence to pull it all together. His set lasted about an hour, and kept us out-of-towners entertained the whole time. Even when he was pulled off his routine by a boisterous crowd, he improvised and we were still able to follow local references (John is from the area).

Useful Student Organization – Studyrails

September 30th, 2008 · Daniel · Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology No comments - Tags: calendar, college, email, event, free, good, google, high, management, new, party, schedule, School, sms, student, Studyrails, subscription, time, Work

I have just been impressed by a new site/application site. Lifehack had an article about Studyrails the other day and I decided to check it out. It wasn’t so much a review as it was an offer for 100 free accounts at the site through January 2009.

I put my name in the hat, and didn’t get one of the free accounts. They did send me an email to let me know, and I decided to try out the site anyway.

Once I was there, Studyrails asked about some personal information (that they promise not to share), asked about my classes and their schedules, and finally some location/phone information. This was very painless and easy to step through. I give kudos for their great interface.

Upon entering the real site one can tell immediately that it very closely looks like Google Calendar. Fortunately, Studyrails is different enough to notice though. Their scheduling is great in that it lets you block off time and have it assigned automatically or specifically by you to certain tasks. All of the time assignment can be done by click-dragging across a period, and then assigning it to an event, studying, or whatever.