Win is not the only OS out there

For some reason, in my classes at college, it seems like Linux (or Mac for that matter) are completely neglected. I have yet to hear anything other than a slight mention of these “alternative” OSs.

I would think that college would encourage the exploration of alternatives and the expanding of one’s mind beyond a single, proprietary, and locked-down operating system.

Linux allows freedom to change, modify, and redistribute. Windows makes you learn the Redmond Way. Wouldn’t it be great to have students writing code and creating things out of the box? Who knows what they could create.

Loads of the Internet runs on Linux servers. Linux is free to use on anything, but specifically business servers. Shouldn’t tomorrow’s SysAdmins be familiar with a more cost-effective way to manage their companies’ information?

I know I’m using Linux 100% (Kubuntu, Linux Mint), but I feel left out since I haven’t used Win systems regularly in 2 years. Also, how relevant for modern users is a knowledge of DOS? The very basics, sure. The whole command structure? Not so much.

I hope this doesn’t come off as preach-y. Just looking for a more balanced approach for every OS instead of MS-sponsored indoctrination.

Spam, forwards, e-chain mail, etc.

Whatever you want to call it, we all have that friend or friends that keep sending us crap email.

It’s always something like “Bill Gates will send you $20” or look at these cute pictures. I’m sorry, but I don’t care, and/or it’s bullshit. If anyone has any doubt whether a chain-email is legit, go to Snopes.com. They are very good about keeping their pages up to date on the latest urban legends and such.

Yes, I admit that I like the dumb kitty pictures every once in awhile and sometimes there is a new joke/photo that is entertaining. Unfortunately, I generally see the same crap 5 times in a month from people who forward this junk. Once is cute, two is “I’ve already seen this…”, and any more than that is annoying as heck.

If you want to send me an email, actually write something. Even if it is just “Hi” or something. I love email more than talking on the phone. It is cleaner and I can reply when/if I have time.

When I get this junk it gets deleted immediately. You might have written the secret to immortality at the top of that email, but when I see “Fw:Re:Fw:Fw:” in the Subject line, it goes straight to the trash. I’m not an important, busy person, but I am busy enough that this stuff is a waste for me to check and see if I’ve heard this joke.

On a final note, these emails are very good at spreading viruses. Aunt Susie who sent you that “new” cute puppy photo could be infected and passing that infection to your PC. Photos can have viruses attached to them like any other file and you wouldn’t even notice.

The article that prompted me to write this little tirade is located here.

Dan’s Twitter Updates for 2007-10-19

  • Yay for storms. #
  • Accident on the overpass. #

Dan’s Twitter Updates for 2007-10-16

  • Now to speech! #
  • Ran out of gas. Added gas. Car won’t start. #
  • The on-ramp is peaceful #

Dan’s Twitter Updates for 2007-10-15

  • Time to see how bad I bombed my OS mid-term. #
  • Better than I expected. #
  • Fixed the Granny’s computer. Yay. #