The Inane Ramblings

Ok, just a few things really irritate me.  Normally it doesn’t bother me, and I’m surprised I’m writing about them now, since I’m not really irritated…  But might as well get them out there so the world can become a perfect place.  (Well, at least for me right?)

• listening to people eat.  I don’t know why, it just rubs me the wrong way.  I do appreciate it when people at least remember their manners and chew with their mouth closed.
• being inconsiderate or thoughtless.  I know, I fall into this trap as well, but there are some simple rules of edicut that I think are missing in today’s world.  Don’t think the world is there just for you, and take some time to think, what is the repercussion if I do this?  It’s not hard, just takes a second, and can really make the world a better place.
• slow drivers in the fast lane.  There are two lanes for a reason, and it’s not for you to enjoy the extra room.
• BCS.  Need I say more?
• people who swear for the sake of swearing.  I don’t get these people.  If they are trying to look cool or something, they fail miserably.  And it doesn’t help the perceived IQ of such an individual if they are as unoriginal as swearing.
• whiners and why-me’s?  Ok,  I’m not saying I hate all people who ask “why me?”  It’s a legitimate question, some of the time, such as when something bad truly happens.  But there has been a growing trend in our culture to feel some sense of entitlement and as such, always cry foul, even when its one’s own fault.
• peeps that don’t research on their own.  I’m sorry, how can you properly guide your life if you don’t take the time to learn the facts of any given subject for yourself?
• technology evangelist.  Depending on your line of work, or your interests, or the rumors you hear flying around the world, there are people who miss a lot when it comes to technology.  Unfortunately, a lot of these people are the so called “techies” that people go to for help.  Here are a few examples (if you’re not techy or don’t care, skip to the rest):
  • Language x (normally you’ll hear java) is better then any other language out there.  OK, this is more for coders, anyone else should skip to the next bullet.  Anyone who is half way decent at coding should know that there are lots of languages for a reason – they all excel in different areas, and are ment to be used in different areas.  Truthfully, I think Java is one of the worst.  Other languages are easier or faster or more stable (java is notorious for eating system resources).  A few good candidates:
    • C – low level, quick and dirty get it done.  Runs really fast, can be hard to code.
    • C# – Easier then Java (ok, truly about the same), fast, powerful, stable, and flexible.  Maybe the only possible downer is that it is Microsoft, but is that really bad?
    • PHP – Quick and simple web programing.  Works well with databases, but can be a little too simplistic at times, especially when debugging.
    • Perl – One of the best script languages around, works on almost any platform.  Follows the notion that it can be written, but never read…
    • Powershell – Perl to the next level (full object support).  Based of Microsoft’s .Net platform (see C# above), it is a command prompt and then some.  If it can’t do it, simply call the .Net class that can.  The one downer is that it’s really quite a young technology and still has some rough edges.
  • (Insert OS Name here) is better then anything else!  Ok, I have a lot of problems with this.  Again, just like programing languages, each operating system has strengths and weaknesses.  Here are some of the common misconceptions of computing:
    • I find it hard to believe when anyone says this is more secure then that.  I would argue that anyone who thinks they don’t need an antivirus package on their computer (most commonly heard from Mac and Linux users), or that they can’t be attacked truly doesn’t understand the complexities and realities of computing in a modern world.  They are living in a false hope of security, and will pay the price.  As each OS grows or shrinks in market share, they will get the equivalent amount of viruses and malware sent their way.  Let’s put it this way, I have seen the “secure” Linux platform compromised and taken to it’s knees, and caused a lot of overtime from it.
    • My OS is better because it doesn’t get patched as often…  Again, a misconception.  Almost any good OS will and should be patched often.  The lack of patches means that there is no active development to make the product better and secure it from more modern and sophisticated attacks.  Also, the concept that they are invulnerable because they don’t get security patches is a false since of hope (look one bullet up).  Often security holes get masked in version upgrades and new feature releases.  If you don’t believe me, read the update log the next time you upgrade package X on your box.  Granted, some updaters are slicker and fancier then others, but there are pros and cons to all the models.
  • Linux will rule the world.  Just because the license is free, doesn’t mean a business can run it for free.  Support costs are not always, but can be higher from open source companies then closed source.  I feel part of that is to make up for the lack of licensing cost.  Granted, if you don’t want support, you can’t get any cheaper then Linux.  Linux can make a good solid server platform, but is not user friendly at all (it has gotten better) and not quite ready to become a mainstream desktop platform.  Maybe in a few more years…
  • Macs are better then PCs.  Macs are definitely pretty simple, but limited in their flexibility since they hide many things from the user.  This has gotten better since they switched out their back end to be based of a version of BSD (kind of like Linux).  The idea that Mac is more intuitive is nonsense (a good read is here).  I believe computers are inherently unintuitive.  They have their nitch, and some pretty cool ideas, but cost way to much for what you get.  You pay a lot for the name, not the product (much like Levi Jeans, or a Rolex watch).
  • Vista (especially) or Windows in general is buggy, insecure, and over priced.  Windows is probably the best OS for enterprise level management, compatibility, and available software, and has a pretty good support team behind it.  If you turn off all of the built in security in Vista, don’t install service packs and security fixes, you can be taken over in a minute by going online.  I once did some testing in college for class were we stuck the original version of XP online and then a fully patched and updated version (SP2) online.  The original was a gonner.  However the other made it out without a scratch.  While Microsoft has had a checkered past, they have made huge improvements.  They do still have a ways to go.  And all that talk about how big of a mistake Vista is, is a lot more hype then truth.  And if you still don’t want Vista, don’t worry, the next version goes to public beta Friday.  It is a bit pricey up front, but all your security upgrades are free for the life of the product (even service packs), which is more then Mac….  All those who complain about blue screens on Windows may or may not find it a small consolation that the vast majority of them are not caused by Microsoft, but rather poorly written drivers for third party components such as video cards and wireless networking.
  • One of my favorites as of late – Lets code in Java or use open source so we don’t have to upgrade as fast as when on Windows.  I’m sorry, but there are very few things that never die, and both Java and open source update and deprecate their software the same as Microsoft, albeit on a different schedule.
  • If you think I’m pro-Microsoft, I’m not.  I just think they get a bad rap simply because of who they are, not necessarily because of what they do.  Although sometimes they do deserve it.