Windows 8, early grade

Hello all,

Most of my life revolves around technology, both professional and entertainment.  I work on and make technology work for pay and for fun.  So when new stuff comes out, I try to get the jump on it before anyone else, so that I kinda know what people are talking about when they ask me questions.

I have been working with Windows 8 since closed beta.  I do have to start out by saying that I haven't been using it on a surface or tablet, but rather a laptop.  I have put at least 40 solid hrs in the saddle with Windows 8.

I have waited for such a long time for many reasons, but mainly, in a nutshell, either I can't figure out what I am doing when it comes to technology (sometimes true) or Windows 8 is a POC!  I think the latter, and let me tell you why.

Now, I can probably write a book about this, so I'll just keep it to some of the key points.

The very first thing that I noticed about Windows 8 is that the UI (User Interface) had so completely changed and gave me little direction on how to do any of the old familiar things.  In fact, YOU CAN'T do many of the familiar old things.  You need to forget just about anything you knew how to do from Windows 95 through Windows 7 and start from scratch.  The last time that I experienced this was going from DOS to Windows 3.1.  Yet, even then, I could drop out of Windows 3.1 to keep working.  Going to Windows 8 is like going to a completely new OS, like Mac or Linux.  It took me longer to figure out how to do some things in Windows 8 than it did to learn both Mac AND Linux combined.  So if you think you are merely "upgrading" you are going to be quite pissed.

Computers have had two basic purposes in my life, both equally important.  To "Produce" something or to "Consume" something.

Typically, I'll go on a computer to accomplish something, make something, or fix something.  Unlike other people who will pick up a computer or tablet to play solitaire, some other RPG, or watch Netflix.  They are consumers.  I usually pick up my iPad if I want to consume, and if I want to get something done, produce something, I'll go on my desktop or laptop.

With Windows 8 on my laptop, I couldn't produce a darn thing!  I could consume all kinds of stuff, but if I wanted to get to work and actually feel like I am going to earn my pay, I couldn't figure how to actually get to work. It kept wanting to play.  Oh....look at the weather!  Oh look, your son just said on facebook.  Oh, the President is speaking again.  It kept interrupting me, bothering me!  Being OCD and ADHD....oh look a chicken.  What was I saying?  Oh yes, I was so distracted that I wasn't even sure I accomplished anything.  I can't even tell you how many times I was working when all of a sudden I got side tracked and couldn't remember what I was doing until a few days later and realized I didn't finish what I started.  Look, a SQUIRREL!

Now, I have all these apps that I need to use.  I wish I could do everything I need to do with web apps, but the promise of Web 2.0 has been long coming.  I have all the up to date apps that run on Windows 7 64 bit.  One would think that they should be able to run on Windows 8, right.  NOPE!  Some do, some don't.  So, if I need to run an app that won't even install on Windows 8, I have to RDP into my Windows 7 computer to do my work.

Now, there is a list of SO many other things that really tick me off about Windows 8 (that Brian Boyko gets right  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTYet-qf1jo ).  I think he is a bit much but right on

However, the one thing that really ticks me off is that I if I am going to purchase a new computer, I can not purchase it anything OTHER than Windows 8.  Microsoft is FORCING me to buy a computer with Windows 8, and I don't like it.  Why can't I buy a computer with Windows 7?  Why would I upgrade to Windows 8?!  Has anyone figured out how to downgrade yet?

So, what are my personal options?  I can go into my office where I have my Mac, and start to use it as my production computer.  Even though the mouse only has ONE button, and it is Apple, I can at least get things done on it.  Professionally, in a business setting, Apple Mac hasn't been known to play nicely in multi-user environments and isn't easily managed.  Things have progressed quite a bit with Novell ZCM and many Mobile Management product.  But Mac still isn't nearly where Windows management products are currently.

In 1998, when all my friends were going to tell me Microsoft was going to take over the world, I talked about how, while they have great shiny beads that are going to attract users, they don't have long term technology strategy.  Microsoft will win lots of battles, especially with Active Directory, but they won't win the technology war.

The only long term technology that will win the technology war is one that is open and available to anyone.  Open Source wins the war with Linux OSs.  It doesn't matter if you use SuSE, Red Hat, Ubuntu, or any of the other distributions, it gives you options to do what you want to do with your technology.  In fact, most of you use some form of linux without even knowing it.  Smart TV's microwaves, stoves, cars, and even your thermostat in your house have a form of linux (linux kernel) which is free.  And then some computer nerd, like me, takes the kernel and libraries and adds stuff to it, creates a product, and then sells it to you.

In my opinion, Windows 8, so far, gets a D+.  Even Apple is smart enough to know there is a difference between a device that primarily consumes (iPod, iPad, iPhone), and a device that produces (Mac).  As an OS that is trying to do both, Windows 8 gets a preliminary F.  I too wonder if Windows 8 is the beginning of the end for Microsoft.

http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-ballmers-nightmare-is-coming-true-2012-11?op=1

So far, the only saving grace for Windows 8 is that it isn't Windows ME or Windows Vista.  If, a million years from now, and natural selection begins working again, an alien life form comes to earth and only finds a copy of either of these two OS systems, they will no longer wonder why our civilization failed.  It will be apparent that there was no signs of intelligent life form on Earth.

What do you think?

Tom

IT'S FREE Software! (but count the hidden costs)

Hello all,

Some of you may remember the sayings from your parents.  "There is no such thing as a free lunch" which may seem to contradict with "The best things in life are free", but I suggest that they go hand in hand.  Because since nothing is free, the best things in life are not available.

I was recently approached by someone from outside a particular business. who resells their consulting services.  They asked to have software installed on the network, because "It's FREE!"

I immediately responded, "Really, it's free?  GREAT, then you can host it for us for FREE then, right?  And train us for free, right?  Since it really doesn't cost anything, you can do it all for us for FREE.....GREAT!"

"Well, the software is free, but you have to install it"

"I charge $175 per hour, but you told me it is FREE?!?!  I have to buy a server and use my electricity?  You mean I have to update it and take care of it too?  Now, it is not free?  So what is it, free or not free?"

I had a pretty good time with this because this particular technology professional really doesn't know much about technology, but proclaims that they do.  It gives me personal satisfaction when I am able to expose that the King is wearing no clothing.  The bad part is that the King has powers and has used those power to make my life difficult.

The discussion progressed as we talked about this Free software. So we began to add up the costs together.

Dedicated Server to host the Free Software:  $4500 (replace after 3 years)
Install and configure Free Software:  4-6 hours at $175/hr.  ($875)
Annual maintenance/updates to Free software:  10-20 hrs at $175  ($2625)
Annual system break/fix and user training for FREE software:  10-20 hrs at $175  ($2625)
Added bandwidth/network/security/firewall costs for FREE software:  $2500
Electricity/AC/rack space for FREE software:  $2400
My time arguing you about FREE SOFTWARE:  PRICELESS

Now, you can add it all up on how much this free software is going to cost.   Free software isn't free at all.  It never is free.

Turns out, this particular company was selling their consulting services for this FREE software at a substantial cost.  So I responded..."Since the software is "free" shouldn't your services for this software also be free?"

Turns out, if I was asked, we already have similar products that do the same thing, and in some cases better than the FREE software.

There is NO such thing as a free lunch, a free puppy, or FREE Software!

So, when you evaluate the cost of software, you must factor in ALL the costs of the software.  I believe that when you do that, you will find that many or most of the hosted SaaS software, while appearing more costly, is actually cheaper and may provide more services and features than a FREE puppy/software.

What are your experiences?

Tom

The Presidential election, my thoughts

Hello all,

I began typing a short Facebook posting and came up with a little more than I thought appropriate for Facebook.  But looking at what I wrote, I am still not sure what business it has being posted on a tech blog either.  But as I looked at the word Schmogesblog, it seems to fit quite nice.  Enjoy.

I have always believed the lessons taught to me long ago, by the old timers back in my Grandfather's and Uncle's auto shop.  I am experiencing their truth and wisdom as I get older.  And in light of this election what they left me with seems to ring more true.  It doesn't matter to which party you affiliate yourself, you can not, and should not count on any government.  It might be here today, gone tomorrow.

They would tell me things like, "Boy, you need to learn to do for yourself.  You need to be smart, get an education and learn everything you can to survive.  And not just survive in society, but literally survive as if you had to start with nothing but the clothes on your back.  Learn the basics, and learn them well.  Food/water, shelter, clothing.  Don't be lazy and don't take anything you have for granted. Fix whenever possible rather than replace.  And be friends with people that are as resourceful as you, and learn from them."

I share this as I watched the debate last night and I came to the conclusion that no matter who is president, America is on a path that can not be righted by one man or one government.  If America is going to get out of this funk, it has to start and come from "WE the people" first.  I believe we do not have enough people willing to do what it takes to get us on the right path; opposed to the people who, for whatever reason, feel they deserve to be exempt from participation.  Yes, all socioeconomic classes, all races, all religions, and political and philosophical beliefs.  While there is usually "We should..." being thrown around, the underlying theme I hear is "They need to...", "You should...." and "It should come from...."

There are many things we can learn from history; from the old timers.  One take away I have from all of this election stuff is that no matter how you want to say it, through out all history, for bad or worse, Natural Selection always works.

As always, Just Sayin.

Tom

Do you have a quirky stuff saving habit?

Hello all,

I am going to share a story I find amusing, and I would like to hear your story about this.

The other day I was in my garage, cleaning things up and moving things around when I had a flashback to my childhood that got me laughing at myself.  I realized I have some of the same habits that I observed in others around me.

When I was quite young I hung around my uncles and other old timers who were a part of the Great Depression.  Many of these people were mechanically inclined and worked on cars and just about everything else in their life.  I remember it as if it were yesterday, sweeping the floor of my grandfather's auto repair place, some old timer yelling to me, "Come here boy!  I want to learn you something!"

These old-timer guys were my true heroes.  Sure, there was Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper, Don Money, Gorman Thoms, Jim Gantner, Paul Molitor and all kinds of other sports athletes that wow'd me.  They were fun to watch from a distance, but these old guys knew everything. 

I would sit and listen to their stories about just about everything under the sun.  They would talk about the hard times when they were growing up, things that they did to entertain themselves (like actually play OUTSIDE!) and the mischief they would get into.  I really miss those stories.

"Come here boy!" usually meant I was in trouble or they were going to show me something.  I learned all kinds of stuff about cars and fixing stuff.  They just did things creatively right.  But more than only listening to their stories, I observed and learn from what they did without telling me.  And this is what got me laughing.

When these guys would change the oil in a car, they would turn the cans upside down and put them in funnel, and let them sit there for a few hours.  Remember the old oil cans that you would open with a can opener?  Or, if you were 'high tech' you would have one of those gouge pour funnels that you could just pour the oil into the valve cover opening.  So they would let these cans sit in a funnel for a few hours to squeeze every last drop of oil out of the can.  After about 20 quarts of oil, they would save about 1 quart of oil in a jar to use for themselves.  You could imagine that if you change enough oil you could save enough to change your own oil when that time arrived.

So, I have 5 empty quarts of oil standing upside down with the cap on, with about 1-2 tablespoons of oil resting in them, waiting to be poured out into the master oil bottle collector.  My old-timer mentors would be happy and proud to know that their legacy live on.  I might even get an "Attaboy!"

So what is your story?

Tom

How does a brain of a tech person really work?

Hello again all,

A few days ago, after helping someone with a fairly complex computer/network problem, I was asked, "How in (expletive) did you figure that out?  How does your brain work?"  We had a few laughs and I began to wonder that myself.  So I began thinking......

The concept of "normal" is all based on relativity.  I believe that most of us use the standard gauge measure of 'normal' as ourself.  "I am normal" and everything is either left, right, or in-line with "normal".  But what if somewhere along the line of brain function, I was introduced to 'abby normal'  (Young Frankenstein reference).  My standard of normal wouldn't change because I am still "normal"; only to which side the balance most ideas/people rest.

First, I and my friends are convinced that that if there is a filter between my brain and my mouth/keyboard it simply doesn't work.  Things just seem to slip out and before I know it, I am wishing I could reel it back before it reaches anyone.  I have this saying, "If I have offended you, I truly apologize.  If I haven't, wait a few minutes, I'll get to you as soon as I can."

So, with these two presuppositions, I am 'normal' and any chance of having a working filter doesn't exist, how does my thought/reason process, my brain, actually work?

Plinko in 3D and an absence of gravity!

A thought, idea, concept, problem, issue, etc someone gets into my head.  It then bumps into and knocks up against all kinds of other thoughts, ideas, concepts, problems, issues, etc, on its way to some sort of resolution or conclusion.  The resolution or conclusion then itself becomes a part of the Plinko game, thereby furthering the game.

Some people believe that in Plinko, the ball or peg bounces around nilly-willy without rhyme or reason and just happens to end in a certain spot because of random chance.  I don't believe that for a second.  I believe there is some calculation and groups of calculations, which, if we could properly put it all together, we could understand and even plan a certain outcome.  We call actions or events "random" because we can't or don't want to spend the brain power figuring out the how and why.  And even if we would have a magical algorithm that figures out everything, there is a string that throws off everything; "but God...".

So, my brain and that of most IT tech people, in some strange way, works like a giant 3D Plinko game.

Thoughts?

Minuteman UPS follow-up

Hello all,

This is a follow-up to my previous blog about all the problems I was having with my Minuteman 3000RM2U.

Everything in my previous blog is still accurate, however, there is a happy ending.

Today, I received 8 new SNMP-SSL cards from the manufacturer.  I spent about 3 hours installing them and configuring them.  I am glad to say they are running and performing as I would have expected.

These might turn out to be good UPS systems.  Time will have to make up for it.

Minuteman UPS systems - my anger- STAY AWAY.

Hello all,

Here is a short story of my very first experience with Minuteman UPS's.  I have been working on 8 - 3000KV 2-U RM units.

The UPS's look pretty and solid.  They seemed to be okay and honestly, they seem to function okay.  The problem comes with the network management card, SNMP-SSL.  That is the name of the card.

I fired up the UPS systems and remoted into the system with their RJ45 to DB9 interface, using HyperTerminal.  I set a static address and turned off DHCP.

I opened up a web browser to finish configuring it with a pretty interface.  According to their instructions, one step is to check the firmware version with what is available online.  I did.  The firmware on the SNMP-SSL card is 2.05 and the download version is 2.10.  I downloaded the new version from their website.  Again, according to their instructions, you can upgrade the SNMP-SSL card via the embedded web server or their special upgrade utility.

I upgraded the card with their web server, connected using Windows 7, 64bit, using IE8.  The upgrade seemed to take just fine, but didn't.  For some reason, every the card is restarted, DHCP is re-enabled and the static IP Address is over written with a DHCP address.  Every time a setting is changed in the card, the card asks to be restarted for the settings to be applied.  And...as you can guess, if I reset the card, I lose connectivity to the card because it reassigns a DHCP address.  I proved this over and over again.  And then I called support.  OI!

At first they did not believe me that this was the problem.  They had me do all kinds of things that, if I could, I would have reached through the phone and strangled the guy.  "Is it plugged in...is it displaying a page...are there lights on...."  Okay...I get it...they have to go through every possible thing.  But once I let them know I kinda know what I am doing in general, he should have backed off a bit.

So, he had me re-flash the firmware, nada.  Then he said that the web based upgrade doesn't work on IE, so I tried Firefox, nada.  Then he said that it doesn't work on Windows 7, so I went to Windows XP.  So then they said that the flash doesn't work in the web version at all, and I need to use their special utility to upgrade the firmware, nada.  Then they said that I needed to use a special version of the utility that they had to send me in order for the flash to work, nada.

After about 10 hrs of messing around with this I finally blew a gasket.  Did I mention that these are brand new out of the box?

I asked for them to join.me in a session because they still didn't believe what was happening.  Once they saw it happen right before their eyes, the excuses just kept flying.  "We have thousands of these out in production and this is the first time we are hearing ANY problems!"  Really?!?!  Why is it that is seems that I find all kinds of unknown and unreported bugs?  In this case, maybe nobody else is using the management cards for management?  I just have a hard time believing that "I Tom Hafemann" am finding all kinds of bugs that nobody else in the entire world can find.

So...the manufacturer of the Minuteman UPS's are sending me 8 new SNMP-SSL cards.  If they don't work right out of the box they are going back.  The WHOLE THINGS!

Above all of this, I haven't even begun to configure management yet.  In order to configure the SSL Manager I must have static connection to the Manager server!  Even more GRRRRRRRR.

If you don't mind spending all kinds of time on something simple like a UPS, by all means save some money and buy Minuteman UPS.  Otherwise, buy something for a little more that you know works and will not give you any problems.

A few years ago I tried Eaton UPS and it was really good.  The thing just works, management just works.  The clients just work.  I had the UPS up and running and totally configured on all the systems I wanted in about 2 hrs.