Technology, Software, Brews, and Opinions

For those who are using WordPress, or looking to use it, a brand new version has just been released!

So far, not a lot has changed on the front page.  But back on the dashboard side, there are several operational changes, while keeping the same style and functionality.  Take it for a spin if you get the chance!

Let’s get off on the right foot here.  I hold no grudge against any software company that has crafted a dynasty out of nothing.  The two major players are Apple and Microsoft.  In fact, for the most part, they are the ONLY players in the game.

Sure, I can argue that Linux is great, free, lightweight, and nice, but to be honest, they are just not as big as the top two contenders.

But, of course, there’s a misconception about the fight between the two.  It’s not Mac vs. PC. Read more

It’s an important distinction, in my mind.

A person who is driven has pre-set motivators to get a job done.  For example, someone at a workplace that is driven has the goal set for them; a paycheck, a promotion, etc…  Nothing that they’ve created for themselves.

The Driver, however, has the goal in mind, that they’ve set.  The path is their choosing, how to get there, what tools they use, orthodox or not.

In most workplaces, being the driver is difficult.  Keeping in line with the “industry standards” is part of the IT ideal, and is halting creativity in many organizations, trading the new and inventive for “stable and boxed” systems.  Holding off the pitchforks of the nay-sayers, the Driver has to produce quickly and efficiently.

Want a real world example?  Here’s one from my experience:

I’m setting up the deployment for Windows 7.  Unfortunately, the “industry standard” is to use SCCM and Sysprep.  However, there are some issues with deploying SCCM to our live environment that I can’t get into right now.  Sysprep has issues with what I’m telling it to do, to I’m ignoring it right now.

I know my goal: Deploy Windows 7 in as small an image as possible, without using Sysprep and SCCM (or ImageX, but that’s another matter entirely).

How am I doing it?  AutoIt scripting.  98% of the “sysprep” that I’m doing makes up for the lack of Microsoft Sysprep and SCCM/ImageX.  The other 2% is using Ghost Solution Suite for image deployment.

I can image a workstation in 8.5 minutes.  It’s roughly 5gb.  It’s not kosher in the setup, but the end result meets, if not exceeds the goal, and complies with the “industry standard” on the other side.

I am a Driver.  Are you?

As the year draws on, it’s time for another facelift of my site.  This time, I’ve gone with the popular WordPress CMS.  Since most of what I do with my site is yammer at anyone who even dare looks at it, I think it might be the better choice for the moment.

As with the SilverStripe site, the main links at the very top will concern this site specifically, and how I’m trying to put my services out there.  The good thing is, I actually have something for my Web Portfolio!  The bad news?  I have to actually document what I’ve done in the last few years.

I’ll eventually have my shoddy art up as it’s own portfolio, but that will come in time.

Anyway, for those of you just now joining us, welcome!  There will be more of my incomprehensible, strange, twisted, odd, and uncouth rantings, on top of the actual techno-nerd blatherings.