Category: Work

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Eeeenteresting…

As previously noted in this space, the Google Mini isn’t exactly a model of openness. I’d always assumed that it ran a version of Linux as its operating system, but was never quite sure.
That is, until today. Google issued a security alert and a subsequent patch to address XSS vulnerabilities. As I followed the patching procedure, I noted the following messages output by the Mini:

      Current status:
            Uploading File
            Completed: 100%
            ** Unpacking downloaded file **
            ** Installing from the archive **
            ** Installing patch **
                  Installing: google-enterprise-mini-patch-3.4.14-10.i386.rpm ... Done
      Installing extra rpms. These may cause this server to stop. Please follow the instructions:
      Once the upgrade is complete, the System version will be patched
      Done >> Continue

[Emphasis mine]
So not only does it run Linux, but it appears to run a RedHat variant. Interesting…

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Lessons Learned At Apple Training (Thus Far)

  1. Apple: good company, compelling technology, horrible coffee.
  2. LDAP: Basis of distributed OpenDirectory setups, difficult to understand, even more difficult to navigate using commandline tools. Use LDapper instead.
  3. Powerbooks: worth their weight in gold.
  4. Steve Jobs must love that Apple logo, ’cause it’s on everything here.
  5. Those 30″ Apple Cinema Displays? Drool-worthy at no less than 50 paces.
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The View From The Road

I’m on travel this week in Reston, VA attending an Apple OpenDirectory training course. My job description doesn’t call for much travel and so this has been an adventure of sorts.
I picked up my rental car from Avis yesterday afternoon – a newish grey Chevy Malibu with Texas plates. My wife must be wearing off on me, because I had a definite sense of vicarious pride to be driving a Southbound car with TX tags, I tell you whut.
I’ve not had a chance to drive the newer Malibu prior to this and I have to say, it’s making me miss my old GM cars. There’s just something about the design of my accursed Taurus that rubs me the wrong way. The car is nice and it seems to get great gas mileage, particularly for a V6.
The trip down was surprisingly brisk, despite all the dire predictions of those at work experienced in the Philly to DC Metro drive. It took all of around 3.5 hrs, which was just fine with me. The bulk of the traffic seemed to be headed in the opposite direction which doesn’t bode well for my return journey, but that’s a bridge I’ll have to cross Friday, I guess.
The class has been going well – I’m really learning quite a bit and I do believe the knowledge acquired is going to come in quite handy as we try to reign in the wayward Macs.
I’ve noticed that this area of Virginia has more than its fair share of corporate office plazas, with quite a few tall buildings being occupied by many representatives of Fortune 500 companies. I’ve also noticed that there seems to be a great number of young couples with young children in the area, at least if the populations obtaining sustenance at McDonalds, Chic Fil A and Baja Fresh are any indication.
It’s time to hang it up for the night, though. There’s unrestricted access to the ‘net from the classroom via a nice Airport hotspot courtesy of Apple, so hopefully I’ll be able to toss off a couple of posts in between class sessions tomorrow.
G’night.

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Three Meetings Is… Too… Much!

Blogging has (obviously) been light today, as I had three meetings today. That, combined with it being a Chinese Tuesday meant that I actually sat in front of my computer for what seemed like a grand total of 35-45 minutes, during which time I, you know, had to do real work. Apologies. I assure you it won’t happen again at least in the foreseeable future.

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New Rule

I’m not normally the cussing type, but today just about pushed my limits in terms of rational, reasoned responses using polite and gentrified language.
Therefore, I would like to set forth a New Rule:
Computer Operations Service Request Rule #4,862: By Grepthar’s Hammer, any and all engineers who order machines without floppy drive or CD-ROM drive and without the ability to boot off a USB drive shall be banished into Service Request Limbo forthwith, with any and all future attempts at getting support from Yours Truly being routed directly to /dev/null. Those wishing to escape SRL shall have to endure a single swift punch to the neck.
That is all.