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Thirty years in programming, looking for something to do
March-11, 2013 by: Mike Robinson
From: Mike Robinson
------------------------------------------------------
"Most" programming languages ... Perl, Python, PHP, Ruby, Java. Usually =
the deal is that there's already some existing application out there, =
it's in serious trouble (perhaps abandoned in favor of greener climes), =
and the task is to drop in and do it, always landing "four paws down." =
There's been some stranger stuff ... Prolog, R. Never a shortage in =
this world of half-finished stuff that's been left high and dry.
Can programming-languages be a hobby? I think so. I'm always poking =
around sites learning about new ones. I've even written a few. It's =
really interesting to me, to see how programming languages work and to =
see them as a power-tool for a particular class of problem. There's a =
really challenging Terracache in this area (I think it's still alive) =
which at its various puzzle stages included both a very large Sudoku =
puzzle and a logic-problem ("The man with the blue tie is not standing =
up") with twenty-odd stages. GNU Prolog not only solved both problems =
but, geek that I am, showed that one of the clues in the logic problem =
was not required to solve the problem.
Hobby or not, everyone starting on a new project picks their favorite =
and everybody's got a different favorite. So, when they waltz on to the =
next gig and you're the one following 'em, you dance with the one that =
brung ya.
---------
Mike Robinson
Technical Director
Sundial Services International, LLC
http://www.sundialservices.com
miker@sundialservices.com
(615) 268-3829
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-robinson/51/532/5a
Easy linux images for CompactFlash and x86/Via Epia embedded devices?
January-03, 2013 by: Dan Lyke
From: Dan Lyke ------------------------------------------------------ We're doing a massive rework of our house wiring. I tore out the doorbell transformer, ran the numbers, and realized that the transformer draws about 3 watts(!). All the time. Hell, thought I, for that power I could run a Linux server doing nothing but watching the doorbell. And if I ran a Linux server, I could have it tunnel through the shop firewall and alert me back in the workshop when the doorbell rang! And maybe hang more cheap webcams off the computer, so I can show who's at the front door. And have a better sounding doorbell than the gawdawful synthesizers they're using these days. Heck, I could get a couple of lengths of cast iron sewer pipe, and hook up a couple of solenoids, and have an actual freakin door bell. And then I could have some mechanism for sending messages to the shop when people are watching it.[0] So I looked on my shelf and I could buy a couple of Raspberry Pi boards, or even rework a couple of Atmel dev kits, but I have 2 500 MHz Via Epia devices sitting there on the shelf. They probably draw an extra watt or two, but they're x86, have serial ports and NTSC out and a parallel port for digital I/O, and... I could compile this from scratch. I've done it before[1]. But I'm sure there are images. I've found the iMedia embedded Linux install, but before I boot back into Windows to follow their instructions for putting an ISO on CompactFlash, I wanted to know if anyone else has a recommendation for any other quick easy way to get a web server, some Perl, Python, or even just C, everything running as root, on to a CF card. Anyone? Dan [0] http://shopcam.flutterby.net/ [1] http://www.flutterby.com/archives/wiki.cgi?wikiid=726
PHP help?
November-28, 2012 by: Joe Freeman
From: Joe Freeman
------------------------------------------------------
I posted this on StackOverflow, but thought I'd check with folks here to
see if they have any suggestions-
I am converting some perl code using LWP::UserAgent::DNS::Hosts to php.
What the perl code is doing is making page load time measurements against
multiple individual servers in a load balancing pool. Since the servers are
using name based virtual hosting, the perl code uses this line to change
the url/hostname to ip binding:
LWP::UserAgent::DNS::Hosts->register
Free Electronics Shred and Recycling Day at Orange Grove?
November-19, 2012 by: Mike Harrison
From: Mike Harrison ------------------------------------------------------ According to: http://events.chattanooganow.com/event.php?id=13209 Monday the 19th is a free shred and recycle electronics day at Orange Grove recycling center. Their own website lists it, but has almost no useful info: http://www.orangegrovecenter.org -------------------------- I didn't leave the house today... but I wrote a -lot- of code.. and even played outside some. It was a beautiful afternoon. If you have leftovers from the "swap meet", looks like they can be properly disposed of for free. Maybe. ============================================================ Mike Harrison bogon@geeklabs.com cell: 423.605.6943
SMS hosted API recommendations?
October-05, 2012 by: Dan Lyke
From: Dan Lyke ------------------------------------------------------ I'm looking at an app that could benefit from an SMS interface. Some of y'all have to have tried playing with SMS gateways of some sort where I could send and receive messages to a phone number via Perl? Looks like there's an API for Google Voice, but it just lets you send, not necessarily receive... Dan
Digital Signatures
October-01, 2012 by: Mike Harrison
From: Mike Harrison ------------------------------------------------------ Just in case someone wanted to see this. You can sit and watch on the sidelines for free. I'm hoping to make it. ---------------------------------------------------------- Chattanooga Engineers Club: NEXT MEETING: October 1st: Pem Guerry, Executive Vice President of SIGNiX Solutions – “Digital Signatures” Have you overnighted an important document to a client, only to wait days or even weeks for the document to be signed, because it was stuck on someone’s desk while they were away on a business trip? While many organizations have switched to electronic documents to improve convenience and efficiency, they still rely on wet ink signatures. Sticking with ink means dealing with postage, additional personnel costs, strained customer relationships, document archiving, and slower revenue intake. Mr. Guerry will discuss topics including: signing documents online safely and securely, the risks involved in moving towards paperless operations, and the cost savings and benefits and return on investment of such a project. MEETING LOGISTICS: The Chattanooga Engineer's Club meets noon Mondays at the DOUBLETREE HOTEL, 407 Chestnut Street, from 12 noon to 1 pm EST and free parking is available at 11:30. Buffet lunch is $16. If you do not plan to purchase lunch, please use chairs around the perimeter of the room.
Afraid-dyndns
September-19, 2012 by: John Aldrich
From: John Aldrich ------------------------------------------------------ Anyone used this? I can't seem to get the config file to accept my "hash" It seems like no matter *what* I put in, it refuses to see that I've put in a hash in the config file. :( Installed via Yum and I've read the "readme" file at http://perl.arix.com/afraid-dyndns-readme, but all it says is "To configure, edit the /etc/afraid-dyndns.conf file. The AccountHash field refers to the SHA value assigned to your afraid.org account. To get it, log into afraid.org and visit: http://freedns.afraid.org/api/ then click on either of your "ChoOsE YoUr WeApOn" links and take the value of the "sha" parameter (it's a long string). The Notify address (if present) will be sent e-mail whenever the DNS is refreshed. CacheFile is the file name where the external IP address will be cached." So, when I go to that website, I get a big ol long string including my sub- domain name, current IP, etc. I've tried the whole string, I've tried just the "hash" part (at least what I can figure is the hash) but nothing works. I keep getting the message "No AccountHash in configuration file - please see README for instructions" whenever I try to run the app. :(
Job in Knoxville - if anyone is interested.
August-27, 2012 by: Bret McHone
From: Bret McHone ------------------------------------------------------ This is an FYI if anyone is interested in work in Knoxville. I believe = she's referring to Scripps Networks which is a good company. I know a = few guys over there and it's a pretty dynamic network they run. I just = checked their site and the job is posted there @ = http://www.scrippsnetworks.com. The recruiter below said she can make = sure resumes get in front of the hiring manager, but I'm just passing = the info along. -B here is the job description: Systems Administrator DUTIES PERFORMED This list of duties is not exhaustive, and duties may be added, deleted = or changed at any time. =95 Install, configure, and support multi-tiered systems = applications. =95 Tune and customize operating systems (Linux, Windows, = VMware) to support specific applications for best performance. =95 Perform root cause analysis of reoccurring application and = system issues. =95 Develop custom scripts using Perl, Python, or other = scripting languages to support system and applications. =95 Identify needs and develop technical standards following = best practices and how they can be best applied in the environment. =95 Implement enterprise level monitoring for internally and = externally hosted services =95 Review performance of the infrastructure, perform trending = analysis, and make recommendations to address capacity needs. =95 Participate in system architectural design, procurement, and = sizing. (Similar to number 6) =95 Perform in a technical and/or team lead role. =95 Lead presentations to technical audiences. =95 Perform hardware and software upgrades, OS patching and = server resources management =95 Implement and verify security settings that meet best = practices and SOX guidelines =95 Support 2nd tier service desk incident management =95 Provide 24/7 support in an on-call rotation. =95 Perform other duties as needed, and as directed by = supervisor. =20 REQUIREMENTS Education: =95 Associates or Bachelors degree preferred Experience: =95 Minimum of 4-6 years Systems Administration experience in = Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and/or Solaris is required. =95 Minimum of 2-5 years experience with VMware, ESXi and = vSphere as well as working knowledge with storage, networking = routing/switching in those environments. =95 Minimum of 2 years experience with IIS, Active Directory, = SQL Server, SharePoint, Apache http servers and Java application = servers, preferably Tomcat, JBoss and/or Glassfish, is required. =95 Minimum of 2 years experience with Microsoft Clustering, = Veritas Cluster Server or other clustering software is required. =95 Minimum of 2 years experience with Perl and/or other = scripting languages is required. Equipment: =95 Midrange X64 Systems, DELL, HP, SUN. License/Certificate: =95 Red Hat Certified Engineer certification a definite plus. =95 Microsoft Certifications a plus =95 ITIL Foundation Certification a plus.=B7 Certificates in any = of the above mentioned a plus. Skills/Abilities: =95 Ability to work in a dynamic and collaborative team = environment. =95 Good verbal and written communication skills. =95 Ability to train less experienced personnel on = administration tasks and basic troubleshooting techniques. =95 Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical = personnel in person and by telephone in stressful situations. =95 Ability to take lead role in small projects. =95 Some moderate lifting may be required. =95 Occasional overtime may be required. Begin forwarded message: > From: "Timmerman, Nicole" > Subject: Hoping to Network with you in the Knoxville area! > Date: August 27, 2012 11:07:56 AM EDT > To: "dbmchone@gmail.com" >=20 > Hi Bret, > =20 > I was hoping to reach out to your for referrals! I have a Top 10 Media = company looking for an experienced and talented Systems Engineer. Ideal = candidates will have an understanding of Windows and Linux servers as = well as experience with VMware(Red Hat certification is a plus). The = company itself is really cool, they own several cable networks including = HGTV & Food Network to name a couple. One of their core values is = work/life balance. This is a long term contract opportunity sitting in = Knoxville, TN. I know you are happy in your current position but I = didn=92t know if you knew anyone looking? If so, please pass along my = information to any friends or colleagues that you think might be in the = market and open to these opportunities. Thank you in advance for your = time, and I hope to hear back from you soon! > =20 > Thank you! > =20 > =20 > **Career Best Practice- Update your resume every 2 months** > Nicole Timmerman Technical Recruiter - > 408 North Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 325, Knoxville, TN 37923 > 888.768.3953 T 865.292.2379 > F 865.292.2396 M 517.262.5508 >=20 > =20 >=20 > This electronic mail (including any attachments) may contain = information that is privileged, confidential, and/or otherwise protected = from disclosure to anyone other than its intended recipient(s). Any = dissemination or use of this electronic mail or its contents (including = any attachments) by persons other than the intended recipient(s) is = strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please = notify us immediately by reply e-mail so that we may correct our = internal records. Please then delete the original message (including any = attachments) in its entirety. Thank you.
4th of july explosion (of jobs)
July-04, 2012 by: Ed King
From: Ed King ------------------------------------------------------ whoa... at first glance, there sure are a LOT of new tech jobs in Chattanooga, according to CHATTANOOGAhasjobs.com ( http://chattanooga.careerlink.com/browse/specialties/1140 ) check it out... * AI / Expert / Knowledge Systems Engineers - 5 jobs * Applications Analysts - 31 jobs * Applications Business Analysts - 29 jobs * Applications Computer Engineers - 36 jobs * Applications Data Modelers - 19 jobs * Applications Engineers - 28 jobs * Change Management, QA, Testing Engineers - 30 jobs * Computer Hardware Engineers - 3 jobs * Computer Programmers - 45 jobs * Computer Software Engineers, Applications - 39 jobs * Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software - 23 jobs * Configuration Management Engineers - 5 jobs * Information Technology Project Managers - 35 jobs * Operating Systems Programmers / Analysts - 26 jobs * Operating Systems Project Leads - 2 jobs * Programmers - .Net - 40 jobs * Programmers - ActiveX - 3 jobs * Programmers - AS/400 - 3 jobs * Programmers - Assembler - 1 job * Programmers - C - 3 jobs * Programmers - C# - 34 jobs * Programmers - C++ - 8 jobs * Programmers - CICS - 4 jobs * Programmers - COBOL - 2 jobs * Programmers - Cold Fusion - 4 jobs * Programmers - CRM Software - 1 job * Programmers - DB2 - 6 jobs * Programmers - Flash / Flex Action Script - 3 jobs * Programmers - Java - 42 jobs * Programmers - JCL - 4 jobs * Programmers - MySQL - 9 jobs * Programmers - Oracle - 11 jobs * Programmers - Other - 25 jobs * Programmers - PeopleSoft - 3 jobs * Programmers - Perl - 2 jobs * Programmers - PHP - 4 jobs * Programmers - SAP - 2 jobs * Programmers - SAS - 4 jobs * Programmers - Smalltalk - 1 job * Programmers - SQL Server - 35 jobs * Programmers - UNIX - 5 jobs * Programmers - Visual Basic - 24 jobs * Software Applications Architects - 14 jobs * Software Applications Engineers - 23 jobs * Software Applications QA Specialists - 7 jobs * Software Developers, Applications - 87 jobs * Software Developers, Systems Software - 40 jobs * Software Engineers - 50 jobs * Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers - 8 jobs * Systems Administrators - 10 jobs * Systems Analysts - 11 jobs * Systems Programmers - 28 jobs * Systems Test Engineers - 4 jobs ...but, if you click on a category (I couldn't click on the COBOL category fast enough) it seems that CHATTANOOGAhasjobs has been spammed by an out-of-town recruiter firm. I emailed CHJs and told them about it. Maybe they want it that way, hellifino.
Today's Leap Second Causing Problems for some folks
June-30, 2012 by: David White
From: David White ------------------------------------------------------ Apparently some folks are having lots of issues today as a result of the leap second (which I didn't even know about). (CentOS 5.4) http://serverfault.com/questions/402087/does-centos-5-4-properly-handle-leap-seconds (Debian) http://serverfault.com/questions/403732/anyone-else-experiencing-high-rates-of-linux-server-crashes-today Just an FYI, in case any of you have, or will, experience issues today (I have not, although I don't run either of these operating systems, and I keep my systems fairly up to date - or at least I try). - David -- - David White - Smooth Stone Services Computer Technical Support, IT Services, & Web Hosting Solutions for Nonprofit Organizations http://www.smoothstoneservices.com david@smoothstoneservices.com
*Ubuntu 12.04
April-29, 2012 by: John Aldrich
From: John Aldrich ------------------------------------------------------ How the heck do I get the grub to include "nomodeset" when it installs? I have had to reinstall twice now and am starting my THIRD fresh install because my laptop won't finish booting to a display after it reboots! This is extremely frustrating, as 11.04 worked *beautifully* for me, but 12.04 won't boot properly after install, even if I get 11.04 working *perfectly* and then upgrade. Fresh install is just as bad!
Gnome Classic avaiable in Ubuntu 12.04
March-22, 2012 by: Rod-Lists
From: Rod-Lists ------------------------------------------------------ 'But for all of the innovation, aesthetics and features that the unity desk= top offers there is a chance that, for many, the change will be too much.' 'But Unity is only one desktop environment available to install in Ubuntu."= '=E2=80=9CGNOME Classic=E2=80=9D (properly referred to =E2=80=98GNOME Fallb= ack=E2=80=99) is one such option, and is arguably the most familiar to that= of the Ubuntu desktop that shipped in Ubuntu 10.04 by default.' http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/03/gnome-classic-in-ubuntu-12-04-its-like-n= othing-ever-changed/ Maybe you could use one of these 20 vanishing tech sounds as a bootup signa= l ;) The vista beta boot sound was better than what MS went with. http://www.itworld.com/business/260490/20-iconic-tech-sounds-next-generatio= n-wont-know
New Build Distro Suggestions
March-21, 2012 by: Randy Yates
From: Randy Yates ------------------------------------------------------ I'm about to build a new computer tomorrow for my main desktop, and I thought I'd bring an old subject back up. What's your favorite distro and why? I'm strongly leaning toward Debian Testing because I love Debian but I want newer packages. I'm not a big fan of Gnome 3 or Unity, though I may settle with Gnome Classic. I'll be developing, using Netbeans/Eclipse, Blender, The Gimp, Inkscape, and a few others. I'd like good multimedia support especially when it comes to good audio configuration out-of-the-box. I have an MS Live Chat headset that worked perfectly in one distro (I believe it was Ubuntu) but takes a bit of time to get functioning properly in Debian. How's 64-bit flash these days? At one time I was opting for 32bit OS installs with PAE kernels so I could use all my RAM just because 64bit flash wasn't agreeable. Let me know your thoughts. -- Google reads my email!
RE: Running network cable outside
January-04, 2012 by: Stephen Walker
From: Stephen Walker ------------------------------------------------------ I have a client that did. =20 The last storm degraded the physical cable to the point that it would not work at all. Lightning arrestors did not prevent the surge but I will say that they did not have anything properly grounded. The charges in the ground can travel miles - I believe the geological profile there has a high ore content or something. We advised them to put in fiber originally but they put in copper anyway so it was a hard lesson for them to learn. We just replaced the copper with fiber after they kept getting their equipment fried. =20 It is a gamble. =20 But if the equipment is cheap, the connection is not important and you are not concerned about fire then go for it! -----Original Message----- From: chugalug-bounces@chugalug.org [mailto:chugalug-bounces@chugalug.org] On Behalf Of Dan Lyke Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 12:33 AM To: chugalug@chugalug.org Subject: [Chugalug] Running network cable outside So I'm building this new workshop, and I'm about to dig the electrical trench. We've talked about cameras in the shop, to tie the space to the house a little bit better, create some virtual presence between the house and the shop. I could put a WiFi router with a soup can directional antenna pointing back to the house, but I could also bury some Cat5 or what-have-you in the electrical trench and have some real throughput between the house and the shop. Anyone have experience with either direct burial of network wire (preferred), or running it in plastic conduit? Any successes, gotchas, or brand recommendations? Dan
2012, Programmers Needed.
January-02, 2012 by: Mike Harrison
From: Mike Harrison ------------------------------------------------------ 2012 is off to an interesting (good) start. Looking for more programmers. We are working mostly with Linux, PHP, Perl.. etc.. Redmine for project management, Git.. Would consider a good web/application savvy programmer with good experience and skills from any language(s). Product Focus; Utility Information/SmartGrid/Billing/Prepaid Systems Looking specifically for a "heavy" and maybe a "light" as well. Job is mostly on-site with 8-5hrs at 701 Broad Street, Chattanooga. email: mike.harrison@utiliflex.com with a resume.
Email clients
November-21, 2011 by: Dan Lyke
From: Dan Lyke ------------------------------------------------------ Claws-Mail is ticking me off. Undo in the message editor has been b0rk3n for years, and there are enough other quirks and strange lockups that I'm looking for alternatives. Charlene has gotten to the "hate" level for Evolution. I thought "Xubuntu defaults to Thunderbird, let's look at that!". Thunderbird lacks piping to external apps in its filtering, which means that I can't do basic things like "add everything this client sends me to a folder and commit it to a git repo". And Thunderbird also lacks a lot of basic polish. Their RSS client is abominable (though I could probably get along with it now that I've figured out its quirks), but there's a lot of stuff that seems like programmers implemented that way because of underlying architecture brokenness rather than user need: Why is the common operation 5 clicks and the uncommon operation 2? I'd hate to go back to Fetchmail, Perl scripts and Pine, but is that really the best email situation for GUI linux these days? Dan
Laptop
October-21, 2011 by: John Aldrich
From: John Aldrich ------------------------------------------------------ Well, the new hard drive got here this morning and I installed it. I don't currently have a copy of Vista Home Premium (OEM) that I can install from, so I'm installing Ubuntu on the machine right now. Hopefully that will go well enough that I can use it. Also hoping I can manage to get the wireless working as I'd REALLY hate to be tethered to an ethernet cable. I mean, laptops are *supposed* to be mobile, right? :D Anyway, we'll see how things go, but right now, it seems as if Ubuntu is installing properly and everything! :)
RE: O'Reilly School of Technology
September-28, 2011 by: Matt Keys
From: Matt Keys ------------------------------------------------------ I'm more interested in practical application than I am a cert. If you're serious about being a mentor/teacher please let me know. I'd love to become fluent in python or perl to expand my skillset for support of cloud services/infrastructure/sysadmin sectors. From what I've seen and read about products I'm interested in python looks to be more widely used. I'm leaning towards it because of that and it seems to be easier to learn. I'm just not sure how valid that thought process is though as I'm usually consuming/troubleshooting rather than developing/customizing. From: chugalug-bounces@chugalug.org [mailto:chugalug-bounces@chugalug.org] On Behalf Of Average SecurityGuy Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 10:10 PM To: CHUGALUG Subject: Re: [Chugalug] O'Reilly School of Technology If you just want to learn python, I'll teach you python for $318 dollars. If you want certification then I can't help you. On Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 8:32 PM, Matt Keys wrote: I've been considering taking a python or perl course from O'Reilly when my budget permits : http://www.oreillyschool.com/certificates/python-programming.php . I'd like to talk to someone who's been through one to get their opinion on it. There's a guy at work who went through a few of the the web programming courses but didn't finish up. He wasn't all that impressed.
O'Reilly School of Technology
September-28, 2011 by: Matt Keys
From: Matt Keys ------------------------------------------------------ I've been considering taking a python or perl course from O'Reilly when my budget permits : http://www.oreillyschool.com/certificates/python-programming.php . I'd like to talk to someone who's been through one to get their opinion on it. There's a guy at work who went through a few of the the web programming courses but didn't finish up. He wasn't all that impressed.
Network router / firewall for small office
September-24, 2011 by: Lisa Ridley
From: Lisa Ridley ------------------------------------------------------ Hey guys, Question from someone with rudimentary hardware skills and basic = hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. = When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a = screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation = what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at = the command line. =20 I currently am using an Apple Airport Extreme at my office, which is = basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other = functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons = of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another = discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for = my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function = properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it = in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the = Airport extreme. I also have a server that I'd like to put in my office and expose it to = the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that = because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is = probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport = Extreme. So.....I'm looking for recommendations on a wired router that I can = place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to = provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection = that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I = plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as = a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want = cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services = for development and testing. Since the server will be plugged into the wired router, something that = can also function as a firewall would be awesome! Finally, I'd like to avoid breaking the bank, so anything that exceeds a = couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's absolutely = required to get the functionality I need. Be kind :) For those of you familiar with Chattanooga, I'm in the Tivoli Center, = and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, with a = backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon character = here on Chugalug :). Lisa Ridley=