Posts by Bruce Ordway

Why SAP may be mulling 2030 end of maintenance for legacy ERP

Not just SAP.

Epicor ERP has been in a similar situation, pushing back retirement dates.

They desperately want to move everyone to the new cloud version but... customers are tired of endless upgrade cycles with few benefits.

Will passkeys ever replace passwords? Can they?

Re: Lose your device, lose your access

"have the complete list of all websites/services/accounts"

I actually do maintain a list of all my accounts since... I'm constantly retiring and/or trashing my devices.

And, I never log on to anything using a phone... I only use it for making calls.

The Clacktop: A Thinkpad Yoga with a mechanical keyboard

OTOH... I wouldn't mind something laptop sized - sans keyboard & monitor.

I've rarely use laptops as true portables or need the built in keyboards or monitors.

I just like the small footprint of a laptop in combination with external keyboard/mouse and dual monitors.

Easy to do work on and.. move as needed.

So... I'd rather have lots of USB ports instead to mix and match on the fly.

Angry admins share the CrowdStrike outage experience

Re: Modern life

This is why I haven't ever used BitLocker.

Sure, this practice might end up biting me some day but... not today.

Father of SQL says yes to NoSQL

Re: The long view... lower the entry bar

Yes, I remember SQL as so easy.... after we switched from UniData,

A quarter of 5-7 year olds now use smartphones, says regulator

Re: How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness

Yeah, in the 80's all the kids in my neighborhood roamed all over. Now I rarely see any of the local kids outside the house, let alone out of their own yard. Parents seem more stressed out, mayb3e a little overly protective.

But... I can't really relate all that well since my wife & I never wanted/had kids.

I think we were a little ahead of our time in that area.

Want to keep Windows 10 secure? This is how much Microsoft will charge you

Re: Year of Lunix desktop

For me at least, now that I'm retired I easily get by with Linux.

When I was working I still needed MS systems for much of my work on .Net applications.

Even today, at least one of those old .Net applications I worked with has already been converted to Angular so... no need for Windows to work on that anymore.

Bernie Sanders clocks in with 4-day workweek bill thanks to AI and productivity tech

Re: There will be some animals less equal than others

In the U.S. some plants adjust work schedules by department.

e.g.

shop: four day, ten hours

admin/office: five day, eight hours ( remote and/or onsite )

support: on call seven day, twenty four hours

McDonald's ordering system suffers McFlurry of tech troubles

Re: Only been to McD's

Similarly, I quit McDonald's in the 70's since I always asked to hold the pickles, mustard & onions

Even after a LONG wait there was always a good chance my burger would include at least one of those undesired condiments.

Forgetting the history of Unix is coding us into a corner

Re: Further reading?

>> where does Plan 9 come into this?

Before reading the article, this was the only Plan 9 I was aware of....

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052077/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_q_plan%25209

Angry mob trashes and sets fire to Waymo self-driving car

Re: The place not to be

>>I have this rosy view of how it 'used' to be

Yeah, I think a lot of US Cities aren't as nice as they used to be.

For example I grew up in Denver it was still kind of "quaint".

Last time I visited... it reminds me a lot of some California cities. (Not in a good way).

Dell said to be preparing broad Return To Office order this Monday

Re: Tracking

Now I wonder...

several sites I used to do remote work for would set up a physical PC with RDP enabled.

In theory...tracking might think I'm local?

Artificial intelligence is a liability

Re: reliance

"Imagine a scenario..."

Spellcheck has negatively affected my ability to spell.

Calculators have reduced my ability to manually perform math.

These days I use CAD instead of pencils and PLC's instead of relays.

AI does seem pretty silly right now but... I will "stay tuned".

What's the golden age of online services? Well, now doesn't suck

CompuServe.... back in the day

Yes, I actually preferred Compuserve to ISP/internet.

With CServe, it was so easy to find everything, know who you were communicating and it all so polite!

When things shifted to ISP/Internet...it seemed to me like chaos but... I had to adjust with the times.

37 Signals says cloud repatriation plan has already saved it $1 million

Re: Is it comparable?

"People didn't switch to cloud to save..." (and/or SaaS) ?

Yeah, if a client asks, I find myself recommending cloud solutions (even though I've never really liked the cloud).

A business "rolling there own" may start out OK but....I assume that eventually they'll encounter issues in acquiring/retaining staff.

Chap blew up critical equipment on his first day – but it wasn't his volt

220 vs 440

I remember powering up a VFD on the shop floor when I saw a red LED light up. Hmmm...that had never happened before so I briefly leaned my head over to investigate. Not seeing the problem right away I turned to disconnect the power. Then I heard a huge bang and saw a cloud of smoke... right where my head had been seconds earlier.

Turned out that someone had re-stocked a 220V VFD in a box labeled 440V and... I hadn't bothered to look at the label on the VFD.

So... one of the 3 (big) capacitors blew when powered with 440.

Learned my lesson... now I check everything twice... before powering up.

Power grids tremble as electric vehicle growth set to accelerate 19% next year

Re: For many of us, hybrids make more sense than BEVs

I've been told hybrids are better for some colder regions of the US (one of which, I live in).

Batteries don't like the cold and... electricity to recharge is more likely to be coal generated (assuming people are recharging at night).

Farewell WordPad, we hardly knew ye

Re: So LibreOffice it is then.

>>> Loading time is quite a bit longer,

I liked LO but as stated, the initial load time seemed pretty bad... turned out the problem was that LO was waiting for a network printer to wake up.

After changing the Windows default to a local PDF printer... now LO loads quickly.

BTW.... I finally switched from Office 2003 to LO earlier in the year.

Microsoft calls time on ancient TLS in Windows, breaking own stuff in the process

protocols were disabled by default

I need it to keep some older "stuff" working so am already in the habit of re-enabling TLS versions on Windows and Linux.

But... that's just a few personal PC's on my home LAN.

For enterprises I'd be a little more concerned...

Lesson 1: Keep your mind on the ... why aren't the servers making any noise?

Re: Been there... following a script does not require thinking to be engaged

I asked a 6 year old on my street a question the other day & this was her reply:

"I can't think when I'm thinking. You gave me a brain fart"!

Social media is too much for most of us to handle

something snapped... I couldn't look

This article reminds me how much I used to like Compuserve dial-up.

CServes content was limited but... organized, so much easier (for me) to deal with.

I have to admit, the internet overtaking dial-up services opened up a lot of new destinations.

But... it introduced so much chaos, disorganization, etc... too.

Startup that charged $1.20 a day for coworking space in nightclubs folds

Re: modern coffee shop only came into existence in circa 1997

I personally prefer premodern coffee shops... when you can still find them.

I especially have fond memories of a coffee shop in Denver in the late 70's.

Originally named "The Bare Tit" but due to "feedback" from local women the name was eventually changed to "Free Weavers" .

Obviously no computers or phones back then but... it was a great place to hang out, study, etc..

Usually nice & quiet except for a few special events, e.g. local musicians, performances.

Data cleanser did its job, but – oopsie! – also doubled customers' bills

fixing a problem and then having to fix more problems

Why my first thought when encountering an issue is... "do nothing".

Here's how the data we feed AI determines the results

Re: It's useful

Yeah, I can easily see how "AI" will be used to reduce task "drudgery", generating concepts, etc...

I just hope I'll be capable of identifying AI generated results and then verifying they are reasonable.

Similar to the way I use Wikipedia now. While It is a nice site for a quick lookup and I do use it all the time...

I know it is not authoritative and includes inaccuracies.

Red Hat at 30: Biggest Linux company of them all still pushing to become cloud power

Re: They'll keep moving forward with the hybrid cloud

>>actually about Red Hat.

Yeah and I've always had reservations about Red Hat.

( even though I realize it's probably, mostly due to some irrational prejudices of mine, but I still can't help that I feel this way ).

Thieves smash hole in wall to nab $500K in Apple iKit

Pharmacies too

A few years ago a pharmacy in a local "strip mall" was burgled in the same manner after thieves gained access to an adjoining business.

They easily punched thru the drywall into the pharmacy and made off with opioids... mostly.

Sometimes you're only as secure as your neighbors?

Techie fired for inventing an acronym – and accidentally applying it to the boss

IHTFP

IHTFP sign on a cubical wall - was well known by the rest of the staff to mean "I hate this fucking place"

- but when the culprit was one day queried about his sign by an irate manager, he stated "I have truly found peace"

Uptime guarantees don't apply when you turn a machine off, then on again, to 'fix' it

Linux.... back when Slackware came on floppy disks

Yeah, wasn't that an exciting time?

Datacenters still a boys' club, staffing shortages may change that

Re: 1U servers are right in the zone...

>>21kg - under the male recommended limit, over the female recommended limit.

FWIW... the USPS (postal) delivery person serving my neighborhood is a woman.

Last fall I saw her delivering a big package & later asked what the limit is for USPS workers.

She informed me the limit is 70 pounds (approx 31.75 KG ) which surprised me... if I remember, typical warehouse jobs in my area only require ability to lift 50 LBs.

As for my attitude, I've been approx. 80% pro when working with or being supervised by a woman.

20% con nothing to do with gender... I just couldn't stand a couple individuals.

(and they couldn't stand me either).

Since (as far as I know), nobody gets along with everyone.

So in that respect I will consider myself "average" until proven otherwise.

Can YouTube be held liable for pushing terror vids? Asking for a Supreme Court...

who poured hot coffee on his lap then sued Mickey D's

Quick buck?

I think you might find there was more to that story.

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/12/16/13971482/mcdonalds-coffee-lawsuit-stella-liebeck

DNA testing biz vows to improve infosec after criminals break into database it forgot it had

Just don't provide sensitive data (like social security numbers)

It is common in the US for businesses to ask for your social security number.

I always refuse to provide my SSN a real requirement is verified.

I find 9 times out of 10 they are "just asking" and for no legitimate reason.

EXCEPT in my state it is now required by the Motor Vehicle Department (in my state at least).

I'm not sure when this became state law. I only know the last time I renewed my drivers license I did finally have to give them my SSN.

UK prepares to go it alone on post-Brexit science plan

Democracy

I'm still amazed that Brexit went to a general election.

I believe the majority of people don't have the time/resources to devote to the study of some issues.

Wouldn't it have been better to let elected officials decide whether something this complex was a good idea?

Three seconds of audio could end up costing Fox $500,000

Re: Harmony by disharmony

Yes, in addition, all the air raid towers in my neighborhood are tested at noon, every first Wednesday of each month.

"Ear-splitting" is not an exaggeration, so I've learned to avoid my local park during those times.

Even though annoying, alert systems still make sense, especially for those of us who live in the "tornado alley".

This can’t be a real bomb threat: You've called a modem, not a phone

Re: "They even asked for a physical description of the caller"

Reminds me of a guy I worked beside in the late 80's, when there were still things like "singles" sections in papers with contact numbers.

He said he'd always try to get at least one big laugh when speaking with a potential date.

Depending on how a persons laugh sounds, he believed he could tell how thin.. or not they were.

If he's alive today, I'm guessing he's still single.

Meet the merry pranksters who keep the workplace interesting, if not productive

about an inch a week... oh yeah.

Rather than a cubicle and weekly movement, we did this to an open area and reduced the clearances daily.

( space similar to Les Nessman's "office" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Nessman )

Eventually the occupant stood and angrily uttered "this f***ing thing has to go" and started re-expanding.

The rest of us couldn't contain ourselves, broke out laughing... so did the target after a slight pause.

Later on, another joker would wind that persons phone cord around one of the legs of the desk.

i.e. the person suddenly could no longer reach nearby reference materials while on the phone.

FCC calls for mega $300 million fine for massive US robocall campaign

Makes more sense now

Maybe this explains why I noticed an increase in robo-calls this past year.

I signed on to the national "do not call" list several years ago & that used to help... not anymore I guess.

These days I don't carry the phone and the ringtone is disabled.

I mainly check voicemail and return calls every few days.

So it is rare that I'd actually answer an incoming robo-call.

Server installer fails to spot STOP button – because he wasn't an archaeologist

Re: new fitted benches had been installed over the shutoff valve

I moved into my 100 year old house in the spring.

Once winter came and I turned on the heater, located in the basement, I noticed some squirrel cage vibration.

Vibration went away as soon as I opened the heater access panel...hmmmn.

Eventually tracked it back to a vent in the floor of the main level had been covered with new flooring.

Once I cut an opening and put the floor vent grate back in place.. all good.

Of course, if the vent gets covered by misc junk, vibrations return.

Microsoft reportedly mulls a does-everything 'super app' to expand mobile search

Bing?

anything but...

Get ready for $10,000 apps in Apple's software souk

sideloading iOS apps will cause security problems

I remember Ma Bell claiming the same at one time.

Programming error created billion-dollar mistake that made the coder ... a hero?

Ever had a moment of ineptitude accidentally turn into eptitude

At one site I worked it was so common we had a definition for "inverse incompetency".

Where the person starts out with a fatally flawed concept and executes it so poorly that favorable results are achieved.

Musk tells of risk of Twitter bankruptcy as tweeters trash brands

Can a genius be unskilled and unaware

Musk does seem like a clever guy.. in some areas.

However... I suspect his particular "genius" will not be of benefit to Twitter.

I am reminded that no matter how smart a person thinks they are...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

Hot, sweaty builders hosed a server – literally – leaving support with an all-night RAID repair job

Re: Botched Aircon

>> insane aircon in the comms room. You need a jacket

Reminds me of a server room at one site that installed a nice Mitsubishi AC unit right next to the main rack.

Worked fine all thru summer and fall but when winter came... it was running all the time, became VERY cold by the rack.

I finally noticed there was a heating duct in the ceiling a bout six feet away from the AC, constantly blowing hot air at the AC unit.

OF course the heat was controlled by a thermostat in a different office space with a lot of windows would eventually require a contractor to resolve.

Temporary workaround by IT... block the heat duct with towels.

Multi-factor auth fatigue is real – and it's why you may be in the headlines next

Re: Surely there's a design fault here

I don't mind two factor auth but...

A lot of sites/apps default to text, don't offer an email option...can be a royal pain for me, since I use PC's.

On a positive note, the GVoice number I set up years ago has finally become of some use.

Discovered that text to that number also shows up in my gmail!

I do have a phone, I just rarely use/answer it.

No, I will not pay the bill. Why? Because we pay you to fix things, not break them

You mean Christmas?

In my case the season starts at Halloween and ends with St Patrick's Day

Rent-calculating software biz accused of colluding with 'cartel' of landlords

Re: Intention is irrelevant

On a related note...

My local city council (USA) recently passed a moratorium on issuing new rental licenses.

As I understand it, this was reaction to companies that were buying a LOT of single family residences and converting them into rentals. This is exacerbating the already, short supply of low and middle income housing.

Home prices and property taxes are rising... starting to pinch many of the local retirees.

Construction companies are building homes for or large apartment blocks.. for upper incomes.

Young adults just sarting out.. good luck.

To make this computer work, users had to press a button. Why didn't it work? Guess

Have your instructions ever been ignored?

Yes. my instructions are almost always ignored.

To be fair I document compulsively and few want to wade thru the details

and I'm just as bad as any other end user...

Many times I read just the first few lines of instructions before jumping right into a process.. only to have to back up and reread entirely anyway.

Firefox 106 will let you type directly into browser PDFs

Re: I imagine this will be hated by the UK DWP

>>> only criminals use PDFs.

And originally developed by...?

Microsoft leaves the Office, rebrands everything as 365

Re: Survey missing option

>>I am very happy with LibreOffice.

And I am still happy with Office 2003...especially since the addition of all the useless "features" in subsequent versions

Want to know the future of FOSS? You can look it up in a database

Re: Everything is a database

>> FOSS ERP systems taking over the corporate world

Yes, ERP is where I feel the most extorted.

ERP has always seemed to me like an area for FOSS but... so far I have not seen anything significant.

The crime against humanity that is the modern OS desktop, and how to kill it

Re: It does suck

>>> Windows since 7... several steps backwards in terms of usability.

I blame the current mess on those who have been compelling developers to leverage an OS for desktops, tablets and smartphones.

I say forget other devices, I just want an OS working on a DESKTOP.

Phones and tablets may be great for some things but...

I believe getting any real work done will require a desktop?