Diary of a Network Geek

No, I’m not kidding.
The other day I was thinking to myself, “How can I kill a couple of minutes at the end of the day while still looking like I’m doing something productive at work?” Well, used to be that I’d reach for one of those handy trade magazines that always seem to find their way to my desk, but I don’t have any. Apparently, I’ve changed jobs once too often and too quickly for those freebie subscriptions to keep up! Well, there’s a quick rememdy for that: Information Technology Magazine Subscriptions at TradePub.com.
Yep, there’s something there for everyone in the computer industry, no matter what you do or at what level you do it. And, all for free.

C’mon, it’s Friday! You know you want to kill the last couple minutes of the day filling out subscription forms, so just click the link!

You know, I’m not sure…

Look through my resume and you’ll see that I’ve had quite a few titles: MIS Analyst, MIS Systems Analyst, Network Administrator, Senior Network Engineer, Supervisor of LAN/Desktop Support, and, now, I think, Systems Engineer. All those titles and I’ve always done the same basic thing. Go figure.
That’s why I coded up this little beauty: The Amazing Information Technology Title Generator. Give it a whirl and fill in the “blanks” on your resume. I doubt anyone would know the difference.

Really, I just get nostolgic about this little script. It was the first PERL I coded all by myself. Just between you and me? It’s a mess. But, it still runs well enough. Enjoy!

Well, I signed my papers and took my drug test today. My contract is for six months, but that doesn’t mean much considering that either of us could terminate the contract at any time for any reason. Also, since it’s contract-to-hire, they could convert me to permanent at any time, too.
In any case, my start date ended up being Monday, so updates about the new job will start next week. Of course, before then, I’m sure there will be at least one update about the pre-new-job jitters. After having been out of work for almost a full year, I’m both eager to start and terrifed that I won’t do well. I’m sure my Dad would tell me that if I’m scared I won’t do well, that means I’m thinking enough about it to get things done right.
At least these folks seem to be in fairly good shape on their Novell network from what I’ve seen so far. For starters, they have their timesync setup right. That’s more than a lot of people I’ve worked for can say. Certainly, it wasn’t right at ThatDamnBoatCompany, as I’ve come to think of my former employers. I wonder how they’re doing now?

Well, I’ll have to send e-mail to my family and friends now, letting them know the joyous news. Oh, by the way, the company that I’ll be working at is Loomis, Fargo & Co. and the people that placed me their are Momentum Information Technology. They’re good folks. Ask for Gary and tell him Jim sent you!