Day: 5 September 2003

Searvers, Software, And Stuff

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Every day it seems like we need another server to do this or that. I have request for 3 different things right now that I can think of that all will require new server gear. Then when I go ask for the money for the stuff I get the traditional “what do you need that for?” speech from Gus. Or the “you want to spend how much money?” speech. I know he is kidding most of the time but it highlights the tight rope I walk between what we need and not spending too much money.

With that said I need to begin testing an Exchange 2003 server within our Information Systems department. We are attempting to see how difficult it would be to use and administer an exchange server. I think it will be good to use in a small workgroup environment like the IS department, but not for a full company deployment. We will see.

Along with evaluating mail packages I want to find a good LDAP product that will allow me to share 1 address book between two facilities and remote users. We don’t all connect to the same domain, and not everyone is able to access inside servers all the time. I would like our mail system to provide LDAP, but our current provider does not offer it. Looking at alternatives now.

This week has been good because I have been looking at new technologies and software to enhance our infrastructure. Microsoft Operations Manager looks great and we may do a full scale deployment of it. We are locking down users desktops more effectively. I am in the process of deploying a log file analyzing software to digest our web server logs more effectively. The remote KVM system was also killer. Tying everything together into one systems management system will be the tricky part.

“The Office”

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I came home last night to an envelope tucked under my door. It contained a security form and a mug shot of my brother in law Mike. I got a good laugh at that one. He has been using my Apartment to study. He can’t find a quiet place without distractions at his place so he drives over and studies sometimes when I am at work. I don’t care, but the security people always give him a hard time when he goes into my building. I always call ahead but they forget. He is filling out this form so he can come and go when he wants. He already has a key, so why not. I tell him to just say he is me. Those security people are not that bright.

Mike is calling my place his Office. He told my sister he was “going to the office” thursday, and she didn’t even realize what he meant until later. For some weird reason he left me Dunkin Donuts munchkins for breakfast this morning. I am trying to explain that as long as he doesn’t trash my place, I don’t need anything in return. But he likes to get stuff, so what the hell. I just have to remember that he may come over and clean up a bit every morning. He say’s my place is cleaner than his, but I like to not have a mess when company comes over. Or at least confine it to the bedroom.

Poker, Poker, Poker

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The anticipated poker game finally came to pass. We gave up on Gus organizing it. When Dan said he had a game going on last night a few of us joined up. We had Dan, Gus, Molly, Miguel, Daniel, two of Dan’s friends and myself. They play Texas Hold-um. It is different kind of poker than I am used to. Their is allot of shared cards. It is interesting. Dan and Gus were trying to explain the game a bit to me Thursday afternoon. Not sure if it helped, but I did end up being the big winner last night. They play tournament style. You can buy more chips twice. it is a very structured game. I was down allot in the beginning after loosing a good hand to Gus. I bought back in and then won like the next hand with allot of winnings. I stayed up their in the money rankings until the end. It was weird. I didn’t think I would win. I thought for sure I would make some stupid decision and blow my money. Turns out I had some more good wins, and a few not so horrible losses. I always liked poker. I like it allot more when I win. I hope to play again soon.

On another poker note. I think molly will kill miguel today. He was trash talking all night, and she was not happy about it. Miguel, you need to learn the etiquette of poker. Never look at someone’s thrown away cards, even if you are not playing. It felt good to take him down. The other players were cool and I would play against them anytime.

I just hope I don’t have beginners luck and suck for the next 100 times I play!

I didn’t get home till after 1AM. I am now tired. I hope to make today a light day.