What do you do?

[happybunny]

No really, I am curious to know what you people do for work...just a survey really...

I am a MS System Admin trying hard to become a linux system admin. I am currently breathing linux day and night. I am heading to class in march and taking the RHCT test then too. I was thinking about also taking the LPI and Comptia Linux+ certs while it was all still fresh in my mind as I'm sure many of the same questions will be on all the tests.

[MMYoung]

I'm 46 years old, got laid off from the plant that I had worked at for 23 years in 2002, drew unemployment for 26 weeks and had to take a job at Wal-Mart making $5.40 per hour. Someone FINALLY made mention of the fact that I was eligible to go to college with all expenses paid AND draw my unemployment for another 52 weeks. So I told Wal-Mart to stick it and I'm going to a local Community College working towards a two year CIS (Computer Information Systems) degree.

On top of all that I FINALLY got 2.6.2 compiled and running like a Singer sewing machine in Slackware.

Ain't life grand,
MMYoung

[mengle]

Wow MM, that's a depressing story with a good ending. I'm glad at least some of my tax dollars are going to help out people like you. Best of luck. ;)

As for me I'm a grad student in geochemistry (hope to be Dr. nOOb come next January) and work (rarely) for a couple of consulting firms in town. However before becoming totally reliant on linux, I need to find a good program for making graphs and charts. Open Office (much like Excel) is okay for making graphs for internal use but I really need something better for presentations and puiblications. Right now I typically either use SigmaPlot or Excel --> Illustrator in Windows to do this. I also haven't found a nice WYSIWYG stats program yet (something like SPSS).

[GlennaclawZ]

I work at a pizza place ;)
am also starting my own business with web design as well as game development. Its a living!

[JuiceWVU202]

I am a 19 year old Junior CS major at West Virginia University, I have an internship in the IT department of a major generic pharmacutical company. I plan on attending grad school (computer forensics) after graduating.

[WayStar]

That's right, I produce and present planetarium shows.

Having gotten married in the last year, I know that I may someday have to move away and find another career. Thus, I am learning all I can about computers, network administration, and a bit of programming.

-Waylena

[carbon-12]

im still in highschool. 4 more months and im outta here :) Im proably going into computer engineering.

[gofigr]

25 years old, taken some courses in computering, currently working in tech support on laptops for a major manufacturer. while i would dearly love to walk in with a live cd distro like knoppix and toy around with the crash & burns, sadly i cannot. trying to save up the cash for a new system so i can delve more deeply into the linux world.

[Valorin]

I'm a 3rd year Computer Engineering student, and am going to be doing a 16 month internship with a high end IC and ASIC manufacturer in their video division.

mengle: I don't know if this helps or not, but maybe you should look into gnuplot (www.gnuplot.info). I don't know whether it will help or not but I remember reading about it a little while ago and I thought I'd just mention it here.

[bandwidth_pig]

Telecom Engineer for Time Warner.

[mengle]

Hey Valorin,
Thanks for the FYI on gnuplot. I've looked into a little bit but I don't think it will quite do what I need. Most plotting programs seem to be for plotting functions, not data. Also, most of them that do plot data are fairly ugly and aren't capable of multiple y-axes, log scales, multiple symbols and lines, etc.

Anyway to avoid making this thread going anymore off topic if anyone has any brilliant ideas, please send me a private message. Thanks.

[MMYoung]

Originally posted by mengle
Wow MM, that's a depressing story with a good ending. I'm glad at least some of my tax dollars are going to help out people like you. Best of luck. ;)

It's only depressing if you let it be. I try to always look at things as being opportunitites rather than obstacles. My sig line is my life's creed, so to speak. Stuff happens, you deal with it and go on. Mostly, I let life be good to me, no matter what the situation. All kinds of ways to get down and out but all that gets you is, down and out.

It does have a good ending, or at least it got good middle anyway. We'll see what happens when I graduate next May.

As far as the luck, thanks I can use as much of it as can be spared. Heck I figure I'm due some good Karma anyway.

Later,
MMYoung

[bandwidth_pig]

I think your story MMYoung is now the standard. Job security is a illusion. But as you pointed out, it's pretty cool that you now have a chance to reinvent yourself. We put way too much stock in our jobs. People think that if you get a good education, and get a good job with a solid company that you are safe. Well, I can tell you from experience that nobody is immune. Nobody. I don't care what you do or how much education you have. The world is in some kind of strange state of transformation in this regard. Back 30 years ago, dedication meant a lot. Where did we go wrong?

Actually, I think doctors and lawyers are safe. People will always get sick and people will always get in trouble. Beyond that who knows.

[Texatl]

I am a Corporate Investigator and Computer Forensic Examiner. My boss is a Winblows only type, so most examinations are completed using windows tools.

I also do computer forensics on the side, using mainly linux tools.

Oh yeah, and I'm a paid part-time Firefighter and EMT.

Room for one more job.... hmmmmmmmm I don't know.

[Beavbo]

I'm a junior at the United States Naval Academy, majoring in Computer Science. Wheeeee! :D


P.S. Interesting thread btw

[soda_popstar]

I'm a popstar. ;)

[MMYoung]

Originally posted by bandwidth_pig
I think your story MMYoung is now the standard. Job security is a illusion. ...Where did we go wrong?

You are correct. Sad to say but I'm just one of recent MILLIONS of unemployed. Luckily I'm getting an opportunity to at least try to better myself, most aren't that lucky. Even worse, the plant where I worked for 23 years and some of my closest friends are still working (some in the 35th and 38th years) will be closing in April. Five years ago we had 340 people working 5 and 6 days a week 24 hours a day. Good pay for this area, great benefits and we (the plant) was making money.

Where did "we" go wrong? WE didn't go wrong, greed and corporate corruption are eating away at the very fabric of our society like a CANCER. I know that you asked the question rhetorically, so don't take this as a jab 'ner nothing. But THE SYSTEM is run by the corporations now, don't make no difference if you a Democan or a Republicrat, or if you live in America or Greece or Iraq. The Golden Rule is the law of all lands now. The Golden Rule, you might ask? That is, "The man with the Gold makes all the Rules." Oh well, every dog has his day, as we say around here. They're having their day now, but soon we'll have ours.

Ain't right and it ain't wrong, it just is.

Later,
MMYoung

[boson245]

Sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh trying to triple in math, physics and neuroscience.

Good idea for a thread, by the way. I've always been a little curious as to the demographic linux applies to.

[drummerboy195]

Senior in high school, finances pending I will be attending RIT for a degree in Applied Networking and Systems Administration. :D

[gehidore]

same as carbon-12


but it seems since i met linux that highschool is so ... primitive i could teach my pschyc 2 class...

but instead i build and repair boxes for my local comunity and anyone else who wants a buget box or top of the line machine for cheap currently im trying to get my business lic for my compy shop

but currently i run "stamp of integrity" rubber stamps all the way baby

and i am now trying to get kernel 2.6.3 to enable frambuffer and get rid of those pathetic colors but its fighting with me (stupid lfs) not wanting my kernel

although carbon i prefer

H\ .
--O :
H/ .

hehehe

[quip]

High School science teacher/coach

[mghist]

Systems Intergation Specialist for a document solutions company

[SunOfTux]

I am 29 years old and currently in graduate school earning my Masters in Materials Engineering at the University of Dayton. I graduated in '98 with a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering.

I worked in ministry for several years afterward, but realized it wasn't for me and went back to school.

I am set to graduate in August. I am not sure if I will go on right away to earn my Ph.D. (I want to be a college professor), or get a "job" for a few years. I have a son now ("Baby SunOfTux") which I have to support.

I have been a computer "geek" for a long time now. I started out with a Commodore 64 around 11 yrs. old, and the rest is history...

[gehidore]

i forgot to mention i bread and sell rare fish (many extinct in the wild) just my part in keeping some extreamly beautifull speacies around for the next 20 years

mostly specialize in rare cichlids(SiK^Lids) but also some lesser know species

[drsatch]

Thought I'd join in...

27 year old pilot/flight instructor

[rbrimhall]

Last semester as a graduate student in Urban Anthropology. Currently working for a public policy / community building research division at the University of Memphis. Not much money involved but it's work that can make a real difference if only the higher ups in charge would start to listen... oh, and a soon to be father! Alright!

[pzengota]

25 years old... Software Quality Engineer for a leading BPM (Business Performance Management) software company in Stamford, CT

aka: "Tester"

[automatic]

IT support in research org, and doing my own Computer business as consultant, networking, and maintenance.

[ZenelithCalling]

Originally posted by MMYoung
You are correct. Sad to say but I'm just one of recent MILLIONS of unemployed. Luckily I'm getting an opportunity to at least try to better myself, most aren't that lucky.

Good point there. I just got laid off from my tech support slot and like MM, I'm working on a degree also. One more year and I'll be done with a Master's in Tech Management/Digital Security. Nowadays its not life-time employemnt, but life-time employability.

-Z

[bsm2001]

39

retired as a tug boat captain after Knee surgery and was unable to return due to complications that arose after. ie lost the functionality.

now just relax and enjoy life with family and LINUX.

[Brat2dbone]

Originally posted by Gehidore
i forgot to mention i bread and sell rare fish
mmmm...sounds tasty :D
sry I just couldn't help it

Me ...kinda like MM, worked at a factory for 5 years, then was laid off during downsizing (same company my grandfather and father both worked and retired from), now 4 years later (after a lot of bouncing around job-wise) I'm working tech support for a DSL service. Hopefully this will just be a stepping stone for something better down the road.

[bandwidth_pig]

Originally posted by Gehidore
i forgot to mention i bread and sell rare fish (many extinct in the wild) just my part in keeping some extreamly beautifull speacies around for the next 20 years

mostly specialize in rare cichlids(SiK^Lids) but also some lesser know species

Oh man. A few years ago you and I would have been best friends. I was a aquarium FREAK. I don't know what got into me (loved cichlids...convicts, jack dempseys...I had a killer green terror). I had 11 Tanks at one time. Two 125 gallon tanks, like 3 50s, some saltwater tanks. I loved it. I would spend entire days cleaning them. I kind of miss that now honestly. Live plant tanks where my favorite. Get some nice logs in there. Some good rocks and some bubbles and I was quite relaxed. Even had some red belly Pirahna

[leonpmu]

27yrs young, running my Own small business providing Linux solutions everywhere I can.

Just BTW Llinux is taking off, it is now mainstream and everyone wants it!!!

[voidinit]

I'm 25 and a I do whatever is nescessar whenever I'm needed. I generally work about 30 hours a week acting as CIO/Network Admin/In-house Programmer/whatever for companies large enought to have networks, but too small for an IT staff.

I also play Star Wars Galaxies a lot.

[knute]

32 years old, divorced and currently taking on the legal system in a battle to get my kids back from my ex.

Been thru the factory closing on you route, done the help desk route, wanting to go back to school so that I can get my degree.

I fell in love with computers from the first apple that I sat down in front of in 2nd grade, talked the teacher into about half of the class time using it too! :D
(Now that I think about it, I think that everyone else was a little afraid of it.... all the buttons).

Anyway, I now work as a loan clerk for a payday loan place. I mostly work by myself, so I have plenty of time to fiddle.
I'ld love nothing more than to change their computer over from Win2kPro to Linux, as most of what is being used for the loans is either web based or is on Access.
Out of the entire company (10 stores) I am the technical one and I still make $6.25/hr! One day I spent 3 hours walking one of the techincal novices thru resetting up her system, and reinstalling McAfee! :)

Fun fun fun!

[gehidore]

so i cant spell that sucks

i find they are very relaxing to look at when your kernel is laughing in your odd face although tank next to my box has and evil peacocks in it and the male stares at me all night long untill i feed him or stick my hand in the tank so he can attempt to murder me or untill one of his "sexy" partners swims by

but anyway repairing hardware is another market cellphones as well if your in southwest washington i can get you free incoming calls

[Brat2dbone]

didn't mean any offense Gehidore

I apologize if it sounded rude

just meant to be a light rib-poking ;)

[Fryguy8]

Just turned 20 a couple weeks ago, I'm a 2nd year computer science major.

[The Linux Kid]

I'm 14. I go to skool (like a lot of 14 year olds) and am pretty much gaurenteed job security cause my dad is the director of a compter/electronics company.

Some of the above stories made me feel pretty sad (especially knute's story <EDIT> I hope that there is a happy end to this story as well as all of the other sad stories here </EDIT>) as I sit here in my nice house with my nice family at my nice private school in Australia.

The Linux Kid

[plainzwalker]

23/married w/fish(s) and a dog.

Broadcast Technician (AKA tv repairman :P ) in the US Army. Currently stationed in a small farm town called Vilseck, Germany.... turned to linux for some entertainement.

[je_fro]

African Cichlids...
I used to raise various Tropheus and Lamprologus species...and I kept some peacocks and discus around for eye-candy. Kinda like KDE now that I reflect on it....
Otherwise, I go to UT Austin and try to stay out of trouble.

[Digit0]

27 tech support for a school in London. Most machines are OSX some windowz and of course mine: YDL.

I do not know wich system I dislike the most if its OSX or the windowz ones. Guess tiz good though for the whole interoperability stuff.

Tiz K here, loads of hollidays no stress and lovely women.

Life is good.

[hard candy]

A Registered Nurse at the Medical College of Georgia in
Augusta, Georgia (home of James Brown, the Masters Golf Tournament ,and Osborne Medical Systems (makers of penile implants)- what a combo! ) :)
Also, I have a 55 gal aquarium with fish I got out out of the Savannah river. I have a "native" setup. And if the heater goes on the blink, I don't have to worry about them too much.
I've worked on a shrimp boat, in chicken houses, on a cattle ranch, as a cabinet maker, several gas stations, a plant making the wafer boards for circuits, office cleaning, convenience stores, grew pot out in the woods, at a riding stable, corporate ad salesman,dug ditches (literally), block/brick mason, and as a framing carpenter. The key is to be flexible and act like you know what the hell you're doing while you learn on the job! And don't be afraid to go back to school ( both college and the School of Hardknox). You can find some good dates at college, too.
For those looking for a good career with job security- radiology technicians are in high demand, using computers with the advanced scans like PETA, MRI, nuclear scans. As the advanced techniques get more sophisticated, the demand for people able to maintain, write software for these scanners will increase also.And the good thing is that once you get in the door with a basic certificate, the hospitals,etc will pay for advanced training.
Bon Bon used to have a job sexing chickens at the hatchery- Goldkist, et al don't want to pay for feeding roosters so they have "chicken sex specialists" come by and take a gander at the new chicks and say "yay or nay". He quit because every time he met a new girl while he was scavenging the county dump, they would run away when he told them he sexed chickens for a living. Go figure! So now he's working on his physics degree at the Augusta State University- he hopes to get a job at the Savannah River Plant where they used to build hydrogen bombs. The cleanup is going to take 50,000 years (the half life of some of the isotopes) so he figures job security should be OK. I told him if I started being able to see him glow in the dark he was going to have to move out.

[JamminJoeyB]

Technical Sergeant in the USAF here. Been in 17 years. The AF has me as a Supply Technician, but I haven't done that in 5 years. I'm more of a budget analyst now. I help manange the Flying hour program for Seymour Johnson AFB. I've been all over the world and have been in 3 wars, the Gulf, Iraq and S. Korea. A lot of people forget that there is no peace treaty in Korea and they are still at war.

My job I do now gives me the freedom to explore new computer programs and OSS has become a big part. I have moved most of our access databases over to mysql because of it's speed and scalability. Hard to work with a database in access when you are dealing with 3 million records. The main driver was money of course. Even the AF is looking to save a buck here and there.

[ph34r]

32, married with 2 kids (one just born in December). I work at a community college supporting and training the instructors for our completely online courses. I'm also an adjunct instructor, teaching an Operating Systems course - its a survey of DOS, Mac OSX, the Windows Family (both desktop and server) and Linux.

[av8or]

Wow! I have a lot of heroes posting here!!

Pilots, fish enthusiasts, linux enthusiasts. I wish I could get to know all of you! You're all my heroes.

I'm currently working as Technology Director for a medium sized public school district with no money and that is way behind technologically. But, that's why they hired me! To bring them out of the dark ages. It's going to be a challenge.

Oftentimes I wish I'd pursued a career in aviation. Aviation is truly my first love. I got my license a few years back but haven't had the finances to continue. So, now I find myself running outside everytime I hear an airplane flying over. Every now and then I get to see F-16s fly over my house since I live close to an Air National Guard base. (Sigh) If I weren't too old.......

[thaddaeus]

I'm Just a lowly Student Working at an LQ as a CREW member being bossed around by Canadians from america(its a great job though). Fortunatly one of my managers is a Linux guy who knows other linux guys. I will be going to Metro State College soon studying: Major Network Engineering (not the exact title) and hopefully minoring in CS. I want to start my own business specializing in Building Linux PC for home users and doing lowend server/ storage solutions.

[danscript]

I am 24 yrs old working in a pc support department for a "extreme value" grocery retailer. Puting up with the daily M$ crap until I get my linux certs under my belt and then hook up with a linux admin job.

How are the linux job success stories going? Is there more linux opportunity in a stable job or consulting?

[happybunny]

This has become a great post! Thanks for all your responces...

but to add onto what danscript asked, have any of you seen specific "linux admin wanted" job postings in your area? Do you have any impression from your employers as to their take on linux and who/how they expect to support it?

I meant to add that I am on the job boards every day and have only seen 1 actual "linux admin" wanted. There have been some linux driver engineers wanted, but that is programing, and not for me.

We have a very techie CTO here and he is pushing linux almost as much as i am. We are just testing the waters right now tho and don't really know what department will support it--wheather it be UNIX or MS or even Cisco guys.

its been great hearing all your stories. I was working at a GE plant in MA when it closed down after who knows how long. I am young and unwed, so I can only guess who hard it must be for families.

Good luck to you all!

[root.veg]

26, mechanical engineering graduate, working in nuclear safety consultancy. My job is really very interesting, but it's difficult explaining why to a non-engineer :) Only gripe is that there's no Linux involved in it - I'm a pure home-user.

[JayMan8081]

I am a 23 year old Computer Engineering Graduate student at Wright State University. I work full-time as a software engineer while attending school. I started using Linux two years ago for an Operating Systems course and have stuck with it since.

[gehidore]

Originally posted by Brat2dbone
didn't mean any offense Gehidore

I apologize if it sounded rude

just meant to be a light rib-poking ;)


you didnt i was just stating that i cant spell and it really sucks for me hehehe

but i really do breed the fishies and 40 of them at 2 inches just got me a retail barton 2800 and 2 crucial 512 2700 sticks so i have fun


another thing i forgot was i custom mod cases with my handy $30 dremel that i kept when i moved into my store and out of the family house

[roamingnomad]

I'm a junior high schooler.... so there's really nothing to tell. *sigh*

Linux is just a hobby that "takes up 110% of my time."

[ev8r]

i am finishing up my master's degree in chemistry...i also work as a consultant for the university here..currenty im converting all thier old cobol and pick-basic (LOL) archived programs into usefull c++ and perl programs

[Citadel]

During hard times in the economy, money in the pocket is worth any two degrees.

[bs_texas]

I remember back when I was 46 I had a job.
Got laid off back in July 2001 ten days before I turned 47.
Been burning through all my savings and investment accounts ever since.
I'm down to about $5000 to my name and living in a garage (http://home.earthlink.net/~bennies1/home.jpg).

[bandwidth_pig]

"I am confused by the facts that my mind has made up."

That rings a bell. It's a lyric isn't it?

[bs_texas]

Originally posted by bandwidth_pig
"I am confused by the facts that my mind has made up."

That rings a bell. It's a lyric isn't it?

Not that I know of. It's just something I thought up instead of using,
"Don't confuse me with the facts! My mind's made up!"

But you can use it if you send me the royalties!
:cool:

[moonchin]

22 years old.

DSL/fiber to the curb/network engineer for a large telecom in the orlando area

pay is nice but the job is very boring/demanding.

[bandwidth_pig]

Originally posted by moonchin
22 years old.

DSL/fiber to the curb/network engineer for a large telecom in the orlando area

pay is nice but the job is very boring/demanding.

Really? If you want some OC-N connectivity I can hook you up. :D

[AndrewLubinus89]

I'm just a fourteen year old tenth grader.....very boring compared to some of you......

[blobaugh]

14 and a junior eh? thats not to shabby. Well I was tech support at my highschool for 2 years, I'm about ready to graduate and I'm looking for a temp tech job for the summer before I go off to WSU for more computerific fun!!

[EnigmaOne]

I'm in the "pest control" field. ;)

[cybertron]

I'm in the "pest control" field.

Ah, so you probably do a lot of work removing Windows. :-)

I'm a sophomore CS major at Luther College. Loving my CS classes, not so impressed with some of the other liberal arts classes.

[jeeperz_13]

Substance abuse counselor, NCAC I.

[roamingnomad]

We need to find out what mdwatts does... where does he get the time to answer all these people's questions?!?

[hard candy]

We need to find out what mdwatts does... where does he get the time to answer all these people's questions?!?
MD's grandfather invented the wattage system used in electrical systems. They get 1/100th of a US one cent each time a manufacturer has used a wattage rating for something. I think his family owns about 44% of GE. And he has a castle in Toronto, Canada.
One of his holdings is Jupitermedia which owns Internet.com which owns Justlinux. His 4 lovely assistants post all his responses to this site after he gives them the answer.

[jwreels]

Well I am a 22 year old senior Comp Eng student that is hoping to graduate dec. 2004. I am getting married in Nov so I am actively searching for a job. I currently work at a large fishing tackle store where I fix fishing reels and repair fishing rods. Then I have a side business building custom fishing rods and repairing reels that I run out of my garage. I also do repair work for two other tackle shops on my own time.

[bs_texas]

Originally posted by hard candy
MD's grandfather invented the wattage system used in electrical systems. They get 1/100th of a US one cent each time a manufacturer has used a wattage rating for something. I think his family owns about 44% of GE. And he has a castle in Toronto, Canada.
One of his holdings is Jupitermedia which owns Internet.com which owns Justlinux. His 4 lovely assistants post all his responses to this site after he gives them the answer.
:eek:

:D

[GlennaclawZ]

jees this forum got big fast...
just yesterday I posted the 4th post...
this thread is pretty damn interesting so it doesnt surprise me.

[nko]

Inventory Control for a small company. I keep track of our clients' properties.

Short and sweet. I like this thread!

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by hard candy

One of his holdings is Jupitermedia which owns Internet.com which owns Justlinux. His 4 lovely assistants post all his responses to this site after he gives them the answer.

And he has a castle in Toronto, Canada.


You just can't keep a secret, can you HC? ;)

Casa Loma in Toronto. Search Google to see pics of my home or see one at http://www.casaloma.org/

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by roamingnomad
We need to find out what mdwatts does... where does he get the time to answer all these people's questions?!?

Technical Support Analyst (OS/390, AIX, Netware, Windows and some Linux) at the head office for a large insurance company that has offices across Canada.

I'm currently on short term disability (2nd bone marrow transplant) and have a bit more time to post here during the day. However I will be returning to work in around 2 months and will go back to 2-3 hours a day at JL when I get home from the office.

[Stween]

4th year student on a 5 year MSci (Master in science) Computing Science degree, at the University of Glasgow. Part time barman. All round nice guy :cool:

[The Linux Kid]

mdwatts - Nice house

I nearly forgot to say that I also do some contract programming (I get between 100 Australian Dollars to AU$400) So that is what keeps my contant upgrading alive.

I generally write in PHP, because most of my clients have use of a PHP enabled server. I sometimes get another 100 dollars if I come and install (I never complain about doing that because it gives me an excuse to get out of school ;) )

The Linux Kid

[drummerboy195]

Mr. Watts (hehe), did I read/hear correctly? A bone marrow transplant? Whatever for? And, if you are in need of another, what blood type?

[knoM]

Originally posted by hard candy
MD's grandfather invented the wattage system used in electrical systems. They get 1/100th of a US one cent each time a manufacturer has used a wattage rating for something. I think his family owns about 44% of GE. And he has a castle in Toronto, Canada.
One of his holdings is Jupitermedia which owns Internet.com which owns Justlinux. His 4 lovely assistants post all his responses to this site after he gives them the answer.

:eek:


I sell managed dedicated servers while going to college.. just taking normal classes at the moment, math, etc.. not sure exactly what I want to major.

[ghostwalker]

Living of Long term disability. I was working as a contractor at Intel until Sept. 2000. It was great I worked in the product validation lab, "Breaking things for a living", using Novell, Linux, etc. Previous work as a Novell admin for various companies for 5 years.
After a major surgery in Sept 2000 and now copeing with Chronic Pancreatitis. I was lucky though, while at Intel I took a long term disability policy on myself. The best thing I have ever, ever done. If you can afford it, you may never need it, take one out on youself. Its like renters insurance you may never need it. It only cost me about $65 a month. It is and was a tremendous peace of mind. So much better than living on SSDI. Because I paid for it myself the benefits are 100% tax free.

I now just test 2.6.x kernel occationally. Play UT2004 and try many others.

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by drummerboy195
Mr. Watts (hehe), did I read/hear correctly? A bone marrow transplant? Whatever for? And, if you are in need of another, what blood type?

Multiple Myeloma (bone cancer and cousin to lukemia).

Thank-you very much for the offer, but I actually donate to myself and hence the reason the transplant is not a cure. Over three years ago I went through a procedure where they siphon off stem cells from me after a round of chemo to kill as much cancer cells as possible and the drug neuprogen to put the white cell growth into overdrive.

From Google


Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

A one day high dose chemotherapy was administrated.

Daily injections started of Neuprogen, a drug that promoted growth of neutrophils (type of white blood cell).

Two days of "bone marrow" harvest started. This basically involved being connected to a machine, that filtered bone marrow from the blood.


This is the third time I've lost my hair though it's nice not to have to shave for a couple of months. :)

The transplant involves a few weeks in the hospital (was released 2 weeks ago) where you receive massive chemo and a couple of days later they use large syringes to pump the stem cells back into you through the hickman catheter I have in my chest. You kinda gag as you can taste cream corn and garlic when they do the procedure.

[hard candy]

You kinda gag as you can taste cream corn and garlic when they do the procedure
Why would you gag? That's one of my breakfast dishes.
I hear if you use Windows ME 24/7 for 5 years straight setting up networking and exotic video hardware you stay in remission. You might try that- you can get Windows ME in the stores still. But you can't use any service packs or updates.

[GigaShadow]

Beavbo...."junior" at CANU -U? Well, I guess that the rest of the world will understand that...however, your plebes would consider you a "flamer".....how do I know? Been there, done that....Herndon was a long time ago.....Firsty year is the best it Ever gets.....Really!!


G :D

[cybertron]

I hear if you use Windows ME 24/7 for 5 years straight setting up networking and exotic video hardware you stay in remission. You might try that- you can get Windows ME in the stores still. But you can't use any service packs or updates.

But is it possible to use Windows ME for any long period of time without causing permanent brain damage from beating your head against the wall?

[The Linux Kid]

Originally posted by cybertron
But is it possible to use Windows ME for any long period of time without causing permanent brain damage from beating your head against the wall?

:D :)

I completly agree!

[EnigmaOne]

Originally posted by cybertron
But is it possible to use Windows ME for any long period of time without causing permanent brain damage from beating your head against the wall?

::: eying my wife suspiciously :::

She uses ME, but at least she brings a laptop and phone cord on visits.
I want my DSL back!!!

[Seven up]

Wow, I feel like the red headed step child around all this education. I work as a dispatcher for a local trucking company. I drove for them for 3 years and then got a job where I didn't have to throw tire chains. :D This is a pic of the truck I drove. http://home.centurytel.net/weaver6/images/truck.jpg

[keyshawn]

i'm another one of the 'juniors' - 11th grade in high school.....our school compy's only have win-2k & 98 on them.
Beyond that, it's linux and working part time as the geeky kid @ your local movie theater.
:D

[canon006]

I'm in my third year of college, though I only count as a sophmore I think (all you highschoolers out there, pick your college well, cause transferring can set you back a bit...). I'm majoring in Information Technology, with a concentration on multimedia. Being a college student relatively far from home and at a new school I'm unemployed at the moment but occasionally I go home and work at a pizza shop.

This spring/summer a good friend of mine and I are planning on starting up a little company doing home computer repair and education, cleaning up virus infections, spyware/adware, teaching people basic computer maintainence, teaching them good internet practices(don't open atachments, keep everything up to date, ad nauseum) and the like, should be fun and educational.

[GigaShadow]

Darn but do I feel old!! :p I am 46 and a Master Software Trainer and Systems Administrator for an automated procurement system used in DoD. Got into Linux just under a year ago because I got tired of the BSOD and windoz eliminating my RAID drivers every few months...going back to school to learn sql and UNIX admin....never too late and lots of fun!! (currently have a BS Engineering (Naval Academy) and MBA (University of Phoenix)).


G :D

PS MDWATTS.....don't fret the cancer....had it myself and got lots of radiation vice chemo (glow in the dark now!! :D ). Hair fell as well....the cure always seemed worse than the cancer!! Regardless, hang in there...if "I" could do it, you can too!! :cool:

[leonpmu]

Originally posted by Seven up
Wow, I feel like the red headed step child around all this education. I work as a dispatcher for a local trucking company. I drove for them for 3 years and then got a job where I didn't have to throw tire chains. :D This is a pic of the truck I drove. http://home.centurytel.net/weaver6/images/truck.jpg

I have always loved Big-Rigs, when my wife and I were last back in South Africa, I practically drooled on the big-rigs I saw everywhere. Unfortunately, here in MRU, the place it too small for quality / long distance big-rigs *sigh*:rolleyes:

[dboyer]

Working on an electrical/computer engineering degree with a possible CS minor (can't stand the CS department here) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (where -10 is tropical shorts weather :))

trying to get the Information Services Director at my local student union (and i think i have a pretty good shot)

just like to screw with electronics and computers... fun stuff...

Senior in high school, finances pending I will be attending RIT for a degree in Applied Networking and Systems Administration.

drummerboy195: I'm jealous. RIT was my first choice school, and the CS hall sounded quite kickass... I was accepted and everything, and all stoked to go, but I couldn't pay the bills :( even with the 30k they were offering me... so here i am, freezing my rear off and taking 2nd rate classes :(

oh well...

[hard candy]

Working on an electrical/computer engineering degree with a possible CS minor (can't stand the CS department here) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (where -10 is tropical shorts weather )
Well, at least if you want to overclock anything, you just stick it outside and run it! Put your case outside with a long monitor, keyboard, and mouse connection, crank up your processor and video card by X4, the only artifact are the snowflakes. :D

[mrBen]

I work for IBM. My exact job role at the moment is a bit blurry - I think the official title is 'Project Support'

I work in a Call Centre, basically. I worked my way up through call receipt, warranty, harddrive support, and now I'm basically an odd-job man.

I have had opportunity to do some web design, and a surprising amount of Python scripting (considering that its not mentioned in my job description at all).

Not yet managed to do any Linux work - would like a Linux/Python job, but lack of Uni qualifications and/or experience makes it a little difficult. (I have an A-Level in computing, and a Bachelor of Divinity degree).

[drummerboy195]

RIT was my first choice school, and the CS hall sounded quite kickass... I was accepted and everything, and all stoked to go, but I couldn't pay the bills even with the 30k they were offering me... so here i am, freezing my rear off and taking 2nd rate classes

Bills, schmills. I'll make it some how, if i have to flip burgers 16 hours a day. :D

[trc]

i am a grad student at the university of alberta (mathematics). i currently have a research position, but am desperately seeking work in the IT field. basically i spend my days finding ways to crash maple.

[Parcival]

I'm a 27 years old psychology student close to my Master's Degree in media and work psychology at the University of Bern (Switzerland). My minor is history after I failed economics (corporate accounting is hell) and computerscience (working with Assembler made me wish to go back to accounting :D ).

My field of interest and research is usability, i.e. the question concerning how to design systems/software/products to let customers use them to the highest satisfaction possible. I also enjoy dealing with the issues concerning computers and the visually impaired as I believe computers are the tool that has to be accessible for everyone. At the moment, however, I'm busy doing research in the field of driving simulators.

I also work as a tutorial assistant at the university where I take care of my chair's server, edit/update the web-content and teach classes that link between psychology and computer topics (e.g. classes on the GIMP software, internet and gaming addiction, etc.)

For all those of you feeling bad about being a HS student - don't feel bad, it's the greatest time of your life! :)

[clinux]

I am 26 yr. old soon to be divorcee working as a Machine Operator in a Probe and Test Dept. for a large Semiconductor company (not Intel, AMD,TI or Motorolla), I have finished the Cisco CCNA program (not certified) and I am presently trying to gain as much knowledge on open source stuff as possible! The company I work for uses HP-UX & I hope to become part of the IT Administration team in the next year.:D

[mengle]

For all those of you feeling bad about being a HS student - don't feel bad, it's the greatest time of your life!

:eek:

Wow, I can't think of a worse time in my life thatn high school. College was a million times better. Grad school was also a lot better but in much more painful and intense way.

[cybertron]

I wouldn't say that high school was the worst time of my life, but you couldn't pay me to go back. I enjoyed it while I was there, but there's a lot about it that I don't miss even a little bit. I'm pretty sure I'll feel a similar way about college (maybe not, we'll see how the "real world" goes for me:)). IMHO, it really depends on who you are. Some people really, really like high school, others hate it. I was somewhere in the middle. Nobody's really right or wrong about it, they just have to agree to disagree sometimes. Just my opinion.

[aNoob]

30 yrs old. Job name is still unclear to me. On the business card it says "Business Consultant" but you know , they were made by the company not by me. I'm just a consultant/programmer if you ask me and so far I've managed to survive on the job. That's mainly because I've adapted pretty fast on this changing stuffs. Companies don't want only raw programmers anymore , they want you to know and master someone's else application. That sucks , but it brinngs money in the house, so I have to stick with it. Yeah , if you didn't figured out , I do SAP, Peoplesoft and still Vantive .before I was doing C/C++ and lately Java for about 10 years.I still use here and there Java , but not in the way I was used to do it.And of course , I have no job security but maybe I will manage to survive until the things will go up again for good. Times are bad , but not as bad as they used to be in 2001-2003 mid year.Slightly better, if you insist in looking for jobs , for sure you'll find one.

[bigmac99]

I am 35, a Certified Novell Engineer (that other operating system), work in an IS shop at a hospital with 20+ Netware servers, 100+ Windows servers, admin a Novell Groupwise system with 3000+ accounts, and very few linux servers =(. Still very new to linux, would like to move all my stuff I run on xp to linux, just not having much luck right now.

-Charles

[Arjay]

31 year old that has decided to go and get a decent education once and for all so i am currently a 2nd year Computing Science student, and at times, like for example now, i wished i chose something else...i'm having problems looking past that big brick wall that is right in front of me.

Once of the few things in life that truly makes me feel thick and useless sometimes...Computing Science!! :-/

[tmcG]

I am a desktop and network support officer with the South Australian Government. We use XP and Novell servers with a project starting soon which I hope to have heaps of involvement in piloting Linux in Government.