All Things Gibbs

Opinion
Sep 18, 20072 mins

* Gearhead: I’m in version and feature hell * Backspin: You ain’t seen ugly yet * Gibbsblog: The past 7 days

Gearhead: I’m in version and feature hell

In last week’s Gearhead column I discussed problems with a Virtual Private Server service from my hosting provider Easy CGI. I finally decided to call on the 30-day guarantee and get my money back, but in response Easy CGI offered me three months for free. This sounds like no risk for me and, if things don’t work out, then it is really putting its reputation on the line. So I agreed, and now we’ll see if the company can make me happy.

To read this week’s Gearhead, click here.

Backspin: You ain’t seen ugly yet

Some aspects of business are just plain ugly. Consider the world of cellular service providers and directory assistance. T-Mobile (my carrier) and Verizon charge $1.49 per directory enquiry, while AT&T and Sprint charge $1.79.

To read this week’s Backspin, click here.

Gibbsblog: The past 7 days

SCO Begins a New Chapter

Chapter 11, that is. From Friday’s press release, made public just before the stock market closed:

“We want to assure our customers and partners that they can continue to rely on SCO products, support and services for their business critical operations,” said Darl McBride, President and CEO, The SCO Group. “Chapter 11 reorganization provides the Company with an opportunity to protect its assets during this time while focusing on building our future plans.”

This move will once more delay the trial with Novell. That’s probably what McBride meant when he said “protect assets”. Read the details on Groklaw.

Windows Stealth Updates

Do you have your automatic update turned on? I don’t. I like to know what patch level I’ve got, and I like to have a complete system image before I let the Redmondians make [potentially lethal] modifications.

The Real Seven Wonders of the IT WorldOver at CIO Magazine they just published “The Seven Wonders of the IT World” which lists what are in the author’s opinion, the seven most amazing things in IT.

Microwulf

I’ve been moving — relocating home and office — never fun, even under ideal conditions, but add storm damage, continued rains and a moving company forced out of business to the mix. What was planned to take three days has instead taken nine. Beginning to look like a government project…