Matthew's Weblog

So a couple of alternatives from a Slashdot thread about systems with settings under revision control – Puppet, which appears to actually make changes as well as track them, and cfengine [which I believe just tracks them but I'm not 100% sure and can't get to the site from work].

One experience with finding software alternatives while I was looking for an INS key fix…

One suggestion for vi specifically:

I think, there’s no insert key, but you don’t need it for vi as far as I know. Just use esc and then i for insert or a for append.

I’ll have to try that… and another person asking the same VI-what-to-do-no-Insert-key question but I’ll have to read that from home.

Also, how to get KDE running on the Mac… and more stuff to try out and links to follow when not filtered by work.
More Mac software references
scattered around the web.

Plus why Microsoft should be concerned at Apple’s newfound ascendance. And this.

In an area where my current job search is constrained by my desire to take public transportation or have a short drive, Google’s bus service is inspired. While I understand the need to have it remain a competitive advantage, it’s too bad other companies in the region can’t take advantage of the empty seats and buy spots on the bus.

It would be a good idea for a business park to organize a similar service – talk about drawing companies who care about their employees. That could be a great perk and a good sales pitch for the office space…

the discussion links to howto setup machines that can drive multiple heads as well as LTSP-type stuff for thin clients.

for future reference, Slashdot discussion of inexpensive co-lo

I always thought that CDs were completely impossible to recycle, but it appears I was wrong! There’s now a few places listed that purportedly can handle them. Cool!

Slashdot discussion with comment referencing the California labor code section 2870 which sounds like it should prevent enforcement of any claims against separate off-hours inventions.

Some drivers in Japan who push the Prius’s efficiency to its limits… a bit overkill for me.

I’ve dealt with chasing down extremely-difficult-to-reproduce bugs and this article actually offers some interesting suggestions on how to leverage systems already in place without having to purchase TeaLeaf or other external monitoring system. Don’t get me wrong, if you’ve got the budget I’m all for buying their stuff…

It’s nice to see that there are columns being written about the TJ Maxx security breach and its repercussions. The more companies who are actually held responsible for their sloppy work should finally begin to reward those who are attentive to security…