A "really" cheap PC

Now this sounds like a way to get a computer, a usab;e computer into everyone's hands.

I have been investigating re-purposing older computers as Linux-based workstations. I am amazed at how much work you can do with an older Pentium III running at 450 mhz, when you have a lean and mean operating system running the show. My experiences have shown that this is definitely the path to get computers, and the power they bring, into people's hands.

Steve Ballmer's $100 PC, Sans Windows
Martin_Flory writes "SolarPC has announced the $100 personal computer. Steve Ballmer's idea for reducing piracy was great after all, since this computer runs on Linux (DSL Distro). 'The design and construction of the SolarLite is consistent with the goal of an environmentally friendly computer. It uses a lightweight, recyclable, aluminum case that has a 20-year warranty. Its VIA chipset based "long-life" motherboard is a "green" lead free product. Like all SolarPC computers, the SolarLite operates on 12 volt DC power and can be run from a solar panel, car battery, or human powered (with a bicycle-based generator). The cool and quiet SolarLite uses approximately 10 watts of energy, just a fraction of what a standard PC consumes.' Sounds amazing right? This could change education all around the globe... a new Information Era is coming, and everyone is invited." The site claims they'll be available next month (minimum order 100,000 units), and promises a demo at SCALE 2005. [Slashdot]"

Career-Op: Avoidance with MP3 Podcast

Career-Op: Avoidance
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

I try to do everything I can for my clients, hooking up the occasional DVD player or troubleshooting phone line problems, even if it goes beyond the typical work I am there to do. That said, there are a couple of items I will not touch, if possible. The first is dealing with technical support assistance via phone and the other is providing, or managing, hardware service for the client. Over the years, I have realized that either one of these tasks is liable to drive me screaming into the night. Even worse, when you get involved in these situations, your client might begin to see you as part of the problem instead of part of the solution.

(Continued)

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Career-Op: Trust...from the archives w/ MP3 Podcast

Career-Op: Trust
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

In the current environment, you maybe disinclined to trust many things you once thought true, but trust is exactly what your clients, your managers and your peers are looking for right now. The most successful high-tech careerist will always be the one that generates a feeling of trust in all their dealings. If people believe, for any reason, that they cannot trust you, your career will most assuredly stall.

(Continued)

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WEB: Cornell Note-taking system

I am always looking for ways to improve the way I work. Maintaining good notes can really help to increase your productivity.

I came across this information via the "Getting Things Done" section of the Delicious online links system. You can click on the links below to visit the site itself, or the Delicious links page.

The Cornell Note Taking System [del.icio.us/tag/gtd]

Event: Annual Victorian Christmas Celebration

Annual Victorian Christmas Celebration

This family event will feature authentic, Victorian-style seasonal decorations, including Christmas trees with handmade ornaments. There will be holiday-themed entertainment and strolling carolers, readings of Victorian Christmas stories, ornament making sessions, and a horse-drawn trolley to take visitors to the nearby Drum Barracks Museum for its Civil War Christmas.

W H E N : December 4 & 5, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
S I T E : Banning Residence Museum, 401 East ‘M’ St., Wilmington
C O S T : Free
S P O N S O R : City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Pershing Square
I N F O : 1-888-LA PARKS (527-2757), www.laparks.org

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide

Web: Whole Wheat Radio

I mentioned Whole Wheat Radio a few weeks ago, and now the Anchorage Daily News has a long feature article on them. There are many photos, too!

If you haven't checked them out, drop in for a listen at http://wholewheatradio.org.

Event: A Trip to the Nethercutt Museum - Sylmar, California

Joe and I spent most of Saturday at The Nethercutt Museum, a collection of "restored antique, classic and special interest automobiles" in Sylmar, California, near the intersection of the 5, 405 and 210 freeways.

The collection is amazing and offers over 100 autos currently on display. Additionally, they have a research library, automated music making machines (i.e. Nickelodeons) and a beautifully restored steam locomotive and historic Pullman car.

Admission to the museum is free.

You can also get a reservation to visit San Sylmar, across the street, which shows even more autos and musical instruments, including a grand Wurlizter organ, in an opulent atmosphere. The tour of San Sylmar is 2 hours in length.

Take advantage of this great, somewhat hidden, museum, the next time you are looking for a fun, family event.

Click the photo for a gallery of our visit