Expression

VS.

Good weekend

Filed by Tran Nguyen at 3:24 pm under IT
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Just saw a news on Wired today about possible iPhone’s security breach. Basically iPhone users must know that when they press the home button, there’s a shrinking effect of current window that becomes disappeared. In order to create that effect, iPhone has to take a screenshot of your current window and store it in the memory. Should those images be deleted right away, hackers and forensic experts could manage to restore them - just like there’s no such thing as “permanent delete” on your hard drive even if you thought you have deleted your files for good.

This privacy breach seems to help the authority find criminal traces. On the other hand, it allows hackers to exploit your privacy. Let’s say the screenshot is the email you are replying to your spouse as she asked for password for a photo sharing site that you both have the same account. Bank account, work data, anything you can think of could be exploited this way.

iPhone is great, fantastic, and fun to use. Many of us have put more trust on this device and similar things than our home computers. However, it’s not only a simple phone with voice function, it’s a mini-operating system device and hackers will find way to exploit it just like they are doing now to our OS.

Filed by Tran Nguyen at 2:06 pm under IT
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Rumors said that Apple is replenishing its stores with an upgraded version of iPhone, 3G. First introduction of the phone last year supporting only 2G and 2.75G network was a big disappointment for every body who expected something real cool, real fast for their applications.

However…

iPhone sales has growth despite of the drawbacks. Overall iPhone’s customer satisfaction scored 79%, about 25% above the older fellow RIMM (source) . The story hasn’t ended yet. Apple’s been listening all the complaints but it has its own rule not to disclose anything [until Steve walks on stage and talks about something that can change the world]. But recent activities such as selecting Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. as its phone manufacturer or replenishing phone inventory at its stores within the coming weeks could be clear signs of an introduction of next generation iPhone.

Filed by Tran Nguyen at 3:49 pm under IT
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Flickr cheered me this morning after I’d uploaded my 200th photo. Probably it’s time to get a Pro account.

This reminds me of an interesting and worth-reading article about “freeconomy” written by Christ Anderson on Wired this month. A free online version here: http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/16-03/ff_free. Yes, it’s free (to some extent) because it’s a future of business.

Filed by Tran Nguyen at 3:02 pm under Daily thoughts, IT
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I stumbled this article from InfoWorld . These are real “hilarious” jobs that employers are posting these days.

7. Legacy systems archaeologist
WANTED: INDIVIDUALS FAMILIAR WITH 3270, VAX/VMS, COBOL, AS/400, AND OTHER LEGACY SYSTEMS NO ONE ELSE REMEMBERS. MUST BE ABLE TO TYPE ENTIRELY IN CAPITAL LETTERS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS. APPLICANTS MUST MEET MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT OF 55.

6. Help-desk zombie
Excellent entry-level opportunity for multitasking individual with low self-esteem. Ability to read from scripts a plus. Potential to move up to bug scraper, password reset technician, or tape rotation coordinator.

5. On-site reboot specialist
Seeking individuals for on-site support of end-users. Must be familiar with three-fingered Ctrl-Alt-Del salute and power cord reconfiguration. Ability to withstand a variety of environments and personality types; concealed-weapons permit a plus. Individuals with anger management issues need not apply.

4. Interdepartmental peace negotiator
Looking for self-starter skilled at moderating tech disputes between warring factions within the same company or between company and its client. Must possess experience in ego-stroking, manipulative massage, and hand-to-hand combat.

3. Enterprise espionage engineer (black ops)
Seeking slippery individuals comfortable with lying, cheating, stealing, breaking, and entering for penetration testing of enterprise networks. Requirements include familiarity with hacking, malware, and forgery; must be able to plausibly impersonate a pest control specialist or a fire marshal. Please submit rap sheet along with resume.

2. Datacenter migration specialist
Position involves relocating and reconfiguring datacenter over impossible distances within a ridiculously short time frame. Prior experience as cable jockey, rack-n-stack grunt, console monkey, and/or log zombie a plus.

1. Sludge systems architect
Seeking individuals with demonstrated ability to squeeze over, under, or between confined spaces to solve technical problems. Candidates should be prepared to work long hours for low pay under adverse conditions. Must not be allergic to sawdust, vermin, airborne pathogens, or sewage.

Among these, No. 7 was similar to what I was told to deal with in an interview last week. They didn’t state explicitly the task with legacy system before hand until the interview came.

Filed by Tran Nguyen at 1:04 am under IT
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