For those who use Cisco

[lovemonster.livejournal.com]

The computer security researcher who revealed a serious vulnerability in the operating system for Cisco Systems routers this year says he discovered 15 additional flaws in the software that have gone unreported until now, one of which is more serious than the bug he made public last summer.

Can you hear me now?

[ohhjuliet.livejournal.com]

X-Posted in my own journal...

We've just gotten new Nextel phones throughout the district. Support staff, custodians, administrators. Now, you can be reached, even if you're in the bathroom. FANtastic.

Yesterday I got assigned the terrific job of handing them out. Let me tell you, THAT was a good time. It took almost all day, and involved a lot of me demonstrating how to use the phone. It's a phone. A phone!

So today, I get an email asking me to test all the phones I handed out yesterday. I would say that the majority of people didn't even have their phone on. (that's going to go over well) But here's one interaction that I can't resist sharing...

I reached one guy at the high school who buzzed me back about 3 minutes after i originally alerted him.

I said "Hi I'm just testing phones for Barbara"

and he said, "Who's this?"

so I replied, "Lauren in tech support. I'm just testing out the new phones for Barbara."

and he says "This isn't barbara."

so I sigh and push the button again and say, "I know you're not Barbara. I'm testing the phones FOR Barbara."

and he says, "Oh, okay. Hi."

annoyance of the day

[polarbee.livejournal.com]

I hate computer companies that don't have open driver databases. Alienware requires you to have a username and password attached to the account number of your computer before they allow you to access the driver database. Rage!

Long day rant.

[unsupportedgeek.livejournal.com]

Ok, just a medium sized rant.

The answer to the question "How may I help you?" is *NOT* I repeat, NOT! "I'm 123465. Netmeeting into my computer.". When I ask you what the problem is, please respond by telling me that you have a problem with. Do not demand that I remote control your computer. I am smarter than you when it comes to computers, and I am able to fix your issue by simply asking you questions, and getting answers.

Also, when I ask you to hold down the computer button to shut down a BSOD, do not argue with me that this does not work. Just STFU! Do what you are told, because I didn't hork your computer, but I'm sure as hell going to fix it.

Lastly, when I ask you what the error message is, please do not say "You know". NO I DON'T KNOW! That is why I am asking you. And when I am asking you to read the entire message, because I know what it says (like you must change your password), don't act all friggin' dumb and say that the error to change your password was not there before, because it was.

Oh, no, one more thing. Yes, in order to change your password I need to verify that YOU are in fact YOU. Don't get all pissy because I have to follow POLICY. And another thing, I assume you have some idea WTF policy is seeing as how you work at the Pentagon. No just because you have my phone number does not mean that YOU are who YOU say YOU are. It just means you can dial a phone, dickwad.

Ok, thank you. :)