BUS ADM 740 Blog

Semester coming to an end... mixed blessing?

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:20:15 GMT

Hi all,

If you have time to read blogs, well, congratulations! That means that you are somewhat ready for tomorrow's session. Either that, or, you are looking for answers to help with the final project...

Like most everyone else, I'm having problems, but managed to work through some of them. I spent 8 hours Friday night, along with another 16 on Saturday trying to get my project to work. Then, I realized that with my limited knowledge of all the components, not having data to test with was just too much. I have since decided to change my tactics and go with a web service that is up and running. I'm not sure if Dr. Haines will accept this or not, but I feel better having data I can see and get output from to make sure my code and testing are done properly. Then, I spent another 15 hours yesterday starting from scratch. I have most of my project completed, with a few small items to finish up this evening for tomorrow night's presentation.

As much time as I spent on this project the past weekend (not to mention the hours previous to this weekend... welcome to Grad school!) and the remorse I felt not being able to enjoy the much needed sunshine yesterday, I have to admit that I'm learning a TON during this process. As is with any programming course, you are given the basics and then it is up to you to spred your wings and take flight. Unfortunately, this is not the most desirable way to learn, but it is the format that has to be followed for a 16 week course at the level we are for this degree. As an example, the few moments I wasn't working on my project, I was assisting my wife with her web-design course through MATC... she's having the same issue! Servers not working properly, Dreamweaver not understanding how to query multiple tables via ASP, etc...

That's the joy of working at an advanced level. You are going to blaze some trails. You are also going to lose your mind in the process!

I look forward to seeing everyone's presentation tomorrow night and I'm sure there will be varying degrees of 'completeness'. If you haven't completed your project, don't be ashamed. If you haven't learned during the process, then be ashamed. If you haven't completed the process, but have learned, hold your head up. You gave a very valiant effort, you have learned and you just ran out of time. I have a saying that I like to tell my kids... "We all make mistakes. We're designed to do so. It is what you do after the mistake that will dictate what type of person you are and how others will see you."

If that doesn't help, then follow the graphic below:

See you all tomorrow night and I'll be looking for band-aids!

Dan

ODBC, how I love thee...

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:13:16 GMT

Hope all your projects are going well. I'm having a bit of a problem, but that's due to my ignorance and doing web services. I'm sure I'll be able to get through most of my headaches tonight during class.

On that note, I thought I would flex some 'IT/IS muscle' at work today. We do a lot of querying of the Oracle database behind the scenes. It seems that everything we do is with a database behind some GUI that is used, usually as a web source/service. Some examples of tools that I use pretty much on a daily basis are; SQL Developer, Toad, Access, Brio/Hyperion and PeopleSoft Query. Each one has a different aspect to query writing than the other and there are features that are desirable. Unfortunately, there is not a 'one size fits all' aspect to all the tools.

So, today, I decided to play with ODBC and Access. Hmm... that went pretty smoothly. I manged to get the TNS names information, after a little reading on Oracle to get the ODBC driver and install, the rest of the process was pretty painless. Then I decided to get real brave and try Visual Studio 2005... wow, that couldn't have been simpler! There is one drawback, however... the amount of tables (tens of thousands) that we have take a LONG time to load. Once they are loded, however, the query designer is pretty slick. Now I need to start playing with some queries and outputs on the system. We also have an imaging solution that takes XML input, so the output in XML format would be extremely easy! Plus, I can build/deploy projects to the user's desktop and they can do this themselves.

Anywho, I'll be in class tonight and wante to also share one of my favorite cartoons from Gary Larsen (Far Side):

Ramblings of a madman...

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:06:50 GMT

Hi everyone,

Don't let the subject fool you... it's that time of year, when the birds are singing, finals are approaching... you tend to lose your mind on occasion!

Since I have been pretty lax in blogging, thought I would just post some things that I have been doing... Bus Adm 814 has been keeping me EXTREMELY busy. We are thinking of installing cots in the N216 lab, just so we can catch a nap during our marathon excursions into the world of data mining. I actually took the week off of work to get some work done for the class, and you know, I'm still just barely keeping my head above water!

I did manage to get Assignment 4 into a semblance of a working program. I tried to use the isConnected() feature that Dr. Haines posted, and I kept getting stuck on the 'no network found' section. I blame the level of 'brain fry' that I am currently experiencing.

Since coming back to work, I have discovered how to make forms in ColdFusion and have them validate before people send them to the Financial Aid department. I've never played with CF before, but it seems to be 'okay'. Imagine ASP and JavaScript kinda rolled into one, with its own tags. Thank goodness for manuals and textbooks. I'm a BIG geek that way, I hit the second hand bookstores to buy old textbooks on various computing subjects. They come in VERY handy for things like today.

After doing a couple fillable forms via .pdf documents, then I'll be on to developing a database in Access for another department to be able to track their interviews with students. I'll build it in access and then probably just use the forms feature in Access for now. Then, I'll try and leverage some VB.Net to make the interface for the people. I find that Access tends to scare people, so the form area should be pretty straightforward after our class in 740.

One more note, I just realized that I can sign up for Fall classes. I'm sure most others are in this boat, you may wish to do so now before the system gets very slow. I hate this time of year... starting shortly, Undergraduate students will be enrolling at a frantic pace (which is good for the school!) but for us in PeopleSoft... ugh.

Okay, last note, when I look like the guy below, I just graduated from MIS!

Dan

.NET IDS

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:40:04 GMT

I know it has been a while since I posted... Been very busy with work and my other class.

I stumbled across an article that was pretty interesting. One of my backgrounds is in Information Security, and my explanation of that is, "Info Sec is where they teach you how to be a hacker and how to protect yourself from you."

One level of security that you can use is an IDS, Intrusion Detection Systems. They are classified along with items like firewalls, but they do a process known as 'packet filtering'. A router or switch all ready does this to a certain degree by inspecting part of the packet for an IP address. Once the device has the IP address, it can then compare to a table and route to the appropriate computer or next routing/switching station.

An IDS looks at the 'payload' section of a packet and then decides if the packet should be routed to the appropriate IP address or the recipient. Mostly, this is done by signature recognition, so imagine an antivirus on your router. Of course, like most networking items, this can be hardware or software.

One of the more popular IDS systems that has been out for a few years is an open source project called 'Snort'. There is a large community and installation base using this IDS, but it can be very complex and complicated to implement, maintain and monitor.

Today, I came across this little program that is an IDS for web applications. Even better, it's written using the .NET framework! I haven't had time to dissect the program, but I definitely will and hope it may be of some interest to others in our class as we work on web applications and mobile devices.

http://code.google.com/p/dotnetids/

(For those that don't know, check out code.google.com by itself. This is Google's new inititiative to help programmers. Kind of a one stop shop on almost any programming language. This was just released to the public, so don't be shocked if a few programming languages you know of are not listed!)

Have a great spring break and see you next Tuesday.

Dan

Windows Server 2008

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:16:50 GMT

Well, I've been a bit lax on keeping the blog up to date... now that I have everyone's blog setup in Google Reader, well, I forget that I can log in here and do some updating!

Anywho, today, I had a chance to get a preview of Windows Server 2008 (released last Wednesday) and I have to admit, they may have it right this time! I was really impressed with how much of the open source ideas they have implemented in this release, such as PowerShell (command line interface). Also, they are working on making the server package more 'modular'. You can add services, but the default installation is just the server operating system itself, instead of Active Directory, IIS, etc... all being added on initial installation.

I know that most of us really don't have anything to do with server administration, but the one area that was intriguing was the new way that they do virtualization. Instead of going through a 'host' OS for a virtual machine, they have implemented a new system called 'Hyper-V', which works more side-by-side vs. on top of the current system.

There is also a ton of security built into the system via the Active Directory and also through Bit Locker. Each version of Server 2008 comes with bit locker, to encrypt your hard drive.

The one area I was interested in is they have a new 'server manager' console. You can readily see all the options that are installed, without having to go through add/remove Windows components. You can also see all the users and groups congifured on the system, without having to go through the Administrative Tools. Everything is in one, easy to undestand area.

Unfortunately, they didn't really talk about mobile devices. I'm sure that's more for people who go to Exchange presentations, but I'm pretty geeked out over the new Server edition!

Microsoft to go Open Source?

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:29:55 GMT

I just stumbled across this article and had to share with the class...
Microsoft Press Release

In short, Microsoft is releasing a bunch of their API (Application Programming Interface) information to be used in software development. It appears that they are focusing on the interoperability of server/client software. Why is this of interest to us? Remember the conversation we had about the use of smart devices and the ability to interface with ERMs? In my opinion, that was one of the bigger hurdles that Microsoft was having to face, the cost of using their software to develop these applications (middleware) and the lack of peer review. It appears that they are taking this situation seriously and are trying to leverage what they can against the open source offerings.

Of course, there are other items that have led up to this. One item that I can recall is when Google started to give out their APIs for Google Maps. How many of us have used a website that has had either Yahoo or Google maps embedded? Having done a few myself, they are easy to use and best of all, free. Also, there was a bit of a skirmish about a year ago between Google and Microsoft, about Google trying to develop their own Operating System (OS). Microsoft feels that the best way to leverage licensing is to have users 'rent' software. Imagine going to a website and paying some money to be able to use Office. Imagine going to a website to type up your Word document, instead of having installed on your computer. Between public outrage and Google 'threatening' to build an OS with this design, Microsoft has since backed down. (Wondered where those Google apps came from, eh?)

Plus, Microsoft had a bit of a stumbling block with Office 2007 and their OOXML format for all of the Office software. For those that don't know XML, a VERY simplified overview is the ability to create 'tags' that identify information. As an example, I can create a text file that has my name in it. Then, I add tags (very much like HTML) like this: <name>Dan Johnson</name> and then save the file as .xml. After that, I create a datatype definition (DTD) template that lets other programs know that if they come across the tags <name></name>. that is a 'name' and you can extract that information and input into the program as defined. OOXML is kind of like that, but Microsoft would not release their DTD for OOXML. This made their programs difficult to interface with other software. So, the community said, 'to heck with that, I'll just come up with my own DTD, make it free to other software developers and we can interface.' Microsoft has all ready explained that they will not push OOXML as a DTD standard (they tried, but they were shot down by the community of standards).

Some very interesting developments, indeed.

Free Developer Kits

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:56:33 GMT

As mentioned last night in class... Microsoft does have an initiative to give out free devloper kits to students in the near future. Here is a link to Wired's coverage when Uncle Billy spoke at Stanford University: http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/02/bill-gates-at-g.html

Interestingly, Microsoft is touting that this is 'just another tool in a developer's arsenal'. Great PR work, but I don't feel that is the sole issue why they are giving away developer kits. You are training for a career in school and you, someday, may be in the position to buy some development software. What are you going to recommend, something that you know or something that is new? Microsoft is betting on you will recommend something that you know. To be honest, there was another company that tried this tactic in the past... How many of you grew up working on Apple/Mac computers in grade/high school and use them exclusively in your careers today? Yep, one of my first computer classes was on an Apple IIe. I haven't owned an Apple product in nearly 20 years.

In short, keep your mind open to new thoughts and ideas. I feel that Visual Studio is a pretty decent IDE, but does that make it the best one out there? For me, that remains to be seen. I'll learn what I can from the software that is used in my education while in school. After that, the education I get on a job, will be with an open mind.

Dan

MSN Direct now on Windows Mobile and Acquires 'Danger'

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:25:36 GMT

Just a quick blurb, since it appears that we'll be doing some mobile device programming...

Microsoft seems to agree that there needs to be better programming for smart devices. An article I stumbled across today...

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/
msn-direct-now-on-windows-mobile/

Also, as their standard business plan, Uncle Bill's checkbook was too fat again. They purchased the company 'Danger', which is the maker of T-Mobile's Sidekick devices.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2259119,00.asp?
kc=PCRSS03069TX1K0001121

Enjoy.

Dan

Business Processes

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 04:51:24 GMT

I just have to share an experience that happened at work today...

One of my many duties is to try and automate business processes in the area that I work. Quite a bit of the time, my area is viewed as a support area. Most any job related to IT is viewed in this capacity at one time or another.

Today, we were having some issues with the Enterprise Management system and it was not functioning as expected. I bring this situation up, since you can do a lot of automating with VB.Net. But, our issue was something that should have been done from the beginning. What is the business process that needs to be automated? If you do not have a clear definition of what you are trying to accomplish by automation, it is VERY difficult to automate. I know that seems to be a given rule that doesn't really need to be discussed... but I have seen this numerous times and it only adds headaches.

After some discussion, both sides of the table learned a lot about what is expected from each area. Another aspect, clear delineation of responsibilities and who is responsible for what in the process. Project management is a very useful skill, at all levels!

Why am I bringing this up? Because during this 2 hour meeting (which I tend to daydream when people are shouting), I thought of this class. Quite a few people are concerned that they cannot get the software, or, they are not 'measuring up' to others in the class when it comes to programming. Personally, I think that we may all be missing the point a little with this class and our degree. (BIG disclaimer: this is my first semester, so the following opinion may be WAYYYY off).

There are a lot of roles in IT. Some involve people with great managing skills. Others need to have a good grasp of the big picture. Others need to be very good programmers. And even more need to know how to talk the language of both sides of the table. The guy in the basement that has 'mad skillz' in programming may not be the best 'people person'. Whereas, the manager may have great people skills, but couldn't program their way out of a small closet with the light on.

Your career and capabilities will pretty much dictate what type of person you will be to fit into one of the many roles of IT. Just learn what VB.Net is, have a little fun on the way. If, by chance, you end up being one of the people that has a hard time programming your way out of the closet with the light on, at least when the 'mad skillz' people try to talk 'geek' to you about variables and arrays, you'll know what they mean and can carry an intelligent conversation. That may not be perfect, but it will keep them from doing that snort laughing from behind your back!

(Sorry, Dennis Miller...)Of course, that's just my opinion.

Dan

Rant about pc parts...

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:13:48 GMT

Sort of off topic, but thinking that some of you may be able to relate...

I decided to build a 'toaster' for my kids. For those that don't know, this is a small form factor pc. The case is about the size of a conventional toaster! Anywho, managed to get a pretty decent price for the whole system, about $900 total for a pretty decent system.

After class last night (814), I went home and started assembling. I purchased a Shuttle case, and to be honest, I'm pretty impressed with the way the case is engineered. Very easy to get to the parts, most everything is removable so you have ample room to get to the insides. Except, I made one mistake. I didn't check to see if all the cables came with everything! Of course, this is next to impossible to tell when ordering online.

My kids, like most teenagers, love to burn almost anything they can get their hands on. TV shows, music, pictures, etc... so I decided to get them a SATA 3.0 hard drive and DVD burner for the system. Unfortunately, none of the drives came with the cables, and the case only has one SATA 3.0 connector for data! You blow $230 on a case like this, only has a motherboard and power supply, and they skimp on the cables. Good grief. They didn't even give you a small packet of thermal paste for the custom cooling system that they use.

In short, if anyone is thinking of building one of these systems and after a bit of research, I've learned the hard way. Make sure that you order thermal paste as well as an extra SATA 3.0 cable if you have more than one drive using that connection. Had one of the drives been a Parallel ATA (PATA), I would have been fine.

Oh well, live and learn.

Dan

First Attempt @ Blogging

DJJ4@UWM.EDU (ADMIN) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:33:52 GMT

    This is my first attempt at blogging, so be nice!

    I have successfully changed my password and added the blogs to Google Reader. I have to admit, this was very simply done. For anyone not using an aggregate reader, you can do a lot worse than the one that Google offers. If you need any help in setting up, let me know. I usually just type in the vanity URL: reader.google.com to access.

    If any of you are reading this, I look forward to working with everyone throughout this course. We have quite the mixture of experience and I look forward to learning with a few blood, sweat and tears (anyone who has programmed before will know what I mean!).

Dan