Learning

I need your input. I’ve always been somebody who likes to learn what they can about just about everything they come in contact with. I wonder though, does it stop us from being great at just a few things, and if so, is that a problem. I’ve been learning a lot lately, especially in the area of web programming and graphic/web design.

So my question is this: Is it better to know a little bit about a lot, or focus on just a few things and perfect those skills?

Bonus question:  What is the most valuable skill that a career techie can have at this stage of technology development?

Thanks for your input!

Filed under: Life, Technology , discussion, learning, programming, Technology

Use It As It Was Designed

I’ve been working on a project at work that involved looking at a software package to see how it can be used to solve some problems.  I’ve learned several things but the driving point is that no matter what the software is you cannot use it for something that it is not designed to do.  When the writer(s) of the software started to work on it, they went in with a vision of what they needed to accomplish with it, and in turn, designed it for that purpose(s).

Now, I know that it should go without saying, but a lot of times this is attempted and almost every time it fails, or at least ends up with a lot of unhappy people.  The first step needs to be determining the intended use and building off of that.  Once that is done an accurate view can be taken as to how it can be used.

By using a product for what it was designed, it will not only save time, but also frustration that comes with using something for something other than it was designed.  I don’t usually write about this side of things, but it has been dominating the projects that I’ve been working on.

What’s your take on this?

Filed under: Technology , design, implementation, software, testing

Why Open Source Is The Way To Go

There is a movement going on that is transitioning the way that people look at software, and the methods to obtain it. With the economy it is growing harder and harder for individuals and businesses to spring for expensive software. This leaves the option of developing their own, which in itself can be expense, or using open source technology as their source of software.

While I do not use it exclusively, lately I’ve been looking at some open source programs such as: WordPress, Ubuntu, GIMP, as well as a few other odds and ends. Some of the things that I find appealing about open source are:

• It is free!
• There is access to the source code so that you can see how things work (I thrive on things like this :) ).
• A lot of times you can edit the source code if you need to customize the software for a specific task.
• A computer can be set up with software that is absolutely free giving full functionality just as if it was bought from the store, it just takes a little bit of digging.
• It supports smaller developers rather than huge corporations.
• Oh…and it’s free!

I believe that as the economy grows tighter and tighter, open source technology will be looked at more and more as a source or tools for businesses as well as individuals.  So go dig in!

Do you use any open source programs?

[Photo by: Zbychowiec]

Filed under: Technology , free, future, open source, programs, software

Online Community

I’m floored at the level of community that can be built with the different social media platforms, visual media, and causes.  I’ve recently gotten involved with this trend and have definitely learned a lot.  I’ve learned a lot about other people, their missions, and the good that can come out of the relationships that are built.  A lot of good can come out of those relationships.

I don’t have any predictions as to where the social media road will go, but I do know that it is going very fast.  It has great potential to allow people to build relationships, join in causes, and support each other without being within the same zip code.

I know, I know, this doesn’t replace the personal interaction with people around you, and I don’t claim that it does.  There more advantages with having interaction and building relationships in your community, career, church, etc than I could ever count.  But I do think the “online” community has something to say.

What do you think?

Photo by BK1ll3R

Filed under: Technology

Subscribe!

Lately I’ve found the many uses of RSS feeds and have incorporated them more into this site.  On every page you can find a link on the sidebar that will allow you to view the feed for my posts.  There are many readers available that will allow you to read not only the posts on this site, but the posts from many others.  If you enjoy what you read here I would appreciate you subscribing to my feed and receiving the latest updates.  Thank You!

Filed under: Technology , articles, blog, rss, subscription