There has been a change in the scheduled time for the final year
technical issues consultation service.
The service is now run:
Days: Mon, Tues, Weds & Thurs
Time: 5pm to 6pm
Location: A117
Sunday, March 21, 2010
10 things consultants can do to stay organized
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1414&tag=content;col1
The life of a consultant can often get hectic. Here are some tips for fending off the chaos and getting your workday under control.
As a consultant, one of the battles I fight on a day-to-day basis is remaining organized. When chaos becomes the rule of the day, the work becomes challenging, inefficient, and frustrating. But keeping chaos at bay is not always an easy task. Murphy’s Law will take your feet out from under you at every corner. So how can consultants keep themselves organized? There are many ways — and you might be surprised that it’s not all about checklists and to-do lists. It’s about working intelligently and efficiently. Let’s take a look at some methods that will help you get through the day without chaos making you its lapdog.
1: Structure your day
----------------------
When you arrive at work, you should have a schedule ready for you. Often times, that schedule is flexible. When that’s the case, structure your day so that you have time to decompress after more challenging jobs. Don’t set up your schedule so that you have one daunting task after another. Switch it up. Pad those difficult jobs with simple jobs. And make sure you schedule your day so that you have enough time for a good lunch. Never underestimate the revitalizing power of a good lunch.
2: Keep the driving to a minimum
---------------------------------
Unfortunately, consultants drive a lot. It’s part of our job — going from client to client. But you still want to reduce the driving as much as possible. If you have four jobs one day that are taking you to different parts of the city, try to schedule them so that your driving is minimized. Don’t go west and then east, only to go west again. Group as many appointments by location as you can.
3: Don’t let the inside of your car look like it was hit by a tornado
---------------------------------------------------------------------
One thing I have realized over the years is that chaos begets more chaos. If your car is a battle zone, your work habits will reflect that. So don’t continue tossing those Mountain Dew cans and McDonald’s sacks on the floorboard of your passenger seat. You spend a good deal of time in your car (although perhaps lessened with the help of #2). Don’t let that time be spent in chaos.
4: Keep pen and paper handy
---------------------------
I understand that we’re all geeks here and we want to project an air of geekery. We want tablet PCs to take our notes on so that people will be thinking, “Gosh that consultant is lookin’ intelligent AND hot with that gadget.” Well guess what: They aren’t thinking that. Having an iPad doesn’t make you look sexy any more than those jeans make you look fat. But without the means to take good and copious notes, you will look stupid.
5: Use a password manager
-------------------------
I have a long list of passwords for clients’ machines. I can’t just keep those passwords on a spreadsheet or text document. They must remain safe. To that end, I employ a solid tool to protect those passwords. Not only am I assured of the security of my clients’ passwords, I don’t have to remember all of them. Just make sure the encryption you use to safeguard the passwords is strong.
6: Organize your notes in files and folders
-------------------------------------------
If you’re like me, you carry around paperwork for clients — even if only in the form of notes. If you have that paperwork stuffed loosely in a backpack, you’re going to look like a fool. Have a folder ready for each client. Even better, take your notes and then, when you’re back at the office, transfer them to digital format. Doctors do it, why can’t we?
7: Buy a smartphone
-------------------
At our consultancy, everyone has a smartphone that can access the Exchange server as well as help keep us all from getting lost. Some of us use Android phones, while others use iPhones. The brand and OS you use don’t matter as much as their ability to keep you organized and in touch. And because most smartphones are all-in-one devices, you won’t be carrying around multiple tools that only add to your lovely chaos.
8: Use a Bluetooth headset
--------------------------
Using a phone handset in the car is a special brand of chaos — and it could lead you to an untimely death. Most likely you have a smartphone (see #7) that can connect to a Bluetooth headset. This is a must-have for a couple of obvious reasons. First — driving. You do not want to drive with a phone up to your ear, leaving one hand on the wheel. You also don’t want to be holding a handset up to your ear while you’re frantically trying to type commands (or point and click) your way to another successful repair and restore. Buy a Bluetooth. Your family and your neck will thank you for it.
9: Don’t forget your kit
------------------------
Make sure you have a kit in your vehicle that includes any physical tools you need (pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) as well as spare cables you might need, tape (duct tape never fails), extra flash drives/external hard drive, and a flashlight.
10: Develop good habits fast
-----------------------------
The sooner you develop good working habits, the faster they will stick. When you start that new job (or even after you make that resolution), don’t put off getting organized. Do it now. Don’t just say, “I’m going to get better organized.” and then drive 20 miles out of your way for another paper sack and aluminum can to toss onto the floor of your car. Commit to those good habits and make them stick.
Have you managed to conquer chaos?
The life of a consultant can often get hectic. Here are some tips for fending off the chaos and getting your workday under control.
As a consultant, one of the battles I fight on a day-to-day basis is remaining organized. When chaos becomes the rule of the day, the work becomes challenging, inefficient, and frustrating. But keeping chaos at bay is not always an easy task. Murphy’s Law will take your feet out from under you at every corner. So how can consultants keep themselves organized? There are many ways — and you might be surprised that it’s not all about checklists and to-do lists. It’s about working intelligently and efficiently. Let’s take a look at some methods that will help you get through the day without chaos making you its lapdog.
1: Structure your day
----------------------
When you arrive at work, you should have a schedule ready for you. Often times, that schedule is flexible. When that’s the case, structure your day so that you have time to decompress after more challenging jobs. Don’t set up your schedule so that you have one daunting task after another. Switch it up. Pad those difficult jobs with simple jobs. And make sure you schedule your day so that you have enough time for a good lunch. Never underestimate the revitalizing power of a good lunch.
2: Keep the driving to a minimum
---------------------------------
Unfortunately, consultants drive a lot. It’s part of our job — going from client to client. But you still want to reduce the driving as much as possible. If you have four jobs one day that are taking you to different parts of the city, try to schedule them so that your driving is minimized. Don’t go west and then east, only to go west again. Group as many appointments by location as you can.
3: Don’t let the inside of your car look like it was hit by a tornado
---------------------------------------------------------------------
One thing I have realized over the years is that chaos begets more chaos. If your car is a battle zone, your work habits will reflect that. So don’t continue tossing those Mountain Dew cans and McDonald’s sacks on the floorboard of your passenger seat. You spend a good deal of time in your car (although perhaps lessened with the help of #2). Don’t let that time be spent in chaos.
4: Keep pen and paper handy
---------------------------
I understand that we’re all geeks here and we want to project an air of geekery. We want tablet PCs to take our notes on so that people will be thinking, “Gosh that consultant is lookin’ intelligent AND hot with that gadget.” Well guess what: They aren’t thinking that. Having an iPad doesn’t make you look sexy any more than those jeans make you look fat. But without the means to take good and copious notes, you will look stupid.
5: Use a password manager
-------------------------
I have a long list of passwords for clients’ machines. I can’t just keep those passwords on a spreadsheet or text document. They must remain safe. To that end, I employ a solid tool to protect those passwords. Not only am I assured of the security of my clients’ passwords, I don’t have to remember all of them. Just make sure the encryption you use to safeguard the passwords is strong.
6: Organize your notes in files and folders
-------------------------------------------
If you’re like me, you carry around paperwork for clients — even if only in the form of notes. If you have that paperwork stuffed loosely in a backpack, you’re going to look like a fool. Have a folder ready for each client. Even better, take your notes and then, when you’re back at the office, transfer them to digital format. Doctors do it, why can’t we?
7: Buy a smartphone
-------------------
At our consultancy, everyone has a smartphone that can access the Exchange server as well as help keep us all from getting lost. Some of us use Android phones, while others use iPhones. The brand and OS you use don’t matter as much as their ability to keep you organized and in touch. And because most smartphones are all-in-one devices, you won’t be carrying around multiple tools that only add to your lovely chaos.
8: Use a Bluetooth headset
--------------------------
Using a phone handset in the car is a special brand of chaos — and it could lead you to an untimely death. Most likely you have a smartphone (see #7) that can connect to a Bluetooth headset. This is a must-have for a couple of obvious reasons. First — driving. You do not want to drive with a phone up to your ear, leaving one hand on the wheel. You also don’t want to be holding a handset up to your ear while you’re frantically trying to type commands (or point and click) your way to another successful repair and restore. Buy a Bluetooth. Your family and your neck will thank you for it.
9: Don’t forget your kit
------------------------
Make sure you have a kit in your vehicle that includes any physical tools you need (pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) as well as spare cables you might need, tape (duct tape never fails), extra flash drives/external hard drive, and a flashlight.
10: Develop good habits fast
-----------------------------
The sooner you develop good working habits, the faster they will stick. When you start that new job (or even after you make that resolution), don’t put off getting organized. Do it now. Don’t just say, “I’m going to get better organized.” and then drive 20 miles out of your way for another paper sack and aluminum can to toss onto the floor of your car. Commit to those good habits and make them stick.
Have you managed to conquer chaos?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Project Deadline
Based on feedback from the demos and other sources it seems I need to clarify the project deadline. On Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 15:00 you must submit to me a completed dissertation, all of the software that you have developed, any configuration files, etc. basically everything you have undertaken for your project.
===============================================================================
That is you final submission, there is no subsequent submission, this is a hard deadline.
===============================================================================
===============================================================================
That is you final submission, there is no subsequent submission, this is a hard deadline.
===============================================================================
Project Clinics
The School of Computing has introduced a new service for the support of all computing Final Year Project students. This service is a support to students who are experiencing technical difficulties in the projects.
In order to use the service must know the issue and you must at least attempted to take steps to remedy prior to contacting the service. After you have contacted the service the supervisor of your project will be contacted by email with the exact nature of the issue and help given.
The School has hired several postgraduate students that have a wide and highly technical skill set (identified from this years project list).
The service will be in effect from Monday the 8th March
* Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm service
* Located in A117
This could be really, really useful so we owe the deepest thanks to the Head of School, Dr. Deirdre Lillis for setting up this service as well as Dave Carroll and Jane Ferris for organising this.
Please discuss the clinics with your supervisor to get their perspective on this before you use the resource, I want this to happen hand-in-hand with your spuervisors, not behind their backs.
In order to use the service must know the issue and you must at least attempted to take steps to remedy prior to contacting the service. After you have contacted the service the supervisor of your project will be contacted by email with the exact nature of the issue and help given.
The School has hired several postgraduate students that have a wide and highly technical skill set (identified from this years project list).
The service will be in effect from Monday the 8th March
* Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm service
* Located in A117
This could be really, really useful so we owe the deepest thanks to the Head of School, Dr. Deirdre Lillis for setting up this service as well as Dave Carroll and Jane Ferris for organising this.
Please discuss the clinics with your supervisor to get their perspective on this before you use the resource, I want this to happen hand-in-hand with your spuervisors, not behind their backs.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
FYP Interim Demos
Hi all,
well done to everyone who successfully completed their interim demos, over two days I certainly saw a wide range of weird-and-wonderful technologies and techniques. Here is a sampling of a few of the cool things that I've learned more about on Thursday and Friday:
Software / Systems
* Apache Lucene http://lucene.apache.org/java/docs/
* Apache Maven for project management http://maven.apache.org/
* Cocoa API http://developer.apple.com/mac/library/navigation/index.html#topic=Guides§ion=Resource+Types
* Google Web Toolkit http://code.google.com/webtoolkit/
* Hibernate Java persistence framework https://www.hibernate.org/
* Impronto Developer Kit (Java tool for building Bluetooth applications) http://www.rococosoft.com/blue_dk.html
* Jaxcent framework and API for AJAX programming http://www.jaxcent.com/
* JiST / SWANS (Java in Simulation Time / Scalable Wireless Ad hoc Network Simulator) http://jist.ece.cornell.edu/
* Mozilla XUL (XML User Interface Language) https://developer.mozilla.org/En/XUL
* Prefuse visualization toolkit http://prefuse.org/
* Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment http://sakaiproject.org/
* Subversion (SVN) http://subversion.apache.org/
* TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library http://www.turnkeylinux.org/
* Windows Presentation Foundation http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms754130.aspx
Techniques / Tools
* Accesskeys http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_key
* Automated planning and scheduling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_planning_and_scheduling
* Levenshtein distance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levenshtein_distance
* McNemar's test http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McNemar%27s_test
* Qualitative coding: Initial and Focused Coding http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/programs/report/focus-QualCode.php
* Smoke testing in software development http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_testing#Smoke_testing_in_software_development
* X10 standard for home automation http://software.x10.com/pub/manuals/xtdcode.pdf
well done to everyone who successfully completed their interim demos, over two days I certainly saw a wide range of weird-and-wonderful technologies and techniques. Here is a sampling of a few of the cool things that I've learned more about on Thursday and Friday:
Software / Systems
* Apache Lucene http://lucene.apache.org/java/docs/
* Apache Maven for project management http://maven.apache.org/
* Cocoa API http://developer.apple.com/mac/library/navigation/index.html#topic=Guides§ion=Resource+Types
* Google Web Toolkit http://code.google.com/webtoolkit/
* Hibernate Java persistence framework https://www.hibernate.org/
* Impronto Developer Kit (Java tool for building Bluetooth applications) http://www.rococosoft.com/blue_dk.html
* Jaxcent framework and API for AJAX programming http://www.jaxcent.com/
* JiST / SWANS (Java in Simulation Time / Scalable Wireless Ad hoc Network Simulator) http://jist.ece.cornell.edu/
* Mozilla XUL (XML User Interface Language) https://developer.mozilla.org/En/XUL
* Prefuse visualization toolkit http://prefuse.org/
* Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment http://sakaiproject.org/
* Subversion (SVN) http://subversion.apache.org/
* TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library http://www.turnkeylinux.org/
* Windows Presentation Foundation http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms754130.aspx
Techniques / Tools
* Accesskeys http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_key
* Automated planning and scheduling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_planning_and_scheduling
* Levenshtein distance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levenshtein_distance
* McNemar's test http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McNemar%27s_test
* Qualitative coding: Initial and Focused Coding http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/programs/report/focus-QualCode.php
* Smoke testing in software development http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_testing#Smoke_testing_in_software_development
* X10 standard for home automation http://software.x10.com/pub/manuals/xtdcode.pdf
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Interim Demo Schedule
The scedule for the interim demos is included below, if you can't make your time for some reason, can you let me know as soon as possible?
http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/fyp/interim/DT228FYPSchedule.htm
http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/fyp/interim/DT228FYPSchedule.htm
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
10 essential items for onsite tech jobs
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1331
When you’re out on a troubleshooting call, the last thing you want is to be unprepared. Not only does it make you look bad, it’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on your company. Because you can’t always know what you are getting into, it’s best to travel with more than enough. Luckily,
Here’s a list of the items I have with me on every run out. With these items, I am rarely unprepared.
1: ccleaner
--------------------------------------------------
Ccleaner is a freeware utility for system optimization, privacy, and cleaning. This tool will remove unused files from a hard drive and clean up online history. But more important, it includes an outstanding registry cleaner. Just be sure you use this tool with caution so you don’t delete files that are actually important.
2: AVG Antivirus
--------------------------------------------------
AVG Antivirus is one of the first lines of defense I suggest to clients. And although AVG Free is fine for household use, make sure you are suggesting the Pro version for your commercial clients. The Pro version adds many features, including the ability to scan for rootkits.
3: Puppy Linux (or Knoppix)
--------------------------------------------------
I don’t leave the house without Puppy Linux. You never know when you are going to require a tool that can run checks on hardware that a running operating system can’t do. With either Puppy or Knoppix, you can reboot your machine into a live system and do maintenance that Windows simply can’t do while running.
4: Extra flash drives
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you done backups or needed to save log files and had nothing to save to? I always carry numerous flash drives of various sizes. I even carry empty flash drives in case a client needs one. Those items can always be billed.
5: Combofix
--------------------------------------------------
Combofix can really save your hide. This tool will scan for known malware and/or spyware and safely remove it. When Combofix completes its scan/removal, it will generate a report you can save and reference later (when billing or when a similar behavior strikes.)
6: Paper and pen
--------------------------------------------------
Paper and pen will always win. You never know when you need to jot down notes. And although most consultants are never too far away from their trusty laptops, you can’t leave your laptop with the client so they can read your recommendations. Being able to quickly jot down an error message or thought is so much easier with your trusty pad and writing utensil.
7: Malware Bytes Anti-Malware
--------------------------------------------------
Malware Bytes Anti-Malware is one of the best tools for removing malware from a PC. Unlike a lot of its competition, Malware Bytes Anti-Malware can safely remove even advanced malware.
8: MiFi-like device
--------------------------------------------------
There are times when you need your good old friend Google. But what happens when your client’s network is down or when you can’t join their wireless network? You need to be able to have a connection with you at all times. Most mobile providers offer portable wireless access points (like the Verizon MiFi). These tools can get you wireless access where ever you have a cellular signal.
9: Ethernet cable
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you had to scramble for another Ethernet cable? Whether it’s to hook up a printer or that other machine that’s just “sitting around doing nothing,” most clients won’t be prepared with spare cables. Having a spare can also provide your own laptop with connectivity when you can’t get on your client’s wireless network.
10: Snacks
--------------------------------------------------
You’ve been tirelessly working on an issue and lunch time comes and goes. You’re trying to track down that virus and your stomach is growling. If you’re like me, you start getting a bit grouchy once that hunger really sets in. Do yourself a favor and carry around a snack to avoid this problem. You and your clients will be happy you did.
When you’re out on a troubleshooting call, the last thing you want is to be unprepared. Not only does it make you look bad, it’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on your company. Because you can’t always know what you are getting into, it’s best to travel with more than enough. Luckily,
Here’s a list of the items I have with me on every run out. With these items, I am rarely unprepared.
1: ccleaner
--------------------------------------------------
Ccleaner is a freeware utility for system optimization, privacy, and cleaning. This tool will remove unused files from a hard drive and clean up online history. But more important, it includes an outstanding registry cleaner. Just be sure you use this tool with caution so you don’t delete files that are actually important.
2: AVG Antivirus
--------------------------------------------------
AVG Antivirus is one of the first lines of defense I suggest to clients. And although AVG Free is fine for household use, make sure you are suggesting the Pro version for your commercial clients. The Pro version adds many features, including the ability to scan for rootkits.
3: Puppy Linux (or Knoppix)
--------------------------------------------------
I don’t leave the house without Puppy Linux. You never know when you are going to require a tool that can run checks on hardware that a running operating system can’t do. With either Puppy or Knoppix, you can reboot your machine into a live system and do maintenance that Windows simply can’t do while running.
4: Extra flash drives
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you done backups or needed to save log files and had nothing to save to? I always carry numerous flash drives of various sizes. I even carry empty flash drives in case a client needs one. Those items can always be billed.
5: Combofix
--------------------------------------------------
Combofix can really save your hide. This tool will scan for known malware and/or spyware and safely remove it. When Combofix completes its scan/removal, it will generate a report you can save and reference later (when billing or when a similar behavior strikes.)
6: Paper and pen
--------------------------------------------------
Paper and pen will always win. You never know when you need to jot down notes. And although most consultants are never too far away from their trusty laptops, you can’t leave your laptop with the client so they can read your recommendations. Being able to quickly jot down an error message or thought is so much easier with your trusty pad and writing utensil.
7: Malware Bytes Anti-Malware
--------------------------------------------------
Malware Bytes Anti-Malware is one of the best tools for removing malware from a PC. Unlike a lot of its competition, Malware Bytes Anti-Malware can safely remove even advanced malware.
8: MiFi-like device
--------------------------------------------------
There are times when you need your good old friend Google. But what happens when your client’s network is down or when you can’t join their wireless network? You need to be able to have a connection with you at all times. Most mobile providers offer portable wireless access points (like the Verizon MiFi). These tools can get you wireless access where ever you have a cellular signal.
9: Ethernet cable
--------------------------------------------------
How many times have you had to scramble for another Ethernet cable? Whether it’s to hook up a printer or that other machine that’s just “sitting around doing nothing,” most clients won’t be prepared with spare cables. Having a spare can also provide your own laptop with connectivity when you can’t get on your client’s wireless network.
10: Snacks
--------------------------------------------------
You’ve been tirelessly working on an issue and lunch time comes and goes. You’re trying to track down that virus and your stomach is growling. If you’re like me, you start getting a bit grouchy once that hunger really sets in. Do yourself a favor and carry around a snack to avoid this problem. You and your clients will be happy you did.
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