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Mark_B

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FYI - Abstract

This paper will look at some of the differences between the FreeBSD and OpenBSD operating systems.

It is not intended to be solely technical but will also show the different "visions" and design decisions that rule the way things are implemented. It is expected to be a subjective view from two BSD developers and does not pretend to represent these projects in any way.

We don't want it to be a troll talk but rather a casual and friendly exchange while nicely making fun of each other like we would do over a drink. Of course, we shall try and hit where it hurts when that makes sense. Obviously, we both have our personal subjective preferences and we will explain why. Showing some of the weaknesses may encourage people to contribute in some areas.

Most of the topics discussed here could warrant their own paper and talk and as such some may not get the deep analysis they deserve.

This is a totally biased talk from two different perspectives.

Hmmm...A "brillant" shirt, anyone?

shirt.codes/? source=package%20test%3B%0Apublic%20class%20paulaBean%20%7B%0A %20%20private%20String%20paula%20%3D%20%22Brillant%22%3B%0A%20 %20public%20String%20getPaula()%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20return%20p aula%3B%0A%20%20%7D%0A%7D&style=Default

"The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage" by Clifford Stoll was a great read.

The title gives away the premise of the book, but to think - it was all put into motion because of a $0.75 accounting discrepancy.

Agreed. I mean, according to his Wikipedia article, he was the CTO of En2go a company "that delivers music, video and other digital content to desktops."

Most definitely shenanigans of some kind are going on here...

I think it's a lot like Robin Hood. Piracy is viewed in some ways as "rob from the rich and give to the poor" which people in general can get on board with. However, breaking the GPL would be more like the opposite. Instead, someone is seeking personal gain/fame (aka the "rich") vs the people who volunteered their time ("poor") and that's just not right.

Unless I'm reading this wrong, one takeaway is that the pool of people with RoR experience is so low that anyone with some time to spare can sweet talk their way into a developer position

...or that interviewers are schmucks and will hire just about anybody who took the time to read through a book and hack out a demo app.

I don't know if it would completely "kill" Facebook, but there would be a dramatic drop in usage if Zynga (Farmville,Mafia Wars,etc.) fell off the face of the earth.

If you're only starting out, I would be less concerned about the technical pros/cons and figure out which ever is easier for YOU to pick up.

Check into whatever your nicest techy friends are using.

After all, if you run into any problems, they'll be ones you'll reach out to for help.

One comment in thread stood out for me: "Since your problem is medical bills, it seems extremely obvious that you need to switch to a job that has a better benefits package."

The poster simply stated she needs an extra $2,000 a month for medical reasons. Why? Medication? Visits to a specialist? If the extra $2k is needed because what she needs isn't covered under her current employer's benefits, job shopping is probably a better way to spend her free time.

Be sure to ask yourself - is it the type of work you don't like doing or is it the company or manager that you're currently subjecting yourself to?

After spending a few years of my life contracting exclusively at non-software companies, I can definitely say that the culture can vary greatly from shop to shop so far as how well it caters to people who are there to hone their craft vs those who just show up for the paycheck.

Also, don't forget - jobs at software companies can suck too! :-)

The Prolog Story 16 years ago

So, in other words, the customer's system can now be described as being "a client/server application written completely in [not Prolog] with SQL Server behind it except for this ONE piece - THAT one is in Prolog!"

Next question - Who's going to maintain it?

I mean, props for using Prolog to tackle the complex problem and save gobs of money/time, but doesn't an approach like this seem _really_ risky?