Douglas Rehfeldt » Uncategorized

Remembering the legacy of a giant

D Rehfeldt — Sat, 21 May 2011 22:19:49 +0000

Today I was reminded of Mattie Stepanek’s inner strength and global mission. While I never met this boy, my introduction to him on a television program and through his writings, I feel that he was here on Earth for a great purpose. For me, Mattie’s legacy is a reminder that I should do more to pass on a message of hope and peace. Mattie was a giant person and his message lives on through me.

When technology just works

D Rehfeldt — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:28:40 +0000

I support people with varying levels of technology smarts at work. And I get it, technology is a tool and some people need to use it more than others to get their work done. Technology is also for entertainment and people will use technology depending on their need or comfort level with it. Well at home, my technology support revolves around my family and whether at work or home it feels good when I get technology right. In this case it was the Apple iPad. My wife and I already use Apple iPhones for communication and a whole lot more. I’m not a Apple Addict, but it seemed like a good idea at the time to get iPhones and I don’t regret the decision despite some issues with AT&T’s coverage in rural areas. (listening AT&T?) In fact, my wife even mentioned that the iPhone was one of the best technology purchases that I made for her. Frankly, I would now have another WinMo phone if there was one available at the time that was competitive in the market the time, but I’m getting off topic. Well, after a few months I finally asked how the iPad was working out because there had not been the usual gripes and groans as with other technology. The response was “okay”. Mmm, I’m thinking what is wrong now? So, I probed some more, what about internet access, e-mail, apps? Same response, things were working fine and she is able to fit the iPad into her (rather large) purses. This response was not the same as when she had used the shared laptop. Granted, I like to change operating systems and applications versions on a whim, but she was a good sport and test subject. What is came down to is that the iPad tablet is all that she needed, and combined with her iPhone and MobileMe synchronization, it was the perfect combination for her and me. Maintaining the iPad is too simple and now I’m free to tinker to my hearts content on the laptop. Although now I no longer have my best test subject. Oh well, it just feels good when I’m able to get the right technology solution for someone, especially the wife.

2010 Network Field Survival Guide arrives

D Rehfeldt — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:42:05 +0000

My copy of the Network Field Survival Guide by Jay McGuerty arrived today!

http://www.networkrecipes.com

2010 Network Field Survival Guide(c) is out

D Rehfeldt — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:39:28 +0000

A perfect pocket reference for the IT network professional is now updated and available in 2010 release. http://www.networkrecipes.com

Reminders of a Real-life Hero

D Rehfeldt — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:21:25 +0000

Today while reading about the patent wars and the “patent trolls” who contribute nothing, but instead collect patents and use them to sue others for profit, I was reminded of a childhood real-life hero, George Washington Carver. I wrote a report on Mr. Carter in middle school and the impact it had on me helped to shape the man that I am today. Mr. Carver discovered hundreds of uses for peanuts and other crops and improvements upon many other things. He only patented three things, and when asked why, he responded “”God gave them to me, how can I sell them to someone else?” George Washington Carver’s epitaph reads “”He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.” He is still a real-life hero.

Veterans Day

D Rehfeldt — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:06:43 +0000

To my fellow veterans who have served and those still serving, I salute you.

Vote Earth – Will you go an hour without power?

D Rehfeldt — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:55:23 +0000

Freedom isn’t free

D Rehfeldt — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:34:38 +0000

We must never forget that freedom has a cost. Stop and think about for a moment those who have sacrificed to bring about or help maintain the freedom that we enjoy everyday.

West Michigan Novell Users Group – The Big EveNt 2008

D Rehfeldt — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:55:08 +0000

I’m late mentioning this, but the West Michigan Novell Users Group is hosting The Big EveNt 2008. This local users group doesn’t seem to get much attention outside of it’s normal circle. Then again, Novell certainly doesn’t advertise like it’s competitors do either.

Date: May 19 – 20
Location: Prince Conference Center, Calvin College
Presenters: John Delks, VP of Sales for WorkGroup Americas

Needless to say, I’ll be looking at the Suse server and desktop products more closely. I started out as a “Big Red” fanboy in the nineties, but job changes have moved me away from Netware and the Novell product line for another color of computing and a network infrastructure focus. I ran Opensuse on my desktop for years as a network admin/engineer in a primarily Windows shop and used Windows XP in a VMWare VM when it was absolutely necessary to run Windows. The Novell Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop is polished, but my Ubuntu desktop is heavily customized and works for me. I’ll write some more after spending some time with the Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED).