i like my job

I really do. Even after all that complaining on that last post. I like computers. It's that simple. I do not enjoy tech support. It's that simple.

We've ditched most of the LDAP implementation and gone almost entirely to MySQL. Now MySQL is cool! I've been learning all about it. Now I am ATTEMPTING to create a php based management interface to create, modify, and disable users, and make sure they are not getting service they aren't paying for, and all that good stuff you try to do when you run a little ISP that is trying not to be too Amish.

I think I want to be a web programmer when I grow up. Maybe I'll even work for Google. Heh.

a gigantic ldap project

No one said this job would be easy, and believe me, it isn't. First of all, they threw a Windows guy at a bunch of linux boxes and said "GET R DONE," which is what I've been trying to do, but good grief, what a pain. Yeah, Linux is super cool and all, but man, what a huge learning curve for a GUI type of guy. I know what you're saying, "get a grep, man." Yeah, grep is awesome, I agree. So I've installed Linux on my home PC for the fourth time. (The other three times I fairly rapidly reverted back to windows).

I've successfully set up MYSQL replication between a server in Lancaster and a server in Stuarts Draft. That's really sweet. As soon as, and I mean RIGHT AWAY, when you add a record in Lancaster, PRESTO, it's there on the server in Draft. After a bit of grief, I also got the secondary RADIUS server in Draft working and pulling data off the replicated database, which has cut failed dialup logins down considerably! That felt good!

Next on the agenda is getting all of our authentication to use LDAP. This is going to be one very large pain in the tooshy. I am not making this up. The more documentation I read, the more depressed I get. The latest thing I'm bumping my head on is trying to figure out how to make ISA 2006 authenticate to an LDAP directory that is definitely NOT Active Directory, which ISA of course wishes it would be. Actually, it's an exaggeration to say I'm even that far in the process. I'm just thinking it's going to be fun when I get there. First, I've got to get LDAP working at all. The figure out how to do authentication with LDAP. Then figure out how to set up the schema. Then figure out how to make ISA like it. Then figure out how to make RADIUS like it. Then figure out how to make Merak like it. Then decide if we really want to use MySQL as a backend for LDAP, which Duane likes, but which may add complications, and etc.

spammers are weird

It's really strange what you get in spam email these days. Here's a sample:

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What Geeks Love

What makes a geek a geek? Why do geeks like what they like? What is it about abstract tech concepts that warms a geeks little heart? I think I know at least part of the answer. It's the control, the incredible amount of control that a geek can exert over his geekdom. Savvy geeks can make a computer do pretty much whatever they want. It's incredibly empowering. Believe me, I know why virus writers love their craft. God preserve me from ever going there. Well, I'm sure I'll never be that talented.

I've been studying web programming again lately, this time PHP and SQL. It's fun! It is totally amazing what you can do with PHP. I know it's not a "real" programming language, but I don't care. I really have not been much of a programmer, but I'm learning. The details and the abstraction sometimes drive me nuts, but being able to write a script that actually does something useful is the greatest thing in the world. I love it.

One of my customers sent in a plate of fresh macadamia nut cookies the other day. They were awesome. She's one sweet old lady, for sure, but a real pain when it comes to dealing with her and her computer. But the cookies definitely made up for it.

What this blog is about

Hello Friends,

For a long time I've had a regular blog at http://www.deepbrew.com. However, I've been afraid to let me real geek nature shine through on that blog, for fear that it would scare away my friends. However, I've finally decided that enough repression is enough, and I simply NEED an outlet for all my geeky tech thoughts. I've also been looking a long time for a blog that comes from the point of view of someone w/ the same kind of job as I have, but I haven't been able to find anything from a small business technology consultant sort of person, other than those that are strictly technical. What I want is something that describes the daily in's and out's of life as a small-town techie. May I present Staunton Geek.

The SG.