Everything Data

If your Lens has anything to do with data extraction, manipulation and/or reporting. Join up. Heck, if you can find even a tiny connection to data extraction, manipulation or reporting. Join us! Web Design, programming, CMS, ERP, Database, Disaster Recovery, etc., etc..

New! Recommended reading lists for anyone interested in starting up a MicroISV.

Featured Lenses

Featured lenses are those lenses that have most recently been added to the "Everything Data" group.

featured lens Business Traction

How to create a profitable business, value for customers, passive income and have a weekend at the beach all at the same time. Definitely a work in progress...

featured lens Find and remove spyware from PC

The day starts normally. You wake up, drive to work, go to your desk, turn on your computer, take a sip from your coffee, and proceed to check your email. Reminders here, spam there, pictures here, stories there, a couple of games, and some animation...

featured lens Saving Time and Money Using SAS - by Philip R Holland

Get the most from your SAS software! In this expert collection of strategic and tactical solutions, author Philip Holland shows you how to save time and money by making the most of your SAS software. You'll gain a deeper knowledge of your existing S...

featured lens P2P File Sharing

Overview of file sharing and program suggestions that will enable users to download muptiple types of files.

featured lens E-Waste And What You Can Do About It

Welcome to the electronic age, where even garbage comes with a new and more distinguished title, welcome to the "e-waste" era. E-waste or electronic waste is fast becoming one of the largest disposal problems of our era. Used T.V.s, stereos, tape de...

Recommended Books

The almighty Joel Spolsky collection.

Mr. Spolsky is by far the best resource for anyone interested in starting a MicroISV.

#5

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More Joel on Software by Joel Spolsky

More Joel on Software by Joel Spolsky

Coming in July 2008!0 points

More Books...

Some other books not to be missed.

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Clear Blogging: How People Blogging Are Changing the World and How You Can Join Them by Bob Walsh

Clear Blogging: How People Blogging Are Changing the World and How You Can Join Them by Bob Walsh

influencing elections, getting hired, growing mark more...0 points

Question of the month: July & August 208

Questions any squidoo user can answer.

I'm late, again.

Quite honestly, it needs to be easier to add modules like this... that's how lazy I am.

No, I'm just kidding, it's just a lack of time.

So it is almost the end of July. August is right around the corner... so, 2 month question.

Is the market for web consulting in your town tainted by individuals that really shouldn't be offering web services? (Did that network consulting firm that was more hardware decide they too could produce quality sites?)

Question of the Month(s) May & June 2008

Questions for anyone to answer.

Where did May go? I can't believe I'm this late. To avoid that for August, I've decided to make this question count for both months.

Are you still using a text editor to control your website's content, or do you use a Content Management System like the award winning Joomla! CMS?

Question of the Month: April 2008

Questions for anyone to answer.

So, as fate would have it, I have a new employer and have been blessed with the opportunity to introduce Linux to the environment. My first implementation will be using the Squid Proxy Cache on Linux.

So, my question is, are you using Linux in your IT shop?

Hutcheroo

We only have three out of a possible 30 PC's and servers running linux. Basically they are browser only installations to allow employees in our workshop to access our intranet and web based MIS system.

We selected limux for its ease of use and that we can run it on old office PC's wich are fairly low specification units. O yeah and then theres the cost of buying it.... Due to the sucess of these machines we are currently considering a gradual swith over of another 10 PC's to linux - more fun to come!

Posted May 15, 2008

Question of the Month: March 2008

Questions for anyone to answer

So, it's March already and look at me getting the monthly question out pretty much on time.

Everyone pretty much hates going through the interview process when trying to get a new job. What is the best way to relax one's self before an interview?

I think the best way to stay relaxed for any interview, is to probably interview for jobs on an on going basis. (Unless, of course, you've found that elusive best-job-of-your-life job). If you can get yourself maybe 1 interview every 3 months, eventually you'll be pretty darn well prepared for any question you could be asked, and who knows, maybe you'll even get an offer.

Any other ways to stay relaxed?

Question of the month: February 2008

Questions for anyone to answer.

Time is seriously moving too fast. It's the 10th of February already.

Well, today's question is about Open Source.

Scenario:

You're working in a company with 800+ employees and would like to implement an Open Source solution. Of course, legal needs to have their input. Their response is "Sorry, no can do. We don't want to risk losing our data because of some rogue algorithm that sends our data out into the public. Were this to happen, we wouldn't be able to sue anyone." (in not so many words, this is what one legal department told a group hoping to implement SugarCRM).

Other than the fact that it shows how sue-happy this nation is, what is wrong with legal's statement?

I don't know who said it, but truer words have never been spoken - "If there were no lawyers, there would be no need for lawyers."

BobSteen

I need to answer my own question because it makes me so furious. I believe there is a void of technical understanding in the ranks of upper management that costs corporations billions of dollars every year. And until that void is gone, corporations will never really reach their full potential.

Posted February 10, 2008

Question of the Month: January 2008

Monthly question for anyone to answer.

Why is it taking me so long to get my startup off the ground?

Anyone?

Ok, ok, I'll change the question, it's to self centric and nobody gives a crap about my attempt to start a startup.

Instead I'll ask the following:

I found myself in the middle of a discussion between to individuals that both had the same answer to the following question:

If you had a choice to hire 2 mediocre candidates or 1 star candidate, which would you hire?

They both chose to hire 2 mediocre candidates. I was completely shocked. My answer would have been to hire the 1 star (of course, I kept quiet). They argued that with 2 candidates you had redundancy through cross training and they could learn (which I took to mean could become a star).

What would you do and why?

BobSteen

I agree completely. If you treat that star the way a star should be treated (good pay, comfortable work environment, etc). That star employee will produce more than those mediocre employees.

Posted February 10, 2008
Liz_Estabrooks

I'd say if you hire mediocre people you get mediocre work. But then, maybe that is where these employers set the bar, as they themselves are hell-bent on mediocrity.. Of course, we must consider the possibility that the boss is afraid the star will outshine them, and wouldn't that be a tragedy: to have an employee smarter and more competent than yourself? I would say that the stars are better off somewhere else.

Posted February 04, 2008

Question of the Month: December

Monthly question for anyone to answer.

How long should one stay with a company that fails to show any loyalty to its employees?

saurabh

Till the next appraisal cycle.

Posted January 24, 2008

eNTiDi

Up to when he understands this is the situation.

Posted December 23, 2007

Question of the month: November

Monthly question for anyone to answer.

Once again, a little bit late on this one.

This months question:

How many people are employed at your company?

Susan52

I am happy to say that I am self-employed, a business of one. I get along very well with and have great conversations with my coworkers. Well, most of the time.

Posted November 30, 2007
BobSteen

Too many.

Posted November 20, 2007

Question of the Month: October

Monthly question for anyone to answer

I'm a little late on this one. So do forgive...

This months question is:

Does your company's IT department hide behind the "knowledge gap"? And do you call them on it?

tomdisouza

We are one of the top most software development companies in India. We are looking forward to partner you in following areas, JAVA/J2EE Development, .Net etc.

Posted October 25, 2007
kevinlim

Very informative site. Well done. Feel free to visit my lens on Canon Powershot SD850 IS and Sony Playstation 3 reviews. Thanks.

Posted October 19, 2007
BobSteen

I don't deal with IT directly (that's my manager's job), but yes, some do seem to hide behind the "knowledge gap". When those do, we'll throw "the bullshit" flag. You know, when IT says, "that can't be done" and you show them how.

Posted October 16, 2007

Question of the Month: September Question

Monthly question for any one to answer.

Hmm, not too popular, I guess.

This months question is the following:

Have you ever been through a round of layoffs? If so, what company and what can you say about the experience?

BobSteen

Well, I'm going to answer my own question. Yes. Gateway. And, even though I'm still employed, it sucks.

Posted October 16, 2007

Question of the Month: July Question

Monthly question for any squidoo users to answer.

Foul Language in the Workplace I have to admit that I'm one of those people that finds the need to use foul language to express myself in the workplace sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes.

Is it wrong to use foul language at work? What do you think?

cedrict

I think foul language can be useful anywhere as long as you don't overdo it. Foul language and swear words are here for a reason, to express your state of mind of the moment...

Posted September 25, 2007
Exabyte

It is wrong to use foul language. One, you are a smart person, you don't need to use words that you don't want your kids saying, it's sign of stupidity and ignorance. Two, foul language makes everyone around you feel less of a person.

Posted July 09, 2007

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