SCHWOIT http://schwoit.com Gardening and Geekdom in the Urban Jungle Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:22:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-09-05 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/cKS4tdNRToc/ http://schwoit.com/2010/09/05/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-09-05/#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:22:00 +0000 Dean http://schwoit.com/2010/09/05/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-09-05/ I'm at Cha Chis Gourmet Pizza (Memorial Drive, Shellharbour City). http://4sq.com/cXpwhY # I just became the mayor of Cha Chis Gourmet Pizza on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/cXpwhY # I'm at Flinders Home (Shellharbour Road, Lakewood Boulevarde, Flnders). http://4sq.com/bvWS4a # I'm at Fujitsu … Continue reading →]]>

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]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/09/05/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-09-05/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/09/05/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-09-05/ Mac Training: Support Essential Day 1 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/jxeOGFVLdu4/ http://schwoit.com/2010/09/02/mac-training-support-essential-day-1/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:31:02 +0000 Dean desktop training scripting shell automator commenced commences applescript http://schwoit.com/?p=456 The Mac desktop training commenced yesterday and all I can say is that it is full on. The day was go go go from 9:00pm through to 4:30pm with only a 30 minute lunch break. The day consisted of installation and user management from the desktop only. There was a brief introduction to shell scripting, applescript and using Automator. Based on day 1 I would advise anyone thinking of sitting the course prepare for three full on days. Day 2 commences in 30 minutes, looking forward to looking at the guts of Mac OS X further. Continue reading →]]>

The Mac desktop training commenced yesterday and all I can say is that it is full on. The day was go go go from 9:00pm through to 4:30pm with only a 30 minute lunch break. The day consisted of installation and user management from the desktop only. There was a brief introduction to shell scripting, applescript and using Automator. Based on day 1 I would advise anyone thinking of sitting the course prepare for three full on days. Day 2 commences in 30 minutes, looking forward to looking at the guts of Mac OS X further.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/09/02/mac-training-support-essential-day-1/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/09/02/mac-training-support-essential-day-1/ I’m a Prophet http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/1JQvX0ZAJjg/ http://schwoit.com/2010/09/01/im-a-prophet/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:00:02 +0000 Dean resubmitted rollout savce corporate symantec client clients windows http://schwoit.com/?p=452 About 3 months ago I was made aware of one of my clients that was planning to make the decision to update their corporate fleet to Microsoft Windows 7. Great move, however other applications also need review before a properly managed environment can be attained. Within my Threat Management realm that was tied down to Symantec Anti Virus Corporate Edition 10.x (SAVCE). Continue reading →]]>

About 3 months ago I was made aware of one of my clients that was planning to make the decision to update their corporate fleet to Microsoft Windows 7. Great move, however other applications also need review before a properly managed environment can be attained. Within my Threat Management realm that was tied down to Symantec Anti Virus Corporate Edition 10.x (SAVCE).

When I was alerted to the clients wishes to look into Windows 7 the premise was that they were only looking at it for suitability with their client managed application set. I mentioned quite strongly that SAVCE was an superceded product and offered no support for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. Begrudgingly though I gave them an unmanaged client for Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) so that the client could continue on their way.

Knowing what was coming I scoped a SEP solution and submitted it for approval in the vain hope that we could have a managed environment ready for the production rollout. However, the project was not approved, yet the Windows 7 rollout has been performed on 140+ laptops running a standalone SEP client with no ability to manage or report upon the solution health or effectiveness.

So I immediately resubmitted the exact design to the powers that be. Now the project is being resubmitted, unfortunately we will now be under pressure to implement retrospectively quickly and not proactively as I had hoped, and thus prophecy fulfilled.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/09/01/im-a-prophet/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/09/01/im-a-prophet/ #CityRail Fail: Communication http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/IVTg5NL3dUY/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/31/cityrail-fail-communication/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:45:19 +0000 Dean timetable ballsy silent told arrives listed platform crowd timetable ballsy silent told arrives listed platform crowd http://schwoit.com/?p=449
Last evening CityRail demonstrated their ability to communicate with its clients yet again. I arrived at platform 14 at 16:20 for the train departing at 17:12. Not surprisingly I was the first there, so I took a seat on the platform. For the next 20 minutes I was told of trains leaving for far flung destinations on other platforms. Pointless information for me, but no doubt someone cared, perhaps the high schoolers making out on the platform, though I suspect they were enjoying the deserted platform more than the announcements. Continue reading →]]>

Last evening CityRail demonstrated their ability to communicate with its clients yet again. I arrived at platform 14 at 16:20 for the train departing at 17:12. Not surprisingly I was the first there, so I took a seat on the platform. For the next 20 minutes I was told of trains leaving for far flung destinations on other platforms. Pointless information for me, but no doubt someone cared, perhaps the high schoolers making out on the platform, though I suspect they were enjoying the deserted platform more than the announcements.

Anyway, generally the train arrives within 20 – 30 minutes and I would board before anyone else arrives. This occasion in true CityRail consistentcy would be different.

After 40 minutes there was still no sign of thee train and a crowd of 100 people had arrived at the platform. The speakers were silent and the crowd left pondering about what was going on.

At that time a CityRail employee appeared handing out information on the new timetable. She handed her book to the 3 others on the bank of seats and completely ignored me. She toddled off and annoyed the remaining patrons. On her way back she finally handed me a booklet.

Upon reading there is SFA changing for my trip. However, CityRail state that we will continue to receive the same service levels as now. This translates to the same inconsistent and unreliable mess the CityRail experience is for an Illawarra line customer.

After the timetable pixie disappeared the train was still not to be seen and the speaker system silent. At this point I abandoned my seat and head up toward where the front of the train should be. On the way to that position I heard comments about us passengers being treated like mushrooms, rather being told what was going on.

A train then appeared and stopped to wait for tracks to be switched. The train though did not seem bound for our platform. At this point the allottef service driver turned to me and said “It’s not looking good”. Low and behold that train was ours and eventually arrived at 17:12 the scheduled depature time. Thankfully we were in motion by 17:14.

Today the same train was listed as coming in on Platform 12. That is unusual, but not the first time I have seen it. After going to Krispy Kreme’s and purchasing a pie for lunch I checked the board. It was then listed as arriving on the usual platform 14. I casually wandered to down to the end of the platform and took a seat. No sooner had I taken my pie out of the paper bag than the train arrived some 40 minutes early.

So CityRail are exceeding at being consistently erratic. The new timetable offers no improvement. I wonder if a ballsy government willing to build infrastructure and reform CityRail operations can, my fear is that in reality there is no such thing as a ballsy government.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/31/cityrail-fail-communication/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/31/cityrail-fail-communication/ Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-29 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/umGcDc8-Amw/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/29/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-29/#comments Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:22:00 +0000 Dean http://schwoit.com/2010/08/29/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-29/ @infovile I am seeing it as 3rd on the search returns in reply to infovile # @redglitterx would of preferred if they hadn't shown. At least then there would be no hope that they would have been intelligent! #ausvotes in … Continue reading →]]>

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]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/29/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-29/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/29/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-29/ #AusVotes … Limbo Results! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/x08q1ivjuXA/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/23/ausvotes_limbo_results/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:45:07 +0000 Dean http://schwoit.com/?p=438 The limbo has continued today. At one point the ABC had the ALP with 72 seats and the LNP with 69 (3:36pm). That figure continues to vary regularly throughout the day. There are five seats still marked as too close to call, however the projections have been consistent with each side falling short of an absolute majority with 73 seats each. Continue reading →]]>

The limbo has continued today. At one point the ABC had the ALP with 72 seats and the LNP with 69 (3:36pm). That figure continues to vary regularly throughout the day. There are five seats still marked as too close to call, however the projections have been consistent with each side falling short of an absolute majority with 73 seats each.

Whilst Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott both debate whether primary of two party preferred counts as a negotiation point I think we should move forward (sorry) from that insane debate and examine what this mean for Australia?

What it means simply is that the 1 Green and 3 Independent MP’s all of a sudden become the most powerful Australians within current society. Deals will need to be cut between the major parties and the smaller, usually insignificant, MP’s. This is a good thing as real negotiations will need to occur and the electorates generally forgotten by successive governments will finally receive attention. In terms of who goes where is an interesting one.

The Greens MP, Adam Bandt, would logically side with the ALP as they are further left than the LNP. Further, policies such as the NBN are common to both the ALP and the Greens. The good news is that the proposed internet filter/censor would likely be ditched under such negotiations. Noises to date indicate that this allegiance is the most likely outcome, however there are no guarantees.

The 3 independents though are probably even more important. These 3 MP’s are all from regional Australia and all were previously associated with the conservative side of the fence. All though have valid can varying reasons to why those allegiances are in the past. This was very evident on election night with the stouch between Barnaby Joyce and Tony Windsor. Further evidence suggests that Bob Katter and Barnaby Joyce have a similar distaste for one another. Clearly their past conservative allegiances do not mean that they will automatically side with the LNP. Negotiations with Bob Katter, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are likely to see vast improvements for regional Australia, primarily in the electorates they represent. However, I get the feeling that all three see their importance as an opportunity to bring regional matters to the forefront.

There is also the new Independent National Party MP, Tony Crook. Mr Crook has just ousted seemingly perennial representative (and known loose cannon) Wilson Tuckey from the seat of O’Connor in Western Australia. Mr Crook has been hasty to let it known that he does consider himself allied to the LNP, rather as another crossbencher. Mr Crook has reportedly put his support on auction with a price tag of $850 million for regional Australia. Not sure if Mr Crook’s approach is the best long-term approach for his constituents, but it does make his position on the matter clear.

Regardles, what is clear is that the combination of the gang of four regional MP’s that are not strictly aligned with the LNP are going to ensure Australia pays attention to the needs of regional Australia. Not a bad thing by any measure, the bush is often neglected.

It will be very interesting to see what the LNP and ALP offer in order to secure the support of these MP’s in order to form a government. The LNP ofcourse have the conservative moral ground and are traditionally strong in encouraging exports. Typically these tie in with the goals of regional Australia, they also have the position on the mining super profits tax, that is it will be scrapped. Again a strong concern for Regional Australia. Other issues though remain.

Clearly telecommunications is going to play a large part within these electorate. Of all the candidates that were interviewed on election night it was these three that had to communicate with the nation by crackly telephone lines with a still picture on screen. It was a throw back to the early 80′s, with the only thing missing the presence of the bakelite phones with ring dials. Telstra has never served these areas particularly well, and never will as new infrastructure is not seen as instantly commercially viable for the TelCo with its goals defined by short to medium term success, not in the longer term gain. Should the TelCo be forced into servicing these area and taking the hit? In my opinion no, but this goes back to when Telstra was privatised. The public should have retained ownership of the infrastructure and leased capacity to Telstra and any other player, in much the same way that the national broadband network is modelled.

Reportedly Bob Katter would like to see more made of ethanol fuels and Rob Oakshott wants an emissions trading scheme (ETS). Though Kevin Rudd fell short on environmental matters both of these are more likely to play to the ALP side than the LNP. Especially when you consider that there are severe question marks on whether Tony Abbott:

  1. Accepts the scientific studies that clearly demonstrate global warming exists.
  2. Believes oil supplies are not finite as evidenced in the leaders forum.

Like him or hate him, he floundered badly here. Ethanol deserves a great deal of attention and could be a good alternative fuel source with appropriate research. It of course will also give the sugar farmers another market for their product.

I will finish with a prediction that we will be back at the polls in the next 6 to 18 months. Whichever side forms government will then try and put runs on the board quickly and try to win an absolute majority. If it is the LNP we will be back to the polls sooner than the ALP who will need more time for the electorate to forget the mess of the first term and the shocker of a campaign. Interesting and nervous times remain.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/23/ausvotes_limbo_results/feed/ 2 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/23/ausvotes_limbo_results/ Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-22 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/eF9yafdHqmM/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-22-2/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:22:00 +0000 Dean http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-22-2/ 4:24am at Oak Flats listening to the frogs in 9 deg RealFeel weather. Breeze is close to bitterly cold. #cityrail # 4:34am and heading to Dapto. Time for this commuiter to get some shuteye. #cityrail # 6:27am and at Redfern. … Continue reading →]]>

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]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-22-2/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-22-2/ Australia Decides … but not on a Government http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/43l7hO5XY10/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/australia-decides-but-not-on-a-government/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:15:17 +0000 Dean abbott government voting policies fears choices http://schwoit.com/?p=419 On the 21st August Australia went to the polls with the aim of deciding on a new federal government. What has happened though is that Australians have lodged a national protest vote. Swings away from the ALP (Labor) has seen a spectacular fall in their numbers, however the traditional LNP (Liberal/National Party) have failed to capture enough vote to win a decisive majority. Continue reading →]]>

On the 21st August Australia went to the polls with the aim of deciding on a new federal government. What has happened though is that Australians have lodged a national protest vote. Swings away from the ALP (Labor) has seen a spectacular fall in their numbers, however the traditional LNP (Liberal/National Party) have failed to capture enough vote to win a decisive majority.

The ALP has had a terrible time in government. They did do well during the global financial crisis in managing Australia through that difficult time without condemning Australia to recession. However, many of the programs that they credit for that success have been woefully mismanaged. The public were already revolting before Julia Gillard plunged the dagger into Kevin Rudds back, and they have never recovered.

Over the election campaign the ALP has focussed on policies that are not a massive leap from those of their traditional LNP rivals due to their march to the right. In the last few days the ALP decided to try and revive Work Choices fears. Fear mongering around Work Choices was a success in 2007, and Tony Abbott was a major proponent of the unpopular policy. ALP desperately hoped that reviving those fears was possible despite Mr Abbott repeatedly saying that it was dead. The people of Australia were not brainwashed into voting ALP.

They also were not convinced by the LNP either. The LNP failed to capture enough votes to claim a decisive victory. What they have though accomplished is amazing for a party that was smashed at the previous election. The LNP are likely to be proud to have the first indigenous representative and the youngest ever representative, and have increased their proportional representation. Have they won the right to form government though, the answer is clearly no.

Why has this happened? The reason is that neither the ALP or LNP have released radically different policies. Further, neither side has a real nation building package in play with perhaps the exception of the ALP version of the National Broadband Network (NBN). As such neither major party captured the minds of the voting public, in essence a fail all around.

The LNP and ALP now face the prospect of negotiating with the 4 x Independents and 1 x Green to form government. Depending on those negotiation will determine whether Tony Abbott or Julia Gillard will become Prime Minister. Neither though has a clear mandate. As such there is a chance that the NBN as planned by the ALP may will be retained in the form proposed if the LNP form government, personally I hope so. Similarly if the ALP form government the internet filter may need to be ditched, again I personally hope so.

Where did the voters turn to? The Green vote is up 3.8% nationally and hovers around 12%, however due to the preferential voting system in Australia they are only likely to attain any more than 1 seat in the lower house. This does though represent the Greens first elected member of the Lower House. The Greens are the new left wing alternative and have a range of policies aimed at building the nation.

The Greens have overachieved in this election with next to no media coverage and being cut out of the leaders debates and forums. If they had the opportunity to discuss their visions in the same manner as the ALP and LNP they may well have an even greater presence. Next time I hope they are given the respect and offered the opportunity to impress or fail in line with the ALP and LNP.

Australia now lives in limbo until the final results and negotiations are complete. Nervous yes, however I now trust more in our democracy than previously. Hopefully the message that was sent to both the ALP and LNP will not be lost, and that message is that they need to be more positive, visionary and different!

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/australia-decides-but-not-on-a-government/feed/ 2 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/22/australia-decides-but-not-on-a-government/ Sydney Buses versus Extension of Light Rail http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/27_fAlyjGXg/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/19/sydney-buses-versus-extension-of-light-rail/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:53:35 +0000 Dean tram light suburbs monorail options services extension lilyfield http://schwoit.com/?p=415
Sydney currently relies on bus services within the metropolitan area to link the city and inner suburbs. These links rely heavily on Sydney Buses and private bus companies for the transportation of the community on buses that are running on fossil fuel burning buses. There is a cleaner approach to efficient urban transport, and that options is the light rail, be that monorail or trams. Continue reading →]]>

Sydney currently relies on bus services within the metropolitan area to link the city and inner suburbs. These links rely heavily on Sydney Buses and private bus companies for the transportation of the community on buses that are running on fossil fuel burning buses. There is a cleaner approach to efficient urban transport, and that options is the light rail, be that monorail or trams.

Currently Sydney has very limited runs of both light rail options. The current monorail is limited to inner CBD transportation and thus is more of a gimmick than a truly viable alternative. The tram however has a run between Central Station and Lilyfield. I have used this service on an infrequent basis and have always found the journey to be comfortable and efficient. It is a shame though that the tram network is so limited in Sydney, it has the potential for much bigger things.

Tram services in Sydney are unlikely to ever rival those of Melbourne, just starting from too far behind in terms of infrastructure, however they should be far expanded within Sydney based on Melbournes examples. On my trips to Melbourne over the years I have always traveled using the tram. Only on 1 occasion have I used the tram with the threat of an issue, and that was caused by an ignorant Audi driver and not the network or driver. The tram services in that city are a great example of efficient mass public transport.

In Sydney I would like to see the tram used for runs for inner suburbs to the city and major transport hubs, in much the same way that Lilyfield links to Central. Light rail should also be further installed within the city to allow for those who commute to these hubs to get around the city.

Perhaps a percentage of the proposed dedicated pushbike lanes should be scrapped and become light rail lanes, or alternatively more monorail tracks and stations constructed. An efficient outer suburb to inner city public transport network will do more to get carbon polluting vehicles off the road than a bike lane would anyway.

There is also another advantage to the adoption of more light rail within Sydney, and that is to lessen the reliance on bus services. Reduction on the reliance on fossil fuel burning vehicles, including buses, must be a goal that any government strives for. With the extension of tram services the public would still receive the same transport services on offer today, just with a light rail service not a bus.

Bus services though would not be eliminated totally. Rather buses could service travel within the suburbs with stops aligned with light rail, heavy rail and ferry stops. Thus linking the four public transport options available to Sydney commuters in a truly integrated manner. This would make travel on public transport easier for all NSW residents and encourage them to utilise the services more.

This ofcourse requires a parliament that is committed to a vision and not afraid to take the big decisions to ensure it happens. Unfortunately I doubt that the two major parties, either at federal or state level, have the intestinal fortitude to implement anything like this vision for public transport within NSW. It is time for a visionary to emerge from either of these parties that has the guts to put these nation/state building activities to the forefront of the public mind and improve the current failing services that are strangled by rampant under investment.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/19/sydney-buses-versus-extension-of-light-rail/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/19/sydney-buses-versus-extension-of-light-rail/ We all hate Collingwood http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/CNCviLHYaBQ/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/18/we-all-hate-collingwood/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:15:41 +0000 Dean hate collingwood possess views australian forum minister spoken http://schwoit.com/?p=413 Well having watched (endured) the #RootyQ Leaders Forum I am not convinced by either of the two major Australian political parties that they possess the vision or capabilities to drive the big brown land forward. I would though have liked to have seen the Greens involved in the forum. They are likely to possess the balance of power in the parliament and I think the Australian people need the same access to hear their views. They should at least be paid the respect by the media and given the opportunity to present their views and succeed/fail in the same manner that the Australian Labour Party and the Liberal/National Coalition are afforded. Continue reading →]]>

Well having watched (endured) the #RootyQ Leaders Forum I am not convinced by either of the two major Australian political parties that they possess the vision or capabilities to drive the big brown land forward. I would though have liked to have seen the Greens involved in the forum. They are likely to possess the balance of power in the parliament and I think the Australian people need the same access to hear their views. They should at least be paid the respect by the media and given the opportunity to present their views and succeed/fail in the same manner that the Australian Labour Party and the Liberal/National Coalition are afforded.

In terms of performance it was a nil all draw with neither side winning the crowd. Prime Minister Julia Gillard though made a fantastic statement in relation to AFL:

We all hate Collingwood.

Well spoken!

Twitter did go off and provided much light relief.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/18/we-all-hate-collingwood/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/18/we-all-hate-collingwood/ Sydney Buses FAILS: Episode 1a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/knBJqb_bcVY/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/18/sydney-buses-fails-episode-1a/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:42:32 +0000 Dean actions episode fails buses driver bobbie lights performed actions episode fails buses driver bobbie lights performed http://schwoit.com/?p=409
Not so much a blog entry in it's own right as an addendum to the previous. Sydney Buses have today confirmed the actions of the driver in Sydney Buses FAILS: Episode 1 was acting with no customer service in mind. Today Bobbie made it to her bus to schedule, and the bus arrived as expected. She boarded and took her seat. Continue reading →]]>

Not so much a blog entry in it’s own right as an addendum to the previous. Sydney Buses have today confirmed the actions of the driver in Sydney Buses FAILS: Episode 1 was acting with no customer service in mind. Today Bobbie made it to her bus to schedule, and the bus arrived as expected. She boarded and took her seat.

The bus pulled out of the station and was stopped at the lights. A gentleman that was running late caught the bus the lights and performed the same actions Bobbie performed last week. The driver in this case opened the doors and allowed the passenger aboard. This proves that the driver encountered by Bobbie has their head firmly planted in their rectum!

I congratulate the driver of the 47x at hh:mm for their actions today, it is indeed a rare occurrence that such empathy is shown by an employee on NSW public transport.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/18/sydney-buses-fails-episode-1a/feed/ 2 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/18/sydney-buses-fails-episode-1a/ Icons for the “CityRail Fails” and “Sydney Buses Fails” Categories http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/3K4kk-7t4aI/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/17/icons-for-the-cityrail-fails-and-sydney-buses-fails-categories/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:55:13 +0000 Dean icons categories fails posts mackey expert failures introduce icons categories fails posts mackey expert failures introduce http://schwoit.com/?p=396
As it is clear that key categories within the SCHWOIT.COM category list are the two NSW Public Transport failures, "CityRail Fails" and "Sydney Buses Fails". As a result I decided it was time to introduce some standard icons for these posts. All posts within the categories will now get one of the icons above. I have to issue a big thanks to Bill Mackey for the expert work performed on these icons. Continue reading →]]>

As it is clear that key categories within the SCHWOIT.COM category list are the two NSW Public Transport failures, “CityRail Fails” and “Sydney Buses Fails”. As a result I decided it was time to introduce some standard icons for these posts. All posts within the categories will now get one of the icons above.

I have to issue a big thanks to Bill Mackey for the expert work performed on these icons.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/17/icons-for-the-cityrail-fails-and-sydney-buses-fails-categories/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/17/icons-for-the-cityrail-fails-and-sydney-buses-fails-categories/ #CityRail Fail: Mobility Challenged Travel http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/ceWBWi__QQI/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/16/cityrail-fail-mobility-challenged-travel/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:38:03 +0000 Dean mobility upgrades http://schwoit.com/?p=392
Today I have been giving thought to how a person of limited mobility would traverse the lines on which I travel and at the times I travel. The only answer I can come up with is that it is simply not possible for such individuals to travel in the same manner between Oak Flats and North Ryde at 4:30 am. I will now detail why. Continue reading →]]>

Firstly, I must say my commute when without a hitch. Ran on time and the guards were quite clearly heard over the loud speaker. The service ran as expected.

Today I have been giving thought to how a person of limited mobility would traverse the lines on which I travel and at the times I travel. The only answer I can come up with is that it is simply not possible for such individuals to travel in the same manner between Oak Flats and North Ryde at 4:30 am. I will now detail why.

The first issue I see is the ability to actually board the train at Oak Flats. At the ungodly hour at which I travel the station is not staffed. This then puts the onus of assisting mobility challenged passengers on and off the train to the guard. This is by no means an insurmountable issue and most guards would be more than happy to assist in the process that usually consists of a metal bridge across the gap, it is though a disruption for both the consumer and the guard.

Now thinking about this it is a simple device that requires manual processes to erect and disassemble. Surely though in this day and age a technically superior and customer friendly solution is possible, or could be innovatively developed by CityRail if investment was not a filthy word. Here is an idea, perhaps a platform that extends from the train to the platform when the doors open, and retracts when the doors close. Such a platform could extend all the way to the yellow line thus preventing over zealous patrons from preventing existing passengers from alighting the service.

A device of this kind would also be proactive in assisting all passengers, in particular the elderly and small children, from having to mind the gap as the gap would be covered. Such a simple device would surely be relatively easily developed, and not cost an arm and a leg. Exactly what would likely be cost if someone did fall through the gap.

CityRail has never been known for investment, especially for innovative matters. They have however invested in station upgrades. That said where those upgrades have been installed could be called into question.

The classic example is Redfern station. Redfern is a core station on the metropolitan leg of the network with services heading toward Central station from the south or west passing through the station. As such it is a thoroughly trafficked station, however most of the platforms do not offer elevators to assist mobility challenged patrons to navigate the station. I know personally I have struggled to scale these long and steep stairs when I had a sore knee at times. As such I am bemused that small metropolitan stations like Mortdale and Carlton received elevator upgrades ahead of this key station.

Having said that, the fact that any station on the entire CityRail network is not mobility friendly simply begs belief. It should be a mandatory requirement that these stations be upgraded so that some of the most public transport reliant citizens can use a basic community service without having to dodge stations that are simply not considerate to their needs.

Another issue that stems from underinvestment is the fact that many old trains frequent the intercity lines. Many have a secondary door on the inside of the carriage that is positioned in a manner that is impossible for wheelchair users to navigate, not to mention mothers with prams. This leaves these passengers the choice to:

  1. Travel in the entranceway that is noisy and prone to the elements, in particular wind chill.
  2. Wait for a modern train that has a friendlier entrance and seating arrangement that allows them to enter the train properly. Such services though are in a minority on most lines, and could lead to lengthy delays for these citizens to travel.

CityRail need to make a firm commitment to retire these antiques and replace them with more modern services.

What New South Wales requires is a government that is not afraid to make clear and strong decisions in relation to public transport generally, and rail specifically. Each service authority should have as part of their contract a minimum commitment to investment within the network to improve the service. Controls then need to be put in place and enforced. Only then can the public transport system have a chance of recovery and development and become a proud infrastructure piece of NSW. Unfortunately it appears that neither side has the intestinal fortitude to take this on.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/16/cityrail-fail-mobility-challenged-travel/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/16/cityrail-fail-mobility-challenged-travel/ Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-15 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/40gtCatTgcA/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/15/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-15/#comments Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:22:00 +0000 Dean http://schwoit.com/2010/08/15/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-15/ @leerhiannon Talk up the high speed commuter rail plan too. Having just done my 3 hr morning commute from Shellharbour its close to my heart in reply to leerhiannon # @Spoonyman: I see a stack of people thought the #rooty … Continue reading →]]>

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]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/15/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-15/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/15/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-08-15/ Sydney Buses FAILS: Episode 1 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/XXvc1U-NgPE/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/13/sydney-buses-fails-episode-1/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:46:14 +0000 Dean bobbie lights driver buses transport stop ticket complaint http://schwoit.com/?p=383
Well today marks the first of what is sure to become a regular posting point. Over recent months Bobbie has taken to using public transport for her commute. Her journey involves reliance on ShittyRail CityRail and ShittingMe Sydney Buses. As a result she is open to the double whammy of the inept NSW public transport system. Continue reading →]]>

Well today marks the first of what is sure to become a regular posting point. Over recent months Bobbie has taken the sound financial decision and made the switch to using public transport for her commute. Her journey involves reliance on ShittyRail CityRail and ShittingMe Sydney Buses. As a result she is open to the double whammy of the inept NSW public transport system.

Tonight is no exception. Bus 478 due at 17:06 arrived at 17:03. Right after the stop at which Bobbie alights the bus there is a set of traffic lights, and Bobbie saw the bus stop there within a few steps of her position. Bobbie quickly got to the doors, showed the driver her valid ticket and knocked on the door. The driver just pointed at the lights and shook his head.

I could understand the drivers position if any of the following was true:

  1. He had not just stopped at the lights and expected them to change.
  2. He was on schedule!
  3. Money transfer was required.

None of these factors were in play here and just shows a driver with absolutely no customer service ethics. Perhaps he forgets that technically we are his employer! More likely he does not give a rats!

Bobbie will be making a formal complaint, will let you know how it goes.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/13/sydney-buses-fails-episode-1/feed/ 1 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/13/sydney-buses-fails-episode-1/ The Weekly CityRail Fail! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/JvjC3qnNRlo/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/12/the-weekly-cityrail-fail/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:46:21 +0000 Dean voice early depart doom minutes desired completely redfern http://schwoit.com/?p=379
Today I had a productive day and completed all I needed at 3:10pm and so decided that I would take a relaxed approach home. Was early for even the early train to Shellharbour, but decided to get on the one that we normally get as it is typically a push for Bobbie to get the early train due to her reliance on Sydney Buses (who also fail to run to their schedule). Anyway, I was on the platform at 4:00pm for a train departing at 5:12pm. The tale of woe was about to begin! Continue reading →]]>

Today I had a productive day and completed all I needed at 3:10pm and so decided that I would take a relaxed approach home. Was early for even the early train to Shellharbour, but decided to get on the one that we normally get as it is typically a push for Bobbie to get the early train due to her reliance on Sydney Buses (who also fail to run to their schedule). Anyway, I was on the platform at 4:00pm for a train departing at 5:12pm. The tale of woe was about to begin!

A train pulled in, completely empty and the usual geriatric model that frequents the long haul runs for NSW residents, itself a disgrace. I thought I will jump on, even though it is mega early, and get out of the cold air. So I had a pick of the seats and settled on a gold seat, or so I thought.

10 minutes later the train went from empty to resembling one those Indian trains you see in B grade movies. You know the ones where the white actor is confronted by a chicken or goat invading their personal space. At this point I thought that perhaps something was up, but decided to wait for the voice over that should occur just before the doors closing and the train embarking on its journey. Foolish me!

Yes, the CityRail driver/guard decided to put standard practice to one side to get the train going. Doors shut and we were off. 2 minutes after the train leaving the station the voice of doom announced the train was going to Mount Victoria, completely and utterly the wrong way for me! I thought perhaps, just perhaps, this experience would have a reasonable end with a stop at Redfern. No such luck, first stop Strathfield.

So after my 20 minute ride in the wrong direction I disembarked a bit more than a tad miffed. Looked up at the board of the adjoining platform and thought oh great salvation is at hand with a train scheduled to head back to Central in 4 minutes. That would give me enough time to get to my desired service. So I found a spot out of the icy breeze and waited.

With less than 2 minutes before this train was to depart the platform (yes depart) a second voice of doom came across announcing that in their “wisdom” the service had changed platforms. Even if I was an Olympic sprinter, not a grand master fat bastard, I would have struggled to make it. So I looked up at the board again and saw the next train was 16 minutes away that would put me on a close intercept course at Redfern if I was lucky.

Well today is not my lucky day with rail travel. As the service I was begrudgingly on pulled in at Redfern my desired service pulled out of the platform opposite! I decided to stay on to Central and am now on an alternative South Coast service, atleast until such time as the incompetents at CityRail decide to cancel this service.

I have now lost yet another hour of my already limited personal time! Thankyou ShittyRail for once again bending me over the table and spreading my cheeks wider than a Hum Vee’s bonnet!

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/12/the-weekly-cityrail-fail/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/12/the-weekly-cityrail-fail/ Antimalware and Operating System Bigotry http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/_ojhwgLVfrk/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/12/antimalware-and-operating-system-bigotry/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:32:12 +0000 Dean malware devices antimalware operating computing android mobile malware devices antimalware operating computing android mobile http://schwoit.com/?p=371 Earlier today I published a tweet via LinkedIn alerting my colleagues and followers to a vulnerability detected by Computer Associates in the Android smartphone operating system whereby premium service numbers were dialled randomly. As you can appreciate this could cost thousands of dollars in a single billing period (Trojan targeting the Androids). After reading of this new malware in the wild I thought I would quickly do a Google for Android anti-malware products. At the top of the list is an Android forum and the usual O/S bigotry was seen. This got me to publish this post. Continue reading →]]>

Earlier today I published a tweet via LinkedIn alerting my colleagues and followers to a vulnerability detected by Computer Associates in the Android smartphone operating system whereby premium service numbers were dialled randomly. As you can appreciate this could cost thousands of dollars in a single billing period (Trojan targeting the Androids). After reading of this new malware in the wild I thought I would quickly do a Google for Android anti-malware products. At the top of the list is an Android forum and the usual O/S bigotry was seen. This got me to publish this post.

Firstly lets define malware. According to Wikipedia malware is:

Software is considered to be malware based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware, most rootkits, and other malicious and unwanted software.

Malware is in abundance across the internet and is commonly delivered in spam. As is clear, malware sources are no longer limited to programs.

As many of you would be aware there has long been a belief shown by non-Windows O/S administrators that their platform does not need antimalware protection as it does not suffer from such threats as it can not run Windows executable (.EXE or .COM) files, this argument is most often purported by Mac, Linux and UNIX administrators. In fact it was one of the main selling points for these operating systems. Whilst it is indeed true that these operating systems are less likely to be the victim of a malware attack, that has very little to do with the operating system robustness. Rather the market share of these operating systems.

All of these operating systems are significantly dwarfed by Microsoft Windows within the computing market. As such malware creators see a greater opportunity in that platform. Interstingly, Macintosh has seen significant growth and the previous bigotry towards antimalware products has been reversed as the attractiveness of attacking that platform have steadily increased.

Further, when you consider that malware has moved on from such a limited definition the belief is clearly from a bygone and more innocent era. Any system
administrator that truly believes this now needs their head read.

That said I am now seeing the same arguments being purported in relation to mobile computing devices, primarily smartphones however iPad’s and iPod’s also fit this profile. Common features of all smartphones are the ability to receive and send e-mail, browse the internet, and run applications. Further, increasingly these smartphones are based on an operating system based upon those of traditional computing devices. Android for example is a derivative of Linux. As mobile devices continue to add functionality their attack footprint grows, as does the attractiveness for the malware proponents to exploit the flaws in the devices underlying operating system. The logical conclusion therefore is that these devices will steadily increase as entry points for malware infections within the home and commercial environment.

It is thus my belief that all computing devices that access a public internet, or a private intranet, require some form of antimalware defence in the near future. Without a base level defence any network activity must be seen as a potential security issue.

Currently not all mobile computing device operating systems have a solution accessible, however many vendors of antimalware products do have some part solutions. Further development and collaboration with the mobile computing device vendors is still required so that corporations can invest in a centrally managed, device independent antimalware platform for mobile devices including RIM BlackBerry, Nokia Symbian, Nokia Maemo, Google Android, Apple iOS and Windows Mobile.

These mobile solutions should also be integrated with existing protection consoles so that Security administrators can get a true picture of all endpoint devices within their organisation and their current protection levels. That holistic approach must be a design requirement for any product for it to be truly effective within enterprise.

Note: Whilst I do not want this post to degenerate into which antimalware is better than the other, I would appreciate suggestions of products that are primarily aimed at mobile devices of all types. Sooner or later I am going to be pressed for a suggestion and would like to be forearmed.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/12/antimalware-and-operating-system-bigotry/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/12/antimalware-and-operating-system-bigotry/ The Most Popular Spammed Article On My Site http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/IryTITP0nQY/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/10/the-most-popular-spammed-article-on-my-site/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:43:48 +0000 Dean caption picture bottle repellents excepting sprays disaster spammed caption picture bottle repellents excepting sprays disaster spammed http://schwoit.com/?p=348 I am amazed that the picture of a Green Bottle Fly associated with my December 2007 post Disaster in the Worm Farm is the most spammed post on my site. It astounds that such an ugly and offputting picture attracts such attention from the nefarious characters populating the internet. I mean, would you go buy a product to do anything if you saw a picture of a fly (excepting fly sprays and repellents)? Idiots! Continue reading →]]>

Green Bottle Fly

Picture Credit: Joseph Berger, United States, Bugwood.org (Creative Commons license terms)


I am amazed that the picture of a Green Bottle Fly associated with my December 2007 post Disaster in the Worm Farm is the most spammed post on my site. It astounds that such an ugly and offputting picture attracts such attention from the nefarious characters populating the internet. I mean, would you go buy a product to do anything if you saw a picture of a fly (excepting fly sprays and repellents)? Idiots!
]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/10/the-most-popular-spammed-article-on-my-site/feed/ 1 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/10/the-most-popular-spammed-article-on-my-site/ What a Tiring Day http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/GaTrLzYTb_w/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/09/what-a-tiring-day/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:13:18 +0000 Dean project caption processes frustration providers client simple road http://schwoit.com/?p=338 I am currently working on a pretty important piece of work for a key client at my employer. Essentially it is a very simple project to upgrade from one version of software to another. Sounds simple, is simple, however maligned and poorly communicated processes are causing inefficiencies in delivery. Continue reading →]]>

I am currently working on a pretty important piece of work for a key client at my employer. Essentially it is a very simple project to upgrade from one version of software to another. Sounds simple, is simple, however maligned and poorly communicated processes are causing inefficiencies in delivery.

The dilemma is when it involves interfacing with the client, third party service providers and other teams to get a number of trivial jobs done that could/should be done in one hit. I am continually finding road blocks, many are obstructions for the sake of obstruction, others are due to the numerous service providers who each have distinct processes. It is proving extremely frustrating and inefficient for the client.

Frustration

Frustration

Anyway, today I have hit one such road block where one of the third parties (a major Australia TelCo) has performed work in a manner contrary to previous practices that have been in place for some time. I have now moved to their suggestion whilst clarifying if indeed that was the correct position internally. I have now been advised of their faux pas and hence will, no doubt, perform more rework backing those changes out. This of course costs the project more time, and places the pressure on the central project figures (the project manager and I).

The delays caused by these issues are exacerbated as I have had eight of the past ten days off due to illness or injury. As a result I am naturally behind the eight ball on other project tasks and trying to catch up, a task made near on impossible whilst navigating a myriad of processes discovered on a case by case basis. This is not the way a simple project should run, and I can only hope the discoveries we are making will make further works all the easier.

All this ball juggling has made me a very tired boy today. My 3 hour commute home will, with luck, not be challenged by a CityRail FAIL for a change.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/09/what-a-tiring-day/feed/ 3 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/09/what-a-tiring-day/ It Started With a Shuffle, a Random Comment, and Drip http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Schwoit_Gardening_and_Geekdom/~3/gaQoUhr-Rmc/ http://schwoit.com/2010/08/09/it-started-with-a-shuffle-a-random-comment-and-drip/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:00:58 +0000 Dean drip minutes phones heard settled random began comment http://schwoit.com/?p=334 My day began at 3:00am this morning with Little Nanna shuffling her way to the loo. This minor disturbance was quickly forgotten until the lamp snapped on to guide her way back to bed. She settled back in and then … Continue reading →]]>

My day began at 3:00am this morning with Little Nanna shuffling her way to the loo. This minor disturbance was quickly forgotten until the lamp snapped on to guide her way back to bed. She settled back in and then out of the darkness says “oh it’s 3:30″.

I stirred at that random comment as thats my wake up time. So quickly both phones were checked showing a time of 3:12am. Phew 18 mninutes more sleep.

I settled back down to try and savour those minutes. Alas the mind began questioning if my phones had the correct time. After a minute or so I put that to rest and once more attempted sleep with 15 minutes to go.

At that point I heard drip, drip from the bathroom. Perhaps it will be a one off I thought. Unfortunately not, for the next 10 minutes I heard the tap, then fell asleep.

5 minutes later my alarm sounded and I was off and running.

]]> http://schwoit.com/2010/08/09/it-started-with-a-shuffle-a-random-comment-and-drip/feed/ 0 http://schwoit.com/2010/08/09/it-started-with-a-shuffle-a-random-comment-and-drip/