IT BS thread

I haven’t been staying up to speed with the latest and greatest in the tech world so over the past few days I’ve been watching YouTube videos in my free time to catch up.
USB 3.1 gen 2 and thunderbolt 3 are quite impressive, when I first heard saw usb-c I just rolled my eyes and dreaded the new cables or adapters I would need to buy but it truly does have its place (in my opinion) and I look forward to seeing manufacturers implement its capabilities (particularly in the power handling department) in future products.

 

I like USB-C mainly because I don't have to flip the connector 3 times to get it to fit.

 

USB C is a good form factor, but I really like this article on the subject https://www.zdnet.com/article/usb-c...ecause-we-want-it-to-do-too-much-too-quickly/

My MacBook Pro has USB C only and it, the MacBook, pisses me off every time I use it. (which is daily) I've got a bag full of adaptors to make it work and I honestly don't see much real world advantage to USB C. With the exception of my external backup there is little that needs the additional speed. Hey look at how fast my mouse is through this USB C adaptor, said no one ever.

 

Ok IT guys please be gentle got a few newb questions about home networking. I plan on switching to Xfinity next week. Im going with the up to 60MPS speed plan. I opted not to use their hardware so I need a modem and router or a combo modem/router. I mainly just browse the web, stream TV with Roku and I have a Ring camera. Which do you guys prefer? If so why? Also, what model of router and cable modem or modem/router combo do you recommend I get? Thanks.

 

Arris Gig-E surfboard modem and a Netgear Nighthawk router (X-6 or better). It’s better to have equipment that can handle speed you’re not using yet. I’m on a plan that’s up to 200mbps, but I average 50/60. Once Google Fiber finishes installing I’m getting their Gig plan. It costs the same as what I get now...and it’s A FRIGGIN’ GIG!

 

I run a Netgear CM1000 cable modem, and the Arris/Motorola Surfboard mentioned above is good, too. DOCSIS 3.1 and compatible with your service provider is key -- check their website for a list. Nighthawk routers are good, I have an X8 I will sell you, it's a beast. I use a mesh system now to get better signal coverage, and I went with the Ubiquiti Amplifi system, very happy with it.

 

Thanks for the input. I went with the Arris Surfboard and a Netgear 1750.

 

This is pretty cool.
https://youtu.be/lYJFwXw1ZIc

 

My work laptop (5th gen X1 Carbon) has a few USB C/Thunderbolt ports on it (and charges only by USB C) but I only really use them for the dock. For that, it works great...I run three monitors and a gigabit network connection off of it no problem.

It still has a few old USB ports on it and I am glad. I couldn't get by without them easily.

 

Gotta love the internet speeds out in the country.

 

I am more surprised someone uses Edge.

 

It’s okay, and better than it gets credited for. We’re using it at work because A) it doesn’t kill memory like Chrome and B) it doesn’t throw errors like IE. We have so much stuff that was coded to IE that doesn’t work on Chrome that Edge is what we get.

I’ve been trying to get Firefox approved for more than the *nix boxes but the software board doesn’t want to keep up with that patch cycle.

 

I am just given a hard time. I don't really have an issue with Edge.

What are you guys going to do when Microsoft switches the back end engine for Edge to Chromium?

 

Do what we’re already testing - running IE or Edge in a sandbox. So far so good, and it adds a nice extra security layer for sensitive info protections.

Best of all it all runs in VMs.

 

I’ve had no issues with it, I also just use safari on my Mac, if I have compatibility issues I’ll use Firefox but I’ve only had that happen with Safari.

It’s a massive improvement from IE, but last time I used that was years and years ago.

 

We use Chrome. For one, we're K-12 so use G Suite extensively. Second, the GPO templates they have combined with auto updates make it a breeze to deploy and manage.

The only thing we have that won't work with Chrome is the heating systems and the door access systems. I manage the door access, so I just use IE for that. The heating systems also just got an update that runs them as a Java desktop app now instead of within a browser. I think they got sick of the support calls they must have gotten about it (it was a bear--it would only run with a specific version of Java, needed JCE unlimited strength added, etc.), but didn't want to actually put the time in to move away from Java so that was their solution.

 

Probably also had something to do with Oracle changing licensing model on JRE from free to free for personal only. Commercial has to pay dearly.
We're scrambling now to remove JRE and changing it over to a licensing model. Gonna be an interesting next few weeks.

 

We have a saying here.

"I had a problem and used Java to fix it. Now I have 137 problems."

That pretty much sums it up.

 

i put java and printers in the same category. I'd like to take them out to a field and beat them like "Office Space"

 

I've gotten rid of most of the printers in favor of between one and three big Konica MFPs in each building.

I'm actually getting rid of another bunch of personal color lasers and fax machines and lines in another week or two and getting a Konica C659.