Monday, November 3, 2003

This week, I'm in training for the Wise Package Studio. This is really cool--it's a suite of products that enable you to re-package applications and then install them. We'll be using it in conjunction with Altiris Deployment Server to package and push apps remotely to our campus. We've been using Altiris's built-in RapidInstall editor to make RIPs (Rapid Install Packages) of apps, but Wise will let us package our apps as MSIs, with self-healing and all the other advantages that an MSI has over a static package.

So, this is pretty cool. I get my own PC with Internet access, and I'm at the very back of the room so I can do whatever I want if I get bored. Although I'm usually a big fan of clicky keyboards, I'm glad this time that I have a Dell QuietTouch in front of me, because I can type all day long and not disturb anyone.

I played through Call of Duty on Sunday. The whole game. It was extremely well-done and intense, but it only took about seven hours from beginning to end, which was pretty damn disappointing. The game taught me a few things, though--first, that World War II was hard, and second, that the Russians had it worse than anyone. One of the missions is the taking of Stalingrad, and I got off the boat and was issued...ammunition. No weapon, just ammo. Some of the guys got guns, others got extra ammo. My job was to stick with someone who did get a gun, and supply him with extra ammo if he needs it.

Right. Needless to say, that didn't last long.

Anyway, it was a good game, but far too short.

Back to training.

Posted by Keeper @ 08:47 AM CST [Link]

Saturday, November 1, 2003

I've just returned from viewing the theatrical re-release of Alien, a movie which first terrified me, then intrigued me, and then comforted me. I've been watching Alien for probably twenty years, and the movie has become a part of me, and of my personality. This was the first time I'd seen it in a theatre, and it was like meeting an old friend. I admit to feeling warmth as the opening pan started up.

There was a woman and her husband/boyfriend/companion seated behind us, and she had apparently never before seen the movie. She made shocked noises at the appropriate place, and her companion played his part well, grabbing her at the jump-scare points. It was gratifying to hear her yelp.

This evening was absolutely satisfying.

Posted by Keeper @ 12:24 AM CST [Link]