SQL Server 2008 Install VS SP1 Available
In case you didn’t hear, one of the issues with the SQL Server installation was a dependency on Visual Studio 2008 SP1. The issue only really arose in certain situations, but I know a know of people were holding off on the install until they could get the update. SP1 for VS wasn’t available… until today. It’s now available on the Microsoft site. If you’re installing SQL Server 2008 on a system with VS, or VS components, you’ll want to get this update so you’re ready.
We Have So Much Work To Do!
I get a real reality check working with some folks and their systems – it always surprises me when someone makes a comment out of the blue and you stand back and think about what they’re saying… only to realize it’s a perfectly reasonable and rational thing to say! For example, I was talking with one person looking to get some pricing information on a custom product. In order to get the pricing info, you had to enter the information for the custom product on their website. Then they could price it out for you.
The person I was helping refused to put the information on the site – non of it personally identifiable – because the site was not secure. Now, at first blush, this isn’t reasonable. Why not just enter the information? Because – it’s not a "TRUSTED" site. "TRUST" = "SECURITY" and without the padlock, neither exists, so don’t trust it. That’s the overall message we continually beat the drum about for the masses. How are non-technical users supposed to know the difference between critical information and not-so-critical?
Another person – their system suddenly started freaking out a bit – couldn’t open files that would open fine before, was having error messages. . . turns out that it was an aborted installation of some office tools. The end-user though was worried that they had a virus and were considering re-installation steps. I’ve seen more than a few of these, when given or shown to a tech, result in a suggestion that the system be re-installed. The solution in this case was simply to re-install the aborted software.
What in the WORLD does this have to do with databases? It outlines some of the challenges we all face working with people to explain what they need to do to protect their systems, to request updates, to request reporting solutions, etc. You have to educate as much as you need to obtain their input. Without the education piece, you’re faced with the famous "Garbage In, Garbage Out."
Are You Ready for Some Football? (Notice 2/3)
Amazingly, it’s that time again. Are you interested in playing in the SSWUG.ORG Fantasy Football Leagues? It’s time again and open to all full members. Guests are free to apply too and we’ll work with you as best we can if there are extra slots in the leagues, so be sure to send in your note. How does it work? We set up leagues using Yahoo!’s premium football leagues – which means you get full access to all of the tools, including the real-time stat tracking systems.
How do you play? If you’re interested, please send a note to me at swynk@sswug.org. Please read carefully:
Be certain to make the subject line "Fantasy Football"
In the email – include your member ID (on sswug, top right corner after you login), your member level (Full member, registered guest) and whether you played previously on the SSWUG leagues.
Please be sure to include all information – it gets to the point where I can’t keep up without having it all centralized, it really helps having it in your email. If you don’t include it all, you may be missed for the leagues. Once set up, you’ll get a notice with login information and you’ll be able to set up your team, get ready for the draft and such.
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