Official TechtalkRadio Blog

In the latest edition of Network World (March 30-April 6), there are a couple of interesting articles…

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Does a computer science degree matter anymore?

…CIOs and IT staffing firms say the skills they need most are collaboration, problem solving and communications…

…U.S. tech companies say there are still not enough computer scientists and engineers to fill all of their open jobs…tech companies and CIOs often hire computer-savvy business majors instead.

When CIOs are surveyed about the top skills they are looking for in entry-level and mid-level employees, they cite few technical skills. Instead, their top concerns are ethics, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and communication skills…The technical skills that are in demand – programming, database and system analysis…

“The things we need are project management experience and business process evaluation. You don’t get those from knowing the applications on your desktop…”

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040609-hot-tech-skills.html

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Top 10 technology skills

Here’s our list a list of 10 tech skills that are still in demand:
1. Business Process Modeling
“It’s about how does our business work, what are the business processes and how do we analyze them…”

2. Database
…Companies are looking for IT workers with experience in Microsoft SQL Server and the Oracle Developer Suite. They’re also willing to pay for workers with database certifications such as the Oracle DBA Administrator Certified Master and the Teradata Certified Master, Certified Application Developer and Certified Design Architect…
…database skills…among the top skills for entry-level employees…

3. Messaging/Communications
…unified communications and messaging systems, which was among the highest paying IT skills…A related skill that also ranked among the highest paying was VoIP and IP telephony.

4. IT architecture
…enterprise architects as well as system, network, application, data, information and security architects. Among the certifications rising in value are EMC Proven Professional Technology Architect, Security Certified Network Architects, Microsoft Certified Architects, SNIA Certified Architects, and the Open Group’s IT Certified Architect.

5. IT security
A slew of security certifications – including the CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials, Certified Ethical Hacker, GIAC Certified Incident Handler and Check Point Certified Security Administrator– have increased in value…

6. Project management
The Project Management Professional certification remains in demand…
…Project planning, including budgeting and scheduling, was also cited as well as project integration and management.

7. Data mining
…information on demand, content management and unstructured information management…

8. Web development
…there is still a need for developers who understand the latest Web trends, especially social media.

9. IT optimization
…virtualization and cloud computing…

…certifications from Cisco, SNIA, EMC, Brocade and Avaya.

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040609-10-tech-skills.html

On a Tech Tuesday segment, Andy presented the Cooler Master NotePal X1: a notebook computer support that you place the computer on, and then place the Notepal on your lap. The video is at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm, and the article is at http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=10143417.

More information on the Notepal X! can be found at http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2866. Cooler Master has five versions of the Notepal model (the NotePal, NotePal D1, NotePal Infinite, NotePal W1, and the NotePal X1).

steelseries, is best known for making devices to enhance your daily experience using your computer, whether it be for work or play, such as the Z-Board (with customized ‘keysets’) & Iron Lady branded devices.

But if you are one of the 11 million plus gamers addicted to…um…I mean, who occasionally play, World of Warcraft, then you are in for a special treat.

Blizzard teamed up with steelseries to offer an officially licensed and customized WoW MMO Gaming Mouse with ALL the bells and whistles you could ever want…and then some!

“The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse was designed specifically for World of Warcraft® by Blizzard® and steelseries,” claims the websites product description. “The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse provides remarkable benefits to all MMO gamers, regardless of level or play style. The mouse features incredible customization options to accommodate personal preferences. Seamless integration between software and hardware will provide an amazing in-game experience that provides superior performance, comfort and control. The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse is fully scalable to meet and exceed the requirements of even the most discerning World of Warcraft® gamer.”

Quick Overview

– Macros up to 160 characters
– A total of 15 programmable buttons
– Over 130 predefined commands for drag-and-drop macro creation
– 16 million illumination choices with 3 intensity and pulsation levels
– World’s first gaming mouse designed exclusively for World of Warcraft®

Once you’ve downloaded the most recent installation package from the website (a must for Windows Vista users, as instructed by a stand alone, can’t miss, post card inserted in the packaging) setting up pulsating wonder is not nearly as daunting a task as you would think it would be, as I was pleasantly surprised to discover.

The software setup interface is simple to understand, laid out simply and intuitively, and ready to reach out and download your character info from the Blizzard® authorized “WoW Armory” into one of the 10 provided customizable slots. (Note: Characters do not get picked up by the armory until they reach level 10, so if you’ve just started a toon, you can still use all the features of the MMO mouse, but you’ll need to get to work on your skill level before assigning to a slot.)

THE SOFTWARE INTERFACE

As you can see in the screen shot below, all 15 programmable buttons are clearly marked and its assigned action or function is labeled.

 Each button can then be programmed by simply selecting an action from the predefined drop-down list of WoW commands, change the dpi or character profiles on the fly, or even create custom macros by just “recording” the normal keystrokes you would use in-game and assigning a set of actions to a single button.

While having 15 buttons may seem like more than you can possibly remember, especially if you have multiple characters on multiple servers, all with different actions needed to complete a task, I found that using it on my primary and secondary toons becomes easier and more intuitive the longer I play them…and frankly I find that I use about 6 or 7 button frequently and with good results.

Of course you can always use the mouse for everyday left and right clicking, scrolling the wheel to your hearts content as needed; with up to 3200 dpi resolution available to you, pinpoint accuracy is assured in any game or desktop editing program.

GAME ON!

During our latest show on Ustream, Andy mentioned he liked the motion detection software that had been available with some Logitech webcams. It’s available, but only as a Windows Vista Gadget…

Motion Detector Gadget
Keep a watchful eye—even when you’re not around. This Gadget acts like a motion detection sonar, triggering a recording whenever it senses movement within the field of view of your QuickCam. Recording stops when the motion stops, and an .AVI file is saved in a location you specify. The videos are even time & date stamped to help you keep track of what happened, when.

Also, take a look at the QuickCapture Gadget:
“…three-in-one Gadget…QuickPicture enables you to take snapshots with a single click; QuickCapture helps you to record, store and email videos; and QuickView shows you a live feed from your Logitech QuickCam. Use the QuickCapture Gadget to compose and preview your video communications, watch remote rooms and hallways in real time, or even create a “security” monitor by setting the time-delay recording function.”