Hosting Control Panel

I'm just curious — what control panel does your web host use? CPanel? Plesk? Ensim? DirectAdmin? Webmin? Something else?

There's a lot out there, but virtually everyone I know uses CPanel. That's the one I've used the most, having enjoyed it at the last two hosts I've been at. Prior to that, my two other hosts I stayed at for anytime used their own proprietary control panels. I also signed up for (and quickly canceled for another reason) an account with an Alabanza reseller, who, of course, was using the rather dated looking Alabanza control panel.

Right now, I still like CPanel the best I think. However, I must say I'm really impressed with the new Plesk 7 interface that SW-Soft just released (I don't know any shared hosts using Plesk 7 yet). It looks like it offers many of the features that CPanel does, but in a much cleaner interface.

Car Ride

Ok, so I'm not going to be back in Blogger Idol this week. Oh well.

Here's a joke instead:

A woman was on a cross country trip. After days and days of traveling by car without talking to anyone, she noticed a hitchhiker on the side of the road. The hitchiker didn't know very much English and was very quiet, but kept eyeing a large bag the woman had in between the seats.

Finally, the woman said “That bag has a bottle of wine in it, I got it for my husband.” The hitchhiker was silent for a long time, but finally replied, “good trade.”

I'm Baaaaaccckkk!

Well, after a really hectic week that culminated in a either a cold or a very mild case of the flu (might be — I had a flu shot, which should be worth something!), I'm back. Whew.

So, if you thought I must have fallen off into a bottomless pit, never fear. Unfortunately, it does look like I missed blogger idol this week. Maybe I'll do last weeks along with the new one for this upcoming week. I also have failed to pick my favorites from past weeks. I'll hopefully do all that in the next few days.

In the mean time, I'm going to be a bit busy after hours this week. My pastor's Windows ME-powered laptop has data corruption that just happened to strike the area where c:\windows\system should have been (if it impacts any other directories is beyond me, I know c:\ and c:\windows\command are good). ScanDisk can't seem to handle whatever is wrong.

I'm going to try booting the system up with Knoppix (Linux live CD) to see if I can salvage his data tomorrow. I suggested, and he sounded interested, in moving to GNU/Linux after that. So the plan is to format the drive, install Fedora Core 1 and install a copy of Win4Lin using the church's extra Windows 98 license as the Win4Lin virtualized OS, thus letting him run TurboTax, etc., in a “sandbox” inside GNU/Linux. This should be interesting!

Really Late Political Punditry

1. Lieberman: As I told Pressed, this is a guy I could almost vote for. I liked him in 2000 when he was running for veep, and I like him now. He has reasonable policies and presents them in a likable way. Concerning Iraq, I don't mind people who didn't support it, however, I do find Edwards and Kerry annoying for dropping support once we started — that isn't good. Lieberman supports the sanctity of marriage and the ousting of the USA PATRIOT ACT too. Unfortunately, the fact that he's pro-choice tarnishes an otherwise good choice.

2. Dean: I think he came out good tonight. He kept himself under control, presented the case that he'd “been there, done that” to all the things that the others talked about doing in the future, etc. His temper definitely would make him a dangerous president though, I'd guess. The “Think with my heart, not my head” quote looks bad, although I think I do understand what he was trying to say.

3. Edwards: Edwards seems energetic, excited, and optimistic. He's very electable, unfortunately, he's a standard liberal. Edwards did really bad with the Sanctity of Marriage act. I mean, this guy talked about what it “would do” as if it wasn't passed (and demonstrated zero knowledge of what it would do or is doing anyway).

4. Clark: Clark has a lot going for him – good credentials, good at talking and appearing on TV (good experience from CNN), etc. But, he doesn't seem to really be very good policy wise. He comes across as someone who just is a bit unprepared. He also appears confused on his opinion concerning the war – why did he write good things about it in the Telegraph if he was against it?

5. Sharpton: He may not know what he wants to do with Greenspan, but at least he added some humor to the debate. I enjoyed his comment to Dean, which in effect said he understood Dean's performance in Iowa. “If I had spent as much money as you did and came in third place, I'd still be hooting and hollering,” he told Dean. Sharpton appeared to be in another world, for the most part, not really usefully, at least, participating in the debate. Sharpton's other major problem was morality and family values. He suggested that the Democrats were actually the “moral” party and that the Republicans had stolen that item. The part that was hard to swallow was when Sharpton tried to suggest his pro-choice views were a strong component of this morality.

6. Kerry: He appears very arrogant every time I see him, including this time. He appears very wishy washy about his voting record on Iraq. He just doesn't have much to offer and I honestly am puzzled as to why people like him.

7. Kucinich: No offense to Rep. Kucinich, but he too appears to be somewhere else – maybe with Sharpton. His plans don't sound very reasonable, and his timetable for withdraw from Iraq is irresponsible to say the least. Let's just say I understand why this fellow isn't doing better than he is.

So that was my take on the Dems performance last Thursday. Lieberman is only slightly more problematic than Mr. Bush, whereas the others have significant issues.

Although, perhaps Howard “the Doctor” Dean/Jesse “the Body” Ventura ticket could be highly entertaining. Hey, rather than going to an undisclosed secure location, Jesse could actually go fight the terrorists for us. What do you think? Dean-Ventura '04, anyone?

Blogger Idol Week 2: Freedom

It isn't. Microsoft just filed for such a patent.

Computers are suppose to bring freedom, but unfortunately, they can also take it away. As we become more dependent on computers to access our information, it should concern everyone that a few corporations control your identity. That certainly is not freedom. As one interviewee on Open for Business noted a few years back, this gives companies like Microsoft the opportunity to lock you in a proprietary prison, requiring you to agree to more and more aggressive licensing terms just to keep access to your documents.

Proprietary software companies, especially, thoses like Microsoft that frown on not only Open Source but even open standards, are basically trying to get people “addicted” to their software. Once you have your project information, financial information, personal letters, meeting presentations and everything else in their software, you are addicted. What are you going to do? Give up all of your data and start over?

Right now, there's another choice. If you switch to a Free Software platform (such as GNU/Linux) or even a semi-free platform (such as Mac OS X, which as a Free Software core now), you are moving in the right direction. The second step is simply to switch away from proprietary productivity software — instead of MS Office, try OpenOffice. Yes, it's not quite as nice, but isn't your freedom worth it? Soon, however, OpenOffice might not be allowed to load Microsoft Office files. Then, your only choice will be start over at whatever point you decide Microsoft's EULA's are too restrictive.

“Those who would sacrifice their essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” — Benjamin Franklin

MacFor.Biz Goes Live

Open for Business launched a new site today. Here's the announcement:

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of the Apple Macintosh computer.While the original Mac is certainly meager by today's standards, thereare few that would argue against its revolutionary status in the earlyyears of personal computing. In commemoration of that event, today alsomarks the launch of OfB MacFor.Biz, the new section of Open for Businessthat will cover the Mac in much the same way OfB covers GNU/Linux andBSD. In this premier piece, we will examine the latest Mac OS X, 10.3”Panther,” on two separate generations of Macintosh systems. Read more at MacFor.Biz.

Not much there yet, but more will be coming. Traditional OfB content will be moving to LinuxFor.Biz, and OfB.biz will have everything that gets posted to both sites.

Gathering

A southern Baptist minister was completing a temperance sermon.

With great emphasis he said, “If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river. “With even greater emphasis he said, ” And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.” And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, “And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.”

Sermon complete, he then sat down. The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, “For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, Shall We Gather at the River.”

Rep. Richard Gephardt

No one would even begin to consider me sympathetic to Rep. Gephardt's campaign. I have been disappointed with his 90% (or so) absence from congress over the last year as well. But, I can't help but feel sorry for him now that his presidential bid is over. This morning's Post-Dispatch had a large picture, on the front page, of Gephardt trying to keep his composure during his speech yesterday — the photo reflect the same pain you could tell he felt listening to him yesterday.

I listened to the speech on the radio, but I could tell how hard it was on him even just listening. With the campaign over and a life of political ambitions coming to a close, a certain sad sincerity seemed to come from the veteran representative of the Missouri 3rd district. Yes, I disagree with him on most of the major issues, but he is still a fellow human being, and yesterday, he was no longer simply a person guarded behind the usual politispeak. He was Dick Gephardt, fellow American.

If only politics didn't require politicians, to be, well, politicians, and instead be more like Gephardt was yesterday, I'm certain that we would be better off. I'm not sorry to see Gephardt's politics go after this congress, but I am sad to see the potential of what might have been, as well as the sadness of seeing his aspirations crushed.

Thank-you for that sincerity, Mr. Gephardt — it did not go unnoticed.

The State of Our Union is 'Strong'

State of the Union: Yes, it is strong. While President Bush was faced with a recession at the end of the tech bubble when he came in, he is building up a better, more reliable economy.

USA PATRIOT Act: This was the lowest moment in the speech, so I guess it was good he got it out early. I'm hoping the parts that are set to sunset in 2005 will be allowed to terminate. The PATRIOT Act is the worst thing the administration has done thus far.

International Diplomacy: President Bush wisely pointed out the difference between negotiations with Libya and Iraq. The president's firm, unchanging policies have lead to improvements in Libya. Mr. Bush also emphasized the need to bring democracy to the “greater Middle East,” emphasizing that everyone has the God given desire for freedom. He emphasized the need for free people, free speech, and (interesting emphasis here, is this another attempt to take an issue away from democrats?) free labor unions.

“America is a nation with a mission and that mission comes from our most basic beliefs. We have no desire to dominate, no ambitions of empire. Our aim is a democratic peace a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman.” — President George W. Bush

Deficit and Budget: The president appears to be moving back to a strong, conservative budget with just a 4% growth this year. The president's budget would lead to a 50% reduction in the deficit in just 5 years. This is GREAT news. It's time to return to fiscal responsibility, and the president seems to be aiming for that goal.

Taxes: The president emphasized the need to end the death tax permanently, as well as the marriage tax. It's time that people are taxed once and taxed fairly. He, quite rightly, notes that congress failing to renew these tax cuts will really simply mean a tax hike. That's very true.

International Support: The president named the dozens of countries that have committed troops to the effort in Iraq. It is to the shame of the democrats that they keep talking about making it an international effort as thousands of international troops, monies and materials are assisting us. Let's not ignore our allies. More dittos to the president.

Empire Building: The president emphasized, as the included quote says, that we are not building an empire. The goal of the United States is to spread democracy, not to enlarge its holdings.

Education: “Jobs for the 21st Century” will help prepare people for the more complex jobs of today. The president also emphasized strengthening America's excellent network of community colleges.

Traditional Values: The president promoted traditional values in his speech as well. President Bush argued for increased funding of programs promoting abstinence, as well as insuring “activist judges” will not destroy the sanctity of Marriage. This shows the president is listening to the concerns of Americans.

Social Security: The president argued for the privatization of Social Security, giving people ownership of their retirement funds — to an extent. This is the way things should be!

Illegal Aliens: The president continued to promote his compromise plan that recognizes the difficulty of removing illegal aliens, while realizing full amnesty is not fair or right. While I wish this wasn't necessary, I think Jonah Goldberg is right when he asserts it is about the only practical solution at the moment.

Healthcare: Another touchy subject, but overall ok solutions. Medicare can be adjusted to whatever the needs of the individual are per the new Medicare bill the president was “proud” to sign. As I reflect on the bill more, I do think it this is again, a good compromise, if not perfect. The president stood firm on the seniors' right to choice as well. Association Health Plans were also emphasized to allow SMB organizations to be able to afford to provide healthcare. Mr. Bush also emphasized providing tax credits to help low income families pay for private insurance (good). Finally he made the much-needed comments on restricting frivolous lawsuits and the need NOT to go with a government healthcare program.

“The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that his purposes are just and true.” — President George W. Bush

Athletes: They — like it or not — are young people's role models in this day and age. They should quit taking performance enhancing drugs, the president said. You're right, Mr. President.

Overall, the President provided a good balance of offerings for everyone. He continued to follow his commitment to be a president for all Americans, not just the special interest groups that the Democrats so enjoy appealing to.

If the president continues his determination to get done what he promises, we ought to have a great year this year. Go Dub-ya!

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Iowa Voters Prefer Kerry, Edwards; Gephardt Considers Quitting

John Edwards (D-N.C.) a rising star of recent weeks nabbed a second place finish with 31% of the vote. National poll leader Gov. Howard Dean (D-Vermont) came in a surprising third at just 18% of the vote. However, perhaps the biggest shocker was Rep. Richard Gephardt's (D-Mo.) fourth place finish, giving him just 11% of the vote, according to CNN.com.

Gephardt, a long time representative of St. Louis, Missouri, was expected to be one of two contenders (the other being Dean) in Iowa, a state he had won in his last presidential bid (1988).

CNN reports that Gephardt's weak showing in what was generally considered “his territory” will lead to his announcing a Withdraw from the race.

The no. 2 leader in the polls, Rt. Gen. Wesley Clark (D) and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Con.) both made little or no showing in the caucuses, perhaps a reflection of the fact that both skipped campaigning in Iowa and concentrated on New Hampshire, where a primary contest will take place next Tuesday.

Sen. Lieberman appears to be the most conservative of those running, offering a platform far less extreme than those of Gov. Dean and Rep. Kucinich (D-Oh).

Information based on data provided by CNN.com.