FEGEITOK:


Speaking of the value of knowing your stuff inside out.

I decided to update the BIOS of my main laptop on Saturday morning. It turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. I bricked my primary workhorse and had to literally cancel all my schedule for Saturday and Sunday.

I have been updating BIOS all my life. But this one went south. The laptop would not come on again. To be more specific, it would turn on, but only into BIOS. It would not boot into windows. I tried every trick in the world same thing. I downloaded and created a USB based Windows Boot disk, but it would not load. I downloaded recovery ISOs and used them to create a USB stick that can allow me access the system, no luck.

I then assumed I have a bad USB stick and went to a repair man and he gave me a his own, same thing. Guy was stumped, referred me to someone else who was busy. I went home, kept trying all of Saturday and all of Sunday then luck smiled on me towards evening.

Then something occured to me. As a matter of practice and principle, I try to duplicate how enterprise networks are run at home. It means that I standardized on a particular laptop brand (Lenovo), a particular series of that laptop and that I have several of such laptops at home. I have Thinkpads X series several generations. I have more than one of each generation. X240, X250 and X260

So I said, when I bought this laptop, I swapped out the 250gb SSD for the 1TB SSD from my retired laptop. What would happen if I put back that original 250gb SSD. I tried it and the laptop would come on. So, the problem was with the drive and not the motherboard.

I took it out and returned the 1TB SSD same thing.

I then recalled that they said that X240 and X250 are literally the same internally. So I took out my X250 that I rarely use from storage and it would not come on, the power button would blink and make some noises and then go off. I removed the external battery, same thing. I removed the internal battery, same thing. I disconnected the BIOS battery, reconnected it, reinstalled the internal and external batteries and it came to life. I then removed the SSD that came with the X250 and inserted my 1TB SSD and it roared to life.

If I did not know my onions, I would never have resolved this at home and all by myself.

This story also illustrates for those IT guys who have never operated in an enterprise environment why enterprises always standardize infrastructure. It makes troubleshooting a lot easier. It also explains why you must duplicate the enterprise environment if you want to relate well with your peers inside.

In my days as a hardware and software guy. I was not that guy who fixed a bad PC by formatting it. I never did so. I always repaired the OS. I was very adept at those tools. Which guy would you prefer? A guy that does the easy fix or the guy who tried to understand what went wrong and then fixed it. Who knows the technology better? Who would you want in your corner when you got into IT trouble? I did not mind how long it took.

Even before repairing, I would use Antivirus Boot CDs to throughly disinfect the system because the primary cause of those failures was infection from human error. I would even replace the corrupted operating system files.

That quest to understand the underlying technology and understand how things work and fix the problem instead of just refreshing everything made me extremely knowledgeable of operating systems and led me to such tools like Winternals amongst others. Knowledge that I have sadly rarely ever used since I switched camp. Winternals was so good that Microsoft ended up buying the company and absorbing its founders, I can never forget Mark Russinovich. How much sadness I felt when Microsoft said they would discontinue that line of products. How many hardware and software guys knew that such tools existed? Their solution was to get pirated CDs and reinstall Windows. I never did that.

Neither can I forget The PC Upgrade & Maintenance Guide by Mark Minasi.

In the event that that had to be done, I would extract all the license keys from the installed software before ever formatting. So that the user would not lose his or her investments. I invested so much and found out that private individuals cannot pay for the labor that I put in. They were always willing to pay for hardware but never for the brains that did the work.

I would also save the user's data. I would ransack all corners of the hard drive and I would even take notes of where I got what data from so that at the end of the day, when I was done, the PC would be the same as it was before the trouble.

Then I plotted my pivot from that sort of business and thank God I did. Where I am today and where I was then is literally as different as the night is as different from day.

Attention to detail is what makes the difference and is a big differentiator when it comes to troubleshooting, both as a hardware and or software engineer. Back in the day, I would boot a client system with Ubuntu (my preferred Linux distro at the time) to access hdds that were corrupted, especially by viruses, then copy the necessary files from my various Windows versions to replace the corrupt files ( i had 3 ex hdds, with 3 partitions each that I had installed windows on for this purpose). To date I don't use any antivirus app on my devices, I use Ubuntu to delete any virus on my system (I had a nasty experience with Avast antivirus). BTW, I love you already. Matter of fact I've sent a dm.

FEGEITOK:


@litaninja

Let me correct one phrase.

You know networking inside out, should replace the phase that are into networking which I used earlier.


Everything you said up there is valid.

I started by fixing PCs ( hardware) to software to running networks to supplying software to enterprises to architecting complete solutions from scratch incorporating software, hardware and consultancy.

Before I sell a solution, I actually personally play with it and have a working knowledge of the same.

My point is that knowing the basics and knowing them well is non-negotiable.

I use cybersecurity to get in some doors, but I am versed in several aspects of IT and I keep learning. My biggest grossing deal wasn't a cybersecurity deal, but cybersecurity opened the doors for me.

When I started, I bought books on subjects as diverse as open source intelligence techniques, database security, website security, web hacking, networking, windows server administration, computer evidence collection and preservation, Oracle hacking and devoured them, Official Certified Ethical Hacker also.

When these certifications came out, I bought the Official Study Guides books: Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) and Certified Wireless Network Administrator(CWNP).

You need a foundation without which you cannot understand certain concepts. Money does not just appear from nowhere.

You are one of those "rare finds" on Nairaland. I would love to have you on my contact list. I might need your services one of this days, (that is if you'll have time for a micro client).

bassdow:



"I just read a couple of comments where people are asking for where to switch to or concentrate on because it makes you more money."

People ask me same almost regularly. They forget no matter what, the basics, background, and interest, are much more important than that money. That money would never come if you not good at what you do. You need be good enough to get more jobs, so as to be opportuned to solve more problems, which fetches that money you seek.

if You're good enough, you might never have the time to spend THAT money.

As for those things you say are depreciated, I made suggestions that could be implemented by just anyOne without spending money on extra unnecessary hardware, or skills.

You made mention of Covid-19 and how people are manDated to work reMotely, abeg when I make comments, I try to stay TRUE to realities, especially in our enviroment (Nigeria).
1. How many companies / businesses allow people work reMotely here in Nigeria ?
2. inFact, how many businesses are built to benefit from reMote working ?
3. How much of Jumia , Konga, etc workForce work from home ?
4. How much of MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile, Glo etc callCenter / contactCenter workForce, work from home ?
5. what about small businesses, which can't afford the cost of IT department, not even outSourced ones ?

The things I wrote, with a Modem Router (not even a dedicated router) sold by Nigerian ISPs, one could achieve some of them.

I only responded along the lines of SAVING DATA SUBSCRIPTIONS so you don't buy 20GB data, which should last 1-month, but it FINISHES within 2-weekks, probably bbecause your staff uses over 70% of them to download Vidoes.

OR

Your staff spending more of the office hours, on online activites, not beneficial to your business.

Just so we ain't mistaken, I'm not into netWorking abeg

Be calming down, his response was apt, I think you misunderstood him. Though I agree with some points you made, the work environment in Nigeria isn't optimized for remote staffing. Even industries that could benefit from it directly aren't doing so, among other things, there's this fear that staff wouldn't concentrate on work if they were to work remotely. Regarding monitoring, there are solutions for all, Hubstaff is a relatively cheap but efficient example for remote and even onsite onscreen monitoring, but it's mostly used for remote staff.

FEGEITOK:


When the guy you quoted went full throttle, I was almost tempted to disclose that I once into networking. Until I discovered that true money does not lie in that part of IT and changed gears and thank God I did.

I know another guy who has become a billionaire from the switch. Hopefully, I will get there someday.

Imo, the switch for a network engineer would be to cyber security. The network background is a huge advantage. Meanwhile, what did you switch to?

Anny69:
I agree with you Siofra. Evil runs in men's blood. Especially Nigerian men. They're very evil. They do all sorts of heinous crimes. Evil men everywhere. Whenever women are murdered gruesomely by men all the lessons available are for women and not for the men committing the crime. Always blaming women! It’s never “men stop killing women” but always “women be careful” like the careful ones aren’t also getting killed. They claim women are greedy for money but which gender is killing women for money? I'll tell you for free: Men.


Men change. Change your ways. Wicked men everywhere. To born boy dey fear me. Women fear men. Fear men. Fear men.

I agree with you, evil run in men's blood and a man's blood runs in your veins. I'll allow you do the summation.

It's funny to see how people are asking the op to relocate on account of power supply. Nobody seem to consider the cost of relocating, what if the op has a family and maybe the wife has a good job? What about the children's school?

As for those who are blaming the op for using a 1m laptop, but is complaining about 165k fuel, I guess you have forgotten that the laptop is a capital expenditure, a one off thing. Whereas fueling is an operating expenditure a reoccurring expense. I've also seen people say that a 1m laptop should last for more than 4hours, have you considered the processing power and what the op is using the laptop for? For instance running a video conferencing app drains battery more than streaming videos. And I know for sure that if the op is a 3d animator his power consumption will be more than a regular graphics designer or a content creator.

To the op, the reality is that solar remains your best bet, you can buy the components in bits, but don't go cheap if you want a system that will last and good return on investment. A 5kva installation should be enough for most homes.

PS: Currently, I stay in a location where we get 20-40 hours of power supply in months that we're lucky. But I prefer the place for a lot of reasons, security topping the list, I can move even by 2Am without harassment from criminals (including those on uniforms)

Godwin4444:
dont mind them

If we talk now them go say na because we support tinubu

Fixing solar that will work with AC is 430k n he can use d rest to buy system n have rest of mind

But people will decide to act stupid n later blame d government

The only thing u can’t use with a 430k solar is hot plate

Some people here just want to do stupid things n look for who to blame

Even ordinary sunking solar fan na 80k n u will use it for 12 hours comfortably

I spent less that 500k for my solar n I am good to go

Can you share details of your setup? What kind/capacity of Inverter, battery etc? + When was it installed?.

Kestolove:
Lol see person wey people bin dey worship Don turn the most hated by same people that love ND worship him

There's no need to cherish luxuries, cos everything come and go, even the life you have is borrowed so live like there no tomorrow. -Akon

CloudTrees:
In a sentence, Before you can use "Them", you must have talked about two or more people or things previously.
So you only use "them" to easily identified what is being discussed In the sentence .

.? These? Those?

"Them," That was our response to the question, who started the fight?

EmperorVamo:


My DM is open

Done

EmperorVamo:
Both of you are 100% wrong
Na Una dey run go Frontend and Backend , foolishly following the crowd..
Go and check the statistics , last year alone more than 1.8million Indians from slums moved into tech why?

Cos they ain't rushing over the Html and CSS programming nonsense...

Anyways what do I know

Make Una no even join the tech , leave it for us

Can I send you a DM? Got a project that I'm working on, I could use some help (we are assembling a.team of programmers)

sweethoney1234:
Just join the Amazon/Emerge project and continue to experience continuous cash flow.. na everyday you go Dey wake up Dey pray for me

Hanty, have you emerged? What's your code?

victorngada20:
CONDITION: SLIGHTLY USED
MAKE: FORD
MODEL: EDGE
DUTY: YES
YEAR: 2015
PRICE 4M
LOCATION KADUNA 🇳🇬
CALL OR WHATSAPP: 07065487061

#victor01_autos

This isn't a 2015 Ford edge.

MotorConnectz:
The infamous and durable Prado has finally gotten a total redesign by Toyota. This comes after decades of having practically almost the same shape which people take advantage of by revamping and face-liftimg to get the recent looks.

The All New 2024 Toyota Prado comes in different trims like LC 300 , LC 1958 and the LC first Edition which will be limited to only 5000 units.

What do u think of the new design?

FJ Cruiser.

paymentvoucher:
NIGER weh be one of the poorest countries in the world dey challenge ECOWAS. No be ment?

Are you aware that they have the 4th largest Uranium deposit world wide? Niger is poor because the powers that be have been in control of their natural resources, leaving a little to their corrupt politicians.


Have you wondered why they didn't push for military intervention in other countries when they also had a coup d'etat?

Those guys have reached out to Russia, what do you think their bargaining chip is? And why do you think the West is trying to stop their (Niger) alliance with Russia?

Nigeria isn't in a position to fund any war right now, it'll be foolishness to do so

kroger:
As a cyber security engineer I approve this message .

Please do you have training resources to share?

SPAMBOX7:
He will tell her nothing then tell you he's warned her sternly. Only a mumu man will chastise his mom for slapping his hoe

Going by this reasoning, you're basically saying you won't chastise another man's hoe (your father's hoe to be precise) for slapping your own hoe. Jesie ike

pocohantas:


Yes, some people are always running out of their houses because they are bored or ashamed of it. but they spend more on nkwobi and ashawo gown. Some girls would go to man's house and refuse to go home because of washing machine and DSTV. Some, once they enter your house and see white light, they will start TikTok videos. But she hold iPhone for hand and buys organic cream every month. I think it is all about priorities, but a neat and beautiful home impacts on your energy.

There are also some people that think these things are expensive. Threads like this gives them a guide to the process.

I wish your trolls on Romance section could see this part of you. You're spitting Wisdom, seemingly uncommon for "your gender" of this age.

siofra:
All back cornrows.

I rarely make this hairstyle and I don't know why. Anyway, recently I made it and the compliments I've gotten are too much. I can't even walk down the road in peace
Seriously, I thought men only liked it when women wore expensive wigs.

Or maybe they think it's low maintenance, so they stand a chance??
No, I don't think so. Even women complimented the hairstyle☺️

The harsh reality is that except for a very few men, most of us don't even know which wig is expensive or not, so long as the wig looks good on the lady. Meanwhile, I'm a sucker for Alicia Keys (hairstyle).

FOOTSOLDIER2:


Thank you sir, I’m ready to quite yahoo if I see a legit source of earning. I’m tech literate and have up to 10 years of productive trading of the forex market. I’m also a graduate of petroleum and natural gas engineering. I can make good research and analysis about any topic. I’d be glad to even quite yahoo because it has side effect on one’s psychology and mental health.

What I can beat my chest on any day any time even at 12 midnight, is trading the forex market. I am sure to make awesome profits in a short and long time.

This is amazing, you have a skill, maximise it. Combining your research and trade skills together can start creating contents on YouTube, write instructional books. While trading (I don't know what instruments you trade, and if you're a swing trader etc).

The summary is that if you are willing to let go of the desire to "arrive", "pepper", "impress", "oppress" and whatever parlance goes for "unnecessary showoff and seeking external validation" you have higher chances of success when compared to an average 'John Doe'.

I know that good storytelling is one of the necessary skillset a fraudster must have, combine story telling, research, and trade skills, you'll make a great YouTuber, content creator (written) and even a good community manager (moderator/mod) for Cryptocurrency projects.

To end the long sermon; "start with what you have" what you have is more than enough

FOOTSOLDIER2:
.

Okay sir, thank you. If you can support me, let me paste my Btc wallet address

It's amazing that you're still fixated on the fast lane. You're asking for an instant gratification, The statement"... let me paste my BTC wallet" speaks volumes, a repented fellow would've rather asked for a chance at earning money legitimately. I wish you speedy reward in all you do.

FOOTSOLDIER2:


I don’t have a choice sir, I have to hustle since there’s no job in the country

Who said you don't have a choice when you've clearly made a choice and it's crime? There are a whole lot of other things you could've chosen but you chose the fast money lane and now you justify your choice with "I don't have a choice" And you didn't see a definition of Hustle that involves legitimate endeavours.

You are one of the major problems that we have as a country, not even the politicians, it's people like you that have made other countries place Visa ban on Nigerians.

Just so you know, you have a lot of choices, so take responsibility for your life.

Cutehector:
Yes please transition. I am currently running a cybersecurity scholarship offered by EC Council. I can share with you the details so you can apply and get in.

Its gona be the best decision you will ever make.

I'm interested in this. Got a lot of friends that's been asking for an opportunity like this.

pocohantas:


Thank you, Sir.

Different vibes for different audience. If they were normal, I would be normal around them.

I love my family as it is too, so I don't reply PMs.

I just saw the typo in the message you quoted, I meant "you've been..." so I'll edit it. Nevertheless, I respect your no PMs policy. Cheers

pocohantas:
-Banana
-Peanut butter
-Oat
-Almond milk

Blend all together. You can blend with ice cubes if your blender is strong enough.

While at it, remember that men with pot bellies are not the most attractive physically. So, develop a good workout routine.

Hmm, I'm beginning to like you already. You've been consistently giving valuable insights and responses. But you're a whole different ball game in the Romance section. 😁.

I'll send you a DM.

Before your trollers will come for my head, no be shot I want shoot I, I love my family as e dey.

pocohantas:


Thank you. They can't repair this injection sub station in 1 whole month? They don't rate us in this country sha.

Renewable Energy (solar powered) is the way to go. Power supply is messed up here, there's a rumour that Hoteliers and Gas station operators/owners bribe the power officials monthly, so that they can have patronage. As a result we only have public power supply an average of 20-50 hours monthly.

pocohantas:
I wanted to grab some yoghurt and I kid you not, all the packs of yoghurt are frozen in my fridge.

It's the well manicured fingers for me. Meanwhile we've not had power supply for over 1 month. When I called the manager, he said our injection sub station caught fire.

Skyview01:
I am looking to check out Jos and Enugu during my next trip to Nigeria and would like to have a base in one of these places. If not for fear of insecurity, i love village life and would like to go to the interiors. I am totally fed up with city life.

Jos should be your port. Enugu has issues with water. Jos is one of the best places to stay in Nigeria

But i no talk say I dey Jos o 😁

CondenseMilk:


what is GMBH ?

German version of LTD (limited)

Skyview01:


You be correct guy. This is the gospel i have been preaching to some of my relatives. A lot of people have no business being in Lagos. If i might ask, which of the middle belt state are you.?
How is security situation over there.
I value serenity and peace of mind over all.

My location is peaceful, and as secure as Nigeria is. More importantly, we do not fear sleeping at night or stepping out. I would rather not mention the place for personal reasons.