There's lots I'd like to say about the past year, but if I said it all, this post would probably crash my poorly-coded web log engine. So, I'll try to keep this brief, which shouldn't be too hard. I've added titles to each section, so it won't seem like one big disorganized blob of text.
Last semester at RPI
The year started out with my last semester at RPI, which turned out nicely. Schedule is here, if you're interested. I'd have to say that my Internet Protocols class was the most interesting, partially because I'm currently using many of the topics I learned everyday in my job, now.
This was also my last semester acting as Chair of the Systems Administration Committee of the RPI-ACM. Looking back, I suppose a lot was accomplished as far as computer upgrades to the ACM's network. All but one of the systems were upgraded, and the RPI-ACM mirrors service was launched, featuring high-speed mirrors of Gentoo and Debian Linux.
Graduation
In May of this year, I graduated from RPI with a degree in Computer and Systems Engineering. Robert Metcalfe, the inventor of Ethernet and creator of Metcalfe's Law spoke at commencement. The weather for the ceremony was perfect, except for the tail end, when the rain came down in buckets.
Even though I may complain and whine about RPI, the overall experience was excellent. I met tons of people with similar interests, made some good friends who I continue to correspond with, and learned a thing or two about computers.
x86_64
This shouldn't really be a category, but whatever. I built my first 64-bit workstation (AMD Athlon64 3200+) running Gentoo/GNU Linux. The only 32-bit applications that still runs on my box is Quake III Arena and Doom III. I don't play games all that often, so I can safely say that 99% of the time, the CPU is executing 64-bit instructions.
Employment!
Shortly after I graduated, and after posting resumes like mad, I received a job offer at igxglobal. Considering my job would revolve around networking, security, and Linux, I couldn't find any reason to refuse. I began work at the end of July.
Was it the kind of job I had expected? Definitely not, considering I wasn't sure what I was expecting in the first place. Most of my work takes place in the Hackensack security operations center (SOC), working on projects and keeping servers and firewalls running in tip-top shape. I've also been shuffled off to Charlotte, North Carolina for a couple weeks at a time, to do some work on-site for a client of ours. Travelling into New York City was also required at times. The travelling was pretty unexpected, but I've adapted to it well. Also, I have to say, the people who I work with at igxglobal are pretty cool, and very knowledgeable about network security. I'm not crazy about the commute from North Brunswick to Hackensack, but that will change soon, considering the operations center is moving.
Politics
As most of you know, I tend to stick with conservative views, which is why I'm happy that George W. Bush will be in the White House for the next four years. It's ashame that politics has become so vile; it'd be nice if the slanderous comments by both parties would stop. Democrats also need to quit being sore losers.
Overall, 2004 was an interesting year. I can't imagine what 2005 has in store. And with that, I wish everyone a Happy New Year!
