On Sat, Feb 13, 2010 at 08:06:30AM +0000, TS Lura wrote:
> Dear OpenBSD community,
>
> I'm a student for a MSc Advanced Networking degree.
>
> I have a little situation maybe you guys could give me some feedback on.
>
> The issue is that my module leader is refusing even to consider mentioning
> OpenBSD, or any BSD in introductory Linux course where the focus is on
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> network services. DNS, iptables, Apache.
I think you nailed the primary issue. It's an introductory Linux course.
If it were a introductory network services, firewalling, and web services
course, you'd have a case.
Do they also have introductory courses in ass wiping with Charmin
and ass wiping with Scot Tissue?
>
> It is a introductory course, with limited time. So it's understandable that
> one has to be level-headed on what's to go in as material in the course. My
> argument is only to have a reference to OpenBSD, PF, and maybe the jailing
> of named, when we go through the topics of iptables, and DNS.
You fail to mention the target audience for the class and curriculum.
Is the goal to churn out folks with master's degrees that are as worthless
as highschool diplomas (Sorry, comply with what the industry thinks they
need?), or is the goal to churn out inidividuals with a wide range of
knowledge and sufficient research skills?
>
> My professor (the module leader) argue that almost no one is using BSD, and
> those that does is probably 70+ and so it will soon die off, in a humours
> tone. In more serious tone, lack of applications.
And arguing with the professor is a good way to get an F for your efforts.
If you think it's more important for students in this program to be well
rounded, you need to have a chat with the department head. If this is
largely a program for folks on a Master with no thesis track, don't bother.
(Don't bother as in get a real job, and get out of the program, you're
wasting your time).
As for the ignorance of your professor... you can try and point out things
like OS/X, JunOS, and WindRiver. But it sounds like he's already made
up his mind and doesn't keep very current.
>
> I'm a bit resigned by this attitude, because we are at a master level about
> networking. We learn about all the technologies surrounding routers,
> switches, wan, security, etc. As such I think that OpenBSD is really a bean
> to be counted when we learn about open/free software. So in relation to
> this, I would argue that OpenBSD is a excellent platform for networking
> services.
What you think, *MIGHT* be relevant if you hang on, get your
masters, and start teaching to pay for a PhD.
*IF* this is a thesis oriented master's program, you need to have a
chat with the department head. If this is a non-thesis oriented
program either get a real job, or change to an MBA program.
If this program was truly about research and individual thought,
you would never have encountered this situation. Instead you're
seeing that you're in the midst of a program where you need to
kowtow to the biases and prejudices of the faculty.
>
> I have said so in writing, and verbally only to be brushed off.
To the wrong individual.
>
> I feel it's game over, at this point. But maybe you guys have some
> suggestion about good arguments that might persuade my professor?
Well, I don't know about everyone else here, but I'd like to
know the university so I have an additional filter for discarding
resumes.
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> TSLura.
>
> PS.
>
> This might be the wrong crowd, but I also argue for the documents on the
> internal web-learning facility to be published in PDF (ISO 32000 standard)
> (he insist on doc), and that Linux at least once should be mentioned as
> GNU/Linux.(system-tools/Kernel, to pay tribute). This is also met in the
> same way as my BSD arguments. Which I find strange, since my professor has
> developed a bit of stuff for the GNU/Linux platform.
It sounds like you're at a school that should have an adequate MBA program.
>
--
Chris Dukes
