I was happy to read on Geeks today that community member Steve has obtained his GED. I’ve often talked in the past about how important an education is. These days, you cannot get any type of job if you’re over 18 years old and don’t possess a high school diploma or GED. There are college graduates who hold a Bachelor’s degree competing for the same entry-level positions that everyone else is hoping to land.

The economy sucks, plain and simple. People who have had job security for many years are suddenly finding themselves at the front of the proverbial unemployment line. These are hard working people who have many years’ worth of experience doing whatever it is they do. Yet, they’re out there pounding the pavement because their company – and job – has dried up.

Having an education is more critical now than ever. Even if you feel you aren’t the “school type”, I urge you to go. Get a degree. Research what jobs are hiring in your area, and focus on that. Look at what types of jobs are trending in the country you live in, and build on that (and your talents!). Whatever you do – stay in school, or get your GED.

Congratulations, Steve! Our whole community is proud of you.

• Is Microsoft inappropriate?
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• Do you want to start a business, but are hesitant due to losing your current health insurance?
• MIT claims that handing over your identity information can protect you.
• EA Games is announcing a rebooted version of Medal of Honor.
• PCMag puts WeatherBug for the BlackBerry on the map.
• Recalls and food worries have sparked a booming business for food safety workers.
• How you use social media says a lot about yourself – and your brand.
• Now is the time to cash in on your passion.
• Take advantage of PowerPoint design templates.
• Printliminator – you have to give this a try!
• Taking advantage of Web 2.0 – it’s all about the salesperson.
• Did Google just blink?!
• How can you use social media to recruit potential employees?
• Psystar agrees to pay the piper.

The team in our downloads center have come up with some excellent deals on programs for Windows today! Make sure you check back daily to see what they’ve uncovered next!

Education is the Key

TheDub is a regular visitor to our chat room. He sent me the following email, surrounding the Psystar / Apple legal issues.

I am curious to find out what everyone’s opinions are on the Psystar Open Computers, which come with OS X Leopard installed on them. For those who don’t know, Apple has filed a lawsuit against Psystar, claiming EULA violations. However, Psystar is counter-suing Apple, claiming various Anti-Trust violations.

I am torn, and can see both points of view. This could possibly be a history-making case. While the argument can be made that OS X is a product of Apple, and should only be run on Apple hardware… it’s also fair to see Psystar’s point of view. Psystar says that since OS X runs on “beige box PCs” without a modified Kernel, then OS X is obviously capable of running on non-Apple hardware.
It’s possible Apple could lose in the counter-suit. If so, Apple will have to allow OS X to run on non-Apple hardware. Apple wouldn’t have to support every piece of hardware under the Sun. But, think about a future where manufacturers like Dell roll out a few models which include OS X as their operating system. I cannot think of a negative consequence of letting other OEMs build and sell OS X machines. Apple’s hardware sales will not go down, because Apple makes seriously impressive and high-quality machines. However, they stand to gain a lot in terms of incoming revenue with this.

This could also prove healthy for both sides of the coin. Right now, Windows has no real competition, since most computers only have that as their option. Linux is out there, yes. But let’s face it, it’s not becoming ‘mainstream’ very fast. If OS X were a viable option for all PCs, Windows could have a serious issue. They’d have to focus even more energy on creating Windows 7. OS X would also gain market share in a huge hurry.

I didn’t mean to ramble on, but those are my thoughts on the matter. I know that I will be personally watching this whole thing unfold very closely. I think the odds are against Apple on this one. Can you imagine if Microsoft hard-coded Windows to not run on an Apple machine, or in a Virtual Machine? Microsoft would be immediately slapped with lawsuits. Apple might be forced to open their doors just a bit.

TheDub brings up some very interesting points, and gives us much to think about. What are your thoughts? Do you think Psystar is on the right track, and that Apple should/will have to open up the use of OS X on non-Apple hardware? Or is it all a bunch of hogwash, and Apple can continue doing what they like with their software?

Will Apple be Open any Time Soon?