Wed 17 May 06 - Mac Server Traning in Briz

After a few songs, I drag myself out of bed, feed the cat, and head for the shower. My bags are then getting packed and I eat some breakfast and had not time to clean my teeth, but not to worry.

My car disturbs the quiet sleepy town of Meringandan just before 6am. I’m headed for Brisbane. Up over the Great Dividing Range, and on the Warrego Highway I go. Past the McDonalds near Gatton, over two more hills and into Ipswich. I call Dave when I take the Ipswich turnoff, to ask if I can leave my car at his place. He’s ok with that. I park the car, race for Booval train station, get a ticket and get on the train with only seconds to spare.

The train fills up with people more and more at each station. Standing room only. “Next station, Central.” Off I get, and head for “Rothbury on Ann” hotel, about 100 metres from the station. This will be my home for the next 4 days. I check in at about 8:40 am. Get settled, and then off to Cliftons training center, 255 Adelaide St. I walk past it about 3 times before I realise, then finally find the training room at 9:01am, but we started at 9:20 anyway.

The 4 day training course is called “Server Essentials” for Mac OS X 10.4 Server. I’ve been offered a new position at USQ as System Administrator (Macintosh), and they decided to get me up to speed by sending me to this course, which is great! Transport, meals, accommodation and training all paid for by work.

The course goes until Friday arvo. Today we looked a setting up the server, configuring network settings, DNS, DHCP, software update, NAT, Firewall and VPN services. Other things we’ll look at include web, directory, file, print and other services. Sounds great and has been fun so far. They give us 2 laptops to play with and do exercises.

The Hotel is really nice. It’s a nice re-done old-style building. Double bed, bathroom with bath, lounge, dining and kitchen areas. TV, satellite, stereo, lounges, ironing board, and a bathroom basin the size of a laundry tub. It’s big! I’m on the first level, with a typical city view out the window… just the street and other buildings. You can hear the noise from outside, but quieter in the bedroom.

There’s a spa and sauna, with BBQ area on the roof above level 6. I might have to make use of that later this week.

After work, I settled down and got organised in the hotel. Went for a jog from Eagle St Pier, around the river along side the botanical gardens, across the Goodwill bridge, and along the river beside Southbank. Crossed the river again on Victoria Bridge, and made my way back to Ann St.

Had a big hot bath and ordered some tea. Ironed my shirts for the rest of the week. Tea was ok. Made a few phone calls and starting writing this blog.

It’s about 9:35 pm now. I’ll do some Bible reading and then retire for the night. I’ll be meeting with Dave for lunch tomorrow, because he works in the city, so that’ll be good to catch up.

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