Being an admin is certainly a creative task (of course it all depends on the
admin, you've got intense ones who go down the very tip of the tree levels
of admining every aspect of the system to ensure reliability, security and
stability and then the lazy admins who think an update or a request is
bothering them)...
You have to be creative an admining a server, and/or network to create an
environment that is well oiled and manageable and scalable, otherwise you
spend more time slapping band-aids and shoe strings just to keep it from
collapsing on a daily basis.
Curt
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ernest" <ernestls(a)comcast.net>
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 1:17 AM
Subject: System programmers vs. administrators
  I was having a discussion with a friend earlier
tonight about
 programming, and how I've never been the least bit interested in
 learning how to program -I'm convinced that I have a mental block
 against it, or something like that.
 As the discussion progressed, we decided that there are two types of
 advanced computer users -system programmers and system administrators.
 That in itself is debatable but where our discussion became bogged down
 was when we tried to decide which user was left brain, and which was
 right brain.
 We started by agreeing that programmers are artists, while the
 administrators are more scientific. But then, as we talked, we decided
 that you could make the same arguement for each side.
 So, I thought I would throw the discussion out here, and see what you
 guys think. Assuming that there really are two types of computer users
 -programmers and administrators- which side is left brain thinking, and
 which is right brain thinking?
 I pulled the following off some psycho-babble website:
 Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres,
 of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The
 following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and
 right-brain thinking:
 Left Brain:
 Logical
  Sequential
  Rational
  Analytical
  Objective
  Looks at parts
 Right Brain:
 Random
  Intuitive
  Holistic
  Synthesizing
  Subjective
  Looks at wholes
 Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of
 thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at
 both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of
 thinking, while downplaying the right-brain ones. Left-brain scholastic
 subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy.
 Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling,
 and creativity.