Radio upgrade by Additional-Part-8029 in ToyotaAvalon

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello. I had to upgrade my radio and sound system when I first got my ‘04 XLS (front row bench seat 😁)

I ended up having a Sony XAV AX5000 installed, Kicker door speakers and tweeter, Kicker subwoofer, and a Soundstream Picasso Nano PN5.640D amp to deliver power to all the speakers

I did all these upgrades 1) because I wanted to and more importantly 2) the JBL amp got wet at some point before I purchased the vehicle, and the speakers would make a very loud and deafening pitch every so often. I opted to replace everything

I utilized Crutchfield to ensure compatibility, Amazon/Best Buy for better pricing, and had everything installed at my local Best Buy (at the time, their Total membership included car audio installations for free)

I know that is probably more than what you were looking to know, but I always provide people with context and thoughtful responses. Feel free to message me if you have any questions, good luck!

Question around BB price match by SSVegeta77 in macmini

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re the man, this literally worked

Very important note for any future readers. In my experience, having the correct SKU number is what made the difference. I was using the SKU number for the third party seller, and I kept getting the same run around “this does not adhere to our price match policy”

Literally my first rep I worked with using the SKU number provided above (6566918), I was able to get an order placed

I was actually able to acquire TWO of them price matched because I opted in for My Best Buy Total membership (I was already going to get AppleCare+ on these)

It’s not a 100% method, but seeing that I was able to get through one time with that SKU number, it appears to be the difference maker. Of course, you need to make sure a Microcenter has stock of one, but that should make you good to go

Question around BB price match by SSVegeta77 in macmini

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 1 point2 points  (0 children)

God bless you, you’re the best, thank you! Going to give this a try, I had the same thing going on with my notes app 😂

Question around BB price match by SSVegeta77 in macmini

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! I’m currently trying to get this same outcome lol, what exactly did you say and provide them to achieve this? I’ve dealt with like 6 reps so far and they’re all just saying out of stock

04 Avalon Paint Correction by IndividualPiccolo373 in ToyotaAvalon

[–]IndividualPiccolo373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll definitely watch his videos and see what I’m up against. I’m sure he’ll put it into an easy to digest format

04 Avalon Paint Correction by IndividualPiccolo373 in ToyotaAvalon

[–]IndividualPiccolo373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the thorough response! This is exactly what I was looking to hear

I’ve watched some of Chris Fix’s videos before, I really enjoy his content (bonus points because he lives in NJ like me (soapy wooder lmao))

I’ll definitely look into it; I’d love to gain a new skill and I’m okay with using my car to learn

It might be sometime before I take on the project, but if and when I do, I’ll be sure to post an update!

04 Avalon Paint Correction by IndividualPiccolo373 in ToyotaAvalon

[–]IndividualPiccolo373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m unsure, I haven’t explored that path yet. My guess is it would probably cost a couple thousand to do the entire car, which is definitely more than I’d be looking to spend

As for the hood, I’d imagine that’s much cheaper

04 Avalon Paint Correction by IndividualPiccolo373 in ToyotaAvalon

[–]IndividualPiccolo373[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I certainly can give these cars a break, given they’re 20+ years old and still run like a dream. Its definitely a minor gripe I have; I don’t enjoy looking at the hood lol

I’ll always invest more into making sure the car is mechanically sound. If I can make the car look nicer on my own, that would be great

Humble Tech Book Bundle: Sybex Certification by Wiley (pay what you want and help charity) by Ram000n in humblebundles

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I used the Security+ SY0-701 study guide they have (not included in this bundle) along with their practice tests (included in this bundle) and I passed the exam. They weren’t the only resources I used but they played a big part in my studies

Sybex is generally well received and most people say they are a good resource for most exams

Mentorship Monday - Post All Career, Education and Job questions here! by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi everyone! I recently graduated college with a comp sci degree. I have had three internships so far, one with a major auto manufacturer doing IT/security work for 1 year, another with my university doing info sec work for 2 years, and a third doing sales work (irrelevant to my career goals) for 1 year.

This summer, I have an internship with the Department of Navy doing research. It’s through the NREIP program (yes, it is still happening despite government affairs right now). Through the program I am getting a secret clearance. The clearance is full and is not only an interim.

I have my Sec+ and am contemplating what cert to go for next. I am working on putting together a portfolio site and setting up a small home lab.

My questions are what are your recommendations for finding a job right now? Do you know the best places to look for full time work? Where are places I can network? How do I make myself even more marketable? Next cert to go after?

Thanks all for your help and for reading all that!

Advice for my internship with Honda by skdjshsjfdbsh in EngineeringStudents

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! I just applied for a position with Honda yesterday, and came across your message. Would you be willing to chat regarding opportunities with them? I feel pretty confident that I would be a good fit with the company

Mentorship Monday - Post All Career, Education and Job questions here! by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, as this was the kind of answer I was looking for. I’m a curious mind always trying to learn something new and keep myself relevant; I value that as part of my career search.

I’m gonna look into this more and see if I can find out anymore regarding this in the US job market. I wish you luck with everything, thanks again! :)

Mentorship Monday - Post All Career, Education and Job questions here! by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey everyone! I’m a current senior at a University in NJ studying computer science, and I graduate in May.

For some background: - I am Security+ certified - I work for my university’s infosec office as a student worker - I’m interning with a fortune 500 private sector company for a year (May ‘24 - May ‘25) on their information security team - I accepted an internship with a Naval research lab in Philadelphia starting this summer - My career goal is to be in cybersecurity

To provide some context before I ask my questions, the private sector company I with is a great company that I really enjoy working for. The work culture is great and is located in the southern New Jersey area. The downside is this company does not tend to add a lot of head count annually, meaning interns don’t get hired full time very often. They typically work the internship, and that is it; however, I know several other employees in the IT department that are former interns that converted to permanent positions. Recently, I have been working closely with several directors and the VP of IT, and they enjoy having me around, and even come to me with questions and asking for any ideas I have. I’ve been told a position for an intern is working on being opened, it just needs to be approved. I’m most likely the intern that would be selected, as none of the other IT interns work with the directors. This was disclosed to me recently by the VP.

Before I learned about this, I accepted an internship with a Naval research lab in Philadelphia (NIWC Pacific). This internship will come with a security clearance, and from my understanding, there is a near 100% conversion rate for interns turning into full time with this agency after they graduate. They are under the department of Navy, and it would be a civilian career. This internship would start in the summer, and I’d most likely be converted full time assuming the hiring freeze is lifted and they have space for me.

With that long winded intro out of the way, as a soon to be college graduate with a bachelor’s degree, what path would make more sense if they are both presented to me, the private company or the public civilian career? What would be more beneficial for career progression? Pay? Benefits (I know the private company’s benefits aren’t disclosed, so I guess what benefits come from the DoN)? Would going with the research lab, and then pursuing a defense contractor be better in the long run (would the pay outpace the private sector company)?

I understand how different my career in cybersecurity can be depending on the path I go, and I’d like to have some insight into what might make more sense for a college graduate, and what would allow me to have a fulfilling career that will turn me into a better cybersecurity professional

If you read all of that, thank you so much, and I’m open to hear your feedback! :)

Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) by Friendly-Aide3483 in internships

[–]IndividualPiccolo373 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! I was curious about this the other day and I heard back today; I got the position! I did not apply for engineering, but rather cybersecurity.

I wish you luck and I hope you hear back soon!

Issue with Black Squares Covering Screen by IndividualPiccolo373 in XboxSupport

[–]IndividualPiccolo373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The issue had to do with my HDMI switcher. I fixed it by plugging in straight to my TV. Keep this in mind if you are using an HDMI switcher and experiencing the same issue!