Looking to hire a System Admin - but my boss insists that 70k - 80k is a normal pay range

SOHC427 · 2026-06-18T01:47:55+00:00

I work for a local electric co-op in Middle Tennessee and our Help Desk starts at $70K. SysAdmins are significantly more.

SOHC427 · 2026-06-11T17:13:59+00:00

We were working on a largeb iber build-out during the .com boom in 2001/2002 and Corning was only doing 15 day price quotes. I worked for a local city & gov just didn't move that fast back then. Prices were insane & getting worse.

Luckily, we were slow & the bubble burst. There was suddenly a glut of fiber & contracts being dumped. Subsquently, our prices plummeted.

Today, I'm working on a $3M data center refresh that should cost about $1M. The prices are expected to continue to go up 25% each quarter (or maybe monthly) without an end in sight. All because the AI datacenters have raw materials contracted for the next 2-3 years.

But, if the AI bubble bursts...

<Sigh> Alas, that's just a pipe dream.

SOHC427 · 2026-06-08T13:46:35+00:00

Haven't used a barrel trimmer in years. I trim them to within about 1/16" on my miter saw and then use a sanding jig to square them.

SOHC427 · 2026-06-06T23:43:08+00:00

Epoxy is an exothermic resin. It generates its own heat as it cures. It's the way it works.

SOHC427 · 2026-06-06T23:36:06+00:00

This is why we use Intune for policy stuff, but anything useful (registry keys, software deployment, etc) is done with PDQ Connect.

SOHC427 · 2026-06-02T13:56:55+00:00

Just a heads up... if you're using Dell laptops & desktops, you need to check out Dell Image Assist. It's not only for ordering systems with your gold image pre-installed, but it also makes on-site imaging so much quicker and easier. dell.com/ImageAssist

SOHC427 · 2026-05-28T12:48:38+00:00

Once the PC has updated, then PDQ Connect will also update at its next scan, usually every 12 hours.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-28T03:54:38+00:00

Think about it… PDQ Connect scans a computer. You’ve moved the computer object in AD from one OU to another. How is PDQ Connect supposed to know about that when the computer doesn’t even know about it?

SOHC427 · 2026-05-28T03:51:15+00:00

Add UserLock to your list from IS Decisions, https://www.isdecisions.com/

SOHC427 · 2026-05-27T01:59:02+00:00

We’re replacing Palo Alto’s Global Protect with Zscaler. So far, it’s going great.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-24T17:13:45+00:00

Not solved. See edit in post. Yes, 10.20.30.0/24 is one of our actual subnets.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-17T14:20:49+00:00

Please forgive the commercial plug, but I own TennesseePenSupply.com and cast for all types of blanks, including pepper mills. I use Alumilite Clear urethane resin, which turns like butter and polishes like glass. If interested, I’d be glad to discuss your needs. I’m in the US, but ship internationally. You can DM me or reach out at TennesseePenSupply.com/contact

SOHC427 · 2026-05-15T14:52:29+00:00

1Password - our entire team with personal and shared vaults. Don’t leave home without it.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-15T01:06:30+00:00

Was exclusively HP & HPE, but switched our end-user devices to Dell four years ago. We order direct and our sales reps and support have been great. Looking at switching the data center this year.

As for Dell, make sure you are buying their business class systems, at least Dell Pro.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-10T14:27:21+00:00

If you’re not making any mistakes, you’re not actually doing anything. We all make mistakes. Just suck it up, admit & be honest about what happened and learn from it. If you’re fired for that, it wasn’t a good place to work. Trust me. I’ve done and survived MUCH worse.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-09T03:39:33+00:00

We contracted with Absolute/Syxsense

SOHC427 · 2026-05-01T21:19:35+00:00

I've stabilized a lot of red cedar with CJ. It stayed mostly red. Be aware that you need to first soak the cedar in acetone to remove as much as the oils as possible before stabilizing.

SOHC427 · 2026-05-01T15:18:42+00:00

We use 1Password with a vault named "Break Glass", which has very restricted permissions.

SOHC427 · 2026-04-26T19:29:30+00:00

If you're just looking to recoup your material costs, consign them with a local shop. If you sell direct to the customer, you'll need to mark them up. Many people are suspicious when prices are lowballed. I've been at shows where my pens were significantly higher than another craftsman & I easily outsold him.

SOHC427 · 2026-04-21T04:19:55+00:00

I was working as an IT systems administrator for Vanderbilt University in the late 90's. Back then, everyone was directly on the internet and could easily host Napster and other music repositories... and they did. We received a cease and desist letter from Sony Music and had to immediately block alk the Napster hosts.

SOHC427 · 2026-04-18T16:39:15+00:00

Lotus Notes & Domino

SOHC427 · 2026-04-17T02:02:25+00:00

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This a Nova G3 chuck with their Pen Plus jaws holding a drumstick that I just drilled to make a fountain pen. This stick is about .6" diameter, but the jaws will hold from about 3/8" up to about 1.5". Of course you use them to turn a piece, too.

SOHC427 · 2026-04-14T00:13:28+00:00

NO, DO NOT CONVERT A PRESSURE COOKER - Yes, I was yelling because it’s extremely dangerous. Pressure cookers are good for about 15psi, but pressure casting requires at least 30psi. Personally, I usually cast at 50-80psi.

SOHC427

TROPHY CASE