Letters to the Editor
Once again I walk away disappointed and maybe, if the truth be told, a little miffed by your article on notebook computers [GCN, July 12, Page 1].
Once again I walk away disappointed and maybe, if the truth be told, a little miffed by your article on notebook computers [GCN, July 12, Page 1].Time and again, your paper fails to realize that the Apple Macintosh is very much alive in certain government facilities. In my division alone we have more than 400 of them, and nearly half of all new Macintosh purchases were PowerBooks. Between your cartoons and your lack of Apple updates or side-by-side comparisons, it is obvious which platform you cater to.Perhaps when you do an article about Linux on notebook units you will remember Apple. Boot up Linux on an Apple G3/400 notebook and you'll have the fastest Linux portable on the planet. Also, you can convert a Mac OS lab to a Unix lab by simply converting operating systems. Try that with your PC platform.Loren SendersMacintosh manager, Beams DivisionFermi National Accelerator LaboratoryBatavia, Ill.I read your editorial, 'Ready, set, hike IT pay' [GCN, July 26, Page 16], on information technology pay increases and want to comment on your point about what government can and cannot do'at least in terms of a signing bonus.The state of Michigan, in response to the critical shortage of IT personnel, is implementing a new IT broad-banding system for compensation that will allow for merit pay. In addition, we will have the ability to: ' Pay signing bonuses of up to $5,000 at the time of hire, depending on experience and technical knowledge' Identify critical skills of staff members who can receive additional annual compensation because of the mission-critical nature of their job.In total, an IT person could receive up to 15 percent additional compensation annually through a combination of signing bonus, merit and performance increases, and critical skills. So, government can offer signing bonuses'at least at the state level.Let me also add that accepting the bonus requires the individual to commit to staying with us for one year. If he or she leaves before the year is up, the bonus must be returned.Phyllis MellonChief information officerMichigan Department of StateLansing, Mich.I read 'Tera Rex: How supercomputing is roaring back' [GCN, June 28, Page 1] with interest. I wish, however, to point out one phrase that I think would better serve your audience in the future if reworded. Please consider changing 'Linux, Microsoft Windows NT or proprietary Unix' to 'Open Linux, proprietary Microsoft Windows NT or proprietary Unix.'Many people selectively remember or forget these facts.Kirby ThorntonNetwork administratorTreasury Financial CenterVienna, Va.GCN welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be typed double-spaced and must include name, address, telephone number and signature of the author. You can send your letter by:U.S. Mail: Letters to the Editor, GovernmentComputer News, 8601 Georgia Ave., Suite 300, Silver Spring, Md. 20910Fax: 301-650-2111E-mail:
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