April 2008 - KICTANet

animated indicators: how we were then, how we are now...
by saidimu apale 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

[My apologies for cross-posting.] http://www.gapminder.org/world A useful site loaded with statistical and historical data about the development of the countries of the world. A few things to try out: - visually compare growth trends between Africa and the rest of the world, in particular S.E Asia - narrow down to Kenya's stats: visualize growth/shrinkage trends for some key indicators: for this list, probably: income per person, urban pop. as a % of total pop., female labour force, mobile phone + internet per 100 people, primary school completion of boys + girls etc etc - play around with the X- and Y- axes, plot the data against each other, and against time. Then correlate with significant events in Kenya's history. What stood out for me (caveat: I'm no economist/statistician) 1) the number of medical doctors per 1,000 people has pretty much stayed constant since independence 2) where are the youth in Kenya? (the number of children and elderly per 100 is still quite high. Compare with Japan's figures - they have the opposite problem). 3) (female labor force as a % of total) vs (income per person): female workforce has been declining while income p.p has been more or less the same. 4) ... a lot more for your slicing and dicing. Regards, saidi

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Telecoms firms grapple with talent search
by wesley kiriinya 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

Read: http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6886&Item… The last line says: "...Networking, customer support, security, database application development, and programming skills are the high demand areas..." The KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions probably contains senior management/CEOs of Telecoms companies. Is the above article true? If it is there's good talent at the Skunkworks mail list. For guys in Skunkworks: >From previous posts, we have talked a lot about these stuff. I feel there should be some sort of bridge between these 2 mail lists. If the article is true and managers in kictanet lists are looking for talent, well the skunkworks list seems to have skilled, passionate and talented people. It is very likely true there is competition for talent. I've talked to the CEO of Meltwater Group (an international group of companies), and the former head of IBM and they are very talent focused. Meltwater group has started an institution called MEST (Meltwater Enterprenueral School of Technology) in Ghana. They get talented guys in Ghana, train them and provide to them whatever they need (food, transport, monthly stipend, etc). What I saw there was excellent, and that's building the future! What is Kenya waiting for?

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Telecoms firms grapple with talent search
by wesley kiriinya 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

I think it's simple how these 2 parties can be linked together. The companies can host techie meetings in their premises. Skunkworks already has weekly meetings thanks to Riyaz, Mugambi and the team's great efforts (A round of applause). The companies can invite people to come and give free seminars and training camps to techies. If it's too expensive the companies can collaborate. In the example about MEST in my original post, they even go further to bring CEOs and other heads of international companies to train/talk these guys in Ghana every quater of the year. If that article is true and CEOs can't sleep at night coz of talent and talent is 3rd on the list of $afcom's worries then it's relatively easy to fix this. Talent doesn't grow on trees, it's natured! On the other hand if both parties aren't committed to this then CEOs can brace themselves for longer nights and techies will struggle harder to polish their skills and outsource them to foreign companies. Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: This is partly why I planned the business (kictanet), skunkworks and CS for next month. Unfortunately, the guys who responded wanted attendance sponsorship despite it not being a donor-driven meeting. Please suggest to me how technical persons and business could be linked better in a self-sustaining manner. Thxs On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 12:13 AM, Josiah Mugambi <jmugambi(a)gmail.com> wrote: I think the argument that the article is attempting to bring out is that there's not enough talent to match the demand. That said, I agree with Wesley's suggestion of bridging the 'two lists' together - there's such a wealth of talent and skill on the skunkworks list. On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:55 PM, Paul Roy <roykoikai(a)gmail.com> wrote: Guys nothing compares to talent, youve got it or you simply dont have it...the only sad part is that our employers dont know how to do a talent search they think the best papers are the most talented...pole sana! Let them look at how global software giants hire and they will never complain about luck of talent in this market. BTW: global software companies come to africa to source for talent guess what, kenya dominates the list. cheers! On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 7:31 PM, Athar Ahmad Bhatti <atharab(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi It is an interesting article. The dilemma is as good as putting the cart before the horse and expecting things to work out. How many of these firms have a CIO/CTO ? Most Kenyan businesses have an IT Manager reporting to an Accountant or Finance person. I do not know the case with the mentioned companies. Technology is the bridge between a company's Strategic Objectives and their Operational implemention on the ground. If you want to retain staff give them a career plan and have the good manners of living up to promises. How many of us have heard the story,"We will start you on "x" and then later on after probation give "y". Many don' even get confirmation letters. HR is a rubber stamp. It all boils down to integrity. I would feel its not too much to say that the overall integrity of a company is determined by the retention of its staff.... Athar On 4/15/08, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: I can't blame those who try to do a lot and end up becoming a jack of trades and a master of none. I think people feel insecure about jobs. There's not enough info out there about jobs e.g: 1. What are the job statistics in Kenya? I think the bureau of statistics has them but are they made public well? 2. Which areas have future potential and how many people are likely to be absorbed? 3. What is the growth and direction in current industries so that Kenyans can arm themselves with the specific skills and tools? The education system sadly encourages this lack of specialization. Why should I do English and Kiswahili as a must? They are both languages and they follow the same structure. To be a specialist I think one has to UNDERSTAND the subject matter and not cram as what the education system makes students do. Understanding requires a lot more effort and time! I think if one tries to quickly train someone in order to take up a job that requires certain skills then it will be expensive. Training and experience is a gradual process, and thus can be cheaper in the long run. If a company takes someone at 20 years s/he will not have a lot of experience but the company can gradually train and when that person is 30 then they have a lot more experience. It surely beats getting a 29 year old who has been jobless from the time they were 20 and train them quickly. How much does CCNA and all these other certifications cost? I'm sure it ain't cheap and I don't think someone would just do them with little chance of getting a job, it might be a wasted investment. If companies want skilled people they should be ready to train and treat them well. Because this doesn't seem to be happening as it should employees are insecure, and companies loose skilled people. In the long run both parties suffer. Ochieng Maxwell <maxwell(a)barua.co.ke> wrote: ashok+skunkworks(a)parliaments.info wrote: >On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 3:02 PM, Gituma Nturibi wrote: > > >>there is no shortage of the skilled manpower just people with the >> requisite experience as training new personnel costs a lot, >> >> > >I think this question of there being a shortage / no shortage depends on what >kind of skills you are looking for. > >Sometime ago i had repeatedly posted for an open vacancy in our organization >and gotten a very low response. > > the problem is Kenyans almost try and do everything just to land a job and in the process being good at nothing and therefore the shortage of skills, the few who are there getting them is another story. Maxwell >ashok > > >_______________________________________________ >skunkworks mailing list >skunkworks(a)my.co.ke >http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com >Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke > > > > _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke between 0000-00-00 and 9999-99-99 _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke -- "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." Roy. _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke -- Josiah Mugambi +254 738 504418 Blog: http://blog.josiahmugambi.com _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Fwd: WCIT 2008 eNewsletter Vol 6
by waudo siganga 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

Dear Colleagues - find latest newsletter for those wishing to attend the World Congress on IT next month. Please contact me to consolidate the Kenya group who are so far numbering 10. Kind Regards, Waudo [nl_email_080411_01.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_02.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_03.jpg] [nl_email_080411_04.jpg] [spacer.gif] [1][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_05.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_06.jpg] [spacer.gif] [2][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_07.jpg] [3][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_08.jpg] [spacer.gif] [4][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_09.jpg] [nl_email_080411_10.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_11.jpg] [spacer.gif] [5][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_12.jpg] [spacer.gif] [6][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_13.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_14.jpg] [spacer.gif] [7][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_15.jpg] [nl_email_080411_16.jpg] [spacer.gif] [8][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_17.jpg] [spacer.gif] [9][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_18.jpg] [spacer.gif] [10][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_19.jpg] [spacer.gif] [11][nl_email_080411_20.jpg] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] References 1. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap0 2. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap1 3. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap4 4. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap5 5. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap2 6. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap6 7. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap7 8. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap3 9. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap8 10. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap9 11. http://www.wcit2008.org/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap9 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap8 1. http://myunos.com/ 2. http://www.scan-associates.net/ 3. http://www.nclsolutions.com/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap3 1. http://www.witsa.org/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap7 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-F2k8XSSUE6Owo%403249921-ZRrSSoNnNN1lw [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap6 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI 2. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-F2k8XSSUE6Owo%403249921-ZRrSSoNnNN1lw [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap2 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-vj8j5E1bscKHc%403249919-PNGdMNrVrhcyo 2. http://www.tourism.gov.my/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap5 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap4 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap1 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-EQV7VkIpi73cc%403249918-ior4vs6vo0O9k 2. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-k6QIX4FQE/kDc%403249920-irKYFA8WVcVvY [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap0 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-THypaCnJA0rAU%403249917-Y7w2HAYEwoBxY -- waudo siganga emailsignet(a)mailcan.com

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junior application developer / intern.
by Moses Kemibaro 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Dotsavvy is looking for a Junior Application Developer/ Intern with the following competencies: i. 2+ years experience in internet application development. ii. A portfolio of functional personal work that includes the following examples: a. Web sites/pages that utilize database-driven concepts. b. Web sites/pages that demonstrate the ability to work from a project specification. c. Web sites/pages that show implementation of a standardized user interface. iii. Experience with Macromedia, Java, CSS, PERL, Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP (LAMP) is required. iv. Additional experience with AJAX, Ruby on Rails, .NET and others would be a bonus. If you meet these criteria, or know someone who does, please send CVs to jobs(a)dotsavvyafrica.com by the 30th April 2008. Thanks, Moses

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Opportunity: Business Development Lead
by Dorcas Muthoni 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Job Specification: Business Development Lead This is an excellent opportunity to join a young dynamic company in the software sub-sector. You will help define and manage a wide range of marketing campaigns focused on businesses and government establishments across the Kenya and the region. Working closely with our partners you will be responsible for leading the sales and business development teams develop our exciting range of customer solutions. You should have a degree in marketing, business studies or a related subject and/or at least one year experience working in a marketing or sales department. This is a superb opportunity to build an excellent career in a fast growth market. Based at: Nairobi Job purpose: Responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the marketing strategy, product marketing and lead generation of our software services. Key Responsibilities: Marketing Strategy and Lead Generation will include: * Promotion of our software services. * Generating leads through industry research and outreach. * Development and implementation of marketing campaigns that deliver quality leads for our sales and partner channels. * Manage the Customer Relationship Management system to track lead generation and progress. * Develop and manage the corporate brand across all channels and partner organisations. * Define, develop and implement strategic marketing campaigns focused on businesses and government establishments * Produce client testimonials and partner references. * Organise and manage corporate events and exhibitions. Key Skills: Must Have: * Educated to degree level * IT literate * Self starter * Team Player * Strong writing skills and phone manner Nice to have: * Recognised marketing qualification( held or training for) * B2B marketing experience * Public sector knowledge * Procurement knowledge/ experience * Strong secondary research skills * Experience with the IT industry Compensation: * Salaries are based on success in meeting targets. * Base plus commissions Application Process: * Send your application by *25th April 2008* to: info(a)openworld.co.ke

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junior application developer / intern.
by Moses Kemibaro 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Dotsavvy is looking for a Junior Application Developer/ Intern with the following competencies: i. 2+ years experience in internet application development. ii. A portfolio of functional personal work that includes the following examples: a. Web sites/pages that utilize database-driven concepts. b. Web sites/pages that demonstrate the ability to work from a project specification. c. Web sites/pages that show implementation of a standardized user interface. iii. Experience with Macromedia, Java, CSS, PERL, Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP (LAMP) is required. iv. Additional experience with AJAX, Ruby on Rails, .NET and others would be a bonus. If you meet these criteria, or know someone who does, please send CVs to jobs(a)dotsavvyafrica.com by the 30th April 2008. Thanks, Moses --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ YOU ARE IN KAZI AFRIKA GROUP UNSUBSCRIBE: kaziafrika-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrika?hl=en www.kazi-africa.com FOR A VERY PEACEFUL KENYA -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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Fwd: [Council] Vacancy announcement: FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator
by Dorcas Muthoni 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Milton Aineruhanga <milton(a)wougnet.org> Date: Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:10 PM Subject: [Council] Vacancy announcement: FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator To: council(a)fossfa.net POSITION: FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator LOCATION: The Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa is a not-for-profit Pan-African organization registered in Mauritius with secretariat in the Ghana-India Koffi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT, Accra, Ghana. FOSSFA is annoucing its FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator vacancy, to be based at the FOSSFA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana. TERM: Two years of Initial Contract. Renewable APPLICATION: Applications and remuneration preferences may be sent through any FOSSFA executive member, dorothyg(a)aiti-kace.com.gh or to nnenna(a)opensource.org COMMENCEMENT DATE: As soon as possible. ORGANIZATION: The mission of FOSSFA is the promotion of FOSS and the FOSS development model in Africa . OVERVIEW: FOSSFA is seeking an individual that has the passion and dedication to provide hands-on management for its planned expansion of activities. He/She should be motivated by FOSSFA's potential to connect people, spread FOSS, technology, and social possibilities in Africa and beyond. RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership • Represent FOSSFA and the Africa FOSS community officially • Provide needed management for all FOSSFA projects • Coordinate smooth day to day activities of FOSSFA Secretariat • Support administrative and logistical preparations towards Idlelo 4. • Ensure that meaningful benchmarks are established, tracked, and revised as appropriate • Implement and evaluate an action plan based on the approved strategic goals and opportunities. Management/Program • Implement programs to fulfill the overall mission of FOSSFA. • Nurture FOSSFA's relationships with members, the general public, and funders. • Partner with appropriate organizations/people to increase awareness FOSSFA and its activities • Draft and present financial reports of FOSSFA projects and all received monies • Cultivate ongoing relationships with supporters to ensure a reliable source of funding for immediate operations, as well as to expand FOSSFA's asset and donor base. Community and Council Development • Ensure management of membership within FOSSFA • Ensure consistent and transparent communication with any and all FOSSFA council members, the general public, and sponsors. • Provide avenues for full and open communication and collaboration with the community at large and promote an awareness of the diverse and changing needs of the community. • Collaborate with the Council and members in the development of all actions of the Foundation. • Facilitate collaboration and cooperation between FOSSFA and other organizations and leaders, to build a shared vision of how to address and solve issues related to FOSS in Africa . QUALIFICATIONS: Background: • Project Management experience in either the non-profit or technology sectors • Well-known and respected within at least one Open Source community • Experienced in raising funds for non-profit organizations • Effectively organized, highly-independent and self-motivated. Characteristics: • Highly-organized self-starter with the ability to set, manage, and implement priorities. • High level of comfort with and passion for technology and Open Source • Able to listen well and build consensus from public discussions • Ability to understand and adapt to diverse African cultural backgrounds • Excellent oral and written English communication skills, with a working knowledge of French. Education: Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in experience is required. COMPENSATION: A salary commensurate with Ghana national standards for not-for-profit organisations. _______________________________________________ Council mailing list Council(a)fossfa.net http://fossfa.net/mailman/listinfo/council_fossfa.net -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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{Spam?} FW: ACHIEVERS NOMINATE NOW
by Fiona Asonga 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Hallo All, As industry stakeholders we are being called upon to once again nominate outstanding ICT personalities. Kindly find the nomination details below. Regards, Fiona Asonga Administrator TESPOK ----- Forwarded message from Shirley Jacobs <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> ----- Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:03:23 +0200 From: Shirley Jacobs <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> Reply-To: Shirley Jacobs <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> Subject: ACHIEVERS NOMINATE NOW To: 'Shirley Jacobs' <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/top.jpg NOMINATE NOW Do you know of someone who has done tremendous work in ICT's but has not received their just recognition ? This is the opportunity to reward those individuals and organisations who have achieved in the information and communications technology sector. All Africans across the continent are invited to nominate those individuals and organisations whom they believe are worthy of recognition for their ICT achievements. _____ To nominate visit http://www.forgeahead.co.za/achievers/noms_form.asp www.forgeahead.co.za/achievers/noms_form.asp OR Contact Shirley Jacobs "mailto:shirley@forgeahead.co.za" shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za 011 603 1645 _____ http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/todays.gif http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/0logos_08.jpg http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/todays_bottom.gif http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/Bottom_new.jpg Please pass on this email to your colleagues and clients across Africa. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.10/1366 - Release Date: 4/8/2008 5:03 PM ----- End forwarded message ----- ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/ -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.12/1373 - Release Date: 4/11/2008 9:17 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.13/1376 - Release Date: 4/13/2008 1:45 PM -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Re: [kictanet] Can Software Engineering Principles resolve Political Stalemate?
by John Walubengo 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Amazing similarity b/w Computer Software and Political Deadlocks.... I was struck by the similarities between what is transpiring in our political arena and what happens in software engineering (in particular Operating System Software design) Wikepedia defines a deadlock as <<...a situation wherein two or more competing actions are waiting for the other to finish, and thus neither ever does. It is often seen in a paradox like 'the chicken or the egg'>>. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadlocks. The same wikipedia page goes on to say that in Operating Systems, a deadlock occurs only when all of the following four conditions prevail: 1. Mutual Exclusion condition: a resource is either assigned to one process or it is available 2. Hold and Wait condition: processes already holding resources may request new resources 3. No Pre-emption condition: only a process holding a resource may release it 4. Circular Wait condition: two or more processes form a circular chain where each process waits for a resource that the next process in the chain holds. This transposes perfectly onto our political deadlock as described below (I just replaced the items 'Resource' with Ministry and 'Process' with Politician to understand prevailing conditions within the political context). So rephrasing the above:- Political deadlocks will occur when all of the following four conditions prevail: 1. Mutual Exclusion:-a Ministry can only be occupied by one Politician. The occupant automatically excludes the others. 2. Hold and Wait: -a Politician/Party holding some ministries may want to request for more. 3. No Preemption:-only the Politician holding the ministry can release it. (No external force can pre-empt or release that ministry). 4. Circular Wait: Politician-1 may release a Ministry 'A' - BUT only after recieving a Ministry 'B' from the other Politician-2. Unfortunately Politician-2 cannot realease Ministry 'B' because (s)he is awaiting for Politician-1 to release his Ministry 'A' first. So how do computers or Operating systems deal or resolve deadlocks? Three approaches have existed since 1960s and are described on the same wikipedia page. Basically they include: Option1: Deadlock Prevention, Option 2: Deadlock Avoidance and Option 3: Deadlock Detection. In more simplistic terms, Deadlock Prevention simply aims at ensuring that one or more of the above four conditions for deadlocks DO NOT hold. E.g most Operating Systems would therefore be pre-emptive (thus addressing condition 3) by retaining and exercising the right to terminate the offending processes (Politicians?). Operating Systems are careful not to allow one process to hoard resources at the expense of the other Processes. In the Deadlock Avoidance approach, Operating Systems try to make sure that they do not enter into a state that can lead to deadlocks. Basically, the competing processes are expected to declare in advance their maximum request levels for resources. Thereafter the Operating System polices their subsequent request granting or denying them accordingly. (All cards must be on the table in advance?) Finally, in Deadlock Detection, the Operating System may opt for the lazier but more expensive option- institute mechanisms that inform it that a deadlock has occured e.g. when the computer freezes (or the country?). Thereafter, it would need a manual reboot. Switch off and restart the machine, losing all your data (life?) in the process. I just hope we are not headed for Option 3. walu. --- Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)swiftkenya.com> wrote: > > > Willem de Groot wrote: > > > > * Remove some of the URLs in the footer > > * Run the mailinglist on another server to see whether > my.co.ke IPs > > are somehow blacklisted/penalized > > > > > > The my.co.ke mx IP is clean and not blacklisted unless > someone wants to > verify that with other spots. > > Am monitoring the emails still and so far i dont seem to > any landing > into the spam folder since the very first one. > > I have no problem with my normal mail and using a mail > client which has > flags to read spamassassain spam counts and flag as spam. > No problems > with that so far. Considering that it goes through > spamassassin and a > barracuda box :) > > Regards, > > Michuki > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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