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Comment: We need an automated system, not tracking. (Score 1) 228

by ryen (#47174869) Attached to: AT&amp;T To Use Phone Geolocation To Prevent Credit Card Fraud
The fraud prevention systems built into bank credit cards are largely to protect them, not you. More often than not a bank will refund funds that occurred from fraudulent activity (a good thing) but are overly aggressive in trying to mitigate the issue (i.e. traveling == suspected use). I've had my card shutdown *many* times while traveling. I have had to call and waste my time as well as their customer service's time to get it turned back on. I always ask to have fraud prevention turned off - which they refuse.

Chase has recently built a feature to send a text message and automated-call to confirm these kinds of things before shutting off the card - others should follow suit if they do not all ready.

This is all we need to combat unintended card cutoff, not tracking.

Comment: Re:Training and/or Documentation (Score 1) 451

by ryen (#46434873) Attached to: Ask Slashdot: How Do I Change Tech Careers At 30?
Only thing I would add is that the tech sector is a whole different animal than the school scene. A lot more politics are involved and you're beholden to investors and other outside forces (although i'm sure schools have their fair share of outside forces, school boards, etc). You may not have the same job security that you might have in a school. Good luck!

Comment: Training and/or Documentation (Score 4, Informative) 451

by ryen (#46421409) Attached to: Ask Slashdot: How Do I Change Tech Careers At 30?
With your limited skillset without programming or intermediate sysadmin, but given your background in teaching and familiarity with concepts i'd say you'd be a good fit for training and/or documentation within a tech company. Training can include on-boarding new hires and getting them familiar with internal systems, or even training customers on using the software. I've worked with many people in these roles at companies i've been with. Documentation also might be a good route: writing manuals, online specs, and online training stuff. Theres lots of people doing this at the larger software shops.

Comment: Try community colleges (Score 1) 183

by ryen (#42824927) Attached to: Summer Programming Courses Before Heading Off To College?
I was in the same boat the summer before college. Wanted to learn more about programming but wasn't sure about it yet. I chose a course at the local community college which was affordable and no hassle to register for. It was C++ but focused on beginning programming which was probably not the best route to learn programming but it gave me a good start to everything. You might find more topical courses at community colleges if you're trying to stay away from the "general stuff".
