A SysAdmin Christmas with Rick Claus and Joey Snow
Dec 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Rick Claus and Joey Snow return to share their top gadget picks for sysadmins, blending humor with practical advice. They dive into quirky gift ideas from a D&D anniversary celebration to the 50th anniversary of imaginative tech. Learn about unique items like a versatile 3D printing pen, innovative cooking tools, and fun online resources for cybersecurity. Also discussed are holiday must-haves like the Ember Baby Bottle System and the Leatherman Wave Plus, perfect for enhancing both creativity and connectivity this festive season.
Gift options for sysadmins range from humorous gadgets and quirky stickers to unique tabletop gaming items, enhancing personal enjoyment and creativity.
The podcast emphasizes the value of gifts that foster learning and skill development, highlighting subscriptions and tools that support technical exploration.
Deep dives
Cisadmin Christmas Toys
The episode touches on the fun annual tradition of selecting toys and gadgets that appeal to system administrators, humorously branded as 'Cisadmin Christmas'. The hosts discuss past episodes, reflecting on their growing enthusiasm and competitive edge regarding gift ideas. Listeners are reminded that finding the right tech gifts for system admins can be challenging, given their specific desires for gadgets and tech products. Instead, they suggest opting for quirky and lighthearted items that can be enjoyed without the expectation of functionality.
Creative Stickers and Gaming Gifts
One notable recommendation includes fun and creative stickers from a shop run by a character known as 'the help desk girl', featuring humorous IT-themed designs. The hosts highlight the resurgence of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, introducing updated player and Dungeon Master guides, as well as unique metal dice as excellent gift options for fans. They emphasize these gifts as not only nostalgic but also appealing for a modern audience, as games are becoming more mainstream and vertical in popularity. This focus combines fun with a nod to creativity, presenting gaming and creative stickers as ideal gift choices.
Innovative Kitchen and Tech Gadgets
The conversation shifts towards quirky kitchen gadgets and technological advancements, such as a uniquely designed Xbox-themed toaster that adds fun to meal prep. They also mention high-quality cooking thermometers that enhance the cooking experience by allowing for precision monitoring of meats while grilling. This showcases that gifts don’t always have to be serious—combining functionality with humor is a recurring theme. Such items make for memorable gifts that resonate with the tech-savvy and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Gifts for Learning and Improvement
As the discussion progresses, the importance of giving gifts that promote learning and skill development is emphasized, highlighting subscriptions to platforms like TryHackMe for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Free tools, such as the Wi-Fi Man app from Ubiquity, are recommended for enthusiasts who want to improve their networking skills. Further, they illustrate the use of creative technology, like 3D printing pens, as excellent ways to encourage artistic expression and technical exploration. These recommendations focus on providing meaningful gifts that can lead to personal growth and curious exploration.
Need some gift ideas for your favorite sysadmin? We're here for you! Richard brings back Rick Claus and Joey Snow for another round of great gadgets that sysadmins love. There are some inexpensive options, some expensive options, some silly things, and some awesome toys! Share this show with your loved ones to help them get something great for you!