This post and the next one are lessons that I have been reminded of in the last 24 hours.
One of my small business clients has a network with 4-5 PC’s (there’s only 4 right now, #5 is on deck, in limbo currently.) I came on the scene about 9 months ago and the network and switch were at least 7-8 years old and 5 PC’s were older, with Windows 98. My approach is normally to make the most with what you have and move forward, as the money is available to upgrade. Everything worked ok at the moment but I told them there are a number of things that can go out without warning, so you are taking your chances.
Since I came on the scene, we have now replaced every piece of hardware: PC’s, router, CAT5 etc. I even installed a Buffalo LinkStation for extra storage. The last thing to replace is the CAT5, so I bought the cable and had someone else pull it thru the ceiling, then I went in last night and crimped the ends on and got it going.
So, here’s my point. Crimping the RJ-45 plugs on CAT5 is somewhat tedious and the thought in my mind was that I really didn’t want to have to redo it. I spent more time confirming that the wires were lined up right than I took to actually crimp. In the end, everything works, so I’m happy and my attention to the detail paid off.
The only outstanding issue now is one of the cables only comes about 2 feet out of the ceiling, which is fine if the PC was mounted on the ceiling! Not so great when the PC is under the counter. So, I’ll be going back in the next couple of days to fix that, but that also emphasizes my point. For some reason, the guy pulling the cable dropped the ball and didn’t leave enough slack. There’s plenty of excess on the other end, so because of that oversight, it’s going to take me more time.
Whether it’s in the church or anywhere else, take time to do the job right the first time, you will save time for everybody in the long run, plus it’s what we are called to do.
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (NET)
Next, is a lesson in email forwarding and just because someone says they verified the facts does not always mean it’s true.