Monday, June 16, 2025

SearXNG: A MetaSearch Engine That Protects Your Privacy and Minimizes Advertising Algorithms

As an IT college professor, I do a LOT of research using Web search.  Coming up with engaging content and effective assignments is sometimes a daunting task, and the last thing I want is ineffective or biased search results hindering my work.  Of course, there are useful tools to help my search efforts, and now with AI, things just got a lot easier.  For example, by aggregating results from multiple search engines, SearXNG (pronounced “searching”) offers users a comprehensive and unbiased perspective on their queries. Its open-source nature allows for customization, enabling individuals to tailor the tool to their specific needs or even host their own instance for complete control over their data. 

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Unlocking the Future: A Free Path to AI Mastery for IT Generalists and Software Engineers

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved far beyond buzzwords—it’s a transformative force that is reshaping industries, driving innovation, and creating new career pathways. For IT generalists and software engineers alike, embracing AI is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Employers today demand skills that go beyond traditional IT tasks or software development—they’re looking for professionals who can integrate AI technologies into real-world applications. And with projections showing even greater demand in the next 12–24 months, the time to act is now.  Whether your employed in IT or are still in college, this applies to you!

But learning AI doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive. There are countless free resources available to help you navigate this landscape and build expertise tailored to your goals. Let’s dive deeper into why AI skills are essential, how you can future-proof your career, and, most importantly, how you can showcase your new skills to stand out in the ever-changing job market.

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Welcome to the IT blog!

nullHello everyone!  This is my personal IT blog.  I have included lots of resources for my current and past IT students, both young and old, to help enable their success in the IT field. This blog is also for those of you interested it bettering your IT knowledge, even if you're retired!

As a student, it is critical for you once you are an IT professional to continue to learn, to monitor IT news and IT trends so that you can navigate the IT field successfully.   This post is to introduce you to the resources I have provided that will assist you in your journey as an IT professional.

Monday, August 26, 2024

Are You a Transfer Student at a Community College?

Tips on Transferring from a 2 Year to 4 Year College

 Many students use a community college or another two-year college as a stepping-stone to a four-year college and a bachelor’s degree. If you want to take this path, here’s what you should do: