Much to do about nothing

I know some people have went on about how lately the sales people in the local computer stores are getting much better. Well if today is any sign of things, I think they are slipping... BADLY!

I have been having some issues with some kernel debugging that I just can't do with VMWare. I seem to have a weird bug having to do with XP's suspend and resume functions for laptops that cause the OS to BSOD, and I just can't find a way to track it down. Trying to do network debugging is useless.. since this is a kernel-mode network driver. "No worries", I thought to myself, "I will just attach the kernel to a serial port and debug it remotely that way".

So I try hunting down a null modem cable so I can do just that. Can't find it. I think I may have left it at Limos' place, or perhaps it got lost in the move. No matter, I will just run down to the local LD computer store and get a new one.

Well, there was my first mistake. When in the store and asking the sales person "Could you point me to the null modem cables please?" I was asked "What are you trying to do?". I ramble on about how I need to put the kernel into the debugger, and that I would need to communicate directly between the two computers to do so. Oh that seemed to be the flag to turn on the "I'm a great salesman, let me show you what I think you need, not what you want". How does this go? Well it goes like this:

1. I am first told that XP doesn't have a kernel I can debug. A kernel is for that Linux thing, and I am shown the latest Redhat. This was quickly shot down when I explained I am doing kernel-mode development for XP, and indeed there is a kernel. Most people just don't touch it. I said, "Can you please show me where your cable is."
   
2. Next I was given a nice pretty cross over cable and told this will connect two computers together. I look at the thing, shake my head and sigh. Just WHAT was I going to say? Anger started to build and I just had to snicker at myself. I deserved this. I foolishly asked for help. I did say I wanted to connect two computers together. I did ask where the cable was. I decided to play it cool and explain that I needed a 9-pin serial cable. I re-iterated that it was called a NULL modem cable.
   
3. Not clear enough apparently. I was introduced to the nice neat wall outside the cmputer department where they now put the serial cabling. I was given about 8 choices of male connectors. 5 of them 24 pin. *sigh* Ok, now I had enough. I kindly explained that I needed a serial cable that had two females on the ends, and that it was called a NULL modem cable.
   
4. The manger who apparently knew who I was, seeing how frustrated I am comes to my rescue. (I was just amazed the manager was in the store after 5pm). "Mr. Epp", he says to me in an apologetic and calming tone, "You want the laplink cable right over there". Ok, I'll byte, I never heard it called a lap link cable before. Now said original sales guy is no where to be seen. He just realized he had no clue what I was asking for, and that it might be better to hide when the manager is addressing me by name. And that might be a good thing. Of course, I apparently didn't know what I was asking for either. Gawd forbid the name changed for the cable.
   

So I take the cable up to the counter, and the original sales dude is back. Guess he wants my money. But before he takes it he goes on this big speal about how it's impossible to put the XP operating system into a debugger. He should know, he has Developer Studio and has been playing with it in an effort to learn to program. Now is the time I decide I have had enough. I don't mind being wrong and hey, I didn't know it's called a lap link cable now. I deserve the pain of the hellish computer-guy sales cycle I seem to attract. But don't question what I do for a living. It's just dumb. There are people out there in the world that do know more than you, Mr. LD computer sales guy.

I begin by explaining what exactly a kernel is, and how with supporting architectural APIs from Microsoft that you can indeed put it in the debugger. I then explained that you need a special type of debugger called a "Kernel debugger" and special symbols from the operating system, which you can get when you are a member of MSDN. Hell you can get them without MSDN, its just not as easy. I further explain how you can extend the functionality of Microsoft operating systems using the Windows DDK (Device Driver Kit), and that this was exactly what I was doing.

I thought at this point it was over. I made my case. Nothing more was going to happen. So I thought. I was delightfully wrong.

The manager overhearing my tone starts walking towards me as the original sales guy says something that made me want to keel over and die laughing. And I quote. "I thought about going and getting my MSDN certification, but I don't have the time to go back to school right now. I am learning to program".

At this point the manager just made it to the counter and abruptly points out that the sales guy might want to be quiet for a moment and learn something. (This was getting good.. the manager was actually being an asshole for me to the sales guy.. the exact words escape me, but were something to the affect of "You might want to keep your mouth shut and listen for a change". Almost thought he was talking TO me.)

"Mr. Epp, I never heard of MSDN, but I am guessing its not a certification is it?" says the manager. I quickly point out that no, its MCSE that they were thinking of, and that MSDN is Micosoft's Developer Network, a for-fee service MS uses to assist developers by providing tonnes of supporting software and literature to 3rd party developers as they build software for Microsoft's platforms.

My laplink cable was quickly rang through as he listened intently. He made some ego-stroking comments about how I am always doing the coolest things in the industry, how it was too bad Merilus closed down, but that he was confident that the stuff I am working on now sounds like I will be back on top soon. He hands me the bag and says he hopes I will come back again, and to not worry about the other sales guy. He will be dealt with.

I don't know what that means, but if I were the sales guy I wouldn't be going into the back room with the manager any time soon. I think that was the only saving grace. Realizing that said sales guy is probably going to get whipped with a wet noodle almost makes up for it. Almost. If he was whipped with a NULL modem cable I would be much happier.