Is Oregon the next "Land of Opportunity" for Tech Workers?

If you are looking for a career in technology, come to Oregon (?)(It's true!)

This morning's OregonLive.com published an article by Mike Rogoway about a new technology survey done with the participation with the Technology Association of Oregon. This study of Oregon tech companies found that 80% plan to increase hiring for technical positions.

Here is the link: http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2013/11/oregon_tech_survey_finds_unive.html#incart_river_default

This is huge as it indicates that the "pent-up demand" for technicians -- across the spectrum -- is finally at the breaking point and hiring MUST begin. 

Additionally, the survey also revealed that the average annual wages for tech positions in Oregon is at $94,000 per year -- or TWICE the state average. 

But wait -- there's more.

"Talent availability" is one of their biggest concerns. This means that there is not enough people in the pipeline to fill all the positions. 

Or, another way of saying it is like this: For technology workers in Oregon, Demand is High / Supply is Low.

For the colleges and universities in Oregon, our challenge is not simply to turn out graduates; but, to turn out graduates who are trained in skill sets relevant to the need of the companies in our State. At MHCC, we believe we are doing just that with training in everything from Help Desk, to Heath Informatics, to Networking, to Cyber Security -- and points in between! 

Want to know more? (click here and look for "Computer" and "Cyber")

They got me! The DoSearches.com "virus"

As an instructor in Cyber Security, I was a little disappointed -- although not surprised -- that I caught a virus on my home computer. What was disappointing is that I downloaded it myself. The truth is, I wanted to watch streaming video of the San Jose Sharks game and the only free streams were coming out of Europe, and... you can guess the rest.

The net result was that I downloaded a nasty little PUP ("Potentially Unwanted Program", technically NOT a virus but sure does act like one) that hijacked every one of my browsers and some shortcuts, and redirects me to their search engine at DoSearches.com which in turn displays a Google knock-off home page but with advertisements. And, it is a rootkit so it dig deep into your operating system.

After some quick research, I located this web site (http://malwaretips.com/blogs/dosearches-com-virus/#adwcleaner) by Steven Pilici posted in September of this year. On this page, he discusses the dosearches.com PUP and provides a 5-step approach to getting it off.

I did the 5-steps and not only did it remove the dosearches, it found and removed a whole lot more. Naturally, you are always responsible for your own computer. And, if you think you have some viruses (and you probably do), here are some nice, free apps which can help you out.