+def getUserName():
+    if isWindows():
+        return os.getenv('USERNAME')
+    else:
+        # 06-Feb-06 stoens@activegrid.com --
+        # this blows up the linux cc runs with "Inappropriate ioctl for device"
+        #return os.getlogin()
+        return os.getenv('USER')        
+
+def getCurrentTimeAsFloat():
+    return time.time()
+
+systemStartTime = getCurrentTimeAsFloat()