Slashdot Mirror

Cjattwood writes "Mac OS rumors has an article describing a possible implementation of a Bittorrent client into Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard", including a unique sharing reward system where the user can share bandwidth and get rewards, such as credit in the iTunes store."

If you've tossed and turned wondering whether the Plan 9 License is Free or merely free, or tossed back the warm milk and cookies waiting for the first stabilizations for XFree86 4.0 to arrive, or counted sheep as you daydream about a cheap Linux-based terminal without monthly fees, or forced deep breathing exercises to get over the thought that perhaps you could doing something to stamp out discourteous Web page behavior ... relax. Go to sleep right after you read these updates.

How soon is now? Unlike a lot of cool-sounding soon-to-be-released, wouldn't-it-be-cool promiseware, it's interesting to see hardware that actually makes it to market before its underlying idea is doomed by advances sweeping past. Larry Ellison's $199 Linux box mentioned on Slashdot a while back appears to have reached that point. The NIC Web site has changed, and no longer is the only way to order one donating it to an underserved school.

Why don't you find out for yourself? jesser writes "Many slashdotters asked on the lock-in attack story whether/when mozilla would be safe from this type of attack. Here are some links to bugzilla bug entries in case any slashdotters would like to work on making mozilla more secure:

• bug 29346: Prevent repeating pop-up windows
• bug 33448: disable 'new window' when close box clicked
• bug 22049: javascript alert should not put up extermely modal dialog"

You've got everything now. Patrick Mullen writes "I just finished my review of XFree86 4.0.1. I've had a lot of requests to see a feature on this when it hit (apparently they liked the last article), and here it is. There's benchmarks, overview of the bug fixes, and new features. In addition to the review, I've also got the new NVidia 0.9-4 drivers which allow NVidia's line of cards to function correctly on XFree86 4.0.1 available on the website-and these are not available on even NVidia's website at the time."

That joke isn't funny any more. A number of readers wrote in with harsh words about the report that Apple forced the removal of rumors regarding an alleged next-generation translucent-cased machine.

Kaufmann, for instance, wrote: "Remember the whole story about MOSR's article regarding the new generation of Macs getting pulled at the request of Apple Legal? Well, an Alan Smithee is claiming that it's a hoax. To prove it, he's put up the very same article on the Personal Homepage service provided by Apple at Mac.com. Further investigation seems necessary." Note: not that putting an article on Apple's Personal Homepage service proves it's worthiness, but it does beg the question of Apple being quick to pounce on it. "Alan Smithee" doesn't exactly inspire confidence either, though -- that's the pseudonym directors traditionally use to distance themselves from films they consider too bad to bear their real names;)

Similarly, an unnamed correpsondent had this to say: "The Apple cube that has been talked about the past few days is a total hoax. Some guy sent an email with fake specs to MacOSRumors and they posted it. Kind of makes one question the credibility of Ryan Meader saying that Apple forced him to take it down. Anyways you can see the fake email at: [this link]."

Stop me if you think you've heard this one before ... QBasic_Dude writes "Richard Stallman wrote about the Problems of the Plan Nine License. Technocrat has a discussion about this, and so does Advogato."

Richard cites what he considers odious provisions in the putatively "open source" Plan 9 license (like this one: "You agree to provide the Original Contributor, at its request, with a copy of the complete Source Code version, Object Code version and related documentation for Modifications created or contributed to by You if used for any purpose.") and responds with typical Stallman pithiness, "This prohibits modifications for private use, denying the users a basic right." There's much more to read there, and worth your time. (As are the discussions at Advogato and Technocrat!)

Arthropoid writes "Looks like Apple's legal department has been busy of late. After forcing Ad Critic to take down all its Apple commercials, they have struck again, forcing Mac rumors site Mac OS Rumors to take down two stories. Both stories reported on details of Apple's next generation computer and case, supposedly a cube like box (still translucent) with a third party PCI chassis attachable through a connection on the motherboard." I traded email with Ryan Meader at MOSR about this.

(Full disclosure: I own some Apple stock and have been a fan of the company since my Apple][+; also, MOSR's parent company did ads for Slashdot several years ago.)

Apple apparently claimed to MOSR that - among other things - they had "proprietary and statutory rights" that were violated by the stories that ran on the site. Sounds fishy to me. Unless they can prove an NDA was violated (and Meader says none was), I can't see how they have a case. You can't copyright a fact.

But I'm not a lawyer. If any lawyers would like to comment on this, feel free.

Effectively what this means is that large legal fees would have to be paid unless the rumor site removed the rumors. Win or lose, nobody likes to be on the receiving end of a lawsuit. It just costs too much to defend so the rumors get pulled. Just a fact of life on today's web.

To be sure, another large factor in MOSR's decision is that they are supporters of Apple and of the Macintosh community. Meader says their website "was originally created to help Apple through the rough times of '95-'97 ... because the Mac community is so protective of its center, we don't feel that it's wise nor beneficial to fight Apple on this."

But, as Meader goes on to say, "The real matter at issue here is that Apple wants to be able to do what they want without taking responsibility for failures, schedule slides, or unpopular plans, until they're already carried through. ...Apple figures that rumor sites are inevitable, so individually they have no value. They can be tossed away when they become an inconvenience, and others will spring up to continue giving them free, no-strings hype."

The end result is that rumor sites are allowed to exist ... as long as they don't get too uppity and cause too much trouble for the bottom line.

But here's an interesting angle. MOSR publishes its stories under the OpenContent License (which goes by the odd acronym "OPL"). If anyone happened to snag a copy of the offending rumors before they were removed, then according to the terms of this license,

"You may copy and distribute exact replicas of the OpenContent (OC) as you receive it, in any medium,"

as long as you reproduce the copyright and warranty-disclaimer, and a few other usual things. Oh, and as long as you're willing to get sued by Apple, whose lawyers presumably will welcome the chance to make themselves, once again, useful.

caligula writes: "Just saw this [macnn.com report]: 'Tuesday, May 17 updated 2:30 pm, top stories. During the hardware keynote of WWDC, which ended just minutes ago, Apple demonstrated a dual-processor G4 Power Mac running Mac OS X. Of note to developers is that Cocoa/Carbon applications do not need to be changed in any way to take advantage of multi-processors. Benchmark demonstrations ran roughly twice as fast on the dual-G4 system compared to the single-G4 Power Mac that was on stage. No mention was given as to when these multiprocessor G4s would ship, although it was stressed that it would not be happening any time soon but that they would definitely be out by next year's WWDC.'" JonahLee pointed out a related link on macosrumors.com, and migooch noted this slightly more informative ZDne t story. Mortals still must wait at least 'til January.

Maktoo writes: "Well, this has been a favorite rumour in the Mac world for quite some time, but with the approach of WWDC (next Monday) things are starting to heat up. MacOSRumors, AppleInsider, and Go2Mac are all predicting MP G4s soon ... with Go2Mac actually claiming that CompUSA has SKUs for the systems. The keynote on Monday should be interesting. I don't see why Apple would release MP machines before MacOS X ... but we might get a demo at least. I'm excited enough that I'll be getting a copy of MacOS X Beta when I walk in the door ... but an MP G4 would be nice too."

Araquel writes, "MacOS Rumors is reporting that Connectix is considering releasing an Open Source Linux version of its Virtual Game Station product (VGS is a PlayStation emulator for Macs). MacOS Rumors is calling for people to e-mail Connectix, requesting that they actually release the source code."

MacOS Rumors is running a blurb that Apple is exploring porting Darwin to other processors (including Transmeta's Crusoe processor) due to frustration with availability of high speed Motorola G4 processors. An interesting though, a Mac without a Motorola chip... Of course, it's just a rumor at this point... (update: I've got it confirmed from "anonymous sources" that this is true)

mrwiz writes "According to this article at Appleinsider, it looks like Apple may be removing the upgradability of processors even further with their next generation logicboards, codenamed "Shark", by moving the boot ROM off of the logicboard and onto their processor daughter cards. " Update: 09/07 07:56 by CT : The Happy Blues Man writes "MacOS Rumors has an update on the "trojan" firmware upgrade for Blue & White G3s. It seems that even in Apple itself, the issue was hotly contested and the proponents' reason was to stop 3rd parties from shipping G4 upgrades before Apple's G4s were shipping. Apple sources have confirmed a fix will be available. " Update: 09/07 08:54 by H :I've been told by numerous people that this is NOT true-more to follow.

Anonymous Coward writes "MacOS Rumors has a few tidbits on the upcoming G4 chips. Sounds like it should have good SMP capabilities, and be blazingly fast. I think Linux certainly has a good future on the macs "

Juan Fernando writes "Mac OS Rumors is reporting that Apple's long anticipated OS 10 Server (formerly known as OS X Server which is formerly known as Rhapsody) has reached Golden Master, and should be available mid-month thru the Apple Store."

Chris Halsall writes " Mac OS Rumors is reporting that Qualcomm is likely to sell off or simply shutdown their Eudora e-mail client division because of poor financial performance out of the group. How to do you compete with free e-mail systems included with every web browser? You don't, which is why a buyer is unlikely. My question is would Qualcomm consider "doing a Netscape" and release the code under OpenSource? This would allow the client to continue to evolve without their expending resources, and they could continue to use the upgraded client in their own applications. Win-win." The article is down the page. Since the submission, Mac OS Rumors has reported that pressure from Microsoft is also involved.

Bob_Dobbs wrote in to tell us that there are major rumors that the next Macs should actually do Playstation Emulation. Requires a G3, but it's not like many people are buying Mac Classics any more. H: Sounds like Jobs will be announcing this officially tomorrow. Very cool. Update: 01/05 12:23 by S : Here's some more info thanks to Narbo: Connectix' press release confirms the story, and lists the games you can play on it.

_damnit_ writes "Macosrumors had a strange bit on MacOS X today. What would a common UNIX binary accomplish? " Probably even more notable is the bit that thinker sent us where you can read about Apple shipping LinuxPPC Boxes. All I can say about that is "wow". If the prices can be competitive, PowerBooks, iMacs, and the G3s are all great Linux workstations. (even USB is coming along)

Rumors are starting to surface about WebMate, the new portable that Apple is supposed to be bringing out. The machine, although the article states "early 99" will probably be mid 99. However, other rumors have a common thread: wireless. Mmm...no more CAT5. Radio stuff that Apple patented ten years ago-anyone know anything more about this? One of my fellow co-workers has provided me with a good write-up about the wireless support.

Nick Barnes writes "Details of the next generation of desktop Macs, codenamed Yosemite, have been leaked to Mac OS Rumors." Lots of specs and numbers to read if you're curious.

James Rooker writes " MacOS Rumours has a posting today about Apple possibly making MacOS X (Yellow Box) Libraries available for linux after they release MacOS X -- apparently the idea is gaining currency within Apple -- They give an email address of leadership@apple.com as a means of putting your .02 to the Apple big-wigs about this."

guardian3 writes "According to Mac OS Rumours New G4s will be introduced in two stages: "Max" (@300 to 500MHz) & V'Ger (500MHz-1.2Ghz). More details here. " Max's performance should be 30-50% greater than G3's without counting the boost expected from AltiVec (a better MMX). Remains to be seen how successful AltiVec is with Software Developers.

guardian3 writes "According to Mac OS Rumours New G4s will be introduced in two stages: "Max" (@300 to 500MHz) & V'Ger (500MHz-1.2Ghz). More details here. " Max's performance should be 30-50% greater than G3's without counting the boost expected from AltiVec (a better MMX). Remains to be seen how successful AltiVec is with Software Developers.

Joshua Marshall writes "I saw today as I was idly browsing some Mac web sites, a Q&A mentioning that Apple will be shipping two-button mice as an option with its new Yosemete G4 machine! (shipping early next year.) One more reason to buy a Mac and LinuxPPC! If you want to read it, you'd better hurry, they update the site once a day. (It's at the bottom of the page) " I'm amazed. How can this be? 2 buttons seems so... confusing. 3 seems positively counterproductive *grin*.

Ryan Meader of MacOS Rumors fame writes "NCEE (Northeast Computing and Education Expo) is a big show up here in Auburn, Maine, this coming weekend (Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th). We're going to be featuring people, hardware, software, and operating systems from FreeBSD.org, Red Hat, Be, Apple, LinuxPPC.org, and many others in our Alternative Computing display at the show. Drop by, chat with the geeks, see a great show, grab some gibs in our Networking Gaming room, and catch a very cool Digital Music seminar by yours truly :-)"

Steven Weller sent us a link to a screenshot at Mac OS Rumors showing a screenshot of a user running a plethora of emulators inside emulators. Really cool. fredric pointed us to a PC Magazine article about the Cobalt Qube winning an Editors' Choice award. Finally, Mike Miller sent us a link to a cool story on open source software, written by a Microsoft employee.

Ryan Meader (of Black Light Media- the cool folks he handle Slashdot's Advertising) asked me to point you guys to his MacOS Rumors. Today Ryan posted a bit on releasing the source code to InterWeather.com (it's coming soon): a cool net analysis site that will be appearing very soon. Anyway, read the article, and Ryan is really seeking public feed back on the whole thing so see what he has to say and give him some direction on making this happen.

Scott Millen (my coworker, and sparring partner in the OS war :) sent me a link to Mac OS Rumors, which is posting a Press Release from Al Guerra Enterprises, Inc, which apparently is stepping up to the plate to support MkLinux. They sell a service plan for $99 and up. This is a really interesting idea: the new Mac hardware is impressive, and a lot of MacOS users may be interested in giving Linux a shot. Apps like The Gimp certainly are a good incentive to try out a new OS.

An anonymous reader sent us a link to Mac OS Rumors where you can read a comment that Mach will actually be the muscle underneath most PowerMac products in the next 12 months. The scariest comment is about an experimental MkLinux kernel that runs Rhapsody DR2 and MMKLinux DR3 simultaneously. I always figured my next box would be an Alpha, but those G3s are looking better every day.

Mac OS Rumors is running an article now that speaks about how Linux and Rhapsody may actually merge together in some future version of the OS. The first person to send this in was Iestyn Lewis. Several others expressed skepticism over this and I have to agree. Anyway, read it and make your own call.

Diederik Meijer sent us this link over at Mac OS Rumors that talks about Netscape v5. Most notable of the new stuff is something the article is referring to as "Aurora" - which is basically an explorer style pane that Navigator includes. I thought Aurora was the codename for Navigator 5, not just the pane, but I am probably wrong.