Slashdot Mirror

The poll is still available here . It carries no warnings or disclaimers that the poll has been massively rigged by Microsoft.

Looks like they read your comment. They've added a disclaimer:


On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

The poll is still available here . It carries no warnings or disclaimers that the poll has been massively rigged by Microsoft.

Looks like they read your comment. They've added a disclaimer:


On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

There's a new message up now.

"On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here."

There's a new message up now.

"On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here."

Do you plan to have Web services running by the end of 2002? If so, which?

16.1% Java
74.7% Microsoft .Net
2.8% Both
6.4% Neither

1415 Votes Total

Do you plan to have Web services running by the end of 2002? If so, which?

16.1% Java
74.7% Microsoft .Net
2.8% Both
6.4% Neither

1415 Votes Total

The dead people are back, rooting for M$, but this time online.

There's another one here :-)

The poll is closed, and there is a full disclaimer above the results:

On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

The poll is closed, and there is a full disclaimer above the results:

On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

Amazing, Linux is apparently going to jump from ~1% marketshare to a stunning 80%+ during 2002! Geez these web polls are magical tea leaves pronouncing the future!

On the poll archive page, there is this message at the top:

Poll Results
On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

On the poll archive page, there is this message at the top:

Poll Results
On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

On the poll archive page, there is this message at the top:

Poll Results
On 21 December, ZDNet posted a story reporting the preliminary results of this poll, which showed a large majority of respondents who said they planned to deliver applications via Web services by the end of 2002 favoured Java for the job. At the time, Java outranked .Net by a factor of three in this poll. By early January, the position had reversed; the results are shown here. An investigation indicated that Microsoft employees used vote-rigging to distort the results. The full story can be found here.

But, why would anyone rig un-scientific polls?

But, why would anyone rig un-scientific polls?

Will you use Linux in 2002?

Okay?

If anyone wanted to slashdot a ZDNet 'Will you install Linux on a computer in 2002' poll... the address is http://polls.zdnet.co.uk/zdnuk/?p=26&m=1.

"Do you plan to use Linux on a PC in 2002?"
Let's all rig it quick!

If slashdot links to such polls, the result would rigged too... in a slightly other way, but :-)
Here is a nice URL to start: a ZDnet Linux Poll: http://polls.zdnet.co.uk/zdnuk/?p=26&m=1

have fun ;)
domi.

you mean if i went like this?

I wonder if they have them working on this one too... http://polls.zdnet.co.uk/zdnuk/?p=26&m=1

The poll is still available here. It carries no warnings or disclaimers that the poll has been massively rigged by Microsoft.

Why?

• Name The Register's bird!
  
• Name Zope's Z-on-a-sphere!
  
• Name ZD-Net's slightly rotated red rectangle!
  
• Name Slashdot's rounded green corner!
  

CRT emits light, doesn't have to worry about latency and visual memory causing ghosting (a problem, I've heard, with TFT and OLED). CRTs also handle colors better. Some of the comparisons and an overview of LCD technology are at ZDNet and ErgoDynamix

While there does not appear to be a direct equivalent of the EFF in the UK/EU, one organisation that springs to mind is Statewatch, which is dedicated to monitoring civil liberties (including electronic) in the EU.

Hopefully organisations like these will stop abuses of power such as the EU Telecommunications Directive (news story ZDNET) which calls for ISP and Telecomms to retain communication records for 7 (yes, seven) years.

Some people are also rather annoyed with Echelon, the Menrith Hill based UK-US monitoring centre which listens to some/many/all (depending on who you talk to!) calls and email within the UK. Personally, I have a soft spot for it, since it really annoys the French: ZDNET story

On a semi-related note, the Campaign for FOI is campaiging for more open access to information in the UK.

On an insane note, these people Project Freedom are determined to expose MI5/MI6/CIA use of mind control on socialists and other undesirables...

Oh, you mean like here and here and here and here and here and here and ...

Oh, you mean like here and here and here and here and here and here and ...

Oh, you mean like here and here and here and here and here and here and ...

I am very skeptical that you are going to find a way to enter formulae as fast as your prof. can write them on the board.

I'd think that a hybrid that captures handwriting as a bitmap for later transcription would be ideal.

I swear I have seen something like the IBM TransNote but more like a normal (paper) notepad with a Palm attached to it and less like a notebook (PC) with a notepad next to it.

Good luck!

-Peter

It doesn't really matter if they monitor your system of not. The FBI tends to ignore things.. On the other hand, they do abuse people from time to time. Whatever.

I recently read in the WSJ about the alliance Sony and AOL have recently forged. One of things they are going to be collaborating on is:

The joint development of an Internet browser designed for optimal performance, a consistent experience, and greater convenience on networked consumer electronic devices. Both companies envision not only employing the browser in future Sony products but also making it available to other consumer electronics manufacturers

Are they talking about Mozilla? If not what does this mean for Mozilla? Remember that AOL owns Netscape, who are the biggest contributors to Mozilla. There's also an article about the alliance here. I tried to post it as a story, but it got rejected. Sorry about the offtopic message here.

Neco = cat(japanese), ro from robot. site Same mistake in the zdnet article, extremely similar to the linked yahoo article if you ask me.. :) .. Thanx Reuters..

Compare the numbers here to the numbers here and be aware that on LCDs, contrast ratio comes at a premium price--there's no way you're going to get a $400 LCD with comparable contrast to a $100 CRT.

And you're forgetting about color gamut entirely, which is just as important. LCDs have terrible color range compared to CRTs.

Compare the numbers here to the numbers here and be aware that on LCDs, contrast ratio comes at a premium price--there's no way you're going to get a $400 LCD with comparable contrast to a $100 CRT.

And you're forgetting about color gamut entirely, which is just as important. LCDs have terrible color range compared to CRTs.

I think he means Ginger, the ultra-secret invention by Dean Kamen which is supposed to revolutionize society sometime in 2002. It was big news around January.

Here a link for those with short-term memory.

Come to me, my precious karma...

So while I understand that it's lots of fun to find a site which claims that WinXP is 10% slower and doesn't do the laundry or clean the kitchen and trumpet it on Slashdot, don't let just the one site be your guide.

For example [firingsquad.com] here is a site (and a cite) that claims XP actually offers slight improvements over 2k.

Even some [zdnet.co.uk] lacking benchmarks still claim that XP is faster than 2k.

Come on now, let's do some research before we spread misinformed FUD of our own!

However they do not habitually go in for some of the stoopid lawsuits beloved by other CEOs, possibly because they are often the subject of stoopid suits themselves.

I think the reason MS has been subject of those lawsuits, because they have been the ones that have been stealing markets by bundling and undercutting prices. Now that OSS is doing the same and MS is the victim, the tables are turning

I believe the story on the widened probe is here or here.

Found on the same site Virus & Hacking

Of course that was not the case with the Yahoo Nazi Auctions, and besides havent you been keeping up with what the Council of Europe was upto last year see here.It is possible one way or another the governments will pick apart the freedom we have gained here, but then nothing is forever.

• 802.11b
• VPN access
• video playback
• audio playback
• e-book reader

Don't look here to the UK for a shining example of honour. M$ are pretty much camped in 10 Downing Street, and Blair appeared on TV showing off WinXP (another src). All government services are due to be online 2005 but will only be accessibly by Microsoft browsers. The Register has good articles here and here. Makes me sick. Especially as we used to have a thriving computer business of our own (Acorn) which the government did nothing to help whilst it was killed off by M$ anti-competative practices. When will the UK government realise that 'IT' is not solely churning out secretaries that can use Word but to give encouragement to those that might become programmers or other similarly skilled professions instead of holding them back. Sorry to turn this post even more UK-centric, but we could mitigate some of Blair's damage if WE LET THE TEACHERS CHOOSE WHAT OS THEY WANT TO USE (instead of easily bought LEA officials). Oh and paying extra for teachers with industry experience so for a change the teacher knows more about IT than the pupils.

Phillip.

AIX was developed from the group up, by IBM, to kick ass on IBM hardware. GNU/Linux was developed by a diverse group of developers -- each with different goals; some wanted a server OS, some wanted a desktop OS -- for cheapo x86 hardware.

I can't find anything to back this up, but I'd imagine that this is using the spectrum recently auctioned in the UK for fixed wireless access. That covers spectrum in the 28GHz, 40 GHz, 3.4 GHz and 10GHz frequencies. See ZDNet article here for details.
We're not talking wireless in the home here, just wireless *to* to the home, replacing the NTL cable. As the FAQ points out:

"A signal is transmitted from various locations throughout London and is received by the outdoor transceiver on the side of the property. The cable modem recognises this signal and converts it into standard data packets that your PC will recognise."

As a previous poster has mentioned, charging for 2.4 GHz bandwidth in the UK is currently against the licensing regulations anyway.

Wouldn't be the first time, eh?

This is, of course, complete rubbish. Psion handhelds have shipped with Psiwin and a link cable for many years now, at no extra cost.

Yeah, well I don't suppose you owned a Psion Siena that, as this 1998 PC Magazine (UK) review clearly states, shipped without any kind of connectivity.

OK, so by 1998 Psion did bundle very basic PC connectivity with some of its models (also reviewed were the Psion 3C and the Psion 5) but this wasn't always the case - the Psiwin software and link cable started life as an optional extra.

But isn't it disgraceful enough that, only three years ago, Psion were happy to sell a £200/$300 (the prices in the review are exclusive of taxes) handheld device without PC connectivity in the box? And that cost of PC connectivity was for this device was a bargain-basement £80/$120?

Is this what you meant by "no extra cost"?

Next time, check your facts before you start commenting on the veracity of those provided by others.

This is, of course, complete rubbish. Psion handhelds have shipped with Psiwin and a link cable for many years now, at no extra cost.

Yeah, well I don't suppose you owned a Psion Siena that, as this 1998 PC Magazine (UK) review clearly states, shipped without any kind of connectivity.

OK, so by 1998 Psion did bundle very basic PC connectivity with some of its models (also reviewed were the Psion 3C and the Psion 5) but this wasn't always the case - the Psiwin software and link cable started life as an optional extra.

But isn't it disgraceful enough that, only three years ago, Psion were happy to sell a £200/$300 (the prices in the review are exclusive of taxes) handheld device without PC connectivity in the box? And that cost of PC connectivity was for this device was a bargain-basement £80/$120?

Is this what you meant by "no extra cost"?

Next time, check your facts before you start commenting on the veracity of those provided by others.

This is, of course, complete rubbish. Psion handhelds have shipped with Psiwin and a link cable for many years now, at no extra cost.

Yeah, well I don't suppose you owned a Psion Siena that, as this 1998 PC Magazine (UK) review clearly states, shipped without any kind of connectivity.

OK, so by 1998 Psion did bundle very basic PC connectivity with some of its models (also reviewed were the Psion 3C and the Psion 5) but this wasn't always the case - the Psiwin software and link cable started life as an optional extra.

But isn't it disgraceful enough that, only three years ago, Psion were happy to sell a £200/$300 (the prices in the review are exclusive of taxes) handheld device without PC connectivity in the box? And that cost of PC connectivity was for this device was a bargain-basement £80/$120?

Is this what you meant by "no extra cost"?

Next time, check your facts before you start commenting on the veracity of those provided by others.

The problem with rage is that it makes it hard to focus and say what you're really feeling.

Intel has made a fortune selling garbage. The x86 architecture is just that - garbage. CISC is dead, and has been for a long time. They couldn't make a decent SMP setup until they stole technology from a International Meta Systems (P6). The flaw in CISC is the inclusion of superinstructions - why add hardware to perform a partial arctangent when memory is cheap? Wait! I have an idea...let's add 57 new ones and call them MMX. Wait! How about 72 news ones called KNI/Streaming SIMD.

Could I do it better? No. But Alpha was truely, without a question in my mind, the finestest CPU ever engineered. It's a pleasure to work on, it's fast, it scales well, and it does out of order execution, which gives it a leg up on the Ultra Sparc.

This has caused a pretty big uproar on comp.os.vms as well. As you may or may not know, OpenVMS, which at one time was THE operating system to run (if you weren't blue) only runs on the VAX and Alpha. Well, Compaq quit making the VAX in September 2000, so this is it. While Compaq claims OpenVMS will be ported to IA-64, it's hardly comparable. There are VAXen in production that haven't been rebooted in a decade. Software in place that hasn't changed in years...and this is how it's going to end? Compaq gives away Alpha technology so they can focus on the iPaq?

These are the issues raised in comp.os.vms:

Will *every* Compaq product which is sold for Alpha VMS today ( or last week ) be ported to IA64? Will they all be available by January 2004? Do they have commitments from Oracle to meet that schedule ( Oracle appear to be "excited" about Tru64 on IA64 but didn't mention if they cared VMS would be available there )? Will all existing LP licenses be transferrable to IA64 at no cost ( to systems of comparable size)? [anyone who went through a VAX to Alpha transition will understand this question]

Will Compaq provide assistance to 3rd party vendors to move their products to IA64? Will IA64 ports be a straight "recompile and link" or will some programs require substantial changes ( eg device drivers and privileged code )?

My point was that it seems to get limited respect within Compaq. I've been told ( sorry I can't remember the source ) that it was a last minute decision to port it to Alpha and that it wasn't in the original game plan. My concern is the same thing could happen in the Alpha-IA64 transition.

FMS is another product I worry about. I understand it also wasn't going to be ported, until they realized that All-in-1 needed it. FMS was not recoded for Alpha it was just VESTed. Will it be possible to re-VEST it to run on IA64? Will it be done?

And the quote that sums the whole thing up, from Bill Gunshannon:

Of course, this means congratulations are in order for it's grandfather. The PDP-11 architecture has now not only outlasted the VAX, but also the Alpha.

foo?