Slashdot Mirror


Slashback: XPiracy, Panel, Gentoo

Slashback is back, with a boatload of updates, clarifications, and corrections to make previous Slashdot stories make more sense. This week, there are bits on BitKeeper, Microsoft's update policy when it comes to illegally copied versions of Windows, a change in schedule for an upcoming games panel, and more. Read on for the details.

The real requirements for Longhorn, at least at this juncture. Cryoknight writes "It seems that Longhorn will run on almost anything that's a P4 or better, judging by this article from C|Net News. You only need a 64mb graphics card to run the slickest version..."

(That's in contrast with earlier reports that the average Longhorn system would be hefty indeed; of course, listed minimums and recommendations are often worlds apart.)

How many bits could Mandrake chuck if Mandrake could chuck bits? Shipud writes "Speaking of AMD beating Intel, Mandrake have just released their v.10 for AMD64. Claiming to be on the average 20% faster, and compatible with 32-bit applications." As usual, it's never a good time to buy a computer.

The War Of The Word, Part II Random Guru 42 writes "Chris Pratley, whose earlier blog entry was the source of much discussion [referring to this Slashdot post of April 27], has just recently replied to everyone's feedback both here and as comments on that earlier entry."

Gentoo Community Reaches Out to Daniel Robbins nporter writes "Slashdot reported the news that Daniel Robbins has stepped down as chief architect of Gentoo Linux. It was revealed that due to his commitment to Gentoo he racked up a hefty personal debt of $20,000. The Gentoo Community is showing its appreciation to its founder in droves by placing donations to the Gentoo Store, proceeds of which will go toward paying down Robbins' debt. I count over a thousand dollars (and growing rapidly) has already been donated, just based upon posts to the forums. It's great to see Linux users coming together like this to show support for someone who has contributed so much to the Linux community."

Bitkeeper redux, redux. gosand writes "Part two of the two-part interview with Bitkeeper author Larry McVoy is up at Newsforge. (Part 1 was posted here yesterday). They essentially talk about why and how BK fits into the kernel development model. There are only two questions, one answered by Larry, and one answered by Linus. Maybe that is because BK makes them 2.5x as efficient, and they can answer everything in just one answer each. :-)"

MS Clarifies: No SP2 For Pirated XP Copies PingXao writes "Unlike earlier reports, this eWeek story says MS will not be allowing pirated versions of Windows XP to install SP2. They plan to release the update within a couple of months as everybody knows, but what's interesting is this quote from a MS spokesperson that supposedly explains their reasons for this approach: "... using genuine software is an important part of keeping systems secure and running smoothly because it means continued access to the latest security enhancements and product updates." Not that I blame them for not providing assistance to people who violate their copyrights, but I wonder if they actually paid someone to come up with that insightful explanation. Something like "We don't provide updates to pirates" would have done the trick. Why cloud the issue with talk about secure this and security that when the basis for the policy has absolutely nothing to do with security?"

Games panel at Smithsonian - update tripmaster writes "For those slashdotters that tried to get a ticket but were foiled by the smaller venue, the panel on games with Shigeru Miyamoto, Richard Garfield and Doug Church being held Sunday, May 16th at the Smithsonian in Washington DC has been moved to a bigger space. Miyamoto should be showing the same highlights of his latest game as premiered at E3. Questions from the audience will be collected and posed to the speakers -- a rare chance to ask query some of games' most visionary and influential creators."

Off again, on again. Doug Muth writes "According to this piece on Yahoo, the restraining order which was issued against SpamCop on May 10th has been dissolved by the judge who further remarked that, 'the TRO [entered May 10] was not a determination of the merits of the case.'"

7 of 335 comments (clear)

  1. Only use "genuine" software! :) by FunWithHeadlines · · Score: 5, Funny
    "using genuine software is an important part of keeping systems secure and running smoothly because it means continued access to the latest security enhancements and product updates."

    That's right, folks, only use "genuine" software for that clean, refreshing Microsoft feeling of comfort. The kind you cannot get with pirated software since they won't let you eliminate their own bugs that cause so many Net problems. The kind you cannot get with FOSS since you can see the code for yourself and fix the problems. No, if you want the genuine experience, the kind of out-of-the-box headache that only comes from Microsoft software, insist on "genuine" software! Our bank account balance will thank you.

  2. Re:Very cool! by jgaynor · · Score: 5, Funny

    And while you're at it - bring back quickies. They were like Fark, but for smart people.

  3. wow by edrugtrader · · Score: 5, Funny

    "... using genuine software is an important part of keeping systems secure and running smoothly because it means continued access to the latest security enhancements and product updates."

    double speak is awesome.

    Q: why can't pirates get updates.
    A: you shouldn't be a pirate because pirates don't get updates.
    Q: i know, i implied they didn't get updates in my question, and you just repeated it to me...
    A: you should know that... i just told you.
    Q: see, you did it again. why are you doing that?
    A: you would be better off if you knew why i was doing this.
    Q: REM this is a question.
    A: ...
    Q: IS THIS A MICROSOFT PR BOT?!
    A: abort; goto end; kill();

    --
    MARIJUANA, SHROOMS, X: ONLINE?! - E
    1. Re:wow by gstoddart · · Score: 4, Funny

      Oh, man! Now they're gonna come out with the freakin' "install therapist" or something.

      "I see you've chosen to install the software o, D:, are you sure you wouldn't rather have it on C: where everyone else puts it?"

      "You haven't chosen to register now. Only bad people don't register now."

      "You don't call anymore, you just launch Mozilla and don't consider my feelings."

      Bastards!

      --
      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
  4. Re:I dontated $5 to Gentoo by NiceGeek · · Score: 4, Funny

    You're right...it should say "Your products will COMPILE within 2-5 working days".

  5. Re:pragmatism and policy by LostCluster · · Score: 4, Funny

    TechTV had problems that most of their on-air computers (which they're sure they paid for Windows on) ended up on the banned-number list when SP1 came out. See, it's kinda hard to do computer how-to segments and not accidently let the license key slip over the air a few times by mistake...

  6. Re:Very cool! by aardvarkjoe · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...but for smart people.

    Obviously, the ones in charge realized that they were targeting the wrong audience.
    --

    How can we continue to believe in a just universe and freedom to eat crackers if we have no ale?