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.'"

Comments

Here's one of those steps to profit thingies

[JoeShmoe]

1) Wait for Microsoft to release SP2 and not allow installation on pirates systems
2) Wait for next major virus/worm outbreak that targets flaw fixed by SP2
3) Sue Microsoft for contributory negligence resulting in downtime/cleanup of your website/mailserver
4) Watch Microsoft settle from their 20? 30? 40? billion war chest
5) PROFIT!!!!

I'm totally serious. As I said in my original post on the original story, this is no different than a hospital turning away a patient because they detect at some point they have used drugs. If a hospital did that and the patient fell over dead, there would be one whopping big lawsuit resulting from it.

Here Microsoft is selling pancakes accidentally laced with the Black Plague and when some people who stole their tainted pancages later come back to Microsoft for a cure, Microsoft is booting them out on the street so they can infect other innocent people. Why shouldn't Microsoft be responsible for allowing it to spread further?

- JoeShmoe
.

SP2

[mackermacker]

Oh come on.......
I give it one day until Mr Dude comes out with another key changer.

Surlely I'm not the only one who has used Mr dude (research purposes only

Doom3

[rodgster]

Doom3 .....

Featuring a new, mind-blowing gaming engine from John Carmack, the closely guarded DOOM 3 is in development for the PC, and in true id fashion, will be released "when it's done."

http://www.idsoftware.com/business/history/

However you apparently can pre-order it. But then again I seem to remember you could pre-order it before last Christmas too.

The way I guesstimate it, the race for the releases of Duke Nuk'em Forever and Doom3 Forever is neck and neck.