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Does Santa Hate Linux?

Posted by timothy on from the elf-beating-question dept.

beernutmark writes "Well, it looks like Santa or at least Norad/Google hates Linux. This year, for the first time since its inception, Norad is not making a simple .kml file available for download to track Santa. You must connect to their website with a Windows/Mac browser and use the browser plugin. No full-screen Google Earth to look at the beautiful areas around Santa's path. (Anyone have any open source source kml files for tracking Santa or any idea how we can go about making one for 2010?)"

16 of 271 comments (clear)

  1. kml files? by brass1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    This year, for the first time since its inception, Norad is not making a simple .kml file available for download to track Santa.

    NORAD's been putting out .kml files since 1958?

    1. Re:kml files? by TapeCutter · · Score: 4, Funny

      "NORAD's been putting out .kml files since 1958?"

      Yes, but Al Gore's minions are hiding the data and now millions in the US are going to have their god given fairy tales taken away from them.

      --
      And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
    2. Re:kml files? by simcop2387 · · Score: 5, Informative

      i'm not sure what the fuss is about http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/noradsanta/ seems to work well for me here in linux, no user agent fudging nothing.

    3. Re:kml files? by WoodenTable · · Score: 5, Funny

      Not .kml, no. Prior to 2000 the information was stored on .elf files, which are proprietary to the North Pole. They've been in use for centuries, but a .elf generally causes problems on newer computers, so .kml is more widely used now.

  2. Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Under Ubuntu, use Firefox, install User Switcher Agent, select "Internet Explorer 7". It appears to work fine. Granted, it is annoying, but it is easy to work around.

    1. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Nerdfest · · Score: 5, Funny

      You've saved Christmas! (Thanks)

    2. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Awesome. So that makes 3 Christmases I've saved, 8 I've totally ruined, and 2 were kind of a draw.

  3. Elves by Nerdfest · · Score: 4, Funny

    The elves are annoyed with the Gnomes.

  4. You can get full screen, at least. by natehoy · · Score: 5, Informative

    1. Open web browser of your choice.
    2. Go to noradsanta.com
    3. (if you have NoScript, turn it off or at least unblock everything but googleanalytics).
    4. On the right hand side, there's a diagonal arrow. Click it.
    5. Hit whatever button makes your browser go fullscreen.

    There. Full-screen Santa-y goodness.

    Admittedly not QUITE as good as Google Earth, but you can at least get a full-screen Google Maps experience which is pretty darned close.

    Tested in Linux (Mint 8, Firefox 3.5) and Windows XP, Firefox 3.5.

    PS: Direct link to the fullscreen map: http://www.noradsanta.org/map.html#fullscreen

    --
    "This post contains words, known to the State of California to cause thought. Wash brain thoroughly after reading."
  5. NORAD comfirms it by Kartoffel · · Score: 4, Funny

    2009 is not the year of Santa on the desktop. At least, not for Linux users :(

  6. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 5, Interesting

        Actually, Linux would be related closer to "pagan" or polytheistic religions. We believe in multiple gods (software authors), although there is a high deity (Linus) who created the universe (Linux) where the rest reside. Some of the other deities work not only in his universe, but in others as well (other *nix's, and even Windows).

        The gods are kind and benevolent. Not only do they bestow their gifts upon us (software), but they show us the way (source) so we can ascend to their level.

        Not only do they welcome ascension, but the know that no being, god or mortal, is without flaw. They listen when we say there is a problem (bug report) and accept our suggestions (patches) to make the universe better.

        Praise be to the gods and goddesses.

        And to you, on the cusp of the celebration of the Winter Solstice, I wish you and yours the best. May we help educate the nonbelievers (monotheistic computer followers) into seeing the light (the world which is *nix).

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  7. Think about it by mtrachtenberg · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Of course Santa hates Linux. I mean, think about it, he's Mr. Materialism. Santa is all about shopping malls. It's that smart rabbi, that Jesus guy, who talked about sharing with others as a path to happiness, not Santa. Santa's heart belongs to Microsoft.

  8. Google Maps Link by AbbyNormal · · Score: 4, Informative

    You mean like this?
    http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/noradsanta/index.html#utm_campaign=en&utm_medium=hpp&utm_source=en-hpp-na-us-gns-norad

    --
    Sig it.
  9. Re:Well, actually by Savage-Rabbit · · Score: 5, Informative

    Hey, I just felt something woosh over my head! Was it Santa!? Maybe he does exist!

    No, that was a chair.

    --
    Only to idiots, are orders laws.
    -- Henning von Tresckow
  10. Re:Oh really. by Minwee · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Linus has yet to answer me on how to install the Linux. If he doesn't have time, then he's no deity.

    Perhaps he lets his prophet speak for him. He's funny that way.

  11. Re:Who cares? by shane_rimmer · · Score: 4, Funny

    You forgot the last line:

    "Nietzsche is God" - Death