As soon as the IE barrier falls there'll be free discs with all kinds of silly browser software in newspapers and the like. What do you think Mr. Opera here has in mind for the time when every Windows user is meant to actually look for alternative browsers? Still, "Install Internet Explorer" will be a self-contained downloader within the update getting rid of the "official" IE integration. I doubt Microsoft will have anyone go searching for a web browser when all they have to do is provide an easy way to install it but not "ship" with the software installed.
Why was she stupid? From TFA, she couldn't use her ISP because they had a windows only setup disk. She couldn't do her school work until the issue was fixed because her school explicitly said "Microsoft Word Required".
Oh jeez, now you blame her problem on the school being so retarded as to say "We don't know anything but Microsoft either"? Sorry can't give you that one. ISPs that hand out these discs are lazy, schools that "require" Microsoftware are lazy because they don't want to explain about alternatives (what do Mac Users do there btw? Buy Office for Mac then? I know it exists but to HAVE TO buy it because someone doesn't know his filetypes is a bit far fetched.) If you had read one of my other extensive posts on the topic you would have also read what I'm about to repeat: I bet even Verizon has some people that know how to set up a network connection without the stupid (and usually pointless) installation disc. If she had asked ANYONE (even the neighbor nerd kid) she probably would have gotten instructions on how to set up a network connection the right way. Might even have learned something but nah! Don't wanna... new computer... has to worki... where's ma Start clickie button booboo.
Yes, there are ways to work around these issues... but she did not know about them.
SHE CHOSE to have Ubuntu even after she asked for Windows and was told it was no problem. She ALREADY KNEW that she couldn't work the machine and still took it. That's IGNORANCE. She then proved herself to be stupid by NOT ASKING for instructions when the things she expected to work did in fact not work. Read TFA, she got the laptop, couldn't install her stuff. Asked for a Windows replacement AND STILL CHOSE UBUNTU IN THE END d'oh.
My definition of stupid is not "doesn't know basic things about Linux" it's "doesn't know basic things about anything and doesn't ask or want to know either".
Sure thing, there are a lot of things about Linux I don't know, yet. But I'm at least trying to figure it out instead of sitting down in front of it saying "It's not Windows, I'm lost" like I might have done years ago. At least I ask and read about it.
I happen to know plenty of things that you don't know... probably plenty of things about *LINUX* you don't know, in fact as it's my job to write software for Linux...
Well, one thing you clearly DON'T know is how to have an argument with someone without being hypocritical. Let me demonstrate: Oh wow, so you write software for Linux? I'm so impressed. Intimidated as well. In awe even. Who is it, waving his dick now? Is it still me? Help me out here, I can't tell.
Huh... so tell me, do you think you know how your computer works? Really? Because most people I know who use computers and "think they know how they work" couldn't explain to me how an arithmetic logic unit works.
*duck* Wooah, watch out with that thing. Your intellectual wiener-wave almost hit me in the eye again. At least I just brag about what a great programmer I ought to be and how well I do understand logic circuits. Oh wait, that's you.
To a certain extend, yes I actually do understand how a computer works. I'm no chip designer, could definitely read up more on some of the low-level internae but I have better things to do with my time.
What I meant originally is that she didn't even CARE what might be different about the system and didn't ask. She apparently doesn't even understand the pre-basic function of "icons" and "shortcuts" and "applications" and what an "interface" is and how it might look different in one place from another. That to me is either stupidity or a serious case of the "IDON GIVA FUX". Maybe she should take a computer class before enrolling in an online college. Sadly you can be completely computer illiterate (as proven with her and many
Never said it didn't have any flaws. I run a desktop computer with an ATi card and even that one works properly after they finally made some better drivers. I was always jealous at my buddy because he had an nvidia card that works with Compiz right after installation. Don't know what you're doing wrong though. Wireless I did have a problem but only with WPA+WPA2 before 8.10 came out. The new network manager solved all these problems for me. From what I can tell your situation is entirely hardware driver related. Can't blame that on Linux, blame it on your hardware manufacturers that won't release documentation.
You probably already tried setting up your WEP wifi with wpa_supplicant yeah? That always worked for me. The only thing left to say now is (exactly what the Windows people would have to tell you too): Get new hardware! Find some that works. I have all my hardware running even the internal USB wifi 802.11b card that came with the computer years ago and I didn't have to buy any new components at all.
It's free. Sure it has flaws but so does the multi-billion dollar version.
A free ice cone doesn't necessarily come with sprinkles on it but if you still enjoy ice cream you can have a good one every now and again. The problem comes in when there's a cheap crap icecream store at every corner that sells only three different flavors with standard sprinkles (instead of thousands of ones with whatever you want on top -even cheese). The good stuff then becomes so precious nobody sells it anymore and the only ones still caring about the product itself sit in their niches and try to survive.
Then you're fed cheap industrial ice cream at work and at home and wherever people don't know about the home-made deliciousness that is potentially right around the corner. Soon everyone has forgotten what real ice cream can taste like and if someone offers them a cone without sprinkles on top they throw it away in disgust. Didn't even taste it but then go around telling everyone how horrible these home-made ice-cones are.
Damn, now I want some ice cream. Remember: It's Delicious!
I'm from Germany and for decades now our notion of security through work on the problems and pragmatic reasonal approaches has been severely impacted by the "get rid of the symptoms" policy that the US employed, employs and continues to spread around the world. Sure the German ideas before 1949 of what "security for the homeland" meant were ridiculous to say the least but at least they were made with German interests at hand.
Today we have a multi-lateral economy oriented security illusion policy that I attribute to the influence of the USA. We used to have a relatively generous social security system until heads started spinning and went "Hey, if we do it like the Americans and let the lower social layers rot in their own much while we skim off the little bit of cream on the top we can get even richer" and so they did.
Before the USA made 9/11 everybodies problem we didn't have strict airport security. We didn't have people in the government openly trying to establish surveillance infrastructure with support of the public sheep. We didn't have maniacal government programs to have taxpayers come up with the money that corporations blew out the window. We didn't have them to such an extent.
I'm not flame baiting and if saying what I believe led to this situation means I get flamed... "bring it on" (to quote one of the great American diplomats of our time). Also, if you hadn't noticed. That was originally meant to be a joke. A semi-humorous way of ironically expressing one's feelings about a certain development which is clearly visible to anyone who dares to look.
Don't get me started pal... oops wait... you already did... here we go:
Did she ask for a laptop she needed instruction on? No.
From TFA:
"But she says Dell discouraged her.
"The person I was talking to said Ubuntu was great, college students loved it, it was compatible with everything I needed," said Schubert.
So she stuck with it."
--Discouraged her? What's that? Since when can a company decide what I need? She chose to stick with Ubuntu even though she didn't know what it was. So yeah, she DID ask for a laptop she needed instructions for when she kept Ubuntu despite initial tries to get it switched to Windows. It's HER god damned money and so she should insist on getting what she needs for Christ's sake. What kind of world is that where sales people can "discourage" people so much they buy whatever product they want to sell. Surely not the one I live in.
Did she refuse instruction on the computer? No.
From TFA:
"Her Verizon High-Speed Internet CD won't load, so she can't access the internet. She also can't install Microsoft Word, which she says is a requirement for MATC's online classes.
As a result, with no internet and no Microsoft Word, Schubert dropped out of MATC's fall and spring semesters."
--So she rather dropped out of school then call someone who could help her set up the business grade laptop she just bought? Or even call the school? Not even Dell on how to start a text processor? She REFUSED to do so quite apparently. Probably for being ashamed of herself. Rightfully so I might add.
Did she know where to get instruction on the computer? No.
--Who do YOU ask if the new car you just bought does something you don't know? The dealer. Right. I rest my case. I bet you my pants someone at Dell (at least that fanboy sales kid) could have told her how to start OpenOffice writer and probably offered her a phone number as well to get some help with setting up the network. I bet even Verizon has some people that know how to set up a network connection without an installation disc.
Did she ask for a replacement laptop she would not need instruction on? Yes.
--Read the article, she asked for it, was told it was no problem but Ubuntu would work. Then took Ubuntu. She only had to insist on a windows machine and all would've been fine. But that would have cost extra so she obviously didn't.
Was she told she would not need a replacement? Yes?
*chuckle* So you say customers always have to believe what sales people tell them about the wondreous abilities of their products. LOL. Good luck with that if you ever land in reality.
Did she in fact need a replacement? Yes.
Uuhhhm, no. All she would have needed was a ~30min crash course in Linux and some fool-proof instructions on how to set-up Verizons service on Ubuntu. Almost to the word exactly what will happen now (from TFA: "Verizon says it will dispatch a technician to try to assist her accessing the internet without using the Windows-only installation disk.")
Oh, want me to make it a bit simpler? How about expecting you to jump out of that Prius with it's automatic transmission and hop into an F250 with with a manual transmission when all you have ever driven is an automatic?
--How about jumping from the Auto-Prius into you Cockcompensating-Monstertruck with manual shift, realizing you can't drive stick. Going back to the dealer, him telling you "It'll be fine, many college kids drive stick" and then going back home? SHE SHOULD HAVE INSISTED ON SOMETHING SHE CAN HANDLE OR TAKE FUCKING INSTRUCTIONS. What's so hard to understand about that? Instead she believed what a Dell sales person told her (she clearly already knew was untrue) and went back home. VERY FUCKING STUPID if you ask me.
Read the summary for cricket's sake. You can't save your progress if you turn on autopilot.
So what you'll still be able to see all the levels, beat all the monsters and witness the ending. Who cares if you can't save? You don't have to save because you won't die or pause.
I could try, and I would probably do everything wrong just as you predicted. But hold on: Did you take a test? Did you get instructed to do that? Yeah, you did? See. Huge difference. You understood that you would need some special kind of training to drive a rig that large. Can't jump out of the Prius in one of those I guess.
If I REFUSE to take instructions (or don't even invest the slightest bit of interest in what I'm told) and then screw things up I'd definitely have to live with people calling me a very stupid person. Yeah. That chick in the article bought a new computer which she knew was cheaper BECAUSE it had Linux. Yet, she didn't even think about learning even the slightest bit about what Linux means to her as a user in exchange for the money she saved. Very Stupid indeed.
Then again, what do you work for Dell in customer service if you don't even know (or probably didn't read the memo?) your products? Is there a specialized Ubuntu customer hotline or are all the reps trained to know at least the teensiest bit? Anyone can figure out how to start a text processor in Ubuntu. Hell, I bet I could reverse a tractor-trailer into a dock after looking it up on the internet often enough. But if I don't even Google it... I deserve to be called a very stupid person.
As I infer from your signature you're Austrian right? Even if not would you, born and raised in a system still referred to as "Nazi-Germany" dare to resist the government? We all saw what happened to the G8 summit protesters or how well the RAF "revolution" back in the 70s worked. There is no discussion with the politicians and even mass demonstrations and constitutional hearing in front of the highest court is echos down the halls.
What else is there to do? You can't resist the government, can't overthrow it either. So what now? The only way is to make as many people aware of what's going on and then hope, once critical mass has been reached, the system will be destroyed and rebuild by those who can't fucking take it anymore. I can't take it anymore. But alone... I can do nothing. Sounds horribly violent, probably is... but it's still the least threatening prospect of what's to come.
Much better than the German motto right now:
Resistance is futile
So take your pick.
A system which is expensive,ineffective and an affront to freedom of speach.
A system which is expensive,ineffective,easily abused and an affront to freedom of speach.
A system which doesn't exist.
I'll invent System Nr. 3 please... now give me my funds back and withdraw your stupid forces.
You're either British (then your wheel is on the right too) or you have one of these "modern" washed down Porsches. The 911s all have left hand ignition afaik.
And yet here is a normal person, trying to use it, and finding it frustrating and causing her problems, and people mock her attempt.
"Normal" is a very flexible definition depending on whoever sets the boundaries between normal and stupid. In my opinion a very stupid woman spoke to a very stupid Dell rep who wasn't able to tell her how to start OpenOffice (for fucks sake Applications/Office/Writer -how hard is that?) and relied on very stupid Verizon that can't produce an Ubuntu Linux installer for their silly software package.
I had a similar problem with my sister-in-law. Gave them a Ubuntu machine and she kept trying to install some ISPs network setup disc. Eventually I went over to their house and got the network running with half a dozen clicks by reading the (incredibly stupid) manual section that was about half a page long with pictures. She didn't even bother to read beyond section 1. Install software... section 2 would have said "Set up without disc like this:"
THAT is the problem, not that people can't use Linux... they want to be so stupid that they simply won't be able to. Anyone should be able to read, it's your responsibility as owner of the fucking machine to understand at least a bit of how it works. It's this "I don't get the first page in the book so I stop reading" attitude. If you don't WANT to do gain that knowledge you will have these kinds of silly idiot problems all the way. So "I am stupid" and "I don't want to know" are two different things and significant ones indeed. Sometimes a book starts making sense only after you've read it even without knowing what the first couple pages meant.
With people still asking that old inappropriated question it's no wonder there's not more interest. How many people that never worked a computer before did you sit in front of a Windows machine and they did everything rightaway? Correct: None! Or even more correctly: None more than with a Linux (here Ubuntu) GNOME desktop.
You don't have to compile software anymore (at least everything I normally use comes from the repositories or in pre-compiled binaries). Know how to use a.exe file? You almost know how to use a.deb file! I do compile stuff because I understand how it works but I don't HAVE to as you claim.
Configuration files disappear? What idiocy is this? So you want a huge cluttered registry system like Windows has that you have to setup all over again if you have to re-install the system? Something that will destroy your system if it get's even slightly messed up? I much prefer the "per-application / stored in your home folder" configuration because that's WAY easier to migrate from one system to another and in case I do have to reinstall the system I can get my settings running in no time. And even if one app breaks the configuration I can still solely remove that ONE SINGLE configuration file w/o compromising my entire system.
When was the last time you tried a distro like Ubuntu? You can't possibly be talking about 8.10 because that doesn't need any command line, compiling, terminal stuff to run at all. And gimme a fucking break "consistent modern UI"? What like Vista? Where half of the features won't work if your graphics card has been manufactured on a Tuesday and the interface is the very same as in Win95 only with a glossy skin? Go Fuck off. You clearly have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. GNOME isn't uglier than Windows XP or Vista in the "classic" mode and Compiz beats the hell out of Aero any time of the day. What is that? You can't run Compiz without taking care of special hardware and software requirements? Now guess what: Same goes for anything below Ultimate and Aero. No offense but the "modern UI" argument is for pussies and Apple users. Why does Miss "Fancy Miss MacOnline-Classes/Save Money buying a computer" need an advanced UI if she doesn't even understand that something doesn't have to be called "Word" to do text processing.
Is Linux for Geeks and Devs: Sure, why not? All the development tools are free. So why not use them. Why should I buy the same tools for a Windows platform?
Is it for everyone? If you explain the system to them the first time they use it (just like you did when they started with Windows but you did that sooo often you don't even remember).
Is it for Geeks? What today actually ISN'T for Geeks? And btw. since when is that still a term anyone uses derogatorily? I thought Geeks where the guys that make all the stuff happen whereas the Jocks and Assholes just brag about their trophies and beat up Geeks to get shit done.
After the man had purchased a brand new Porsche the day before he hooked up with a random floozy in a club and wanted to give her a ride home, where he whould then continue to ride and then go home. His attempt was brought to a quick and nagging halt when he discovered the hole for the ignition key was mounted on the left side of the steering column where his newly found friend couldn't stay aroused by looking at his Porsche keychain dangling from the wheel.
He asked Porsche to install the ignition the other way around but was talked out of it given the decades old tradition of left mounted ignition in Porsche vehicles. He refused to handle the key with the left hand and subsequently broke his elbow during the attempt of operating it with his right.
His lawyer announced today that he was going to sue Porsche and the Left-Handers Society of America for building such a highly inconvenient car and damages amounting to 15.0000 US dollars and two Apple-tinis.
In other news: Stupid woman saves money with alternative open operating system - Misses Online Strip Class
That's exactly my point. I see the same happening in my country and there is nothing I can do about it because the sheepish shitheads that don't even look over the edges of their plate seem to go for everything these lying politician bastards tell them. And if you see someone else suffer from that same problem (the US were MUCH more glorious than Germany in the last fifty years or so) and fall so deeply it makes me feel sorry. Sorry for mankind.
At least we still have that shitty idea of "freedom of expression" so everyone can say what they want. This includes demonstrations by people you don't like. That's what it looks like in a free country. You don't have it? Well, I'd think about that for a moment then. And what the hell is wrong about "pro-islam" btw? It's the same ridiculous shit that the Christians and the Jewish proclaim. Let the idiots live for their illusions. At least I'm tolerant in that sense.
And nice stereotype you've set up there. Kraut / Nazi... I get it. You are a much more understanding and open minded person than all of these racist prejudgmental fascist bastards...
Aren't you a little concerned that there is actually a government institution that is dedicated to secure the "homeland" or as my grandpa uses to say "Vaterland"? Same thing, different assholes. Won't be getting any applications from me soon so stick that to your list, douchebag.
Sorry but the airports are the last place you guys have to worry about illegal immigration. And let's be honest. Without all these illegal border crossing from Southern America your economy would be in the shitter. Americans get to do all these great things like fight unnecessary wars, build rockets that go to the moon, make a living as actors or singers and overall have lots and lots of spare time on their hands because there is a plethora of legal and illegal immigrants that would do almost everything for money, the kind of money your average unemployed Joe wouldn't even leave the house for.
I can see your point, what I was thinking exactly. Too bad I chose to study American Cultural History and I don't get to see what everyone is telling me about because the ancestors of those great people I knew to respect are a bunch of dumbass wusses. Not the population but the elitist class of assholes you chose to rule you.
As long as there are these silly registrations and data lists I won't be going to the US in any case, don't you worry. I don't know if it will ever be returned to it's old state but until then I'll have to look at the rest of the world first, apparently.
When I started college 3 years ago I was actually planning on spending a year in the US just to see what the standards and discussions are like and to see whose history I'm studying here. Since then, each year, the American governments makes one shit move after another and my interest in actually visiting this country dwindles with every one. I'm not having my fingerprints be stored for almost two decades in your "potential foreign sleeper terrorist" list and I'm not going through the silliest questions ever invented -again- (the actually DO have that "Did you come here to kill the president" question, I had to answer that when I was 14).
One more time the bigotry triumphs. Leader of the world, biggest and strongest army... locked away in his castle on the hilltop shooting at the mailman scared for his life. Congrats America, if that's what your freedom looks like... no wonder "they" hate it. I do too. The USA used to be a symbol for immgration, diversity and -hell- freedom. Now it's become a symbol of lies, deception, bigotry, intolerance and paranoia. It makes me sad actually.
Sorry to say this but this is more wrong than it is right. I can see why they would want to make games that the casual just put aside and jump back in when they feel like it. But for fucks sake, that's not why video games are cool.
I, for one, need to earn something while playing the game. Be it experience, skill or sheer amusement. The best games, that I remember most vividly, where those that tortured my brain and my hands. That made me swear and hate the enemies. The one that gave me a sense of "I fucking did it" once I was done. What good is a game that lets you escape from all that. Wait a moment. Escapeism for Escapeism? That's a cheap shot.
Unless they give me some incentive (added bonus, extra trophies, seperate ending) this will be a kick in the face for all hardcore gamers. Right now, if you want to see the end of a game for yourself you need to play and BEAT it (Lamers cheat or go to Youtube). With this every idiot could basically see the end of any given game without putting any real effort into it. That's clearly not how cult games are born. Some of the hardest games on the planet have a distinct following that recruits from the people that love to bitch about how hard it was.
This is good for the casual gamers and therefore an insult to the hardcore audience of supposedly the same titles. That's like having a guy join a Gold Medal sprint race on a motorbike just because he doesn't want to train as an athlete.
Let's see what they do with it but so far it sounds like a ridiculous idea. Probably will go nuclear like Guitar Hero and ruin the status quo for all "serious" gamers. What good is talking to someone about a game who always answers "Dunno, I had that section on auto pilot". God Dangit!
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As soon as the IE barrier falls there'll be free discs with all kinds of silly browser software in newspapers and the like. What do you think Mr. Opera here has in mind for the time when every Windows user is meant to actually look for alternative browsers? Still, "Install Internet Explorer" will be a self-contained downloader within the update getting rid of the "official" IE integration. I doubt Microsoft will have anyone go searching for a web browser when all they have to do is provide an easy way to install it but not "ship" with the software installed.
Why was she stupid? From TFA, she couldn't use her ISP because they had a windows only setup disk. She couldn't do her school work until the issue was fixed because her school explicitly said "Microsoft Word Required".
Oh jeez, now you blame her problem on the school being so retarded as to say "We don't know anything but Microsoft either"? Sorry can't give you that one. ISPs that hand out these discs are lazy, schools that "require" Microsoftware are lazy because they don't want to explain about alternatives (what do Mac Users do there btw? Buy Office for Mac then? I know it exists but to HAVE TO buy it because someone doesn't know his filetypes is a bit far fetched.) If you had read one of my other extensive posts on the topic you would have also read what I'm about to repeat: I bet even Verizon has some people that know how to set up a network connection without the stupid (and usually pointless) installation disc. If she had asked ANYONE (even the neighbor nerd kid) she probably would have gotten instructions on how to set up a network connection the right way. Might even have learned something but nah! Don't wanna ... new computer ... has to worki ... where's ma Start clickie button booboo.
Yes, there are ways to work around these issues... but she did not know about them.
SHE CHOSE to have Ubuntu even after she asked for Windows and was told it was no problem. She ALREADY KNEW that she couldn't work the machine and still took it. That's IGNORANCE. She then proved herself to be stupid by NOT ASKING for instructions when the things she expected to work did in fact not work. Read TFA, she got the laptop, couldn't install her stuff. Asked for a Windows replacement AND STILL CHOSE UBUNTU IN THE END d'oh.
My definition of stupid is not "doesn't know basic things about Linux" it's "doesn't know basic things about anything and doesn't ask or want to know either".
Sure thing, there are a lot of things about Linux I don't know, yet. But I'm at least trying to figure it out instead of sitting down in front of it saying "It's not Windows, I'm lost" like I might have done years ago. At least I ask and read about it.
I happen to know plenty of things that you don't know... probably plenty of things about *LINUX* you don't know, in fact as it's my job to write software for Linux...
Well, one thing you clearly DON'T know is how to have an argument with someone without being hypocritical. Let me demonstrate: Oh wow, so you write software for Linux? I'm so impressed. Intimidated as well. In awe even. Who is it, waving his dick now? Is it still me? Help me out here, I can't tell.
Huh... so tell me, do you think you know how your computer works? Really? Because most people I know who use computers and "think they know how they work" couldn't explain to me how an arithmetic logic unit works.
*duck* Wooah, watch out with that thing. Your intellectual wiener-wave almost hit me in the eye again. At least I just brag about what a great programmer I ought to be and how well I do understand logic circuits. Oh wait, that's you.
To a certain extend, yes I actually do understand how a computer works. I'm no chip designer, could definitely read up more on some of the low-level internae but I have better things to do with my time.
What I meant originally is that she didn't even CARE what might be different about the system and didn't ask. She apparently doesn't even understand the pre-basic function of "icons" and "shortcuts" and "applications" and what an "interface" is and how it might look different in one place from another. That to me is either stupidity or a serious case of the "IDON GIVA FUX". Maybe she should take a computer class before enrolling in an online college. Sadly you can be completely computer illiterate (as proven with her and many
Never said it didn't have any flaws. I run a desktop computer with an ATi card and even that one works properly after they finally made some better drivers. I was always jealous at my buddy because he had an nvidia card that works with Compiz right after installation. Don't know what you're doing wrong though. Wireless I did have a problem but only with WPA+WPA2 before 8.10 came out. The new network manager solved all these problems for me. From what I can tell your situation is entirely hardware driver related. Can't blame that on Linux, blame it on your hardware manufacturers that won't release documentation.
You probably already tried setting up your WEP wifi with wpa_supplicant yeah? That always worked for me. The only thing left to say now is (exactly what the Windows people would have to tell you too): Get new hardware! Find some that works. I have all my hardware running even the internal USB wifi 802.11b card that came with the computer years ago and I didn't have to buy any new components at all.
Then go ahead write a patch!
It's free. Sure it has flaws but so does the multi-billion dollar version. A free ice cone doesn't necessarily come with sprinkles on it but if you still enjoy ice cream you can have a good one every now and again. The problem comes in when there's a cheap crap icecream store at every corner that sells only three different flavors with standard sprinkles (instead of thousands of ones with whatever you want on top -even cheese). The good stuff then becomes so precious nobody sells it anymore and the only ones still caring about the product itself sit in their niches and try to survive.
Then you're fed cheap industrial ice cream at work and at home and wherever people don't know about the home-made deliciousness that is potentially right around the corner. Soon everyone has forgotten what real ice cream can taste like and if someone offers them a cone without sprinkles on top they throw it away in disgust. Didn't even taste it but then go around telling everyone how horrible these home-made ice-cones are.
Damn, now I want some ice cream. Remember: It's Delicious!
I'm from Germany and for decades now our notion of security through work on the problems and pragmatic reasonal approaches has been severely impacted by the "get rid of the symptoms" policy that the US employed, employs and continues to spread around the world. Sure the German ideas before 1949 of what "security for the homeland" meant were ridiculous to say the least but at least they were made with German interests at hand.
... "bring it on" (to quote one of the great American diplomats of our time). Also, if you hadn't noticed. That was originally meant to be a joke. A semi-humorous way of ironically expressing one's feelings about a certain development which is clearly visible to anyone who dares to look.
Today we have a multi-lateral economy oriented security illusion policy that I attribute to the influence of the USA. We used to have a relatively generous social security system until heads started spinning and went "Hey, if we do it like the Americans and let the lower social layers rot in their own much while we skim off the little bit of cream on the top we can get even richer" and so they did.
Before the USA made 9/11 everybodies problem we didn't have strict airport security. We didn't have people in the government openly trying to establish surveillance infrastructure with support of the public sheep. We didn't have maniacal government programs to have taxpayers come up with the money that corporations blew out the window. We didn't have them to such an extent.
I'm not flame baiting and if saying what I believe led to this situation means I get flamed
Did she ask for a laptop she needed instruction on? No.
From TFA: "But she says Dell discouraged her.
"The person I was talking to said Ubuntu was great, college students loved it, it was compatible with everything I needed," said Schubert. So she stuck with it."
--Discouraged her? What's that? Since when can a company decide what I need? She chose to stick with Ubuntu even though she didn't know what it was. So yeah, she DID ask for a laptop she needed instructions for when she kept Ubuntu despite initial tries to get it switched to Windows. It's HER god damned money and so she should insist on getting what she needs for Christ's sake. What kind of world is that where sales people can "discourage" people so much they buy whatever product they want to sell. Surely not the one I live in.
Did she refuse instruction on the computer? No.
From TFA: "Her Verizon High-Speed Internet CD won't load, so she can't access the internet. She also can't install Microsoft Word, which she says is a requirement for MATC's online classes. As a result, with no internet and no Microsoft Word, Schubert dropped out of MATC's fall and spring semesters."
--So she rather dropped out of school then call someone who could help her set up the business grade laptop she just bought? Or even call the school? Not even Dell on how to start a text processor? She REFUSED to do so quite apparently. Probably for being ashamed of herself. Rightfully so I might add.
Did she know where to get instruction on the computer? No.
--Who do YOU ask if the new car you just bought does something you don't know? The dealer. Right. I rest my case. I bet you my pants someone at Dell (at least that fanboy sales kid) could have told her how to start OpenOffice writer and probably offered her a phone number as well to get some help with setting up the network. I bet even Verizon has some people that know how to set up a network connection without an installation disc.
Did she ask for a replacement laptop she would not need instruction on? Yes.
--Read the article, she asked for it, was told it was no problem but Ubuntu would work. Then took Ubuntu. She only had to insist on a windows machine and all would've been fine. But that would have cost extra so she obviously didn't.
Was she told she would not need a replacement? Yes?
*chuckle* So you say customers always have to believe what sales people tell them about the wondreous abilities of their products. LOL. Good luck with that if you ever land in reality.
Did she in fact need a replacement? Yes.
Uuhhhm, no. All she would have needed was a ~30min crash course in Linux and some fool-proof instructions on how to set-up Verizons service on Ubuntu. Almost to the word exactly what will happen now (from TFA: "Verizon says it will dispatch a technician to try to assist her accessing the internet without using the Windows-only installation disk.")
Oh, want me to make it a bit simpler? How about expecting you to jump out of that Prius with it's automatic transmission and hop into an F250 with with a manual transmission when all you have ever driven is an automatic?
--How about jumping from the Auto-Prius into you Cockcompensating-Monstertruck with manual shift, realizing you can't drive stick. Going back to the dealer, him telling you "It'll be fine, many college kids drive stick" and then going back home? SHE SHOULD HAVE INSISTED ON SOMETHING SHE CAN HANDLE OR TAKE FUCKING INSTRUCTIONS. What's so hard to understand about that? Instead she believed what a Dell sales person told her (she clearly already knew was untrue) and went back home. VERY FUCKING STUPID if you ask me.
Read the summary for cricket's sake. You can't save your progress if you turn on autopilot.
So what you'll still be able to see all the levels, beat all the monsters and witness the ending. Who cares if you can't save? You don't have to save because you won't die or pause.
I could try, and I would probably do everything wrong just as you predicted. But hold on: Did you take a test? Did you get instructed to do that? Yeah, you did? See. Huge difference. You understood that you would need some special kind of training to drive a rig that large. Can't jump out of the Prius in one of those I guess.
... I deserve to be called a very stupid person.
If I REFUSE to take instructions (or don't even invest the slightest bit of interest in what I'm told) and then screw things up I'd definitely have to live with people calling me a very stupid person. Yeah. That chick in the article bought a new computer which she knew was cheaper BECAUSE it had Linux. Yet, she didn't even think about learning even the slightest bit about what Linux means to her as a user in exchange for the money she saved. Very Stupid indeed.
Then again, what do you work for Dell in customer service if you don't even know (or probably didn't read the memo?) your products? Is there a specialized Ubuntu customer hotline or are all the reps trained to know at least the teensiest bit? Anyone can figure out how to start a text processor in Ubuntu. Hell, I bet I could reverse a tractor-trailer into a dock after looking it up on the internet often enough. But if I don't even Google it
As I infer from your signature you're Austrian right? Even if not would you, born and raised in a system still referred to as "Nazi-Germany" dare to resist the government? We all saw what happened to the G8 summit protesters or how well the RAF "revolution" back in the 70s worked. There is no discussion with the politicians and even mass demonstrations and constitutional hearing in front of the highest court is echos down the halls.
... I can do nothing. Sounds horribly violent, probably is ... but it's still the least threatening prospect of what's to come.
What else is there to do? You can't resist the government, can't overthrow it either. So what now? The only way is to make as many people aware of what's going on and then hope, once critical mass has been reached, the system will be destroyed and rebuild by those who can't fucking take it anymore. I can't take it anymore. But alone
Much better than the German motto right now: Resistance is futile
So take your pick. ,easily abused and an affront to freedom of speach.
A system which is expensive,ineffective and an affront to freedom of speach.
A system which is expensive,ineffective
A system which doesn't exist.
I'll invent System Nr. 3 please ... now give me my funds back and withdraw your stupid forces.
Implementing American notions of security one goose-step at a time.
est. 1949
You're either British (then your wheel is on the right too) or you have one of these "modern" washed down Porsches. The 911s all have left hand ignition afaik.
And yet here is a normal person, trying to use it, and finding it frustrating and causing her problems, and people mock her attempt.
"Normal" is a very flexible definition depending on whoever sets the boundaries between normal and stupid. In my opinion a very stupid woman spoke to a very stupid Dell rep who wasn't able to tell her how to start OpenOffice (for fucks sake Applications/Office/Writer -how hard is that?) and relied on very stupid Verizon that can't produce an Ubuntu Linux installer for their silly software package.
... section 2 would have said "Set up without disc like this:"
... they want to be so stupid that they simply won't be able to. Anyone should be able to read, it's your responsibility as owner of the fucking machine to understand at least a bit of how it works. It's this "I don't get the first page in the book so I stop reading" attitude. If you don't WANT to do gain that knowledge you will have these kinds of silly idiot problems all the way. So "I am stupid" and "I don't want to know" are two different things and significant ones indeed. Sometimes a book starts making sense only after you've read it even without knowing what the first couple pages meant.
I had a similar problem with my sister-in-law. Gave them a Ubuntu machine and she kept trying to install some ISPs network setup disc. Eventually I went over to their house and got the network running with half a dozen clicks by reading the (incredibly stupid) manual section that was about half a page long with pictures. She didn't even bother to read beyond section 1. Install software
THAT is the problem, not that people can't use Linux
Or Bill Engvall: "Here's your sign"
She's stupid ... stupid people don't like it when they make themselves look stupid. Therefore they blame everyone else to make them look away in shame.
No problem, just fucking stupid embarrassment.
With people still asking that old inappropriated question it's no wonder there's not more interest. How many people that never worked a computer before did you sit in front of a Windows machine and they did everything rightaway? Correct: None! Or even more correctly: None more than with a Linux (here Ubuntu) GNOME desktop.
.exe file? You almost know how to use a .deb file! I do compile stuff because I understand how it works but I don't HAVE to as you claim.
/Save Money buying a computer" need an advanced UI if she doesn't even understand that something doesn't have to be called "Word" to do text processing.
You don't have to compile software anymore (at least everything I normally use comes from the repositories or in pre-compiled binaries). Know how to use a
Configuration files disappear? What idiocy is this? So you want a huge cluttered registry system like Windows has that you have to setup all over again if you have to re-install the system? Something that will destroy your system if it get's even slightly messed up? I much prefer the "per-application / stored in your home folder" configuration because that's WAY easier to migrate from one system to another and in case I do have to reinstall the system I can get my settings running in no time. And even if one app breaks the configuration I can still solely remove that ONE SINGLE configuration file w/o compromising my entire system.
When was the last time you tried a distro like Ubuntu? You can't possibly be talking about 8.10 because that doesn't need any command line, compiling, terminal stuff to run at all. And gimme a fucking break "consistent modern UI"? What like Vista? Where half of the features won't work if your graphics card has been manufactured on a Tuesday and the interface is the very same as in Win95 only with a glossy skin? Go Fuck off. You clearly have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. GNOME isn't uglier than Windows XP or Vista in the "classic" mode and Compiz beats the hell out of Aero any time of the day. What is that? You can't run Compiz without taking care of special hardware and software requirements? Now guess what: Same goes for anything below Ultimate and Aero. No offense but the "modern UI" argument is for pussies and Apple users. Why does Miss "Fancy Miss MacOnline-Classes
Is Linux for Geeks and Devs: Sure, why not? All the development tools are free. So why not use them. Why should I buy the same tools for a Windows platform?
Is it for everyone? If you explain the system to them the first time they use it (just like you did when they started with Windows but you did that sooo often you don't even remember).
Is it for Geeks? What today actually ISN'T for Geeks? And btw. since when is that still a term anyone uses derogatorily? I thought Geeks where the guys that make all the stuff happen whereas the Jocks and Assholes just brag about their trophies and beat up Geeks to get shit done.
After the man had purchased a brand new Porsche the day before he hooked up with a random floozy in a club and wanted to give her a ride home, where he whould then continue to ride and then go home. His attempt was brought to a quick and nagging halt when he discovered the hole for the ignition key was mounted on the left side of the steering column where his newly found friend couldn't stay aroused by looking at his Porsche keychain dangling from the wheel.
He asked Porsche to install the ignition the other way around but was talked out of it given the decades old tradition of left mounted ignition in Porsche vehicles. He refused to handle the key with the left hand and subsequently broke his elbow during the attempt of operating it with his right.
His lawyer announced today that he was going to sue Porsche and the Left-Handers Society of America for building such a highly inconvenient car and damages amounting to 15.0000 US dollars and two Apple-tinis.
In other news: Stupid woman saves money with alternative open operating system - Misses Online Strip Class
That's exactly my point. I see the same happening in my country and there is nothing I can do about it because the sheepish shitheads that don't even look over the edges of their plate seem to go for everything these lying politician bastards tell them. And if you see someone else suffer from that same problem (the US were MUCH more glorious than Germany in the last fifty years or so) and fall so deeply it makes me feel sorry. Sorry for mankind.
Ignorant much?
You? Sure looks like it.
At least we still have that shitty idea of "freedom of expression" so everyone can say what they want. This includes demonstrations by people you don't like. That's what it looks like in a free country. You don't have it? Well, I'd think about that for a moment then. And what the hell is wrong about "pro-islam" btw? It's the same ridiculous shit that the Christians and the Jewish proclaim. Let the idiots live for their illusions. At least I'm tolerant in that sense.
... I get it. You are a much more understanding and open minded person than all of these racist prejudgmental fascist bastards...
And nice stereotype you've set up there. Kraut / Nazi
Aren't you a little concerned that there is actually a government institution that is dedicated to secure the "homeland" or as my grandpa uses to say "Vaterland"? Same thing, different assholes. Won't be getting any applications from me soon so stick that to your list, douchebag.
Sorry but the airports are the last place you guys have to worry about illegal immigration. And let's be honest. Without all these illegal border crossing from Southern America your economy would be in the shitter. Americans get to do all these great things like fight unnecessary wars, build rockets that go to the moon, make a living as actors or singers and overall have lots and lots of spare time on their hands because there is a plethora of legal and illegal immigrants that would do almost everything for money, the kind of money your average unemployed Joe wouldn't even leave the house for.
I can see your point, what I was thinking exactly. Too bad I chose to study American Cultural History and I don't get to see what everyone is telling me about because the ancestors of those great people I knew to respect are a bunch of dumbass wusses. Not the population but the elitist class of assholes you chose to rule you. As long as there are these silly registrations and data lists I won't be going to the US in any case, don't you worry. I don't know if it will ever be returned to it's old state but until then I'll have to look at the rest of the world first, apparently.
When I started college 3 years ago I was actually planning on spending a year in the US just to see what the standards and discussions are like and to see whose history I'm studying here. Since then, each year, the American governments makes one shit move after another and my interest in actually visiting this country dwindles with every one. I'm not having my fingerprints be stored for almost two decades in your "potential foreign sleeper terrorist" list and I'm not going through the silliest questions ever invented -again- (the actually DO have that "Did you come here to kill the president" question, I had to answer that when I was 14).
... locked away in his castle on the hilltop shooting at the mailman scared for his life. Congrats America, if that's what your freedom looks like ... no wonder "they" hate it. I do too. The USA used to be a symbol for immgration, diversity and -hell- freedom. Now it's become a symbol of lies, deception, bigotry, intolerance and paranoia. It makes me sad actually.
One more time the bigotry triumphs. Leader of the world, biggest and strongest army
Sorry to say this but this is more wrong than it is right. I can see why they would want to make games that the casual just put aside and jump back in when they feel like it. But for fucks sake, that's not why video games are cool.
I, for one, need to earn something while playing the game. Be it experience, skill or sheer amusement. The best games, that I remember most vividly, where those that tortured my brain and my hands. That made me swear and hate the enemies. The one that gave me a sense of "I fucking did it" once I was done. What good is a game that lets you escape from all that. Wait a moment. Escapeism for Escapeism? That's a cheap shot.
Unless they give me some incentive (added bonus, extra trophies, seperate ending) this will be a kick in the face for all hardcore gamers. Right now, if you want to see the end of a game for yourself you need to play and BEAT it (Lamers cheat or go to Youtube). With this every idiot could basically see the end of any given game without putting any real effort into it. That's clearly not how cult games are born. Some of the hardest games on the planet have a distinct following that recruits from the people that love to bitch about how hard it was.
This is good for the casual gamers and therefore an insult to the hardcore audience of supposedly the same titles. That's like having a guy join a Gold Medal sprint race on a motorbike just because he doesn't want to train as an athlete.
Let's see what they do with it but so far it sounds like a ridiculous idea. Probably will go nuclear like Guitar Hero and ruin the status quo for all "serious" gamers. What good is talking to someone about a game who always answers "Dunno, I had that section on auto pilot". God Dangit!