Re:The Palm is already dying
on
Pocket PC 2002
·
· Score: 2
What's clobbering Palm is the fact that people are still happy with the Palms they bought 2-3 years ago and see no need to upgrade...
Exactly. I'm sitting here, right next to my trusty Palm III (the original III, not the IIIe, III Color, or whatever...), and it has served me well for almost three years. I love to look at the new Palms and Handsprings, but I've never been able to justify a new one, because honestly, this one does everything I need it to do. I use it on a daily basis, and sync it with Outlook 2000.
I've had a few accidents with my Palm that rendered it temporarily unusable. I took it apart and usually found that the memory chip had just been dislodged, or something similar. I've caught myself wishing the damn thing had broken so I could get a new one, but it's just too sturdy and reliable.:-)
Well folks, here it is, in all it's glory, straight from the horse's ass:
"You may not use the Software in connection with any site that disparages Microsoft, MSN, MSNBC, Expedia or their products or services, infringe any intellectual property or other rights of these parties, violate any state, federal or international law, or promote racism, hatred, or pornography. You shall not convert the news headlines in the MSNBC component into an audio format for redistribution to audio users. You agree to immediately remove the Software from Your Web Site if you do not abide by any of these restrictions after notice.
Wow. I didn't believe it was true at first, but it looks like it is. I'm shocked, seriously. I didn't know they would be this blatent about their horrible licensing practices.
I'm normally not a MS basher. Hell, I've been an MCSE for over 2 years (both the NT4 and recently the 2K track)...but this kind of stuff makes me happy that I'm making the switch to Linux and open source.
I understand that the "black boxes" aren't actually black. I also know that there are many of them, and that they are scattared throughout the plane. I also understand that they record many things, mostly about the actual operation of the craft.
I also know, however, that cockpit conversation is recorded as well. That's what is most interesting to me. Anything the pilot might have said to leave a clue as to what exactly was happening, who was behind it, *where the PA plane was actually supposed to crash*, etc...this would all be great information to have.
Oh, yeah, you can recover a little black box from the giant pile of rubble of one of the tallest buildings in the world, after it collapsed on itself, after a jet crashed into it and exploded. That'll work.
Exactly, dumbass, that's why I specifed that "we need to at *least* recover the "black box" from the aircraft that went down in PA."
If we want to gather intelligence to at least point us in the right direction of the organization responsible--we need to at *least* recover the "black box" from the aircraft that went down in PA. Perhaps we could get something from the pilot, or other background noise, to explain what happend to that particular flight, and help us understand the other hijacked flights.
After all, as far as most of our Congresspersons are concerned, Microsoft represents the best and brightest in computer innnovation. And they have the campaign contributions to prove it.
I hate to say it, but that last statement of yours is probably right. As they say, "Money talks, and bullshit (like CodeRed, Melissa, etc.) walks (or is quickly forgotten).
What if Microsoft could secure trust in enough governments and major financial organisations to make a majority of Internet transactions use it?
Please. Unless you're purporting a huge consipiracy theory, could you explain to me how our government would trust Microsoft to create a secure environment? Keep in mind that it was our government's web site that was recently targeted by a worm that fed off of a security breach in a MS product.
And correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Windows NT4 that was not approved by use in our government's military because it was not secure enough?
Hailstorm and.NET may be just peachy, but don't count on our government to give it some sort of stamp of approval. Not for a long, long time.
By the way, I've been an MCSE for two years and typically enjoy MS products. These crazy theories just drive me nuts.
But Adobe doesn't currently plan to prevent VBScript or other files from running.
To prevent Peachy from being able to run, "the change we would have to make is not to allow VBScript attachments. That is a problem for a lot of our customers," she said. "If they change their opinion, we will do what they want."
According to many./ers, this is exactly Microsoft's opinion, and the very problem that has opened the door to the worst virii on the Internet: The company is writing software with features that their customers want--no matter if they pose security risks or not.
Typical customers want their email client to open attachments for them. Typical customers want Acrobat to be able to process VBScript (according to Adobe). Unfortunately, typical customers don't want to be raped by script kiddies and haX0rz either--but they don't seem to be willing to sacrifice their features for it.
But as consumers, guess what -- we won't even get a choice. Microsoft will require the PC makers to install XP in the factory. It will come on your PC, and you won't have the choice or option to pick something different. When Microsoft issues a new OS, it is forced into the market.
I don't know about you guys (and gals), but last time I was at this tiny web site for a tiny computer manufacturer, I had the choice of Win98 SE, WinME, Win2K or Win2K with an upgrade to WinXP. That doesn't sound like manufacturers are limiting my choice of viable Microsoft operating systems to me.
People wouldn't be forced to participate, but if they remain anonymous, I might choose to block them. I certainly wouldn't accept file attachments from them. I know you hate this idea, but I think the Internet needs a fingerprint.
Hmm... And who would control this "fingerprint"? Our beloved government, who is trustworthy? A large computer corporation like, say, Microsoft? And how would something like this work internationally? Who is forcing you to accept attachments now? I run Win98, WinME, Win2K and WinXP all on different machines. Over the last week, I've been sent about 10 emails with both SirCam and Badtrans, and none of my machines are infected. Why? First off, I didn't open the attachments right away. Second, I tested the attachments by saving them and then scanning them first. This is not a difficult concept! If someone puts a big package in your mailbox at home, and it's ticking, do you just open it up if the return address says it's from someone you trust?
You can choose not to have a fingerprint, but then your ability to communicate with others may be limited -- a price many people may choose to pay.
This is endorsed by the same crowd that bitches about MS Passports?
If kids want to install an Internet game, the game's IP port would be registered and permitted to operate, hopefully by the parent.
Why can I not see this happening in the general population? The average users I know bitch about having to confirm Internet activity when Zone Alarm or other personal firewalls pop up and ask.
Programmers who ought to be familiar with Microsoft's plans have suggested that the real motive for raw socket support is for Microsoft to use Windows XP to exploit a bad situation, to deliberately make things worse.
Jesus, what a conspiracy theory. This guy gets paid for this?
Move along, Cringley. Common sense tells us that you're just spreading FUD. Meanwhile, I'll get modded down for criticizing you, I'm sure.
Europe my ass. A friend of mine bought this album from Amazon, here in the States. When he put it in my CD player, I experienced headaches, nausea, and anal hemorrhaging, plus it blew my speakers and fried several components. It wasn't even a copied CD!
Other ways to ensure a profitable "Out Of the Box Experience" for AOL:
Removal of one of the customer's fingers each week that the customer fails to accept "the trial".
Promised hold times of "only three hours" if the customer wishes to cancel his or her subscription after "the trial".
Forced sex with the customer's spouse and/or children until the customer agrees to "the trial".
Regular visits by a naked Steve Case to the customer's home or office until the customer accepts "the trial".
The AOL icon will be present on the customer's desktop in three forms. Each time the customer tries to delete one of them, one of the customer's most recent documents will be deleted, and a pop-up message will warn that if the customer doesn't try "the trial" within the first 30 days of ownership, his family will be killed one by one in reverse order of birth.
In internal AOL documents, the media giant lays out a strategy that calls on manufacturers to build into their new personal computers icons, pop-up notices and other consumer messages aimed at pushing aside Microsoft by giving AOL's products prominent placement on PCs.
Jesus! We're being bombarded by ads enough as it is. It's not enough that every morning I see ads on TV and hear them in my car. During my drives around town, I see hundreds of billboards, signs, and flyers designed to attract my attention. When I'm on the Internet, I'm pounded by pop-ups and banner ads. Now, AOL wants to slap computer users in the face before they even get on the Internet!
As a result of that Microsoft concession, AOL's strategy for Windows XP now focuses on the "OOBE process," or the out-of-box experience, the crucial moment when consumers turn on their machines for the first time and select what products and services they intend to use, the documents show.
The average OOBE will soon be "Wow. I remember back when there was a *desktop* that people could see icons that related to the programs they bought. Now, it looks like we've bought one damned expensive commercial-generator."
For once, I actually agree with a Katz review. I saw Jurassic Park 3 at a pre-screening. It was SO LONG! It turns out, it's only about an hour and a half...but it felt like 3.
Katz is absolutely right about this one. If you've seen the first JP, and perhaps the second, you've already seen this movie. Same island as #2, same principles as #1, same dinos as both, except for one. They spray painted a few of the 'saurs to make them "different", then stretched the science to give the raptors "more abilities".And the soundtrack? C'mon! They just bought the CD from the first movie and had it playing in the background as the humans ran around being pursued by the dinos.
I didn't buy it. (Truly, I didn't pay for the ticket.) I suggest you don't either. Go rent #1 again. It's a better bang for your buck.
This is *exactly* what has been lacking in Linux development for a long time. Now, with this data discovered, will developers make changes, or will they bitch about the user pool and continue to develop confusing, over-complex, bloated, non-intuitive interfaces?
Take this ball and run with it, someone! Don't just bitch about how "Microsoft has conditioned everyone to look for a Control Panel!" Who gives a shit? If your intent is to write software for use by the masses, you'd better be damn sure and write it so that the masses will like it and want to use it!
I totally agree with you, my friend. Sneakers is one of my all time top ten favorite movies. I'm not just saying that because you just reminded me of it, either. I own the VHS (is it on DVD?), actually added it to my real, live, "top ten movies" list in my Palm, and named one of my three cats "Sneakers" six years ago.
Every time I hear about a faked moon landing, or mutilated cattle, I think of Dan Ackroyd. Every time I try to be cool and leap over a waist-high barrier, I think of Robert Redford. Every time I see a beautiful SWAT team woman, I think of River Phoenix getting that gal's phone number as his "one wish". It's an incredible movie on so many different levels.
I've only recently started playing games online. I was tired of being owned at the LANs that I attend, so I hopped on the net to play Quake 3 and Counter-Strike--just to sharpen my skills.
I tired quickly of the online cheating that ruined the fun for the other players, both on my team and on the cheater's team. Finally, one of the CS servers that I liked to play on installed PunkBuster for a while. PunkBuster doesn't necessarily prevent cheaters, but it announces to everyone in the server that "Player X is using the Wall Hack", etc. Suddenly, fewer players were using the server, and the games seemed more balanced.
Each user has to run the client version of PunkBuster on their machines before connecting to the server, but to me, it's worth the extra few clicks. I'd rather play on a server that helps keep thing fair than get stomped by some jagoff with the latest hack.
Redmond, WA
In a startling press release from Redmond, Microsoft has announced that it's corporate web site will incorporate the use of Slashcode.
However, the popular "geek" web site "Slashdot.com" was less than impressed.
In an article authored by Slashdot editor "michael", he writes "Microsoft has no business running Slashcode. We, um, don't like Slashcode anymore." When questioned about this sudden change in position, "michael" responded "If those bastards run it, it must really suck." "michael" then forked the sign of the devil, and foamed at the mouth.
Slashdot editor "Hemos", when asked for further comment, replied "Yawn".
So, it seems that, although Microsoft may make grand steps toward securing their browser software and optimizing their web presence, Slashdot nerds will never, ever, be satisfied.
Slashdot Mirror
Exactly. I'm sitting here, right next to my trusty Palm III (the original III, not the IIIe, III Color, or whatever...), and it has served me well for almost three years. I love to look at the new Palms and Handsprings, but I've never been able to justify a new one, because honestly, this one does everything I need it to do. I use it on a daily basis, and sync it with Outlook 2000.
I've had a few accidents with my Palm that rendered it temporarily unusable. I took it apart and usually found that the memory chip had just been dislodged, or something similar. I've caught myself wishing the damn thing had broken so I could get a new one, but it's just too sturdy and reliable. :-)
--SC
I'm normally not a MS basher. Hell, I've been an MCSE for over 2 years (both the NT4 and recently the 2K track)...but this kind of stuff makes me happy that I'm making the switch to Linux and open source.
--SC
I also know, however, that cockpit conversation is recorded as well. That's what is most interesting to me. Anything the pilot might have said to leave a clue as to what exactly was happening, who was behind it, *where the PA plane was actually supposed to crash*, etc...this would all be great information to have.
--SC
Exactly, dumbass, that's why I specifed that "we need to at *least* recover the "black box" from the aircraft that went down in PA."
PA = Pennsylvania, if you didn't know.
--SC
--SC
I hate to say it, but that last statement of yours is probably right. As they say, "Money talks, and bullshit (like CodeRed, Melissa, etc.) walks (or is quickly forgotten).
Good point.
--SC
Please. Unless you're purporting a huge consipiracy theory, could you explain to me how our government would trust Microsoft to create a secure environment? Keep in mind that it was our government's web site that was recently targeted by a worm that fed off of a security breach in a MS product.
And correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Windows NT4 that was not approved by use in our government's military because it was not secure enough?
Hailstorm and .NET may be just peachy, but don't count on our government to give it some sort of stamp of approval. Not for a long, long time.
By the way, I've been an MCSE for two years and typically enjoy MS products. These crazy theories just drive me nuts.
--SC
What a coincidence, I hear that Jesus did the same thing!
Hehe. That's funny as hell! Since false rumors are so popular, why not just start our own?
--SC
It's amazing to see how so many beautiful and wonderful things happened as a result of two guys in the backseat of a car.
Wait a minute...
--SC
To prevent Peachy from being able to run, "the change we would have to make is not to allow VBScript attachments. That is a problem for a lot of our customers," she said. "If they change their opinion, we will do what they want."
According to many ./ers, this is exactly Microsoft's opinion, and the very problem that has opened the door to the worst virii on the Internet: The company is writing software with features that their customers want--no matter if they pose security risks or not.
Typical customers want their email client to open attachments for them. Typical customers want Acrobat to be able to process VBScript (according to Adobe). Unfortunately, typical customers don't want to be raped by script kiddies and haX0rz either--but they don't seem to be willing to sacrifice their features for it.
Where is the balance?
--SC
I say, if this threat is real, let Adobe wallow in it until they rot: At least ten times as long as the innocent victims they try to fuck over.
--SC
I don't know about you guys (and gals), but last time I was at this tiny web site for a tiny computer manufacturer, I had the choice of Win98 SE, WinME, Win2K or Win2K with an upgrade to WinXP. That doesn't sound like manufacturers are limiting my choice of viable Microsoft operating systems to me.
People wouldn't be forced to participate, but if they remain anonymous, I might choose to block them. I certainly wouldn't accept file attachments from them. I know you hate this idea, but I think the Internet needs a fingerprint.
Hmm... And who would control this "fingerprint"? Our beloved government, who is trustworthy? A large computer corporation like, say, Microsoft? And how would something like this work internationally? Who is forcing you to accept attachments now? I run Win98, WinME, Win2K and WinXP all on different machines. Over the last week, I've been sent about 10 emails with both SirCam and Badtrans, and none of my machines are infected. Why? First off, I didn't open the attachments right away. Second, I tested the attachments by saving them and then scanning them first. This is not a difficult concept! If someone puts a big package in your mailbox at home, and it's ticking, do you just open it up if the return address says it's from someone you trust?
You can choose not to have a fingerprint, but then your ability to communicate with others may be limited -- a price many people may choose to pay.
This is endorsed by the same crowd that bitches about MS Passports?
If kids want to install an Internet game, the game's IP port would be registered and permitted to operate, hopefully by the parent.
Why can I not see this happening in the general population? The average users I know bitch about having to confirm Internet activity when Zone Alarm or other personal firewalls pop up and ask.
Programmers who ought to be familiar with Microsoft's plans have suggested that the real motive for raw socket support is for Microsoft to use Windows XP to exploit a bad situation, to deliberately make things worse.
Jesus, what a conspiracy theory. This guy gets paid for this?
Move along, Cringley. Common sense tells us that you're just spreading FUD. Meanwhile, I'll get modded down for criticizing you, I'm sure.
--SC
Just because it was her best doesn't mean it was ever any good . Have you heard it? Follow that link and listen to "Why?" or "Touch Me". Yikes.
Plus, what the hell is "no wave"?
I'm not saying it wasn't ground-breaking. It just sucks ass.
--SC
I think people should leave this stuff well enough alone.
--SC
Stay away from this stuff, I'm telling you!
--SC
--SC
I swear, officer, I'm not drunk! I was just trying to recompile the kernel on my cell phone!
--SC
Other ways to ensure a profitable "Out Of the Box Experience" for AOL:
- Removal of one of the customer's fingers each week that the customer fails to accept "the trial".
- Promised hold times of "only three hours" if the customer wishes to cancel his or her subscription after "the trial".
- Forced sex with the customer's spouse and/or children until the customer agrees to "the trial".
- Regular visits by a naked Steve Case to the customer's home or office until the customer accepts "the trial".
- The AOL icon will be present on the customer's desktop in three forms. Each time the customer tries to delete one of them, one of the customer's most recent documents will be deleted, and a pop-up message will warn that if the customer doesn't try "the trial" within the first 30 days of ownership, his family will be killed one by one in reverse order of birth.
Shocking.Jesus! We're being bombarded by ads enough as it is. It's not enough that every morning I see ads on TV and hear them in my car. During my drives around town, I see hundreds of billboards, signs, and flyers designed to attract my attention. When I'm on the Internet, I'm pounded by pop-ups and banner ads. Now, AOL wants to slap computer users in the face before they even get on the Internet!
As a result of that Microsoft concession, AOL's strategy for Windows XP now focuses on the "OOBE process," or the out-of-box experience, the crucial moment when consumers turn on their machines for the first time and select what products and services they intend to use, the documents show.
The average OOBE will soon be "Wow. I remember back when there was a *desktop* that people could see icons that related to the programs they bought. Now, it looks like we've bought one damned expensive commercial-generator."
--SC
Katz is absolutely right about this one. If you've seen the first JP, and perhaps the second, you've already seen this movie. Same island as #2, same principles as #1, same dinos as both, except for one. They spray painted a few of the 'saurs to make them "different", then stretched the science to give the raptors "more abilities".And the soundtrack? C'mon! They just bought the CD from the first movie and had it playing in the background as the humans ran around being pursued by the dinos.
I didn't buy it. (Truly, I didn't pay for the ticket.) I suggest you don't either. Go rent #1 again. It's a better bang for your buck.
--SC
Take this ball and run with it, someone! Don't just bitch about how "Microsoft has conditioned everyone to look for a Control Panel!" Who gives a shit? If your intent is to write software for use by the masses, you'd better be damn sure and write it so that the masses will like it and want to use it!
--SC
Delete spam before you open it, then move on with your life.
--SC
Every time I hear about a faked moon landing, or mutilated cattle, I think of Dan Ackroyd. Every time I try to be cool and leap over a waist-high barrier, I think of Robert Redford. Every time I see a beautiful SWAT team woman, I think of River Phoenix getting that gal's phone number as his "one wish". It's an incredible movie on so many different levels.
--SC
I tired quickly of the online cheating that ruined the fun for the other players, both on my team and on the cheater's team. Finally, one of the CS servers that I liked to play on installed PunkBuster for a while. PunkBuster doesn't necessarily prevent cheaters, but it announces to everyone in the server that "Player X is using the Wall Hack", etc. Suddenly, fewer players were using the server, and the games seemed more balanced.
Each user has to run the client version of PunkBuster on their machines before connecting to the server, but to me, it's worth the extra few clicks. I'd rather play on a server that helps keep thing fair than get stomped by some jagoff with the latest hack.
--SC
In a startling press release from Redmond, Microsoft has announced that it's corporate web site will incorporate the use of Slashcode.
However, the popular "geek" web site "Slashdot.com" was less than impressed.
In an article authored by Slashdot editor "michael", he writes "Microsoft has no business running Slashcode. We, um, don't like Slashcode anymore." When questioned about this sudden change in position, "michael" responded "If those bastards run it, it must really suck." "michael" then forked the sign of the devil, and foamed at the mouth.
Slashdot editor "Hemos", when asked for further comment, replied "Yawn".
So, it seems that, although Microsoft may make grand steps toward securing their browser software and optimizing their web presence, Slashdot nerds will never, ever, be satisfied.
--SC