I'm not an American, so may I ask you, whether it is possible in US for "general public"
to inspect a nuclear power plant building for safety
Probably not.:( The reports from the official inspectors are freely available.
to get a complete documentation on ATM or at least credit card they use
The ATM? Possibly not. The credit card? Probably so. However, I'm sure that you'll pay out the wazoo for this information.
to get a complete list of ingredients of medication they buy?
I think so, yes. If the medicine is patented, then you get the ingredient list and the method of manufacture.
Can one get at least a complete map of the place he/she lives, with all the underground communication documented?
From what I understand, this information is in the public domain. Works paid for by public funds become public property [1]. : D One generally has to pay for copies of it, but can legally distribute those copies in any way he sees fit.
[1] Distribution of said information may be restricted due to "national security" concerns. However, when the information is declassified it is again free for public use. IIRC, any citizen may request (and often acquire) a redacted version of classified information. (Think of reports where everything but definite articles has been marked out in black marker!:/)
That's an exaggeration. From what we heard here in Russia, Americans value a thing called "private property". Doesn't your right to "own" something restrict my equal right to own that thing too?:>
Your point is valid. Small tyrannies are an unfortunate fact of life. However, I'm sure that you understand that creating a copy of a piece of software is a zero-cost action. (Especially when compared to the cost of say... creating a copy of an ear of corn!) It's easy to remove the tyrannical effects of "private property" from the software world while still maintaining its benefits! We can do the same for real world when we get Star Trek replicators or something.;)
Microsoft word docs are the de-facto standard. 99% of all offices use them. This is why the state governments use this format. Because they know the majority of people will be able to open it. When something else becomes popular, the format will be dropped and the popular one will be used instead.
*grins* You've heard of Adobe's PDF, yes? You also know that Adobe -and others- provides free (as in beer) software to read PDF, yes? So, one can say that 100% of people will be able to open PDF documents.
The GPL *relies* on copyright to get its work done. The original author -or his designee- retains all copyright on the work. They are free to change the license on future releases of the software if they choose.
But, I'm sure that you already knew that. Please stop trolling. You're hurting slashdot.
or that someone purposely distributing a flawed product could be held liable for it's misuse even if they aren't the creators of that product.
Except that -in this case- the product is not flawed. It is working exactly as intended. WRT liability: An author or distributor of P2P software is no more liable for acts of copyright infringement than a gun manufacturer is for acts of homicide.
You can sort of make the accusation under the same thought concept that because most of the defibrillator machines work perfect and save lives, the ones that aren't used properly or malfunction and kill people shouldn't be pulled from the markets.
Now I know that seems ridiculous and off kilter but it isn't to far off.
Lemmy see if I understand this. An automated system that detects infringing uses of works protected by copyright within arbitrary input data is just about as hard as creating a defib machine and user's manual that doesn't kill people to death?
A ladder has the warning that the top step isn't a step (then why the hell is it there)
You've never had to upgrade video drivers after patching Windows?
I've never had to upgrade video drivers when applying a "Service Pack" or regular updates. My video driver updates were driven by either game wonkyness or OS "upgrades". YMMV, of course.
Having said that, the Linux kernel team (rightly, IMO) goes out of their way to encourage folks to get their drivers in-kernel.
WRT constant Windows tweaking: I used to have to do that sort of thing. Then two things happened. 1) I acquired Win 2K3 from school. 2) I only ever use Windows for video games and Linux for everything else. I'm not sure which one is more effective, but I have a feeling that #2 is the most helpful.
WRT that "Slipstreaming" bullshit: Jesus fucking christ. I run Gentoo. *Those* guys are masochists.
If I can't figure out where something breaks without the sourcecode, sourcecode is not going to be that helpful to me, is it?
Never discount the value in having source code and debugging symbols for some faulty module handy.;)
Having said that, I doubt that even 1% of the folks on this site who bring up the debugging-enhancing power of The Source would be able to use it.
And, having said that... having the source available is an absolute *must* for any software project's long term viability. What happens when a mfgr decides that they're no longer going to support $WICKED_SICK_CLOSED_SOURCE_SOFTWARE_PROJECT ? Why, over the long term, everyone's SOL.;)
And what implications for security like disk encryption?
If you do WDE the right way, here's what happens:
1) In your OS, select "shutdown". 1a) User removes boot USB key from safe. 2) System restarts, then POSTs. 2a) User inserts boot USB key into computer. 3) System boots from USB key and prompts for passphrase. 4) User enters passphrase. 5) OS boots, then hibernates.
To wake the system, follow the obvious steps.
Now, if you suspend to RAM, you won't need to boot from the USB key, but they keys to your WDE will still be in RAM.
And what happens after this "shutdown" and you, say, install new drives?
If it's a hotpluggable device on a system like Linux, then everything oughta be peachy. Otherwise, IDK. You've just given me an idea for a nifty little experiment, though. Thanks!
I have an 80 gigger in my laptop. If we ignore the 690GB in my media server and ~400GB on the video game machine, then I'm doing just fine with 80GB!;)
Slashdot Mirror
2008-1978 = 30
- you may be able to read a formula on a label, but not the process describing the making of the medicine.
Have you looked at a patent for a medicine lately?
Here's the one for Xanax:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=3,987,052.PN.&OS=PN/3,987,052&RS=PN/3,987,052
If that link fails, then search for patent #3,987,052 here: http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm
I'm not an American, so may I ask you, whether it is possible in US for "general public"
Probably not. :( The reports from the official inspectors are freely available.
to get a complete documentation on ATM or at least credit card they use
The ATM? Possibly not. The credit card? Probably so. However, I'm sure that you'll pay out the wazoo for this information.
to get a complete list of ingredients of medication they buy?
I think so, yes.
If the medicine is patented, then you get the ingredient list and the method of manufacture.
Can one get at least a complete map of the place he/she lives, with all the underground communication documented?
From what I understand, this information is in the public domain. Works paid for by public funds become public property [1]. : D One generally has to pay for copies of it, but can legally distribute those copies in any way he sees fit.
[1] Distribution of said information may be restricted due to "national security" concerns. However, when the information is declassified it is again free for public use. IIRC, any citizen may request (and often acquire) a redacted version of classified information. (Think of reports where everything but definite articles has been marked out in black marker! :/)
That's an exaggeration. From what we heard here in Russia, Americans value a thing called "private property". Doesn't your right to "own" something restrict my equal right to own that thing too? :>
Your point is valid. Small tyrannies are an unfortunate fact of life. However, I'm sure that you understand that creating a copy of a piece of software is a zero-cost action. (Especially when compared to the cost of say... creating a copy of an ear of corn!) ;)
It's easy to remove the tyrannical effects of "private property" from the software world while still maintaining its benefits! We can do the same for real world when we get Star Trek replicators or something.
Microsoft word docs are the de-facto standard. 99% of all offices use them. This is why the state governments use this format. Because they know the majority of people will be able to open it. When something else becomes popular, the format will be dropped and the popular one will be used instead.
*grins*
You've heard of Adobe's PDF, yes?
You also know that Adobe -and others- provides free (as in beer) software to read PDF, yes?
So, one can say that 100% of people will be able to open PDF documents.
Argument... exploded!
If I want to hire someone to deliver a binary to me, under the Stallman regime I can't.
This doesn't pass the laugh test. Butress your claim with facts.
Apple could Tivo-ize the code, so -under the GPLv2- yes.
*sigh*
The GPL *relies* on copyright to get its work done. The original author -or his designee- retains all copyright on the work. They are free to change the license on future releases of the software if they choose.
But, I'm sure that you already knew that.
Please stop trolling. You're hurting slashdot.
There is no such thing as a victimless crime.
*folds arms* *glares*
NO
SUCH
THING.
*glares harder*
or that someone purposely distributing a flawed product could be held liable for it's misuse even if they aren't the creators of that product.
Except that -in this case- the product is not flawed. It is working exactly as intended.
WRT liability:
An author or distributor of P2P software is no more liable for acts of copyright infringement than a gun manufacturer is for acts of homicide.
You can sort of make the accusation under the same thought concept that because most of the defibrillator machines work perfect and save lives, the ones that aren't used properly or malfunction and kill people shouldn't be pulled from the markets.
Now I know that seems ridiculous and off kilter but it isn't to far off.
Lemmy see if I understand this.
An automated system that detects infringing uses of works protected by copyright within arbitrary input data is just about as hard as creating a defib machine and user's manual that doesn't kill people to death?
A ladder has the warning that the top step isn't a step (then why the hell is it there)
You can figure that one out, I'm sure.
You've never had to upgrade video drivers after patching Windows?
I've never had to upgrade video drivers when applying a "Service Pack" or regular updates. My video driver updates were driven by either game wonkyness or OS "upgrades". YMMV, of course.
Having said that, the Linux kernel team (rightly, IMO) goes out of their way to encourage folks to get their drivers in-kernel.
WRT constant Windows tweaking:
I used to have to do that sort of thing.
Then two things happened.
1) I acquired Win 2K3 from school.
2) I only ever use Windows for video games and Linux for everything else.
I'm not sure which one is more effective, but I have a feeling that #2 is the most helpful.
WRT that "Slipstreaming" bullshit:
Jesus fucking christ. I run Gentoo. *Those* guys are masochists.
I found the post in this thread that points to your LJ entry. Are there others that are topical?
If so, can you give a guesstimate as to when they were posted?
Thanks!
If I can't figure out where something breaks without the sourcecode, sourcecode is not going to be that helpful to me, is it?
Never discount the value in having source code and debugging symbols for some faulty module handy. ;)
Having said that, I doubt that even 1% of the folks on this site who bring up the debugging-enhancing power of The Source would be able to use it.
And, having said that... having the source available is an absolute *must* for any software project's long term viability. What happens when a mfgr decides that they're no longer going to support $WICKED_SICK_CLOSED_SOURCE_SOFTWARE_PROJECT ? Why, over the long term, everyone's SOL. ;)
No, the bulk of my argument is the fact that nVidia's driver replaces the bulk of x.org. Because what x.org provides is not good enough.
What about xorg is failing to meet expectations?
If they're anything like my dorms, every machine has an Internet-facing IP.
Ooh! Where's the ticket!?
Working code or GTFO. ;)
*hands you an imaginary +1 mod point of "good job!"*
Sounds good. Lemmy know how this goes!
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1027377&cid=25740939
And what implications for security like disk encryption?
If you do WDE the right way, here's what happens:
1) In your OS, select "shutdown".
1a) User removes boot USB key from safe.
2) System restarts, then POSTs.
2a) User inserts boot USB key into computer.
3) System boots from USB key and prompts for passphrase.
4) User enters passphrase.
5) OS boots, then hibernates.
To wake the system, follow the obvious steps.
Now, if you suspend to RAM, you won't need to boot from the USB key, but they keys to your WDE will still be in RAM.
And what happens after this "shutdown" and you, say, install new drives?
If it's a hotpluggable device on a system like Linux, then everything oughta be peachy. Otherwise, IDK. You've just given me an idea for a nifty little experiment, though. Thanks!
Heh.
I have an 80 gigger in my laptop. If we ignore the 690GB in my media server and ~400GB on the video game machine, then I'm doing just fine with 80GB! ;)
IDK.
I can recommend the WDC WD3200JB. My oldest one has given me roughly 5 years of continuous service.
IDK where you drive.
Around here, "going with the flow" is speeding.
That said, I only go with the flow in *VERY* heavy traffic.