Actually, I think the M100 series works as a bottom of the line model. My girlfriend just got one (I have a Handspring) and it certainly beats the handspring in every way except expandability and that the handspring has a cradel. The screen on the m100 is made of harder plastic/glass making writing much more comfortable and clearer--my handsprings screen gives slightly where you press it with the pen. The m100 has a flip top case, it's light it's everything one needs in a simple PDA.
I realize that this "memo" is most likely fake. However, it really made me think; although the memo may be fake, the mentality behind it may not be so far from the truth.
But this is why it's so likely it is false. Wow a memo that perfectly states the outsider's view of the situation. Spectacular!
Since I figure many slashdotters are/were/will be on the other end of the line when my computer decides to crap out on me, here are a few recomendations that would help create "friendlier" and possibly more productive tech support.
1. Have an 800 number and place it in a number of easily accessible places.
Nothing pisses me off more than calling HP on my own 17 cents/min (college dorm phone prices) because the scanner I bought 2 months ago breaks.
2. Offer a "We'll call you back" option.
If the wait time is over 5 minutes, ASK FOR THE NUMBER and PROMISE TO CALL BACK. If they are not there leave a message.
3. Ask for my "serial number" etc. before I get to the tech person and no who I am and what my previous problems were when you say "Hello".
4. Listen to the customer.
Hey I have a Micron computer. I called b/c my computer wouldn't turn on after moving it (no drops though etc.). We ended up replacing the mother board, processor, memory, etc. My suggestion that maybe the power button was broken (I've experience that the early auto off buttons were a bit sketchy) was ignored. Not only was it that (a wire from the button to the mother board had slipped off), but when I called and suggested that they said "Oh I had never heard of that" I'm SURE they didn't tell someone to deceminate such information to other people.
5. DON'T BLAME THESE PROBLEMS ON THE CUSTOMER.
Most of the time THEY ARE NOT DUMB. They are ignorant in incredibly complex technology and software that they are expected to maintain and have been using for probably 5-10 years. But they get angry because THEY HEAR IT IN YOUR VOICE.
6. Be willing to say "I don't know" let me get someone else.
Why? Because I know that the only way I get my stuff fixed is that I call back. Some are clueless some are good. It's pot luck.
7. Don't treat WOMEN as IDIOTS.
I always have to take the phone when female friends have tech problems. They are not taken seriously. It sucks.
8. ASK. How familar are you with computers/software/etc. Tailor your instructions to that level.
Pointing out that this is not the Holy Grail of "content protection/control" isn't really going to get past the point of a technology such as this. Computers dramatically ease the ability to copy and transfer material. We all know this and for the *consumer* (whether it be free NYTimes or free "Build nuclear and chemical weapons from household materials in 10 easy" information.) it's good, but it's a pain the the ass for others who want to control this information. There is no impenetrable bank safe, but everyone here probably agrees that it's better to keep your money in a bank. Further, and perhaps more importantly, everyone concerned with controlling the material has been deailing with PAPER since they started. They are comfortable that their material won't be distributed cheaply and easily by (let's say) one individual to 100,000+ people. With a computer, not a problem. This is mostly an attempt to use some of a computer's advantages, but leave out some others. So here are questions you can answer:
1. Do you think this is ethically wrong. Should content be entrusted to the user.
It's a bitch, but not morrally wrong IMO.
2. Is this technically possible.
To a limited extent yes. But should we trust our nuclear secrets to a safe or should be build a number of security precautions? This is one tool.
Yeah that's all there really is to talk about. Sorry.
You want a killer app too create boosted harware performance? Let's throw in a way to let 2-4 users uset he same P.C. at the same time. My parents just had to buy a new computer because Papers (my mom back in school) and Taxes (Dad's job) coincided at the same time. But guess what you don't need two PIII 800 processors to do taxes and word processing at the same time. We all know the hardware could handle it. Throw in an extra monitor some new software a little extra memory and my 4-person family can use the thing when they want. Send some wires through the walls (or maybe wireless) set up access points throughout the house and connect it to the net via broadband. Let me get easy access over the net to my e-mail, documents or even programs etc. Then make it simple and stable to run and make it run without choking. Well shit, I'll spend $4,000 for that. Of course we see a drop in the number of computers sold, but well that's not my problem:P
Actually is that so hard to believe. Part of NSA's charter is to protect the U.S. from similarly chartered organization of foreign countries. Think how much easier this job is for the NSA if they can promote an especially secure O.S. to businesses etc. to prevent the loss of important corporate information. NSA doesn't care about the normal consumer-user, but helping to build a professional user base that puts the secure Linux protects our National Security!
That said, also remember if you're trying to place a back door in software why broadcast that you're the NSA. Why not simply slip it in more subtly.
And finally, this is $1.2 Million for an agency that gets $Billions. Hell it could just simply be to keep a couple of dispirited yet highly valued NSA programmers happy. It's just spare change
What if someone were to incorporate themself and thus hold two positions. Perhaps a company might be able to specifically forbid working for another company in the contract (I don't know... I am not a lawyer or a programmer beyond Intro to Pascal;-) ), but I figure some companies wouldn't. Thus when on the clock for your own personal coding, it's owned by John Smith Programming Inc. not by Evil Empire of Application Creation That Pays For the Roof and the Bread. Anyone know?
...For example, after the "I Love You" virus of last spring, we took the initiative to change the balance between security and functionality by releasing the Outlook E-Mail Security Update. The Update prevents executable attachments from being delivered to an Outlook user, and also prevents code from sending mail on the user's behalf without the user's permission. No user who's installed the Update has been harmed by any of the e-mail viruses that have been seen since "I Love You"...
UGG! This update is a security update in the worst of ways. It is totally brute force. It simply cuts off access to potentially harmful files even if the user knows the file is safe. This includes VBS files, EXE files, but also Access database files and so on. It literaly says "Outlook has blocked access to FileA, FileB, ETC." Even worse It made no warning I would be denied access to such files and there is no way to turn it off. I can't TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS PISSES ME OFF! I had to turn an assignment in LATE because Outlook blocked my MS Access file
I sent to MYSELF!!
Well since I live in a Comedy Central black out zone, I don't get to watch the show much, but Daily show one for two reasons. First, everyone else blew the election coverage and second, no one else actually forcasted the outcome. We ALL know when NBC changed from Decision to Indecision 2000, they had something there. Pretty impressive comedy or not;-).
The selling of a ride to and on the Space station is a mockery of the system. And it truly offends me. The reason is all about money. $20,000,000 is not nearly enough. The space station cost how many billions of dollars? I can't find any real numbers, but I'm sure if you took total costs and the projected lifespan of the station we'd figure out this guy is getting the deal of the century. Russia's pawning off their prized space possesion for pocket change because they're broke, but the end result is this multi-millionare is getting a tax-payer subsidized trip into space. It's a load of crap and should never be allowed.
Yes, but notice this is A. The New York Times and B. Wired also did a thing on this too. It mentions the company (and what it planned to do) as far back as Aug 1998
You are required to pay taxes on all items. INCLUDING items bought in another state. LEGALLY you should report expenses to your state. For example in Pennsylvania:
If you buy items that are subject to Sales Tax, for which the seller does not charge and collect the tax on the invoice (or receipt), you are personally responsible for remitting the tax directly to the PA Department of Revenue. This tax is called USE TAX.
Purchases made over the Internet, through toll-free numbers (800, 888, and 877), from mail order catalogs, or any other purchase from an out-of-state location are generally examples of purchases that would be subject to USE TAX. The tax rate is the same as the Sales Tax, 6% state and 1% local tax, if the purchaser is located in Philadelphia or Allegheny County. The tax is to be reported on an Individual Use Tax Return, form PA-1, that can be obtained from any Department of Revenue district office, or see Forms Ordering.
Pretty much what we have here is a solution to two maybe three problems:
Pollution and
The need for the driver to pay attention
Suspected increase in safety (while on rail system)
Solving such problems are great, but we must look at the problems caused. Here they are
Massive investment on car railways (Chicken and egg too)
How do you monitor energy usage for each vehicle. Do you get to travel for free?
Similarly, hell, California can't power light bulbs--powering millions of cars would be overwhelming
Few people really buy cars for particular functions...People don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a car that is soley for local travel and travel on certain railways
Introduction of "compatibility problems" into automobiles. Sorry sir, you can no longer ride on Microrail, you're car is version B this is verion C rail.
The rail must take you close to your DESTINATION too
Similarly, we'll have ugly suburbia rear its ugly head everywhere where it's possible to get to the rail system
People don't like to give up control of their vehicle.
The Washington Metro system had to have its trains opperated manually for a REALLY long time recently because ot tech problems etc. Would this happen with this new system?
Merging on rail sucks
Do you really buy that the cars would be cheap? They need guidance computers, big batteries etc.
I'm bored of typing...sorry i'm stopping
If you really wan to save the enviornment just drive a moped. Not only does it use little gas, but when you die in a horrific accident with a hummer, you stop using up our valuable rescources.
For those who have not completly lost faith in the political system (or maybe more for those who have)... just wanted to say the idea that people "buy and sell" stances on issues is certainly true, but probably exagerated. People and companies donate to the candidates they want to win. If you like this guy's stances, send him some money and say why! Write a letter saying thanks for getting it, here's 50 bucks for your next campaign! If Slashdot did that let's just say other politicians might start paying attention.
"It makes no sense to me that we might be able to understand something that dolphins know. There are just some things that can't be learned."
If you don't try you can't find out. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean it can't be done. Many things are impossible, but we don't know until we try. Your an unimaginitive fool if you think the fact that since we can be wrong and we can fails means we should never investigate something further.
That's damn cool. My computer's power button hasn't even been able to contact the rest of the damn machine and it's not 83 anything away! Stupid damn machine.
Slashdot Mirror
Actually, I think the M100 series works as a bottom of the line model. My girlfriend just got one (I have a Handspring) and it certainly beats the handspring in every way except expandability and that the handspring has a cradel. The screen on the m100 is made of harder plastic/glass making writing much more comfortable and clearer--my handsprings screen gives slightly where you press it with the pen. The m100 has a flip top case, it's light it's everything one needs in a simple PDA.
Damnit I was thirteen and it was doom and quake I wanted! Idiot
But this is why it's so likely it is false. Wow a memo that perfectly states the outsider's view of the situation. Spectacular!
1. Have an 800 number and place it in a number of easily accessible places.
Nothing pisses me off more than calling HP on my own 17 cents/min (college dorm phone prices) because the scanner I bought 2 months ago breaks.
2. Offer a "We'll call you back" option.
If the wait time is over 5 minutes, ASK FOR THE NUMBER and PROMISE TO CALL BACK. If they are not there leave a message.
3. Ask for my "serial number" etc. before I get to the tech person and no who I am and what my previous problems were when you say "Hello".
4. Listen to the customer.
Hey I have a Micron computer. I called b/c my computer wouldn't turn on after moving it (no drops though etc.). We ended up replacing the mother board, processor, memory, etc. My suggestion that maybe the power button was broken (I've experience that the early auto off buttons were a bit sketchy) was ignored. Not only was it that (a wire from the button to the mother board had slipped off), but when I called and suggested that they said "Oh I had never heard of that" I'm SURE they didn't tell someone to deceminate such information to other people.
5. DON'T BLAME THESE PROBLEMS ON THE CUSTOMER.
Most of the time THEY ARE NOT DUMB. They are ignorant in incredibly complex technology and software that they are expected to maintain and have been using for probably 5-10 years. But they get angry because THEY HEAR IT IN YOUR VOICE.
6. Be willing to say "I don't know" let me get someone else.
Why? Because I know that the only way I get my stuff fixed is that I call back. Some are clueless some are good. It's pot luck.
7. Don't treat WOMEN as IDIOTS.
I always have to take the phone when female friends have tech problems. They are not taken seriously. It sucks.
8. ASK. How familar are you with computers/software/etc. Tailor your instructions to that level.
1. Do you think this is ethically wrong. Should content be entrusted to the user.
It's a bitch, but not morrally wrong IMO.
2. Is this technically possible.
To a limited extent yes. But should we trust our nuclear secrets to a safe or should be build a number of security precautions? This is one tool.
Yeah that's all there really is to talk about. Sorry.
????
Funny, for me it usually works out the other way around.
If they can send a keyboard, mouse, audio, and visual signal I'd bet they can send an on, off button.
You Killed Kozmo!
;-)
You want a killer app too create boosted harware performance? Let's throw in a way to let 2-4 users uset he same P.C. at the same time. My parents just had to buy a new computer because Papers (my mom back in school) and Taxes (Dad's job) coincided at the same time. But guess what you don't need two PIII 800 processors to do taxes and word processing at the same time. We all know the hardware could handle it. Throw in an extra monitor some new software a little extra memory and my 4-person family can use the thing when they want. Send some wires through the walls (or maybe wireless) set up access points throughout the house and connect it to the net via broadband. Let me get easy access over the net to my e-mail, documents or even programs etc. Then make it simple and stable to run and make it run without choking. Well shit, I'll spend $4,000 for that. Of course we see a drop in the number of computers sold, but well that's not my problem :P
Yeah, but who gets to GO,
That said, also remember if you're trying to place a back door in software why broadcast that you're the NSA. Why not simply slip it in more subtly.
And finally, this is $1.2 Million for an agency that gets $Billions. Hell it could just simply be to keep a couple of dispirited yet highly valued NSA programmers happy. It's just spare change
What that sounds like to me is you need a Union.
What if someone were to incorporate themself and thus hold two positions. Perhaps a company might be able to specifically forbid working for another company in the contract (I don't know... I am not a lawyer or a programmer beyond Intro to Pascal ;-) ), but I figure some companies wouldn't. Thus when on the clock for your own personal coding, it's owned by John Smith Programming Inc. not by Evil Empire of Application Creation That Pays For the Roof and the Bread. Anyone know?
UGG! This update is a security update in the worst of ways. It is totally brute force. It simply cuts off access to potentially harmful files even if the user knows the file is safe. This includes VBS files, EXE files, but also Access database files and so on. It literaly says "Outlook has blocked access to FileA, FileB, ETC." Even worse It made no warning I would be denied access to such files and there is no way to turn it off. I can't TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS PISSES ME OFF! I had to turn an assignment in LATE because Outlook blocked my MS Access file I sent to MYSELF!!
(yeah it um real gets to me)
Well since I live in a Comedy Central black out zone, I don't get to watch the show much, but Daily show one for two reasons. First, everyone else blew the election coverage and second, no one else actually forcasted the outcome. We ALL know when NBC changed from Decision to Indecision 2000, they had something there. Pretty impressive comedy or not ;-).
The selling of a ride to and on the Space station is a mockery of the system. And it truly offends me. The reason is all about money. $20,000,000 is not nearly enough. The space station cost how many billions of dollars? I can't find any real numbers, but I'm sure if you took total costs and the projected lifespan of the station we'd figure out this guy is getting the deal of the century. Russia's pawning off their prized space possesion for pocket change because they're broke, but the end result is this multi-millionare is getting a tax-payer subsidized trip into space. It's a load of crap and should never be allowed.
Where has Linux got Windows beat and what do you do to deal with those issues?
Do you regularly read slashdot.
Yes, but notice this is A. The New York Times and B. Wired also did a thing on this too. It mentions the company (and what it planned to do) as far back as Aug 1998
PA's Website
If you buy items that are subject to Sales Tax, for which the seller does not charge and collect the tax on the invoice (or receipt), you are personally responsible for remitting the tax directly to the PA Department of Revenue. This tax is called USE TAX.
Purchases made over the Internet, through toll-free numbers (800, 888, and 877), from mail order catalogs, or any other purchase from an out-of-state location are generally examples of purchases that would be subject to USE TAX. The tax rate is the same as the Sales Tax, 6% state and 1% local tax, if the purchaser is located in Philadelphia or Allegheny County. The tax is to be reported on an Individual Use Tax Return, form PA-1, that can be obtained from any Department of Revenue district office, or see Forms Ordering.
- Pollution and
- The need for the driver to pay attention
- Suspected increase in safety (while on rail system)
Solving such problems are great, but we must look at the problems caused. Here they are- Massive investment on car railways (Chicken and egg too)
- How do you monitor energy usage for each vehicle. Do you get to travel for free?
- Similarly, hell, California can't power light bulbs--powering millions of cars would be overwhelming
- Few people really buy cars for particular functions...People don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a car that is soley for local travel and travel on certain railways
- Introduction of "compatibility problems" into automobiles. Sorry sir, you can no longer ride on Microrail, you're car is version B this is verion C rail.
- The rail must take you close to your DESTINATION too
- Similarly, we'll have ugly suburbia rear its ugly head everywhere where it's possible to get to the rail system
- People don't like to give up control of their vehicle.
- The Washington Metro system had to have its trains opperated manually for a REALLY long time recently because ot tech problems etc. Would this happen with this new system?
- Merging on rail sucks
- Do you really buy that the cars would be cheap? They need guidance computers, big batteries etc.
- I'm bored of typing...sorry i'm stopping
If you really wan to save the enviornment just drive a moped. Not only does it use little gas, but when you die in a horrific accident with a hummer, you stop using up our valuable rescources.For those who have not completly lost faith in the political system (or maybe more for those who have)... just wanted to say the idea that people "buy and sell" stances on issues is certainly true, but probably exagerated. People and companies donate to the candidates they want to win. If you like this guy's stances, send him some money and say why! Write a letter saying thanks for getting it, here's 50 bucks for your next campaign! If Slashdot did that let's just say other politicians might start paying attention.
Oh come on! I mean please.
"It makes no sense to me that we might be able to understand something that dolphins know. There are just some things that can't be learned."
If you don't try you can't find out. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean it can't be done. Many things are impossible, but we don't know until we try. Your an unimaginitive fool if you think the fact that since we can be wrong and we can fails means we should never investigate something further.
[Redundant Rant]
Summary, Agree!That's damn cool. My computer's power button hasn't even been able to contact the rest of the damn machine and it's not 83 anything away! Stupid damn machine.