Firstly, while it is plain that there are already calendar synchronization applications for mobile devices, it is not plain that any of them actually fucking work across multiple platforms with a meaningful featureset. If you know differently, then please tell me about it, as from what I can see the market is full of festering shit.
Why does it have to work across multiple platforms? If you're a business, you can mandate everyone use X device/application to access the calendar.
Secondly, it is obvious that you're not in small business.
As a matter of fact, small business is where I've spent the last 10 years.
The choice between paying through the nose for a T1 with an SLA in small town Ohio, or converting to pen-and-paper for the few hours-per-year that the cable modem drops out is obvious. As a business decision, the most profitable solution will (or at least should) always win. Cable modem it is.
Thirdly, I'm not "hosting it on comcast cable!" You've heard of Google, no? I'd guess that they've got better connectivity than Comcast.
Well, if your knee is finished jerking, maybe you can stop and realize that hosting the critical app offsite is exactly what I was refering to.
Better get back under your rock, now. The sun will come up soon.
Who's paying you Matthew? I saw you comment everywhere on this thread of how bad this technology is.
Nobody is paying me. I'm just getting started early with the Google bashing so that I can say "I was doing it before it was popular" 5 years from now when Google is just as evil as Microsoft. Heck, I may even patent it. I'm pretty sure there is no prior art for Google bashing. Everyone seems to drool over anything Google puts out.
Also, I was bored last night and feeling argumentative.:)
t's funny isn't it. First of all, tools. It's about rich media, and Java has only dveleopment tools. Where's the rich media/interactive capabilities? Second, Flash takes a lot less resources than Java and is a lot smaller than Java.
Lets see you write something like Eclipse in Flash and we'll see how small and efficient Flash is.:-)
Seriously, the only reason Flash seems viable for applications is because it has not really been pushed to do anything that requires a whole lot of business logic or complexity in general.
But honestly, if it was all about the great syntax and sophisticated language features, we'd be still using Java applets on the web. Instead, it's all about Flash.
What planet do you live on? It is not "all about Flash." It is all about HTML and Javascript. Flash is merely used to fill in a few gaps here and there for things like media players... things that are not possible with Javascript and HTML.
If google released their apps as bytecode-compiled java, they would *lose* actual CPU performance in order to overcome some amount of network latency (which is the big slowdown for most web apps). By making it so the app will still work without a network connection, they are overcoming that latency without having to add update complexity or sacrifice cross-platform compatibility (java environments are neither universal nor consistent). Write-one run-anywhere is far more true of web apps than it ever has been of java.
From what I understand from Java devs, write once, run anywhere is actually a reality. It is certainly a better situation than trying to write Javascript for different browsers.
Anyway, I was merely responding to teh GP's (or GGP?) desire for a virtual machine dedicated to running applications as apposed to a browser which is designed to display documents. Java easily fit his requirements.
I don't personally endorse Java for GUI applications as I don't like their look and feel. I'm just saying that it easily meets the technical requirements and major OSes already have the VM.
First of all, there's already calendar synchronization applications for mobile devices. Second, if this service is so critical, you probably shouldn't be hosting it on your comcast cable!
Of course IBM rolled this [techtarget.com] out six years ago in the Domino server, although I don't really expect Google's offering to handle Replication/Save conflicts as well as Domino does.
From the sound of it, Google expects the developer to handle database synchronization issues. And in some cases, you actually have to duplicate your business logic in the browser in Javascript to make the app function offline at all. Ouch!
I'm not touching this tech with a 10 foot pole. Internet access is getting more an more ubiquitous. In the not too distant future the entire concept of being "offline" will be all but forgotten. I'm much more focused on making web apps not suck when they are ONLINE. Who has time to worry about what happens when they are offline?
Well, you might want an offline web application for things such as web-based word processing. When you are offline, files are cached offline. When a connection is detected, files are synched back onto the server.
How about a more basic solution like syncronized network file storage so that you don't have to rewrite every damn application inside a browser to get centralized storage? That way you can use whatever word processor or speadsheet program you want and have your data synched to the internet.
Except that XUL isn't really made for web apps. It is really for browser interface itself and for browser extensions that are installed locally. Actually writing a networked XUL app is kind of a pain because of security restrictions. I wrote a XUL app once but found that I had to install it as an extension because I could hardly do anything useful with all the restrictions when loading from a server. And if you are going to require that users install you app as an extension, the question becomes why use the browser at all? Why not use a real VM like Java?
It has ability to store/read data locally and basically act as a normal desktop app, but it's inherently multiplatform, because it uses platform neutral technologies (even more so than Java and.NET managed to do so far).
First of all,.NET was NEVER intended to be platform neutral. There's Mono, sure, but last I checked Microsoft is giving that project little or no help. Java is actually pretty good as far as cross-platform goes. I'm not a Java developer myself, but from what I understand Java developers have little trouble building and testing on one platform and deploying on another. And it isn't like there is a shortage of Java devs....
Given a decent language like Java, why would anyone WANT to develop their apps in... Flash. Yuck.
Why not just create a basic virtual machine client and load it with this fast, simple "Google OS"? The capabilities would be similar - it needs access to the local file system to store documents, and the app would run in a highly stable evironment that needs to do nothing but run apps.
Dude, I think you just described Java.;-)
I hear Java Web Start even solves the problem of distributing app updates seamlessly. Not that I am a fan of Java for GUI apps as far as look and feel go, but it certainly meets to your requirements for a virtual machine and I'd probably take it over some of the HTML + JS shite that is out there.
Why is it that nobody can see that what everyone longs for was invented more than a decade ago. It is like the 900 gorilla in the room that nobody wants to talk about.
Silly me, i thought the major drawback of web based applications was that HTML sucks for building rich applications.
So basically what Gears offers is the worst of both worlds. A terrible rich application dev environment (HTML + JS) combined with database concurrency headaches. Awesome!
Nope, it also doesn't bother me that I have to cook pork thoroughly or look both ways before I cross the street.
Given two streets, a quiet country road and a busy 6 lane freeway, which one would you allow you children to cross on their own (assuming they are of age to be outside on their own in the first place). Heck, which one would YOU want to cross on a regular basis?
I guess you like a false sense of security.
What is false about it? If I am not getting infected by viruses and spyware, I'm not getting infected by viruses and spyware. Chances are pretty low that I will get infected... even though I probably dont' take many of the precautions you do. There's nothing false about that. It isn't PERFECT security, of course, but what is? Can you guarantee that you'll never get infected or hacked despite yoru precautions? Nope.
Do you also tell people not to buy door locks but cement all holes in their walls because someone might break in and steal stuff?
I have no idea what you mean.
I don't think it is a more dangerous platform,
But you just told me WHY it is more dangerous... because it is a big target. Are you taking that back? You don't think spammers and scammers target Windows much more than other platforms by a vast margin?
, i don't have problems with it, you're the one who can't use windows because it's scary.
Yeah, that's it. I'm scared. Feel superior yet?
Just because you say something is a fact doesn't make it so,
I thought we were in agreement on that much. You explained why Windows is a dangerous platform and why you have to be so careful using it (scanning all downloaded files, for example). Would you bother doing that on Linux?
but it might make you feel better about which platform you vehemently defend.
Excuse me? Which platform have I defended at all? Perhaps I've noted that I prefer OS X, but I dont' recall any defense, much less a "vehement" defense. Are you confusing me with someone else again? You're treating me as if I represent every person you've ever talked to that doesn't like Windows. Why is that? Why do I have to take responsibility for every comment ever made against Windows and for other platforms?
Mac OS has flaws, so does unix, every piece of manmade software is vulnerable but i would say Windows is a target due to the high market share as virus writers are not the fame seekers of old but rather looking to create botnets.. hard to do with ~8% of the market.
So because you can find an explanation for *why* Windows is a more dangerous platform, that is supposed to make up for the fact that it is? I don't really care if it is Microsoft's fault, the user's fault, spammers' fault, global warming's fault, or George W. Bush's fault. The fact remains that Windows is a dangerous platform. Add the annoyance of keeping it clean with all the other little Windows annoyances and you have a platform that I don't care to use and try to encourage others not to use (especially the people that would have me come fix their computer when it breaks). Seriously, you run every file you download through a virus scanner. WTF!? That doesn't bother you?
I thought the in-game scams were kinda funny. And i think that a lot of it adds depth and character to the game. EVE is one game where "griefers" become "outlaws" or "pirates." Maybe games shouldn't be like real life, but it sure is interesting when they are.;-)
Then why are you complaining about it so LOUDLY?!? I would have thought that with as much to say against it you would have been familiar with it...
How much have I really said against Windows? That I find it annoying to have to be so "careful" when using it? I think that is about it. Are you confusing me with someone else?
Well actually, it isn't either, but i guess you wouldn't know since you "rarely" use it.
I never said "rarely." Don't quote me on something I didn't say. I use Windows enough to be annoyed that I have to use it at all. Lets leave it at that.
You can also cross any street without looking, or eat candy you find on the floor, or eat fish from China, but i guess what you are saying is that you prefer an OS that holds your hand?
No, I prefer an OS that doesn't have dangers lurking behind ever door that I have to sidestep on a daily basis. As 10+ year Linux user (only recently switched to OS X), I hardly need my hand held, thanks.
Or just more windows bashing because it makes you feel superior?
You're the one who is bragging about how clean your Windows computer is and how you "don't even run anti-virus software." I'd say you're the one who feels superior. Not just superior to me, but superior to the millions of Windows users out there with completely infested and barely usable botnet zombies.
I don't feel superior at all. In fact, I'm in awe of your mad Windows skillz.
"I spend a lot more time than I'd prefer cleaning up after viruses/spyware on other people's computers, so perhaps I am a little biased."
You think? Like i said, I do IT for a living and 90% of the time it is because of the user that these problems arise..
I should add that I don't spend any time cleaning up after viruses/spyware on Macs even though I manage about the same number as Windows machines. So either Mac users are just naturally endowed with great computer savvy or Windows really is a more dangerous platform and requires that you take special steps to stay safe.
Anyone looking to run Windows securely is a huge exception. People with a clue as to how to go about it are even rarer. Running the entire OS in a VM is one way, probably one of the very few ways a normal or slightly above average user could do it and still have all the functionality they expect.
Not all the functionality. I presume you're using Parallels on a Mac for your VM. And in my experience the video acceleration is pretty poor. Not suitable for games.
It is quite a bit better than simply "don't run Windows" as that is not a viable option for a great many of us.
How about "don't run Windows as your primary OS" then? It is definitely a lot easier to keep a system clean if it isn't your primary desktop even without maintaining a "clean" VM. I mean if you're only running Windows/Parallels for IE to access your Bank and some obscure, but irreplacable Win32 app, then there really isn't much room for infection no matter what you do. Especially since Parallels puts your VM behind NAT by default.
It isn't like players are just buying and selling all day long. No, but some do. Profitable for your corp if you can stand it.
Exactly. And that is my point. Some people don't mind doing it. CCP has successfully made what would otherwise be a boring, pointless activity a part of the game. Heck, even griefers were tolerable in Eve for some reason. Sure, it is still annoying to have your ore/loot stolen, but outlaws and pirates are part of the game.
Talking about EVE almost makes me want to get into it again. Talking about WoW just makes me wonder why people play it at all. Hopefully LOTRO takes more from EVE than WoW.
It isn't hard, per se. It is just annoying. I could keep a WIndows box clean if I *really* wanted to. I just don't want to. Simple as that.
I run XP semi updated (every so often i check for updates, not regularly) and don't have "MASSIVE" problems that i hear people like you complaining about all the time...
Well hurray for you. You get a biscuit.
Maybe it is because i am careful?
Maybe. But I'd rather move out of a dangerous neighborhood that be "careful" my whole life. But I suppose if that dangerous neighborhood is what you call home, then you do what you have to do. *shrug*
I use firefox (because i prefer it over IE), I scan anything i download or get emailed with online scanners and i use a lot of game/program cracks, i don't scour the net for pron, and i have my boxes (4 of them, all windows, none with these "problems") behind a hardware firewall. I don't even have antivirus installed on my systems, meh...
Another biscuit for you.
Once in a great while one of them will get some spyware because of what my kids have done and i can clean it up, but for the most part i'm not rootkitted, full of spayware/viruses, crashing, etc...
I spend a lot more time than I'd prefer cleaning up after viruses/spyware on other people's computers, so perhaps I am a little biased. See, I've never actually been a regular Windows user myself. I only use Windows as needed (to my chagrin). Maybe you regulars are just used to it or something. I dunno.
aybe you should be looking at your own actions when using windows instead of complaining about it being such a problem?
As I said previously, I'm not a regular user of Windows, so it is kind of moot.
Security is not my primary motivation. I'm running Windows on top of OS X. I only use Windows for a handful of applications, mostly for compatibility testing and for one old, irreplaceable specialty app.
So basically your situation is relatively unique and has very little relevance to regular Windows users. But thanks for sharing.
WoW has very little player-controlled economy. The servers are actually far too small to allow it and the economic choke points are far too concentrated (there are maybe 5 items that are used in about 90% of the crafted weapons/armor) so it's pretty easy for one person to corner the market on a specific item/kind of materials.
Right, so the the solution is a large, player controlled economy. That's what I said.;-)
EvE seems like the game was designed around the economy, which is why the economy is good. WoW was designed around dungeon crawling and combat, and the economy serves only as motivation for more combat. If all you did in WoW was play the economy, you'd be really bored after a week, hence the amount of gold farming and gold-for-cash sales (because after playing the game for 2 years, you REALLY have no interest in the economy.)
Well, I dunno if Eve was designed round the economy. I think it was just given some extra consideration. Eve certainly has a very strong PvP community, for example. It isn't like players are just buying and selling all day long. The market is just one thing you can play with in Eve. You don't HAVE to give it much thought besides "where can I get my new ship/upgrades for the best price?" if you don't want to. And even that can be avoided in the low security areas where groups of players are largely self sufficient.
So what does it take to install applications and have them around when you "revert?" Sounds like a huge, unnecessary pain the ass to me. The question becomes: "Is it worth it?" I find using Windows annoying enough WITHOUT the hoops you need to jump through to keep it clean.
You mean besides developing a functioning, player controlled, in-game economy? I have not played many MMOG's so I don't have a lot to compare, but it seems to me that Eve Online dealt with "farming" pretty well by simply making it a part of the game. In Eve, mining/farming raw materials and breaking down/selling loot is required for the economy to function. That is, you need someone to mine ore to sell on the market (and it really does have a market) so others can build ships and other items. Too many people mining/farming and the value of the ore goes down and it becomes less fruitful to farm and at the same time larger items get cheaper for everone else because they're cheaper to build. I actually made a whole character in Eve based on working the markets, buying/selling ships, building ships, etc. It was pretty fun for a couple months. And it was totally legit.
Wouldn't that suck.. For fuck's sake, just stop using Windows
Well yea, but the average Windows wouldn't notice.
They wouldn't notice that all their documents the apps and they installed are gone? Do you think the "average WIndows user" is an Alzheimer's sufferer or something?
Hmm... With all respect, "sequrity by obscurity" (using an obscure OS with an obscure browser) doesn't really get any better by using an opensource OS. It is still not real security,
So what? If it works, it works. Why does it have to be "real" security? Is the security ideal worth more than your personal comfort and/or sanity?
You don't even need to go so far as using lynx in a text console. Simply running OS X or Linux is generally enough to sidestep the vast majority of nastiness that is out there. As for SPAM, just use an email service that has decent filtering. Using a spam filter doesn't stop the SPAM problem, but it certainly makes an inbox much more manageable...
Slashdot Mirror
Why does it have to work across multiple platforms? If you're a business, you can mandate everyone use X device/application to access the calendar.
As a matter of fact, small business is where I've spent the last 10 years.
Well, if your knee is finished jerking, maybe you can stop and realize that hosting the critical app offsite is exactly what I was refering to.
Wow. Overreact much?
-matthew
Nobody is paying me. I'm just getting started early with the Google bashing so that I can say "I was doing it before it was popular" 5 years from now when Google is just as evil as Microsoft. Heck, I may even patent it. I'm pretty sure there is no prior art for Google bashing. Everyone seems to drool over anything Google puts out.
Also, I was bored last night and feeling argumentative.
-matthew
Lets see you write something like Eclipse in Flash and we'll see how small and efficient Flash is.
Seriously, the only reason Flash seems viable for applications is because it has not really been pushed to do anything that requires a whole lot of business logic or complexity in general.
What planet do you live on? It is not "all about Flash." It is all about HTML and Javascript. Flash is merely used to fill in a few gaps here and there for things like media players... things that are not possible with Javascript and HTML.
-matthew
From what I understand from Java devs, write once, run anywhere is actually a reality. It is certainly a better situation than trying to write Javascript for different browsers.
Anyway, I was merely responding to teh GP's (or GGP?) desire for a virtual machine dedicated to running applications as apposed to a browser which is designed to display documents. Java easily fit his requirements.
I don't personally endorse Java for GUI applications as I don't like their look and feel. I'm just saying that it easily meets the technical requirements and major OSes already have the VM.
-matthew
First of all, there's already calendar synchronization applications for mobile devices. Second, if this service is so critical, you probably shouldn't be hosting it on your comcast cable!
Compiled Java bytecode is a speed deamon compared to JavaSCRIPT.
-matthew
From the sound of it, Google expects the developer to handle database synchronization issues. And in some cases, you actually have to duplicate your business logic in the browser in Javascript to make the app function offline at all. Ouch!
http://code.google.com/apis/gears/architecture.ht
I'm not touching this tech with a 10 foot pole. Internet access is getting more an more ubiquitous. In the not too distant future the entire concept of being "offline" will be all but forgotten. I'm much more focused on making web apps not suck when they are ONLINE. Who has time to worry about what happens when they are offline?
-matthew
How about a more basic solution like syncronized network file storage so that you don't have to rewrite every damn application inside a browser to get centralized storage? That way you can use whatever word processor or speadsheet program you want and have your data synched to the internet.
-matthew
Except that XUL isn't really made for web apps. It is really for browser interface itself and for browser extensions that are installed locally. Actually writing a networked XUL app is kind of a pain because of security restrictions. I wrote a XUL app once but found that I had to install it as an extension because I could hardly do anything useful with all the restrictions when loading from a server. And if you are going to require that users install you app as an extension, the question becomes why use the browser at all? Why not use a real VM like Java?
-matthew
First of all,
Given a decent language like Java, why would anyone WANT to develop their apps in... Flash. Yuck.
-matthew
Dude, I think you just described Java.
I hear Java Web Start even solves the problem of distributing app updates seamlessly. Not that I am a fan of Java for GUI apps as far as look and feel go, but it certainly meets to your requirements for a virtual machine and I'd probably take it over some of the HTML + JS shite that is out there.
Why is it that nobody can see that what everyone longs for was invented more than a decade ago. It is like the 900 gorilla in the room that nobody wants to talk about.
-matthew
Silly me, i thought the major drawback of web based applications was that HTML sucks for building rich applications.
So basically what Gears offers is the worst of both worlds. A terrible rich application dev environment (HTML + JS) combined with database concurrency headaches. Awesome!
-matthew
Given two streets, a quiet country road and a busy 6 lane freeway, which one would you allow you children to cross on their own (assuming they are of age to be outside on their own in the first place). Heck, which one would YOU want to cross on a regular basis?
What is false about it? If I am not getting infected by viruses and spyware, I'm not getting infected by viruses and spyware. Chances are pretty low that I will get infected... even though I probably dont' take many of the precautions you do. There's nothing false about that. It isn't PERFECT security, of course, but what is? Can you guarantee that you'll never get infected or hacked despite yoru precautions? Nope.
I have no idea what you mean.
But you just told me WHY it is more dangerous... because it is a big target. Are you taking that back? You don't think spammers and scammers target Windows much more than other platforms by a vast margin?
Yeah, that's it. I'm scared. Feel superior yet?
I thought we were in agreement on that much. You explained why Windows is a dangerous platform and why you have to be so careful using it (scanning all downloaded files, for example). Would you bother doing that on Linux?
Excuse me? Which platform have I defended at all? Perhaps I've noted that I prefer OS X, but I dont' recall any defense, much less a "vehement" defense. Are you confusing me with someone else again? You're treating me as if I represent every person you've ever talked to that doesn't like Windows. Why is that? Why do I have to take responsibility for every comment ever made against Windows and for other platforms?
-matthew
So because you can find an explanation for *why* Windows is a more dangerous platform, that is supposed to make up for the fact that it is? I don't really care if it is Microsoft's fault, the user's fault, spammers' fault, global warming's fault, or George W. Bush's fault. The fact remains that Windows is a dangerous platform. Add the annoyance of keeping it clean with all the other little Windows annoyances and you have a platform that I don't care to use and try to encourage others not to use (especially the people that would have me come fix their computer when it breaks). Seriously, you run every file you download through a virus scanner. WTF!? That doesn't bother you?
-matthew
I thought the in-game scams were kinda funny. And i think that a lot of it adds depth and character to the game. EVE is one game where "griefers" become "outlaws" or "pirates." Maybe games shouldn't be like real life, but it sure is interesting when they are. ;-)
-matthew
How much have I really said against Windows? That I find it annoying to have to be so "careful" when using it? I think that is about it. Are you confusing me with someone else?
I never said "rarely." Don't quote me on something I didn't say. I use Windows enough to be annoyed that I have to use it at all. Lets leave it at that.
No, I prefer an OS that doesn't have dangers lurking behind ever door that I have to sidestep on a daily basis. As 10+ year Linux user (only recently switched to OS X), I hardly need my hand held, thanks.
You're the one who is bragging about how clean your Windows computer is and how you "don't even run anti-virus software." I'd say you're the one who feels superior. Not just superior to me, but superior to the millions of Windows users out there with completely infested and barely usable botnet zombies.
I don't feel superior at all. In fact, I'm in awe of your mad Windows skillz.
I should add that I don't spend any time cleaning up after viruses/spyware on Macs even though I manage about the same number as Windows machines. So either Mac users are just naturally endowed with great computer savvy or Windows really is a more dangerous platform and requires that you take special steps to stay safe.
-matthew
Not all the functionality. I presume you're using Parallels on a Mac for your VM. And in my experience the video acceleration is pretty poor. Not suitable for games.
How about "don't run Windows as your primary OS" then? It is definitely a lot easier to keep a system clean if it isn't your primary desktop even without maintaining a "clean" VM. I mean if you're only running Windows/Parallels for IE to access your Bank and some obscure, but irreplacable Win32 app, then there really isn't much room for infection no matter what you do. Especially since Parallels puts your VM behind NAT by default.
-matthew
Exactly. And that is my point. Some people don't mind doing it. CCP has successfully made what would otherwise be a boring, pointless activity a part of the game. Heck, even griefers were tolerable in Eve for some reason. Sure, it is still annoying to have your ore/loot stolen, but outlaws and pirates are part of the game.
Talking about EVE almost makes me want to get into it again. Talking about WoW just makes me wonder why people play it at all. Hopefully LOTRO takes more from EVE than WoW.
-matthew
It isn't hard, per se. It is just annoying. I could keep a WIndows box clean if I *really* wanted to. I just don't want to. Simple as that.
Well hurray for you. You get a biscuit.
Maybe. But I'd rather move out of a dangerous neighborhood that be "careful" my whole life. But I suppose if that dangerous neighborhood is what you call home, then you do what you have to do. *shrug*
Another biscuit for you.
I spend a lot more time than I'd prefer cleaning up after viruses/spyware on other people's computers, so perhaps I am a little biased. See, I've never actually been a regular Windows user myself. I only use Windows as needed (to my chagrin). Maybe you regulars are just used to it or something. I dunno.
As I said previously, I'm not a regular user of Windows, so it is kind of moot.
-matthew
So basically your situation is relatively unique and has very little relevance to regular Windows users. But thanks for sharing.
-matthew
Right, so the the solution is a large, player controlled economy. That's what I said.
Well, I dunno if Eve was designed round the economy. I think it was just given some extra consideration. Eve certainly has a very strong PvP community, for example. It isn't like players are just buying and selling all day long. The market is just one thing you can play with in Eve. You don't HAVE to give it much thought besides "where can I get my new ship/upgrades for the best price?" if you don't want to. And even that can be avoided in the low security areas where groups of players are largely self sufficient.
-matthew
So what does it take to install applications and have them around when you "revert?" Sounds like a huge, unnecessary pain the ass to me. The question becomes: "Is it worth it?" I find using Windows annoying enough WITHOUT the hoops you need to jump through to keep it clean.
-matthew
You mean besides developing a functioning, player controlled, in-game economy? I have not played many MMOG's so I don't have a lot to compare, but it seems to me that Eve Online dealt with "farming" pretty well by simply making it a part of the game. In Eve, mining/farming raw materials and breaking down/selling loot is required for the economy to function. That is, you need someone to mine ore to sell on the market (and it really does have a market) so others can build ships and other items. Too many people mining/farming and the value of the ore goes down and it becomes less fruitful to farm and at the same time larger items get cheaper for everone else because they're cheaper to build. I actually made a whole character in Eve based on working the markets, buying/selling ships, building ships, etc. It was pretty fun for a couple months. And it was totally legit.
-matthew
They wouldn't notice that all their documents the apps and they installed are gone? Do you think the "average WIndows user" is an Alzheimer's sufferer or something?
-matthew
So what? If it works, it works. Why does it have to be "real" security? Is the security ideal worth more than your personal comfort and/or sanity?
You don't even need to go so far as using lynx in a text console. Simply running OS X or Linux is generally enough to sidestep the vast majority of nastiness that is out there. As for SPAM, just use an email service that has decent filtering. Using a spam filter doesn't stop the SPAM problem, but it certainly makes an inbox much more manageable...
-matthew