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User: NiTr|c

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  1. Re:Well, lessee... on Satellite Radio Systems Compared · · Score: 1

    $10/month, that's a bit cheaper than the last time I checked. However, it seems that the components are still a bit pricy for what you get. Unless it comes built into your new car, I'd argue getting a new CD player, or some blanks for what you'd pay for the whole setup. Just a side note, is there any chance that, if this becomes a successful product, the standards would be changed/implimented to cause "old" equipment to become obsolete? Just a thought, I'd highly doubt it would happen, but you just never know any more.

  2. Re:Not just that... on Satellite Radio Systems Compared · · Score: 1

    I think that radio/tv/etc would be one of my last concerns for living in a log home. This could just be my bitterness towards people in general talking, but if I built a log home in the middle of nowhere, well, I'd wanna be in the middle of nowhere! That, and I could do all sorts of fun naked activities in the wilder...On second though, give me my radio and my slashdot please.

  3. Definately on Satellite Radio Systems Compared · · Score: 4, Interesting

    not worth it. You'd have to spend quite a bit of time in your vehicle to make staellite radio worth the cost that it is now. One may as well invest in a multi-disc changer that reads MP3 discs. This way you can have hours upon hours of music that you choose, commercial free. Hopefully, if/when a song sharing service comes around that is legal and not stomped by the RIAA, people will pay the cost per song, be able to burn them all to CD, and then listen in the car. I don't see how paying a monthy fee for satellite radio is even justified when we already have the technology to give ourselves hours of music on a single CD. IMHO, staellite radio hasn't really taken off, and I don't think it ever will. It just seems like a bad trend.

  4. Re:Stick with Windows and if you do... on PC Annoyances · · Score: 1

    I'm only 20 and I've used Mac, Linux, and Windows. Currently, I'm on Windows XP. Disabled all the frilly crap, uninstalled messenger, use Opera for browsing (Only use IE to access MS Exchange online). I do Windows administration for work and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it. I haven't had a crash in XP as long as I can remember. I keep the system optimized (defrag, cleaned up, organized, yadda yadda). I can use Linux, not very well, but I can. The installs ARE easier now than they were, and a lot of programs/devices work a lot better than before. The only reasons I won't switch is because of the time I will have to spend setting it up. I have everything configured on my Windows box exactly the way I want it. I know how to fix problems quickly, and I hardly ever have them as it is.

    Linux seems nice and all, but I just don't want to take all the time to familiarize myself with a whole other OS. I do have RedHat on my laptop, hardly use it though. Installing different programs has been a pain in my rear. Getting everything set up on a Linux box the way I have it on my Windows box would take me far too long. I would completely agree with the parent poster that TIME is one of the biggest drawbacks of converting to linux. I have absolutely zero gripes with my Windows install. If I could ask for anything, it'd be the time and patience to be able to sit down infront of linux and learn from scratch. A daunting task when I can go sit down infront of windows and know what's going on.

  5. Re:Hurtin' for content to publish on How to Handle an Internet Outage · · Score: 1

    I would hope that you didn't take it seriously. You should have gathered from #1 "Panic" that the article was meant to be humorous. I'll give the editors more credit than to actually think they considered it "news".

  6. Re:Yeah but the middleman... on MP3 Creator On Sharing Music · · Score: 1

    Without middle men, you'll never have a music industry becuase you'll never hear anything new.

    Bullsh*t. I don't listen to the radio to get my music, because it's not played in America. So how do I find new music? There's sure no middleman for me to rely on. I do, however, go to shows and see who the latest band is that plays the style of music that I enjoy listening to. Most bands I prefer are European (Germany, specifically), so what do I do? Research the band and find, through a bit of work, bands that sound similar. Now, it may not be as EASY as just turning on a radio and hearing something new, but as far as "...never have a music industry..." That's a load. You'd be surprised as to how many bands actually try to give props to startups in the area. I can go to the websites of at least five of the bands I listen to that have been around for a while, and they all try to play up a smaller band in the Links or Associates, etc sections.

    Hopefully the middleman does get thrown out, then people like you might actually start to figure things out for yourself. You might see that there is a whole other area of music that you probably don't even know exists due to the fact that you consistantly rely on the "middleman" to tell you what's new and available.

  7. It's pretty entertaining... on dB Drag Racing · · Score: 1

    My friend and I competed actively in DBDrags, we also held our own, certified, events in the Colorado area. The team we competed with was team Atac (Authorized Team Audio Creations) which built a pretty cool little mascot car. I was a PowerWheels with 1 10inch subwoofer mounted in it. We used the actual car for the enclosure and pushed some pretty good numbers. High 170's IIRC. And these events aren't about blasting music either. There are special CDs with different hz ratings on them that you "burp" to get your SPL level. Burp, as in play the cd for 1-2 seconds, then cut it. That's all you should really play pure bass for unless you wish to hurt your equipment. I think our best car, besides the power wheels, did a 160 something. It was a 1970's VW Rabbit with the inside torn out, filled with MDF board along the walls of the car. Then filled with expanding insulation foam, and about 12 Optima Yellow Top, deep cycle, batteries. We ran 1/0awg wire through the whole car, and even added an ignition switch to the hood, as well as throttle control, so we didn't have to sit inside the car. This is quite an interesting, and addictive, hobby to take part it. It's a shame more peopld didn't show up to the events.

  8. Diminishing MUDs? on Saving MUDs? · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I'm not sure if MUDs are actually diminishing all that much. If you look at sites like mudconnector there are quite a few MUDs listed. The same goes with MPOGD. I, myself, am an active participant in a MUD that has been running over thirteen(13) years now. The player base has only increased, as has the complexity of the MUD itself. I know others that have followed somewhat of the same path as well. The only reason MUDs may be diminishing, is that the maintainers lose interest, or go on to do something else. However, it seems that if the MUD is programmed well, and has a strong playerbase, it isn't going anywhere. I know for a fact, that if the MUD I play opens donations, almost every player will donate at least $100 US Dollars without flinching.That clearly shows some dedication. (Note that one doesn't ever HAVE to donate money.)

    If anyone is curious, or wants to play, the MUD I'm on is Bat. www.bat.org/

  9. Another DoS attack on DOS Attacks On DNS Provider · · Score: 1

    So, ultra DNS gets DoSed, then it get slashdotted too? They're having a great day!

  10. The Majority on The Rise and Fall of the Geek · · Score: 1

    How can you confirm to people you don't know that you're a clued-up kinda geek? Easy - stick 'Hang Valenti' into your sig. How can you get yourself ignored or flamed? Argue for sensible DRM.

    This caught my attention. What a close-minded statement. Sure it's not meant to be 100% serious, but jeez. I'd like to believe that as "geeks" or "hackers" or whatever we at least have enough common sense to judge people rationally.

    There are good and bad points in every idea. Saying this is good and this isn't just to be part of the majority is most likely one of the factors causing the decline mentioned in the article. If we fall to the classic join-the-majority-because-people-will-like-me scenario diverse "geekdom" will dwindle. I prefer to voice my opinions because I can and because I'd like for people to possibly think about a different side of the argument.

    This is why I read slashdot instead of watching television.

    Yes, I like making up words, and I like using "" marks.

  11. Maybe it's all in the name... on RIAA Seeks Summary Judgement Against P2P Services · · Score: 1

    Would the RIAA actually take the time to seek out and destroy these companies if they didn't flaunt the ability to share and download files? I mean, there are a lot of services still around that, at least as of yet, the RIAA hasn't made any real action against. ICQ, IRC, Hotline(for those of you who know it). I suspect that because these boast ways to communicate quickly with, and meet other people, organizations like the RIAA forget or just don't care that they can transfer files. Now, if services like WinMX, Kaaza(or however it's spelled), etc hyped up their messaging services, and ways to connect people, while downplaying filesharing, would we still be where we are? I believe that it would be an interesting experiment. I mean, I know for sure I can get almost any MP3 I want from IRC if I find a channel where people listen to that music. Granted, the magnitude of the files on these networks is huge compared to the others I've mentioned, but if no one played up the fact that they were as they are, maybe they would be allowed to survive. I don't know, just my thoughts on the subject.

  12. Do what the RIAA doesn't on Online Marketing for an Indie Band? · · Score: 1

    I've seen the suggestion on slashdot many times to have people able to download songs for a reasonable price. So, why not do that online? Meaning, obviously enough, to have your songs available for download for a small fee. Either that, or let them purchase the CD for a little more than it would cost to d/l all the songs individually, giving them artwork(if any), lyrics, and of course, the fun CD case :).

    You can also see if you can get together with other bands doing the same thing you're doing, and gain publicity through all of your efforts instead of just one band doing its own thing at a time. I'm sure there are others out there such as yourselves who want to do things without corporate "assistance".

    I hope any of this helps, or at least spurs your brain into more ideas.

  13. Reminds me of a science experiment... on Solar Surgery · · Score: 1
    It was rather fun. We all had a nice stroll outside with a Parabolic mirror and flamable objects. Since the sun's rays shine in a somewhat parallel fashion, the parabola shape would focus the energy into the center of the mirror and whoosh, insta-flaming materials... Never thought they would turn it into a surgical procedure though. That seems a bit dangerous.

  14. Now a freshman in college... on Algebra As A Gateway Subject · · Score: 1

    I just graduated from HS and had absolutely no problem with math/science. I probably have a bit more foresite than most the students in my graduating class, realizing that I'll actually use math as a CS major, but that had nothing to do with good/bad teachers.

    I live in Colorado, and from what I've been told, and what I've read, we have one of the better educational systems right now. At least, as far as stardardized test scores go (if that means anything). All my teachers were excellent, they really did try to get one immersed in the subject which they were teaching. Even when I was in 7th+8th grade, my teachers were involved with how the students learned. It's the students themselves that need to improve things. No matter how good the teacher is, if the student doesn't want to learn it, they won't. I watched it happen numerous times throughout my education thus far. I mean, they'd offer after school help, during lunch help, one-on-one time for the kids, anything to help them succeed here. The losers just wouldn't hear of it. Unfortunately they wanted to go smoke pot or do something else "constructive". (Unfortunately Colorado is the #1 state in America for teenage marijuana use.)

    I'm not sure the age of the majority of /.ers, but currently this is the situation. Most likely it's in more than just my area. All of you who say it's just being taught incorrectly, which may be true in some cases, also have to realize the effort is two fold. If you have an excellent teacher, but poor students it won't work, or vice versa with poor teachers and great students. Hell, I'd wished more than anything now I could have taken Calculus in HS rather than in college just because of all the extra help I could have gotten when I had difficulties.

  15. Still losing the laptop on Crypto Leash for Laptops? · · Score: 1

    Granted, as one user pointed out, the data is worth, usually, much more than the laptop itself. But you have to look at who is going to steal the laptop. Most likely, someone who can't care less about what's on it, just that they "got a cool new toy." Sure, the data is safe, that's great, you probably won't have anything classified stolen, but whoever stole it now has a brand new laptop and you're still out $3k for a new one.

    It seems like something one would only use for business laptops (obviously, right?), and that it'd be a bit overkill for personal computers. I know if I lost my laptop, I don't care what's on it, if it's encrypted, if it will be decrypted, etc. I just know I'm out about $1500, and as a college student without any cash, I'd be pissed.

    I'll just be waiting for a nice quick way to get the hardware back, undamaged. Until then, you can keep your leash. :-)

  16. Some Great Bands... on Electronic Music 101? · · Score: 2, Interesting

    ...for electronica, or EBM (electronic body music) are from Germany mostly. I'm an avid fan of this type of music and some of my favorite bands for the sound are:
    VNV Nation
    Apoptygma Berzerk
    Funker Vogt
    Wumpscut (one guy but extremely talented)
    L'Ame Immortelle
    Pzycho Bitch
    Pandique (local german band, extremely hard to find)
    Neurotic Fish
    Beborn Beton
    Front 242 (old but also extremely talented)
    Icon of Coil
    State Of The Union

    I'm unsure if all of these bands fall into what you're looking for but I am sure they all use electronic means to produce their music. My favorite of the bunch, VNV Nation, used (mostly) nothing but a PC to produce their entire recent CD entitled Futureperfect. They even provided a list of software/hardware they had at their disposal.

    If you're looking for a place you can order the music online, I suggest Darkland Music, or the record label Metropolis Records. Also, under Metropolis's website, they have a list of bands that are signed under them, all of which are electronica/EBM. I hope this helps you out.

  17. Metaphysics in general on Hackers And Mysticism? · · Score: 1

    I doubt being a hacker has anything to do with religious preference or person belief. Though, speaking from my own experiences, and preference, there are a lof of computer-oriented people who practice these. Perhaps we are the more enlightened group, and share our beliefs openly due to the fact that since we communicate with so many people over the internet in the quest for knowledge alone, we just don't care. We don't judge on race or sex, but on actions and knowledge. Many more people than we know may participate in these practices but fear being riduculed by their peers. Not so in "our" community. Take myself for example: I'm an avid believer in the Metaphysical. Telekenisis, Astral Projection, Astral Sigh, and the like. Though, while at school or work I don't preach it. While on the internet though, it's almost the complete opposite. I like telling people my thoughts. I don't fear being rejected. As a matter of fact, I've met professors on the subjects of my interest who have aggreed to assist me in any way they can. So, like I stated, I don't believe in any direct relation between hacker and believer in this subject matter, but rather it's those of us who have been here longer and are more comfortable. Not "everyone and their grandmothers". Nitric

  18. Just Fly Over The Teacher on Linux & Education - How To Get It For Your School · · Score: 1

    I'm in High School as well, and I know what you're going through. I just finished a basic C++ class, and now am taking a more advanced C++ class. My programming teacher thinks that Windows is king. But almost every day I stay after and talk to him. I, myself, am a Mac guy, and he seems to think they're the devil. Though, with a bit of talking to and convincing, he's warming up to them. My next step is Linux. If your school is anything like mine, they've got it organized to where a certain person/team makes the decisions about the tech stuff, and only the tech stuff. If you want to go for Linux in school, get to know these people and talk to them. I'm good friends with my programming teacher, and I'm trying to get to know the guy who sets up and adminsters the network. It seems that the smart thing to do would be to forget the teacher for your class, go to talk to the sys admin. He/She might like what you have to say and take the idea to the principal and you may get Linux. Also, a good point to make in favor of linux would be that it's more secure than NT. It turns out that my teacher had had some experience with Linux before and completely agrees with me. I'm hoping that he'll say something about it soon. That's all I have to say, and I hope all goes well for you. -NiTr|c