I hope that when they try the online voting thing, they actually do it _right_. (a worthy goal for Microsoft)
The most obvious problems with online voting are identification and security. Voting in the United States is done via secret ballot, yet voters must first be identified. On the Web, once a visitor is identified, it is possible to track their movements and choices throughout the entire session.
Rather than pretending to not track this data, we should allow Web servers to behave as they already do and mask the identity of the user. PIN codes or site passwords, a la Amazon, are not a viable option as they are often written down and thus easily stolen, forgotten, or shared.
The best identification option may be the already present state driver's license or ID card. Many state cards currently have a magnetic strip that could be used to hold a voter registration ID. A better storage solution would be for states to use smart cards, like the new Visa and Amex Blue, as the basis of driver's licenses and IDs. The embedded chip could hold a variety of information, including e-commerce information, and would be read/writable. Along with helping the smart card industry gain about 250 million customers, the government will also need an equal number of smart card readers. These devices should be able to attach to computers, PDAs, cellphones, and Internet appliances.
The question is, can MS and co provide anywhere near this ideal?
I can think of many harder ways to slander the open source community indirectly, if, perhaps, i had some sort of vested interest in seeing linux go down.
It might sound a bit conspiratorial, but it's an extremely logical explanation.
"Now, to kick off the meeting, let's have some palindromes."
"Rise to vote, sir!"
"Now, you know that voting isn't until later in the agenda..."
"No - 'Rise to vote, sir!' is a palindrome!"
"Ahh, Lisa, you'll fit right in here."
"Wow! Me? Fit in?"
I really, really hope that they include the Japanese soundtrack on the DVD. Not because I speak Japanese, but simply because the last time they dubbed it, the cheesy american voices were so distracting. I'd much prefer subtitles.
(Although I can't really envision a court case involving MP3's... perhaps at some point MP3 trading will be an offense akin to speeding, with a similar fine. And those fined for it will complain as bitterly as when fined for speeding -- "everyone does it! it's not like anyone is hurt")
Except speeding kills people, whereas trading MP3's could only possibly effect record sales.
He was defying his peers, the possibility of which is exactly what makes the US the greatest country in the Solar System (not that we don't have problems here).
So you're saying that this couldn't happen here in Australia? Or England? Scotland? France? Germany? Switzerland?
The one thing that sets the USA apart from the rest of the world is mass ignorance.
Slashdot Mirror
"Microsoft, Unisys & Dell To Make New Voting System"
I was under the impression that the voting process as a whole, by default, should be public knowledge.
Does anyone actually have a reference on this?
Surely, to fall anywhere near a real democracy, the system should be open to public scrutiny.
"This needs to audited rigorously," you can say that again!
I hope that when they try the online voting thing, they actually do it _right_. (a worthy goal for Microsoft)
The most obvious problems with online voting are identification and security. Voting in the United States is done via secret ballot, yet voters must first be identified. On the Web, once a visitor is identified, it is possible to track their movements and choices throughout the entire session.
Rather than pretending to not track this data, we should allow Web servers to behave as they already do and mask the identity of the user. PIN codes or site passwords, a la Amazon, are not a viable option as they are often written down and thus easily stolen, forgotten, or shared.
The best identification option may be the already present state driver's license or ID card. Many state cards currently have a magnetic strip that could be used to hold a voter registration ID. A better storage solution would be for states to use smart cards, like the new Visa and Amex Blue, as the basis of driver's licenses and IDs. The embedded chip could hold a variety of information, including e-commerce information, and would be read/writable. Along with helping the smart card industry gain about 250 million customers, the government will also need an equal number of smart card readers. These devices should be able to attach to computers, PDAs, cellphones, and Internet appliances.
The question is, can MS and co provide anywhere near this ideal?
Only if you're absolutely retarded will this happen.
It is so obvious that you're a kid.
How old are you? 16?
You guys've gotta get out of the US.
That was probably the most insightful thing I've ever read on /. - thanks, you've made my day.
Don't get me wrong, I'm no Marylin Manson fan, but what you just wrote is pretty rediculous.
Are you seriously suggesting that Manson is in some way related to photos of dead bodies, and pornography? He's a pop star, for christs sake!
It was a joke for fucks sake.
can anyone say karma whore?
oxymoron alert: 'spam' and 'intelligent' used in same sentance.
What makes you think it was a 'petty child'?
I can think of many harder ways to slander the open source community indirectly, if, perhaps, i had some sort of vested interest in seeing linux go down.
It might sound a bit conspiratorial, but it's an extremely logical explanation.
I wish I could afford to prove points like you.
"Now, to kick off the meeting, let's have some palindromes."
"Rise to vote, sir!"
"Now, you know that voting isn't until later in the agenda..."
"No - 'Rise to vote, sir!' is a palindrome!"
"Ahh, Lisa, you'll fit right in here."
"Wow! Me? Fit in?"
I really, really hope that they include the Japanese soundtrack on the DVD. Not because I speak Japanese, but simply because the last time they dubbed it, the cheesy american voices were so distracting. I'd much prefer subtitles.
"After a nuclear war, there's only three things that will surive: Cockroaches, Lawyers, and Spammers."
Finally, someone posts something that makes sense.
I applaud you for your brilliant articulation of my sentiments.
Except speeding kills people, whereas trading MP3's could only possibly effect record sales.
email me nf@wh3rd.ath.cx
I've thought about this, but there's a flaw that I think is pretty hard to get around:
- People get to rip your models and textures.
I can't think of a viable solution, any suggestions?
My geekiness is subconscious,
Yours is conscious.
:)
This is NOT going to happen.
Ever.
http://www.hotlinks.com/members/mmbb/Imported_Favo rites/
enough said.
Man, you REALLY need to get out more!
So you're saying that this couldn't happen here in Australia? Or England? Scotland? France? Germany? Switzerland?
The one thing that sets the USA apart from the rest of the world is mass ignorance.