Disorganized could very easily be indicitive of "growing too fast". I agree with you about technology preventing it from growing faster than it can handle. BUT, that doesn't account for human interaction.
For one, how many people do you know have a little bio page that basically says "I'm joe shmoe, and I do nothing special, but I feel I need a web page." I'd say about 70% of personal home pages are worthless (and that's based on a very easy rating scale).
So, as a result, the engines like Yahoo and so on are trying hard to keep up with the crap, but the crap is crap, and should remain listed as such. I think it might be better worth-while to figure out some sort of sponsor-to-create system with all sorts of checks-n-balances to keep useless websites from ever existing. That won't ever happen though, because after a few more years, the novelty of the 'net will fade, and it will become a standard part of our lives. People won't see the need to have their own website anymore, unless they really are trying to share something with the world that is worthwhile. That won't prevent the crap from piling up, but it will slow and the 'net will become stable again.
I would imagine that if you have a licensed product (in any industry, hardware, software, whatever) you are entitled to support that is of a quality that one can deal with. MS is nutorious for charging extra for support -- this shouldn't be so.
As the brief points out, all MS is concerned about when speaking to their clients is the license issue. If MS were smart, they'd realize that they turn people off when that's all they concern themselves with.
I use AutoDesk AutoCAD (very glorious program), and I have a licensed copy fully registered. Because of this, they inform me regularly where I can get free downloads for updates to the software. At an option, I can pay a small additional fee, and they will send me a new CD every quarter. But the point is, they keep me pretty well informed. If I need assistance, help is free as well (that's a toll free number). This is why AutoDesk is the market leader with CAD.
If MS keeps up their antics, they might find themselves a has-been. Wordperfect Sweet might catch up and overtake them. Star Office (OpenOffice) might as well. In the OS market, there's plenty of contenders there. Maybe they gotta start doing something they've never had to before -- Business to Client interaction...and nicely at that.
Is there much of a performance increase between 2.2.x and 2.4.x? I'm a very large advocate of not fixing things that aren't broke...but if I would get a performance boost of upgrading from 2.2.17mdk, I might consider it.
Otherwise, I'll wait for my favorite distro to jump on.
I'm not going to be the guy that says it's a stupid idea. I can completely understand your point.
There is one basic principal that destroys a chip: differential heating/cooling. Basically, if one part of the chip heats faster than another, the cooler part might be in the risk of fracture (IE, bye bye processor). If these microcoolers are used in the way that you suggested (or perhaps that article suggested), you really could make the stress on any one part of the chip much less.
One thing that many people are over-looking: 7 degrees might not be much in itself, but it'll be less energy that needs to be wasted on things like cooling fans. Nothing says that we can't stick a cooling fan on top of this stuff. =)
Let me re-emphasize the importance of the computer illiterate. I'd be willing to bet that the average computer geek of sorts knows about linux, most likely has tried it. A portion of us even use it regularly. I am one of those (and I am on linux right now with my BETA copy of Mozilla, using a BETA copy of Balsa for e-mail, using GNOME (this week, last week, KDE)). The author of the article is entirely correct. You need a big blue button and a big red button, and all the install programs looking exactly alike (standardization).
I hope that some of the key apps developers in the linux scene take articles such as this to heart. After all, if you really want to "stick it to the man" (aka, MS), you really need to look at who their market is: Dumb-Ass Business End-Users who couldn't fix anything on their linux box if they tried.
I had a similar experience. My teacher thought I was ADD and that I would need Ritalin. My doctor, however, is one who carefully diagnoses everything. He did diagnose me as being somewhat hyper-active. At the age of 9, that's pretty normal -- according to him. His prescription? He gave my parents a bunch of sports and activities in my area. I started Soccer immediately, then later Gymnastics and finally Swimming. I wasted a lot of energy swimming every day -- and my teacher loved that I wasn't so energetic in class anymore.
ADD is the most inaccurately diagnosed disorder in the nation (US -- no international stats, sorry). 74% of all ADD diagnoses have been found to be incorrect. That is to say that 74% of the people out there useing Ritalin (or some other focusing drug) shouldn't be useing it. Another interesting fact: 28% of all Bipolar II cases (clinical depression) were at one time useing Ritalin.
It is more humourous to me that you guys consider yourselves free thinkers when you realize your taking such an obtuse view on what he's saying.
If you think he's talking about the literal number of apps, you're wrong.
When they say that Linux lacks apps, it's "types" of apps. I have yet to see a commercially capable version of CAD for linux. Yes, they exist, but not in a form that I'd like to use in the work place. That's what they mean when they say that linux lacks apps.
When they say it's bloated, the point is that there are too many of certain types. How many windows managers come with every distro? Let's see, aside from Gnome and KDE (well, they're interfaces), there's WM, FVWM (3 kinds), ICE, Afterstep, Sawfish, etc. Then there are term programs...another 6 to the heap. Web browsers? A lot there too.
Now i'm no more of an MS fan than you are, but they have one thing going for them. Of every type of software out there, there is only one that they will support for each (excluding drivers, that is a different animal). MS only supports one web browser, one file manager, one word processor, etc. It comes down to a support issue. If Mandrake (my choice) wants to release a CD with extra rpms, so be it. But the base install should be a choice of whether you want a feature or if you don't. Do you want our favorite window manager? If yes, we'll help you if you get stuck. If no, you can install any one off another CD seperately (or downloaded), but you're on your own. That simple.
Face it, not everyone is a geek. If you throw up Gnome and KDE and ask which they want...they won't know what to say. They'll ask "which is better?" What it comes down to is that the better is the one that we'll help you with.
It's time the Linux distro's started deciding which of each type of app is easiest to use, and which they'll support. Everything else becomes 3rd-party, and they won't support it. Less choices for joe-schmo-consumer is less headaches he has to deal with. And it's not likely he'll do that when MS makes it so easy to make no decisions. Remember: We're not all geeks.
It sounds like a bunch of US citizens talking here. The "1" prefix in the US might mean long distance (or toll, or what-not), but the reality is that "1" is the country code for the United States as it exists in the international phone system. I don't know much about the system.
As for me, I'm located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania -- part of the 215/610 area code. We have been dialing 10 digits for quite some time now. It's not that big a deal...I admit, it was a pain at first, but it's not that big a deal.
Instead of going to 11 digit or what-not, I think it might be worthwhile to explore into some hexidecimal numbers. Just adding an A-F Hex number allowed for each digit (non alphabetical) would allow for millions more numbers. The only problem with that is discerning between alphabetical A and numerical A for the idiots in the world. The other problem would be switching the phones to that system.
It doesn't matter anyhow, because in a few years, phone companies will figure out a way to become net-phone carriers, and we'll all have IP addresses.
A long while back, IBM (and a few other companies) had laptops with butterfly keyboards. Essentially, it was a full sized keyboard that folded into the laptop when closed, and unfolded when open. Aside from the obvious mechanical problems that it might have faced, it was a good idea.
Perhaps, as devices get smaller and smaller, we should consider such options. Or at least something else. I am not partial to voice control, as it gets very annoying in crowded offices and/or anywhere that isn't your private, tiny little sector.
I hope the hood remains open after they make the final release. I'm not a huge supporter of MAC hardware -- but I'm sure most people will agree that they write a stable OS (especially compared to Win9x). If the hood were to remain open, It would also be my hope that many would be interested in porting to a new kernel. Specifically, one that runs on an intel processor (or compatible) like the xNIXes.
I think that would be in the best interest of Apple to let that happen.
I must agree to Cowboy Neal. For one, this is one thing that I would be interested in seeing what people prefer.
As for me, sometimes I use e-mail, sometimes I do email. Usually, it's e-mail. But I never use an uppercase "E", because I don't believe it to be a formal noun.
The W-O-W Wireless Health report (link is in the article) points out very similar findings. And it states in the first statement of the Q&A section that "...there is no conclusive evidence that [EM] radiation has any effect on human health..." It even continued to say that even with these thoughts in mind...radiation levels in cell phones are regulated.
It seems to me that there's a big question in the air as to whether or not this radiation is doing anything. It also seems to be at such a low level that there doesn't seem to be much risk anyhow.
In an unrelated article, I saw radiation levels of different household products. A Television puts out nearly three times as much as my Mobile Phone (Nokia 5190 -- I'm assuming the numbers of the 5160 are close, if not the same). A microwave puts off nearly 5 times as much. The best part? The measurements for the TV were taken at a distance of 10 feet.
Albeit, I love Star Office. But, as a supporter of the Linux movement, I'd like to see how this might affect the corporate level.
My personal feeling is that the reason most people havn't jumped all over Linux yet is due to the fact that some tools aren't yet as refined. Star Office is one of the programs that can lead into more widespread Linux use. Now that the source is available, I bet that more companies might be willing to experiment with it. The more companies use it -- the more developers might be interested in working with it...and so on.
I'm actually a Landscape Architect -- and I spend most of my lunch time at the computer setting up drawings to print. One Handed food is an on-going thing in our work place.
A special selection of edible, or semi-edible food products that can be eaten with one hand. This allows the end user to eat such foods while being able to carry out other tasks with the other hand. This technology will allow more people to work throughout their lunch break.
Man, if 4,000 applications failed while something like 1-click made it, makes you wonder how stupid those 4,000 were!
sub tounge_n_cheek {
Apparently, the issue is not whether it's a good patent or not. The issue is whether the patent is less stupid then the others.
}
In all seriousness, the patent office has quite a large task at hand. 9 times out of 10, I'd be willing to bet that they don't understand what they're reading. Of those 4,000 rejected applications -- it is very possible that 3,000 of which just plain weren't written right (you'd be surprised how many companys might apply improperly), and the other 1,000 might simply just be incomprehensible.
Maybe a better question should be: Should the Patent office have a tremendous budget for hiring consultants? And should they be required to do so? I can see the day when they hire some Linux Guru to explain why one can't claim a kernel patent.
I totally agree with your statements. The effects of looseing leisure time is definately noticable in most industries. But more-so in the Overtime Industries. At this point, it would be the techs that get the spotlight.
The sad reality is that many people don't realize the importance of true leisure time in the makeing of a healthy human body. It is unfortunate that many turn to drugs, but it's a fact that can be avoided. Some major companies out there don't offer overtime compensation -- and that is just one of the many measures taken to prevent their employees from overworking. My old company (an Engineering firm), actually gave bonuses for our projects getting complete before estimated hours. They even provided additional benefits (reasons) not to work any overtime. Other companies require so much in consecutive vacation time every year. All this, just to keep the well being of their employees in good condition.
More businesses should start doing business this way. We don't need a bunch of Zombies holding the country by the balls.
Ultimate escort service...
on
3D Printers
·
· Score: 1
Now you can have a woman that doesn't complain, and won't bug you to get off the computer.
Sure, she'll be inanimate, but you could make her to the demensions that you wish. That girl you always had a crush on in school...but were afraid to ask out, because she just doesn't understand your binary and hexidecimal love letters? Screw it...you can build her now. And then tell everyone you're dating the ever popular Susie Cream Cheese.
It is starting to sound like the music industry. Artists claiming they're years ahead of the other modern bands.
It's an arrogant statement. Especially to say it so early in their development.
It may be true, and they might have such forward thinking that they truly are ahead of the concepts of Intel and AMD. In fact, it's very probable, considering they have tradition and concrete methods to follow. But, if they want to truly get anywhere in this industry (or any industry), they shouldn't play off a reputation they may never actually gain.
After all, if a goal isn't achieved, you might as well never have set it.
I'm not saying that a distro should be 100% secure out of box...but at least it should have that option if I choose to. Mandrake has different security levels...but they do say that you'll want to customize to suit your needs. The truth is, security is like a well fitting suit -- you gotta tweak to make it fit your needs. My only argument is that in many cases, I don't know what steps to take to make my server more secure. The more there is for me to do, the more possibility that I can screw it up. Basically, Mandrake offers at least a starting point from where I can tweak, and hopefully end up with a secure system. All that because I started pretty secure. Better than makeing me secure a box with all ports and defenses open -- because I wouldn't know where to begin.
You bring up some very good points -- and I totally agree.
Also, since I know there are distro wars out there, please realize that i'm not bashing everything that is not Mandrake. But that is what I know -- aside from RedHat and SuSE. My statements are only for example -- as I'm sure some other distro out there might have a similar setup.
I've come to the realization that what should be common sense to all us technically savey people isn't so with the executives, and those who are in charge of such projects. Dilbert (the comic) isn't far off from the portrayal of the pointy haired boss. They really don't have a clue. It's even more obvious in industries where technology is just starting to catch on (Civil Engineering, Architecture, etc). But the point is, those in charge don't have a clue.
Those in know, the geeks and techs of the world -- even those working on this project, havn't found a need to shoot down such projects. I would be willing to bet that some of the guys working on this project might even know the truth, and they're prepared for it. Either it's in their contract to do it, or they want to make sure they have something to do. They'll save the I told you so's for later. Meanwhile, they have plenty to do and plenty to work on. They get paid, so what if the company is too obtuse to see they're wasteing money? They should've done the speculative research before they even started.
I, for one, am guilty of working on dead end projects simply because I like the fact that in the end, I can't be held responsible for its failure. That, and I love saying "I told you so."
The first post I read in these replies hit it right on the nail: "If I can play it, I can rip it..."
The truth is, with a multi-tasking environment, one can run a recorder and a player at the same time, and still manage to get a close-to-perfect copy of the audio (of course this depends on the quality of the player and the recorder). The same technique has been used for years to create.WAV files from countless different sources. Hell, I used to do a line-out to line-in from my tape players.
The only logical ways I could see to prevent this method would be to either have a stand-alone unit, or to totally tie up the shell so one can't do anything but use that player until it is closed.
Stand Alone hardware? You can just as easily reverse-compile hardware (TiVO hacks, iOpener hacks, etc). Tying up the shell? Not feasable -- as it removes any convenience behind it. Besides, that would probably get reverse-compiled also.
This all reminds me of the VHS copy protection that came out a few years ago where if you tried to copy the tape, it displayed big black bars across the screen. Apparently, someone figured out a way around it, because I don't see that anymore.
Some will figure a way around this, and offer it up on the next version of Napster.
Slashdot Mirror
For one, how many people do you know have a little bio page that basically says "I'm joe shmoe, and I do nothing special, but I feel I need a web page." I'd say about 70% of personal home pages are worthless (and that's based on a very easy rating scale).
So, as a result, the engines like Yahoo and so on are trying hard to keep up with the crap, but the crap is crap, and should remain listed as such. I think it might be better worth-while to figure out some sort of sponsor-to-create system with all sorts of checks-n-balances to keep useless websites from ever existing. That won't ever happen though, because after a few more years, the novelty of the 'net will fade, and it will become a standard part of our lives. People won't see the need to have their own website anymore, unless they really are trying to share something with the world that is worthwhile. That won't prevent the crap from piling up, but it will slow and the 'net will become stable again.
I can't wait 'til that happens.
As the brief points out, all MS is concerned about when speaking to their clients is the license issue. If MS were smart, they'd realize that they turn people off when that's all they concern themselves with.
I use AutoDesk AutoCAD (very glorious program), and I have a licensed copy fully registered. Because of this, they inform me regularly where I can get free downloads for updates to the software. At an option, I can pay a small additional fee, and they will send me a new CD every quarter. But the point is, they keep me pretty well informed. If I need assistance, help is free as well (that's a toll free number). This is why AutoDesk is the market leader with CAD.
If MS keeps up their antics, they might find themselves a has-been. Wordperfect Sweet might catch up and overtake them. Star Office (OpenOffice) might as well. In the OS market, there's plenty of contenders there. Maybe they gotta start doing something they've never had to before -- Business to Client interaction...and nicely at that.
Coplan
Otherwise, I'll wait for my favorite distro to jump on.
There is one basic principal that destroys a chip: differential heating/cooling. Basically, if one part of the chip heats faster than another, the cooler part might be in the risk of fracture (IE, bye bye processor). If these microcoolers are used in the way that you suggested (or perhaps that article suggested), you really could make the stress on any one part of the chip much less.
One thing that many people are over-looking: 7 degrees might not be much in itself, but it'll be less energy that needs to be wasted on things like cooling fans. Nothing says that we can't stick a cooling fan on top of this stuff. =)
Cheers,
--Coplan
I hope that some of the key apps developers in the linux scene take articles such as this to heart. After all, if you really want to "stick it to the man" (aka, MS), you really need to look at who their market is: Dumb-Ass Business End-Users who couldn't fix anything on their linux box if they tried.
I think i'm done now.
ADD is the most inaccurately diagnosed disorder in the nation (US -- no international stats, sorry). 74% of all ADD diagnoses have been found to be incorrect. That is to say that 74% of the people out there useing Ritalin (or some other focusing drug) shouldn't be useing it. Another interesting fact: 28% of all Bipolar II cases (clinical depression) were at one time useing Ritalin.
What is this society doing?
--C
If you think he's talking about the literal number of apps, you're wrong.
When they say that Linux lacks apps, it's "types" of apps. I have yet to see a commercially capable version of CAD for linux. Yes, they exist, but not in a form that I'd like to use in the work place. That's what they mean when they say that linux lacks apps.
When they say it's bloated, the point is that there are too many of certain types. How many windows managers come with every distro? Let's see, aside from Gnome and KDE (well, they're interfaces), there's WM, FVWM (3 kinds), ICE, Afterstep, Sawfish, etc. Then there are term programs...another 6 to the heap. Web browsers? A lot there too.
Now i'm no more of an MS fan than you are, but they have one thing going for them. Of every type of software out there, there is only one that they will support for each (excluding drivers, that is a different animal). MS only supports one web browser, one file manager, one word processor, etc. It comes down to a support issue. If Mandrake (my choice) wants to release a CD with extra rpms, so be it. But the base install should be a choice of whether you want a feature or if you don't. Do you want our favorite window manager? If yes, we'll help you if you get stuck. If no, you can install any one off another CD seperately (or downloaded), but you're on your own. That simple.
Face it, not everyone is a geek. If you throw up Gnome and KDE and ask which they want...they won't know what to say. They'll ask "which is better?" What it comes down to is that the better is the one that we'll help you with.
It's time the Linux distro's started deciding which of each type of app is easiest to use, and which they'll support. Everything else becomes 3rd-party, and they won't support it. Less choices for joe-schmo-consumer is less headaches he has to deal with. And it's not likely he'll do that when MS makes it so easy to make no decisions. Remember: We're not all geeks.
As for me, I'm located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania -- part of the 215/610 area code. We have been dialing 10 digits for quite some time now. It's not that big a deal...I admit, it was a pain at first, but it's not that big a deal.
Instead of going to 11 digit or what-not, I think it might be worthwhile to explore into some hexidecimal numbers. Just adding an A-F Hex number allowed for each digit (non alphabetical) would allow for millions more numbers. The only problem with that is discerning between alphabetical A and numerical A for the idiots in the world. The other problem would be switching the phones to that system.
It doesn't matter anyhow, because in a few years, phone companies will figure out a way to become net-phone carriers, and we'll all have IP addresses.
Perhaps, as devices get smaller and smaller, we should consider such options. Or at least something else. I am not partial to voice control, as it gets very annoying in crowded offices and/or anywhere that isn't your private, tiny little sector.
I think that would be in the best interest of Apple to let that happen.
(pressing 7)
"Quack, Quack (click)"
I was rolling on the floor, laughing so hard. I made everyone in my office call and listen. Funny as shit.
But you gotta wonder -- "calls may be monitored and/or recorded". What is their intent? I just hope this is an advertising ploy. =P
As for me, sometimes I use e-mail, sometimes I do email. Usually, it's e-mail. But I never use an uppercase "E", because I don't believe it to be a formal noun.
What am I missing?
It seems to me that there's a big question in the air as to whether or not this radiation is doing anything. It also seems to be at such a low level that there doesn't seem to be much risk anyhow.
In an unrelated article, I saw radiation levels of different household products. A Television puts out nearly three times as much as my Mobile Phone (Nokia 5190 -- I'm assuming the numbers of the 5160 are close, if not the same). A microwave puts off nearly 5 times as much. The best part? The measurements for the TV were taken at a distance of 10 feet.
Paranoia is rampant in the technology world.
My personal feeling is that the reason most people havn't jumped all over Linux yet is due to the fact that some tools aren't yet as refined. Star Office is one of the programs that can lead into more widespread Linux use. Now that the source is available, I bet that more companies might be willing to experiment with it. The more companies use it -- the more developers might be interested in working with it...and so on.
I can't wait 'til that day.
I'm actually a Landscape Architect -- and I spend most of my lunch time at the computer setting up drawings to print. One Handed food is an on-going thing in our work place.
This is a good one. I'm curious. Has anyone tried to patent this so far? I'd be interested to find out.
A special selection of edible, or semi-edible food products that can be eaten with one hand. This allows the end user to eat such foods while being able to carry out other tasks with the other hand. This technology will allow more people to work throughout their lunch break.
sub tounge_n_cheek {
Apparently, the issue is not whether it's a good patent or not. The issue is whether the patent is less stupid then the others. }
In all seriousness, the patent office has quite a large task at hand. 9 times out of 10, I'd be willing to bet that they don't understand what they're reading. Of those 4,000 rejected applications -- it is very possible that 3,000 of which just plain weren't written right (you'd be surprised how many companys might apply improperly), and the other 1,000 might simply just be incomprehensible.
Maybe a better question should be: Should the Patent office have a tremendous budget for hiring consultants? And should they be required to do so? I can see the day when they hire some Linux Guru to explain why one can't claim a kernel patent.
The sad reality is that many people don't realize the importance of true leisure time in the makeing of a healthy human body. It is unfortunate that many turn to drugs, but it's a fact that can be avoided. Some major companies out there don't offer overtime compensation -- and that is just one of the many measures taken to prevent their employees from overworking. My old company (an Engineering firm), actually gave bonuses for our projects getting complete before estimated hours. They even provided additional benefits (reasons) not to work any overtime. Other companies require so much in consecutive vacation time every year. All this, just to keep the well being of their employees in good condition.
More businesses should start doing business this way. We don't need a bunch of Zombies holding the country by the balls.
Sure, she'll be inanimate, but you could make her to the demensions that you wish. That girl you always had a crush on in school...but were afraid to ask out, because she just doesn't understand your binary and hexidecimal love letters? Screw it...you can build her now. And then tell everyone you're dating the ever popular Susie Cream Cheese.
It's all good!
It's an arrogant statement. Especially to say it so early in their development.
It may be true, and they might have such forward thinking that they truly are ahead of the concepts of Intel and AMD. In fact, it's very probable, considering they have tradition and concrete methods to follow. But, if they want to truly get anywhere in this industry (or any industry), they shouldn't play off a reputation they may never actually gain.
After all, if a goal isn't achieved, you might as well never have set it.
You bring up some very good points -- and I totally agree.
Also, since I know there are distro wars out there, please realize that i'm not bashing everything that is not Mandrake. But that is what I know -- aside from RedHat and SuSE. My statements are only for example -- as I'm sure some other distro out there might have a similar setup.
I've come to the realization that what should be common sense to all us technically savey people isn't so with the executives, and those who are in charge of such projects. Dilbert (the comic) isn't far off from the portrayal of the pointy haired boss. They really don't have a clue. It's even more obvious in industries where technology is just starting to catch on (Civil Engineering, Architecture, etc). But the point is, those in charge don't have a clue.
Those in know, the geeks and techs of the world -- even those working on this project, havn't found a need to shoot down such projects. I would be willing to bet that some of the guys working on this project might even know the truth, and they're prepared for it. Either it's in their contract to do it, or they want to make sure they have something to do. They'll save the I told you so's for later. Meanwhile, they have plenty to do and plenty to work on. They get paid, so what if the company is too obtuse to see they're wasteing money? They should've done the speculative research before they even started.
I, for one, am guilty of working on dead end projects simply because I like the fact that in the end, I can't be held responsible for its failure. That, and I love saying "I told you so."
The truth is, with a multi-tasking environment, one can run a recorder and a player at the same time, and still manage to get a close-to-perfect copy of the audio (of course this depends on the quality of the player and the recorder). The same technique has been used for years to create .WAV files from countless different sources. Hell, I used to do a line-out to line-in from my tape players.
The only logical ways I could see to prevent this method would be to either have a stand-alone unit, or to totally tie up the shell so one can't do anything but use that player until it is closed.
Stand Alone hardware? You can just as easily reverse-compile hardware (TiVO hacks, iOpener hacks, etc). Tying up the shell? Not feasable -- as it removes any convenience behind it. Besides, that would probably get reverse-compiled also.
This all reminds me of the VHS copy protection that came out a few years ago where if you tried to copy the tape, it displayed big black bars across the screen. Apparently, someone figured out a way around it, because I don't see that anymore.
Some will figure a way around this, and offer it up on the next version of Napster.