First of all, please note it is a draft proposal and the final text is not ready. EU allows plenty of time for individual countries to react and change proposals which is a good case.
But now why do I support this case. When turning on the TV for my children I'm assured there is no porn during the day except on specific adult channels. When they are watching a cartoon, I can be assured there is no political message hidden in a flashing background. In other words, I have a relative good understanding of what is beeing served to my children or to me.
Broadcasting companies are moving towards the internet and are there to make money. Does this mean they can broadcast whatever they want? Interrupt a Teletubbies cartoon with a commercial about condoms? Show hard sexual content in the 15 minutes break of a soccer match (lot's of children in Europe are staying up late to see their country or local club play)?
What most probably needs to be done is to differientiate between internet services, something which does not seem to be in place. Unfortunately I could not read the original draft proposal, but I'm not afraid that the EU will create draconian leglislation that forbid animated.gif or sites like YouTube. The latter might need to make adjustments so that certain content is clearly marked as and not available next to the latest Madonna video clip.
Personally I'd like to see age-rating on those sites as YouTube. Who didn't get an email with a link to a video which seemed innocent. But just when your boss entered your cubicle (or wife) the video made a funny twist and you're now facing some explicit sexual handlings. Oops.
Move on, nothing to see here. It is NOT restrition of free space and it is NOT tax related. It is a sane idea (needs to be worked out further) necessary in our world to protect the weak.
A lot of the unwillingness to reuse comes from being scared of something they can't see the innards to. I often heard "but the document's don't describe $OBSCURE_CASE, I'd better write my own version that handles that case too" even though they could have just tested for $OBSCURE_CASE before the function call if they thought that it might occur.
Not completely in my opinion. By re-implementing the code, they have only 1 function call in the main part of the code. This results in cleaner and easier to read code.
Of course, the re-implementation can/should be the test you describe followed by the function call to the library routine.
This is often the most difficult thing to explain: 2 function calls just behind each other seems inefficient, but for readable code it is a must.
But... I'm not always accepting blind function calls to libraries. Our solution needs to scale, and then I mean really scale. If we don't know the internals, then we might have a problem and re-implementing is easier then extensive testing. furthermore, a function might scale in the current version, but the updated version might have a complete different behaviour.
FTA: All right people, fess up. How many speakers are you using: five, six, or seven? And those of you who "upgraded" from 5.1, do you really feel your system has started sounding significantly better?
Of course 6.1 sounds much better. I spent lots of money on it and don't want to look stupid now, so I'll tell everybody how much better it is.
Read/. and you'll see what I mean. Try to exchange money with time if you wish. (Note, it is not only/., our whole society is like this)
but considering that most people are sloppy readers, Slashdot crowd included, certain words and punctuations often get overlooked.
Furthermore, as counts for me as well, not everybody has the luxery to communicate in their native language. I'd say, keep it simple and spell out what you mean. In the cultural environment where I'm working, it often works best to write: "I'm not happy with...." or "I feel offended by..." instead of more carefull phrasing.
From the article (don't have a Linux system at hand) one sees the following libraries mentioned: kdeinit, ld-2.3.5.so, kedit.so, libkparts.so.2.1.0, libkio.so.4.2.0, libkdeui.so.4.2.0, libkdesu.so.4.2.0, libkwalletclient.so.1.0.0, libkdecore.so.4.2.0
Most of them are general KDE libraries, so already in use by your normal KDE launch.
Furthermore, if only a fraction of e.g. libxxxx.so is used, the other part will be swapped out. Ok, you might be running low on swap, but your memory is not used to much.
Swapping could be reduced by making libraries smaller, but is this really worth the efford to save ourselves swap-space? The additional costs (overhead and management [during development / deployment version mismatches])
In my opinion, they acted with a clue. Forcing MS not stop bundeling the Media Player would have caused lots of confusing with the general public.
The current approach might be much better. It might not hurt MS at the moment, but I'm wondering if they can bring out Vista in Europe with a media player bundled. If this is not allowed and the still do, then the EU will strike much harder (I'd expect)
I've been running KDE on Fedora 4 for a while where it was rather slow.
Recently I changed to the beta/rc from Suse and can't complain anymore on the speed/responsiveness of KDE. This improvement is definately not caused by the 'later' version (3.4.0 vs 3.4.2) on Suse.
Note that in Fedora I disabled all eye candy, while on Suse I'm using the default settings.
I'm in the process of introducing OOo in my company and have been allowed to start a trial half a year ago. We mostly write technical documentation and OOo has held up quite well. Some of the guys even refuse to move back to other tools.
But now, I can show management that OOo is already FORWARD compatible with a file format that they did not even release (except the beta). No FORCED upgrades, this might be the best argument I'll have. Upgrading a large company that uses Solaris, Linux and Windows is not a cheap operation.
I've always been wondering what the influence of holidays are on OSS development. E.g. do we see an increased number of commitments into CVS / releases during Christmas Holidays? Is there a difference how e.g. US OSS programmers spend independance day and Europeans spend their national Holidays?
The data available in the article does not provide any information other then "drop in share for July". Those data should be split up into: personal use, buisiness use and if possible by geographical area (continents). Show me as well the total internet usage (I'd expect a drop there as well, don't forget that in some European countries people are on Holiday for at least 4 weeks during July. Sweden and Finland comes to mind) and maybe I can say something about the significance of this drop.
It has been discussed to store specific content off-line. E.g. an application as KStars could store all information belonging to a certain class (stars/planets) offline for future reference.
I'd imagine a kde-wiki iso for download with the next release.
So, normal companies (wireless or wireline) should be able to do the same, otherwise it is unfair competition. In the end, you'd not be able to call 911. Is this really you'd like to have?
Personally, I have no problems with sites showing adds, as long as it is withing certain limits. Those sites I'll not block.
Sites with annoying adverts, blinking and moving are blocked within seconds. A wise website targetting me would self regulate the maximum amount of advertisement.
Unfortunately, some sites can't show me advertisements as I blocked the add-server they are using somewhere else. Would be good if I could indicate in AddBlock that e.g. site X is excluded from the blocking or site Y is included in the blocking process. (Nope, I didn't file a wish yet)
My personal tips, based on that projects are executed by people:
- Know the people you work with, understand the way they communicate progress/problems. Everyone is different
- Create an atmosphere where delays are acceptable, but only when pre-announced. This avoids surprices just before a deadline and allows you to take actions in time.
- When assigning a task, let the receiver make a time plan and commit to it. You'll find out they are in general too optimistic but highly motivated to make it because they made this promise towards you. Never push a deadline on them if you can avoid it.
- Don't ask for too many progress reports, talk with your people and ask once in a while a snapshot of the current task. Non-performers can be identified in an early stage this way.
All items I mentioned are human related. Why? Because my experience is that in most cases that is the only area where one can (is allowed to) make a difference.
Slashdot Mirror
First of all, please note it is a draft proposal and the final text is not ready. EU allows plenty of time for individual countries to react and change proposals which is a good case.
.gif or sites like YouTube. The latter might need to make adjustments so that certain content is clearly marked as and not available next to the latest Madonna video clip.
But now why do I support this case. When turning on the TV for my children I'm assured there is no porn during the day except on specific adult channels. When they are watching a cartoon, I can be assured there is no political message hidden in a flashing background. In other words, I have a relative good understanding of what is beeing served to my children or to me.
Broadcasting companies are moving towards the internet and are there to make money. Does this mean they can broadcast whatever they want? Interrupt a Teletubbies cartoon with a commercial about condoms? Show hard sexual content in the 15 minutes break of a soccer match (lot's of children in Europe are staying up late to see their country or local club play)?
What most probably needs to be done is to differientiate between internet services, something which does not seem to be in place. Unfortunately I could not read the original draft proposal, but I'm not afraid that the EU will create draconian leglislation that forbid animated
Personally I'd like to see age-rating on those sites as YouTube. Who didn't get an email with a link to a video which seemed innocent. But just when your boss entered your cubicle (or wife) the video made a funny twist and you're now facing some explicit sexual handlings. Oops.
Move on, nothing to see here. It is NOT restrition of free space and it is NOT tax related. It is a sane idea (needs to be worked out further) necessary in our world to protect the weak.
Definately, it is a crime to charge me 1 Euro for every blank CD/DVD I buy for my own video productions.
I've paid for multiple music albums already, but where can I get them?
Kuro5hining?
The patent was filed on September 25, 1998. It was granted August 8, 2000.
Reemi.
...is that considered free as in Beer?
A lot of the unwillingness to reuse comes from being scared of something they can't see the innards to. I often heard "but the document's don't describe $OBSCURE_CASE, I'd better write my own version that handles that case too" even though they could have just tested for $OBSCURE_CASE before the function call if they thought that it might occur.
Not completely in my opinion. By re-implementing the code, they have only 1 function call in the main part of the code. This results in cleaner and easier to read code.
Of course, the re-implementation can/should be the test you describe followed by the function call to the library routine.
This is often the most difficult thing to explain: 2 function calls just behind each other seems inefficient, but for readable code it is a must.
But... I'm not always accepting blind function calls to libraries. Our solution needs to scale, and then I mean really scale. If we don't know the internals, then we might have a problem and re-implementing is easier then extensive testing. furthermore, a function might scale in the current version, but the updated version might have a complete different behaviour.
FTA:
/. and you'll see what I mean. Try to exchange money with time if you wish. (Note, it is not only /., our whole society is like this)
All right people, fess up. How many speakers are you using: five, six, or seven? And those of you who "upgraded" from 5.1, do you really feel your system has started sounding significantly better?
Of course 6.1 sounds much better. I spent lots of money on it and don't want to look stupid now, so I'll tell everybody how much better it is.
Read
Having a look at the CVS repository at Gnome, the last real changes made to any source code was +6 months ago.
Reemi
Agree,
but considering that most people are sloppy readers, Slashdot crowd included, certain words and punctuations often get overlooked.
Furthermore, as counts for me as well, not everybody has the luxery to communicate in their native language. I'd say, keep it simple and spell out what you mean. In the cultural environment where I'm working, it often works best to write: "I'm not happy with...." or "I feel offended by..." instead of more carefull phrasing.
Reemi
Depends on how you look at it.
From the article (don't have a Linux system at hand) one sees the following libraries mentioned:
kdeinit, ld-2.3.5.so, kedit.so, libkparts.so.2.1.0, libkio.so.4.2.0, libkdeui.so.4.2.0, libkdesu.so.4.2.0, libkwalletclient.so.1.0.0, libkdecore.so.4.2.0
Most of them are general KDE libraries, so already in use by your normal KDE launch.
Furthermore, if only a fraction of e.g. libxxxx.so is used, the other part will be swapped out. Ok, you might be running low on swap, but your memory is not used to much.
Swapping could be reduced by making libraries smaller, but is this really worth the efford to save ourselves swap-space? The additional costs (overhead and management [during development / deployment version mismatches])
Reemi
I hope the moderators DID understand that Polar Bears do not eat penguins.
For me, the joke was fun in two ways.
In my opinion, they acted with a clue. Forcing MS not stop bundeling the Media Player would have caused lots of confusing with the general public.
The current approach might be much better. It might not hurt MS at the moment, but I'm wondering if they can bring out Vista in Europe with a media player bundled. If this is not allowed and the still do, then the EU will strike much harder (I'd expect)
I've been running KDE on Fedora 4 for a while where it was rather slow.
Recently I changed to the beta/rc from Suse and can't complain anymore on the speed/responsiveness of KDE. This improvement is definately not caused by the 'later' version (3.4.0 vs 3.4.2) on Suse.
Note that in Fedora I disabled all eye candy, while on Suse I'm using the default settings.
My machine is an 800 MHz AMD with 300MB mem.
Suse 9.3 is using OpenOffice 1.9.79 so it seems you hit an old bug.
http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=105083
Update OpenOffice.org and it will most probably work.
I'm in the process of introducing OOo in my company and have been allowed to start a trial half a year ago. We mostly write technical documentation and OOo has held up quite well. Some of the guys even refuse to move back to other tools.
But now, I can show management that OOo is already FORWARD compatible with a file format that they did not even release (except the beta). No FORCED upgrades, this might be the best argument I'll have. Upgrading a large company that uses Solaris, Linux and Windows is not a cheap operation.
I've always been wondering what the influence of holidays are on OSS development. E.g. do we see an increased number of commitments into CVS / releases during Christmas Holidays? Is there a difference how e.g. US OSS programmers spend independance day and Europeans spend their national Holidays?
The data available in the article does not provide any information other then "drop in share for July". Those data should be split up into: personal use, buisiness use and if possible by geographical area (continents). Show me as well the total internet usage (I'd expect a drop there as well, don't forget that in some European countries people are on Holiday for at least 4 weeks during July. Sweden and Finland comes to mind) and maybe I can say something about the significance of this drop.
It has been discussed to store specific content off-line. E.g. an application as KStars could store all information belonging to a certain class (stars/planets) offline for future reference.
I'd imagine a kde-wiki iso for download with the next release.
So, normal companies (wireless or wireline) should be able to do the same, otherwise it is unfair competition. In the end, you'd not be able to call 911. Is this really you'd like to have?
Will they dear to offend the EU commisioner?
Personally, I have no problems with sites showing adds, as long as it is withing certain limits. Those sites I'll not block.
Sites with annoying adverts, blinking and moving are blocked within seconds. A wise website targetting me would self regulate the maximum amount of advertisement.
Unfortunately, some sites can't show me advertisements as I blocked the add-server they are using somewhere else. Would be good if I could indicate in AddBlock that e.g. site X is excluded from the blocking or site Y is included in the blocking process. (Nope, I didn't file a wish yet)
My personal tips, based on that projects are executed by people:
- Know the people you work with, understand the way they communicate progress/problems. Everyone is different
- Create an atmosphere where delays are acceptable, but only when pre-announced. This avoids surprices just before a deadline and allows you to take actions in time.
- When assigning a task, let the receiver make a time plan and commit to it. You'll find out they are in general too optimistic but highly motivated to make it because they made this promise towards you. Never push a deadline on them if you can avoid it.
- Don't ask for too many progress reports, talk with your people and ask once in a while a snapshot of the current task. Non-performers can be identified in an early stage this way.
All items I mentioned are human related. Why? Because my experience is that in most cases that is the only area where one can (is allowed to) make a difference.
Please don't forget that Opera is clearly having its focus on the embedded market.
Voice input will be a killer feature. I'd love to get a mobile phone where I can say the url I'd like to see. Typing an url on a mobile is not fun.
Reemi
I second that,
before marriage we called it love, after marriage it became sex.
Trust