Freeware isn't popular with linux because of free software which gives you even more for free. On other systems, like windows, programs like winamp, kazaa and msn messenger are very popular.
I realize that. Freeware is at it's apex even under Windows, though, and open source / free software that includes code is a growing and thriving under all operating systems.
That said, there are quite a few freeware (and closed source) programs for Linux...just not nearly as many as the open source group.
Why don't they make their own distro? Or buy Suse or Redhat? It would make sence, since they are getting to be so Linux oriented.
IBM is a consulting / contracting company with products as a second source of revenue. Distributions of Linux aren't a big source of revenue to a company like IBM.
If they have a "IBM Linux", it gives other companies a target to attack. If they don't, IBM is seen as a 'team player' and can't be attacked as easily.
Isn't that the point of Open Source and Free Software stuff? Create inexpensive and open operating systems/enviroment were company/individuals can do business cheaply and effectively because the lack of artificial and twisted liscencing/contractural agreements?
Nope, it's open first and the cost is a side-effect. A very tempting side-effect, but not the point. Otherwise, freeware should be gaining in popularity and wide spread use.
Remember the battles between network protocols, and how TCP/IP inexorably took over the whole domain until "network = TCP/IP" became a self-evident truth.
The same is IMO inevitable with Linux because it has solved the main issue of how to provide the necessary services on any platform in a non-partisan manner....
I do remember the old protocols as I ran a test lab with a dozen servers -- mostly using different propriatory protocols.
Linux isn't based on propriatory interfaces, so making a "Linux clone" work transparantly with Linux binaries -- let alone source code -- is not only possible, it has been done already -- even for the PPC!
If it executes a linux/ELF binary, then it is LINUX, not GNU/Linux.
While I agree and *don't* call Linux GNU/Linux, there are operating systems that execute Linux binaries without modification and they are not Linux. The BSD Linux compatability layer comes to mind.
As Linux gets more and more momentum behind it, it starts to seem like it will be the last OS that will ever make serious inroads into the general public.
While I run Linux on all my machines except the Sun and AIX boxes, the main things I use are the desktop and server programs. Even if Linux the kernel were to go away, but the programs were still largely the same, it wouldn't impact me much.
I can easily see another operating system comming along that is referred to as "Linux-compatable" (similar to the BSD binary compatability layer or simply running X), and later replacing Linux. There is little reason why this could not happen technically or practically for most non-techy desktop users. Deploying a *BSD with Gnome or KDE or Linux would look the same and act the same for the most part since only the kernel would be different.
This is more likely in the Unix-like arena than it is in the closed world of Windows since portability is such a big deal. After all, a quick check shows 20 major architechtures in the Linux kernel sources ( ls/usr/src/kernel/linux/arch | wc -l ), and the directions that come with most source packages outside of the kernel are under most Unix-like systems "./configure ; make ; make install".
This portability is really a feature of GCC, so maybe Linux as a technology isn't as critical anyway right now?
The demo version doesn't do the full version justice.
Agreed. One of the problems with the demo, though, is that by itself it is sooo good. Because of that, I delayed about a month before getting the full version. With 2.0, it is very very much worth the price. Tactical, fraggable...nice combo!
Under the new scheme, Windows CE.NET will be licensed according to three runtime alternatives -- "Windows CE.NET 4.2 Core," which includes a basic subset of CE.NET components and will be available at an estimated retail price (ERP) of $3; a "Windows CE. NET 4.2 Professional" version priced at $15 (ERP), which includes the balance of CE.NET other than image, PDF, and Office file viewers; and a "Windows CE. NET 4.2 Professional Plus" version, which adds the viewers.
Note that there is no comment on what "Professional Plus" licence costs are. These licences cover;
Windows CE.NET 4.2 Core -- includes baseline CE.NET operating system components, including the kernel, filesystem, networking and communications stacks, and multimedia functions, plus the application development platform. Microsoft said it is targeting this new low-end package at developers and manufacturers of "low-cost devices such as gateways, entry-level VoIP phones, industrial automation equipment, and consumer electronic devices such as CD players, digital cameras, and networked DVD players."
Windows CE. NET 4.2 Professional -- additional system components are now structured into a high-end bundle called the Windows CE. NET 4.2 Professional license. According to Microsoft, the additional programs and functions included in this package include Windows Messenger, WordPad, the Remote Desktop Protocol, and Internet Explorer 6. The company said this software bundle is aimed toward devices requiring "the richest user interface, multimedia and browsing capabilities, including set-top boxes, advanced VoIP devices, mobile handhelds and digital media players."
Windows CE. NET 4.2 Professional -- this version is nearly identical to the second one, but adds CE.NET viewers for images, PDFs, and Office-compatible documents (including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are available as extra-cost components.
Note that the last part of the sentence is "viewers... are available as extra-cost components" meaning per-item costs.
Along with that, almost nobody outside the specific technical skill area they have can judge another tech easily. If you don't know what the person should know, they will always look either well qualified or useless depending on what you think of them as a person (right or wrong).
Tech skills have little to do with it, thus the MS-only hiring managers who have used Windows but might not have any Unix skills or knowledge.
Even worse, managers who insist on doing everything with paper and not considering or understanding automation except the most abstract idea that "automation is good!".
*rant* I'm sick of having to explain Windows to Windows admins and programmers (seriously, I tought one programmer the basics of writing a batch file), while at the same time told "Linux -- that has a DOS prompt, so why not use Windows it's better!". ARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!
To all companies out there considering using this advertising method. Don't. If I block popups, it means I don't want to see your message. I don't care how much you think I want to see your bandwidth sucking ad, I don't.
There have been give-away games with products in them. In a way, America's Army (put out by the US millitary) is a very high-level add. (Some hate the idea, I think they are damn smart...runs on Linux too!)
If I'm with a woman, the salesfolk almost always address me and ignore her -- regardless of the store. Why, I don't know. I've gotten into the habbit of pointing to the women (whoever it is) and pushing the the salesman to her questions. Few are stupid enough to continue addressing me.
I've long since become BOFHish and don't feel bad for being direct but sometimes its hard for me even browsing in a store listening to a salesperson try and talk two people (who don't know any better) into a a 3,000 dollar system.
True. Real example: A salesman at Wallmart tried to talk a thick knecked guy into an Xbox because -- specifically -- it could run Linux. The guy wasn't asking about Linux, he was looking for a PS-2. I interjected that his real decision should be based on the games he likes to play -- not if it ran Linux (something the guy said he wasn't intrested in...he wanted to play games with friends and had no interest in tinkering).
The sales guy went on about how you could mod the Xbox but the PS-2 was "propriatory" and could not be upgraded. Erm...so? I humored the salesman a little and said "you're absolutely right"...meanwhile, the thick knecked customer asked what I thought, so I told him.
Depends. In general, it's not the customer's problem, it's the salesman's.
A short "You're an ass" or an incredulus "you?" or "ha!" and walking away works, though doing nothing and leaving is typically better. No energy into the event, and the person is there by themselves...wondering WTF they did. Works for either sex. I've had people follow me before...though they typically give up after a few steps.
"Now sweetheart that's very complicated, are you sure you should try that?"
That's not so bad. I hear the same thing, though the sales 'guy' hums show tunes and attempts to flirt with me. That's it; no more hair salons or styling gel... from now on, barbershops every couple months and an Ace black comb with missing teeth when I feel like it!
Slashdot Mirror
...but how many hit points does a Knight have?
Well -- all buzzwords aside -- most of it is, isn't it?
Er...joke?
Exactly.
*BLINK* This "you and I" you speak of...figure of speach?
Most of the slashdot readers are IT folks, and think they know everything. Those books exist to keep people out of hot water.
Unfortunately egos get in the way of learning sometimes.
Agreed. Security -- specifically -- is a maddengly complex issue. Anything that will get people to look and do the right thing is a good idea.
There are open source / free software releases of each of the programs you mention -- either from the same code base or cloned versions.
I realize that. Freeware is at it's apex even under Windows, though, and open source / free software that includes code is a growing and thriving under all operating systems.
That said, there are quite a few freeware (and closed source) programs for Linux...just not nearly as many as the open source group.
IBM is a consulting / contracting company with products as a second source of revenue. Distributions of Linux aren't a big source of revenue to a company like IBM.
If they have a "IBM Linux", it gives other companies a target to attack. If they don't, IBM is seen as a 'team player' and can't be attacked as easily.
Nope, it's open first and the cost is a side-effect. A very tempting side-effect, but not the point. Otherwise, freeware should be gaining in popularity and wide spread use.
The same is IMO inevitable with Linux because it has solved the main issue of how to provide the necessary services on any platform in a non-partisan manner. ...
I do remember the old protocols as I ran a test lab with a dozen servers -- mostly using different propriatory protocols.
Linux isn't based on propriatory interfaces, so making a "Linux clone" work transparantly with Linux binaries -- let alone source code -- is not only possible, it has been done already -- even for the PPC!
While I agree and *don't* call Linux GNU/Linux, there are operating systems that execute Linux binaries without modification and they are not Linux. The BSD Linux compatability layer comes to mind.
While I run Linux on all my machines except the Sun and AIX boxes, the main things I use are the desktop and server programs. Even if Linux the kernel were to go away, but the programs were still largely the same, it wouldn't impact me much.
I can easily see another operating system comming along that is referred to as "Linux-compatable" (similar to the BSD binary compatability layer or simply running X), and later replacing Linux. There is little reason why this could not happen technically or practically for most non-techy desktop users. Deploying a *BSD with Gnome or KDE or Linux would look the same and act the same for the most part since only the kernel would be different.
This is more likely in the Unix-like arena than it is in the closed world of Windows since portability is such a big deal. After all, a quick check shows 20 major architechtures in the Linux kernel sources ( ls /usr/src/kernel/linux/arch | wc -l ), and the directions that come with most source packages outside of the kernel are under most Unix-like systems "./configure ; make ; make install".
This portability is really a feature of GCC, so maybe Linux as a technology isn't as critical anyway right now?
Sure...which iPod supports OGG and a lossless codex like FLAC? If you have an answer, I'll consider it, otherwise I'm not interested!
Agreed. One of the problems with the demo, though, is that by itself it is sooo good. Because of that, I delayed about a month before getting the full version. With 2.0, it is very very much worth the price. Tactical, fraggable...nice combo!
Quotes that stuck out for me;
Note that there is no comment on what "Professional Plus" licence costs are. These licences cover;
Note that the last part of the sentence is "viewers ... are available as extra-cost components" meaning per-item costs.
Along with that, almost nobody outside the specific technical skill area they have can judge another tech easily. If you don't know what the person should know, they will always look either well qualified or useless depending on what you think of them as a person (right or wrong).
Tech skills have little to do with it, thus the MS-only hiring managers who have used Windows but might not have any Unix skills or knowledge.
Even worse, managers who insist on doing everything with paper and not considering or understanding automation except the most abstract idea that "automation is good!".
*rant* I'm sick of having to explain Windows to Windows admins and programmers (seriously, I tought one programmer the basics of writing a batch file), while at the same time told "Linux -- that has a DOS prompt, so why not use Windows it's better!". ARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!
Of course he was. Ya think I was going to argue with him? :)
"OH, you'll want to see what we have!"
"Yes you do!"
"Yes -- you certianly will!" ...
There have been give-away games with products in them. In a way, America's Army (put out by the US millitary) is a very high-level add. (Some hate the idea, I think they are damn smart...runs on Linux too!)
With the release of Savage 2.0 yesterday, I plan on wasting all my "TV time" playing.
This one is almost as time consuming as previous addictions, and shares many of the same traits of both!
If you get slaughtered by a rabbit or a penguin, you've probably 'seen' me!
If I'm with a woman, the salesfolk almost always address me and ignore her -- regardless of the store. Why, I don't know. I've gotten into the habbit of pointing to the women (whoever it is) and pushing the the salesman to her questions. Few are stupid enough to continue addressing me.
True. Real example: A salesman at Wallmart tried to talk a thick knecked guy into an Xbox because -- specifically -- it could run Linux. The guy wasn't asking about Linux, he was looking for a PS-2. I interjected that his real decision should be based on the games he likes to play -- not if it ran Linux (something the guy said he wasn't intrested in...he wanted to play games with friends and had no interest in tinkering).
The sales guy went on about how you could mod the Xbox but the PS-2 was "propriatory" and could not be upgraded. Erm...so? I humored the salesman a little and said "you're absolutely right"...meanwhile, the thick knecked customer asked what I thought, so I told him.
There's your problem.
Depends. In general, it's not the customer's problem, it's the salesman's.
A short "You're an ass" or an incredulus "you?" or "ha!" and walking away works, though doing nothing and leaving is typically better. No energy into the event, and the person is there by themselves...wondering WTF they did. Works for either sex. I've had people follow me before...though they typically give up after a few steps.
Not worth it. Argue with an idiot and you're on their territory. Even if you win, only you will know it.
That's not so bad. I hear the same thing, though the sales 'guy' hums show tunes and attempts to flirt with me. That's it; no more hair salons or styling gel ... from now on, barbershops every couple months and an Ace black comb with missing teeth when I feel like it!