From what I understand, this is NOT a pay-per-web search service, more like a pay-as-you-go version of Lexis-Nexus... Searching special-interest documents they've collected, not the general internet.
Seems like a niche that's already filled, but if they can make the premium services drop their prices a bit, that's probably a good thing.
All information is available to those who really want to get it. The restrictions, like crypto, simply make those who want to get it stop to ask themselves "is it worth it?"
So they are willing to blow themselves up, commiting suicide and mass murder, but the threat of being fined for using strong cryptography will give them pause? Give me a break.
You also forget that strong crypto is available from non-US nations. We are no longer the only game in town for encryption- maybe not even the best game in town, these days.
We're not talking about restricting domestic encryption here. The issue is specifically about export restrictions.
When did he say the data intercepted would be domestic? Terrorists operate worldwide, you know.
What I see here is an instance where, because of our export restrictions, we WERE able to crack terrorist comms. The old argument of "They won't use handicapped software" doesn't seem to hold as much water as it used to.
How do you know it was because of our restrictions, as oppossed to simple lack of knowledge of the topic? Because strong encryption is available to anyway who really wants to get it... Especially if you have agents inside the US anyway.
I don't really understand it, either. I do know that the majority of them here in D.C. that mention clearance specifically state that you must have it already to apply.
I moved to Washington, D.C. on September 21st. I had been planning to move for a month, as my old startup company was sliding into oblivian, and a friend had an open room in his house that I could move into.
Before I made the decision, I checked out the job market- it seemed pretty good. I lined up a few interviews, got ready to move, had a garage sale, etc. Then September 11th happened.
When I moved to D.C. every private company had a hiring freeze. I went to the interviews I had lined up; nothing came of them. I spent MONTHS searching for contractor jobs, but was invariably told the same thing that the poster said: they'd rather train someone from scratch how to do the job, then hire me and try to get me security clearance.
Admittedly, my skills are of a mid-range level. Were I sufficiently Wizardly in my knowledge, someone would probably have taken the plunge and hired me. But maybe not. Most places refused to accept a resume or even speak with me, without an appropriate clearance.
I have since found a good job, so it all worked out for me. But I know a lot of other people here who are in the same boat. It's really frustrating since you look at the listings and see the exact same job you knew you'd be perfect for six months ago- and it's still unfilled.
Bikes might be efficient, but most people don't seem to want to ride bikes to work, however.
I like riding my bike for recreation, but would never consider taking it to work. If I lived in someplace that was temperate and where it rarely rains, like San Francisco, I might. But living in the Northeast, the threat of snow, sleet and hail is enough to keep me inside a vehicle for almost all trips.
Actually, they do have to return them, if they are one of the CDs that have that top-sticker and foil seal that most CDs have nowadays.
Well... At least, they are SUPPOSSED to return them. Big chains would probably have to, since they use soundscan. Smaller stores might just re-shrink wrap them.
The thing is- people are paying for the usabilty, not the speed. And for SOME THINGS, Macs are better and more useable.
You seem to think that you are paying more for less just because you are getting less processor speed. However, power under the hood does not always equal usability. With a Mac, you're paying for a machine that generally works. I mean, come on, Windows SUCKS and most people aren't savvy enough for Linux (yet). I totally prefer OS X (even 9) over Windows, any version.
Example: I've done video editing on PCs, I've done it on Macs. I find that you can get a Mac up and running, and actually start editing, way faster and with less hassle. I feel the same way about graphic design apps, too. It doesn't matter too much if your system is "maxed out", I just want a nice system that lets me run my software how I want it, and doesn't crash, so I can get my projects done and get paid... I find that for this type of stuff Macs are better, because you can, out of the box, plug your camera into the Mac and grab your footage. Plus I just like the Final Cut Pro way of editing more than the Adobe way...That's why I'm considering getting one (not an iMac, a G4).
That's the line that really gets me, "as long as it's fast enough"... Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for Apple and Macs, in fact I wish they would try to actually compete with MS as they could provide some much needed competition if they wanted to, but alas they choose to cater to the "Well, it's good enough" crowd.
The thing is- I don't think most people know enough about computers to even TELL when they are getting the most bang for their buck. I can guarantee you my parents don't (I think the new iMac is too weird for my Dad, though).
But anyway, to explain my point in the comment above- say you buy a computer to edit home movies. What does it matter if its a Athalon 8.5 GHz, with 1 Tb of RAM, if it edits movies just the same, with the same ease as the iMac? If it accomplishes the goal for the machine, in the same time, with the same ease of use (or better) - why should you care what's under the hood? That is the philosophy of most Apple users (note: I am not an Apple user). That's what I'm getting at in my comment above. Apple people simply don't care if they can get a PC that's faster. If this one edits video (or whatever) easier, with less errors/setup, they want it. Which is a viable point of view, especially if you don't know enough to troubleshoot a computer.
I can see someone buying an iMac for their kid who wants to play with editing home movies, moreso than I can see them buying a eMachine and then the DV editing card, then Premiere...
It's not just you either, I see it all over these comments, "Well those speakers are good enough for most people" or "Most people don't need to expand their systems" or "Most people are blah blah blah". While this might have a shred of truth, it's not the way consumers think.
More than a shred. My parents have NEVER upgraded any of the computers they've owned. None of the various non-computer-geek girls I've dated have, either. Neither have most of my non-computer geek friends. The most any of them do, generally, is buy peripherals. Maybe these people are weird- I mean, I upgrade my boxes all the time and you probably do, too- but I tend to think we are the weird ones.
Again, as I said... It remains to be seen whether Apple will be successful with their strategy. I don't own a Mac. I might get one, used, for Final Cut Pro purposes, MAYBE. Definitely not an iMac, though. Remeber, too... As long as Apple doesn't LOSE their faithful, they stay a viable company. That's the main thing to them, pleasing the "MacAddicts".
The Mac faithful (a group that I am not a part of, by the way) do not care what the new iMac costs. It runs MacOS. They will buy it.
(This, incidentally, is why OS X won't be ported to x86 hardware.)
True, Mac hopes to gain some converts, as they do every time they come out with a new product (don't tell me you didn't lust-just for a second- over the Titanium PowerBook when it came out). But this is tangental to serving their sizable, captive market.
As long as they can keep all the graphic designers, video editors and grad students who have been the faithful for however many years, they'll be okay.
i cannot beleive people will be wowed by the imac, "hey, its a different shape, it must be really fast"
With that comment, you reveal your position: a PC person, bent on MHz, MHz, MHz.
Apple is positioning it's machines-at least it's iMac line- as "information appliances" now. Tools for certain jobs. Who cares how fast an information appliance is, as long as it's fast enough to do it's job?
I doubt anyone is going to use one of these machines for any intense number crunching, or as a hardcore gaming rig. It's for using iPhoto, or IMovie, or iTunes, etc. For those purposes - the "digital entertainment hub" - it will work fine, look nice in your den and not take up too much space. And that's all Apple intended it to do.
Whether or not it will be a mainstream success, that remains to be seen.
the beautiful thing about PCs is everytime i built a new one, i used about half the hardware from the old one. PC replacement hardware is cheap and easy to install. I can't say the same for Macs
The thing is - most computer users NEVER open their cases. If they do, it's to add ram or a card (things they can still do on the new iMac), not to disassemble them and reuse parts.
Mac users, especially, have no reason to cannibalise their old machines since every Mac comes with all the components - Apple doesn't sell "bare bones" systems.
It's a whole different arena than the PC market. True, replacements ARE expensive, but I believe Apple does have a good warranty program.
If we are talking about the skyscraper ad along the side with the "fake news", it's marked ADVERTISMENT right on top! It's the same concept as those "Windows Error : Click to speed up your downloads!" ads from a few years back... I sincerely doubt anyone but the bottom 1% of society will think it's real news links- especially given the disclaimer.
Must be a slow day at/. for this to be posted, either that or someone is a little over-sensitive... Or there is some ad I can't find on the site.
It doesn't say anywhere in the Constitution that you have a right to drive a car on public roads (or drive a car, period).
To back this up, look at how the system works... You have to pass a test to drive a car. Of the other things you have a right to do, such as own property, speak freely, practice religion - which ones do you have to pass a test to do? (okay, there is some sort of test for Scientology, but that doesn't count;) You don't even have to pass a test to own a firearm, to my knowledge, though I believe you do need to be licensed.
If you are stopped for a traffic violation, you have to show your license because you are obviously driving... And driving (on public roads, anyway) isn't a right, it's a priviledge. So I don't have a problem with that.
Having to show your ID if you are just walking down the street seems really sketchy to me.
Ugh, just fired it up to check out the govenor settings... Badly implemented. Why, oh why did they choose to have so many things accessable only by right clicking cities (this includes the fact that you can't see what's in a city without right-clicking now)?
To change these settings I have to go to each city and right click on it? By the end of a game, I might have over a hundred cities, I want my cities' vital info in the city screen. That way I can zip through them all in a quick fashion. At least give me the ability to skip to the next or previous city on any city-related screen.
The old system, where you could get to pretty much every piece of data or control via the function keys was worlds above this one, IMHO. I like to fly through the game, and having access to EVERYTHING via a few keys is important to me.
See, I find this to be a game design problem. I've never read a game manual and don't plan on starting. You shouldn't have to read a manual to play a video game. Everything you need should be in the UI.
Also, things like that should be able to be set in the main options screen. Upon first starting the game, I deselected the option "use default govenor", I assummed taht would let my micro-manage.
Sounds pretty sketchy to me. What happens when the "parachute" doesn't open on one? These things would have to be pretty heavy to be worth the effort. I don't like the idea of huge, heavy mandmade (and, I imagine, shielded so they won't burn up on re-entry) objects hurtling towards the Earth... even if their trajectory is calculated.
Slashdot Mirror
Yeah, and no one will ever need more than 64k of RAM, either.
From what I understand, this is NOT a pay-per-web search service, more like a pay-as-you-go version of Lexis-Nexus... Searching special-interest documents they've collected, not the general internet.
Seems like a niche that's already filled, but if they can make the premium services drop their prices a bit, that's probably a good thing.
All information is available to those who really want to get it. The restrictions, like crypto, simply make those who want to get it stop to ask themselves "is it worth it?"
So they are willing to blow themselves up, commiting suicide and mass murder, but the threat of being fined for using strong cryptography will give them pause? Give me a break.
You also forget that strong crypto is available from non-US nations. We are no longer the only game in town for encryption- maybe not even the best game in town, these days.
We're not talking about restricting domestic encryption here. The issue is specifically about export restrictions.
When did he say the data intercepted would be domestic? Terrorists operate worldwide, you know.
What I see here is an instance where, because of our export restrictions, we WERE able to crack terrorist comms. The old argument of "They won't use handicapped software" doesn't seem to hold as much water as it used to.
How do you know it was because of our restrictions, as oppossed to simple lack of knowledge of the topic? Because strong encryption is available to anyway who really wants to get it... Especially if you have agents inside the US anyway.
I don't really understand it, either. I do know that the majority of them here in D.C. that mention clearance specifically state that you must have it already to apply.
I moved to Washington, D.C. on September 21st. I had been planning to move for a month, as my old startup company was sliding into oblivian, and a friend had an open room in his house that I could move into.
Before I made the decision, I checked out the job market- it seemed pretty good. I lined up a few interviews, got ready to move, had a garage sale, etc. Then September 11th happened.
When I moved to D.C. every private company had a hiring freeze. I went to the interviews I had lined up; nothing came of them. I spent MONTHS searching for contractor jobs, but was invariably told the same thing that the poster said: they'd rather train someone from scratch how to do the job, then hire me and try to get me security clearance.
Admittedly, my skills are of a mid-range level. Were I sufficiently Wizardly in my knowledge, someone would probably have taken the plunge and hired me. But maybe not. Most places refused to accept a resume or even speak with me, without an appropriate clearance.
I have since found a good job, so it all worked out for me. But I know a lot of other people here who are in the same boat. It's really frustrating since you look at the listings and see the exact same job you knew you'd be perfect for six months ago- and it's still unfilled.
Bikes might be efficient, but most people don't seem to want to ride bikes to work, however.
I like riding my bike for recreation, but would never consider taking it to work. If I lived in someplace that was temperate and where it rarely rains, like San Francisco, I might. But living in the Northeast, the threat of snow, sleet and hail is enough to keep me inside a vehicle for almost all trips.
Actually, they do have to return them, if they are one of the CDs that have that top-sticker and foil seal that most CDs have nowadays.
Well... At least, they are SUPPOSSED to return them. Big chains would probably have to, since they use soundscan. Smaller stores might just re-shrink wrap them.
The thing is- people are paying for the usabilty, not the speed. And for SOME THINGS, Macs are better and more useable.
You seem to think that you are paying more for less just because you are getting less processor speed. However, power under the hood does not always equal usability. With a Mac, you're paying for a machine that generally works. I mean, come on, Windows SUCKS and most people aren't savvy enough for Linux (yet). I totally prefer OS X (even 9) over Windows, any version.
Example: I've done video editing on PCs, I've done it on Macs. I find that you can get a Mac up and running, and actually start editing, way faster and with less hassle. I feel the same way about graphic design apps, too. It doesn't matter too much if your system is "maxed out", I just want a nice system that lets me run my software how I want it, and doesn't crash, so I can get my projects done and get paid... I find that for this type of stuff Macs are better, because you can, out of the box, plug your camera into the Mac and grab your footage. Plus I just like the Final Cut Pro way of editing more than the Adobe way...That's why I'm considering getting one (not an iMac, a G4).
That's the line that really gets me, "as long as it's fast enough"... Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for Apple and Macs, in fact I wish they would try to actually compete with MS as they could provide some much needed competition if they wanted to, but alas they choose to cater to the "Well, it's good enough" crowd.
The thing is- I don't think most people know enough about computers to even TELL when they are getting the most bang for their buck. I can guarantee you my parents don't (I think the new iMac is too weird for my Dad, though).
But anyway, to explain my point in the comment above- say you buy a computer to edit home movies. What does it matter if its a Athalon 8.5 GHz, with 1 Tb of RAM, if it edits movies just the same, with the same ease as the iMac? If it accomplishes the goal for the machine, in the same time, with the same ease of use (or better) - why should you care what's under the hood? That is the philosophy of most Apple users (note: I am not an Apple user). That's what I'm getting at in my comment above. Apple people simply don't care if they can get a PC that's faster. If this one edits video (or whatever) easier, with less errors/setup, they want it. Which is a viable point of view, especially if you don't know enough to troubleshoot a computer.
I can see someone buying an iMac for their kid who wants to play with editing home movies, moreso than I can see them buying a eMachine and then the DV editing card, then Premiere...
It's not just you either, I see it all over these comments, "Well those speakers are good enough for most people" or "Most people don't need to expand their systems" or "Most people are blah blah blah". While this might have a shred of truth, it's not the way consumers think.
More than a shred. My parents have NEVER upgraded any of the computers they've owned. None of the various non-computer-geek girls I've dated have, either. Neither have most of my non-computer geek friends. The most any of them do, generally, is buy peripherals. Maybe these people are weird- I mean, I upgrade my boxes all the time and you probably do, too- but I tend to think we are the weird ones.
Again, as I said... It remains to be seen whether Apple will be successful with their strategy. I don't own a Mac. I might get one, used, for Final Cut Pro purposes, MAYBE. Definitely not an iMac, though. Remeber, too... As long as Apple doesn't LOSE their faithful, they stay a viable company. That's the main thing to them, pleasing the "MacAddicts".
When will people realize?
Apple sells computers to the Mac faithful.
The Mac faithful (a group that I am not a part of, by the way) do not care what the new iMac costs. It runs MacOS. They will buy it.
(This, incidentally, is why OS X won't be ported to x86 hardware.)
True, Mac hopes to gain some converts, as they do every time they come out with a new product (don't tell me you didn't lust-just for a second- over the Titanium PowerBook when it came out). But this is tangental to serving their sizable, captive market.
As long as they can keep all the graphic designers, video editors and grad students who have been the faithful for however many years, they'll be okay.
i cannot beleive people will be wowed by the imac, "hey, its a different shape, it must be really fast"
With that comment, you reveal your position: a PC person, bent on MHz, MHz, MHz.
Apple is positioning it's machines-at least it's iMac line- as "information appliances" now. Tools for certain jobs. Who cares how fast an information appliance is, as long as it's fast enough to do it's job?
I doubt anyone is going to use one of these machines for any intense number crunching, or as a hardcore gaming rig. It's for using iPhoto, or IMovie, or iTunes, etc. For those purposes - the "digital entertainment hub" - it will work fine, look nice in your den and not take up too much space. And that's all Apple intended it to do.
Whether or not it will be a mainstream success, that remains to be seen.
the beautiful thing about PCs is everytime i built a new one, i used about half the hardware from the old one. PC replacement hardware is cheap and easy to install. I can't say the same for Macs
The thing is - most computer users NEVER open their cases. If they do, it's to add ram or a card (things they can still do on the new iMac), not to disassemble them and reuse parts.
Mac users, especially, have no reason to cannibalise their old machines since every Mac comes with all the components - Apple doesn't sell "bare bones" systems.
It's a whole different arena than the PC market. True, replacements ARE expensive, but I believe Apple does have a good warranty program.
I think they figure that 99% of users will never open the case. That's why they have the "upgrade" port on the underside.
This is less a PC and more a consumer electronics item... a trend I see continuing.
I don't think apple could have engineered this thing from scratch in the time since that guy's sketches were posted online.
Most likely, it's a coincidence. The article says that there are hundreds of designs for fantasy Macs on that website, one had to "hit" eventually.
If we are talking about the skyscraper ad along the side with the "fake news", it's marked ADVERTISMENT right on top! It's the same concept as those "Windows Error : Click to speed up your downloads!" ads from a few years back... I sincerely doubt anyone but the bottom 1% of society will think it's real news links- especially given the disclaimer.
/. for this to be posted, either that or someone is a little over-sensitive... Or there is some ad I can't find on the site.
Must be a slow day at
Anything that can be taken away is, as far as I'm concerned, a priviledge, not a right.
We have far fewer RIGHTS than we think.
So it's my Constitutional right to be able to fly a plane, even though I have -6.5 nearsightedness? Let me at it!
It doesn't say anywhere in the Constitution that you have a right to drive a car on public roads (or drive a car, period).
;) You don't even have to pass a test to own a firearm, to my knowledge, though I believe you do need to be licensed.
To back this up, look at how the system works... You have to pass a test to drive a car. Of the other things you have a right to do, such as own property, speak freely, practice religion - which ones do you have to pass a test to do? (okay, there is some sort of test for Scientology, but that doesn't count
If you are stopped for a traffic violation, you have to show your license because you are obviously driving... And driving (on public roads, anyway) isn't a right, it's a priviledge. So I don't have a problem with that.
Having to show your ID if you are just walking down the street seems really sketchy to me.
Even better is his comment right below that, if Linus were his student, he'd have given LINUX a poor grade.
And, yes, I know the parent is redundant. Sorry.
I love this Andy Tanenbaum quote (from his thread titled "Linux is Obsolete"):
"Making software free, but only for folks with enough money to buy first class hardware is an interesting concept.
Of course 5 years from now that will be different, but 5 years from now everyone will be running free GNU on their 200 MIPS, 64M SPARCstation-5."
Ugh, just fired it up to check out the govenor settings... Badly implemented. Why, oh why did they choose to have so many things accessable only by right clicking cities (this includes the fact that you can't see what's in a city without right-clicking now)?
To change these settings I have to go to each city and right click on it? By the end of a game, I might have over a hundred cities, I want my cities' vital info in the city screen. That way I can zip through them all in a quick fashion. At least give me the ability to skip to the next or previous city on any city-related screen.
The old system, where you could get to pretty much every piece of data or control via the function keys was worlds above this one, IMHO. I like to fly through the game, and having access to EVERYTHING via a few keys is important to me.
See, I find this to be a game design problem. I've never read a game manual and don't plan on starting. You shouldn't have to read a manual to play a video game. Everything you need should be in the UI.
Also, things like that should be able to be set in the main options screen. Upon first starting the game, I deselected the option "use default govenor", I assummed taht would let my micro-manage.
Sounds pretty sketchy to me. What happens when the "parachute" doesn't open on one? These things would have to be pretty heavy to be worth the effort. I don't like the idea of huge, heavy mandmade (and, I imagine, shielded so they won't burn up on re-entry) objects hurtling towards the Earth... even if their trajectory is calculated.