Slashdot Mirror


User: walterbyrd

walterbyrd's activity in the archive.

Stories
0
Comments
4,616
First seen
Last seen
Profile
(view on slashdot.org)

Comments · 4,616

  1. Is resistance futile? Will Linux be assimilated? on Systemd's Lennart Poettering: 'We Do Listen To Users' · · Score: 1

    Does Devuan have a chance?

    Systemd is clearly Red Hat's attempt to monopolize Linux. And I am afraid it will work.

    What we are seeing now is only the beginning. Within a few months, about 95% of all Linux installs will be running systemd. Once that happens, Linux will be completely at the mercy of RH/Poettering.

    Red Hat is going step-by-step from Microsoft's playbook. Even the propaganda is the same: "users demanded it" "the only people who don't like it are a handful of Luddites" "the decision has already been made, why are you fighting it."

  2. Re:Fork it all on Systemd's Lennart Poettering: 'We Do Listen To Users' · · Score: 1

    > It remains to be seen if anyone truly cares enough to bother.

    You mean like Devuan?
    https://devuan.org/

    It will be interesting to see if Devuan gets any traction.

    It is entirely wrong to assume that acceptance of something means that it's better, or that users like it. Microsoft pushes stuff that users hate all the time: ribbon, metro interface, DRM, WGA, OOXML. Microsoft can get away with this because Microsoft is the dominate player. The exact same is true of Red Hat. Debian did not accept systemd because Debian loved systemd, Debian accepted systemd because Debian felt that it was inevitable.

    This is also why there are not a lot of popular forks. People figure forking is a waste of time because Red Hat has all the power.

  3. Re:How do things need to change to live with syste on Systemd's Lennart Poettering: 'We Do Listen To Users' · · Score: 1

    Could libreoffice, gimp, etc. be made to be indirectly dependent of systemd?

    For example, what if Red Hat dictates that only recent versions of Gnome will work as the DE - systemd will reject any other DE.

    To run libreoffice, you will need some sort of WM/DE, and since only one is available, you will have to use Gnome, which means you will also have to use systemd.

  4. Re:Fork it all on Systemd's Lennart Poettering: 'We Do Listen To Users' · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Because other distributions have been pressured into accepting systemd.

    Red Hat is the 800 pound Gorilla in Linux. Red Hat forces systemd acceptance the exact same way that Microsoft forces OOXML acceptance, or DRM acceptance. And then justifies their actions with the same propaganda "because users demanded it."

  5. Re:All Linux distros will look like this on SystemD Gains New Networking Features · · Score: 1

    So you think it would be a good idea for systemd to not allow Debian style package management?

    Red Hat can say they did that because of user demand to increase standardization, and decrease complexity.

    In fact, why not set up systemd to not allow any sort of package management other than RPM.

    And why not set up systemd to only allow Red Hat approved DEs? Or just one DE: Gnome.

    Of course, once you do that, there is little need of any distro that is not Red Hat. The other distros would fade into obscurity. And everybody would be vendor locked by Red Hat. Checkmate.

    Right out of Microsoft's play book.

  6. Systemd helps RedHat monetize/monopolize Linux on SystemD Gains New Networking Features · · Score: 2

    Post below explains it well:

    From "SystemD Abomination"
    Subject Vested interest in control. RedHat and SystemD
    Date Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:40:08 +0100

      by beaverdownunder:

    It should be obvious to anyone that RedHat has a vested interest in making the vast majority of Linux distributions dependent on technology it controls. Linux is its bread-and-butter.

    It appears RedHat has realised that, through systemd, it can readily provide preferential support for its own projects, and place roadblocks up for projects it does not control, thus extending its influence broadly and quickly. By using tenuous dependencies amongst its own projects it can speed adoption even faster.

    Once it has significant influence, and the maintainers of competing projects have drifted away either out of frustration or because they are starved of oxygen, RedHat knows that they can effectively take Linux closed-source by restricting access to documentation and fighting changes that are not in their own best interests.

    At this point, they can market themselves as the only rational choice for corporate Linux support -- and this would be perfectly reasonable because they would have effective control of the ecosystem.

    Linux (as in a full OS implementation) is an extremely complex beast and you can't just "fork it" and start your own 'distro' from scratch anymore -- you would have to leverage a small army to do it, then keep that army to maintain it. It's just not practical.

    At the same time, Linux has matured to the point of attaining some measure of corporate credibility, and from RedHat's point of view, it no longer needs its 'open source' roots to remain viable. RedHat also, understandably, fears potential competition.

    Through systemd and subsequent takeovers of other ecosystem components, RedHat can leverage its own position while stifling potential competition -- this is a best-case scenario for any corporation. It will have an advantage in the marketplace, potential customers will recognise that advantage, and buy its products and support contracts.

    I hope you can understand why many see this as an extremely compelling case. Arguing that RedHat has 'ethics' and would 'never do such a thing' is immature and silly -- RedHat is a corporation, it exists to profit from its opportunities, just like any other company. To attempt to argue that it would not do so is contrary to what we can assume is its default state.

    It's no 'conspiracy theory' to assume that a corporation will behave like a corporation; arguing that it is just makes one look like a naive child. systemd is one large step toward RedHat gaining the ability to reap what it has sewn -- for its benefit and not necessarily ours.

  7. Re:All that matters to me on SystemD Gains New Networking Features · · Score: 1

    Why not just use Microsoft? It works.

    Here is the reason you should care about systemd:

    From "SystemD Abomination"
    Subject Vested interest in control. RedHat and SystemD
    Date Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:40:08 +0100

      by beaverdownunder:

    It should be obvious to anyone that RedHat has a vested interest in making the vast majority of Linux distributions dependent on technology it controls. Linux is its bread-and-butter.

    It appears RedHat has realised that, through systemd, it can readily provide preferential support for its own projects, and place roadblocks up for projects it does not control, thus extending its influence broadly and quickly. By using tenuous dependencies amongst its own projects it can speed adoption even faster.

    Once it has significant influence, and the maintainers of competing projects have drifted away either out of frustration or because they are starved of oxygen, RedHat knows that they can effectively take Linux closed-source by restricting access to documentation and fighting changes that are not in their own best interests.

    At this point, they can market themselves as the only rational choice for corporate Linux support -- and this would be perfectly reasonable because they would have effective control of the ecosystem.

    Linux (as in a full OS implementation) is an extremely complex beast and you can't just "fork it" and start your own 'distro' from scratch anymore -- you would have to leverage a small army to do it, then keep that army to maintain it. It's just not practical.

    At the same time, Linux has matured to the point of attaining some measure of corporate credibility, and from RedHat's point of view, it no longer needs its 'open source' roots to remain viable. RedHat also, understandably, fears potential competition.

    Through systemd and subsequent takeovers of other ecosystem components, RedHat can leverage its own position while stifling potential competition -- this is a best-case scenario for any corporation. It will have an advantage in the marketplace, potential customers will recognise that advantage, and buy its products and support contracts.

    I hope you can understand why many see this as an extremely compelling case. Arguing that RedHat has 'ethics' and would 'never do such a thing' is immature and silly -- RedHat is a corporation, it exists to profit from its opportunities, just like any other company. To attempt to argue that it would not do so is contrary to what we can assume is its default state.

    It's no 'conspiracy theory' to assume that a corporation will behave like a corporation; arguing that it is just makes one look like a naive child. systemd is one large step toward RedHat gaining the ability to reap what it has sewn -- for its benefit and not necessarily ours.

  8. Re:Where can i donate for the hitman? on SystemD Gains New Networking Features · · Score: 1

    Please don't post stuff like that. Poettering is already whining about "death threats." Poettering is using posts like yours to prove that systemd haters are a bunch of irrational, violent, criminals.

  9. Re:systemd == Windows? on Ask Slashdot: Migrating a Router From Linux To *BSD? · · Score: 1

    > So is this all just people acting on some philosophical principle, rather than picking the best tool to complete the job they want?

    The UNIX philosophy leads to the best tool for the job.

    > what the hell is the difference between one big black box versus 20 smaller ones?

    The 20 smaller ones are much easier to maintain, and update. Also the 20 smaller ones make for a more versatile user experience.

  10. Re:and when BSD moves to systemd... on Ask Slashdot: Migrating a Router From Linux To *BSD? · · Score: 5, Informative

    Below is a great explanation as to why systemd is like windows.

    From "SystemD Abomination"
    Subject Vested interest in control. RedHat and SystemD
    Date Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:40:08 +0100

      by beaverdownunder:

    It should be obvious to anyone that RedHat has a vested interest in making the vast majority of Linux distributions dependent on technology it controls. Linux is its bread-and-butter.

    It appears RedHat has realised that, through systemd, it can readily provide preferential support for its own projects, and place roadblocks up for projects it does not control, thus extending its influence broadly and quickly. By using tenuous dependencies amongst its own projects it can speed adoption even faster.

    Once it has significant influence, and the maintainers of competing projects have drifted away either out of frustration or because they are starved of oxygen, RedHat knows that they can effectively take Linux closed-source by restricting access to documentation and fighting changes that are not in their own best interests.

    At this point, they can market themselves as the only rational choice for corporate Linux support -- and this would be perfectly reasonable because they would have effective control of the ecosystem.

    Linux (as in a full OS implementation) is an extremely complex beast and you can't just "fork it" and start your own 'distro' from scratch anymore -- you would have to leverage a small army to do it, then keep that army to maintain it. It's just not practical.

    At the same time, Linux has matured to the point of attaining some measure of corporate credibility, and from RedHat's point of view, it no longer needs its 'open source' roots to remain viable. RedHat also, understandably, fears potential competition.

    Through systemd and subsequent takeovers of other ecosystem components, RedHat can leverage its own position while stifling potential competition -- this is a best-case scenario for any corporation. It will have an advantage in the marketplace, potential customers will recognize that advantage, and buy its products and support contracts.

    I hope you can understand why many see this as an extremely compelling case. Arguing that RedHat has 'ethics' and would 'never do such a thing' is immature and silly -- RedHat is a corporation, it exists to profit from its opportunities, just like any other company. To attempt to argue that it would not do so is contrary to what we can assume is its default state.

    It's no 'conspiracy theory' to assume that a corporation will behave like a corporation; arguing that it is just makes one look like a naive child. systemd is one large step toward RedHat gaining the ability to reap what it has sewn -- for its benefit and not necessarily ours.

  11. Freedom of speech means freedom to offend on Pope Francis: There Are Limits To Freedom of Expression · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You can say safe, polite, PC stuff anywhere. The real acid test for freedom of expression is when you can say things that are not so safe, polite, and PC.

    Muslims certainly feel free to offend any non-Muslims.

  12. #1 Reason: rude patrons keep me out of theaters on Box Office 2014: Moviegoing Hits Two-Decade Low · · Score: 1

    Movie, and concessions, cost is no big deal to me - unless the entire experience is ruined by some jackass who sits behind me and won't shut his mouth for ten seconds.

    Other - less important - reasons:

    - watching at home is cheaper
    - watching at home is more comfortable
    - watching at home is less hassle - no worries about start time, do not have to drive anyway, or park. Can stop the movie.
    - home theaters are really good
    - it does not take long for feature movies to be available to download on Amazon, or whatever
    - TV shows, like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and Walking Dead; are better than most feature movies.
    - more variety: I can watch a movie that has not been in theaters in years.

  13. Study is a waste of time and money on Tech's Gender Gap Started At Stanford · · Score: 1

    IT is all going to be offshored anyway.

  14. What about all the other torrent sites? on Peter Sunde: the Pirate Bay Should Stay Down · · Score: 1

    So what if one torrent site goes down?

  15. What "Problem?" F/OSS works. on The Failed Economics of Our Software Commons · · Score: 1

    After working on a Windows system at my job, using my Linux computer is like a breath of fresh air.

    Where is the problem? F/OSS has been around for decades.

    The article sounds like somebody pissing and moaning about the foss model.

  16. Controlling illegal immigration would be easy on Displaced IT Workers Being Silenced · · Score: 1

    Most illegals come to the US for jobs, or social services. Deny them that, and they will stop coming. Simple right?

    Have a worthwhile ID system. Make it a criminal offense, with mandatory jail time, to hire an illegal. Make it practically impossible for illegals to go to school, have jobs, get social services, rent an apartment, buy a house, cash a check, or anything of that nature. And no more anchor babies either.

    Watch how fast most illegals self deport. Watch how fast they stop coming.

    At that point guarding the border would be much easier.

  17. Dice adopted such a censorship policy long ago on Displaced IT Workers Being Silenced · · Score: 1

    Post an article on the dice forums that references an article that does not praise visa workers, and/or cry about the shortage of IT workers; and they will delete all of your posts, and ban you from the forums. It happened to me, among many others.

    Of course, there are ways to get around it, but why bother. The Indian moderators that work for dice will not allow anything that does not conform to the official story that tech companies want the public to know.

    I think dice owns slashdot, so it's interesting that stories like this can still be published on slashdot.

  18. Stop the abuse - donate to NumbersUSA on Displaced IT Workers Being Silenced · · Score: 1

    IT workers have the power to stop this sort of abuse. But they don't.

    If we want to change things, we need an organization that can raise money, lobby congress, and launch an effective information campaign. The abuse will not stip while we hold to the belief that griping about the situation will change things.

    I donate to NumbersUSA. They are not the ideal organization to represent IT workers, but probably the best we have. If more IT workers donated to NumbersUSA, and let NumbersUSA know that we would donate more, if NumbersUSA would fight harder for the interests of IT workers; I think that might be somewhat effective.

    The abuse of IT workers will not stop unless we make it stop.

  19. Such lawsuits are not rare - usually done by BSA on Microsoft Files a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit For Activating Pirated Software · · Score: 1

    As I understand it, the BSA is largely owned, and controlled by MS.

    In deference to the article's claim that "Despite being one of the most pirated software vendors in the world, Microsoft doesn't have a long track record of cracking down on individual pirates."

    MS has a very long record of such lawsuits, MS just does not file the lawsuits directly.

  20. Re:They sued schools over unlicensed copies on Microsoft Files a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit For Activating Pirated Software · · Score: 1

    The BSA does not deny this sort of activity, they brag about it.

    At least that was true the last time I visited their website.

  21. Christians do kill, but not for the cause of Christianity. It is a subtle, but important difference.

    Muslims kill people to force submission to Islam. We do not see that with modern Christianity.

    Disclosure: I am an atheist, and I have no use for either religion.

  22. Re:Biology is a Clear and Present Danger to Religi on Gilbert, AZ Censors Biology Books the Old-Fashioned Way · · Score: 1

    Other such dangers: physics, math, chemistry, geography, history, logic, and critical thinking.

  23. Re:Unix tool philosopy == Good Thing on Debian Forked Over Systemd · · Score: 0, Troll

    IMO: POSIX == Good Thing. As well.

    Systemd kills POSIX, along with everything else.

  24. Re:Wow... on Debian Forked Over Systemd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I think it's fair to say that this fork is far more significant.

    I certainly wish them luck, but I am concerned that they may not be able to get the resources needed to successfully compete against the Redhat/Debian agenda.

  25. Re:Flip Argument on Officer Not Charged In Michael Brown Shooting · · Score: 1

    > Running from a police officer is not an offense worthy of public execution without trial.

    Brown was only shot in the front, not the back - that has been established by the evidence.

    Brown was not running away when he was shot.