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User: darthpenguin

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Comments · 102

  1. Re:Supreme Court decision? on OpenNaps Targeted; Gnutella "Validated" · · Score: 1

    My comment was moderated as "+1 Funny", but it's actually the truth. My DSL was cut when I came from school on Wednesday, and I've called and emailed my ISP several times, and haven't got anything more than "I don't know" or "I'm not allowed to tell you". It's really beginning to piss me off, cause I want to download the new linux kernel, and this 33.6 connection won't work to well for downloading it!
    -mdek.net

  2. Re:Supreme Court decision? on OpenNaps Targeted; Gnutella "Validated" · · Score: 2

    Dammit! My ISP gladly cut my DSL line because of my Alternap server, but they didn't notify me. After 3 days, they still won't tell me why they cut my account! I guess I need to find out from slashdot. Time to switch ISPs!


    -mdek.net

  3. Re:May save your eyes but... on Will Flat Screens Save Your Eyes? · · Score: 1

    I've been curious about these Apple LCDs. Are they usable with regular PC's? I remember several years ago, you could use PC monitors with Macs via a special connector, but not the opposite (Mac monitor on a PC). Has this changed at all, cause I really like those apple flatscreens!

    -mdek.net

  4. be evil-make them install old software on Suggestions For Starting A Linux Education Course? · · Score: 2

    Here is something that is very evil, but should work well. Get some older hardware (just to make sure it's actually supported), and have them install an old version of slackware (i.e. ~3.4) on it. Then have them configure X-windows to a working configuration. Although this could be considered cruel and unusual, it will make sure that they understand some of the basic concepts that one needs to know to get around the command line. Then start actually teaching them how to use it, as some stuff is difficult to figure out. Then move to newer distro's once their knowledge advances.

    This way, the students will gain enough knowledge to, for example, remotely fix a server through telnet/ssh without using a GUI. I know that I would not know nearly as much as I know about linux (and I still don't know very much although I use it almost exclusively) without having gone through this process of installing a configuring a system without a shiny GUI configuration manager.

    Near the end, you should definately try some of the commanly suggested stuff like creating a LFS system.

    I'd think this to be an ideal course (but with a lot of tweaking first). Anyone care to give any thoughts?

    -mdek.net

  5. motif on Why Are Modern X11 Tookits Not Written For Xt? · · Score: 1

    Until last year, Motif was closed software. This is just a guess, but I think the most likely possibility is that people were trying to develop these alternative toolkits, then when motif was open-sourced, they were so far along, that they just continued developing them.

    Of course, this is just a guess, and if anyone can correct me, please go ahead.

    -mdek.net

  6. sourceforge on Bug Tracking Database Systems? · · Score: 1

    Sourceforge seems to have a nice bug tracking feature, where the severity of each bug is described, who it is assigned to to be fixed, and other info about it. It could probably do something like you want pretty easily, but I haven't really messed around with it. If it's really important, I think the sourceforge code is open source, so you could build on to the existing bug tracking features.

    Anyways, good luck!

    -mdek.net

  7. Re:MIDI and Lilypond on Music Notation Software For Unix? · · Score: 1

    There are many programs that do this. "Midisoft Studio" is a common example. You just connect a keyboard through the midi port, press the record button, then play, while it records the notes.

    I'm sure there are many much more "professional" programs than midisoft, but I haven't really looked into any, as I don't actually have a midi keyboard to use it with.
    -mdek.net

  8. Re:dude... on Recharging Laptop From Plane Headphone Jacks? · · Score: 1

    why not just use the 120v outlet on most planes?

    Well, most - actually all - planes I've been on have not had 120 VAC outlets available for me to use. It could be that I always fly economy...

    First class seats probably do have outlets almost all of the time, but people who can afford to fly first class can probably afford an extra battery or two for their laptop.

    -mdek.net

  9. speaking of stupid patents... on E-Bay Patents Thumbnail Galleries · · Score: 2

    here is a patent I found a while ago on "Method of exercising a cat" with a handheld laser. It is patent number US05443036, and info on it can be found at http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05443036__

    Besides, I'm sure there are *many* sites that can claim prior art for thumbnailed images...

    -mdek.net

  10. Victorinox Cybertool on What's The Best Multitool For The Job? · · Score: 1

    This summer, while in Austria, I saw a Victorinox (that's the "swiss army knife" company) Cybertool pocket knife. I instantly insisted that my parents get it for me (it was about $60). It has pretty much all the screwsdriver attachments you'd need to disassemble computer related stuff. It also has pliers, scissors, knife, and the other standardparts. The screwdriver attachments fit most screws. Sometimes I am not able to exert enough power to actually unscrew them. However, I have the same problem with regular screwdrivers (note: this is only on "new" items, where the screws have been tightened to hell and back).

    I am pretty much satisfied with mine, but I always keep my $10 cheap-ass radioshack screwdriver set nearby. Having both is very helpful.

    Also, here is a link to buy the Cybertool from thinkgeek.com:

    http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/things/3653.html

    It's a little expensive, but if you have some cash to spare, it's a good way to impress your friends

    -mdek.net

  11. "Cool Case" contest on Novelty/Unusual Cases, Keyboards, Rodents, Etc? · · Score: 1

    There was a "cool case" contest a while ago. Here is a link to the /. article:

    http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=00/08/09/1239 21 7&mode=nested

    There were some pretty cool results. My favorite is the one built out of PVC pipe with a HUGE fan attached to the side. Imagine the overclocking possibilities...

    -mdek.net

  12. Re:Why would hd manufacturers bother? on More About Copy Control on Hard Drives · · Score: 2

    I asked a similar question in the previous article. I got some interesting responses. You see it all at
    http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=00/12/22/195 62 01&threshold=-1&commentsort=3&mode=nested&cid=19ca n
    -mdek.net

  13. not for domain theft... on Back-Ordering Domain Names · · Score: 1

    All of the other comments seem to say that this is a service to aid domain name squatters. After a quick look through their site, however, it appears that their main emphasis is on protecting your own domain or getting a domain from a squatter. I strongly doubt that any decent business would let their domain expire (except for hotmail). So, the only thing that this could be intended for is someone wanting a domain, and some domain squatter wants 10 grand for it. Instead of paying the cash, he nabs it when it expires, because chances are he wants it more than a domain squatter.

    I don't really think this is a bad service. Anyways, if someone does steal a business domain name, it could always be taken to the courts...

    -mdek.net

  14. article in linux journal on Streaming MP3 For Linux Server Guide · · Score: 3

    In the latest issue of linux journal, there is a vey good article on how to set up your own mp3 streaming server using all open source tools. It's a very good read.


    -mdek.net

  15. radiation? on Inexpensive Ways To Reduce Computer Screen Blues? · · Score: 1

    Your concerned about radiation doing harm to your eyes? Personally, I think that the whole low-radiation scene is a gimmick. Assuming you don't stick your face 2 inches from the screen, you should be fine.

    Eye strain is a completely different issue. Set your refresh rate as high as possible. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings on you monitor until you find something you like. These adjustments will make more of a difference than most people think. Also, make sure that your lighting around the computer is sufficient.

    -mdek.net

  16. what about the hard drive makers? on Copy Protection Galore · · Score: 2

    A question: what incentive do the hard drive makers have to support the "secure" hard drive format? If anything, it will hurt them because people will be worried about not being able to store "media" on them. Possibly, they may be worried, that "everyone else" will follow the new scheme, and their drives will be incompatible.

    Whatever happens, it sucks for us, the consumers. And I won't even go into my complaints about possible licensing for the proprietory technology for the "branding" of the drives.
    -mdek.net

  17. problem with this theory on Dinosaurs Not Killed By Blast -- But By Acid Rain? · · Score: 1

    If this theory were true, wouldn't that mean that many other organisms other than the dinosaurs were killed? I mean, the article talks about highly toxis "globs" of sulfuric acid throughout the atmosphere. I strongly doubt anything more complicated that certain prokaryotes could survive that!

    -mdek.net

  18. Re:Right, that's www.gphoto.org on Digital Cameras As Web Cams? · · Score: 1

    I should really start using the preview button more often...


    -mdek.net

  19. #1 OS is... on IBM to Offer Linux Software · · Score: 1

    OS/2!

    :)

    I just installed os/2 on an old computer, and it's pretty cool. I think if IBM had kept it up, it would be a major competitor in the OS market. Anyways, I'll still be sticking with linux.

    -MSD.dyndns.org

  20. Re:Webcam: Yes, but not yet; Astrophoto: Not well on Digital Cameras As Web Cams? · · Score: 1

    sorry, it's www.gphoto.org
    -mdek.net

  21. Re:Webcam: Yes, but not yet; Astrophoto: Not well on Digital Cameras As Web Cams? · · Score: 1

    BTW, the correct URL is not "www.gphoto.com", but

    -mdek.net

  22. Powerline networking devices on ISPs Owned By...Power Companies? · · Score: 1

    There are certain devices called "Passport" made by intologis that will allow you to network your computers by plugging this device into the Parallel port and an electrical outlet. It actually works pretty well, and I assume it would be possible to adapt the technology to work beyond a single home, to over an entire city (or larger).

    Anyways, now back to studying for those exams!

    -mdek.net

  23. at the risk of being offtopic... on The Future Of The GIMP · · Score: 1

    I would just like to say how much I like using the GIMP. I'm able to do stuff that most people would think is impossible without paying for (or pirating!) photoshop. And it's easy to use, too!
    -mdek.net

  24. linux not ready for the desktop?? on What Would Happen To Linux If BeOS Were GPL'd? · · Score: 1

    I wouldn't quite agree with your statement that linux isn't ready for the desktop. It seems that each new version of any distribution gets even easier to install, and much more functional than windows. For example, the newest release of mandrake (7.2) is extremely easy to install. My friend, with absolutely no linux experience whatsoever was able to install it without reading ANY docs, and didn't run into any problems. I use mandrake on one of my main computers, and now I can't stand using windows, because *I can't do as much with it, as easily*. This doesn't apply only to mandrake. I also use slackware a lot (more than mandrake, actually). I find it a cinch to install, and using it is just fun!

    There are many programs that now can be used on the "desktop", such as the new KDE office suite, the GIMP, and many other really powerful programs. Overall, I'd say that linux is MORE ready for the desktop than windows.

    Of course, that's all my own personal opinion, feel free to debate :)


    -mdek.net

  25. good thing to hear on Hollywood Dealt Setback in California DeCSS Case · · Score: 3

    This is a good thing to hear. One of my sites that I used to spread information about DeCSS was in effect shut down. Even though I hosted off my own server at home, over my own internet connection, they went to the people who provided me with my dynamic DNS network services: dyndns.org. The guy in charge of the service just suspended my account when HE was contacted by the MPAA. This pretty much shut down the only way most people could access my site, which really pissed me off, because I didn't even provide DeCSS anymore on it, but rather instructions on how to install the Linux DVD player once you got the source, and reasons why I thought DeCSS should be allowed.

    Anyway, anything that weakens the power that the MPAA has in the courtroom is fine by me

    BTW, I still think dyndns is a cool service, even though they blocked my account. I recommend it to anyone who wants a server, but has a dynamic IP address.
    -mdek.net