If a developer produces shotty code, then they can be reprimanded and ultimately fired f their is a clear sign of shotty work and an inability on the part of the developer to improve.
If the vendor deploys shotty code, then they can be sued if it causes some sort of damages to the customer. It's the vendors responsibility to ensure the software works fine before it goes out to the customer, and that involves having the right processes in place for quality testing, that are usually dedicated to a group of workers that specifically do testing. If they fail on this, then they can only blame the developer for creating the bug, but not for the fact that it wasn't properly tested and that it was deployed.
Developers do not have the time to fully stress test software to a variety of tests. If developers are held to full liability, then they will spend 50% of their time coding, and 50% of their time testing and finding bugs, ultimately causing production to drop by half (this is an estimate).
Who's to say that the apes themselves do not exhibit this trait? They compete with each other, and competition is an effect of dissatisifaction and a wanting to prove something in order to be satisfied. If they were satisfied, do you think they would fight?
Gaming is like cycles. Many people are in a cycle with WoW. After WoW, they might go to another MMORPG, or consoles or regular PC games, a combination of it all or take a break.
In any case, what WoW is doing is nothing new, in terms of pricing. SWG, EQ, UO, and others have been doing it since the beginning. A game comes, it gets popular and it dwindles. This is a normal process. It would be good if the article stated the examples that I did. There's nothing really new here. The many thing that is changing is the number of people playing games online in general.
It first depends on what you want to achieve with them, do you want them to be read only, or do you wish to edit them as well in the future? They may not be too much of an issue but something to think about.
For images, I would look at the past to see what file formats were around before the internet was mainstream, circa 1995. I remember Paintbrush PCX as a file format, but haven't since a file in that format since then. TGAs and TIFFs were around and still are today, that might be one possibility. You also have SVG formats, and that being an XML file format, allows you to convert it to another format in the future.
As for text documents, one definite possibility is XML. You can convert to many other formats from XML (HTML, PDF, RTF, etc.) Another possibility is RTF and plain text, though you might lose some of the more advance features. You might even have to extend the XML to deal with anything special in your files. Latex or Tex might be another solution since it's still around, though I have no experience with it, beyond being awware of them.
I would also recommend keeping a copy of the original software you used at the time, in case you need to get access to the files with a program that actually created. This way, you still have some sort of access. If that means you need to keep a copy of the original O/S as well, so be it.
Microsoft evangelist? Wow, I haven't been so insulted in quite some time. =)
I'm actually a Linux loving, LAMP Web Developer who runs Linux at home, the office, and on my web sites. My postings have been from my linux machine. Would be nice if slashdot had a feature to record that, so that comments like yours would appear funnier to all, than to just the individual you are refering to. =)
But I also know when to hold them, and know when the fold them.
Yes, as others have pointed out, you *can* solve everything with open source. You really could.... if you're willing to solve it yourself in some way. But the reality is this, I have a money and time constraints. If I need an identical (or very close to it) program to something that isn't on my platform, how much is it going to cost me, and how much time will it take? Is it feasible for me to even go down this path? Developing new software, in itself, is a time consuming process. You have to deal with all the bugs, and feature changes you might impose on it, since you have the control. But then what do you use in the interim? The same thing you're trying to replicate.
Overall for many companies, going purely open source is not an option, because they don't have all the resources to do so. There are stories out there of companies who transitioned to a purely Linux environment, because they wrote the code themselves. These companies include Disney and Ford. They have the money, they made the time, and had the resources. Unfortunately this won't always be the case.
The original poster needs to consider what other problems they will encounter in order to get at solutions. If you're not aware of other possible problems you may encounter when transitioning to open source, you might go down a path that you may have to back step out of later on. It's important to see as many sides as possible.
And like I said before, I wish the guy the best in his search. He might be able to pull it off.
Actually you're not disagreeing with me, since my argument was more about issues to think about, and how it applies to some cases, not all.
- Wine can't solve some dependencies like DirectX 9.
- Terminal Server is not really a solution if your goal is to go to an open source solution, it's just another layer. If you have to use a Terminal Server for a single application, maybe they should just stay on the Windows platform (or Mac for those where Mac applies), depending on the amount of time they spend it, though if they spend any, why support two machines for a user when you can support one, unless you can share that machine with others.
- I'm all for ASP solutions, when applicable, and you touched on a more "specific" application that happens to work across many industries, regardless of the platform. Another good example is web-based apps like email, calendaring, groupware, etc.
As for the original poster, a good search in Google will lead you to articles on Linux Journal talking of companies who have made the switch, and examples of LTSP where the thin-client and heavy server is a viable option for many companies. I wish you luck in your search, I'm sure there are many on slashdot who can contribute their experience to what they have found, and done.
Depending on what you do, and what software you need, you can't migrate everything to open source, and that's a fact you have to accept, only if you haven't accepted it yet. I only mention it that way, because you did not.
The main issues include:
- a standard application that "everyone" uses, in the industry you are in, is not supported on Linux. ie: mortgage brokers who use a particular set of programs to create and process applications.
- some industry applications require proprietary software to run. ie: Realtors who use the online MLS listing who need IE to access the website.
- a bigger issue is learning curve. If I know an application really well, and I'm effective in what I do with it, why should I have to learn a new application?
- some open source applications can't do all the features as the proprietary application I use. this is a fact in a number of cases. What are you going to do, add the features to the open source version until they are all in there? Unfortunately, that's not always a feasible approach.
The good news is, there are open source solution for common things, like web browsing, email, group tasks, filesharing and printing, many of the common tasks you can do in an office.
The easiest transitions you can make is usually on the server side (web server, email, filesharing), the stuff that's pretty transparent to users. Then you can migrate users on the client side, slowly, and with applications where they can gain an advantage on. Transitioning to open source, for the sake of open source is not a reason to do it. As long as you provide enough reason, and suitable solutions, you will have a good chance with users switching.
AJAX is good for a number of tasks, but not for every task.
Here are the obvious things it will NOT replace: - gaming. - heavy computational operations. - real photo manipulation programs. - anything that requires access to the computer that are beyond the security model of the browser.
Javascript is slow when dealing with many form elements, or numerous functions at the same time.
So what is AJAX good for? More efficient and dynamic web content. Now we do not have to reload entire pages when submtting information. We can grab information in the background and present it to the user in the foreground. It allows for more intiative experiences that we are used to from desktop applications.
You can go into teaching. I did this for about a year, teaching a linux course and this required me - to move around alot, - drink alot more water, - be active, constantly on my feet, - constant talking, - was semi-lucrative as long as you can make this a regular gig that can pay the bills, a number of places will pay good money, and if not, you can convince them why they should, considering they get good money for the course from the student.
All the other options I was going to write, would have taken you out of technology, but considering you want to stay in it, I guess on some level, this seems like the best option, especially if you have the skills to back it up, and the ability to teach. Plus someone with years of experience is a valuable asset to any teaching institution.
The evangelist tend to lose sight of the bigger picture. They get so caught up in what they are preaching, they don't have time to learn about other things.
Overall, it's the same thing as before, the evangelist damning things that the normal user will not even care about, as long as it works the same way.
I've looked at Best Surprise, Best Game, Biggest Disappointment and the top three for each were World of Warcraft, Everquest 2, and City of Heroes.
I would expect there to be different results at least between the disappointment, surprise and best game. Maybe there's some favortism in some of the more recent games.
mod parent post up. He states all the major issues you will encounter in a basement.
Are you willing to deal with this? And how many servers are we talking about? A raised floor is good if you have ALOT of machines, heavy A/C units to pump the cool air, and that much wiring to run.
Are you trying to run a datacenter from your home?
I like the suggestions from others about running it from the top down, using ceiling tiles, or just run tracks that hold and suspend the cable. You could make it look really cool, unless you want them to disappear, then the drop down ceiling is it.
Make sure you do what you need to to weather proof your basement for computer use.
For example, I use Gamespot as my first source for a game review. I feel they are pretty much on point with my own opinions with gaming reviews. I also defer to G4 Tech TV's "X Play" and the two guys from "Judgment Day" I find it's a good mix of opinions, and especially with Tommy Telarico's views, he's like a Simon Cowell of gaming.
The scores aallow me to gauge whether something is worth reading up on more or not. If a game is 80% or higher, then I like to see if it's a good fit for me. The scores provide a general basis of comparison to other games at the time of the review.
If a game as a low score in graphics, I count that less towards the game because graphics, to me at least, are the 2nd thing to consider in the game, but if I find the game experience and play is high, I'd be interested.
Overall, I think it's important to have, in additional to the worded review of the game.
* If I download a video clip from the web, I would want to watch it on my main TV. Beats having to spend 4-5 hours burning a DVD of the movie. * Access to online radio stations. * Access to online contnet. * The ability to surf from the computer to get some quick information, instead of having to go to the computer area, boot it up, wait, then surf. * Be able to see if that email you've been waiting for comes in right from the TV. No I will not et my speakers on high on my computer to tell me I got mail.
There are a number of advantages that the convergance of the computer and tv are almost there and necessary.
I agree with the parent. To me, it's not about the number of people involved, or how talented they may be, it's about whether the product works, and if it works well.
I don't go and buy a product based on the number of people. For example, I've purchased a game recently, that I found out was developed by a single person. That game gave me the same amount of enjoyment that a game developed by 20+ developers.
Does it mean he is 20x the developer? No. Does it mean the 20+ developers suck? No.
As for the main comment by the MS person about those who contribute to the kernel, so what if it's 100 or so developers, with a handful or more doing the major contributions. The other developers who may not do "major contributions" are making other contributions to the kernel. Writing improved code, remove security issues, commenting it to make it better for others, testing the code to ensure it works on their system, and on and on.
To me, it sounds more like the MS person is just trying to state some facts to the people who have migrated away from MS products in an attempt to reclaim them. By any FUD necessary, would seem to be MS's motto of the day.
You'd be surprised how many people just do not consider Macs an option. You need a computer, it's strictly PC and Windows, nothing else. So with the masses, I would say Mac is not an option, unless they are a little more savvy.
This quote that I randomly heard in an elevator one day, is a very appropriate quote to apply to Enterprise.
The writing is stale, non-engaging, and I channel surf while watching it. Now that it's in a timeslot as Battlestar Galactica, it has literally no chance of survivial. Only the puriest will continue to watch.
The idea to go back before the original series was shakey at best. They were better off giving the series a little bit of a rest. You had TNG, then DS9 overlapped, then Voyager overlapped that one, to then have Enterprise. It's a bit much.
Overall, for the series to truly survive you need a few things.
* To hell with time travel. Never liked it in Star Trek, it was overused, and poorly done.
* Get new writers who understand drama and character development. This is where BSG will dominate in.
* You have alot of explaining to do when we see characters now, that we didn't see in the later timeline, almost giving yourself too much work to handle, drop it, move on and continue with what you had. Had they continued with the storyline of Voyager, you had a chance for better cameos and characters you enjoyed.
* Better storyline overall. I'm tied of these pretty weak dranas the franchise is putting out. I find Star Gate a better sell than Star Trek. There simply isn't enough dynamic content with Star Trek. Give me something deeper into the Cardasians, Klingons, etc. Corruption within the Federation. Give me something.
The small form factors have been around since at least 2000. I remember Compaq or HP selling legacy free systems that were really small. For the Mini to lead it, it would have to be closer to starting it. Plus, it just came out, give it a few months for it to have a market share first, instead of relying on the buzz.
I've been using a small form factor system since 2001, with the SV24 from Shuttle. I started with 2 of them, then upgraded to the SS51G from Shuttle again in 2004.
Slashdot Mirror
I need to roll 3d12 with my Karma +1 Bonus
in differnt ways.
If a developer produces shotty code, then they can be reprimanded and ultimately fired f their is a clear sign of shotty work and an inability on the part of the developer to improve.
If the vendor deploys shotty code, then they can be sued if it causes some sort of damages to the customer. It's the vendors responsibility to ensure the software works fine before it goes out to the customer, and that involves having the right processes in place for quality testing, that are usually dedicated to a group of workers that specifically do testing. If they fail on this, then they can only blame the developer for creating the bug, but not for the fact that it wasn't properly tested and that it was deployed.
Developers do not have the time to fully stress test software to a variety of tests. If developers are held to full liability, then they will spend 50% of their time coding, and 50% of their time testing and finding bugs, ultimately causing production to drop by half (this is an estimate).
Who's to say that the apes themselves do not exhibit this trait? They compete with each other, and competition is an effect of dissatisifaction and a wanting to prove something in order to be satisfied. If they were satisfied, do you think they would fight?
Just my 2 bananas on the subject.
Gaming is like cycles. Many people are in a cycle with WoW. After WoW, they might go to another MMORPG, or consoles or regular PC games, a combination of it all or take a break.
In any case, what WoW is doing is nothing new, in terms of pricing. SWG, EQ, UO, and others have been doing it since the beginning. A game comes, it gets popular and it dwindles. This is a normal process. It would be good if the article stated the examples that I did. There's nothing really new here. The many thing that is changing is the number of people playing games online in general.
It first depends on what you want to achieve with them, do you want them to be read only, or do you wish to edit them as well in the future? They may not be too much of an issue but something to think about.
For images, I would look at the past to see what file formats were around before the internet was mainstream, circa 1995. I remember Paintbrush PCX as a file format, but haven't since a file in that format since then. TGAs and TIFFs were around and still are today, that might be one possibility. You also have SVG formats, and that being an XML file format, allows you to convert it to another format in the future.
As for text documents, one definite possibility is XML. You can convert to many other formats from XML (HTML, PDF, RTF, etc.) Another possibility is RTF and plain text, though you might lose some of the more advance features. You might even have to extend the XML to deal with anything special in your files. Latex or Tex might be another solution since it's still around, though I have no experience with it, beyond being awware of them.
I would also recommend keeping a copy of the original software you used at the time, in case you need to get access to the files with a program that actually created. This way, you still have some sort of access. If that means you need to keep a copy of the original O/S as well, so be it.
Microsoft evangelist? Wow, I haven't been so insulted in quite some time. =)
I'm actually a Linux loving, LAMP Web Developer who runs Linux at home, the office, and on my web sites. My postings have been from my linux machine. Would be nice if slashdot had a feature to record that, so that comments like yours would appear funnier to all, than to just the individual you are refering to. =)
But I also know when to hold them, and know when the fold them.
Yes, as others have pointed out, you *can* solve everything with open source. You really could.... if you're willing to solve it yourself in some way. But the reality is this, I have a money and time constraints. If I need an identical (or very close to it) program to something that isn't on my platform, how much is it going to cost me, and how much time will it take? Is it feasible for me to even go down this path? Developing new software, in itself, is a time consuming process. You have to deal with all the bugs, and feature changes you might impose on it, since you have the control. But then what do you use in the interim? The same thing you're trying to replicate.
Overall for many companies, going purely open source is not an option, because they don't have all the resources to do so. There are stories out there of companies who transitioned to a purely Linux environment, because they wrote the code themselves. These companies include Disney and Ford. They have the money, they made the time, and had the resources. Unfortunately this won't always be the case.
The original poster needs to consider what other problems they will encounter in order to get at solutions. If you're not aware of other possible problems you may encounter when transitioning to open source, you might go down a path that you may have to back step out of later on. It's important to see as many sides as possible.
And like I said before, I wish the guy the best in his search. He might be able to pull it off.
Actually you're not disagreeing with me, since my argument was more about issues to think about, and how it applies to some cases, not all.
- Wine can't solve some dependencies like DirectX 9.
- Terminal Server is not really a solution if your goal is to go to an open source solution, it's just another layer. If you have to use a Terminal Server for a single application, maybe they should just stay on the Windows platform (or Mac for those where Mac applies), depending on the amount of time they spend it, though if they spend any, why support two machines for a user when you can support one, unless you can share that machine with others.
- I'm all for ASP solutions, when applicable, and you touched on a more "specific" application that happens to work across many industries, regardless of the platform. Another good example is web-based apps like email, calendaring, groupware, etc.
As for the original poster, a good search in Google will lead you to articles on Linux Journal talking of companies who have made the switch, and examples of LTSP where the thin-client and heavy server is a viable option for many companies. I wish you luck in your search, I'm sure there are many on slashdot who can contribute their experience to what they have found, and done.
Depending on what you do, and what software you need, you can't migrate everything to open source, and that's a fact you have to accept, only if you haven't accepted it yet. I only mention it that way, because you did not.
The main issues include:
- a standard application that "everyone" uses, in the industry you are in, is not supported on Linux. ie: mortgage brokers who use a particular set of programs to create and process applications.
- some industry applications require proprietary software to run. ie: Realtors who use the online MLS listing who need IE to access the website.
- a bigger issue is learning curve. If I know an application really well, and I'm effective in what I do with it, why should I have to learn a new application?
- some open source applications can't do all the features as the proprietary application I use. this is a fact in a number of cases. What are you going to do, add the features to the open source version until they are all in there? Unfortunately, that's not always a feasible approach.
The good news is, there are open source solution for common things, like web browsing, email, group tasks, filesharing and printing, many of the common tasks you can do in an office.
The easiest transitions you can make is usually on the server side (web server, email, filesharing), the stuff that's pretty transparent to users. Then you can migrate users on the client side, slowly, and with applications where they can gain an advantage on. Transitioning to open source, for the sake of open source is not a reason to do it. As long as you provide enough reason, and suitable solutions, you will have a good chance with users switching.
AJAX is good for a number of tasks, but not for every task.
Here are the obvious things it will NOT replace:
- gaming.
- heavy computational operations.
- real photo manipulation programs.
- anything that requires access to the computer that are beyond the security model of the browser.
Javascript is slow when dealing with many form elements, or numerous functions at the same time.
So what is AJAX good for? More efficient and dynamic web content. Now we do not have to reload entire pages when submtting information. We can grab information in the background and present it to the user in the foreground. It allows for more intiative experiences that we are used to from desktop applications.
It's not theft if I was unaware of the previous article, or even the previous comment.
with allergies to shellfish.
Just a thought.
four out of three people have problems with fractions.
Well you don't leave many options left....
You can go into teaching. I did this for about a year, teaching a linux course and this required me
- to move around alot,
- drink alot more water,
- be active, constantly on my feet,
- constant talking,
- was semi-lucrative as long as you can make this a regular gig that can pay the bills, a number of places will pay good money, and if not, you can convince them why they should, considering they get good money for the course from the student.
All the other options I was going to write, would have taken you out of technology, but considering you want to stay in it, I guess on some level, this seems like the best option, especially if you have the skills to back it up, and the ability to teach. Plus someone with years of experience is a valuable asset to any teaching institution.
Good luck.
The evangelist tend to lose sight of the bigger picture. They get so caught up in what they are preaching, they don't have time to learn about other things.
Overall, it's the same thing as before, the evangelist damning things that the normal user will not even care about, as long as it works the same way.
I've looked at Best Surprise, Best Game, Biggest Disappointment and the top three for each were World of Warcraft, Everquest 2, and City of Heroes.
I would expect there to be different results at least between the disappointment, surprise and best game. Maybe there's some favortism in some of the more recent games.
mod parent post up. He states all the major issues you will encounter in a basement.
Are you willing to deal with this? And how many servers are we talking about? A raised floor is good if you have ALOT of machines, heavy A/C units to pump the cool air, and that much wiring to run.
Are you trying to run a datacenter from your home?
I like the suggestions from others about running it from the top down, using ceiling tiles, or just run tracks that hold and suspend the cable. You could make it look really cool, unless you want them to disappear, then the drop down ceiling is it.
Make sure you do what you need to to weather proof your basement for computer use.
For example, I use Gamespot as my first source for a game review. I feel they are pretty much on point with my own opinions with gaming reviews. I also defer to G4 Tech TV's "X Play" and the two guys from "Judgment Day" I find it's a good mix of opinions, and especially with Tommy Telarico's views, he's like a Simon Cowell of gaming.
The scores aallow me to gauge whether something is worth reading up on more or not. If a game is 80% or higher, then I like to see if it's a good fit for me. The scores provide a general basis of comparison to other games at the time of the review.
If a game as a low score in graphics, I count that less towards the game because graphics, to me at least, are the 2nd thing to consider in the game, but if I find the game experience and play is high, I'd be interested.
Overall, I think it's important to have, in additional to the worded review of the game.
* If I download a video clip from the web, I would want to watch it on my main TV. Beats having to spend 4-5 hours burning a DVD of the movie.
* Access to online radio stations.
* Access to online contnet.
* The ability to surf from the computer to get some quick information, instead of having to go to the computer area, boot it up, wait, then surf.
* Be able to see if that email you've been waiting for comes in right from the TV. No I will not et my speakers on high on my computer to tell me I got mail.
There are a number of advantages that the convergance of the computer and tv are almost there and necessary.
Would have probably costed you less than the materials, and you would have had in like a few days.
I agree with the parent. To me, it's not about the number of people involved, or how talented they may be, it's about whether the product works, and if it works well.
I don't go and buy a product based on the number of people. For example, I've purchased a game recently, that I found out was developed by a single person. That game gave me the same amount of enjoyment that a game developed by 20+ developers.
Does it mean he is 20x the developer? No.
Does it mean the 20+ developers suck? No.
As for the main comment by the MS person about those who contribute to the kernel, so what if it's 100 or so developers, with a handful or more doing the major contributions. The other developers who may not do "major contributions" are making other contributions to the kernel. Writing improved code, remove security issues, commenting it to make it better for others, testing the code to ensure it works on their system, and on and on.
To me, it sounds more like the MS person is just trying to state some facts to the people who have migrated away from MS products in an attempt to reclaim them. By any FUD necessary, would seem to be MS's motto of the day.
nuff said
You'd be surprised how many people just do not consider Macs an option. You need a computer, it's strictly PC and Windows, nothing else. So with the masses, I would say Mac is not an option, unless they are a little more savvy.
This quote that I randomly heard in an elevator one day, is a very appropriate quote to apply to Enterprise.
The writing is stale, non-engaging, and I channel surf while watching it. Now that it's in a timeslot as Battlestar Galactica, it has literally no chance of survivial. Only the puriest will continue to watch.
The idea to go back before the original series was shakey at best. They were better off giving the series a little bit of a rest. You had TNG, then DS9 overlapped, then Voyager overlapped that one, to then have Enterprise. It's a bit much.
Overall, for the series to truly survive you need a few things.
* To hell with time travel. Never liked it in Star Trek, it was overused, and poorly done.
* Get new writers who understand drama and character development. This is where BSG will dominate in.
* You have alot of explaining to do when we see characters now, that we didn't see in the later timeline, almost giving yourself too much work to handle, drop it, move on and continue with what you had. Had they continued with the storyline of Voyager, you had a chance for better cameos and characters you enjoyed.
* Better storyline overall. I'm tied of these pretty weak dranas the franchise is putting out. I find Star Gate a better sell than Star Trek. There simply isn't enough dynamic content with Star Trek. Give me something deeper into the Cardasians, Klingons, etc. Corruption within the Federation. Give me something.
* Planetary Sector Bovin Meat Cooking Specialist
(Burger Flipper)
* District Radio Interplanetary Communication officer
(Telemarketer)
* World Wide Web Developer
(some guy who works on a website for his mom and his local D&D club)
* Halfing Extermination Specialist
(some guy who roleplays with the Web developer)
at least it will emphasize it more.
The small form factors have been around since at least 2000. I remember Compaq or HP selling legacy free systems that were really small. For the Mini to lead it, it would have to be closer to starting it. Plus, it just came out, give it a few months for it to have a market share first, instead of relying on the buzz.
I've been using a small form factor system since 2001, with the SV24 from Shuttle. I started with 2 of them, then upgraded to the SS51G from Shuttle again in 2004.