Re:If the conclusion hasn't been made yet
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Who Owns Software?
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Trying to tell people how they can use what they bought is an evil and dangerous concept. Imagine speeding down the freeway above the speed limit in your leased automobile, getting pulled over by the cops and slapped with a ticket... that'd be normal... but later that month, you receive a settlement offer from your car's manufacturer for having used your car in a way that is viewed as inconsistent with the manufacturer's intention. Or imagine gun manufacturers being sued when guns are used illegaly? That would be madness, right? How far does it go indeed?
Typically Blizzard games don't behave in annoy way. WoW requires no CD or anything, just a valid account. Warcrafts just need the CD in. With starcraft I believe they just officially gave it a no-cd patch, so you don't even need a CD.
Honestly, I'm mixed about blizzard / WoW. The problem is that the cheaters completely ruin the game for everyone else, and ultimately, lose blizzard customers and money. I'm not so sure about their attack tactics, but I can certainly understand their motivation.
In all seriousness, everybody talks about email, texting and cellphone use as "cheapening" communication, but it's merely changed it. Communication isn't like money where the primary basis is quantity, and the more you have, the less you usually appreciate it. I'm not entirely sure that I agree with you here (though I do agree with most of your post). I do think that frequency of communication can lessen the importance of communication. When you saw distant family members once a year, it meant a lot more than when you can get cousin billy's minute-to-minute updates on facebook, etc.
Now on the otherhand, you CAN get cousin billy's updates, so that's vastly improved communication on a different level.
I do very much think it's cultural. (As an American) I've noticed that Germans and Brits seem to be very loud. Chinese as well. On the other hand Japanese and French seem to be quieter.
And of course these are all horrifying stereotypes and anecdotal stories at that. Maybe someone should write a paper...;-)
You might want to check ebay for a USB cable for your phone--I've gotten several cables over the years and don't think I've ever paid more than about $5 (shipping included). Then you can use software like Bitpim (http://www.bitpim.org/)--just make sure it supports your phone.
Most individuals can't afford this technology, but a city can. Wait, what? What city is going to buy tesla cars for public transit?
Public transportation, if done correctly (a first in America), is safe and clean and cheap or free, runs 24 hours a day or close to it, and allows us to avoid the expense of private cars. Ok, so you've ruled out all existing public transportation in America as any good. Where is this cheap/free (free?! show me ANY public transportation that could be called free by any standard?!)
The rest of our driving can be done on golf carts for those errands near home. Or horses, which are as green as transportation is going to get. I lived in Chicago for several years. You think a golf cart is going to be able to make it around icy/snowy streets? You think a golf cart is going to coexist on streets that have any real cars?
There are intangible benefits to public transportation. And there are very TANGIBLE benefits to owning your own vehicle and having the freedom of movement.
It brings us closer together with our neighbors. It ends the illusion that we can ignore problems like crime and abuse. It frees up acres of space from parking lots and duplicate roads. It gives law enforcement a better place to focus than on handing out parking tickets. Nonsense. Let me tell you, one of my favorite things about public transportation in Chicago was sitting at the 55 stop and worrying about getting mugged. Or the time I was on the 6 bus and sitting next to an inebriated man talking about how much he hated "crackers" and he wanted to kill them. I have never felt closer to my fellow man. And then there are the congregate hours waiting for a bus in the snow and rain.. Having to time all travel around the whims of public transit schedules.. etc.
Most of us spend way too much on our cars, and that's the necessary expenses. This cost won't go down. The car was a design enabled by cheap oil, and now that's over, so we should adapt. Possibly. Or possibly we'll adapt in a different way with different energy sources. My bet goes with different energy sources over your bizarre utopian/completely unfeasible theory of public transportation.
I don't think anybody looks at the advantages of energy consumption when looking at corded/cordless drills, but rather the convenience--that is, if you're working in crawlspaces, attics, outside, etc, is it worth it to have a cordless? (given that corded tend to be more powerful, dont need charged, and and are much much cheaper)
I don't disagree with you either--there are an entirely different set of advantages for web apps / flash apps / etc. I would think your average slashdot user would be more likely to prefer older style apps, but maybe I am wrong.
My biggest complain about web development is that it's a total pain in the ass. HTML+JavaScript+Database+Backend language (Pylon? Ruby on Rails? PHP? Perl?.NET? Java? whatever lanaguage of the week)+platform and browser of the users choice, NONE of which work the same way. It's a nightmare!
Again, there are HUGE advantages to doing web dev, instant rollouts, bugfixes, accessibility etc, I would just like to see a sane platform for web dev!
Agreed (though wth some nice features like bring vector graphics to the masses, etc)
It's a shame. Not having to download anything, not having to install anything, and not having to run anything will win with 99% of computer users every day. Goodbye email clients--just use gmail. Goodbye chat clients, use gtalk. etc. Nevermind the lost speed, function, and flexibility..
I think that Microsoft has not been fixing security issues in Vista because, if they ever deliver a secure operating system, PC customers will never buy another. Yet they HAVE been fixing security issues. Maybe not fast enough, and maybe there are still outstanding issues, but to claim otherwise is wrong. Your belief is apparently that people ONLY upgrade for security fixes? I strongly disagree and would like to see how you could possibly back that statement up.
It's not an impossible challenge, making a secure [apple.com] operating system [openbsd.org]. Other organizations have done it. If Microsoft hasn't, that is because it doesn't want to. Apple has had plenty of security holes, so they should not be held up as your exemplar. OpenBSD is about as good as it gets. They make no bones about going for the SECURE/SAFE option over the fast, userfriendly, etc options. This is why I run OpenBSD on several of my firewalls.
Microsoft exploits the ignorance of its customers. But now the customers are beginning to be more technically knowledgeable. Many are, for example, rejecting Vista [sfgate.com]. Eventually Microsoft's abusive practices will have more complete recognition. What will it do then? How many years (decades at this point?) have people been making M$, bugs, inferior quality, etc jokes about Microsoft? A lot. To claim that "Microsoft's abusive practices will have more complete recognition" than now is just utterly disingenuous or ignorant. There was that whole monopoly case too--on both sides of the pond even.
Come on, I know this is slashdot and that M$ is a fun, easy, and even DESERVING punching bag, but keep it accurate. There are plenty of worse things to complain about in Vista.
Contrast with Unix based systems where installing apps as a normal user is the norm and installing as root is an exception (indeed with OSX each user has a full set of directories for this by default, and it's rare for something to require elevation.. when it does you definately think because it's unusual). Wow..that's crazy! Using FreeBSD/OpenBSD I pretty much always elevate to root / use sudo to install applications or make system config changes (/etc). On OSX, I would say MOST installers require you to elevate. Apps that you install with drag+drop of course don't need elevation.
OSX actually does require you to type your password to elevate fairly often! The main difference, imho, between Vista and OSX is the Vista interface SUCKS, and you get asked to elevate MULTIPLE times during the same process. In OSX, it's never more than one time.
I like the fact that my first post got a "-1 Offtopic" and yours gets a "+3 Insightful";-)
What the AC said--The meta-moderators are the same people who are moderating. If moderates are biased and using mod points to forward their opinions, it stands to reason that metamoderators will do the same thing.
Agree/Disagree points--I think you're right, and it's probably not a good idea. On the other hand, it could act as an indicator of what people are interested in. That is, even if one post has 400 agree/400 disagree (balance out) -- it still shows that 800 people care about it somehow. Kinda like digging a post? I don't know, this is all just off the top of my head.
Really the one reliable thing on slashdot does seem to be if you start off a post with "I've got karma to burn..." or "I'm going to get modded down for saying this..." the reverse is going to happen!
Well, if you agree, you probably feel that point is "+1 Insightful" or "+1 Interesting" whatever.
I do agree that the system of moderating on slashdot is HIGHLY overused by those who use them for their opinions. I've been guilty of this at times too, though I try not to.
Maybe we do need a "+1 I agree, good thinking!" and a "-1 I disagree, that's stupid!" that count as a different class of points. Dunno.
That's true, but nobody was engaging in any criminal activity. And the activity these "criminals" engaged in should not be against the law to begin with. Those sorts of laws are what lets the nanny-state take away your rights in the first plce. Ok, that's great, but the police / DEA in either case didn't KNOW that. I agree, it would be utterly wonderful if the police were all-knowing about their cases, and could just say "we don't need to investigate this--clearly no problem" and focus on the REAL problems. Unfortunately, they don't have that right. Imagine if the crazy woman scaring people in your neighborhood had hidden in a garage and then assaulted you or someone else. An extreme example, but something that police officers MUST consider. Re: drugs being allowed or not, that's an entirely different question--DEA/Police/etc exist to enforce laws, not rewrite policy.
Shut but unlocked. The police are the ones who opened it; the cop said so himself. And no matter what crazy Chris did, it does not give the police any right to go into my garage. None whatever. The only way they can legally enter my property without warrant is if someone is under imminent threat, which was never suggested by anyone. Ok, you know, maybe the police did something wrong. From your original story it sounded like people--your daughter included--were worried about some very intoxicated and possibly dangerous person. In the neighborhood. Perhaps they did indeed do something wrong in glacing into a garage. Perhaps they should even have been reprimanded. Did you complain? Personally, if this is the source of your evidence that we live in a police state and our constitutional rights are being eroded, I think that's some pretty sorry evidence!
My fourth amendment rights against warrantless search were violated. The fact that you actually have to ask appalls me, but I guess that's the fault of our abysmal educational system. Well, I can scarcely begin to understand how traumatic the search must have been for you to make such an impact. And if the educational system failed me (which I would personally hold highly debatable!;)) then it's the same one that failed you in teaching you to treat people with respect and to chose your friends wisely!
You accused a previous poster of being the cause of allegedly losong rights. See, that's how I feel--and many others feel--about people that cause drunken disturbances, getting in bar fights, visit crack dens, etc. If those people could just control themselves and act with some decency, then we wouldn't even need police at all!
Such BS. you're hanging around with someone who was cheating on her boyfriend (bad sign #1), her boyfriend got thrown out of a bar (bad sign #2), shows up at your house when told not to (bad sign #3), and is drunk and making enough of a scene to scare neighbors into calling the police (bad sign #4), AND, you yourself call a "crazy cunt." Anti-patriotic my ass, that's just dumb. Legal--yes, stupid as anything, yes. Shows possible horrific judgement and immaturity on your part--absolutely yes again. Not to mention hanging out with drugged out prostitutes (churlish attempts at humor aside--hilarious that you thought the cop was gay!).
Not true about hanging out with criminals. If you are hanging out with criminals ENGAGING in criminal activity, that's absolutely a problem. If what you were attempting to say was "I should be able to hang out with anybody...regardless of their PAST criminal activity" you'd be correct.
You, sir, are the reason they're taking our rights away. You not only let them take away rights, you condone and even encourage it. So was your garage door open or shut? locked or unlocked? side door? side door open or shut? Maybe the old people who were worried (or maybe your daughter called the police if she was worried about the strange woman on the porch?) said your "crazy" friend was messing around in your garage? Who knows. There's absolutely no indication that the police did anything wrong, though your story is suitably lacking in details, no doubt part of your further attempt to forward your ludicrous "police state" theory..
And typically--unless you are forced to leave the aiport--you don't go through customs in this situation. You stay in the "international" part of the airport.
I don't know, maybe there are odd edge cases, but the above is my understanding. Would be glad to hear of anybody's ACTUAL experiences in a case like this.
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Typically Blizzard games don't behave in annoy way. WoW requires no CD or anything, just a valid account. Warcrafts just need the CD in. With starcraft I believe they just officially gave it a no-cd patch, so you don't even need a CD.
Honestly, I'm mixed about blizzard / WoW. The problem is that the cheaters completely ruin the game for everyone else, and ultimately, lose blizzard customers and money. I'm not so sure about their attack tactics, but I can certainly understand their motivation.
Now on the otherhand, you CAN get cousin billy's updates, so that's vastly improved communication on a different level.
I do very much think it's cultural. (As an American) I've noticed that Germans and Brits seem to be very loud. Chinese as well. On the other hand Japanese and French seem to be quieter.
;-)
And of course these are all horrifying stereotypes and anecdotal stories at that. Maybe someone should write a paper...
You might want to check ebay for a USB cable for your phone--I've gotten several cables over the years and don't think I've ever paid more than about $5 (shipping included). Then you can use software like Bitpim (http://www.bitpim.org/)--just make sure it supports your phone.
FWIW, I was able to use bluetooth to send an mp3 (and mid) to my verizon LG.
YMMV though, I suspect..
I actually need to buy a new drill soon and was going to get a DeWalt 12V 3/8" cordless, based on suggestions from a couple guys I know.
You seem to know your stuff--any suggestions?
I don't think anybody looks at the advantages of energy consumption when looking at corded/cordless drills, but rather the convenience--that is, if you're working in crawlspaces, attics, outside, etc, is it worth it to have a cordless? (given that corded tend to be more powerful, dont need charged, and and are much much cheaper)
I don't disagree with you either--there are an entirely different set of advantages for web apps / flash apps / etc. I would think your average slashdot user would be more likely to prefer older style apps, but maybe I am wrong.
.NET? Java? whatever lanaguage of the week)+platform and browser of the users choice, NONE of which work the same way. It's a nightmare!
My biggest complain about web development is that it's a total pain in the ass. HTML+JavaScript+Database+Backend language (Pylon? Ruby on Rails? PHP? Perl?
Again, there are HUGE advantages to doing web dev, instant rollouts, bugfixes, accessibility etc, I would just like to see a sane platform for web dev!
Agreed (though wth some nice features like bring vector graphics to the masses, etc)
It's a shame. Not having to download anything, not having to install anything, and not having to run anything will win with 99% of computer users every day. Goodbye email clients--just use gmail. Goodbye chat clients, use gtalk. etc. Nevermind the lost speed, function, and flexibility..
Ah well, at least I made *A* list!
What do I win? a bike?
Hey, that's me! Cheers!
Come on, I know this is slashdot and that M$ is a fun, easy, and even DESERVING punching bag, but keep it accurate. There are plenty of worse things to complain about in Vista.
OSX actually does require you to type your password to elevate fairly often! The main difference, imho, between Vista and OSX is the Vista interface SUCKS, and you get asked to elevate MULTIPLE times during the same process. In OSX, it's never more than one time.
I like the fact that my first post got a "-1 Offtopic" and yours gets a "+3 Insightful" ;-)
What the AC said--The meta-moderators are the same people who are moderating. If moderates are biased and using mod points to forward their opinions, it stands to reason that metamoderators will do the same thing.
Agree/Disagree points--I think you're right, and it's probably not a good idea. On the other hand, it could act as an indicator of what people are interested in. That is, even if one post has 400 agree/400 disagree (balance out) -- it still shows that 800 people care about it somehow. Kinda like digging a post? I don't know, this is all just off the top of my head.
Really the one reliable thing on slashdot does seem to be if you start off a post with "I've got karma to burn..." or "I'm going to get modded down for saying this..." the reverse is going to happen!
Well, if you agree, you probably feel that point is "+1 Insightful" or "+1 Interesting" whatever.
I do agree that the system of moderating on slashdot is HIGHLY overused by those who use them for their opinions. I've been guilty of this at times too, though I try not to.
Maybe we do need a "+1 I agree, good thinking!" and a "-1 I disagree, that's stupid!" that count as a different class of points. Dunno.
Well, having used Vista for a couple of weks now, I would say not significantly.
My problems with Vista are the UAC, breaking EAX sound, shitty, SHITTY control panel layout, and in general UI speed.
I guess you could blame speed on somewhat on DRM, but that's really the least of my complaints.
You accused a previous poster of being the cause of allegedly losong rights. See, that's how I feel--and many others feel--about people that cause drunken disturbances, getting in bar fights, visit crack dens, etc. If those people could just control themselves and act with some decency, then we wouldn't even need police at all!
Not true about hanging out with criminals. If you are hanging out with criminals ENGAGING in criminal activity, that's absolutely a problem. If what you were attempting to say was "I should be able to hang out with anybody...regardless of their PAST criminal activity" you'd be correct. You, sir, are the reason they're taking our rights away. You not only let them take away rights, you condone and even encourage it. So was your garage door open or shut? locked or unlocked? side door? side door open or shut? Maybe the old people who were worried (or maybe your daughter called the police if she was worried about the strange woman on the porch?) said your "crazy" friend was messing around in your garage? Who knows. There's absolutely no indication that the police did anything wrong, though your story is suitably lacking in details, no doubt part of your further attempt to forward your ludicrous "police state" theory..
What right was taken away?
And typically--unless you are forced to leave the aiport--you don't go through customs in this situation. You stay in the "international" part of the airport.
I don't know, maybe there are odd edge cases, but the above is my understanding. Would be glad to hear of anybody's ACTUAL experiences in a case like this.
Not to mention UTC/GMT. That's very literally eurocentric. It's gotta go. Let's switch over to UMT (that's Universal Mecca Time -- BBC article).
(though as a minor nit, I've generally seen BCE/CE explained as "Common Era." I always use BC/AD though)