Personally, I think you have to have a little more respect for the IT dept. that to just say they are there to "support" IT.
They are there to support IT as it applies to work, but not to remove spyware and viruses because employees visit porn or other inappropriate sites. Over 90% of the problems we have with computers is related to activities that are within acceptable policies, such as roaming around on the wrong kinds of sites. One of the problems is that employees see their computer as "their computer", and not a tool for their use, but owned by the company.
A perfect example: I get many complaints from employees that they do not have speakers on their computers. There is NO task we do that requires sound. The only possible use they could have for speakers is unauthorized uses of the computers.
I do everything I can to ignore other uses as long as it does not cause problems. Go ahead, read news, research stocks, as long as you are smart enough to avoid problem sites. Getting 1000 spam mails a day? Likely using company email for personal reasons, and I shouldn't have to support that.
Actions that have no consequences are often repeated. The only cure is accountability for employees who use their computers for non-business related activity.
Which has nothing to do with the fact that software IS created, and has been created, for computers to be connected. It wasn't very long after the first versions of Unix that it was made specifically for interconnecting computers. Over 30 years ago.
THAT is the comment that made me flip back to Slashdot! No software was setup for all the computers to be connected together? I guess he never heard of Unix.
That can't even be blamed on ignorance, because he knows better. That is genuine, straight up, in your face and looking you in the eye FUD. Maybe they need that on the boxes of Vista when it comes out:
Windows Vista: The ultimate software for computers that are not connected.
If MS can sell their product for less by turning off some features, and people don't need them, I'm all for it.
The goal isn't to sell them to home users for less. It is to sell them to business users for more. They are gutting network features so businesses CAN'T use the home version, even if they are a small business. It is a form of taxation for using Windows in a business. It WOULD be cheaper for MS to only have one version, but they couldn't charge more to business users then.
Compare the cost of OEM or aftermarket Windows over the last 15 years, and see for yourself. From $60 retail to $300. Even oil hasn't risen that much in price in the same time. Not even close.
There is no technical reason, it is purely profit driven. This is their choice, and I fully support their right to make this choice. Then again, I am phasing out Windows as fast as I can with our network of 25 workstations, already have on 8 servers, and doing so at home as well, so what they charge is rapidly becoming of no consequence to me. And my reasons aren't about the price.
You forgot MS Linux Edition, the one they will fail to distribute properly, so they can say they tried, but people weren't interested in Linux (apologies to Dvorak)
How about: Windows Vista Home Automation Edition
It would come with the X-10 controller software and two X10 modules, so you can build "The Home of the Future" in true Microsoft fashion, using 25 year old technology.
Or you could use what I use, and run Heyu and Bluelava on Apache and Linux (or BSD), I suppose.
Also, NEVER try upgrading your Windows Vista Kiddie Edition with Windows Vista Porn Edition. To say there are conflicts is an understatement.
Adding to your comment, I recommend a test bed system with removeable hard drive trays (less than $10 each at computergate.com). I use them so I can use different OS's for test bedding. Also, have a second frame as the secondary master, so you can install the test hard drive in that bay (most tested hard drives will be masters) Mine has frames for Pri/Master, Sec/Master and Sec/Slave, and an second IDE card for a CDROM as master for booting if needed.
One master drive is a completely updated Windows XP disk purely for testing hard drives that may be infected with viruses and spyware. (updated, then unplug ethernet cable before booting....) This hard drive is never connected to the internet except to update, to keep it somewhat isolated.
Another is a Fedora disk with tons of utilities, for disk partitioning, formatting, testing or general ripping of data.
A third is a Windows XP setup purely for games. (hey, can't work all the time....)
Of course, I always have a Knoppix CD handy as well.
I also use old spare drives in extra trays to test new OS's when they come out. I have several old 10,15,20gb drives I install SuSE, Debian, FreeBSD, etc on so I can test and play with them.
My system is just a Athlon 2500+, 512ram, Gforce 4???, older 3com nic, floppy, 8x cd burner (bootable as Tert./master), and a LCD monitor. Except for games, a system with half the CPU and GPU would be fine.
The trays allow me to have an unlimited number of virtual computers, all in one case, without dualbooting, on KNOWN hardware.
Don't forget the ever-popular "Pirated Version" which will be distributed exclusively on Bittorrent.
You know, I don't think it will as much as some would expect. By that time, Linux will be more mature, and the hardware requirements for Vista are kinda rediculous (1gb ram recommended).
I already explained to the wife that she needs to get used to Linux, because we will not have a copy of Vista anywhere in the house, at any price. We will phase out XP (mainly used on the media center now is all) and either switch to Mac (not as likely) or begin using FreeBSD and/or Linux on the other systems. Even at work, I talked the boss out of new software updates, hoping to have some Linux alternatives in the next year. Already, all the servers are Linux.
I don't mind proprietary software, and I don't actually hate MS, I am just tired of their products costing too much, requiring too much hardware, having terrible security, and just being too difficult to backup/manage/clone, mainly due to their paranoia about piracy. They are effectively making their product worth much less and the hassles too high to give me a reason to keep upgrading.
Even if Linux/FreeBSD doesn't get easier on the desktop, it will look better because MS is making Windows MUCH harder to live with.
I am sure they will have some tools to make activation easier, however, this will still make Linux look even better in the corporate world. People bitch about the sheer volume of Linux distros, but this puts that to shame. At least when you look at the different Linux distros, there are real differences in each, even if the core is the same.
7 different Windows has GOT to cause some confusion in the marketplace. This is another example of something that may look good on paper, but in reality, isn't. This will lead to people buying "the wrong" Windows, and being told they have to upgrade via a retail product from #4 to #3, for only $179, to use some software or feature. This WILL lead to some people seeking alternatives.
Insert "imagine a beowolf of those" joke here, except it isn't a joke.
I think you might be underestimating the requirements for this large a project that "must scale perfectly". The "99.9% uptime is expected" requirement alone requires multiple internet connections, a large cluster of front end servers, and redundent database servers, preferably located in different states. (ie: "What do you mean our only server is in New Orleans?")
I don't think the average Dell dual Xeon box is up to the task for this large a project...
So 10 discs as opposed to how many if I used floppies?
Around 714,000 floppies using very rough math. (some bigger nerd will now offer an anal retentive correction, surely down to the fraction of the floppies needed, followed by a debate over formatting methods, followed by a MAC vs. PC debate, until someone calls someone a Nazi, at which time, the debate is officially over.)
That is about the same number of floppies AOL used to send out each day back in the 90s, or about the total amount of AOL disks I personally received in the 1990s.
If it takes you 3 minutes to copy to each disk, it will take you 35700 hours, or 1487 days to complete (assuming no pee breaks), which is about as long as it would take a manned flight to Mars, and back, with plenty of time to drive around and explore inbetween. Or the equivelent of 28.5 dog years.
If you put them end to end, that is a buttload of disks. Almost a buttload and a half, making it just about 3/4 of a shitload.
Ok, the story is a dupe, thus NOTHING is offtopic, right? Might as well calculate truly useful things with the space CmdrTaco has provided here...
But it was where ignorance started, and ended. Or so I thought. It appears the mods ended it with a flamebait mod, thus the irony totally escaped them. Oh well, what good is karma if you don't burn it...
You know, you can always mark his as a FOE, adjust your viewing to make all FOE posting -10 points. All you see is a single line. Its in the FAQ, and it's pretty easy. Lots of other stuff you can do there, too.
Yes, because we all know that all natural events are not natural at all, but instead the wrath of a diety. Just like how God made AIDS to punish gay people, right?
So when something bad happens to you, you should always blame yourself, as you must have brought it upon yourself or did something to make God angry.
Everyone knows that since gas has risen $1 in the last 45 days, it will continue to do so at exactly the same pace forever, so gas will be $83 per gallon within 10 years.
Obviously,there are no other factors that should be considered.
Riiight. You honestly believe that relinquishing control over media content to record/film studios through licensing is going to end world hunger?
Of course. If we didn't have multi-millionaire movie stars and singers, who would do all those "Benefit" shows and telethons that have made poverty almost unheard of.....oh wait. Never mind.
Actually, the way to make them pay is to click on the ads and not buy anything from them. Their cost per click is from 10 cents to $10, and typically in the 25cent to $1 range.
In the end, there will be 3000 dead Americans but no democracy.....Which idiots supported this war?
So, they would have been better off under Saddam? They didn't just elect an interim govt? They are not currently working on a constitution? Democracy is ok for you, but not for the barbarians in Iraq? I guess we could have said "Screw France and England" 50 years ago.
I supported this war, and not afraid to say so, and without the need to be anonymous, as you have chosen to do. The only problem is that we should have done this back in the first Gulf war, instead of waiting 12 years later. Whether you think I am an idiot or not makes no difference. I certainly do not need reassurance from someone like you.
I may disagree with many things Bush has done, including a few on how the war was conducted, but I fully support the removal of Saddam, our troops risking life and limb to help the Iraqis, and my taxes going to this purpose. I'm a vet, so was my father. I know the risks because I lived with them. We both served so you could voice your opinion here.
Me, I will post my opinions with my name attached, for all to see. I have nothing to hide, nothing to fear, and believe what I believe strong enough to NOT be anonymous.
There are several circumstances where dual booting is the better choice. Many people want to switch to Linux, but can't do so immediately, so they need both so they can switch back and forth, and use the same data files. These are not ubergeeks, they are curious users with a modest to medium amount of geekiness.
Also, many have several computers, as you say, but one "really good" computer, and they want to run both Linux and Win on it. They might have Linux on an old 1.5ghz, and WinXP on an old 2ghz, but they want to run both on their new shiney game box. Also, some games will run on Linux now (a few) and some will with Wine. Dual booting lets them use both OS's on their best hardware.
Me, I am about to make my media center a dual boot system. I already moved all my media files over to the Samba server, but I am nervous about using Linux as the OS for media. I am very comfortable using Linux on the server and desktop, but it is far from perfect as a media center, AND my Windows box does work well enough. It will stay dual boot until I work the bugs out, and maybe afterward to run a few Windows only games (it has a 51" TV, which makes Half Life 2 pretty awesome).
Networking different computers with different OSs is great. Having to use switch boxes or move to use another OS isn't. Expecially with a totally wireless media center.
You might say "yes, but you don't have to, you can do $x instead" but for many circumstances, dual booting *IS* the best option, even if it is only temporary. This way I don't miss the opportunity to use the media center while I am tweaking Linux for it.
Slashdot Mirror
Personally, I think you have to have a little more respect for the IT dept. that to just say they are there to "support" IT.
They are there to support IT as it applies to work, but not to remove spyware and viruses because employees visit porn or other inappropriate sites. Over 90% of the problems we have with computers is related to activities that are within acceptable policies, such as roaming around on the wrong kinds of sites. One of the problems is that employees see their computer as "their computer", and not a tool for their use, but owned by the company.
A perfect example: I get many complaints from employees that they do not have speakers on their computers. There is NO task we do that requires sound. The only possible use they could have for speakers is unauthorized uses of the computers.
I do everything I can to ignore other uses as long as it does not cause problems. Go ahead, read news, research stocks, as long as you are smart enough to avoid problem sites. Getting 1000 spam mails a day? Likely using company email for personal reasons, and I shouldn't have to support that.
Actions that have no consequences are often repeated. The only cure is accountability for employees who use their computers for non-business related activity.
Which has nothing to do with the fact that software IS created, and has been created, for computers to be connected. It wasn't very long after the first versions of Unix that it was made specifically for interconnecting computers. Over 30 years ago.
THAT is the comment that made me flip back to Slashdot! No software was setup for all the computers to be connected together? I guess he never heard of Unix.
That can't even be blamed on ignorance, because he knows better. That is genuine, straight up, in your face and looking you in the eye FUD. Maybe they need that on the boxes of Vista when it comes out:
Windows Vista: The ultimate software for computers that are not connected.
If MS can sell their product for less by turning off some features, and people don't need them, I'm all for it.
The goal isn't to sell them to home users for less. It is to sell them to business users for more. They are gutting network features so businesses CAN'T use the home version, even if they are a small business. It is a form of taxation for using Windows in a business. It WOULD be cheaper for MS to only have one version, but they couldn't charge more to business users then.
Compare the cost of OEM or aftermarket Windows over the last 15 years, and see for yourself. From $60 retail to $300. Even oil hasn't risen that much in price in the same time. Not even close.
There is no technical reason, it is purely profit driven. This is their choice, and I fully support their right to make this choice. Then again, I am phasing out Windows as fast as I can with our network of 25 workstations, already have on 8 servers, and doing so at home as well, so what they charge is rapidly becoming of no consequence to me. And my reasons aren't about the price.
Me, too!
You forgot MS Linux Edition, the one they will fail to distribute properly, so they can say they tried, but people weren't interested in Linux (apologies to Dvorak)
How about: Windows Vista Home Automation Edition
It would come with the X-10 controller software and two X10 modules, so you can build "The Home of the Future" in true Microsoft fashion, using 25 year old technology.
Or you could use what I use, and run Heyu and Bluelava on Apache and Linux (or BSD), I suppose.
Also, NEVER try upgrading your Windows Vista Kiddie Edition with Windows Vista Porn Edition. To say there are conflicts is an understatement.
It was also done here although for slightly different reasons.
Adding to your comment, I recommend a test bed system with removeable hard drive trays (less than $10 each at computergate.com). I use them so I can use different OS's for test bedding. Also, have a second frame as the secondary master, so you can install the test hard drive in that bay (most tested hard drives will be masters) Mine has frames for Pri/Master, Sec/Master and Sec/Slave, and an second IDE card for a CDROM as master for booting if needed.
One master drive is a completely updated Windows XP disk purely for testing hard drives that may be infected with viruses and spyware. (updated, then unplug ethernet cable before booting....) This hard drive is never connected to the internet except to update, to keep it somewhat isolated.
Another is a Fedora disk with tons of utilities, for disk partitioning, formatting, testing or general ripping of data.
A third is a Windows XP setup purely for games. (hey, can't work all the time....)
Of course, I always have a Knoppix CD handy as well.
I also use old spare drives in extra trays to test new OS's when they come out. I have several old 10,15,20gb drives I install SuSE, Debian, FreeBSD, etc on so I can test and play with them.
My system is just a Athlon 2500+, 512ram, Gforce 4???, older 3com nic, floppy, 8x cd burner (bootable as Tert./master), and a LCD monitor. Except for games, a system with half the CPU and GPU would be fine.
The trays allow me to have an unlimited number of virtual computers, all in one case, without dualbooting, on KNOWN hardware.
Don't forget the ever-popular "Pirated Version" which will be distributed exclusively on Bittorrent.
You know, I don't think it will as much as some would expect. By that time, Linux will be more mature, and the hardware requirements for Vista are kinda rediculous (1gb ram recommended).
I already explained to the wife that she needs to get used to Linux, because we will not have a copy of Vista anywhere in the house, at any price. We will phase out XP (mainly used on the media center now is all) and either switch to Mac (not as likely) or begin using FreeBSD and/or Linux on the other systems. Even at work, I talked the boss out of new software updates, hoping to have some Linux alternatives in the next year. Already, all the servers are Linux.
I don't mind proprietary software, and I don't actually hate MS, I am just tired of their products costing too much, requiring too much hardware, having terrible security, and just being too difficult to backup/manage/clone, mainly due to their paranoia about piracy. They are effectively making their product worth much less and the hassles too high to give me a reason to keep upgrading.
Even if Linux/FreeBSD doesn't get easier on the desktop, it will look better because MS is making Windows MUCH harder to live with.
I am sure they will have some tools to make activation easier, however, this will still make Linux look even better in the corporate world. People bitch about the sheer volume of Linux distros, but this puts that to shame. At least when you look at the different Linux distros, there are real differences in each, even if the core is the same.
7 different Windows has GOT to cause some confusion in the marketplace. This is another example of something that may look good on paper, but in reality, isn't. This will lead to people buying "the wrong" Windows, and being told they have to upgrade via a retail product from #4 to #3, for only $179, to use some software or feature. This WILL lead to some people seeking alternatives.
A single server? For one million users?
Insert "imagine a beowolf of those" joke here, except it isn't a joke.
I think you might be underestimating the requirements for this large a project that "must scale perfectly". The "99.9% uptime is expected" requirement alone requires multiple internet connections, a large cluster of front end servers, and redundent database servers, preferably located in different states. (ie: "What do you mean our only server is in New Orleans?")
I don't think the average Dell dual Xeon box is up to the task for this large a project...
So 10 discs as opposed to how many if I used floppies?
Around 714,000 floppies using very rough math. (some bigger nerd will now offer an anal retentive correction, surely down to the fraction of the floppies needed, followed by a debate over formatting methods, followed by a MAC vs. PC debate, until someone calls someone a Nazi, at which time, the debate is officially over.)
That is about the same number of floppies AOL used to send out each day back in the 90s, or about the total amount of AOL disks I personally received in the 1990s.
If it takes you 3 minutes to copy to each disk, it will take you 35700 hours, or 1487 days to complete (assuming no pee breaks), which is about as long as it would take a manned flight to Mars, and back, with plenty of time to drive around and explore inbetween. Or the equivelent of 28.5 dog years.
If you put them end to end, that is a buttload of disks. Almost a buttload and a half, making it just about 3/4 of a shitload.
Ok, the story is a dupe, thus NOTHING is offtopic, right? Might as well calculate truly useful things with the space CmdrTaco has provided here...
But it was where ignorance started, and ended. Or so I thought. It appears the mods ended it with a flamebait mod, thus the irony totally escaped them. Oh well, what good is karma if you don't burn it...
You know, you can always mark his as a FOE, adjust your viewing to make all FOE posting -10 points. All you see is a single line. Its in the FAQ, and it's pretty easy. Lots of other stuff you can do there, too.
Yes, because we all know that all natural events are not natural at all, but instead the wrath of a diety. Just like how God made AIDS to punish gay people, right?
So when something bad happens to you, you should always blame yourself, as you must have brought it upon yourself or did something to make God angry.
</ignorance>
A better link of the same or similar article in English was given above at http://www.dtu.dk/English/About_DTU/News.aspx?guid =%7BE6FF7D39-1EDD-41A4-BC9A-20455C2CF1A7%7D
Everyone knows that since gas has risen $1 in the last 45 days, it will continue to do so at exactly the same pace forever, so gas will be $83 per gallon within 10 years.
Obviously,there are no other factors that should be considered.
Riiight. You honestly believe that relinquishing control over media content to record/film studios through licensing is going to end world hunger?
.....oh wait. Never mind.
Of course. If we didn't have multi-millionaire movie stars and singers, who would do all those "Benefit" shows and telethons that have made poverty almost unheard of
Actually, the way to make them pay is to click on the ads and not buy anything from them. Their cost per click is from 10 cents to $10, and typically in the 25cent to $1 range.
You're good! We could use someone like you in our marketing department!
;)
I assume you have no problem selling your soul or killing baby ducks, correct?
In the end, there will be 3000 dead Americans but no democracy.....Which idiots supported this war?
So, they would have been better off under Saddam? They didn't just elect an interim govt? They are not currently working on a constitution? Democracy is ok for you, but not for the barbarians in Iraq? I guess we could have said "Screw France and England" 50 years ago.
I supported this war, and not afraid to say so, and without the need to be anonymous, as you have chosen to do. The only problem is that we should have done this back in the first Gulf war, instead of waiting 12 years later. Whether you think I am an idiot or not makes no difference. I certainly do not need reassurance from someone like you.
I may disagree with many things Bush has done, including a few on how the war was conducted, but I fully support the removal of Saddam, our troops risking life and limb to help the Iraqis, and my taxes going to this purpose. I'm a vet, so was my father. I know the risks because I lived with them. We both served so you could voice your opinion here.
Me, I will post my opinions with my name attached, for all to see. I have nothing to hide, nothing to fear, and believe what I believe strong enough to NOT be anonymous.
"Its not the size of your results that counts, its magic in them".
;)
Only people with small e-peckers say stuff like that.
There are several circumstances where dual booting is the better choice. Many people want to switch to Linux, but can't do so immediately, so they need both so they can switch back and forth, and use the same data files. These are not ubergeeks, they are curious users with a modest to medium amount of geekiness.
Also, many have several computers, as you say, but one "really good" computer, and they want to run both Linux and Win on it. They might have Linux on an old 1.5ghz, and WinXP on an old 2ghz, but they want to run both on their new shiney game box. Also, some games will run on Linux now (a few) and some will with Wine. Dual booting lets them use both OS's on their best hardware.
Me, I am about to make my media center a dual boot system. I already moved all my media files over to the Samba server, but I am nervous about using Linux as the OS for media. I am very comfortable using Linux on the server and desktop, but it is far from perfect as a media center, AND my Windows box does work well enough. It will stay dual boot until I work the bugs out, and maybe afterward to run a few Windows only games (it has a 51" TV, which makes Half Life 2 pretty awesome).
Networking different computers with different OSs is great. Having to use switch boxes or move to use another OS isn't. Expecially with a totally wireless media center.
You might say "yes, but you don't have to, you can do $x instead" but for many circumstances, dual booting *IS* the best option, even if it is only temporary. This way I don't miss the opportunity to use the media center while I am tweaking Linux for it.
The last 4 out of 5 bosses I've had I had a good respect for.
Because "4 or 5 bosses" covers about 20 years for me, you accidently reminded me of something I used to say, years ago....
"My mom said I would never get a good job. I showed her, I've had 4 good jobs this year alone."
Then the gorillas?