My concern is this: how will owners of small systems be "compensated" for having been hacked? For instance, a non-profit community network probably has few really sensitive documents, while a corporate network has many. What happens when a small network (or its users) want damages, like large companies?
These are utilities that really need to be GPLed and included as standard in GNU/Linux distros. It seems a waste that they have to be rewritten before this can happen.
I don't know, it's why I got out of Academia to begin with -- in order to get anywhere you have to build a shiny, glistening monument (think: Hegel)... or tear down someone else's. Since Bernstein remains in Academia, his salary and promotions are tied to his Curriculum Vitae; I can see why he might want to retain control.
ThinkGeek took the page down temporarily, so I'm not able to see what is fully going on.
The software (Linux Jukebox) seems as if it is Compaq's own software, which they are making the source available to. It is obviously not released under the GPL. It probably links dynamically with the kernel; AFAIK, they are not combining GNU "works" as defined in the GPL with their code.
This is perfectly legal.
Now, if the code was taken from a GNU project, this is a different story.
People yelp and moan as they're being screwed by multinational corporations, yet they still go to Walmart, drink Coca-Cola, and eat at McDonald's.
What about going to smaller businesses?
a) Distribution of the goods is poor. Smaller hardware stores are not Home Depot; they don't have 30 hammers out on display. The small business, with a limited budget cannot afford additional capital without income.. Without additional capital, they cannot attract new customers.
b) Small Businesses often emulate Large Companies and try to pretend they are bigger than they actually are. The end result is that they provide terrible service, and an arrogant, "don't give a fsck" attitude. Their customer base dwindles because the one thing that they *can* provide, repeated good relations with the customer, has been lost. As we move more toward automating things through voice and tension about large companies grows, talking with an actual person will probably become a welcomed, value-added feature of the purchase. It's the one thing I've ever agreed with Gates about; he mentioned this in his second book.
c) Small businesses have poor accounting skills and cannot handle keeping track of inventory well, much less bookkeeping. Tax laws in America favor the corporation who has a staff of paid accountants and lawyers.
70% of small businesses fail within the first year because of two reasons - sloppy capital management and undercapitalization. I tend to also include b), since poor or dishonest customer relations will drive people away from purchasing in the first place.
This has been my experience as both a small business owner and a consumer.
>Hopefully most geeks can see beyond the flashy > cases and note that there's some real compute power >and some innovative OS stuff going on inside.
I don't want to sound bitter - I used Macs for many years and was a virulent Mac supporter... but that was when everyone was using DOS and Win95... Is there a real reason to use MacOS today?
I don't know, perhaps I'm being a little harsh -- when I look back at those times, I just see a lot of money being poured down into Apple's floundering... I've owned more Macs than most people, and I actually *bought* Mac software.
I did this for years until I succumbed to using Windows (I couldn't afford to keep up with Apple's changing platforms and "revolutionary" OS technologies)... I started at System 1.1 and dropped out at Mac OS 8. Now, of course, I primarily use GNU/Linux and Helix GNOME.
I think the only reason I can see why some ppl on Slashdot would support Apple is that some of their slightly strange ideas will inevitably spill over onto free software. As far as there still being a dream behind Apple, I'm not sure I understand what it is.
I'd like to see them succeed again, but they're going to have to produce something before I buy into the ten years of hype surrounding what has now become OS X.
You know, if we conveniently place sensitive terminals next to "molecular digitizing lasers", maybe we can store intruders on a zip disk and upload them to the Game Grid.... for the dumber crackers, we might be able to fit them onto a floppy.
IM is such a dumb-yet-cool technology; it's a shame that an open standard can't be used instead of companies purposely closing out others. I've used AIM, but I got so sick of the politicking that I dumped it (and then I dumped Wind0ze;-)...
Legally, it is probably best that you do not play politics with your employer. Sign the documentation and frame it if the group you're affiliated with is awarded the patent (hell, I would, at least), if anything, for humor value.
It is probably best to look for employment elsewhere if this is an aggravating IP case that will upset a lot of people.
Consider this: Negatively Slashdotting a company does damage that goes beyond Joe Six-Pack Consumer, right into the core of IT and computing. Companies like nVidia have been permanently bruised after carelessness with IP caused them to be negatively Slashdotted.
If this is coupled by other news organizations, such as ZDNet, your company is going to face some seriously BAD times.
A little startup company with only "investment protential" is going to be squashed; if not by lawsuits, by its own implosion as no VC wants to touch it and management checks out.
...just let me know when the company appears in FuckedCompany.com:-)
A lot of what is being taught in Academia (tm) regarding technology is simply not relevant to what is going on today; the equipment is outdated, the professors are ill-prepared, the students (themselves) are clueless.
Yet, is it better to drop out and try to make money? I would say no.
On the other hand, the mental discipline of having to suffer through four years of learning is beneficial. For example, figuring out how to "work the system" in the microcosm of a University is in many ways priceless. Such small instances give you an understanding of the dynamics of people and organizations.
Employers (often college grads., themselves) see it as a necessary "proving ground". They don't care about your grades (I have yet to look/care about someone's grades), but whether they actually made it through.
In three or fours years, with an abundance of people poised to graduate and glut the market with technology-oriented college degrees, it is probably worth your while that you have *something* (other than short-term earnings) for the long-term.
>From my own experience, finding good people here >(Boston, USA) is tough, especially if you're a >small company. I've worked with companies that >had 50% vacancies because they couldn't find >people. They aren't even trying to hire college >graduates now... they will grab anyone who can >produce code. They have products they want to >get to market but can't, because they don't have
[snip]
>I can guarantee you that small companies here >are hurting because of the shortage.
This is incredibly true.
Speaking as an employer in the free software community from Cambridge, MA who is faced with doing everything myself (from HTML and Perl (e.g., CGI) coding, accounting, system building, etc. etc.), it is incredibly frustrating. In my situation, I just need someone to take over some of the more technical issues (like getting an optimized Debian onto my boxen or helping out with web design). Just *one* person.
A large issue right now is simply finding quality people who you can rely on to be there for you. I get resumes sent to me where someone has spent 6 months at company X, 6 months on their own ".com" project, and 6 months at their current company. He's cocky, he can't code well, he has an ego larger than Saturn, and he doesn't have any sort of training.... Would you employ him?
Your judgement weakens as you comprehend the reality of it all; you don't have anyone else applying for the job and you're already working 11 hour days just to keep afloat... You need *someone*.
What do you do?
I think this is a popular dichotomy that smaller, non-VC companies like me face every day. We can't afford to bleed money to placate itinerant employees, so we just have to run lean and efficient. This is probably also why we're still here, and will still be here in three years.
Slashdot Mirror
My concern is this: how will owners of small systems be "compensated" for having been hacked? For instance, a non-profit community network probably has few really sensitive documents, while a corporate network has many. What happens when a small network (or its users) want damages, like large companies?
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
These are utilities that really need to be GPLed and included as standard in GNU/Linux distros. It seems a waste that they have to be rewritten before this can happen.
I don't know, it's why I got out of Academia to begin with -- in order to get anywhere you have to build a shiny, glistening monument (think: Hegel)... or tear down someone else's. Since Bernstein remains in Academia, his salary and promotions are tied to his Curriculum Vitae; I can see why he might want to retain control.
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
ThinkGeek took the page down temporarily, so I'm not able to see what is fully going on.
The software (Linux Jukebox) seems as if it is Compaq's own software, which they are making the source available to. It is obviously not released under the GPL. It probably links dynamically with the kernel; AFAIK, they are not combining GNU "works" as defined in the GPL with their code.
This is perfectly legal.
Now, if the code was taken from a GNU project, this is a different story.
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
People yelp and moan as they're being screwed by multinational corporations, yet they still go to Walmart, drink Coca-Cola, and eat at McDonald's.
What about going to smaller businesses?
a) Distribution of the goods is poor. Smaller hardware stores are not Home Depot; they don't have 30 hammers out on display. The small business, with a limited budget cannot afford additional capital without income.. Without additional capital, they cannot attract new customers.
b) Small Businesses often emulate Large Companies and try to pretend they are bigger than they actually are. The end result is that they provide terrible service, and an arrogant, "don't give a fsck" attitude. Their customer base dwindles because the one thing that they *can* provide, repeated good relations with the customer, has been lost. As we move more toward automating things through voice and tension about large companies grows, talking with an actual person will probably become a welcomed, value-added feature of the purchase. It's the one thing I've ever agreed with Gates about; he mentioned this in his second book.
c) Small businesses have poor accounting skills and cannot handle keeping track of inventory well, much less bookkeeping. Tax laws in America favor the corporation who has a staff of paid accountants and lawyers.
70% of small businesses fail within the first year because of two reasons - sloppy capital management and undercapitalization. I tend to also include b), since poor or dishonest customer relations will drive people away from purchasing in the first place.
This has been my experience as both a small business owner and a consumer.
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
>first one to come up with IPv6
yeah, but it should take some of the spotlight off of Al Gore and his tireless work on IPv4.
Ok, ok, I couldn't resist...
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
>Hopefully most geeks can see beyond the flashy
> cases and note that there's some real compute power
>and some innovative OS stuff going on inside.
I don't want to sound bitter - I used Macs for many years and was a virulent Mac supporter... but that was when everyone was using DOS and Win95... Is there a real reason to use MacOS today?
I don't know, perhaps I'm being a little harsh -- when I look back at those times, I just see a lot of money being poured down into Apple's floundering... I've owned more Macs than most people, and I actually *bought* Mac software.
I did this for years until I succumbed to using Windows (I couldn't afford to keep up with Apple's changing platforms and "revolutionary" OS technologies)... I started at System 1.1 and dropped out at Mac OS 8. Now, of course, I primarily use GNU/Linux and Helix GNOME.
I think the only reason I can see why some ppl on Slashdot would support Apple is that some of their slightly strange ideas will inevitably spill over onto free software. As far as there still being a dream behind Apple, I'm not sure I understand what it is.
I'd like to see them succeed again, but they're going to have to produce something before I buy into the ten years of hype surrounding what has now become OS X.
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
You know, if we conveniently place sensitive terminals next to "molecular digitizing lasers", maybe we can store intruders on a zip disk and upload them to the Game Grid.... for the dumber crackers, we might be able to fit them onto a floppy.
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
IM is such a dumb-yet-cool technology; it's a shame that an open standard can't be used instead of companies purposely closing out others. I've used AIM, but I got so sick of the politicking that I dumped it (and then I dumped Wind0ze ;-)...
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
Legally, it is probably best that you do not play politics with your employer. Sign the documentation and frame it if the group you're affiliated with is awarded the patent (hell, I would, at least), if anything, for humor value.
:-)
It is probably best to look for employment elsewhere if this is an aggravating IP case that will upset a lot of people.
Consider this: Negatively Slashdotting a company does damage that goes beyond Joe Six-Pack Consumer, right into the core of IT and computing. Companies like nVidia have been permanently bruised after carelessness with IP caused them to be negatively Slashdotted.
If this is coupled by other news organizations, such as ZDNet, your company is going to face some seriously BAD times.
A little startup company with only "investment protential" is going to be squashed; if not by lawsuits, by its own implosion as no VC wants to touch it and management checks out.
...just let me know when the company appears in FuckedCompany.com
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
For people who haven't had enough of the DMCA, here is an ISP info sheet put out by the University of Texas (UT)....
I wonder if these types of notices will eventually be federally mandated to post somewhere (think: company lunchroom).
Once the DMCA is turned against a large entity instead of "cannon fodder", I think the public will mysteriously begin to dislike it. Who knew?
;-)
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
in times of success
bad laws and fat citizens
clog doors of Congress
----
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
A lot of what is being taught in Academia (tm) regarding technology is simply not relevant to what is going on today; the equipment is outdated, the professors are ill-prepared, the students (themselves) are clueless.
Yet, is it better to drop out and try to make money? I would say no.
On the other hand, the mental discipline of having to suffer through four years of learning is beneficial. For example, figuring out how to "work the system" in the microcosm of a University is in many ways priceless. Such small instances give you an understanding of the dynamics of people and organizations.
Employers (often college grads., themselves) see it as a necessary "proving ground". They don't care about your grades (I have yet to look/care about someone's grades), but whether they actually made it through.
In three or fours years, with an abundance of people poised to graduate and glut the market with technology-oriented college degrees, it is probably worth your while that you have *something* (other than short-term earnings) for the long-term.
Lucas
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.
>(Boston, USA) is tough, especially if you're a
>small company. I've worked with companies that
>had 50% vacancies because they couldn't find
>people. They aren't even trying to hire college
>graduates now
>produce code. They have products they want to
>get to market but can't, because they don't have
[snip]
>I can guarantee you that small companies here
>are hurting because of the shortage.
This is incredibly true.
Speaking as an employer in the free software community from Cambridge, MA who is faced with doing everything myself (from HTML and Perl (e.g., CGI) coding, accounting, system building, etc. etc.), it is incredibly frustrating. In my situation, I just need someone to take over some of the more technical issues (like getting an optimized Debian onto my boxen or helping out with web design). Just *one* person.
A large issue right now is simply finding quality people who you can rely on to be there for you. I get resumes sent to me where someone has spent 6 months at company X, 6 months on their own ".com" project, and 6 months at their current company. He's cocky, he can't code well, he has an ego larger than Saturn, and he doesn't have any sort of training.... Would you employ him?
Your judgement weakens as you comprehend the reality of it all; you don't have anyone else applying for the job and you're already working 11 hour days just to keep afloat... You need *someone*.
What do you do?
I think this is a popular dichotomy that smaller, non-VC companies like me face every day. We can't afford to bleed money to placate itinerant employees, so we just have to run lean and efficient. This is probably also why we're still here, and will still be here in three years.
Lucas
Spindlet0p
--
Spindletop Blackbird, the GNU/Linux Cube.