Seems like a pretty good corroboration of the actions they are alleged to have done
Because they aren't alleged accusations. Microsoft has already been found guilty of monopolistic practices. It is the settlement that is the issue. I think everyone is tired of hearing about what a big bad company MS is, I know I am. It is accepted fact.
Now I just hope they punish them into the stone-age for it.
Then you are a pirate, a thief. You have no credibility, you are taking money out of the artist's pockets, and are silently killing their puppies. You are stealing from us. YOU are the reason our sales are down, and {ringgg}.... hold on a minute (yeah. Mmm hmm. Another boy band? Fantastic! Sign them up, give them the standard contract, tell them they have talent - you know the routine.) Now where was I? Oh yeah - you should die, you virilent scum. Our lawyers will be contacting you.
Sincerely, the RIAA.
Re:Another book on the topic...
on
Enigma
·
· Score: 5, Informative
Not to mention Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. I haven't gotten around to reading it yet, but it is sitting on my shelf just begging to be read. I have heard it is good.
There is also a good chapter or two on the Enigma cracking in The Code Book by Simon Singh.
The review of this movie that I saw said it was good, but not quite what it could have been, considering how incredible the actual story was.
Now Mr. Lucas, don't hide behind that Anonymous Coward login. If I hurt your feelings, you should have thought twice about so blatantly trying to cash in on your success.
Episode I will always be known as the "Godfather III" of the Star Wars series. That isn't my fault. Come on, the movie would have been a hit, everyone was waiting for it. Everyone was excited about it because the other 3 were so good. Even though they progressively slipped towards marketing and catering to the lowest common denominator, they were still OK. Episode I made the huge leap from teetering on the edge to being a full-blown crap-fest. To me, it tainted Lucas. And not JUST because of that stupid clown-character. There were two of them. He betrayed the series and the story by making Anakin Skywalker a buffoon. Yes, he was a kid - but this is Darth Vader we are talking about!
Now I am no zealot, I don't have Star Wars underoors, bedsheets, or any collectibles. I had a couple of figures when I was little, and a cool big comic book. But those are long gone. I am not one of those losers who would wait in line on opening day for ANY movie. I don't dress up in costumes from the movie, or go to conventions. All you people really need a reality check. I am just a fan, and was sorely disappointed by Episode I. Other people were too. If that dissatisfaction wasn't voiced, AOTC probably would be just as bad or worse. Lucas had clearly lost touch, and completely sold out. Which is so very ironic because he was guaranteed that the movie would be popular. He has a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his fans by not doing the same dumbass things he did in that movie. Hopefully he listened to the harsh criticism, and made some changes. I am going to wait for all the hype to die down before I see it. If it is similar enough, I may just forego plunking down my money for it.
Sorry to run on, but I thought my response deserved a little more than a few "blah blahs" and "yadda yaddas". Maybe just saying "you suck" would have been more your style, but not mine.
Jar-Jar. Even when he's reduced to 10 minutes of screen time, the damn guy still irritates the shit outta me.
Please, for the love of Jebus, tell me he gets disemboweled. Decapitated? Maimed? Wounded? Something, ANYTHING!
They ran Episode I on Fox last night, and I ran across it during the battle with Maul, so I decided to watch it. I honestly forgot how bad most of that movie was. That annoying, catch-phrase spewing, attempt at mass-market appeal character was in way too much of the movie. And I am talking about Anakin Skywalker. jar-jar (I refuse to even capitalize it) was even worse.
I will go see AOTC, but I'll wait about a month or two. I am in no hurry. I heard that Yoda was completely CG this time around. Hopefully, Lucas' team did better than they have in the past.
I'm just wondering, if this joke had been about Blacks or Jews would it be modded up +5?
Probably not, there is no way Blacks or Jews could out-drink the Irish.:-)
Honestly, I just pulled the name out of the air, because it sounds so Irish. I don't think poking fun at the Irish for drinking is anything deragatory. As an Irish person, do you? It was clearly a joke, and I am glad you took it that way.
This definitely needs to be clarified - obscurity is an accepted security paradigm, as long as it is used with other methods of security. Obscurity cannot stand alone as the only means of security. I believe that Microsoft is afraid that it will be shown to the world how weak and insecure their products actually are. They are using obscurity to HIDE their insecurities.
Wow...Looks like YOU got some great value out of your college education...
Actually, I did - a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. I am not saying it was easy, but you had to have discipline. Here is a nice bullet list for you.
o For one thing, I did this odd thing that a lot of my friends didn't - I WENT TO CLASS! It is amazing how much you can actually retain when you go to class and don't just say "Man, the prof doesn't know what he is talking about."
o The only internet at that time (early 90s) was Gopher and FTP sites. With the net it is easy to fritter away time F'ing around.
o We didn't have a Nintendo, Playstation, etc. We got drunk as hell playing Links386 and Scorched Earth on my computer, but that was only once every couple of weeks.
o I did my homework and labs right when I got them. It was amusing to see people scrambling around trying to get stuff done the night before something was due, when I had had it done for almost a week.
o I worked the entire time I was in college (at some points, 2 jobs), and I paid my own way. It took me 5 years to get my Bachelor's, but that was something I was willing to do in order to survive it. Nobody says you have to take 6 classes every semester.
Because of my discipline and planning, I was able to get through it AND have fun. Believe me, I did my share of partying. But I was there to get a degree, I think too many people forget the whole purpose of college.
Yeah, I remember that 10:00AM to 2:00PM sucky schedule. Throw in a couple hours of homework a day, and by gum you have put in a good 8 hour day! Then I am sure you have to go back to your dorm room with free high-speed internet access so you can leech some pr0n and MP3s. Then it is off to the bars for some binge drinking. Then maybe the next day, unless your schedule totally sucks and you have one or two classes, you have the day off.
Pardon my frankness, but what are you smoking? Which do you think is easier for a company to do - mandate that everyone use a specific email program, or educate them about not being stupid and opening attachments?
The general public not only doesn't understand why they shouldn't open attachments (obviously), they don't understand why anyone would write a virus. When I once told someone to not open attachments that might contain a virus, their reply was "why would they want to infect MY computer". The whooshing sound going over their head was so loud it almost broke the sound barrier.
Honestly, people are stupid and gullible. If you don't believe me, look up gullible on dictionary.com. They updated the definition recently, and it actually says "A very large percentage, nearly 80%, of the human population is extremely gullible." It also cites some documented studies, and indicates that they are actually considering removing gullible from the English dictionary. I would have included a link to the actual page, but my internet access is down at the moment.
Companies cannot afford to give their employees the benefit of the doubt. They have to force things on them. Instead of changing email clients, they should just be outlawing executable attachments. The ones who need educating are the admins, because they see over all the users. You can't believe that it is feasable to educate all the users. Maybe in small companies, but not in large ones.
Do you have any other interests, besides Linux? I know in order to get to the "guru" status you have to be pretty dedicated to one thing. But what else do you like? Or are you a 100% Linux-kernel-hacker? I swear I saw you the other day riding a Harley.;-)
jamie writes: "'If I ever have children,' says Rich Dreher, 'I would want them to see and touch one of the very first 'real' personal computers, not some simulation of an Apple in a window on a Pentium VIII running Windows 2012.'
And they would probably find that as interesting as a parent today showing their kid an old black and white TV with no remote control.
I am getting old. I find myself saying "I remember when there was no internet!" to people.
Therefore my question to the slashdot community is what new legislation would you support which would make those who engage in online piracy easier to track?
Easy. Just pass a law reqiring all software pirates to register with the government. Tell them they get a free speedboat for registering, but they must first prove they are pirates. When they do, arrest them.
It seems like the standard (BS) agreement. But I found it interesting that THIS agreement covers ALL the software that is distributed with the computer. So I wonder what would happen to Dell's EULA if they sold a system with Linux on it? Does that mean that their EULA would supercede the GPL? That doesn't sound right.
I just pulled out the EULA for the laptop I use at work. It is a Dell, and I quote: This agreement covers all software that is distributed with the Dell computer, for which there is no separate license agreement between you and the manufacturer or owner of the software (collectively the "Software"). By opening or breaking the seal on the Software packet(s), installing or downloading the Software, or using the Software that has been preloaded or is embedded in your computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, promptly return all software items (disks, written materials, and packaging), and delete any preloaded or embedded Software.
So if you boot up a new Dell PC, even once, you have used the software, and have agreed to the EULA. So does this mean that I have agreed that if I don't agree, I have to return all the Software? Do I get a refund for that? Or did it come "free" with my machine?
It just amazes me how much I can agree to by simply booting up a computer, or opening a software package.
Sorry, but do you really think they actually MEAN anything in the EULA that benefits you? Hardly. Sure, you can return it to the retailer - but they don't have to accept it. It doesn't say you'll get your money back, now does it?:-)
And I want Laetita Casta to deliver my new Ferrari to me naked, so I guess we are both going to be disappointed.
Only in America would someone expect to get paid to sit on their ass and do nothing.
I have found that in more recent seasons, I like episodes better on the re-runs. There are a few epoisodes that I really liked in the first run, but the ones that just weren't as good the first time around are a little better the next. Maybe I am just able to pick up on some of those subtleties the second time around.
Not only that, but Simpsons fans are probably THE most critical fans of any show. The beauty is the Groening knows it - hence Comic Book Guy's now famous phrase "Worst episode ever". They have produced some good episodes recently, such as the one that was the classic stories (Homer, Joan of Arc, etc). But I highly doubt they will even be able to touch their best episode ever, Selma's Choice. (Homer and the sandwich, Bart and Lisa go to Duff Gardens) OMG - I am giggling just thinking about it.
The Simpsons is THE standard, and Futurama isn't on that level - but it is the closest thing out there. Shame on Fox.
Researchers are puzzled at the sharp increase in the purchase of pornography, beer, and Vaseline in the 55-65 year old, black, female, mother demographic.
Granted, this was 5 years ago, so the job market was a little better at the time. I went to a small company that the market took down with the big suckhole of the.com crash.
And a big part of the reason I am happy at my current job is because I have a job. It is hard to be unhappy when you are getting a paycheck. Maybe it is just easier to put up with things when you know there is nothing else out there. I feel for ya man.
Well, let me say that this happened about 5 years ago, and that it was a big problem at this company. I remember stories of guys who were "lifers", been there 20+ years, who they just couldn't get rid of. Of course, I do believe that what comes around, goes around - that company's name rhymes with Botorola, and look where it got them. (and yeah, I still own stock....grumble grumble)
I had a post all composed, but decided against sending it. I re-read it, and thought "surely people won't jump on the 'employers suck' bandwagon, and if they do, surely it won't get modded up." *sigh* This is slashdot.
I originally thought the same thing - the employers are making the crappy workplace. That may or may not be the case. Over the last 8 years, I have seen so many slackers, dead-wood employees that have been kept on for no good reason. I started to wonder why. Then I heard about the pending lawsuits from former employees. Nowadays, you can't even fire someone without getting sued. It is stupid. People get stuck in a hole, and the company doesn't want to give them anything worth doing. Since they can't fire them for being un-driven losers, they give them crap jobs. Instead of working harder to actually reverse the situation, the employee just gets more bitter and lazy. I have seen people steal many many things from a company, because they feel the company "owes them". In one case, a guy claimed 20 hours of OT every week for about 8 months. His manager signed off on it because he was too spineless to challenge him. I know he didn't work it, because *I* was working it and he was nowhere to be found. In true corporate fashion, when it was discovered (by me), nothing was done. Nobody wanted to confront the situation. The guy eventually got PROMOTED! I figure he made out with about $30k.
I guess my argument is that no matter what your environment is like, people are going to try to screw the company. Granted, the worse the environment, the more it probably happens, but there are always going to be those disgruntled nut-jobs who feel the world owes them something. And I have seen companies do pretty crappy things too, like during the company meeting, announcing layoffs and those who weren't at the meeting were being escorted out of the building by police. This was to "preserve their dignity". Uh-huh.
Believe me, I know what it is like to be unhappy at a job. But you know what I did? I left. Employers have to cover their asses even more nowadays, when someone with the knowledge could easily F up their network, steal code/secrets, etc. Saying "don't piss off your employees" is no solution. Of course companies should have a good work environment, that is a no-brainer. But there will always be someone who wants more. You let people wear jeans, someone wants to wear shorts. Let them wear shorts, someone walks in with their bag hanging out. Let them wear sandals, someone walks around barefoot. No matter where I have worked, there has always been someone who was unhappy.
Slashdot Mirror
Because they aren't alleged accusations. Microsoft has already been found guilty of monopolistic practices. It is the settlement that is the issue. I think everyone is tired of hearing about what a big bad company MS is, I know I am. It is accepted fact.
Now I just hope they punish them into the stone-age for it.
Microsoft + Monopoly = Micropoly
Then you are a pirate, a thief. You have no credibility, you are taking money out of the artist's pockets, and are silently killing their puppies. You are stealing from us. YOU are the reason our sales are down, and {ringgg} .... hold on a minute (yeah. Mmm hmm. Another boy band? Fantastic! Sign them up, give them the standard contract, tell them they have talent - you know the routine.) Now where was I? Oh yeah - you should die, you virilent scum. Our lawyers will be contacting you.
Sincerely, the RIAA.
There is also a good chapter or two on the Enigma cracking in The Code Book by Simon Singh.
The review of this movie that I saw said it was good, but not quite what it could have been, considering how incredible the actual story was.
Episode I will always be known as the "Godfather III" of the Star Wars series. That isn't my fault. Come on, the movie would have been a hit, everyone was waiting for it. Everyone was excited about it because the other 3 were so good. Even though they progressively slipped towards marketing and catering to the lowest common denominator, they were still OK. Episode I made the huge leap from teetering on the edge to being a full-blown crap-fest. To me, it tainted Lucas. And not JUST because of that stupid clown-character. There were two of them. He betrayed the series and the story by making Anakin Skywalker a buffoon. Yes, he was a kid - but this is Darth Vader we are talking about!
Now I am no zealot, I don't have Star Wars underoors, bedsheets, or any collectibles. I had a couple of figures when I was little, and a cool big comic book. But those are long gone. I am not one of those losers who would wait in line on opening day for ANY movie. I don't dress up in costumes from the movie, or go to conventions. All you people really need a reality check. I am just a fan, and was sorely disappointed by Episode I. Other people were too. If that dissatisfaction wasn't voiced, AOTC probably would be just as bad or worse. Lucas had clearly lost touch, and completely sold out. Which is so very ironic because he was guaranteed that the movie would be popular. He has a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his fans by not doing the same dumbass things he did in that movie. Hopefully he listened to the harsh criticism, and made some changes. I am going to wait for all the hype to die down before I see it. If it is similar enough, I may just forego plunking down my money for it.
Sorry to run on, but I thought my response deserved a little more than a few "blah blahs" and "yadda yaddas". Maybe just saying "you suck" would have been more your style, but not mine.
Please, for the love of Jebus, tell me he gets disemboweled. Decapitated? Maimed? Wounded? Something, ANYTHING!
They ran Episode I on Fox last night, and I ran across it during the battle with Maul, so I decided to watch it. I honestly forgot how bad most of that movie was. That annoying, catch-phrase spewing, attempt at mass-market appeal character was in way too much of the movie. And I am talking about Anakin Skywalker. jar-jar (I refuse to even capitalize it) was even worse.
I will go see AOTC, but I'll wait about a month or two. I am in no hurry. I heard that Yoda was completely CG this time around. Hopefully, Lucas' team did better than they have in the past.
Probably not, there is no way Blacks or Jews could out-drink the Irish. :-)
Honestly, I just pulled the name out of the air, because it sounds so Irish. I don't think poking fun at the Irish for drinking is anything deragatory. As an Irish person, do you? It was clearly a joke, and I am glad you took it that way.
This definitely needs to be clarified - obscurity is an accepted security paradigm, as long as it is used with other methods of security. Obscurity cannot stand alone as the only means of security. I believe that Microsoft is afraid that it will be shown to the world how weak and insecure their products actually are. They are using obscurity to HIDE their insecurities.
Actually, I did - a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. I am not saying it was easy, but you had to have discipline. Here is a nice bullet list for you.
o For one thing, I did this odd thing that a lot of my friends didn't - I WENT TO CLASS! It is amazing how much you can actually retain when you go to class and don't just say "Man, the prof doesn't know what he is talking about."
o The only internet at that time (early 90s) was Gopher and FTP sites. With the net it is easy to fritter away time F'ing around.
o We didn't have a Nintendo, Playstation, etc. We got drunk as hell playing Links386 and Scorched Earth on my computer, but that was only once every couple of weeks.
o I did my homework and labs right when I got them. It was amusing to see people scrambling around trying to get stuff done the night before something was due, when I had had it done for almost a week.
o I worked the entire time I was in college (at some points, 2 jobs), and I paid my own way. It took me 5 years to get my Bachelor's, but that was something I was willing to do in order to survive it. Nobody says you have to take 6 classes every semester.
Because of my discipline and planning, I was able to get through it AND have fun. Believe me, I did my share of partying. But I was there to get a degree, I think too many people forget the whole purpose of college.
Yeah, I remember that 10:00AM to 2:00PM sucky schedule. Throw in a couple hours of homework a day, and by gum you have put in a good 8 hour day! Then I am sure you have to go back to your dorm room with free high-speed internet access so you can leech some pr0n and MP3s. Then it is off to the bars for some binge drinking. Then maybe the next day, unless your schedule totally sucks and you have one or two classes, you have the day off.
Black and Tan
Castle Guinnesstein
The Sims: Pub Expansion Pack
Virtua Pub
Tom O'Shaunessey's Pub Recon
World Cup Virtual Hooligan
The general public not only doesn't understand why they shouldn't open attachments (obviously), they don't understand why anyone would write a virus. When I once told someone to not open attachments that might contain a virus, their reply was "why would they want to infect MY computer". The whooshing sound going over their head was so loud it almost broke the sound barrier.
Honestly, people are stupid and gullible. If you don't believe me, look up gullible on dictionary.com. They updated the definition recently, and it actually says "A very large percentage, nearly 80%, of the human population is extremely gullible." It also cites some documented studies, and indicates that they are actually considering removing gullible from the English dictionary. I would have included a link to the actual page, but my internet access is down at the moment.
Companies cannot afford to give their employees the benefit of the doubt. They have to force things on them. Instead of changing email clients, they should just be outlawing executable attachments. The ones who need educating are the admins, because they see over all the users. You can't believe that it is feasable to educate all the users. Maybe in small companies, but not in large ones.
Alan,
;-)
Do you have any other interests, besides Linux? I know in order to get to the "guru" status you have to be pretty dedicated to one thing. But what else do you like? Or are you a 100% Linux-kernel-hacker? I swear I saw you the other day riding a Harley.
The programmer's mecca.
3 tons of powdered caffeine, sitting in a warehouse? Why do I get the distinct feeling that I am going to be seeing ThinkGeek ads for this stuff?
And they would probably find that as interesting as a parent today showing their kid an old black and white TV with no remote control.
I am getting old. I find myself saying "I remember when there was no internet!" to people.
Easy. Just pass a law reqiring all software pirates to register with the government. Tell them they get a free speedboat for registering, but they must first prove they are pirates. When they do, arrest them.
After all, piracy is already illegal, isn't it?
It seems like the standard (BS) agreement. But I found it interesting that THIS agreement covers ALL the software that is distributed with the computer. So I wonder what would happen to Dell's EULA if they sold a system with Linux on it? Does that mean that their EULA would supercede the GPL? That doesn't sound right.
This agreement covers all software that is distributed with the Dell computer, for which there is no separate license agreement between you and the manufacturer or owner of the software (collectively the "Software"). By opening or breaking the seal on the Software packet(s), installing or downloading the Software, or using the Software that has been preloaded or is embedded in your computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, promptly return all software items (disks, written materials, and packaging), and delete any preloaded or embedded Software.
So if you boot up a new Dell PC, even once, you have used the software, and have agreed to the EULA. So does this mean that I have agreed that if I don't agree, I have to return all the Software? Do I get a refund for that? Or did it come "free" with my machine?
It just amazes me how much I can agree to by simply booting up a computer, or opening a software package.
But who says I read the sticker on the CD-ROM pouch?
Sorry, but do you really think they actually MEAN anything in the EULA that benefits you? Hardly. Sure, you can return it to the retailer - but they don't have to accept it. It doesn't say you'll get your money back, now does it? :-)
And I want Laetita Casta to deliver my new Ferrari to me naked, so I guess we are both going to be disappointed.
Only in America would someone expect to get paid to sit on their ass and do nothing.
Not only that, but Simpsons fans are probably THE most critical fans of any show. The beauty is the Groening knows it - hence Comic Book Guy's now famous phrase "Worst episode ever". They have produced some good episodes recently, such as the one that was the classic stories (Homer, Joan of Arc, etc). But I highly doubt they will even be able to touch their best episode ever, Selma's Choice. (Homer and the sandwich, Bart and Lisa go to Duff Gardens) OMG - I am giggling just thinking about it.
The Simpsons is THE standard, and Futurama isn't on that level - but it is the closest thing out there. Shame on Fox.
Researchers are puzzled at the sharp increase in the purchase of pornography, beer, and Vaseline in the 55-65 year old, black, female, mother demographic.
And a big part of the reason I am happy at my current job is because I have a job. It is hard to be unhappy when you are getting a paycheck. Maybe it is just easier to put up with things when you know there is nothing else out there. I feel for ya man.
Well, let me say that this happened about 5 years ago, and that it was a big problem at this company. I remember stories of guys who were "lifers", been there 20+ years, who they just couldn't get rid of. Of course, I do believe that what comes around, goes around - that company's name rhymes with Botorola, and look where it got them. (and yeah, I still own stock....grumble grumble)
I originally thought the same thing - the employers are making the crappy workplace. That may or may not be the case. Over the last 8 years, I have seen so many slackers, dead-wood employees that have been kept on for no good reason. I started to wonder why. Then I heard about the pending lawsuits from former employees. Nowadays, you can't even fire someone without getting sued. It is stupid. People get stuck in a hole, and the company doesn't want to give them anything worth doing. Since they can't fire them for being un-driven losers, they give them crap jobs. Instead of working harder to actually reverse the situation, the employee just gets more bitter and lazy. I have seen people steal many many things from a company, because they feel the company "owes them". In one case, a guy claimed 20 hours of OT every week for about 8 months. His manager signed off on it because he was too spineless to challenge him. I know he didn't work it, because *I* was working it and he was nowhere to be found. In true corporate fashion, when it was discovered (by me), nothing was done. Nobody wanted to confront the situation. The guy eventually got PROMOTED! I figure he made out with about $30k.
I guess my argument is that no matter what your environment is like, people are going to try to screw the company. Granted, the worse the environment, the more it probably happens, but there are always going to be those disgruntled nut-jobs who feel the world owes them something. And I have seen companies do pretty crappy things too, like during the company meeting, announcing layoffs and those who weren't at the meeting were being escorted out of the building by police. This was to "preserve their dignity". Uh-huh.
Believe me, I know what it is like to be unhappy at a job. But you know what I did? I left. Employers have to cover their asses even more nowadays, when someone with the knowledge could easily F up their network, steal code/secrets, etc. Saying "don't piss off your employees" is no solution. Of course companies should have a good work environment, that is a no-brainer. But there will always be someone who wants more. You let people wear jeans, someone wants to wear shorts. Let them wear shorts, someone walks in with their bag hanging out. Let them wear sandals, someone walks around barefoot. No matter where I have worked, there has always been someone who was unhappy.