I own a Irix Based O2 workstation, an Indy (R5k based). (I administrate a Origin 3k (only a 4 CPU system, so don't get to excited)
Irix is great, but I believe that Apples OSX is going to eat their shorts as far as graphics workstations are concerned. Unfortunately you don't get a lot of performance boost on a MIPS R12k processor than you do on a PPC-G4. It's the backplane architecture (ccNUMA) that gives the interesting twist to their architecture.
For example, our application pushes a LOT of image data to lots of machines (actually to linux based clusters). I am not using the machine so much for it's 'crunching power' but it's sustainable IO and reliability.
The fact that XFS allows us to scale a growing image database to multiple terabytes without having to ever take the system off-line was pretty surprising.
Also the fact that I can add NUMA bricks as as my business grows is quite interesting.
To make it even more intersting, you can get into a Origin 3000 for as little as 40-50k$. To buy into that scalability with HP or Sun and have the feature set that my applications require was not economic.
To have one monster Origin system for 100k dollars that can scale and be managed with minimal human resources (total cost of ownership) is much better than having 20 linux machines with 4-5 administrators and engineers to keep the things running.
They are neat toys to say the least, but it's crazy. I have compiled some open source software with my O2 and it runs great on the Origin 3000.
Anyway, this is a bit of a rant, but the reason it would be nice to see intel based hardware on SGI numa architecture is the level of scalabilty without having to cluster. Some applications you can have clustering, some it just doesn't make sense.. (Where inter-process communication, backplane bandwidth, etc is important).. that where the Origin 3000 shines.
not every application is going to benifit from such a server. For us a HUGE image store was justification in such a machine. if you are going to run a web server or applications such as that which will cluster, you will get a lot more bang for the buck out of a Linux ia32 system.
Anyway, it's late here and this is a bit of a rant. previous poster is a troll anyway.
Cheers
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
But napster is not king. Opennap for example gives you 100% of the functionality of Napster without having to deal with the RIAA.. yet. There will always be up-and-down servers, etc.. but thats alright. The list of servers right now is centralized with Napigator, but how hard would it be to reverse engineer the napigator ? Damn easy..
I put up a opennap server on my cable modem one night.. within 2 days I had over 300 users using the server and 250GB of songs indexed on my system.
RIAA is nothing more than a speed-bump... honestly I think it's the best thing to happen to push people out of using a centralized and corparation controlled service.
RIAA may of made their worst mistake by not settling something a bit more reasonable with Napster.. it's going to push people to other avenues. (No, I am NOT talking about Gnutella... ) I can see the RIAA board all start laughing when they talk about gnutella as a threat.
anyway...
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
MS Thinks that opening up a read-only source code view to 'elite' developers is going to solve anything?
This is not a smart move on their part as it's showing weakness in their propretary ways. They are validating the need and necesity of free-speech, not free beer.
Every little move like this is a victory for free-software (speech).
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Think of it like this. I will compare web content to driving a car or using public transportation.
Public transportation on paper a better idea. Leverage of shared resources hence savings, better for environment, easier to manage, more reliable (arguably).
Now, why do people choose to still purchase vehicles in conjested city areas?
... ownership.
You can't feel ownership of a remotely managed and remotely owned application. Human nature tells us to achieve to OWN not RENT. (There are soooo many paralells in society that have 'washed' us to believe this.)
I know this mentality pretty well as I co-own a fairly sucessful ASP business in England (.. but I am an american, btw) . I go to market and I face these same 'issues' every day.. even in dealing with something such as a business-to-business workflow integration system.
I believe that this could be the big blow for MS that frankly they don't need right now. They seem to have forgotten the most important factor in the tech-market.. the fickle consumer.
Who knows, maybe Apple will learn from their mystakes..... but believe me. Free software ain't goin anywhere.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
I was thinking about this article earlier today and as a consumer, which I am, am not happy with the idea.
I believe that Microsoft has it's far-reach because of how easy it was to get ahold of software and install it because it's there and it's easy.. take care of the licensing later.
This might not be the case for mega-corps, but as a small business owner (about 20 people).. this is definately the case. As a consumer and owner of 3 computers at home, this is definately the case.
I have installed windows 2000 prof. onto two machines at the office that I am going to definately have to pay a license on because it's there, and it's working.
I believe that it's right that I pay for software that I use.. no doubt there.. but I believe that I am going to give the Macintosh or Linux/KDE a good look once WinXP comes out and starts demanding subscriptions on all the different software packages etc. I just think it's a pain in the ass....
Again as someone who pays for 'most everything' I am using.. Geez.. such a powerplay by microsoft. They must be feeling that they are going to loose market-share regardless and might as well get while the getting is good?
... I honestly can't believe that someone as inteligent as Bill Gates (Not ethical, but definately not an idiot) would agree to such a thing...
Hmm.... anyway, rambling now..;-)
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Obviously you don't read much but just look at porn. To look at porn you don't need anti-aliased fonts.
If you actually try and wade through the load-of-troll crap.. it's nice to have anti-aliased fonts to help read what FUD you are trying to put on the screen.
Obviously you need to learn something about User Interface and appreciation.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
running an OpenGL app on XF86 is risky--they seem to bring down XF86 like 1 out of 4 times, and my IRIX box (of course) never fails to perform the required task
Huh? 1 out of 4 times? Maybe it's your code, your implimentation of OpenGL, BSD?? Who knows... I have quite a few programs that run w/OpenGL on Intel hardware and I have no problems at all.
FUD man...
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Nah, it's java support is great for server side processing. They have a beta of JDK 1.3 and JDK 1.2 is quite stable. I haven't found any problems with it yet. For doing general processing, seems to be quite fast. Our company just recieved our Origin 3200 and it's quite fast. A bit cheaper than a Sun/HP machine in the same class. Depends on what you are doing with it though to determine if it's worth it or not.
Sometimes a cluster of Intel based machines just isn't as cost effective in the big picture.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
.. and reley on word of mouth to creep out to new habitually surfed sites. (According to research of our very overpriced PR firm our company used). These basic 10-20 sites are not really breached.
I personally used Google to find any various obscure howto or tidbit of info that I need. If I am really looking for a good index search engine I go to DMOZ. (http://www.dmoz.org). It's basically an 'open indexed web engine'. All the editors are non-payed contributors.
The post is unrealistic.. even if Yahoo is bought out.. which I hope it is and makes the idea of services beeing free and subsadized with my 'profile' and banner revenue.
Anyway, other indexes will creep up if Yahoo goes away.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Look, there are a LOT of engineers that have already invested in learning Java. It makes sense and it doesn't tie you into a single platform.
I do believe that C# will adapt, but how can it compete with a 'relatively' open and cross-platform language?
I don't think at this point, even if Microsoft has an amazing set of development tools that are superior to Jbuilder, Visual Age, etc etc, could catch up overnight with Java.
Java is really one of the few great enterprise server solutions (for the internet) that is both robust and scalable. (I don't consider a 4-cpu Dell running windows 2000 scalable).
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
To get to my servers in our London datacenter from a UUNet connection, it covers about 15 hops that include a trans-contenental hop to DC up to New York, back over AboveNet fiber to London again and response does the same path.
It's a joke.
A lot of major ISP's will buy their bandwidth from UUNet and let the other bandwidth providers PEER. But, as you can see quickly, it makes a bit of sense, from the business perspective, to do business with UUNet. If you don't your customers will be traversing back to the United States to see your datacenter!
Now, according to the people at abovenet, UUNet has to start to comply do to the fact that other hosting companies (colt, exodus, abovenet, etc) as well as all the local isp's etc, that belong to Ripe, could quit peering with UUNet and that would cause UUNet a LOT of grief for UUNet and their customers.
Anyway, think of it as a bandwidth Union.
Anyway, this is a bit of a long rant.. but I am a frustrated ex-uunet customer that has moved to another ISP looking for non-monopolistic support and service.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
There is an expansion unit comming in the future though.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Mac OS9? Running a satelite? Hope it's osX
on
Macs In Space II
·
· Score: 2
Geez... I think I would feel better running windows 2000, serously.
Unless they are using OSx, I can't imagine that they really believe it's any more reliable than your average 1-2 week lifespan uptime. Also, whats to protect the vital comunication systems if a single process freaks out and crashes the entire system? Wouldn't be such a big problem with any modern OS.
*sigh*
I am not sure it is that unrealistic to cover most of the United States or greater Europe w/500+ satelites at the right orbit level. (15 minutes of coverage is bullshit, depends on the altitude of the satelite and it's orbital rotation...)
Anyway, lots of very interesting inovations come from 'wacky people' with 'wacky ideas';-) I love real inovation.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Yeah, but what about EA sports games? I own a dreamcast, but am going ot be purchasing a Sony just for the EA games. I enjoy playing soccer or football against my friends in my front room, etc. I will always play the mass-multiplayers on my computer.
For the real parties, gotta have a console , etc. For the virtual parties.. (ie. mass multiplayer online).. gota have a PC.;-) anyway, thats myh opinion. I have been pretty disapointed with the DC. Maybe the PS2 will be just as big of a disapointment.
Cheers
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
www.tele2.co.uk is great, they put an antenna on my roof.. I have right now a 512k line for £39 per month. They are also releasing a new deal, unlimmited internet bandwidth at 156k for £9.99 a month.
this is available only in certain parts of the Uk, but they are moving quickly.
the performance is great, and it put's a smile on my face knowing I am not paying a 'last mile tax'.
I suggest opposite. find a great book, pick a project.. and get in over your head.:) Open source is about writing bad code.. you do it because you love it.. not because you will loose a job.
If it sucks, you will get peer review and get better.
Sooner or later you will hit a point to where you are appreciated for your contributions and the pain will be worth it.
Obviously the person that posted this article doesn't program, or at least doesn't understand the spirit of 'open' source.
Mp3.com & SuSE ad's on bootup!!
no thanks..
Just found the lines in the source and recompiled the kernel.:) I love open source.
--------------------
I have been using KDE w/ Mandrake 7.2 ....
on
KDE 2.0.1 is out
·
· Score: 2
.. and things have been stable for the most part. I have found that the KDE Office is still very unstable, as it crashes quite often. Konquerer is nice and is comperable to Opera on Windows. (Much better state than Opera for Linux (as of Beta 2)).
In terms of Eye-Candy, does it for me.. I love the Risk OS Theme 'decoration'.
Overall stability has been decient. I have noticed the KDE applications are not as rock solid as the 1.x applications, naturally being a.0 app itself.
As for a fast and stable environment, I have switched back from Gnome (Didn't think KDE would ever get me away from Helix)..
KDE == Consistant Nice Interface - Confusing Control Center...
Oh well, nothing is perfect, like this post.;-)
1. I don't have to manage it on a windows workstation.
2. I don't have to support anything but the browser.
3. MS is going to get money one way or another.. and for an organization who cares.. I use abiword at home.
4. It's a centralized service that will support multiple platforms. (Now more people can adapt Linux at the workplace.. )
Sorry, but I don't think that Office is that bad of a product. Lets the Marketroids get their stuff done quickly and easily. Again, nobody is going to make me use it unless I need to give it-droid info to a market-droid.
Isn't server side apps where we want to be anyway? Thats what I spend my life writing currently.
*Sigh* It's funny, I don't think MS could do anything right in the eyes of the linux community. I believe.NET is a step in the right direction for everyone.
Peer to Peer is not just about file sharing, it's about colaboration and communication at a higher level. For the ISP's to stifle it will be about as dificult as taxing email, simply put it ain't gonna happen.
Bandwidth is just getting faster, the p2p technology is getting more more fancy. To block any kind of 'incomming call' from any source on the internet to dsl/broadband customers is basically television.
I can understand your fear, but rest assured.. your prophesy of a non-contributing internet nation is not reality.
Slashdot Mirror
I own a Irix Based O2 workstation, an Indy (R5k based). (I administrate a Origin 3k (only a 4 CPU system, so don't get to excited)
Irix is great, but I believe that Apples OSX is going to eat their shorts as far as graphics workstations are concerned. Unfortunately you don't get a lot of performance boost on a MIPS R12k processor than you do on a PPC-G4. It's the backplane architecture (ccNUMA) that gives the interesting twist to their architecture.
For example, our application pushes a LOT of image data to lots of machines (actually to linux based clusters). I am not using the machine so much for it's 'crunching power' but it's sustainable IO and reliability.
The fact that XFS allows us to scale a growing image database to multiple terabytes without having to ever take the system off-line was pretty surprising.
Also the fact that I can add NUMA bricks as as my business grows is quite interesting.
To make it even more intersting, you can get into a Origin 3000 for as little as 40-50k$. To buy into that scalability with HP or Sun and have the feature set that my applications require was not economic.
To have one monster Origin system for 100k dollars that can scale and be managed with minimal human resources (total cost of ownership) is much better than having 20 linux machines with 4-5 administrators and engineers to keep the things running.
They are neat toys to say the least, but it's crazy. I have compiled some open source software with my O2 and it runs great on the Origin 3000.
Anyway, this is a bit of a rant, but the reason it would be nice to see intel based hardware on SGI numa architecture is the level of scalabilty without having to cluster. Some applications you can have clustering, some it just doesn't make sense.. (Where inter-process communication, backplane bandwidth, etc is important).. that where the Origin 3000 shines.
not every application is going to benifit from such a server. For us a HUGE image store was justification in such a machine. if you are going to run a web server or applications such as that which will cluster, you will get a lot more bang for the buck out of a Linux ia32 system.
Anyway, it's late here and this is a bit of a rant. previous poster is a troll anyway.
Cheers
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
But napster is not king. Opennap for example gives you 100% of the functionality of Napster without having to deal with the RIAA.. yet. There will always be up-and-down servers, etc.. but thats alright. The list of servers right now is centralized with Napigator, but how hard would it be to reverse engineer the napigator ? Damn easy..
I put up a opennap server on my cable modem one night.. within 2 days I had over 300 users using the server and 250GB of songs indexed on my system.
RIAA is nothing more than a speed-bump... honestly I think it's the best thing to happen to push people out of using a centralized and corparation controlled service.
RIAA may of made their worst mistake by not settling something a bit more reasonable with Napster.. it's going to push people to other avenues. (No, I am NOT talking about Gnutella... ) I can see the RIAA board all start laughing when they talk about gnutella as a threat.
anyway...
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
MS Thinks that opening up a read-only source code view to 'elite' developers is going to solve anything?
This is not a smart move on their part as it's showing weakness in their propretary ways. They are validating the need and necesity of free-speech, not free beer.
Every little move like this is a victory for free-software (speech).
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Nahh...
Think of it like this. I will compare web content to driving a car or using public transportation.
Public transportation on paper a better idea. Leverage of shared resources hence savings, better for environment, easier to manage, more reliable (arguably).
Now, why do people choose to still purchase vehicles in conjested city areas?
... ownership.
You can't feel ownership of a remotely managed and remotely owned application. Human nature tells us to achieve to OWN not RENT. (There are soooo many paralells in society that have 'washed' us to believe this.)
I know this mentality pretty well as I co-own a fairly sucessful ASP business in England (.. but I am an american, btw) . I go to market and I face these same 'issues' every day.. even in dealing with something such as a business-to-business workflow integration system.
I believe that this could be the big blow for MS that frankly they don't need right now. They seem to have forgotten the most important factor in the tech-market.. the fickle consumer.
Who knows, maybe Apple will learn from their mystakes..... but believe me. Free software ain't goin anywhere.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Your exactly right.
;-)
I was thinking about this article earlier today and as a consumer, which I am, am not happy with the idea.
I believe that Microsoft has it's far-reach because of how easy it was to get ahold of software and install it because it's there and it's easy.. take care of the licensing later.
This might not be the case for mega-corps, but as a small business owner (about 20 people).. this is definately the case. As a consumer and owner of 3 computers at home, this is definately the case.
I have installed windows 2000 prof. onto two machines at the office that I am going to definately have to pay a license on because it's there, and it's working.
I believe that it's right that I pay for software that I use.. no doubt there.. but I believe that I am going to give the Macintosh or Linux/KDE a good look once WinXP comes out and starts demanding subscriptions on all the different software packages etc. I just think it's a pain in the ass....
Again as someone who pays for 'most everything' I am using.. Geez.. such a powerplay by microsoft. They must be feeling that they are going to loose market-share regardless and might as well get while the getting is good?
... I honestly can't believe that someone as inteligent as Bill Gates (Not ethical, but definately not an idiot) would agree to such a thing...
Hmm.... anyway, rambling now..
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Obviously you don't read much but just look at porn. To look at porn you don't need anti-aliased fonts.
If you actually try and wade through the load-of-troll crap
Obviously you need to learn something about User Interface and appreciation.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Hm... PS2 pushes 6.2 GFLOPS and a Memory Bus Bandwidth of 3.2 GB per second kicks the living crap out of any x86 intel based PC on the planet.
These little boxes pack a hell-of-a lot of punch man... not only that they put it where it counts...
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
and not much of anything useful.
Maybe not to you.....
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
running an OpenGL app on XF86 is risky--they seem to bring down XF86 like 1 out of 4 times, and my IRIX box (of course) never fails to perform the required task
Huh? 1 out of 4 times? Maybe it's your code, your implimentation of OpenGL, BSD?? Who knows... I have quite a few programs that run w/OpenGL on Intel hardware and I have no problems at all.
FUD man...
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Nah, it's java support is great for server side processing. They have a beta of JDK 1.3 and JDK 1.2 is quite stable. I haven't found any problems with it yet. For doing general processing, seems to be quite fast. Our company just recieved our Origin 3200 and it's quite fast. A bit cheaper than a Sun/HP machine in the same class. Depends on what you are doing with it though to determine if it's worth it or not.
Sometimes a cluster of Intel based machines just isn't as cost effective in the big picture.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
.. and reley on word of mouth to creep out to new habitually surfed sites. (According to research of our very overpriced PR firm our company used). These basic 10-20 sites are not really breached.
I personally used Google to find any various obscure howto or tidbit of info that I need. If I am really looking for a good index search engine I go to DMOZ. (http://www.dmoz.org). It's basically an 'open indexed web engine'. All the editors are non-payed contributors.
The post is unrealistic.. even if Yahoo is bought out.. which I hope it is and makes the idea of services beeing free and subsadized with my 'profile' and banner revenue.
Anyway, other indexes will creep up if Yahoo goes away.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
You can force it to use Motif & Metal 'themes'
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Look, there are a LOT of engineers that have already invested in learning Java. It makes sense and it doesn't tie you into a single platform.
I do believe that C# will adapt, but how can it compete with a 'relatively' open and cross-platform language?
I don't think at this point, even if Microsoft has an amazing set of development tools that are superior to Jbuilder, Visual Age, etc etc, could catch up overnight with Java.
Java is really one of the few great enterprise server solutions (for the internet) that is both robust and scalable. (I don't consider a 4-cpu Dell running windows 2000 scalable).
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Grammar was correct as well. Could not of been Taco.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
To get to my servers in our London datacenter from a UUNet connection, it covers about 15 hops that include a trans-contenental hop to DC up to New York, back over AboveNet fiber to London again and response does the same path.
It's a joke.
A lot of major ISP's will buy their bandwidth from UUNet and let the other bandwidth providers PEER. But, as you can see quickly, it makes a bit of sense, from the business perspective, to do business with UUNet. If you don't your customers will be traversing back to the United States to see your datacenter!
Now, according to the people at abovenet, UUNet has to start to comply do to the fact that other hosting companies (colt, exodus, abovenet, etc) as well as all the local isp's etc, that belong to Ripe, could quit peering with UUNet and that would cause UUNet a LOT of grief for UUNet and their customers.
Anyway, think of it as a bandwidth Union.
Anyway, this is a bit of a long rant.. but I am a frustrated ex-uunet customer that has moved to another ISP looking for non-monopolistic support and service.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Sony PS2 doesn't have a hard drive in it.
There is an expansion unit comming in the future though.
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Geez... I think I would feel better running windows 2000, serously.
Unless they are using OSx, I can't imagine that they really believe it's any more reliable than your average 1-2 week lifespan uptime. Also, whats to protect the vital comunication systems if a single process freaks out and crashes the entire system? Wouldn't be such a big problem with any modern OS.
*sigh*
I am not sure it is that unrealistic to cover most of the United States or greater Europe w/500+ satelites at the right orbit level. (15 minutes of coverage is bullshit, depends on the altitude of the satelite and it's orbital rotation
Anyway, lots of very interesting inovations come from 'wacky people' with 'wacky ideas'
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
Yeah, but what about EA sports games? I own a dreamcast, but am going ot be purchasing a Sony just for the EA games. I enjoy playing soccer or football against my friends in my front room, etc. I will always play the mass-multiplayers on my computer.
.. gota have a PC. ;-) anyway, thats myh opinion. I have been pretty disapointed with the DC. Maybe the PS2 will be just as big of a disapointment.
For the real parties, gotta have a console , etc. For the virtual parties.. (ie. mass multiplayer online)
Cheers
--------------------
Would you like a Python based alternative to PHP/ASP/JSP?
I use Wireless.
www.tele2.co.uk is great, they put an antenna on my roof.. I have right now a 512k line for £39 per month. They are also releasing a new deal, unlimmited internet bandwidth at 156k for £9.99 a month.
this is available only in certain parts of the Uk, but they are moving quickly.
the performance is great, and it put's a smile on my face knowing I am not paying a 'last mile tax'.
--------------------
I suggest opposite. find a great book, pick a project.. and get in over your head.
If it sucks, you will get peer review and get better.
Sooner or later you will hit a point to where you are appreciated for your contributions and the pain will be worth it.
Obviously the person that posted this article doesn't program, or at least doesn't understand the spirit of 'open' source.
Almost a BSD attitude.
--------------------
Mp3.com & SuSE ad's on bootup!! no thanks.. Just found the lines in the source and recompiled the kernel. :) I love open source.
--------------------
--------------------
.. they will of sold one to me. :) I am waiting until after xmas for the prices to come down a bit before I get a G4.
--------------------
Well, a few things:
1. I don't have to manage it on a windows workstation.
2. I don't have to support anything but the browser.
3. MS is going to get money one way or another.. and for an organization who cares.. I use abiword at home.
4. It's a centralized service that will support multiple platforms. (Now more people can adapt Linux at the workplace.. )
Sorry, but I don't think that Office is that bad of a product. Lets the Marketroids get their stuff done quickly and easily. Again, nobody is going to make me use it unless I need to give it-droid info to a market-droid.
Isn't server side apps where we want to be anyway? Thats what I spend my life writing currently.
*Sigh* It's funny, I don't think MS could do anything right in the eyes of the linux community. I believe
BTW, please don't flame me
--------------------
Peer to Peer is not just about file sharing, it's about colaboration and communication at a higher level. For the ISP's to stifle it will be about as dificult as taxing email, simply put it ain't gonna happen.
Bandwidth is just getting faster, the p2p technology is getting more more fancy. To block any kind of 'incomming call' from any source on the internet to dsl/broadband customers is basically television.
I can understand your fear, but rest assured.. your prophesy of a non-contributing internet nation is not reality.
This was not meant to be a flame. Cheers
--------------------