Re:url's in a book are a waste of time
on
Mac OS X Hints
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· Score: 1
I agree that deep links should rarely, if ever, be included since they have a high probablility of disappearing down the road.
However, I think it's good when they include links to resource web sites. For example, planetsourcecode.com might totally overhaul its pages down the road, but the main page/URL will likely be there for quite awhile, and it's a good resource that may or may not be an obvious hit in Google.
Re:Ill get it out of the way
on
Mac OS X Hints
·
· Score: 1
> Tip 1. Throw apple mouse in trash, plug in 2 button scroll wheel.
That's fine and dandy until your applications must assume that its users have no more than one mouse button. On Windows/KDE/Gnome, developers can assume the user will make use of the second mouse button and design functionality accordingly.
Hard to use? I've never had too much problem writing in cursive. I prefer it for notes because I can write faster with cursive. For anything that will likely be read by someone else, however, I usually print.
Why is it hard to use? For my own notes, speed is usually more critical than the ligibility to other people.
I have used Outlook for 4 years now and have had no problems with it. Unfortunately, to use it as I do, you need to know what you're doing.
1. Don't open obvious attachments (EXE, VBS, whatever). 2. Run a GOOD, UPDATED antivirus. Norton seems to have caught all viruses I've encountered (at least the one's I've noticed, although I haven't been made aware of my computer ever sending out worm e-mails and the like). Norton has even caught JavaScript exploits in web pages as I try to view them!
paid-off items have to be de-activated by the store itself upon checkout.
and:
I hope people start focusing on the promise of RFIDs: instant checkouts
Question: How would the RFIDs be de-activated at a instant checkout (assuming my idea of an instant checkout is similar to yours)? Massive microwave beam from the auto-teller?
All joking aside, I've been curious about this one since I first heard about RFID tags in retail. Any ideas?
> I mean, if something were wrong with Open Source, would MS and SCO be raising such a hue and cry.
cd/usr/local/src
tar -xvzf postgresql-7.1.2.tar.gz
cd postgresql-7.1.2 ./configure
make
make install
adduser postgres
mkdir/usr/local/pgsql/data
chown postgres/usr/local/pgsql/data
su - postgres /usr/local/pgsql/bin/initdb -D/usr/local/pgsql/data /usr/local/pgsql/bin/postmaster -i -D/usr/local/pgsql/data >logfile 2>&1 & /usr/local/pgsql/bin/createdb test /usr/local/pgsql/bin/psql test
> As a browser... sure, it might just work - but who needs just a browser?
Agreed. For $300, I'd rather put it towards a low end dell. I've seen Dell's Dimension 2350 as low as $314 on the bargain sites (after rebates and coupons) with free shipping that more than double its features. Even HP/Compaq has a a 2GHz system for $349 AR (shipping not free, though). These are fully functional computers, people.
I, too, just started my first online course. It started fairly recently and I constantly log in and see no changes and no activity in any of the rooms. It appears we are simply required to hand in work based on the syllibus, which includes problems from the book and some group discussions. As far as I can tell, there is no intervention or guidance from the professor. Follow the syllibus, hand in the requirement on time, and I'll give you a grade.
I guess it depends what you are looking for. I like the prospect of working by myself at my own will. I just might shoot the professor an e-mail in the next next week to make sure she hasn't died or something:)
BTW, I'm taking this course from a fairly well-accredited midwestern University.
Maybe it's time this bucking bronco broke free from the corporate reigns. He should retire and starts his own initiative. Maybe a new open-source operating system that is designed to be easy enough for anyone to use. That way, he could have an online "warehouse" where he could store his favorite open source apps for users to click and run at will. Perhaps he could call it Jindows. I bet Microsoft would love that!
> That thing took 5 hours to remove and still i see side effects of it
And it would have taken you 2-3 hours to reinstall your computer and configure all your apps, right? And it would have been working perfectly when you are done? I can't imagine a technically literate Windows user not just reload Windows when things like this happen. It would probably save time and you'll have a fresh install when you're done.
I usually reload my Windows machine about once a month, and I don't have any performance problems. Granted, I shouldn't have to do this, but it's a lot easier to reload Windows and throw in my "reload CD" (which contains my unique drivers, favorite misc apps, and some important patches and codecs) and be done with it. The process usually takes 2 hours to get it exactly how I like it, which is a small price to pay for a machine running lean (especially with the stuff I throw at my machines).
And if that isn't simple enough for you, ever hear of Ghost?
> But the most obvious way for someone to compete with them is to offer a download service at a lower price--so expect someone to do that shortly
Do you think if a competitor started offering songs for 88 cents Mac users would flock to that service? Hell no. Mac users are loyal, and the quality of service with their Macs would likely be better with Apple anyway.
Now, if iTunes worked on Windows, you might have a point, but it's unlikely Mac users would covert to save a dime or two. Hell, they already own Macs! Besides, price isn't really an issue where there are already free alternatives (Kazza, et al.) yet people are still buying into their service.
which could change all postal codes in the world to a simpler, more universal format
From the article:
For example, NAC Geographic Products' address in Toronto would be 8CNB5 Q8Z4R.
Um, is that encrypted? Simpler than what? An IPv6 address?
The NAC universal addressing technique not only makes for easier and more efficient delivery of mail, geography specialists can use it for making maps of specific areas, Mr. Shen said.
Oh, simpler for everyone except us those who aren't in the postal and geographic industries.
If you're ambitious enough to enter everything into your PDA, all the power to ya'. Otherwise, I found it handy for boring classes to be able to read the news (basically like bringing an electronic magazine to class). You may think it sounds funny and that only flunkies would do such a thing, but I gaurentee there will be courses you show up for the sole reason to either receive or hand in assignments. The rest of the time is just filler. If you do get a PDA, make sure you get 802.11 support with it.
I think the only device you really need is a good computer. Laptops are nice because you can take them to group sessions, but not necessary. A desktop will give you more features for a lower price. I would get a desktop and save my money to get a newer one in two years when it's obsolete. Most public campuses here in the Midwest seem to be Microsoft campuses, so you might as well get a Windows machine and buy/steal Office from your University right away (unless you're an Art/Music student, you'll want to check with your department as you'll likely find more value in a Macintosh).
If you get a laptop, get a wireless NIC with it! Printer isn't absolutely necessary because you'll have access to printers on campus or possibly at work, depending where you work. You'll probably want a decent sized hard drive for P2P. An LCD monitor is hella-sweet in the dorms.
Here's a tip: Don't buy a piece of crap, overpriced, used computer from "a friend your dad knows" or from schmuck in the newspaper. Dell and HP Compaq always have new machines for around $300-$400, and if you look around, they often have new machines in the low $300's, which leaves more room to add the features you really need/want. If you're really looking to pinch pennies, buy a machine from Dell with the things they offer cheap (like video cards and DVD burners) and buy the stuff they sell expensively from an alternate source (like Memory or CD readers). Make sure you get name brand memory, though, as Dell's can be a bit finicky with cheap memory. I've had good luck with Kingston ValueRAM in my Dells.
And let's not forget about the Golden rule of the dorms - he who owns a DVD burner and the right software makes the friends.;) Dell often has a deal where you can get a DVD burner for $99.
I recommend a decent size TV too (~25") and a DVD burner that can read all types of media, because I know my roommates and I spent a lot of time playing video games and watching TV...unless you're a girl...then just get some rollerblades and some hot pants or something from Wet Seal or whatev.
Let's recap - a good computer (I prefer a desktop), a good TV, and a beer fridge. Any further questions? Oh yeah, and some helpful, off-topic advice:
College is not primarily for education. It's merely a system our society has created to determine who is willing to jump through more hoops than the others.
Don't be bummed that you didn't get the GPA you got in high school. There is a good chance you will either a) fail a course, or b) drop it before you fail it. And you will probably take at least a course or two over.
It doesn't really matter what you major in. Don't let it stress you out. Just study what you're good at. They're pretty much all the same anyway...
Most importantly: NOT EVERYONE IS MEANT TO GO TO A UNIVERSITY. If you can't handle it, don't worry. Try something else. It doesn't mean you're a failure, it just means it's not for you. Some people have PhD's, but that doesn't mean anyone below them is stupid. Different strokes for different folks. Remember that, especially when you get all depressed about some bad grade(s) you get.
> The banks will cater to the lowest common denominator. If even 10% of their users have problems accessing their online banking accounts, the cost of customer service calls will by HUGE.
Correct me if I'm wrong, I think there are a significant number of banks out there that currently only support IE. It seems to come up here on Slashdot every once in awhile.
Additionally, the number of support calls might increase, but the duration of the call will likely be short:
Customer: Um, yeah, I'm using Mozilla on <insert your favorite OS here> but I can't access the online banking page. Support Person: Sorry, you have to use Internet Explorer to access our online banking page Customer: But I'm running Linux! Support Person: Sorry, we only support Internet Explorer. Customer: Curses! I'm going to find a new bank then! Support Person: Is there anything else I can help you with today? {dial-tone}
I don't know about y'all, but all the banks I have been with could care less about losing a small fry like me.
> The warrenties being lowered was a sign quality as dropping.
Although I agree with you, I know Western Digital offers the ability to upgrade to their 3-year warranty for an extra $29.95. The last two WD drives I bought had a slip in the box stating this was so. In a way, it's kinda nice. For those who want assurance, they can pay more for it. For those who don't care, they get deal. It's too bad this correlates to lower quality drives...:/
DVD+R/W has some big supporters behind it, although the discs are about twice the costs of -R/W discs. If you're curious if it will work in your player, you might check out the Compatibility List at dvdrhelp.com. It's also a good place to find out which player to buy.
My votes go to the Koss KD305 available for $49.99 at Sears (plus option $7 service plan, unlike $30 at Best Buy) or the Norcent DP300 which is $39.99 at Amazon ($49.99 at Walmart). Both play darn near anything you can throw at them, and they're CHEAP!
> Secondly, our id10t users have a tendency to store these megalithic file on their desktop. Windows tries to suck the whole thing down when the log off, and copy it back when they log on. In the process, they fill the drive where the roaming profiles are stored.
Can't you turn off roaming profiles for most/all users? I never really thought there was that much benefit in using them, but the headaches they cause can be huge. I suppose it depends on what your boss wants, which is usually ludicrous. Words Microsoft feature ever - roaming profiles with Desktop syncing. Second place: Tie between IIS and Microsoft DNS.
> While the author may find XP stable enough, I've gotten it to spontaneously reboot itself more times than I care to count.
I would almost gaurentee this is a hardware/driver issue of some sort, no a problem with the OS. What are you running under the hood? Lemme guess: Athlon-based system w/ ALi Magick chipset and a cloned ATI video card, overclocked to about 40% higher than the original CPU frequency;)
All joking aside, I've seen countless installations of XP running rock solid. I have 2 XP boxes at home that run fine, and a bazillion installations at work. The only time I've noticed problems is with defective hardware or quirky drivers. Oh yeah, stick with the mainstream BIOSs with proven drivers and don't buy the absolute cheapest RAM you can find.
> Exactly why the music industry is very reluctant to provide these kinds of services.
I'm not sure why they would be any more reluctant. It's not like the current model isn't resulting in mass piracy. At least with this model, it might encourage average people (not Slashdotters) who would normally pirate because they 1) like variety and 2) like their music online/on computer/on portable device to actually subscribe because it's "easier" than trying to get it off of Kazaa.
A stolen song is a stolen song, regardless of where it comes from. At least they're getting subscription money out of this distribution method. Do you think the average consumer would be satisfied with downloading every song they've ever wanted and then cancelling their subscription? It seems to me the average aficionada likes to keep his/her collection fresh.
I think paying the "music" bill will eventually become one of those things people consider as part of their cost of living just like the phone bill or the cable bill (at least for people who could benefit from such a service).
Agreed, I graduated 2 years ago and found that many of the tech jobs wanted RPG programming or JD Edwards experience. Where the fsck am I supposed to pick that up?! I'm willing to learn whatever it takes, but there are only so many things I can do. I can buy degrees and certificates, but I can't buy experience!
Slashdot Mirror
I agree that deep links should rarely, if ever, be included since they have a high probablility of disappearing down the road.
However, I think it's good when they include links to resource web sites. For example, planetsourcecode.com might totally overhaul its pages down the road, but the main page/URL will likely be there for quite awhile, and it's a good resource that may or may not be an obvious hit in Google.
> Tip 1. Throw apple mouse in trash, plug in 2 button scroll wheel.
That's fine and dandy until your applications must assume that its users have no more than one mouse button. On Windows/KDE/Gnome, developers can assume the user will make use of the second mouse button and design functionality accordingly.
> b) hard to use, and
Hard to use? I've never had too much problem writing in cursive. I prefer it for notes because I can write faster with cursive. For anything that will likely be read by someone else, however, I usually print.
Why is it hard to use? For my own notes, speed is usually more critical than the ligibility to other people.
I have used Outlook for 4 years now and have had no problems with it. Unfortunately, to use it as I do, you need to know what you're doing.
1. Don't open obvious attachments (EXE, VBS, whatever).
2. Run a GOOD, UPDATED antivirus. Norton seems to have caught all viruses I've encountered (at least the one's I've noticed, although I haven't been made aware of my computer ever sending out worm e-mails and the like). Norton has even caught JavaScript exploits in web pages as I try to view them!
Hmmm, I'm confused about these two statements:
and:
Question: How would the RFIDs be de-activated at a instant checkout (assuming my idea of an instant checkout is similar to yours)? Massive microwave beam from the auto-teller?
All joking aside, I've been curious about this one since I first heard about RFID tags in retail. Any ideas?
> Yes, I know, you might use "apt-get install"
Yeah, apt-get is great if you don't mind an ancient version of postgresql. URPMI looks great, but is only available for Mandrake?
> I mean, if something were wrong with Open Source, would MS and SCO be raising such a hue and cry.
cd /usr/local/src
./configure /usr/local/pgsql/data /usr/local/pgsql/data
/usr/local/pgsql/bin/initdb -D /usr/local/pgsql/data
/usr/local/pgsql/bin/postmaster -i -D /usr/local/pgsql/data >logfile 2>&1 &
/usr/local/pgsql/bin/createdb test
/usr/local/pgsql/bin/psql test
tar -xvzf postgresql-7.1.2.tar.gz
cd postgresql-7.1.2
make
make install
adduser postgres
mkdir
chown postgres
su - postgres
> I never assign my students busy work
Hmmm, a professor thinking that his/her assignments are all completely useful and relevant.
When in traffic, I only exceed the speed limit when I have a good reason. I never speed without a good reason.
> As a browser... sure, it might just work - but who needs just a browser?
Agreed. For $300, I'd rather put it towards a low end dell. I've seen Dell's Dimension 2350 as low as $314 on the bargain sites (after rebates and coupons) with free shipping that more than double its features. Even HP/Compaq has a a 2GHz system for $349 AR (shipping not free, though). These are fully functional computers, people.
I, too, just started my first online course. It started fairly recently and I constantly log in and see no changes and no activity in any of the rooms. It appears we are simply required to hand in work based on the syllibus, which includes problems from the book and some group discussions. As far as I can tell, there is no intervention or guidance from the professor. Follow the syllibus, hand in the requirement on time, and I'll give you a grade.
:)
I guess it depends what you are looking for. I like the prospect of working by myself at my own will. I just might shoot the professor an e-mail in the next next week to make sure she hasn't died or something
BTW, I'm taking this course from a fairly well-accredited midwestern University.
Maybe it's time this bucking bronco broke free from the corporate reigns. He should retire and starts his own initiative. Maybe a new open-source operating system that is designed to be easy enough for anyone to use. That way, he could have an online "warehouse" where he could store his favorite open source apps for users to click and run at will. Perhaps he could call it Jindows. I bet Microsoft would love that!
> That thing took 5 hours to remove and still i see side effects of it
And it would have taken you 2-3 hours to reinstall your computer and configure all your apps, right? And it would have been working perfectly when you are done? I can't imagine a technically literate Windows user not just reload Windows when things like this happen. It would probably save time and you'll have a fresh install when you're done.
I usually reload my Windows machine about once a month, and I don't have any performance problems. Granted, I shouldn't have to do this, but it's a lot easier to reload Windows and throw in my "reload CD" (which contains my unique drivers, favorite misc apps, and some important patches and codecs) and be done with it. The process usually takes 2 hours to get it exactly how I like it, which is a small price to pay for a machine running lean (especially with the stuff I throw at my machines).
And if that isn't simple enough for you, ever hear of Ghost?
> But the most obvious way for someone to compete with them is to offer a download service at a lower price--so expect someone to do that shortly
Do you think if a competitor started offering songs for 88 cents Mac users would flock to that service? Hell no. Mac users are loyal, and the quality of service with their Macs would likely be better with Apple anyway.
Now, if iTunes worked on Windows, you might have a point, but it's unlikely Mac users would covert to save a dime or two. Hell, they already own Macs! Besides, price isn't really an issue where there are already free alternatives (Kazza, et al.) yet people are still buying into their service.
From the poster:
From the article:
Um, is that encrypted? Simpler than what? An IPv6 address?
Oh, simpler for everyone except us those who aren't in the postal and geographic industries.
If you're ambitious enough to enter everything into your PDA, all the power to ya'. Otherwise, I found it handy for boring classes to be able to read the news (basically like bringing an electronic magazine to class). You may think it sounds funny and that only flunkies would do such a thing, but I gaurentee there will be courses you show up for the sole reason to either receive or hand in assignments. The rest of the time is just filler. If you do get a PDA, make sure you get 802.11 support with it.
I think the only device you really need is a good computer. Laptops are nice because you can take them to group sessions, but not necessary. A desktop will give you more features for a lower price. I would get a desktop and save my money to get a newer one in two years when it's obsolete. Most public campuses here in the Midwest seem to be Microsoft campuses, so you might as well get a Windows machine and buy/steal Office from your University right away (unless you're an Art/Music student, you'll want to check with your department as you'll likely find more value in a Macintosh).
If you get a laptop, get a wireless NIC with it! Printer isn't absolutely necessary because you'll have access to printers on campus or possibly at work, depending where you work. You'll probably want a decent sized hard drive for P2P. An LCD monitor is hella-sweet in the dorms.
Here's a tip: Don't buy a piece of crap, overpriced, used computer from "a friend your dad knows" or from schmuck in the newspaper. Dell and HP Compaq always have new machines for around $300-$400, and if you look around, they often have new machines in the low $300's, which leaves more room to add the features you really need/want. If you're really looking to pinch pennies, buy a machine from Dell with the things they offer cheap (like video cards and DVD burners) and buy the stuff they sell expensively from an alternate source (like Memory or CD readers). Make sure you get name brand memory, though, as Dell's can be a bit finicky with cheap memory. I've had good luck with Kingston ValueRAM in my Dells.
And let's not forget about the Golden rule of the dorms - he who owns a DVD burner and the right software makes the friends. ;) Dell often has a deal where you can get a DVD burner for $99.
I recommend a decent size TV too (~25") and a DVD burner that can read all types of media, because I know my roommates and I spent a lot of time playing video games and watching TV...unless you're a girl...then just get some rollerblades and some hot pants or something from Wet Seal or whatev.
Let's recap - a good computer (I prefer a desktop), a good TV, and a beer fridge. Any further questions? Oh yeah, and some helpful, off-topic advice:
> If you want her to model with guns for you it is $500/hr.
Judging by the pictures in the first link, we aren't talking about the same "guns"...
> The banks will cater to the lowest common denominator. If even 10% of their users have problems accessing their online banking accounts, the cost of customer service calls will by HUGE.
Correct me if I'm wrong, I think there are a significant number of banks out there that currently only support IE. It seems to come up here on Slashdot every once in awhile.
Additionally, the number of support calls might increase, but the duration of the call will likely be short:
Customer: Um, yeah, I'm using Mozilla on <insert your favorite OS here> but I can't access the online banking page.
Support Person: Sorry, you have to use Internet Explorer to access our online banking page
Customer: But I'm running Linux!
Support Person: Sorry, we only support Internet Explorer.
Customer: Curses! I'm going to find a new bank then!
Support Person: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
{dial-tone}
I don't know about y'all, but all the banks I have been with could care less about losing a small fry like me.
> The warrenties being lowered was a sign quality as dropping.
Although I agree with you, I know Western Digital offers the ability to upgrade to their 3-year warranty for an extra $29.95. The last two WD drives I bought had a slip in the box stating this was so. In a way, it's kinda nice. For those who want assurance, they can pay more for it. For those who don't care, they get deal. It's too bad this correlates to lower quality drives... :/
PS, I like your sig, given your username :)
DVD+R/W has some big supporters behind it, although the discs are about twice the costs of -R/W discs. If you're curious if it will work in your player, you might check out the Compatibility List at dvdrhelp.com. It's also a good place to find out which player to buy.
My votes go to the Koss KD305 available for $49.99 at Sears (plus option $7 service plan, unlike $30 at Best Buy) or the Norcent DP300 which is $39.99 at Amazon ($49.99 at Walmart). Both play darn near anything you can throw at them, and they're CHEAP!
I own the Koss 305 and simply love it.
> Secondly, our id10t users have a tendency to store these megalithic file on their desktop. Windows tries to suck the whole thing down when the log off, and copy it back when they log on. In the process, they fill the drive where the roaming profiles are stored.
Can't you turn off roaming profiles for most/all users? I never really thought there was that much benefit in using them, but the headaches they cause can be huge. I suppose it depends on what your boss wants, which is usually ludicrous. Words Microsoft feature ever - roaming profiles with Desktop syncing. Second place: Tie between IIS and Microsoft DNS.
> While the author may find XP stable enough, I've gotten it to spontaneously reboot itself more times than I care to count.
I would almost gaurentee this is a hardware/driver issue of some sort, no a problem with the OS. What are you running under the hood? Lemme guess: Athlon-based system w/ ALi Magick chipset and a cloned ATI video card, overclocked to about 40% higher than the original CPU frequency ;)
All joking aside, I've seen countless installations of XP running rock solid. I have 2 XP boxes at home that run fine, and a bazillion installations at work. The only time I've noticed problems is with defective hardware or quirky drivers. Oh yeah, stick with the mainstream BIOSs with proven drivers and don't buy the absolute cheapest RAM you can find.
> Exactly why the music industry is very reluctant to provide these kinds of services.
I'm not sure why they would be any more reluctant. It's not like the current model isn't resulting in mass piracy. At least with this model, it might encourage average people (not Slashdotters) who would normally pirate because they 1) like variety and 2) like their music online/on computer/on portable device to actually subscribe because it's "easier" than trying to get it off of Kazaa.A stolen song is a stolen song, regardless of where it comes from. At least they're getting subscription money out of this distribution method. Do you think the average consumer would be satisfied with downloading every song they've ever wanted and then cancelling their subscription? It seems to me the average aficionada likes to keep his/her collection fresh.
I think paying the "music" bill will eventually become one of those things people consider as part of their cost of living just like the phone bill or the cable bill (at least for people who could benefit from such a service).
> Never trust a computer proffesional that doesnt list computer as a hobby.
Never trust a tech who tattoes his IP address to his arm, especially if it's DHCP.
It shows
And all this time I thought the bad english in the spam I get originated from Asia.
Agreed, I graduated 2 years ago and found that many of the tech jobs wanted RPG programming or JD Edwards experience. Where the fsck am I supposed to pick that up?! I'm willing to learn whatever it takes, but there are only so many things I can do. I can buy degrees and certificates, but I can't buy experience!