Acutally, statistics like that get a LOT of media coverage. I suggest the author take some of her/his standards for factual reporting and apply it to other statistics. Where did you get the number "5,000"? What is the cut-off age for a child (25, 21, 18, 12)?
Anyone's death by firearms is unacceptable. When I studied criminal justice, however, I saw studies that defined a "child" as anyone under 25. This includes legal adults who were killed as part of gang activity.
If the author is going to insist on media fairness and accuracy, I would suggest also exercising it. Sensational statistics like "5,000 kids killed by guns" serve the same purpose as "100,000 computers infected by Melissa".
Sorry to go off-topic (and sound like an NRA stooge), but that statement stuck out like a sore thumb to me.
Java applets don't care about specific processors. The bytecodes are for an "imaginary" virtual processor anyway.
I have heard anecdotal reports that the Java interpreter on Netscape for Solaris is a little crashy. I've noticed that Netscape 4.5 on my Linux machine is REAL crashy on some applets.
The "Requires Pentium II" was probably just the banner ad that was next in the queue. It could have just as easily been an ad for Sun, Apple, or Amazon.com.
I've noticed that the most successful open source projects tend to have open-ended deadlines. How long were people expecting Linux kernel 2.2? How long did it take to get to GNOME 1.0?
The collaborative open source model seems to prevent hard delivery dates. This may not be a bad thing -- I think part of the reason bad code gets shipped is because companies INSIST on delivering by x date.
In the case of Mozilla, however, they have pressure to release because everyone knows that Mozilla will form the core of Navigator 5. The fact that Navigator 4.5 has problems doesn't help one bit.
If Mozilla had been started from scratch as a standard no-deadline, no-pressure open project, I suspect fewer people would be frustrated with it.
The (not-so) short version: Windows assigns a psuedo-unique 128 bit identifier to components in the operating system. This number (called a GUID) is attached to the component and is also stored in the Windows registry.
Here's an example of an MS GUID from a Microsoft component: {90290CCB-F27D-11D0-8031-00C04FB6C701}
Normally, Windows uses these to find components without worrying about file paths (is it C:\WinNT\System32 or somewhere else?).
GUIDs are generated based in part on the unigue identifier of the computer's ethernet card. They are usually generated when a component, document, whatever, is created.
MS has apparently decided that GUIDs should be attached to Word Docs, as well as to operating system components.
[SOAPBOX MODE ON] If I'm able to cut and paste a valid GUID into a post on slashdot, what's to keep a really good macro virus writer from cut/pasting a different GUID into his infected doc?
Once again, Katz shows his penchant for self-promotion. He'll take just about any cyber-event and turn it into fodder for his own scribulations. I don't know why I even bother reading anything with Katz's name on it. I don't know why I post pointless anti-Katz flames instead of just reading something else. I guess it's because I'm sure people really want to read my infantile rants about articles I don't like.
Oh, and if you think I'm serious, you probably need to loosen up a bit:P
I like it. IF Linux advocates want it on people's desktops (another debate entirely), why not do a desktop distribution that includes (for example) a kernel with PPP support by default? Leave out sendmail, ftpd, and other "server" stuff.
I like it. IF Linux advocates want it on people's desktops (another debate entirely), why not do a desktop distribution that includes (for example) a kernel with PPP support by default? Leave out sendmail, ftp, and other "server" stuff.
>> 2) if we have nobody to hate, is that not a GOOD thing?
Absolutely. What I wanted to point out was the danger of having a community united by hatred of a single company (or person). What happens to the community if the "bad guy" goes away?
I just try to focus on sharing my enthusiasm for open/free software because it works. IMHO, using it because, "it's not Microsoft," seems kind of trendy and short-lived.
Overall, I enjoyed the article and found it very informative.
What is starting to concern me is that so much of the pro-free argument is expressed as anti-Microsoft. I think free/open software is quite capable of succeeding on its own merits, without ever referencing the big mean software company.
As far as many people are concerned, the server battle is already over. They like fast, efficient, reliable servers that can be configured with a dial-up connection and telnet. They also like having bugs acknowledged and fixed quickly.
I can't criticize anyone for wanting to attack MS, given their FUD attacks on open source software. I just think its important that GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, [your favorite here] be perceived as something more than, "an alternative to Microsoft". If Microsoft trips over its own feet (it can happen -- ask Apple and IBM), we may someday find ourselves with nobody to hate.
we can get them to open the source to AIM (like Mozilla). Then we'll go in and add a backdoor password (i.e. "/.rulez") that causes it to delete itself. I'm sure they would have no trouble recruiting programmers to do THAT for free.:-)
It's a psuedo-random number based partly on the unique number in the network card. I'm pretty sure the exact date/time of generation plays a part it in, as well.
Scary point -- There is an acknowledged Microsoft bug that occurs when GUIDs are generated on computers without Ethernet cards. These computers use Dial-Up Networking, which apparently generates the SAME unique identifier for everyone. It is possible that two computers without Ethernet cards could generate the same GUID.
Yeah, I sometimes program in Windows. I didn't say I like it.:-)
Great point. What's subtle, but very scary, is the use of the word "fingerprint" in the media to describe the GUID.
This creates the impression in the mind of the public that a GUID is unique like a fingerprint. Programmers who work on Microsoft systems know that GUIDs can be easily copied or faked.
I would hate for someone to snag a GUID from a COM object I wrote and embed it a Word doc containing a virus. Convincing the FBI that it wasn't me could be a nightmare.
Geez, the more I think about this, the more it scares me!
Slashdot Mirror
Acutally, statistics like that get a LOT of media coverage. I suggest the author take some of her/his standards for factual reporting and apply it to other statistics. Where did you get the number "5,000"? What is the cut-off age for a child (25, 21, 18, 12)?
Anyone's death by firearms is unacceptable. When I studied criminal justice, however, I saw studies that defined a "child" as anyone under 25. This includes legal adults who were killed as part of gang activity.
If the author is going to insist on media fairness and accuracy, I would suggest also exercising it. Sensational statistics like "5,000 kids killed by guns" serve the same purpose as "100,000 computers infected by Melissa".
Sorry to go off-topic (and sound like an NRA stooge), but that statement stuck out like a sore thumb to me.
Gee-whiz. I've never seen so many chest-thumping, "I'm a REAL hacker!" posts on a single topic before. :)
....because I like redundancy.
Java applets don't care about specific processors. The bytecodes are for an "imaginary" virtual processor anyway.
I have heard anecdotal reports that the Java interpreter on Netscape for Solaris is a little crashy. I've noticed that Netscape 4.5 on my Linux machine is REAL crashy on some applets.
The "Requires Pentium II" was probably just the banner ad that was next in the queue. It could have just as easily been an ad for Sun, Apple, or Amazon.com.
Just like Microsoft "Bob" played a critical role in their success! (hee hee)
Sorry, I couldn't resist. :)
This might make a good article someday....
I've noticed that the most successful open source projects tend to have open-ended deadlines. How long were people expecting Linux kernel 2.2? How long did it take to get to GNOME 1.0?
The collaborative open source model seems to prevent hard delivery dates. This may not be a bad thing -- I think part of the reason bad code gets shipped is because companies INSIST on delivering by x date.
In the case of Mozilla, however, they have pressure to release because everyone knows that Mozilla will form the core of Navigator 5. The fact that Navigator 4.5 has problems doesn't help one bit.
If Mozilla had been started from scratch as a standard no-deadline, no-pressure open project, I suspect fewer people would be frustrated with it.
Just my $.02 (and I'll probably get back change)
The (not-so) short version:
Windows assigns a psuedo-unique 128 bit identifier to components in the operating system. This number (called a GUID) is attached to the component and is also stored in the Windows registry.
Here's an example of an MS GUID from a Microsoft component:
{90290CCB-F27D-11D0-8031-00C04FB6C701}
Normally, Windows uses these to find components without worrying about file paths (is it C:\WinNT\System32 or somewhere else?).
GUIDs are generated based in part on the unigue identifier of the computer's ethernet card. They are usually generated when a component, document, whatever, is created.
MS has apparently decided that GUIDs should be attached to Word Docs, as well as to operating system components.
[SOAPBOX MODE ON] If I'm able to cut and paste a valid GUID into a post on slashdot, what's to keep a really good macro virus writer from cut/pasting a different GUID into his infected doc?
Hope this helps.
"Smith was snared with the help of America Online technicians, and a computer task force composed of federal and state agents, Malley said."
:)
This is why my aunt can't get through to AOL's tech support. They're all busy chasing virus writers!
Sorry, I guess I misunderstood your post. I thought you were suggesting attacking US military computers.
I think I have your site bookmarked. Isn't it "http://localhost"?
Please let us know what the visitation hours are in the federal penitentiary. :)
Without speaking for Rob, who said this site was only for Linux users?
The term "software piracy" is considered inappropriate because illegal copying of software is not comparable to robbery of a ship at sea.
Using propriety software, however, is comparable to "slavery".
Hmmm....
Once again, Katz shows his penchant for self-promotion. He'll take just about any cyber-event and turn it into fodder for his own scribulations. I don't know why I even bother reading anything with Katz's name on it. I don't know why I post pointless anti-Katz flames instead of just reading something else. I guess it's because I'm sure people really want to read my infantile rants about articles I don't like.
:P
Oh, and if you think I'm serious, you probably need to loosen up a bit
"scribulations" -- is that even a word?
I like it. IF Linux advocates want it on people's desktops (another debate entirely), why not do a desktop distribution that includes (for example) a kernel with PPP support by default? Leave out sendmail, ftpd, and other "server" stuff.
I like it. IF Linux advocates want it on people's desktops (another debate entirely), why not do a desktop distribution that includes (for example) a kernel with PPP support by default? Leave out sendmail, ftp, and other "server" stuff.
I bench-press 400 lbs. My 4x4 has the biggest tires in town. I carry a .44 Mag in my wasteband, and I use _Debian_!
>> 2) if we have nobody to hate, is that not a GOOD thing?
Absolutely. What I wanted to point out was the danger of having a community united by hatred of a single company (or person). What happens to the community if the "bad guy" goes away?
I just try to focus on sharing my enthusiasm for open/free software because it works. IMHO, using it because, "it's not Microsoft," seems kind of trendy and short-lived.
Overall, I enjoyed the article and found it very informative.
What is starting to concern me is that so much of the pro-free argument is expressed as anti-Microsoft. I think free/open software is quite capable of succeeding on its own merits, without ever referencing the big mean software company.
As far as many people are concerned, the server battle is already over. They like fast, efficient, reliable servers that can be configured with a dial-up connection and telnet.
They also like having bugs acknowledged and fixed quickly.
I can't criticize anyone for wanting to attack MS, given their FUD attacks on open source software. I just think its important that GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, [your favorite here] be perceived as something more than, "an alternative to Microsoft". If Microsoft trips over its own feet (it can happen -- ask Apple and IBM), we may someday find ourselves with nobody to hate.
we can get them to open the source to AIM (like Mozilla). Then we'll go in and add a backdoor password (i.e. "/.rulez") that causes it to delete itself. I'm sure they would have no trouble recruiting programmers to do THAT for free. :-)
Uhhhh, so what exactly are they going to DO?
It's a psuedo-random number based partly on the unique number in the network card. I'm pretty sure the exact date/time of generation plays a part it in, as well.
:-)
Scary point -- There is an acknowledged Microsoft bug that occurs when GUIDs are generated on computers without Ethernet cards. These computers use Dial-Up Networking, which apparently generates the SAME unique identifier for everyone. It is possible that two computers without Ethernet cards could generate the same GUID.
Yeah, I sometimes program in Windows. I didn't say I like it.
Great point. What's subtle, but very scary, is the use of the word "fingerprint" in the media to describe the GUID.
This creates the impression in the mind of the public that a GUID is unique like a fingerprint. Programmers who work on Microsoft systems know that GUIDs can be easily copied or faked.
I would hate for someone to snag a GUID from a COM object I wrote and embed it a Word doc containing a virus. Convincing the FBI that it wasn't me could be a nightmare.
Geez, the more I think about this, the more it scares me!
*Unnnnhh* -- Virus in Visual Basic -- *choke* *wheeze* -- Documents with executable code embedded in them -- *gasp* -- Unique identifiers embedded in documents -- *groan* -- Bad, bad ideas -- *pant* -- Can't breathe anymore -- getting dark....