How would Slashdotters go about picking a solid, basic laptop for Web surfing and document editing that won't be obsolete in two years?"
Think about this for a second - you're looking for something that does the most basic, routine tasks out there. A bottom-of-the-barrel laptop these days ($3-400?) has about 1000x the power you need to surf the web and run MS Office. And it won't be obsolete in 2 years. The same software you run today will work just fine in 2 years, and will take care of any web/office task you could possibly conceive of.
These days, spending more than $500 on a laptop is pointless unless you use it for games, or as a fullblown desktop replacement (video editing, etc). But web use? Office docs? Email? A 5 year old laptop would suffice.
You know how every few months someone posts yet another video of guys taking video from high altitude balloons, and we all yawn because we've seen it a dozen times or more?
Tron 1.0
on
Tron: Legacy
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
I've re-watched the original Tron on occasion over the years, and just recently last week in preparation for the new movie (which I haven't seen yet, because every theatre in my city has it in headache-vision only, but that's another rant).
Maybe it's just me, but I find it holding up less and less as time goes on. The first part of the movie is cut very poorly and frequently jumps around for no real reason. Once Flynn is in the Tron world, the movie ever-so-slowly gets rather tiresome and boring. Now, part of this is me just being used to modern movies that have a much quicker pace overall, but it's more than that. There really just isn't all that much story here. And all of it is hurriedly explained in the first 15 minutes or so, so the rest of the movie is just a Lord of the Rings style quest without much actually happening.
Now, visually - I'm one of the few that still think the effects hold up. They just have a unique look to them that really exists in no other movie of its time or any time. It always surprises me upon re-watching to realize just how many computer graphics were used. Knowing how much effort when into them, I always think there must only be a few shots, but it never ceases to amaze me just how often you see them. Plus, the costume effect is just something we'll never see replicated again.
If it's on in the background on mute, Tron is a pretty cool movie still. But actually trying to watch it? I'm just as likely to fall asleep somewhere around the 45 minute mark as not.
Not sure how much this will be considered Flamebait on Slashdot:)
If any heads should roll over the leaks, it should be those of the guy who stole the data and whatever dunce(s) allowed peons access to the data.
I'm surprised Slashdotters haven't picked up on this angle, but the peons have access to this data as a direct result of 9/11 and the panic legislation that ensued. Remember all of the "OMG gov't agencies need access to each other's information so that we can prevent this from happening"? Remember privacy advocates pointing out that perhaps it's not a smart idea to have all of this information shared all over the place, because of possible unintended consequences?
There's a reason some 3 million US soldiers had access to all of this data. The government brought it upon itself.
Asshat: "All of Slashdot is an entire hivemind, but look at me, *I* think different (even though I consistently ignore moderations that don't prove my point)!" (+4 Insightful)
There's a character that epitomizes the "Oh, I'd only do GOOD things" principle, and where it inevitably leads. And this is a guy without any "powers" to speak of.
RSA's product is indeed SecureID. Several other companies produce similar products. I carry several on my keychain for various purposes, it's a pain in the ass. Thankfully the batteries last 3-5 years on them so at least you're not always replacing the damn things.
If so, what prevents me from calling and saying I'm you and that I'm in Milan?
The same way you're prevented from calling the CC company and changing my address, or calling my bank and wire transferring money into your account, or 300 other nasty things you could think up. They do have *some* security on your account that way - they ask you enough personal information that they're satisfied it's you.
You don't travel much and/or own a credit card, do you? This has been routine practice for decades.
We played freeze tag in the early 80s, long before video games even HAD a pause function (first one was 1982 that I can think of). My older siblings played it in the 1970s.
If anything, kids are just expanding that concept and likely incorporating the concept of a "time out", as invented by parents as a form of discipline. Although again "time outs" long pre-date anything remotely modern. Sporting events have had them for ages.
Interesting. I wonder if the creators of Frantic Freddie paid the proper licensing fee to Queen for using their music in much of the game. Not many software creators back then did, so I highly doubt it.
"Pirate" Queen's music, people "pirate" your game. Seems fitting.
I'll require you meet my needs as well as him, though I'll think of something more creative than moron to call you if you don't. Also, I won't tell you my needs unless you fail to meet them.;)
In Canada you can't be held to a contract unless your of legal age. Since the majority of the target audience of console games is under 20 most of the people agreeing to the EULAs can't be held accountable, at least in Canada.
Small quibble, but the age of majority (in terms of contracts, anyway) in Canada is 18.
Doesn't detract from the rest of your thoughtful point though.
Slashdot Mirror
How would Slashdotters go about picking a solid, basic laptop for Web surfing and document editing that won't be obsolete in two years?"
Think about this for a second - you're looking for something that does the most basic, routine tasks out there. A bottom-of-the-barrel laptop these days ($3-400?) has about 1000x the power you need to surf the web and run MS Office. And it won't be obsolete in 2 years. The same software you run today will work just fine in 2 years, and will take care of any web/office task you could possibly conceive of.
These days, spending more than $500 on a laptop is pointless unless you use it for games, or as a fullblown desktop replacement (video editing, etc). But web use? Office docs? Email? A 5 year old laptop would suffice.
You know how every few months someone posts yet another video of guys taking video from high altitude balloons, and we all yawn because we've seen it a dozen times or more?
This is the exact opposite of that.
More like "your whites, on a line".
I've re-watched the original Tron on occasion over the years, and just recently last week in preparation for the new movie (which I haven't seen yet, because every theatre in my city has it in headache-vision only, but that's another rant).
Maybe it's just me, but I find it holding up less and less as time goes on. The first part of the movie is cut very poorly and frequently jumps around for no real reason. Once Flynn is in the Tron world, the movie ever-so-slowly gets rather tiresome and boring. Now, part of this is me just being used to modern movies that have a much quicker pace overall, but it's more than that. There really just isn't all that much story here. And all of it is hurriedly explained in the first 15 minutes or so, so the rest of the movie is just a Lord of the Rings style quest without much actually happening.
Now, visually - I'm one of the few that still think the effects hold up. They just have a unique look to them that really exists in no other movie of its time or any time. It always surprises me upon re-watching to realize just how many computer graphics were used. Knowing how much effort when into them, I always think there must only be a few shots, but it never ceases to amaze me just how often you see them. Plus, the costume effect is just something we'll never see replicated again.
If it's on in the background on mute, Tron is a pretty cool movie still. But actually trying to watch it? I'm just as likely to fall asleep somewhere around the 45 minute mark as not.
Not sure how much this will be considered Flamebait on Slashdot :)
If any heads should roll over the leaks, it should be those of the guy who stole the data and whatever dunce(s) allowed peons access to the data.
I'm surprised Slashdotters haven't picked up on this angle, but the peons have access to this data as a direct result of 9/11 and the panic legislation that ensued. Remember all of the "OMG gov't agencies need access to each other's information so that we can prevent this from happening"? Remember privacy advocates pointing out that perhaps it's not a smart idea to have all of this information shared all over the place, because of possible unintended consequences?
There's a reason some 3 million US soldiers had access to all of this data. The government brought it upon itself.
Slashdot needs a +1, Irony mod.
It's times like this that Slashdot SERIOUSLY needs a +1000, Totally Pwned moderation.
Regardless of whether or not I have any opinion for or against the bill, you win this thread hands down.
So did everyone else. The original point still stands.
Asshat: "All of Slashdot is an entire hivemind, but look at me, *I* think different (even though I consistently ignore moderations that don't prove my point)!" (+4 Insightful)
Great, Twitter on air traffic control frequencies.
Yeah, or as Marvel put it: The Punisher.
There's a character that epitomizes the "Oh, I'd only do GOOD things" principle, and where it inevitably leads. And this is a guy without any "powers" to speak of.
RSA's product is indeed SecureID. Several other companies produce similar products. I carry several on my keychain for various purposes, it's a pain in the ass. Thankfully the batteries last 3-5 years on them so at least you're not always replacing the damn things.
How do you do it? Call the CC 800 number?
Basically, yes. Talk to a CSR at the CC company.
If so, what prevents me from calling and saying I'm you and that I'm in Milan?
The same way you're prevented from calling the CC company and changing my address, or calling my bank and wire transferring money into your account, or 300 other nasty things you could think up. They do have *some* security on your account that way - they ask you enough personal information that they're satisfied it's you.
You don't travel much and/or own a credit card, do you? This has been routine practice for decades.
We played freeze tag in the early 80s, long before video games even HAD a pause function (first one was 1982 that I can think of). My older siblings played it in the 1970s.
If anything, kids are just expanding that concept and likely incorporating the concept of a "time out", as invented by parents as a form of discipline. Although again "time outs" long pre-date anything remotely modern. Sporting events have had them for ages.
"Brittnie"? ::facepalm::
Sounds like a strategy the RIAA/MPAA are working hard on embracing.
Yeah, and electric motors won't be waking me up at 3am when some jackass decides to express his "soul" down my street. I'm sure going to miss that.
Yeah, it's at /index.html.
The regulators were tasked to check that the companies followed the procedures for checking their own operations.
This, incidentally, is exactly how SoX compliance functions. And what makes it entirely worthless.
Interesting. I wonder if the creators of Frantic Freddie paid the proper licensing fee to Queen for using their music in much of the game. Not many software creators back then did, so I highly doubt it.
"Pirate" Queen's music, people "pirate" your game. Seems fitting.
Yes.
Now they have to go through channels to get the kid removed from the NFL.
Tell him to try dog fighting.
I'll require you meet my needs as well as him, though I'll think of something more creative than moron to call you if you don't. Also, I won't tell you my needs unless you fail to meet them. ;)
Hey guys! I finally found a woman on Slashdot!!
In Canada you can't be held to a contract unless your of legal age. Since the majority of the target audience of console games is under 20 most of the people agreeing to the EULAs can't be held accountable, at least in Canada.
Small quibble, but the age of majority (in terms of contracts, anyway) in Canada is 18.
Doesn't detract from the rest of your thoughtful point though.
Risk is potential for harm.
Well then, if the potential for harm is how we judge morality, then EVERYTHING is immoral.
I can't think of a single thing a human being can do that could not in some conceivable way have a risk.