At least it was as of the last edition of Shadowrun, and all it's fiction. It's 2056, just in case anyone cares. And Catz forgets to mention alot of relevent points about the game world of shadowrun, of which I am a great fan, to make his point. Not that his point is invalid, just a little, well, narrow compaired to what could have been said. To much self gratification.
I'd just like to point out for the people who missed it, not rudely, but just to make you perhaps aware of it, that the software emulation layer called code-morphing works at the acceptable level that it does because the chip was built to support the instructions most used by the software layer, i.e. the direct equivilents of the intel instructions. So while other code morphing layers certainly could be done, they performance hit would be quite a bit more noticable. And that's assuming anyone else can figure out how the whole code morphing software works (I somehow don't think that transmeta is going to open source this particular little jem).
But, this thing runs Linux natively. Now, either this means they've gotten gcc working under it, or it'll need to be ported, and then, things will be able to be recompiled into natively on to a, and let me clear my throught and look intensely at all of you before I say this, 128 bit processor. This means vastly improved accuracy in all calculations, and this is especially important for floating point numbers, such as the ones extensively used by, say every 3d app known to exist (at least by me). Now, I'm just speculating at this point, but this gets me very excited. Has anyone here heard of a wonderful little box called a dreamcast? Guess what, it's got a 128 bit processor in it. Do you know what clock speed it runs at? 200mhz. That's right, it can push out it's massive frame rates running at 'only' 200mhz, admitedly with it's impresive 3d chips as backup. But what do you think it'll take to get one of the two big (or even top four) 3d chip manufacturers to make a card that'll run on this chips platform? Not much, I'd wadger, after a many thousands of crazed linux nuts start crying for them. Then consider that the low end chip that's coming out is running at 400mhz, and is priced about the same as a celeron. Now, I don't mean to get everyone thinking that we'd all be living in some fantasy world with these chips in everything, but I am pointing out that there is some missed potential. Anyone with more techinical knowlage of both 128 bit computing, and the Dreamcast's platform, want to shoot this to crud, or perhaps agree with me?
Though, actually, to add to my last post, I can see one useful outcome of this experiment, for the standard pc user, and that is to have ther ISP contain an application server with a nice, stable, ftp client, mail client, etc. Browsers these days have to many bells and wistles to make them run well over a network though. Once again, just a though...
Far from it. Originally, the idea for home computers (way back when, back when IBM was king of the heap, like M$ is now, and deserved the title 'big blue') was to have them be dumb terminals for a larger server system running at the other end of a network... remember the famously inaccurate quote about 'the world will need four or five computers, max'? That's exactly what they meant... but what was discovered was that the cost of implementing that kind of network was simply not possible to justify, even if the technology was in place. The fact that it's being re-explored as an option is interesting, in a contained experiment sort of way, but I really don't think it'll fly. People can run a word processor better on even a POS home PC, not net connect required. Why would you want to tie up a phone line, or pay for an expensive digital line, if your computer can already do the same thing without, and for less money? And anyone with a powerful computer would simply laugh at the idea of making there computer a dumb terminal. I suppose if you where using a net connect as it was, it would be useful, but I really don't think anyone would rely on it...
As for using this on internal networks, I don't think that will fly either. If you really want to take the time to set that up, you can do it better, faster, and more stable with gnu/linux and X. X was built with this in mind, after all...
note: I'm a relatively young hacker, who's just payed attention to history, and is making observations. I don't claim to be 100% accurate, and I'm just expressing my views on this... but I did want to make my point.
I'm sure someone has brought this up by now, but what about thouse of us with the DRX3 decoder? I mean, I bought mine when I knew windows was the only thing I'd be able to play dvds under, but now that DRX2 users have another option, I'd like to have one too. I'd just be happy if they said they planned to, even if it was not something they are ready to release yet. From the sound of it, the developers from CL may read/., so if any of them reads this, please, let us know, ok?
I have to agree that highly skilled IT workers are going to be flooding the market any time soon. As a CS major in my second year at collage, I have to say that most of my classmates in my CS classes are really not cut out to be programmers. Oh sure, they are passing the class, they might even be able to pull off a B or B+, because they follow along, and learn what they need to, and write programs with no errors, but most of them can't even do that. But they don't do it because they want to, they do it because they want to get a piece of paper that says they are qualified. Then there are the 15% or so of us who got started in computers because they fascinate us, and write extra code, do experimental stuff, just because we want to, because we want to squeeze that last drop of performance or functionality out of a program. That is really what it takes to be a great programmer, is the drive to do something just because it's a challenge.
Another thing I've noticed is that most of the people in the classes with me expect to be able to program without having to learn hard core mathematics. But, thinking about it now, thinking through computer algorithms and mathematical algorithms is basically the same process. If your good at one, you'll be good at the other. And mathematics is easier to learn. Hmm, looks like i'm going to be taking more math classes next semester.
As for worrying that I won't have a job when I get out of school, I can't even imagine that the computer gaming industry is going to dry up any time soon, nor there need for hard core programmers, either.
You know, I *wanted* to download this but...
on
WinLinux 2000
·
· Score: 1
I couldn't! The ftp server was down. This is a bit of an old post (by/. standards), so I don't think it was that they got/.ed. But when I went to give them some feedback, there php and sql combo for there comment database was all screwed up. Looks like there server is in beta test as well. That and I want to download this over my schools network, but it is to big to fit on a zip disk in one piece. Wish they would break it up into two. Now, with some of the comments on here, I am wondering if it in fact uses the windows enviroment for anything, and if it will use my scanner drivers to let me use it with a stable version of the GIMP. Bugger.
Ok, first, this is talk about SOCKET K7s. The current crop are attachet to the MB by a single line of connectors along the side of a board that has the CPU, and L2 cache attached to it. A socket board would be like the socket7 architecture that has served the low end PC world so well. It would be pysicaly similar to the Super7 boards, and the Celeron slotA boards, though there are reasons that they are not compatable. One, is that the overall board architecture that is used is very different. First, there is the 200mhz FSB speed, and then the possibility of 8mb of L2 cache (yummy!), and various more basic differences. Then there is the fact that the connector for the CPU is different. And no, there is no way to change that, aside from re-enginering the chip itself, WHICH WE DON'T WANT AMD TO DO! This would take inordinate amounts of time and money, both for AMD, and more money from you. That said, back to your normally scedualed nonsence.
Why use gifs at all? Use PNGs. They have better compression, are capable of being inline images in both 4.0+ browsers (don't know about opera), and are, noteably, GPLed. Well, the codec is, anyway. Replace GIFs!
Good point. I've seen alot of idiot script kiddies giveing the rest of us young scripters and hackers a bad name. The sort that would crack and brag. The sort that spell things like they where doing methedone and speed at the same time, and getting jolts of each, alternating every few seconds. Really. Sometimes I wonder why clueless people like that get into computers in the first place. AND HAVE THE BALLS TO GET AN ACCOUNT IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THE GAUL TO INSAULT SOMEONE! I say balls because I am betting the number of girls/women who are posting inane drivle to be next to 0%, if not 0% itself. Now someone will prove me wrong, just watch.
I noticed some people making coments about how Intel makes MB chipsets that work the first time. And they gave ALi and SiS as people who don't. Notice someone who is missing? VIA. They make the best Super7 chipsets, IMHO. However, who will make the MB chipsets for the K7? I hope that VIA and AMD will continue there cordial relations, even though they are now competitors, considering that Cyrix's CPU R&D and production are now part of VIA. That's right, Cyrix processors might actualy have some bugless releases now. Wow, what a concept. But, thankfully, I have read on a number of occasions that VIA and AMD have allready made araingements for VIA to make MB chipsets for the K7.
I live in Santa Cruz county, which is just west of the vally, about as far west you can go without falling off the continent, and staying in CA. Housing isn't any better over here. The problem is two fold. One, there are all the people who find it possible to live over here and commute over to the vally, and there is the recent developments in the UC system. Specifically, the current lack of affirmitive action laws in California ment that the UCs didn't need to limit the number of students to ensure a certain percentage of minority groups, which has led to an influx of people. Now, this is ok, all in all, except for one small problem. The UC board decided to send the overflow of accepted students to UC Santa Cruz! ALL OF THEM! This has done hell for the already shit poor state of the housing in this county. Not only that, but we have one of the most popular junior collages in the state, Cabrillo, having it's highest enrollment rate in it's history, and many of them are not locals with established housing, which means that much more of a burden. Not an easy problem to solve.
First, ram is truely the key to a fast system. Yes, having a badass, dual CPU Celeron system OC'd to 464 is awsome, but if you are going to spend the $240 or so, bare minimum, on this, spend another $100, and get 128M of ram. And not just any ram. Be sure that when you are buying it, it is CAS2, rather than the standard CAS3. Of corse make sure it's PC100 as well. Don't go for PC133 just yet, it is far to expensive, and no MB or CPUs support it yet.
Second thing, send me lots of money for my advice! I want to get one of these too. %^> Oh well, guess thats not going to happen. Looks like time to save every dime I get again.
Thats the thing then, IMO. I have seen many MB at work, but Asus are the best so far. Can't wait to get one. Hell, can't wait to try this setup, and give my AMD K6-2 366 to a friend of mine still running a P166mmx. But remeber, Ram is key. Get at least 128megs if you want a realy kickass machien, and 256 later on, when you've saved up another $100. Also, Word to everyone, for real performace, get CAS2 rather than standard (CAS3) 100MHZ sdram. It has a lower latency, and is faster. It is also about $15 more than CAS3 stuff, but worth every penny.
I'm sorry, but my dad used to work in a waffer fab, and I know for a fact that thay cost WAY more than a dime to produce. They in fact do cost about $50 to $75 per chip, not per waffer. FYI CPUs are made on waffers, with the best quality ones most commonly in the middle. As for the celeron, yes, most of the R&D was done, but "underclocking" them is a ridiculous prospect. The mearly used a cheaper and less effective manufaturing process. That, and as an important note, no internal l2 cache like the PII. Thats where they really saved money.
Personally, I am not to happy with this. Why? It means Home Depot will be doing better buissness. Why should I care? B/c, HD is one of the largest distributers of rare and theatened woods in the world. They are responsible for the destruction of more redwoods than any other single company in the entire world. I for one, want them to stop this madness. While this has nothing to do with linux, it has everything to do with the spirit behind linux, part of which is to work with everything, and not harm anything. Please boycott Home Depot, and, if you do help them with linux configuration, because it is important that we do spread the use of this wonderful operating system, include a statement of protest of there ruthless slauter of trees. Thank you, and now back to the normal nerd talk.
True, I have ment many people who do that same thing. That is a cultural (counter-cultural?), problem, one which has no obvious solution. There is of course, to stop ridiculing people who are different from you, and teach the young people around you to do the same, but the examples you put forth must be reenforced by other parts of their lives, esp. their home lives, in order to stick. Most importantly, I think parents should learn the right balance between disapline and understanding. Without both, the whole process falls on its ass.
Hey, let's be frank here... I think everyone at one point in time or another has left a job for some reason or another. If you haven't, then you are either very lucky or very meek, and enjoy being walked on.
Or to young to have run into this yet. Remember, some of us are just getting started in the free software development, and the job market in general, and aren't jaded yet. But we will, of course.
Being 17 and nearly a former cracker, and instead a hacker, I can whole heartedly disagree with you. I didn't care that Microsoft was the biggest, but that I didn't have any oportunity to develop in a real programing language. For me, I was mad because developing in C, or C++, or Visual C++ under windows is so damn exculsionary, and I had would have to shell out money to learn. But then I found Linux, and I was able to code and compile C and C++ programs for free! So sence then I have been doing my best to forget BASIC, and learn C and C++.
I hate to say this, certainly, I misspell, and miss punctuation every so often, but CAPITALIZE DAMNIT! And don't do that unless you are trying to shout. Online communications are ment to be easy to read, so use basic capitalization, and make everyones lives easier. Spelling mistakes happen, we are all nerds after all, and english class takes a bit of a back seat, but basic grammer and punctuation can still be applied to this stuff. Now, of cource, I need to reply to the real subject, and not be rude.
Ok. There is a simple point to make about Linux, and all open source OSs. Why do crackers do it? Most often, they feel disgruntled at the people against whom they are directing there attacks. But more recently, alot of misguided ones have been attacking windows users as a whole, because of all the bad press that windows is getting, and they think they can make all the windows users pay. And of course, the bragging rites. Most crackers are young nerds in an area where nerds don't have any support network. So they want something to do to impress other nerds. In the past, all they had was windows, and to be able to deveolop anything, they had to use either basic or more recently VB, and VBA (which mellissa was writen in), to make the system do funny things, because they where the only tools they had. They wanted to see if they could do it.
But Linux doesn't restrict the development of programs for it. Quite the opposite. Now instead of deveolping viruses, young nerds who need an outlet will write programs that are useful to impress there online peers.
Now, this won't end the creation of viruses, but it will factor in, strongly. Of course, stupid users will always be there, doing stupid things. But at least there will be less holes, and less people trying to exploit them. A cracker after all, is not likely to be a disgruntled user, but an unhappy kid. An unhappy kid with some technical savy. Give them something better to do, one that will win them more respect, and you bet they will do it. Nothing to loss, plenty to gain.
Or, at least I think I do. I just got my card yesterday (5/7/99), and installed it under windoze first, so I know what it sounds like with the full drivers. I had heard on here that it could be a bit of a pain to install under linux, but this was not entirely true. I installed it with the script, and it went fine. Granted, I'd read the readme, and compiled my latest kernel with the support it needed, but I figured, why rebuild it a second time when I need to add printer support anyway. However, the first mp3 I played in x11amp came out choppy, and I thought I was hosed. However, I tried another one (higher bandwidth, and standard one too), and it came out fine. Or, rather, it came out like I'd played it in a SB 16. Which is when it hit me. The people at Creative don't have an experienced Linux person (see there job offer for a linux porter, elsewhere on slashdot), and as such, did there best with what they had. So they implimented the SB16 emulation under linux. Sure, it doesn't meet peoples expectations, but, as thier job offer shows, they are serious about makeing it work. Good for them. I know people had feared that they might do what they did with OS/2 support, but, I think not. Just my two (three... four... five) cents, hope it helps some understand why it sounds crappy a bit. Oh, and it is hardly, or just not, optimized, so it plays poorly with other cpu intensive apps, like snes9x.
Slashdot Mirror
At least it was as of the last edition of Shadowrun, and all it's fiction. It's 2056, just in case anyone cares. And Catz forgets to mention alot of relevent points about the game world of shadowrun, of which I am a great fan, to make his point. Not that his point is invalid, just a little, well, narrow compaired to what could have been said. To much self gratification.
I'd just like to point out for the people who missed it, not rudely, but just to make you perhaps aware of it, that the software emulation layer called code-morphing works at the acceptable level that it does because the chip was built to support the instructions most used by the software layer, i.e. the direct equivilents of the intel instructions. So while other code morphing layers certainly could be done, they performance hit would be quite a bit more noticable. And that's assuming anyone else can figure out how the whole code morphing software works (I somehow don't think that transmeta is going to open source this particular little jem).
But, this thing runs Linux natively. Now, either this means they've gotten gcc working under it, or it'll need to be ported, and then, things will be able to be recompiled into natively on to a, and let me clear my throught and look intensely at all of you before I say this, 128 bit processor. This means vastly improved accuracy in all calculations, and this is especially important for floating point numbers, such as the ones extensively used by, say every 3d app known to exist (at least by me). Now, I'm just speculating at this point, but this gets me very excited. Has anyone here heard of a wonderful little box called a dreamcast? Guess what, it's got a 128 bit processor in it. Do you know what clock speed it runs at? 200mhz. That's right, it can push out it's massive frame rates running at 'only' 200mhz, admitedly with it's impresive 3d chips as backup. But what do you think it'll take to get one of the two big (or even top four) 3d chip manufacturers to make a card that'll run on this chips platform? Not much, I'd wadger, after a many thousands of crazed linux nuts start crying for them. Then consider that the low end chip that's coming out is running at 400mhz, and is priced about the same as a celeron. Now, I don't mean to get everyone thinking that we'd all be living in some fantasy world with these chips in everything, but I am pointing out that there is some missed potential. Anyone with more techinical knowlage of both 128 bit computing, and the Dreamcast's platform, want to shoot this to crud, or perhaps agree with me?
Though, actually, to add to my last post, I can see one useful outcome of this experiment, for the standard pc user, and that is to have ther ISP contain an application server with a nice, stable, ftp client, mail client, etc. Browsers these days have to many bells and wistles to make them run well over a network though. Once again, just a though...
Far from it. Originally, the idea for home computers (way back when, back when IBM was king of the heap, like M$ is now, and deserved the title 'big blue') was to have them be dumb terminals for a larger server system running at the other end of a network... remember the famously inaccurate quote about 'the world will need four or five computers, max'? That's exactly what they meant... but what was discovered was that the cost of implementing that kind of network was simply not possible to justify, even if the technology was in place. The fact that it's being re-explored as an option is interesting, in a contained experiment sort of way, but I really don't think it'll fly. People can run a word processor better on even a POS home PC, not net connect required. Why would you want to tie up a phone line, or pay for an expensive digital line, if your computer can already do the same thing without, and for less money? And anyone with a powerful computer would simply laugh at the idea of making there computer a dumb terminal. I suppose if you where using a net connect as it was, it would be useful, but I really don't think anyone would rely on it...
As for using this on internal networks, I don't think that will fly either. If you really want to take the time to set that up, you can do it better, faster, and more stable with gnu/linux and X. X was built with this in mind, after all...
note: I'm a relatively young hacker, who's just payed attention to history, and is making observations. I don't claim to be 100% accurate, and I'm just expressing my views on this... but I did want to make my point.
I'm sure someone has brought this up by now, but what about thouse of us with the DRX3 decoder? I mean, I bought mine when I knew windows was the only thing I'd be able to play dvds under, but now that DRX2 users have another option, I'd like to have one too. I'd just be happy if they said they planned to, even if it was not something they are ready to release yet. From the sound of it, the developers from CL may read /., so if any of them reads this, please, let us know, ok?
DAMN. I ment are NOT going to be flooding the market any time soon. Damn twitchy mouse finger.
I have to agree that highly skilled IT workers are going to be flooding the market any
time soon. As a CS major in my second year at collage, I have to say that most of my
classmates in my CS classes are really not cut out to be programmers. Oh sure, they are
passing the class, they might even be able to pull off a B or B+, because they follow
along, and learn what they need to, and write programs with no errors, but most of them
can't even do that. But they don't do it because they want to, they do it because they
want to get a piece of paper that says they are qualified. Then there are the 15% or so of
us who got started in computers because they fascinate us, and write extra code, do
experimental stuff, just because we want to, because we want to squeeze that last drop
of performance or functionality out of a program. That is really what it takes to be a great
programmer, is the drive to do something just because it's a challenge.
Another thing I've noticed is that most of the people in the classes with me expect to be
able to program without having to learn hard core mathematics. But, thinking about it
now, thinking through computer algorithms and mathematical algorithms is basically the
same process. If your good at one, you'll be good at the other. And mathematics is easier
to learn. Hmm, looks like i'm going to be taking more math classes next semester.
As for worrying that I won't have a job when I get out of school, I can't even imagine that
the computer gaming industry is going to dry up any time soon, nor there need for hard
core programmers, either.
I couldn't! The ftp server was down. This is a bit of an old post (by /. standards), so I don't think it was that they got /.ed. But when I went to give them some feedback, there php and sql combo for there comment database was all screwed up. Looks like there server is in beta test as well. That and I want to download this over my schools network, but it is to big to fit on a zip disk in one piece. Wish they would break it up into two. Now, with some of the comments on here, I am wondering if it in fact uses the windows enviroment for anything, and if it will use my scanner drivers to let me use it with a stable version of the GIMP. Bugger.
Ok, first, this is talk about SOCKET K7s. The current crop are attachet to the MB by a single line of connectors along the side of a board that has the CPU, and L2 cache attached to it. A socket board would be like the socket7 architecture that has served the low end PC world so well. It would be pysicaly similar to the Super7 boards, and the Celeron slotA boards, though there are reasons that they are not compatable. One, is that the overall board architecture that is used is very different. First, there is the 200mhz FSB speed, and then the possibility of 8mb of L2 cache (yummy!), and various more basic differences. Then there is the fact that the connector for the CPU is different. And no, there is no way to change that, aside from re-enginering the chip itself, WHICH WE DON'T WANT AMD TO DO! This would take inordinate amounts of time and money, both for AMD, and more money from you. That said, back to your normally scedualed nonsence.
Why use gifs at all? Use PNGs. They have better compression, are capable of being inline images in both 4.0+ browsers (don't know about opera), and are, noteably, GPLed. Well, the codec is, anyway. Replace GIFs!
FNOOGFNOOGFNOOG. OOk OOk.
Good point. I've seen alot of idiot script kiddies giveing the rest of us young scripters and hackers a bad name. The sort that would crack and brag. The sort that spell things like they where doing methedone and speed at the same time, and getting jolts of each, alternating every few seconds. Really. Sometimes I wonder why clueless people like that get into computers in the first place. AND HAVE THE BALLS TO GET AN ACCOUNT IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THE GAUL TO INSAULT SOMEONE! I say balls because I am betting the number of girls/women who are posting inane drivle to be next to 0%, if not 0% itself. Now someone will prove me wrong, just watch.
I noticed some people making coments about how Intel makes MB chipsets that work the first time. And they gave ALi and SiS as people who don't. Notice someone who is missing? VIA. They make the best Super7 chipsets, IMHO. However, who will make the MB chipsets for the K7? I hope that VIA and AMD will continue there cordial relations, even though they are now competitors, considering that Cyrix's CPU R&D and production are now part of VIA. That's right, Cyrix processors might actualy have some bugless releases now. Wow, what a concept. But, thankfully, I have read on a number of occasions that VIA and AMD have allready made araingements for VIA to make MB chipsets for the K7.
I live in Santa Cruz county, which is just west of the vally, about as far west you can go without falling off the continent, and staying in CA. Housing isn't any better over here. The problem is two fold. One, there are all the people who find it possible to live over here and commute over to the vally, and there is the recent developments in the UC system. Specifically, the current lack of affirmitive action laws in California ment that the UCs didn't need to limit the number of students to ensure a certain percentage of minority groups, which has led to an influx of people. Now, this is ok, all in all, except for one small problem. The UC board decided to send the overflow of accepted students to UC Santa Cruz! ALL OF THEM! This has done hell for the already shit poor state of the housing in this county. Not only that, but we have one of the most popular junior collages in the state, Cabrillo, having it's highest enrollment rate in it's history, and many of them are not locals with established housing, which means that much more of a burden. Not an easy problem to solve.
First, ram is truely the key to a fast system. Yes, having a badass, dual CPU Celeron system OC'd to 464 is awsome, but if you are going to spend the $240 or so, bare minimum, on this, spend another $100, and get 128M of ram. And not just any ram. Be sure that when you are buying it, it is CAS2, rather than the standard CAS3. Of corse make sure it's PC100 as well. Don't go for PC133 just yet, it is far to expensive, and no MB or CPUs support it yet.
Second thing, send me lots of money for my advice! I want to get one of these too. %^> Oh well, guess thats not going to happen. Looks like time to save every dime I get again.
Thats the thing then, IMO. I have seen many MB at work, but Asus are the best so far. Can't wait to get one. Hell, can't wait to try this setup, and give my AMD K6-2 366 to a friend of mine still running a P166mmx. But remeber, Ram is key. Get at least 128megs if you want a realy kickass machien, and 256 later on, when you've saved up another $100. Also, Word to everyone, for real performace, get CAS2 rather than standard (CAS3) 100MHZ sdram. It has a lower latency, and is faster. It is also about $15 more than CAS3 stuff, but worth every penny.
I'm sorry, but my dad used to work in a waffer fab, and I know for a fact that thay cost WAY more than a dime to produce. They in fact do cost about $50 to $75 per chip, not per waffer. FYI CPUs are made on waffers, with the best quality ones most commonly in the middle. As for the celeron, yes, most of the R&D was done, but "underclocking" them is a ridiculous prospect. The mearly used a cheaper and less effective manufaturing process. That, and as an important note, no internal l2 cache like the PII. Thats where they really saved money.
Personally, I am not to happy with this. Why? It means Home Depot will be doing better buissness. Why should I care? B/c, HD is one of the largest distributers of rare and theatened woods in the world. They are responsible for the destruction of more redwoods than any other single company in the entire world. I for one, want them to stop this madness. While this has nothing to do with linux, it has everything to do with the spirit behind linux, part of which is to work with everything, and not harm anything. Please boycott Home Depot, and, if you do help them with linux configuration, because it is important that we do spread the use of this wonderful operating system, include a statement of protest of there ruthless slauter of trees. Thank you, and now back to the normal nerd talk.
True, I have ment many people who do that same thing. That is a cultural (counter-cultural?), problem, one which has no obvious solution. There is of course, to stop ridiculing people who are different from you, and teach the young people around you to do the same, but the examples you put forth must be reenforced by other parts of their lives, esp. their home lives, in order to stick. Most importantly, I think parents should learn the right balance between disapline and understanding. Without both, the whole process falls on its ass.
Hey, let's be frank here... I think everyone at one point in time or another has left a job for some reason or another. If you haven't, then you are either very lucky or very meek, and enjoy being walked on.
Or to young to have run into this yet. Remember, some of us are just getting started in the free software development, and the job market in general, and aren't jaded yet. But we will, of course.
My response to this troll (while it lasts, before the moderators get it). F*ck me. Please. Ladies? Any young women out there who want a fun date?
Being 17 and nearly a former cracker, and instead a hacker, I can whole heartedly disagree with you. I didn't care that Microsoft was the biggest, but that I didn't have any oportunity to develop in a real programing language. For me, I was mad because developing in C, or C++, or Visual C++ under windows is so damn exculsionary, and I had would have to shell out money to learn. But then I found Linux, and I was able to code and compile C and C++ programs for free! So sence then I have been doing my best to forget BASIC, and learn C and C++.
Testomony of a nearly cracker.
I hate to say this, certainly, I misspell, and miss punctuation every so often, but CAPITALIZE DAMNIT! And don't do that unless you are trying to shout. Online communications are ment to be easy to read, so use basic capitalization, and make everyones lives easier. Spelling mistakes happen, we are all nerds after all, and english class takes a bit of a back seat, but basic grammer and punctuation can still be applied to this stuff. Now, of cource, I need to reply to the real subject, and not be rude.
Ok. There is a simple point to make about Linux, and all open source OSs. Why do crackers do it? Most often, they feel disgruntled at the people against whom they are directing there attacks. But more recently, alot of misguided ones have been attacking windows users as a whole, because of all the bad press that windows is getting, and they think they can make all the windows users pay. And of course, the bragging rites. Most crackers are young nerds in an area where nerds don't have any support network. So they want something to do to impress other nerds. In the past, all they had was windows, and to be able to deveolop anything, they had to use either basic or more recently VB, and VBA (which mellissa was writen in), to make the system do funny things, because they where the only tools they had. They wanted to see if they could do it.
But Linux doesn't restrict the development of programs for it. Quite the opposite. Now instead of deveolping viruses, young nerds who need an outlet will write programs that are useful to impress there online peers.
Now, this won't end the creation of viruses, but it will factor in, strongly. Of course, stupid users will always be there, doing stupid things. But at least there will be less holes, and less people trying to exploit them. A cracker after all, is not likely to be a disgruntled user, but an unhappy kid. An unhappy kid with some technical savy. Give them something better to do, one that will win them more respect, and you bet they will do it. Nothing to loss, plenty to gain.
Or, at least I think I do. I just got my card yesterday (5/7/99), and installed it under windoze first, so I know what it sounds like with the full drivers. I had heard on here that it could be a bit of a pain to install under linux, but this was not entirely true. I installed it with the script, and it went fine. Granted, I'd read the readme, and compiled my latest kernel with the support it needed, but I figured, why rebuild it a second time when I need to add printer support anyway. However, the first mp3 I played in x11amp came out choppy, and I thought I was hosed. However, I tried another one (higher bandwidth, and standard one too), and it came out fine. Or, rather, it came out like I'd played it in a SB 16. Which is when it hit me. The people at Creative don't have an experienced Linux person (see there job offer for a linux porter, elsewhere on slashdot), and as such, did there best with what they had. So they implimented the SB16 emulation under linux. Sure, it doesn't meet peoples expectations, but, as thier job offer shows, they are serious about makeing it work. Good for them. I know people had feared that they might do what they did with OS/2 support, but, I think not. Just my two (three... four... five) cents, hope it helps some understand why it sounds crappy a bit. Oh, and it is hardly, or just not, optimized, so it plays poorly with other cpu intensive apps, like snes9x.