...but I'm actually kinda disappointed this is just an April Fools gag. I really think this is a pretty neat idea (despite questionable licensing issues).
Comparing modern computer-controlled cars to closed-source software is a bit unfair, really. Modern cars are VERY hackable, if you know what you're doing and don't mind voiding parts of your warranty. The car-modding game's the same, but the rules have changed is all. If you understand the rules, there is little you cannot mod on a new car.
To use my own car as an example, there is a program that would allow me to modify the fuel tables, ignition tables and other operational parameters on the on-board computer using a standard PC (program: LS1Edit). This acheives the same thing as playing with the distributor dwell and carb mixture on an older engine, and then some.
Or, for the less adventurous, Hypertech makes a device that allows you to apply "macros" to the onboard computer, doing the same thing as LS1Edit, but to a lesser degree.
Further, modern cars (with the appropriate computer hacks) still respond quite nicely to the old-school tricks: headers, camshafts, intakes, strokers, blowers, etc. It's like having the best of both worlds - the reliability and economy of computer control, and the performance and "hackability" of old-school tricks.
It all comes down to learning new rules to play the same old game.:-)
One thing I discovered recently is that, with cable modem service, your bandwidth can be affected significantly by the modem device you use. I had a Motorola CyberSurfer (the big white model) for two years, and never saw anything above 200kbps. In fact, I rarely hit over 180kbps. However, in July of last year my Motorola unit died and Cox replaced it with a Toshiba unit. Since then, my upstream has averaged in the 900-1200kbps range, and downstream regularly hits >2Mbps on fast servers.
That being the case, I'd say that in the San Diego market at least, the bandwidth availability is quite good, but variances in equipment can play a significant role in your measured throughput. This may or may not hold true with DSL, however I doubt it - different technologies.
We've been subjected to that type of ballot out here on the Left coast for as long as I can remember. We have at least two precincts just in one city alone that are comprised of well over 70% senior citizens. Yet amazingly, the people in those precincts seem to be able to vote for who they want and not blame their palsy on a badly-designed ballot. I officially raise the BS flag on those so-called "irregularities." Sounds like political obfuscation rather than a poorly-designed ballot.
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...but I'm actually kinda disappointed this is just an April Fools gag. I really think this is a pretty neat idea (despite questionable licensing issues).
Comparing modern computer-controlled cars to closed-source software is a bit unfair, really. Modern cars are VERY hackable, if you know what you're doing and don't mind voiding parts of your warranty. The car-modding game's the same, but the rules have changed is all. If you understand the rules, there is little you cannot mod on a new car.
:-)
To use my own car as an example, there is a program that would allow me to modify the fuel tables, ignition tables and other operational parameters on the on-board computer using a standard PC (program: LS1Edit). This acheives the same thing as playing with the distributor dwell and carb mixture on an older engine, and then some.
Or, for the less adventurous, Hypertech makes a device that allows you to apply "macros" to the onboard computer, doing the same thing as LS1Edit, but to a lesser degree.
Further, modern cars (with the appropriate computer hacks) still respond quite nicely to the old-school tricks: headers, camshafts, intakes, strokers, blowers, etc. It's like having the best of both worlds - the reliability and economy of computer control, and the performance and "hackability" of old-school tricks.
It all comes down to learning new rules to play the same old game.
One thing I discovered recently is that, with cable modem service, your bandwidth can be affected significantly by the modem device you use. I had a Motorola CyberSurfer (the big white model) for two years, and never saw anything above 200kbps. In fact, I rarely hit over 180kbps. However, in July of last year my Motorola unit died and Cox replaced it with a Toshiba unit. Since then, my upstream has averaged in the 900-1200kbps range, and downstream regularly hits >2Mbps on fast servers.
That being the case, I'd say that in the San Diego market at least, the bandwidth availability is quite good, but variances in equipment can play a significant role in your measured throughput. This may or may not hold true with DSL, however I doubt it - different technologies.
We've been subjected to that type of ballot out here on the Left coast for as long as I can remember. We have at least two precincts just in one city alone that are comprised of well over 70% senior citizens. Yet amazingly, the people in those precincts seem to be able to vote for who they want and not blame their palsy on a badly-designed ballot. I officially raise the BS flag on those so-called "irregularities." Sounds like political obfuscation rather than a poorly-designed ballot.