It seems to me that Tom is against so called "user friendly interfacing". Actually, he basically face-bashed the entire concept. It's also my guess (and is merely my guess, not fact) that he is a console-only extremist. All I have to say is, different things have different features for different purposes - you can't draw PNG from console.
I'm of the opinion that making a good thing better is a Good Thing (c, R, and tm). That's what OSS and computing in general is all about. People change things to fit their needs, and everyone has a personal preferance. Thus there are different camps of users: vi(m) vs. emacs vs. nedit, licq vs. kicq vs. icqnix, etc. Just because one person dislikes something doesn't mean someone else will. One of the key advantages of OSS is that there are many options; the same should be true for other aspects of life, like a keyboard setup. What is functional and productive for one may not be for another. You can't expect everyone to go straight to a posix variant right off the bad - even though it could be done. Some people just don't pine stuff like that. They prefer the "nice, pretty GUI of windows." Bleh. I don't, and many others don't, but that doesn't make it wrong.
There are so many aspects that make a program personally user friendly that it's not even funny - you'd have to custom build a kb in order to get Just Like You Want It. (I'll touch on that later!) Multiple people have posted with reasons why they do/don't like the "extra" keys. For all of the bad points, there's always a way to remap em. (For those using windows, there's a little shareware program called HotKeys! that can be downloaded from download.com that allows some nice one-hit acess to progs/locals/etc)
Although I've not owned many keyboards, I've used a lot in labs that I do/don't like. Since I go to a private school, I have the ability to acess a lot of old kbs in the lab. (I'm a young tike, yes. Not even out of HS... foo.) Some features that I find that I have liked a lot are the function keys all on the left side in two even rows instead of along the top, a freaking big enter key (one of the keys that is eq to the surface area of about 5 normal keys), and a "two button wide" backspace/remove key. It is nice having the 12 function keys available for customization, a result of having the row on top and the 2 columns on the side available. Even two rows of 12 keys on top would be nice, for going on those config binges. It would make for a lot quicker interfacing than, say, an Epplet to mount a disk or connect to the net (for those of us that still have crappy dialup).
A possible idea is making the buttons on the top "E" (extra) keys on a new elitist keyboard. For all those idiot keyboards out there, you'd think that they'd at least be able to make one for those who know what they're doing. (to some extent). That CapsLock is a pain. And I do enjoy where the L-Ctrl is - given that my pinky is shorter than my index finger, it makes the (somewhat) standard ctrl-C,ctrl-v, ctrl-x, etc, fairly easy.
I would personally take out all of the commonly used nonalpha-numeric "shift" characters, many of which are frequently used in programming, and rebind them to one of my 12-key rows. Sure, it's just "Shift 2", "Shift 1", "Shift [", etc, but it's that much more typing involved - you get tired after 6 or 7 hours of it.
I'd also make the "outer" kets (the ones farthest from the center of the kb) more sensitive than the ones in the center. I enjoy firm, responsive keys (a cross between membrane and mechanical extremes - click but nothing to the point of a gun fire), but I don't like sore hands. having to "stretch and tap" with my pinky extensively isn't too fun, and this would make typing a lore less strenuous (for me). And I have big/wide hands. (Makes good for back rubs.:))
From my personal experience, you could completely remove the R-Shift key and the caps lock since I don't use either. Everything is w/ the l-shift. (Hold it down when I want to "yell" or do some other programming spiff to differentiate). In their place, I'd probably put multiple keys for other mundane tasks. (maybe switching virtual desktups?)
I'd like my space bar only on the left, since that is the only finger I use for it. the rest would be replaced with extra keys.:) (What can I say, I like extra keys! It increases my options!)
I am always switching between my mouse and my keyboard, and I don't see what the problem is. I keep my left hand with my index finger over F and my pinky over. From there, it's a breeze to go anywhere - I don't have to look at the keyboard. the "nipples" or whatever you want to call 'em are a Godsend.
Things like Escape and cntrl-F# aren't problems for me either. Thumb on cntrl/alt/shift (or combo) and index on the other.One learns how to feel over their keyboard - keys are seperated for that reason. (see, they are looking out for us geeks!) touch-typing would be much more difficult if it wasn't for those spaces between the keypad, the keyboard, the number pad, and the other key-groups.
As far as actually aquiring such a keyboard, that's another story. It probably couldn't be easily bought (anyone know of such a company??), but it could be made. Keyboards are probably one of the least complicated devices on the computer - right up there with your mouse. You could get some sheet metal and make your own case, and the actual hardware application of the matter would not be too hard - just some cut/slice and rudamentary knowledge of what chips do. I mean, ppl like Woz and the engineers and IBM did this in the early days... why can't we? (privided we aren't lazy about it or dont' really care about it)
And then there's the mouse. I like em.:) But moving from kb and mouse and back and forth does slow one down. (Although I never have to look or anything. Strange... seems that's how it's supposed to be. It's really nto all that bad for me. And what about Quake?) Why not integrate the two? Put a ball on the underside of a keyboard and maybe put mouse-like buttons on the sides of the keyboard? it would make it more like you're actually in a game, (when you're actually playing a game...) IMO. Granted, you'd need more space... but who cares. Ok, you may go now.:) I feel bad that I don't get to post in the day - school sucks. I'd be really appreciative to know that my stuff actually gets read, since it's posted so much later than the article is posted.
China is supposed to be on our side now, whether we believe it or not. I'm an optimist, but here I'm going to have to be realistic. China is a commie nation, plain and simple. Their citezens have no rights as people, and are merely treated as numbers. Freedom is a dream in China.
Now that that's aside, I'll make mention of our little stealth-detecting technology.
It sucks. Plain and simple, it's not a good thing for the US - the masqurading force in freedom preservation and technical innovation, amongst other things. If America's military force and status is challenged any more, it will eventually crumble to another attacking nation. China now presents itself as the second, if not first, most powerful nation in the world. They've got our missile technology (thanks Bill), and now they seem to have technology that could possibly rival and destroy the most expensive and powerful air force in the world. It has the potential to nullify millions - or even billions and trillions - of dollars in research.
Even though I was only in the BBS scene for a very short period of time near it's end, I was fairly involved.
My philosophy is make due with what you have. I've basically made my own BBS-like utopia. My current digital socialization is mostly over ICQ, AIM, and IRC (clients for linux) and through "wall"ing on various shell accounts. Most of these ppl are aquantances from IRL, and we frequently get together to have "GeekFests", gatherings where the Dew, music, and techno-rantings flow freely. Various junkfood, geek movies, and timeshare on the fastest available system is also frequent. The people that aren't local are generally geeks in arms that one of us met online, at a convention, or other event.
While online, we chat, transfer files, trade links and news articles, and even play the occasional game. Netris somes to mind, as does Quake, StarCraft, and others. It's a fairly well refined community, built around people that generally do the same things.
So, the BBS environment is not dead. It's merely changed shape through the innovation of protocols and the expansion of data transfer capabilities. It may be harder to find a place with a similar environment because there are so many new environments to choose from. So many different non-comp societies have popped up, it's hard to find the now-minority geek communes.
My ideal magazine would contain a lot of information about rumored hardware and software, what certain (OSS) projects are working on, new projects, and general program introductions - program reviews. There'd also be a good deal of User Friendly-type cartoons - those suckers take forever to download. Ads are OK, provided they aren't trying to rip you off and aren't 3 pullout plastic pages.
Just think, 50 years from now, chances are that there won't even be a copy of these old software versions available. Even current bleeding edge technology will probably be difficult to come across. We are so priveledged to be at the innovation of such things as linux, and PC's in general.
Who knows, several hundred years from now, the history books may portray Commander Robert Malda as an industry inspiration, great innovator, and even political leader. History is sometimes confused to fit political agendas.
This seems legal enough - they pay to go to school, and thus essentially "own" the material they gather from it. They wrote the notes, they own them.
However, why do we go to school? It's not for the facts - pretty much everything you can get at a school is attainable over the Internet, through a 3rd party, or by purchasing the text books used.
We go to school for the lectures and one-on-one instruction, not to mention the group-type activities. There are certain things that can't be gained from reading a book - or in this case, notes.
I see these notes merely as a way for diligent students to get extra money and for slacking students to get more concise (than the texts) information concerning what the test will be about. (Everyone gets good grades.)
It's possible that, in turn, this makes the professor think the material is too easy (everyone gets a good grade) and the course gets too difficult. Everyone looses.
I find it fairly incredible that anyone of education could contribute these sightings as anything more than a publicity stunt, or an attempt to make money off ads.
If they had intended to make the webcam accurate, they would have used a form of encryption and data stamping - if not several.
Besides, if they were truely interested in discovering this ghost, a web cam is not an accurate way to do so, with ~20 second gaps between shots on some. A security camera would be more efficient. Technology is fun and great, but when it's not the most practical application to get the job done... use the least common denominator.
I mean, how many web cams have absolutely NOTHING happening, while there's someone 2 feet to the left of the camera, working on their computer? I'm sure it happens often.
And considering that ghosts haven't been known to stop by for tea, the likelyhood of a ghost being caught digitally are even more slim. I mean, they're called 'ghost sitings', not 'ghost visitations'...
I personally think that there are spirits out there in some shape or form, but rarely manefest themselves in the physical. (MHO)
The way this document puts it, if geeks weren't mostly in technology and other creative fields, we'd be taking over the world. Now there's an idea. We, the geek community, should capitalize (sic) on this. Ya know, use it as a marketing scheme or something.:)
I'm sorry, but I can't see how anyone can claim that this is a "Christian" game if they have an accurate understanding of the basic of Christianity. Merely because the game has a spiritual theme does -not- make a game "Christian". As a matter of fact, only people can be "Christian", to be bluntly accurate. This game appears to be some individual's idea of a good way to make money quick.
This article greatly disturbed me for multiple reasons.
One, it is not objective in nature. Katz distainfully mentions, in multiple instances, things about Christianity - a valid form of belief - that he doesn't personally agree with. I find it quite perverse that "politically correct" tends to mean, "offend none, but bash the christians".
Two, it isn't accepting of Christians - as mentioned, it verbally insults Christian belief. What's with that, of all places, at Slashdot?! People visit/. because they're outcasts (to some extent) - as are Christians, in today's society.
Third, Katz openly states that religion is a deterent to freedom. To anyone with even the slightest knowledge of history, this would be an obvious lie. Throughout history, religion has time and time again restored peace, freedom to live in safety, and even promoted the founding of a certain country, on a certain continent that would have taken much longer to develop if it weren't for a group of certain people seeking religious freedom. Religion, in a non-corrupt form, is good, nurturing people and society. (Very similar to politics, or anything else, even technology.)
There are many more, but I've not the time to address them now.
Really people! This type of thing really puts/. in a bad light. Katz, this is disturbing, and an ultimate betrayal of geekhood in general, not to mention hypocrisy - you claim to accept the unaccepted, yet you rip on a belief merely because you don't understand it and are affraid of that. I'm sorry if this comes across as flaimbait - it certainly is _not_ intended as so. I'm merely trying to portray some ballance.
I'm not sure what type of guys you're thinking of that can preform this type of feat. From what I gather, that would be quite painful, no matter what your interest, ability, race, gender, nationality, or species.
The following rant is an exerpt of the personality and character of CAIMLAS, who, by chance and genetic allegance, happens to lay claim to the gender of 'male'. Take as a grain of salt.
In my opinion, one's interests make little, if any, importance for most people. Sure, they're an integral factor in most instances, but from what I've observed, personality and emotional needs have much more pull. I say it sucks, to some extent, that we need our SO's sooooo much more than was so 100 years ago, when life was simple and less intense (less stressful too, maybe?) I'm just glad that we have a less stringent 'marriage' system than there was then, or there would be a _lot_ of problems with personality conflicts.
For instance, some individuals need, like Rob, someone to "take care of them" - in a sence - it's how they feel loved. Others need someone they can relate to, still others need someone who has a similar emotional or opposite emotional composure.
Overall, I agreed with many of the generalizations, but some were fairly borderline or completely derailed. Bits about no geek/attractive females was really off, for example. I personally need someone that I can relate to. Being able to relate to them on my interests is key, but so is personality. I really need someone that has a possitive outlook on life, is mostly cheerful, observant, creative and technical, caring, sensible, and vastly introspective. Most of these things because they are characteristics I find in myself, but also because many of these things would complement me. (Ok, most of them complement me - I would need their cheerful attitudes and senibility in order to keep me sane.)
Also keep into consideration that merely because she's beautiful doesn't mean that she can't be intelligent and deep thinking, etc. - it's just rare. Physical appearance shouldn't be much of an issue, but if you're going to marry someone or become close to them, you'd be stupid if they were ugly. (I personally plan to find the right lady, marry her, and not let her go!):) Albiet, no matter how good the relationship is and how well two people get along, there's always going to be problems. That's why love is a decision, a commitment, not an emotion (which is merely lust, longing, etc).
IMHO, even though this was intended as a humorous piece, it approached the subject slightly too straightforward. I also believe that it used a poor choice of wording for some items. (IE, boobs, is generally considered perverse, and could have possibly been refered to in a more general tense so as to not offend certain individuals of either sex.)
I find it GREAT that there are other people that compare life experiences to computer operations, systems, etc. I have an ongoing gag with a friend in which we compare personalities and ways of thought with operating systems and programming languages. (Other various things pop up too - hardware, etc. For example, I've got a lot of RAM, run linux (ala stable), and a high speed hard drive with a high capacity - for executive material only. A smaller disk with a slower speed for non-critical/deemed important information, and a mid-upper-market processor.)
ASSIDE TO ROBLIMO (and anyone that cares about grammar): I couldn't help notice that you said:
The girls who laugh at you in high school laugh because they're nervous and, if you're exceptionally bright, posibly because they're a little bit scared of you.
The reason that this struck me as funny was due to a comment you made later on about *ahem* someone's writting style and habits. The third word from the end of the paragraph should not be 'scared'; rather, it should be 'afraid'. This is because 'scared' is used in the context of doing something to someone, IE, "I scared you", and 'afraid' is used in the context of having something done to you, IE, "I am afraid".
I personally feel that grammar is important, but spelling is not as much so, as long as words are conveyed in a way that people generally understand - thus coloquealisms (sp>) appear - which thus cause more variant spellings. (However, some spelling mistackes can't be eskused.) Besides, I'm a poor speller.:) Just MO.
I realize it's not that important - your intent was understood (which is what language is all about - the better you're able to do so, the better you are at writting) - but it struck me as humorous and ironic.
Even more so, since I'm yet in high school.:)~
Also, about this sentence. Girls laugh at me due to the fact that I'm funny (so I'm told) and I easy tension by easing the atmosphere. Or maybe it is because I'm funny looking?:)
Somehow, I think that a semi is a fairly weak comparission compared to Big Brother's lovely Project. I'm thinking along the lines of a large cruise ship or an aircraft carrier. (maybe battle ship?)
It seems to me, that, overall, BO2K is both a Good Thing and a Bad Thing.
A good thing, because it helps sys admins do their jobs in a much easier manner.
A bad thing, because there are a lot of script kiddies out there causing clueless 80 year old grandparents problems, etc.
IMO, the benefit of the good is outweighed by the harm of the bad. For every computer system that is made more secure through the use of BO2k, there are probably countless others that are penetrated and, in some way, harmed by delinquent teenagers. (I'm a teen still myself - I'm not getting down on my generation in any way - but it seems that younger teens are the main offensive group of BO2k users.)
The use of BO, me thinks, could be oriented so that 3l33+3 h/\X0r d00dz would not have access to it. Possible work arounds could be a corporate membership though a form of sorts. It would deter a large amount of lamers, while still allowing those who use BO for corporate purposes.
Granted, IMHO, the people at codc seem to truly be dedicated to anarchy, and are using this "security" front as a way as to not be decapitated through flames from security personel. It could be otherwise, but this is my take. I hope it is not so.
Also, there is the fact that there are already thousands, if not millions, of copies of the BO software already distributed, which could easily be aquired from a friend or a warez site. (And possibly newer corporate versions, if this feature were integrated. There will definately be people that figure out work arounds. Just because they use BO, they aren't necessarily stupid crap lamers. I know several very good hackers that use BO simply because it's easier that other methods.)
A mere.02 of one of my meekest pieces of US fabric/paper currency.
--------This is _not_ intended as a flame! I'm just trying to discuss things objectively, and don't want to step on anyone, but probably will, just the same---------
I doubt such a ploy would work. (And I realize it was intended as a joke, buttt... this is a sore spot.) Consider this: (experience may differ)
Of all the Fwd: messages I get, most of them are riddled with >>>> and have more header content than message content. Besides that, many of them are exceedingly absurd.
For instance, I recently recieved a hillarious forward saying that M$ and AOL were the biggest net companies, and in order to ensure that they were top in the market, they needed you to forward the stupid message. For every person you forwarded the thing to, Bill gates would *personally* send you an absurd amount of money - something like 20.54 dollars.
Now, nobody in their right mind would read it and believe it. Let alone forward it. (Unless they forwarded it as a joke.)
My point in all this being, nobody reads the darn things. They just click forward. Just like how people on the ICQ network generally don't check to validify the "forward or be deleted" stuff. Deft drones is all they seem to be.
The people who make these things obviously have a sence of humor. They send this stuff out, trying to see how many people will forward, etc, for the mere sake of humor and pulling the wool over people's eyes.
From what I can tell, these same people are the '3133t3 d00dz'. All this kind of activity does is slow down network connections. I've community college T1's bogged down to a crawl with such crap - AOL and ICQ forwards.
Not to condemn this stuff completely, it is funny from a non-involvant possition. It's just pathetic, is all.
Setting: The basement in the house of a family (one with teenager(s)) at about 3AM on a school night; outside the house is about 3 acres of mixed field/woods, on the edge of town
Cast: three 15-18 year old guys
Props: a case of Mountain Dew (no, not the dinky 48-pk things - case, as in "forklift"), 3 average mhz computers w/ average hardware running The OS, a fairly decent sound system (run by one of the computers) with some variant of techno music playing, plenty of empty bags of pretzels/dorritos/fritos/popcorn
Plot: the geeks generally goof around, have weggie wars, play Quake, make jokes, talk about chicks that would never be seen dead with them, and talk about technology They would then get the crazy idea (an effect of caffine) to go cruising with someone in the trunk, go outside and blow up/burn some green army men with a torch, shave one of the guy's head (the one that fell asleep), or go wake up classmates in town by knocking on their windows... Throughout, they'd write an occasional html file, some perl, maybe some C, all the while having a blast. Heck, throw in a chick or two. Three guys and two chicks would work OK... still geeky, but not so many chicks to make it another Hackers.
Realistically, though, I'd go to a movie with that sort of plot. it would be great - like/. radio, but in full motion picture. heck, it would be the depiction of my summer.:)
I find it ironic that, even though the DC area supposedly has the largest density of wired individuals, that there seems to be such a low literacy rate in the same area.
In contrast, Silicon Valley is full of intellectuals. (I personally find it hard to believe that there are more wired people in DC than SV!) I personally find it probable that the report is including the type of person that has a computer and checks their email with it once or twice a day, and looks for sports, etc as a 'wired individual'.
If this is the standard for a wired individual, I'm fairly nonplused.
The difference is, in SV, most individuals actually know what they're doing on a computer, they know how to use how to use it to benifit their minds. In DC, people are most likely using the 'Net due to the fact that it is culterally hip to 'logon'. People in SV do it for the mere sake of knowledge - and in turn, make it hip.
I personally see the reason for the use of the internet as directly proportional to the mindset of the people. Do because it's cool, or do because it can benifit your mind.
And in no way am I saying the net isn't cool. It is. I just love it to death due to the massive amount of information available.
I wonder if I could download 2GB in pi calculation from anywhere?:)
Sorry, it was late at night, and I'd not had any Dew yet, so I was quite out of my element.:)
Yes, ZAO and Stavesacre were left out - all very good listening. The harder stuff is what I'd like to call "easy listening" music, because they're fun to listen to. Country and stuff is just grating and irritating, not to mention repetitiiive! I'll often to go sleep listening to Circle of Dustor Saviour Machine. It's the only way to fly.:)
I've noticed that there are a lot of coders/hackers/programmers that enjoy, and even work better, while listening to music.
Since there have been so many studies in the past that say that ppeoppple work better on technical things without music on, it makes one wonder why this is so.
I have come to the ppppppersonal conclusion that hacking is more of an artistic task, as opppposed to technical.
The other thing I've considered is that pprogrammers are actually more dual-brained, or rather, more able to use the left and right side at the same time. Whether this is due to higher intelliiigence or just more of a logical/emotiional ballance, I couldn't tell you. III'd tend to veer towards a combination of both, at least in my situation.
I have come to the point that I _need_ music in order to work optimally. I'll sit in class, and start tapping out a beat. (This may be due to the fact that I'm a drummer, too.:)) I'll get distracted if my whole braiin isn't working.
As far as listening preferance, II'll listen to most anything, albeit adultery(country) western, rap, and pop. The mood I'm in usually determines what I'll listen to. For those Dew-induced frenzies at 5AM, I'll usually pick up some punk - MxPx, Ninety Pound Wuss, etc. For several hours after school, when I'm really pissed off, I'll take some good ol' emocore or hardcore, such as Tourniquet, Strong Arm, Living Sacrifice, etc. When I'm just waking up, at about 9, pretty much anything goes, but techno stuff is at oppppptimality. techno Goth and hardcore techno seem to work best here. Goth opppera iiis great for those introspective, creative GIMP sessions.
Just my.000002% of Mr. Franklin... Iignore repeated letters - my keyboard is dying!
To companies, we are merely numbers to be exploited and bent to their will, just another source to supply their greed with fuel.
To adults, we are looked down on as children, rebelious and lazy. Yet, those of our generation that actually prescribe to this are merely doing what their parents or role models taught them.
Our generation is also the generation that has, to say, gotten it up the tail pipe. Abortion has killed off more of our generation than any other. Once we get out into the work force, we will have more work to do than any other generation, merely because there are more retired people to support.
To the government, we're a force to be controlled and manipulated to submit. This is done through the public schools. We are no longer allowed to have individual thought. It is controlled by the restriction of freedom of speech. We can no longer talk about things that we believe in freely. All to the ends of political campeigns.
The general attitude of this article seems to regard the geeky populous as inferior. From what I can tell, there doesn't seem to be much respect for the abilities that geeks do posses, and that we are merely to be manipulated and controlled.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this article _does_ regard us as unintelligent individuals, unable to detect condescending attitudes. It may have been intended to be humorous, but a similar article about, say, blondes or people of African descent would have been considered biased or racist.
Attitudes like this are what cause geeks to be considered as mere hired hands, to do the work. As already stated, we may become unimportant in the work environment, merely because there are too many of us. (if it were possible)
However, I don't think this to be the case. There just aren't enough technically inclinded individuals that like computers. Most people just aren't interested in computers - they're good for games, email, and writting papers, but that's about it. People see something and don't appreciate the artistic or technical tallent behind a piece of technology, and just think it's neat, something else to make their life easier.
Darn it, it's just cool! That's why we do what we do.
This is a really interesting aspect. Now my ant farm can have entertainment.:) Seriously, though. What is the practical application for such a device? I may be wrong, but aren't our tax dollars going towards such research? I personally wouldn't want a guitar I couldn't play. A nice collection item for a millionaire, but that's all I can see it as...
I can relate to you greatly on this, Jon. I, personally, think you have aquired the title, "Geek," because you are now doing geeky things - learning because you want to, because it's fun, and because you want to know how things work. That is what being a geek is all about.
You say that you're of the writter geek variety - not so! Geekiness is an all encompassing factor. You're already proven that you're of technical prowess enough to run linux. It's now only a matter of time before you aquire 'uber geek' status.
You'll be amazed to find that other people will start coming to you, seeking your knowledge and input on a situation, merely because they've heard that you've been uising it - linux - for a period of time, and are now knowledgeable about your environment, at least to the extent necessary to help someone with basic setup and installation.
From my personal learning experience - a very geek centric philosophy - I've found that there are very few substitutes to a long night on the computer, learning. The more we learn, whether it be in computing, gramatical sentence structure and verbal manipulation, artistic representation, or any other facet of living. Collecting bottle caps could even be a geeky thing - provided the individual were to learn about his bottle caps, and really know what he was collecting.
I think a phrase from the recent movie, _The Matrix_, sums up geekiness quite well. It is "Know Thyself". Part of knowing yourself is knowing how your brain works, and in order to know how your brain works, you have to use it and experiment.
Yikes. I seem to have gotten on another geek tyraid... (Ignore all spelling mistakes - they're intentional.)
Once you have the account set up in windoze, (even throught their foobar little online account setup), the rest is easy. It has to do with "social engineering".
Give their tech a nice friendly call. You could always say, "I use linux, what's the DNS, etc?" but more than likely, you'll get, "We don't support Line-ucks. *click*".
This is an approach I've found to work. Call up the ISP tech support as before, and ask for head tech, second level tech, anyone that knows what they're doing. I've run into instances where the idiots will say, "Sorry, we don't have a DNS. Everything is dynamically asigned," which is, of course full of dookie. (I've even seen ISP's that have head techs that think/say that! Their server is set up by a 3rd party, and spuratically maintained. Course, that's SD, USA for ya...)
Once you've reached the partially sentinent, yet still mentally dull, tech, make up a story. Tell him/her that you want to compare the connection speed of two different local ISP's to determine which one you would want to stay connected with. Maybe say you have a remote access program that requires the DNS, as well as all other server information. Make something up. It may not be entirely ethical, but it should get your linux boxen up and spiffy...
Yes, it's simple, and very very portable, but, is it fast? I can't imagine running a GUI that takes several seconds to render on startup, after running through the interpeters. It doesn't seem at all practical. For some things, yes, like web-based applications, it makes a lot of sence. But I don't want it on my desktop.
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I'm of the opinion that making a good thing better is a Good Thing (c, R, and tm). That's what OSS and computing in general is all about. People change things to fit their needs, and everyone has a personal preferance. Thus there are different camps of users: vi(m) vs. emacs vs. nedit, licq vs. kicq vs. icqnix, etc. Just because one person dislikes something doesn't mean someone else will. One of the key advantages of OSS is that there are many options; the same should be true for other aspects of life, like a keyboard setup. What is functional and productive for one may not be for another. You can't expect everyone to go straight to a posix variant right off the bad - even though it could be done. Some people just don't pine stuff like that. They prefer the "nice, pretty GUI of windows." Bleh. I don't, and many others don't, but that doesn't make it wrong.
There are so many aspects that make a program personally user friendly that it's not even funny - you'd have to custom build a kb in order to get Just Like You Want It. (I'll touch on that later!) Multiple people have posted with reasons why they do/don't like the "extra" keys. For all of the bad points, there's always a way to remap em. (For those using windows, there's a little shareware program called HotKeys! that can be downloaded from download.com that allows some nice one-hit acess to progs/locals/etc)
Although I've not owned many keyboards, I've used a lot in labs that I do/don't like. Since I go to a private school, I have the ability to acess a lot of old kbs in the lab. (I'm a young tike, yes. Not even out of HS... foo.) Some features that I find that I have liked a lot are the function keys all on the left side in two even rows instead of along the top, a freaking big enter key (one of the keys that is eq to the surface area of about 5 normal keys), and a "two button wide" backspace/remove key. It is nice having the 12 function keys available for customization, a result of having the row on top and the 2 columns on the side available. Even two rows of 12 keys on top would be nice, for going on those config binges. It would make for a lot quicker interfacing than, say, an Epplet to mount a disk or connect to the net (for those of us that still have crappy dialup).
A possible idea is making the buttons on the top "E" (extra) keys on a new elitist keyboard. For all those idiot keyboards out there, you'd think that they'd at least be able to make one for those who know what they're doing. (to some extent). That CapsLock is a pain. And I do enjoy where the L-Ctrl is - given that my pinky is shorter than my index finger, it makes the (somewhat) standard ctrl-C ,ctrl-v, ctrl-x, etc, fairly easy.
I would personally take out all of the commonly used nonalpha-numeric "shift" characters, many of which are frequently used in programming, and rebind them to one of my 12-key rows. Sure, it's just "Shift 2", "Shift 1", "Shift [", etc, but it's that much more typing involved - you get tired after 6 or 7 hours of it.
I'd also make the "outer" kets (the ones farthest from the center of the kb) more sensitive than the ones in the center. I enjoy firm, responsive keys (a cross between membrane and mechanical extremes - click but nothing to the point of a gun fire), but I don't like sore hands. having to "stretch and tap" with my pinky extensively isn't too fun, and this would make typing a lore less strenuous (for me). And I have big/wide hands. (Makes good for back rubs. :))
From my personal experience, you could completely remove the R-Shift key and the caps lock since I don't use either. Everything is w/ the l-shift. (Hold it down when I want to "yell" or do some other programming spiff to differentiate). In their place, I'd probably put multiple keys for other mundane tasks. (maybe switching virtual desktups?)
I'd like my space bar only on the left, since that is the only finger I use for it. the rest would be replaced with extra keys. :) (What can I say, I like extra keys! It increases my options!)
I am always switching between my mouse and my keyboard, and I don't see what the problem is. I keep my left hand with my index finger over F and my pinky over. From there, it's a breeze to go anywhere - I don't have to look at the keyboard. the "nipples" or whatever you want to call 'em are a Godsend.
Things like Escape and cntrl-F# aren't problems for me either. Thumb on cntrl/alt/shift (or combo) and index on the other.One learns how to feel over their keyboard - keys are seperated for that reason. (see, they are looking out for us geeks!) touch-typing would be much more difficult if it wasn't for those spaces between the keypad, the keyboard, the number pad, and the other key-groups.
As far as actually aquiring such a keyboard, that's another story. It probably couldn't be easily bought (anyone know of such a company??), but it could be made. Keyboards are probably one of the least complicated devices on the computer - right up there with your mouse. You could get some sheet metal and make your own case, and the actual hardware application of the matter would not be too hard - just some cut/slice and rudamentary knowledge of what chips do. I mean, ppl like Woz and the engineers and IBM did this in the early days... why can't we? (privided we aren't lazy about it or dont' really care about it)
And then there's the mouse. I like em. :) But moving from kb and mouse and back and forth does slow one down. (Although I never have to look or anything. Strange... seems that's how it's supposed to be. It's really nto all that bad for me. And what about Quake?) Why not integrate the two? Put a ball on the underside of a keyboard and maybe put mouse-like buttons on the sides of the keyboard? it would make it more like you're actually in a game, (when you're actually playing a game...) IMO. Granted, you'd need more space... but who cares. Ok, you may go now. :) I feel bad that I don't get to post in the day - school sucks. I'd be really appreciative to know that my stuff actually gets read, since it's posted so much later than the article is posted.
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CAIMLAS
Now that that's aside, I'll make mention of our little stealth-detecting technology.
It sucks. Plain and simple, it's not a good thing for the US - the masqurading force in freedom preservation and technical innovation, amongst other things. If America's military force and status is challenged any more, it will eventually crumble to another attacking nation. China now presents itself as the second, if not first, most powerful nation in the world. They've got our missile technology (thanks Bill), and now they seem to have technology that could possibly rival and destroy the most expensive and powerful air force in the world. It has the potential to nullify millions - or even billions and trillions - of dollars in research.
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CAIMLAS
My philosophy is make due with what you have. I've basically made my own BBS-like utopia. My current digital socialization is mostly over ICQ, AIM, and IRC (clients for linux) and through "wall"ing on various shell accounts. Most of these ppl are aquantances from IRL, and we frequently get together to have "GeekFests", gatherings where the Dew, music, and techno-rantings flow freely. Various junkfood, geek movies, and timeshare on the fastest available system is also frequent. The people that aren't local are generally geeks in arms that one of us met online, at a convention, or other event.
While online, we chat, transfer files, trade links and news articles, and even play the occasional game. Netris somes to mind, as does Quake, StarCraft, and others. It's a fairly well refined community, built around people that generally do the same things.
So, the BBS environment is not dead. It's merely changed shape through the innovation of protocols and the expansion of data transfer capabilities. It may be harder to find a place with a similar environment because there are so many new environments to choose from. So many different non-comp societies have popped up, it's hard to find the now-minority geek communes.
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CAIMLAS
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CAIMLAS
Who knows, several hundred years from now, the history books may portray Commander Robert Malda as an industry inspiration, great innovator, and even political leader. History is sometimes confused to fit political agendas.
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CAIMLAS
However, why do we go to school? It's not for the facts - pretty much everything you can get at a school is attainable over the Internet, through a 3rd party, or by purchasing the text books used.
We go to school for the lectures and one-on-one instruction, not to mention the group-type activities. There are certain things that can't be gained from reading a book - or in this case, notes.
I see these notes merely as a way for diligent students to get extra money and for slacking students to get more concise (than the texts) information concerning what the test will be about. (Everyone gets good grades.)
It's possible that, in turn, this makes the professor think the material is too easy (everyone gets a good grade) and the course gets too difficult. Everyone looses.
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CAIMLAS
If they had intended to make the webcam accurate, they would have used a form of encryption and data stamping - if not several.
Besides, if they were truely interested in discovering this ghost, a web cam is not an accurate way to do so, with ~20 second gaps between shots on some. A security camera would be more efficient. Technology is fun and great, but when it's not the most practical application to get the job done... use the least common denominator.
I mean, how many web cams have absolutely NOTHING happening, while there's someone 2 feet to the left of the camera, working on their computer? I'm sure it happens often.
And considering that ghosts haven't been known to stop by for tea, the likelyhood of a ghost being caught digitally are even more slim. I mean, they're called 'ghost sitings', not 'ghost visitations'...
I personally think that there are spirits out there in some shape or form, but rarely manefest themselves in the physical. (MHO)
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CAIMLAS
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CAIMLAS
This article greatly disturbed me for multiple reasons.
One, it is not objective in nature. Katz distainfully mentions, in multiple instances, things about Christianity - a valid form of belief - that he doesn't personally agree with. I find it quite perverse that "politically correct" tends to mean, "offend none, but bash the christians".
Two, it isn't accepting of Christians - as mentioned, it verbally insults Christian belief. What's with that, of all places, at Slashdot?! People visit /. because they're outcasts (to some extent) - as are Christians, in today's society.
Third, Katz openly states that religion is a deterent to freedom. To anyone with even the slightest knowledge of history, this would be an obvious lie. Throughout history, religion has time and time again restored peace, freedom to live in safety, and even promoted the founding of a certain country, on a certain continent that would have taken much longer to develop if it weren't for a group of certain people seeking religious freedom. Religion, in a non-corrupt form, is good, nurturing people and society. (Very similar to politics, or anything else, even technology.)
There are many more, but I've not the time to address them now.
Really people! This type of thing really puts /. in a bad light. Katz, this is disturbing, and an ultimate betrayal of geekhood in general, not to mention hypocrisy - you claim to accept the unaccepted, yet you rip on a belief merely because you don't understand it and are affraid of that. I'm sorry if this comes across as flaimbait - it certainly is _not_ intended as so. I'm merely trying to portray some ballance.
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CAIMLAS
Ewww, icky.
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CAIMLAS
In my opinion, one's interests make little, if any, importance for most people. Sure, they're an integral factor in most instances, but from what I've observed, personality and emotional needs have much more pull. I say it sucks, to some extent, that we need our SO's sooooo much more than was so 100 years ago, when life was simple and less intense (less stressful too, maybe?) I'm just glad that we have a less stringent 'marriage' system than there was then, or there would be a _lot_ of problems with personality conflicts.
For instance, some individuals need, like Rob, someone to "take care of them" - in a sence - it's how they feel loved. Others need someone they can relate to, still others need someone who has a similar emotional or opposite emotional composure.
Overall, I agreed with many of the generalizations, but some were fairly borderline or completely derailed. Bits about no geek/attractive females was really off, for example. I personally need someone that I can relate to. Being able to relate to them on my interests is key, but so is personality. I really need someone that has a possitive outlook on life, is mostly cheerful, observant, creative and technical, caring, sensible, and vastly introspective. Most of these things because they are characteristics I find in myself, but also because many of these things would complement me. (Ok, most of them complement me - I would need their cheerful attitudes and senibility in order to keep me sane.)
Also keep into consideration that merely because she's beautiful doesn't mean that she can't be intelligent and deep thinking, etc. - it's just rare. Physical appearance shouldn't be much of an issue, but if you're going to marry someone or become close to them, you'd be stupid if they were ugly. (I personally plan to find the right lady, marry her, and not let her go!) :) Albiet, no matter how good the relationship is and how well two people get along, there's always going to be problems. That's why love is a decision, a commitment, not an emotion (which is merely lust, longing, etc).
IMHO, even though this was intended as a humorous piece, it approached the subject slightly too straightforward. I also believe that it used a poor choice of wording for some items. (IE, boobs, is generally considered perverse, and could have possibly been refered to in a more general tense so as to not offend certain individuals of either sex.)
I find it GREAT that there are other people that compare life experiences to computer operations, systems, etc. I have an ongoing gag with a friend in which we compare personalities and ways of thought with operating systems and programming languages. (Other various things pop up too - hardware, etc. For example, I've got a lot of RAM, run linux (ala stable), and a high speed hard drive with a high capacity - for executive material only. A smaller disk with a slower speed for non-critical/deemed important information, and a mid-upper-market processor.)
ASSIDE TO ROBLIMO (and anyone that cares about grammar):
I couldn't help notice that you said:
The girls who laugh at you in high school laugh because they're nervous and, if you're exceptionally bright, posibly because they're a little bit scared of you.
The reason that this struck me as funny was due to a comment you made later on about *ahem* someone's writting style and habits. The third word from the end of the paragraph should not be 'scared'; rather, it should be 'afraid'. This is because 'scared' is used in the context of doing something to someone, IE, "I scared you", and 'afraid' is used in the context of having something done to you, IE, "I am afraid".
I personally feel that grammar is important, but spelling is not as much so, as long as words are conveyed in a way that people generally understand - thus coloquealisms (sp>) appear - which thus cause more variant spellings. (However, some spelling mistackes can't be eskused.) Besides, I'm a poor speller. :) Just MO.
I realize it's not that important - your intent was understood (which is what language is all about - the better you're able to do so, the better you are at writting) - but it struck me as humorous and ironic.
Even more so, since I'm yet in high school. :)~
Also, about this sentence. Girls laugh at me due to the fact that I'm funny (so I'm told) and I easy tension by easing the atmosphere. Or maybe it is because I'm funny looking? :)
Holy cow! THAT's a book!
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CAIMLAS
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CAIMLAS
It seems to me, that, overall, BO2K is both a Good Thing and a Bad Thing.
A good thing, because it helps sys admins do their jobs in a much easier manner.
A bad thing, because there are a lot of script kiddies out there causing clueless 80 year old grandparents problems, etc.
IMO, the benefit of the good is outweighed by the harm of the bad. For every computer system that is made more secure through the use of BO2k, there are probably countless others that are penetrated and, in some way, harmed by delinquent teenagers. (I'm a teen still myself - I'm not getting down on my generation in any way - but it seems that younger teens are the main offensive group of BO2k users.)
The use of BO, me thinks, could be oriented so that 3l33+3 h/\X0r d00dz would not have access to it. Possible work arounds could be a corporate membership though a form of sorts. It would deter a large amount of lamers, while still allowing those who use BO for corporate purposes.
Granted, IMHO, the people at codc seem to truly be dedicated to anarchy, and are using this "security" front as a way as to not be decapitated through flames from security personel. It could be otherwise, but this is my take. I hope it is not so.
Also, there is the fact that there are already thousands, if not millions, of copies of the BO software already distributed, which could easily be aquired from a friend or a warez site. (And possibly newer corporate versions, if this feature were integrated. There will definately be people that figure out work arounds. Just because they use BO, they aren't necessarily stupid crap lamers. I know several very good hackers that use BO simply because it's easier that other methods.)
A mere
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CAIMLAS
I doubt such a ploy would work. (And I realize it was intended as a joke, buttt... this is a sore spot.)
Consider this: (experience may differ)
Of all the Fwd: messages I get, most of them are riddled with >>>> and have more header content than message content. Besides that, many of them are exceedingly absurd.
For instance, I recently recieved a hillarious forward saying that M$ and AOL were the biggest net companies, and in order to ensure that they were top in the market, they needed you to forward the stupid message. For every person you forwarded the thing to, Bill gates would *personally* send you an absurd amount of money - something like 20.54 dollars.
Now, nobody in their right mind would read it and believe it. Let alone forward it. (Unless they forwarded it as a joke.)
My point in all this being, nobody reads the darn things. They just click forward. Just like how people on the ICQ network generally don't check to validify the "forward or be deleted" stuff. Deft drones is all they seem to be.
The people who make these things obviously have a sence of humor. They send this stuff out, trying to see how many people will forward, etc, for the mere sake of humor and pulling the wool over people's eyes.
From what I can tell, these same people are the '3133t3 d00dz'. All this kind of activity does is slow down network connections. I've community college T1's bogged down to a crawl with such crap - AOL and ICQ forwards.
Not to condemn this stuff completely, it is funny from a non-involvant possition. It's just pathetic, is all.
Offtopic, sorry. :)
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CAIMLAS
Setting: The basement in the house of a family (one with teenager(s)) at about 3AM on a school night; outside the house is about 3 acres of mixed field/woods, on the edge of town
Cast: three 15-18 year old guys
Props: a case of Mountain Dew (no, not the dinky 48-pk things - case, as in "forklift"), 3 average mhz computers w/ average hardware running The OS, a fairly decent sound system (run by one of the computers) with some variant of techno music playing, plenty of empty bags of pretzels/dorritos/fritos/popcorn
Plot: the geeks generally goof around, have weggie wars, play Quake, make jokes, talk about chicks that would never be seen dead with them, and talk about technology
They would then get the crazy idea (an effect of caffine) to go cruising with someone in the trunk, go outside and blow up/burn some green army men with a torch, shave one of the guy's head (the one that fell asleep), or go wake up classmates in town by knocking on their windows...
Throughout, they'd write an occasional html file, some perl, maybe some C, all the while having a blast.
Heck, throw in a chick or two. Three guys and two chicks would work OK... still geeky, but not so many chicks to make it another Hackers.
Realistically, though, I'd go to a movie with that sort of plot. it would be great - like /. radio, but in full motion picture. heck, it would be the depiction of my summer. :)
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CAIMLAS
In contrast, Silicon Valley is full of intellectuals. (I personally find it hard to believe that there are more wired people in DC than SV!) I personally find it probable that the report is including the type of person that has a computer and checks their email with it once or twice a day, and looks for sports, etc as a 'wired individual'.
If this is the standard for a wired individual, I'm fairly nonplused.
The difference is, in SV, most individuals actually know what they're doing on a computer, they know how to use how to use it to benifit their minds. In DC, people are most likely using the 'Net due to the fact that it is culterally hip to 'logon'. People in SV do it for the mere sake of knowledge - and in turn, make it hip.
I personally see the reason for the use of the internet as directly proportional to the mindset of the people. Do because it's cool, or do because it can benifit your mind.
And in no way am I saying the net isn't cool. It is. I just love it to death due to the massive amount of information available.
I wonder if I could download 2GB in pi calculation from anywhere? :)
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CAIMLAS
Yes, ZAO and Stavesacre were left out - all very good listening. The harder stuff is what I'd like to call "easy listening" music, because they're fun to listen to. Country and stuff is just grating and irritating, not to mention repetitiiive! I'll often to go sleep listening to Circle of Dustor Saviour Machine. It's the only way to fly. :)
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CAIMLAS
Since there have been so many studies in the past that say that ppeoppple work better on technical things without music on, it makes one wonder why this is so.
I have come to the ppppppersonal conclusion that hacking is more of an artistic task, as opppposed to technical.
The other thing I've considered is that pprogrammers are actually more dual-brained, or rather, more able to use the left and right side at the same time. Whether this is due to higher intelliiigence or just more of a logical/emotiional ballance, I couldn't tell you. III'd tend to veer towards a combination of both, at least in my situation.
I have come to the point that I _need_ music in order to work optimally. I'll sit in class, and start tapping out a beat. (This may be due to the fact that I'm a drummer, too. :)) I'll get distracted if my whole braiin isn't working.
As far as listening preferance, II'll listen to most anything, albeit adultery(country) western, rap, and pop. The mood I'm in usually determines what I'll listen to. For those Dew-induced frenzies at 5AM, I'll usually pick up some punk - MxPx, Ninety Pound Wuss, etc. For several hours after school, when I'm really pissed off, I'll take some good ol' emocore or hardcore, such as Tourniquet, Strong Arm, Living Sacrifice, etc. When I'm just waking up, at about 9, pretty much anything goes, but techno stuff is at oppppptimality. techno Goth and hardcore techno seem to work best here. Goth opppera iiis great for those introspective, creative GIMP sessions.
Just my .000002% of Mr. Franklin... Iignore repeated letters - my keyboard is dying!
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CAIMLAS
To companies, we are merely numbers to be exploited and bent to their will, just another source to supply their greed with fuel.
To adults, we are looked down on as children, rebelious and lazy. Yet, those of our generation that actually prescribe to this are merely doing what their parents or role models taught them.
Our generation is also the generation that has, to say, gotten it up the tail pipe. Abortion has killed off more of our generation than any other. Once we get out into the work force, we will have more work to do than any other generation, merely because there are more retired people to support.
To the government, we're a force to be controlled and manipulated to submit. This is done through the public schools. We are no longer allowed to have individual thought. It is controlled by the restriction of freedom of speech. We can no longer talk about things that we believe in freely. All to the ends of political campeigns.
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CAIMLAS
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this article _does_ regard us as unintelligent individuals, unable to detect condescending attitudes. It may have been intended to be humorous, but a similar article about, say, blondes or people of African descent would have been considered biased or racist.
Attitudes like this are what cause geeks to be considered as mere hired hands, to do the work. As already stated, we may become unimportant in the work environment, merely because there are too many of us. (if it were possible)
However, I don't think this to be the case. There just aren't enough technically inclinded individuals that like computers. Most people just aren't interested in computers - they're good for games, email, and writting papers, but that's about it. People see something and don't appreciate the artistic or technical tallent behind a piece of technology, and just think it's neat, something else to make their life easier.
Darn it, it's just cool! That's why we do what we do.
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CAIMLAS
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CAIMLAS
You say that you're of the writter geek variety - not so! Geekiness is an all encompassing factor. You're already proven that you're of technical prowess enough to run linux. It's now only a matter of time before you aquire 'uber geek' status.
You'll be amazed to find that other people will start coming to you, seeking your knowledge and input on a situation, merely because they've heard that you've been uising it - linux - for a period of time, and are now knowledgeable about your environment, at least to the extent necessary to help someone with basic setup and installation.
From my personal learning experience - a very geek centric philosophy - I've found that there are very few substitutes to a long night on the computer, learning. The more we learn, whether it be in computing, gramatical sentence structure and verbal manipulation, artistic representation, or any other facet of living. Collecting bottle caps could even be a geeky thing - provided the individual were to learn about his bottle caps, and really know what he was collecting.
I think a phrase from the recent movie, _The Matrix_, sums up geekiness quite well. It is "Know Thyself". Part of knowing yourself is knowing how your brain works, and in order to know how your brain works, you have to use it and experiment.
Yikes. I seem to have gotten on another geek tyraid... (Ignore all spelling mistakes - they're intentional.)
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CAIMLAS
Give their tech a nice friendly call. You could always say, "I use linux, what's the DNS, etc?" but more than likely, you'll get, "We don't support Line-ucks. *click*".
This is an approach I've found to work. Call up the ISP tech support as before, and ask for head tech, second level tech, anyone that knows what they're doing. I've run into instances where the idiots will say, "Sorry, we don't have a DNS. Everything is dynamically asigned," which is, of course full of dookie. (I've even seen ISP's that have head techs that think/say that! Their server is set up by a 3rd party, and spuratically maintained. Course, that's SD, USA for ya...)
Once you've reached the partially sentinent, yet still mentally dull, tech, make up a story. Tell him/her that you want to compare the connection speed of two different local ISP's to determine which one you would want to stay connected with. Maybe say you have a remote access program that requires the DNS, as well as all other server information. Make something up. It may not be entirely ethical, but it should get your linux boxen up and spiffy...
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CAIMLAS
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CAIMLAS
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CAIMLAS