How many people actually buy crippled CDs, open them, then return in principled disgust.
I bought one from CDNOW without knowing it was crippled. I contacted the company and they weren't very helpful. Basically told me to return it. I informed them that I'd do everything in my power to copy it since I wasn't about to spend more $$ to return it.
I, as a consumer, have a right to back up *legally purchased* music and data products. I ripped it using EAC, and I use the backup in my PC as well as my car.
As long as an item, be it copy-protected CD, DVD, PS2 game, etc.. is sold at Wal-Mart, Target, and the like, a boycott will never succeed. If all of us stopped buying CDs tomorrow, Cletus T. Bohunk would still go out and buy his Fullscren copy of Spider-Man. He'd still by the Allman Bros. Greatest Hits (no offense to fans), and its not going to matter if it works in his computer, because he doesn't use that to play music like we do!
Ahh yes, you are correct. However, with this new copy protection technology, the new "CDs" won't play in the old equipment. While you and I are more likely to be able to afford to run out and buy a new CD player, Cletus probably can't.
I would like nothing more than for ALL future music to be copy-protected. This, combined with high prices for new equipment, inconvenience of having to purchase a new DiscMan, new car stereo, etc. by everyone on the planet who wishes to listen to the new discs will surely cause it to fail.
All the while those of us who can will go to the indy lables to get our music if not directly to the bands (Mp3.com still hosts some indy bands - go check out Cruiserweight) and in my book, I'd rather go buy their music and have the artists recoup most of the profit than some large, boorish conglomerate.
What we need to snap these CD nazis back into reality is a world-wide boycott of these "CDs" and pray that Philips sues the snot out of anyone trying to put a "Compact Disc" lable on what doesn't comply to Redbook standards.
Speaking of which - anyone got a link to the Redbook spec?
Re:Landshark? What a stupid name.
on
Landshark
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· Score: 1
We've got one of these in Austin as well. Never been on it though.. Any fun?
Somebody just tell me where I can find the Zodiac (as in the serial killer from the 70s) font. And no, they're not at Killer Fonts I already looked there...
Anyone know which federal rule that caused this? I read the article and its a little light on the details.
I'd like to see the actual federal mandate to see what it actually covers before going to Time Warner here in Austin and asking them to give me some pricing info. If anyone's already done this here, reply and let me know..
The BIOS on the Lats and Inspirons are basically the same. The BIOS on the SmartStep 200N/250N systems are completely different. The SmartStep 100N is basically a cheaper version of the Inspiron 2650 minus a floppy drive.
Let's just hope its better than DN:MP (Manhattan Project). What a POS.
You know, I *really* enjoyed DN3D. Multiplayer (while not as fun as Q3TA and others) was a blast. If DNF isn't 1st-person like UT, Q3TA, etc, its going to flop.
Yeah, I looked on Ebay. Geezus-f'ing-christ they're proud of their cases.
I may just go to the local hobby shop and get some mirrored plexiglass and make my own case... Thanks though.
Re:When a G4 Cube isn't a G4 Cube
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Mac Case Mods
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· Score: 1
And is the PCB you'll need to use to convert from slimline IDE to standard. $25.
Re:When a G4 Cube isn't a G4 Cube
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Mac Case Mods
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· Score: 1
I saw you were looking for a slimline IDE cable for use with a full-size mobo.
You might be able to get one of these from Dell.
Dell regularly uses slimline parts in some of their PCs, like in their OptiPlex SX260.
My suggestion would be to contact Customer Service and inquiry as to purchasing one. I don't think you have tio supply them with a service tag to get one, but I could be wrong.
I looked on Ebay, per the previous comment regarding the Quicksilver case. $229? Hell, I'd rather buy one of these and put the extra $180 into a mobo and proc.
I do think the Qucksilver case is much nicer, and I've got an evil dayglow green/black combo in mind.
*Sigh*
Cool, but where...
on
Mac Case Mods
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· Score: 2, Interesting
... can *I* get a G4 case? I'd love to just rip apart and slap my Duron into it.
Anyone know where I can get a G4 case cheap? Yeah, I know the case mods have been done before, but its not like I'm looking to publish it or anything. The PC cases are just too ugly, and even the McPC case is ugly to me.
Re:Personally very sick of the e-mail size snobs
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E-Mail Size Limits?
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· Score: 1
Sensible, but do you have a means of explaining to users how N:\xxx.jpg maps on to ftp://user:password@ftp.mysite.com, or is it just something that requires training?
All you have to tell them is to drop any file on their N:\drive and then use the userid:password@ftp.site.com to retrieve it. They don't really need to know anything else.
If the site is broken down to subfolders by department, the most you'd have to do is tell them where their N:\ shows up on the FTP server. To make it even easier, name the directories they see when they connect to the FTP site the same as its called on N:\ (\\server\resource = N:\) or simply drop that userid/pw combo into that particular directory.
Perhaps I can do this; but why should I? In terms of user interface, email is exactly the right thing for them to use. One of them has a file, and wants the others to end up with it on their own machines. In a single operation, he sends it to the others, and in a single operation, they have it. Putting it on our server is an invitation to leave it there, sucking up server disk space when everyone forgets about it (as opposed to getting caught when they sweep their own machines for bloat) and being inaccessible when they're on the road.
Because its better to get them in the mindset of not doing it in the first place. Wouldn't you agree?
This is not one of those rare occasions when it is necessary to be a BOFH. Just because I personally think email is for text and people who use it for other things are wankers does not mean it makes business sense to enforce this policy in my workplace
I'm certainly not advocating turning into a BOFH (as fun as it would be to kill off stupid users and all..) just that its not a Good Thing(tm) to let people get in the habit of doing whatever they want, whenever they want to the point that it can/does degrade the network to the point where it can't be used.
Re:Personally very sick of the e-mail size snobs
on
E-Mail Size Limits?
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· Score: 1
It is very easy for those of us who own / run servers to say "Just put it on a FTP server." It is a lot harder to explain to the average user how to run a server, what servers they have access to (most people don't), what FTP programs are available, and how to explain to their recipients how to download the file.
This is total BS. Its not that difficult to tie a subdirectory to a FTP site and tell everyone to drop their files on the N:\ drive to make it available via FTP.
And as for them getting the files off, user:password@ftp.mysite.com will work for everyone.
Sure, it gets more complex (not much) when it comes to directory permissions, but you can do that on a departmental basis. Even then have every departments N:\ drive mount directly to their respective folders on the FTP site.
Hell, if I can do it at home using Bulletproof FTP, why can't you do it at work using Unix, Linux, or a MS product?
When I worked at IBM in tech support, we used an FTP server. If a customer needed to upload/download anything from us they were given the login information. This kept the mail servers from choking (we used VM until they forced us to Lotus Notes, the bastards) and left the files out there for the *department* to be able to use. This also kept it from just going to one single tech, so the techlead and the rest of the teammates could chime in with their input as well.
Think 100MB PowerPoint files: the sales team slings these around like mashed potatoes.
This can be fixed by using shared network drives per department. Give marketing their own directory. Give QA their own directory (give IT their own UT2003 server:D), etc. Put a link to the file on the network in the email and don't choke the mail server by attaching anything over 5MB.
Better yet, cap it at 5MB and force them to use the other resources.
While I've never personally worked at a place so draconain that they monitor email to ensure its all business-related, every employer has the right to monitor email and network resources to ensure they're not abused.
The point being, teach the employees an alternate method to transfer large files and enforce it. From CEO on down.
This is a Good Thing (tm) as long as I don't have to go out and purchase another 4 port DSL Switch+WAP and Wireless PCI NIC in order to get the new "encrpytion".
While we're on the subject: Has anyone else noticed just how clueless LinkSys' tech support is on their own WAPs?
Can't you just use MAC address authorization and essentially lock out unknown NICs?
Re:Remind him . . .
on
Nosy Vendors?
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· Score: 2, Interesting
Technically, Dell is in Round Rock. True, you can spit in Round Rock and hit Austin, but we're all in the same sh*tty job market.
Me? I'd tell him I had to look into some things and call him back. Then I'd go to PriceWatch and buy a bunch of Althon XP 2200s for ~$300 and install whatever OS I needed, without having to worry about getting a refund for a MS license I didn't want or need.
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How many people actually buy crippled CDs, open them, then return in principled disgust.
I bought one from CDNOW without knowing it was crippled. I contacted the company and they weren't very helpful. Basically told me to return it. I informed them that I'd do everything in my power to copy it since I wasn't about to spend more $$ to return it.
And thanks to Exact Audio Copy I did just that.
I, as a consumer, have a right to back up *legally purchased* music and data products. I ripped it using EAC, and I use the backup in my PC as well as my car.
As long as an item, be it copy-protected CD, DVD, PS2 game, etc.. is sold at Wal-Mart, Target, and the like, a boycott will never succeed. If all of us stopped buying CDs tomorrow, Cletus T. Bohunk would still go out and buy his Fullscren copy of Spider-Man. He'd still by the Allman Bros. Greatest Hits (no offense to fans), and its not going to matter if it works in his computer, because he doesn't use that to play music like we do!
Ahh yes, you are correct. However, with this new copy protection technology, the new "CDs" won't play in the old equipment. While you and I are more likely to be able to afford to run out and buy a new CD player, Cletus probably can't.
This will be their downfall.
I would like nothing more than for ALL future music to be copy-protected. This, combined with high prices for new equipment, inconvenience of having to purchase a new DiscMan, new car stereo, etc. by everyone on the planet who wishes to listen to the new discs will surely cause it to fail.
All the while those of us who can will go to the indy lables to get our music if not directly to the bands (Mp3.com still hosts some indy bands - go check out Cruiserweight) and in my book, I'd rather go buy their music and have the artists recoup most of the profit than some large, boorish conglomerate.
What we need to snap these CD nazis back into reality is a world-wide boycott of these "CDs" and pray that Philips sues the snot out of anyone trying to put a "Compact Disc" lable on what doesn't comply to Redbook standards.
Speaking of which - anyone got a link to the Redbook spec?
We've got one of these in Austin as well. Never been on it though.. Any fun?
Somebody just tell me where I can find the Zodiac (as in the serial killer from the 70s) font. And no, they're not at Killer Fonts I already looked there...
Anyone know which federal rule that caused this? I read the article and its a little light on the details.
I'd like to see the actual federal mandate to see what it actually covers before going to Time Warner here in Austin and asking them to give me some pricing info. If anyone's already done this here, reply and let me know..
Hmm. No mention if this affects the BEFW11S4 (4 port cable/dsl router + WAP).
The BIOS on the Lats and Inspirons are basically the same. The BIOS on the SmartStep 200N/250N systems are completely different. The SmartStep 100N is basically a cheaper version of the Inspiron 2650 minus a floppy drive.
Just an FYI.
There is. Its called Battery Optimized Mode .
Not having a SmartStep 250N in front of me (as I no longer work at Dell) I can't say what the options are to get to this feature.
Most if not all Dell laptops have this option.
Let's just hope its better than DN:MP (Manhattan Project). What a POS.
You know, I *really* enjoyed DN3D. Multiplayer (while not as fun as Q3TA and others) was a blast. If DNF isn't 1st-person like UT, Q3TA, etc, its going to flop.
Yeah, I looked on Ebay. Geezus-f'ing-christ they're proud of their cases.
I may just go to the local hobby shop and get some mirrored plexiglass and make my own case... Thanks though.
And is the PCB you'll need to use to convert from slimline IDE to standard. $25.
I saw you were looking for a slimline IDE cable for use with a full-size mobo.
You might be able to get one of these from Dell.
Dell regularly uses slimline parts in some of their PCs, like in their OptiPlex SX260.
My suggestion would be to contact Customer Service and inquiry as to purchasing one. I don't think you have tio supply them with a service tag to get one, but I could be wrong.
I looked on Ebay, per the previous comment regarding the Quicksilver case. $229? Hell, I'd rather buy one of these and put the extra $180 into a mobo and proc.
I do think the Qucksilver case is much nicer, and I've got an evil dayglow green/black combo in mind.
*Sigh*
... can *I* get a G4 case? I'd love to just rip apart and slap my Duron into it.
Anyone know where I can get a G4 case cheap? Yeah, I know the case mods have been done before, but its not like I'm looking to publish it or anything. The PC cases are just too ugly, and even the McPC case is ugly to me.
Sensible, but do you have a means of explaining to users how N:\xxx.jpg maps on to ftp://user:password@ftp.mysite.com, or is it just something that requires training?
All you have to tell them is to drop any file on their N:\drive and then use the userid:password@ftp.site.com to retrieve it. They don't really need to know anything else.
If the site is broken down to subfolders by department, the most you'd have to do is tell them where their N:\ shows up on the FTP server. To make it even easier, name the directories they see when they connect to the FTP site the same as its called on N:\ (\\server\resource = N:\) or simply drop that userid/pw combo into that particular directory.
Perhaps I can do this; but why should I? In terms of user interface, email is exactly the right thing for them to use. One of them has a file, and wants the others to end up with it on their own machines. In a single operation, he sends it to the others, and in a single operation, they have it. Putting it on our server is an invitation to leave it there, sucking up server disk space when everyone forgets about it (as opposed to getting caught when they sweep their own machines for bloat) and being inaccessible when they're on the road.
Because its better to get them in the mindset of not doing it in the first place. Wouldn't you agree?
This is not one of those rare occasions when it is necessary to be a BOFH. Just because I personally think email is for text and people who use it for other things are wankers does not mean it makes business sense to enforce this policy in my workplace
I'm certainly not advocating turning into a BOFH (as fun as it would be to kill off stupid users and all..) just that its not a Good Thing(tm) to let people get in the habit of doing whatever they want, whenever they want to the point that it can/does degrade the network to the point where it can't be used.
It is very easy for those of us who own / run servers to say "Just put it on a FTP server." It is a lot harder to explain to the average user how to run a server, what servers they have access to (most people don't), what FTP programs are available, and how to explain to their recipients how to download the file.
This is total BS. Its not that difficult to tie a subdirectory to a FTP site and tell everyone to drop their files on the N:\ drive to make it available via FTP.
And as for them getting the files off, user:password@ftp.mysite.com will work for everyone.
Sure, it gets more complex (not much) when it comes to directory permissions, but you can do that on a departmental basis. Even then have every departments N:\ drive mount directly to their respective folders on the FTP site.
Hell, if I can do it at home using Bulletproof FTP, why can't you do it at work using Unix, Linux, or a MS product?
My point exactly.
When I worked at IBM in tech support, we used an FTP server. If a customer needed to upload/download anything from us they were given the login information. This kept the mail servers from choking (we used VM until they forced us to Lotus Notes, the bastards) and left the files out there for the *department* to be able to use. This also kept it from just going to one single tech, so the techlead and the rest of the teammates could chime in with their input as well.
Think 100MB PowerPoint files: the sales team slings these around like mashed potatoes.
:D), etc. Put a link to the file on the network in the email and don't choke the mail server by attaching anything over 5MB.
This can be fixed by using shared network drives per department. Give marketing their own directory. Give QA their own directory (give IT their own UT2003 server
Better yet, cap it at 5MB and force them to use the other resources.
While I've never personally worked at a place so draconain that they monitor email to ensure its all business-related, every employer has the right to monitor email and network resources to ensure they're not abused.
The point being, teach the employees an alternate method to transfer large files and enforce it. From CEO on down.
... as such, no one should be using their email for personal correspondance.
Getting large family portraits at work? All the more reason to keep the limit at 5MB.
Me, I set up an FTP server on my cable connection for just such occasions.
If users are complaining that 5MB isn't enough, do the following:
1) Remind them this is a business network and as such you have the right to limit the amount of file size attachments
2) Get them WinZIP and teach them how to use it
3) Set up an FTP server
Dude, you haven't needed RR's software to connect to their services for something like 2 YEARS now.
This is a Good Thing (tm) as long as I don't have to go out and purchase another 4 port DSL Switch+WAP and Wireless PCI NIC in order to get the new "encrpytion".
While we're on the subject: Has anyone else noticed just how clueless LinkSys' tech support is on their own WAPs?
Can't you just use MAC address authorization and essentially lock out unknown NICs?
Technically, Dell is in Round Rock. True, you can spit in Round Rock and hit Austin, but we're all in the same sh*tty job market.
Me? I'd tell him I had to look into some things and call him back. Then I'd go to PriceWatch and buy a bunch of Althon XP 2200s for ~$300 and install whatever OS I needed, without having to worry about getting a refund for a MS license I didn't want or need.