With the amount of duplicates, I think they can be forgiven for not checking each and every single post, especially as this one was worded almost IDENTICAL to the one posted recently.
In addition, I do believe this is the FIRST time in recent memory I've seen a "whoops, we were wrong, it isn't a dupe" situation.
Sometimes, you have to kick some ass And I'm about to, financially speaking.
I WAS going to purchase a mp3 player in the next month. Now, I think that money can be better spent elsewhere.
And, I'll buy a nice fat hard drive to store all the screenshots and linux distros that I'd normally fill up those CD's I regularly purchase, the one's with the "you're guilty, suck it up princess" levy.
In addition, I'm even less inclined to purchase music now than ever.
Net result? Net loss to the several manufacturers' bottom lines. *shrug* more cash for me, then...
Re:According to my own virtual tests
on
The Future of Flight
·
· Score: 5, Informative
Airplanes are stable or unstable due to their roles.
Fighters are inherently unstable, to allow the radical combat sequences dictated by dogfighting. It's true some of the current fighters are unflyable without constant computer assisted tuning.
Large passenger jets ARE inherently stable. The use of computers to control the flight surfaces are dictated by demands for maximum fuel economy, which means constant re-adjustment of CG's, trim, and other parameters.
Nothing in their design prevents them from being flown on purely hydraulic controls in an emergency.
In the end, I'll take a $25-$200 once-off levy over not having permission to copy CD's that I've purchased
Agreed, but we already had that right; this isn't required.
or being subjected to the DMCA
I for one, never thought the Canadian Goverment would bend to this kind of idiocy; do NOT underestimate them when it comes to a clone of the DCMA...
or being subjected to the WIPO treaties any day. As an added bonus, artists who have limited distribution of their works (i.e. the Little Guys) see some of this cash. This helps the economy a lot more than slowing down the sales of portable music devices.
I'm being charged for music I wouldn't listen to even if it WAS legal to download, shred, use as toilet paper (and I personally believe most of it is only suitable for flushing).
This "levy" covers ALL blank media, not just mp3 players. Why should I pay 20% to upgrade my computer to hold the myrad operating systems I've installed, or the screenshots from my favorite game? I'm being charged 20% more because I MIGHT be able to copy someone's work.
It happens in other industries, and I can't do much to minimize it. I don't have to like it, I don't have to take it, and I certainly don't have to re-vote for ANY of the people that allowed this to happen.
The fact that my anger and vote will change nothing, is besides the point:)
When the Sumitomo fire happened in the early 90's, wiping a large amount of chip epoxy from the global market, some stores achieved instant profits by raising all existing stocks of memory to never before heard-of prices, anticipating the shortage. They called this fair business practice, and quoted the supply and demand dogma. I called it piracy, and voted with my wallet. Those stores are gone today, and I know I helped do that./end rant
The frequency of the magnetic field needs to be on the same scale as the magnetic domains. This is why using a permanent magnet won't do much to VCR tapes.
You need a high frequency, STRONG source to randomize all those tiny, tiny domains.
Even with repeated re-writing of hard drives, data can still be recovered (due to the fact heads never EXACTLY cover the same spot twice).
The best cure is to physically destroy the media used to store the information.
Actually, a better reference would be the stranded kids in R.A.Heinlein's Tunnel in the Sky, where they do set up an interim goverment, only to have it rendered obsolete.
Besides, they say that a normal circuit breaker would arc across.
Absolutely true. Here's a link to an industrial line switch. Keep in mind this is a manually operated and "vanilla" type: Vac-Rupter
What would prevent an arc between the ends of their ceramic rods?
They'd need to break the arc using compressed air blown across the gap, or by submerging the contacts so the arc couldn't form in the first place.
If they want to use semiconductors, why don't they use them for the entire line? Or for the coils in the generators? That would make a difference, not some circuit brakers...
At this level of performance, no semiconductor could handle the power losses. Remember they are SEMI-conductors (not so good as conductors, not so bad as insulators). We use an AC distribution system due to physics: Using transformers, we can up the voltage, while reducing current, to get the same power level.
The less actual current flowing through a conductor, the less heating of said conductor. The less heating, the thinner/less expensive it can be. Imagine supporting a cable across countries the diameter of a bus.
Given the amount of power flowing through these lines, you cannot use a normal or even semi-normal fuse.
A fuse works by breaking the conductor path, stopping the current flow. At high currents and voltages, the breakpoint will heat up, ionize, and provide a LOW impedence path, which is difficult to break.
Some devices that are used to interrupt mains current are switches with contacts immersed in heavy oils, those that use an air blast to disperse the ionized air path, and other more exotic systems.
That's the place. See this tidbit from the Official Sealand Site:
"Arising from some of this historical background are also to be found other sites, some referring to Sealand's designation as 'Rough Tower' [or 'Roughs Tower' or even 'Rough's Tower'], the original name(s) of the Island Fort when it was established and occupied by the United Kingdom as a part of its national defences during the Second World War.
Although these historical designations became inappropriate following the abandonment by the UK of its wartime fortifications which were located in International waters some 55 years ago and by Sealand's subsequent declaration of independence nearly 35 years ago, there remain those who choose to ignore this reality."
I've played with the live CD's of most companies, and that was the extent of my Linux experience, until I jumped in and installed a Stage 3, then Stage 1 Gentoo box.
Despite the STEEP learning curve in my particular case (ATI hardware, infamous on board sound, and other issues) I think it was the right choice to get the understanding I obviously didn't get with the Live CD's.
I Agree. I avoided these books like a communicable disease due to the "Dummy" in the title, but just as I (once) learned not to judge a book by its cover art, some of these are fairly well written and consise. I own the financial planning and home buying ones of the series.
I also agree with your statement on the "idiot" series; so far, not one has made its way on my shelf.
I have a background of ten years in the consumer electronics industry (repair), 7 years sales experience, and nearly another ten in computers. I've been to many a consumer show, technical seminar, bull session and thinktank.
In electronics, I've worked for the following Warranty centres: Panasonic, Goldstar, Zenith, Sanyo, Toshiba, Electrohome.
In my experience, the short answer is: Yes, things are made to last less, and they are of "lesser quality". Having said that, I'd better flesh that statement out a bit.
The manufacturer wants fewer moving parts, to increase reliability and reduce development/production costs. Some examples:
One that comes to mind was when Panasonic reduced a Capstan motor in a VCR from six poles to three, saving weight and mechanical complexity at the expense of fine control; this was made up with faster acting electronics (At this time, warranty failures of camcorders was less than a percent, other items were 1.8%; obviously, the "quality" wasn't sacrificed in this company). Later they redesigned a chassis mechanism to remove almost 100 parts.
Another was when Goldstar issued a television set that dropped its working line voltage through a series of high power resistors, blackening the board in that area, but saving the cost of a STR based regulator in each unit. I'd say the "quality" in this case WAS damaged; overheated solder/cracks (see the class action suit against RCA Tuners) were this unit's bane.
Products are developed to market, work and be replaced within a certain time span.
No picture tube produced on the consumer market will last as long as ones produced 20 years ago, despite advances in phosper, design and manufacturing. I'd lay money on any other mass produced product being the same. There is no "advantage" (in the current and past climates that translates into profit) to producing something that someone pays one time for (See the stats on companies producing Vaccines: Four worldwide. See how many are producing drugs, hundreds) Each year I was in the consumer electronics field, the manufacturers would squeeze us at both ends: cheaper selling price, less pay for warranty work, Replacement only devices, higher quality reports(forcing us to badger customers to fill out those pesky return forms), charging for technical support, limiting market share, I've already gone on too long:)
The consumer has been trained that someone will always beat the lowest price, the "newest/fastest/shiny(est)/loudest" is best.
Thus, it comes full circle. *shrug*
The open source movement is the closest thing I've seen yet to breaking the cycle, and one I support wholeheartedly:)
Re:Not quite computing yet, just digital logic
on
Water Computing
·
· Score: 1
Funny thing about this is, I saw production hydraulic valves using this very technique over ten years ago (switching fluid/air streams at high rates without moving parts).
I guess there really isn't anything new under the sun:)
In the case of rounded cables (IDE in this case), the marketers have won over the engineers.
By rounding the cables, the designed protection against cross talk is lost. This could be a BAD thing.
IDE cables were designed with alternating ground and signal lines, so that each signal line would see a ground plane next to it.
When the cables are cut up, or custom wired, the signal wires are now jumbled in with the rest and the whole idea behind the design is lost.
Now, given the fact most people don't have full bore constant-pinned datarates across the maximum allowed standard length, nothing bad happens, but I leave the rounded cables and the other quirky things to the "mod-squad". I've enough headaches without finding out my "improvement" has actually caused my intermittent valuable time burning problem:)
Slashdot Mirror
With the amount of duplicates, I think they can be forgiven for not checking each and every single post, especially as this one was worded almost IDENTICAL to the one posted recently.
In addition, I do believe this is the FIRST time in recent memory I've seen a "whoops, we were wrong, it isn't a dupe" situation.
Cheers!
Actually, it wasn't a first post. It's just the one with the most points.
The article first stated "Linux cell phone in China", without model numbers listed.
That information was added in at a later date, and the other information padded into the text.
Another bloody dupe. It's even LISTED in the related links channel...
Sometimes, you have to kick some ass
And I'm about to, financially speaking.
I WAS going to purchase a mp3 player in the next month. Now, I think that money can be better spent elsewhere.
And, I'll buy a nice fat hard drive to store all the screenshots and linux distros that I'd normally fill up those CD's I regularly purchase, the one's with the "you're guilty, suck it up princess" levy.
In addition, I'm even less inclined to purchase music now than ever.
Net result? Net loss to the several manufacturers' bottom lines. *shrug* more cash for me, then...
Airplanes are stable or unstable due to their roles.
Fighters are inherently unstable, to allow the radical combat sequences dictated by dogfighting. It's true some of the current fighters are unflyable without constant computer assisted tuning.
Large passenger jets ARE inherently stable. The use of computers to control the flight surfaces are dictated by demands for maximum fuel economy, which means constant re-adjustment of CG's, trim, and other parameters.
Nothing in their design prevents them from being flown on purely hydraulic controls in an emergency.
I'm currently running WinME, as the new motherboard I purchased is legacy free, and will not run properly under Win98/SE.
I'm with the others. I may move this machine to 2000, but NOT to XP.
I'm also running Gentoo (need the Windows for customer support).
/begin rant
:)
/end rant
In the end, I'll take a $25-$200 once-off levy over not having permission to copy CD's that I've purchased
Agreed, but we already had that right; this isn't required.
or being subjected to the DMCA
I for one, never thought the Canadian Goverment would bend to this kind of idiocy; do NOT underestimate them when it comes to a clone of the DCMA...
or being subjected to the WIPO treaties any day. As an added bonus, artists who have limited distribution of their works (i.e. the Little Guys) see some of this cash. This helps the economy a lot more than slowing down the sales of portable music devices.
I'm being charged for music I wouldn't listen to even if it WAS legal to download, shred, use as toilet paper (and I personally believe most of it is only suitable for flushing).
This "levy" covers ALL blank media, not just mp3 players. Why should I pay 20% to upgrade my computer to hold the myrad operating systems I've installed, or the screenshots from my favorite game? I'm being charged 20% more because I MIGHT be able to copy someone's work.
It happens in other industries, and I can't do much to minimize it. I don't have to like it, I don't have to take it, and I certainly don't have to re-vote for ANY of the people that allowed this to happen.
The fact that my anger and vote will change nothing, is besides the point
When the Sumitomo fire happened in the early 90's, wiping a large amount of chip epoxy from the global market, some stores achieved instant profits by raising all existing stocks of memory to never before heard-of prices, anticipating the shortage. They called this fair business practice, and quoted the supply and demand dogma. I called it piracy, and voted with my wallet. Those stores are gone today, and I know I helped do that.
Well Said!
(I confess. My Introduction To Science Fiction was Smith's "Vortex Blastor"...)
Weber has stated many times "Doc" Smith was amongst his influences.
Agreed. I've all of Weber's books. I've got them right next to Clarke's Venus Prime Series.
Totally different books, equally enjoyable in their own right.
(As an aside, Weber's Excalabur Alternative is the ONLY one of his books I can't stand. Tried several readings, and just can't get into it.)
The frequency of the magnetic field needs to be on the same scale as the magnetic domains. This is why using a permanent magnet won't do much to VCR tapes.
You need a high frequency, STRONG source to randomize all those tiny, tiny domains.
Even with repeated re-writing of hard drives, data can still be recovered (due to the fact heads never EXACTLY cover the same spot twice).
The best cure is to physically destroy the media used to store the information.
Actually, a better reference would be the stranded kids in R.A.Heinlein's Tunnel in the Sky, where they do set up an interim goverment, only to have it rendered obsolete.
Snapshot Review Tunnel in the Sky
Righto!
Besides, they say that a normal circuit breaker would arc across.
Absolutely true. Here's a link to an industrial line switch. Keep in mind this is a manually operated and "vanilla" type:
Vac-Rupter
What would prevent an arc between the ends of their ceramic rods?
They'd need to break the arc using compressed air blown across the gap, or by submerging the contacts so the arc couldn't form in the first place.
If they want to use semiconductors, why don't they use them for the entire line? Or for the coils in the generators? That would make a difference, not some circuit brakers...
At this level of performance, no semiconductor could handle the power losses. Remember they are SEMI-conductors (not so good as conductors, not so bad as insulators). We use an AC distribution system due to physics: Using transformers, we can up the voltage, while reducing current, to get the same power level.
The less actual current flowing through a conductor, the less heating of said conductor. The less heating, the thinner/less expensive it can be. Imagine supporting a cable across countries the diameter of a bus.
Given the amount of power flowing through these lines, you cannot use a normal or even semi-normal fuse.
A fuse works by breaking the conductor path, stopping the current flow. At high currents and voltages, the breakpoint will heat up, ionize, and provide a LOW impedence path, which is difficult to break.
Some devices that are used to interrupt mains current are switches with contacts immersed in heavy oils, those that use an air blast to disperse the ionized air path, and other more exotic systems.
On the contrary. For the past week, I've been working with CNC mills and lathes that all run embedded Win95.
I'm told the entire line of tools is similarly equipped.
See Mazak.
That's the place. See this tidbit from the Official Sealand Site:
"Arising from some of this historical background are also to be found other sites, some referring to Sealand's designation as 'Rough Tower' [or 'Roughs Tower' or even 'Rough's Tower'], the original name(s) of the Island Fort when it was established and occupied by the United Kingdom as a part of its national defences during the Second World War.
Although these historical designations became inappropriate following the abandonment by the UK of its wartime fortifications which were located in International waters some 55 years ago and by Sealand's subsequent declaration of independence nearly 35 years ago, there remain those who choose to ignore this reality."
It's worse than you think! I'll bet they're connecting with overpowered Fibre Optic Cable , and the sucker's going to melt through the floor!
I'd mod you up if I had available points.
I've played with the live CD's of most companies, and that was the extent of my Linux experience, until I jumped in and installed a Stage 3, then Stage 1 Gentoo box.
Despite the STEEP learning curve in my particular case (ATI hardware, infamous on board sound, and other issues) I think it was the right choice to get the understanding I obviously didn't get with the Live CD's.
I Agree. I avoided these books like a communicable disease due to the "Dummy" in the title, but just as I (once) learned not to judge a book by its cover art, some of these are fairly well written and consise. I own the financial planning and home buying ones of the series.
I also agree with your statement on the "idiot" series; so far, not one has made its way on my shelf.
I have a background of ten years in the consumer electronics industry (repair), 7 years sales experience, and nearly another ten in computers. I've been to many a consumer show, technical seminar, bull session and thinktank.
In electronics, I've worked for the following Warranty centres: Panasonic, Goldstar, Zenith, Sanyo, Toshiba, Electrohome.
In my experience, the short answer is: Yes, things are made to last less, and they are of "lesser quality". Having said that, I'd better flesh that statement out a bit.
The manufacturer wants fewer moving parts, to increase reliability and reduce development/production costs. Some examples:
One that comes to mind was when Panasonic reduced a Capstan motor in a VCR from six poles to three, saving weight and mechanical complexity at the expense of fine control; this was made up with faster acting electronics (At this time, warranty failures of camcorders was less than a percent, other items were 1.8%; obviously, the "quality" wasn't sacrificed in this company). Later they redesigned a chassis mechanism to remove almost 100 parts.
Another was when Goldstar issued a television set that dropped its working line voltage through a series of high power resistors, blackening the board in that area, but saving the cost of a STR based regulator in each unit. I'd say the "quality" in this case WAS damaged; overheated solder/cracks (see the class action suit against RCA Tuners) were this unit's bane.
Products are developed to market, work and be replaced within a certain time span.
No picture tube produced on the consumer market will last as long as ones produced 20 years ago, despite advances in phosper, design and manufacturing. I'd lay money on any other mass produced product being the same. There is no "advantage" (in the current and past climates that translates into profit) to producing something that someone pays one time for (See the stats on companies producing Vaccines: Four worldwide. See how many are producing drugs, hundreds)
Each year I was in the consumer electronics field, the manufacturers would squeeze us at both ends: cheaper selling price, less pay for warranty work, Replacement only devices, higher quality reports(forcing us to badger customers to fill out those pesky return forms), charging for technical support, limiting market share, I've already gone on too long:)
The consumer has been trained that someone will always beat the lowest price, the "newest/fastest/shiny(est)/loudest" is best.
Thus, it comes full circle. *shrug*
The open source movement is the closest thing I've seen yet to breaking the cycle, and one I support wholeheartedly:)
Funny thing about this is, I saw production hydraulic valves using this very technique over ten years ago (switching fluid/air streams at high rates without moving parts).
I guess there really isn't anything new under the sun:)
In the case of rounded cables (IDE in this case), the marketers have won over the engineers.
By rounding the cables, the designed protection against cross talk is lost. This could be a BAD thing.
IDE cables were designed with alternating ground and signal lines, so that each signal line would see a ground plane next to it.
When the cables are cut up, or custom wired, the signal wires are now jumbled in with the rest and the whole idea behind the design is lost.
Now, given the fact most people don't have full bore constant-pinned datarates across the maximum allowed standard length, nothing bad happens, but I leave the rounded cables and the other quirky things to the "mod-squad". I've enough headaches without finding out my "improvement" has actually caused my intermittent valuable time burning problem:)