I'd say your friend is quite fortunate to be wanted straight out of college, but here's the thing: the electronics company only PROMISED him a job when he graduates. As the old adage goes: promises are made to be broken...and in the tech world, so are verbal agreements and temp jobs.
SHOULD the electronics company follow through, he should still take the job, and find satisfaction in getting whatever real-world experience he can get out of it! I had this idealistic dream of working for Blizzard, EA, etc..and you know what I discovered after I went through the endless programming challenges and interviews with them? Some things:
1) Game companies want MIT-level knowledge, but pay out retarded salaries for the talent, and work the talent to death...all for the glory of being THAT guy that worked on a AAA title
2) For each big game title on a store shelf at Fry's, I see 20 more titles collecting dust
You know what I say to that? BIG WHOOP!
A lot of game technologies are also used in many set-top-boxes, cinema, scientific programming, TV..and (some of) these companies PAY! Games are interesting pieces of software, but I would rather work on the underlying technologies that make a game come together.
Now, for those game technologists that say I can't hack it, I'd be happy to show you my Linked in profile...I've worked at some NICE companies too, doing similar stuff. I'm allowed to my opinion too;-)
Now, in the general tech world, job-hunting is almost as competitive as in game world. One really needs to be on top of their programming game with certain companies, and you even have to have some charisma too while interviewing.
Now, if your friend's job lead fizzles with the electronics company, then I'd say he should really pursue Blizzard and follow his dreams. However, dream jobs are still...jobs. He should really think about building up his professional programming experience, and work in the sub-domain he loves.
He'll eventually get there, if he gives it time and determination.
I did my 4+ yrs getting a CS diploma, and GED: what did those non-CS courses teach me wrt to my current job:
English: I can write SW spec documents and comment big blocks of my code with sufficient grasp of grammar that doesn't make me seem like a idiot (and even gives me extra points in credibility)
History: The ability to look back at past events helps you formulate a coding strategy for the future, and avoid mistakes
Art: CS derives from Math, and Math has been considered an art-form for thousands of years (hmmm, there's that History again)
Philosophy: You sometimes code in teams, and understanding that these other team-members are human beings, and understanding your team strengths/weaknesses/quirks, makes you work smarter, not harder.
So sure, you can skip all that, and hyper-specialize in CS, but that won't buy you as much as you think in the long-run.
Even if ATT were to add more towers in its ideal world, it still would not be enough. You're talking about a problem that scales linearly (adding more towers). In the case of iPhone adoption (through basic word-of-mouth and ads), I think it scales linearly, but faster (super-linearly), or even geometrically. So, throwing more towers into the mix won't necessarily help, because ATT will eventually hit the wall again or max capacity.
Even then, putting up towers brings up the NIMBY factor from home owners that don't want one put in.
Personally, I think this is one case where I would not mind some kind of tiered pricing scheme; it gives users more choice, but at the same time, makes them VERY aware of the bandwidth they are using, and the iPhone "battery-like" or gauge-like widget would make that really easy to do. When the widget turns red, stop using, or pay to play...but this is not QoS at all in the net-neutrality sense either..more like a good compromise.
You do realize that any semblance of manlihood I have left evaporated upon showing this page in the presence of my colleagues at work, don't you...DON'T YOU?!?!
I think we can call this the San Francisco (Castro) Motif..mmmmmm!
Easy, they were able to harness an electron with electo-static fields and extract electrons from the doped region into this trap, using the fact electons can "tunnel" thru certain potential barriers (the "Hall Effect"? Physics majors, help me out here!;-))
By weakening the electric barrier that trap the electrons, they're allowed to interact.
They built a prototype, and ran it through a few million test cycles.
Well, it's not for real yet, but I believe there's a guy called Shor that proves that big numbers can be factored in quantum-polynomial time. So yeah, DH is breakable by a quantum computer.
You have to decide what kind of idea you want to make into a business, and make a business plan out of it. If you don't have too many bills racked up, you could run a consulting firm right in your home (or your friend's)...keep your goals small, get a few clients, and see where it goes. You could get some info on how to set up your small-business from a few government brochures.
You'll be knee-deep in the EE for sure...your access will be limited to the removable storage peripherals (CD, DVD, etc...) so that you won't make your own game cd's. But, it seems you COULD plug an external CD burner off the USB port.
With an ethernet, you could still archive your stuff on CD...just on another computer.
OTOH, it may not be so great since they "turn off" access to the DVD that are not "Official". So programming a cool game under Linux will limit the distribution of that game to...
you.
Ok, we didn't even recount these problems, ONCE!
You just said it wasn't possible, without explaining yourself. To boot, you did it in a piss-poor way by calling me ignorant.
You still did it, but I'm willing to put up with it because you gave some cogent arguments (I do know enough of the PS2 internals, and I've worked on enough embedded systems to know what you're talking about).
can go on and on about the (basically
insurmountable) problems that would arise with doing a DX emulation layer
Why is that insurmountable? The problem is that the OGL that comes with the kit is under-featured.
There is a working model of OGL, so it is possible to improve upon it w/ the existing H/W. I'm not saying it's going to be 100 pct COMPLIANT to the spec (if the h/w can't handle the vertex shaders, fine!).
And then, there'd be the DX shim...your peers have taken the time to do a shim layer for Windows, so there must be a reason for it. You don't see the point, and that's fine...but respect other ppl that do!
Why do you think PS2 ports take forever? Major parts of the game have to be rewritten!
Whine, whine! Bitch, complain! I knew these "application transmographications" would happen when I realized that PS2 is optimized for raw throughput. I've spoken to alot of devs in the industry, and most of them start out doing something for the PC/X-box and then switch to PS2.
Why? Cause they have gobs of memory to store massive textures and internal C++ heirarchies. So they don't show as much restraint as much as they do on a PS2, since it doesn't have 256 MB of ram
and 10 Gigs (or 8 now?) of additional V-mem that X-box does.
Now, if the game was designed to work in a resource-constrained system, from the beginning, there wouldn't be so much belly-aching about programming for the PS2. I program on these types of sytems all the time, so these issues are old hat to me. So don't give me this BS about DX being "insurmountable"...I didn't say it was EASY though!
I seriously think you need some anger management courses...I don't bite your bait as easily as you do mine;-)
I kinda figgered it was you, your id gives u away
Hi back;-)
Ice.
That is very possible...but then, the same problem arises whenever we try to run an OGL 1.3 driver on a Rage 128 chipset. Same thing on a G400.
Now, I took the time to print out the OGL 1.3 spec...unfortunately, I don't know how the PS/2 works. To anybody who does: want to mind-meld with me to give me this info?:^)
Failing that: any info on VU1,2 assembly primers would be sufficient!
If the bundled OGL is woefully inadequate, then there's no reason to re-write it and make a better OGL. The Direct X integration can come later.
Oh, you do, AC? Coulda fooled me, bud! Why should I believe you, Coward? But you may be right, you may have 'a little' more knowledge there...congratulations.
I've looked at vmware before...but it doesn't do what I suggested. VM gives you access to the Win OS, but you're still w/in Linux. Lindows does something similar. But, what I'd want is the equivalent of a "hot" boot. Both OS contexts are still available, but I'd like to switch from one more to the other.
The Linux kernel that'll ship w/ the PS2 will have Mesa support. Mesa is an open-source open GL initiative. Check it out on sourceforge.net.
Now, what I DIDN'T know was it ships with an Alpha version of OpenGL...which means it's probably incomplete/buggy. YMMV there.
OpenGL is a platform-independent graphics api, so yes, I can program a game/graphics demo on a PS/2 just as easily as I could on a PC, or a Mac, or a Sun box using this API. If the program you're writing compiles on a PS-2, it's a PS2 game. Simple as that.
Yeah, I know you can't burn CD's...and? You can tar up your app, and FTP it. Well, for the lucky that get access to a dev console, all the pwr to them. I did not mean to say the Kit is a replacement for a dev console, but it's an avenue for the ppl who want to become game devs.
But w/o this kit, I have to get into the games industry to program a PS-2...yet I need 10 years experience programming the thing!
You can create PS2 games WITHOUT using those magical PS2 api's...u use a different set of api's...OpenGL for example.
As for the booting part, it's the same problem with Win/Linux multi-boot systems...I'd like to see the ability to switch from Linux/Windows in a keypress, a massive context-switch, but I haven't seen that so far. Hence, that's why I hate multi-boot systems. More often that not, if I want to work in Linux, I have some other tasks that make me want to switch to Windows...
I seriously doubt it costs 600 bucks, too...that's not what was said in the original press releases...but you're w/in your rights to not buy it if you find you won't make good use of it...your choice.
What exactly is the point of this? I know we've gone over this before in previous Linux PS2 articles, but it never really seems to add up. If you want to play games, you buy a console. If you are the type of person who wants to run Linux (and has a broadband connection to use the PS2's ethernet adapter), then you already have a computer (and you probably consider it and its brothers/sisters members of your family). If you don't, then you're probably experiencing phantom pains
Consoles are computers as well..they just don't allow the user to write programs, or use the platform beyond what it was designed to: to play games. Which is a bit of a waste in terms of potential computing possibilities, IMO.
Now, the PS2 Kit essentially creates another type of VAIO computer.
The problem I see is that the PS2 + Linux kit isn't really cheap enough to justify itself, except for the nerd-factor. It's a lot of money, and for what? So your lazy ass doesn't have to walk to the other room to check Slashdot during a break in your gaming?
Not cheap?? Considering an actual PS2 game development station costs 400x MORE, that's a bargain! Oh, and you'd have to reboot the machine to switch between reading/. and playing GTA3
And yes, I'd want it because "I can!". Whether u want it, is another matter.
Slashdot Mirror
...in Fire! Says the Amazonian Vorlon
I'd say your friend is quite fortunate to be wanted straight out of college, but here's the thing: the electronics company only PROMISED him a job when he graduates. As the old adage goes: promises are made to be broken...and in the tech world, so are verbal agreements and temp jobs.
SHOULD the electronics company follow through, he should still take the job, and find satisfaction in getting whatever real-world experience he can get out of it!
I had this idealistic dream of working for Blizzard, EA, etc..and you know what I discovered after I went through the endless programming challenges and interviews with them? Some things:
1) Game companies want MIT-level knowledge, but pay out retarded salaries for the talent, and work the talent to death...all for the glory of being THAT guy that worked on a AAA title
2) For each big game title on a store shelf at Fry's, I see 20 more titles collecting dust
You know what I say to that? BIG WHOOP!
A lot of game technologies are also used in many set-top-boxes, cinema, scientific programming, TV..and (some of) these companies PAY!
Games are interesting pieces of software, but I would rather work on the underlying technologies that make a game come together.
Now, for those game technologists that say I can't hack it, I'd be happy to show you my Linked in profile...I've worked at some NICE companies too, doing similar stuff. I'm allowed to my opinion too ;-)
Now, in the general tech world, job-hunting is almost as competitive as in game world. One really needs to be on top of their programming game with certain companies, and you even have to have some charisma too while interviewing.
Now, if your friend's job lead fizzles with the electronics company, then I'd say he should really pursue Blizzard and follow his dreams. However, dream jobs are still...jobs. He should really think about building up his professional programming experience, and work in the sub-domain he loves.
He'll eventually get there, if he gives it time and determination.
Good luck to him!
I did my 4+ yrs getting a CS diploma, and GED: what did those non-CS courses teach me wrt to my current job:
English: I can write SW spec documents and comment big blocks of my code with sufficient grasp of grammar that doesn't make me seem like a idiot (and even gives me extra points in credibility)
History: The ability to look back at past events helps you formulate a coding strategy for the future, and avoid mistakes
Art: CS derives from Math, and Math has been considered an art-form for thousands of years (hmmm, there's that History again)
Philosophy: You sometimes code in teams, and understanding that these other team-members are human beings, and understanding your team strengths/weaknesses/quirks, makes you work smarter, not harder.
So sure, you can skip all that, and hyper-specialize in CS, but that won't buy you as much as you think in the long-run.
I urge you to reconsider, impatient youth! ;-)
Ahoy! There be lotsa oil here, maties! ARRRRRRRRR! Air's a bit musty though, meeh could be worse!
Even if ATT were to add more towers in its ideal world, it still would not be enough. You're talking about a problem that scales linearly (adding more towers). In the case of iPhone adoption (through basic word-of-mouth and ads), I think it scales linearly, but faster (super-linearly), or even geometrically. So, throwing more towers into the mix won't necessarily help, because ATT will eventually hit the wall again or max capacity.
Even then, putting up towers brings up the NIMBY factor from home owners that don't want one put in.
Personally, I think this is one case where I would not mind some kind of tiered pricing scheme; it gives users more choice, but at the same time, makes them VERY aware of the bandwidth they are using, and the iPhone "battery-like" or gauge-like widget would make that really easy to do. When the widget turns red, stop using, or pay to play...but this is not QoS at all in the net-neutrality sense either..more like a good compromise.
Anyway, just my 0.02$...talk amongst yourselves.
C.
Gee, where have i heard this rhetoric before? I guess
these guys are taking pointers from 3D realms.
I guess we can chalk up another one in the DNF category.
Too bad, I had such high hopes for Sporeage!
You do realize that any semblance of manlihood I have left evaporated upon showing this page in the presence of my colleagues at work, don't you...DON'T YOU?!?!
I think we can call this the San Francisco (Castro) Motif..mmmmmm!
WOOF!
Ice.
Should we call it then Deep Fried? ;^)
/ice.
Resistance if futile! Ya right...
Easy, they were able to harness an electron with electo-static fields and extract electrons from the doped region into this trap, using the fact electons can "tunnel" thru certain potential barriers (the "Hall Effect"? Physics majors, help me out here! ;-))
By weakening the electric barrier that trap the electrons, they're allowed to interact.
They built a prototype, and ran it through a few million test cycles.
Pretty neat, IMO.
Cheers, Ice.
Well, it's not for real yet, but I believe there's
a guy called Shor that proves that big numbers can be factored in quantum-polynomial time. So yeah, DH is breakable by a quantum computer.
You have to decide what kind of idea you want to make into a business, and make a business plan out of it. If you don't have too many bills racked up, you could run a consulting firm right in your home (or your friend's)...keep your goals small, get a few clients, and see where it goes. You could get some info on how to set up your small-business from a few government brochures.
That's how HP started, outta someone's garage.
Good luck, dude. Ice.
I just read the article...
You'll be knee-deep in the EE for sure...your access will be limited to the removable storage peripherals (CD, DVD, etc...) so that you won't make your own game cd's. But, it seems you COULD plug an external CD burner off the USB port.
With an ethernet, you could still archive your stuff on CD...just on another computer.
Your X-box acting up? ;^)
Sounds like a crappy bios to me.
Er, not really...
one word: tarballs
ice.
That is very possible...but then, the same problem arises whenever we try to run an OGL 1.3 driver on a Rage 128 chipset. Same thing on a G400.
:^)
Now, I took the time to print out the OGL 1.3 spec...unfortunately, I don't know how the PS/2 works. To anybody who does: want to mind-meld with me to give me this info?
Failing that: any info on VU1,2 assembly primers would be sufficient!
If the bundled OGL is woefully inadequate, then there's no reason to re-write it and make a better OGL. The Direct X integration can come later.
Either way, it's an interesting project.
Cheers, Ice.
I know it's emulation! And if you feel it's worth your time to bash my "vision", you're the one who's deluded!
But keep replying, you amuse me, AC ~P
Oh, you do, AC? Coulda fooled me, bud!
Why should I believe you, Coward?
But you may be right, you may have 'a little' more knowledge there...congratulations.
I've looked at vmware before...but it doesn't do what I suggested. VM gives you access to the Win OS, but you're still w/in Linux. Lindows does something similar. But, what I'd want is the equivalent of a "hot" boot. Both OS contexts are still available, but I'd like to switch from one more to the other.
But this is OT, anyway.
choose to post as Anonymous Cowards!
Go play your PS2...and leave us real programmer's do our own playing!
We'll see on the price...colour me skeptical.
The Linux kernel that'll ship w/ the PS2 will have Mesa support. Mesa is an open-source open GL initiative. Check it out on sourceforge.net.
Now, what I DIDN'T know was it ships with an Alpha version of OpenGL...which means it's probably incomplete/buggy. YMMV there.
OpenGL is a platform-independent graphics api, so yes, I can program a game/graphics demo on a PS/2 just as easily as I could on a PC, or a Mac, or a Sun box using this API. If the program you're writing compiles on a PS-2, it's a PS2 game. Simple as that.
Yeah, I know you can't burn CD's...and? You can tar up your app, and FTP it. Well, for the lucky that get access to a dev console, all the pwr to them. I did not mean to say the Kit is a replacement for a dev console, but it's an avenue for the ppl who want to become game devs.
But w/o this kit, I have to get into the games industry to program a PS-2...yet I need 10 years experience programming the thing!
Nice catch-22, eh?
You can create PS2 games WITHOUT using those magical PS2 api's...u use a different set of api's...OpenGL for example.
As for the booting part, it's the same problem with Win/Linux multi-boot systems...I'd like to see the ability to switch from Linux/Windows in a keypress, a massive context-switch, but I haven't seen that so far. Hence, that's why I hate multi-boot systems. More often that not, if I want to work in Linux, I have some other tasks that make me want to switch to Windows...
I seriously doubt it costs 600 bucks, too...that's not what was said in the original press releases...but you're w/in your rights to not buy it if you find you won't make good use of it...your choice.
I know there's a Direct X shim layer for OpenGL on sourceforge...now consider this:
;-)
DX/OGL + PS2 = X-box...with native DVD support!
I like it
What exactly is the point of this? I know we've gone over this before in previous Linux PS2 articles, but it never really seems to add up. If you want to play games, you buy a console. If you are the type of person who wants to run Linux (and has a broadband connection to use the PS2's ethernet adapter), then you already have a computer (and you probably consider it and its brothers/sisters members of your family). If you don't, then you're probably experiencing phantom pains
Consoles are computers as well..they just don't allow the user to write programs, or use the platform beyond what it was designed to: to play games. Which is a bit of a waste in terms of potential computing possibilities, IMO.
Now, the PS2 Kit essentially creates another type of VAIO computer.
The problem I see is that the PS2 + Linux kit isn't really cheap enough to justify itself, except for the nerd-factor. It's a lot of money, and for what? So your lazy ass doesn't have to walk to the other room to check Slashdot during a break in your gaming?
Not cheap?? Considering an actual PS2 game development station costs 400x MORE, that's a bargain! Oh, and you'd have to reboot the machine to switch between reading
And yes, I'd want it because "I can!". Whether u want it, is another matter.
Peace, Ice.