[Assumption] You are running Gentoo, you have compiled your kernel with module support, your system is installed and you have already installed XFree86/X.org...
In other words, you've got your Gentoo installation going...;) [/Assumption]
At this point, it's pretty much a simple emerge.
# emerge nvidia-glx nvidia-kernel
In all fairness, there are a few other steps, loading the module (# modprobe nvidia) and updating X. But the entire procedure is pretty damn simple, really.
I've already done this using a low powered transciever.
Setup is pretty much as follows:
Both my Xbox (modded & running XBMC) and my studio box (older PM G4) access my fileserver via a Samba share. Both XBMC and iTunes are controlled via my handspring visor's (using a Xircom springboard modules) browser (XBMC has integrated webbrowsing, but I had to use DeadEnd's webRemote to control iTunes). Next, Both devices are mixed in through an old Fostex board and broadcast via a low powered stereo transmitter.
This not only allows me to play all of my Ogg, Mp3 and AAC files on any stereo (or walkman) on (and around;-) ) my home/property, it also allows me to control the tunes as I choose.
It works quite well... but with a lot of obvious steps. (The biggest is using both the Xbox and the Mac... which I could overcome if I'd go ahead and strip my protected AAC's). Not sure if I'll go Apple's preferred route or not... but it is tempting.
From a standpoint of "Pro Pirating", it's a damn shame that there simply aren't many drive-ins left. Considering that one of the major problems with pirated movies is sound, that would easily be handled in the drive-in route as most drive-ins use(d) fm transmission for their audio (walkman headset with output placed into recorders mic input plug).
From the Corporate/Hollywood standpoint: Thank god that there simply aren't many drive-ins left!
Any (and all) linux users who have ever proclaimed that what linux needs to win the desktop is.... Need to realize that what Linux needs to win the desktop are solid beginner level books like this.
I (as I'm sure a good percentage of/.'ers are) am well past the target audience of this book; however, I found it to be a useful resource to have to remind me of some of the questions that those silly little n00bz (like we all once were) have. More importantly -- what kind of answers those same beginners need.
[Blanket Statement] The largest problem that the linux community has are it's users. [/Blanket Statement]
Crying to the heavens above for Linux to get a fair shake on the desktop and then crassly informing someone that they should just go and RTFM is a counterproductive shot in the foot.
If half of the homebrew IT guys around would suggest this book (and a few others) to new linux users, a lot could be done for the OSS movement.
Just as a supporting statement I should add that in the past two months, I have succesfully switched 6 users from Windows to Linux (2 custom built Gentoo boxes, and four SuSe installs). Suggesting this book sold the deal for two of those.
One could say that I shot myself in the foot, now that I no longer have those clients calling me about all those Windows annoyances... but, hell, they were a pain in the ass clients anyway.;)
The only problem I've had with that solution is the limited amount of memory (as it pertains to NeoGeo and newer ROMs).
While the PC solution is a few extra steps (not so if you've yet to mod yer xbox), it does provide an overall memory footprint to get the ball rolling with.
Not to mention cheaper (if you've got a spare PC around). Think Xbox ($150), modchip ($35-$80), hard drive ($40-$80) and then the time necessary to get it all running.
Personally, for the most part, I'm with you, though. I'm not a huge NeoGeo fan and most of my personal fave's play fine on my xbox (late 70's to late 80's arcade gmaes -- defender, joust, pacman, golden axe, etc...) and with four players on the couch, some beer and a 46" tv, Gauntlet is still mucho fun.
Gyration Media Center Remote and Keyboard.
on
Home Theater Keyboards?
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· Score: 3, Informative
As a couple folks below have mentioned, Gyration makes some nice products. I'm building a similar device right now and have opted for the Gyration Media Center Remote and Keyboard combo: Take a look here: http://www.gyration.com/mcrsuite.htm
I bring this up only as a means of extending the narrow point of view examined in the article.
Earth's finest astro-missionaries do indeed initiate contact and demonstrate themselves, and their beliefs, as mankind's majority view. In which case:
1: After a few years of contact with our nonsense, they (The ET's in question) decide to tie us to an intersteller "cross" and set us out to drift by a black hole (a la The Mission
2: Our astro-misionaries find that the alien culture in question has a highly evolved sense of religion themselves and they proceed to convert us.
3: They (the ET's) are completely appalled by our (mankind's) inability to distinguish personal spirtual beliefs from nonsensical religious imperatives and (after speaking their case to some galactic council or other) quarantine Earth from interstellar contact until we set our priorities straight.
4: (As a continuation of point 2) They (the ET's) are enraged by our collective infidelism(sic) that we are hunted down and exterminated for challenging they one true religion: Theirs.
5: They view us as silly monkey-men and throw our collective simian asses in a cosmic zoo (a la, Vonnegut and Porno for Pyros).
Anyway, just a few other ideas to chew over, you silly religious elitist type.
You'd think it would be relatively easy to look around and see how much religion (and our immature view(s) of it) have fucked us all over. I mean, turn on the CNN and the end result of it is everywhere. I have an idea, take your deep seeded personal religious views and shove 'em deeply up a very personal place... until we collectively realize that our own personal spiritual viewpoints have no bearing on the world around us... we'll just continue to be screwed.
VLC does not however exist as an Xbox compatible (read: non-linux) binary.
That being said, my use for HYMN is simple: Move all of my ITMS tracks (20-30 burned CD's worth) to my modded Xbox (which is the hub of my media center). What's wrong with that?
I know that I can burn the tracks to CD... but then I must rip them from the CD and transfer to the xbox, thereby wasting the CD's.
I am not sharing music with others, I am not stealing music, I am simply attempting to gain the most enjoyment possible out of my purchase. Don't bother me with excuses about EULA's. I bought my Xbox, I turned it into something more useful, I buy my music from ITMS, I want to play them as I see fit: which for me is using them on my media (x)box. (Which by the way I then broadcast over a 1 watt FM transceiver so that I can listen while I'm out mowing the yard -- it's a big yard-- with the convenience of a headphone FM receiver).
This is not about breaking laws, or piracy. It is about consumer advocacy. Apple has a very nice system in place to (legally) distribute music. I, and many others, simply want reasonable enjoyment from our purchases -- nothing more, nothing less.
--
Roleplaying as a way to annoy friends
on
D&D Is 30
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· Score: 1, Redundant
Back in highschool, a guy in our group would bring his sister to sessions once in awhile. (Hey, what were the rest of us going to say? A real live girl in the group... there's a no brainer).
Anyway, one of her friends (one of the drama group crowd, no doubt) had gotten her into the idea of playing a Wuthering Heights RPG -- no kidding, it does exist) and after much pleading and eyelash fluttering she talked us into "trying it out".
Well, you can use your imagination to figure what happened next...
GM: Kathy, Heathcliff sends you a note telling you he wants to meet you after the dance.
Thylgar (masquerading as Kathy): I have tied Kathy up and stored in her in the kitchen pantry. I write a note to Heathcliff telling him "okay".
Kathy: No, that's not how it's played!
GM: Heathcliff accepts.
Kathy: Stop! Play it right!
Kronos: I sharpen my +5 Vorpal Sword of Wimp Banishment in anticipation!
GM: The dance is over and Heathcliff is wandering the gardens calling for Cathy.
Thylgar (in high voice): Over here!
GM: Heathcliff rolls to spot ambush and failes.
Kathy: I'm serious, stop!
Thylgar: I remove my veil!
GM: Heathcliff appears to be baffled at the change of Kathy's appearance! Rolls to recover from surprise and fails.
Thylgar: Now!
Kronos: I throw my +5 Vorpal sword at Heathcliff's eye!
GM: (Not even rolling) Success!
Thylgar: I pummel Heathcliff with my hammer of ultimate asswhooping!
GM: (No rolling) Success!
Demagon: I kick Heathcliff's ass for being a pussy!
GM: SUCCESS!
Kathy: I'm leaving!
Thylgar: Shit, wait! Wanna go to the dance on Friday?
GM: Rolls dice... Nope, not gonna happen.
[The above account is a true story that has been mostly recreated from ancient memoriees].
It's this exact human ability (to twist personal faith into a mockery of itself) that gave Heinlein, Clarke and the rest of the boys so much to poke fun at.
If you do decide to go with an Xbox, make sure to get your free (well, $7 for shipping) keyboard adapter from Microsoft. That, or sacrfice an Xbox controller extension cable to fit it for standard USB. Then, when yer really feeling drunk and lame, you can sit on the couch pounding down the beer doing yer thing on IRC.
It's also handy if you decide to install Linux on yer box (GentooX 3.0c is a nice release).
if you're comfortable with spending another $150-$200 or so to create the appliance.
I picked up an XBox around Christmas, ordered my mod chip (Xecuter 2.3b), bought a 120 GB WD HD and proceeded to get busy. A couple of hours later, the Xbox was ready and I began to copy over my media. By the end of the night, I had everything stored safely on the box with a simplistic enough setup (EvoX & XBMC) so that my wife (a bright technophobe) was, suprisingly, very comfortable with. Add another $30 for a remote and it's a kick ass media system, that also houses my NES, SNES, Genesis, Mame and Apple ][ library (I am so lame). Oh yeah, it also pulls my favorite shoutcast streams so that I can listen to GrooveSalad or SecretAgent while getting pleasantly trampled in the backyard on those perfect spring saturday evenings.
You can also get yer Xbox working happily with a samba share. I was personally thrilled just get all of that shit off of my studio box so that I can get back to recording music... not cluttering it up with 40 GB of music and DIVX movies.
Yes, you could also do all of this with a custom built PC, but then again... a custom built PC isn't going to play the odd Xbox game that catches yer fancy.
So, if a total of around $300 and a small amount of dirty work is worth it to you to put together a very competent Media (Mp3/Ogg/AAC,etc... DIVX, SVCD, DVD, shoutcast stream), emulation machine that also plays xbox games... yes, it's worth it.
A couple of years back, I spent $250 on a DVD player that was fitted with NUON crap, what an effin mistake that was. Now that DVD player is a spare MP3 player for the bedroom.
____
Yeah, it does potentially suck as a distro source for the X guys, but it's not the end of the world.
If you're really looking forward to the 4.4 release, upgrade to it. AFAIK there's not a single attempt to exclude the process of installing XF864.4, only that it will not be included in specific distros.
If you feel strongly about the issue, send an email to your favorite distributor and ask for them to include it. Make suggestion to include both version (4.3 and 4.4) and allow the user to consciously choose which version they wish to install (with a written preface explaining why).
Finally, remember, you have the ultimate power to decide which pieces will make up the whole of your OS. The beauty of being a Linux (or *BSD) user is that you are complete able to dictate the creation of your OS... and ther are many people who will be pleased as punch to asist if something goes wrong.
This is politics, and I do actually understand the view from either side. How it all plays out, fortunately, is (at least at this time) moot. If I choose to switch to Gentoo, Mandrake or Fedora... I can always install 4.4 myself. As can we all.
Oh, don't I just feel the swelling of a patriotic theme surging behind me? I think I might shed a tear...;)
I've been a Linux on Mac supporter for awhile... as I'm sure a few people are annoyingly aware. So let's make this simple, eh?
Not everyone has OS X ready (or practical) hardware. And of those, many are simply sick of OS 9 (and earlier) OS options.
Look, I try and keep moderately up to date, but with multiple systems it's not the easiest (financially) thing to do. My PC stays current, but my Mac's don't. My old G4 400 runs OS X and is the backbone of my sound studio (runs OS X), my G3 (Lombard) laptop however, blows chunks under the strain of OS X. So, what're my options? OS 9? Please... No, it runs YDL 2.3 and is a very usable, very stable, very powerful Linux based laptop. And by the way... the great Apple support you're talking about is the same support that drops paying customers between the cracks every few years (Lombards, Yikes, 603e's, etc...).
Also, not everyone throws systems away just because it's reached the Manufacturer's end of life estimate. Man, I've got several old pre- G3 Mac's that are very useful... as file servers, MP3 servers, web appliances, etc... primarily because they run Linux.
Also, running Linux on a Mac is no different than running Linux on x86. Some people do it because they can. Why not direct a negative anti-Linux post towards Windows users? Afterall, all of your arguments would be just as (in)valid there... Why use Linux when you can run XP?
In short... just because you don't like the idea of people trashing their Mac with a non Apple created OS doesn't mean that people will stop. Some of us use multiple OSes because we like to tinker. Some because we want to continue to have a usable product even when the manufacturer would really prefer us to spend another $2000. Who knows, maybe a few people even use Linux just to tick you off.
Silly thought, huh? About as silly as firing off a post telling other's why you believe it is pointless for them to do what they wish with their machine.
Heaven forbid anyone has an enjoyable learning experience from a piece of equipment without someone else getting an endless stream of royalties.
"Dr. Davis, telephone please Dr. Davis, telephone please Dr. Blair, Dr. Blair, Dr. J. Hamilton, Dr. J. Hamilton"
I first remember hearing this at the beginning of Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime and have since heard it everywhere (latest is the America's Army game in the medical training section). I'm not sure where it originaly comes from (Coma, maybe?), but I'm pretty sure it didn't originate on Mindcrime (1987).
It's funny how certain loops, effects, etc... will stick with you, and you're taken with pointing them out to anyone and everyone around.
Oh, wait... Or could that just be a clear indication of an obsessive personality linked with a lack of more important things to do?;)
Well, if that's the case, I'm guity as charged, too. =)
It's always fun to look through someone else's audio library... makes me realize how nice my own is.:D
I do appreciate the Ramones tracks, though. I'd have appreciated them much more had they encoded mp3 or OGG instead of WMA. But big thanks, nonetheless.
And, as someone above mentioned... fix those permissions, bub. You've got some mighty big holes in that thar server.;)
Just install Windows 98 and play your fucking games on a 400 mhz pentium II
That's great, except for the fact that the original poster specifically stated that these systems were at work. Let me ask you something... how do you think yer boss would respond to you installing Linux on a workstation just so that you could play XEvil?
Or, you could have a 1.7 GHz machine that runs like SHIT on simple, old games, just because you won't run Windows and have to run everything through WINE.
Uhm, the original poster actually was asking for recomendations of multiplayer games that run in Linux -- not multiplayer games that could be run in Linux via Wine. There is actually a difference.
Get a fucking life.
er, uhm... yeah. For future reference, nobody posting on./ should ever use that phrase: Something about pots and kettles.
Now, for the rest of us... reviewing the above post clearly points out the traggic need to address the way in which our system handles the education of our trolls.
It is clearly obvious that this poor troll does not even know how to read. And how, may I ask, can a troll properly do it's job if it is unable to decipher those cryptic little letter things used to make up posts?
This is a tragedy, but you can help. How? Glad you asked... For the mere price of a cup of coffee...
I usually don't jump on the "me too" bandwagon, but, this time, I will happily.
Speaking on behalf of no one -- except my own bike loving self, I have to extend a glorious middle finger to you, Cowboy.
Here's an article topic for you: "Heads up display for the deleriously stupid.
An anonymous reader writes "A RTF Article recently described new technology developed by The Super Technology For U Foundation. This technology is supposedly a first step in the Educating the Insensitive Imbicile Program, aimed at helping people choose their words wisdom and care.
The device, built into thick, black horn rimmed glasses, is "part early warning system and part Pavlovian training", said spokesperson for STFU. By stimulating nerve centers, it is possible to simulate the sensation of a swift kick in the ass at any point that the wearer has engaged in a social faux pas. Over time, it is also able to subjectively train the wearer to avoid voicing their opinion on topics that they clearly should not engage."
I'll bet some horrifying data could be gathered on the sphincter control response everytime a certain editor received the "ass kicking sensation" because of spewing his ignorance.
Remember, uninformed opinions are like steaming piles of feces... best to be simply avoided.
----
Actually, PowerBooks make damn good Linux notebooks -- at least with YDL running on them.
I'm definately not a member of Apple's Ra-Ra team; hell, the only thing that kept me from throwing my Lombard away was YDL 2.3. I know alot of people complain about RH based distro's, and you'll have to do some code tweaking and compiling if you want bleeding edge builds -- but for a works out of the box notebook Linux install, you can't beat it. (And yea, I mean working out of the box... battery support, the little screen dimmer and volume adjustment function buttons, USB support, all of it).
Of course, that's only helpful if you've got a PowerBook... definately not a reason to go and buy one if you've already got an x86 laptop.
Ah. That just goes to show that open source developers aren't good enough. Can't even do simple things like fix bloat. If users complain, flame and make them feel like complete idiots. That's even worse than a company's tech support department.
And the highly paid proprietary developers can fix bloat? Heh. It'll take OSS developers years to catch up with the delicate art of bloatware.
He didn't talk about Windows XP. Why can't you just address the issues he presented on open source software alone, without dragging Windows into the picture?
Comparisons of that nature should be addressed for the value of eliminated disinformation & mainstream generated FUD. The response that XP will not fly on a three year old workhorse merely brings to light how moot the anti-linux argument is.
However, one of the main selling points of Linux (imo) is the ability to run on older hardare. This of course, is entirely out of the reach of current Windows crops. Regardless of how far you scale back a current Windows install (or in fairness, a current OS X install), it'll still require a relatively current computer. I can, on the other hand, customize a current Linux release to install on ancient hardware... and there are always older releases freely available if I choose to go that route. And, last I checked, neither Microsoft or Apple provide that kind of backwards hardware support.
awww.. you poor thing. You had to bring Windows into the picture just to keep him away from your beloved GNU/Linux didn't you? Awww.. come let Uncle AC stroke Ice_Balrog's head.. poor Balrog.
So, let's see... instead of actually adding anything of merit to the discussion you just sling FUD. And, oh my, your weak FUD attempt winds up with a score of 0. Awww... poor little anonymous coward, come let Uncle Rage plant his foot up yer ass.
Yeah, I know... feed a troll and he'll just follow you home. But I've got a really big dog that needa a new chew toy!
And the point is this: As long as the dollar rules a capital market, the consumer ultimately holds the power.
However, the singular consumer market is not where the decisions are made. Businesses use Windows because Developer XYZ wrote a viable application to simplify/automate/whatever their operation. Parents use Windows at home because they use Windows at work. Kids use Windows because the game developers make games that will run on their parent's computer.
See the cycle?
Given enough time (to develop useful software alternatives outside of end-user desktop software -- read: Point of Sale System, Medical Imaging System, etc... instead of another Word Processor, Email application, MP3 player, Web browser), migrating to another OS might actually become a viable option. At this point in time (for many) it simply isn't. As long as businesses (outside of file/print/web serving) require applications that require Windows... nothing changes.
The Mac was/is a prime example. How long was it considered to be a system whose primary use was for graphic arts/DTP? That's not all a Mac is good for... but that was the general perception. Now, we're beginning to see a shift. Mac's are actually seen outside of service bureaus and studios, because people have realized that Quark sucks... er, sorry,I mean some business managers have seen that there are viable tools available to expedite their required information flow.
Ironically, the lesson to learn from Apple is that attempting to infiltrate the desktop market (as a means of expanding marketshare) may not be the smartest move. I give Apple credit, they're giving it a solid try -- but that probably isn't going to be good enough for an x86 newcomer to take on Microsoft.
In short... quality software needs to be written to fill market requirements (even if they're niche markets... say, Pawn Shop software, or Video Store POS managemet) before a non-MS based OS is viewed as an option. Once respectable marketshare has been won, the desktop users will follow.
I'm not here to pick a fight, burst bubbles or rain on parades with this statement (hell, I love picking on Microsoft as much as the next guy): It's not Microsoft's fault that they have the most popular OS around. It's the fault of business owners that don't demand an option. You can cry me a river about how Microsoft bullied their way to the top -- doesn't matter. If it hadn't have been MS, it'd been IBM w/ OS/2, or Apple, or Commodore, or someone else. And given the right set of circumstances, you'd all be in here cursing the day that Linus ever wrote a line of code.
I'm lucky in the fact that my profession/interests allow me to use multiple OSes. I have two Mac's sitting in the same room as two Windows boxes... and my servers (web & file/print) run Linux. And, I can happily get my little geek thing on by keeping them all talking. But, most businesses can't afford to do that. They are looking for the simplest solution to provide stability, connectivity and a (relatively) simple end-user experience for their employees. Windows provides that. And say what you want about how Microsoft should learn to play ball with everyone else... but jesus, man. All that money, all of those developers, nearly 20 years at the top and you want Windows to work seamlessly with other platforms and OSes? Hell, they haven't even figured out how to work seamlessly with themselves yet.;)
Okay, nuff out of me. I predict two things in the next thirty minutes:
1: I will drink a beer.
2: I will go to bed.
Migrating OSes is one thing... but migrating hardware as well?
Your notion of "free upgrades" would cost this cat nearly $3000 for the initial switch alone (and don't even mention buying used equipment, not an acceptable option considering Apple's current business model)... not to mention that regularly posted updates piped down from Apple won't cover the majority of his server needs.
Look, I'm not anti-mac. Hell, my old G4/400 is my recording studio and my Lombard is my portable networking tool (YDL 2.3), but switching platforms is not an an acceptable course of action just because your distro of choice forces you to examine an OS move.
RedHat's new business model will not end up with me tossing my RH 7.2 based K6 webserver or my RH 9 based XP2500+ anymore than this cat is going to toss his two perfectly usable systems.
If you want to justify your Macintosh zealotry... do it where it's warranted.
You damned evangelists are the whole reason I don't announce that I own Macs.
Walks off shaking head in disgust
And you... you, you bloody birkenstock wearing GNU hippies! *pointing and grumbling at the snickering anti-social duo in the corner*
Put down that Mountain Dew, drop those multi-sided dice and pay attention! I've got a few choice words for you as well!
Slashdot Mirror
[Assumption]
;)
You are running Gentoo, you have compiled your kernel with module support, your system is installed and you have already installed XFree86/X.org...
In other words, you've got your Gentoo installation going...
[/Assumption]
At this point, it's pretty much a simple emerge.
# emerge nvidia-glx nvidia-kernel
In all fairness, there are a few other steps, loading the module (# modprobe nvidia) and updating X. But the entire procedure is pretty damn simple, really.
=)
Setup is pretty much as follows:
Both my Xbox (modded & running XBMC) and my studio box (older PM G4) access my fileserver via a Samba share. Both XBMC and iTunes are controlled via my handspring visor's (using a Xircom springboard modules) browser (XBMC has integrated webbrowsing, but I had to use DeadEnd's webRemote to control iTunes). Next, Both devices are mixed in through an old Fostex board and broadcast via a low powered stereo transmitter.
This not only allows me to play all of my Ogg, Mp3 and AAC files on any stereo (or walkman) on (and around ;-) ) my home/property, it also allows me to control the tunes as I choose.
It works quite well... but with a lot of obvious steps. (The biggest is using both the Xbox and the Mac... which I could overcome if I'd go ahead and strip my protected AAC's). Not sure if I'll go Apple's preferred route or not... but it is tempting.
From a standpoint of "Pro Pirating", it's a damn shame that there simply aren't many drive-ins left. Considering that one of the major problems with pirated movies is sound, that would easily be handled in the drive-in route as most drive-ins use(d) fm transmission for their audio (walkman headset with output placed into recorders mic input plug).
From the Corporate/Hollywood standpoint: Thank god that there simply aren't many drive-ins left!
Any (and all) linux users who have ever proclaimed that what linux needs to win the desktop is.... Need to realize that what Linux needs to win the desktop are solid beginner level books like this.
/.'ers are) am well past the target audience of this book; however, I found it to be a useful resource to have to remind me of some of the questions that those silly little n00bz (like we all once were) have. More importantly -- what kind of answers those same beginners need.
;)
I (as I'm sure a good percentage of
[Blanket Statement]
The largest problem that the linux community has are it's users.
[/Blanket Statement]
Crying to the heavens above for Linux to get a fair shake on the desktop and then crassly informing someone that they should just go and RTFM is a counterproductive shot in the foot.
If half of the homebrew IT guys around would suggest this book (and a few others) to new linux users, a lot could be done for the OSS movement.
Just as a supporting statement I should add that in the past two months, I have succesfully switched 6 users from Windows to Linux (2 custom built Gentoo boxes, and four SuSe installs). Suggesting this book sold the deal for two of those.
One could say that I shot myself in the foot, now that I no longer have those clients calling me about all those Windows annoyances... but, hell, they were a pain in the ass clients anyway.
The only problem I've had with that solution is the limited amount of memory (as it pertains to NeoGeo and newer ROMs).
While the PC solution is a few extra steps (not so if you've yet to mod yer xbox), it does provide an overall memory footprint to get the ball rolling with.
Not to mention cheaper (if you've got a spare PC around). Think Xbox ($150), modchip ($35-$80), hard drive ($40-$80) and then the time necessary to get it all running.
Personally, for the most part, I'm with you, though. I'm not a huge NeoGeo fan and most of my personal fave's play fine on my xbox (late 70's to late 80's arcade gmaes -- defender, joust, pacman, golden axe, etc...) and with four players on the couch, some beer and a 46" tv, Gauntlet is still mucho fun.
Good luck mate, and make a few bucks. =)
Earth's finest astro-missionaries do indeed initiate contact and demonstrate themselves, and their beliefs, as mankind's majority view. In which case:
1: After a few years of contact with our nonsense, they (The ET's in question) decide to tie us to an intersteller "cross" and set us out to drift by a black hole (a la The Mission
2: Our astro-misionaries find that the alien culture in question has a highly evolved sense of religion themselves and they proceed to convert us.
3: They (the ET's) are completely appalled by our (mankind's) inability to distinguish personal spirtual beliefs from nonsensical religious imperatives and (after speaking their case to some galactic council or other) quarantine Earth from interstellar contact until we set our priorities straight.
4: (As a continuation of point 2) They (the ET's) are enraged by our collective infidelism(sic) that we are hunted down and exterminated for challenging they one true religion: Theirs.
5: They view us as silly monkey-men and throw our collective simian asses in a cosmic zoo (a la, Vonnegut and Porno for Pyros).Anyway, just a few other ideas to chew over, you silly religious elitist type.
You'd think it would be relatively easy to look around and see how much religion (and our immature view(s) of it) have fucked us all over. I mean, turn on the CNN and the end result of it is everywhere. I have an idea, take your deep seeded personal religious views and shove 'em deeply up a very personal place... until we collectively realize that our own personal spiritual viewpoints have no bearing on the world around us... we'll just continue to be screwed.
______
VLC does not however exist as an Xbox compatible (read: non-linux) binary.
That being said, my use for HYMN is simple: Move all of my ITMS tracks (20-30 burned CD's worth) to my modded Xbox (which is the hub of my media center). What's wrong with that?
I know that I can burn the tracks to CD... but then I must rip them from the CD and transfer to the xbox, thereby wasting the CD's.
I am not sharing music with others, I am not stealing music, I am simply attempting to gain the most enjoyment possible out of my purchase. Don't bother me with excuses about EULA's. I bought my Xbox, I turned it into something more useful, I buy my music from ITMS, I want to play them as I see fit: which for me is using them on my media (x)box. (Which by the way I then broadcast over a 1 watt FM transceiver so that I can listen while I'm out mowing the yard -- it's a big yard-- with the convenience of a headphone FM receiver).
This is not about breaking laws, or piracy. It is about consumer advocacy. Apple has a very nice system in place to (legally) distribute music. I, and many others, simply want reasonable enjoyment from our purchases -- nothing more, nothing less.
--
Back in highschool, a guy in our group would bring his sister to sessions once in awhile. (Hey, what were the rest of us going to say? A real live girl in the group... there's a no brainer).
Anyway, one of her friends (one of the drama group crowd, no doubt) had gotten her into the idea of playing a Wuthering Heights RPG -- no kidding, it does exist) and after much pleading and eyelash fluttering she talked us into "trying it out".
Well, you can use your imagination to figure what happened next...
GM: Kathy, Heathcliff sends you a note telling you he wants to meet you after the dance.
Thylgar (masquerading as Kathy): I have tied Kathy up and stored in her in the kitchen pantry. I write a note to Heathcliff telling him "okay".
Kathy: No, that's not how it's played!
GM: Heathcliff accepts.
Kathy: Stop! Play it right!
Kronos: I sharpen my +5 Vorpal Sword of Wimp Banishment in anticipation!
GM: The dance is over and Heathcliff is wandering the gardens calling for Cathy.
Thylgar (in high voice): Over here!
GM: Heathcliff rolls to spot ambush and failes.
Kathy: I'm serious, stop!
Thylgar: I remove my veil!
GM: Heathcliff appears to be baffled at the change of Kathy's appearance! Rolls to recover from surprise and fails.
Thylgar: Now!
Kronos: I throw my +5 Vorpal sword at Heathcliff's eye!
GM: (Not even rolling) Success!
Thylgar: I pummel Heathcliff with my hammer of ultimate asswhooping!
GM: (No rolling) Success!
Demagon: I kick Heathcliff's ass for being a pussy!
GM: SUCCESS!
Kathy: I'm leaving!
Thylgar: Shit, wait! Wanna go to the dance on Friday?
GM: Rolls dice... Nope, not gonna happen.
[The above account is a true story that has been mostly recreated from ancient memoriees].
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We really want to know how you feel.
It's okay, let it all out.
--
...and you will find me.
Split a broadband signal and I'll be there.
It's this exact human ability (to twist personal faith into a mockery of itself) that gave Heinlein, Clarke and the rest of the boys so much to poke fun at.
Where's Douglas when we need him most?
If you do decide to go with an Xbox, make sure to get your free (well, $7 for shipping) keyboard adapter from Microsoft. That, or sacrfice an Xbox controller extension cable to fit it for standard USB. Then, when yer really feeling drunk and lame, you can sit on the couch pounding down the beer doing yer thing on IRC.
It's also handy if you decide to install Linux on yer box (GentooX 3.0c is a nice release).
____
I picked up an XBox around Christmas, ordered my mod chip (Xecuter 2.3b), bought a 120 GB WD HD and proceeded to get busy. A couple of hours later, the Xbox was ready and I began to copy over my media. By the end of the night, I had everything stored safely on the box with a simplistic enough setup (EvoX & XBMC) so that my wife (a bright technophobe) was, suprisingly, very comfortable with. Add another $30 for a remote and it's a kick ass media system, that also houses my NES, SNES, Genesis, Mame and Apple ][ library (I am so lame). Oh yeah, it also pulls my favorite shoutcast streams so that I can listen to GrooveSalad or SecretAgent while getting pleasantly trampled in the backyard on those perfect spring saturday evenings.
You can also get yer Xbox working happily with a samba share. I was personally thrilled just get all of that shit off of my studio box so that I can get back to recording music... not cluttering it up with 40 GB of music and DIVX movies.
Yes, you could also do all of this with a custom built PC, but then again... a custom built PC isn't going to play the odd Xbox game that catches yer fancy.
So, if a total of around $300 and a small amount of dirty work is worth it to you to put together a very competent Media (Mp3/Ogg/AAC,etc... DIVX, SVCD, DVD, shoutcast stream), emulation machine that also plays xbox games... yes, it's worth it.
A couple of years back, I spent $250 on a DVD player that was fitted with NUON crap, what an effin mistake that was. Now that DVD player is a spare MP3 player for the bedroom.
____
Yeah, it does potentially suck as a distro source for the X guys, but it's not the end of the world.
;)
If you're really looking forward to the 4.4 release, upgrade to it. AFAIK there's not a single attempt to exclude the process of installing XF864.4, only that it will not be included in specific distros.
If you feel strongly about the issue, send an email to your favorite distributor and ask for them to include it. Make suggestion to include both version (4.3 and 4.4) and allow the user to consciously choose which version they wish to install (with a written preface explaining why).
Finally, remember, you have the ultimate power to decide which pieces will make up the whole of your OS. The beauty of being a Linux (or *BSD) user is that you are complete able to dictate the creation of your OS... and ther are many people who will be pleased as punch to asist if something goes wrong.
This is politics, and I do actually understand the view from either side. How it all plays out, fortunately, is (at least at this time) moot. If I choose to switch to Gentoo, Mandrake or Fedora... I can always install 4.4 myself. As can we all.
Oh, don't I just feel the swelling of a patriotic theme surging behind me? I think I might shed a tear...
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rage
I've been a Linux on Mac supporter for awhile... as I'm sure a few people are annoyingly aware. So let's make this simple, eh?
Not everyone has OS X ready (or practical) hardware. And of those, many are simply sick of OS 9 (and earlier) OS options.
Look, I try and keep moderately up to date, but with multiple systems it's not the easiest (financially) thing to do. My PC stays current, but my Mac's don't. My old G4 400 runs OS X and is the backbone of my sound studio (runs OS X), my G3 (Lombard) laptop however, blows chunks under the strain of OS X. So, what're my options? OS 9? Please... No, it runs YDL 2.3 and is a very usable, very stable, very powerful Linux based laptop. And by the way... the great Apple support you're talking about is the same support that drops paying customers between the cracks every few years (Lombards, Yikes, 603e's, etc...).
Also, not everyone throws systems away just because it's reached the Manufacturer's end of life estimate. Man, I've got several old pre- G3 Mac's that are very useful... as file servers, MP3 servers, web appliances, etc... primarily because they run Linux.
Also, running Linux on a Mac is no different than running Linux on x86. Some people do it because they can. Why not direct a negative anti-Linux post towards Windows users? Afterall, all of your arguments would be just as (in)valid there... Why use Linux when you can run XP?
In short... just because you don't like the idea of people trashing their Mac with a non Apple created OS doesn't mean that people will stop. Some of us use multiple OSes because we like to tinker. Some because we want to continue to have a usable product even when the manufacturer would really prefer us to spend another $2000. Who knows, maybe a few people even use Linux just to tick you off.
Silly thought, huh? About as silly as firing off a post telling other's why you believe it is pointless for them to do what they wish with their machine.
Heaven forbid anyone has an enjoyable learning experience from a piece of equipment without someone else getting an endless stream of royalties.
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rage
...my monitor died last week.
bhu dhu dhum dhum *crash*
Thank you, thank you... I'll be here all week.
There I was, minding my own business, gathering some ideas on what next to do to my xbox...
/. and see what's up tonight...
;)
All of a sudden I can't load a bloody forum posting.... what the hell?!?
Look over at the hub... nope, we've got lights.
Look over at the cabel modem.... nope, Adelphia doesn't suck tonight.
Quickly check my router, drop and reclaim my dhcp connection. Everything fine there.
Hell, guess they forgot to pay their hosting bill this month. Might as well stroll on over to
Oh, look. An article pointing to Xbox scene. Guess that explains it...
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Uninformed opinions are like steaming piles of feces; best to be avoided.
I first remember hearing this at the beginning of Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime and have since heard it everywhere (latest is the America's Army game in the medical training section). I'm not sure where it originaly comes from (Coma, maybe?), but I'm pretty sure it didn't originate on Mindcrime (1987).
It's funny how certain loops, effects, etc... will stick with you, and you're taken with pointing them out to anyone and everyone around.
Oh, wait... Or could that just be a clear indication of an obsessive personality linked with a lack of more important things to do? ;)
Well, if that's the case, I'm guity as charged, too. =)
Happy Holiday's, all.
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It's always fun to look through someone else's audio library... makes me realize how nice my own is. :D
;)
I do appreciate the Ramones tracks, though. I'd have appreciated them much more had they encoded mp3 or OGG instead of WMA. But big thanks, nonetheless.
And, as someone above mentioned... fix those permissions, bub. You've got some mighty big holes in that thar server.
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That's great, except for the fact that the original poster specifically stated that these systems were at work. Let me ask you something... how do you think yer boss would respond to you installing Linux on a workstation just so that you could play XEvil?
Or, you could have a 1.7 GHz machine that runs like SHIT on simple, old games, just because you won't run Windows and have to run everything through WINE.
Uhm, the original poster actually was asking for recomendations of multiplayer games that run in Linux -- not multiplayer games that could be run in Linux via Wine. There is actually a difference.
Get a fucking life.
er, uhm... yeah. For future reference, nobody posting on ./ should ever use that phrase: Something about pots and kettles.
Now, for the rest of us... reviewing the above post clearly points out the traggic need to address the way in which our system handles the education of our trolls.
It is clearly obvious that this poor troll does not even know how to read. And how, may I ask, can a troll properly do it's job if it is unable to decipher those cryptic little letter things used to make up posts?
This is a tragedy, but you can help. How? Glad you asked... For the mere price of a cup of coffee...
Speaking on behalf of no one -- except my own bike loving self, I have to extend a glorious middle finger to you, Cowboy.
Here's an article topic for you:
"Heads up display for the deleriously stupid.
An anonymous reader writes "A RTF Article recently described new technology developed by The Super Technology For U Foundation. This technology is supposedly a first step in the Educating the Insensitive Imbicile Program, aimed at helping people choose their words wisdom and care.
The device, built into thick, black horn rimmed glasses, is "part early warning system and part Pavlovian training", said spokesperson for STFU. By stimulating nerve centers, it is possible to simulate the sensation of a swift kick in the ass at any point that the wearer has engaged in a social faux pas. Over time, it is also able to subjectively train the wearer to avoid voicing their opinion on topics that they clearly should not engage."
I'll bet some horrifying data could be gathered on the sphincter control response everytime a certain editor received the "ass kicking sensation" because of spewing his ignorance.
Remember, uninformed opinions are like steaming piles of feces... best to be simply avoided. ----
I'm definately not a member of Apple's Ra-Ra team; hell, the only thing that kept me from throwing my Lombard away was YDL 2.3. I know alot of people complain about RH based distro's, and you'll have to do some code tweaking and compiling if you want bleeding edge builds -- but for a works out of the box notebook Linux install, you can't beat it. (And yea, I mean working out of the box... battery support, the little screen dimmer and volume adjustment function buttons, USB support, all of it).
Of course, that's only helpful if you've got a PowerBook... definately not a reason to go and buy one if you've already got an x86 laptop.
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And the highly paid proprietary developers can fix bloat? Heh. It'll take OSS developers years to catch up with the delicate art of bloatware.
He didn't talk about Windows XP. Why can't you just address the issues he presented on open source software alone, without dragging Windows into the picture?
Comparisons of that nature should be addressed for the value of eliminated disinformation & mainstream generated FUD. The response that XP will not fly on a three year old workhorse merely brings to light how moot the anti-linux argument is.
However, one of the main selling points of Linux (imo) is the ability to run on older hardare. This of course, is entirely out of the reach of current Windows crops. Regardless of how far you scale back a current Windows install (or in fairness, a current OS X install), it'll still require a relatively current computer. I can, on the other hand, customize a current Linux release to install on ancient hardware... and there are always older releases freely available if I choose to go that route. And, last I checked, neither Microsoft or Apple provide that kind of backwards hardware support.
awww.. you poor thing. You had to bring Windows into the picture just to keep him away from your beloved GNU/Linux didn't you? Awww.. come let Uncle AC stroke Ice_Balrog's head.. poor Balrog.
So, let's see... instead of actually adding anything of merit to the discussion you just sling FUD. And, oh my, your weak FUD attempt winds up with a score of 0. Awww... poor little anonymous coward, come let Uncle Rage plant his foot up yer ass.
Yeah, I know... feed a troll and he'll just follow you home. But I've got a really big dog that needa a new chew toy!
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However, the singular consumer market is not where the decisions are made. Businesses use Windows because Developer XYZ wrote a viable application to simplify/automate/whatever their operation. Parents use Windows at home because they use Windows at work. Kids use Windows because the game developers make games that will run on their parent's computer.
See the cycle?
Given enough time (to develop useful software alternatives outside of end-user desktop software -- read: Point of Sale System, Medical Imaging System, etc... instead of another Word Processor, Email application, MP3 player, Web browser), migrating to another OS might actually become a viable option. At this point in time (for many) it simply isn't. As long as businesses (outside of file/print/web serving) require applications that require Windows... nothing changes.
The Mac was/is a prime example. How long was it considered to be a system whose primary use was for graphic arts/DTP? That's not all a Mac is good for... but that was the general perception. Now, we're beginning to see a shift. Mac's are actually seen outside of service bureaus and studios, because people have realized that Quark sucks... er, sorry,I mean some business managers have seen that there are viable tools available to expedite their required information flow.
Ironically, the lesson to learn from Apple is that attempting to infiltrate the desktop market (as a means of expanding marketshare) may not be the smartest move. I give Apple credit, they're giving it a solid try -- but that probably isn't going to be good enough for an x86 newcomer to take on Microsoft.
In short... quality software needs to be written to fill market requirements (even if they're niche markets... say, Pawn Shop software, or Video Store POS managemet) before a non-MS based OS is viewed as an option. Once respectable marketshare has been won, the desktop users will follow.
I'm not here to pick a fight, burst bubbles or rain on parades with this statement (hell, I love picking on Microsoft as much as the next guy): It's not Microsoft's fault that they have the most popular OS around. It's the fault of business owners that don't demand an option. You can cry me a river about how Microsoft bullied their way to the top -- doesn't matter. If it hadn't have been MS, it'd been IBM w/ OS/2, or Apple, or Commodore, or someone else. And given the right set of circumstances, you'd all be in here cursing the day that Linus ever wrote a line of code.
I'm lucky in the fact that my profession/interests allow me to use multiple OSes. I have two Mac's sitting in the same room as two Windows boxes... and my servers (web & file/print) run Linux. And, I can happily get my little geek thing on by keeping them all talking. But, most businesses can't afford to do that. They are looking for the simplest solution to provide stability, connectivity and a (relatively) simple end-user experience for their employees. Windows provides that. And say what you want about how Microsoft should learn to play ball with everyone else... but jesus, man. All that money, all of those developers, nearly 20 years at the top and you want Windows to work seamlessly with other platforms and OSes? Hell, they haven't even figured out how to work seamlessly with themselves yet. ;)
Okay, nuff out of me. I predict two things in the next thirty minutes:
1: I will drink a beer.
2: I will go to bed.
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Your notion of "free upgrades" would cost this cat nearly $3000 for the initial switch alone (and don't even mention buying used equipment, not an acceptable option considering Apple's current business model)... not to mention that regularly posted updates piped down from Apple won't cover the majority of his server needs.
Look, I'm not anti-mac. Hell, my old G4/400 is my recording studio and my Lombard is my portable networking tool (YDL 2.3), but switching platforms is not an an acceptable course of action just because your distro of choice forces you to examine an OS move.
RedHat's new business model will not end up with me tossing my RH 7.2 based K6 webserver or my RH 9 based XP2500+ anymore than this cat is going to toss his two perfectly usable systems.
If you want to justify your Macintosh zealotry... do it where it's warranted.
You damned evangelists are the whole reason I don't announce that I own Macs.
Walks off shaking head in disgust
And you... you, you bloody birkenstock wearing GNU hippies!
*pointing and grumbling at the snickering anti-social duo in the corner*
Put down that Mountain Dew, drop those multi-sided dice and pay attention! I've got a few choice words for you as well!
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