I can sympathize with Apple's position here; the effort to setup some kind of (ideally) automatic system to transfer the digital rights and still prevent piracy isn't worth it to them. However, when you're talking about multiple files, it quickly becomes relevant to the owner who wants to sell.
Issues like this is why I still buy a CD whenever the impulse strikes. I just don't buy as many as I used to; I'm much choosier about who I'm supporting.
You see, as far I as I'm concerned, CD's are future-proof. I can rip them into whatever format I want to use. Right now I'm using AAC in iTunes, but that could change. I may want to sell the music, or let my partner listen to it on his office computer. Digital files are definitely the future -- who can doubt it -- but for right now, the CD (or other physical media) is the safest investment.
You might want to read my reply again. I did mention that a user might stumble upon a word in the dictionary. My thought is that the system could check all generated passwords against the dictionary and give the user new inkblots in case of a match.
AAC is not necessarily copy protected. For instance, if you encode your own music with iTunes, the files are not protected in any way.
Obviously, it would be difficult to conduct a listening test if the files in question wouldn't play on everyone's computers because of digital rights management, right?
According to the article, this same QuickTime AAC codec is used in iTunes, but for this test, the encoding was done at the 'best' setting, while iTunes encodes at the 'better' setting.
Sure, what the users sees -- and what they describe -- uses dictionary words, but the password doesn't.
Their example "it looks like a flying gardner" would take the first letter of "flying' and the last letter of "gardner". The user does this for each of 10 blots, forming a password which is probably not in any dictionary.
In fact, the blot system could even check the password against a dictionary to rule out accidental matches -- just have the user do it again.
Also, they show the user the blots and have the user type in the two characters for each blot. Then they scramble the blots and have the user do it again. The second order is the one that ends up being the password, I think.
Okay. One of the symptoms of this behavior is that you're processing multiple sources of stimulation simultaneously. Any classroom I ever attended actively discouraged this sort of behavior. You're expected to pay complete attention to your instructor. If you have a good instructor, this can be engaging. Otherwise, you may be bored, with no sanctioned method to alleviate it.
Given the text of your initial question, I'd say you should try really, really hard to pay attention to your instructors.
First, there is the "network effect". Usually, this is used to explain the value of devices like fax machines -- one fax is useless, two aren't much better, but the more nodes you can connect with, the more valuable your node becomes.
For virus writers, the Macintosh doesn't have a great network effect. Any malware for the Mac has to find another Mac to propogate, and the overwhelming number of machines on the Internet aren't Macintoshes.
In addition, there's a lot of 'research and development' out there for Windows virus writers to tap into, even to the point of virus-writing tools to help any 12 year-old write a simple virus. Nothing like this exists for the Mac, to my knowledge. Any Macintosh virus-writer would have to go it alone, in a sense. It would take more time and more effort.
I've been square dancing for almost thirteen years and I've reached the challenge-1 (C1) level, where the choreography begins to be far more complex and interesting. I dance about once a week with two different groups.
What's interesting about square dancing for me is that you learn the individual moves, or calls, and the caller tells you which moves to execute as you dance. Figuring out the 'syntax' of the dance is a lot of fun.
If you're cringing from the images of crinolines and western shirts dancing through your head, be aware that at the upper levels, most dance groups don't require traditional square dance attire. What's more, when I dance lower levels, I dance with my local gay square dance club -- gay square dance clubs have never required traditional outfits.
Er, if FileMaker is all that's keeping you on that beige G3, then why don't you simply get yourself a copy of FileMaker for Windows and cut loose? FileMaker is cross-platform and has been for years.
You'd probably like a modern Windows computer better than that beige G3. Of course, you'd probably like a modern Macintosh better than that beige G3, but you've already ruled that out.
Whoa. Down, boy. Isn't the point of this software that you can rip you vinyl to a digital file, thus having both formats to enjoy? I don't know about you, but I love having music on my iPod.
My take on this software (since I can't read the article) isn't that mp3's are better than vinyl. It's that if you have vinyl, you can make mp3's.
Reliability? Since you have vinyl records, you're in an excellent position to rip them to mp3 and see which is still around in 100 years. Not arguing for one or the other, just saying it would be an interesting experiment. Besides, aren't backups great?
As for DRM, I agree with you. However, redbook cd's are also what I call "future-proof". So long as a mechanism exists to play them, nobody can tell me what I can do with them, Congress willing and the creek don't rise.
Check out the Crazy Apple Rumors site archive via this link -- scroll down to the headline "Apple Announces iClone at MacWorld Tokyo."
To prove the system works, Jobs revealed that Apple Senior Director of Hardware Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak, is, in fact, the result of an iClone experiment combining the genes of Jobs and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. "Half Steve and half me!" Jobs said. "He's great for Hardware Product Marketing, and we grew him in just three weeks!"
One application for the iPod notes feature would be in self-guided museum tours.
A note you can read on the iPod screen that will link to an audio file or to another note? A self-guided tour unit that will sync changes automatically and charge via the same cable? A system that only requires one base computer to synchronize changes (connecting multiple iPod docks via a firewire hub or perhaps some third party will come out with a multi-iPod dock)?
I don't know how much museums pay for each self-guided unit they use currently, but the 10Gb model is $300.
After reviewing all your requirements, I'd recommend staying with FileMaker Pro and growing or redesigning your existing solution, barring the discovery of any already existing open source solution.
I've been designing FileMaker solutions for over 10 years, and I believe that it has all of the connectivity that you have specified -- you simply need to find someone who can put it together for you.
Plus, as you probably already know, each FileMaker client can share databases with other clients on the network. For a small number of concurrent users, this is perfectly adequate and saves the additional cost of a dedicated server. However, if you do require a dedicated server in the future, your solution will run on that server without modification.
No client exists for Linux, but you can share FileMaker databases with a web interface -- either one you design yourself or with instant web publishing which will create browser layouts based upon your FileMaker layouts. FileMaker also provides connectivity via XML, JDBC, ODBC, SQL, etc.
Don't automatically discount FileMaker based upon an unsatisfactory solution. Include the possiblity of redesigning it in your research.
I mean, I can see that an ISP couldn't really make any headway by hosting the file on web site or something, but there are several replies here from network managers complaining about bandwidth.
Why don't they host it for their users and save the bandwidth?
I've just finished this book, written by Daniel Goleman, and I heartily recommend it.
Its premise is that there are different emotional competencies, and that these competencies distinguish outstanding performers from the merely average. One of the points is that the technical skills required are merely the threshold -- you have to meet these requirements to get the job. How you manage yourself and your relationships with others is what makes your breaks you.
The studies mentioned indicate that the more technical the job -- the more rarified the subject matter -- the more these emotional competencies matter to job performance.
This isn't a self-help book. However, it does break these competencies down into several areas and discusses each one with research and anecdotes.
Most important, it has a chapter dedicated to what you should be looking for in training programs that purport to increase the emotional competency of the people being trained.
Seriously -- go to your public library and check it out. Just being aware of these factors gives you a different perspective on your day-to-day life.
The good news about Apple's updates are that they can be downloaded from the web and stored on the local network, or you can direct Software Update to download the update to your desktop.
This makes it easy to share with others who might not have the bandwidth to download these freakin' things.
I see a lot of comments from the Slashdot perspective, but for the people out there that do frequent CompUSA, this is something that Apple should be commened for trying.
If this takes off, Macintosh owners will gain access to more software. CompUSA will be able to stock more titles for less space with no hassle with moving physical boxes around.
Not only that, PC shoppers might take a look at the Apple equipment and ask, 'what about software?' Then they can browse the listings at the kiosk and see what's available.
Apple faces significant pressure on many fronts in today's marketplace, but it's nice to see them trying new things. In fact, in their position, they must.
The Truth Machine is a fascinating book. I very much recommend it.
Briefly, the machine merely indicates whether the peson under examination is intending to lie or not, because the machine is in no position to actually determine truth.
The book explores the ramifications of such a machine on society and it's quite engaging. For instance, examination by truth machine became necessary for most licensing, and legislation was introduced granting amnesty for crimes committed before the truth machine was available.
Slashdot Mirror
I can sympathize with Apple's position here; the effort to setup some kind of (ideally) automatic system to transfer the digital rights and still prevent piracy isn't worth it to them. However, when you're talking about multiple files, it quickly becomes relevant to the owner who wants to sell.
Issues like this is why I still buy a CD whenever the impulse strikes. I just don't buy as many as I used to; I'm much choosier about who I'm supporting.
You see, as far I as I'm concerned, CD's are future-proof. I can rip them into whatever format I want to use. Right now I'm using AAC in iTunes, but that could change. I may want to sell the music, or let my partner listen to it on his office computer. Digital files are definitely the future -- who can doubt it -- but for right now, the CD (or other physical media) is the safest investment.
Er, you might try clicking on the link about 90% of video games start with a tutorial. There's more to the article and more screen shots.
This suggests a new marketing slogan:
"If you don't upgrade to Windows XP, then the terrorists have already won!"
I saw the part about 16-bit vs 24-bit encoding and how 'better' and 'best' were equivalent for 16-bit encoding, but I didn't know what that meant.
Thanks!
You might want to read my reply again. I did mention that a user might stumble upon a word in the dictionary. My thought is that the system could check all generated passwords against the dictionary and give the user new inkblots in case of a match.
AAC is not necessarily copy protected. For instance, if you encode your own music with iTunes, the files are not protected in any way.
Obviously, it would be difficult to conduct a listening test if the files in question wouldn't play on everyone's computers because of digital rights management, right?
Yes, you're right. Apple controls the AAC codec. That's why there were four other samples to compare the QuickTime AAC encoding against.
According to the article, this same QuickTime AAC codec is used in iTunes, but for this test, the encoding was done at the 'best' setting, while iTunes encodes at the 'better' setting.
Sure, what the users sees -- and what they describe -- uses dictionary words, but the password doesn't.
Their example "it looks like a flying gardner" would take the first letter of "flying' and the last letter of "gardner". The user does this for each of 10 blots, forming a password which is probably not in any dictionary.
In fact, the blot system could even check the password against a dictionary to rule out accidental matches -- just have the user do it again.
Also, they show the user the blots and have the user type in the two characters for each blot. Then they scramble the blots and have the user do it again. The second order is the one that ends up being the password, I think.
Okay. I'll bite.
First, read the article. Then come back here.
Okay. One of the symptoms of this behavior is that you're processing multiple sources of stimulation simultaneously. Any classroom I ever attended actively discouraged this sort of behavior. You're expected to pay complete attention to your instructor. If you have a good instructor, this can be engaging. Otherwise, you may be bored, with no sanctioned method to alleviate it.
Given the text of your initial question, I'd say you should try really, really hard to pay attention to your instructors.
There are a few reasons I can think of.
First, there is the "network effect". Usually, this is used to explain the value of devices like fax machines -- one fax is useless, two aren't much better, but the more nodes you can connect with, the more valuable your node becomes.
For virus writers, the Macintosh doesn't have a great network effect. Any malware for the Mac has to find another Mac to propogate, and the overwhelming number of machines on the Internet aren't Macintoshes.
In addition, there's a lot of 'research and development' out there for Windows virus writers to tap into, even to the point of virus-writing tools to help any 12 year-old write a simple virus. Nothing like this exists for the Mac, to my knowledge. Any Macintosh virus-writer would have to go it alone, in a sense. It would take more time and more effort.
I've been square dancing for almost thirteen years and I've reached the challenge-1 (C1) level, where the choreography begins to be far more complex and interesting. I dance about once a week with two different groups.
What's interesting about square dancing for me is that you learn the individual moves, or calls, and the caller tells you which moves to execute as you dance. Figuring out the 'syntax' of the dance is a lot of fun.
If you're cringing from the images of crinolines and western shirts dancing through your head, be aware that at the upper levels, most dance groups don't require traditional square dance attire. What's more, when I dance lower levels, I dance with my local gay square dance club -- gay square dance clubs have never required traditional outfits.
Er, if FileMaker is all that's keeping you on that beige G3, then why don't you simply get yourself a copy of FileMaker for Windows and cut loose? FileMaker is cross-platform and has been for years.
You'd probably like a modern Windows computer better than that beige G3. Of course, you'd probably like a modern Macintosh better than that beige G3, but you've already ruled that out.
Whoa. Down, boy. Isn't the point of this software that you can rip you vinyl to a digital file, thus having both formats to enjoy? I don't know about you, but I love having music on my iPod.
My take on this software (since I can't read the article) isn't that mp3's are better than vinyl. It's that if you have vinyl, you can make mp3's.
Reliability? Since you have vinyl records, you're in an excellent position to rip them to mp3 and see which is still around in 100 years. Not arguing for one or the other, just saying it would be an interesting experiment. Besides, aren't backups great?
As for DRM, I agree with you. However, redbook cd's are also what I call "future-proof". So long as a mechanism exists to play them, nobody can tell me what I can do with them, Congress willing and the creek don't rise.
On my PowerBook, I always tap on the trackpad in order to click. I always use the tap-drag to drag. I never use the physical trackpad button.
I'd love to find a piece of software that recognized the physical trackpad button as a control-click, thus simulating a two-button mouse.
To prove the system works, Jobs revealed that Apple Senior Director of Hardware Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak, is, in fact, the result of an iClone experiment combining the genes of Jobs and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. "Half Steve and half me!" Jobs said. "He's great for Hardware Product Marketing, and we grew him in just three weeks!"
One application for the iPod notes feature would be in self-guided museum tours.
A note you can read on the iPod screen that will link to an audio file or to another note? A self-guided tour unit that will sync changes automatically and charge via the same cable? A system that only requires one base computer to synchronize changes (connecting multiple iPod docks via a firewire hub or perhaps some third party will come out with a multi-iPod dock)?
I don't know how much museums pay for each self-guided unit they use currently, but the 10Gb model is $300.
Surely there must be other applications?
After reviewing all your requirements, I'd recommend staying with FileMaker Pro and growing or redesigning your existing solution, barring the discovery of any already existing open source solution.
I've been designing FileMaker solutions for over 10 years, and I believe that it has all of the connectivity that you have specified -- you simply need to find someone who can put it together for you.
Plus, as you probably already know, each FileMaker client can share databases with other clients on the network. For a small number of concurrent users, this is perfectly adequate and saves the additional cost of a dedicated server. However, if you do require a dedicated server in the future, your solution will run on that server without modification.
No client exists for Linux, but you can share FileMaker databases with a web interface -- either one you design yourself or with instant web publishing which will create browser layouts based upon your FileMaker layouts. FileMaker also provides connectivity via XML, JDBC, ODBC, SQL, etc.
Don't automatically discount FileMaker based upon an unsatisfactory solution. Include the possiblity of redesigning it in your research.
Well, I'm a little confused.
I mean, I can see that an ISP couldn't really make any headway by hosting the file on web site or something, but there are several replies here from network managers complaining about bandwidth.
Why don't they host it for their users and save the bandwidth?
Am I missing something?
I've just finished this book, written by Daniel Goleman, and I heartily recommend it.
Its premise is that there are different emotional competencies, and that these competencies distinguish outstanding performers from the merely average. One of the points is that the technical skills required are merely the threshold -- you have to meet these requirements to get the job. How you manage yourself and your relationships with others is what makes your breaks you.
The studies mentioned indicate that the more technical the job -- the more rarified the subject matter -- the more these emotional competencies matter to job performance.
This isn't a self-help book. However, it does break these competencies down into several areas and discusses each one with research and anecdotes.
Most important, it has a chapter dedicated to what you should be looking for in training programs that purport to increase the emotional competency of the people being trained.
Seriously -- go to your public library and check it out. Just being aware of these factors gives you a different perspective on your day-to-day life.
The good news about Apple's updates are that they can be downloaded from the web and stored on the local network, or you can direct Software Update to download the update to your desktop.
This makes it easy to share with others who might not have the bandwidth to download these freakin' things.
Riiiiiiiiight...
I see a lot of comments from the Slashdot perspective, but for the people out there that do frequent CompUSA, this is something that Apple should be commened for trying.
If this takes off, Macintosh owners will gain access to more software. CompUSA will be able to stock more titles for less space with no hassle with moving physical boxes around.
Not only that, PC shoppers might take a look at the Apple equipment and ask, 'what about software?' Then they can browse the listings at the kiosk and see what's available.
Apple faces significant pressure on many fronts in today's marketplace, but it's nice to see them trying new things. In fact, in their position, they must.
Does Microsoft own your apartment building?
The Truth Machine is a fascinating book. I very much recommend it.
Briefly, the machine merely indicates whether the peson under examination is intending to lie or not, because the machine is in no position to actually determine truth.
The book explores the ramifications of such a machine on society and it's quite engaging. For instance, examination by truth machine became necessary for most licensing, and legislation was introduced granting amnesty for crimes committed before the truth machine was available.
Check it out.