I agree, I have a Pavilion a647c here, and was ble to fix all my Linux compatibility issues by replacing the HP motherboard with one that actually could boot Linux. (HP's nice tech support people in India were unable to help me at all with any Linux questions.)
After a previous support fiasco with a laptop I should have known better.:-/
One of my side hobbies seems to be converting PET documents to text files or PET disk/tapes to emulator friendly images.
Tapes are relatively easy as the 64 can read most of the, the hard part is that sone disk formats are hard to come by, the Commodore PET has several different format drives, the most popular are the 4040/2031 which a Commodore 64 can read, but the 512k single sided 8050 and double sided 8250/SFD-1001 disks are another matter both using quad density drives (nowhere related to the PC HD format) and GCR encoded to increase capacity. These drives (unless you are a hardware whiz) communicate exclusively using IEEE-488 so A PET/CBM or B128 are best employed.
I myself use the PC-to-pet interface the C2N232 with related software to get the files fron the PET to the PC, from there it's a matter of some home spun chipmunk BASIC programs to get the files tidyed up and in ASCII.
To be consistently successful at it you have to not only have the tools but knowledge of the various disk and file formats and system quirks that you are dealing with, which will help you get around the unexpected.
I've had requests to help convert 64 related software, but have passed on that as I am not into real time programming work (some sort of lighting program on a cartridge) but there are others up to that challenge.
Same goes for other platforms like old 400k Mac disks which use a varialble speed drive and can only be read IIRC on a 68k mac using System 6 or lower. There are also the protected disks or those that were recorded with utilities to improve speed or capacity (which makes the disks/tapes differ from any knwn standard format). Not everything can be done with an emulator.
OSX isn't free and the intel Mac probably won't be anywhere cheap either. (it will be good, but not low-cost)
OSX also has it's probelms it's not classic OS, and still has some old tim mac users grumbling about some of the loss of eas of use.
What will hurt Linux is what has been hurting Linux, a steep learning curve, all-too-common installation issues, and lack of some key software to replace favoriate apps on other platforms. All of those can be solved via open source development but they just aren't as sexy to code or work on.
Good thing Old Glory national insurance offers Robot Insurance, which covers the elderly against just such a thing; you know robots run on perscription medication, they were just asking for trouble if you ask me!
I agree with the parent, many of these reports are misleading, people should have access to what was ACTUALLY asked, who was surveyed and what were the allowed responses to determine thier results, I am sure many surveys would show they were crafted to favor one outcome or another.
One could make a survey simply asking people "Are you tired of high taxes?" and then report that a large number of people are in favor of closing schools and libraries. Survey results without the source material are as good as an opinion from "Anonymous Coward" on Slashdot.:-/
If I were to make a site in which I would need to log into remotely I would have it use a disposable password list; a list of passwords that will only work once, no worry about key loggers (though session highjacking would be another matter), as an added bonus if you log your password entries you can also use your list to figure out where the more nefarious spots are.
Just as US companies can put the pressure internationally on other countries with patent reform, the opposite works as well. Imagine that, other countries create and patent stuff too.
In capitalist America; after you beat the system, the system beats you.
It's like when Apple went to 10, they told OS9 users that thier days ARE numbered, better get on board with X or be left in the dustbin with our support for 9.
Well, for PPC users the clock just started, granted its two years away before there will be an Intel platform on the market, but Macs are die-hard machines, I have several early iMacs in good use. And most of those Macs were none too cheap either, having been told by your computer company your hardware will DEFINATELY be obsolete in a few years is not a good feeling.
Though I am sure Apple isn't too worried, the faithful will poney up the bux to buy the Intel hardware and Intel-based software yet again (just like after after 9.1, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and now 10.4).
From Apples persepective they just got a boost, they have OSX still and they will be positioned to take better advantage of the open source wave (OSX on X86 will be easier to get Linux based apps on than getting PPC Linux Apps on PPC OSx.)
From my perspective, a lot of what I liked when I got going with Mac stuff is pretty much gone, there is no big family, the OS isn't as advanced as it was (say what you want about the resource/datafork file structure, but it impressed me) now it's either the 'cutting edge' or left behind, there is not much publising work being done anymore, inuitve left with OS9, and Unless you want to play DRM music and hook up your digital camera and camcorder there is little else left for the mac to do.
I saw Linux as the next 'Good Thing' a couple years back, and haven't yet looked back.
Look if you want to get skilled working for McDonalds serving sodas or doing Y2K debugging at InnoTech rooting then tjust do the retail route or intern at any tech job for your summer.
If you have basic skills, put them to work on something you *want* to do, make a summer project (or two), web page, custom program or hardware, it may turn out lame, but it will give you the sort of experience outside of school and work that will make you more interesting to employers (or backers) in your carrer later on.
George Lucas, Rick Baker (the makeup guy), Steve Wozniac, Bill Gates, etc. All did their own thing and kept with it, and look where it got them stuff like that can be frustrating, but in the long run set you apart from the crowd. Think of where you want to go; to some wiring closet in a highrise or a game development ststion on some tech campus, or founding the company. Your young, it's still a lot up to you.
If you read TFA you can see that the article is not on the side of Linux, as they tell it as a threat to society (i.e. society being companies like weak little Microsoft, who has little power in the author's opinion).
Also it seems he's a fan of the journalism standards of Maureen O'Gara. hmm.
I think it's one of those PR marketing "hits" more than an article.
Probably because the more people know about the technology behind it before it hits the market the higher probability there will be holes discovered in the system thus collapsing potential sales.
There are a few things I can see with this:
One, the more restruictions built-in that they put on the consumer will propmpt the consumer to look for something that 'works better' or 'does more'.
Two, Just like some of the new laws; when special intrests put things like that in in order to get more control and power, down the road such things turn out to be also an advantage for the ones they were putting the restrictions on in the first place (i.e. IP laws).
Three, sooner or later every DRM content has to be readable, viewable or playable, and until they can get the decryption circuitry implanted in people's heads (even then it is playable again), there will always be a weak spot.
Lastly, corporations are presently operating in a "Mikey Mouse" mode (aka Disney mode), instead of actually creating new things (that they claim is what they do) they instead sit back and milk the money off of things they have done long before. Eventually they will loose thier creative edge to their competition (amongst lots of whining to congress).
What, is innovation only allowed to corporations?
on
McVoy Strikes Back
·
· Score: 1
I don't think so, Innovation isnt a product of a company, not is it exclusively a product of a person looking for a profit either.
It's by people who try something different and in one way or another succeeds at it.
This is just corporate FUD, I think people like this guy have more fear, uncertainlty and dispair that Linux and other FOSS tools will give more (common) people the tools for potential innovation away from coprporate profit channels.
While OS 10 has so many nify next gen features and improvements file access times do not seem to be the the most notable.
Compared to OS9, X's accessing our server is like slogging through mud, I can tell most of it is it hitting the server trying to get the icons for all the files (ALL the files), and there is no way to turn off custom icon view. We are using AppleTalk, and I have heard SMB is a marked improvement, not because it's the fault od appletalk, but the waty X handles appletalk.
Also USB sucks too, you can't boot from a USB CD in 10, (9 is no problem, speed is not that bad in 9, but really lame in 10). (I suspect it has to dso with the overhead 10 has in device dection on the USB.) Maybe it's all thier legacy interfaces (ATA and USB) that are speed dogs.
Apple has a bit of work on improving some of these OS X core components to make me say it really rocks.
Given the recent decisions of MS maybe they are looking for a new revnue stream... Think about it, they can give away an OS (and blame someone else for flaws), relieve themselves of maintingin the bloated Windows codebase, and still keep thier business models of collecting money (ala support, ect. medida DRM and the new Adware/anti-virus businesses). Porting Office gives them a market which I'm sure people will buy into.
Of course having MS that much in the Linux community would most likely become an "embrace and extend", which would not be a 'good thing'.
Stickybear (or other elementary level counting, alphabet, spelling)
I'm sure there are many good educational programs for Linux, but looking on the Edutainment menu on my Suse 9.2 install I can tell they wern't written for 5-10 year olds, no hiding of the confusing menus, no nice easy to navigate fluffy buttons nor cheerful animations and sound.
Many school education programs are really polished for the kids (and teachers), they also include a bunch of ready to use curriculum to use with students.
It's not that I don't think Linux is a better alternative; but you have to have something that the schools can really use (all packaged up as a ready to install -and re-install- distro would be a definate super big plus), until then it may be a hard sell (especially for elementary schools)
I take it you never worked for a real non-profit organization. Our administrative costs are shrinking (budget reforms have slashed many program administrative support costs from 15% to 10 or as low as 8%).
Running the Macs have kept our costs down over the years (computers & OSs averaged a 5 year life span), but like many current Apple catch phrases, "it's so intuitive" and "just works," those were better suited to Mac OS 7-9. Now its more like: "It's so intuitiuve - once you learn how to use terminal, and have a good thick book", "iFurniture", "We're more into iPods and iLife than databases and publishing", and "we expect you to open your pocketbook on an annual basis."
I figure Microsoft will be (more) that way when Longhorm comes out.
Linux, here we come - It's nice to see some affordable platforms and development tools again.
Slashdot Mirror
Sounds like a winner to me!
After a previous support fiasco with a laptop I should have known better. :-/
Tapes are relatively easy as the 64 can read most of the, the hard part is that sone disk formats are hard to come by, the Commodore PET has several different format drives, the most popular are the 4040/2031 which a Commodore 64 can read, but the 512k single sided 8050 and double sided 8250/SFD-1001 disks are another matter both using quad density drives (nowhere related to the PC HD format) and GCR encoded to increase capacity. These drives (unless you are a hardware whiz) communicate exclusively using IEEE-488 so A PET/CBM or B128 are best employed.
I myself use the PC-to-pet interface the C2N232 with related software to get the files fron the PET to the PC, from there it's a matter of some home spun chipmunk BASIC programs to get the files tidyed up and in ASCII.
To be consistently successful at it you have to not only have the tools but knowledge of the various disk and file formats and system quirks that you are dealing with, which will help you get around the unexpected.
I've had requests to help convert 64 related software, but have passed on that as I am not into real time programming work (some sort of lighting program on a cartridge) but there are others up to that challenge.
Same goes for other platforms like old 400k Mac disks which use a varialble speed drive and can only be read IIRC on a 68k mac using System 6 or lower. There are also the protected disks or those that were recorded with utilities to improve speed or capacity (which makes the disks/tapes differ from any knwn standard format). Not everything can be done with an emulator.
OSX also has it's probelms it's not classic OS, and still has some old tim mac users grumbling about some of the loss of eas of use.
What will hurt Linux is what has been hurting Linux, a steep learning curve, all-too-common installation issues, and lack of some key software to replace favoriate apps on other platforms. All of those can be solved via open source development but they just aren't as sexy to code or work on.
Good thing Old Glory national insurance offers Robot Insurance, which covers the elderly against just such a thing; you know robots run on perscription medication, they were just asking for trouble if you ask me!
One could make a survey simply asking people "Are you tired of high taxes?" and then report that a large number of people are in favor of closing schools and libraries. Survey results without the source material are as good as an opinion from "Anonymous Coward" on Slashdot. :-/
If I were to make a site in which I would need to log into remotely I would have it use a disposable password list; a list of passwords that will only work once, no worry about key loggers (though session highjacking would be another matter), as an added bonus if you log your password entries you can also use your list to figure out where the more nefarious spots are.
Steve in 2008, Ok,ok, We'll fix the Finder in OS X will that make you guys happy then???
In capitalist America; after you beat the system, the system beats you.
Well, for PPC users the clock just started, granted its two years away before there will be an Intel platform on the market, but Macs are die-hard machines, I have several early iMacs in good use. And most of those Macs were none too cheap either, having been told by your computer company your hardware will DEFINATELY be obsolete in a few years is not a good feeling.
Though I am sure Apple isn't too worried, the faithful will poney up the bux to buy the Intel hardware and Intel-based software yet again (just like after after 9.1, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and now 10.4).
From Apples persepective they just got a boost, they have OSX still and they will be positioned to take better advantage of the open source wave (OSX on X86 will be easier to get Linux based apps on than getting PPC Linux Apps on PPC OSx.)
From my perspective, a lot of what I liked when I got going with Mac stuff is pretty much gone, there is no big family, the OS isn't as advanced as it was (say what you want about the resource/datafork file structure, but it impressed me) now it's either the 'cutting edge' or left behind, there is not much publising work being done anymore, inuitve left with OS9, and Unless you want to play DRM music and hook up your digital camera and camcorder there is little else left for the mac to do.
I saw Linux as the next 'Good Thing' a couple years back, and haven't yet looked back.
Thats what I saw too the first few page loads. It seems slahshdot isn't immune from itself. ;-)
If you have basic skills, put them to work on something you *want* to do, make a summer project (or two), web page, custom program or hardware, it may turn out lame, but it will give you the sort of experience outside of school and work that will make you more interesting to employers (or backers) in your carrer later on.
George Lucas, Rick Baker (the makeup guy), Steve Wozniac, Bill Gates, etc. All did their own thing and kept with it, and look where it got them stuff like that can be frustrating, but in the long run set you apart from the crowd. Think of where you want to go; to some wiring closet in a highrise or a game development ststion on some tech campus, or founding the company. Your young, it's still a lot up to you.
Now where did I put that new TPS cover sheet..
Also it seems he's a fan of the journalism standards of Maureen O'Gara. hmm.
I think it's one of those PR marketing "hits" more than an article.
There are a few things I can see with this:
One, the more restruictions built-in that they put on the consumer will propmpt the consumer to look for something that 'works better' or 'does more'.
Two, Just like some of the new laws; when special intrests put things like that in in order to get more control and power, down the road such things turn out to be also an advantage for the ones they were putting the restrictions on in the first place (i.e. IP laws).
Three, sooner or later every DRM content has to be readable, viewable or playable, and until they can get the decryption circuitry implanted in people's heads (even then it is playable again), there will always be a weak spot.
Lastly, corporations are presently operating in a "Mikey Mouse" mode (aka Disney mode), instead of actually creating new things (that they claim is what they do) they instead sit back and milk the money off of things they have done long before. Eventually they will loose thier creative edge to their competition (amongst lots of whining to congress).
It's by people who try something different and in one way or another succeeds at it.
This is just corporate FUD, I think people like this guy have more fear, uncertainlty and dispair that Linux and other FOSS tools will give more (common) people the tools for potential innovation away from coprporate profit channels.
I who heartedly agree; my response to Time:
"You see that!? Your Stupid minds!
Stupid!
Stupid!"
Compared to OS9, X's accessing our server is like slogging through mud, I can tell most of it is it hitting the server trying to get the icons for all the files (ALL the files), and there is no way to turn off custom icon view. We are using AppleTalk, and I have heard SMB is a marked improvement, not because it's the fault od appletalk, but the waty X handles appletalk.
Also USB sucks too, you can't boot from a USB CD in 10, (9 is no problem, speed is not that bad in 9, but really lame in 10). (I suspect it has to dso with the overhead 10 has in device dection on the USB.) Maybe it's all thier legacy interfaces (ATA and USB) that are speed dogs.
Apple has a bit of work on improving some of these OS X core components to make me say it really rocks.
Of course having MS that much in the Linux community would most likely become an "embrace and extend", which would not be a 'good thing'.
Wow, me and 'da guys were just tossing around that idea at the construction site during lunch just last week. Who wouldda thunk!
Oregon Trail
Print Shop
(non web-based) encyclopedia, atlas
Operation Frog
Agent U.S.A.
Sim City, Sim Earth, etc.
(your exploitable noun here) Tycoon
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Stickybear (or other elementary level counting, alphabet, spelling)
I'm sure there are many good educational programs for Linux, but looking on the Edutainment menu on my Suse 9.2 install I can tell they wern't written for 5-10 year olds, no hiding of the confusing menus, no nice easy to navigate fluffy buttons nor cheerful animations and sound.
Many school education programs are really polished for the kids (and teachers), they also include a bunch of ready to use curriculum to use with students.
It's not that I don't think Linux is a better alternative; but you have to have something that the schools can really use (all packaged up as a ready to install -and re-install- distro would be a definate super big plus), until then it may be a hard sell (especially for elementary schools)
Running the Macs have kept our costs down over the years (computers & OSs averaged a 5 year life span), but like many current Apple catch phrases, "it's so intuitive" and "just works," those were better suited to Mac OS 7-9. Now its more like: "It's so intuitiuve - once you learn how to use terminal, and have a good thick book", "iFurniture", "We're more into iPods and iLife than databases and publishing", and "we expect you to open your pocketbook on an annual basis."
I figure Microsoft will be (more) that way when Longhorm comes out.
Linux, here we come - It's nice to see some affordable platforms and development tools again.
I don't believe in aliens coming down in spaceships... But this is another story give you Weinermobile nightmares!
I'm sitting in front of one of at least 36 Macs, and I work for a non-profit. (not a school). 'Nuf said.
I'm running Jaguar!
I can't afford to buy all the Apple "upgrades of the month."