I saw the header for this comment and expected it to be a troll that didn't get modded down yet.
Seriously though, most people do not install an OS (windows or otherwise) themselves without Dell on the phone, or at least the smart kid from next door handy. So in a way, I agree with you.
But it is still quite easy to install windows most of the time. Click click click type in key click click click set clock click reboot reboot reboot done - most of the time - sometimes you have hardware that windows doesn't recognize, but it usually gets the modem and/or ethernet card so you can get drivers off the internet.
That said, I don't think that any installer should be hard to use, whether you are a geek or not. I'm quite capable of figuring out the amazingly arcane shit necessary to get Linux working sometimes, but I haven't done it in over a year (and to be fair, things seemed to be coming along nicely by then) because I just don't want to spend the time and no longer need to for my job either.
Simple is beautiful, but simple is hard as hell to design (especially if you have a manager that likes pretty widgets - luckily I don't:).
Unfortunately, very few people seem to be able to pull simplicity off, even in the Windows world. I find it funny that Windows is held up as the high standard, when from a UI point of view, it's totally fucked up (or at least, horribly inconsistent, though Linux is even more inconsistent on the GUI side).
I don't even think it's possible to design a truly easy to use computing environment yet. We'll talk about that when I can interact with my computer with my mind:)
Before each installation, I deleted the Linux partitions from the drives and restored them to formatted FAT32... ah, fat drives very technical thing to do.
Way to quote out of context. The full quote is
I did this so that every test could start with the same conditions, as if a user were doing his or her first installation.
The point was to be fair to all the installations by giving them common ground. She's clearly a bit smarter than the average user, and yet still had problems with the various linux distros. That point seems to be completely lost on you.
But the thing is, they probably have a list of their own planned updates/fixes, and accepting a slew of bug-reports from every linux-newbie who wants to run duke3d would just be distracting from (the above) more important things. I expect they'll accept feedback once we're past the current beta-type stage of coding.
I'm not criticizing them or you, but *I* think that if that is the case, why release the thing yet? I guess for the ego points:P
True enough, but upgrading isn't the only problem. What if a single component breaks? Now you can't just swap it out.
That said, I hardly worry about swapping the CPU out of my gamecube. If a component dies, I send it in for warranty work. I only see this as a disadvantage if you are running mission critical stuff on it (and if you're that stupid, you get what you deserve:).
(I drafted a rant, re-read the article, and re-wrote my rant. It's not so harsh now:)
Programmers should be treated like professionals. Just like every other professional. What a revolutionary concept.
However:
A secretary is being creative when s/he drafts a letter to send to a client on behalf of the resident phb. Does s/he get a shower in his/her office? How about the sysadmin that creatively comes up with a method to speed up deployments? And the engineer that shaves 10% off the time to manufacture your widgets?
Just because your job involves being creative does not mean that you deserve special consideration. Adequate tools, training, and respect, yes. But everyone needs those to perform their "best."
Therefore, this article is bullshit. All creative people can perform better if you enhance their working conditions. All *people* can perform better if you enhance their working conditions.
I have come across zip files that would only open in winzip. And he could very well mean a self-extracting archive.
Honestly, how is this flamebait insightful? Parent was more insightful despite the possible (or probable) typo regarding the format of the file.
This place is going to hell, I swear. If we're going to quibble about minor mistakes instead of focusing on the thrust of the arguments, then I could waste another three lines pointing out the ones you made in your post.
Apply anyway. Every job I ever got I was "underqualified" for. Focus on your ability to learn and apply knowledge. Despite what some geeks think, computers are just tools. Any moron can learn how to use a tool. What really counts is how well you can use your tools and possessing the ability to recognize which tool will work the best for the task at hand. Emphasize that and cross your fingers. If there really is a shortage and you are persistant, you may just get lucky.
I have to do a little AS/400 work, but mostly in terms of phasing it out. I never touched an AS/400 before this job, but I told the interviewer, "If it works with ones and zeros, I'll figure it out." Of course, most of my on-the-job programming is in PL/SQL and VB, so mainframe/miniframe experience wasn't a major requirement. But I didn't even try and here I am, lost in the wonderful world of the AS400 - it's a bit ugly and hard to relate to, but solid and reliable, like just like my grandma.
We'll be done with it in a few months (migrating to client/server, partly due to -surprise, surprise- lack of support for the system). I would seriously consider snagging the box if I had a place to put it.:)
It's even funnier when people do it up here in Canada. Yes, I have had a few people talk about their second amendment rights up here in "America, Jr."
Incidently, Canada is more of a "living and growing" democracy than the US, if you believe our PM. But I don't want to start a flamewar, so I will just shut up now.:P
Nosy Robot: Sir, are you aware that you're leaking coolant at an
alarming rate?
Fry: Uh...
Nosy Robot: Well, let me just patch you up with some hot resin. [he
holds the gun up so Fry can see it]
Fry: I think the leak's stopping itself. [it doesn't]
Wait, wait... [long pause]... yeah, there we go. Wait... there.
Nosy Robot: [accusing] What sort of robot turns down a free blast of
searing hot resin?
[Fry is stumped]
Leela: I'm sorry, my friend and I have to go perform some
mindless, repetitive tasks.
Nosy Robot: [chuckles] Sounds like a romantic evening. I won't keep
you.
Good god, don't let facts interfere with the Microsoft vilification process. That would make you intelligent, well informed, and equipped with a healthy amount of skepticism.
We can't have that here - I mean, look at the icon. Bill of borg when the main thrust of the story is about Office Depot. You probably were wondering about that too. Perhaps you had best just leave.
Shareware ain't dead but if it does die, it will probably be due to overzealous copy protection schemes.
I use a shareware application called Crosstrainer and I really enjoy using it - however, the copy protection they use generates a unique key based on something in my profile, so I can't even run it under multiple users in Windows 2000 and I have to email them whenever I reinstall as well. I have had to save a crack for their software just in case they ever go out of business too.
Any shareware devs out there - don't bother trying to "overprotect" your software. It will be cracked, but there are a lot of honest people out there willing to support you - don't alienate them!
Slashdot Mirror
I saw the header for this comment and expected it to be a troll that didn't get modded down yet.
:).
:)
Seriously though, most people do not install an OS (windows or otherwise) themselves without Dell on the phone, or at least the smart kid from next door handy. So in a way, I agree with you.
But it is still quite easy to install windows most of the time. Click click click type in key click click click set clock click reboot reboot reboot done - most of the time - sometimes you have hardware that windows doesn't recognize, but it usually gets the modem and/or ethernet card so you can get drivers off the internet.
That said, I don't think that any installer should be hard to use, whether you are a geek or not. I'm quite capable of figuring out the amazingly arcane shit necessary to get Linux working sometimes, but I haven't done it in over a year (and to be fair, things seemed to be coming along nicely by then) because I just don't want to spend the time and no longer need to for my job either.
Simple is beautiful, but simple is hard as hell to design (especially if you have a manager that likes pretty widgets - luckily I don't
Unfortunately, very few people seem to be able to pull simplicity off, even in the Windows world. I find it funny that Windows is held up as the high standard, when from a UI point of view, it's totally fucked up (or at least, horribly inconsistent, though Linux is even more inconsistent on the GUI side).
I don't even think it's possible to design a truly easy to use computing environment yet. We'll talk about that when I can interact with my computer with my mind
Way to quote out of context. The full quote is
The point was to be fair to all the installations by giving them common ground. She's clearly a bit smarter than the average user, and yet still had problems with the various linux distros. That point seems to be completely lost on you.
I'm not criticizing them or you, but *I* think that if that is the case, why release the thing yet? I guess for the ego points
The only rom I know of that has problems is Star Ocean, but it's been awhile since I checked it out.
Even the ones with special chips are supported by ZSNES (Capcom has a special chip, superFX chips, others?)
Exactly right. It's like people the wish for the good ol days but forget about smallpox, outhouses, and oil lamps...
I can understand remembering how well the games used to be designed though (compared to the shovelware we tend to get these days).
Personally, I'm getting sick of all these acronyms. I say we stop using them! Who's with me?!?
Dangerously off-topic here and it may sound silly coming from me, but ease up on the acronyms dude - what the hell does IANAACT mean?
at least it wasn't:
...
1) Slashdot posts story regarding IPv4 evil bit.
2) Slashdot posts story regarding IPv4 evil bit.
3) Slashdot posts story regarding IPv4 evil bit.
etc
Quipes your enquish is tewible.
I'm getting snow outside right now. Yes, I'm repeating myself, but Taco said it's ok, so don't mod me down.
Heh. It's fucking snowing outside where I live. Yay Canada!
What the hell are you talking about? IPv4 is dying, didn't you hear? I read some story where netcraft confirmed it.
"There's your problem. Somebody set this doll to evil!"
True enough, but upgrading isn't the only problem. What if a single component breaks? Now you can't just swap it out. That said, I hardly worry about swapping the CPU out of my gamecube. If a component dies, I send it in for warranty work. I only see this as a disadvantage if you are running mission critical stuff on it (and if you're that stupid, you get what you deserve :).
(I drafted a rant, re-read the article, and re-wrote my rant. It's not so harsh now :)
:)
Programmers should be treated like professionals. Just like every other professional. What a revolutionary concept.
However:
A secretary is being creative when s/he drafts a letter to send to a client on behalf of the resident phb. Does s/he get a shower in his/her office? How about the sysadmin that creatively comes up with a method to speed up deployments? And the engineer that shaves 10% off the time to manufacture your widgets?
Just because your job involves being creative does not mean that you deserve special consideration. Adequate tools, training, and respect, yes. But everyone needs those to perform their "best."
Therefore, this article is bullshit. All creative people can perform better if you enhance their working conditions. All *people* can perform better if you enhance their working conditions.
What a waste of electrons.
(Yes, this is 90% nicer than my previous rant
I have come across zip files that would only open in winzip. And he could very well mean a self-extracting archive.
Honestly, how is this flamebait insightful? Parent was more insightful despite the possible (or probable) typo regarding the format of the file.
This place is going to hell, I swear. If we're going to quibble about minor mistakes instead of focusing on the thrust of the arguments, then I could waste another three lines pointing out the ones you made in your post.
Actually, they said Mind Numb ing.
Ing is a word, dontcha know?
Apply anyway. Every job I ever got I was "underqualified" for. Focus on your ability to learn and apply knowledge. Despite what some geeks think, computers are just tools. Any moron can learn how to use a tool. What really counts is how well you can use your tools and possessing the ability to recognize which tool will work the best for the task at hand. Emphasize that and cross your fingers. If there really is a shortage and you are persistant, you may just get lucky.
:)
I have to do a little AS/400 work, but mostly in terms of phasing it out. I never touched an AS/400 before this job, but I told the interviewer, "If it works with ones and zeros, I'll figure it out." Of course, most of my on-the-job programming is in PL/SQL and VB, so mainframe/miniframe experience wasn't a major requirement. But I didn't even try and here I am, lost in the wonderful world of the AS400 - it's a bit ugly and hard to relate to, but solid and reliable, like just like my grandma.
We'll be done with it in a few months (migrating to client/server, partly due to -surprise, surprise- lack of support for the system). I would seriously consider snagging the box if I had a place to put it.
It's even funnier when people do it up here in Canada. Yes, I have had a few people talk about their second amendment rights up here in "America, Jr."
:P
Incidently, Canada is more of a "living and growing" democracy than the US, if you believe our PM. But I don't want to start a flamewar, so I will just shut up now.
Not when they have knives. I mean, I find a monkey knife fight quite funny, but a lot of people don't, for some strange reason.
Nosy Robot: Sir, are you aware that you're leaking coolant at an ... ... [long pause] ... yeah, there we go. Wait ... there.
alarming rate?
Fry: Uh
Nosy Robot: Well, let me just patch you up with some hot resin. [he
holds the gun up so Fry can see it]
Fry: I think the leak's stopping itself. [it doesn't]
Wait, wait
Nosy Robot: [accusing] What sort of robot turns down a free blast of
searing hot resin?
[Fry is stumped]
Leela: I'm sorry, my friend and I have to go perform some
mindless, repetitive tasks.
Nosy Robot: [chuckles] Sounds like a romantic evening. I won't keep
you.
props
Good god, don't let facts interfere with the Microsoft vilification process. That would make you intelligent, well informed, and equipped with a healthy amount of skepticism.
We can't have that here - I mean, look at the icon. Bill of borg when the main thrust of the story is about Office Depot. You probably were wondering about that too. Perhaps you had best just leave.
Actually, DDR and similar games are classified as Bemani (which is actually a Konami brand) - a lot of people also call them Musical Rhythym games.
Bemani games also include virtual drumming and guitar games, for example. It's a lot more prolific in Japan.
Shareware ain't dead but if it does die, it will probably be due to overzealous copy protection schemes.
I use a shareware application called Crosstrainer and I really enjoy using it - however, the copy protection they use generates a unique key based on something in my profile, so I can't even run it under multiple users in Windows 2000 and I have to email them whenever I reinstall as well. I have had to save a crack for their software just in case they ever go out of business too.
Any shareware devs out there - don't bother trying to "overprotect" your software. It will be cracked, but there are a lot of honest people out there willing to support you - don't alienate them!
Worked pretty well for me so far.
God I'm so lonely.