Yeah, sorry. I use Visual Studio every day and dabble in Eclipse and XCode. I prefer either of the later to Visual Studio. Visual Studio isn't a bad IDE, and it is certainly an appropriate choice for Windows only development, but saying it "light years ahead" of any other environment suggests you have never used anything else.
I've had 2 kernel panics (one last night) on a year old MacBook Pro with Leopard. Something about freeing buffers that were already freed. Somebody definitely missed that in quality control. That said, it is a.0 product, no service releases at all, and I've had kernel panics in Vista too (at work). But it's definitely a lot buggier (for me) than Tiger was when it came out. But I like the new features, I have a hard time thinking of features that I want that it doesn't have, Tiger had several areas I thought were lacking (Finder, Mail, printer configuration, network configuration, etc...). I'm confident that Apple will have the issues fixed in some point releases, Tiger at.10 was rock solid.
I had some weird bugs in Leopard Mail.app as well. It got into a loop where it was trying to add mail to the "Sent" folder on an IMAP server, but the IMAP server would return an error, so it would keep trying. But apparently it was actually working while reporting that it wasn't working, so I had the same mail in my sent mail folder 35 times before I finally deleted the settings for the IMAP server and re-added it. It's been fine since then.
I also puchased an iPhone, and I noticed myself referring to it as an "iPhone". As in, "I left my iPhone upstairs, let me go grab it, then we can leave". I didn't refer to my previous phone(s) by brand or model name, instead just referring to it as a "phone" or "cell phone". Somehow the term phone seems inadequate to describe the iPhone. Or maybe it's all just a result of me being indoctrinated by the very successful marketing campaign by Apple.
For what it's worth it's a really great device. For all the haters out there I bet you you can't try using it and not want one.
For all those who are hoping to get an iPhone on Verizon or Sprint or whatever. Sorry, AT&T has the iPhone wrapped up for the next 5 years thanks to the exclusive agreement with Apple. It may be possible to get an unlocked GSM version from the overseas market at some point during that time (For use with tmobile or some other small us carrier that supports GSM). But it seems that it would be almost certain that Apple will not develop a CDMA iPhone. There is no overseas market for anything other than GSM (ignoring japan's totally different standard), and they are precluded from selling a CDMA device in the US for 5 years. If they don't develop a device, there is no way an iPhone can be hacked to work on Sprint or Verizon.
It is clear however that AT&T will be expanding 3G coverage in the future, and a future iPhone will support it. How long it will take is anyones guess. I'm thinking there will be a refresh and a storage boost for the iPhone before the end of the year, and the holiday season. But that's just speculation.
I wasn't going to respond since I think we are going to have to agree to disagree regarding the two finger click issue, however, I have to very much disagree that such a "usability precept" exists. If one avoided creating a new technique, method, whatever to accomplish something because it would violate a "usability precept" by requiring the user to learn something new, we would be stuck using DOS wordperfect with Shift/Ctrl/Alt + Fxx combinations to accomplish everything. Thankfully some people violated this "rule" and brought us toolbars and mice and wysiswyg editors.
Also it seems like gaming is something most people grab an external mouse for anyway, I don't know anyone who really prefers the trackpad to a mouse for fast action, whether there is 1 button or more.
And for what it's worth, a lot of people do flame Apple for not having two buttons on the trackpad. I think the two finger one button solution is actually preferable, but obviously you (and many others) don't. I'm pretty sure the continued lack of two buttons on apple notebooks is a Steve Jobs' decree, that two buttons would ruin the asthetics of the machine. I wonder if the next macbook pro will have something more like the Apple mighty mouse, where it can detect which side of the mouse you pressed for a click (or in this case the trackpad button, yet still act (and appear) as a single button if so configured. The two finger solution does seem like a bit of a workaround to address the lack of two buttons, albeit a workaround that I happen to prefer.
I take it you haven't actually tried using the two finger mouse click for very long. It took me less than a week after purchasing my Macbook Pro to get used to this trick. I now find it easier and faster than a traditional right button on a trackpad. The reason? I don't have to "find" the right mouse button that is always in a different position relative to my finger depending where my finger is currently resting on the track pad. The problem of locating the left and right buttons is unique to trackpads, since your fingers are not always resting in the same position as on a mouse. You may not think the button finding is really much of problem since it's something you are already used too on your ibm or dell or hp. But try using a macbook for a week, then the two button solution on your old notebook will feel positively clunky.
Regarding the other comment in this thread about not being able to right-click drag with the two finger solution: I don't think this is true, although I'm having a hard time finding anything I have installed that can make use of a right-click drag. But it is certainly possible to move the cursor after performing a two finger right click (just keep two fingers on the pad while holding the button). Any application that allows a right-click drag should respond in exactly the same was as a right-click drag with a mouse. If anyone knows of an application that uses a right-click drag, I'll try it and respond with the results.
In order to meet their 1% goal they need to sell 10M phones in 2008 (the first full year they are available). That is directly paraphrased from Steve Jobs during the keynote. It may be hard to sell a $500 to $600 phone in those quantities. But Steve Jobs himself said they are going to continue developing iPhones (3G...). Does anyone really think that this is the only phone Apple will be selling for all of 2008?
I think Apple will sell a lot more than 10 million iPhones in 2008 when they add the iPhone nano to their lineup a year from now. I predict the iPhone nano will be physically smalelr and drop some of the pricey "smart phone" features of it's big brother. But it will still have the great interface and importantly, style, of it's big brother. Probably will come in colors too. $200-$300. That will fly off the shelves.
I'm not sure if this is what the original poster was getting at, I think the movies did improve upon LOTR in the sense that they became more accessible to a wider audience. I know lots of people who could never get past 100 pages in FOTR, yet loved the movies. People such as myself, who have read LOTR 10+ times also found the movies highly enjoyable, if not actually 'better' than the books.
On another topic... didn't Leguin aslo write the more famous "A Wrinkle in Time"?
No, that was Madeline L'Engle. And you are certainly not the first person to make that mistake, as Leguin points out in an essay about being pigeon-holed as a "science fiction" writer. Excellent essay by the way, I wish I could remember where it was.
Anyway, Leguin is quite brilliant, if only she were 40 years younger and single...
But just because software has grown so large (and the computing power needed to run simple applications has increased at the same pace). For most applications, it's simply not possible to have a single person write it from start to finish. If they did, the software would be 5 years out of date when they finished.
It's the same as any other mature industry. A single person can't really build a car from scratch either. At least not one that has any hope of competing with the product of a large design team.
I mean I don't like software patents anymore than most people on Slashdot, but your argument doesn't appeal to me.
I don't see the difficulty in conceiving evolution as merely a tool of your creator
How does that challenge anyone's faith?
Some evangelical christians (not uncommon in the US) believe that the bible is the literal word of god. Therefore to say that life evolved over millions of years is in direct conflict with phrases in the bible that say god created the earth in 7 days.
Basically, there is really no arguing with such people. They believe the bible is the word of god because it says that it is the word of god. When faced with (il-)logic like that, you obviously can't use logic to change their opinions.
Why not just run ALL of the software you want ("OpenOffice (with good fonts), AbiWord, The GIMP, XMMS, mplayer / vlc / firefox / gaim / several window managers") in OS X itself?
Install the X11 server from apple. Then go to fink.sourceforge.net. Install fink.
Then type things like "fink install bundle-gnome", "fink install gimp". "fink install windowmaker". OpenOffice distributes a binary for OSX www.openoffice.org
In X11 preferences menu, set to Full Screen. Now you can run any window manager you like, full screen, command-option-A will swap you back to your normal OS X desktop. Set your xinitrc files to load the wm you want, and/or start gnome, etc...
Another handy hint: add the line "export DISPLAY=:0.0" to your.bashrc so you can start X apps from the Apple Terminal application.
It only would have taken 3 more electoral votes for Gore to win (Bush won by 5), since every state (and DC) has at least 3 electoral votes, *any* state changing hands in 2000 would have turned the election.
While you are technically correct, it's sort of a moot point.
Perhaps environmentalists should instead say "when oil becomes extremely scare", but that doesn't have quite the same emotional effect.
In either case we need to start thinking about ways to deal with the inevitable loss of cheap oil before it actually comes to pass. Otherwise we will be stuck in the position of having increasingly expensive oil and yet haven't put the time/money/research into alternative energy infrastructure. It is better for the economy to attempt a smooth transition over a long period of time.
Or the same capacity and 108% of the price (when compared to the 20GB iPod at $399).
They seem to be claiming that ATRAC is some magic format, that can encode music at half the bitrate as other formats, yet somehow still sound as good. In this way they can come up with their magic 13,000 songs versus on 10,000 songs on a 40GB iPod. Nevermind that Apple is very conservative when counting the number of songs that can fit, and clearly Sony isn't.
Obviously Sony will have to downplay the fact that it has a 20GB harddrive, and play up that it can "hold 13,000" songs. Good luck with that Sony.
As I was reading the description of this individual I said to myself: that sounds a lot like me. Then I saw the INTP comment added, and I am also an INTP, and very strongly so.
I'm currently having trouble getting motivated to do my Master's Thesis, not because I'm uninterested in the subject, but because I can't bring myself to write the damn proposal, which is dreadfully boring. But I can't go much further until I have my proposal approved.
Anyway, to the original poster. Definitely do something you enjoy. Computers are an ideal field, but maintain varied out-of-school activities to keep you sane. I think you will find that the college experience is far better suited to your personality than high-school. As long as you choose a major that you enjoy, you will find yourself in far fewer classes that bore you.
My GPA has gotten higher for every year since I've left HS as my focus has become ever more specialized towards what I really enjoy.
Best of luck to you. Now I've got to get off Slashdot so I can write my proposal!
Hmm, that's surprising, I've been a member for 2 months now and I'm astounded how quick they send movies. Delivery often takes a single day, turn-around is maybe 3 days if I have the disc out in time for the morning pickup.
Are you in a rural area? I notice that the delivery address on returns is local, that's how they can offer such quick service
I switched my cell phone number about a month ago to a new service. I called the old service (Sprint) first to make sure that moving the number wouldn't close my account, and cause them to charge me money. I was assured that the account would remain open.
So I had my number transfer (this was about 2 weeks before the end of my contract anyway). I get a bill from Sprint for $150 for early cancellation. DOH!
So I called, told that they charged me because I cancelled early. I explained the situation, and got the "I'm sorry, you cancelled your contract early". Needless to say I got a little angry, but didn't swear. I was transferred me to someone else, and within 20 seconds, he said, okay, "I'll remove the charge since you cancelled so close to the end." And they did! Incidentally I wasn't even charged for the final two weeks either.
So, yes, they will try to get you if you can. Yell loud enough and they might do the right thing. Next time I'll ask for confirmation in writing before doing something like that. Just in case.
The way I figure it, they probably could have had me by the balls if they wanted to. I had no actual hard evidence of the previous call where they told me it would all be okay. But, they are (although it is hard to believe sometimes) in the business of customer service. Anger me in this way, for $150, and I guarantee you, every family member and close friend will NEVER EVER USE their service, costing them far more than $150 in the long run.
I would recommend RIT for its academics. It is definitely not a party school, but you can still have a good time here. It is all about meeting the right people.
RIT now has the largest unified "school of computing". IT, Software Engineering, and Computer Science now have their own building and college. You can definitely find something that tickles your fancy regarding computers here.
I'm a college student and I have done this (although I have a land line right now). Mostly it is because I never seem to live in one place for more than 9 months. And it is a pain in the ass to keep switching phone service, paying installation costs, etc.
If cell phone service were just a little more reliable, I think I lot more people would go this route.
Slashdot Mirror
Yeah, sorry. I use Visual Studio every day and dabble in Eclipse and XCode. I prefer either of the later to Visual Studio. Visual Studio isn't a bad IDE, and it is certainly an appropriate choice for Windows only development, but saying it "light years ahead" of any other environment suggests you have never used anything else.
I've had 2 kernel panics (one last night) on a year old MacBook Pro with Leopard. Something about freeing buffers that were already freed. Somebody definitely missed that in quality control. That said, it is a .0 product, no service releases at all, and I've had kernel panics in Vista too (at work). But it's definitely a lot buggier (for me) than Tiger was when it came out. But I like the new features, I have a hard time thinking of features that I want that it doesn't have, Tiger had several areas I thought were lacking (Finder, Mail, printer configuration, network configuration, etc...). I'm confident that Apple will have the issues fixed in some point releases, Tiger at .10 was rock solid.
I had some weird bugs in Leopard Mail.app as well. It got into a loop where it was trying to add mail to the "Sent" folder on an IMAP server, but the IMAP server would return an error, so it would keep trying. But apparently it was actually working while reporting that it wasn't working, so I had the same mail in my sent mail folder 35 times before I finally deleted the settings for the IMAP server and re-added it. It's been fine since then.
-Spyky
Interesting observation.
I also puchased an iPhone, and I noticed myself referring to it as an "iPhone". As in, "I left my iPhone upstairs, let me go grab it, then we can leave". I didn't refer to my previous phone(s) by brand or model name, instead just referring to it as a "phone" or "cell phone". Somehow the term phone seems inadequate to describe the iPhone. Or maybe it's all just a result of me being indoctrinated by the very successful marketing campaign by Apple.
For what it's worth it's a really great device. For all the haters out there I bet you you can't try using it and not want one.
-Spyky
For all those who are hoping to get an iPhone on Verizon or Sprint or whatever. Sorry, AT&T has the iPhone wrapped up for the next 5 years thanks to the exclusive agreement with Apple. It may be possible to get an unlocked GSM version from the overseas market at some point during that time (For use with tmobile or some other small us carrier that supports GSM). But it seems that it would be almost certain that Apple will not develop a CDMA iPhone. There is no overseas market for anything other than GSM (ignoring japan's totally different standard), and they are precluded from selling a CDMA device in the US for 5 years. If they don't develop a device, there is no way an iPhone can be hacked to work on Sprint or Verizon.
It is clear however that AT&T will be expanding 3G coverage in the future, and a future iPhone will support it. How long it will take is anyones guess. I'm thinking there will be a refresh and a storage boost for the iPhone before the end of the year, and the holiday season. But that's just speculation.
-Spyky
I wasn't going to respond since I think we are going to have to agree to disagree regarding the two finger click issue, however, I have to very much disagree that such a "usability precept" exists. If one avoided creating a new technique, method, whatever to accomplish something because it would violate a "usability precept" by requiring the user to learn something new, we would be stuck using DOS wordperfect with Shift/Ctrl/Alt + Fxx combinations to accomplish everything. Thankfully some people violated this "rule" and brought us toolbars and mice and wysiswyg editors.
Also it seems like gaming is something most people grab an external mouse for anyway, I don't know anyone who really prefers the trackpad to a mouse for fast action, whether there is 1 button or more.
And for what it's worth, a lot of people do flame Apple for not having two buttons on the trackpad. I think the two finger one button solution is actually preferable, but obviously you (and many others) don't. I'm pretty sure the continued lack of two buttons on apple notebooks is a Steve Jobs' decree, that two buttons would ruin the asthetics of the machine. I wonder if the next macbook pro will have something more like the Apple mighty mouse, where it can detect which side of the mouse you pressed for a click (or in this case the trackpad button, yet still act (and appear) as a single button if so configured. The two finger solution does seem like a bit of a workaround to address the lack of two buttons, albeit a workaround that I happen to prefer.
-Spyky
I take it you haven't actually tried using the two finger mouse click for very long. It took me less than a week after purchasing my Macbook Pro to get used to this trick. I now find it easier and faster than a traditional right button on a trackpad. The reason? I don't have to "find" the right mouse button that is always in a different position relative to my finger depending where my finger is currently resting on the track pad. The problem of locating the left and right buttons is unique to trackpads, since your fingers are not always resting in the same position as on a mouse. You may not think the button finding is really much of problem since it's something you are already used too on your ibm or dell or hp. But try using a macbook for a week, then the two button solution on your old notebook will feel positively clunky.
Regarding the other comment in this thread about not being able to right-click drag with the two finger solution: I don't think this is true, although I'm having a hard time finding anything I have installed that can make use of a right-click drag. But it is certainly possible to move the cursor after performing a two finger right click (just keep two fingers on the pad while holding the button). Any application that allows a right-click drag should respond in exactly the same was as a right-click drag with a mouse. If anyone knows of an application that uses a right-click drag, I'll try it and respond with the results.
-Spyky
In order to meet their 1% goal they need to sell 10M phones in 2008 (the first full year they are available). That is directly paraphrased from Steve Jobs during the keynote. It may be hard to sell a $500 to $600 phone in those quantities. But Steve Jobs himself said they are going to continue developing iPhones (3G...). Does anyone really think that this is the only phone Apple will be selling for all of 2008?
I think Apple will sell a lot more than 10 million iPhones in 2008 when they add the iPhone nano to their lineup a year from now. I predict the iPhone nano will be physically smalelr and drop some of the pricey "smart phone" features of it's big brother. But it will still have the great interface and importantly, style, of it's big brother. Probably will come in colors too. $200-$300. That will fly off the shelves.
You heard it here first.
Spyky
I'm not sure if this is what the original poster was getting at, I think the movies did improve upon LOTR in the sense that they became more accessible to a wider audience. I know lots of people who could never get past 100 pages in FOTR, yet loved the movies. People such as myself, who have read LOTR 10+ times also found the movies highly enjoyable, if not actually 'better' than the books.
-Spyky
On another topic... didn't Leguin aslo write the more famous "A Wrinkle in Time"?
No, that was Madeline L'Engle. And you are certainly not the first person to make that mistake, as Leguin points out in an essay about being pigeon-holed as a "science fiction" writer. Excellent essay by the way, I wish I could remember where it was.
Anyway, Leguin is quite brilliant, if only she were 40 years younger and single...
-Spyky
But just because software has grown so large (and the computing power needed to run simple applications has increased at the same pace). For most applications, it's simply not possible to have a single person write it from start to finish. If they did, the software would be 5 years out of date when they finished.
It's the same as any other mature industry. A single person can't really build a car from scratch either. At least not one that has any hope of competing with the product of a large design team.
I mean I don't like software patents anymore than most people on Slashdot, but your argument doesn't appeal to me.
-Spyky
I don't see the difficulty in conceiving evolution as merely a tool of your creator
How does that challenge anyone's faith?
Some evangelical christians (not uncommon in the US) believe that the bible is the literal word of god. Therefore to say that life evolved over millions of years is in direct conflict with phrases in the bible that say god created the earth in 7 days.
Basically, there is really no arguing with such people. They believe the bible is the word of god because it says that it is the word of god. When faced with (il-)logic like that, you obviously can't use logic to change their opinions.
Hope this explains the beliefs of some Americans.
-Spyky
Why not just run ALL of the software you want ("OpenOffice (with good fonts), AbiWord, The GIMP, XMMS, mplayer / vlc / firefox / gaim / several window managers") in OS X itself?
.bashrc so you can start X apps from the Apple Terminal application.
Install the X11 server from apple. Then go to fink.sourceforge.net. Install fink.
Then type things like "fink install bundle-gnome", "fink install gimp". "fink install windowmaker". OpenOffice distributes a binary for OSX www.openoffice.org
In X11 preferences menu, set to Full Screen. Now you can run any window manager you like, full screen, command-option-A will swap you back to your normal OS X desktop. Set your xinitrc files to load the wm you want, and/or start gnome, etc...
Another handy hint: add the line "export DISPLAY=:0.0" to your
Best of both worlds!
-Spyky
He is sponsored by Oakley, and has been since before leaving the sport with cancer. He's been sponsored by them ever since (along with Nike).
-Spyky
When was the US in Afganistan? We funded fighters like bin Laden, we didn't put our troops on the ground like we are in Iraq.
-Spyky
Are you serious?
It only would have taken 3 more electoral votes for Gore to win (Bush won by 5), since every state (and DC) has at least 3 electoral votes, *any* state changing hands in 2000 would have turned the election.
While you are technically correct, it's sort of a moot point.
Perhaps environmentalists should instead say "when oil becomes extremely scare", but that doesn't have quite the same emotional effect.
In either case we need to start thinking about ways to deal with the inevitable loss of cheap oil before it actually comes to pass. Otherwise we will be stuck in the position of having increasingly expensive oil and yet haven't put the time/money/research into alternative energy infrastructure. It is better for the economy to attempt a smooth transition over a long period of time.
-Spyky
Or the same capacity and 108% of the price (when compared to the 20GB iPod at $399).
They seem to be claiming that ATRAC is some magic format, that can encode music at half the bitrate as other formats, yet somehow still sound as good. In this way they can come up with their magic 13,000 songs versus on 10,000 songs on a 40GB iPod. Nevermind that Apple is very conservative when counting the number of songs that can fit, and clearly Sony isn't.
Obviously Sony will have to downplay the fact that it has a 20GB harddrive, and play up that it can "hold 13,000" songs. Good luck with that Sony.
-Spyky
I just thought I'd chime in with my 2 cents.
As I was reading the description of this individual I said to myself: that sounds a lot like me. Then I saw the INTP comment added, and I am also an INTP, and very strongly so.
I'm currently having trouble getting motivated to do my Master's Thesis, not because I'm uninterested in the subject, but because I can't bring myself to write the damn proposal, which is dreadfully boring. But I can't go much further until I have my proposal approved.
Anyway, to the original poster. Definitely do something you enjoy. Computers are an ideal field, but maintain varied out-of-school activities to keep you sane. I think you will find that the college experience is far better suited to your personality than high-school. As long as you choose a major that you enjoy, you will find yourself in far fewer classes that bore you.
My GPA has gotten higher for every year since I've left HS as my focus has become ever more specialized towards what I really enjoy.
Best of luck to you. Now I've got to get off Slashdot so I can write my proposal!
-Spyky
I think the act of checking a "geek-o-meter" will always lead to said meter being pegged.
-Spyky
I don't think Jeep invented the AWD mtb, I think they just rebranded one of these:
Christini
I'd like to try one, there are definitely situations where, if it works well, it could be really handy.
-Spyky
Obviously you didn't read this link provided by the poster, which states that Dr. Bernard Cohen challenged Ralph Nader to do just that.
-Spyky
Hmm, that's surprising, I've been a member for 2 months now and I'm astounded how quick they send movies. Delivery often takes a single day, turn-around is maybe 3 days if I have the disc out in time for the morning pickup.
Are you in a rural area? I notice that the delivery address on returns is local, that's how they can offer such quick service
-Spyky
I switched my cell phone number about a month ago to a new service. I called the old service (Sprint) first to make sure that moving the number wouldn't close my account, and cause them to charge me money. I was assured that the account would remain open.
So I had my number transfer (this was about 2 weeks before the end of my contract anyway). I get a bill from Sprint for $150 for early cancellation. DOH!
So I called, told that they charged me because I cancelled early. I explained the situation, and got the "I'm sorry, you cancelled your contract early". Needless to say I got a little angry, but didn't swear. I was transferred me to someone else, and within 20 seconds, he said, okay, "I'll remove the charge since you cancelled so close to the end." And they did! Incidentally I wasn't even charged for the final two weeks either.
So, yes, they will try to get you if you can. Yell loud enough and they might do the right thing. Next time I'll ask for confirmation in writing before doing something like that. Just in case.
The way I figure it, they probably could have had me by the balls if they wanted to. I had no actual hard evidence of the previous call where they told me it would all be okay. But, they are (although it is hard to believe sometimes) in the business of customer service. Anger me in this way, for $150, and I guarantee you, every family member and close friend will NEVER EVER USE their service, costing them far more than $150 in the long run.
Spyky
Soon to graduate CS Master's student at RIT here.
I would recommend RIT for its academics. It is definitely not a party school, but you can still have a good time here. It is all about meeting the right people.
RIT now has the largest unified "school of computing". IT, Software Engineering, and Computer Science now have their own building and college. You can definitely find something that tickles your fancy regarding computers here.
-Spyky
I'm a college student and I have done this (although I have a land line right now). Mostly it is because I never seem to live in one place for more than 9 months. And it is a pain in the ass to keep switching phone service, paying installation costs, etc.
If cell phone service were just a little more reliable, I think I lot more people would go this route.
-Spyky