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User: 3waygeek

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  1. Re:If International Space Station Is An Indicator. on Russia Wants to Launch Manned Mission to Mars · · Score: 1
  2. Re:why not? on Own a Little Bit of Berkeley Physics History · · Score: 1

    Admittedly, it's speculation, but as far as anyone knows, Newton never had any romantic relationships -- get the Straight Dope here.

  3. Re:VisualC++ Linker on Pet Bugs? · · Score: 1

    Strange; I've been using Visual C++ for over a decade (going back to 1.x), and i've never seen this one.

  4. Re:Early Adobe TWAIN error on Pet Bugs? · · Score: 1

    That's the name of the error as documented in the TWAIN SDK -- check out the twain.h file.

  5. My favorite bug... on Pet Bugs? · · Score: 1

    was a firmware bug in the built-in fax modem (based on a Sierra chip) in the old Momenta pen computer. Back in 1992/93, I was at Alien Computing, pioneers in PC-based faxing. We had an existing Windows 3.x product we were porting to Pen Windows under an OEM agreement with Momenta, and my responsibilities included pen-ifying the existing Windows UI and adapting the TSR-based communications module to the custom modem chip.

    In the process of testing the comms module, I noticed that many of the received faxes were a bit garbled, as though bytes were being corrupted or dropped. After almost a week's analysis of the modem's raw datastream, including decoding the CCITT data, I discovered that the modem would at random intervals repeat a single nibble of the raw data, corrupting the image.

    Once I found the bug, I then spent over a week convincing the Momenta engineers of the bug's existence -- they were conviced their modem firmware was bulletproof. I finally got through to them, but as I recall, the bug was never fixed, probably because Momenta wasn't doing well financially -- the pen computer, it turns out, was about a decade ahead of its time.

  6. If your admins are anything like... on Familiarizing Your Admins with New Hardware? · · Score: 1

    these guys, they won't need any training, since they already know everything.

  7. Re:PriceWatch on Home-Built vs. Store-Bought PCs · · Score: 1

    As is Pricegrabber; they seem to be more complete then Pricewatch.

  8. Re:Bloat on A Web Browser in Your BIOS? · · Score: 1

    It's not just you -- I just upgraded my dad to a 1.6 GHz P4 using the Asus P4B266 mobo, and it has pre-recorded voice messages for various POST errors, as well as the ability to substitute your own logo on the boot screen.

  9. Re:The myth of the inventor of TV on The Myth of the Lone Inventor · · Score: 1

    As we all know, Al Gore invented the Internet...

  10. Re:PGP/GnuPG secure. Yea right! on Echelon Architect Interviewed · · Score: 1

    And according to this guy, the NSA is about 200 years ahead of academia in maths.

  11. Re:Implications for Radio Astronomy. . . on Unlimited Airwaves · · Score: 1
    The way things are gearing up, it now looks as if it will be Microsoft that finally puts a final bullet in the telcos' heads.
    Gee, first this, now the above! Where's the anti-MS ranting we've come to expect from Slashdotters?
  12. Re:Pi? on More on the Fine Structure Constant · · Score: 1

    Actually, unlike 0, 1, and e, pi is not "a fundemental constant", but a convenient artefact that allows circles and spheres to be expressed. For example, one can use any number "k", and express pi in terms of "k". The definition of k would be different, but that's ok.

    That sound you hear is Euler rolling over in his grave.

  13. Re:"European Car" magazine on Computers and Cars: A Maddening Experience? · · Score: 1

    In the late 90's, the 7-series had over 70 functions, with as many indicators, and over 35 control elements (buttons, etc.) Something *had* to be done to reduce the complexity of the cockpit.

    Why? I have a 97 740i, and I've never had any trouble operating the controls. Note that many of the functions/control elements you mention don't get used very often, so they're not much of a factor.

    However, I don't have the nav system, and I don't use the built-in cell phone (it's analog, so service is hard to get). I can see those systems (especially the nav) being a bit tricky to use while driving, but programming the nav is something one usually does before starting a trip, and some jurisdictions are restricting phone usage while driving, so it's probably not as big a problem.

    Anyway, I'll be trading in my 740 in August, probably for a 530 or 540 -- my main objection to the 745 is that they've butchered the classic look of the 7-series.

  14. Re:Fire Extinguisher Balls on Fire Extinguisher Balls · · Score: 1

    you might have to show them your balls in the court.

    And the court order you to do it.

  15. Re:Fire extinguisher bottles on Fire Extinguisher Balls · · Score: 1

    Said vapor containing significant amounts of phosgene gas, which was one of the poisonous gases used in World War I.

  16. Re:Take that, iPod on Human Ears Make Noise · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's all well and good, until the RIAA/MPAA come to install their DRM hardware. Of course, they'll have to wipe your memory to remove all vestiges of non-DRM music/films/etc.

  17. Re:Inspiron 8200 on Comparative Laptop Reviews? · · Score: 1

    Check out this fan control utility; it lets you control when the fans come on. I use it on my I8K, and it works quite well.

  18. Re:Scientology sucks! on Google Publicizes DMCA Takedowns · · Score: 3, Informative

    They sent obnoxious mail. I taped it to cinder blocks with "addressee unknown, please return" on their mail. The US PS was happy to charge them $20 or so to return those.

    Unlikely; the post office probably just threw it away.

  19. Re:switch on Singing Cow To Attack CBDTPA · · Score: 1

    Note that it probably wasn't his idea -- it was probably imposed on him by the publisher.

  20. Re:Dear Rosen, on Singing Cow To Attack CBDTPA · · Score: 1

    Nevermind the fact, esteemed "Moron of the Year" Hilary Rosen, that CD-burners are not MANUFACTURED by Gateway, but *cough* REAL BIG COMPANIES with deep pockets that would laugh you all the way home if you tried to sue them.

    Interestingly, Sony is one of the major manufacturers you're talking about; the CDRW in my laptop (Dell Inspiron 8000) is made by them. Somehow, I can't see the RIAA suing one of their major members and living to tell about it.

  21. Re:Deep Thoughts on High Table at Cambridge with Stephen Hawking · · Score: 1

    Actually, IIRC, he was nailed up at the age of 33.

  22. Obvious collaboration opportunity... on The Huntsville Concrete Rocket · · Score: 1

    They should team up with this guy; he can help them out if they have any in-flight damage.

  23. Re:Depends on the city on Build Your Own Monorail · · Score: 1

    It gets rather insane and annoying at times--but this typically is only done in those subdivisions were they want everything to look "similar".

    Actually, much of this is done in the codes, convenants, and restrictions (CCRs) that one has to sign when buying property in the subdivision. The CCRs are considered a contract, so violations are handled according to the procedures stated in the document -- usually a fine paid to the homeowner's association, or a lien placed on the property if the fine isn't paid.

  24. Re:overrated on Living on Internet Time... Like Thomas Edison Did · · Score: 1

    Since Sir Issac apparently died a virgin, no wonder he was bitter.

  25. This is obviously a followup to... on 'Flight Speed' of Cattle Determines Tastiness · · Score: 1