Nah, its got its little niche 'market'. These open source things are like gods- they only die when they run out of worshippers.
Now if we were going just by technical merits (or even moral merits) something like Apple should have died its righteous death a long time ago. But, I guess people need to worship on the altar of 'alternative', even if they are getting robbed blind for it. IMO, Apple is the worst monopolist ever (well, aside from someone truly attrocious like DeBeers).
I remember reading about a mobile phone which would auto-switch to 802.11b if it could. Didnt see it released, though, but it was kind of a good idea (Im sure the technical issues probably killed it, since there really shouldnt be wide open 802.11 connections. Use at least 64-bit WAP, people!)
It's a tool which can be used for good or bad. Like a steak knife.
I think a better example is an AK-47 assult rifle; while it can potentially be used for legitimate reasons, it is more often used otherwise (the AK-47, even though it is the most prevalent assult rifle in the world, is the primary weapon used against most NATO soldiers, including those of the USA).
So, just like I said, even though there could potentially be a tiny minority of people using this legitimately, it will get its highest usage, most likely, by terrorist, drug trafficers, extortionists, etc.
As long as they can avoid some small issues, they should be ok. Since they only have two vulnerabilities (although one allowed remote execution of arbitrary code), they seem to be doing well.
encryption being something that every law-abiding citizen should be entitled to in order to protect his or her privacy
I dont personally have a need to encrypt messages into pictures, no. Nor can I imagine many things I can do where such functionality is needed.
Encryption is good when its used to protect data like my password, my credit card number, and my medical records. Encryption is bad when Apu and his buddies want to hide info from the FBI because they are planning to bomb a schoolbus.
There is no sword that isnt double-edged, but I fail to see legitimate uses for encrypting messages into photographs.
This is just a ploy by Sun to make the piracy of Windows more prevalent.
Anything that weakens MS will eventually benefit Sun (assuming they dont go out of business first, of course). If you cant win, you can at least try and be a spoiler.
National Health Service, may ditch Microsoft due to mounting licence costs.
Ditch the licensing costs, bring on the conversion and retraining costs! One nice thing about consultants- they can always find ways to get organizations to waste money.
I know exactly where he's coming from. Ive been to several meetings where I would just play "Space Trader" on my Palm. It was either that, or fall asleep, which I do in some meetings as well.
Its not my fault they have nothing intelligent or interesting to say!
Well, its not like DX10 is going to be released next week or anything!
The planning for such things always begins long before the final version is released. Right now they are getting input, looking at ways to do things that developers would want, etc. DX10 is probably at least two years away, and games for it farther than that.
I forgot to address this specifically: Ummm... okay. If some people want to see a LOTR or Matrix movie in 160x120 pixels, 10fps, instead of on the big screen with chair-rattling Surround Sound, then I think they've punished themselves enough.
You would be surprised at the quality of a DivX or MPEG4 copy. I have seen a few, and its either equivalent or a little worse than VCR quality. The only problem is a movie may have to be put on 2-3 CDs. But since DVD burners and media are getting lower and lower, this will not be a problem for much longer.
Like I said, If they find out the movie sucks fromthe bootleg, they won't go see it. If they LIKE the movie, they would go see it 'on the big screen'.
Im not saying it isnt possible some people behave this way, Im just saying its improbable. The people I know who are into pirating movies from Kazaa dont go to the theatre very often anymore. IMO it is a causal effect.
Ummm... okay. If some people want to see a LOTR or Matrix movie in 160x120 pixels, 10fps, instead of on the big screen with chair-rattling Surround Sound, then I think they've punished themselves enough.
Granted the quality is worse, but Im sure thats no consolation to the people responsible for funding/making the movie. Again, the situation isnt analogous to music just yet (yet being the operative word). MP3s are pretty damn close in sound quality to CDs, whereas MPEG-4 or DivX films are grainier and have less options than the actual DVD. But the time will come shortly when faster internet access will allow people to trade DVDs with a low compression format similiar to the ISOs which you can use for CDs.
Once that happens, there is no loss of quality, and they are undercutting the retail product. Most people just want to get the feeling that they are 'sticking it to The Man", even if they can technically afford to get things retail.
What happens to older movie films 1, 2, 5, even 10 years after they are released? Could someone lay hands on a collection of 5 or 10 year old films (propably cheap!!) and set up a theater playing the 'oldies'?
There are places which actually do this, but the problem is the media. Film quality wears out and degrades, often to the point where the film cannot be viewed properly anymore. But in the case of many 'classic' and foreign films, certain theatres still run them from time to time; I believe they are running a copy from a master print, however, and those arent cheap.
That situation can easily change once theatres switch over to digital formats, which will have many benefits to the theatres AND the movie industry. The theatres can then easily show things like televised sporting events, older movies (since they dont need the film), and hold special events (like corporate presentations).
The movie industry would also save hundreds of millions per year by doing away with the expensive process of using film: they could just send the movies to the theatre via a T-1. The problem at the moment is that the industry wants the theatres to foot the bill, while the theatres will not realize any huge benefits compared to the expense of switching. Obviously, they feel the industry should foot the bill.
A second facet to this is that the industry is probably dragging their feet on the whole digital thing until the piracy issue is resolved: obviously, if they had to worry about their movies being posted to the internet while they are in theatres, with no loss of quality, they stand to lose more than the hundreds of millions they would save versus film.
Also, as everybody should know, all crackers need to do is acquire some kind of access, then just work on elevating that access. Thus, they just need to get some form of network access, and can leverage an exploit like the previously mentioned on to get root access from their remote location. "Local" is a relative term.
Since when is human error considered a 'glitch'? Somebody entered an incorrect trade, people purchased based on that price, etc. Sounds like the system worked exactly as it was designed.
Maybe they need to put more checks in the system to prevent human error. But its certainly not a computer glitch.
From my end (Systems Engineer), I see the problem as being most developers have no knowledge of hardware or networking (and often none of computers in general).
I think to excel in either you need to understand at least the issues dealt with by the other.
Hmm, this is a weird case. In a way, they are trying to mandate the extent of what should be punitive damages (a penalty above and beyond what the 'actual' damamges were).
I have never heard, nor ever expect to, of a person who goes to the theatre after seeing the movie bootleg. More likely they are using it as a substitute for going to the theatre, and will probably only go see a movie they really want to see when they cant get it bootleg.
First, the MPAA doesnt mandate that you are required to get popcorn. So your cost has just lowered. Second, there are matinee showings, special days, cheaper theatres, etc. For example, an AMC theatre near my house has, every tuesday, free parking, $5 admission, and one free small popcorn.
So are you telling me that $5 per person is too much? There are also theatres which show movies a few months after their main release, I think admission is $2. So if somebody REALLY wants to see a movie, there are tons of legal options; this is in sharp contrast to the RIAA vs. MP3 thing; until a few months ago, there werent even any legal ways to get MP3s aside from ripping them from CDs you already own, and they tried to stop even that.
When I started with Broadband, I was getting DSL thru SBC, and I think it was only about $30/month (fortunately there was competition keeping the price low). Well, after I moved, it was a nightmare, it took three months to just get my PHONE service working, and another month after that for DSL. They also broke my contract; my phone bill transfered, but somehow they claimed the DSL was different so they could raise my rate. On the plus side, they sent me a second (free) DSL modem kit which I sold on EBay, so I pretty much broke even.
Anyway, Im on Cable now, which is a bit faster, but goes down more often. They also charged me for having their modem, when I actually didnt, and then they raised their rate for non-company-owned modems so high it isnt even worth buying your own. And they raised my rate again after I moved.
So, they have more customers, service hasnt improved, and they charge more. The only difference is they squeezed out all competition, so they are free to price-gouge now.
I think Ogg's stupid name is what is holding it back.
Electronics company exec: "Hey boss, we want to make our new MP3 player also play "Gog Vorkas" files... I mean, Vorg Korbis... I, um, never mind, lets just stick with MP3s...
Doesnt this product violate the licensing agreement? I say ignore this guy's closed-source junk, burn his house to the ground, rape his sister, and flip off his cat!
Slashdot Mirror
Now if we were going just by technical merits (or even moral merits) something like Apple should have died its righteous death a long time ago. But, I guess people need to worship on the altar of 'alternative', even if they are getting robbed blind for it. IMO, Apple is the worst monopolist ever (well, aside from someone truly attrocious like DeBeers).
I remember reading about a mobile phone which would auto-switch to 802.11b if it could. Didnt see it released, though, but it was kind of a good idea (Im sure the technical issues probably killed it, since there really shouldnt be wide open 802.11 connections. Use at least 64-bit WAP, people!)
I think a better example is an AK-47 assult rifle; while it can potentially be used for legitimate reasons, it is more often used otherwise (the AK-47, even though it is the most prevalent assult rifle in the world, is the primary weapon used against most NATO soldiers, including those of the USA).
So, just like I said, even though there could potentially be a tiny minority of people using this legitimately, it will get its highest usage, most likely, by terrorist, drug trafficers, extortionists, etc.
As long as they can avoid some small issues, they should be ok. Since they only have two vulnerabilities (although one allowed remote execution of arbitrary code), they seem to be doing well.
I dont personally have a need to encrypt messages into pictures, no. Nor can I imagine many things I can do where such functionality is needed.
Encryption is good when its used to protect data like my password, my credit card number, and my medical records. Encryption is bad when Apu and his buddies want to hide info from the FBI because they are planning to bomb a schoolbus.
There is no sword that isnt double-edged, but I fail to see legitimate uses for encrypting messages into photographs.
Anything that weakens MS will eventually benefit Sun (assuming they dont go out of business first, of course). If you cant win, you can at least try and be a spoiler.
Ditch the licensing costs, bring on the conversion and retraining costs! One nice thing about consultants- they can always find ways to get organizations to waste money.
Prett catchy, huh? It would definitely encourage lots of people to try it out!
Its not my fault they have nothing intelligent or interesting to say!
Just put in your card, and enter the wrong PIN. If it gives you money, just keep making "withdrawls" until the machine is empty!
wow, up for less than ten minutes and slashdotted already. I guess their world exclusive reviews will be exclusive just a little while longer.
The planning for such things always begins long before the final version is released. Right now they are getting input, looking at ways to do things that developers would want, etc. DX10 is probably at least two years away, and games for it farther than that.
They could get Vin Deisel to write it!
You would be surprised at the quality of a DivX or MPEG4 copy. I have seen a few, and its either equivalent or a little worse than VCR quality. The only problem is a movie may have to be put on 2-3 CDs. But since DVD burners and media are getting lower and lower, this will not be a problem for much longer.
Im not saying it isnt possible some people behave this way, Im just saying its improbable. The people I know who are into pirating movies from Kazaa dont go to the theatre very often anymore. IMO it is a causal effect.
Ummm... okay. If some people want to see a LOTR or Matrix movie in 160x120 pixels, 10fps, instead of on the big screen with chair-rattling Surround Sound, then I think they've punished themselves enough.
Granted the quality is worse, but Im sure thats no consolation to the people responsible for funding/making the movie. Again, the situation isnt analogous to music just yet (yet being the operative word). MP3s are pretty damn close in sound quality to CDs, whereas MPEG-4 or DivX films are grainier and have less options than the actual DVD. But the time will come shortly when faster internet access will allow people to trade DVDs with a low compression format similiar to the ISOs which you can use for CDs.
Once that happens, there is no loss of quality, and they are undercutting the retail product. Most people just want to get the feeling that they are 'sticking it to The Man", even if they can technically afford to get things retail.
What happens to older movie films 1, 2, 5, even 10 years after they are released? Could someone lay hands on a collection of 5 or 10 year old films (propably cheap!!) and set up a theater playing the 'oldies'?
There are places which actually do this, but the problem is the media. Film quality wears out and degrades, often to the point where the film cannot be viewed properly anymore. But in the case of many 'classic' and foreign films, certain theatres still run them from time to time; I believe they are running a copy from a master print, however, and those arent cheap.
That situation can easily change once theatres switch over to digital formats, which will have many benefits to the theatres AND the movie industry. The theatres can then easily show things like televised sporting events, older movies (since they dont need the film), and hold special events (like corporate presentations).
The movie industry would also save hundreds of millions per year by doing away with the expensive process of using film: they could just send the movies to the theatre via a T-1. The problem at the moment is that the industry wants the theatres to foot the bill, while the theatres will not realize any huge benefits compared to the expense of switching. Obviously, they feel the industry should foot the bill.
A second facet to this is that the industry is probably dragging their feet on the whole digital thing until the piracy issue is resolved: obviously, if they had to worry about their movies being posted to the internet while they are in theatres, with no loss of quality, they stand to lose more than the hundreds of millions they would save versus film.
Ok, fine: take your pick...
Also, as everybody should know, all crackers need to do is acquire some kind of access, then just work on elevating that access. Thus, they just need to get some form of network access, and can leverage an exploit like the previously mentioned on to get root access from their remote location. "Local" is a relative term.
Maybe they need to put more checks in the system to prevent human error. But its certainly not a computer glitch.
I think to excel in either you need to understand at least the issues dealt with by the other.
Hmm, this is a weird case. In a way, they are trying to mandate the extent of what should be punitive damages (a penalty above and beyond what the 'actual' damamges were).
Lets make sure we take care of all those root exploits this time.
First, the MPAA doesnt mandate that you are required to get popcorn. So your cost has just lowered. Second, there are matinee showings, special days, cheaper theatres, etc. For example, an AMC theatre near my house has, every tuesday, free parking, $5 admission, and one free small popcorn.
So are you telling me that $5 per person is too much? There are also theatres which show movies a few months after their main release, I think admission is $2. So if somebody REALLY wants to see a movie, there are tons of legal options; this is in sharp contrast to the RIAA vs. MP3 thing; until a few months ago, there werent even any legal ways to get MP3s aside from ripping them from CDs you already own, and they tried to stop even that.
Anyway, Im on Cable now, which is a bit faster, but goes down more often. They also charged me for having their modem, when I actually didnt, and then they raised their rate for non-company-owned modems so high it isnt even worth buying your own. And they raised my rate again after I moved.
So, they have more customers, service hasnt improved, and they charge more. The only difference is they squeezed out all competition, so they are free to price-gouge now.
Electronics company exec: "Hey boss, we want to make our new MP3 player also play "Gog Vorkas" files... I mean, Vorg Korbis... I, um, never mind, lets just stick with MP3s...
Boss: Good idea. Here's more stock options.
Doesnt this product violate the licensing agreement? I say ignore this guy's closed-source junk, burn his house to the ground, rape his sister, and flip off his cat!