Wow, that sounds worse than any spy/ad-ware I've ever heard of. Since the ads are inserted at the ISP theres no way to even block them (if I understand correctly, it inserts advertisements into the webpage). If my ISP ever touched that thing, I'd be pissed.
They also promised to sign NDAs and happily screw everyone else
How are they screwing everyone else? This stuff can be used to pirate games, and if you ask me it should have been kept secret. It's Microsoft's fool fault for not accepting the help, but in this case if Microsoft was willing to accept the help, the ethical thing to do is sign a NDA and keep it secret.
An xbox with a "signed" Linux kernel that can't be programed or modified offers neither liberty nor the license FreeX offers as a substitute. That kind of box is worth no more than XP on a Next Generation Enslaved PC, except it might have better uptime.
Its worth no more than anything if you don't want to play games, but if you do, well trust me its pretty good. Basically right now your saying if it doesn't run linux, its useless. Now, I won't pretend to understand many people's obsession on running Linux on everything (to each his own) but to say something is completely worthless if it can't run linux is just one of the most shortsighted things I have ever heard.
It would not be at all surprising to learn that Microsoft is paying FreeX to make this noise. If it looks like a duck and acts like a duck, chances are it's a duck.
Come on now, conspiracy theories? Why would Microsoft pay a group to release a security bug which would allow software piracy?
Who knows, perhaps this is the way for M$ to meet the Linux threat while further expanding into hardware sales. Embrace, Extend, Extinguish is their tried and true pattern. They can call it Shared Linux, port M$ Office to it and push it on big dumb companies as the legitimate child of the free software movement.
Firstly, that would be very good if Microsoft released Office for Linux (I like it better than Koffice and OpenOffice myself) Although I doubt something like this would occur. The X-Box, while it may or may not be sold at cost (I've heard rumors all are, I've heard some aren't, so at this point I don't actually know for sure) it doesn't make a lot of money by itself. Microsoft would not want to sell cheap little boxes to companies when office alone costs more than two X-Boxes. They have no reason to want to sell cheap X-Boxes to companies, no reason at all. The PC Hardware business is a very low margin business (while software is a very high margin business) why would Microsoft want to shift focus?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, purchasing the xbox only helps M$. If you want a gaming console, buy one with merrit.
Actually, the X-Box has quite a few good games out for it now. In addition, the X-Box live service is just great. I'm going to assume you haven't used it but its defintely better than Sony's online service (this is from experience, btw) and of course better than Nintendo's non-existent service.
If you ask me, while this may have been created because someone wanted to run Linux on their X-Box, it's probably going to be used a lot more for playing pirated games, which is a shame because now its going to be associated with Linux, and that doesn't help anyone.
Keep in mind we don't actually know whether they got permission or not. Chances are they either did, or they know WSJ is too scared (owned by Microsoft: read infinite legal resources) to do anything about it.
Correct me if I'm wrong (I may very well be) but even though he's closing the site, can't you still use the license? Also note he is keeping the site up, he mentioned it on the page.
I'm going to reply to your reply a little bit out of order, for continuity.
I know it is fun to play devil's advocate to rack up insightful mods
Uh, no I'm not trying to "rack up mod points" and I have no reason to. I'm saying what I think, not really my fault if its insightful.
While you are correct that corporation != evil, this corporation has proven by its excessive actions against this individual that it is more on the evil side than not.
don't know the specifics of how conspiracy is treated in a court of law, but I would hope that it would be little more than a slap on the wrist and a firm warning
I think the problem your having is that you're not quite understanding who they're doing this to. This is not little billly downloading Britney Spears MP3s off of kazaa, this is a man who's goal was to make money by pirating a companies service. I don't have any sympathy for this guy, because he is a criminal. Just because he was 'pirating' and everyone things MP3s doesn't mean its the same thing. This guy really WAS doing something wrong, and he got what was coming to him.
Actually, I think the payments are rediculous (as he didn't cause any actual damage, they never lost any money, therefore why is he paying them?) but he did break the law.
Put yourself in their shoes, would you like it if you were sent to federal prison for five years just because you might have cut into the profits of an already greedy and overpaid corporation?
Who are you to say that they don't deserve money for their product? I have satellite TV and it works fine, and is worth the money. I have more channels than I could ever watch, the picture is clear, and some of the channels even have basic interactivity. Just because its a company doesn't mean you have to fight it and that its "evil"
(Old used iMacs can run OS X or PPCLinux, are fanless, and consume very little power in sleep mode... or go with one of those small-case PC's if you are one of those people who looks down their nose at Macs... whichever.
Or if you're one of those people who can't afford them? Trust me, I've looked and even the old ones are expensive! (OT: If anyone knows where you could get Mac parts cheap, please tell me:D )
This is what makes me dislike benchmarks, they're treated too much like sports (everything has to be fair). We're talking about computers here. We should use the optimized version, of everything. Compile with the Intel compiler, compile with the ibm compiler, I don't care which one wins 'on even ground' I want to see what can go the fastest, period. If the G5 wins with gcc, but if you use inte's compiler and the P4 completely blows it away (or the other way around) then I want to know that, as opposed to thinking something else because 'the benchmark had to be fair'
Do you really want everything you watch sitting in some database somewhere?
Yes, actually. I have a Tivo, and before it was known that they did this, I had always hoped that they somehow knew how I rated things, (and hoped they gave it to the networks) thus giving me control (albeit a small amount) over what was on.
Well, in your reply that I replied to, you told the guy to use a recent version of Linux to base his opinions on. I now say the same thing to you in reference to windows.
Linux viruses are impossible if you know what you are doing and arent logged in as root, they are also highly unlikely if you dont know what you are doing and you use something like Click N Run to get your files.
I seriously hope you don't beleive that. The reason viruses are rare in Linux is because there are a lot more windows users, many of them ignorant in the ways to protect themselves. I do not have an active virus scanner (I check monthly, however) and I have never had a virus. I have closed off the vectors I know about, and just use common sense, something many people don't. When you have people who literally are just ignorant (and before you get all in arms about that word, please look it up).
Most hackers use Windows, so the really good hackers who might be using Linux wont be interested in hacking college students, they will be too busy trying to hack the Windows based computer lab.
Oh, so all the 31337 h4xz0rz use linux now? That has nothing to do with anything, except that you seem to feel all the 'good' hackers are on linux. (In a way they are, but thats a code hacker, not the kind you were referring to)
Uh, this could be done with Linux, too. And as for me, I lock my computer up every time I get up, (as well as have a BIOS password) so I'd personally be worried more about those keyloggers that install on the back of the keyboard than a software one. (Which of course would work in any OS)
Uh, since its a hardware keylogger, they don't need your root password, although they could certainly get it. Once again, its the same deal with windows. Password protect your account, how are they going to get the password to install a software keylogger?
Its harder to use than OSX and KDE. Its Harder to use than Windows98, theres no new features which make XP easier to use, it just makes things more complicated, some people think anything if its released by Microsoft is easy because alot of people use it, thats not why people use it, they use it because their PC came with it.
I mentioned a bunch of features that made WindowsXP a lot easier to use than Windows 98. The Start Menu actually changes depending to how you use the computer. In my experience however, the changes are very intuitive. When I had dial-up, it had a Connection toolbar there. When I got broadband and set up a wireless network, a Network Neighbor Hood icon appeared. My Computer, My Documents, My Music, as well as the 6 most used programs thats I use, all appear right when I click start. And you know what? For the most part, after Windows has 'learned' what I use most, I never have to go through the start menu to search for something. Sure, every once in a while I do, but if it becomes a usual thing, eventuallyl that will appear on the start menu replacing something I do less. Oh, and by the way, thats all customizable in less than, 7 clicks. If thats too complicated for you, well then I doubt you're actually using Linux now anyway.
Most people arent Anti Microsoft.
No, they aren't, but I think many people (myself included) would prefer that functionality to not be in our OS. Now, I don't know the specifics of what you're talking about (is it a normal remote login, or something special built into RH) so chances are its not a big deal to begin with, but I wouldn't say its an advantage over Windows, just that someone you paid can bail you out, since there are similiar services for windows.
This is probably too late for you (you said it was a few years ago) but just so you and everybody else knows, Erols worked just fine for me under Linux.
not having worry about crashing, no more losing their work
My computer's been up for 9 days so far, and I haven't lossed any work. As long you're not using something outdated (Windows ME, 98, etc) you should not have to worry about crashes.
no fear of viruses
Of course, Linux viruses are impossible (Old example, yes, but its just to prove a point)
more difficult for hackers to steal all their information.
This may actually be true, but only to a point. Yes, it would be harder for someone to send them a trojan, remotely this really isn't true, as long as both machines were secured.
Do you realize how easy it is to install a keylogger on some roomates windows PC and get all their information?
Uh, this could be done with Linux, too. And as for me, I lock my computer up every time I get up, (as well as have a BIOS password) so I'd personally be worried more about those keyloggers that install on the back of the keyboard than a software one. (Which of course would work in any OS)
virus scanners dont work
Great! Whats your email again?:D
When was the last time you used KDE? When was the last time you used OSX? Windows XP is harder to use than both. I'm on XP right now and I'm telling you XP is slower, has more useless icons all over the place, and is less organized. XP is not easier to use than Windows 98
How in the world is XP hard to use? One of the best things I like about XP is that it keeps track of how often you use something, and adds it to the start menu. Often, I don't even have to look for the program I want to use, because its right there for me. I have used all of the above mentioned and I would have to say XP was probably the best out of them all UI-wise. (OS X was just, weird. Not badmouthing it though, was very very pretty)
if your Linux breaks down, a redhat expert can log into your machine and fix it for you through the internet.
Oh give me a break. How many people freaked out just because XP has the ability to send crash reports to them? If XP had this feature (which it does to some extent, you can send and ask for help using MSN Messenger) most people would spout conspiracy theories on how 'Microsoft is going to take over all our computers!'
Having used almost every Windows ever created, as well as Red Hat, Mandrake, Gentoo, and Trustix, I would have to say that while Linux does excel in applications [application as in use, not a program] where you have to have a lot of control over your computer, easy as windows they are not.
While the P4 has what is needed to smoke the Athlon for years (just as long as they keep tweaking the predication engine and improve on branch prediction's accuracy), it can't really compete with Opteron. Neither can Itanium. Intel just hasn't invested enough in the future since they were ruling the present.
Call me a fool, but I'm pretty sure Intel is looking ahead. I remmember when AMD had them beat hands down (and we said the same thing, Intel was caught with its pants down, etc and so on), and you know what? They came back. Sure, AMD may win the speed crown for a little while, but I'm pretty sure Intel will eventually win it back, and that cycle will (hopefully) continue giving us consumers faster and cheaper cpus. I have a lot of faith in Intel. Their Williamette core was, well pitiful (imho) but the Northwood is pretty respectable. As of late, I have been very dissapointed in AMD's offerings, but I expect great things from them in the future (assuming they don't go bankrupt first).
Actually, in NTFS windows does have support for alternative data streams (think resource forks) If you have ever gone into a directory in windows that contains only pictures, and it decides to show each file as a small thumbnail of that picture, that small picture is saved in the original file as an alternative data stream.
I do. Beleive it or not, people *work* on windows. They get paid, and then Microsoft charges for windows. Now, WinME was well, horrible, but WinXP is just fine, and I have no qualms about paying for it. (Same thing with Longhorn, now thats gonna be a great OS, DX9 accelerated, gonna be so pretty:D)
I'm actually pretty surprised to hear that. My car had its license plates removed, and there were cops at my door the next day. While thats not immediate, it was fast enough for the crime committed. One of my family members is also a cop, and I can't really say he does nothing either. I think there probably is too much crime, and the cops just can't handle it all. That, and incompetent phone operators.
My cell phone has voice recognition. My 486 @ 25mhz had voice recognition, are you saying my 400mhz PocketPC can't?! Regardless, I personally think voice recognition is a bad idea just because it IS way too loud, and I don't always want people to hear what I'm entering into my PDA.
Your box must have been misconfigured then, or you must be using a really, really buggy program. If the problem is a really buggy program, well you can't blame windows. I've had programs hose the system under linux, too. (Konqueror!) (Now your probably going to say I set it up wrong,, and yeah, your probably right) You really can't blame an OS for someone else's software. I mean, I was just working on something, and some stuff I had written caused a page fault (one of those stupid mistakes). I can't blame the OS for that. I've kept a generally clean system, and its longest uptime has been 12 days, at which point a buggy driver brought it down. Up until that time, it had been working perfectly, and had the driver been working probably still wouldn't have crashed.
I've said this more than once, and I'll say it again: In order to acheive a stable system, you HAVE to configure it correctly. I have never gone over 2 days uptime with Linux, mostly because I honestly have no idea how to set it up correctly, I just click next in the RH installer, and let it go. Generally, however, XP and Linux are, out of the box, good enough for most general use.
Man when my Win98 box crashes at work, I am waiting 1 to 5 minutes before working again.
Windows 98 is 5+ years old. If you haven't tried Windows 2000 or Windows XP, I would definitely suggest trying them, they're a lot more stable. My windows box almost never crashes, and the only time I restart it or turn it off is when I'm installing a new driver, or installing a new peice of hardware.
I don't feel that software falls under the same catagory as building codes, though. A program is just a program, its not a structure that could kill somebody. *True*, software can kill if designed improperly, and if it is used for mission critical applications, and maybe there should be regulations on mission critical applications (where someone's life is on the line) but no one is going to die because Microsoft Word doesn't conform with standards.
Well, I kind of see writing software as like writing a book. Its freedom of speech, basically. You can write whatever you want, you can't force someone to write a certain way, just like you can't force someone to use standards. Regardless, I think this is a bad idea, they shouldn't be forced to do anything. If you hate them so much, don't use 'em
Uh, if you actually read that page you linked to, it seems to indicate that the ad-aware program is probably mis-detecting it, and it probably isn't spyware.
Slashdot Mirror
The problem is the PCI implementation is flawed (to put it mildly)
With they're new drivers, at least it doesn't crash every few minutes now... (been up for 3+ days so far)
Wow, that sounds worse than any spy/ad-ware I've ever heard of. Since the ads are inserted at the ISP theres no way to even block them (if I understand correctly, it inserts advertisements into the webpage). If my ISP ever touched that thing, I'd be pissed.
They also promised to sign NDAs and happily screw everyone else
How are they screwing everyone else? This stuff can be used to pirate games, and if you ask me it should have been kept secret. It's Microsoft's fool fault for not accepting the help, but in this case if Microsoft was willing to accept the help, the ethical thing to do is sign a NDA and keep it secret.
An xbox with a "signed" Linux kernel that can't be programed or modified offers neither liberty nor the license FreeX offers as a substitute. That kind of box is worth no more than XP on a Next Generation Enslaved PC, except it might have better uptime.
Its worth no more than anything if you don't want to play games, but if you do, well trust me its pretty good. Basically right now your saying if it doesn't run linux, its useless. Now, I won't pretend to understand many people's obsession on running Linux on everything (to each his own) but to say something is completely worthless if it can't run linux is just one of the most shortsighted things I have ever heard.
It would not be at all surprising to learn that Microsoft is paying FreeX to make this noise. If it looks like a duck and acts like a duck, chances are it's a duck.
Come on now, conspiracy theories? Why would Microsoft pay a group to release a security bug which would allow software piracy?
Who knows, perhaps this is the way for M$ to meet the Linux threat while further expanding into hardware sales. Embrace, Extend, Extinguish is their tried and true pattern. They can call it Shared Linux, port M$ Office to it and push it on big dumb companies as the legitimate child of the free software movement.
Firstly, that would be very good if Microsoft released Office for Linux (I like it better than Koffice and OpenOffice myself) Although I doubt something like this would occur. The X-Box, while it may or may not be sold at cost (I've heard rumors all are, I've heard some aren't, so at this point I don't actually know for sure) it doesn't make a lot of money by itself. Microsoft would not want to sell cheap little boxes to companies when office alone costs more than two X-Boxes. They have no reason to want to sell cheap X-Boxes to companies, no reason at all. The PC Hardware business is a very low margin business (while software is a very high margin business) why would Microsoft want to shift focus?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, purchasing the xbox only helps M$. If you want a gaming console, buy one with merrit.
Actually, the X-Box has quite a few good games out for it now. In addition, the X-Box live service is just great. I'm going to assume you haven't used it but its defintely better than Sony's online service (this is from experience, btw) and of course better than Nintendo's non-existent service.
If you ask me, while this may have been created because someone wanted to run Linux on their X-Box, it's probably going to be used a lot more for playing pirated games, which is a shame because now its going to be associated with Linux, and that doesn't help anyone.
Keep in mind we don't actually know whether they got permission or not. Chances are they either did, or they know WSJ is too scared (owned by Microsoft: read infinite legal resources) to do anything about it.
Correct me if I'm wrong (I may very well be) but even though he's closing the site, can't you still use the license? Also note he is keeping the site up, he mentioned it on the page.
I'm going to reply to your reply a little bit out of order, for continuity.
I know it is fun to play devil's advocate to rack up insightful mods
Uh, no I'm not trying to "rack up mod points" and I have no reason to. I'm saying what I think, not really my fault if its insightful.
While you are correct that corporation != evil, this corporation has proven by its excessive actions against this individual that it is more on the evil side than not.
don't know the specifics of how conspiracy is treated in a court of law, but I would hope that it would be little more than a slap on the wrist and a firm warning
I think the problem your having is that you're not quite understanding who they're doing this to. This is not little billly downloading Britney Spears MP3s off of kazaa, this is a man who's goal was to make money by pirating a companies service. I don't have any sympathy for this guy, because he is a criminal. Just because he was 'pirating' and everyone things MP3s doesn't mean its the same thing. This guy really WAS doing something wrong, and he got what was coming to him.
Actually, I think the payments are rediculous (as he didn't cause any actual damage, they never lost any money, therefore why is he paying them?) but he did break the law.
Put yourself in their shoes, would you like it if you were sent to federal prison for five years just because you might have cut into the profits of an already greedy and overpaid corporation?
Who are you to say that they don't deserve money for their product? I have satellite TV and it works fine, and is worth the money. I have more channels than I could ever watch, the picture is clear, and some of the channels even have basic interactivity. Just because its a company doesn't mean you have to fight it and that its "evil"
(Old used iMacs can run OS X or PPCLinux, are fanless, and consume very little power in sleep mode... or go with one of those small-case PC's if you are one of those people who looks down their nose at Macs... whichever.
:D )
Or if you're one of those people who can't afford them? Trust me, I've looked and even the old ones are expensive! (OT: If anyone knows where you could get Mac parts cheap, please tell me
This is what makes me dislike benchmarks, they're treated too much like sports (everything has to be fair). We're talking about computers here. We should use the optimized version, of everything. Compile with the Intel compiler, compile with the ibm compiler, I don't care which one wins 'on even ground' I want to see what can go the fastest, period. If the G5 wins with gcc, but if you use inte's compiler and the P4 completely blows it away (or the other way around) then I want to know that, as opposed to thinking something else because 'the benchmark had to be fair'
Do you really want everything you watch sitting in some database somewhere?
Yes, actually. I have a Tivo, and before it was known that they did this, I had always hoped that they somehow knew how I rated things, (and hoped they gave it to the networks) thus giving me control (albeit a small amount) over what was on.
Most people are using WindowsME and 98.
Well, in your reply that I replied to, you told the guy to use a recent version of Linux to base his opinions on. I now say the same thing to you in reference to windows.
Linux viruses are impossible if you know what you are doing and arent logged in as root, they are also highly unlikely if you dont know what you are doing and you use something like Click N Run to get your files.
I seriously hope you don't beleive that. The reason viruses are rare in Linux is because there are a lot more windows users, many of them ignorant in the ways to protect themselves. I do not have an active virus scanner (I check monthly, however) and I have never had a virus. I have closed off the vectors I know about, and just use common sense, something many people don't. When you have people who literally are just ignorant (and before you get all in arms about that word, please look it up).
Most hackers use Windows, so the really good hackers who might be using Linux wont be interested in hacking college students, they will be too busy trying to hack the Windows based computer lab.
Oh, so all the 31337 h4xz0rz use linux now? That has nothing to do with anything, except that you seem to feel all the 'good' hackers are on linux. (In a way they are, but thats a code hacker, not the kind you were referring to)
Uh, this could be done with Linux, too. And as for me, I lock my computer up every time I get up, (as well as have a BIOS password) so I'd personally be worried more about those keyloggers that install on the back of the keyboard than a software one. (Which of course would work in any OS)
Uh, since its a hardware keylogger, they don't need your root password, although they could certainly get it. Once again, its the same deal with windows. Password protect your account, how are they going to get the password to install a software keylogger?
Its harder to use than OSX and KDE. Its Harder to use than Windows98, theres no new features which make XP easier to use, it just makes things more complicated, some people think anything if its released by Microsoft is easy because alot of people use it, thats not why people use it, they use it because their PC came with it.
I mentioned a bunch of features that made WindowsXP a lot easier to use than Windows 98. The Start Menu actually changes depending to how you use the computer. In my experience however, the changes are very intuitive. When I had dial-up, it had a Connection toolbar there. When I got broadband and set up a wireless network, a Network Neighbor Hood icon appeared. My Computer, My Documents, My Music, as well as the 6 most used programs thats I use, all appear right when I click start. And you know what? For the most part, after Windows has 'learned' what I use most, I never have to go through the start menu to search for something. Sure, every once in a while I do, but if it becomes a usual thing, eventuallyl that will appear on the start menu replacing something I do less. Oh, and by the way, thats all customizable in less than, 7 clicks. If thats too complicated for you, well then I doubt you're actually using Linux now anyway.
Most people arent Anti Microsoft.
No, they aren't, but I think many people (myself included) would prefer that functionality to not be in our OS. Now, I don't know the specifics of what you're talking about (is it a normal remote login, or something special built into RH) so chances are its not a big deal to begin with, but I wouldn't say its an advantage over Windows, just that someone you paid can bail you out, since there are similiar services for windows.
This is probably too late for you (you said it was a few years ago) but just so you and everybody else knows, Erols worked just fine for me under Linux.
not having worry about crashing, no more losing their work
:D
My computer's been up for 9 days so far, and I haven't lossed any work. As long you're not using something outdated (Windows ME, 98, etc) you should not have to worry about crashes.
no fear of viruses
Of course, Linux viruses are impossible (Old example, yes, but its just to prove a point)
more difficult for hackers to steal all their information.
This may actually be true, but only to a point. Yes, it would be harder for someone to send them a trojan, remotely this really isn't true, as long as both machines were secured.
Do you realize how easy it is to install a keylogger on some roomates windows PC and get all their information?
Uh, this could be done with Linux, too. And as for me, I lock my computer up every time I get up, (as well as have a BIOS password) so I'd personally be worried more about those keyloggers that install on the back of the keyboard than a software one. (Which of course would work in any OS)
virus scanners dont work
Great! Whats your email again?
When was the last time you used KDE? When was the last time you used OSX? Windows XP is harder to use than both. I'm on XP right now and I'm telling you XP is slower, has more useless icons all over the place, and is less organized. XP is not easier to use than Windows 98
How in the world is XP hard to use? One of the best things I like about XP is that it keeps track of how often you use something, and adds it to the start menu. Often, I don't even have to look for the program I want to use, because its right there for me. I have used all of the above mentioned and I would have to say XP was probably the best out of them all UI-wise. (OS X was just, weird. Not badmouthing it though, was very very pretty)
if your Linux breaks down, a redhat expert can log into your machine and fix it for you through the internet.
Oh give me a break. How many people freaked out just because XP has the ability to send crash reports to them? If XP had this feature (which it does to some extent, you can send and ask for help using MSN Messenger) most people would spout conspiracy theories on how 'Microsoft is going to take over all our computers!'
Having used almost every Windows ever created, as well as Red Hat, Mandrake, Gentoo, and Trustix, I would have to say that while Linux does excel in applications [application as in use, not a program] where you have to have a lot of control over your computer, easy as windows they are not.
God only knows what Doom III is going to require.
Well, when I played the 'demo' It actually was playable at some points (while still looking really good) on my:
1.2ghz T-bird
512mb SDRAM
GF4 4200
So I can't imagine the requirements will be that high.
Ok, so where did you buy this card again? :D
While the P4 has what is needed to smoke the Athlon for years (just as long as they keep tweaking the predication engine and improve on branch prediction's accuracy), it can't really compete with Opteron. Neither can Itanium. Intel just hasn't invested enough in the future since they were ruling the present.
Call me a fool, but I'm pretty sure Intel is looking ahead. I remmember when AMD had them beat hands down (and we said the same thing, Intel was caught with its pants down, etc and so on), and you know what? They came back. Sure, AMD may win the speed crown for a little while, but I'm pretty sure Intel will eventually win it back, and that cycle will (hopefully) continue giving us consumers faster and cheaper cpus. I have a lot of faith in Intel. Their Williamette core was, well pitiful (imho) but the Northwood is pretty respectable. As of late, I have been very dissapointed in AMD's offerings, but I expect great things from them in the future (assuming they don't go bankrupt first).
Actually, in NTFS windows does have support for alternative data streams (think resource forks) If you have ever gone into a directory in windows that contains only pictures, and it decides to show each file as a small thumbnail of that picture, that small picture is saved in the original file as an alternative data stream.
I do. Beleive it or not, people *work* on windows. They get paid, and then Microsoft charges for windows. Now, WinME was well, horrible, but WinXP is just fine, and I have no qualms about paying for it. (Same thing with Longhorn, now thats gonna be a great OS, DX9 accelerated, gonna be so pretty :D)
I'm actually pretty surprised to hear that. My car had its license plates removed, and there were cops at my door the next day. While thats not immediate, it was fast enough for the crime committed. One of my family members is also a cop, and I can't really say he does nothing either. I think there probably is too much crime, and the cops just can't handle it all. That, and incompetent phone operators.
My cell phone has voice recognition. My 486 @ 25mhz had voice recognition, are you saying my 400mhz PocketPC can't?! Regardless, I personally think voice recognition is a bad idea just because it IS way too loud, and I don't always want people to hear what I'm entering into my PDA.
Your box must have been misconfigured then, or you must be using a really, really buggy program. If the problem is a really buggy program, well you can't blame windows. I've had programs hose the system under linux, too. (Konqueror!) (Now your probably going to say I set it up wrong,, and yeah, your probably right) You really can't blame an OS for someone else's software. I mean, I was just working on something, and some stuff I had written caused a page fault (one of those stupid mistakes). I can't blame the OS for that. I've kept a generally clean system, and its longest uptime has been 12 days, at which point a buggy driver brought it down. Up until that time, it had been working perfectly, and had the driver been working probably still wouldn't have crashed.
I've said this more than once, and I'll say it again: In order to acheive a stable system, you HAVE to configure it correctly. I have never gone over 2 days uptime with Linux, mostly because I honestly have no idea how to set it up correctly, I just click next in the RH installer, and let it go. Generally, however, XP and Linux are, out of the box, good enough for most general use.
Man when my Win98 box crashes at work, I am waiting 1 to 5 minutes before working again.
Windows 98 is 5+ years old. If you haven't tried Windows 2000 or Windows XP, I would definitely suggest trying them, they're a lot more stable. My windows box almost never crashes, and the only time I restart it or turn it off is when I'm installing a new driver, or installing a new peice of hardware.
I don't feel that software falls under the same catagory as building codes, though. A program is just a program, its not a structure that could kill somebody. *True*, software can kill if designed improperly, and if it is used for mission critical applications, and maybe there should be regulations on mission critical applications (where someone's life is on the line) but no one is going to die because Microsoft Word doesn't conform with standards.
Well, I kind of see writing software as like writing a book. Its freedom of speech, basically. You can write whatever you want, you can't force someone to write a certain way, just like you can't force someone to use standards. Regardless, I think this is a bad idea, they shouldn't be forced to do anything. If you hate them so much, don't use 'em
Uh, if you actually read that page you linked to, it seems to indicate that the ad-aware program is probably mis-detecting it, and it probably isn't spyware.