Will it have options to shutdown internet access based on time frames and activity? This would be useful for people that want to budget their internet usage. Also it could useful if the computer is infected.
Or... you could go and buy timer for the electrical outlet and plug your cable modem into it. Or... use an X10 module. Or... unplug the modem when you're not using it. Or... log into your router and disable it when you're not using it Or... Use a router with parental controls and set them up Or...
I think there's about a dozen existing solutions to that problem that don't involve the bumbling cable company screwing up my access on a regular basis trying to implement their own "solution". Seriously - have you ever tried to talk to anyone at these companies?? The fact they have a (semi-)functioning network in the first place is amazing to me.:)
And with the M3 reference, it's like he wants to identify with the wealthy, but wants to sneer at every other yuppie with the same purchasing power.
You're kinda missing the point a little here. The M3 is a world class sportscar, and he wants to not only own one, but take it to where it should be used... the racetrack. He offers that they are able to produce the M3 because many other people buy BMW (non-M) cars for no other reason than for "status". They would be equally served in regard to utility and quality buy purchasing, say, a Toyota Camry for example.
It's not really a "knock-off"... Atari licensed their stuff to Sears to sell as under their own brand. I still have a Sears version of the 2600 in a box in the basement:-D Sadly, it's not the original one we purchased in the late '70's when they came out.
This is not to say that I agree or disagree, BUT...
The difference between green pieces of paper that come from a printing press and gold is... you can't print more gold every time you decide you need more. There's a finite amount.
That's the point of having currency backed by gold.
Every location I've had comcast (3 States now)... it's sucked. Constant downtime, horrific packet loss problems because they oversell their network, clueless service and support... the list does on.
Every time I've been able to get DSL from a BellCo? Rarely a problem if ever.
So what's the solution, in the meantime you're going to waste your expensive high def TV watching shitty standard format DVDs?
You're kinda late to the party, aren't you?
I've had HD since '98 (Toshiba 65" rear-projection, 480p/1080i). At the time, just getting progressive scan was a huge difference (To the tune of $1000 - I still use that DVD player today as I just can't bear to toss it, never mind that it was one of their "pro" units and it's built like a tank).
Since then, "pro-sumer" stereo receivers have added upscaling to their bag of tricks, as well as a lot of the newer HD tvs (at least DLP, my Samsung does it). You don't even have to go buy one of the upscaling DVD players (and you can still use component if you want). When we moved I sold the 65" behemoth due to the new house just not being suited for it, and now have a 47" DLP and a 42" LCD.
The picture difference between an upscaled standard DVD vs. a "HiDef" DVD is really not much unless you have a 65+ inch display. Given that the new disks are 3x - 4x more expensive and you need to purchase additional hardware (that may be worthless in a year depending on which way the war goes), it's almost a no-brainer for most people NOT to buy one.
The only thing that would make me consider buying into the new format(s) is when I finish the basement in our new home. I'm planning on going with a 1080p projector. On a screen that large (~100 inches) there actually is a difference. But I still don't care for the DRM crap that both formats include, so even then it'll be a tough sell for me.
Then apparently he's the busiest man in the world, because he states he still doesn't have any free time.
Again, unless you actually don't ever go to anywhere that sells DVDs (like the grocery)... um, the logic is simply flawed.
And that's still ignoring the fact that you can buy DVDs on amazon and have them shipped to you for less money than downloading a DRM encrusted, lower-quality version...
Honestly for me, irrespective of salary, a 20 minute savings would be worth at least $20 because I simply don't have much free time.
I guess I should feel lucky to have a job that lets me go to the grocery store. Where they sell DVDs. Often for less than $20.
Sorry, but the "I make $X per minute" thing is just silly in almost every case. You don't work 24/7. You are not getting paid for your non-work time. My wife does not pay me $40/hr to take out the garbage, does yours?
And anyway... if you have no free time, then you don't have time to watch movies anyway. Problem solved.
(On a serious note, if you literally have a schedule so full that taking 5 minutes to buy a DVD is an issue... you might want to re-think whatever it is that you're doing. It can't be healthy.)
Compound that with the fact that there is probably a Walmart (or some other large dicount retailer) within 5 miles of your home in most major areas.
If I can get in my car, drive to the actual Walmart, buy the superior product for the same or often less than the one online, and be back at home in under 20 minutes... erm, why would I buy the DRM restricted POS online?
Nostalgia is of limited interest, almost by definition.
Yes, and in this case, it's limited to the millions of people who purchased and used the C64 25 years ago
I know you couldn't be bothered to read the article, but the C64 is in the Guiness book of world records because it sold so many units. Culturally, it represents the start of widespread computer use in the home, due to being one of the first accessible platforms. Etc, etc.
There's a slight difference between giving a mega-corp some code for free so they can make more money vs. working on an open-source project which you enjoy and that benefits many folks...
(You can argue that SOME opensource projects lead to companies making money via support services... but they're far and few between... and really, if that's the case, you can make money from it as well should you choose.)
Er, unless you have some sort of "offline" backup media that is completely indestructible, I'm going to say that you're splitting hairs here.
How about if I only turn on the NAS when I'm backing up my files, then turn it back off?
If there's two copies of something and one of them is only used for archival/recovery purposes (i.e. if your daily use copy gets lost/deleted/destroyed), I'm afraid I'm going to have to say that one is a backup copy no matter what type of storage it resides on.
I'm 5'11", 150lbs, and have a body fat % south of 15. And I'm not in my 20's anymore.
I don't eat fatty or junk foods on a regular basis (sometimes, pizza is just too hard to resist) and I exercise (rock climbing these days, and about to start snowboarding).
If I eat more (or really, the same amount as I do now w/exercise) and exercise less, I gain weight.
George Carlin already knew this over 25 years ago.
In one of his stand-ups he said that the amount a person was an asshole was directly related to how far they were from you.
(Paraphrasing, as I've not heard the bit in prob 20 years)
"If you're talking to someone about guy and the he's not around, (loud voice that anyone near can hear) That guy is a real asshole!!" "If he's in the same room, (Turning head to person next to you and speaking in a soft voice) See that guy over there? he's a real asshole."
So it'd be ok to take the car, as long as they weren't going to use it, and you brought it back? Or, it'd be perfectly fine as long as they were in the car, and it only caused them to get to work slower because you drove it to the store then got out?
Splitting hairs to prop up bad ethics and morals never really works. You're using something that isn't yours, without permission. And last time I looked, bandwidth is finite and not free, so saying that you're not taking possession of something isn't exactly correct either, is it? Especially considering that the telco/cableco monopolies are imposing static limits these days on total monthly usage.
The faucet on the side of my house isn't locked. Does that mean you'll use it without permission? After all... you're not depriving me of water... I can still use the shower. Of course, I'm paying for the water and you're not... but I guess that doesn't matter.
Well, when making an argument to justify one's actions... you're generally going to disagree with anything else.
Name one other scenario where not securing something you own gives others an implicit or explicit right to use or take it.
Your "they're broadcasting" argument doesn't map to pro-actively putting up a sign that says "use me". The default settings on the stupid things are set to do this, and you know it - one has to know how NOT do it, and understand why it's a bad idea.
Your argument is this: Because Joe user doesn't understand the technology, and doesn't know how to secure his access point, and doesn't know what "broadcasting your SSID" means, he's giving you implicit permission to use it. Does that sound reasonable?
Now... there's an argument there that someone who doesn't understand the technology shouldn't be setting it up... and I'm generally all for punishing stupid people... but it still doesn't make it "right". Nevermind that these things are pretty much sold like toasters these days, and the instructions don't usually include a "good security practices" section.
At the very least he's now in violation of his provider's TOS (if it's a major telco or cableco) because they dis-allow sharing, and in theory could have his service cut off. What if they're a moderate user and your use causes them to go over the magic cable co cut-off? Still sound like it's reasonable to use someone else's connection?
I'm not saying that I've never done it - when we bought our latest house I had about a week before the Comcast drone was coming out to turn on our service... there's actually only 2 unsecured WAPs reachable from here, which surprised me. However, I was fully aware that using someone else's connection (basically, taking advantage of the non-technical folk) wasn't "right" and do pay for my own.
If someone's car is parked on the street (public property), not locked, with the keys in the ignition... do you have the right to take it or use it? Of course not. You'd be arrested for grand theft auto, even though the person did not take any steps to secure the vehicle .
An unsecured WAP is much like the above car, you're still using something that doesn't belong to you without permission. You aren't paying for the internet connection, you didn't buy the WAP.
I wouldn't mount any other drives in that scenario. Much like how I don't mount my Solaris 10 drive on my Ultra20 when I'm playing games in Windoze (And part of that drive is ZFS, which I don't believe windoze can even grok anyway. I bought a second drive just for windows & games and threw it in my Ultra20 when I first got it).
I guess there's a chance some malware could discover unmounted drives & partitions and mount them... but I'll save that particular scenario for really paranoid gits:D
And the original TOS says they can change it at any time.
If you're a paranoid git, that's the time to request your refund.
If, on the other hand, you realize that any process running on your machine (with sufficient user rights and can access the internet) can steal your precious information and that WoW actually isn't, you can happily go on playing.
Anyone that paranoid shouldn't have a lick of "sensative information" on a general use machine hooked to the internet, especially if the OS is windows.
And if you really are a paranoid git... partition drive, install windows, only boot to that partition for gaming. Problem solved.
You also can't return any of the other games you own and play that have similar clauses in their EULA yet are NOT telling you exactly what they're doing.
Slashdot Mirror
Will it have options to shutdown internet access based on time frames and activity? This would be useful for people that want to budget their internet usage. Also it could useful if the computer is infected.
... you could go and buy timer for the electrical outlet and plug your cable modem into it. ... use an X10 module. ... unplug the modem when you're not using it. ... log into your router and disable it when you're not using it ... Use a router with parental controls and set them up ...
:)
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
I think there's about a dozen existing solutions to that problem that don't involve the bumbling cable company screwing up my access on a regular basis trying to implement their own "solution". Seriously - have you ever tried to talk to anyone at these companies?? The fact they have a (semi-)functioning network in the first place is amazing to me.
- Roach
And with the M3 reference, it's like he wants to identify with the wealthy, but wants to sneer at every other yuppie with the same purchasing power.
... the racetrack. He offers that they are able to produce the M3 because many other people buy BMW (non-M) cars for no other reason than for "status". They would be equally served in regard to utility and quality buy purchasing, say, a Toyota Camry for example.
You're kinda missing the point a little here. The M3 is a world class sportscar, and he wants to not only own one, but take it to where it should be used
- Roach
It's not really a "knock-off"
- Roach
First game system was Atari Pinball. It was so cool it had pinball and breakout and was a lot cheaper then the Atari 2600.
... We had that! I had completely forgotten about it. It had pinball flipper buttons on the side of the console.
Oh wow
- Roach
This is not to say that I agree or disagree, BUT
The difference between green pieces of paper that come from a printing press and gold is
That's the point of having currency backed by gold.
- Roach
Exactly.
... it's sucked. Constant downtime, horrific packet loss problems because they oversell their network, clueless service and support ... the list does on.
Every location I've had comcast (3 States now)
Every time I've been able to get DSL from a BellCo? Rarely a problem if ever.
- Roach
So what's the solution, in the meantime you're going to waste your expensive high def TV watching shitty standard format DVDs?
You're kinda late to the party, aren't you?
I've had HD since '98 (Toshiba 65" rear-projection, 480p/1080i). At the time, just getting progressive scan was a huge difference (To the tune of $1000 - I still use that DVD player today as I just can't bear to toss it, never mind that it was one of their "pro" units and it's built like a tank).
Since then, "pro-sumer" stereo receivers have added upscaling to their bag of tricks, as well as a lot of the newer HD tvs (at least DLP, my Samsung does it). You don't even have to go buy one of the upscaling DVD players (and you can still use component if you want). When we moved I sold the 65" behemoth due to the new house just not being suited for it, and now have a 47" DLP and a 42" LCD.
The picture difference between an upscaled standard DVD vs. a "HiDef" DVD is really not much unless you have a 65+ inch display. Given that the new disks are 3x - 4x more expensive and you need to purchase additional hardware (that may be worthless in a year depending on which way the war goes), it's almost a no-brainer for most people NOT to buy one.
The only thing that would make me consider buying into the new format(s) is when I finish the basement in our new home. I'm planning on going with a 1080p projector. On a screen that large (~100 inches) there actually is a difference. But I still don't care for the DRM crap that both formats include, so even then it'll be a tough sell for me.
- Roach
That voting just simply couldn't be this complicated. ::shaking head::
- Roach
Then apparently he's the busiest man in the world, because he states he still doesn't have any free time.
...
Again, unless you actually don't ever go to anywhere that sells DVDs (like the grocery)... um, the logic is simply flawed.
And that's still ignoring the fact that you can buy DVDs on amazon and have them shipped to you for less money than downloading a DRM encrusted, lower-quality version
- Roach
Honestly for me, irrespective of salary, a 20 minute savings would be worth at least $20 because I simply don't have much free time.
... if you have no free time, then you don't have time to watch movies anyway. Problem solved.
... you might want to re-think whatever it is that you're doing. It can't be healthy.)
I guess I should feel lucky to have a job that lets me go to the grocery store. Where they sell DVDs. Often for less than $20.
Sorry, but the "I make $X per minute" thing is just silly in almost every case. You don't work 24/7. You are not getting paid for your non-work time. My wife does not pay me $40/hr to take out the garbage, does yours?
And anyway
(On a serious note, if you literally have a schedule so full that taking 5 minutes to buy a DVD is an issue
- Roach
Exactly.
... erm, why would I buy the DRM restricted POS online?
Compound that with the fact that there is probably a Walmart (or some other large dicount retailer) within 5 miles of your home in most major areas.
If I can get in my car, drive to the actual Walmart, buy the superior product for the same or often less than the one online, and be back at home in under 20 minutes
- Roach
You obviously don't have even a pinch of redneck in you, or don't have any redneck friends.
:D
The correct phrase is:
"Hey, Hold my beer and watch this."
- Roach
Nostalgia is of limited interest, almost by definition.
Yes, and in this case, it's limited to the millions of people who purchased and used the C64 25 years ago
I know you couldn't be bothered to read the article, but the C64 is in the Guiness book of world records because it sold so many units. Culturally, it represents the start of widespread computer use in the home, due to being one of the first accessible platforms. Etc, etc.
But of course, I'm sure you know all that.
- Roach
There's a slight difference between giving a mega-corp some code for free so they can make more money vs. working on an open-source project which you enjoy and that benefits many folks
(You can argue that SOME opensource projects lead to companies making money via support services
- Roach
The people who are going to 'YouTube' for medical information ...
Are exactly the people who you want to not be vaccinated from deadly diseases.
This is a self-solving problem.
- Roach
Er, unless you have some sort of "offline" backup media that is completely indestructible, I'm going to say that you're splitting hairs here.
How about if I only turn on the NAS when I'm backing up my files, then turn it back off?
If there's two copies of something and one of them is only used for archival/recovery purposes (i.e. if your daily use copy gets lost/deleted/destroyed), I'm afraid I'm going to have to say that one is a backup copy no matter what type of storage it resides on.
- Roach
I'm 5'11", 150lbs, and have a body fat % south of 15. And I'm not in my 20's anymore.
I don't eat fatty or junk foods on a regular basis (sometimes, pizza is just too hard to resist) and I exercise (rock climbing these days, and about to start snowboarding).
If I eat more (or really, the same amount as I do now w/exercise) and exercise less, I gain weight.
Not rocket science.
- Roach
George Carlin already knew this over 25 years ago.
In one of his stand-ups he said that the amount a person was an asshole was directly related to how far they were from you.
(Paraphrasing, as I've not heard the bit in prob 20 years)
"If you're talking to someone about guy and the he's not around, (loud voice that anyone near can hear) That guy is a real asshole!!"
"If he's in the same room, (Turning head to person next to you and speaking in a soft voice) See that guy over there? he's a real asshole."
- Roach
So it'd be ok to take the car, as long as they weren't going to use it, and you brought it back? Or, it'd be perfectly fine as long as they were in the car, and it only caused them to get to work slower because you drove it to the store then got out?
Splitting hairs to prop up bad ethics and morals never really works. You're using something that isn't yours, without permission. And last time I looked, bandwidth is finite and not free, so saying that you're not taking possession of something isn't exactly correct either, is it? Especially considering that the telco/cableco monopolies are imposing static limits these days on total monthly usage.
The faucet on the side of my house isn't locked. Does that mean you'll use it without permission? After all
- Roach
Well, when making an argument to justify one's actions
Name one other scenario where not securing something you own gives others an implicit or explicit right to use or take it.
Your "they're broadcasting" argument doesn't map to pro-actively putting up a sign that says "use me". The default settings on the stupid things are set to do this, and you know it - one has to know how NOT do it, and understand why it's a bad idea.
Your argument is this: Because Joe user doesn't understand the technology, and doesn't know how to secure his access point, and doesn't know what "broadcasting your SSID" means, he's giving you implicit permission to use it. Does that sound reasonable?
Now
At the very least he's now in violation of his provider's TOS (if it's a major telco or cableco) because they dis-allow sharing, and in theory could have his service cut off. What if they're a moderate user and your use causes them to go over the magic cable co cut-off? Still sound like it's reasonable to use someone else's connection?
I'm not saying that I've never done it - when we bought our latest house I had about a week before the Comcast drone was coming out to turn on our service
- Roach
Your analogy is a tad bit flawed.
If someone's car is parked on the street (public property), not locked, with the keys in the ignition
An unsecured WAP is much like the above car, you're still using something that doesn't belong to you without permission. You aren't paying for the internet connection, you didn't buy the WAP.
- Roach
Download MP3s from P2P networks without worrying about being sued by the RIAA?
... wait, I mean ...
Er
- Roach
I wouldn't mount any other drives in that scenario. Much like how I don't mount my Solaris 10 drive on my Ultra20 when I'm playing games in Windoze (And part of that drive is ZFS, which I don't believe windoze can even grok anyway. I bought a second drive just for windows & games and threw it in my Ultra20 when I first got it).
:D
I guess there's a chance some malware could discover unmounted drives & partitions and mount them... but I'll save that particular scenario for really paranoid gits
- Roach
And the original TOS says they can change it at any time.
If you're a paranoid git, that's the time to request your refund.
If, on the other hand, you realize that any process running on your machine (with sufficient user rights and can access the internet) can steal your precious information and that WoW actually isn't, you can happily go on playing.
Anyone that paranoid shouldn't have a lick of "sensative information" on a general use machine hooked to the internet, especially if the OS is windows.
And if you really are a paranoid git
- Roach
No.
You also can't return any of the other games you own and play that have similar clauses in their EULA yet are NOT telling you exactly what they're doing.
- Roach