I'm a first year Computer Science student at UIC. It is not really as bad as it sounds. From what I hear from my friends at ACM meetings, DJB is a pretty popular professor (see http://cr.yp.to/) for his web page. We make fun of him for redoing softwares like qmail which he runs his mail server. Everybody heard of him being a really difficult professor however, but the class is fairly full every year. DJB isn't as bad as James Longst. makes out to be, but he is pretty challenging, probably much more than many others. I hope to take his class sooner or later! I hope it isn't too difficult!;-(
Hi. As a consumer and an advocate of technology, I would like to address a few incorrect and wrong statements from http://www.respectcopyrights.org/popup/why-3.html. I would also like to explain why they are incorrect. Consider addressing them. Thank you.
Italicized are quoted from: http://www.respectcopyrights.org/popup/why-3.html
Have you ever had your computer crash and had to replace it or reinstall all the files due to a virus or other such problem?
The nature of "peer-to-peer" file sharing sites like eDonkey, Gnutella, KaZaA, etc., open your computer to destructive viruses and worms and annoying pop-ups.
Common Viruses:
Apher, Benjamin, Backdoor, Duload, Fizzer, Hantner, Klez, Neuer, Nimda, Livra and Magic Eightball
The nature of peer-to-peer is NOT to "open the computer to destructive viruses and worms and annoying pop-ups." This is a common misconception. Peer-to-peer is a tool and technlogy. Peer-to-peer is a techology that is designed to evolve the distribution channel from the traditional server-client to client(also a server)-otherclients(also servers). There are advantages since it relieves bandwidth from the server. Peer-to-peer is a useful tool of distribution especially when the distributor does not have the manpower to distribute their work. It can especially be useful for independent musicians and amateur directors who do not have the resources. Since peer-to-peer is a technology, it can also be abused. I agree with that but peer-to-peer technology offers tremendous outcome. Though in many people's minds, peer-to-peer is linked to pirating, peer-to-peer is NOT pirating. It is simply a technology. The nature of peer-to-peer is not to open the computer for viruses/popups.
Though Kazaa and several other programs do include malware/spyware into their programs, they are not the total of one technology. They are only one implementaiton of a technology. Kazaa also has many legal materials and offers an efficient method of distribution. Second, Gnutella is NOT a peer-to-peer site. Gnutella is a peer-to-peer network. Programs that implement Gnutella such as Gnucleus and others are programs. There are also many Gnutella clients out there that are open source such as Gnucleus. You can inspect the code to see if there is any relation of viruses or spyware.
You also become a distribution source for illegal downloading of movies, music and more, which makes you just as responsible if you had downloaded the movie yourself.
Network users have a back door to your hard drive while you're online, thereby seeing your personal, private information, such as bank records, social security number, etc.
Is the theft of your personal information worth the free movie?
Please show evidence of this. I do not have any knowledge of this. Most file sharing programs that implement peer-to-peer technology has limited access to the hard drive (usually a specified directory). Unless the user specified to share the files related to their personal information or there are no bugs in the file sharing program, I do not understand how they have a backdoor.
I understand basic HTML but I don't get this example. When I copy and paste it and view it in a browser, the text "We can consolidate your bills into just one monthly payment and help achieve the following:" appears. I don't understand this. Can any expert HTMLers explain why this happens? What does the tag do that results in this?
Yep but we have summer break!;) or at least most of the schools in the United States are during the fall, winter, and spring. I should know! I got to a high school. Summer break gives me time to do things that I never could have.
The ideal also applies to communism:).
The ideal of democracy[communism] is simple: together we are strong, divided we are weak. Each shall have an equal say.
I agree. Software should be made stable before moving on. Linux has a stable tree and an unstable tree. Developers work on the stable tree to fix bugs and on the unstable tree to put in new features. I think this is a great system. I wish Microsoft learns from it. If Windows NT is stable, I guess Microsoft should move on. The only thing I didnt like was when Microsoft moved away from Windows 95 to Windows 98 and others before fixing all the bugs in Windows 95.
I disagree with some of your points. One of the major goal of the VM is to ensure that it works on all the platforms which include file access, thread scheduling, and other features. If there are several versions of Java VM, then the compatibility over different platforms would be ruined. However, I agree that the developer must test it with every environment but the goal of Java is to make progammer easier. With all the VMs support one standard, then it would be easier to manage. Anyway, I believe that we should be able to make different implementations of Java but we wouldn't be able to call it java which is what Microsoft did with C#. C# includes most of the features of Java and more. I don't like C# because it is by Microsoft and will only work with on the Microsoft's platform.
Please don't asocciate P2P software with spyware. Sure, many companies distribute spyware with their P2P software (Kazaa, etc.) but P2P is a concept. P2P or Peer-to-Peer is a method of distribution such as server->client is another method of distribution. Many other P2P such as Bittorrent, Gnucleus, eMule, and other P2P software does not have spyware.
Umm... If I were an author of a software, I would assume the GPL license would be more important the use of my software. The license provide freedom and yet protection for the author and contributors in cases like these. Without the license, it would be public domain and the authors and contributors would not be creditted. True, they would not have to redistribute the software if the binary weren't changed but they have not noted that the acess point uses GPL software.
Also, I am not aware that Linksys is "release[ing] high quality hardware with linux(for free!". It is not free if it is part of the access poing, well not free as in freedom. Linksys should note it. Anyway, if they have not changed the binary, it would be easy to just redistribute the source. It is more likely that they did modify the source especially since it is running on a different platform and has features that the original one did not have. It is very doubtful but I hope the authors and Linksys clear up the situation. More companies need to understand the GPL.
I am not sure of hardware of the Linksys access points unless someone care to explain to me but wouldn't you need to modify the source to accomodate the hardware? Or is it the compiler for the access point? If so what compiler supports compiling the Linux kernel for different platforms?
Clearly, if Linksys got it working on their own access point...., it is very likely that they would have to change the source to accomodate the difference in hardware.
Also, the GPL (General Public License) http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html also says:
<quote> 1. You may copy and distribute verbatim copies of the Program's source code as you receive it, in any medium, provided that you conspicuously and appropriately publish on each copy an appropriate copyright notice and disclaimer of warranty; keep intact all the notices that refer to this License and to the absence of any warranty; and give any other recipients of the Program a copy of this License along with the Program. </quote>
If Linksys did modify the source which they very likely did, Linksys would have to distribute the source also. What is worse is that Linksys is not publicly mentioning that they are using GPL software.
Well, I am just surprised that tissues can last this long in an environment. I guess we're just lucky this dinosaur was in the riverbed. BTW, do anyone know how long we can preserve things using current technology? How hard would it be for us to preserve our humanity (documents, history, etc.) when we are extinct?
Yep, I do the same thing too. It is a great way to archive all your cds if your hard drive have tons and tons of space. No more running around and searching through the closet for cds;) . I have about 40 cds so far. You can also rip dvds too and watch it from your hard drive at full dvd quality without searching it every time.
The tools I use are available here:
CloneCD
http://www.elby.de/
Daemon Tools
http://www.daemon-tools.com/
DVD Decryptor
http://www.dvddecrypter.com/
As others have mentioned, EBay could take several steps to stop the fraud if they had control of the item and check if it is legit before buying. Other ways EBay can stop fraud, is to give away all the contact information before putting something up for bid like name, address, phone number, etc but ultimately, it is the resposibility of the buyer but EBay should take steps so that the buyer can be ensured.
Oops. I am sorry. I was replying to linuck's post. http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=41932&threshol d=1&commentsort=0&tid=110&mode=thread&cid=4421 774
The point of distributions is freedom! Noone is restricting you to use one distribution. There is no BEST distribution. It is different for everyone. You should use it if it fits your needs and requirements. If none fits your environment, create your own. This is the freedom given by open source.
Maybe, but too bad he isn't living to show us his experiences with alternative oses. I feel sorry for such a person. He probably had much future ahead of him. I hope more people learns the lessons of common sense and avoid this terrible tragedy.
Now all the other desktop distributions that wants to attract users should also create a unified desktop. The problem is if all the desktop distribs create their own standards, it will create more confusion. What the distribs needs is the committee that actually makes worthwhile decisions like a desktop standard.
Well, I don't think anyone would buy a product to record video that would only be playable with it. This is the reason why VHS succeeded because VHS is playable anywhere and consumers can create their own. It is in the best interest of both Microsoft and the consumer.
Can it be prevented by game makers? Maybe they can add some sort of warning screen after 16 hours and disconnect after 24 hours. THIS GUY was playing NON-STOP for over 86 HOURS!!! Over-gaming with no sleep or food causes death, will damage your health. Too bad not too many people realizes it.
Maybe the next generation weapons can have GPS onboard. That data and geoprofiling would make solving crimes easier. Just the privacy problems. Just my opinion.
Slashdot Mirror
I'm a first year Computer Science student at UIC. It is not really as bad as it sounds. From what I hear from my friends at ACM meetings, DJB is a pretty popular professor (see http://cr.yp.to/) for his web page. We make fun of him for redoing softwares like qmail which he runs his mail server. Everybody heard of him being a really difficult professor however, but the class is fairly full every year. DJB isn't as bad as James Longst. makes out to be, but he is pretty challenging, probably much more than many others. I hope to take his class sooner or later! I hope it isn't too difficult! ;-(
Mr./Ms./Mrs. McNiell?
Italicized are quoted from: http://www.respectcopyrights.org/popup/why-3.html
Have you ever had your computer crash and had to replace it or reinstall all the files due to a virus or other such problem? The nature of "peer-to-peer" file sharing sites like eDonkey, Gnutella, KaZaA, etc., open your computer to destructive viruses and worms and annoying pop-ups. Common Viruses: Apher, Benjamin, Backdoor, Duload, Fizzer, Hantner, Klez, Neuer, Nimda, Livra and Magic Eightball
The nature of peer-to-peer is NOT to "open the computer to destructive viruses and worms and annoying pop-ups." This is a common misconception. Peer-to-peer is a tool and technlogy. Peer-to-peer is a techology that is designed to evolve the distribution channel from the traditional server-client to client(also a server)-otherclients(also servers). There are advantages since it relieves bandwidth from the server. Peer-to-peer is a useful tool of distribution especially when the distributor does not have the manpower to distribute their work. It can especially be useful for independent musicians and amateur directors who do not have the resources. Since peer-to-peer is a technology, it can also be abused. I agree with that but peer-to-peer technology offers tremendous outcome. Though in many people's minds, peer-to-peer is linked to pirating, peer-to-peer is NOT pirating. It is simply a technology. The nature of peer-to-peer is not to open the computer for viruses/popups. Though Kazaa and several other programs do include malware/spyware into their programs, they are not the total of one technology. They are only one implementaiton of a technology. Kazaa also has many legal materials and offers an efficient method of distribution. Second, Gnutella is NOT a peer-to-peer site. Gnutella is a peer-to-peer network. Programs that implement Gnutella such as Gnucleus and others are programs. There are also many Gnutella clients out there that are open source such as Gnucleus. You can inspect the code to see if there is any relation of viruses or spyware.
You also become a distribution source for illegal downloading of movies, music and more, which makes you just as responsible if you had downloaded the movie yourself. Network users have a back door to your hard drive while you're online, thereby seeing your personal, private information, such as bank records, social security number, etc. Is the theft of your personal information worth the free movie?
Please show evidence of this. I do not have any knowledge of this. Most file sharing programs that implement peer-to-peer technology has limited access to the hard drive (usually a specified directory). Unless the user specified to share the files related to their personal information or there are no bugs in the file sharing program, I do not understand how they have a backdoor.
I understand basic HTML but I don't get this example. When I copy and paste it and view it in a browser, the text "We can consolidate your bills into just one monthly payment and help achieve the following:" appears. I don't understand this. Can any expert HTMLers explain why this happens? What does the tag do that results in this?
Yep but we have summer break! ;) or at least most of the schools in the United States are during the fall, winter, and spring. I should know! I got to a high school. Summer break gives me time to do things that I never could have.
The ideal also applies to communism :).
The ideal of democracy[communism] is simple: together we are strong, divided we are weak. Each shall have an equal say.
I agree. Software should be made stable before moving on. Linux has a stable tree and an unstable tree. Developers work on the stable tree to fix bugs and on the unstable tree to put in new features. I think this is a great system. I wish Microsoft learns from it. If Windows NT is stable, I guess Microsoft should move on. The only thing I didnt like was when Microsoft moved away from Windows 95 to Windows 98 and others before fixing all the bugs in Windows 95.
I disagree with some of your points. One of the major goal of the VM is to ensure that it works on all the platforms which include file access, thread scheduling, and other features. If there are several versions of Java VM, then the compatibility over different platforms would be ruined. However, I agree that the developer must test it with every environment but the goal of Java is to make progammer easier. With all the VMs support one standard, then it would be easier to manage. Anyway, I believe that we should be able to make different implementations of Java but we wouldn't be able to call it java which is what Microsoft did with C#. C# includes most of the features of Java and more. I don't like C# because it is by Microsoft and will only work with on the Microsoft's platform.
Please don't asocciate P2P software with spyware. Sure, many companies distribute spyware with their P2P software (Kazaa, etc.) but P2P is a concept. P2P or Peer-to-Peer is a method of distribution such as server->client is another method of distribution. Many other P2P such as Bittorrent, Gnucleus, eMule, and other P2P software does not have spyware.
Umm... If I were an author of a software, I would assume the GPL license would be more important the use of my software. The license provide freedom and yet protection for the author and contributors in cases like these. Without the license, it would be public domain and the authors and contributors would not be creditted. True, they would not have to redistribute the software if the binary weren't changed but they have not noted that the acess point uses GPL software.
Also, I am not aware that Linksys is "release[ing] high quality hardware with linux(for free!". It is not free if it is part of the access poing, well not free as in freedom. Linksys should note it. Anyway, if they have not changed the binary, it would be easy to just redistribute the source. It is more likely that they did modify the source especially since it is running on a different platform and has features that the original one did not have. It is very doubtful but I hope the authors and Linksys clear up the situation. More companies need to understand the GPL.
I am not sure of hardware of the Linksys access points unless someone care to explain to me but wouldn't you need to modify the source to accomodate the hardware? Or is it the compiler for the access point? If so what compiler supports compiling the Linux kernel for different platforms?
Clearly, if Linksys got it working on their own access point...., it is very likely that they would have to change the source to accomodate the difference in hardware.
Also, the GPL (General Public License) http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html also says:
<quote>
1. You may copy and distribute verbatim copies of the Program's source code as you receive it, in any medium, provided that you conspicuously and appropriately publish on each copy an appropriate copyright notice and disclaimer of warranty; keep intact all the notices that refer to this License and to the absence of any warranty; and give any other recipients of the Program a copy of this License along with the Program.
</quote>
If Linksys did modify the source which they very likely did, Linksys would have to distribute the source also. What is worse is that Linksys is not publicly mentioning that they are using GPL software.
Well, I am just surprised that tissues can last this long in an environment. I guess we're just lucky this dinosaur was in the riverbed. BTW, do anyone know how long we can preserve things using current technology? How hard would it be for us to preserve our humanity (documents, history, etc.) when we are extinct?
Yep, I do the same thing too. It is a great way to archive all your cds if your hard drive have tons and tons of space. No more running around and searching through the closet for cds ;) . I have about 40 cds so far. You can also rip dvds too and watch it from your hard drive at full dvd quality without searching it every time.
The tools I use are available here:
CloneCD
http://www.elby.de/
Daemon Tools
http://www.daemon-tools.com/
DVD Decryptor
http://www.dvddecrypter.com/
Will the technology would be open or propreitory? I am all for digital radio as long as it allows low-cost radio broadcasting and hobbyist.
As others have mentioned, EBay could take several steps to stop the fraud if they had control of the item and check if it is legit before buying. Other ways EBay can stop fraud, is to give away all the contact information before putting something up for bid like name, address, phone number, etc but ultimately, it is the resposibility of the buyer but EBay should take steps so that the buyer can be ensured.
Oops. I am sorry. I was replying to linuck's post. http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=41932&threshol d=1&commentsort=0&tid=110&mode=thread&cid=4421 774
The point of distributions is freedom! Noone is restricting you to use one distribution. There is no BEST distribution. It is different for everyone. You should use it if it fits your needs and requirements. If none fits your environment, create your own. This is the freedom given by open source.
Maybe, but too bad he isn't living to show us his experiences with alternative oses. I feel sorry for such a person. He probably had much future ahead of him. I hope more people learns the lessons of common sense and avoid this terrible tragedy.
if (game == life)
cout "Get a LIFE!!!";
Now all the other desktop distributions that wants to attract users should also create a unified desktop. The problem is if all the desktop distribs create their own standards, it will create more confusion. What the distribs needs is the committee that actually makes worthwhile decisions like a desktop standard.
Well, I don't think anyone would buy a product to record video that would only be playable with it. This is the reason why VHS succeeded because VHS is playable anywhere and consumers can create their own. It is in the best interest of both Microsoft and the consumer.
Can it be prevented by game makers? Maybe they can add some sort of warning screen after 16 hours and disconnect after 24 hours. THIS GUY was playing NON-STOP for over 86 HOURS!!! Over-gaming with no sleep or food causes death, will damage your health. Too bad not too many people realizes it.
Maybe the next generation weapons can have GPS onboard. That data and geoprofiling would make solving crimes easier. Just the privacy problems. Just my opinion.