What about Microsoft. They release a whole slew of free software. For instance there is a version of Windows Media player for Windows, Mac OS, and even Solaris.... I'd say that all these other companies release their free software for the same reasons that Microsoft releases its free software. To make money in some way.
ok... I see two problems with your argument 1) everyone else is talking about free as in speech, not free as in beer (woulda been vodka if I had made up the analogy) 2) Microsoft doesn't have THAT much invested in Media Player, IE, or anything else they release for other platforms. Here's why... You get your nice shiny copy of OSX (at least Jaguar and below... don't know about Panther) and the browser of choice is Internet Explorer (with Microsoft's name plastered ALL over it). Now, it probably took one guy a few months to write that specific peice of software (and also keep in mind that he probably had a metric shit-ton of source at his disposal from the Windows versions). Lets say that it took him 6 months to write (over estimate) and that he makes 100,000 USD a year (probably an over estimate). Effectivaly Microsoft has just paid 50,000 USD for a web browser that they intend to give away for free. Seems like alot of money. But what you're not taking into consideration is that EVERY Mac user will now see a Microsoft product that Apple condones. Kinda makes you wonder about all those "switch" commercials doesn't it? You can't buy that kind of advertisement... THAT's why they do it.
Could this probably be because UUNet in my understanding is one of the largest ISP's?
You are correct... they are North America's largest ISP. The problem lies in that, whether you realize it or not, you are probably one of their customers. Back in the day it was common for a company to buy one of their T1s (or T3s, or OC3s, or OC12s, or OC48s, or whatever), a couple phone lines/modems and WHOLLA... instant dial-up ISP. I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if this doesn't still go on (not everyone uses AOL and Earthlink, ya know). At my last job we had one of their T1 lines and, so far as I can tell, they didn't really cared what we did with it. The only time we ever heard from them was when they couldn't ping our router and then it was just to make sure everything was okay.
And yeah... why do they still use that name? They've been owned by MCI/Worldcom for years now... eveen says so on their front page.
I suppose all new signs would have both systems used could be a start.
Here, in Alabama (go ahead and make the jokes), they put up metric roadsigns for the 1996 Summer Olympics (in Atlanta). The idea was that it would help all of the foreigners that would, invariably, be here. After the Olympics were over, and after spending millions on the signs, they promptly took them back down leavin only the traditional imperial signs. I finally thought we were making progress. Turns out our government was just wasting more of our money.
Note that Section 331 of Fiscal Year 1994 DOT Appropriations Act, signed by President Clinton, restricts use of funds for highway signs using metric measurements. They're just trying to make it harder.
Sell full version of Windows at normal price, and sell stripped version at DOUBLE, via mail order.
or stop selling it over there at all... while lots of governments, universities, etc are working towards moving to linux a tremendous number of people still use windows. if they stopped offering it in a huge area then they have some leverage. this is how blackmail works.
And yes... I do realize some smartass is gonna tell me that that would just ensure linux's sucess there (right after someone else tells me I forgot a comma or semicolon). I disagree and I'd have to see a strong argument to change my mind.
"p.s. To those people who think that diamonds are overpriced due to DeBeers, why is it that now that DeBeers no longer controls the industry (less than half of worldwide production now goes through DeBeers), why have prices stayed stable? Could it be that the price of mining and cutting is reflected in the price of diamonds, and that the pricing actually is correct?"
I'd really like to know your source for this. Seems like a made up number from someone who happens to know enough to pass it off (someone who works for them perhaps???). The History Channel had a program on not long ago (and , apparantly, made in 2003) that claims quite the opposite. Combining the History Channel program with the Discovery Channel program and the several articles I've read that directly refute you, I'd really like your source (looking for a URL or a title of a publication here).
you should also note that several of their higher-ups would probably be arrested the moment they step on American soil... SEC violations aren't ALL that bad, right?
there's this company named skylinc whose name I keep seeing pop up... they call their platform "Low-Cost Integrated Broadband Radio Access (LIBRA)." it's basically the same thing... a few aerostat baloons a few km up drag a fiber-optic teather up with them... they then have the capability of covering 5000 square kilometers with approx 2Mb per person at 15,000 people.
From their FAQ:
When will the system be available?
SkyLINC will launch the first LIBRA communications platform within the next 12 months. The first users of this system will be online during the second quarter of 2004.
Where will these systems be made available?
SkyLINC have a number of different opportunities available for the deployment of the first system. The business case and requirements for each location are being assessed and an announcement will be made in the near future. SkyLINC remain open to additional deployment opportunities and seek strategic investment/partnership to launch anywhere in the world.
Is the system affected by weather?
SkyLINC use a specially engineered aerostat, designed to remain in the sky for long periods of time, whilst withstanding strong wind and adverse weather conditions. However, it is expected that the aerostat would need to be grounded during a extreme conditions such as a tornado. Weather systems are monitored to ensure that the aerostat is protected.
Can the link be made secure?
Yes. By using Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology, any wireless network can be made secure for the transfer of confidential information. See the link for an explanation as to how a VPN operates.
Do I need to be able to see the Aerostat?
By using remote site distribution SkyLINC will ensure ubiquitous connectivity within the 40km foot print. Therefore line of sight to the aerostat is not necessary.
How does LIBRA interact with aviation users?
LIBRA will be deployed within an Air Traffic Zone(ATZ), sometime called no-fly zones, which is controlled by the Aviation authority. An ATZ appears on aero-nautical charts used by pilots and air traffic controllers.
What is contention?
In the case of some communication systems, multiple users connect on to a data pipe and hence, share bandwidth. This is known as Contention. Unfortunately, if all users decide to connect at the same time then the end user connection speed drops considerably. The acceptability of this 'drop' in bandwidth depends on the application of the link. Needless to say, during a video conference, a drop in bandwidth would result in loss of images. Hence, for some applications an uncontended link is essential.
What is a symmetrical link?
To communicate we need to transmit and receive data. The amount we can transmit and receive depends on the bandwidth for the up-link and down-link respectively. A symmetric service has the same bandwidth to receive and transmit! This is essential for some applications, such as video conferencing.
What Adobe should be asking themselves is how many people will buy Photoshop 9... I mean jeeze at 649.00 USD a pop how will we be able to afford it? Up till now I've just used the current version - 1 to print off more notes. Nothing like shooting yourself in the foot.
1) format harddrive (preferably with a utility that will overwrite data, at least, 7 times) 2) find dumpster/ toss old hardware in 3) ??? 4) profit??? (or at least don't be charged)
ok... I know it isn't the most environmentally friendly or whatever, but (seeing as how I live in apartments and the like) it's the same as throwing out all the other garbage... if you live in a house (or other facility where you might incur costs for said hardware disposal) then find a WalMart or gracery store and use their dumpster
that's pretty funny. I guess I'm one of your "unwashed." once the movie was over and the credits had rolled I was fully expecting to see "the brothers" pop on screen and offer their appologies. guess I'm dumb.
Slashdot Mirror
1) everyone else is talking about free as in speech, not free as in beer (woulda been vodka if I had made up the analogy)
2) Microsoft doesn't have THAT much invested in Media Player, IE, or anything else they release for other platforms. Here's why... You get your nice shiny copy of OSX (at least Jaguar and below... don't know about Panther) and the browser of choice is Internet Explorer (with Microsoft's name plastered ALL over it). Now, it probably took one guy a few months to write that specific peice of software (and also keep in mind that he probably had a metric shit-ton of source at his disposal from the Windows versions). Lets say that it took him 6 months to write (over estimate) and that he makes 100,000 USD a year (probably an over estimate). Effectivaly Microsoft has just paid 50,000 USD for a web browser that they intend to give away for free. Seems like alot of money. But what you're not taking into consideration is that EVERY Mac user will now see a Microsoft product that Apple condones. Kinda makes you wonder about all those "switch" commercials doesn't it? You can't buy that kind of advertisement... THAT's why they do it.
and in related news: hyperlinks were invented about 20 years ago too... and they STILL WORK
for the lazy
And yeah... why do they still use that name? They've been owned by MCI/Worldcom for years now... eveen says so on their front page.
IAMAL == I Am Marginally A Lawyer ???
Note that Section 331 of Fiscal Year 1994 DOT Appropriations Act, signed by President Clinton, restricts use of funds for highway signs using metric measurements. They're just trying to make it harder.
And yes... I do realize some smartass is gonna tell me that that would just ensure linux's sucess there (right after someone else tells me I forgot a comma or semicolon). I disagree and I'd have to see a strong argument to change my mind.
no no no... you're thinking of roofies
oh oh... is this like the 100MPG carbureator???
you should also note that several of their higher-ups would probably be arrested the moment they step on American soil... SEC violations aren't ALL that bad, right?
how about at my house? or ANYWHERE near here??? I mean jeeze.. dialup is killing me and I have NO options for 'broadband' other than DirectPC...
:(
note that I don't exactly live in the boonies... just the suburbs
two words:
Rice Boy
what? no OS/2 Warp???
LOL... seems like sometimes nobody realizes that:
From google:
"Sorry, no information is available for the URL www.nytimes.com/2004/02/08/magazine/08WORMS.html"
jeeze...
imbreeding still involves sex... don't know many /.ers who'd turn THAT down
there's this company named skylinc whose name I keep seeing pop up... they call their platform "Low-Cost Integrated Broadband Radio Access (LIBRA)." it's basically the same thing... a few aerostat baloons a few km up drag a fiber-optic teather up with them... they then have the capability of covering 5000 square kilometers with approx 2Mb per person at 15,000 people.
From their FAQ:
When will the system be available?
SkyLINC will launch the first LIBRA communications platform within the next 12 months. The first users of this system will be online during the second quarter of 2004.
Where will these systems be made available?
SkyLINC have a number of different opportunities available for the deployment of the first system. The business case and requirements for each location are being assessed and an announcement will be made in the near future. SkyLINC remain open to additional deployment opportunities and seek strategic investment/partnership to launch anywhere in the world.
Is the system affected by weather?
SkyLINC use a specially engineered aerostat, designed to remain in the sky for long periods of time, whilst withstanding strong wind and adverse weather conditions. However, it is expected that the aerostat would need to be grounded during a extreme conditions such as a tornado. Weather systems are monitored to ensure that the aerostat is protected.
Can the link be made secure?
Yes. By using Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology, any wireless network can be made secure for the transfer of confidential information. See the link for an explanation as to how a VPN operates.
Do I need to be able to see the Aerostat?
By using remote site distribution SkyLINC will ensure ubiquitous connectivity within the 40km foot print. Therefore line of sight to the aerostat is not necessary.
How does LIBRA interact with aviation users?
LIBRA will be deployed within an Air Traffic Zone(ATZ), sometime called no-fly zones, which is controlled by the Aviation authority. An ATZ appears on aero-nautical charts used by pilots and air traffic controllers.
What is contention?
In the case of some communication systems, multiple users connect on to a data pipe and hence, share bandwidth. This is known as Contention. Unfortunately, if all users decide to connect at the same time then the end user connection speed drops considerably. The acceptability of this 'drop' in bandwidth depends on the application of the link. Needless to say, during a video conference, a drop in bandwidth would result in loss of images. Hence, for some applications an uncontended link is essential.
What is a symmetrical link?
To communicate we need to transmit and receive data. The amount we can transmit and receive depends on the bandwidth for the up-link and down-link respectively. A symmetric service has the same bandwidth to receive and transmit! This is essential for some applications, such as video conferencing.
lets keep the swallowing jokes to a minimum...
mmmk?
wait... that isn't right? damned windows calculator
well... I AM a "Yankee" and to me it sounds like a federal penitentiary (prision)
What Adobe should be asking themselves is how many people will buy Photoshop 9... I mean jeeze at 649.00 USD a pop how will we be able to afford it? Up till now I've just used the current version - 1 to print off more notes. Nothing like shooting yourself in the foot.
1) format harddrive (preferably with a utility that will overwrite data, at least, 7 times)
2) find dumpster/ toss old hardware in
3) ???
4) profit??? (or at least don't be charged)
ok... I know it isn't the most environmentally friendly or whatever, but (seeing as how I live in apartments and the like) it's the same as throwing out all the other garbage... if you live in a house (or other facility where you might incur costs for said hardware disposal) then find a WalMart or gracery store and use their dumpster
Malkovich 1: Malkovich malkovich malkovich. Malkovich 2: Malkovich?
that's pretty funny. I guess I'm one of your "unwashed." once the movie was over and the credits had rolled I was fully expecting to see "the brothers" pop on screen and offer their appologies. guess I'm dumb.