But it seems to me that the DVD companies had to know that people were going to want to play DVDs on their Linux systems, and since Linux is free there would be no chance of royalties for the decryption software because no one would pay it. So why bother with denying a whole segment of the world's population based on that one fact?
Hm... could it be that they were only interested in licensing the technology to those who would pay large sums of currency??? In the immortal words of Cereal Killer... "I think so!"
Yes, *but* at the end of the install it asks if you want to add users now.That way you can control who does what. V2.x didn't offer that but v3.x does.
What's the deal with the hatred from some about KDE as the front end? It looks much nicer than any other version of KDE or Gnome that I've seen. And things are much easier to find.
That's not the same comparison. That's like saying that Fram can't make air filters for any GM car. That is a practice that is very much frowned upon in the business community. By denying the rest of the world the opportunity to make a replacement *consumable* product (not a piece of hardware like a motherboard), you are in effect creating a monopoly in the market.
No one's knocking them for trying to make money, we're knocking them for not allowing competition for a *consumable* product! This is an outrage!
Did Micro$oft buy Dell recently and not tell anyone??
The DMCA provision that Lexmark is suing an aftermarket company over (for making toner cartridge chips for reman Lexmark toner) is under review and most likely (in my humble opinion) will be overturned in the next round or two of adjustments to the act.
We can not, and should not, and I will NOT buy technology that is this restrictive. I should have the choice of whether or not to refill my own cartridges. To restrict cartridges from even being refilled is a blatent violation of fair practices and Michael Dell should be strung up for even suggesting it, much less putting it in place!
To disable a cartridge by design if it's refilled by the owner is such a dispicable thing I can't even put proper words to it. How disgusting! Yet another reason for me to never ever recommend Dell...
This is much worse than the electronics built-in to the HP cartridges that disble them after a certain date even if they're not empty. Talk about a money waster! But I digress...
Am I the only one who remembers how small and efficient code used to be? One of the biggest problems with Window$ is the bloated and incompatible code nightmare we have today (and have for the past several years). XP(letive) doesn't solve these problems, and as long as the programmers have free reign to add bloat to their code it will not get any better.
It's called Sleep Apnea. I have it too. Lots of people do and most don't even know it. Mine started when I was a teen. It sux! You get to have a new best friend though - a CPAP machine that forces air into your throat to keep your windpipe open when you sleep. Oh, did I mention the mask and head straps you have to wear? How about the air pipe that connects you to the machine so when you try to roll over at night you get caught in the tubing and choke anyway?
Seriously, it can be a life threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated.
You obviously know that 2.0 was still in development right? It was not a full working version.
Before making statements like that, make the effort to try the current version. It's better than regular Debian because the KDE interface is much cleaner.
I see some are still having trouble reading. Lindows does NOT "require" you to run as root. You ARE root when you install the opsys, but at the end of the installation it asks you if you want to add users. You then login as a USER.
I don't know why I waste my time with replies that should be unnecessary...
Didn't read the whole article I see. LindowsOS comes preloaded ON THE MACHINE. You don't pay extra for it.What you would pay extra for is the Clink-N-Run warehouse access if you want to download more software from there.
Windows - Intel
Apple - Motorola
Linux - AMD
Could it really happen? Three separate desktop platforms with their own processor manufacturer? It's kind of scary if you think about it.
Netware has Caldera DR-DOS which is the way DOS should have been written in the first place. Anyway, I still use and will still use DOS as long as I need to. It's far more valuable than Gates ever gave it credit for.
Schools simply don't have the programs for technology education, and even in the high schools there is, at best, only a typing and a Microsoft Word class, and if you are extremely lucky and well funded, a class that will teach Q-Basic
Q-Basic? Isn't that a bit old for today's computers? We're teaching advanced web design and on a limited basis we're also teaching advanced programming in our school of 1800 students total K-12. We start our kids on typing programs and learning games in a lab setting in kindergarten. Keyboarding classes start in 3rd grade, and full blown office programs are taught in junior high and up.
We started out as an Apple school, but when the prices came way down we switched to PCs. With almost 550 Gateway & Dell PCs we are one of the best equipped schools in our area and are very proud of the work that our students do.
As the technology director, I wish I had the time to learn Linux inside and out. My Netware 5 servers run almost flawlessly, but Window$ is another story. I have been researching and testing various Linux systems for about a year now and am making some headway introducing it to our teachers with favorable results.
You have to remember that these days secondary schools (6-12th grade) are NOT computer tech schools as such, they are preparing kids for the GENERAL work place, not computer tech areas. We have advanced programs for those who want it, but it's tough enough meeting the state & federal requirements (time-wise) with the general classes let alone the time required for the advanced classes.
Most computers in schools just sit around in the science room, and are used only once per semester, and sometimes as entertainment devices for a public school system that's nothing more than a communist daycare center anyways.
This just makes me laugh. You should check out a school system like ours someday. Most schools that I'm aware of here in Michigan are well equipped and the computers don't sit and collect dust. We don't allow ours to be used for "entertainment" like playing online games or chatting. That will get you kicked off our systems. We stress education and learning, not tom-foolery. Some of us are serious about educating.
First of all, everything is run as root; there are no other users.
True, except that the new install asks you if you want to set up additional users. It's always been known that this feature wouldn't be available until the GR which is right around the corner.
There are no text virtual terminals.
If you're talking about the xterm or other standard terminal, the KDE X terminal is included. I use it all the time.
Supposedly, the click-and-run system lets users download whatever software they want easily.
Yes it does - but it takes a broadband connection to do it quickly, unless you have the CNR CD which comes with a ton of the most popular large programs like Star Office (which is shipping with LindowsOS now) so you don't have to download them with a modem.
Unfortunately there is a lot of bad information out there still floating around about Lindows.
In the beginning they did say they were going to be able to run MOST Window$ software using WINE, but it got so expensive to make it work that they had to change their focus. Aside from that, most of us Insiders told Lindows that we didn't necessarily want LindowsOS to run M$ programs. The whole idea of running LindowsOS or any other distro was to rid ourselves of the M$ scourge.
To Lindows' credit, there are literally dozens upon dozens of M$ software that DOES run using WINE, including Office 2K, Adobe PhotoShop, AutoCAD, pretty much every standard business app except Dreamweaver MX.The nice thing is that there are equivalent programs for 99% of what most of us want to run already written for Linux so we don't have to use anything written for M$. I don't use any M$ programs, yet I'm 100% compatible with my work environment that does.
Second, no one ever seems to say the truth about the GPL license - if you modify it, you are obligated to release the modified code, which Lindows WILL do if you ask them for it, but they ARE permitted to sell the system they create with it. This is from the gnu.org FAQ:
Q: "Does the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for money?"
A: "Yes, the GPL allows everyone to do this. The right to sell copies is part of the definition of free software. Except in one special situation, there is no limit on what price you can charge. (The one exception is the required written offer to provide source code that must accompany binary-only release.)"
Q: "Does the GPL allow me to charge a fee for downloading the program from my site?"
A: "Yes. You can charge any fee you wish for distributing a copy of the program. If you distribute binaries by download, you must provide "equivalent access" to download the source--therefore, the fee to download source may not be greater than the fee to download the binary."
Please be careful about false information about Lindows. Too many people aren't getting all of the facts and are blowing this way out of proportion.
By the way David, I'll take your sister's computer anyday. I need to upgrade my kid's computer to a faster one. Linux in general doesn't run well on a P5-133...:(
Lindows is absolutely good for Linux! It's NOT A Window$ imitation, it's LINUX with a KDE interface and a fantastic program that automatically installs LINUX programs without user frustration! Since Lindows figured out early on that WINE wasn't ready for real use, and us Insiders told them that we wanted a choice, not to run Window$ programs it's gotten much much better! Yes they stuck their foot in their mouth, but it's time to put that behind us and concentrate on the real benefits of Lindows - a CHOICE for the desktop that a majority of people can use.
Standard Linux like Mandrake, RedHat and the like are NOT for normal desktop users. I am offended by those who call normal users (l)users because if it weren't for the non-technical people that needed good computers, the tech-heads would be out of business.
As a technology director for a K-12 school system, I have oodles and oodles of stupid user snafus but I credit them for using the systems at all. Most of the teachers I work with didn't use a computer 10 years ago, and now they're happy as can be (albeit a little skittish now and then).
I've been using either Unix or variations of Linux since 1990 so I'm not new to the game. I am tired at the end of the day and don't want to frog around with./configuring, make, make install, oooops, need that module, or this one...etc.
I just want my system to be crash-free and easy to use. I want my system to be inexpensive and reliable. This is what I have with Lindows. Don't let those who haven't got a clue fool you into thinking Lindows isn't good - it's the best thing that's happened to the computing world since cheap ram!
Lindows is for people like myself, who hate Micro$oft and everything they stand for, don't want to pay big bucks for Mac and want a stable operating system that's easy to use. In other words, we want it all!
Seriously - what's the big deal? Simple. Lindows uses a totally new system of installing software that makes it easy to use for people who aren't serious tech-heads. I have used almost every PC & Mac operating system since 1987 and this one finally has what I want - a stable core, a nice looking easy to use interface and the price that I want. THAT is the big deal.
Linux is no longer an exclusive operating system for techno-weenies (which I am). It's for the mainstream population who will drive it to heights even Linus didn't anticipate. Mandrake has nothing on Lindows for the typical desktop. Neither does any other version (at the moment) if we want to expand the use of Linux. Lycoris is nice, so's Debian and Xandros but they don't have the automatic installation of programs available to them like Lindows does. That's the most important difference right now.
As far as the tablets go, I can see a tremendous market in the education environment (where I'm employed) for several reasons. Price is one consideration but usability in the classroom is more important. We are already seeing serious problems with Palms, laptops are too expensive for everyone to have and we can't afford the space required to put a desktop computer in the classrooms for every student.Tablets are harder to steal too. Much more conspicuous sticking out of your pocket than a PDA. Tablet PCs are a possible solution for us in education. At least it's exciting enough to try.You'd be surprised at how much cool stuff kids can come up with when you give them a new piece of technology and cut them loose!
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But it seems to me that the DVD companies had to know that people were going to want to play DVDs on their Linux systems, and since Linux is free there would be no chance of royalties for the decryption software because no one would pay it. So why bother with denying a whole segment of the world's population based on that one fact? Hm... could it be that they were only interested in licensing the technology to those who would pay large sums of currency??? In the immortal words of Cereal Killer... "I think so!"
"An hour after Microsoft buys SCO, Novell revokes SCO's contract for Unix..."
*chuckle*
- Novell admin since 1989 -
Go Novell!
What's the deal with the hatred from some about KDE as the front end? It looks much nicer than any other version of KDE or Gnome that I've seen. And things are much easier to find.
No one's knocking them for trying to make money, we're knocking them for not allowing competition for a *consumable* product! This is an outrage!
Did Micro$oft buy Dell recently and not tell anyone??
The DMCA provision that Lexmark is suing an aftermarket company over (for making toner cartridge chips for reman Lexmark toner) is under review and most likely (in my humble opinion) will be overturned in the next round or two of adjustments to the act.
We can not, and should not, and I will NOT buy technology that is this restrictive. I should have the choice of whether or not to refill my own cartridges. To restrict cartridges from even being refilled is a blatent violation of fair practices and Michael Dell should be strung up for even suggesting it, much less putting it in place!
To disable a cartridge by design if it's refilled by the owner is such a dispicable thing I can't even put proper words to it. How disgusting! Yet another reason for me to never ever recommend Dell...
This is much worse than the electronics built-in to the HP cartridges that disble them after a certain date even if they're not empty. Talk about a money waster! But I digress...
Am I the only one who remembers how small and efficient code used to be? One of the biggest problems with Window$ is the bloated and incompatible code nightmare we have today (and have for the past several years). XP(letive) doesn't solve these problems, and as long as the programmers have free reign to add bloat to their code it will not get any better.
No problem. I call mine "Igor". :)
It's called Sleep Apnea. I have it too. Lots of people do and most don't even know it. Mine started when I was a teen. It sux! You get to have a new best friend though - a CPAP machine that forces air into your throat to keep your windpipe open when you sleep. Oh, did I mention the mask and head straps you have to wear? How about the air pipe that connects you to the machine so when you try to roll over at night you get caught in the tubing and choke anyway?
Seriously, it can be a life threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated.
Before making statements like that, make the effort to try the current version. It's better than regular Debian because the KDE interface is much cleaner.
I don't know why I waste my time with replies that should be unnecessary...
Windows - Intel Apple - Motorola Linux - AMD Could it really happen? Three separate desktop platforms with their own processor manufacturer? It's kind of scary if you think about it.
Netware has Caldera DR-DOS which is the way DOS should have been written in the first place. Anyway, I still use and will still use DOS as long as I need to. It's far more valuable than Gates ever gave it credit for.
Q-Basic? Isn't that a bit old for today's computers? We're teaching advanced web design and on a limited basis we're also teaching advanced programming in our school of 1800 students total K-12. We start our kids on typing programs and learning games in a lab setting in kindergarten. Keyboarding classes start in 3rd grade, and full blown office programs are taught in junior high and up.
We started out as an Apple school, but when the prices came way down we switched to PCs. With almost 550 Gateway & Dell PCs we are one of the best equipped schools in our area and are very proud of the work that our students do.
As the technology director, I wish I had the time to learn Linux inside and out. My Netware 5 servers run almost flawlessly, but Window$ is another story. I have been researching and testing various Linux systems for about a year now and am making some headway introducing it to our teachers with favorable results.
You have to remember that these days secondary schools (6-12th grade) are NOT computer tech schools as such, they are preparing kids for the GENERAL work place, not computer tech areas. We have advanced programs for those who want it, but it's tough enough meeting the state & federal requirements (time-wise) with the general classes let alone the time required for the advanced classes.
Most computers in schools just sit around in the science room, and are used only once per semester, and sometimes as entertainment devices for a public school system that's nothing more than a communist daycare center anyways.
This just makes me laugh. You should check out a school system like ours someday. Most schools that I'm aware of here in Michigan are well equipped and the computers don't sit and collect dust. We don't allow ours to be used for "entertainment" like playing online games or chatting. That will get you kicked off our systems. We stress education and learning, not tom-foolery. Some of us are serious about educating.
True, except that the new install asks you if you want to set up additional users. It's always been known that this feature wouldn't be available until the GR which is right around the corner.
There are no text virtual terminals.
If you're talking about the xterm or other standard terminal, the KDE X terminal is included. I use it all the time.
Supposedly, the click-and-run system lets users download whatever software they want easily.
Yes it does - but it takes a broadband connection to do it quickly, unless you have the CNR CD which comes with a ton of the most popular large programs like Star Office (which is shipping with LindowsOS now) so you don't have to download them with a modem.
Unfortunately there is a lot of bad information out there still floating around about Lindows.
In the beginning they did say they were going to be able to run MOST Window$ software using WINE, but it got so expensive to make it work that they had to change their focus. Aside from that, most of us Insiders told Lindows that we didn't necessarily want LindowsOS to run M$ programs. The whole idea of running LindowsOS or any other distro was to rid ourselves of the M$ scourge.
To Lindows' credit, there are literally dozens upon dozens of M$ software that DOES run using WINE, including Office 2K, Adobe PhotoShop, AutoCAD, pretty much every standard business app except Dreamweaver MX.The nice thing is that there are equivalent programs for 99% of what most of us want to run already written for Linux so we don't have to use anything written for M$. I don't use any M$ programs, yet I'm 100% compatible with my work environment that does.
Second, no one ever seems to say the truth about the GPL license - if you modify it, you are obligated to release the modified code, which Lindows WILL do if you ask them for it, but they ARE permitted to sell the system they create with it. This is from the gnu.org FAQ:
Q: "Does the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for money?" A: "Yes, the GPL allows everyone to do this. The right to sell copies is part of the definition of free software. Except in one special situation, there is no limit on what price you can charge. (The one exception is the required written offer to provide source code that must accompany binary-only release.)"
Q: "Does the GPL allow me to charge a fee for downloading the program from my site?" A: "Yes. You can charge any fee you wish for distributing a copy of the program. If you distribute binaries by download, you must provide "equivalent access" to download the source--therefore, the fee to download source may not be greater than the fee to download the binary."
Please be careful about false information about Lindows. Too many people aren't getting all of the facts and are blowing this way out of proportion.
By the way David, I'll take your sister's computer anyday. I need to upgrade my kid's computer to a faster one. Linux in general doesn't run well on a P5-133... :(
Standard Linux like Mandrake, RedHat and the like are NOT for normal desktop users. I am offended by those who call normal users (l)users because if it weren't for the non-technical people that needed good computers, the tech-heads would be out of business.
As a technology director for a K-12 school system, I have oodles and oodles of stupid user snafus but I credit them for using the systems at all. Most of the teachers I work with didn't use a computer 10 years ago, and now they're happy as can be (albeit a little skittish now and then).
I've been using either Unix or variations of Linux since 1990 so I'm not new to the game. I am tired at the end of the day and don't want to frog around with ./configuring, make, make install, oooops, need that module, or this one...etc.
I just want my system to be crash-free and easy to use. I want my system to be inexpensive and reliable. This is what I have with Lindows. Don't let those who haven't got a clue fool you into thinking Lindows isn't good - it's the best thing that's happened to the computing world since cheap ram!
Seriously - what's the big deal? Simple. Lindows uses a totally new system of installing software that makes it easy to use for people who aren't serious tech-heads. I have used almost every PC & Mac operating system since 1987 and this one finally has what I want - a stable core, a nice looking easy to use interface and the price that I want. THAT is the big deal.
Linux is no longer an exclusive operating system for techno-weenies (which I am). It's for the mainstream population who will drive it to heights even Linus didn't anticipate. Mandrake has nothing on Lindows for the typical desktop. Neither does any other version (at the moment) if we want to expand the use of Linux. Lycoris is nice, so's Debian and Xandros but they don't have the automatic installation of programs available to them like Lindows does. That's the most important difference right now.
As far as the tablets go, I can see a tremendous market in the education environment (where I'm employed) for several reasons. Price is one consideration but usability in the classroom is more important. We are already seeing serious problems with Palms, laptops are too expensive for everyone to have and we can't afford the space required to put a desktop computer in the classrooms for every student.Tablets are harder to steal too. Much more conspicuous sticking out of your pocket than a PDA. Tablet PCs are a possible solution for us in education. At least it's exciting enough to try.You'd be surprised at how much cool stuff kids can come up with when you give them a new piece of technology and cut them loose!