Overall, I find the FPS games as a whole aren't what they used to be: innovative.
I had fun, for instance, with the first Soldier of Fortune Game (SOF). The plot, though far feteched (not from my mercenary experience;) ), was at least kind of fun. SOF II, didn't have a great plot. The technology was just better but it didn't make a great game.
Doom and Quake (all iD games) were always great for the technology. But they've never made fun games, IMO. SOF, which was based off Quake Engines wasn't all that fun either. Count (different engines here): Unreal Tournament, Delta Force and company in here too. In fact, its hard to tell the $20 to $30 budget games from their high-budget counter parts now.
GTA 3 - I haven't tried the later ones, is fun. Its different and might still qualify as an FPS. Same with Max Payne (II maybe not so much).
Frankly, Mario Sunshine is probably the best game I've played in years. This isn't to say the GC is better than the PC or vice versa. Simply, game designers have to *think* more before committing big money on a game. I admit too, that just because I don't think its fun, no one else will. But the FPS market is lacking innovation - except in the graphics department, which generally counts for less.
I guess when I go to a store and pickup a box with hardware in it, its still regarded as software: you don't "own" anything, just the right to "use" it.
Its an interesting conundrum which is only showing up in the computer age. If I bought a car tire, turned tied it to a tree and used it as a swing, I could do so. If I resold it as a swing, the manufacturers wouldn't care. It would still be an increase in their sales.
What gives with computer hardware/software anyways? Why does it have to be so different? I think the only problem here (which I agree to) is that some mods can be used to play games which were copied without first buying them. I think to make this go away: 1) cheaper replacements for broken discs past warranty should be allowed (some companies charge $20 or $30! - the cost of the game), 2) allow for some way to mod it without circumventing the copy protection on the games while still allowing functionality.
For example, with #2, if you want to mod your X-BOX as a weather station, to stream media in your house, to make the next Terminator robot, you should be allowed to - and even resell the design. In this way, you're using the hardware as you want to, MS makes the hardware sale (their prob if they sell at a loss) and you don't get to copy games.
How much money has his estate (presumably, family and charity he might have willed his future revenues to?). Afterall, it doesn't matter what Peter Jackson did with the movie. Tolkien is the creative force of the "movie" without him: no movie, no toys, no DVD, no royalties for you Jackson and company!
I will try (maybe another "Coward" with more OS X experience can help).
For the terminal, I use Terminal.app but I've changed the font and the colors (black bg and white font), so I find its more readable.
Editor: I don't use Emacs or Vi. I'm not a heavy programmer and I do most of the editing in nano. Sorry, can't help you there bud.
Keyboard: I'm starting to get used to it, but there are keyboard mapping programs (some freeware) to help out.
I haven't figured a way around the switch window thing. Its the one "annonyance" I've found to date. I'm a heavy tab user so once I figutered out (Apple/Command) instead of Ctrl+T, Ctrl+W controlled the tabs I was fine. It does get annoying using a word processor though (of which I am a heavy user).
Again, I was also used to the middle click thing, I'm looking for a work around.
IMO, I still find it better than Windows and GNOME. To each their own, I guess. I totally love some of the Mac apps for which there is no equivalent: OMNIapps, and the real ease of use of TEX edititing (TEX equation editior is the killer app fpor me).
Sheeh, no wonder you've posted as an AC. You picky, you complain too much and you said it would only be a few questions!!!;)
I write this as a former Windows user, occasional Linux desktop user and new Mac user:
The reason I switched from Windows is that the features I wanted (better shell, nicer GUI, easier to use programs, better workspace, more scriptability and easier to organize folders) was already on the Mac.
Sure, Linux has some of these features. The problem, I've found is also an 'apparent' strength of other 'Nix systems: X, KDE, Gnome and a whole slew of Window Managers and DEs. I say apparent, because, frankly, with all the work that has gone into each DE and WM, Linux could have one (maybe) two really kick-ass desktop environments. Insead everything would work well together. And something has to be done with the library compatibility problems.
I only want some OSS programs. I don't really care about having an OSS (GLD' whatever) Operating System. I'll pay for the OS. Heck, I just bought a Mac and am really happy. I just like to have 'options'! Doesn't everyone?
Is there any indication as to what will happen with product warranties? I don't doubt that Apple will not cover my brand new system. Its just that I bought an iMac G5 last week (hasn't shipped yet) with an Apple Care 3 year warranty.
Aside: If this works out well, there is no reason Apple cannot beat Microsoft at its own game and finally take MS down. Longhorn is looking pathetic next to OS X.
Besides, nothing is a better for Karma boosting here on Slashdot then complaining that:
1) The mods aren't doing their job; 2) The speculation is too far out there; 3) Rumor mongering isn't fun; 4) Patience is a virtue; 5) Funny posts truly aren't funny;
Until the announcement is made in 5 or 6 hours, well see another 1000+ Karma whores (incl myself) posting ad nauseam about the rumors, then the announcement, and then an after-announcement commentary expressing either rejoice or disappointment!!!
Would Intel be willing to license the Centrino technology to Apple, maybe coupled with its own PPC chip? I think the only hurdle to making this into a laptop computer would getting Altivec integrated onto the chip (I'm not sure who owns the IP on Altivec). Afterall, the Centrino is doing well for Intel's reputation in the CPU market with enough bandwidth and energy saving features.
Note: I'm looslely coining Centrino here because the chip itself is x86 based. I'm specifically referring here to the power saving features of the Centrino chip.
Assuming Apple is entering an agreement with Intel on CPUs, I think they will erode their current userbase (think platform longevity) and more importantly relations with CPU manufacturers.
Apple's hardware puts it in a different position than other companies. The Motorla G4 lost its appeal as a primary desktop CPU for those staying current with CPUs and for people who need the power. It made good business sense to stop doing some business with them. IBM though is a different . If within 2 years they dump a major CPU manufactuer (they, I imagine are second only to Intel... maybe #1 w/ the 3rd gen consoles??), it won't be a vote of confidence for Intel to do business. More importantly, if IBM become the new "CPU King", they might refuse to do bueiness with Apple.
I don't believe it logical for Apple to enter in the CPU business with Intel. I think, more likely, they might make agreements for Wireless chipsets or something to do with their Flash memory. Or, maybe, they plan to acquire licenses for its intellectual property of which I do not know the depth (SSE, MMX, Indeo, programming stuff....). I think the intellectual property is the more likely angle. The hardware, in and of itslef, is too risky.
I just bought late this week a G5 which I am awaiting shipment on. I'm still going to keep it because the Apple Software is the value-added for the Mac platform.
I live in Ottawa (and this probably fares the same for other cities), and frankly, the software selection in most computer stores in abyssimal. On-line Canadian retail presence seems lacking - now that CDW closed down its Mac branch. Is there anything in the way of good software selection in-store at the Mac retail stores? Or, are we going to find, that increasingly, on-line distribution is going to be the key (its happening more and more with Windows software)?
What enclosure would people suggest for a DVD. I'm siding with Firewire because of lower CPU usage but the USB 2.0 ones are much easier to find. Suprisingly, there usually isn't much cost difference.
There seems to be really good reviews of the Oxford 911 chipset but they're hard to find in Canada, IMO. Any suggestions?
Especially if your business depends on these e-mails (e.g. sales/marketing promotions), you might want to do a target focus of the e-mails on a sample group. This way, you can gather their feedback and not risk loss of sales.
A colleague at work (in another office) sends daily 'reports' all HTML formatted. It takes so long to read the content of the e-mail because graphics overwhelm the acutal content.The first 20 lines or so is a giant graphic. So I just delete it.
I'm kinda joking here too but what's the point in a battery that lasts 10 years when most of my electronics will never last that long anyways. Sure I can re-use for another device but if the battery life is increasing, I think the longevitiy of some electronics should last just as long.
The stuff that is being made nowadays last 4 or 5 years (and I'm young... in my mid 20s) doesn't seem to last as long.
To those taking the day off work, it seems to you this will be a "Gift of the Sith". Going to a movie beats going to work anyday (except for the loss of pay).
You didn't suddenly get 'inspired' to post this because Michael Dell donated $100 million to Red Hat do you? Looking for a donor of the same last name?
I would like to get a RIM: small keyboard, easy to type notes, addresses, to do lists on, etc.
The problem is the cost. The devices cost the companies that buy them from RIM hundreds must be expensive to buy. A company I work for buys them close to the selling cost, in the hopes of recuperating the cost on service plans. So the units are still around $500 to $600 CAN. And you have to sign up for a 3-year plan.
I think RIM needs to do higher volume on residential, non-business sales to survive.
If MS enters the market I can see a few things: 1) Either RIM lowers the price drastically, or, if they're lucky MS will price itself out of the market. Otherwise, its sink or swim with the 800 lb Gorilla. (Yes, comparison to Ballmer being made!). 2) MS continues vendor lock-in. Good luck getting this to work on OS X or Linux.
I hope RIM innovates and doesn't die. Its a really cool, profitable Canadian high-tech company.
I think it is a PR move. With a Paul Thurott review of the most recent Longhorn build leaving him unimpressed and saying that OS X Tiger is far superior, what better way for MS to rebuild its image than to announce faster security resonses.
It is true, in fairness, that MS left a lot out of the most recent public Longhorn build. Still, it must have struck a chord for more PR.
Is there a good 'quick' start guide for setting up an NFS and print server in Linux? I'll probably be using Slackware. Some of the guides get over-my-head too quickly. I just want to setup a read/write file share and a print share and make sure noone but me (maybe password authentication and tcp_wrappers... I really don't know!) can access the share.
It always gets complicated when security is added to the equation. Its not a simple matter, but its assumed you are a sys admin with a degree. I am not.
See my reply to this story yesterday. They were selling the G5s for a period of time, probably since Wednesday when the new G5s were announced formerly.
After posting this on/. the items disappeared. Seemed to me, if the lawyers knew they were going to be suing Apple, they shouldn't have been selling it in the first place.
Its 21:15 EST. I've just gone on their site and looked up Tiger as a keyword in their search. Sure enough, they are selling PowerMac G5 (notice the newest 2700 is on the list) which is shipping with OS X Tiger.
TigerDirect.... you're busted! If OS X Tiger is devaluating your trademark, then why are you selling it?
Manufacturer: Tech Data $2,112.99 Ships in 10 - 30 Days Click to view: POWERMAC G5/2300 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9600 TIGER! YYT1-93031A
7. POWERMAC G5/2300 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9600 TIGER No information available at this time.
Manufacturer: Tech Data $2,640.99
Ships in 10 - 30 Days
Click to view: POWERMAC G5/2700 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9650 TIGER! YYT1-93032A 8.POWERMAC G5/2700 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9650 TIGER No information available at this time.
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Overall, I find the FPS games as a whole aren't what they used to be: innovative.
;) ), was at least kind of fun. SOF II, didn't have a great plot. The technology was just better but it didn't make a great game.
I had fun, for instance, with the first Soldier of Fortune Game (SOF). The plot, though far feteched (not from my mercenary experience
Doom and Quake (all iD games) were always great for the technology. But they've never made fun games, IMO. SOF, which was based off Quake Engines wasn't all that fun either. Count (different engines here): Unreal Tournament, Delta Force and company in here too. In fact, its hard to tell the $20 to $30 budget games from their high-budget counter parts now.
GTA 3 - I haven't tried the later ones, is fun. Its different and might still qualify as an FPS. Same with Max Payne (II maybe not so much).
Frankly, Mario Sunshine is probably the best game I've played in years. This isn't to say the GC is better than the PC or vice versa. Simply, game designers have to *think* more before committing big money on a game. I admit too, that just because I don't think its fun, no one else will. But the FPS market is lacking innovation - except in the graphics department, which generally counts for less.
I'm sure you would miss having your Slashdot Karma stolen, right? ;)
I guess when I go to a store and pickup a box with hardware in it, its still regarded as software: you don't "own" anything, just the right to "use" it.
Its an interesting conundrum which is only showing up in the computer age. If I bought a car tire, turned tied it to a tree and used it as a swing, I could do so. If I resold it as a swing, the manufacturers wouldn't care. It would still be an increase in their sales.
What gives with computer hardware/software anyways? Why does it have to be so different? I think the only problem here (which I agree to) is that some mods can be used to play games which were copied without first buying them. I think to make this go away: 1) cheaper replacements for broken discs past warranty should be allowed (some companies charge $20 or $30! - the cost of the game), 2) allow for some way to mod it without circumventing the copy protection on the games while still allowing functionality.
For example, with #2, if you want to mod your X-BOX as a weather station, to stream media in your house, to make the next Terminator robot, you should be allowed to - and even resell the design. In this way, you're using the hardware as you want to, MS makes the hardware sale (their prob if they sell at a loss) and you don't get to copy games.
How much money has his estate (presumably, family and charity he might have willed his future revenues to?). Afterall, it doesn't matter what Peter Jackson did with the movie. Tolkien is the creative force of the "movie" without him: no movie, no toys, no DVD, no royalties for you Jackson and company!
I will try (maybe another "Coward" with more OS X experience can help).
_ utilities/psst.html
;)
For the terminal, I use Terminal.app but I've changed the font and the colors (black bg and white font), so I find its more readable.
Editor: I don't use Emacs or Vi. I'm not a heavy programmer and I do most of the editing in nano. Sorry, can't help you there bud.
Keyboard: I'm starting to get used to it, but there are keyboard mapping programs (some freeware) to help out.
I haven't figured a way around the switch window thing. Its the one "annonyance" I've found to date. I'm a heavy tab user so once I figutered out (Apple/Command) instead of Ctrl+T, Ctrl+W controlled the tabs I was fine. It does get annoying using a word processor though (of which I am a heavy user).
Again, I was also used to the middle click thing, I'm looking for a work around.
Startup sound fix (finally, you're probably, thining I've actually provided you with a solution!!)
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/system_disk
I've just been using the built-in FTP software.
IMO, I still find it better than Windows and GNOME. To each their own, I guess. I totally love some of the Mac apps for which there is no equivalent: OMNIapps, and the real ease of use of TEX edititing (TEX equation editior is the killer app fpor me).
Sheeh, no wonder you've posted as an AC. You picky, you complain too much and you said it would only be a few questions!!!
I write this as a former Windows user, occasional Linux desktop user and new Mac user:
The reason I switched from Windows is that the features I wanted (better shell, nicer GUI, easier to use programs, better workspace, more scriptability and easier to organize folders) was already on the Mac.
Sure, Linux has some of these features. The problem, I've found is also an 'apparent' strength of other 'Nix systems: X, KDE, Gnome and a whole slew of Window Managers and DEs. I say apparent, because, frankly, with all the work that has gone into each DE and WM, Linux could have one (maybe) two really kick-ass desktop environments. Insead everything would work well together. And something has to be done with the library compatibility problems.
I only want some OSS programs. I don't really care about having an OSS (GLD' whatever) Operating System. I'll pay for the OS. Heck, I just bought a Mac and am really happy. I just like to have 'options'! Doesn't everyone?
Is there any indication as to what will happen with product warranties? I don't doubt that Apple will not cover my brand new system. Its just that I bought an iMac G5 last week (hasn't shipped yet) with an Apple Care 3 year warranty.
Aside: If this works out well, there is no reason Apple cannot beat Microsoft at its own game and finally take MS down. Longhorn is looking pathetic next to OS X.
Besides, nothing is a better for Karma boosting here on Slashdot then complaining that:
1) The mods aren't doing their job;
2) The speculation is too far out there;
3) Rumor mongering isn't fun;
4) Patience is a virtue;
5) Funny posts truly aren't funny;
Until the announcement is made in 5 or 6 hours, well see another 1000+ Karma whores (incl myself) posting ad nauseam about the rumors, then the announcement, and then an after-announcement commentary expressing either rejoice or disappointment!!!
Would Intel be willing to license the Centrino technology to Apple, maybe coupled with its own PPC chip? I think the only hurdle to making this into a laptop computer would getting Altivec integrated onto the chip (I'm not sure who owns the IP on Altivec). Afterall, the Centrino is doing well for Intel's reputation in the CPU market with enough bandwidth and energy saving features.
Note: I'm looslely coining Centrino here because the chip itself is x86 based. I'm specifically referring here to the power saving features of the Centrino chip.
Assuming Apple is entering an agreement with Intel on CPUs, I think they will erode their current userbase (think platform longevity) and more importantly relations with CPU manufacturers.
... maybe #1 w/ the 3rd gen consoles??), it won't be a vote of confidence for Intel to do business. More importantly, if IBM become the new "CPU King", they might refuse to do bueiness with Apple.
Apple's hardware puts it in a different position than other companies. The Motorla G4 lost its appeal as a primary desktop CPU for those staying current with CPUs and for people who need the power. It made good business sense to stop doing some business with them. IBM though is a different . If within 2 years they dump a major CPU manufactuer (they, I imagine are second only to Intel
I don't believe it logical for Apple to enter in the CPU business with Intel. I think, more likely, they might make agreements for Wireless chipsets or something to do with their Flash memory. Or, maybe, they plan to acquire licenses for its intellectual property of which I do not know the depth (SSE, MMX, Indeo, programming stuff....). I think the intellectual property is the more likely angle. The hardware, in and of itslef, is too risky.
I just bought late this week a G5 which I am awaiting shipment on. I'm still going to keep it because the Apple Software is the value-added for the Mac platform.
Its sad to see that the 'militarization' of space is the only 'hope' that we have of making additional space ventures.
I live in Ottawa (and this probably fares the same for other cities), and frankly, the software selection in most computer stores in abyssimal. On-line Canadian retail presence seems lacking - now that CDW closed down its Mac branch. Is there anything in the way of good software selection in-store at the Mac retail stores? Or, are we going to find, that increasingly, on-line distribution is going to be the key (its happening more and more with Windows software)?
What enclosure would people suggest for a DVD. I'm siding with Firewire because of lower CPU usage but the USB 2.0 ones are much easier to find. Suprisingly, there usually isn't much cost difference.
There seems to be really good reviews of the Oxford 911 chipset but they're hard to find in Canada, IMO.
Any suggestions?
Especially if your business depends on these e-mails (e.g. sales/marketing promotions), you might want to do a target focus of the e-mails on a sample group. This way, you can gather their feedback and not risk loss of sales.
A colleague at work (in another office) sends daily 'reports' all HTML formatted. It takes so long to read the content of the e-mail because graphics overwhelm the acutal content.The first 20 lines or so is a giant graphic. So I just delete it.
I'm kinda joking here too but what's the point in a battery that lasts 10 years when most of my electronics will never last that long anyways. Sure I can re-use for another device but if the battery life is increasing, I think the longevitiy of some electronics should last just as long.
... in my mid 20s) doesn't seem to last as long.
The stuff that is being made nowadays last 4 or 5 years (and I'm young
To those taking the day off work, it seems to you this will be a "Gift of the Sith". Going to a movie beats going to work anyday (except for the loss of pay).
You didn't suddenly get 'inspired' to post this because Michael Dell donated $100 million to Red Hat do you? Looking for a donor of the same last name?
I would like to get a RIM: small keyboard, easy to type notes, addresses, to do lists on, etc.
The problem is the cost. The devices cost the companies that buy them from RIM hundreds must be expensive to buy. A company I work for buys them close to the selling cost, in the hopes of recuperating the cost on service plans. So the units are still around $500 to $600 CAN. And you have to sign up for a 3-year plan.
I think RIM needs to do higher volume on residential, non-business sales to survive.
If MS enters the market I can see a few things:
1) Either RIM lowers the price drastically, or, if they're lucky MS will price itself out of the market. Otherwise, its sink or swim with the 800 lb Gorilla. (Yes, comparison to Ballmer being made!).
2) MS continues vendor lock-in. Good luck getting this to work on OS X or Linux.
I hope RIM innovates and doesn't die. Its a really cool, profitable Canadian high-tech company.
I think it is a PR move. With a Paul Thurott review of the most recent Longhorn build leaving him unimpressed and saying that OS X Tiger is far superior, what better way for MS to rebuild its image than to announce faster security resonses.
It is true, in fairness, that MS left a lot out of the most recent public Longhorn build. Still, it must have struck a chord for more PR.
Is there a good 'quick' start guide for setting up an NFS and print server in Linux? I'll probably be using Slackware. Some of the guides get over-my-head too quickly. I just want to setup a read/write file share and a print share and make sure noone but me (maybe password authentication and tcp_wrappers... I really don't know!) can access the share.
It always gets complicated when security is added to the equation. Its not a simple matter, but its assumed you are a sys admin with a degree. I am not.
This article promises a deatiled account of the new features .... but I don't even see 200 features mentionned!!
http://apple.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=147715&c id=12378945
/. the items disappeared. Seemed to me, if the lawyers knew they were going to be suing Apple, they shouldn't have been selling it in the first place.
See my reply to this story yesterday. They were selling the G5s for a period of time, probably since Wednesday when the new G5s were announced formerly.
After posting this on
Can someone predict when John Dvorak will be out of his job? Hopefully it will be before Doom 4's release.
Yep. None of the keywords work any more either.
And I've forwarded an e-mail to Apple.
Its 21:15 EST. I've just gone on their site and looked up Tiger as a keyword in their search. Sure enough, they are selling PowerMac G5 (notice the newest 2700 is on the list) which is shipping with OS X Tiger.
.... you're busted! If OS X Tiger is devaluating your trademark, then why are you selling it?
l s/search.asp?keywords=tiger&image1.x=0&image1.y=0
TigerDirect
Right here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchToo
Click to view: POWERMAC G5/2000 DP 512MB-160GB SD ATI9600 TIGER!
YYT1-93030A
6.POWERMAC G5/2000 DP 512MB-160GB SD ATI9600 TIGER
Manufacturer: Tech Data
$2,112.99
Ships in 10 - 30 Days
Click to view: POWERMAC G5/2300 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9600 TIGER!
YYT1-93031A
7. POWERMAC G5/2300 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9600 TIGER
No information available at this time.
Manufacturer: Tech Data
$2,640.99
Ships in 10 - 30 Days
Click to view: POWERMAC G5/2700 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9650 TIGER!
YYT1-93032A
8.POWERMAC G5/2700 DP 512MB-250GB SD ATI9650 TIGER
No information available at this time.
Manufacturer: Tech Data
$3,168.99
Ships in 10 - 30 Days