ETA for the first quantum computers: 10 to 100 years.
10 to 100 years huh? Was this prediction made on an early Pentium computer with the float bug? Or has the quantum computers simply carried on with the same flaws?
If this is the case, I can see why it might take 100 years.
Hopefully they won't make all SPAM illegal. Where else could you:
Getting your boss fired and then make money at home. You can then use this money to get millions after sending a small sum to a Nigerian diplomat trying to get out of the country. Then buy Viagra and learn techniques to enlarge the size of your penis. You can even meet singles in your area and refinance your morgage.
Oh, the convienience! Hopefully, those sending such useful information won't be arrested.
Think the title speaks for itself. I go after used textbooks whenever I can. Saves me even more money. I'm surprised there aren't even more students about getting them. Sure, some subjects you can't get used books, but nothing is lost looking.
Don't forget, I factored in a student discount with Apple. So I get about 10% off (average). Try going onto the Apple Education site and setting up a simialr system. It should be about $200 US cheaper which should mean they're about equal.
Maybe Dell does screw Canadians, but I wasn't lying. I did not make up the figures.
I have to say I didn't believe you either. But I decided to go to the Apple Canada webstore. I'm a student so I get a 5-15% discount as well.
I configured a G5 1.6, Radeon 9600, 512 MB Ram, 80 GB HDD, Mouse, KBD, Combo Drive, 17" LCD, 3 yr warranty which totaled: $3,700.00 (CAN w/ Tax).
I setup a Dell 3.2 GHZ, 80 GB HDD, 512 MB RAM, Mouse, KBD, CDRW-DVD, 17" LCD and a 3rd warranty. Which totaled $4,200.00 (CAN w/ Tax).
If you downgrade from a 3.2 GHz P4 to a 2.8 P4 the price IS neck and neck. I could build a similar computer by my self for a bit less.
I am a PC user, and plunking down that much for a MAC right now is absurd. But, IMO the prices on the MACs are n't that much more. If I were to invest in one I'd go w/ a G5 since they're much faster and the price is not much more than a G4. Finances permitting, I'll definately consider a Mac for my next computer.
Don't forget too, the MACs are tested for hardware as well. Go buy a PC and build it yourself (or a Dell, etc) and install Linux. There are *some* chances (albiet small) that all your hardware won't work.
You don't necessarily have to invest money in MAC software. Though they might not all be Carbon ported yet, a lot of OSS is available for OSX.
What's been left behind is wether or not these systems are using Panther as the OS. It would seem that with this kind of performance, an Apple supplied OS -- as opposed to Yellow Dog would -- only be capable of performing well on the G5 since Panther has processor optimizations for the G5.
If the original XServers were too costly and low performance (since they came with a G4) wouldn't a G5 server (since the performance is apparently much better) be a great option for small/medium size businesses for a web/mail/database server?
I'm wondering if tracks which are considered imports to Canada and the US, are still $1 US (approx) per track or are they priced higher?
I live in Canada, and there are a few Jazz CDs from Europe that I want to buy. The CDs, because they are Dutch imports are over $30 Can (where other CDs average $15 CAN).
Does Itunes get rid of the, IMO artifically inflated import costs? I would defintely sign-up if I could save some cash.
Valve is legitimately trying to protect their IP and if takes them until April to recode some parts of it then so be it. Gabe said its taken at least 30 people 5 years to code the game. Hopefully, Valve doesn't go broke because of this.
To have a trojaned e-mail sent to Gabe's computer is somewhat to be expected. I'm sure script kiddies have also tried similar things on Microsoft computers, etc. It was stupid to actually have any of the computer(s) with the source code connected on the Internet. If they have the budget to run w/o release for 5 years they have the money to buy a few extra computers for Internet use ONLY.
I think its kind of ironic though. Valve is acceptably asking that everyone respect their IP and remove links to and delete stolen source code. Everyone but the script kiddies and hax0rs will comply. But if you try and take credit for a script kiddies' work they'll whine and complain to no end.
I dont think that because of this news we wont in the future be limited to installing other OSes should the MS BIOS be implemented.
Consider than many users run Nix based servers on plain-vanilla ordinary desktop computers. Same goes for small & medium sized businesses.
Also, I dont think well ever see this locking out server motherboards. Medium and large businesses running rackmounts *want* to choose between installing an MS based OS and a Nix one. Pressure alone from a few big companies should muscle this tactic out of the picture.
Before these BIOSes even come to market, I will make sure to upgrade my computer.
My university, and I'm sure many others do as well, offer to students the ability to browse various journal articles via the Internet from home over "secure" connections.
This in effect, gives me virtaully unlimited access to verifiable information on a whole slew of information (if I want to access it). I certainly use it to help me research for some essays.
So yes, the Internet serves a very real information source for me.
Amongst the Open Source word processor projects, I think KWord and AbiWord should standardize on one file format (OO already has an XML format) or maybe they should all share the same format.
Over the years of writing essays for University, I've written documents in Word Perfect, Word and Open Office. While I first compose them in plain text and save the final draft in plain text, there's nothing worse than trying to open a document in a different word processor and having - all - the formatting thrown off.
Since the KWord, AbiWord and OO are all open source it would be nice to have standard file formats. Makes sharing much easier. If not for me (blantant selfishness... and there's nothing better;) ) than do it for everyone else. Corporate environments dread not being able to read client's files which are e-mailed to them.
Gov't employees, military personnel and law enforcement in sensitive areas have to go through a background check.
This begs the question, what sort of background checks are performed on the technicians fixing the computers? And what sort of computer security experience do they have?
I would at least expect a "student" not be employed in this type of position. Give it only to a qualified full-time employee w/ good compensation and benefits - that in itself should be a deterrent.
There are tons of informative sites all over the net. There are MP3s all over the Net. There is child porn on the net too.
It doesn't matter that its -there- but the fact that its the user's choice to go look for it, download it and look at it.
Its not like when someone connects to P2P, NNTP, e-mail or the web in general that there are giant signs saying "Download child porn here!!!!". People have to look for it. Much like MP3s. MP3s might be easier to find but one way or another they have to have motive to find and download it.
Most Slashdot readers should remember about the college students being sued only a few months ago by the RIAA http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/06/09/ 131125 5&tid=123; linked here is one for Jesse Jordan.
IANAL, but I'm sure these guys are p****ed about this news. Sure, most (if not all) the money was recovered through donations and Paypal but I'm sure they would rather have instead signed a document w/ their photo id instead. Beats the hell out of forfeiting life savings, having your credit ruined and risk dropping out of school for lack of funds.
In light of this news, I will remember the RIAA when I next go shopping for CD. I'm sure all my choices will be artists who aren't with the big labels. I'd encourage everyone to shop for CD's from smaller labels as well.
Look at WordPerfect. For years now, Corel has offered WP for law firms, governments, businesses large and small and home users.
An OEM copy of WP Office Suite for about > $50 Can with any hardware purchase.
I'd argue WP is about as feature complete as Office 2000. Quattro Pro is no Excel. But the WP code and speed is *much* better than OO.
WP saves to Word format as well. WP file format hasn't changed since WP 5.0.
The problem is adoption. Most people use Word. They thing Word is Word and nothing else will interoperate with it. In some ways its true. Its a pain working with class mates on assignments and sharing notes, etc.
Larger businesses and law firms need DRM features. My concern is that people who have DRM turned on when they don't need to are going to have a hard time turining it off or recovering the files. I don't know if this *is* the case.
Its a great idea considering the power consumption savings which are estimated at 40% according to the article.
I think what we still need to do though is change the culture of turning all the lights on in the house and in commercial establishments for even more power savings.
Since the blackout, everything from grocery to hardware and clothing have turned off 50% of the lights in the stores. There's some marketing theories about people buy more with the lights turned on. With 50% of the lights off, I find I'm more relaxed shopping and want to buy more. I've heard anecdotal evidence from many others.
I think its time we turn a lot of lights off, switching to LEDs is only part of the solution.
I remember watching a movie, this summer, about the day the robots took over the Earth. It never mentionned it would start with the elderly. This is really going to take us by surprise!
What about the companies who *have* bought the license? This thing gets dragged out in court for a few years w/ SCO vs IBM.
If SCO loses and they go bankrupt (the lawsuit costs $$$ and they're not making much right now) I'm sure that those companies who have bought a licence from SCO will have no way of getting the money back. The creditors owed the most money and employees will probably get the first split of any monies in backruptcy filings. Is there any legal recourse? Any way for them to get their money back?
Considering Microsoft fortune of, according to this website (http://www.microsoft.com/usability/lab.htm) :
Most of our research is conducted in Usability Labs based in Redmond, WA. On average, approximately 750 participants per month evaluate our software. A database of 35,000 people in the Seattle area helps us find the right person to match the profile required for each given study.
MS has invested millions of dollars (and hours) on usability testing on its software. To consider that KDE is rated almost equally should be humbling to its UI designers and programmers. Way to go.... can't wait for KDE 4!
I am currently a university student in the social sciences and I find myself in a similar situation as well being easily distracted from doing my work.
I find three things are key: organization, Commitment, and eliminate distractions. Notice a pattern here(?) - the same answers are popping up on other posts.
Organization: I used to keep track of everything in my head. Big mistake. I'd leave assingments to the last minute sometimes.
Try and organise your binder/notes as much as possible. I avoid doing things electronically i.e. using Outlook or my Palm since records can easily be lost. I just bought a $20 planner. I put everything in there: appointments, contacts/friends, work shifts, assignment dates. Best money ever spent. Just find one well laid out which works for you.
Commitment: Stay on track w/ work. Its easy to say "No get it done later". Work on it till its done. If you find getting paid for work motivating, then find some way to reward yourself afterwards.
Eliminate distractions: I go do my work in a public library since its close to home, or in the school one. Sit somewhere away from people you might know won't be i.e. I'm in social science so I'll go into the geography floor.
Now its easy to say it all, but you really have to plan on doing it and sticking to the plan. Also, if you find the Net distracting, dual boot your system - even two copies of Windows if need be - one w/o access to games Network/Internet resources/access.
You should note, that I truly am a social science student, since I don't mind writing too much;) (yes, I'm joking at own expense)
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Well, I guess in light of this course of legal action, Hollywood won't be using SCO either.
You win some you lose some I suppose. SCO isn't doing anything to win new customers.
ETA for the first quantum computers: 10 to 100 years.
10 to 100 years huh? Was this prediction made on an early Pentium computer with the float bug? Or has the quantum computers simply carried on with the same flaws?
If this is the case, I can see why it might take 100 years.
Hopefully they won't make all SPAM illegal. Where else could you:
Getting your boss fired and then make money at home. You can then use this money to get millions after sending a small sum to a Nigerian diplomat trying to get out of the country. Then buy Viagra and learn techniques to enlarge the size of your penis. You can even meet singles in your area and refinance your morgage.
Oh, the convienience! Hopefully, those sending such useful information won't be arrested.
Think the title speaks for itself. I go after used textbooks whenever I can. Saves me even more money. I'm surprised there aren't even more students about getting them. Sure, some subjects you can't get used books, but nothing is lost looking.
It must be true! Lee Majors, whom played the Six Million Dollar man is 6'2". http://www.filmbug.com/db/296873
So not only do taller people earn more money, but they accumulate vast fortunes. Much more than the extra $700 a week would explain.
Don't forget, I factored in a student discount with Apple. So I get about 10% off (average). Try going onto the Apple Education site and setting up a simialr system. It should be about $200 US cheaper which should mean they're about equal. Maybe Dell does screw Canadians, but I wasn't lying. I did not make up the figures.
I have to say I didn't believe you either. But I decided to go to the Apple Canada webstore. I'm a student so I get a 5-15% discount as well.
I configured a G5 1.6, Radeon 9600, 512 MB Ram, 80 GB HDD, Mouse, KBD, Combo Drive, 17" LCD, 3 yr warranty which totaled: $3,700.00 (CAN w/ Tax).
I setup a Dell 3.2 GHZ, 80 GB HDD, 512 MB RAM, Mouse, KBD, CDRW-DVD, 17" LCD and a 3rd warranty. Which totaled $4,200.00 (CAN w/ Tax).
If you downgrade from a 3.2 GHz P4 to a 2.8 P4 the price IS neck and neck. I could build a similar computer by my self for a bit less.
I am a PC user, and plunking down that much for a MAC right now is absurd. But, IMO the prices on the MACs are n't that much more. If I were to invest in one I'd go w/ a G5 since they're much faster and the price is not much more than a G4. Finances permitting, I'll definately consider a Mac for my next computer.
Don't forget too, the MACs are tested for hardware as well. Go buy a PC and build it yourself (or a Dell, etc) and install Linux. There are *some* chances (albiet small) that all your hardware won't work.
You don't necessarily have to invest money in MAC software. Though they might not all be Carbon ported yet, a lot of OSS is available for OSX.
What's been left behind is wether or not these systems are using Panther as the OS. It would seem that with this kind of performance, an Apple supplied OS -- as opposed to Yellow Dog would -- only be capable of performing well on the G5 since Panther has processor optimizations for the G5.
If the original XServers were too costly and low performance (since they came with a G4) wouldn't a G5 server (since the performance is apparently much better) be a great option for small/medium size businesses for a web/mail/database server?
I'm wondering if tracks which are considered imports to Canada and the US, are still $1 US (approx) per track or are they priced higher?
I live in Canada, and there are a few Jazz CDs from Europe that I want to buy. The CDs, because they are Dutch imports are over $30 Can (where other CDs average $15 CAN).
Does Itunes get rid of the, IMO artifically inflated import costs? I would defintely sign-up if I could save some cash.
Valve is legitimately trying to protect their IP and if takes them until April to recode some parts of it then so be it. Gabe said its taken at least 30 people 5 years to code the game. Hopefully, Valve doesn't go broke because of this.
To have a trojaned e-mail sent to Gabe's computer is somewhat to be expected. I'm sure script kiddies have also tried similar things on Microsoft computers, etc. It was stupid to actually have any of the computer(s) with the source code connected on the Internet. If they have the budget to run w/o release for 5 years they have the money to buy a few extra computers for Internet use ONLY.
I think its kind of ironic though. Valve is acceptably asking that everyone respect their IP and remove links to and delete stolen source code. Everyone but the script kiddies and hax0rs will comply. But if you try and take credit for a script kiddies' work they'll whine and complain to no end.
I dont think that because of this news we wont in the future be limited to installing other OSes should the MS BIOS be implemented.
Consider than many users run Nix based servers on plain-vanilla ordinary desktop computers. Same goes for small & medium sized businesses.
Also, I dont think well ever see this locking out server motherboards. Medium and large businesses running rackmounts *want* to choose between installing an MS based OS and a Nix one. Pressure alone from a few big companies should muscle this tactic out of the picture.
Before these BIOSes even come to market, I will make sure to upgrade my computer.
My university, and I'm sure many others do as well, offer to students the ability to browse various journal articles via the Internet from home over "secure" connections.
This in effect, gives me virtaully unlimited access to verifiable information on a whole slew of information (if I want to access it). I certainly use it to help me research for some essays.
So yes, the Internet serves a very real information source for me.
I'd have to agree with you. Having computers check the dependencies takes the humanity out of the computer experience.
Your answer, my friend, is right under your nose. Either:
a) Don't install Swaret.
b) Donwload an earlier version of Slackware.
Amongst the Open Source word processor projects, I think KWord and AbiWord should standardize on one file format (OO already has an XML format) or maybe they should all share the same format.
... and there's nothing better ;) ) than do it for everyone else. Corporate environments dread not being able to read client's files which are e-mailed to them.
Over the years of writing essays for University, I've written documents in Word Perfect, Word and Open Office. While I first compose them in plain text and save the final draft in plain text, there's nothing worse than trying to open a document in a different word processor and having - all - the formatting thrown off.
Since the KWord, AbiWord and OO are all open source it would be nice to have standard file formats. Makes sharing much easier. If not for me (blantant selfishness
Gov't employees, military personnel and law enforcement in sensitive areas have to go through a background check.
This begs the question, what sort of background checks are performed on the technicians fixing the computers? And what sort of computer security experience do they have?
I would at least expect a "student" not be employed in this type of position. Give it only to a qualified full-time employee w/ good compensation and benefits - that in itself should be a deterrent.
There are tons of informative sites all over the net.
There are MP3s all over the Net.
There is child porn on the net too.
It doesn't matter that its -there- but the fact that its the user's choice to go look for it, download it and look at it.
Its not like when someone connects to P2P, NNTP, e-mail or the web in general that there are giant signs saying "Download child porn here!!!!". People have to look for it. Much like MP3s. MP3s might be easier to find but one way or another they have to have motive to find and download it.
Most Slashdot readers should remember about the college students being sued only a few months ago by the RIAA/ 131125 5&tid=123; linked here is one for Jesse Jordan.
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/06/09
IANAL, but I'm sure these guys are p****ed about this news. Sure, most (if not all) the money was recovered through donations and Paypal but I'm sure they would rather have instead signed a document w/ their photo id instead. Beats the hell out of forfeiting life savings, having your credit ruined and risk dropping out of school for lack of funds.
In light of this news, I will remember the RIAA when I next go shopping for CD. I'm sure all my choices will be artists who aren't with the big labels. I'd encourage everyone to shop for CD's from smaller labels as well.
If Bill gates, or Microsoft for that matter, truly believe in the future of the Internet than they should offer to pay everybody's fines.
With that amount of money, filesharing should last at least another 20 years.
Look at WordPerfect. For years now, Corel has offered WP for law firms, governments, businesses large and small and home users.
An OEM copy of WP Office Suite for about > $50 Can with any hardware purchase.
I'd argue WP is about as feature complete as Office 2000. Quattro Pro is no Excel. But the WP code and speed is *much* better than OO.
WP saves to Word format as well. WP file format hasn't changed since WP 5.0.
The problem is adoption. Most people use Word. They thing Word is Word and nothing else will interoperate with it. In some ways its true. Its a pain working with class mates on assignments and sharing notes, etc.
Larger businesses and law firms need DRM features. My concern is that people who have DRM turned on when they don't need to are going to have a hard time turining it off or recovering the files. I don't know if this *is* the case.
Its a great idea considering the power consumption savings which are estimated at 40% according to the article.
I think what we still need to do though is change the culture of turning all the lights on in the house and in commercial establishments for even more power savings.
Since the blackout, everything from grocery to hardware and clothing have turned off 50% of the lights in the stores. There's some marketing theories about people buy more with the lights turned on. With 50% of the lights off, I find I'm more relaxed shopping and want to buy more. I've heard anecdotal evidence from many others.
I think its time we turn a lot of lights off, switching to LEDs is only part of the solution.
I remember watching a movie, this summer, about the day the robots took over the Earth. It never mentionned it would start with the elderly. This is really going to take us by surprise!
I thing the power outage did a good job of securing my computer for 24 hours.
What about the companies who *have* bought the license? This thing gets dragged out in court for a few years w/ SCO vs IBM.
If SCO loses and they go bankrupt (the lawsuit costs $$$ and they're not making much right now) I'm sure that those companies who have bought a licence from SCO will have no way of getting the money back. The creditors owed the most money and employees will probably get the first split of any monies in backruptcy filings. Is there any legal recourse? Any way for them to get their money back?
Considering Microsoft fortune of, according to this website (http://www.microsoft.com/usability/lab.htm) :
Most of our research is conducted in Usability Labs based in Redmond, WA. On average, approximately 750 participants per month evaluate our software. A database of 35,000 people in the Seattle area helps us find the right person to match the profile required for each given study.
MS has invested millions of dollars (and hours) on usability testing on its software. To consider that KDE is rated almost equally should be humbling to its UI designers and programmers. Way to go.... can't wait for KDE 4!
I am currently a university student in the social sciences and I find myself in a similar situation as well being easily distracted from doing my work.
;) (yes, I'm joking at own expense)
I find three things are key: organization, Commitment, and eliminate distractions. Notice a pattern here(?) - the same answers are popping up on other posts.
Organization: I used to keep track of everything in my head. Big mistake. I'd leave assingments to the last minute sometimes.
Try and organise your binder/notes as much as possible. I avoid doing things electronically i.e. using Outlook or my Palm since records can easily be lost. I just bought a $20 planner. I put everything in there: appointments, contacts/friends, work shifts, assignment dates. Best money ever spent. Just find one well laid out which works for you.
Commitment: Stay on track w/ work. Its easy to say "No get it done later". Work on it till its done. If you find getting paid for work motivating, then find some way to reward yourself afterwards.
Eliminate distractions: I go do my work in a public library since its close to home, or in the school one. Sit somewhere away from people you might know won't be i.e. I'm in social science so I'll go into the geography floor.
Now its easy to say it all, but you really have to plan on doing it and sticking to the plan. Also, if you find the Net distracting, dual boot your system - even two copies of Windows if need be - one w/o access to games Network/Internet resources/access.
You should note, that I truly am a social science student, since I don't mind writing too much