This is an interesting statistic, but what would be most useful is to know how many "new" outfits started...If 25 new ones started, then this isn't so bad, if only 3 started, then this is bad...
Place a bet on Duke Nukem Forever coming out...The odds must be REALLY good on that one...
Karem
not nitpicking but...
on
SCOrched Earth
·
· Score: 2, Insightful
Hey, SCO have dated their reply memorandum the 15th day of December 2003...Hmmm, it's the fifth today, so unless they have also invented a time machine, this is looney...Well, it is...next we'll see McBride hanging out with Bugs Bunny.
I got a Leadtek 5600FX, non ultra and I play Max Payne 2 without any problems at a respectable and lovely 1280x1024x32 (max my 17inch LCD screen goes to). H T&L, everything high, trilinear (no anti-aliasing) all fogging, flares, pixel shader skins etc. You know what...smooth as silk...I haven't had a slowdown that I noticed...
Now, I originally bought a 9600 (non pro) and you know what happened? EVERY D3D game that I tried would lock up after 5 seconds of switching into D3D mode. I returned it and bought the 5600FX.
Now, I have no problems to speak of. I run games all in 1280x1024x32 without any hiccups. Fifa2003, Max Payne 2, Hidden and Dangerous 2, MotoGP2, Battlefield 1942, Homeworld2, etc...
It may not be bleeding edge, but it fulfills everything I require...Oh, and I get video IN too!
Can't test Half-Life 2 for obvious reasons, and the latest Lara Croft games is rubbish anyway, I played 10 minutes until I decided that the control mechanism was seriously flawed.
This is typical of about 60% of current project funded ventures...This has nothing to do with being good or bad. This has got to do with the current situation facing Eurostat, the Commission's statistic department. Turns out that some rather high paid officials have been pocketing funds, I think in the region of a million Euro or so. However, it goes deeper. Apparently there are companies being paid to do work that is never done (which happened to be owned or linked to said important officials).
Anyway, point being is that no new contracts are currently being sign, 60%+ of contracts are being terminated, and people like the company I consult for are sitting like ducks on a 2 month extension until end of November hoping that by then they will sign (something they told us was going to happen in June). My boss just got fired, as did a colleague and 2 developers. Until we get the contract (and therefore money) we are having to cut back big time.
Eurostat's in a mess currently, fraud everywhere. Oh, and not to mention that there may be a mole in the Agriculture DG. Apparently being bribed (easily) for leaking information regarding crop values/quantities (not quite sure what, but it means some people can make lots of money with that info).
Anyway, they may get their funding back, but not yet!
Does this spell the end for software reviews? I mean, if one cannot point out flaws in software in what is, IMHO, a review, then what does that leave us with? Blind software shopping?
I don't know about you, but I think this is a good idea. Privacy aside, this could help prevent the loss of books and force people to return books borrowed or face track down and fined.
On the privacy note, this needs to be controlled. For example, as a sign-up form, it can be stated that the library will only switch on the RFID tag outside the building when the book is over 3 weeks late on return. Some form of recompense to the library user can be implemented in cases where this is breached.
However, I do have one little problem...What is really behind this technology? Say I was a extreme hacker (i am not)...How hard would it be to initialise the tracker myself? What security is on the RFID that helps prevent someone from turning it on themselves? I mean, if I got a book out and then the ability to turn on the RFID, I could potentially sit and wait for some lady to take same book out and then stalk her (this is all hypothetical, just asking about the possibilities). In this case, who would be responsible?
I don't mind RFIDs, but they need to be controlled by someone we can trust.
One other point to note is legality of including RFIDs in products without public knowledge. Many companies have come out saying they will include them and then backtracked once the public outcry starts, but what legislation is there that says that companies MUST publicise the fact that they use RFIDs, and then, what products do we already own that have RFIDs? Do we need a new product, an RFID checker/bug detector?
This is the typical behavior of M$. They bundle applications with their OS, wait a while, then it becomes a pseudo-internet standard and then they charge for it!
If other browsers other than IE had not been around, I am sure that IE would have eventually become pay-to-use.
On another note, how can M$ claim that it costs them money? MS IM is a protocol, nothing more. There is no middle server or anything like that, unless you count the passport that is needed to log in to the IM. Oh, wait, I forgot, they forced that one on to us! I can log into hotmail, create a passport, use IM with Windows Messenger and there is no cost to me. However, when joe bloggs uses client x, suddenly there is a cost? I don't get it!
All I see that SCO has been comparing is comments. Are comments considered code and under the same copyright rules that code is?
I mean, if I was doing some downright dirty personal coding and copied a file, code comments and all, just to get it working and move on, then go back and change the code to my own code but don't change the comments, then submit it to the linux kernel, what then?
Am I infringing code? Or just dumb to have forgotten to take out/change the comments. I mean, comments can not, IMHO, be tried in a court of law for copyright infringement, can it? I mean, comments don't, inherently, cause a particular change in the functioning of a system.
Ok, so now minus comments we are left with how many lines of identical code?
I was under the impression that the GPL license allowed someone to take the code, with source, add whatever they liked in a proprietry manner, and distribute the "binary" only version.
From reading a little about the GPL now, there seems to be a "module" clause using forks that allow the adding of non-GPL code with GPL code. Maybe SCO will try and use this?
The sourse of the original could still be sent, minus the proprietry code that you just wrote.
What about this: I give you the kernel, and source for that kernel under the GPL. Then I give you a binary module that you run over the kernel that adds functionality to the GPL code. Is this allowed?
Although many of you guys say that ATI don't support linux, they do have information and links to drivers for 2D and 3D for up to and including 9700 family..."Where?" I hear you should.
I am trying to get information about the ALL in Wonder 9700 Pro card concerning Linux. I would very much appreciate to know what support you have, or you plan to have, for this card. My aim is to build a media centre around this graphics card and while the card is an expensive choice (and therefore requires me to purchase cheaper software hence Linux), I feel that it is a wise investment. However, my purchase is dependant on your policy for the future availability of drivers for Linux as it is directly related to whether this card is, in fact, a viable option for me. Hence this request for information.
Cordially yours,
xxxxxxxx xxxxx
Do you know what happened after I clicked "Submit"? I got a "This message has been recorded and will be treated as required."
Required by whom? ATI or ME? hmmm, stupid question really...
Erm, yeah, except for the fact that currently it is OSS that is the main competitor! I don't see companies accepting this...Although it should be the case!
I don't think this changes much to be truly honest...If you look at all the SCO postings on slashdot you will come across information regarding the fact that Microsoft, not even a month ago I think, bought the license to use SCO's code...
To me, this is just SCO declaring publicly that it won't sue Microsoft (being the father of this FUD storm). I am sure that Microsoft and SCO lawyers have been cohooting together to form an alliance. What does M$ want with SCO code anyway? Is it going into Longhorn? If not, did M$ already use the code? In this case, did SCO quietly go to M$ and say "Look, we like you. License or we will be forced to protect our IP against you when we attack Big Blue. We can't justify attacking them and not you. Therefore, license our code, about a month later we will say we will not sue our current customers. Therefore you are safe, and we are free to continue banging Big Blue's door. How about that eh? Pay us enough for the lawyers though, ok?"
Slashdot Mirror
hahahahahahahahah
wahhahahahahaha
sorry...couldn't help it
Karem
Karem
Seriously though, is this just a mistake?
Now, I am a linux fan and anti-microsoft, but please get your article to compare apples with apples and not apples with oranges...
The two search engines treat the search string windows linux completely differently.
For MSN, try "windows or linux" (without quotes) and you will get your near 8 million...
Karem
My GeForce 5600FX take up a single slot.
My GeForce 5600FX (256Mb) take all the necessary power from the AGP.
What's your point again?
Karem
I got a Leadtek 5600FX, non ultra and I play Max Payne 2 without any problems at a respectable and lovely 1280x1024x32 (max my 17inch LCD screen goes to). H T&L, everything high, trilinear (no anti-aliasing) all fogging, flares, pixel shader skins etc. You know what...smooth as silk...I haven't had a slowdown that I noticed...
Now, I originally bought a 9600 (non pro) and you know what happened? EVERY D3D game that I tried would lock up after 5 seconds of switching into D3D mode. I returned it and bought the 5600FX.
Now, I have no problems to speak of. I run games all in 1280x1024x32 without any hiccups. Fifa2003, Max Payne 2, Hidden and Dangerous 2, MotoGP2, Battlefield 1942, Homeworld2, etc...
It may not be bleeding edge, but it fulfills everything I require...Oh, and I get video IN too!
Can't test Half-Life 2 for obvious reasons, and the latest Lara Croft games is rubbish anyway, I played 10 minutes until I decided that the control mechanism was seriously flawed.
Well, enough from me, Karem.
Anyway, point being is that no new contracts are currently being sign, 60%+ of contracts are being terminated, and people like the company I consult for are sitting like ducks on a 2 month extension until end of November hoping that by then they will sign (something they told us was going to happen in June). My boss just got fired, as did a colleague and 2 developers. Until we get the contract (and therefore money) we are having to cut back big time.
Eurostat's in a mess currently, fraud everywhere. Oh, and not to mention that there may be a mole in the Agriculture DG. Apparently being bribed (easily) for leaking information regarding crop values/quantities (not quite sure what, but it means some people can make lots of money with that info).
Anyway, they may get their funding back, but not yet!
From someone living in Brussels...Karem Lore
Does this spell the end for software reviews? I mean, if one cannot point out flaws in software in what is, IMHO, a review, then what does that leave us with? Blind software shopping?
Just block the site. This will have the effect that Verisign will not have the "hits" needed to support the site and in the end it will close...
With its Internet Explorer, if it doesn't find anything it goes to MSN Search. Isn't this the same, and if so, can the ICANN get onto M$ too please...
On the privacy note, this needs to be controlled. For example, as a sign-up form, it can be stated that the library will only switch on the RFID tag outside the building when the book is over 3 weeks late on return. Some form of recompense to the library user can be implemented in cases where this is breached.
However, I do have one little problem...What is really behind this technology? Say I was a extreme hacker (i am not)...How hard would it be to initialise the tracker myself? What security is on the RFID that helps prevent someone from turning it on themselves? I mean, if I got a book out and then the ability to turn on the RFID, I could potentially sit and wait for some lady to take same book out and then stalk her (this is all hypothetical, just asking about the possibilities). In this case, who would be responsible?
I don't mind RFIDs, but they need to be controlled by someone we can trust.
One other point to note is legality of including RFIDs in products without public knowledge. Many companies have come out saying they will include them and then backtracked once the public outcry starts, but what legislation is there that says that companies MUST publicise the fact that they use RFIDs, and then, what products do we already own that have RFIDs? Do we need a new product, an RFID checker/bug detector?
If other browsers other than IE had not been around, I am sure that IE would have eventually become pay-to-use.
On another note, how can M$ claim that it costs them money? MS IM is a protocol, nothing more. There is no middle server or anything like that, unless you count the passport that is needed to log in to the IM. Oh, wait, I forgot, they forced that one on to us! I can log into hotmail, create a passport, use IM with Windows Messenger and there is no cost to me. However, when joe bloggs uses client x, suddenly there is a cost? I don't get it!
Karem Lore
I mean, if I was doing some downright dirty personal coding and copied a file, code comments and all, just to get it working and move on, then go back and change the code to my own code but don't change the comments, then submit it to the linux kernel, what then?
Am I infringing code? Or just dumb to have forgotten to take out/change the comments. I mean, comments can not, IMHO, be tried in a court of law for copyright infringement, can it? I mean, comments don't, inherently, cause a particular change in the functioning of a system.
Ok, so now minus comments we are left with how many lines of identical code?
Karem Lore
Then again, not.
However, I may just give them a call to find out if there is a complaints committee...There must be...
Karem
Anyone know the European equivalent of the competition and consumer office? Is there an online complaint form that I can use?
Thanks,
Karem
From reading a little about the GPL now, there seems to be a "module" clause using forks that allow the adding of non-GPL code with GPL code. Maybe SCO will try and use this?
The sourse of the original could still be sent, minus the proprietry code that you just wrote.
What about this: I give you the kernel, and source for that kernel under the GPL. Then I give you a binary module that you run over the kernel that adds functionality to the GPL code. Is this allowed?
Karem
Well here of course.
I am trying to get information about the ALL in Wonder 9700 Pro card concerning Linux. I would very much appreciate to know what support you have, or you plan to have, for this card. My aim is to build a media centre around this graphics card and while the card is an expensive choice (and therefore requires me to purchase cheaper software hence Linux), I feel that it is a wise investment. However, my purchase is dependant on your policy for the future availability of drivers for Linux as it is directly related to whether this card is, in fact, a viable option for me. Hence this request for information.
Cordially yours, xxxxxxxx xxxxx
Do you know what happened after I clicked "Submit"? I got a "This message has been recorded and will be treated as required."
Required by whom? ATI or ME? hmmm, stupid question really...
Karem
Erm, yeah, except for the fact that currently it is OSS that is the main competitor! I don't see companies accepting this...Although it should be the case!
Karem
Erm, in the text it actually says that the previous test on the Win2003 Server OS was done on identical hardware (in fact, the same machine).
Karem
To me, this is just SCO declaring publicly that it won't sue Microsoft (being the father of this FUD storm). I am sure that Microsoft and SCO lawyers have been cohooting together to form an alliance. What does M$ want with SCO code anyway? Is it going into Longhorn? If not, did M$ already use the code? In this case, did SCO quietly go to M$ and say "Look, we like you. License or we will be forced to protect our IP against you when we attack Big Blue. We can't justify attacking them and not you. Therefore, license our code, about a month later we will say we will not sue our current customers. Therefore you are safe, and we are free to continue banging Big Blue's door. How about that eh? Pay us enough for the lawyers though, ok?"
Karem
No, not on ice, on astro turf...with a hard ball, and sticks...:D
Karem