"To me, that means big $. I think if people want it opened, they should partner with IBM and kick in some $$$ to make it happen."
Or, IBM could spin off OS/2 as a not-for-profit community foundation like Mozilla. Have users donate money (or other creative financial arrangments) to pay for the code checking. And then release the code to the public. Me thinks IBM could even get a nice write-off out of it too.
"So here goes: After reading the first wave of posts it seems that there are other entity's source code in OS/2. So is it possible for IBM to make available its source code for OS/2 only? If they provide the code with gaps, couldn't those in the Open Source Community fill them in?"
Just admit you are a closet fan of GNU Hurd. C'mon. Confession is good for the digital soul...:)
"It's very important for companies' initiatives to be well-focused. If IBM released OS/2 to the community, they will dilute their Linux marketing campaign and further fragment the customer base they are trying to build. If OS/2 took off like mad, that would be yet another OS that IBM has to qual test it's servers with. While I have fond memories of using OS/2 and realize that many of its innovations are standard features in today's operating systems, I wouldn't want it polluting the OS base for all time to come. And apparently, neither does IBM."
Wowsers. That was an accidental posting devoid of my response.
I posted a similar argument in a different post. However, if this is logical that an open-source OS/2 could hurt Linux by siphoning off users, wouldn't that make the argument that multiple Linux distributions ultimately hurts Linux adoption? The whole Gnome/KDE split hurting Linux? How about the three different versions of BSD hurting BSD? What about the distraction of GNU Hurd? Or what about Konqueror vs. Firefox? Shouldn't we just have singular massive open source projects that way the coders can focus their efforts like a fine tuned laser beam aimed directly at Redmond's product offerings?
It's very important for companies' initiatives to be well-focused. If IBM released OS/2 to the community, they will dilute their Linux marketing campaign and further fragment the customer base they are trying to build. If OS/2 took off like mad, that would be yet another OS that IBM has to qual test it's servers with. While I have fond memories of using OS/2 and realize that many of its innovations are standard features in today's operating systems, I wouldn't want it polluting the OS base for all time to come. And apparently, neither does IBM.
"At the very least ideas and features can be examined and possibly implemented in the bigger players (Linuxes). But diversity is always good, and what does IBM have to lose?"
I'm going to play the Devil's advocate in my response. Did diversity help the VCR industry when it was a battle between VHS and Beta? Perhaps IBM just wants to shelve OS/2 so that there is one less distraction from a wider adoption of Linux, which IBM really likes to make consulting dollars off of. Or maybe they simply want to avoid any future possibilities of an SCO type of court case against them from allegedly implementing some unclean code.
"This is the problem when one party has an unchallengable majority in a legislature like the Dems do in CA. They stack the committees and organizations with like-minded jackasses who immediately kowtow to the prevailing herd mentality of that party."
While the sentiment is there, I can't agree with that because it is the Governor who appoints the UC Regents. And Gray Davis was the only Democratic governor of California (and barely for 5 years) since 1982.
But my original point was there should be no political donations from a public university system to any candidates whatsoever.
"Thanks, Pres. Dynes! You cut our financial aid by a couple million dollars, and spend it on a half-assed "legal" music service that I doubt will get popular at all. Or are you paying for it with the higher fees you instituted? Isn't there supposed to be a budget crisis? Either way, we're all getting the shaft."
If you think that was a crack induced decision, just check out the political donations given by the UC system in 2004. The UC System, not the alumni associations, gave the Kerry campaign over $100,000. Now, I would be mad too if they did the same for the Bush campaign. To me, it is absolutely unacceptable that a public educational system can legally give away taxpayer money as a campaign contribution.
"Why not deliver pints of Ben & Jerry's to the dorm rooms too? I mean, it's hot in California - think of the children, won't you?"
As a graduate of UC Davis, that would actually make sense. Especially during summer session II. Davis gets so hot during July and August, you'd swear the campus was located in Needles, California. Ben, and Jerry, do you hear the plea?:)
Ben & Jerry's also should get props because they've offered free iTunes downloads in some promos...
"Which is, of itself, about a 10% discount on the Powerbook. That Powerbook that you're paying a premium over the alternative for. That Powerbook Apple sold you for 10% off so you wouldn't buy the less expensive PC, buy an iPod outright, and still come out ahead."
Sorry, bub, but a PC notebook that supposedly costs much less does not come loaded with OS X or any of the iLife Suite programs. What you get is faster hardware running an inferior OS and lacks great standardized bundled software. And with the educational discount promo, the purchaser of the iBook also gets a free iPod Mini.
"I'm a UC Berkeley student, and I'll say now that I'm not interested for exactly this reason. Sorry, but I'll stick with CDs if I'm going to buy music."
Uhm, its not like CDs are 24-bit audio quality. They don't sound all that much better than the other digital file formats, and in fact sounds less than stellar compared against a high end turn table and vinyl media. CDs were great in their day becaues of their high quality, portability factor, and the reduction of audio imperfections. We are now in a trend that will see the CD replaced with online digital formats meant to spur impulse purchases. Portability will win out again over audio quality.
I would have found your argument insightful had you made the point about the quality difference between an iTunes AAC+Fairplay file versus say, DVD-Audio media. But not with CD.
"Hell, apple was a bunch of hypocrites back in 1984. Woz dumped 'em; he was the real rebel spirit of Apple. Jobs was and is the ghoulish ghost that made Microsoft the King. Apple functions as a jail for non-Microsoft users. It's a pretend Wintel independent realm subsidized by Microsoft. Apple users conveniently forget that Bill Gates saved them many times, including the time he bought Apple's near bankrupt stock. "Gee, those I can't control will flee to the new Linux thing, better prop Apple up again" thought Bill. Things sure worked out for Bill on that one."
Is that you, Winston Smith? Didn't you repent your crimes against Oceania?
I'd bet TiVo kills the Nielsens before IPtv has the chance to do so.
And yes, before anyone tries to correct me, I do know that the Nielsens have a pilot program using TiVos currently. But that's just an "embrace and extend" strategy on their part that will ultimately finish them off. Kinda like how Mozilla killed the original Netscape Navigator, although many would argue it was self inflicted, or a mercy killing.
"I don't know who you are talking about, but it certainly isn't Bernie Ebbers who has more than enough money to buy himself a pardon."
I was referring to Daryl McBride as the man who does not have enough money or stature to buy himself a pardon, unlike Ebbers. However, I don't think the current occupant of the White House would pardon either of them. Hell, I'd bet he won't pardon Kenneth Lay either, no matter what the h8ers of the current President speculate.
"Sadly, it seems Miramax (the company behind Lord of the Rings) is in the HD-DVD camp. I just hope their relationship with HD-DVD isn't an exclusive one..."
Miramax is part of Disney. Disney is backing Blu-Ray. You mean New Line Cinema, which is a part of Time Warner, who is currently backing HD-DVD in order to preserve its percentage of IP rights to DVD since they and Toshiba developed the original standard.
"It screws up both the "cheap equipment" and "cheap actors" bit, the price of the DVD platter isn't the real issue."
The pro-am groups already use PowerMacs and the pro level of DV cams. Moving up to HD DV cams and newer Macs won't be that much of a financial burden on those folks. I'm sure the MILF Hunter isn't gonna be phased by this march to HD content.
"This might be one of those cases; HD-DVD seems perfectly capable as a higher capacity DVD; why would people want to pay a premium for a few more features about 10% higher quality?"
Circuit City's DIVX was cheaper up-front with its media (not the player itself). The titles had far less features than their DVD title counterparts. DIVX lost. There is a parallel here.
And we cannot use the picture quality of Beta vs. VHS as some sort of point in the favor of HD-DVD because both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray have almost an equal amount of hardware companies committed to the competing standard. Blu-Ray has the advantage though because practically the entire computer industry (with hesitation from Microsoft due to concerns about the Xbox360) backs Blu-Ray. And then there's the 900 lbs. gorilla, the Sony Playstation3.
I do expect Windows Media to be dropped from the official list of video codecs of Blu-Ray. I just can't see Sony wanting to pay a royalty to Microsoft for it per every Playstation3 shipped. And its almost a total consensus that H.264 is better anyways, with or without Apple pimping it.
"but IBM is not going to drop money to make McBride's life miserable. They got rid of their threat -- there's no money in harassing McBride."
Yeah, but the money is worth spending if taking action against McBride makes other people think twice about trying to pull something similar against IBM in the future.
Learn from history. Rome is a fine case point in making examples out of enemies so that others would think twice about challenging the might of Rome. Look what they did to the rebellion of Spartacus. Look at what they did to Jerusalem for their rebellion.
So to me, I'd think it would be money well spent in terms of shareholder value to spend $1 million or $2 million in making sure criminal charges are successfully filed against McBride so the only place he could find work is in the Peace Corps.
"If I was McBride, I'd be thinking about getting a few nice firm suitcases, filling them with cash and moving to some out of the way place like Tierra Del Fuego."
If he converted from Mormonism to Judaism, he could seek refuge in Israel. Barring that, he could go to Greece. No extradition (sic) treaty with the U.S., unless the EU has forced it upon them lately.
"Plan on him getting in on the traditional pardon-for-play of all outgoing presidents, which would just about fit your timeline."
Why would you say that? McBride isn't the brother of the current President, and he probably does not have a history of selling drugs either...unlike the half-brother of the former occupant of the White House. McBride is also not as filthy rich as Dennis Rich either, because McBride probably has never traded with Saddam Hussein. So McBride probably does not have the resources to contribute a meaningful contribution to the RNC or Bush to merit a pardon, unlike Rich and his relationship with the previously mentioned former occupant of the White House.
News flash. You mean *star system.* Our star system is referred to as the "solar system" because the name of our sun is, drum roll please (Doc on the drums), *Sol.*
Something you could've actually learned in five seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise, despite the failings of the K-12 education system in this country.
"Besides, Vin Diesel can kick Chewbacca's ass. He can do anything."
No way. Chewie is the better actor too. And who exactly has an MTV Lifetime Achievement Award hanging around his neck? Its certainly not Diesel, bub. Chewie can rip the arms off a gundar. Let's see Vin do that.
Now run away, before we spank you in front of everyone in celebration of Life Day for your blasphemy.
So, let me get this straight. If I so chose to upgrade to Longhorn, I'd have to buy a whole new videocard and monitor to actually view the OS and any other programs tailor written for it? I am not aware of any videocards that currently offer DVI ports that actually also have HDCP standard (although I could definitely be wrong). Does this mean we'll all have to upgrade to videocards with HDMI ports built in?
I think this is pure idiocy. And people thought Apple moving to Intel based processors because of built-in DRM was a step over the edge...
Slashdot Mirror
"To me, that means big $. I think if people want it opened, they should partner with IBM and kick in some $$$ to make it happen."
Or, IBM could spin off OS/2 as a not-for-profit community foundation like Mozilla. Have users donate money (or other creative financial arrangments) to pay for the code checking. And then release the code to the public. Me thinks IBM could even get a nice write-off out of it too.
"So here goes: After reading the first wave of posts it seems that there are other entity's source code in OS/2. So is it possible for IBM to make available its source code for OS/2 only? If they provide the code with gaps, couldn't those in the Open Source Community fill them in?"
:)
Just admit you are a closet fan of GNU Hurd. C'mon. Confession is good for the digital soul...
"It's very important for companies' initiatives to be well-focused. If IBM released OS/2 to the community, they will dilute their Linux marketing campaign and further fragment the customer base they are trying to build. If OS/2 took off like mad, that would be yet another OS that IBM has to qual test it's servers with. While I have fond memories of using OS/2 and realize that many of its innovations are standard features in today's operating systems, I wouldn't want it polluting the OS base for all time to come. And apparently, neither does IBM."
:)
Wowsers. That was an accidental posting devoid of my response.
I posted a similar argument in a different post. However, if this is logical that an open-source OS/2 could hurt Linux by siphoning off users, wouldn't that make the argument that multiple Linux distributions ultimately hurts Linux adoption? The whole Gnome/KDE split hurting Linux? How about the three different versions of BSD hurting BSD? What about the distraction of GNU Hurd? Or what about Konqueror vs. Firefox? Shouldn't we just have singular massive open source projects that way the coders can focus their efforts like a fine tuned laser beam aimed directly at Redmond's product offerings?
There, that's what I meant to post.
It's very important for companies' initiatives to be well-focused. If IBM released OS/2 to the community, they will dilute their Linux marketing campaign and further fragment the customer base they are trying to build. If OS/2 took off like mad, that would be yet another OS that IBM has to qual test it's servers with. While I have fond memories of using OS/2 and realize that many of its innovations are standard features in today's operating systems, I wouldn't want it polluting the OS base for all time to come. And apparently, neither does IBM.
"At the very least ideas and features can be examined and possibly implemented in the bigger players (Linuxes). But diversity is always good, and what does IBM have to lose?"
I'm going to play the Devil's advocate in my response. Did diversity help the VCR industry when it was a battle between VHS and Beta? Perhaps IBM just wants to shelve OS/2 so that there is one less distraction from a wider adoption of Linux, which IBM really likes to make consulting dollars off of. Or maybe they simply want to avoid any future possibilities of an SCO type of court case against them from allegedly implementing some unclean code.
"This is the problem when one party has an unchallengable majority in a legislature like the Dems do in CA. They stack the committees and organizations with like-minded jackasses who immediately kowtow to the prevailing herd mentality of that party."
While the sentiment is there, I can't agree with that because it is the Governor who appoints the UC Regents. And Gray Davis was the only Democratic governor of California (and barely for 5 years) since 1982.
But my original point was there should be no political donations from a public university system to any candidates whatsoever.
"Thanks, Pres. Dynes! You cut our financial aid by a couple million dollars, and spend it on a half-assed "legal" music service that I doubt will get popular at all. Or are you paying for it with the higher fees you instituted? Isn't there supposed to be a budget crisis?
Either way, we're all getting the shaft."
If you think that was a crack induced decision, just check out the political donations given by the UC system in 2004. The UC System, not the alumni associations, gave the Kerry campaign over $100,000. Now, I would be mad too if they did the same for the Bush campaign. To me, it is absolutely unacceptable that a public educational system can legally give away taxpayer money as a campaign contribution.
"Why not deliver pints of Ben & Jerry's to the dorm rooms too? I mean, it's hot in California - think of the children, won't you?"
:)
As a graduate of UC Davis, that would actually make sense. Especially during summer session II. Davis gets so hot during July and August, you'd swear the campus was located in Needles, California. Ben, and Jerry, do you hear the plea?
Ben & Jerry's also should get props because they've offered free iTunes downloads in some promos...
"Which is, of itself, about a 10% discount on the Powerbook. That Powerbook that you're paying a premium over the alternative for. That Powerbook Apple sold you for 10% off so you wouldn't buy the less expensive PC, buy an iPod outright, and still come out ahead."
Sorry, bub, but a PC notebook that supposedly costs much less does not come loaded with OS X or any of the iLife Suite programs. What you get is faster hardware running an inferior OS and lacks great standardized bundled software. And with the educational discount promo, the purchaser of the iBook also gets a free iPod Mini.
"I'm a UC Berkeley student, and I'll say now that I'm not interested for exactly this reason. Sorry, but I'll stick with CDs if I'm going to buy music."
Uhm, its not like CDs are 24-bit audio quality. They don't sound all that much better than the other digital file formats, and in fact sounds less than stellar compared against a high end turn table and vinyl media. CDs were great in their day becaues of their high quality, portability factor, and the reduction of audio imperfections. We are now in a trend that will see the CD replaced with online digital formats meant to spur impulse purchases. Portability will win out again over audio quality.
I would have found your argument insightful had you made the point about the quality difference between an iTunes AAC+Fairplay file versus say, DVD-Audio media. But not with CD.
"Hell, apple was a bunch of hypocrites back in 1984. Woz dumped 'em; he was the real rebel spirit of Apple. Jobs was and is the ghoulish ghost that made Microsoft the King. Apple functions as a jail for non-Microsoft users. It's a pretend Wintel independent realm subsidized by Microsoft. Apple users conveniently forget that Bill Gates saved them many times, including the time he bought Apple's near bankrupt stock. "Gee, those I can't control will flee to the new Linux thing, better prop Apple up again" thought Bill. Things sure worked out for Bill on that one."
Is that you, Winston Smith? Didn't you repent your crimes against Oceania?
"if it goes national- instant, precise ratings."
I'd bet TiVo kills the Nielsens before IPtv has the chance to do so.
And yes, before anyone tries to correct me, I do know that the Nielsens have a pilot program using TiVos currently. But that's just an "embrace and extend" strategy on their part that will ultimately finish them off. Kinda like how Mozilla killed the original Netscape Navigator, although many would argue it was self inflicted, or a mercy killing.
"I don't know who you are talking about, but it certainly isn't Bernie Ebbers who has more than enough money to buy himself a pardon."
I was referring to Daryl McBride as the man who does not have enough money or stature to buy himself a pardon, unlike Ebbers. However, I don't think the current occupant of the White House would pardon either of them. Hell, I'd bet he won't pardon Kenneth Lay either, no matter what the h8ers of the current President speculate.
"Sadly, it seems Miramax (the company behind Lord of the Rings) is in the HD-DVD camp. I just hope their relationship with HD-DVD isn't an exclusive one..."
Miramax is part of Disney. Disney is backing Blu-Ray. You mean New Line Cinema, which is a part of Time Warner, who is currently backing HD-DVD in order to preserve its percentage of IP rights to DVD since they and Toshiba developed the original standard.
"Small correction:
"Sony invented Beta, Philips invented Video2000, both were technically superior to VHS."
And Ampex beat them both in the category of "first."
"It screws up both the "cheap equipment" and "cheap actors" bit, the price of the DVD platter isn't the real issue."
The pro-am groups already use PowerMacs and the pro level of DV cams. Moving up to HD DV cams and newer Macs won't be that much of a financial burden on those folks. I'm sure the MILF Hunter isn't gonna be phased by this march to HD content.
"This might be one of those cases; HD-DVD seems perfectly capable as a higher capacity DVD; why would people want to pay a premium for a few more features about 10% higher quality?"
Circuit City's DIVX was cheaper up-front with its media (not the player itself). The titles had far less features than their DVD title counterparts. DIVX lost. There is a parallel here.
And we cannot use the picture quality of Beta vs. VHS as some sort of point in the favor of HD-DVD because both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray have almost an equal amount of hardware companies committed to the competing standard. Blu-Ray has the advantage though because practically the entire computer industry (with hesitation from Microsoft due to concerns about the Xbox360) backs Blu-Ray. And then there's the 900 lbs. gorilla, the Sony Playstation3.
I do expect Windows Media to be dropped from the official list of video codecs of Blu-Ray. I just can't see Sony wanting to pay a royalty to Microsoft for it per every Playstation3 shipped. And its almost a total consensus that H.264 is better anyways, with or without Apple pimping it.
"I fail to see how ANY crime besides murder, rape etc. could justify 25 years in jail."
Identity theft. Armed robbery. Conspiracy. Selling tainted drugs to someone. Aiding and abetting terrorism.
"but IBM is not going to drop money to make McBride's life miserable. They got rid of their threat -- there's no money in harassing McBride."
Yeah, but the money is worth spending if taking action against McBride makes other people think twice about trying to pull something similar against IBM in the future.
Learn from history. Rome is a fine case point in making examples out of enemies so that others would think twice about challenging the might of Rome. Look what they did to the rebellion of Spartacus. Look at what they did to Jerusalem for their rebellion.
So to me, I'd think it would be money well spent in terms of shareholder value to spend $1 million or $2 million in making sure criminal charges are successfully filed against McBride so the only place he could find work is in the Peace Corps.
"If I was McBride, I'd be thinking about getting a few nice firm suitcases, filling them with cash and moving to some out of the way place like Tierra Del Fuego."
If he converted from Mormonism to Judaism, he could seek refuge in Israel. Barring that, he could go to Greece. No extradition (sic) treaty with the U.S., unless the EU has forced it upon them lately.
"Plan on him getting in on the traditional pardon-for-play of all outgoing presidents, which would just about fit your timeline."
Why would you say that? McBride isn't the brother of the current President, and he probably does not have a history of selling drugs either...unlike the half-brother of the former occupant of the White House. McBride is also not as filthy rich as Dennis Rich either, because McBride probably has never traded with Saddam Hussein. So McBride probably does not have the resources to contribute a meaningful contribution to the RNC or Bush to merit a pardon, unlike Rich and his relationship with the previously mentioned former occupant of the White House.
News flash. You mean *star system.* Our star system is referred to as the "solar system" because the name of our sun is, drum roll please (Doc on the drums), *Sol.*
Something you could've actually learned in five seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise, despite the failings of the K-12 education system in this country.
"Besides, Vin Diesel can kick Chewbacca's ass. He can do anything."
No way. Chewie is the better actor too. And who exactly has an MTV Lifetime Achievement Award hanging around his neck? Its certainly not Diesel, bub. Chewie can rip the arms off a gundar. Let's see Vin do that.
Now run away, before we spank you in front of everyone in celebration of Life Day for your blasphemy.
So, let me get this straight. If I so chose to upgrade to Longhorn, I'd have to buy a whole new videocard and monitor to actually view the OS and any other programs tailor written for it? I am not aware of any videocards that currently offer DVI ports that actually also have HDCP standard (although I could definitely be wrong). Does this mean we'll all have to upgrade to videocards with HDMI ports built in?
I think this is pure idiocy. And people thought Apple moving to Intel based processors because of built-in DRM was a step over the edge...
"Err, you mean Bernie Ebbers."
:)
:0
Damn my fingers. Actually, damn my subliminal mind for pulling out the last name of my least favorite VP candidate from 2004.
Maybe Edwards could represent Ebbers in any future appeal...