Seti@Home only collects "tokens" from computers that tell them whether that particular data packet was abnormal, meaning they should analyze it more, or normal, so that they can disregard it and throw it away (although they do probably keep it all on backup tape somewhere).
I believe what you are referring to is that, for a while, SETI@Home did not have enough information to distribute from the listening station. They were basically recycling old data to keep users in business while they were waiting to get control of the dish again and grab a bunch more raw data. Once the other researchers finished, SETI got it back for a while and grabbed a ton of information.
So yes, it is disgusting that they were reusing packets of info for PR, but what should they have done? You left the screensaver on anyway, might as well make pretty pictures instead of leaving it blank.
On my IntelliMouse I just hold down the wheel (a wheel click?) and scroll, and it goes one page at a time. You can customize every button, including how much the scroll wheel scrolls, with or without a click. I find it quite useful.
In regards to the little red thing, it seems hard to use. You have to squeeze the mouse to move the red thing without accidentally moving the entire mouse, something bad for RSI sufferers. In addition, I have always hated the little stubs because they are both imprecise _and_ difficult to control.
Yes, but as stated above, the awesome MS product, which they DID make very well and in a very attractive design, etc., uses HP technology for optical sensing.
The HDNS-2000 is a low-cost reflective optical sensor that provides a non-mechanical tracking engine for implementing a computer mouse. It is based on optical navigation technology which measures changes in position by optically acquiring sequential surface images (frames) and mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of movement. The sensor is mounted in a plastic optical package and designed to be used with the HDNS-2100 (Lens), HDNS-2200 (LED Assembly Clip), and HLMP-ED80(High Light Output 639 nm LED), providing a complete and compact tracking engine. This optical tracking engine has no moving parts and requires no precision optical alignment enabling high volume system assembly. The HDNS-2000 offers a PS/2 or quadrature output mode for interface flexibility. Resolution is specified as 400 cpi at rates of motion up to 12 inches per second.
I don't believe HP has actually made a mouse using the technology, but I know I saw at least one other brand at MicroCenter that used the optical system.
Yes, in fact I <b>DO</b> have an IntelliMouse Explorer, I use it right now on my Power Mac G4. However, I don't see how Apple could market it's "smoothness" to first-time computer users, who really wouldn't know the difference.
I love mine! You can take it away when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Not to be fanatical about a MS product...
I just don't know why the iMac needs it, as opposed to maybe just the G4s.
Actually, MS's Intellimouse is a license of an HP product. Apple could license from HP to use the Intellisense technology (MS's word, not mine). According to numerous "reliable" Apple Insider and Mac OS Rumors reports, Apple's next mouse WILL be optical. However, from Apple's perspective I don't see why this is usefull if it costs more to produce. After all, no one complains about the Hockey Puck's lack of sensitivity, because it's just fine. In addition, Apple hates low margins and generally trys to do everything to make an extra buck. Adding a feature that no one will really understand/care about (their target audience being first-time users) doesn't make fiscal sense.
As a super-secret covert ops man in the bowels of the Apple Campus in Cupertino, I would just like to let you all know that this "foot-mouse" campaign is simply deceptive marketing by an unnamed Microcomputer Software company who is trying to discredit the greatness that is Steve Jobs. These mice are not real!
Think about it? Would Apple really consider making a mouse that looks like a foot? That completely destroys the whole notion of a "mouse!" That would be needlessly confusing the user! Instead, the REAL new wireless mice, which use an ultra-powerful squeak-touch menchanism, will be soft and easy to distinguish. In fact, a reliable source gave me this picture. Check it out!
So hah, you gluts at AppleInsider, you are wrong and simply a part of the massive military/industrial conspiracy to undermine the raw goodness and fruityness of the world's most loved computer maker!
All consumer software currently produced, pretty much without exception, has a clause in a shrink-wrap, click-through, or other agreement that stipulates the software manufacturer is not liable for damages as a result of using the software. Perhaps someone could clarify what this comment request is targeting, because it looks like Bruce Perens has very little idea what he is talking about.
Indeed, NPR and PRI offer wonderful programs that inform and entertain while always getting all sides of the issue. If you want to hear an online NPR stream (in RealAudio, of course, or in QuickTime), goto www.npr.org. In addition, KCRW, the super-huge NPR affiliate in Los Angeles, streams 3 different channels - an all music channel, at kcrwmusic.com, all news, at kcrwworldnews.com, and a simulcast at kcrw.com. KCRW also has radio dramas, stories, and online theater quite often. Check out their radio grid at kcrw.com/grid/ for showtimes and information.
Do you know what exactly a board member of ICANN does, or where they meet, when, if they have to pay for it...etc? Can you please enlighten me as to the responsabilities?
I would gladly follow a recommendation made by a Slashdot vote. However, I would worry about using the Polling system for this. I assume that many of the ICANN@Large (stupid name!) members are also Slashdot readers, unless they are members of big corporations who are using their membership for ballot stuffing...
What many people seem to miss is that this case was decided through summary judgement, a legal process used when the suit or it's defense has no merit. In short, no actual testimony was heard in court. MP3.com will obviouly appeal, and they will win the appeal - the summary judgement in so complex a case was not valid, and was probably made by a judge either intimidated by the RIAA or unfarmiliar with the fundamental issues of the case. We will be hearing much more about this, and debating the facts now is stupid since the facts were much ignored, so much so that MP3.com was denied a real trial.
Apparently, 3Com thinks that analog is the past and digital is the future. Wow, about time they figured that out! Now they're going to focus on high-bandwidth corporate products and broadband junk. Much like Disney and their sports holdings, 3Com hopes to spin off divisions that, while profitable, don't have amazing growth potential, in an attempt to boost their stock price.
3Com has also expressed in interest in LAN-based telephony (?) and some new call-center technologies. Can't wait to see what develops!
It's just Centry 21, 20th Century Fox, and Century of Progress productions that are in trouble. Version numbers are completely screwed. Everyone knows it doesn't matter. Photoshop 5.5 is not a worthy upgrade from 5.0, Mac OS 9 is not much different then 8.6. Dreamweaver 3 is a great improvement over 2. People will still upgrade based on reviews, features, and advice, not by number. REAL computer users know the difference between hype and reality.
The article brings up, offhand, a bit about privacy concerns. However, since these files were publically available over the school Intranet, that doesn't really apply. Now, I am completely against anyone monitoring my net usage, but when you post illegal content on a school site, they have a right to take it down, and I think CMU acted well here - no harsh punishments, no overreactions, just logical punishment that is fair.
What worries me a lot more than CMU is the fact that the RIAA is forcing colleges to monitor content for compliance with their "rules." Since when can the RIAA enforce laws? Especially since the article doesn't say whether the songs were ripped by those posting them (legal, as long as no one who doesn't own it downloads it!), or which songs were available. Hmm....
I thought I said they didn't build a good early warning system themselves, and this is an easy way to look at one of the best around. I never said anyone was subhuman. We would do it too, here in the US. We love to see other's technology and take it. I just don't see why they thought it was important to fix their own system, if it's so important to keep funding their other military programs.
Yeah, US, Russia, big deal. This is obviously needed, but really it's just giving Russia a sneak peak at our top secret early-warning system, since they aren't smart enought to build a good one themselves. This was all a Russian ploy to get into our systems, maybe? Why didn't we just help them fix their systems?
Oh, and about nuclear power plants - meltdowns are coming! I don't think we can avoid this one, with hundreds of plants still not Y2K ready! Maybe we should just shut them all down for a few hundred years.
------------------- Visit Mind.Wire, the new web site for intelligent science, technology, and mathematics discussion. http://www.mindwire.org
I had this idea years ago. Back then I thought I was the only one who ever thought of this, and that I would be rich and famous some day. Hah! Lots of people have had this idea, and it's about bloody time someone implemented it. However, you really have to be wary of sound coming through FM. That's gotta deteriorate the quality somewhat, no? I find nicely encoded MP3s at 128 bits stereo sound great. No one I've tried it on can figure out the difference between MP3 and CD of the same song. I say, bring it on!!!
And when are we gonna see DVD-MP3 players? Imagine, your entire music collection on a single DVD.
By the way, check out my new site, a Slashdot-like thing for Math/Science/Technology discussion, at http://www.mindwire.org
Apple's QuickTime 4.0 allows vector graphics and animations and such. It's not an open standard yet, but once it is morphed into MPEG-4, it will be. I've already seen some sites that use QT for graphics, and it's not that shabby.
Apple doesn't expect to win the eMachines lawsuit
on
Apple sues eMachines
·
· Score: 1
Apple knows that the eOne is ugly and not as complete a ripoff as the Daewoo/Future Power one. However, they have an obligation to sue so that other computer manufacturers won't follow eMachines lead. Will they win the lawsuit? Possibly. Does it matter? Not much - they are trying to discourage others. Daewoo can bring it up if they DIDN'T sue eMachines in their case and how Apple only selectively cares about their patents.
Don't diss Apple - they worked for almost a year on their distinctive design, and they brought in experts to work out the plastics and such. They are almost required to protect their design. Like Palm and the DaVinci knockoff - they HAVE to fight back, or else everyone will think it's okay!
PPC IS cheaper than PII (I don't know about Celeron), and it comes standard with usually 1MB of backside cache! The price comes from Apple, who, because of their minority position, needs to mark up machines a lot to recoup their R&D investment. The chips themselves are dirt cheap.
no, it doesn't. it uses MP4, which is NOT a standard, it is a marketing ploy, and a closed system for music distribution that is encrypted. MPEG 4 has not come out yet, but when it does, it will be based primarily on - you guessed it - QuickTime.
No big name actors. No explosions. I wouldn't be suprised if a movie with just explosions, big name actors and *no* content would make lots of money in the box office.
Normally, I'd agree with you. But just you wait. Wild Wild West will die a fiery, celebrity -packed, no-story death. The end is near!
Hmm...in a flask? He he. I'm missing the thing about the heat, I'm worried about the 16 bits, i don't like the memory part, and I wonder what intoxicants can do to it, but, other than that...:-)
Slashdot Mirror
Seti@Home only collects "tokens" from computers that tell them whether that particular data packet was abnormal, meaning they should analyze it more, or normal, so that they can disregard it and throw it away (although they do probably keep it all on backup tape somewhere).
I believe what you are referring to is that, for a while, SETI@Home did not have enough information to distribute from the listening station. They were basically recycling old data to keep users in business while they were waiting to get control of the dish again and grab a bunch more raw data. Once the other researchers finished, SETI got it back for a while and grabbed a ton of information.
So yes, it is disgusting that they were reusing packets of info for PR, but what should they have done? You left the screensaver on anyway, might as well make pretty pictures instead of leaving it blank.
On my IntelliMouse I just hold down the wheel (a wheel click?) and scroll, and it goes one page at a time. You can customize every button, including how much the scroll wheel scrolls, with or without a click. I find it quite useful.
In regards to the little red thing, it seems hard to use. You have to squeeze the mouse to move the red thing without accidentally moving the entire mouse, something bad for RSI sufferers. In addition, I have always hated the little stubs because they are both imprecise _and_ difficult to control.
Can we please kill this guy?
The HDNS-2000 is a low-cost reflective optical sensor that provides a non-mechanical tracking engine for implementing a computer mouse. It is based on optical navigation technology which measures changes in position by optically acquiring sequential surface images (frames) and mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of movement. The sensor is mounted in a plastic optical package and designed to be used with the HDNS-2100 (Lens), HDNS-2200 (LED Assembly Clip), and HLMP-ED80(High Light Output 639 nm LED), providing a complete and compact tracking engine. This optical tracking engine has no moving parts and requires no precision optical alignment enabling high volume system assembly. The HDNS-2000 offers a PS/2 or quadrature output mode for interface flexibility. Resolution is specified as 400 cpi at rates of motion up to 12 inches per second.
The link to fact sheets, etc. is here.
I don't believe HP has actually made a mouse using the technology, but I know I saw at least one other brand at MicroCenter that used the optical system.
Yes, in fact I <b>DO</b> have an IntelliMouse Explorer, I use it right now on my Power Mac G4. However, I don't see how Apple could market it's "smoothness" to first-time computer users, who really wouldn't know the difference.
I love mine! You can take it away when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Not to be fanatical about a MS product...
I just don't know why the iMac needs it, as opposed to maybe just the G4s.
Actually, MS's Intellimouse is a license of an HP product. Apple could license from HP to use the Intellisense technology (MS's word, not mine). According to numerous "reliable" Apple Insider and Mac OS Rumors reports, Apple's next mouse WILL be optical. However, from Apple's perspective I don't see why this is usefull if it costs more to produce. After all, no one complains about the Hockey Puck's lack of sensitivity, because it's just fine. In addition, Apple hates low margins and generally trys to do everything to make an extra buck. Adding a feature that no one will really understand/care about (their target audience being first-time users) doesn't make fiscal sense.
Think about it? Would Apple really consider making a mouse that looks like a foot? That completely destroys the whole notion of a "mouse!" That would be needlessly confusing the user! Instead, the REAL new wireless mice, which use an ultra-powerful squeak-touch menchanism, will be soft and easy to distinguish. In fact, a reliable source gave me this picture. Check it out!
So hah, you gluts at AppleInsider, you are wrong and simply a part of the massive military/industrial conspiracy to undermine the raw goodness and fruityness of the world's most loved computer maker!
All consumer software currently produced, pretty much without exception, has a clause in a shrink-wrap, click-through, or other agreement that stipulates the software manufacturer is not liable for damages as a result of using the software. Perhaps someone could clarify what this comment request is targeting, because it looks like Bruce Perens has very little idea what he is talking about.
Indeed, NPR and PRI offer wonderful programs that inform and entertain while always getting all sides of the issue. If you want to hear an online NPR stream (in RealAudio, of course, or in QuickTime), goto www.npr.org. In addition, KCRW, the super-huge NPR affiliate in Los Angeles, streams 3 different channels - an all music channel, at kcrwmusic.com, all news, at kcrwworldnews.com, and a simulcast at kcrw.com. KCRW also has radio dramas, stories, and online theater quite often. Check out their radio grid at kcrw.com/grid/ for showtimes and information.
Do you know what exactly a board member of ICANN does, or where they meet, when, if they have to pay for it...etc? Can you please enlighten me as to the responsabilities?
;-)
Oh, yeah, and your qualifications.
I would gladly follow a recommendation made by a Slashdot vote. However, I would worry about using the Polling system for this. I assume that many of the ICANN@Large (stupid name!) members are also Slashdot readers, unless they are members of big corporations who are using their membership for ballot stuffing...
Okay, you got me, tim. Which one is the thought provoker? What is up with this format anyway?
What many people seem to miss is that this case was decided through summary judgement, a legal process used when the suit or it's defense has no merit. In short, no actual testimony was heard in court. MP3.com will obviouly appeal, and they will win the appeal - the summary judgement in so complex a case was not valid, and was probably made by a judge either intimidated by the RIAA or unfarmiliar with the fundamental issues of the case. We will be hearing much more about this, and debating the facts now is stupid since the facts were much ignored, so much so that MP3.com was denied a real trial.
3Com has also expressed in interest in LAN-based telephony (?) and some new call-center technologies. Can't wait to see what develops!
It's just Centry 21, 20th Century Fox, and Century of Progress productions that are in trouble. Version numbers are completely screwed. Everyone knows it doesn't matter. Photoshop 5.5 is not a worthy upgrade from 5.0, Mac OS 9 is not much different then 8.6. Dreamweaver 3 is a great improvement over 2. People will still upgrade based on reviews, features, and advice, not by number. REAL computer users know the difference between hype and reality.
The article brings up, offhand, a bit about privacy concerns. However, since these files were publically available over the school Intranet, that doesn't really apply. Now, I am completely against anyone monitoring my net usage, but when you post illegal content on a school site, they have a right to take it down, and I think CMU acted well here - no harsh punishments, no overreactions, just logical punishment that is fair.
What worries me a lot more than CMU is the fact that the RIAA is forcing colleges to monitor content for compliance with their "rules." Since when can the RIAA enforce laws? Especially since the article doesn't say whether the songs were ripped by those posting them (legal, as long as no one who doesn't own it downloads it!), or which songs were available. Hmm....
I thought I said they didn't build a good early warning system themselves, and this is an easy way to look at one of the best around. I never said anyone was subhuman. We would do it too, here in the US. We love to see other's technology and take it. I just don't see why they thought it was important to fix their own system, if it's so important to keep funding their other military programs.
Yeah, US, Russia, big deal. This is obviously needed, but really it's just giving Russia a sneak peak at our top secret early-warning system, since they aren't smart enought to build a good one themselves. This was all a Russian ploy to get into our systems, maybe? Why didn't we just help them fix their systems?
Oh, and about nuclear power plants - meltdowns are coming! I don't think we can avoid this one, with hundreds of plants still not Y2K ready! Maybe we should just shut them all down for a few hundred years.
-------------------
Visit Mind.Wire, the new web site for intelligent science, technology, and mathematics discussion. http://www.mindwire.org
I had this idea years ago. Back then I thought I was the only one who ever thought of this, and that I would be rich and famous some day. Hah! Lots of people have had this idea, and it's about bloody time someone implemented it. However, you really have to be wary of sound coming through FM. That's gotta deteriorate the quality somewhat, no? I find nicely encoded MP3s at 128 bits stereo sound great. No one I've tried it on can figure out the difference between MP3 and CD of the same song. I say, bring it on!!!
And when are we gonna see DVD-MP3 players? Imagine, your entire music collection on a single DVD.
By the way, check out my new site, a Slashdot-like thing for Math/Science/Technology discussion, at http://www.mindwire.org
Apple's QuickTime 4.0 allows vector graphics and animations and such. It's not an open standard yet, but once it is morphed into MPEG-4, it will be. I've already seen some sites that use QT for graphics, and it's not that shabby.
Apple knows that the eOne is ugly and not as complete a ripoff as the Daewoo/Future Power one. However, they have an obligation to sue so that other computer manufacturers won't follow eMachines lead. Will they win the lawsuit? Possibly. Does it matter? Not much - they are trying to discourage others. Daewoo can bring it up if they DIDN'T sue eMachines in their case and how Apple only selectively cares about their patents.
Don't diss Apple - they worked for almost a year on their distinctive design, and they brought in experts to work out the plastics and such. They are almost required to protect their design. Like Palm and the DaVinci knockoff - they HAVE to fight back, or else everyone will think it's okay!
PPC IS cheaper than PII (I don't know about Celeron), and it comes standard with usually 1MB of backside cache! The price comes from Apple, who, because of their minority position, needs to mark up machines a lot to recoup their R&D investment. The chips themselves are dirt cheap.
no, it doesn't. it uses MP4, which is NOT a standard, it is a marketing ploy, and a closed system for music distribution that is encrypted. MPEG 4 has not come out yet, but when it does, it will be based primarily on - you guessed it - QuickTime.
Normally, I'd agree with you. But just you wait. Wild Wild West will die a fiery, celebrity -packed, no-story death. The end is near!
Hmm...in a flask? He he. I'm missing the thing about the heat, I'm worried about the 16 bits, i don't like the memory part, and I wonder what intoxicants can do to it, but, other than that... :-)