Listening to NPR this morning, I heard a very brief story about "DVD copying software" being posted on the internet and a "lawsuit being brought against dozens of websites". Two points here. First, DeCSS is not "copying software". Second a restraing order is not a "lawsuit". I think it is a pretty crappy tactic to pursuade the news media to report such things. I don't blame NPR, I blame the movie industry for feeding them the story in such a form. BTW, there was now mention of breaking encryption or Linux development, etc. It just sounded like all the posters were a bunch of pirates and thieves.
I wholeheartedly support boycotts of these organizations, but otherwise feel relatively helpless (one of the small guys) against them. However, one "talent" I have and am respected for (by those who don't have the talent) is my knack for "anything computer".
I am trying to make a living with this talent and get *so* tired of those without the talent making decisions like those made by whoever at amazon and etoys (and the others), and thereby putting my livelyhood at risk. If I find out that organizations that I provide services for do crap like that, I will just withhold services from them (I will try anyway). If all who disagree with these litigous companies would do the same, I think the companies would finally wake up.
For example, I know that VALinux provides services for etoys.com and I would bet that not many people at VA like what etoys has done. So, pull the plug on them. Withhold your services. I know that someone from VA reads slashdot, so what do you say?
If this community is no different than what came before, then bye-bye.
PS. I successfully posted this by replying to a reply and not previewing first. I don't know which made it work, but if you've had trouble posting to this topic, you might try one or both.
My first gut reaction is that those who propogate "unsolicited bulk e-mail" should die a horribly painful death. But....
It should be illegal. "If I am elected president, criminalizing unsolicited bulk e-mail will be the first item of legislation I push for" would be the campaign promise to single-handedly win the coming election. Please don't moderate this as funny, because I am deadly serious. I don't know anyone who likes "spam".
I got one today that said: "If you don't want this e-mail, just delete it, don't have a cow." If I had a physical address....
Please, let's put some of these people in jail and STOP THE MADNESS....ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
I am biased because I own Corel stock, but I only own Corel stock because of their (extended) Linux involvement. I consider myself a part of the Linux/Open Source community (advocacy and training). I consider Corel a part of the Linux/Open Source community.
This community can only reject a "member" thru consensus and peer-pressure. Bruce tried to leverage his popular community power to persuade others to "reject" Corel. That offended me, because I think Corels involvement in the Community is a "Good Thing". So I added my voice to the peer-pressure/consensus to "reject" Bruce's position. I believe that Bruce has contributed a lot to the growth of Linux/Open Source. But I also believe that Corel's involvement at this point is critical. So, in this case, I was very glad to see Bruce's misstep corrected ("slapped down" *was* too harsh).
The community is open to all. I think some of our major luminaries have even "welcomed" Microsoft to create their own distribution. Corel has been a part of the Linux Community for well over a year now. They were the *first* existing MS-bound ISV to offer an existing commercial product ported to Linux. In *my* mind, if Bruce Perens went away right now, I don't think that would set back the growth of Linux as much as if Corel went away right now. Hopefully, neither will, and both will learn from their missteps and we will all move forward together. (fade in music here;)
I can see that. But, their success or failure directly impacts the growth of Linux. If they fail, it may not be muched noticed by the Linux/Open Source community, *but* if they succeed (which I have bet on), those *outside* the community (ordinarily MS ISV's) will notice and the rate of growth for Linux will be much greater because people will soon be able to use their favorite software on Linux instead of Windows. I *want* all of those other ISV's to start porting their software. I *want* Print Shop for Linux. I *want* Tomb Raider for Linux. I *want* [you get the point] for Linux.
I have my doubts that Bruce Perens will become an elder statesperson in the world of Linux/OpenSource. (Roblimo might.) Right now, he has a certain level of popularity, but he seems to create more contention than consensus wherever he goes. (Anyway, that's more of what *I* hear.) As the movement grows and becomes more mainstream, people like Bruce will have served their purpose (that being to make noise and draw attention to that movement), and then, if they can't integrate themselves into the "larger" community, be silently forgotten or ignored.
I bought Corel stock. I think Corel is critical to the success of the acceptance of Linux and Open Source. Other ISV's are watching. If Corel says "screw bruce, screw gnu, and screw linux", then we as a community or a revolution or an MS competitor will have a much harder time being accepted. Fortunately, the fact that Bruce was "slapped down" so quickly should be an encouraging sign to Corel and other companies that many in our community do see the importance of their involvement.
People in positions of popularity such as Bruce, cannot be expected to act differently than they normally do just because they are popular. I'm just glad the community and movement is strong enough to absorb missteps that occur. I think the true elder statespersons will be those who breed consensus in the community, those who continually provide improvements to the software, and those who provide advocacy, training, and forums for community. Whether Bruce will remain in enough of these catagories remains to be seen.
Ya know, I been readin an hearin bout linix and this distro from coral for a long time now and have been lookin forward to downloadin and installin it. Sounds just like the kinda thing I been waitn for. I shovel about 20-25 tons a coal a day an when I get home, I just dont have time to learn how to install any of them other distros. So, when I hear the announcement bout this distro, I go to the download site and whats the first thing I find out? I AINT ALLOWED TO DOWNLOAD IT! Well, that just sucks! I aint gonna quit my j...huh....
I would like to see Linux leapfrog Microsoft for features in this area. Why can't someone code a really cool feature that can used with Mozilla first ("extend" apache to provide the feature). Then, write an open license so that if Microsoft wants to incorporate it, they would have to open up their entire browser (and since that's a part of the operating system, I guess they'd have to open up that as well;-). It would need to be really cool, like internal collapsing/expanding page sections (that don't use any current techniques), or text-reading voice-synth links. Anyway the point being, what stops open-source developers from "extending" current standards and then depending on the open-source licenses to prevent MS from incorporating these features in their products? They are *not* the true innovators.
Freedom is not something one is given by another. It is always "taken" (expressed) for one's self. Whether or not an individual "siezes" that freedom depends on his/her courage. Less courage is required in some societies than in others. US society requires little courage to express one's freedom. When Mr. Katz says that the US is not free, he is merely admitting that he thinks it requires a lot courage for someone to speak out about some controversial issue. It always requires courage to speak out about issues that are not popular around you, if you care about what the people around you think about what you say. I don't care about what Mr. Katz has to say. Personally, I resent the title of his article. It is the *only* reason I read it. In my opinion, he didn't have that much intelligent to say. I get the feeling that he wanted to write controversially for the sake of being controversial. Slashdot has given him this forum (and me, I'll admit) to say whatever he pleases. So he demonstrates his courage by giving us this opinion piece. But frankly, I usually find his opinions either uninformed or self-serving. I have avoided his articles since a recent book review on TBL but fell prey to his catchy title this time. Believe me, that was no accident. Mine wasn't either. How many of you clicked mine because of it's title. Well I suppose that if this gets moderated down, I'll just have to go cry about how slashdot and the good old US are just not very free places. Give me a f' break!
One way to start 2 X-servers with different color depths on one machine: startx --:0 vt07 -bpp 16 startx --:1 vt08 -bpp 32 Then you can ctrl-alt-F7 and ctrl-alt-f8 to toggle between them. (Of course you'll have to get back to another virtual console after the first command with ctrl-alt-F2 or something.) You can use tty08 instead of vt08. Just be sure you don't use a virtual console that has a getty(login) on it. You might lose your keyboard. You can even have the second server use a completely different XF86Config file if you want. There are probably other ways to do this as well.
If you've the resources (memory), you can run a second X-server on another virtual console with a different color-depth. (Don't remember the exact command) We used to do that in our lab so we could go play quake or something without rebooting and so on. (Must of done too much of this, my memory is failing;). It's not exactly "on the fly", but it was useful.
1) Running Linux - (the one reviewed here) 2) Linux in a Nutshell - Ellen Siever Et. al (2nd Ed - O'Reilly) 3) Beginning Linux Programming - Matthew & Stones (WROX Press)
Is the LSB really a good idea for Linux distributions and Open Source software or is it in conflict with the ideals of Open Source? I have followed the activity on the LSB lists for over a year now, and it looks more and more constraining to me. I wonder if we are giving away too much in the rush to attract more ISV's, many of whom will provide "closed source" products. Don't get me wrong - I want more products, open and/or closed, but I also want to retain the "anarchist" innovation that we enjoy.
I would bet that if you asked Tim Berners-Lee or Linus Torvalds if they even had an inkling of how big their creations would grow when they started, they would each admit it wasn't something they ever thought about until it happened. These are quiet creators, which is probably why they're both so nice. I would also guess that if Linus Torvalds wrote a book about "Creating Linux" that Jon Katz would also think the style was "somewhere between low-key and comatose", but guess what, I would probably go buy it and read it anyway. However, what I won't bother reading anymore are book reviews by Jon Katz, because when I read a book review, I am looking for is the reviewer's fair opinion of the book, not his opinions about the "harsh Darwinian reality" he seems so frightened of. What bothers me Mr. Katz is that you tried to disguise your rant as a book review and it was very unfair to Mr. Berners-Lee. You should go try to quietly create something nice.
but just can't afford it. I came last year and brought 6 students with me. We all had a GREAT time! The program this year looks even more outstanding, what with the Usenix participation and all. I live in Central US and so attending this one is a more realistic option than going to CA or NY. However, I'm not interested in coming *just* for the free keynotes and floor show. I want to do the conference sessions (and tutorials). I really think more people would come for the conference if it were more affordable and I think the exhibitors would see a better return as well. Not that the free stuff is a bad idea. I just think the conference prices (not just yours) cut out too many people like me. I *really* regret that I cannot come this year.
Slashdot Mirror
Listening to NPR this morning, I heard a very brief story about "DVD copying software" being posted on the internet and a "lawsuit being brought against dozens of websites". Two points here. First, DeCSS is not "copying software". Second a restraing order is not a "lawsuit". I think it is a pretty crappy tactic to pursuade the news media to report such things. I don't blame NPR, I blame the movie industry for feeding them the story in such a form. BTW, there was now mention of breaking encryption or Linux development, etc. It just sounded like all the posters were a bunch of pirates and thieves.
You divided by zero in your third-from-last step.
X-Y=0
;-)
Good point! Let's hear ESR's explanation of this. What's the difference between "obscurity" and "minimum disclosure"?
I wholeheartedly support boycotts of these organizations, but otherwise feel relatively helpless (one of the small guys) against them. However, one "talent" I have and am respected for (by those who don't have the talent) is my knack for "anything computer".
I am trying to make a living with this talent and get *so* tired of those without the talent making decisions like those made by whoever at amazon and etoys (and the others), and thereby putting my livelyhood at risk. If I find out that organizations that I provide services for do crap like that, I will just withhold services from them (I will try anyway). If all who disagree with these litigous companies would do the same, I think the companies would finally wake up.
For example, I know that VALinux provides services for etoys.com and I would bet that not many people at VA like what etoys has done. So, pull the plug on them. Withhold your services. I know that someone from VA reads slashdot, so what do you say?
If this community is no different than what came before, then bye-bye.
PS. I successfully posted this by replying to a reply and not previewing first. I don't know which made it work, but if you've had trouble posting to this topic, you might try one or both.
What is wrong with this article?
Why can't I reply to the main article?
It should be illegal. "If I am elected president, criminalizing unsolicited bulk e-mail will be the first item of legislation I push for" would be the campaign promise to single-handedly win the coming election. Please don't moderate this as funny, because I am deadly serious. I don't know anyone who likes "spam".
I got one today that said: "If you don't want this e-mail, just delete it, don't have a cow." If I had a physical address....
Please, let's put some of these people in jail and STOP THE MADNESS....ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Boycott etoys.com !!
Boycot etoys.com !!1 56208 .sig til Christmas!
see: http://www.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=99/12/01/2
Put it in your
Here's more recent info on the subject:
From this summer (cached from google)
And even some info on the code
That would be a fun class. (see also Melody Moore)
I am biased because I own Corel stock, but I only own Corel stock because of their (extended) Linux involvement. I consider myself a part of the Linux/Open Source community (advocacy and training). I consider Corel a part of the Linux/Open Source community.
;)
This community can only reject a "member" thru consensus and peer-pressure. Bruce tried to leverage his popular community power to persuade others to "reject" Corel. That offended me, because I think Corels involvement in the Community is a "Good Thing". So I added my voice to the peer-pressure/consensus to "reject" Bruce's position. I believe that Bruce has contributed a lot to the growth of Linux/Open Source. But I also believe that Corel's involvement at this point is critical. So, in this case, I was very glad to see Bruce's misstep corrected ("slapped down" *was* too harsh).
The community is open to all. I think some of our major luminaries have even "welcomed" Microsoft to create their own distribution. Corel has been a part of the Linux Community for well over a year now. They were the *first* existing MS-bound ISV to offer an existing commercial product ported to Linux. In *my* mind, if Bruce Perens went away right now, I don't think that would set back the growth of Linux as much as if Corel went away right now. Hopefully, neither will, and both will learn from their missteps and we will all move forward together. (fade in music here
I can see that. But, their success or failure directly impacts the growth of Linux. If they fail, it may not be muched noticed by the Linux/Open Source community, *but* if they succeed (which I have bet on), those *outside* the community (ordinarily MS ISV's) will notice and the rate of growth for Linux will be much greater because people will soon be able to use their favorite software on Linux instead of Windows. I *want* all of those other ISV's to start porting their software. I *want* Print Shop for Linux. I *want* Tomb Raider for Linux. I *want* [you get the point] for Linux.
I have my doubts that Bruce Perens will become an elder statesperson in the world of Linux/OpenSource. (Roblimo might.) Right now, he has a certain level of popularity, but he seems to create more contention than consensus wherever he goes. (Anyway, that's more of what *I* hear.) As the movement grows and becomes more mainstream, people like Bruce will have served their purpose (that being to make noise and draw attention to that movement), and then, if they can't integrate themselves into the "larger" community, be silently forgotten or ignored.
I bought Corel stock. I think Corel is critical to the success of the acceptance of Linux and Open Source. Other ISV's are watching. If Corel says "screw bruce, screw gnu, and screw linux", then we as a community or a revolution or an MS competitor will have a much harder time being accepted. Fortunately, the fact that Bruce was "slapped down" so quickly should be an encouraging sign to Corel and other companies that many in our community do see the importance of their involvement.
People in positions of popularity such as Bruce, cannot be expected to act differently than they normally do just because they are popular. I'm just glad the community and movement is strong enough to absorb missteps that occur. I think the true elder statespersons will be those who breed consensus in the community, those who continually provide improvements to the software, and those who provide advocacy, training, and forums for community. Whether Bruce will remain in enough of these catagories remains to be seen.
Ya know, I been readin an hearin bout linix and this distro from coral for a long time now and have been lookin forward to downloadin and installin it. Sounds just like the kinda thing I been waitn for. I shovel about 20-25 tons a coal a day an when I get home, I just dont have time to learn how to install any of them other distros. So, when I hear the announcement bout this distro, I go to the download site and whats the first thing I find out? I AINT ALLOWED TO DOWNLOAD IT! Well, that just sucks! I aint gonna quit my j...huh....
Oh...nevermind
In the detailed reports they stated that each NIC was bound to a CPU.
I would like to see Linux leapfrog Microsoft for features in this area. Why can't someone code a really cool feature that can used with Mozilla first ("extend" apache to provide the feature). Then, write an open license so that if Microsoft wants to incorporate it, they would have to open up their entire browser (and since that's a part of the operating system, I guess they'd have to open up that as well ;-). It would need to be really cool, like internal collapsing/expanding page sections (that don't use any current techniques), or text-reading voice-synth links. Anyway the point being, what stops open-source developers from "extending" current standards and then depending on the open-source licenses to prevent MS from incorporating these features in their products? They are *not* the true innovators.
Freedom is not something one is given by another. It is always "taken" (expressed) for one's self. Whether or not an individual "siezes" that freedom depends on his/her courage. Less courage is required in some societies than in others. US society requires little courage to express one's freedom. When Mr. Katz says that the US is not free, he is merely admitting that he thinks it requires a lot courage for someone to speak out about some controversial issue. It always requires courage to speak out about issues that are not popular around you, if you care about what the people around you think about what you say.
I don't care about what Mr. Katz has to say. Personally, I resent the title of his article. It is the *only* reason I read it. In my opinion, he didn't have that much intelligent to say. I get the feeling that he wanted to write controversially for the sake of being controversial. Slashdot has given him this forum (and me, I'll admit) to say whatever he pleases. So he demonstrates his courage by giving us this opinion piece. But frankly, I usually find his opinions either uninformed or self-serving. I have avoided his articles since a recent book review on TBL but fell prey to his catchy title this time. Believe me, that was no accident. Mine wasn't either. How many of you clicked mine because of it's title. Well I suppose that if this gets moderated down, I'll just have to go cry about how slashdot and the good old US are just not very free places.
Give me a f' break!
Haven't looked at many .src.rpm's on
US Red Hat mirrors lately, have you?
One way to start 2 X-servers with different color depths on one machine: :0 vt07 -bpp 16 :1 vt08 -bpp 32
startx --
startx --
Then you can ctrl-alt-F7 and ctrl-alt-f8 to toggle between them.
(Of course you'll have to get back to another virtual console after the first command with ctrl-alt-F2 or something.) You can use tty08 instead of vt08. Just be sure you don't use a virtual console that has a getty(login) on it. You might lose your keyboard. You can even have the second server use a completely different XF86Config file if you want. There are probably other ways to do this as well.
If you've the resources (memory), you can run a second X-server on another virtual console with a different color-depth. (Don't remember the exact command) We used to do that in our lab so we could go play quake or something without rebooting and so on. (Must of done too much of this, my memory is failing ;). It's not exactly "on the fly", but it was useful.
;)
If you're *really* on a budget, check out the
Linux Installation and Getting Started Guide.
http://www.linuxdoc.org/doc.html#guide
1) Running Linux - (the one reviewed here)
2) Linux in a Nutshell - Ellen Siever Et. al
(2nd Ed - O'Reilly)
3) Beginning Linux Programming - Matthew & Stones
(WROX Press)
Is the LSB really a good idea for Linux distributions and Open Source software or is it in conflict with the ideals of Open Source? I have followed the activity on the LSB lists for over a year now, and it looks more and more constraining to me. I wonder if we are giving away too much in the rush to attract more ISV's, many of whom will provide "closed source" products. Don't get me wrong - I want more products, open and/or closed, but I also want to retain the "anarchist" innovation that we enjoy.
Imagine reading /. one year ago...
Who'd a thought that Microsoft would ever pay someone to play games on Linux?
I would bet that if you asked Tim Berners-Lee or Linus Torvalds if they even had an inkling of how big their creations would grow when they started, they would each admit it wasn't something they ever thought about until it happened. These are quiet creators, which is probably why they're both so nice. I would also guess that if Linus Torvalds wrote a book about "Creating Linux" that Jon Katz would also think the style was "somewhere between low-key and comatose", but guess what, I would probably go buy it and read it anyway. However, what I won't bother reading anymore are book reviews by Jon Katz, because when I read a book review, I am looking for is the reviewer's fair opinion of the book, not his opinions about the "harsh Darwinian reality" he seems so frightened of. What bothers me Mr. Katz is that you tried to disguise your rant as a book review and it was very unfair to Mr. Berners-Lee. You should go try to quietly create something nice.
but just can't afford it.
I came last year and brought 6 students
with me. We all had a GREAT time!
The program this year looks even more
outstanding, what with the Usenix
participation and all. I live in
Central US and so attending this one
is a more realistic option than going
to CA or NY. However, I'm not interested
in coming *just* for the free keynotes and
floor show. I want to do the conference
sessions (and tutorials). I really think more
people would come for the conference if it were
more affordable and I think the exhibitors
would see a better return as well. Not that
the free stuff is a bad idea. I just think
the conference prices (not just yours) cut out
too many people like me. I *really* regret
that I cannot come this year.