I can bash Americans because I am one. Besides, I have an Antec case+PSU that cost about $65 together and has not given me a single problem in the 3 1/2 years I've used it. The point is, buy a decent brand, one that is well recognized, not some overpriced noname.
Basic Rule #1 - the case should cost you at least $75 without a PSU (and not because it's aluminum with a goofy window in the side). Rule #2 - the PSU should cost more than the case.
You definately are an American with the stereotypical mentality that if it costs more, it must be better. Don't judge the quality of a component based solely on its price. By your logic, I could have my 7yo put together a case made from cardboard, and as long as I charge enough it will be acceptable. Hmm../me thinks.
This can also work in reverse. Say a small company starts up that poses a threat to Microsoft. They can simply label it as "spyware" and problem solved. Since the small company doesn't likely have the revenue to attack Microsoft in court, MS wins by default.
Even still, cpuid in windows will get you the FSB/CPU speeds which if you know thing-one about your processor [which I assume most geeks do] they'll know the correct speeds.
I own an AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (Barton) processor. If I run it at stock speed, wcpuid reports the name string as "AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2500+". If I up the FSB to where it is now (208MHz), it reports it as a 3200+. There is no indication that I've found anywhere (BIOS screen or wcpuid) that indicates that this isn't actually a 3200+ processor other than the fact that the FSB has been increased. If I tampered with the bridges on my CPU to increase the clock multiplier or the default FSB, I could make this chip indistinguishable from an authentic 3200+ chip -- at least from a software perspective.
However, I could always look at the serial number on the processor to find out what the speed is supposed to be or look for physical evidence of tampering. I bet the people who are selling these chips are probably selling them in pre-built systems, to oems (who don't necessarily check the serial #'s on every chip), or to Joe Sixpack's who probably couldn't tell the difference to begin with. People who are "in the know" probably wouldn't buy from these guys anyway.
I remember them well. I wasn't at the very top of their pyramid, but I wasn't at the bottom, either. I was lucky enough to have a DSL connection back then (late '98-early '99) with a nice upload speed, so I was able to become one of the distribution FTPs. Once you established your "legitness", you'd easily be able to get movies 2 weeks or more, sometimes a month even, before they actually came out in theaters. I remember I had "The Matrix" three weeks before it ever came out. I thought I was cool shit, then again I was doing this as a rather naive 12 year old.
Let me get this straight, you used your OWN DSL connection to share (illegal) copyrighted material! Man, I'm glad you're not my child! First phreaker's commandment: "Thou shalt not use thine home phone"
Personally, I'd rather not take the chance. If Global Warming has only a 10% chance of being true, then the odds are still way too high, because the consequences are catastrophic.
At my job I have the opportunity to see humanity at its best (or worst depending on your perspective). From what I've seen, Mother Earth would be much better off without us.
Humans are not the only form of life on this planet and if our actions drive us to extinction, we should consider it evolution.
I bought my copy through steam and now I have to connect to steam every time I want to play. If their server is down or my net connection dies then I can't play. This is complete BS! There are pirated copies of the game in circulation which indicates that their copy protection is nothing more than a major PITA to their customers. I'm sure I am not alone in thinking that I should not have to ask mommy (i.e. their game servers) permission to play a game I own! What if this sort of activation scheme extends beyond games? Imagine having to ask Microsoft if you can use your computer each time you boot it.
As soon as I can get a crack for this nonsense, I will.
VMD is a high quality format with unparalleled built-in copyright protection that offers the most cost effective solution for next generation optical media.
Great, another promising technology crippled by DRM.
This is supposed to be a selling point?
Some, on being told have actually said "We shouldn't have to be computer wizzes to use the internet"
Yeah, and you don't have to be an auto mechanic to drive a car either, but you do have to know about some basic maintenence. Running windows update is MUCH easier than performing an oil change or tire rotation so what's the problem? The problem is that a new car usually costs in excess of $10,000 whereas a new Dell might only cost $400 or so. With a car, disregarding routine maintenence might cost them several thousand dollars in repairs, whereas with a computer a sympethetic geek and a case of beer is all that is all they need. If computer repairs costed as much as car repairs, you can bet the students would change their attitude.
Also, if a car has a defective safty/warning device (eg. a burned out tail light) the driver will be issued a citation, but nothing happens to someone who fails to update their virus protection or run Windows update. Bottom line is, if it costs them they will listen, if not then you might as well have your conversation with the wall.
840 watt-hours for the whole summer? So you can leave 8 100W bulbs on for ~1 hour (or 4 for 2 hours, 2 for 4 hours, etc) to fill your entire summer lighting quota? You must have some short summers!
...some perv with a laptop uses your open connection to distribute kiddie porn. Then the feds will come busting down YOUR door looking for the perp. Try explaining that one to your wife.
The problem I have with most any firewall software is that it is so easy for a user to circumvent. Most clueless computer users have no idea what a firewall is, let alone a port or IP address -- all they know is that clicking "unblock" will make their programs work. So if the latest version of Smiley Central won't work, the average user will have no hesitation in bypassing the firewall to make it work. They already routinely ignore warnings from web browsers or email clients about clicking attachments, so why would they worry about one more annoying message? Anything that requires an end user to think for themselves is bound to fail in that respect.
You can't blame Microsoft for this problem entirely. A computer is a complex machine that is used by people who are, for the most part, only used to changing channels on their TV's. The average user doesn't give a damn about their computer's security, especially since it rarely affects them when they get 0wn3d. Blaming this on MS would be like blaming microwave manufactures for people frying their kittens in them while attempting to dry them after a bath.
Honostly, do you think the typical computer user is going to bother with this? Firewalls cause certain programs to function improperly. Even if most of those contain malware, the typical user could care less about security. Believe it or not, most clueless computer users actually feel a need to install super similey or comet cursor (et. al). Telling them these programs contain spyware usually illicits a response of "but I need my smileys!"
Backup their data onto CD's? Care to tell me how many CD's that spiffy new 120GB hard drive will take? The attitude most general consumers (not just computer users) have is "What the hell do you think I'm paying you for?"
Not to mention the fact that if anyone offered me $800 to fix their computer, they would get exactly what they wanted, whether or not it's the best option! If the tech in question really cared about this poor user, he would've mentioned that a new computer would be less than the $800 to fix the old one. However natural law states that a fool and his/her money are quickly parted.
As anyone trying to be law abiding, it is wrong and unsound to suggest that any segment of the population be exempt from the laws(or exempt from punishment) no matter your personal views on the law. Certainly support fighiting to change the law. But it is dangerous to engender a disrespect for the law. Using hyperbole in an oft use cliche - would you say the same if they were murderers? What about commiting fraud? Identity theft? Where do you draw the line on crimes that are "ok" or "wrong to sue college students over"?
It's not the fact that they are sueing broke college students and 13 year old children who are, in fact, breaking the law. Rather it's the idea that they are targeting this group specifically since the industry knows these people simply don't have the financial resourses to mount a successful defense. When was the last time you heard of the RIAA sueing a rich lawyer? Never? Wonder why.
To use your analogy, what if the police only apprehended murderers or thieves whom they knew to be unable to afford an adequate defense? The wealthy would be given a free ticket to commit any offense they desire without fear of prosecution.
This will not prevent child abductions at all. In fact, it may even make it more likely that the abduction is successful.
Consider that the device only works within the park -- and that many parents will consider this device as absolute protection. So when Joe Pedophile decides to kidnap a kid, he just has to make sure to get him out of range before anyone has a chance to query the device -- or simply cut off the wrist band. He also has more prey to choose from since more parents will be relying on the device to keep their kid safe.
When I was younger (perhaps 17 or so), I locked my mom's keys in her car. I was just about to go to the payphone to call a locksmith when a passing driver noticed my dillema. It just so happened he was also driving the same car my mom owned (a '93 Ford Escort) and offered to let me try his key. I didn't think it would work, but it was worth a try. Guess what? It worked perfectly! And no, I haven't won the powerball.
not to make it impossible to remove the watermark, but to make it too much trouble. If it is easier/cheaper to write the code from scratch than it is to remove the watermark(s) from existing code, then it has done its job.
Do you think charging innocent people to send legitimate mail will stop spammers? What happens when they install a virus/trojan/worm onto your computer and use that to send their spam. Then YOU get the bill! It's already been done but not for that purpose (yet).
I hate spam as much as anyone but I would not be willing to pay money to stop it. The spammers are the ones who would find a way around payment.
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I can bash Americans because I am one. Besides, I have an Antec case+PSU that cost about $65 together and has not given me a single problem in the 3 1/2 years I've used it. The point is, buy a decent brand, one that is well recognized, not some overpriced noname.
AMD 3.2 GHz Processor? Where did you find one of these? PS Tux runs fine under linux on my AMD 2.2 GHz as well as my 1.7.
Basic Rule #1 - the case should cost you at least $75 without a PSU (and not because it's aluminum with a goofy window in the side). Rule #2 - the PSU should cost more than the case.
You definately are an American with the stereotypical mentality that if it costs more, it must be better. Don't judge the quality of a component based solely on its price. By your logic, I could have my 7yo put together a case made from cardboard, and as long as I charge enough it will be acceptable. Hmm.. /me thinks.
This can also work in reverse. Say a small company starts up that poses a threat to Microsoft. They can simply label it as "spyware" and problem solved. Since the small company doesn't likely have the revenue to attack Microsoft in court, MS wins by default.
You're kidding, right? You'll gladly give up sex with your partner to fix grandma's computer? Trust me, it will become a full time job.
As far as I'm concerned, as long as they think they have a fully functional PC, so be it.
If he's running Windows on his webserver, then frying his motherboard is the least of his worries!
I own an AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (Barton) processor. If I run it at stock speed, wcpuid reports the name string as "AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2500+". If I up the FSB to where it is now (208MHz), it reports it as a 3200+. There is no indication that I've found anywhere (BIOS screen or wcpuid) that indicates that this isn't actually a 3200+ processor other than the fact that the FSB has been increased. If I tampered with the bridges on my CPU to increase the clock multiplier or the default FSB, I could make this chip indistinguishable from an authentic 3200+ chip -- at least from a software perspective.
However, I could always look at the serial number on the processor to find out what the speed is supposed to be or look for physical evidence of tampering. I bet the people who are selling these chips are probably selling them in pre-built systems, to oems (who don't necessarily check the serial #'s on every chip), or to Joe Sixpack's who probably couldn't tell the difference to begin with. People who are "in the know" probably wouldn't buy from these guys anyway.
Let me get this straight, you used your OWN DSL connection to share (illegal) copyrighted material! Man, I'm glad you're not my child! First phreaker's commandment: "Thou shalt not use thine home phone"
My point exactly.
At my job I have the opportunity to see humanity at its best (or worst depending on your perspective). From what I've seen, Mother Earth would be much better off without us.
Humans are not the only form of life on this planet and if our actions drive us to extinction, we should consider it evolution.
I bought my copy through steam and now I have to connect to steam every time I want to play. If their server is down or my net connection dies then I can't play. This is complete BS! There are pirated copies of the game in circulation which indicates that their copy protection is nothing more than a major PITA to their customers. I'm sure I am not alone in thinking that I should not have to ask mommy (i.e. their game servers) permission to play a game I own! What if this sort of activation scheme extends beyond games? Imagine having to ask Microsoft if you can use your computer each time you boot it. As soon as I can get a crack for this nonsense, I will.
Great, another promising technology crippled by DRM. This is supposed to be a selling point?
Some, on being told have actually said "We shouldn't have to be computer wizzes to use the internet"
Yeah, and you don't have to be an auto mechanic to drive a car either, but you do have to know about some basic maintenence. Running windows update is MUCH easier than performing an oil change or tire rotation so what's the problem? The problem is that a new car usually costs in excess of $10,000 whereas a new Dell might only cost $400 or so. With a car, disregarding routine maintenence might cost them several thousand dollars in repairs, whereas with a computer a sympethetic geek and a case of beer is all that is all they need. If computer repairs costed as much as car repairs, you can bet the students would change their attitude.
Also, if a car has a defective safty/warning device (eg. a burned out tail light) the driver will be issued a citation, but nothing happens to someone who fails to update their virus protection or run Windows update. Bottom line is, if it costs them they will listen, if not then you might as well have your conversation with the wall.
840 watt-hours for the whole summer? So you can leave 8 100W bulbs on for ~1 hour (or 4 for 2 hours, 2 for 4 hours, etc) to fill your entire summer lighting quota? You must have some short summers!
...some perv with a laptop uses your open connection to distribute kiddie porn. Then the feds will come busting down YOUR door looking for the perp. Try explaining that one to your wife.
The problem I have with most any firewall software is that it is so easy for a user to circumvent. Most clueless computer users have no idea what a firewall is, let alone a port or IP address -- all they know is that clicking "unblock" will make their programs work. So if the latest version of Smiley Central won't work, the average user will have no hesitation in bypassing the firewall to make it work. They already routinely ignore warnings from web browsers or email clients about clicking attachments, so why would they worry about one more annoying message? Anything that requires an end user to think for themselves is bound to fail in that respect.
You can't blame Microsoft for this problem entirely. A computer is a complex machine that is used by people who are, for the most part, only used to changing channels on their TV's. The average user doesn't give a damn about their computer's security, especially since it rarely affects them when they get 0wn3d. Blaming this on MS would be like blaming microwave manufactures for people frying their kittens in them while attempting to dry them after a bath.
Honostly, do you think the typical computer user is going to bother with this? Firewalls cause certain programs to function improperly. Even if most of those contain malware, the typical user could care less about security. Believe it or not, most clueless computer users actually feel a need to install super similey or comet cursor (et. al). Telling them these programs contain spyware usually illicits a response of "but I need my smileys!"
Backup their data onto CD's? Care to tell me how many CD's that spiffy new 120GB hard drive will take? The attitude most general consumers (not just computer users) have is "What the hell do you think I'm paying you for?"
Not to mention the fact that if anyone offered me $800 to fix their computer, they would get exactly what they wanted, whether or not it's the best option! If the tech in question really cared about this poor user, he would've mentioned that a new computer would be less than the $800 to fix the old one. However natural law states that a fool and his/her money are quickly parted.
It's not the fact that they are sueing broke college students and 13 year old children who are, in fact, breaking the law. Rather it's the idea that they are targeting this group specifically since the industry knows these people simply don't have the financial resourses to mount a successful defense. When was the last time you heard of the RIAA sueing a rich lawyer? Never? Wonder why.
To use your analogy, what if the police only apprehended murderers or thieves whom they knew to be unable to afford an adequate defense? The wealthy would be given a free ticket to commit any offense they desire without fear of prosecution.
This will not prevent child abductions at all. In fact, it may even make it more likely that the abduction is successful.
Consider that the device only works within the park -- and that many parents will consider this device as absolute protection. So when Joe Pedophile decides to kidnap a kid, he just has to make sure to get him out of range before anyone has a chance to query the device -- or simply cut off the wrist band. He also has more prey to choose from since more parents will be relying on the device to keep their kid safe.
False sense of security anyone?
When I was younger (perhaps 17 or so), I locked my mom's keys in her car. I was just about to go to the payphone to call a locksmith when a passing driver noticed my dillema. It just so happened he was also driving the same car my mom owned (a '93 Ford Escort) and offered to let me try his key. I didn't think it would work, but it was worth a try. Guess what? It worked perfectly! And no, I haven't won the powerball.
Now that would make a mess!
maybe they CAN enlarge my penis!
not to make it impossible to remove the watermark, but to make it too much trouble. If it is easier/cheaper to write the code from scratch than it is to remove the watermark(s) from existing code, then it has done its job.
I hate spam as much as anyone but I would not be willing to pay money to stop it. The spammers are the ones who would find a way around payment.
Instead of making the clothes smarter, they should try making the people wearing them smarter!