The Dutch sociologist Kees Schuyt formulated a number of rules for something to classify as ethical disobedience (rather than eg anarchist revolt or petty crime). Gandhi formulated a similar set of rules for his non-violent protest.
My hairdresser can come up with a set of rules with just as much validity, as I don't see the sun shining out of Schuyt's or Gandhi's arses. As there is no objective standard, their opinions are just that: opinions. Mine, for what it's worth, is to just disobey the law, assuming whatever level of risk with which you're comfortable. Working to change it is good, but not mandatory.
We've all seen the classic beer commercial. Some guy is bored and alone. Then he cracks open a beer and suddenly this amazing party materializes out of nowhere and bunch of adoring super-models surround the guy like he's the hottest guy on the planet.'
You say that like it's a good thing! Whenever it happens to me, it just interferes with getting back to the lab.
It may be ready for the web servers that you nerds use to distribute your TRON fanzines and personal Dungeons and Dragons web-sights across the world wide web,
That too.
but the average computer user isn't going to spend months learning how to use a CLI and then hours compiling packages so that they can get a workable graphic interface to check their mail with,
Yes, they are.
especially not when they already have a Windows machine that does its job perfectly well
I don't think that word means what you think it does.
and is backed by a major corporation,
Ditto
as opposed to Linux which is only supported by a few unemployed nerds
So, they have plenty of time to ensure it works well and to help you with your problems.
living in their mother's basement somewhere.
They save money on not having corporate headquarters and pass the savings on to you!
The last thing I want is a level 5 dwarf (haha) providing me my OS.
To reach level 5 dwarf, one needs an OS rating of (pinky to mouth) ONE MILLION.
'So how should we be choosing and celebrating free software's past achievements?'
Well, there are enough projects so that, like saints' days, there is something to celebrate every day. For, celebration involves tasty alcoholic beverages and comfy women (well, woman really; my wife).
'And what is "fair" is totally stacked against the state, and in favor of the defendant.'
Yes; the State only gets to make the laws, the rules of evidence, appoint the judges (at least at the higher levels), have a very large group of investigators working specifically for them, and unlimited time and budget, while the accused has a whole lawyer and a gumshoe.
Actually, I remember the old, fully automated systems: one picked up the phone, turned a crank, spoke (e.g.) "Hello, Mabel. I would like to talk to Frank at the garage", waited a moment, and magically one was connected to Frank!
Voice recognition and no need to memorise the number!
'... threats to our democratic processes are significant if all top level government network security and monitoring are handled by any one organization... '
Probably apocryphal, but I heard of one judge declaring "[Companies] have no bodies to kick, nor souls to damn; so you're all responsible [referring to the directors/owners]".
Slashdot Mirror
My hairdresser can come up with a set of rules with just as much validity, as I don't see the sun shining out of Schuyt's or Gandhi's arses. As there is no objective standard, their opinions are just that: opinions. Mine, for what it's worth, is to just disobey the law, assuming whatever level of risk with which you're comfortable. Working to change it is good, but not mandatory.
You say that like it's a good thing! Whenever it happens to me, it just interferes with getting back to the lab.
Actually, the real question is: what are the contract conditions for getting the free iTouch or iPhone?
Well, tell Amazon, not /.
Send them a snail mail letter. Since that takes effort, it counts for a lot.
'Wow, that are some insanely tight proofreading their, editors.'
Fixed that for you.
Not another bloody mime!
Yes, it is.
That too.
Yes, they are.
I don't think that word means what you think it does.
Ditto
So, they have plenty of time to ensure it works well and to help you with your problems.
They save money on not having corporate headquarters and pass the savings on to you!
To reach level 5 dwarf, one needs an OS rating of (pinky to mouth) ONE MILLION.
No, ordinary human rights.
Yes, but with the State, not each other.
It's just like staying in the comfort of your own home, indulging in your hobby of programming, only you're somewhere else!
'So how should we be choosing and celebrating free software's past achievements?'
Well, there are enough projects so that, like saints' days, there is something to celebrate every day. For, celebration involves tasty alcoholic beverages and comfy women (well, woman really; my wife).
'And what is "fair" is totally stacked against the state, and in favor of the defendant.'
Yes; the State only gets to make the laws, the rules of evidence, appoint the judges (at least at the higher levels), have a very large group of investigators working specifically for them, and unlimited time and budget, while the accused has a whole lawyer and a gumshoe.
Totally unfair!
'... but for most coders doing business apps, a few programming classes are all that is needed.'
Yes, and we all know how reliable, secure, and performant business apps are. :)
(Sorry, I'm always most cynical this early
no-goods in constraint programming.
'(c) to impair the operation of any such program or the reliability of any such data'
Screensaver operation was impaired by changing the picture.
Actually, I remember the old, fully automated systems: one picked up the phone, turned a crank, spoke (e.g.) "Hello, Mabel. I would like to talk to Frank at the garage", waited a moment, and magically one was connected to Frank!
Voice recognition and no need to memorise the number!
'... threats to our democratic processes are significant if all top level government network security and monitoring are handled by any one organization... '
Like the government?
We had the women's underwear section of the Sears' catalogue stored conveniently in the outhouse.
'I'm guessing that they've done a little bit of research before going down this road.'
Yes, very little.
Moving up the food chain; hmmm, what's next above melamine? polyvinyl chloride?
Principia Mathematica. It's all there ;^)
Probably apocryphal, but I heard of one judge declaring "[Companies] have no bodies to kick, nor souls to damn; so you're all responsible [referring to the directors/owners]".
I think this is a good attitude.
Just make sure you select the correct home!
No, but it has a weather report.
Brown Squirts of Death.
Corrected that for you ;^)