Gmail seemed like a really cool idea for about 10 minutes, until everybody suddenly remembered that we don't care about web-based e-mail.
How can you say that with a straight face? What evidence do you have that no one cares about web-based email services? Just by applying common sense you should be able to figure out that for the average user web-based mail is more appropriate and attractive. It allows for storage of a large amount of email, sortable into folders, accessible from anywhere in the world at any time, without any concern for operating system, computer specs or software configuration. Add into this the ability to POP the email, for those wanting to use a standard client, while still maintaining the email on the server in its sorted format. Add again the ability to search, sort and scan this email in a multitude of ways and web-based mail definitely looks attractive.
In my professional experience, dealing with members of the general public on a day to day basis, the email addresses given to me as primary contact points prove this out. 50% are Yahoo addresses, 20% are Hotmail addresses, 20% are Gmail addresses and 10% are "other".
Looks like web-based email is definitely "The Peoples Choice".
Doesn't the choice to change processor basically give Apple and their users more options? If Apple release hardware that can run not only their own much loved OSX operating system, but also Windows, Linux and *BSD that it removes one of the major arguments about getting an Apple. Namely, "I can't run XXX piece of software, it doesn't support Apple". As long as a dual or even triple boot is possible then I can't see any reason to not get an Apple.
Ultimately look at it this way, If the Mohammed won't come to the mountain, get a big crane and get ready to do some heavy lifting.
This post just encouraged me to check out TLA related websites. Starting out with the fount of all knowledge that is Wikipedia, they have a list, spead over several pages, that lists all the TLAs possible. Its scary, randomly clicking on PSA gives 13 possible things it could stand for. And thats just the ones that someone geeky enough to use Wikipedia has entered, there will be many more out there.
In this day and age isn't it just as easy to say (or type) Public Service Announcement as it is PSA? I'm telling you, its UCN. And if you can figure that one out I'll give you 75p and a packet of Rolos.
If you would like to check it out go to this page;
I think you've hit upon the difference (right now) between Linux users and Windows users. There are some people who are happy with going to whatever fast food restaurant is closest, ordering whatever the "combo" of the day is and driving home to eat it. There are those, however who would rather do a bit more research, drive a little bit further to get a nice juicy steak. Linux users will put in a bit more effort, a bit more time to get an operating system that works they way they want it. A Windows user is happy with whatever lands in their lap.
What Ubuntu and distros like it are trying to do is be able to offer quality steaks at fast food prices and convenience. Not a bad goal in my book.
*Actually I would have said sushi rather than steak, but it gets its point across. Mmmmm, sushi!
Its nice to see a Linux success story, and I think they are becoming more and more common, which is great. As long as your needs aren't for a specific Windows only application, whether due to corporate lock-in, or other reasons, Linux is a great option, if you are willing to put in the time to make the change.
I don't understand the technical side too much, but from what I have read, it is less likely for a nafarious program to get enough access to be damaging to a Linux system. Something to do with Kernel space, user space, administrative logins and such like. Someone more technical than me want to give us the skinny?
You know how much I pay for my SUV a month? Nothing. You know why I don't pay anything for an SUV a month? Because I don't own one, I don't even have a car. Thats a decision I was forced into (the drivers in Florida are INSANE!) but one I am happy with now. I get everywhere I need to perfectly fine. As for TVs, the only reason we have one of those is a friend gave it to us and cable comes free with the house. Its tuned to BBCA in the morning for the news and every once in a while I'll watch poker in the evenings. Apart from that, the thing doesn't really get turned on.
It seems pointless to get into arguements like this but for some reason I can't hold myself back. Maybe its because I'm testing out these new flameproof pants!
Its an interesting point, and one that should be addressed. I had written a sarcastic response, but I didn't feel it was appropriate so I deleted it.
My concern about ACs, like most people, is all the abuse that comes from it. But then I don't like the fact of having to register for a website or something when I just want to make one comment or point. Maybe SlashDot should put in place some ability to link a username to a post, without having to register.
Argh! Second time today that I'm going to be suckered into a discussion I shouldn't get into. I really need to work on my self control.
Personally, I do run Linux as my primary OS, with an install of Windows 2000 for all those times Linux just won't do. It's probably an 80/20 thing, maybe more, maybe less, depending on what I'm doing that day. Things like Photoshop, Dreamweaver and other "productivity apps" either don't have a Linux equivalent or don't have an equally functional Linux Equivalent. This leads me then to have to use Windows. Is that my fault, is that Microsoft's fault, is that Adobes fault or even Linus' fault? No, that's market forces.
Could Microsoft do more to make Windows "secure"? Yes, of course they could. Could Ford do more to make the Taurus less polluting? Yes, of course they could. But does that mean I should automatically stop driving my car? No, of course not, I, as a consumer, make a decision based on my needs and available options and choose accordingly. I drive less, to limit my polluting effects, but I still need to get to and from work, so I do. I use Windows less so I can limit my chance of having problems, but I still need to use Windows only software, so I do.
Of course someone is going to mention CrossOver Office, which I do use for a number of pieces of software. I consider it to be the catalytic converter of computers. It helps limit the effects of a problem but doesn't address the root cause.
First thing is we need to make sure these images are real. We have been caught with faked images many times before. If they are then I think all it really does is reinforce the need to run multiple anti-spyware utilities.
When a for-profit organization releases a product that can adversely (or positively) affect another for-profit organization we must expect, at least sometimes, to have some negative effects on the consumer. Its a capitalist society and companies are free to do anything and everything they need to maximize profits, within the scope of the law.
I know I'm going to hate myself for getting caught up in this, but I have to say something. First off, why did the two previous posters feel the need to use Anonymous Coward to post? Aren't you able to stand behind what you say?
However, I agree and disagree with both sides of the argument. 9-5 is a fallacy for most people these days, 8 hours a day, 7 after a lunch break, just doesn't get the job done. As a professional recruiter I do 7 hours of interviews a day as standard, so 9-5 wouldn't give me any time to do everything else I need to do. Also, when one is paid hourly, and probably not paid for lunch at all, as is more and more common, 35 hours a week isn't enough to make ends meet. It's nice having time for a family and a life, but if you don't have money, you can't afford to enjoy these things. One shouldn't concentrate on work at the detriment of family, but one must realize families need to eat.
My standard week is 48 hours, although 52+ is more common these days, and I don't mind at all. I get a great sense of satisfaction from getting a job done and being successful in my field. If more people had a decent work ethic and had pride in themselves and their actions then the world definitely would be a better place.
A totally unrelated side note and something that will probably hurt my karma (if I have any), but I've always thought DR-DOS would be a great DJ name. Now if only I could get the hang of mixing I'd be a star!
It's always amazed me how people haven't noticed this about RedHat based distros before. At least the consumer ones, I can't comment on their Enterprise edition. Going back to RedHat 7.x installed on a semi-reasonable laptop was definitely a little "turgid".
As much as I tried to clean and lean the system it still felt slow. A previous comment about services running that aren't required holds very true, as a knowledgeable amateur I was able to discern which services were stoppable but if this is really the Year Linux Takes The Desktop(tm) then things have to be much more beginner oriented. Even then it wasn't as spritely as an OS designed for a 386, the latest and greatest super computer and everything in between should be. I blamed Gnome at the time, but honestly even running CLI only it wasn't satisfying.
Of course I now have a new laptop running Ubuntu and the world is good. I feel bad for all those years spent avoiding anything related to Debian. If anyone wants to get a friend/relative/particularly attractive stranger interested in Linux, give them an Ubuntu CD, a quick 5 minute lesson on backing up and partitioning and they are good to go!
My question would be, why does the school district really have to get involved in software choice? My thinking is the need (or lack there-of) for a piece of software is dictated by the users.
I'm sure I'm over simplifying but, the teachers have to be able to read and grade work handed in by their students. Most students are going to be using MS Office or something that is MS Office compatible. OpenOffice can decode almost all MS Office file features, and those it can't decode shouldn't be too important to an educational institution.
Show the person who makes the decisions on which software to install how much it costs for x MS Office licenses with support and how much it costs for x OpenOffice licenses with support and let simple economics win them over.
I know that was a whimsical comment, made in a joking manner. However, I don't believe I am the only one here who spends the majority of their time at the command line. I don't think there is anything I want to do that I can't do in a text only mode.
Now admittedly command line geeks are not really the target market for Ubuntu, but the point is still valid.
I'm afraid I'm not a PHB, at least not in charge of IT. I'm in charge of another department in a large organization, but I think it still holds true. Generalization has its place, but in something like IT, specialization is the way to go. Not to the point of being tunnel-visioned, but definitely have a thorough understanding of your specific field.
It might actually be a good thing that this is being cancelled. From the article they state one of the reasons is that the promoters are moving towards smaller, but more targeted shows.
Comdex comes from a time when consumer grade computing was still in it infancy, so a general cover all everything show was possible, and a good idea. Now, with the field being so huge it's probably better to not try and cover the entire market in one go.
I want my IT people to have grounding in the entire computer field, but to be very specific to their field in detail. I want my network security people to eat and sleep network security and my hardware people to dream of nothing but hardware.
I hate to admit it but I had never come across Ctrl+W as a command, so I tried it. I should have guessed it wouldn't be the shortcut for "give me a latte and a back rub please".
And thats a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I think we might both be arguing the same point just from different angles. What I want to avoid is the elitism of "I use the CLI in Linux so I'm better than you AOL users". Broadband is available so widely BECAUSE of the AOL users et al. Everyone say thank you and continue downloading at 300k!
Is a nicely(?) designed graphical HTML layout, with menus and submenus and icons and what not really required for Slashdot to get its message across? I would say no, but as someone who regularly surfs the Internet with Links (a text based browser) I would say it is very much appreciated. I find it so much easier to navigate and digest the information when in FireFox rather than in Links.
Originally the Internet was intended as a means to an end, locate information, answer questions, transfer files etc. For this, a purely text based, basic, even simple distribution method is fine.
However, the Internet has now become an end in itself, in the same way as television or radio is mainly a passive medium then something more than the content becomes important. The style is almost as important as the content itself.
I can watch the same football game on a 13inch B&W TV as I can on a 60inch wide screen HDTV, but which would I prefer? If it's purely the score I'm interested the 13inch would be better, it takes up less space, costs less money and uses less resources. If getting the full "game feel" is what I'm after then its HDTV all the way.
Ultimately Westernized society has become increasing dumbed down and those on the Internet have had to move with the times. I'm happy with a text based browser for a lot of things, I hate HTML email and curse when someone IMs me with some cursive font in a neon green colour. However a lot of people enjoy the tackier side of the Internet and they, ultimately, control the Internets direction with their hard earned money.
I remember downloading a new XWindows package on a 28.8 modem and waiting all day, I would hate to have had to grab the whole distro that way. Luckily a friend worked at a local University with its killer Dual ISDN connection so they downloaded and burned Debian for me.
Ultimately older isn't always better, but then newer isn't better, both are different.
This is a very elitist view and in no way expressed in an effective manner. However, the point is kind of a valid one.
The "Internet", whatever that actually means, was definitely different 10, even 5, years ago. Not only were there less people online, those who were needed at least some technical savvy to be successful. Anyone who remembers trying to get a dialup modem working in Windows 3.11 for Workgroups should be able to agree. The people you met tended to understand the technology behind the Internet, the reasons why it exists and, as such, had a direction and a reason to be online.
However, as more people have got online and surfing has turned from a technical tool into a hobby and then participatory and ultimately passive form of entertainment things have definitely changed. Without the popularization of the Internet we wouldn't have websites like Slashdot, we wouldn't have widely accessible Email, we wouldn't have Instant Messaging clients (IRC excepted, maybe) and us geeks would have had a much harder time getting hold of Linux distros.
Yes we have to put up with Spam, yes we have to put up with annoying AOLers, yes we have to fight off evil spyware, yes we have to put up with annoying personal webpages with flashing text and badly sized pictures of peoples dogs. However, it's a price though I think we are willing to pay for all the fun the Internet can bring. Also, don't tell me I'm the only one who gets at least a little enjoyment from successfully setting up a new firewall or configuring a new piece of anti-spam software?
Slashdot Mirror
How can you say that with a straight face? What evidence do you have that no one cares about web-based email services? Just by applying common sense you should be able to figure out that for the average user web-based mail is more appropriate and attractive. It allows for storage of a large amount of email, sortable into folders, accessible from anywhere in the world at any time, without any concern for operating system, computer specs or software configuration. Add into this the ability to POP the email, for those wanting to use a standard client, while still maintaining the email on the server in its sorted format. Add again the ability to search, sort and scan this email in a multitude of ways and web-based mail definitely looks attractive.
In my professional experience, dealing with members of the general public on a day to day basis, the email addresses given to me as primary contact points prove this out. 50% are Yahoo addresses, 20% are Hotmail addresses, 20% are Gmail addresses and 10% are "other".
Looks like web-based email is definitely "The Peoples Choice".
Doesn't the choice to change processor basically give Apple and their users more options? If Apple release hardware that can run not only their own much loved OSX operating system, but also Windows, Linux and *BSD that it removes one of the major arguments about getting an Apple. Namely, "I can't run XXX piece of software, it doesn't support Apple". As long as a dual or even triple boot is possible then I can't see any reason to not get an Apple.
Ultimately look at it this way, If the Mohammed won't come to the mountain, get a big crane and get ready to do some heavy lifting.
This post just encouraged me to check out TLA related websites. Starting out with the fount of all knowledge that is Wikipedia, they have a list, spead over several pages, that lists all the TLAs possible. Its scary, randomly clicking on PSA gives 13 possible things it could stand for. And thats just the ones that someone geeky enough to use Wikipedia has entered, there will be many more out there.
In this day and age isn't it just as easy to say (or type) Public Service Announcement as it is PSA? I'm telling you, its UCN. And if you can figure that one out I'll give you 75p and a packet of Rolos.
If you would like to check it out go to this page;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TLA
I think you've hit upon the difference (right now) between Linux users and Windows users. There are some people who are happy with going to whatever fast food restaurant is closest, ordering whatever the "combo" of the day is and driving home to eat it. There are those, however who would rather do a bit more research, drive a little bit further to get a nice juicy steak. Linux users will put in a bit more effort, a bit more time to get an operating system that works they way they want it. A Windows user is happy with whatever lands in their lap.
What Ubuntu and distros like it are trying to do is be able to offer quality steaks at fast food prices and convenience. Not a bad goal in my book.
*Actually I would have said sushi rather than steak, but it gets its point across. Mmmmm, sushi!
Its nice to see a Linux success story, and I think they are becoming more and more common, which is great. As long as your needs aren't for a specific Windows only application, whether due to corporate lock-in, or other reasons, Linux is a great option, if you are willing to put in the time to make the change.
I don't understand the technical side too much, but from what I have read, it is less likely for a nafarious program to get enough access to be damaging to a Linux system. Something to do with Kernel space, user space, administrative logins and such like. Someone more technical than me want to give us the skinny?
You know how much I pay for my SUV a month? Nothing. You know why I don't pay anything for an SUV a month? Because I don't own one, I don't even have a car. Thats a decision I was forced into (the drivers in Florida are INSANE!) but one I am happy with now. I get everywhere I need to perfectly fine. As for TVs, the only reason we have one of those is a friend gave it to us and cable comes free with the house. Its tuned to BBCA in the morning for the news and every once in a while I'll watch poker in the evenings. Apart from that, the thing doesn't really get turned on.
It seems pointless to get into arguements like this but for some reason I can't hold myself back. Maybe its because I'm testing out these new flameproof pants!
Its an interesting point, and one that should be addressed. I had written a sarcastic response, but I didn't feel it was appropriate so I deleted it.
My concern about ACs, like most people, is all the abuse that comes from it. But then I don't like the fact of having to register for a website or something when I just want to make one comment or point. Maybe SlashDot should put in place some ability to link a username to a post, without having to register.
Argh! Second time today that I'm going to be suckered into a discussion I shouldn't get into. I really need to work on my self control.
Personally, I do run Linux as my primary OS, with an install of Windows 2000 for all those times Linux just won't do. It's probably an 80/20 thing, maybe more, maybe less, depending on what I'm doing that day. Things like Photoshop, Dreamweaver and other "productivity apps" either don't have a Linux equivalent or don't have an equally functional Linux Equivalent. This leads me then to have to use Windows. Is that my fault, is that Microsoft's fault, is that Adobes fault or even Linus' fault? No, that's market forces.
Could Microsoft do more to make Windows "secure"? Yes, of course they could. Could Ford do more to make the Taurus less polluting? Yes, of course they could. But does that mean I should automatically stop driving my car? No, of course not, I, as a consumer, make a decision based on my needs and available options and choose accordingly. I drive less, to limit my polluting effects, but I still need to get to and from work, so I do. I use Windows less so I can limit my chance of having problems, but I still need to use Windows only software, so I do.
Of course someone is going to mention CrossOver Office, which I do use for a number of pieces of software. I consider it to be the catalytic converter of computers. It helps limit the effects of a problem but doesn't address the root cause.
First thing is we need to make sure these images are real. We have been caught with faked images many times before. If they are then I think all it really does is reinforce the need to run multiple anti-spyware utilities.
When a for-profit organization releases a product that can adversely (or positively) affect another for-profit organization we must expect, at least sometimes, to have some negative effects on the consumer. Its a capitalist society and companies are free to do anything and everything they need to maximize profits, within the scope of the law.
I know I'm going to hate myself for getting caught up in this, but I have to say something. First off, why did the two previous posters feel the need to use Anonymous Coward to post? Aren't you able to stand behind what you say?
However, I agree and disagree with both sides of the argument. 9-5 is a fallacy for most people these days, 8 hours a day, 7 after a lunch break, just doesn't get the job done. As a professional recruiter I do 7 hours of interviews a day as standard, so 9-5 wouldn't give me any time to do everything else I need to do. Also, when one is paid hourly, and probably not paid for lunch at all, as is more and more common, 35 hours a week isn't enough to make ends meet. It's nice having time for a family and a life, but if you don't have money, you can't afford to enjoy these things. One shouldn't concentrate on work at the detriment of family, but one must realize families need to eat.
My standard week is 48 hours, although 52+ is more common these days, and I don't mind at all. I get a great sense of satisfaction from getting a job done and being successful in my field. If more people had a decent work ethic and had pride in themselves and their actions then the world definitely would be a better place.
Even better, DR Field and Brush Mower.
(Thats one for those of us who watch too much cable TV!)
A totally unrelated side note and something that will probably hurt my karma (if I have any), but I've always thought DR-DOS would be a great DJ name. Now if only I could get the hang of mixing I'd be a star!
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=windows+backu p+in+5+minutes
l inux+dual+boot+partitioning
And to address the forthcoming, "and how do you explain partitioning in 5 minutes?" question;
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=windows+
Of course this might be better handled by giving a 5 minute lesson on how to use Google, but that's a whole different thread.
It's always amazed me how people haven't noticed this about RedHat based distros before. At least the consumer ones, I can't comment on their Enterprise edition. Going back to RedHat 7.x installed on a semi-reasonable laptop was definitely a little "turgid".
As much as I tried to clean and lean the system it still felt slow. A previous comment about services running that aren't required holds very true, as a knowledgeable amateur I was able to discern which services were stoppable but if this is really the Year Linux Takes The Desktop(tm) then things have to be much more beginner oriented. Even then it wasn't as spritely as an OS designed for a 386, the latest and greatest super computer and everything in between should be. I blamed Gnome at the time, but honestly even running CLI only it wasn't satisfying.
Of course I now have a new laptop running Ubuntu and the world is good. I feel bad for all those years spent avoiding anything related to Debian. If anyone wants to get a friend/relative/particularly attractive stranger interested in Linux, give them an Ubuntu CD, a quick 5 minute lesson on backing up and partitioning and they are good to go!
My question would be, why does the school district really have to get involved in software choice? My thinking is the need (or lack there-of) for a piece of software is dictated by the users.
I'm sure I'm over simplifying but, the teachers have to be able to read and grade work handed in by their students. Most students are going to be using MS Office or something that is MS Office compatible. OpenOffice can decode almost all MS Office file features, and those it can't decode shouldn't be too important to an educational institution.
Show the person who makes the decisions on which software to install how much it costs for x MS Office licenses with support and how much it costs for x OpenOffice licenses with support and let simple economics win them over.
Mmmmm, lemon flavoured? Kiwi-lime flavoured? Yummy!
I know that was a whimsical comment, made in a joking manner. However, I don't believe I am the only one here who spends the majority of their time at the command line. I don't think there is anything I want to do that I can't do in a text only mode.
Now admittedly command line geeks are not really the target market for Ubuntu, but the point is still valid.
http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?PointyHairedBoss
I'm afraid I'm not a PHB, at least not in charge of IT. I'm in charge of another department in a large organization, but I think it still holds true. Generalization has its place, but in something like IT, specialization is the way to go. Not to the point of being tunnel-visioned, but definitely have a thorough understanding of your specific field.
It might actually be a good thing that this is being cancelled. From the article they state one of the reasons is that the promoters are moving towards smaller, but more targeted shows.
Comdex comes from a time when consumer grade computing was still in it infancy, so a general cover all everything show was possible, and a good idea. Now, with the field being so huge it's probably better to not try and cover the entire market in one go.
I want my IT people to have grounding in the entire computer field, but to be very specific to their field in detail. I want my network security people to eat and sleep network security and my hardware people to dream of nothing but hardware.
I hate to admit it but I had never come across Ctrl+W as a command, so I tried it. I should have guessed it wouldn't be the shortcut for "give me a latte and a back rub please".
Boy I have some off days!
I'm sure someone has made this joke already but I've been working hard today, so forgive me.
So, apparently Celebrity Poker Showdown doesn't pay quite as much as it used to and the residuals from Kids in the Hall have dried up.
I wonder what Scott Thompson is up to these days?
And thats a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I think we might both be arguing the same point just from different angles. What I want to avoid is the elitism of "I use the CLI in Linux so I'm better than you AOL users". Broadband is available so widely BECAUSE of the AOL users et al. Everyone say thank you and continue downloading at 300k!
Is a nicely(?) designed graphical HTML layout, with menus and submenus and icons and what not really required for Slashdot to get its message across? I would say no, but as someone who regularly surfs the Internet with Links (a text based browser) I would say it is very much appreciated. I find it so much easier to navigate and digest the information when in FireFox rather than in Links.
Originally the Internet was intended as a means to an end, locate information, answer questions, transfer files etc. For this, a purely text based, basic, even simple distribution method is fine.
However, the Internet has now become an end in itself, in the same way as television or radio is mainly a passive medium then something more than the content becomes important. The style is almost as important as the content itself.
I can watch the same football game on a 13inch B&W TV as I can on a 60inch wide screen HDTV, but which would I prefer? If it's purely the score I'm interested the 13inch would be better, it takes up less space, costs less money and uses less resources. If getting the full "game feel" is what I'm after then its HDTV all the way.
Ultimately Westernized society has become increasing dumbed down and those on the Internet have had to move with the times. I'm happy with a text based browser for a lot of things, I hate HTML email and curse when someone IMs me with some cursive font in a neon green colour. However a lot of people enjoy the tackier side of the Internet and they, ultimately, control the Internets direction with their hard earned money.
I remember downloading a new XWindows package on a 28.8 modem and waiting all day, I would hate to have had to grab the whole distro that way. Luckily a friend worked at a local University with its killer Dual ISDN connection so they downloaded and burned Debian for me.
Ultimately older isn't always better, but then newer isn't better, both are different.
This is a very elitist view and in no way expressed in an effective manner. However, the point is kind of a valid one.
The "Internet", whatever that actually means, was definitely different 10, even 5, years ago. Not only were there less people online, those who were needed at least some technical savvy to be successful. Anyone who remembers trying to get a dialup modem working in Windows 3.11 for Workgroups should be able to agree. The people you met tended to understand the technology behind the Internet, the reasons why it exists and, as such, had a direction and a reason to be online.
However, as more people have got online and surfing has turned from a technical tool into a hobby and then participatory and ultimately passive form of entertainment things have definitely changed. Without the popularization of the Internet we wouldn't have websites like Slashdot, we wouldn't have widely accessible Email, we wouldn't have Instant Messaging clients (IRC excepted, maybe) and us geeks would have had a much harder time getting hold of Linux distros.
Yes we have to put up with Spam, yes we have to put up with annoying AOLers, yes we have to fight off evil spyware, yes we have to put up with annoying personal webpages with flashing text and badly sized pictures of peoples dogs. However, it's a price though I think we are willing to pay for all the fun the Internet can bring. Also, don't tell me I'm the only one who gets at least a little enjoyment from successfully setting up a new firewall or configuring a new piece of anti-spam software?