Then single player games have no DRM? As that is the whole point of the question. Game publishers want it to protect their interests, but users hate it because it treats them like criminals and make the game less enjoyable.
Sure game like WOW and DRM are easy. Its called a subscription service. Nothing new here. Not all games are multiplayer. Not all multiplayer games require the internet. What if I want to play on a LAN? On a direct connection via patch cable or modem (I know unlikely these days), or hot seat or on the same computer on game controllers. All of these would require (or so say the publishers anyway) some DRM that an internet server solution would not be appropriate.
As to single player games that suck, I don't really want to play any games that suck really.
A) Not everyone has an internet connection, or if they do, not all the time.
B) What happens when the company goes under? When the game isn't profitable? When they just don't feel like supporting it? They turn off the server.
There are tons of examples out there of companies that take a short view of anyone copying their work, yet feel no need to support it any more.
Look into what meets the criteria for abondonware and what doesn't, it is really silly. There are also tons of horror stories about people who bought a lot of movies online, only to have the DRM server turned off. Guess what? SOL!
Sure in many cases you can circumvent these measures... but guess what you are pirating again.
OK there are so many holes in the whole copyright argument, mostly because it an archaic system used to solve a problem we used to have many many years ago. It has been modified and altered to try and keep up with modern times, but it hasn't been able to keep up, partially because industry is constantly lobbying it to stay in the dark ages so that can squeeze a little more profit.
You can pretty much say the same thing about the music and movie industries. None have tried to actually plan into the future.
Also there are some gray areas. Used Book store, Radio, Movie Rental places, heck throw in Game Rentals to grab another industry.
Though really what makes me mad is being asked to spend 50$ on a book. or 13$ for a softcover, and making me wait over a year for the freaking privilege of buying it at 13$. Don't even get me started on the price difference for US/Canada, it is criminal and discriminatory. Canadian currency was worth MORE than US, and we were being asked to pay 30% on top of that... Because yeah, that won't make your consumers furious.
Anyway I am a AVID reader and read a LOT. I buy almost exclusively used. I refuse to spend and waste my money. It actually makes me feel sick when every once in awhile I don't want to wait and shell out the big bucks for the book. The only other time I buy new, is when someone gives me a gift card for Christmas or something, as then I can rationalize it as I am not spending my money, only someone gave me a lavish gift.
Anyways I emphasize with Le Guin, and I have read many of her books, and enjoyed them (all used). However do not turn your gaze upon your readers and consumers, and think the fault is there. The fault is in an industry that has not kept in touch, and is horrible in every sense of the word. I remember hearing about an insider tell all about how truly messed up the distribution system is and the relationships between agents, distributors, retailers, and all the rest.
Don't look at me and point the finger in blame. Fix your own bloody system so it works.
Lyle Lanley: Well, sir, there's nothing on earth Like a genuine, Bona fide, Electrified, Six-car Monorail! What'd I say? Ned Flanders: Monorail! Lyle Lanley: What's it called? Patty+Selma: Monorail! Lyle Lanley: That's right! Monorail! [crowd chants `Monorail' softly and rhythmically] Miss Hoover: I hear those things are awfully loud... Lyle Lanley: It glides as softly as a cloud. Apu: Is there a chance the track could bend? Lyle Lanley: Not on your life, my Hindu friend. Barney: What about us brain-dead slobs? Lyle Lanley: You'll be given cushy jobs. Abe: Were you sent here by the devil? Lyle Lanley: No, good sir, I'm on the level. Wiggum: The ring came off my pudding can. Lyle Lanley: Take my pen knife, my good man. I swear it's Springfield's only choice... Throw up your hands and raise your voice! All: Monorail! Lyle Lanley: What's it called? All: Monorail! Lyle Lanley: Once again... All: Monorail! Marge: But Main Street's still all cracked and broken... Bart: Sorry, Mom, the mob has spoken! All: Monorail! Monorail! Monorail! [big finish] Monorail! Homer: Mono... D'oh!
1) Build Netbook that is a) cheap, b) long battery life, and c) ability to play WOW at minimal settings. 2) ??? 3) PROFIT!
Seriously though. That is what I want. You build it and I will go buy it.
Likely it will need at least a 10" screen to display without eyes bleeding.
From what I have read the Atom 1.6 just doesn't have the guts to run WOW realistically even at minimal levels.
However WOW is not a game that requires a lot of power to begin with (other than disk space). If it can play WOW it can probably play all my outdated games as well.
a 10" screen, a long battery life, some basic office software, wireless, wow, and decent price.
Doesn't have to be windows based. Linux is fine. You just have to make sure it becomes popular, and a community will help maintain it and provide updates and support. Make a cheap WOW playing netbook, and it WILL be popular.
Yes simply visiting them would be inappropriate, but not hacking.
However, if you were unable to visit them due to your network security infrastructure, and to do so circumvented your network security then yes, that is hacking.
Likely it was something simple like setting up a proxy at home, and doing it that way. Who knows perhaps he using something a bit more exotic. In this way he would compromise the security of his employers shared network for his own personal use.
There are a lot of websites that get blocked like facebook (thank god not slashdot!), and I have thought about doing this myself. Then again I am not stupid enough to actually do it. I will re-evaluate my decision when and if they decide to block slashdot (which won't happen anyway, as likely the network IT folks like access as well).
Anyway the guy is an idiot to be looking at this sort of thing at work...
Nothing was more fun than watching my collage buddy down the hall shoot the crap out of my Holoduke, I could actually hear his curse from my room, just before feeding him rockets from concealment.
Of course his favorite thing was to shrink me, and then step on me... It always bugged me than when I jetpacked away all tiny, he could run UNDER me and squish me.
I think many (perhaps most) of Vista64 had to do with the early release, and lack of drivers. Vista32 has the same problem to a lesser degree. It is likely that Vista isn't as plagued by these problems anymore.
What kills me, is that I bought an OEM version of Vista32 for my machine build. When I heard you could get a free upgrade (just have to pay for the CD/shipping), I tried to do that. However I was told than since I don't have the "retail" version (does anyone actually buy that?) that I would have to pay full price for Vista64. Can't even upgrade, let alone free.
Which is BS so far as I am concerned. Since I am pretty sure they both use the exact same key, I just downloaded a torrent of the damn thing. I haven't tried to use it, as right now I am only using 4GB, so not that big a deal. I am wasting about 1/2 a GB as Vista32 can't handle it, but whatever (even though it reports 4GB, I know it ain't using it).
I will likely wait for Win7 and perhaps go that route.... maybe.
Never heard of Foxit, I will have to check it out. Adobe is also pretty bad as security vulnerabilities as well lately.
Norton - Gah! Office 2007 I have never used, but I can imagine.
I personally use Vista, mostly because I built a new computer last year. I himmed and hawwed over Vista vs XP for awhile before just going with Vista, as I couldn't bring myself to buy an old copy of XP. I am happy with Vista. One thing that works Very well is Media Centre. Before Vista I never used that sort of thing before. Now I watch pretty much all my TV and Movies off my computer which is also connected to my TV. Add a compatible remote for your computer, and it is a pretty sweet system.
So there is an example of a great feature. However if you have no intention of ever using it, then who cares. Vista has its problems, but there are also some good things about it. I just hope the upgrade path is forgiving ($$$) for Windows 7 as I wouldn't mind trying it out. However if it doesn't offer much more, and I have to pay a bunch, I won't be getting it.
Slashdot Mirror
Woosh.
I am questioning the relevance of the title.
You just did the same, yet say I am a "bozo" for doing so.
I am pretty sure that qualifies you as an idiot.
Then single player games have no DRM? As that is the whole point of the question. Game publishers want it to protect their interests, but users hate it because it treats them like criminals and make the game less enjoyable.
Sure game like WOW and DRM are easy. Its called a subscription service. Nothing new here. Not all games are multiplayer. Not all multiplayer games require the internet. What if I want to play on a LAN? On a direct connection via patch cable or modem (I know unlikely these days), or hot seat or on the same computer on game controllers. All of these would require (or so say the publishers anyway) some DRM that an internet server solution would not be appropriate.
As to single player games that suck, I don't really want to play any games that suck really.
This is:
A) Stupid
and
B) Dumb
Why?
A) Not everyone has an internet connection, or if they do, not all the time.
B) What happens when the company goes under? When the game isn't profitable? When they just don't feel like supporting it? They turn off the server.
There are tons of examples out there of companies that take a short view of anyone copying their work, yet feel no need to support it any more.
Look into what meets the criteria for abondonware and what doesn't, it is really silly. There are also tons of horror stories about people who bought a lot of movies online, only to have the DRM server turned off. Guess what? SOL!
Sure in many cases you can circumvent these measures... but guess what you are pirating again.
Better question is why the USA needs Czars of anything?
Weren't they leaders of imperialist Russia?
Why would that label seem appropriate?
OK there are so many holes in the whole copyright argument, mostly because it an archaic system used to solve a problem we used to have many many years ago. It has been modified and altered to try and keep up with modern times, but it hasn't been able to keep up, partially because industry is constantly lobbying it to stay in the dark ages so that can squeeze a little more profit.
You can pretty much say the same thing about the music and movie industries. None have tried to actually plan into the future.
Also there are some gray areas. Used Book store, Radio, Movie Rental places, heck throw in Game Rentals to grab another industry.
Though really what makes me mad is being asked to spend 50$ on a book. or 13$ for a softcover, and making me wait over a year for the freaking privilege of buying it at 13$. Don't even get me started on the price difference for US/Canada, it is criminal and discriminatory. Canadian currency was worth MORE than US, and we were being asked to pay 30% on top of that... Because yeah, that won't make your consumers furious.
Anyway I am a AVID reader and read a LOT. I buy almost exclusively used. I refuse to spend and waste my money. It actually makes me feel sick when every once in awhile I don't want to wait and shell out the big bucks for the book. The only other time I buy new, is when someone gives me a gift card for Christmas or something, as then I can rationalize it as I am not spending my money, only someone gave me a lavish gift.
Anyways I emphasize with Le Guin, and I have read many of her books, and enjoyed them (all used). However do not turn your gaze upon your readers and consumers, and think the fault is there. The fault is in an industry that has not kept in touch, and is horrible in every sense of the word. I remember hearing about an insider tell all about how truly messed up the distribution system is and the relationships between agents, distributors, retailers, and all the rest.
Don't look at me and point the finger in blame. Fix your own bloody system so it works.
Lyle Lanley: Well, sir, there's nothing on earth
Like a genuine,
Bona fide,
Electrified,
Six-car
Monorail!
What'd I say?
Ned Flanders: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: What's it called?
Patty+Selma: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: That's right! Monorail!
[crowd chants `Monorail' softly and rhythmically]
Miss Hoover: I hear those things are awfully loud...
Lyle Lanley: It glides as softly as a cloud.
Apu: Is there a chance the track could bend?
Lyle Lanley: Not on your life, my Hindu friend.
Barney: What about us brain-dead slobs?
Lyle Lanley: You'll be given cushy jobs.
Abe: Were you sent here by the devil?
Lyle Lanley: No, good sir, I'm on the level.
Wiggum: The ring came off my pudding can.
Lyle Lanley: Take my pen knife, my good man.
I swear it's Springfield's only choice...
Throw up your hands and raise your voice!
All: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: What's it called?
All: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: Once again...
All: Monorail!
Marge: But Main Street's still all cracked and broken...
Bart: Sorry, Mom, the mob has spoken!
All: Monorail!
Monorail!
Monorail!
[big finish]
Monorail!
Homer: Mono... D'oh!
This netbook would be for my girlfriend!
just kidding. I am so lonely!
1) Build Netbook that is a) cheap, b) long battery life, and c) ability to play WOW at minimal settings.
2) ???
3) PROFIT!
Seriously though. That is what I want. You build it and I will go buy it.
Likely it will need at least a 10" screen to display without eyes bleeding.
From what I have read the Atom 1.6 just doesn't have the guts to run WOW realistically even at minimal levels.
However WOW is not a game that requires a lot of power to begin with (other than disk space). If it can play WOW it can probably play all my outdated games as well.
a 10" screen, a long battery life, some basic office software, wireless, wow, and decent price.
Doesn't have to be windows based. Linux is fine. You just have to make sure it becomes popular, and a community will help maintain it and provide updates and support. Make a cheap WOW playing netbook, and it WILL be popular.
Anyway that's my 2 cents.
Of which there are none.
Odds are his employer blocks those kind of sites.
Yes simply visiting them would be inappropriate, but not hacking.
However, if you were unable to visit them due to your network security infrastructure, and to do so circumvented your network security then yes, that is hacking.
Likely it was something simple like setting up a proxy at home, and doing it that way. Who knows perhaps he using something a bit more exotic. In this way he would compromise the security of his employers shared network for his own personal use.
There are a lot of websites that get blocked like facebook (thank god not slashdot!), and I have thought about doing this myself. Then again I am not stupid enough to actually do it. I will re-evaluate my decision when and if they decide to block slashdot (which won't happen anyway, as likely the network IT folks like access as well).
Anyway the guy is an idiot to be looking at this sort of thing at work...
Two that popped into my head were:
Old school NARC, it was around before Mortal Kombat, and was pretty brutal as I recall. I guess since they are drug users its ok to destroy them...
Also the Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and Enemy Territory, which were banned in Germany due to "Nazi Content".
Fast forward to Quake Wars, and you replace Nazi's with space monsters.
Oh can't we get along and kill quasi Nazi space monster mutants from outer space?
You are so right brother!
Nothing was more fun than watching my collage buddy down the hall shoot the crap out of my Holoduke, I could actually hear his curse from my room, just before feeding him rockets from concealment.
Of course his favorite thing was to shrink me, and then step on me... It always bugged me than when I jetpacked away all tiny, he could run UNDER me and squish me.
Anyway great memories of that game for sure!
Whatever grammer nazi, get back in you bunker!
I meant to say "here"... Sorry if I don't edit ma letters so good! It's not like anyone else (including editors) does it around "here"... :)
Make an OS so shitty no one wants it, even for free!
Badumdum...
I am hear all week, try the veal.
You forgot about all the stupid snakes you have down there also...
You beaches look nice, and it may be warm, but no thanks!
Yes I am faced with the same problem.
I think many (perhaps most) of Vista64 had to do with the early release, and lack of drivers. Vista32 has the same problem to a lesser degree. It is likely that Vista isn't as plagued by these problems anymore.
What kills me, is that I bought an OEM version of Vista32 for my machine build. When I heard you could get a free upgrade (just have to pay for the CD/shipping), I tried to do that. However I was told than since I don't have the "retail" version (does anyone actually buy that?) that I would have to pay full price for Vista64. Can't even upgrade, let alone free.
Which is BS so far as I am concerned. Since I am pretty sure they both use the exact same key, I just downloaded a torrent of the damn thing. I haven't tried to use it, as right now I am only using 4GB, so not that big a deal. I am wasting about 1/2 a GB as Vista32 can't handle it, but whatever (even though it reports 4GB, I know it ain't using it).
I will likely wait for Win7 and perhaps go that route.... maybe.
A) Will it cook an egg?
B) Will it make me Sterile?
C) Will it be short range?
What no WinFS? Considering it was promised for Vista, one wonders "wtf?"
You will also have to download and run an application on your computer.
So no, you can't complete this beta sign up at work like I just tried to do.
Buggers.
Unless 3D realms just went belly up... oh wait...
Thurr and Mite! :)
Never heard of Foxit, I will have to check it out. Adobe is also pretty bad as security vulnerabilities as well lately.
Norton - Gah!
Office 2007 I have never used, but I can imagine.
I personally use Vista, mostly because I built a new computer last year. I himmed and hawwed over Vista vs XP for awhile before just going with Vista, as I couldn't bring myself to buy an old copy of XP. I am happy with Vista. One thing that works Very well is Media Centre. Before Vista I never used that sort of thing before. Now I watch pretty much all my TV and Movies off my computer which is also connected to my TV. Add a compatible remote for your computer, and it is a pretty sweet system.
So there is an example of a great feature. However if you have no intention of ever using it, then who cares. Vista has its problems, but there are also some good things about it. I just hope the upgrade path is forgiving ($$$) for Windows 7 as I wouldn't mind trying it out. However if it doesn't offer much more, and I have to pay a bunch, I won't be getting it.
I thought it was Did Not Finish...
Oddly it makes sense...
DNF DNF. Did Not Finish Duke Nukem Forever...
DNF Squared I guess.
I am sure systems like 20 years ago were faster than Windows 7 at doing some particular tasks.
The whole point of new systems, isn't just speed, but functionality, or what you can do with it.
The real question that should be asked is "does Windows 7 offer significantly improved feature set"?
If not, then one begs the question of why bother.
Would have been nice if the article actually talked about the different versions and ports.
When I played it back in the day it was called Nethack. I always wondered what the difference was between that and rogue etc...
I have a contraceptive that works 100% of the time... I read Slashdot.