I'm using slack 10.0 with the latest KDE installed. I'm sure I could get this printer working - but it's not easy. Attempted to print a simple text file using kprinter and cups with no luck. Even tried just printing a test page through cups and got no response at all. No error messages no page printing out, nothing. I'm not saying it's impossible, just saying I shouldn't have to dedicate 6 hours of my life to getting a test page to print, especially when I can boot into windows and print in 2 minutes.
I would concede that CD writing under linux is better than Windows, but definitely requires some setup. DVD writing is probably the same, but the DVD writer I have unfortunately isn't supported correctly and the media isn't Identified. Under Windows I can write a DVD with the free nero software that came with the writer.
I work with Linux every day and it's my preferred platform at home for many reasons (stability, flexibility, performance), but I just don't think it will be a viable platform for every user until some of these fundamental issues are simplified. If someone like me, a professional linux admin with 8+ years experience, has trouble with basic functionality how can a neophyte home user be expected to convert.
Well, the crap we already have. Ever see freshmeat.org. Projects of every point in the spectrum are out there, from the fantastic to the horrid.
The state of companies developing for it will come - actually already is well on it's way with things like firefox, realplayer, opera, Adobe Acrobat. It's a better, more stable platform, as soon as enough market share is achieved to make it worthwhile, many companies will start developing for it. Until then, we have to muddle along with what we have.
Possibly, I was thinking also probably some kind of conspiracy thing, at least if Jack McCoy was on the case. He can always rap it into some kind of consipiracy charge.
Even so, I think it would have to establish intent. Just saying "Hey, there's some heroin on the ground over there" is fairly innocous. If memory serves, I think to be contributing to the delinquency of a minor you have to be actively involved e.g. host a party where their's beer.
You have an excellent point. There are valid reasons for using Microsoft products. For example - My workstation at home is a dual-boot Slackware 10/Win2K box. I recently got an old HP laser printer from work. I set it up the other night, direct parallel cable, but didn't even attempt to print under Linux. I wanted to print a tax form off the internet and new I had little hope under Linux. My previous experiences attempting to printer were long and difficult. I booted into Windows, installed a driver and printed the form I wanted - 5 minutes tops (4 of that waiting for Windows to boot.
I'm a linux admin, manage 30 linux servers and love them, but sometimes some of the most basic things are incredibly difficult. Printing, CD writing, DVD writing. Printing I've more or less given up on. I like to save the tress anyway. CD writing works OK, but the 2.6 kernel totally broke everything I have setup and I haven't had time to reconfigure it. My home DVD writer was a cheaper model, and won't work at all under linux.
I recently wanted to make a dvd from some avi files I had. Spent several hours attempting to convert the files to mpg2, build a background and menu and then burn to dvd. Finally gave up. One of the other guys from the office downloaded a windows app that does it and works like a champ.
When more linux apps can work through these problems and get close to the maturity and consistency in the basic functionality that some windows software has, Microsoft will be in trouble.
In your crack analogy, it would be as if you took their money and came back with the crack and handed it to them.
Ummm... No. In the US drug POSSESION is a crime. AFAIK if I told somebody that there were drugs in a specific place, even took them to the place and dropped them off, and then they acquired the drugs I don't believe I would be guilty of a crime. That is one of the ways drug dealers (and users) get around the laws. If the product is never in your posession it's hard to indict you for selling it. I can't imagine how having a link to something on the internet, legal or not, could possibly be a criminal offense. Sure, if you are hosting it, but just linking to it????
I was actually thinking of my friends outside of the industry. It's amazing how often I get questions about identity theft and other security issues. Many people are really frightened about some of these things. I become a shining neon light of hope.
Personally, the thing that bothers me most about this isn't as much EA's actions as it is the NFL's.
Sure, pro football has always been about making money, but it seems of late the NFL is giving exclusive contracts to everyone. I can't watch all of the games unless I have direct tv and even if I do it's (I feel) an outrageous amount. Now only EA is allowed to make games about the NFL.
Personally I love the game, but feel that decisions should take the interest of the fans into account as well as the almighty dollar - and I can't think of any fan that I know that wouldn't want some choices as to the games they play or the TV service they use.
Or a game like pigskin. Remember that one? A bunch of Vikings beating the crap out of each other. The object was to just control the ball as long as possible - not sure there was even a winner in that one. Wish I could find a console for that one around, or build one with MAME. It would be great addition to my basement.
Good point, maybe open source isn't the best answer here. What if the game came with standard made up teams, players, whatever, but teams, players, schedules, etc.. could easily be loaded into the game. Not only could fans build downloads of all of the NFL teams, strengths, weaknesses, injuries and power rankings could be updated as a season progresses. That would be GREAT. Fantasy leagues could even put their fantasy teams together and play each other.
One of my biggest frustrations with Madden, or any other off the shelf game is the teams are based on the previous year's performance. My KC Chiefs might be great in the current Madden because they were based on last year's record, but this year they stunk. If gamers could keep up with the season I imagine it would spark a significant interest.
n American football and basketball, what are the final scores? 114-89? The difference that every point makes is minimal.
FYI, football game scores are generally more in the neighborhood of 24-21 and a touchdown is 7 point. Many games are decided by a 3 point field goal. Generally every score does count and every play is important. Often games come down to the last 2:00 minutes of a 60 minute game (playing time, the game itself takes MUCH longer). Football may be the ultimate game of strategy, teamwork and attitude. I belive a real fan has to be very interested to understand the complexities, but when you do it is a beautiful game too.
Absolutely. Finding a nerdy engineer isn't that difficult. Finding a nerdy engineer that is a people person, can communicate with non-nerdy people, and doesn't dress like a nerdy engineer. Much more difficult.
Going to a four-year college and getting a degree really isnt all that important anymore.
Your other three items I agree with wholeheartedly. I completely disagree with your view on college.
First, it is incredibly important to go to a four-year college. If you have any aspirations in life AT ALL, go to a four-year university (preferably a school you can afford) and live on campus. I believe the social experience itself is more valuable than anything else you can do in life. It is a very good place to find an acceptable mate - in general your average college student is smarter, better groomed and more beautiful than your average person that doesn't go to college. It's a great place to meet future business connections. It's a great place to learn to relate to other people - outside of the 1000 or so you spent your first 13 years of education with.
College is a fantastic opportunity to experience new things, go new places, if you can afford it - go live in a new part of the country (or world). So many things that are incredibly difficult after you have to get a job/house/wife/kids/new lexus/whatever.
Now, as for the other point. Is the piece of paper important? I think so (speaking as someone that doesn't have that piece of paper). Sure, I do well, and I have friends that do well, but the bottom line is that piece of paper can often get you a better job and more pay. Many businesses will pay you more money or give you promotions just because you have a four year degree - no matter what it's in. That is just the harsh reality of the world we live in. One insurance company that has corporate offices locally will only promote you to an underwriter if you have a four year degree. I heard one person that worked there had a degree in golf course management, but it was good enough to get the job.
Having said all that, here's my advice. GO TO college. If you know what you want to do with your life, study hard and learn everything you can - you'll be better for it. If you don't know what you want to do (or don't want to do anything) go anyway. Get in a cheesey business program (everyplace you ever work will probably be a business), go to lots of parties where lots of girls will take their shirts off, take road trips with your friends, go to football games, join clubs/fraternities/sororities - just try new things. Don't get yourself it a lot of debt, but don't work too much either. It's the one time in your life where you are an adult, can drink, vote and die for your country, but you are also allowed to be a kid and have fun. Don't miss it.
Why didn't they think to throw the brand new teams and rosters onto the old Madden 95 shell?
Simple, how are they going to sell the new game. The only major reason for buying the latest Madden - or any sports game is to upgrade to the latest teams/players/stats/etc... Marketing people would never allow them to sell Madden 95 with an updated roster.
Fair enough. My original thought was that linux originally was intended as a Unix that ran on 'cheap' PC hardware. If it works for embedded apps and other things, great, but I'm not sure I'm behind rewriting the whole kernel for embedded platforms, or IBM's big iron, Sun sparcs, etc...
If better optimization for different platforms is needed, maybe the code should be forked for these platforms, or maybe someone that needs it should start over from scratch.
Why does it NEED to run on anything other than x86? Sure, it's cool to run it on a Mac, but for practicality why not run OSX? It's tweaked for the platform, and from what I've heard doesn't run like shit.
If IBM, SUN, etc.. wants their platform supported let them donate the time/money/resources to fix where the failures are.
Pretty much what I found. A few months ago we were interested in putting some work servers at a remote location - mostly testing stuff. I asked the local comcast business sales rep point blank if they offered a plan where I could run a server. She said that she had several customers that ran servers...she just didn't know about it. If I wanted to do it, just don't let her know.
I don't know exactly how their network is setup, but I got the distinct impression, both from the business rep, and the installer for my home account that they have bandwidth to BURN.
If erudite urban folks are this naive, what can you expect of villagers?
In my experience, people with a simpler way of life, in this case villagers, generally have a more practical view of the world.
I would anticipate that villagers would be much more likely to heed a warning and get to safety than a city dweller that has a mindset of "it won't happen to me".
The same issue will be very much a reality with these drugs in the workplace.
Do you seriously think that Corporate America would test employees to see if they are using 'brain-drugs'? Ever wonder why Major League Baseball looks the other way so often on steriod use? Ever wonder why the NFL and NBA penalties for drug use are so (relatively) lenient? Performance enhancing drug use by professional athletes is good for business. The athletes are stronger, faster, perform better. All of this results in more exciting games and higher revenue. The biggest area(s) where you see drug testing is amateur athletics (olympics, NCAA, etc...), where no one (theoretically) is making any money on the athletes and the games are 'pure'. Professional sports organizations, at least in the US, ignore the problem until the press or government get involved.
How can you possibly think the same thing won't happen in the corporate/scientific world. I'm sure many, many companies would endorse any chemicals that would significantly enhance cognitive abilities privately, if not publicly, at least until the side effects proved severly damaging.
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I'm using slack 10.0 with the latest KDE installed. I'm sure I could get this printer working - but it's not easy. Attempted to print a simple text file using kprinter and cups with no luck. Even tried just printing a test page through cups and got no response at all. No error messages no page printing out, nothing. I'm not saying it's impossible, just saying I shouldn't have to dedicate 6 hours of my life to getting a test page to print, especially when I can boot into windows and print in 2 minutes.
I would concede that CD writing under linux is better than Windows, but definitely requires some setup. DVD writing is probably the same, but the DVD writer I have unfortunately isn't supported correctly and the media isn't Identified. Under Windows I can write a DVD with the free nero software that came with the writer.
I work with Linux every day and it's my preferred platform at home for many reasons (stability, flexibility, performance), but I just don't think it will be a viable platform for every user until some of these fundamental issues are simplified. If someone like me, a professional linux admin with 8+ years experience, has trouble with basic functionality how can a neophyte home user be expected to convert.
Well, the crap we already have. Ever see freshmeat.org. Projects of every point in the spectrum are out there, from the fantastic to the horrid.
The state of companies developing for it will come - actually already is well on it's way with things like firefox, realplayer, opera, Adobe Acrobat. It's a better, more stable platform, as soon as enough market share is achieved to make it worthwhile, many companies will start developing for it. Until then, we have to muddle along with what we have.
Possibly, I was thinking also probably some kind of conspiracy thing, at least if Jack McCoy was on the case. He can always rap it into some kind of consipiracy charge.
Even so, I think it would have to establish intent. Just saying "Hey, there's some heroin on the ground over there" is fairly innocous. If memory serves, I think to be contributing to the delinquency of a minor you have to be actively involved e.g. host a party where their's beer.
You have an excellent point. There are valid reasons for using Microsoft products. For example - My workstation at home is a dual-boot Slackware 10/Win2K box. I recently got an old HP laser printer from work. I set it up the other night, direct parallel cable, but didn't even attempt to print under Linux. I wanted to print a tax form off the internet and new I had little hope under Linux. My previous experiences attempting to printer were long and difficult. I booted into Windows, installed a driver and printed the form I wanted - 5 minutes tops (4 of that waiting for Windows to boot.
I'm a linux admin, manage 30 linux servers and love them, but sometimes some of the most basic things are incredibly difficult. Printing, CD writing, DVD writing. Printing I've more or less given up on. I like to save the tress anyway. CD writing works OK, but the 2.6 kernel totally broke everything I have setup and I haven't had time to reconfigure it. My home DVD writer was a cheaper model, and won't work at all under linux.
I recently wanted to make a dvd from some avi files I had. Spent several hours attempting to convert the files to mpg2, build a background and menu and then burn to dvd. Finally gave up. One of the other guys from the office downloaded a windows app that does it and works like a champ.
When more linux apps can work through these problems and get close to the maturity and consistency in the basic functionality that some windows software has, Microsoft will be in trouble.
In your crack analogy, it would be as if you took their money and came back with the crack and handed it to them.
Ummm... No. In the US drug POSSESION is a crime. AFAIK if I told somebody that there were drugs in a specific place, even took them to the place and dropped them off, and then they acquired the drugs I don't believe I would be guilty of a crime. That is one of the ways drug dealers (and users) get around the laws. If the product is never in your posession it's hard to indict you for selling it. I can't imagine how having a link to something on the internet, legal or not, could possibly be a criminal offense. Sure, if you are hosting it, but just linking to it????
I was actually thinking of my friends outside of the industry. It's amazing how often I get questions about identity theft and other security issues. Many people are really frightened about some of these things. I become a shining neon light of hope.
Hell, if geeks don't consume all the power (electrical, processing, nuclear, solar, etc...) who does????
Ohh. wait.. real life doesn't follow movie rules about what "hackers" can do?
Shhhh... don't tell people that!!! I like the all-consuming power I have as a computer geek.
Personally, the thing that bothers me most about this isn't as much EA's actions as it is the NFL's.
Sure, pro football has always been about making money, but it seems of late the NFL is giving exclusive contracts to everyone. I can't watch all of the games unless I have direct tv and even if I do it's (I feel) an outrageous amount. Now only EA is allowed to make games about the NFL.
Personally I love the game, but feel that decisions should take the interest of the fans into account as well as the almighty dollar - and I can't think of any fan that I know that wouldn't want some choices as to the games they play or the TV service they use.
Or a game like pigskin. Remember that one? A bunch of Vikings beating the crap out of each other. The object was to just control the ball as long as possible - not sure there was even a winner in that one. Wish I could find a console for that one around, or build one with MAME. It would be great addition to my basement.
Good point, maybe open source isn't the best answer here. What if the game came with standard made up teams, players, whatever, but teams, players, schedules, etc.. could easily be loaded into the game. Not only could fans build downloads of all of the NFL teams, strengths, weaknesses, injuries and power rankings could be updated as a season progresses. That would be GREAT. Fantasy leagues could even put their fantasy teams together and play each other.
One of my biggest frustrations with Madden, or any other off the shelf game is the teams are based on the previous year's performance. My KC Chiefs might be great in the current Madden because they were based on last year's record, but this year they stunk. If gamers could keep up with the season I imagine it would spark a significant interest.
n American football and basketball, what are the final scores? 114-89? The difference that every point makes is minimal.
FYI, football game scores are generally more in the neighborhood of 24-21 and a touchdown is 7 point. Many games are decided by a 3 point field goal. Generally every score does count and every play is important. Often games come down to the last 2:00 minutes of a 60 minute game (playing time, the game itself takes MUCH longer). Football may be the ultimate game of strategy, teamwork and attitude. I belive a real fan has to be very interested to understand the complexities, but when you do it is a beautiful game too.
Is it fair?
Absolutely. Finding a nerdy engineer isn't that difficult. Finding a nerdy engineer that is a people person, can communicate with non-nerdy people, and doesn't dress like a nerdy engineer. Much more difficult.
Going to a four-year college and getting a degree really isnt all that important anymore.
Your other three items I agree with wholeheartedly. I completely disagree with your view on college.
First, it is incredibly important to go to a four-year college. If you have any aspirations in life AT ALL, go to a four-year university (preferably a school you can afford) and live on campus. I believe the social experience itself is more valuable than anything else you can do in life. It is a very good place to find an acceptable mate - in general your average college student is smarter, better groomed and more beautiful than your average person that doesn't go to college. It's a great place to meet future business connections. It's a great place to learn to relate to other people - outside of the 1000 or so you spent your first 13 years of education with.
College is a fantastic opportunity to experience new things, go new places, if you can afford it - go live in a new part of the country (or world). So many things that are incredibly difficult after you have to get a job/house/wife/kids/new lexus/whatever.
Now, as for the other point. Is the piece of paper important? I think so (speaking as someone that doesn't have that piece of paper). Sure, I do well, and I have friends that do well, but the bottom line is that piece of paper can often get you a better job and more pay. Many businesses will pay you more money or give you promotions just because you have a four year degree - no matter what it's in. That is just the harsh reality of the world we live in. One insurance company that has corporate offices locally will only promote you to an underwriter if you have a four year degree. I heard one person that worked there had a degree in golf course management, but it was good enough to get the job.
Having said all that, here's my advice. GO TO college. If you know what you want to do with your life, study hard and learn everything you can - you'll be better for it. If you don't know what you want to do (or don't want to do anything) go anyway. Get in a cheesey business program (everyplace you ever work will probably be a business), go to lots of parties where lots of girls will take their shirts off, take road trips with your friends, go to football games, join clubs/fraternities/sororities - just try new things. Don't get yourself it a lot of debt, but don't work too much either. It's the one time in your life where you are an adult, can drink, vote and die for your country, but you are also allowed to be a kid and have fun. Don't miss it.
Why didn't they think to throw the brand new teams and rosters onto the old Madden 95 shell?
Simple, how are they going to sell the new game. The only major reason for buying the latest Madden - or any sports game is to upgrade to the latest teams/players/stats/etc... Marketing people would never allow them to sell Madden 95 with an updated roster.
Imagine living on the east coast???? That would be my worst day - even without a tsunami.
Thank God I live in Colorado. Don't think a tsunami is going to make it here.
Fair enough. My original thought was that linux originally was intended as a Unix that ran on 'cheap' PC hardware. If it works for embedded apps and other things, great, but I'm not sure I'm behind rewriting the whole kernel for embedded platforms, or IBM's big iron, Sun sparcs, etc...
If better optimization for different platforms is needed, maybe the code should be forked for these platforms, or maybe someone that needs it should start over from scratch.
Why does it NEED to run on anything other than x86? Sure, it's cool to run it on a Mac, but for practicality why not run OSX? It's tweaked for the platform, and from what I've heard doesn't run like shit.
If IBM, SUN, etc.. wants their platform supported let them donate the time/money/resources to fix where the failures are.
Pretty much what I found. A few months ago we were interested in putting some work servers at a remote location - mostly testing stuff. I asked the local comcast business sales rep point blank if they offered a plan where I could run a server. She said that she had several customers that ran servers...she just didn't know about it. If I wanted to do it, just don't let her know.
I don't know exactly how their network is setup, but I got the distinct impression, both from the business rep, and the installer for my home account that they have bandwidth to BURN.
Two wrongs don't equal a right, but three lefts do!!
Right, the Girl robot will only enslave the MEN in the crowd...
If erudite urban folks are this naive, what can you expect of villagers?
In my experience, people with a simpler way of life, in this case villagers, generally have a more practical view of the world.
I would anticipate that villagers would be much more likely to heed a warning and get to safety than a city dweller that has a mindset of "it won't happen to me".
I, for one, welcome our new skynet overlords.
The same issue will be very much a reality with these drugs in the workplace.
Do you seriously think that Corporate America would test employees to see if they are using 'brain-drugs'? Ever wonder why Major League Baseball looks the other way so often on steriod use? Ever wonder why the NFL and NBA penalties for drug use are so (relatively) lenient? Performance enhancing drug use by professional athletes is good for business. The athletes are stronger, faster, perform better. All of this results in more exciting games and higher revenue. The biggest area(s) where you see drug testing is amateur athletics (olympics, NCAA, etc...), where no one (theoretically) is making any money on the athletes and the games are 'pure'. Professional sports organizations, at least in the US, ignore the problem until the press or government get involved.
How can you possibly think the same thing won't happen in the corporate/scientific world. I'm sure many, many companies would endorse any chemicals that would significantly enhance cognitive abilities privately, if not publicly, at least until the side effects proved severly damaging.