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User: Reapman

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  1. Re:Permissions aren't 'fine grained' on Ask Slashdot: Android Security Practices? · · Score: 1

    The default permissions ARE empty. As your seemingly not aware of how permissions work in Android, you need to add each permission to your applications Manifest XML. If you don't want a permission in there you don't put it in. By default none of my applications had any permissions since I would have had to add them at some point. Every permission in them I added.

    I can write code that creates an infinite loop - is that the OS's fault? No, it's my fault for writing lousy code. If your code asks for permissions it doesn't need, that's not Googles fault - that's YOURS. Google doesn't FORCE you to use any permissions when you write an app.

  2. Re:Permissions aren't 'fine grained' on Ask Slashdot: Android Security Practices? · · Score: 1

    Not to sound cruel but I think your doing it wrong. I made a Hello World app that didn't require to do that - just because you wrote the app wrong and don't know how to modify the manifest XML file to set the permissions you need isn't Android's fault.

    Not going to install anything anymore? So I assume you don't install applications on your computer either? Did you check if the last program you installed wanted to see your contacts in Outlook / favorite email program? Did you check if it would access iPhoto / Picasa albums? Did you check if it would write to your hard drive?

    So what mobile OS do you consider having a superior per app permission listing system in place? Or would you rather just not see anything and assume that your handset maker is protecting you?

    If you don't like the way an app works - contact the app developer or use a competitors.

  3. Re:Permissions aren't 'fine grained' on Ask Slashdot: Android Security Practices? · · Score: 3, Insightful

    EVERY App? I doubt this, in fact as an App Developer I know this isn't true. Adding permissions to your app is something you opt in - if a developer is so lazy he opts in every single perimssion then I wouldn't trust that app.

    I've decided against installing apps that require permissions I don't want, and have quite a few apps that I've trusted onto my phone.

    Google is providing you the ability to, at least, get an idea as to what your getting into. Something like the iPhone doesn't give this, and I'm not sure if Blackberry does or not. Could it be improved? VERY. Is it better then nothing? VERY.

    How is this broken? Because an App Developer has some crazy permissions? I'd call that working - you know what it's asking for and you choose not to install it. How is it better then Windows? Do you know if your Windows Stop Watch app is talking to your Contacts stored in Outlook or Thunderbird?

  4. Re:Count one more on Ask Slashdot: DOSBox, or DOS Box? · · Score: 1

    I love my DOS Box, even if it doesn't get powered on a lot - runs run of my favorite chips a K6-2 350 (overclocked to 400mhz, zomg the speed!) Having to fiddle with autoexec's and config.sys's was fun, as was installing Windows 3.11 for the heck of it.

    For most people it's a complete waste of time and resources but for the few, it's a great stroll down memory lane and helps show the youngins what it was like back in the day. Plus recreating it in an Emulator just isn't the same...

  5. Re:Isn't leaving things out fun? on Sergey Brin: Windows Is "Torturing Users" · · Score: 1

    Neither would I... if I bought one I'd pay for it outright. However I don't think it's being targeted for people like you and me, maybe my mom so I don't have to keep fixing her computer and worrying if the antivirus updated properly or not. If my staff only had to use a web app to do their job I would strongly consider this for them. If they were a developer or some such absolutely not.

    There's a lot of issues with Chrome, but calling it a walled garden is a tad much. I think there's a niche for it - whether or not that niche is large enough is an interesting question...

  6. Re:And then... on Ford Uses Google For a New Type of Smart Car · · Score: 1

    Ya your right, Billboards might start showing ad's related to their local areas!! Because I know where I live I only see billboards for foreign country businesses. Oh the humanity of it all!

  7. Re:Isn't leaving things out fun? on Sergey Brin: Windows Is "Torturing Users" · · Score: 1

    A walled garden is, and feel free to tell me if I'm wrong, where they only allow some things in - for example the iOS App Store where Apple can make sometimes seemingly random decisions as to what is allowed, and delay by months apps without barely an explanation as to why.

    Now, if your saying a device where they said they welcome Jail Breaking, where apparently they will allow dual booting, where apps can be installed off the internet and not only a specific app store, and where to make an app all you need is a website and coding skills is SOMEHOW a walled garden, I'd love to hear how.

    You still haven't answered any of the questions however - How is Google Chrome a Walled Garden?

    More I write the more I'm wondering if I'm not just feeding a troll.. ugh I hate it when I fall for that...

  8. Re:Isn't leaving things out fun? on Sergey Brin: Windows Is "Torturing Users" · · Score: 1

    Ummm no... but considering Chrome ONLY has the Internet, I'm not sure how it could possibly be a walled garden?

  9. Re:Isn't leaving things out fun? on Sergey Brin: Windows Is "Torturing Users" · · Score: 1

    well, since they stated "jailbreaking" (I personally hate that term but whatever) is something they want to support, i'd say yes, you'll get a command shell.

    Just curious what sort of walled garden is "the internet"?

  10. Re:Porn industry on The Dirtiest Jobs in IT · · Score: 1

    why? for your industry sure, for my industry absolutely, but for some it might make sense to have a generic, limited access account setup on some systems - it depends on many factors that neither you nor I could even guess at.

    I notice you said "leaving guest accounts enabled" I assume you were assuming I was talking about the ones in Windows? I hope not...

  11. Re:Porn industry on The Dirtiest Jobs in IT · · Score: 1

    Ya, um, maybe you've watched a bit too much TV, but in order to get access to someones personal data you need MORE then a keyboard. Who's to say the cleaning staff wasn't logged on as a guest account on the machine?

    It's quite common in some industry's, FYI, to have the cleaning staff required to pass a certain level of security clearance.

    But hey, one guy's funny anecdote is enough information for you to blindly ramble on like you know everything, so feel free to continue.

  12. Re:Since Google is an advertising company on Court Approves Google's Bid For Nortel's IP · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If I've learned anything about mobile hardware, it's that it's a mine field of litigation and patents. Often the biggest complaint I hear about Android and Google is that they don't have enough patents to fight off the big guys of the mobile world - likely this is to resolve that situation.

    Compared to the alternatives I still would trust them more then the others. I guess I'm from the generation that still remembers Google as the ones that, in a way, saved the Internet from itself. Without a good reliable search engine the Internet is pretty useless - Google fixed that by not allowing better rankings by paying more $$$. They proved you don't have to pull crap like that to make money. With that said Google is a company - no company should be 100% trusted, but so far I haven't been burned by them.

    The biggest complaint I've heard is that Google sells my information. Well, let's see.. I use Google.com, and I use an Android phone. So far nobodys broken my legs. I haven't received excessive spam (Well, maybe, but GMail does a good job of blocking them if I have), nobody calls my phone asking to sell me stuff. So far all I've seen are... local ad's when searching. I am ok with that.

  13. Re:Call me Crazy... on Man Unknowingly Tweets the Osama Raid · · Score: 1

    1935? Really? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say that was a typo..

    Ya, the USA in 2011 is just like Germany in 1945, except in every possible way. Because TSA's dumb laws totally are the same as the living conditions back then. Stop insulting those that have actually had to live through that.

  14. Tempted to jump on this for $399 on Asus EeePad Transformer Gets a Thumbs-Up · · Score: 1

    For me the big thing is the price... $399 (Even in Canada) is getting pretty close to a price point I'm comfortable with. The keyboard dock for an extra $150 I'd probably get at the same time.

    Although a 10" keyboard isn't ideal, I'm wondering what options there are, if any, to do real Android application development on something like this? I need to replace my old MacBook where I do most of my work right now, and my desire to try this tablet thing out and the fact it has a keyboard makes me wonder if that is somehow doable. I imagine I'd have to use a remote server for the actual compiling and some combination of SSH to get the code back and forth... probably not worth the hassle if that's the case.

  15. Re:So what. on Used Game Penalty Escalates With SOCOM 4 · · Score: 1

    Yes... my PS3 is fully updated - it still sees my Media Centre without issue. I haven't heard of any issues either from anyone else that uses it like that.

    Not sure why they'd get all in your face about it when they didn't before... Other OS was never required for DLNA/uPNP connectivity.

  16. Re:So what. on Used Game Penalty Escalates With SOCOM 4 · · Score: 1

    Soo.... your response to Sony reducing online play for the used game market is to buy a hacked 360 that... can't go online?

    BTW, did you know the PS3 is butt simple to wire up with Windows 7? And Linux? What does this part of your argument even have to do with Socom or used game markets? Or do you just get your fun by spouting off fanboy crap? Also, where can I buy a used X360 for $100? They're that cheap now? Maybe for a model without a hard drive and is the old, often RROD, model (the new Slim 360 is pretty sweet IMO)

  17. Re:Well at least I get the choice on Flash On Android Fails To Impress · · Score: 1

    Yes, but my point was the iOS Philosophy of NO FLASH vs Androids Flash if you want it. Your point is valid however - in fact I didn't know Flash was available on jailbroken phones, been awhile since I had a iPhone 3G.

    Android might as well be considered always on demand on all phones where people want on demand - probably a higher percentage of people would know how to set preference then jailbreak an iPhone and install Flash.

  18. Re:Are you aware of servers?? on Flash On Android Fails To Impress · · Score: 2

    Hmm can you point out a site that I'm missing out on? I've yet to experience what your describing. Closest example I can think of would be something Flash heavy like Gizmodo or Kotaku - both of which give me a mobile site.

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't most "browser detection" happen in the browser agent ID? Never heard of detecting your browser based on flash capability before. Not a web developer tho so would suprise me if I'm wrong on this.

    I suppose some sites might do "if it does flash display video in flash, if not use h.whatever" however in this case I could just as easily say I can still browse those video sites with Flash, AND sites that only display video in flash without the option. So I'd still consider that a bonus.

  19. Re:Far Worse for you on Flash On Android Fails To Impress · · Score: 2

    Uhhh your aware of the fact that Android's built in browser is treated as a "mobile browser" too right? There's nothing preventing me from viewing a mobile friendly version of a page if it exists - this isn't a special feature of the iPhone. In fact sometimes it's annoying in that as a mobile browser I can't see the full website.

  20. Well at least I get the choice on Flash On Android Fails To Impress · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Do I make use of Flash on my phone a lot? Not really.. Am I glad that for the few times I need it that it's there? Yup.

    Since I'm sure the comparisons will be made:
    iPhone - Flash uses up 0% of CPU, works on 0% of Flash based sites - for some people this is ideal.
    Android: Flash uses up CPU (potentially lots) when I allow it to (it's set to on demand), works on... 20% of Flash based sites? - for some people this is better then the above option.

    I guess I'm in the camp that prefers to have the tools, even if they're far from perfect, then to not be allowed the choice. Each to their own really.

  21. Re:It's Official. Firefox has jumped the shark! on Firefox 5 Scheduled For June 21 Release · · Score: 1

    Why on earth would you stay with 3.6? 4.0 is faster on both my Core 2 Duo Desktop and older Macbook - I've heard of no reason why 3.6 is better other then some people prefer the old interface, which as has been posted in countless /. comments is easily changed back if that's your thing.

    You obviously don't remember the days of Netscape - it died for several reasons, not least of which was it was slow and painful and crashed all the time. Hell FF4 Beta on my desktop rarely crashed, the Final release hasn't yet (although I'm sure it will eventually, all software does)

    Slow, painful, crashes a lot. 3 things FF4.0 is not. IE9 doesn't offer the plugins I use to make web browsing safe, and I'm not using the offspring of IE6, something I despised using at work until a few months ago.

  22. Re:Priorities... on Sony's NGP May Be Delayed By Japan Quake · · Score: 1

    Ah well my bad, definitely a WOOSH I missed. However your comment, taken seriously, is not out of line with a lot of what other people say around these parts.

  23. Re:Priorities... on Sony's NGP May Be Delayed By Japan Quake · · Score: 1

    Yes, that makes so much more sense then the Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear disaster causing the delay. Because we know Sony can only afford to launch a product OR sue an individual, not both!

    Or, you know, your blind hatred of a company is making you crazy in the head, impossible to say really.

  24. Re:fuck yeah on Android Passes BlackBerry In US Market Share · · Score: 1
  25. Epic on Plumber Injection Attack In Bowser's Castle · · Score: 1

    Great read, but seriously, isn't this news a bit old? I mean we're talking about a product several revisions old. I'm sure in the years since this product was originally published Bowsers had a chance to install additional safeguards to the perimeter. I doubt a single plumber could ever break in now....