This comes mere weeks after Slate recommended Firefox over Internet Explorer.
Wait a second - are you implying that Microsoft would make such a move to protect the bottom line? How dare you! You shall be punished for your insolence! I'm a l33t windows user and I'll haX0r your... [this computer has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down]
Since so many people are complaining that I allegedly misused the term "vigilante" - here's the Webster online definition that I was thinking of:
vigilante:
(snip) broadly: a self-appointed doer of justice
In case there is further confusion - you do realize that words can have differing definitions, right? So, sorry fellas - it seems that I used the term completely correctly.
So ebay is expanding into markets that may not necessarily fit with its original game plan (which is essentially "Hey - let's take a yardsale and put it online!).
I think ebay - despite it's size - will eventually be absorbed by a larger portal. Google anyone? I mean, they already have similar logos and colors - it's only a matter of time.:)
Actually, I'm surprised Ebay didn't start something like this sooner. I think they'll be expanding further into an auction-style market where sections get further divided by grade, or at least by basic "new" or "used." The digital music thing is just the first step to - IMHO - a larger expansion.
I don't agree with heavy-handed responses to individuals who are doing independent work for the good of everyone and not for money... BUT.... the fact remains that it is their copyright and intellectual property. I'm no fan of big corporations, but this particular issue seems pretty clear-cut to me.
Maybe I'm just not a good geek, but for some reason I can't muster all the outrage that everyone else has. I don't know what it is, but I just can't get too upset. Perhaps I'm resigned to our fate. I think it's inevitable that RFID or some similar tracking device will be commonplace within our lifetimes. It'll just be another step in having a baby - push, breathe, here it comes, spank, cry, name it, get the tag installed. I'm not trolling, that's just what I think'll happen.
I used to rant against any invasion of privacy whatsoever. But I soon realized that if I wasn't doing anything illegal, I had nothing to worry about even if there were cameras all over my house. Kind of like people arguing for P2P sharing's "legitimate" uses. I mean c'mon - how many times has someone really used it legitimately?
But to stay on topic, I guess I just don't get it all. I'd actually be okay with tagging as long as any monitoring wasn't used irresponsibly - like confiscating my computer for writing dissident material. That sort of thing is what I think the whole debate is about, really - not that we'd be monitored, but that the people doing the monitoring might be evil and that there are a few capabilities for abuses. If the monitoring were somehow magically assured to be flawless and apply only towards the prevention of illegal activities, I might even lobby openly for them.
Call me crazy, but I don't think that "right to privacy" should mean "right to privately commit illegal acts." Keep things in perspective. Sure, the gov. has a history of abuses, but even slightly creepy RFID tags can and will have some very widespread advantages.
And on a lighter note, here's one of my favorite quotes on the subject from "That 70's show!"
Red: Damn US government? Without our government you'd be stuck in Siberia now, sucking the juice from a rotten commi potato! Lemme tell you something... if the US government decides to stick a tracking device up your ass, you say thank you... and god bless america!!
So let me get this straight - the RIAA is going to make money through a pairing of HP with Starbucks. I see it has begun...
All we need now is to have Microsoft write the operating system, Coca-Cola to offer promotions, Disney to open these special Starbucks in their parks, and have ClearChannel cover the whole event on all their stations and it will finally be time to welcome the end of the world.
It's a good thing Starbucks came up with this idea - because nobody spends enough time at coffee shops as it is. Last I heard, Starbucks was getting close to going under! Perhaps this will help them finally gain an advantage over their competitors.
Oh I eventually learned my lesson. I'm fairly tall, so I hit my head on things all the time. One day I just realized that despite my multiple head wounds, I had yet to poke an eye out. So the worry went away. Although it's debatable whether I ever got rid of the need to protect myself from the outside world. I am indoors playing on my computer most of the time after all:)
I work on Mac OS X Panther, Windows XP, and Fedora Core 2. For me, I personally haven't had hacking or virus troubles on any of those systems. Indeed, Windows XP has had other problems of its own, but security has never been an issue for me.
Why? Same old thing - be vigilant about patching your system and do virus scans regularly. Apply at least basic firewalls. Turn off window pane viewing and complex html in external mail programs. Don't download attachments unless you're sure of what they are.
In reality, security of your system comes down to whether or not you're a dumbass. I know that there are extreme cases where someone is made to suffer even if they did all they possibly could, but for the home user those seem few and far between.
I do wish that my systems came with better security from the outset, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't remain vigilant. People with home or car alarms still don't leave their doors unlocked, neither should we neglect the personal responsibility of our computers.
There's a lot of religious fervor about which system is better whenever there's an article like this. People who bicker about it on slashdot don't really make much sense to me because any person that's reading slashdot in the first place is probably smart enough to actually keep their system - whatever OS it may be - up to snuff. Generally speaking, the statistics in the article probably don't apply to "us" as much - they apply to the technologically limited.
I think it would actually be kind of scary to see stats on slashdot users' computers!
Sure, this kind of science has a long way to go. But doesn't everything? This is frickin' amazing! For me personally, I always had this weird fear growing up of anything making me blind. When I was a kid I actually wanted to get glasses specifically for the purpose of having a shield over my eyes! If there is eventually full transplant success, the possibilities would be incredible. I'm not sure if there's another physical feeling that would be as powerful and emotional as someone who has lived their life blind getting the opportunity to see at last.
I always keep my eye on Apple's deals page. Usually, when something good pops up - like a reconditioned iMac for several hundred less - it disappears quickly. If you really want something basic for cheap, just watch there and on ebay.
holy crap! I am completely aware that Windows ME was pretty pathetic (Windows ME + bad experiences with XP = why I'm a Mac and Linux guy now), but a system that you can CHECK to see if it's on fire? Talk about coming up with everything! I don't think I'd have the patience to type that in to check it if I smelled smoke. I was running around like a little girl as it was.
First thing a friend told me when I was buying a mac:
"I'm warning you, if you try to talk to other geeks about Macs they'll pick on you like schoolkids. Their behavior will come from the same part of the brain that generates penis envy. Beware!"
Mac bashing has all been done before. I'm used to it by now. It's tired, old, and unoriginal. Although I do think it's really funny that I'm still singled out for discussing my mac pride and opinions in a forum about MACS. Go figure. I guess macophobes just seek out people to bash out of jealousy.
And last I checked, it was homosexuals that usually hide their sexuality from public view, not straights. I'm out in the open and proud of my technosexuality. But you're.... anonymous? Isn't that the same as being in the closet - Nancy boy?:)
Believe it or not, I actually agree with everything you said. I'm not advocating Mac OVER Linux in the long-term, mind you. My point is really just more that Mac has the name recognition, the ability, and apparently the desire to bring open source within the narrow tech vision of the average user.
The official respository thing is a definite NO. Although there is no shortage of independent sources for open-source Mac software. I've had an easier time finding software for Mac than my old Windows box.
So I do agree with you, but I also feel that your statements can be co-exist with mine.
My point of view may be skewed because I finally bought a Mac a year ago and have been impressed ever since, but I think Apple has the potential to lead the mainstream charge for open source advocacy than Linux does.
To be honest, most people I know that use computers aren't really aware what Linux is. Then, when a penguin-head tries to tell them about it, they don't really understand it or even care. I've faced that problem multiple times when trying to explain linux to folks.
The thing is that the average user only cares about internet, email, instant messenging, pirated mp3s, and porn. While it's all fine and dandy that linux is more efficient, it still takes a lot more set-up to get it all working. To the average person, one major system crash a week is more tolerable than dealing with a whole new system from scratch.
On top of that, there's the nervous insecurity that comes with knowing they're mostly on their own. Nobody likes tech support, but it's still nice to know that they're there. Apple has handled open source wonderfully. Users feel secure with a Mac in their hands - at least moreso than Linux. On top of that, if they actually know what open source is, they feel like they're elite for using it.
The developers get more open access, the users get a sense of pride and security that comes from open source well handled, and Apple makes money.
I think they have the formula that will drive open source to the home user. Linux will be the better for it, too - while Windows will eventually fall further behind as "too restrictive."
But these are just my predictions being typed on a very efficient and dependable PowerBook. Writer bias, anyone?
As many of you can probably sympathize with, when I was younger and more naive I liked to think that I was more talented with computers than I was. Common arrogant tendency of any of us that work with computers, of course - but with disastrous results.
So I was 19, with my first higher-powered desktop. Brand-spanking-new, only about a month old. It had been crashing a lot (courtesy of Windows ME - Thanks, Gateway!), so I was exploring options on how I could fix it on my own. I had already sent the tower back to Gateway multiple times and was just sick of them not actually getting it fixed. So, I thought maybe I'd buy some more memory and see if that helped.
Well, to this day I don't know what exactly went wrong. It might have been that I purchased the wrong size/shape/brand of memory, or it might be that I put it into the slot incorrectly. But as I booted up my system and saw the Windows ME splash screen come up, I heard a loud, thin whining sound. Then I smelled smoke. In a panic I whipped off the outer door of my casing only to see that the memory cards were smoking.
What's more, the pentium III chip was white hot. It was literally too bright to look at. The only reason it soon became okay to look at was because it caught fire. Yes, my motherboard caught fire. Then, as further evidence of my dumbass-ity, I realized that the system was still plugged in and making things worse. So I yanked the cord and watched as my memory and processor simmered down like a dead match.
Needless to say, the delusion I had held about myself being a computer genius was thoroughly shot. If there's ever a way to knock down a techie's ego, it's to have something catch fire and it be his fault entirely.
Did anyone else notice this tidbit in the article:
Gary Schare, director of the Windows Client Division at Microsoft, said that CERT's advice had been misrepresented in much of the press coverage.
"Microsoft certainly respects the work CERT does to help protect the Internet and users. Regarding the consideration that users switch browsers, it is unfortunate that the published articles have misrepresented CERT's suggestions, and we are working with CERT to clarify their advice," Schare said.
My jaw just dropped open. How are the reports misrepresenting CERT's statements? Get a new web browser can mean only one thing - GET A NEW FRICKIN' WEB BROWSER! How could that possibly be "misrepresented"?
It's basic english - we use it every day! Are you honestly working with computers while not knowing ordinary conversational language? Perhaps we need to tell Microsoft what the definition of IS is.
But in my mind I can see a Microsoft lackey going - "No, no, no, what the really meant was get a new blouse. Um, CERT doesn't like turquoise tops.... uh, yeah that's what they meant."
I don't know what's more pathetic - the fact that Microsoft is trying to accuse others of misrespresenting them, or the fact that many people will believe them and just stick with IE.
Ugh it just disgusts me how blatant and open they are about their lies and coverups. It makes me feel dirty just to see the little IE icon up on slashdot now.
But I'll tell you one thing - people who work for Microsoft certainly must be gearing up for very successful careers in politics.
I'd hate to work at Dell's customer service/call center when thousands of angry people start contacting them because they have thousands of songs they bought on iTunes that just don't seem to work on Dell's jukebox.
Slashdot Mirror
This comes mere weeks after Slate recommended Firefox over Internet Explorer.
Wait a second - are you implying that Microsoft would make such a move to protect the bottom line? How dare you! You shall be punished for your insolence! I'm a l33t windows user and I'll haX0r your... [this computer has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down]
Unfortunately, no. Apparently, the almighty god "Google" sensed your sarcastic insolence and decided to endow me with no applicable results.
:)
Ask and you shall receive: Wooden computer cases
Splah-dow!
Since so many people are complaining that I allegedly misused the term "vigilante" - here's the Webster online definition that I was thinking of:
:)
vigilante:
(snip)
broadly: a self-appointed doer of justice
In case there is further confusion - you do realize that words can have differing definitions, right? So, sorry fellas - it seems that I used the term completely correctly.
I never knew there was such a thing as non-bunky lies.
Someone may have already mentioned this, and if so - I apologize. But I noticed this in another article on the topic of the new iPods - it seems that incoming Duke University freshmen will be receiving iPods pre-loaded with "Duke University content." How frickin' cool is this?
Thanks to my good slashdot karma, the only time I was busy today was from 9-midnight and entirely missed the blackout. I knew it'd pay off eventually!
So ebay is expanding into markets that may not necessarily fit with its original game plan (which is essentially "Hey - let's take a yardsale and put it online!).
:)
I think ebay - despite it's size - will eventually be absorbed by a larger portal. Google anyone? I mean, they already have similar logos and colors - it's only a matter of time.
Actually, I'm surprised Ebay didn't start something like this sooner. I think they'll be expanding further into an auction-style market where sections get further divided by grade, or at least by basic "new" or "used." The digital music thing is just the first step to - IMHO - a larger expansion.
I don't agree with heavy-handed responses to individuals who are doing independent work for the good of everyone and not for money... BUT.... the fact remains that it is their copyright and intellectual property. I'm no fan of big corporations, but this particular issue seems pretty clear-cut to me.
I wish you'd explained a little further. I think your point is a good one but I'm curious about how you'd expand it.
Maybe I'm just not a good geek, but for some reason I can't muster all the outrage that everyone else has. I don't know what it is, but I just can't get too upset. Perhaps I'm resigned to our fate. I think it's inevitable that RFID or some similar tracking device will be commonplace within our lifetimes. It'll just be another step in having a baby - push, breathe, here it comes, spank, cry, name it, get the tag installed. I'm not trolling, that's just what I think'll happen.
I used to rant against any invasion of privacy whatsoever. But I soon realized that if I wasn't doing anything illegal, I had nothing to worry about even if there were cameras all over my house. Kind of like people arguing for P2P sharing's "legitimate" uses. I mean c'mon - how many times has someone really used it legitimately?
But to stay on topic, I guess I just don't get it all. I'd actually be okay with tagging as long as any monitoring wasn't used irresponsibly - like confiscating my computer for writing dissident material. That sort of thing is what I think the whole debate is about, really - not that we'd be monitored, but that the people doing the monitoring might be evil and that there are a few capabilities for abuses. If the monitoring were somehow magically assured to be flawless and apply only towards the prevention of illegal activities, I might even lobby openly for them.
Call me crazy, but I don't think that "right to privacy" should mean "right to privately commit illegal acts." Keep things in perspective. Sure, the gov. has a history of abuses, but even slightly creepy RFID tags can and will have some very widespread advantages.
And on a lighter note, here's one of my favorite quotes on the subject from "That 70's show!"
Red: Damn US government? Without our government you'd be stuck in Siberia now, sucking the juice from a rotten commi potato! Lemme tell you something... if the US government decides to stick a tracking device up your ass, you say thank you... and god bless america!!
Benedict. sgregwoods@yahoo.com
So let me get this straight - the RIAA is going to make money through a pairing of HP with Starbucks. I see it has begun...
All we need now is to have Microsoft write the operating system, Coca-Cola to offer promotions, Disney to open these special Starbucks in their parks, and have ClearChannel cover the whole event on all their stations and it will finally be time to welcome the end of the world.
It's a good thing Starbucks came up with this idea - because nobody spends enough time at coffee shops as it is. Last I heard, Starbucks was getting close to going under! Perhaps this will help them finally gain an advantage over their competitors.
Oh I eventually learned my lesson. I'm fairly tall, so I hit my head on things all the time. One day I just realized that despite my multiple head wounds, I had yet to poke an eye out. So the worry went away. Although it's debatable whether I ever got rid of the need to protect myself from the outside world. I am indoors playing on my computer most of the time after all :)
I work on Mac OS X Panther, Windows XP, and Fedora Core 2. For me, I personally haven't had hacking or virus troubles on any of those systems. Indeed, Windows XP has had other problems of its own, but security has never been an issue for me.
Why? Same old thing - be vigilant about patching your system and do virus scans regularly. Apply at least basic firewalls. Turn off window pane viewing and complex html in external mail programs. Don't download attachments unless you're sure of what they are.
In reality, security of your system comes down to whether or not you're a dumbass. I know that there are extreme cases where someone is made to suffer even if they did all they possibly could, but for the home user those seem few and far between.
I do wish that my systems came with better security from the outset, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't remain vigilant. People with home or car alarms still don't leave their doors unlocked, neither should we neglect the personal responsibility of our computers.
There's a lot of religious fervor about which system is better whenever there's an article like this. People who bicker about it on slashdot don't really make much sense to me because any person that's reading slashdot in the first place is probably smart enough to actually keep their system - whatever OS it may be - up to snuff. Generally speaking, the statistics in the article probably don't apply to "us" as much - they apply to the technologically limited.
I think it would actually be kind of scary to see stats on slashdot users' computers!
Sure, this kind of science has a long way to go. But doesn't everything? This is frickin' amazing! For me personally, I always had this weird fear growing up of anything making me blind. When I was a kid I actually wanted to get glasses specifically for the purpose of having a shield over my eyes! If there is eventually full transplant success, the possibilities would be incredible. I'm not sure if there's another physical feeling that would be as powerful and emotional as someone who has lived their life blind getting the opportunity to see at last.
I always keep my eye on Apple's deals page. Usually, when something good pops up - like a reconditioned iMac for several hundred less - it disappears quickly. If you really want something basic for cheap, just watch there and on ebay.
holy crap! I am completely aware that Windows ME was pretty pathetic (Windows ME + bad experiences with XP = why I'm a Mac and Linux guy now), but a system that you can CHECK to see if it's on fire? Talk about coming up with everything! I don't think I'd have the patience to type that in to check it if I smelled smoke. I was running around like a little girl as it was.
First thing a friend told me when I was buying a mac:
:)
"I'm warning you, if you try to talk to other geeks about Macs they'll pick on you like schoolkids. Their behavior will come from the same part of the brain that generates penis envy. Beware!"
Mac bashing has all been done before. I'm used to it by now. It's tired, old, and unoriginal. Although I do think it's really funny that I'm still singled out for discussing my mac pride and opinions in a forum about MACS. Go figure. I guess macophobes just seek out people to bash out of jealousy.
And last I checked, it was homosexuals that usually hide their sexuality from public view, not straights. I'm out in the open and proud of my technosexuality. But you're.... anonymous? Isn't that the same as being in the closet - Nancy boy?
Believe it or not, I actually agree with everything you said. I'm not advocating Mac OVER Linux in the long-term, mind you. My point is really just more that Mac has the name recognition, the ability, and apparently the desire to bring open source within the narrow tech vision of the average user.
The official respository thing is a definite NO. Although there is no shortage of independent sources for open-source Mac software. I've had an easier time finding software for Mac than my old Windows box.
So I do agree with you, but I also feel that your statements can be co-exist with mine.
My point of view may be skewed because I finally bought a Mac a year ago and have been impressed ever since, but I think Apple has the potential to lead the mainstream charge for open source advocacy than Linux does.
To be honest, most people I know that use computers aren't really aware what Linux is. Then, when a penguin-head tries to tell them about it, they don't really understand it or even care. I've faced that problem multiple times when trying to explain linux to folks.
The thing is that the average user only cares about internet, email, instant messenging, pirated mp3s, and porn. While it's all fine and dandy that linux is more efficient, it still takes a lot more set-up to get it all working. To the average person, one major system crash a week is more tolerable than dealing with a whole new system from scratch.
On top of that, there's the nervous insecurity that comes with knowing they're mostly on their own. Nobody likes tech support, but it's still nice to know that they're there. Apple has handled open source wonderfully. Users feel secure with a Mac in their hands - at least moreso than Linux. On top of that, if they actually know what open source is, they feel like they're elite for using it.
The developers get more open access, the users get a sense of pride and security that comes from open source well handled, and Apple makes money.
I think they have the formula that will drive open source to the home user. Linux will be the better for it, too - while Windows will eventually fall further behind as "too restrictive."
But these are just my predictions being typed on a very efficient and dependable PowerBook. Writer bias, anyone?
As many of you can probably sympathize with, when I was younger and more naive I liked to think that I was more talented with computers than I was. Common arrogant tendency of any of us that work with computers, of course - but with disastrous results.
So I was 19, with my first higher-powered desktop. Brand-spanking-new, only about a month old. It had been crashing a lot (courtesy of Windows ME - Thanks, Gateway!), so I was exploring options on how I could fix it on my own. I had already sent the tower back to Gateway multiple times and was just sick of them not actually getting it fixed. So, I thought maybe I'd buy some more memory and see if that helped.
Well, to this day I don't know what exactly went wrong. It might have been that I purchased the wrong size/shape/brand of memory, or it might be that I put it into the slot incorrectly. But as I booted up my system and saw the Windows ME splash screen come up, I heard a loud, thin whining sound. Then I smelled smoke. In a panic I whipped off the outer door of my casing only to see that the memory cards were smoking.
What's more, the pentium III chip was white hot. It was literally too bright to look at. The only reason it soon became okay to look at was because it caught fire. Yes, my motherboard caught fire. Then, as further evidence of my dumbass-ity, I realized that the system was still plugged in and making things worse. So I yanked the cord and watched as my memory and processor simmered down like a dead match.
Needless to say, the delusion I had held about myself being a computer genius was thoroughly shot. If there's ever a way to knock down a techie's ego, it's to have something catch fire and it be his fault entirely.
Did anyone else notice this tidbit in the article:
Gary Schare, director of the Windows Client Division at Microsoft, said that CERT's advice had been misrepresented in much of the press coverage.
"Microsoft certainly respects the work CERT does to help protect the Internet and users. Regarding the consideration that users switch browsers, it is unfortunate that the published articles have misrepresented CERT's suggestions, and we are working with CERT to clarify their advice," Schare said.
My jaw just dropped open. How are the reports misrepresenting CERT's statements? Get a new web browser can mean only one thing - GET A NEW FRICKIN' WEB BROWSER! How could that possibly be "misrepresented"?
It's basic english - we use it every day! Are you honestly working with computers while not knowing ordinary conversational language? Perhaps we need to tell Microsoft what the definition of IS is.
But in my mind I can see a Microsoft lackey going - "No, no, no, what the really meant was get a new blouse. Um, CERT doesn't like turquoise tops.... uh, yeah that's what they meant."
I don't know what's more pathetic - the fact that Microsoft is trying to accuse others of misrespresenting them, or the fact that many people will believe them and just stick with IE.
Ugh it just disgusts me how blatant and open they are about their lies and coverups. It makes me feel dirty just to see the little IE icon up on slashdot now.
But I'll tell you one thing - people who work for Microsoft certainly must be gearing up for very successful careers in politics.
I'd hate to work at Dell's customer service/call center when thousands of angry people start contacting them because they have thousands of songs they bought on iTunes that just don't seem to work on Dell's jukebox.
"Oh yeah?! Well my OS can beat up your OS in its SLEEP(mode)!"