1) exactly what version of Android is it running (my guess 1.6) ? 2) Can this version be upgraded ? (my Augen Tablet can't be upgraded)
So very well shell out your $149 + tax but you will be in a software dead end.
My advice to anyone who want (note the word wants..) and Android tablet is to wait until Android V3 ships and decently priced Capacitive Touch Screen Tables get released. The whole user experience will be a whole lot nicer and you will be $149 (+tax) better off.
Also, the Android AR Apps I'm writing now won't work on Android V1.6 (well they won't be supported)
I don't rely the supplied JVM. I have to match the JVM version with that used on the target system. I have about 10 different JVM versions available. The same applied to Eclipse. As long as I can get the Downloads then I'll carry on using the Mac. If Eclipse.org & Oracle stop producing downloadable 'stuff' then I'll move to Linux. RHEL or CentOS are used as frequently as Windoze in most of my clients.
Ok jmke,
As I've said in previous posts, I've been writing commercial software since 1975. I've used almost every major O/S since including Z/OS, VMS and years of UNIX. I've written drivers for Linux & windows over the years as well as lots of embedded systems work including parts of Aircraft Autopilots. Yes, I use Server 2003 on a daily basis just because it does not get in the way. Server 2008 does. all those frigging security policies drove me mad. I do backup my systems daily as well. I have an Image of my O/S disk (done with MS tools btw) and do daily incrementals of my souce code repo (git). I don't need anything else. As I am soon to retire, I opted for the easy life. OS/X gives me that. After years of fighting windoes (since 3.1 days) I held my hands up and said enough is enough. I won't ever go back to Windows. AFAIAC MS has lost the plot in terms of usability and the KISS principle. But hey, you can have your opinions I am not trying to stop you but don't ever accuse me of a lack of experience. That is just silly.
I'm basing it on my own experiences. I use Windows Server 2003 on a daily basis. AFAIK, everything post that is downhill. Some of the builtin policies in Win 7 are frankly awful. Yeah, I could work round them but honestly, I have more important things to do with my time these days.
Naturally, other people's experiences may well differ from mine. I accept that. Just like some people drive Ford's but won't set foot in a Toyota. Or, rant on about Ubuntu and dismiss SUSE as a not hoper in the Linux world.
Quote Unless you're going to use apple software there's no point in buying apple hardware.
What a load of old Tosh.
I use Mac's. I use OSX. But I also use software from the likes of Adobe (photoshop, lightroom) Eclipse (Java IDE) Mozilla (Firefox & T'Bird) Paragon (ntfs & ext3 drivers) Oracle (OO)
Just like I used to do with Windows. I got fed up with Windows (Vista) getting in my way where XP/Server 2003 Didn't. Then there is all the malware and the need for AV stuff etc. After writing software for a living since 1975 I switched 3yrs ago and have not regretted it one iota. My Mac's just work.
Last year my car was broken into and my MBP was stolen. I went out and bought a new MBP, hooked up my TimeMachine Backup and a few hours later, i was back in business. No product re-installs, no hunting for serial numbers. Nada. Zilch. All done with OOTB O/S software. Try that with Windoze. The same applies when you want to upgrade your HDD. No WGA nightmares(will it or won't it work...). Sorry, OSX gives me a far nicer user experience. It allows me to get on with my proper job, Developing Business Software that runs mostly on Unix or Z/OS.
If the ISP started selling/giving away DSL/Cable Modem Routers that were capable of IPv6 then a lot of the issues with XP etc would go away.
LEt the router/modem handle IPv6 on one side and give you a local Nat'd IPv4 on the other and optionally a parallel IPv6 net.
Then the ISP's could return the now unused IPv4 addresses to the pool.
The issue with this is that many of the currently available devices won't do that job OOTB.
I wish my ISP was as enlightened as this German one and they are one of the biggest in the UK as well and as recently as last March they had no plans to migrate to IPv6.
One thing holding it back from the Consumers is the lack of Comsumer ADSL Modem/routers that support it. AFAIK, the Draytek Vigor series is about the only ones that do it. Sigh
In defence of John H, he does puport to do other IT Sysadmin stuff other than just write about it all the time.
That said, this article has lost any credability he once have in my eyes. Sure have multi level firewalls to protect the nasties from getting in. Are you then going to stop every laptop, every wifi connectable device being bought onto your premises by visitors from connecting to your network? Ok, a lot of companies already do this by conficating all Mobiles but that is mostly to stop people with cameras from taking piccies. Are you going to stop some idiot member of staff from accidentally downloading something that is smart enought to get past the corporate AV scanners and then start port scanning/.Lan traffic sniffing in the background? I don't think so. Firewalls on al PC's make total sense. As have been said, it is all part of multi tierd defenses. Look what happened to the Maginot Line in WW2. The Germans just went round it. Useless.
Sorry JH, most of the time, I like what you write in PC-Pro. This along with the silliness from Tom Arah this month is enough. I won't be renewing my subscription when it comes up for renewal.
This will be regardless of the actual content of these videos. They will still file them even if none of them violate even one frame of copyrighted material (in the eyes of the MPAA etc)
Why?
This bunch of shysters are suing Google. They want YouTube closed down. They virtually have to use this just to keep the facade of their case alive. IF they don't do this then they will fail to get it closed down as they will by their failure admit that their is indeed non Hollywood/Bollywood/RIAA/BPI etc copyrighted material on YouTube.
Yeah, the calls about a Virus are a new one. My next door neighbour got one of these last Wednesday. They kept saying that there was a virus in a folder called 'My Documents' that was spread by Microsoft Office 2007.
She had to laugh as she uses a Mac Mini and OS/X. When she said there was no such thing as 'My Documents' on her computer they spent the next 10 minutes trying to tell her that every computer had a folder called 'My Documents'.
Then she said, 'oh you mean my old Computer. The one that was so riddled with crap that it now runs Linux'. They hung up.
The HDD was failing. I managed to save most of their data. I only lost a few mp3's. The CD-Rom (Read Only) was Dead due to dust. Yep I tried cleaning it. The whole case was clagged up with dust The fans were noisy (with dust)
So the system was donated to a charity recycler who took it with pleasure despite knowing the faults.
They are extreemly happy with the Mini. It sits on a shelf well out off the quite dusty floor area. IT is virtually silent. All their peripherals worked OOTB. Result? One very happy family.
As for Ubuntu? I really dislike it. If I was to install any Linux on their box, it would be Fedora or CentOS. I just don't like Canonicals policy of not contributing kernel fixes into the mainstream and the way they 'mess' with stuff. This is however a whole different story and one that is way off topic for this thread. I'll only say that Ubuntu was most certainly not the solution to their problems.
In the UK at least, the Mac Mini includes iLife. If you think about what you are getting in such a small package. Now that the PSU is inside and the RAM upgrade is easy (via the removable bottom panel), it becomes quite an attractive package.
Granted that it is quite a jump from the old model but this one is even smaller and with more inside. I'm looking at an Asus eeeBox eb1502 as I write this. This is physically larger than the Mini. IT has an exteranl PSU as well. The mini has a far more powerful CPU than the Atom in the eebox. Granted that the Mini is twice the price but for me, it is a great package. Last month, I got my next door neighbour to buy a Mini. IT replaced a Dell Tower (some 5 years old) that was so full of malware (they have two girls who use Facebook etc...) that it was so slow. The HDD was giving up the ghost with lots of errors. They are really pleased with the mini. iTunes & limewire works. As does FarmVille, Facebook & UTube. They have MSOffice and they are really happy with their new system. No more AV software crippling the system and demanding reboots. No more under the cover software updates that demand a reboot. My life is far easier now that they are using the Mini. Yeah, I'm their IT Support. Even the Parental Controls work very well OOTB. That was always hit & miss on the PC. I am in no doubt that the Apple computing experiece is far more bounded that the Windows one but as the PC market marutes PC are becoming appliances. The best in class appliance IMHO, is the apple one and the Mini is a great lead into it of you already have a Screen, keyboars & mouse. Just my 2p worth.
It is hard enough to get developers even to write a line of documentation let alone get decent Technical Writers involved to make those nice User Docs. This applies even for Commercial software let alone FOSS.
Wake me up when this 'widget' can do a CD4 Blood test. I'm sure that many Leukaemia sufferers will say the same. Having to go to the Hospital rather than the Doctor's Surgery for a CD4 test is a real PITA.
What about all those out there that don't a smartphone? What about those who send you an SMS? And you want to reply?
Maybe in your part of the Planet, SMS is no big deal but there, Text Messaging is far more prevalent than data plans. For one thing, it works on every frigging phone, you don't need a 3G or other data connection just a couple of bars of Phone Reception.
I've been 'tinkering' with computers since 1974 when I built an A-to-D & an D-to-A interface card for an IMP-16p Microprocessor. I still tinker with several FOSS Projects as well as writing Unix Server software for a living, but since I've moved from PC to a MAC, I don't have to tinker with it anymore. It does what I want it to without having to fight the frigging O/S all the time. Anti-virus software does not get in the way like it did before. I know I could tinker with the MacBook that this is being written on but there is no need. no need to install ATI or Nvidia graphics drivers, constantly update the AV Software etc etc. No Windows Genuine Advantage crapware. Phew, I can get on with using the thing rather than having to manage it. All I do is connect up my external hdd once a week and run a time machine backup. Easy. Simple and OOTB!
I won't be buying an iPad but I know quite a few people who would find it just what they want. Many of them have PC's running Windows 98 or XP and are looking for a new device to surf the web and send some emails. I think that an iPad might very well be an ideal replacement device for them. They are not tinkerers by any means.
The Computer market is maturing. Apple have recognised this and IMHO, are right on the nail with the iPad.
That's what my grandkids say. I saw them 20+ times from 1968 to their last gig in Hyde Park. I took 35mm slides of many of their 1970-1974 concerts that I treasure to this day. Grainy as hell. The Grandkids all have 40x50cm prints on their bedroom walls.
They always played Dark Side and The Wall as continious pieces. From the first time they played Dark Side (Brighton Dome 20-Jan-1972, cos I was there) to the recent shows by Roger Waters, Dark Side is one piece of music and I for one only ever listen to the whole thing as one track. Then you get Umagumma. Long pieces.
The first time, I saw them was at the RoundHouse in London in the Syd Barett days. They did a set that was just three numbers. Saucerful, Astronomie & Set the controls. It lasted two hours.
Kudos to the Band for sticking to their guns here.
Motorolla sues RIM Nokia sues Apple Apple Sues Nokia
Soon, RIM will countersue Motorolla. All asking to have their competitiors import of new phones banned. All we need is for Sony/Erricson, HTC & Google to start participating in this legal suitfest.
Very soon, the price of phones in the US will rocket due to limited supply. Then after a while, all the companies concerned stop selling phones due to rocketing legal costs. The US mobile phone system starts to inwardly implode under the weight of the collective law suits. The only winners here will be (As usual) the lawyers.
Slashdot Mirror
Well, you are one of the lucky ones then.
An awful lot of the cheap Android Tablets still being sold can't have their O/S upgraded.
Ok then. Ask youself these two questions.
1) exactly what version of Android is it running (my guess 1.6) ?
2) Can this version be upgraded ? (my Augen Tablet can't be upgraded)
So very well shell out your $149 + tax but you will be in a software dead end.
My advice to anyone who want (note the word wants..) and Android tablet is to wait until Android V3 ships and decently priced Capacitive Touch Screen Tables get released.
The whole user experience will be a whole lot nicer and you will be $149 (+tax) better off.
Also, the Android AR Apps I'm writing now won't work on Android V1.6 (well they won't be supported)
I don't rely the supplied JVM. I have to match the JVM version with that used on the target system.
I have about 10 different JVM versions available. The same applied to Eclipse. As long as I can get the Downloads then I'll carry on using the Mac.
If Eclipse.org & Oracle stop producing downloadable 'stuff' then I'll move to Linux. RHEL or CentOS are used as frequently as Windoze in most of my clients.
Ok jmke,
As I've said in previous posts, I've been writing commercial software since 1975. I've used almost every major O/S since including Z/OS, VMS and years of UNIX. I've written drivers for Linux & windows over the years as well as lots of embedded systems work including parts of Aircraft Autopilots.
Yes, I use Server 2003 on a daily basis just because it does not get in the way. Server 2008 does. all those frigging security policies drove me mad. I do backup my systems daily as well. I have an Image of my O/S disk (done with MS tools btw) and do daily incrementals of my souce code repo (git). I don't need anything else.
As I am soon to retire, I opted for the easy life. OS/X gives me that. After years of fighting windoes (since 3.1 days) I held my hands up and said enough is enough.
I won't ever go back to Windows. AFAIAC MS has lost the plot in terms of usability and the KISS principle. But hey, you can have your opinions I am not trying to stop you but don't ever accuse me of a lack of experience. That is just silly.
I'm basing it on my own experiences. I use Windows Server 2003 on a daily basis. AFAIK, everything post that is downhill. Some of the builtin policies in Win 7 are frankly awful. Yeah, I could work round them but honestly, I have more important things to do with my time these days.
Naturally, other people's experiences may well differ from mine. I accept that. Just like some people drive Ford's but won't set foot in a Toyota. Or, rant on about Ubuntu and dismiss SUSE as a not hoper in the Linux world.
Quote
Unless you're going to use apple software there's no point in buying apple hardware.
What a load of old Tosh.
I use Mac's. I use OSX.
But I also use software from the likes of
Adobe (photoshop, lightroom)
Eclipse (Java IDE)
Mozilla (Firefox & T'Bird)
Paragon (ntfs & ext3 drivers)
Oracle (OO)
Just like I used to do with Windows.
I got fed up with Windows (Vista) getting in my way where XP/Server 2003 Didn't. Then there is all the malware and the need for AV stuff etc.
After writing software for a living since 1975 I switched 3yrs ago and have not regretted it one iota. My Mac's just work.
Last year my car was broken into and my MBP was stolen. I went out and bought a new MBP, hooked up my TimeMachine Backup and a few hours later, i was back in business. No product re-installs, no hunting for serial numbers. Nada. Zilch. All done with OOTB O/S software. Try that with Windoze. The same applies when you want to upgrade your HDD. No WGA nightmares(will it or won't it work...).
Sorry, OSX gives me a far nicer user experience. It allows me to get on with my proper job, Developing Business Software that runs mostly on Unix or Z/OS.
If the ISP started selling/giving away DSL/Cable Modem Routers that were capable of IPv6 then a lot of the issues with XP etc would go away. LEt the router/modem handle IPv6 on one side and give you a local Nat'd IPv4 on the other and optionally a parallel IPv6 net. Then the ISP's could return the now unused IPv4 addresses to the pool. The issue with this is that many of the currently available devices won't do that job OOTB.
I wish my ISP was as enlightened as this German one and they are one of the biggest in the UK as well and as recently as last March they had no plans to migrate to IPv6.
One thing holding it back from the Consumers is the lack of Comsumer ADSL Modem/routers that support it. AFAIK, the Draytek Vigor series is about the only ones that do it. Sigh
In defence of John H, he does puport to do other IT Sysadmin stuff other than just write about it all the time.
That said, this article has lost any credability he once have in my eyes.
Sure have multi level firewalls to protect the nasties from getting in.
Are you then going to stop every laptop, every wifi connectable device being bought onto your premises by visitors from connecting to your network?
Ok, a lot of companies already do this by conficating all Mobiles but that is mostly to stop people with cameras from taking piccies.
Are you going to stop some idiot member of staff from accidentally downloading something that is smart enought to get past the corporate AV scanners and then start port scanning/.Lan traffic sniffing in the background?
I don't think so.
Firewalls on al PC's make total sense.
As have been said, it is all part of multi tierd defenses.
Look what happened to the Maginot Line in WW2. The Germans just went round it. Useless.
Sorry JH, most of the time, I like what you write in PC-Pro. This along with the silliness from Tom Arah this month is enough. I won't be renewing my subscription when it comes up for renewal.
Filed by the MPAA etc.
This will be regardless of the actual content of these videos. They will still file them even if none of them violate even one frame of copyrighted material (in the eyes of the MPAA etc)
Why?
This bunch of shysters are suing Google. They want YouTube closed down.
They virtually have to use this just to keep the facade of their case alive.
IF they don't do this then they will fail to get it closed down as they will by their failure admit that their is indeed non Hollywood/Bollywood/RIAA/BPI etc copyrighted material on YouTube.
The Greatful Dead did for years.
They sure sold millions of Albums as well as bootlegs.
Rock on in Heaven Jerry Garcia.
Yeah, the calls about a Virus are a new one.
My next door neighbour got one of these last Wednesday.
They kept saying that there was a virus in a folder called 'My Documents' that was spread by Microsoft Office 2007.
She had to laugh as she uses a Mac Mini and OS/X.
When she said there was no such thing as 'My Documents' on her computer they spent the next 10 minutes trying to tell her that every computer had a folder called 'My Documents'.
Then she said, 'oh you mean my old Computer. The one that was so riddled with crap that it now runs Linux'.
They hung up.
The HDD was failing. I managed to save most of their data. I only lost a few mp3's.
The CD-Rom (Read Only) was Dead due to dust. Yep I tried cleaning it.
The whole case was clagged up with dust
The fans were noisy (with dust)
So the system was donated to a charity recycler who took it with pleasure despite knowing the faults.
They are extreemly happy with the Mini. It sits on a shelf well out off the quite dusty floor area. IT is virtually silent. All their peripherals worked OOTB.
Result?
One very happy family.
As for Ubuntu? I really dislike it. If I was to install any Linux on their box, it would be Fedora or CentOS. I just don't like Canonicals policy of not contributing kernel fixes into the mainstream and the way they 'mess' with stuff. This is however a whole different story and one that is way off topic for this thread. I'll only say that Ubuntu was most certainly not the solution to their problems.
In the UK at least, the Mac Mini includes iLife.
If you think about what you are getting in such a small package. Now that the PSU is inside and the RAM upgrade is easy (via the removable bottom panel), it becomes quite an attractive package.
Granted that it is quite a jump from the old model but this one is even smaller and with more inside.
I'm looking at an Asus eeeBox eb1502 as I write this. This is physically larger than the Mini. IT has an exteranl PSU as well. The mini has a far more powerful CPU than the Atom in the eebox. Granted that the Mini is twice the price but for me, it is a great package.
Last month, I got my next door neighbour to buy a Mini. IT replaced a Dell Tower (some 5 years old) that was so full of malware (they have two girls who use Facebook etc...) that it was so slow. The HDD was giving up the ghost with lots of errors.
They are really pleased with the mini. iTunes & limewire works. As does FarmVille, Facebook & UTube. They have MSOffice and they are really happy with their new system.
No more AV software crippling the system and demanding reboots. No more under the cover software updates that demand a reboot.
My life is far easier now that they are using the Mini. Yeah, I'm their IT Support. Even the Parental Controls work very well OOTB. That was always hit & miss on the PC.
I am in no doubt that the Apple computing experiece is far more bounded that the Windows one but as the PC market marutes PC are becoming appliances. The best in class appliance IMHO, is the apple one and the Mini is a great lead into it of you already have a Screen, keyboars & mouse.
Just my 2p worth.
Do you mean much like the For Dummies series?
If so, I think you are spot on.
BUT BUT BUT
It is hard enough to get developers even to write a line of documentation let alone get decent Technical Writers involved to make those nice User Docs.
This applies even for Commercial software let alone FOSS.
The co-worker is using Fedora Core 5 or some other version that predates the Live CD version.
Wake me up when this 'widget' can do a CD4 Blood test.
I'm sure that many Leukaemia sufferers will say the same. Having to go to the Hospital rather than the Doctor's Surgery for a CD4 test is a real PITA.
Why you ask?
What about all those out there that don't a smartphone?
What about those who send you an SMS? And you want to reply?
Maybe in your part of the Planet, SMS is no big deal but there, Text Messaging is far more prevalent than data plans. For one thing, it works on every frigging phone, you don't need a 3G or other data connection just a couple of bars of Phone Reception.
I've been 'tinkering' with computers since 1974 when I built an A-to-D & an D-to-A interface card for an IMP-16p Microprocessor.
I still tinker with several FOSS Projects as well as writing Unix Server software for a living, but since I've moved from PC to a MAC, I don't have to tinker with it anymore. It does what I want it to without having to fight the frigging O/S all the time. Anti-virus software does not get in the way like it did before. I know I could tinker with the MacBook that this is being written on but there is no need. no need to install ATI or Nvidia graphics drivers, constantly update the AV Software etc etc. No Windows Genuine Advantage crapware. Phew, I can get on with using the thing rather than having to manage it. All I do is connect up my external hdd once a week and run a time machine backup. Easy. Simple and OOTB!
I won't be buying an iPad but I know quite a few people who would find it just what they want. Many of them have PC's running Windows 98 or XP and are looking for a new device to surf the web and send some emails. I think that an iPad might very well be an ideal replacement device for them. They are not tinkerers by any means.
The Computer market is maturing. Apple have recognised this and IMHO, are right on the nail with the iPad.
That's what my grandkids say.
I saw them 20+ times from 1968 to their last gig in Hyde Park.
I took 35mm slides of many of their 1970-1974 concerts that I treasure to this day. Grainy as hell.
The Grandkids all have 40x50cm prints on their bedroom walls.
They always played Dark Side and The Wall as continious pieces.
From the first time they played Dark Side (Brighton Dome 20-Jan-1972, cos I was there) to the recent shows by Roger Waters, Dark Side is one piece of music and I for one only ever listen to the whole thing as one track.
Then you get Umagumma. Long pieces.
The first time, I saw them was at the RoundHouse in London in the Syd Barett days. They did a set that was just three numbers. Saucerful, Astronomie & Set the controls. It lasted two hours.
Kudos to the Band for sticking to their guns here.
Actually, as he is using Monocle then I'd like to suggest he might be a SUSE User.
Then sudo apt-get install monocle is absolutely useless.
until the car makers say
- What make of tyres
- What brand of oil
- what brand of fuel
- what type of windscreen cleaner to use
Otherwise you will void any warranty whatsoever (akin to the Microsoft EULA where they disclaim any liability whatsoever)
Motorolla sues RIM
Nokia sues Apple
Apple Sues Nokia
Soon, RIM will countersue Motorolla.
All asking to have their competitiors import of new phones banned.
All we need is for Sony/Erricson, HTC & Google to start participating in this legal suitfest.
Very soon, the price of phones in the US will rocket due to limited supply.
Then after a while, all the companies concerned stop selling phones due to rocketing legal costs. The US mobile phone system starts to inwardly implode under the weight of the collective law suits.
The only winners here will be (As usual) the lawyers.
Naturally, it was 'The Spanish Inquisition' whom nobody expects....