Game developers are not fawning over the XBOX 360 at all!
Prove it! Your "gaming media" opinion doesn't matter much without proof. BTW, sitting at home unemployed playing video games all day hardly qualifies you as part of the gaming media. Wait a minute, on your blogspot profile it says you work in Technology and have an interest in gaming. Oops, caught with your pants down!!! Liar, Liar pants on fire...
Speaking of proof, I have some regarding Microsoft's FOOTING in the DVR/PVR market. There's the Proof Oh, I'm I poking holes in your argument? Yes I am!
As for the exclusive hardware, it's not made exclusively for the gaming industry but for entertainment as a whole. It's the "Overbuild it and introduces it" approach. Let me explain to you little one. MS provided kick ass over built hardware that its main functionality (games) uses. Then introduce Media Center/DVR, Internet movie downloads (etc.) and TV interaction capabilities and what do you have? OMG, it's all I need in one little box.
As for your opinion from a "gaming media" perspective (well, that's not what you really do anyway but...) that Xbox 360 won't be adopted by developers, didn't the "gaming media" say that about the original Xbox? Yea, thought so. Critics and cynics tend to where the same stinky cologne of contentiousness.
With a TERAFLOP of overall system perf, I think it will be a little more than a "media center". This thing could power NASA!!
Yes, I agree, the games are lacking...because IT'S BRAND NEW!
As for the PVR, Microsoft is already in this space and has one out with Comcast the runs on 1/4 the hardware that the 360 has. Image what you'll get with a 3 cores running at 3.2GHz!!
DRM?? You're fooling yourself if you think the OSS community won't implement this one day. It's a dollars and sense game and big businesses are looking to get a piece of the action. DRM assists to make the technology more attractive.
MS only file formats? At double the compression of MP3 with the same quaintly, I'll take that any day.
The xbox360 is going to dominate the living room, sorry to say to all you pro-linux folks. With specs like this the Linux home system has some BIG shoes to fill.
Microsoft sells you EVERYTHING you need to have the OS functional. It also gives you everything to security your OS at a high level. Just like GM GIVES you the breaks, steering wheel and locks for the doors.
Now, if a thief finds a way break into your car, like breaking the window...is GM responsible? What if they sell you a "protector plate" to protect the window? Would you bitch then too? And, if a clever thief finds a clever way into the car and by by-passing all built-in security mechanism he gets into the ONE car. The challenge with software is that one clever hacker finds the way in and automates it. Then all the FUCKING Lil SCIPT Kiddies launch an attack.
Microsoft was done everything short of redesigning the OS, with Longhorn they do, to solve the security problems with its products. Patching, firewall, anti-spyware and this software is just another layer on that cake! I can hear you now..."But all those other products are free!" Yes, they are, but those other products don't give you an overall "health" check of you system. This software is NOT just anti-virus software!!!
Microsoft should not be responsible for the actions of virus, worm or trojan writers! Just like GM should not be punished for the actions of car thieves.
They need to concentrate on legislation that affects them
This type of bill DOES affect them. Microsoft has always been about a diverse work environment. People from different backgrounds, cultures and even sexual orientation. This type of work environment fosters a diverse "think tank".
This also sends the message that the best and brightest are welcome at Microsoft no matter what/who they are. Think about it this way, If Microsoft were in business back in the 60's they would've supported a bill banning segregation for the same reasons mentioned above.
So, I hope now you can see why Ballmer stated "we will continue to focus our public policy activities on issues that most directly affect our business". This does directly affect their business.
WOW...now you're an Einstein!! So, with that logic it means that the more eggs I get the more chickens I'll have! Or, the more pills I take the higher I'll get!
For years and years, MS has struggled with shoty hardware vendors who write crap HW drivers. Hence the number for BSoDs in Win9x and NT 4. So, to help solve this problem they came up with a hardware and driver certification program http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/GetStart/design.mspx. That's why you see those cute little sticks that say "Designed for Windows XP".
So they come out with XP64 and don't sell it retail. I think this was VERY smart on their part. Think about it. You have a VERY small percentage of people who actually have a 64bit PC. Out of that percentage I bet an even smaller number were actually purchased via an OEM channel (i.e. not a custom built machine) besides servers. So the remainder of 64bit PCs are custom made with a hodge podge of different hardware manufactures who may, or may not, have certified their hardware and DRVIERS through MS's cert program. My hunch is that a lot of the major HW manufactures are on board, buy Kim Jung Wong, and all his buddies, from Twain might not be yet.
This strategy, in my mind, helps ensure that Microsoft provides a solid x64 platform for the time being. They only thing that bothers me is that the true "enthusiasts" are kinda left in the dark with their custom, neon glowing, power bill pumping, heat generating glory 64bit processing beast if a machine.
The word "Call" is a bit misleading in the article. It states the an a user can trade up their copy of XP32 to XP64 but voids the warrenty.
Warrenty support at Microsoft entitles somone to 2 free support incidents. An inceident can be 20 calls or more until the issue is resolved. As you can see now, using the word "call" can be misleading
So, it you trade in your copy to get XP64 you're really only loseing out on one support incident which are like $35 bucks or something.
I backed up all of my point with FACT...not personal opinion! How many software companies do you run? I can assure you I run MORE than you do. That's another FACT. MAC fanboys are so funny. "Apple has that feature too, but Microsoft sucks because I think so". Yea, the world really cares what you guys think, right? That's why Macs have all 5% market share. Keep paying that $129 per year for your OS. Good Job!
WOW...lets see, finding out why unpopped kernels don't pop seems to really be up there, in terms of finding answers/cures, with AIDS, Cancer, The Common Cold and VD!
"You know, I've been dying of cancer for six months...but man, I would REALLY like to know why those damn kernels don't pop! Please research that instead of a cure for cancer!"
Ok, I'd really like to set the record straight with MSFT vs. Apple and Tiger's new "upgrades".
First take a look at http://www.apple.com/macosx/. It shows all the "new features" to "upgrade" to. Microsoft has had most of these "features" for a long time and THEIR FREE DOWNLOADS!!! Lets compare shall we?
Automator - Microsoft has had "Scriptomatic" for at least 2.5 years and it's available via www.microsoft.com for free. .Mac Sync - Microsoft has had "File and Settings Transfer" wizard for 3.5 years. Sounds like the "Who stole what from who" is a bit mixed up!
QuickTime 7 Pro - C'on...WMP is FREE! But with Apple you have to pay!
iChat - MSN Messenger is also FREE!
Mail Search - Microsoft bought Lookout for Outlook about 2 years ago which does the same thing.
Safari RSS - Another FREE download!
VoiceOver - Microsoft has had speech for disabled people for at least 3.5 years!
Don't get me started with Spotlight and Dashboard! Microsoft has had WinFS and SideShow for a long time now. The only diff is that Apple beat them to market.
I find it extremely entertaining that many will pay $129 every year for an "upgrade" to OS X when most of the included features should be FREE DOWNLOADS. Seem like their including a few fluffy things to sell and fixing A LOT of bugs on the back end. All Tiger, Panther, etc. are just service packs. But the funny thing is PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT! If Microsoft did this people would riot! Looks like Steve Jobs found a good way to keep the stock price up at Apple.
Ok, I'd really like to set the record straight with MSFT vs. Apple and Tiger's new "upgrades".
First take a look at http://www.apple.com/macosx/. It shows all the "new features" to "upgrade" to. Microsoft has had most of these "features" for a long time and THEIR FREE DOWNLOADS!!! Lets compare shall we?
Automator - Microsoft has had "Scriptomatic" for at least 2.5 years and it's available via www.microsoft.com for free. .Mac Sync - Microsoft has had "File and Settings Transfer" wizard for 3.5 years. Sounds like the "Who stole what from who" is a bit mixed up!
QuickTime 7 Pro - C'on...WMP is FREE! But with Apple you have to pay!
iChat - MSN Messenger is also FREE!
Mail Search - Microsoft bought Lookout for Outlook about 2 years ago which does the same thing.
Safari RSS - Another FREE download!
VoiceOver - Microsoft has had speech for disabled people for at least 3.5 years!
Don't get me started with Spotlight and Dashboard! Microsoft has had WinFS and SideShow for a long time now. The only diff is that Apple beat them to market.
I find it extremely entertaining that many will pay $129 every year for an "upgrade" to OS X when most of the included features should be FREE DOWNLOADS. Seem like their including a few fluffy things to sell and fixing A LOT of bugs on the backend. All Tiger, Panther, etc. are are just service packs. But the funny thing is PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT! If Microsoft did this people would riot! Looks like Steve Jobs found a good way to keep the stock price up at Apple!
This brings a thought to my mind about cost in terms of time and effort. Maybe if one has to spend all this time and effort maybe it's not really free or have a true low TCO.
The article calls it "Dogfooding". As for the "certified" people the paper MCSEs screw up more than they help anyway. When they screw up it's easy to tell their boss "Well, Microsoft's software make me do it!" Nice scapegoat. And, I'm willing to bet money most of the problems are caused by ignorant sysadmins. So, by taking the small percentage of "certified" personal in the field and trying to portray them as the majority does not validate your argument in anyway.
So, I've proved it and seem like someone else needs to "shut up"
Slashdot Mirror
Just curious...How does this differ?
...and have security waiting for them in the room. Escort them out of the building and at the same time disable their login and email accounts.
That should stop some of the malice intent...
Game developers are not fawning over the XBOX 360 at all!
Prove it! Your "gaming media" opinion doesn't matter much without proof. BTW, sitting at home unemployed playing video games all day hardly qualifies you as part of the gaming media. Wait a minute, on your blogspot profile it says you work in Technology and have an interest in gaming. Oops, caught with your pants down!!! Liar, Liar pants on fire...
Speaking of proof, I have some regarding Microsoft's FOOTING in the DVR/PVR market. There's the Proof Oh, I'm I poking holes in your argument? Yes I am!
As for the exclusive hardware, it's not made exclusively for the gaming industry but for entertainment as a whole. It's the "Overbuild it and introduces it" approach. Let me explain to you little one. MS provided kick ass over built hardware that its main functionality (games) uses. Then introduce Media Center/DVR, Internet movie downloads (etc.) and TV interaction capabilities and what do you have? OMG, it's all I need in one little box.
As for your opinion from a "gaming media" perspective (well, that's not what you really do anyway but...) that Xbox 360 won't be adopted by developers, didn't the "gaming media" say that about the original Xbox? Yea, thought so. Critics and cynics tend to where the same stinky cologne of contentiousness.
Tisk, tisk....
In the famous words of George W. "Fool me once same on you...fool me twice...uh...ummm...don't fool me again!"
I think lessons have been learned....
DVDs??? HAHAHA, I gotta say you're living in the 90's....
DVRs are the new thing! Static Media is a thing of the past!!
Did you even look at the specs??
:(
With a TERAFLOP of overall system perf, I think it will be a little more than a "media center". This thing could power NASA!!
Yes, I agree, the games are lacking...because IT'S BRAND NEW!
As for the PVR, Microsoft is already in this space and has one out with Comcast the runs on 1/4 the hardware that the 360 has. Image what you'll get with a 3 cores running at 3.2GHz!!
DRM?? You're fooling yourself if you think the OSS community won't implement this one day. It's a dollars and sense game and big businesses are looking to get a piece of the action. DRM assists to make the technology more attractive.
MS only file formats? At double the compression of MP3 with the same quaintly, I'll take that any day.
So, yea, I guess you're right...you do lose.
Hate to sound like a troll...but, eh
The xbox360 is going to dominate the living room, sorry to say to all you pro-linux folks. With specs like this the Linux home system has some BIG shoes to fill.
Your analogy is totally wrong...
Microsoft sells you EVERYTHING you need to have the OS functional. It also gives you everything to security your OS at a high level. Just like GM GIVES you the breaks, steering wheel and locks for the doors.
Now, if a thief finds a way break into your car, like breaking the window...is GM responsible? What if they sell you a "protector plate" to protect the window? Would you bitch then too? And, if a clever thief finds a clever way into the car and by by-passing all built-in security mechanism he gets into the ONE car. The challenge with software is that one clever hacker finds the way in and automates it. Then all the FUCKING Lil SCIPT Kiddies launch an attack.
Microsoft was done everything short of redesigning the OS, with Longhorn they do, to solve the security problems with its products. Patching, firewall, anti-spyware and this software is just another layer on that cake! I can hear you now..."But all those other products are free!" Yes, they are, but those other products don't give you an overall "health" check of you system. This software is NOT just anti-virus software!!!
Microsoft should not be responsible for the actions of virus, worm or trojan writers! Just like GM should not be punished for the actions of car thieves.
Wasen't StarOffice supposed to be an "Office Killer" too?
The battle for Office Suites is no longer on the desktop. MS Office as A LOT of features built in. Frankly, more than anyone will ever use.
The new battle field is Online Collaboration both in business and personal arenas.
They need to concentrate on legislation that affects them
This type of bill DOES affect them. Microsoft has always been about a diverse work environment. People from different backgrounds, cultures and even sexual orientation. This type of work environment fosters a diverse "think tank".
This also sends the message that the best and brightest are welcome at Microsoft no matter what/who they are. Think about it this way, If Microsoft were in business back in the 60's they would've supported a bill banning segregation for the same reasons mentioned above.
So, I hope now you can see why Ballmer stated "we will continue to focus our public policy activities on issues that most directly affect our business". This does directly affect their business.
This has to been MOST intelligent thing I have very read on slashdot!!
I'm not being a smartass either. A lot of people are quick to bash Microsoft because it's Microsoft!
Looks like Communism is falling to Capitalism once more....
WOW...now you're an Einstein!! So, with that logic it means that the more eggs I get the more chickens I'll have! Or, the more pills I take the higher I'll get!
Thanks for clarifying, Capt. Obvious
That might be able to buy some coffee and snacks for an all night coding session and that's about it! Dump the cash!
Seriously, $40k will not go far even for an OSS project like this.
For years and years, MS has struggled with shoty hardware vendors who write crap HW drivers. Hence the number for BSoDs in Win9x and NT 4. So, to help solve this problem they came up with a hardware and driver certification program http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/GetStart/design.mspx . That's why you see those cute little sticks that say "Designed for Windows XP".
So they come out with XP64 and don't sell it retail. I think this was VERY smart on their part. Think about it. You have a VERY small percentage of people who actually have a 64bit PC. Out of that percentage I bet an even smaller number were actually purchased via an OEM channel (i.e. not a custom built machine) besides servers. So the remainder of 64bit PCs are custom made with a hodge podge of different hardware manufactures who may, or may not, have certified their hardware and DRVIERS through MS's cert program. My hunch is that a lot of the major HW manufactures are on board, buy Kim Jung Wong, and all his buddies, from Twain might not be yet.
This strategy, in my mind, helps ensure that Microsoft provides a solid x64 platform for the time being. They only thing that bothers me is that the true "enthusiasts" are kinda left in the dark with their custom, neon glowing, power bill pumping, heat generating glory 64bit processing beast if a machine.
The word "Call" is a bit misleading in the article. It states the an a user can trade up their copy of XP32 to XP64 but voids the warrenty.
Warrenty support at Microsoft entitles somone to 2 free support incidents. An inceident can be 20 calls or more until the issue is resolved. As you can see now, using the word "call" can be misleading
So, it you trade in your copy to get XP64 you're really only loseing out on one support incident which are like $35 bucks or something.
WOW...you're funny!
I backed up all of my point with FACT...not personal opinion! How many software companies do you run? I can assure you I run MORE than you do. That's another FACT. MAC fanboys are so funny. "Apple has that feature too, but Microsoft sucks because I think so". Yea, the world really cares what you guys think, right? That's why Macs have all 5% market share. Keep paying that $129 per year for your OS. Good Job!
WOW...lets see, finding out why unpopped kernels don't pop seems to really be up there, in terms of finding answers/cures, with AIDS, Cancer, The Common Cold and VD!
"You know, I've been dying of cancer for six months...but man, I would REALLY like to know why those damn kernels don't pop! Please research that instead of a cure for cancer!"
WOW...you must read A LOT of email :P
No wonder my eyes get bloodshot, my eye lids droop and I get the munchies when I read email!
"Hey, man...pass that email over here...read, read, give man...you know the rule!"
Ok, I'd really like to set the record straight with MSFT vs. Apple and Tiger's new "upgrades".
.Mac Sync - Microsoft has had "File and Settings Transfer" wizard for 3.5 years. Sounds like the "Who stole what from who" is a bit mixed up!
First take a look at http://www.apple.com/macosx/. It shows all the "new features" to "upgrade" to. Microsoft has had most of these "features" for a long time and THEIR FREE DOWNLOADS!!! Lets compare shall we?
Automator - Microsoft has had "Scriptomatic" for at least 2.5 years and it's available via www.microsoft.com for free.
QuickTime 7 Pro - C'on...WMP is FREE! But with Apple you have to pay!
iChat - MSN Messenger is also FREE!
Mail Search - Microsoft bought Lookout for Outlook about 2 years ago which does the same thing.
Safari RSS - Another FREE download!
VoiceOver - Microsoft has had speech for disabled people for at least 3.5 years!
Don't get me started with Spotlight and Dashboard! Microsoft has had WinFS and SideShow for a long time now. The only diff is that Apple beat them to market.
I find it extremely entertaining that many will pay $129 every year for an "upgrade" to OS X when most of the included features should be FREE DOWNLOADS. Seem like their including a few fluffy things to sell and fixing A LOT of bugs on the back end. All Tiger, Panther, etc. are just service packs. But the funny thing is PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT! If Microsoft did this people would riot! Looks like Steve Jobs found a good way to keep the stock price up at Apple.
Ok, I'd really like to set the record straight with MSFT vs. Apple and Tiger's new "upgrades".
.Mac Sync - Microsoft has had "File and Settings Transfer" wizard for 3.5 years. Sounds like the "Who stole what from who" is a bit mixed up!
First take a look at http://www.apple.com/macosx/. It shows all the "new features" to "upgrade" to. Microsoft has had most of these "features" for a long time and THEIR FREE DOWNLOADS!!! Lets compare shall we?
Automator - Microsoft has had "Scriptomatic" for at least 2.5 years and it's available via www.microsoft.com for free.
QuickTime 7 Pro - C'on...WMP is FREE! But with Apple you have to pay!
iChat - MSN Messenger is also FREE! Mail Search - Microsoft bought Lookout for Outlook about 2 years ago which does the same thing.
Safari RSS - Another FREE download! VoiceOver - Microsoft has had speech for disabled people for at least 3.5 years!
Don't get me started with Spotlight and Dashboard! Microsoft has had WinFS and SideShow for a long time now. The only diff is that Apple beat them to market.
I find it extremely entertaining that many will pay $129 every year for an "upgrade" to OS X when most of the included features should be FREE DOWNLOADS. Seem like their including a few fluffy things to sell and fixing A LOT of bugs on the backend. All Tiger, Panther, etc. are are just service packs. But the funny thing is PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT! If Microsoft did this people would riot! Looks like Steve Jobs found a good way to keep the stock price up at Apple!
This brings a thought to my mind about cost in terms of time and effort. Maybe if one has to spend all this time and effort maybe it's not really free or have a true low TCO.
Just my 5 bytes...
See http://insight.zdnet.co.uk/software/developer/0,39 020469,2137707,00.htm
The article calls it "Dogfooding". As for the "certified" people the paper MCSEs screw up more than they help anyway. When they screw up it's easy to tell their boss "Well, Microsoft's software make me do it!" Nice scapegoat. And, I'm willing to bet money most of the problems are caused by ignorant sysadmins. So, by taking the small percentage of "certified" personal in the field and trying to portray them as the majority does not validate your argument in anyway.
So, I've proved it and seem like someone else needs to "shut up"
If you RTFA you'd see that this is dealing with SQL 2005 and Visual Studio 2005!
SQL 2000 is v8.0 and I think SQL 2005 is v9.0. VS2000 is v7.1.
Also, Microsoft uses the beta versions for it's own infrastructure. So, a majority of production blocking bugs usually are already found.
With those FACTS stated you can see it's not a "scam" and NOT "insane".
Now on the other hand if some sysadmin is real ass hat and uses this software of for Mission Critical services that would not be a good idea.