My experience with Windows ME wasn't exactly a good one. As soon as I installed a second hard drive, it would bluescreen at boot. XP was better back then
Why were you mucking about with WinMe if XP was better at that time? Hopefully you tossed them all in the bin now in favor of linux. The newest Ubuntu is quite nice, and its derivative, Linux Mint 8, is the best distro I've seen. [runs on stage and grabs mic away from Steve Ballmer] I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mint 8, and the Academy, Ceiling Cat, and the big guy, Flying Spaghetti Monster. Screw MS. Microsoft, I mean, not multiple sclerosis. Not that I support the disease, I mean I wish the sufferers luck and a cure. Got any gum?
...watches you masturbate. Senator Larry Craig is jealous of ceiling cat and would like to steal his ceiling modification technology to watch baseball player Grady Sizemore.
Oh come one now, this is the guy who brought us the _______________, which at only $________ is super amazing, because it can __________ and __________, and is far superior to its top competitor, the ____________.
*The above sentence is to be completed at some point in the future, if and when it ever becomes applicable.*
Yeah, and a project like this could be killed on the eve of its "launch?" Right. If this is that great of an idea, all the technical stuff has been worked out, a bunch of folks have dumped a bundle of money into, and they can really sell it for $300, someone will find a way to make it work. Do I think that is the case? Nope. If it were, we'd be talking about a real launch, not arguments over who gets how much of the alleged profits.
...that casino opeators and state governments don't want to share. I'm not sure how big of a casino lobby there is in Washington, but I guarantee that every state government that collects taxes from casinos and most casino operators are staunchly opposed to internet gambling. Casino gambling has become so common in the US that you can't really support it any more and still argue that gambling is evil or dangerous. How many states have it? Mine, Ohio, finally voted this month to allow casinos. (It's funny how former gambling opponents in office change their tune when they have budget shortfalls, and will even resort to stupid constitutional amendments.) Then there is the issue of state-controlled lotteries, some of which have made moves to attempt to emulate casino gambling more closely and really push their product. But states and politicians say gambling is bad, and a ban on internet gambling is to protect citizens!?!? Internet gambling is illegal in the US simply because it is slightly more difficult to tax and the powers that be are afraid they will lose money on the gambling they control. Nice racket they have going there, eh?
...No, really. We're still waiting for your reply. Seriously. So hurry up. Like, people are starting to think we're crazy, or on the fringe or something. Or just wrongmaybe. But we know you're real, right? So please, just say something. Ooh, wait! Id you're real and intelligent, don't say anything, then we'll know. OMG, LOL, thanx. Are you on Twitter?
...it's just another bug that they will be incapable of repairing. Some things never change.
A "back door" that big brother could exploit would not need to be the result of a conspiracy against citizens or anything nefarious on the part of M$, just the usual incompetence.
No, it's true, we're almost there. And this will be the year of linux on the desktop, Sarah Palin is a genius, America's got talent, and I don't want more pie. Right...
Do you really want someone drilling holes in your head and shoving wires into it just so you don't have to type and use a mouse? Do you have any idea how many of these things you'll need shoved through your skull to be able to fore go just those two activities? (Hundreds) Do you realize that implants hasten neuron death and as they die you'll need to associated electrodes replaced? And just who makes enough money to pay for undergoing dozens (at least!) of invasive implantation surgeries requiring real time CT or MR imaging? You insurance damn sure won't pay for it. And don't give me that "for the disabled" crap -- they don't get the expensive stuff either.
It's a risky operation, but I think it's worth it.
I know there are plenty of real pervs out there, but are the authorities really seizing so much suspected, carefully encrypted kiddie porn to necessitate systems of this magnitude and complexity? My suspicion is that they are using this for "off the record" uses, as well as legitimate ones. Surely some criminally perverted folks are smart enough to use some sort of electronic security measures to protect their stash, but how many, out of how many pedophiles there are, and how many of them are caught and have their filthy computers analyzed? I guess politicians and appointed officials can't ask about supposed anti-child porn measures, just as no one can question anything done in the name of patriotism, fighting terrorism, or when something like cancer prevention is involved. Or is this problem that much bigger than the rest of us take it to be?
Since we are talking about Chicago here, most citizens won't have to worry about being watched. We can safely presume that the vast majority of the cameras will be in City Hall, right?
If you are not a New York resident and do not maintain a physical presence in the state, New York sales tax can not be enforced upon any sale you initiate from outside of New York. That's it, you have no worries. One state's laws do not apply in another. Interstate commerce laws make cases like this pretty clear, I think. New York can request anything they want from you, and legally require whatever they want from NY residents, but you don't have to pay them one red cent if you are not actually conducting business in NY, which excludes using USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. to ship into the Empire State. So yes, I suppose they can go get fucked.
"You have a hole in your ass!!!" --Mrs. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Yes, here in Ohio we have a "use" tax. This requires residents to pay the local sales tax rate to the state for any non-exempt purchases for which tax was not collected by the seller. This would include online purchases from companies like Amazon and Newegg, and some eBay purchases. There are penalties when use tax is not paid. However, enforcement of this is rather difficult, as it doesn't appear that most out of state companies are willing to provide sales information, nor are consumers especially willing to pony up money when they are not directly billed. So really, I'd say Amazon's argument works in states like Ohio, since there is a mechanism already in place and laws on the books to collect the sales tax that they do not.
Of course, some of us don't have to worry about the use tax, since we ONLY make online purchases from sellers that have a physical presence here in our state. Yeah, I don't know why I know anything about Amazon and Newegg, since I NEVER buy computer components, electronics, home improvement supplies, tools, or numerous other wide-ranging items from either of them. I may be considered "tech savy," but I only shop at K-Mart, since they carry everything I need to maintain my home, build and upgrade computers and live my daily life. So I swear I don't owe back, unpaid use tax for every year since the law was put on the books. There's no need to check my credit card usage or alert the OH Dept. of Taxation to anything, I swear. OJ was not guilty (a court said so), and neither am I.
You forgot two steps. The correct version follows:
1.5 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Cassis
4 oz Energy Drink of your choice (I prefer NoFear or Amp in mine)
4 oz Pineapple Juice
Shake with ice, serve on the rocks in a martini glass.
???
Profit!
We tried banning cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and a laundry list of other drugs as well. It hasn't worked out any better.
Hah! You're busted! Only pot smokers talk about how "cannabis" laws are unjust, stupid, or just don't work. They're perfectly correct and some of their points can not be argued with, but the rest of us, the non-hippies how abide by our laws, say "marijuana." Don't worry, slashdot obviously does not require any pre-posting drug screens, so you're in the clear.
If Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990, and the court system involves sees fit to let them out of prison now, I can accept that. I think serving less than twenty years for a planned murder is too little, but I am not German. But because I am not German, I can also mention that Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990, all I want. Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990. At least we are free to state solid facts in the US, like that Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990. Laws that prevent Germans from saying that Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990, and those that prevent many images related to the Holocaust and Nazism, make me wonder if Germany is turning a blind eye to history and may be condemned to repeat it.
Ignorance of the law is now the perfect excuse, at least anywhere that the laws of the land are not freely available. You might have to fight for a long time, but this looks like an airtight defense, if the only way to learn of a particular jurisdictions laws involves paying a fee. No one can force you to purchase a license to a copy of laws, therefore it can not be assumed that you know them. Simple. I can't wait until a case like this makes it to the Supreme Court.
Every six months you have to reformat all of your family's computers because they are loaded with viruses and malware? Seriously? That much, that often? What they hell are they doing? And do why haven't you set up any AV/anti-malware software? Are MS updates set to install automatically? They're obviously doing something very wrong, and so are you, if the situation is that consistently bad. Yes, even in the Windoze world. My own family is rather non-tech savy, though there is a lot of internet usage in their homes. Give them some simple explanations about email attachments, make sure auto-updates are on, use a decent AV package, and maybe set up Adaware or Spybot Search and Destroy. Firewalls are something to consider. If you are talking about multiple computers in one household, and you have any old (really old even) hardware to spare, a real, dedicated firewall might be in order - easy to set up and forget about, for a little extra piece of mind.
The other answer: switch them over to linux. Mint is very easy to use and comes with most of what they're likely to want. If there's a gamer in the house, have them dual-boot if they absolutely need to boot Windows. Tell them linux is superior for most things will protect them from identity theft, and their Windows setup is specially optimized for games, or whatever you think will convince them. And when it is time for new hardware, surely they'll seek your advice then, right? Maybe consider Macs.
I hate MS, but keeping those systems running reasonably smoothly should not be that difficult. Hell, I can do it.
the Target case is completely different, and I don't think it applies here. And the Martin v. PGA case relates to employment, and appears to be completely irrelevant to video games intended for home use. Sorry, you don't have a legal right to play video games in an ideal manner. What's next, suing Ford an Toyota because their speedometers can not easily be read by the visually impaired? Suing the MPAA (not that I'm opposed to that)? I am not able to derive optimal enjoyment from most of Sony's crap, er, leisure products either, so I buy other things instead, rather than suing them to make what I want. Geepers creepers.
Yeah, the offered online checking accounts. I signed up for X.com and Paypal accounts initially because they were giving away free money, no deposit required. I didn't think either one would last (I was half right), but hey, free money.
The summary says they added "brains." I disagree, because I ambushed and tried eating on of these new drones, and I did not find it to be satisfying in the least. Quite a let down, really.
Sincerely,
Steve the zombie.
High-end audio equipment for the general public was a fad that was brought about by the proliferation of the CD. Previously we listened to vinyl and cassettes, then we were blown away by CD quality and sought to realize the full potential of that format. Then most people began to realize that sub-audiophile quality equipment is pretty damned good, relatively very cheap, and we enjoy our music just as much with it. And now many people listen to music all the time, meaning it is often pushed into the background so super high quality is not necessary. The kid who keeps his ipod glued to his body for 12 hours every day is not generally listening "actively," so there is not a real need or desire for the type of audio you speak of. This kid is like most people. I appreciate a good system and enjoy really getting into the music and paying attention to it, but this is a fringe luxury, both in terms of the time and attention that need to be dedicated to it and the hardware. I know what "good" audio sounds like, but I am not made of money and have very little time to devote 100% to music, thus my laptop, G1 phone, Sony home theater system, and under-$500 car system are satisfying.
Short version: compression = bad, but convenience, cost, and portability are equally important as overall quality. It's obvious.
From my own SUPER exciting, Stross-approved scifi script, which contains only technology that scientists from the present can master or easily explain :
"Oh boy, this ship sure is cramped and boring. How long until we get to the next planet?"
"Oh, just three more generations."
"Great. It sure is nice that we haven't encountered anyone new, or anything interesting at all, over the course of these numerous years in interstellar space."
"Yeah, but it's really too bad we won't encounter any other civilizations in the foreseeable future, or within the next several generations. And I wonder what has happened on Earth in the last 500 years, since we are 500 light years away and don't have any means of faster-than-light communication."
"Uh huh. If only we had faster ways to communicate, more (or any) connections with beings from other planets, near-light speed (or better) means of travel, and other futuristic technologies that couldn't even have been explained hundreds of years ago."
"Yeah. And it's too bad we're so inbred from generations of space travel. Oh well."
Come find out why I hate Charles Stross at nobodygivesafuckwhatsomeirrelevantidiothates.com. His opinion on Star Trek, or anything else, is no more important than my opinion on him or on fried bologna sandwiches on white bread. Seriously, nothing to see here, move along. I'm not even going to RTFA or look at more than the first two comments.
Slashdot Mirror
My experience with Windows ME wasn't exactly a good one. As soon as I installed a second hard drive, it would bluescreen at boot. XP was better back then
Why were you mucking about with WinMe if XP was better at that time? Hopefully you tossed them all in the bin now in favor of linux. The newest Ubuntu is quite nice, and its derivative, Linux Mint 8, is the best distro I've seen.
[runs on stage and grabs mic away from Steve Ballmer] I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mint 8, and the Academy, Ceiling Cat, and the big guy, Flying Spaghetti Monster. Screw MS. Microsoft, I mean, not multiple sclerosis. Not that I support the disease, I mean I wish the sufferers luck and a cure.
Got any gum?
...watches you masturbate. Senator Larry Craig is jealous of ceiling cat and would like to steal his ceiling modification technology to watch baseball player Grady Sizemore.
Oh come one now, this is the guy who brought us the _______________, which at only $________ is super amazing, because it can __________ and __________, and is far superior to its top competitor, the ____________.
*The above sentence is to be completed at some point in the future, if and when it ever becomes applicable.*
Yeah, and a project like this could be killed on the eve of its "launch?" Right. If this is that great of an idea, all the technical stuff has been worked out, a bunch of folks have dumped a bundle of money into, and they can really sell it for $300, someone will find a way to make it work. Do I think that is the case? Nope. If it were, we'd be talking about a real launch, not arguments over who gets how much of the alleged profits.
...that casino opeators and state governments don't want to share. I'm not sure how big of a casino lobby there is in Washington, but I guarantee that every state government that collects taxes from casinos and most casino operators are staunchly opposed to internet gambling. Casino gambling has become so common in the US that you can't really support it any more and still argue that gambling is evil or dangerous. How many states have it? Mine, Ohio, finally voted this month to allow casinos. (It's funny how former gambling opponents in office change their tune when they have budget shortfalls, and will even resort to stupid constitutional amendments.) Then there is the issue of state-controlled lotteries, some of which have made moves to attempt to emulate casino gambling more closely and really push their product. But states and politicians say gambling is bad, and a ban on internet gambling is to protect citizens!?!? Internet gambling is illegal in the US simply because it is slightly more difficult to tax and the powers that be are afraid they will lose money on the gambling they control. Nice racket they have going there, eh?
...and bittorrent users remove all bookmarks to mininova. NEXT!
...No, really. We're still waiting for your reply. Seriously. So hurry up. Like, people are starting to think we're crazy, or on the fringe or something. Or just wrongmaybe. But we know you're real, right? So please, just say something. Ooh, wait! Id you're real and intelligent, don't say anything, then we'll know. OMG, LOL, thanx. Are you on Twitter?
...it's just another bug that they will be incapable of repairing. Some things never change.
A "back door" that big brother could exploit would not need to be the result of a conspiracy against citizens or anything nefarious on the part of M$, just the usual incompetence.
No, it's true, we're almost there. And this will be the year of linux on the desktop, Sarah Palin is a genius, America's got talent, and I don't want more pie. Right...
Do you really want someone drilling holes in your head and shoving wires into it just so you don't have to type and use a mouse? Do you have any idea how many of these things you'll need shoved through your skull to be able to fore go just those two activities? (Hundreds) Do you realize that implants hasten neuron death and as they die you'll need to associated electrodes replaced? And just who makes enough money to pay for undergoing dozens (at least!) of invasive implantation surgeries requiring real time CT or MR imaging? You insurance damn sure won't pay for it. And don't give me that "for the disabled" crap -- they don't get the expensive stuff either.
It's a risky operation, but I think it's worth it.
I know there are plenty of real pervs out there, but are the authorities really seizing so much suspected, carefully encrypted kiddie porn to necessitate systems of this magnitude and complexity? My suspicion is that they are using this for "off the record" uses, as well as legitimate ones. Surely some criminally perverted folks are smart enough to use some sort of electronic security measures to protect their stash, but how many, out of how many pedophiles there are, and how many of them are caught and have their filthy computers analyzed? I guess politicians and appointed officials can't ask about supposed anti-child porn measures, just as no one can question anything done in the name of patriotism, fighting terrorism, or when something like cancer prevention is involved. Or is this problem that much bigger than the rest of us take it to be?
Since we are talking about Chicago here, most citizens won't have to worry about being watched. We can safely presume that the vast majority of the cameras will be in City Hall, right?
If you are not a New York resident and do not maintain a physical presence in the state, New York sales tax can not be enforced upon any sale you initiate from outside of New York. That's it, you have no worries. One state's laws do not apply in another. Interstate commerce laws make cases like this pretty clear, I think. New York can request anything they want from you, and legally require whatever they want from NY residents, but you don't have to pay them one red cent if you are not actually conducting business in NY, which excludes using USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. to ship into the Empire State. So yes, I suppose they can go get fucked.
"You have a hole in your ass!!!" --Mrs. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Yes, here in Ohio we have a "use" tax. This requires residents to pay the local sales tax rate to the state for any non-exempt purchases for which tax was not collected by the seller. This would include online purchases from companies like Amazon and Newegg, and some eBay purchases. There are penalties when use tax is not paid. However, enforcement of this is rather difficult, as it doesn't appear that most out of state companies are willing to provide sales information, nor are consumers especially willing to pony up money when they are not directly billed. So really, I'd say Amazon's argument works in states like Ohio, since there is a mechanism already in place and laws on the books to collect the sales tax that they do not.
Of course, some of us don't have to worry about the use tax, since we ONLY make online purchases from sellers that have a physical presence here in our state. Yeah, I don't know why I know anything about Amazon and Newegg, since I NEVER buy computer components, electronics, home improvement supplies, tools, or numerous other wide-ranging items from either of them. I may be considered "tech savy," but I only shop at K-Mart, since they carry everything I need to maintain my home, build and upgrade computers and live my daily life. So I swear I don't owe back, unpaid use tax for every year since the law was put on the books. There's no need to check my credit card usage or alert the OH Dept. of Taxation to anything, I swear. OJ was not guilty (a court said so), and neither am I.
You forgot two steps. The correct version follows:
1.5 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Cassis
4 oz Energy Drink of your choice (I prefer NoFear or Amp in mine)
4 oz Pineapple Juice
Shake with ice, serve on the rocks in a martini glass.
???
Profit!
We tried banning cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and a laundry list of other drugs as well. It hasn't worked out any better.
Hah! You're busted! Only pot smokers talk about how "cannabis" laws are unjust, stupid, or just don't work. They're perfectly correct and some of their points can not be argued with, but the rest of us, the non-hippies how abide by our laws, say "marijuana." Don't worry, slashdot obviously does not require any pre-posting drug screens, so you're in the clear.
PS wanna go out to the parking lot man?
If Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990, and the court system involves sees fit to let them out of prison now, I can accept that. I think serving less than twenty years for a planned murder is too little, but I am not German. But because I am not German, I can also mention that Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990, all I want. Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990. At least we are free to state solid facts in the US, like that Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990. Laws that prevent Germans from saying that Wolfgang Werlé and Manfred Lauber killed a German actor in 1990, and those that prevent many images related to the Holocaust and Nazism, make me wonder if Germany is turning a blind eye to history and may be condemned to repeat it.
Ignorance of the law is now the perfect excuse, at least anywhere that the laws of the land are not freely available. You might have to fight for a long time, but this looks like an airtight defense, if the only way to learn of a particular jurisdictions laws involves paying a fee. No one can force you to purchase a license to a copy of laws, therefore it can not be assumed that you know them. Simple. I can't wait until a case like this makes it to the Supreme Court.
Every six months you have to reformat all of your family's computers because they are loaded with viruses and malware? Seriously? That much, that often? What they hell are they doing? And do why haven't you set up any AV/anti-malware software? Are MS updates set to install automatically? They're obviously doing something very wrong, and so are you, if the situation is that consistently bad. Yes, even in the Windoze world. My own family is rather non-tech savy, though there is a lot of internet usage in their homes. Give them some simple explanations about email attachments, make sure auto-updates are on, use a decent AV package, and maybe set up Adaware or Spybot Search and Destroy. Firewalls are something to consider. If you are talking about multiple computers in one household, and you have any old (really old even) hardware to spare, a real, dedicated firewall might be in order - easy to set up and forget about, for a little extra piece of mind.
The other answer: switch them over to linux. Mint is very easy to use and comes with most of what they're likely to want. If there's a gamer in the house, have them dual-boot if they absolutely need to boot Windows. Tell them linux is superior for most things will protect them from identity theft, and their Windows setup is specially optimized for games, or whatever you think will convince them. And when it is time for new hardware, surely they'll seek your advice then, right? Maybe consider Macs.
I hate MS, but keeping those systems running reasonably smoothly should not be that difficult. Hell, I can do it.
the Target case is completely different, and I don't think it applies here. And the Martin v. PGA case relates to employment, and appears to be completely irrelevant to video games intended for home use. Sorry, you don't have a legal right to play video games in an ideal manner. What's next, suing Ford an Toyota because their speedometers can not easily be read by the visually impaired? Suing the MPAA (not that I'm opposed to that)? I am not able to derive optimal enjoyment from most of Sony's crap, er, leisure products either, so I buy other things instead, rather than suing them to make what I want. Geepers creepers.
Yeah, the offered online checking accounts. I signed up for X.com and Paypal accounts initially because they were giving away free money, no deposit required. I didn't think either one would last (I was half right), but hey, free money.
The summary says they added "brains." I disagree, because I ambushed and tried eating on of these new drones, and I did not find it to be satisfying in the least. Quite a let down, really. Sincerely, Steve the zombie.
High-end audio equipment for the general public was a fad that was brought about by the proliferation of the CD. Previously we listened to vinyl and cassettes, then we were blown away by CD quality and sought to realize the full potential of that format. Then most people began to realize that sub-audiophile quality equipment is pretty damned good, relatively very cheap, and we enjoy our music just as much with it. And now many people listen to music all the time, meaning it is often pushed into the background so super high quality is not necessary. The kid who keeps his ipod glued to his body for 12 hours every day is not generally listening "actively," so there is not a real need or desire for the type of audio you speak of. This kid is like most people. I appreciate a good system and enjoy really getting into the music and paying attention to it, but this is a fringe luxury, both in terms of the time and attention that need to be dedicated to it and the hardware. I know what "good" audio sounds like, but I am not made of money and have very little time to devote 100% to music, thus my laptop, G1 phone, Sony home theater system, and under-$500 car system are satisfying.
Short version: compression = bad, but convenience, cost, and portability are equally important as overall quality. It's obvious.
From my own SUPER exciting, Stross-approved scifi script, which contains only technology that scientists from the present can master or easily explain :
"Oh boy, this ship sure is cramped and boring. How long until we get to the next planet?"
"Oh, just three more generations."
"Great. It sure is nice that we haven't encountered anyone new, or anything interesting at all, over the course of these numerous years in interstellar space."
"Yeah, but it's really too bad we won't encounter any other civilizations in the foreseeable future, or within the next several generations. And I wonder what has happened on Earth in the last 500 years, since we are 500 light years away and don't have any means of faster-than-light communication."
"Uh huh. If only we had faster ways to communicate, more (or any) connections with beings from other planets, near-light speed (or better) means of travel, and other futuristic technologies that couldn't even have been explained hundreds of years ago."
"Yeah. And it's too bad we're so inbred from generations of space travel. Oh well."
Come find out why I hate Charles Stross at nobodygivesafuckwhatsomeirrelevantidiothates.com. His opinion on Star Trek, or anything else, is no more important than my opinion on him or on fried bologna sandwiches on white bread. Seriously, nothing to see here, move along. I'm not even going to RTFA or look at more than the first two comments.