Fair enough, but what about other programs and updates that require Genuine Advantage? How does one download these programs to bring to clients? They're forcing not only their customers to run Windows, but also the people who support their customers.
How was that flamebait? Please explain. I was addressing a (most likely troll) person trying to spread Linux FUD that the solution is perfectly simple. Most cameras just work. If that's flamebait, then I don't know what the hell to tell you.
Its designed as a very boring very well performing workstation.
Translation: It is designed for rock-solid stability (yes, even if you run Windows) and reliability.
If you want a tweakable board, check out Asus, Tyan, or *shudder* Abit, but the BIOS on those systems will likely be a bit more buggy, be a little less supported by Linux, and not have chassis designed specifically for each board. Sure, ATX is ATX, but Supermicro puts a lot of extras in: selectable fan profiles (set it for a server, the fans will run faster more of the time for example), optimal cooling for a given board family in given chassis, optimal placement of headers and jacks for chassis fans and RAID backplanes, and so forth. You pay a lot more for Supermicro, but their stuff is worth every penny.
Right now my personal machine is a Sonata II (IMHO one of the best consumer chassis) with a P5B Deluxe w/Wifi (no, I don't use the wifi in Linux) but if I had an unlimited budget I'd build using a Supermicro chassis with triple redundant power supplies, 4-wire fans, and a hotswap RAID backplane/cage, and the X7DAL-E motherboard. I sell them all the time to clients and they never give problems (not one single failure yet) and their stuff is actually a joy to work with. I'd probably go 3ware for RAID though, since my primary OS is Linux. (I only reboot to Windows to use voice with friends on YIM).
Not so much; I like keyboards with additional function keys and where the INS/HOME/PGUP/DEL/END/PGDN block is horizontally oriented, but so many new keyboards place that block in a vertical orientation. I HATE that layout. Hate it. I love my Kensington Pilotboard multimedia keyboard and if it breaks I'll fix it or send it to Kensington for repair. Good keyboards are hard to come by, and I HATE changing keyboards because the change in feel brings down my typing speed and introduces errors.
Taxpayers already subsidized it (telcos were given grants AND were allowed to keep a tax on phone bills for their own coffers), and the telcos were supposed to get broadband out to every address in the US. The way they got out of it was by leveraging a loophole; they were tracking progress by zip code. As long as _any part_ of a zip code had service, their end of the bargain was fulfilled.
The truly ironic part of all of this is that the FBI was originally created to investigate and oversee GOVERNMENT actions to prevent these sorts of abuses in the first place; to prevent tyranny and corruption. Now it is carrying out the exact opposite of its charter.
It's really funny that Microsoft is "letting" Linspire use Truetype, especially considering that:
- Truetype is an APPLE innovation
- Truetype was developed over 20 years ago, so any patents pertaining to such have long run out. Even if there were valid claims, APPLE would have to be the one to pursue the claims. Somehow I cannot see Apple doing this.
- Fonts aren't copyrightable, based on numerous court precedents (note: a font is distinct from a typeface: a font is a typeface with a style, weight, size applied)
A typeface dscriptor (a.ttf file) may be coprightable ( http://nwalsh.com/comp.fonts/FAQ/cf_13.htm ) however that is easily resolved: ttf2afm $foo $bar && afm2ttf $bar $zag. Granted, that is a sleezy way to work around the issue, but the end result is likely not going to be an identical binary file. That would be a slightly interesting test case. Considering that the outline itself is not copyrightable but the binary representation of it is, I wonder if such a tactic is clear of infringement in a court of law? I'm sure the big business would win, but it's not outside feasibility for that to be considered not infringing since typefaces are an odd creative work in terms of copyright.
So, licensing truetype fonts to Linux distributions? Ha. I hope these linux vendors are not paying so much as a dime for these "agreements"
This will render ecommerce impossible, and I'm sure that if they go to that extent, they'll block VPN and ssh, which will make a home internet connection useful only for instant messaging, viewing porn, and arguing endlessly on slashdot.;)
as are some ambulatory EEG units, but these are diagnostic tools, not life-support or surgical devices. If it crashes, you need to run the test again; in most such cases, no harm done to the patient.
Lone developer sues Microsoft for Microsoft's GPL and copyright violations of lone developer's software.
Microsoft counter-sues lone developer because of the unknown microsoft patents that he has violated and that other developers, distributors and end users have specifically paid microsoft protection money for.
Not quite; the scales are still tipped in the developer's favor.
Here's why: the resolution for the patent infringement is to cease distribution of the infringing patent, to license the patent, or to reimplement in a non-infringing way.
The resolution for copyright infringement is to pay damages for _each_ instance of infringement (every unit shipped/distributed/downloaded) AND cease distribution of the infringing product until it is reimplemented in a non-infringing way.
Actually, the day they announced it I was going to cancel the order for my new iPAQ (my old one finally needed replacing). The next day, I was rather glad I didn't when they followed up with an "oh, by the way, you won't be able to install third-party applications." That instantly killed any interest I had in the iPhone, so I (im)patiently awaited the arrival of my new iPAQ. Considering that the iPAQ has both WiFi and Bluetooth, AND 64MB of RAM (going to have it expanded to 128MB), AND 320MB of internal flash ROM, AND CF + SD slots, I'm glad I stuck with that purchase because it doesn't matter WHAT phone I get providing it has bluetooth.
Would I buy the iPhone were it not locked down? Yes. Am I in the market for a new phone? In a month or two I will be, I'm getting fed up with continually fixing the side volume buttons on my V400.
If Microsoft is violating the GPL and it comes to light, can't the individual contributors who are the actual copyright holders then sue Microsoft for copyright infringement? of course they can. Patent deals are NOT going protect Microsoft from GPL violations. This is all about Microsoft's wanting to raid others' patent portfolios without prejudice, and they are using FUD to encourage Novell, LG, and other companies with attractive patent portfolios to give them access to, er, "borrow" patented inventions at will.
This is because Microsoft knows that they have peaked in the software industry, and they are desperately seeking a way to continue their unprecedented growth. We all know it's not going to happen; most of Microsoft's hardware products (aside from keyboards, joysticks, and mice) have been duds in the marketplace. They are looking for other proven markets where they might be able to get a running start. They tried WebTV - it was a good idea, but a poor implementation (okay, my 94-year-old grandma uses webtv, but it's amazing she even knows what the Internet is, let alone uses it). They tried search engines and failed miserably, even though the MSIE default page was MSN. They tried to get into media, but between the MSNBC channel never gaining on CNN and Fox, their DRM schemes breaking compatibility steering people even MORE to iTunes (Plays for Sure, a semi-established standard not working with their own Zune media player), and the Xbox floundering in the marketplace, they don't know what to go to next for growth.
What's next? Cellphones? Televisions? Razor-thin margins are not Microsoft's style, and certainly are not going to maintain the long-term growth they are looking for. Automobiles? Aside from GPS devices on WinCE, there isn't much opportunity there. Oh sure, you could have a WinCE-based ECM managing your engine and accessories, but does anyone really want to drive an automobile so dependent upon Windows with its history of defects? I'd rather have the ECM be very, very good at running the engine, where it focuses on nothing but keeping the engine running. What else is there? PVRs? Tivo and the dish and cable companies have that maarket locked up. Medical devices? Not on your life; Windows is not known for security and stability, do you really want a neurosurgeon using robotics based on WinCE operating on your brain if you get into an accident? I didn't think so.
I think the Novell deal is something different though. I think that they want to focus more on services and become a solutions provider like IBM did, so that way no matter WHAT the techology choice is, Microsoft still get at least a slice of the pie, and then other forces at Microsoft who are desperate to maintain their positions and power at Microsoft are using this development to spread anti-Linux FUD.
In any event, the future will reveal what is going on. Everything above may be totally off base, but really, I do think that these moves are out of desperation because they see the strength of their stock eroding very quickly. The smart money for long-term growth would be to invest in open source solution providers, sponsors of Linux distributions, and alternative choices such as Apple Computer, where they don't try to dominate the market, but to maintain gradual long term growth and foster customer retention by delivering a quality product that just works.
* I can install whatever software I want on it (wow, just like a Microsoft smartphone or a PDA) * I can play ogg-vorbis, mp3, avi, and other media formats on it * It comes with a standard stereo headphone jack in addition to a headset one * It comes with 3G and bluetooth is not locked down at ALL
If I buy something with all the capabilities of a PDA, I'd want it to replace my PDA, not be locked down. I've avoided smartphones and stuck with a separate PDA due to the limited nature of PDA+phone models so far.
I don;'t even download TV shows (timeshifting, a legal use, albeit an untested/alternative form of timeshifting). I definitely don't download any music whatsoever - Instead of try-before-I-buy, i simply do not tempt myself any more, so I don't download music, I avoid listening to top-40 stations, and I don't and won't buy new music, aside from a select few acts I go out of my way to follow.
However, I use P2P networks for downloading things such as Linux distributions, particularly opensuse and kubuntu. If P2P networks are broken up like this, they are interrupting totally legal activities and any ISP which engages in such traffic shaping should immediately lose their privileges/protections they enjoy as common carriers. By discriminating traffic they are no longer merely carriers deserving of protection against liability (for activities such as carrying terrorist communications, kiddie porn, and other illegal communications) because they are going out of their way to stop some illegal activities by blocking traffic, so they should immediately become responsible for blocking ALL illegal traffic. When a terrorist or pedophile or ebophile successfully sends illegal communications, the ISP should be held at the same level of responsibility as the purpetrators themselves.
*nod* as much as I hate Microsoft due to their anti-customer stance in recent years, Microsoft is TOTALLY in the clear on this.
Hey dumbass! (Philippe Gildas, this means you)
Trademarks apply only in the very specific industry categories in which they are registered, and in order for the trademark to be protected, you must aggressively enforce your trademark as soon as you find any infringement (outside of fair use that is). For example; if there is no Microsoft-brand toilet paper and there is a trademark category covering toilet paper products, you can actually register a microsoft-brand toilet paper and market it as Microsoft-brand toilet paper, and be TOTALLY in the clear of any infringement against Microsoft's trademark. If you make your logo, etc. similar so as to intentionally confuse people in the marketplace and lead them to think you are associated with Microsoft of Redmond, WA, then it becomes infringement even though you would be otherwise legally clear. You have to go out of your way to confuse people though, for a legal infringement to take place.
Philippe Gildas, I hope they (Microsoft) countersue and own you in the end. You embody everything that is wrong in today's business world.
The site is very blunt: 'WARNING: THIS SOFTWARE MAY CRASH AND MAY DESTROY YOUR DATA DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE FOR REAL WORK IN A PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT.
If only Microsoft software were to come with this warning, then there would be truth in advertising.;)
lameness filter blocks quoting the story so let's type a bit to try to get rid of the warning
Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING. Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING. Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.
Instead, I think the way to go is with Intel integrated GPUs. They don't have MPEG acceleration yet, but they are working on APIs and drivers to greatly improve this (the hardware has very good video support). I'm hoping Intel GPUs quickly become the far and away best option for Myth users.. let open source prevail.
Intel open source drivers are fine and all but before I abandon Nvidia for Intel I need:
- Dual dual-link DVI ports (the nvidia cards we buy have these)
- HDTV & S-video ports
- dedicated video ram
- in a discrete card (are there add-in video cards based on Intel GPUs?) - if I need to upgrade the video, or replace a bad video card, why the hell should I have to upgrade the board (and processor, and CPU) all at the same time?
I, for one, am hoping that AMD forces ATI to open up their drivers. THAT will create a ripple effect through the entire industry. Nvidia will have no choice but to follow suit.
Actually, it is enforceable, because that is what the contract says.
1. Buy package 2. Run installer 3. Read EULA 4. Reject EULA, try to return opened software 5. Be stuck with $2,500 worth of software
I'd say right of first sale to do what you want with a commodity good trumps any EULA you don't see until AFTER money changes hands. That's almost as funny as OEM software "contracts" stating "By opening this package you agree to the EULA contained herein" - oh sure, do you think any court will agree to enforce a "contract" which was signed when the sheet was still blank? Yeah, thought so.
Having said that, as far as Activation goes, Adobe is the only large company to get it right. They allow Activation transfers, and not only that, allow you to maintain TWO concurrent active installations.
First of all, I don't see OpenOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office, although it seems to be coming along quite nicely, there are several major factors holding back from being a good solution for me.
That may be true in some cases. However, the issue here is not Microsoft Office vs. the OpenOffice.org Suite. It is about open formats which do not require citizens and companies who have to interact with the government of the people, buy the people, for the people to purchase extremely expensive proprietary software to use documents the government publishes for the people, and the people should not be required to purchase extremely expensive proprietary software to submit documents to the government.
Microsoft could quite easily implement ODF in Microsoft Office. However, they choose not to, because vendor lock-in helps them to maintain their monopoly.
I hate spiders; they creep me out. I get the creepy crawlies when I see one. That has been since I got bit by one and my arm swelled up (and no, no spidey sense, no superhuman strength, no web slinging, and darn it, I cannot climb walls!). Ever since then I've had a fear of spiders. I hate the frigging things and if one is in my house and I see it, its life is forfeit. Irrational? Yes, but that is why it's called a phobia. If I had a cat I would enjoy watching it torture the damn things.
Now, as far as the music industry is concerned; I am no longer an RIAA customer, with few exceptions (as I've stated many times before). There is a fairly recent album I want (I think it is a four-CD set) but I decided if I am going to fork over money for a Sony-distributed CD/album, I'm going to buy it used. They will not be getting sales of new products for me, I will not be helping propel their slaves, er, "artists" to the top of the charts. I am going to watch RIAA members crash and burn, and I am going to enjoy it.
Slashdot Mirror
Fair enough, but what about other programs and updates that require Genuine Advantage? How does one download these programs to bring to clients? They're forcing not only their customers to run Windows, but also the people who support their customers.
How was that flamebait? Please explain. I was addressing a (most likely troll) person trying to spread Linux FUD that the solution is perfectly simple. Most cameras just work. If that's flamebait, then I don't know what the hell to tell you.
I'll take the bait. . .
9 291
Most cameras are mass storage devices. If you can't get them to work with Linux, I do not think the problem is Linux or the computer or the camera.
Or did you mean a webcam? That isn't a problem either. See http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=3
Translation: It is designed for rock-solid stability (yes, even if you run Windows) and reliability.
If you want a tweakable board, check out Asus, Tyan, or *shudder* Abit, but the BIOS on those systems will likely be a bit more buggy, be a little less supported by Linux, and not have chassis designed specifically for each board. Sure, ATX is ATX, but Supermicro puts a lot of extras in: selectable fan profiles (set it for a server, the fans will run faster more of the time for example), optimal cooling for a given board family in given chassis, optimal placement of headers and jacks for chassis fans and RAID backplanes, and so forth. You pay a lot more for Supermicro, but their stuff is worth every penny.
Right now my personal machine is a Sonata II (IMHO one of the best consumer chassis) with a P5B Deluxe w/Wifi (no, I don't use the wifi in Linux) but if I had an unlimited budget I'd build using a Supermicro chassis with triple redundant power supplies, 4-wire fans, and a hotswap RAID backplane/cage, and the X7DAL-E motherboard. I sell them all the time to clients and they never give problems (not one single failure yet) and their stuff is actually a joy to work with. I'd probably go 3ware for RAID though, since my primary OS is Linux. (I only reboot to Windows to use voice with friends on YIM).
Not so much; I like keyboards with additional function keys and where the INS/HOME/PGUP/DEL/END/PGDN block is horizontally oriented, but so many new keyboards place that block in a vertical orientation. I HATE that layout. Hate it. I love my Kensington Pilotboard multimedia keyboard and if it breaks I'll fix it or send it to Kensington for repair. Good keyboards are hard to come by, and I HATE changing keyboards because the change in feel brings down my typing speed and introduces errors.
" dishwasher-safe keyboards are now available."
Thanks to slashdot, not anymore!
Well, we have sent SUVs to Mars. . .
Taxpayers already subsidized it (telcos were given grants AND were allowed to keep a tax on phone bills for their own coffers), and the telcos were supposed to get broadband out to every address in the US. The way they got out of it was by leveraging a loophole; they were tracking progress by zip code. As long as _any part_ of a zip code had service, their end of the bargain was fulfilled.
The truly ironic part of all of this is that the FBI was originally created to investigate and oversee GOVERNMENT actions to prevent these sorts of abuses in the first place; to prevent tyranny and corruption. Now it is carrying out the exact opposite of its charter.
It's really funny that Microsoft is "letting" Linspire use Truetype, especially considering that:
.ttf file) may be coprightable ( http://nwalsh.com/comp.fonts/FAQ/cf_13.htm ) however that is easily resolved: ttf2afm $foo $bar && afm2ttf $bar $zag. Granted, that is a sleezy way to work around the issue, but the end result is likely not going to be an identical binary file. That would be a slightly interesting test case. Considering that the outline itself is not copyrightable but the binary representation of it is, I wonder if such a tactic is clear of infringement in a court of law? I'm sure the big business would win, but it's not outside feasibility for that to be considered not infringing since typefaces are an odd creative work in terms of copyright.
- Truetype is an APPLE innovation
- Truetype was developed over 20 years ago, so any patents pertaining to such have long run out. Even if there were valid claims, APPLE would have to be the one to pursue the claims. Somehow I cannot see Apple doing this.
- Fonts aren't copyrightable, based on numerous court precedents (note: a font is distinct from a typeface: a font is a typeface with a style, weight, size applied)
A typeface dscriptor (a
So, licensing truetype fonts to Linux distributions? Ha. I hope these linux vendors are not paying so much as a dime for these "agreements"
This will render ecommerce impossible, and I'm sure that if they go to that extent, they'll block VPN and ssh, which will make a home internet connection useful only for instant messaging, viewing porn, and arguing endlessly on slashdot. ;)
as are some ambulatory EEG units, but these are diagnostic tools, not life-support or surgical devices. If it crashes, you need to run the test again; in most such cases, no harm done to the patient.
Not quite; the scales are still tipped in the developer's favor.
Here's why: the resolution for the patent infringement is to cease distribution of the infringing patent, to license the patent, or to reimplement in a non-infringing way.
The resolution for copyright infringement is to pay damages for _each_ instance of infringement (every unit shipped/distributed/downloaded) AND cease distribution of the infringing product until it is reimplemented in a non-infringing way.
Actually, the day they announced it I was going to cancel the order for my new iPAQ (my old one finally needed replacing). The next day, I was rather glad I didn't when they followed up with an "oh, by the way, you won't be able to install third-party applications." That instantly killed any interest I had in the iPhone, so I (im)patiently awaited the arrival of my new iPAQ. Considering that the iPAQ has both WiFi and Bluetooth, AND 64MB of RAM (going to have it expanded to 128MB), AND 320MB of internal flash ROM, AND CF + SD slots, I'm glad I stuck with that purchase because it doesn't matter WHAT phone I get providing it has bluetooth.
Would I buy the iPhone were it not locked down? Yes. Am I in the market for a new phone? In a month or two I will be, I'm getting fed up with continually fixing the side volume buttons on my V400.
If Microsoft is violating the GPL and it comes to light, can't the individual contributors who are the actual copyright holders then sue Microsoft for copyright infringement? of course they can. Patent deals are NOT going protect Microsoft from GPL violations. This is all about Microsoft's wanting to raid others' patent portfolios without prejudice, and they are using FUD to encourage Novell, LG, and other companies with attractive patent portfolios to give them access to, er, "borrow" patented inventions at will.
This is because Microsoft knows that they have peaked in the software industry, and they are desperately seeking a way to continue their unprecedented growth. We all know it's not going to happen; most of Microsoft's hardware products (aside from keyboards, joysticks, and mice) have been duds in the marketplace. They are looking for other proven markets where they might be able to get a running start. They tried WebTV - it was a good idea, but a poor implementation (okay, my 94-year-old grandma uses webtv, but it's amazing she even knows what the Internet is, let alone uses it). They tried search engines and failed miserably, even though the MSIE default page was MSN. They tried to get into media, but between the MSNBC channel never gaining on CNN and Fox, their DRM schemes breaking compatibility steering people even MORE to iTunes (Plays for Sure, a semi-established standard not working with their own Zune media player), and the Xbox floundering in the marketplace, they don't know what to go to next for growth.
What's next? Cellphones? Televisions? Razor-thin margins are not Microsoft's style, and certainly are not going to maintain the long-term growth they are looking for. Automobiles? Aside from GPS devices on WinCE, there isn't much opportunity there. Oh sure, you could have a WinCE-based ECM managing your engine and accessories, but does anyone really want to drive an automobile so dependent upon Windows with its history of defects? I'd rather have the ECM be very, very good at running the engine, where it focuses on nothing but keeping the engine running. What else is there? PVRs? Tivo and the dish and cable companies have that maarket locked up. Medical devices? Not on your life; Windows is not known for security and stability, do you really want a neurosurgeon using robotics based on WinCE operating on your brain if you get into an accident? I didn't think so.
I think the Novell deal is something different though. I think that they want to focus more on services and become a solutions provider like IBM did, so that way no matter WHAT the techology choice is, Microsoft still get at least a slice of the pie, and then other forces at Microsoft who are desperate to maintain their positions and power at Microsoft are using this development to spread anti-Linux FUD.
In any event, the future will reveal what is going on. Everything above may be totally off base, but really, I do think that these moves are out of desperation because they see the strength of their stock eroding very quickly. The smart money for long-term growth would be to invest in open source solution providers, sponsors of Linux distributions, and alternative choices such as Apple Computer, where they don't try to dominate the market, but to maintain gradual long term growth and foster customer retention by delivering a quality product that just works.
* I can install whatever software I want on it (wow, just like a Microsoft smartphone or a PDA)
* I can play ogg-vorbis, mp3, avi, and other media formats on it
* It comes with a standard stereo headphone jack in addition to a headset one
* It comes with 3G and bluetooth is not locked down at ALL
If I buy something with all the capabilities of a PDA, I'd want it to replace my PDA, not be locked down. I've avoided smartphones and stuck with a separate PDA due to the limited nature of PDA+phone models so far.
It is also loosely translated as "I run a computer newer than a Pentium II and/or a chipset newer than the Intel BX series."
I don;'t even download TV shows (timeshifting, a legal use, albeit an untested/alternative form of timeshifting). I definitely don't download any music whatsoever - Instead of try-before-I-buy, i simply do not tempt myself any more, so I don't download music, I avoid listening to top-40 stations, and I don't and won't buy new music, aside from a select few acts I go out of my way to follow.
However, I use P2P networks for downloading things such as Linux distributions, particularly opensuse and kubuntu. If P2P networks are broken up like this, they are interrupting totally legal activities and any ISP which engages in such traffic shaping should immediately lose their privileges/protections they enjoy as common carriers. By discriminating traffic they are no longer merely carriers deserving of protection against liability (for activities such as carrying terrorist communications, kiddie porn, and other illegal communications) because they are going out of their way to stop some illegal activities by blocking traffic, so they should immediately become responsible for blocking ALL illegal traffic. When a terrorist or pedophile or ebophile successfully sends illegal communications, the ISP should be held at the same level of responsibility as the purpetrators themselves.
*nod* as much as I hate Microsoft due to their anti-customer stance in recent years, Microsoft is TOTALLY in the clear on this.
Hey dumbass! (Philippe Gildas, this means you)
Trademarks apply only in the very specific industry categories in which they are registered, and in order for the trademark to be protected, you must aggressively enforce your trademark as soon as you find any infringement (outside of fair use that is). For example; if there is no Microsoft-brand toilet paper and there is a trademark category covering toilet paper products, you can actually register a microsoft-brand toilet paper and market it as Microsoft-brand toilet paper, and be TOTALLY in the clear of any infringement against Microsoft's trademark. If you make your logo, etc. similar so as to intentionally confuse people in the marketplace and lead them to think you are associated with Microsoft of Redmond, WA, then it becomes infringement even though you would be otherwise legally clear. You have to go out of your way to confuse people though, for a legal infringement to take place.
Philippe Gildas, I hope they (Microsoft) countersue and own you in the end. You embody everything that is wrong in today's business world.
If only Microsoft software were to come with this warning, then there would be truth in advertising.
lameness filter blocks quoting the story so let's type a bit to try to get rid of the warning
Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.
Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.
Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.
Intel open source drivers are fine and all but before I abandon Nvidia for Intel I need:
- Dual dual-link DVI ports (the nvidia cards we buy have these)
- HDTV & S-video ports
- dedicated video ram
- in a discrete card (are there add-in video cards based on Intel GPUs?) - if I need to upgrade the video, or replace a bad video card, why the hell should I have to upgrade the board (and processor, and CPU) all at the same time?
I, for one, am hoping that AMD forces ATI to open up their drivers. THAT will create a ripple effect through the entire industry. Nvidia will have no choice but to follow suit.
1. Buy package
2. Run installer
3. Read EULA
4. Reject EULA, try to return opened software
5. Be stuck with $2,500 worth of software
I'd say right of first sale to do what you want with a commodity good trumps any EULA you don't see until AFTER money changes hands. That's almost as funny as OEM software "contracts" stating "By opening this package you agree to the EULA contained herein" - oh sure, do you think any court will agree to enforce a "contract" which was signed when the sheet was still blank? Yeah, thought so.
Having said that, as far as Activation goes, Adobe is the only large company to get it right. They allow Activation transfers, and not only that, allow you to maintain TWO concurrent active installations.
That may be true in some cases. However, the issue here is not Microsoft Office vs. the OpenOffice.org Suite. It is about open formats which do not require citizens and companies who have to interact with the government of the people, buy the people, for the people to purchase extremely expensive proprietary software to use documents the government publishes for the people, and the people should not be required to purchase extremely expensive proprietary software to submit documents to the government.
Microsoft could quite easily implement ODF in Microsoft Office. However, they choose not to, because vendor lock-in helps them to maintain their monopoly.
I hate spiders; they creep me out. I get the creepy crawlies when I see one. That has been since I got bit by one and my arm swelled up (and no, no spidey sense, no superhuman strength, no web slinging, and darn it, I cannot climb walls!). Ever since then I've had a fear of spiders. I hate the frigging things and if one is in my house and I see it, its life is forfeit. Irrational? Yes, but that is why it's called a phobia. If I had a cat I would enjoy watching it torture the damn things.
Now, as far as the music industry is concerned; I am no longer an RIAA customer, with few exceptions (as I've stated many times before). There is a fairly recent album I want (I think it is a four-CD set) but I decided if I am going to fork over money for a Sony-distributed CD/album, I'm going to buy it used. They will not be getting sales of new products for me, I will not be helping propel their slaves, er, "artists" to the top of the charts. I am going to watch RIAA members crash and burn, and I am going to enjoy it.
Considering how slow Vista is compared to Win2K and XP, perhaps in this case you meant "queue?"