In my experience, functionality trumps cpu cycle efficiency. Also, MS's test are likely rigged in favor of their browser. (like in most other industries to be fair). It's curious how notice the Vivaldi browser wasn't included in these benchmarks, which is the fastest browser I've tried to date. MS seems so desperate to be relevant in a tech sector they have been consistently losing ground on for YEARS, first to Firefox, then to chrome. Even with a rigged OS favoring Edge/Bing, MS can't seem to shake the shadow of Google or Mozilla. Their investors should be demanding that they shop in this futile battle, and try something that is actually groundbreaking where they MIGHT have a chance to dominate if they get in before some smart 3rd university student get's in on the action.:D
In addition to their DRM and agressive marketing (though not as bad as EA), they not send armies because someone spotted an inept flaw in their security systems. They should have kept their assets more secure (ideally offline if possible). instead they try to make an "example" and all they accomplish is confirm they are complete asses. How sad. The only thing sadder, are the politicians who appear to bend over backwards for these corporations. At least the judge seemed to have a more object head than everyone else. But come on..someone committing a white collar legal violation, whose poor judgement merely resulted (potentially) in a minor profit loss, apologies for his folly, and they gets military grade German troopers at his house?!? Come one. I'm proud to say I have never supported Valve(steam) and anyone here who this this is excessive force should not buy anymore games via Steam. GOG.com has plenty. It's costs a little more there, but at least you know you can feel better about whose business you support. Vote with your mind, heart, and dollars.
If it's known there is a backdoor people WILL find it. And the arrogance that only American companies can create encryption libraries is dumbfounding. We have China's Red Flag, edition of Linux, North Korea appearently has "Red Star" and I suspect Russia has their own version of Linux as well. It may a crime to use non-use encryption, but it will be there and used if people fear for their privacy. We recently had an event in France where the CIA tried to claim encryption was used to coordinate their operation, and it turns it...it had nothing to do with coordination. The best people will use method with less technology dependencies. This will only make it easier for people (terrorists or "partner" like China) to go through their backdoors to access data. . We seem to "terrorism" as an excuse for everything the same way we used "communism" in the Mccarthy days. the end doesn't justify the means
Unfortunately the desk is stacked so that will NOT. Clinton is has no issue with not disclosing activities of the government (see her own email server for details:D). She didn't do anything during her term as Lady of the House, or as Secretary of State to affect Obama's increasing liberal policies when it came to warrantless surveillance, and Trump would tell people if the FBI/CIA wants it's the public should have it to protect us from the deadly "foreigners". Saunders was the only candidate who might give any concern about transparency but I'm not sure even he would address this (although more likely than the others based in history). We have a fixed decks, where our votes are hijacked by "representatives" of private parties. so, don't hold your breath. The Constitution is dead as is the founding father's vision (is in fact there was any). Lincoln would be in tears if he saw this.
And this is so open to abuse with no oversight, no proper procedure, no warrant. Just a few guys employed by the FBI or CIA (or foreign equivalent), reminds me of a film about East Germany:"The Lives of Others" where a corrupt politician gets the secret service to investigate a high profile writer simple because he has the hot's for (and is sleeping with under threat of career torpedoing) his girlfriend (who is living with him and is publically known and accepted as common law). Seriously, who is watching the watchmen, certainly not Blackberry. Glad I never used them, but since Microsoft and Yahoo gave info to China for the purpose of finding, and torturing of reporters to disagreed with the government...we know they will (if haven't already) gone the direction of Blackberry. Apple and Google are a bit better, but with Google apparently going to the White House once a week...who knows...
you'd think that people be saying "Hey Chilli, this is exciting" instead people who have invested in old methods of power production are complaining prices are too cheap. "we're losing money" Well...that is called risk. Hard to believe they didn't see this coming. No one is talking about people getting so accustomed to cheap power, or becoming gluttons with power, it's other people's bad investments first. the innovation we truly need right now is public awareness and social responsibility. instead, when something comes along that could be an overall public good, people come in and say, but it's not good for me. We have a long way to go as a species.
Okay, a few facts. Population: It's larger. SIGNIFICANTLY larger. Of course there will be more deaths because of that. Even if your rate takes population into account, what it DOESN'T take into account is the impact psychologically on people in general: Worse tempers, fewer resources available, (especially to the poor). Also, every non-white ethnic group seems to have at least 1 (if not 3) advocacy groups working on behalf of the "oppressed" (some are, but not all and not everywhere;The one thing I agree with Senator McCain on is that Affirmative Action system in the USA is not only out of date but is a form of racism unto itself, and no I cannot be classified as white, or anything else I think, been offered preferential consideration due to my "minority" status which I politely refused). The protection of advocacy groups may reduce the death rate of these non-white USA folks as well although it may or may not be significant.
We've all seen increasing food, housing/space, energy prices all of which is (in addition to greed), is supported by a larger population, increasing demand, reducing supply and making people more irritable as a result. Tempers flare (road rage seems to be on the rise where I am), we have more private/public police everywhere with more and more military weapons (but no proper military/unarmed training, which adds fuel to the fire flamed tempers and emotional discomforture.
Oh, and our news(Fox, NBC, ABC other American sources including most newspapers): Observe how it's primarily geared to the less educated white population (most of whom, unlike Donald Trump are poor and cannot use other people's money) and is specifically designed to stimulate fear. (see other foreign news sources, it's not just the content...it's the presentation). Fear sells and make submissive (well sort of...a cornered animal...). Fear/stress is clinically shown to reduces life expectancy (as well as provoke more violent crime). Let's all do the math now, turn off our mainstream news (which is often inaccurate/wrong anyway), stop munching on our junk food because are nervous, and go to a park (or as best we can in poor areas like Buffalo, Detroit or Flint), and read a good book by a non-American author. We'll live longer, happier and more informed.:D
The problem is people THINK their data is safe and secure. Almost sounds better to have an XBox or Valve Linux box. you KNOW a corporation is accessing your data and act accordingly. Windows 10 is a wolf in sheep clothing.even if you are strictly using it for gaming. I wouldn't be surprised is MS starting installing sniffers to get data from other (potentially work related) computers on your network and sending that to MS as well. Since MS has demonstrated the ability and willingness to add/disable feature according to their profit/political agenda, anything is possible with a system with shown to add radical "ad injectors" or disable the ability to turn off data collectors you could before.
That may not be entirely true. If you get an update inadvertently concerning "customer experience" data you didn't want or specifically avoided, that is most likely left intact. Once MS gets their claws in you, they tend not to roll back. You'd have to wipe the drive and reinstall from scratch to be sure (or keep a clone using something like Clonezilla) to be sure.
Let's see: An operating system that forces in sneaky or not so sneaky way in the first place. and Then...has updates that turn out to be ad servers (not security so MS actually LIED about tha tone), updates that change the rules (Windows 10 pro could shut some "telemetry data" off but they removed that feature later so you had to upgrade to enterprise to get it back), data collectors that send all kinds of data frequently, and MS won't disclose what data they collect. It destroys some computers (friend's daughter hard drive burned out after a forced windows 7-10 update). Need I go on? Oh, and latest, Windows 10 wreaks havoc on some samsung laptops/desktops. Everything about it is, collect data from you for their use (that you can't turn off)...plus ads in your face and undisclosed data collection in massive amounts. Oh, and updates no longer have any significant details save "adding enhancements and feature" on the updates so you can't see what MS is doing to your system until it's too late. You really want to "upgrade" to this trojan horse that constantly changes the rules? Better off with MacOS (not iOS, Apple plays similar games there with feature disabling) or Linux. They you can't trust or know what the OS is doing, time to change the game. Too many secrets, game changers (disabling features you once had) and blatant disregard for the users rights to control THEIR computer. (No, MS you do NOT own people's data your EULA needs to be put into government oversight and roasted over the coals for lack of transparency and invasion privacy; Collecting (potentially) data and passwords...come on....) Would I recommend Windows 10 upgrade? (and this goes double for people in the legal/medical profession..) Hell NO!
Technically, prosecutors can't charge blackmail because they haven't said your data will be exposed unless you pay. They are only asking to be paid for how to patch the security flaw. (White hacking + data extraction) Of course the idea is to add "incentive" with the data being in public, unauthorized space. But they haven't said it would be leaked unless payment is given (or only take it down on the same terms). Of course the victim could turn that around and say, "before we discuss the merit of your services, let's say you remove all files the files I own from your server, allow me access that I may be satisfied to the fact it is destroyed and no spare copies exist, you tell me how your broke into my system and how to patch it up and in exchange I don't send your name, and your communications to me to the cyber crimes division of the FBI, it's a bargain considering the alternative, and some free advice in return for your assistance...stop short of actually stealing files before asking for a fee for your proactive "good citizenry". Appreciate your efforts".
Okay, let's get serious. We set up laws for the purpose of strengthening the strong, and subduing the weak, and in maintaining the status while telling the world we are "democratic" and "moral". The laws were set up to allow government agencies that have been out of control since the Kennedy assassination to increase their out of control foothold.As loopholes disallowing them unlimited power were found, they were patched up to allow free reign of government agencies undermining the very constitution we say we uphold. And you aren't allowed to talk about illegal or immoral acts because you can be labelled as a "domestic terrorist" for doing anything the government agencies don't like and imprisoned/tortured indefinitely. Even now with the "debate" (more like rants of the intellectuals because there is no effect on our government except to increase it's intensity of spying and penalties for trying to curtail it), we tell people, give us the keys to spy on people without evidence, without declared cause; just do it or we'll imprison you (with a side of potential "persuasion"), and if you tell anyone about what we want from you, or close your business (which they now effectively own, not you), the same will apply. We've got violation of due process, right to legal representation, freedom of the press, right to own property/business, and freedom of speech all stopped...or else. The government with it's "laws" has become effectively lawless and unaccountable. We have the nerve to tell people about legal? The law is simple: Government (and it's reps) does what it wants, you submit quietly, or else. Difference between this and China and Russia (if any) is less visible. Snowden come back? It seems ironic he has more freedom in Russia than here, or maybe it's not so ironic after all. We can't even get any significant say in elections, as our votes are in essence hijacked by political party procedures. (John Oliver has some good points there). We can only choose from preselected representatives, whose actions are already "in the bag". Much like china ironically where you can only choose officials approved by the Chinese Communist party. Hmm...
Problem is transmitting the surplus power far enough distances without losing too much. I imaging the range for power transmissions isn't great. And of course, the rest of Canada would probably want first dibs, unless the US was willing to make electricity that much more expensive for the benefit of a country most people citizens/residents in the USA barely knew until Rob Ford was our mayor. that is..;-)
Made by a robot?!? I generally find German made products are usually top notch (with a few exceptions such as cars). If our German made products (which you do pay a bit more for but worth it for quality IMHO) are made by robots, Will the quality go down, or stay the same. the answer to this could create a whole new debate in the manufacturing industry.
Is VB considered an active language anymore? (mostly VBA these days right?) I Remember VB has having terrible things like being "case-insensitive", and allowing undeclared variables out of nowhere (unless "option explicit" was declared) often causing garbage data to creep in causing debugging nightmares. I thought VB.net was a godsend that required people to code with some "class" (pardon the pun). While VB was a "quick and dirty" the 'dirty' part I've found dominate the finished products afterwards by far over the 'quick' which didn't exactly "make my day".
I've met so many coders who learned poor coding habits from VB it's funny to me for the language to be mentioned here. No offence intended, but this may be one of the reasons MS dropped VB and moved people to VB.net which is a truly OO language. Most schools teach Python, which does allow a few things that beginners shouldn't be allowed in their first language in my opinion, but at least it is case sensitive. Personally I think new coders should start in C++ or Java. C# is okay too for that purpose but C# has a number of elements from both C++ and Java. Python is a great language, don't get me wrong, I'm just not sure without requiring variable declaration/initialization it's the best way to start a new coder. Scratch (from MIT) is actually a good language to start kids on as it shows the basic foundations of coding without requiring lots of typing. LiveCode isn't bad either, but I don't like the fact it doesn't use '0' based arrays like proper languages do. (Several teachers remarked on this at a conference). Ruby is very readable and could server educating on good programming style quite well. Inform 7 (for making text adventure games), has it's merits in programming design, that is very accessible to young teens as well.
There ARE musicians that are considered proficient who in fact did nothing but learn other people's music. Pavarotti did nothing but learn other people's music and in fact did it by ear because apparently he never learned to ear music (at least not in the beginning of his career). The great pianist Glen Gould never really became proficient in composition (he had a SINGLE work, which wasn't really a great accomplishment shortly before he died). Now are there rounded musicians, certainly. Leonard Bernstein would be a great example. Point is, the analogy given to us is flawed. Also, in programming, although we have many generically labelled "Developers" there are low level coders (generally juniors starting out who just do simple assigned tasks), UI Designers, Software Architects, Database Modellers, Data Architects, DBA's, Network Administrators, and many in between. Most start-ups have general "Developers" who are basically expected to be "Jack-of-all-trades" with the experience and rounded exposure to handle "whatever is needed at the time", but few people with less than 5 years of experience can handle that well so generally these are intermediate-senior level experienced people. While I agree to do software (or music) professionals SHOULD have a wide rounded set of skills to see the big picture and accomplish more, not every successful IT person is well rounded and these will be limited to small scope roles (although the real world doesn't always meet this idea). So I wouldn't say kids in school taught the bare basics of coding aren't taught to code "wrong" as much as in a way that will limit their advancement.
Watch Microsoft block Classic Shell from installing/functioning...Since they are changing core OS operations on the fly now according to their spy/profit agenda, they can do pretty much anything they want. Needs government oversight at this point because MS is clearly out of control here.. (and apple to a lessor extent with the Iphone)
So, does this mean MS will stop trying to force feed that bloated piece of spyware now? (do any of us really think that is likely to happen...). Now they are trying to look cool be saying people with disabilities get added consideration? I smell tax credit somewhere...(I'm no tax lawyer but it smell like they benefit from this financial on top of all the data they intrusively collect and the ability to turn on/off features as they see fit...gee sounds like the iphone..)
Oh, and don't forget to turn OFF Automatic/Windows update in the SERVICES (Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Services). It's the ONLY way to get MS windows to behave itself (ie, not give you some crap that is MS's interest instead of yours). You'll have to check every individual update you want to install with a microscope and research them on forums because now MS has said it's policy is not to tell people what updates do except "enhance" the OS, but if you keep your a good antivirus/malware it helps. Of course you can also use Linux (or apple if you trust them...but hm....trust apple...). Anyway, for whomever it helps.
. This is Windows 10 saying, you ARE the product, and we own your a$$. I'm so happy I didn't get windows 10. Want this to change, tell the pinheads at Dell, Asus, Lenovo, HP or anyone else you even things of getting a PC from to offer Windows 7 as an option on ALL models or you'll build your own, which is quite easy these days. NewEgg.com is a convenient place to get parts. For those who want to use something with more power/trustworthiness, Linux comes in many flavors. For beginners I recommend Linux Mint and ElementaryOS. "No" is a wonderful word. Let's all say "No" to Windows 10
Remember, we in Canada don't have right wing radicals in power any more. We provide an American quality of life without Trump level racism or radicalism. Come live the good life you always dreamed and never found (aka, the American dream). Plus, if you are an international business owner, if Trump does become president, your business would find relations with your international parts in other nations, including India, China, most of Europe and the UK rather strained, whereas here in Canada, we are nearly everybody's friend (with a few exceptions in Afghanistan). Amazon liked us so much, they tested their drone delivery services here. So it's a benefit to your business to host your internal corporate headquarters with us. Plus, we have better health care than at least 50% of the USA (the ones that choose not to participated in extended Medicare/medicaid and we likely have better government health coverage then those that did). Lots of room in Nova Scotia at Cape Breton Island, but we have room in other places too.
Better politics, better international relations, better health care, friendlier people, less racism. USA quality of life. What more could you ask for?
Oh, wait, I didn't say that, wait...it was a hacker, stay out of my house.....
It's amazing how people don't seem to get the fact that if you make a keyhole everyone can access, regardless of distances, it's so much easier (and fun) to pick the lock.Plus these things weren't exactly designed to be all that secure as much as cheap/convenient. From harded coded passkeys in firmware and up, the IOT things are not security they are convenience...at the price of security.
Slashdot Mirror
In my experience, functionality trumps cpu cycle efficiency. Also, MS's test are likely rigged in favor of their browser. (like in most other industries to be fair). It's curious how notice the Vivaldi browser wasn't included in these benchmarks, which is the fastest browser I've tried to date. MS seems so desperate to be relevant in a tech sector they have been consistently losing ground on for YEARS, first to Firefox, then to chrome. Even with a rigged OS favoring Edge/Bing, MS can't seem to shake the shadow of Google or Mozilla. Their investors should be demanding that they shop in this futile battle, and try something that is actually groundbreaking where they MIGHT have a chance to dominate if they get in before some smart 3rd university student get's in on the action. :D
In addition to their DRM and agressive marketing (though not as bad as EA), they not send armies because someone spotted an inept flaw in their security systems. They should have kept their assets more secure (ideally offline if possible). instead they try to make an "example" and all they accomplish is confirm they are complete asses. How sad. The only thing sadder, are the politicians who appear to bend over backwards for these corporations. At least the judge seemed to have a more object head than everyone else. But come on..someone committing a white collar legal violation, whose poor judgement merely resulted (potentially) in a minor profit loss, apologies for his folly, and they gets military grade German troopers at his house?!? Come one. I'm proud to say I have never supported Valve(steam) and anyone here who this this is excessive force should not buy anymore games via Steam. GOG.com has plenty. It's costs a little more there, but at least you know you can feel better about whose business you support. Vote with your mind, heart, and dollars.
If it's known there is a backdoor people WILL find it. And the arrogance that only American companies can create encryption libraries is dumbfounding. We have China's Red Flag, edition of Linux, North Korea appearently has "Red Star" and I suspect Russia has their own version of Linux as well. It may a crime to use non-use encryption, but it will be there and used if people fear for their privacy. We recently had an event in France where the CIA tried to claim encryption was used to coordinate their operation, and it turns it...it had nothing to do with coordination. The best people will use method with less technology dependencies. This will only make it easier for people (terrorists or "partner" like China) to go through their backdoors to access data. . We seem to "terrorism" as an excuse for everything the same way we used "communism" in the Mccarthy days. the end doesn't justify the means
NetBIOS was always a bit of a hack anyway. We shouldn't be using it anymore, period. An internal DNS is enough and easy to setup.
Unfortunately the desk is stacked so that will NOT. Clinton is has no issue with not disclosing activities of the government (see her own email server for details :D). She didn't do anything during her term as Lady of the House, or as Secretary of State to affect Obama's increasing liberal policies when it came to warrantless surveillance, and Trump would tell people if the FBI/CIA wants it's the public should have it to protect us from the deadly "foreigners". Saunders was the only candidate who might give any concern about transparency but I'm not sure even he would address this (although more likely than the others based in history). We have a fixed decks, where our votes are hijacked by "representatives" of private parties. so, don't hold your breath. The Constitution is dead as is the founding father's vision (is in fact there was any). Lincoln would be in tears if he saw this.
LOL. And funny enough SCO is no more if my memory serves. Those who don't know their history..
And this is so open to abuse with no oversight, no proper procedure, no warrant. Just a few guys employed by the FBI or CIA (or foreign equivalent), reminds me of a film about East Germany:"The Lives of Others" where a corrupt politician gets the secret service to investigate a high profile writer simple because he has the hot's for (and is sleeping with under threat of career torpedoing) his girlfriend (who is living with him and is publically known and accepted as common law). Seriously, who is watching the watchmen, certainly not Blackberry. Glad I never used them, but since Microsoft and Yahoo gave info to China for the purpose of finding, and torturing of reporters to disagreed with the government...we know they will (if haven't already) gone the direction of Blackberry. Apple and Google are a bit better, but with Google apparently going to the White House once a week...who knows...
you'd think that people be saying "Hey Chilli, this is exciting" instead people who have invested in old methods of power production are complaining prices are too cheap. "we're losing money" Well...that is called risk. Hard to believe they didn't see this coming. No one is talking about people getting so accustomed to cheap power, or becoming gluttons with power, it's other people's bad investments first. the innovation we truly need right now is public awareness and social responsibility. instead, when something comes along that could be an overall public good, people come in and say, but it's not good for me. We have a long way to go as a species.
Okay, a few facts. Population: It's larger. SIGNIFICANTLY larger. Of course there will be more deaths because of that. Even if your rate takes population into account, what it DOESN'T take into account is the impact psychologically on people in general: Worse tempers, fewer resources available, (especially to the poor). Also, every non-white ethnic group seems to have at least 1 (if not 3) advocacy groups working on behalf of the "oppressed" (some are, but not all and not everywhere;The one thing I agree with Senator McCain on is that Affirmative Action system in the USA is not only out of date but is a form of racism unto itself, and no I cannot be classified as white, or anything else I think, been offered preferential consideration due to my "minority" status which I politely refused). The protection of advocacy groups may reduce the death rate of these non-white USA folks as well although it may or may not be significant.
:D
We've all seen increasing food, housing/space, energy prices all of which is (in addition to greed), is supported by a larger population, increasing demand, reducing supply and making people more irritable as a result. Tempers flare (road rage seems to be on the rise where I am), we have more private/public police everywhere with more and more military weapons (but no proper military/unarmed training, which adds fuel to the fire flamed tempers and emotional discomforture.
Oh, and our news(Fox, NBC, ABC other American sources including most newspapers): Observe how it's primarily geared to the less educated white population (most of whom, unlike Donald Trump are poor and cannot use other people's money) and is specifically designed to stimulate fear. (see other foreign news sources, it's not just the content...it's the presentation). Fear sells and make submissive (well sort of...a cornered animal...). Fear/stress is clinically shown to reduces life expectancy (as well as provoke more violent crime). Let's all do the math now, turn off our mainstream news (which is often inaccurate/wrong anyway), stop munching on our junk food because are nervous, and go to a park (or as best we can in poor areas like Buffalo, Detroit or Flint), and read a good book by a non-American author. We'll live longer, happier and more informed.
The problem is people THINK their data is safe and secure. Almost sounds better to have an XBox or Valve Linux box. you KNOW a corporation is accessing your data and act accordingly. Windows 10 is a wolf in sheep clothing.even if you are strictly using it for gaming. I wouldn't be surprised is MS starting installing sniffers to get data from other (potentially work related) computers on your network and sending that to MS as well. Since MS has demonstrated the ability and willingness to add/disable feature according to their profit/political agenda, anything is possible with a system with shown to add radical "ad injectors" or disable the ability to turn off data collectors you could before.
That may not be entirely true. If you get an update inadvertently concerning "customer experience" data you didn't want or specifically avoided, that is most likely left intact. Once MS gets their claws in you, they tend not to roll back. You'd have to wipe the drive and reinstall from scratch to be sure (or keep a clone using something like Clonezilla) to be sure.
Let's see: An operating system that forces in sneaky or not so sneaky way in the first place. and Then...has updates that turn out to be ad servers (not security so MS actually LIED about tha tone), updates that change the rules (Windows 10 pro could shut some "telemetry data" off but they removed that feature later so you had to upgrade to enterprise to get it back), data collectors that send all kinds of data frequently, and MS won't disclose what data they collect. It destroys some computers (friend's daughter hard drive burned out after a forced windows 7-10 update). Need I go on? Oh, and latest, Windows 10 wreaks havoc on some samsung laptops/desktops. Everything about it is, collect data from you for their use (that you can't turn off)...plus ads in your face and undisclosed data collection in massive amounts. Oh, and updates no longer have any significant details save "adding enhancements and feature" on the updates so you can't see what MS is doing to your system until it's too late. You really want to "upgrade" to this trojan horse that constantly changes the rules? Better off with MacOS (not iOS, Apple plays similar games there with feature disabling) or Linux. They you can't trust or know what the OS is doing, time to change the game. Too many secrets, game changers (disabling features you once had) and blatant disregard for the users rights to control THEIR computer. (No, MS you do NOT own people's data your EULA needs to be put into government oversight and roasted over the coals for lack of transparency and invasion privacy; Collecting (potentially) data and passwords...come on....) Would I recommend Windows 10 upgrade? (and this goes double for people in the legal/medical profession..) Hell NO!
Technically, prosecutors can't charge blackmail because they haven't said your data will be exposed unless you pay. They are only asking to be paid for how to patch the security flaw. (White hacking + data extraction) Of course the idea is to add "incentive" with the data being in public, unauthorized space. But they haven't said it would be leaked unless payment is given (or only take it down on the same terms). Of course the victim could turn that around and say, "before we discuss the merit of your services, let's say you remove all files the files I own from your server, allow me access that I may be satisfied to the fact it is destroyed and no spare copies exist, you tell me how your broke into my system and how to patch it up and in exchange I don't send your name, and your communications to me to the cyber crimes division of the FBI, it's a bargain considering the alternative, and some free advice in return for your assistance...stop short of actually stealing files before asking for a fee for your proactive "good citizenry". Appreciate your efforts".
Okay, let's get serious. We set up laws for the purpose of strengthening the strong, and subduing the weak, and in maintaining the status while telling the world we are "democratic" and "moral". The laws were set up to allow government agencies that have been out of control since the Kennedy assassination to increase their out of control foothold.As loopholes disallowing them unlimited power were found, they were patched up to allow free reign of government agencies undermining the very constitution we say we uphold. And you aren't allowed to talk about illegal or immoral acts because you can be labelled as a "domestic terrorist" for doing anything the government agencies don't like and imprisoned/tortured indefinitely. Even now with the "debate" (more like rants of the intellectuals because there is no effect on our government except to increase it's intensity of spying and penalties for trying to curtail it), we tell people, give us the keys to spy on people without evidence, without declared cause; just do it or we'll imprison you (with a side of potential "persuasion"), and if you tell anyone about what we want from you, or close your business (which they now effectively own, not you), the same will apply. We've got violation of due process, right to legal representation, freedom of the press, right to own property/business, and freedom of speech all stopped...or else. The government with it's "laws" has become effectively lawless and unaccountable. We have the nerve to tell people about legal? The law is simple: Government (and it's reps) does what it wants, you submit quietly, or else. Difference between this and China and Russia (if any) is less visible. Snowden come back? It seems ironic he has more freedom in Russia than here, or maybe it's not so ironic after all. We can't even get any significant say in elections, as our votes are in essence hijacked by political party procedures. (John Oliver has some good points there). We can only choose from preselected representatives, whose actions are already "in the bag". Much like china ironically where you can only choose officials approved by the Chinese Communist party. Hmm...
Problem is transmitting the surplus power far enough distances without losing too much. I imaging the range for power transmissions isn't great. And of course, the rest of Canada would probably want first dibs, unless the US was willing to make electricity that much more expensive for the benefit of a country most people citizens/residents in the USA barely knew until Rob Ford was our mayor. that is.. ;-)
and Lumber...it's one of our biggies...that and being (mostly) friendly with everyone..
Made by a robot?!? I generally find German made products are usually top notch (with a few exceptions such as cars). If our German made products (which you do pay a bit more for but worth it for quality IMHO) are made by robots, Will the quality go down, or stay the same. the answer to this could create a whole new debate in the manufacturing industry.
Is VB considered an active language anymore? (mostly VBA these days right?) I Remember VB has having terrible things like being "case-insensitive", and allowing undeclared variables out of nowhere (unless "option explicit" was declared) often causing garbage data to creep in causing debugging nightmares. I thought VB.net was a godsend that required people to code with some "class" (pardon the pun). While VB was a "quick and dirty" the 'dirty' part I've found dominate the finished products afterwards by far over the 'quick' which didn't exactly "make my day".
I've met so many coders who learned poor coding habits from VB it's funny to me for the language to be mentioned here. No offence intended, but this may be one of the reasons MS dropped VB and moved people to VB.net which is a truly OO language. Most schools teach Python, which does allow a few things that beginners shouldn't be allowed in their first language in my opinion, but at least it is case sensitive. Personally I think new coders should start in C++ or Java. C# is okay too for that purpose but C# has a number of elements from both C++ and Java. Python is a great language, don't get me wrong, I'm just not sure without requiring variable declaration/initialization it's the best way to start a new coder. Scratch (from MIT) is actually a good language to start kids on as it shows the basic foundations of coding without requiring lots of typing. LiveCode isn't bad either, but I don't like the fact it doesn't use '0' based arrays like proper languages do. (Several teachers remarked on this at a conference). Ruby is very readable and could server educating on good programming style quite well. Inform 7 (for making text adventure games), has it's merits in programming design, that is very accessible to young teens as well.
There ARE musicians that are considered proficient who in fact did nothing but learn other people's music. Pavarotti did nothing but learn other people's music and in fact did it by ear because apparently he never learned to ear music (at least not in the beginning of his career). The great pianist Glen Gould never really became proficient in composition (he had a SINGLE work, which wasn't really a great accomplishment shortly before he died). Now are there rounded musicians, certainly. Leonard Bernstein would be a great example. Point is, the analogy given to us is flawed. Also, in programming, although we have many generically labelled "Developers" there are low level coders (generally juniors starting out who just do simple assigned tasks), UI Designers, Software Architects, Database Modellers, Data Architects, DBA's, Network Administrators, and many in between. Most start-ups have general "Developers" who are basically expected to be "Jack-of-all-trades" with the experience and rounded exposure to handle "whatever is needed at the time", but few people with less than 5 years of experience can handle that well so generally these are intermediate-senior level experienced people. While I agree to do software (or music) professionals SHOULD have a wide rounded set of skills to see the big picture and accomplish more, not every successful IT person is well rounded and these will be limited to small scope roles (although the real world doesn't always meet this idea). So I wouldn't say kids in school taught the bare basics of coding aren't taught to code "wrong" as much as in a way that will limit their advancement.
Watch Microsoft block Classic Shell from installing/functioning...Since they are changing core OS operations on the fly now according to their spy/profit agenda, they can do pretty much anything they want. Needs government oversight at this point because MS is clearly out of control here.. (and apple to a lessor extent with the Iphone)
So, does this mean MS will stop trying to force feed that bloated piece of spyware now? (do any of us really think that is likely to happen...). Now they are trying to look cool be saying people with disabilities get added consideration? I smell tax credit somewhere...(I'm no tax lawyer but it smell like they benefit from this financial on top of all the data they intrusively collect and the ability to turn on/off features as they see fit...gee sounds like the iphone..)
Oh, and don't forget to turn OFF Automatic/Windows update in the SERVICES (Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Services). It's the ONLY way to get MS windows to behave itself (ie, not give you some crap that is MS's interest instead of yours). You'll have to check every individual update you want to install with a microscope and research them on forums because now MS has said it's policy is not to tell people what updates do except "enhance" the OS, but if you keep your a good antivirus/malware it helps. Of course you can also use Linux (or apple if you trust them...but hm....trust apple...). Anyway, for whomever it helps.
. This is Windows 10 saying, you ARE the product, and we own your a$$. I'm so happy I didn't get windows 10. Want this to change, tell the pinheads at Dell, Asus, Lenovo, HP or anyone else you even things of getting a PC from to offer Windows 7 as an option on ALL models or you'll build your own, which is quite easy these days. NewEgg.com is a convenient place to get parts. For those who want to use something with more power/trustworthiness, Linux comes in many flavors. For beginners I recommend Linux Mint and ElementaryOS. "No" is a wonderful word. Let's all say "No" to Windows 10
Remember, we in Canada don't have right wing radicals in power any more. We provide an American quality of life without Trump level racism or radicalism. Come live the good life you always dreamed and never found (aka, the American dream). Plus, if you are an international business owner, if Trump does become president, your business would find relations with your international parts in other nations, including India, China, most of Europe and the UK rather strained, whereas here in Canada, we are nearly everybody's friend (with a few exceptions in Afghanistan). Amazon liked us so much, they tested their drone delivery services here. So it's a benefit to your business to host your internal corporate headquarters with us. Plus, we have better health care than at least 50% of the USA (the ones that choose not to participated in extended Medicare/medicaid and we likely have better government health coverage then those that did). Lots of room in Nova Scotia at Cape Breton Island, but we have room in other places too.
Better politics, better international relations, better health care, friendlier people, less racism. USA quality of life. What more could you ask for?
Canada: It's better up here, eh?
Oh, wait, I didn't say that, wait...it was a hacker, stay out of my house..... It's amazing how people don't seem to get the fact that if you make a keyhole everyone can access, regardless of distances, it's so much easier (and fun) to pick the lock.Plus these things weren't exactly designed to be all that secure as much as cheap/convenient. From harded coded passkeys in firmware and up, the IOT things are not security they are convenience...at the price of security.