Regardless of the country, I think most of the stuff applies. The simple (yet non-intuitive to some) fact that there's no contract involved makes things a lot simpler. The GPL doesn't rely on any subtle detail of the copyright law or anything like that. Different countries may allow more or less things in their copyright law, but it doesn't matter. The GPL gives you extra rights and perhaps the only thing that *could* change is that in some boderline cases you may or may not be able to sue under copyright law.
Just one thing: it's not because your program crashes with icc that the problem is necessarily in the compiler. It's often caused by errors or incorrect assumptions about the compiler. Just look at how every new gcc release breaks the kernel - not because of bugs in gcc but because of unclean things in the kernel.
...and by consuming all of the bandwidth of the network connecting the servers to the Internet. The current attack successfully blocked access to SCO web and ftp servers.
Actually, there seems to be something wrong here. During the attack, while I could not get to their web server, I found that their FTP server was much more responsive than most ftp servers I use. This means that they has some (lots?) bandwidth available.
Well, they still proved that the security system was pretty much useless because the weakest link was somewhere else (only a simple ID with no other info is sufficient). It's like saying "my front door lock is unbreakable" and leaving the back door open. And BTW, I believe it's still harder to get a fake passport with your picture on it than to do what they did.
You don't need a spcial law. Most spammers can now be sued under the criminal code, either for fraud (Nigerian scam) or for cracking the machines they're using to send the spam. Forget about fines, jail them under the current laws.
Not exactly. As someone suggested, it's possible to encrypt first, but the real advantage is that if done properly, nobody can even prove you sent a message. Even if the interceptor knows the steganography method, unless they have the key, they can't prove the last bits of your wav file is a secret message and not just normal noise from your microphone.
At the lab where I'm working, we've been using Linux robots (ActivMedia Pioneer 2) for years. Linux actually came pre-installed on them (the only option). We've even been developing a bunch of Linux tools for robots.
Part of what you say is right... However, the difference is that with Windows, what you hear about are *remote* holes, while in this case, it's a *local* hole. That makes a big difference. Local holes are frequent on any OS and regardless of what you do, a rogue local user can always do bad things. Remote holes are much worse, as anyone can attack your machine, not only local users. There have been very few remote holes with Linux (at least compared to Windows).
I've read the article (yes!) and there are two implicit assumptions that bother me, even without going into the author's points. The first is that there is an open source community. I'm not quite sure of that. There are many developers that work on open-source projects for so many different reasons and don't necessarily consider themselves part of a community. The other implicit assumption is that those you start flamewars are open-source developers. Most of the time, it isn't the case.
I'm not saying the ABI should be frozen for 5 years, but I think every it shouldn't with micro version numbers. The same driver should work for all of 2.4.x. Now, I know most drivers have source code with them, but sometimes a binary is just much simpler. I mean I can also have the source for XFree86 and OpenOffice, yet I'd rather just get the binaries.
Like it's going to make that much of a difference. BTW, the preempable kernel patch (included in 2.6) now requires SMP locking even on uniprocessors, so big deal.
A stable Linux driver API/ABI. This is getting ridiculous. Windows drivers compiled for a 5 year-old version still work on the current version (maybe a slight exageration), while a driver compiled for 2.4.21 won't work with 2.4.22. Not only that, but even with the same version, driver compatibility depends on SMP option, highmem,...
And when have you seen a project like that fit within the original budget? If it's supposed to cost $800 millions, it will likely cost between $3 and $8 billions.
I really believe that we currently have all (well mostly) the laws we need to stop spammers, if only they were enforced. Even if SPAM is still not illegal in most places. What most spammers do is illegal. Instead of fining a spammer for sending Nigerian scams, jail him for fraud. Instead of fining a viagra spammer, jail him for cracking in other people's computers in order to send the spam. Much more effective I think. Why go for "minor" civil offense when the spammer is actually guity of a criminal offense. I know not all spammers commit crimes, many do.
One day decide to insert your backdoor amidst some big checkin.
Actually Linus only accepts small patches that do one thing at once. It makes it easier to track changes and as a side effect, make these kinds of attacks more difficult. Any change to the core of the OS will likely be caught. The only chance is to get the back door in a less used driver (hence you don't infect everyone) for which your are the maintainer.
If you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns.
Wait... there's even worse. If you outlaw nuclear weapons, then only outlaws will have nuclear weapons:)
BTW, there's something I could never understand (really curious to hear the "official argument"). If guns are so useful to prevent crime and all, why aren't guns permitted (or even recommended) in airports, airplanes, and high schools? After all if people had guns in 9/11 airplanes everyone would have been safe. Same for Columbine.
I think we must act now and remove GW Bush from power before it's too late. No need to go to the UN, because they never take their responsabilities. Let's bomb NOW! Oh yeah, some american civilians may get killed in the process... but we're willing to take that risk in order to liberate the US and the world. After all, that's the only way to preserve freedom and democracy.
(the the humor-impaired, this is sarcasm and I'm not going to bomb anything)
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Regardless of the country, I think most of the stuff applies. The simple (yet non-intuitive to some) fact that there's no contract involved makes things a lot simpler. The GPL doesn't rely on any subtle detail of the copyright law or anything like that. Different countries may allow more or less things in their copyright law, but it doesn't matter. The GPL gives you extra rights and perhaps the only thing that *could* change is that in some boderline cases you may or may not be able to sue under copyright law.
Just one thing: it's not because your program crashes with icc that the problem is necessarily in the compiler. It's often caused by errors or incorrect assumptions about the compiler. Just look at how every new gcc release breaks the kernel - not because of bugs in gcc but because of unclean things in the kernel.
...and by consuming all of the bandwidth of the network connecting the servers to the Internet. The current attack successfully blocked access to SCO web and ftp servers.
Actually, there seems to be something wrong here. During the attack, while I could not get to their web server, I found that their FTP server was much more responsive than most ftp servers I use. This means that they has some (lots?) bandwidth available.
Well, they still proved that the security system was pretty much useless because the weakest link was somewhere else (only a simple ID with no other info is sufficient). It's like saying "my front door lock is unbreakable" and leaving the back door open. And BTW, I believe it's still harder to get a fake passport with your picture on it than to do what they did.
You don't need a spcial law. Most spammers can now be sued under the criminal code, either for fraud (Nigerian scam) or for cracking the machines they're using to send the spam. Forget about fines, jail them under the current laws.
Not exactly. As someone suggested, it's possible to encrypt first, but the real advantage is that if done properly, nobody can even prove you sent a message. Even if the interceptor knows the steganography method, unless they have the key, they can't prove the last bits of your wav file is a secret message and not just normal noise from your microphone.
At the lab where I'm working, we've been using Linux robots (ActivMedia Pioneer 2) for years. Linux actually came pre-installed on them (the only option). We've even been developing a bunch of Linux tools for robots.
Remember that unless you have untrusted local users, the patch is not critical.
Part of what you say is right... However, the difference is that with Windows, what you hear about are *remote* holes, while in this case, it's a *local* hole. That makes a big difference. Local holes are frequent on any OS and regardless of what you do, a rogue local user can always do bad things. Remote holes are much worse, as anyone can attack your machine, not only local users. There have been very few remote holes with Linux (at least compared to Windows).
I've read the article (yes!) and there are two implicit assumptions that bother me, even without going into the author's points. The first is that there is an open source community. I'm not quite sure of that. There are many developers that work on open-source projects for so many different reasons and don't necessarily consider themselves part of a community. The other implicit assumption is that those you start flamewars are open-source developers. Most of the time, it isn't the case.
I'm not saying the ABI should be frozen for 5 years, but I think every it shouldn't with micro version numbers. The same driver should work for all of 2.4.x. Now, I know most drivers have source code with them, but sometimes a binary is just much simpler. I mean I can also have the source for XFree86 and OpenOffice, yet I'd rather just get the binaries.
Like it's going to make that much of a difference. BTW, the preempable kernel patch (included in 2.6) now requires SMP locking even on uniprocessors, so big deal.
A stable Linux driver API/ABI. This is getting ridiculous. Windows drivers compiled for a 5 year-old version still work on the current version (maybe a slight exageration), while a driver compiled for 2.4.21 won't work with 2.4.22. Not only that, but even with the same version, driver compatibility depends on SMP option, highmem, ...
And when have you seen a project like that fit within the original budget? If it's supposed to cost $800 millions, it will likely cost between $3 and $8 billions.
we see a "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" Act?
...to seeing Bush re-elected with a 2 billion vote majority.
the average American income could increase from today's ~$35,000/y-person to more than $150,000/y-person.
:)
I'm willing to bet that inflation will have more to do with it than microware power
I really believe that we currently have all (well mostly) the laws we need to stop spammers, if only they were enforced. Even if SPAM is still not illegal in most places. What most spammers do is illegal. Instead of fining a spammer for sending Nigerian scams, jail him for fraud. Instead of fining a viagra spammer, jail him for cracking in other people's computers in order to send the spam. Much more effective I think. Why go for "minor" civil offense when the spammer is actually guity of a criminal offense. I know not all spammers commit crimes, many do.
Of course I'm biased, but I hope the use an open-source codec.
CNN is reporting that millions of people have deleted all the music files from their computers in a story here.
That's a good thing people are finally deleting their files. It means that all the new DMCA-like laws won't be necessary after all...
One day decide to insert your backdoor amidst some big checkin.
Actually Linus only accepts small patches that do one thing at once. It makes it easier to track changes and as a side effect, make these kinds of attacks more difficult. Any change to the core of the OS will likely be caught. The only chance is to get the back door in a less used driver (hence you don't infect everyone) for which your are the maintainer.
Well, it doesn't prove they're desperate, but it shows that spamhaus and others hurts them (otherwise, why attack them).
If you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns.
:)
Wait... there's even worse. If you outlaw nuclear weapons, then only outlaws will have nuclear weapons
BTW, there's something I could never understand (really curious to hear the "official argument"). If guns are so useful to prevent crime and all, why aren't guns permitted (or even recommended) in airports, airplanes, and high schools? After all if people had guns in 9/11 airplanes everyone would have been safe. Same for Columbine.
...and next time try convincing people that the blacked-out parts are for national security.
I think we must act now and remove GW Bush from power before it's too late. No need to go to the UN, because they never take their responsabilities. Let's bomb NOW! Oh yeah, some american civilians may get killed in the process... but we're willing to take that risk in order to liberate the US and the world. After all, that's the only way to preserve freedom and democracy.
(the the humor-impaired, this is sarcasm and I'm not going to bomb anything)