The problem with promoting Linux has been, and always will be, is the fact the non-computer savvy is leery about trying new things outside the status quo. To be realistic, there are FAR more non-computer literate than there are here on Slashdot.
Let me put it as an analogy: Windows is like a mini-van, Apple is like a VW Bug, and Linux is like a Ferrari. While the Ferrari is a fast and powerful car, it is next to impossible to sell to a family of 5 who weigh the practicality of the vehicle (such as the Bug or mini-van) over the stylish and speed of the Ferrari. In other words, Linux is a hard sell to people who know little about computers and don't want to be bogged down by things. For example, they don't want to have to download and install programs for an OS to play a game that they can install on a Win/Apple box and run without such things.
Linux is a great operating system, don't get me wrong. However, in my opinion (and strictly my opinion) it is WAY too powerful and complex for novice computer user. Also, considering big box stores do not push for giving alternatives to Win/Apple, Linux is almost nonexistent as a choice to anybody who wants something different. Although netbooks are starting to permeate the market with Linux, it is yet to be seen if that will get Linux's ball a rolling.
Honestly though, when it comes to Operating Systems - what a user wants to do with their box outweighs any ad points. I think all OS are great in a lot of areas and have their weaknesses as well. All it really comes down to is what the user wants and will that OS provide a clear and stable method to do such things? Also, will the OS protect it from the unscrupulous hacker in addition to the other safeguards in place? If you want a single OS answer, then I am sorry to say that won't happen. All three OSs do that to some degree and vary by user.
I see one big problem here - ALL of this will get shot down if a parent of an under 17 gamer buys an M-Rated game. That has always been the problem - If parents aren't aware, or in most cases DON'T CARE that the game is M Rated, then all of these laws are doomed to failure.
But that really doesn't matter. This law will get sunk by the good old Constitution. That and the fact Jack A** Thompson is a certified nut job in 50 galaxies.
One HUGE problem I have with Fox's (*Spits on ground*) layout is that it conflicts with other hits that are like Rocks of Gibraltar. Here it is in a table format:
* Fringe VS. NCIS & The Mentalist - Winner: NCIS (#5 in ratings) & The Mentalist (#7 in Ratings) over Fringe (#47 in ratings)
* Dollhouse & Terminator VS. Ghost Whisperer, Flashpoint, & Numb3rs - Winners: Ghost Whisperer (#64), Flashpoint (Unknown, but has 9.27 million viewers), & Numb3rs (#29) over Dollhouse (4.20 million viewers) & Terminator (#71).
The problem comes down to the fact Fox (*Spits on ground*) is going up against heavy hitters in these time slots and is trying, but failing, to steal the thunder of other tv shows. I hate to say it, while I do like these shows, I don't like them enough to miss shows like NCIS, all three CSIs, or any other shows that CBS has to offer. Granted, there are other shows that other networks have, but these are my favs and I am positive others favor too.
The big obstacle here is that Sci Fi shows do have an uphill battle on there hands to begin with. Sci Fi is a hard sell to people outside the social circles we all run in here.
We need to remember though that Nintendo isn't going the same route as EA with its Spore DRM disaster. They are at least trying to avoid doing such extremes to counteract piracy.
To me, getting the latest game for free is nice if it is legal. However, the line between "legal" and "illegal" is blurrier and blurrier every day. Thing is - I am not going to waste time installing chips and such to get games to work. Seems to me more trouble than it is worth.
Nintendo is at least asking for government help. At least they are not doing like the RIAA/MPAA and suing at random.
Iowa has now gone from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era! In addition to creating a new technology called Instant Messaging (using a rock carved with words & thrown at the recipient), Iowa plans on fighting a new demon called "democracy".
Sure, free games may solve game "piracy", but it doesn't address what is killing PC gaming. Which are A) Windows, B) Insane hardware requirements and C) Consoles. When all PC games become cross platform (Linux, Windows and Mac), require the average hardware and will run decently on low-end hardware (for example, now it would need to run on 512 MB of RAM and a cheap Intel graphics card), and be better than the games on consoles. Once they solve all those problems PC gaming may be mainstream, but right now they confine themselves to a small niche.
I agree partially to your comments, but my view is:
1) I don't think Windows is doing as much to harm the PC Game industry as we'd think. Oh that isn't to say that Vista is problematic when it comes to games. However, most games play with little to no difficulty on Windows based systems. If you want to still point fingers at a corporation for problematic PC gaming, point it at Electronic Arts. Do I have to say anything really about them? I am just saying that Micro$oft has little, if any, blame to killing the PC Game industry.
2) If you look at what is coming out for PC Games, we see a LOT of Tech Driven games. Games that push less about content and more on what runs the games. It does not help that most developers have to sell their eternal souls to hardware companies to get the funding for their games. However, reread that statement again - they HAVE TO get funding somehow and thus are forced to push technology rather than content.
3) Consoles have one major advantage over PCs - Global Distribution. First - Most console games and Consoles are made in Japan or overseas. Most PC games are made in the United States. Even that causes a problem considering the biggest PC Game maker in the US is Electronic Ass.. err.. Arts. In addition, console games/systems don't need upgrades every year to play the latest games and don't have to sell their souls to hardware manufactures to get funding. No, they sell their souls to the console manufacturer. What is good about that? It means the console maker has more say in the quality and content. Also that means the odds of the game being buggy and flawed are minimized. Meanwhile a PC game made by EA can be total rubbish as far as content and crash like a freight train... just as long as it pushes a $4,000 PC to its limits.
To be honest, there is no easy solutions to these problems. One major way to fix the PC Game problem and stop the "ill gotten" game tide is for game companies to stop worrying about ill gotten games and focus on making quality games that every PC owner can play. Yes, this even includes Mac users and alternate OS users. Sadly, the odds of EA and others doing this is about up there with me crapping a gold brick.
Until PC Game Companies realize it is the content that makes sales and not the hardware, distribution, or platform, I really cannot see PC games improving any time soon.
Wow I feel like a moron for have ever attempted to defend Hans online at all. Like he was friends, and his wife was seeing, a guy that murdered several people.
Now he's just going to fess up to the murder.
I guess this marks the end of ReiserFS. I'm sure no one in the Linux community wants to be associated to that piece of work. No, don't feel that way. I am sure there is a lot of people that believed he was innocent based on the information. It really did for a while look like she fell off the map and ran away. However, now there can be closure and peace to the family of his slain wife and children.
Now I could be off base here, but sadly it didn't look good for Hans to begin with. Thing we all must remember is that despite there being no body, 12 people who didn't know either side of the case found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt. I am all but positive there is information and facts that were not released to the public and media. Also, his friend who claimed to have killed several people - so far there has been nothing said or mentioned if there is even a shred of truth to his claims. There is a big difference between saying you killed several people and actually killing several people. This is especially true if there isn't several dead/missing people that correlate to the claims.
I would like to make clear that I neither defend or criticize the verdict. I think though that if he is guilty then he must do the time, otherwise he is innocent and must be set free. As for the ReiserFS, I highly doubt it will fall off the map or not be used by others in the Linux community. It may get renamed or something, but I don't think the trial or the outcome will kill the code.
Only in America can people still get the death penalty while corporations can't.
Answer - if that were to happen, the entire US Economy would be DOA. Starting with Bill Gates all the way down to GM, Rubbermaid, to pretty much ANY company you could think of.
Dell's biggest pitfall is that you don't say you have excellent customer support AND have to PAY for said "excellence". Then turn around and have some idiot on the other end read a book in sequential order, all the while I have have to keep saying "Huh? Can you please repeat that?" because they have an accent that proves he/she REALLY IS in BFing Egypt or BFing India!
Problem is - You should get what you pay for because you were promised something. I am sure we would love this fate to happen to Microsoft, however nobody has to pay yearly fees to Billy Gates to use Microsoft. Granted, because I DO have a Dell, (no probs yet with it and can fix my own probs w/o needing to hear Habib on the other end of a phone) I HAVE TO pay for it yearly BECAUSE Microsoft "licensed" XP to Dell to USE XP on my computer. This too is a fraudulent act in my eyes. I own the computer, therefore I SHOULD own the OS. I could buy my own copy of XP or even Vista, but why? Double "why" on Vista. However, that is another issue in and of itself.
Point is - Dell needs to wake up and realize WHY nobody wants to go "Dude, I'm getting a Dell" anymore. Killing the custom PC model they built their whole business on, going to chain stores to sell low rate, high dollar boxes, and having your customer service support go to BFing nowhere to BFing idiots is most of where their downfall lays.
I concur. It is about time private companies start picking up the slack that NASA has. I am sure there are ways that companies can make their own methods and techniques to explore space. This is in addition to the money that can be made by advancing science and technology.
What I feel is going on is that since there is no space race anymore, John and Susie Q Public have little interest in space anymore. Never mind the fact that one day we have to consider getting off of Earth. Space is a new frontier and I strongly feel nothing new is coming as long as NASA is the only pitcher on the mound and nobody else is wanting to try to compete.
Doom 4 - 1:1
Doom 5 - 1:4
Second Coming of Christ - 1:1,000,000,000
Satan coming out of the ground, going on national TV to ask God to start his pilot light - 1:1,000,000,000,000,000
Duke Nukem Forever - 1:1x10^1x100^1x100
Theoretically, it could be possible to go off grid since they have a surplus of 3 Gigawatt hours annually. However, one problem that makes it not 100% is mother nature - Wind. Since wind isn't always steady blowing here (I live in MO), it makes it difficult for it to be 100% efficient. Still, to almost be totally off the grid is a good thing.
Yeah, but still - It goes to show that Jack didn't learn his lessons. If he didn't have the sanctions or have a disbarment trial breathing down his neck, he would be after them once again.
Besides, I wouldn't put it past Jack Off Thompson to send a letter to Zelnick's mom. He is that shithouse rat crazy to do things like that.
I have to agree. Wasn't the agreement he had with Take-Two and such tell him not to do this stupid shit again? If I were Strauss Zelnick I would sue the bejesus out of Jack. I guess since Jack can't do legal stuff now (because of the sanctions) and maybe forever (because of the disbarment), I shouldn't be surprised that Jack Ass can't do much except write the mother of Strauss Zelnick.
Well, I can only imagine that it didn't fly well for Mr. Doroshow in addition to the humiliation he suffered. I have no doubt that he tried to avoid the subject because, like you said, he has nothing that wouldn't further humiliate and discredit his cause.
All that can be said is that you did a superior job in what you did! I can only speak for myself, but thank you very much for everything you have done to fight the RIAA!
Slashdot Mirror
The problem with promoting Linux has been, and always will be, is the fact the non-computer savvy is leery about trying new things outside the status quo. To be realistic, there are FAR more non-computer literate than there are here on Slashdot.
Let me put it as an analogy: Windows is like a mini-van, Apple is like a VW Bug, and Linux is like a Ferrari. While the Ferrari is a fast and powerful car, it is next to impossible to sell to a family of 5 who weigh the practicality of the vehicle (such as the Bug or mini-van) over the stylish and speed of the Ferrari. In other words, Linux is a hard sell to people who know little about computers and don't want to be bogged down by things. For example, they don't want to have to download and install programs for an OS to play a game that they can install on a Win/Apple box and run without such things.
Linux is a great operating system, don't get me wrong. However, in my opinion (and strictly my opinion) it is WAY too powerful and complex for novice computer user. Also, considering big box stores do not push for giving alternatives to Win/Apple, Linux is almost nonexistent as a choice to anybody who wants something different. Although netbooks are starting to permeate the market with Linux, it is yet to be seen if that will get Linux's ball a rolling.
Honestly though, when it comes to Operating Systems - what a user wants to do with their box outweighs any ad points. I think all OS are great in a lot of areas and have their weaknesses as well. All it really comes down to is what the user wants and will that OS provide a clear and stable method to do such things? Also, will the OS protect it from the unscrupulous hacker in addition to the other safeguards in place? If you want a single OS answer, then I am sorry to say that won't happen. All three OSs do that to some degree and vary by user.
Plus, you really won't have to worry about withdrawal when you're stuck on an island with no WiFi, no coffee, but plenty of hot native girls.
No, I'd be too busy running from the native men who think I am a walking, talking steak...
I got an answer - A Baseball bat upside his head!
I am really surprised that this "Josh" doesn't have a ton of sexual harassment / discrimination lawsuits that would make Micro$oft blush in shame...
I see one big problem here - ALL of this will get shot down if a parent of an under 17 gamer buys an M-Rated game. That has always been the problem - If parents aren't aware, or in most cases DON'T CARE that the game is M Rated, then all of these laws are doomed to failure.
But that really doesn't matter. This law will get sunk by the good old Constitution. That and the fact Jack A** Thompson is a certified nut job in 50 galaxies.
Thank [Insert Deity here or leave blank if you are an Atheist] that I have a stockpile of bananas in case of this event!
One HUGE problem I have with Fox's (*Spits on ground*) layout is that it conflicts with other hits that are like Rocks of Gibraltar. Here it is in a table format:
* Fringe VS. NCIS & The Mentalist - Winner: NCIS (#5 in ratings) & The Mentalist (#7 in Ratings) over Fringe (#47 in ratings)
* Dollhouse & Terminator VS. Ghost Whisperer, Flashpoint, & Numb3rs - Winners: Ghost Whisperer (#64), Flashpoint (Unknown, but has 9.27 million viewers), & Numb3rs (#29) over Dollhouse (4.20 million viewers) & Terminator (#71).
The problem comes down to the fact Fox (*Spits on ground*) is going up against heavy hitters in these time slots and is trying, but failing, to steal the thunder of other tv shows. I hate to say it, while I do like these shows, I don't like them enough to miss shows like NCIS, all three CSIs, or any other shows that CBS has to offer. Granted, there are other shows that other networks have, but these are my favs and I am positive others favor too.
The big obstacle here is that Sci Fi shows do have an uphill battle on there hands to begin with. Sci Fi is a hard sell to people outside the social circles we all run in here.
Behold the prototype for the PS4! Even has the retail price figured out too!
We need to remember though that Nintendo isn't going the same route as EA with its Spore DRM disaster. They are at least trying to avoid doing such extremes to counteract piracy.
To me, getting the latest game for free is nice if it is legal. However, the line between "legal" and "illegal" is blurrier and blurrier every day. Thing is - I am not going to waste time installing chips and such to get games to work. Seems to me more trouble than it is worth.
Nintendo is at least asking for government help. At least they are not doing like the RIAA/MPAA and suing at random.
Iowa has now gone from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era! In addition to creating a new technology called Instant Messaging (using a rock carved with words & thrown at the recipient), Iowa plans on fighting a new demon called "democracy".
More news at 11 but nobody gives a rats a$$
Sure, free games may solve game "piracy", but it doesn't address what is killing PC gaming. Which are A) Windows, B) Insane hardware requirements and C) Consoles. When all PC games become cross platform (Linux, Windows and Mac), require the average hardware and will run decently on low-end hardware (for example, now it would need to run on 512 MB of RAM and a cheap Intel graphics card), and be better than the games on consoles. Once they solve all those problems PC gaming may be mainstream, but right now they confine themselves to a small niche.
I agree partially to your comments, but my view is:
1) I don't think Windows is doing as much to harm the PC Game industry as we'd think. Oh that isn't to say that Vista is problematic when it comes to games. However, most games play with little to no difficulty on Windows based systems. If you want to still point fingers at a corporation for problematic PC gaming, point it at Electronic Arts. Do I have to say anything really about them? I am just saying that Micro$oft has little, if any, blame to killing the PC Game industry.
2) If you look at what is coming out for PC Games, we see a LOT of Tech Driven games. Games that push less about content and more on what runs the games. It does not help that most developers have to sell their eternal souls to hardware companies to get the funding for their games. However, reread that statement again - they HAVE TO get funding somehow and thus are forced to push technology rather than content.
3) Consoles have one major advantage over PCs - Global Distribution. First - Most console games and Consoles are made in Japan or overseas. Most PC games are made in the United States. Even that causes a problem considering the biggest PC Game maker in the US is Electronic Ass.. err.. Arts. In addition, console games/systems don't need upgrades every year to play the latest games and don't have to sell their souls to hardware manufactures to get funding. No, they sell their souls to the console manufacturer. What is good about that? It means the console maker has more say in the quality and content. Also that means the odds of the game being buggy and flawed are minimized. Meanwhile a PC game made by EA can be total rubbish as far as content and crash like a freight train... just as long as it pushes a $4,000 PC to its limits.
To be honest, there is no easy solutions to these problems. One major way to fix the PC Game problem and stop the "ill gotten" game tide is for game companies to stop worrying about ill gotten games and focus on making quality games that every PC owner can play. Yes, this even includes Mac users and alternate OS users. Sadly, the odds of EA and others doing this is about up there with me crapping a gold brick.
Until PC Game Companies realize it is the content that makes sales and not the hardware, distribution, or platform, I really cannot see PC games improving any time soon.
The next version of Windows springs to mind...
Now I could be off base here, but sadly it didn't look good for Hans to begin with. Thing we all must remember is that despite there being no body, 12 people who didn't know either side of the case found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt. I am all but positive there is information and facts that were not released to the public and media. Also, his friend who claimed to have killed several people - so far there has been nothing said or mentioned if there is even a shred of truth to his claims. There is a big difference between saying you killed several people and actually killing several people. This is especially true if there isn't several dead/missing people that correlate to the claims.
I would like to make clear that I neither defend or criticize the verdict. I think though that if he is guilty then he must do the time, otherwise he is innocent and must be set free. As for the ReiserFS, I highly doubt it will fall off the map or not be used by others in the Linux community. It may get renamed or something, but I don't think the trial or the outcome will kill the code.
It went the way of the dinosaur a long time ago... along with common sense and respect of others.
Answer - if that were to happen, the entire US Economy would be DOA. Starting with Bill Gates all the way down to GM, Rubbermaid, to pretty much ANY company you could think of.
Dell's biggest pitfall is that you don't say you have excellent customer support AND have to PAY for said "excellence". Then turn around and have some idiot on the other end read a book in sequential order, all the while I have have to keep saying "Huh? Can you please repeat that?" because they have an accent that proves he/she REALLY IS in BFing Egypt or BFing India!
Problem is - You should get what you pay for because you were promised something. I am sure we would love this fate to happen to Microsoft, however nobody has to pay yearly fees to Billy Gates to use Microsoft. Granted, because I DO have a Dell, (no probs yet with it and can fix my own probs w/o needing to hear Habib on the other end of a phone) I HAVE TO pay for it yearly BECAUSE Microsoft "licensed" XP to Dell to USE XP on my computer. This too is a fraudulent act in my eyes. I own the computer, therefore I SHOULD own the OS. I could buy my own copy of XP or even Vista, but why? Double "why" on Vista. However, that is another issue in and of itself.
Point is - Dell needs to wake up and realize WHY nobody wants to go "Dude, I'm getting a Dell" anymore. Killing the custom PC model they built their whole business on, going to chain stores to sell low rate, high dollar boxes, and having your customer service support go to BFing nowhere to BFing idiots is most of where their downfall lays.
I concur. It is about time private companies start picking up the slack that NASA has. I am sure there are ways that companies can make their own methods and techniques to explore space. This is in addition to the money that can be made by advancing science and technology.
What I feel is going on is that since there is no space race anymore, John and Susie Q Public have little interest in space anymore. Never mind the fact that one day we have to consider getting off of Earth. Space is a new frontier and I strongly feel nothing new is coming as long as NASA is the only pitcher on the mound and nobody else is wanting to try to compete.
Are you sure it is "problem solved" and not "problem found"?
The odds are:
Doom 4 - 1:1
Doom 5 - 1:4
Second Coming of Christ - 1:1,000,000,000
Satan coming out of the ground, going on national TV to ask God to start his pilot light - 1:1,000,000,000,000,000
Duke Nukem Forever - 1:1x10^1x100^1x100
Theoretically, it could be possible to go off grid since they have a surplus of 3 Gigawatt hours annually. However, one problem that makes it not 100% is mother nature - Wind. Since wind isn't always steady blowing here (I live in MO), it makes it difficult for it to be 100% efficient. Still, to almost be totally off the grid is a good thing.
I highly doubt he will get that first bit out while he is being tarred and feathered.
Could it be it is crazy code?
...it is a 20 sided dice?
Yeah, but still - It goes to show that Jack didn't learn his lessons. If he didn't have the sanctions or have a disbarment trial breathing down his neck, he would be after them once again.
Besides, I wouldn't put it past Jack Off Thompson to send a letter to Zelnick's mom. He is that shithouse rat crazy to do things like that.
I found the hidden plan Microsoft has!
1) Try to buy Yahoo!
2) Yahoo! doesn't buy in, turn down offer.
3) ???
4) Profit!
I have to agree. Wasn't the agreement he had with Take-Two and such tell him not to do this stupid shit again? If I were Strauss Zelnick I would sue the bejesus out of Jack. I guess since Jack can't do legal stuff now (because of the sanctions) and maybe forever (because of the disbarment), I shouldn't be surprised that Jack Ass can't do much except write the mother of Strauss Zelnick.
Well, I can only imagine that it didn't fly well for Mr. Doroshow in addition to the humiliation he suffered. I have no doubt that he tried to avoid the subject because, like you said, he has nothing that wouldn't further humiliate and discredit his cause.
All that can be said is that you did a superior job in what you did! I can only speak for myself, but thank you very much for everything you have done to fight the RIAA!