You say that "Microsoft is finding itself being very effectively locked out of a very important market."
But maybe it would be more accurate to say that Microsoft very effectively locks ITSELF out of very important markets. Quite often it seems to me that they are their own worst enemy.
Wait a minute...now I'm confused. You stated that "...for the moment, downloading is still illegal." But is it actually "downloading" that's illegal? Or is it "making available" that's illegal? Or is it illegal to merely provide a way to search for content that may or may not be copyright restricted? Is there really such a thing as Fair Use, ever? Just curious. You seemed so sure of your statement, yet it seems that even many judges and lawyers aren't always in agreement about such things.
Shouldn't the law be established more clearly so that ordinary folks (like me, or my kids) can clearly know what is or isn't illegal, BEFORE allowing Corporations to decide for us?
Or maybe it's best to keep things confused so the definitions of "illegal" and "criminal" can be stretched and twisted to fit whatever and whoever, for the benefit of those who just want to control it all.
Yeah, "Nuthin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven", or so the Pillsbury Doughboy used to say...
Obesity can also be caused by parents who don't understand the importance of good nutrition for their children. Obese children will often end up fighting obesity their whole lives. Those cute little plump-dumpling babies, and toddlers with double chins and fat rolls around their knees and elbows will likely be tomorrow's over-weight adults.
On the other hand, I know people who might be considered over-weight who are also dependable, hard-working, gentle-hearted, happy-spirited humans that contribute to the world in many useful ways. In my eyes they have far more value than a bunch of know-it-all, soulless scientists.
kingkade: "Or I can go a different route and argue that you're not stealing something tangible such as a pattern of bits that is a song, but you are stealing a potential customer from the artist to whom they'd be able to sell their song."
Or ANOTHER way of looking at it might be: by sharing a piece of music with a friend, a person might just cause that artist to GAIN a new customer that might never have heard of them otherwise. So sharing just as likely to create a potential customer. The only way you MIGHT be able to "steal" a customer would be to sell them your own music, but even then the word "steal" is a mighty big stretch.
"...Things that were utterly frivolous luxuries (like air conditioning) not too many generations ago are considered so critical to life today,"
Obviously you live in a much kinder climate than some of us. Try surviving a summer in Arizona's desert if you think AC is non-essential. It's 3AM where I'm at right now and the temperature on my front porch is still almost 90 degrees. 100+ temps day after day. We need AC like you probably need heat to survive blizzards in the wintertime.
Well, I think many of you are out of touch with "grandma", because many grandmothers (and believe me, I know a lot of them as I am one too) have "pirated" Windows because their grandkids, or neighbor's grandkids, or their sons or whoever, share software with grandma.
I also know of friends (fellow grandparents) who trade software with each other. One friend of mine hated the preloaded system on her HP computer, so she asked her grandson to come "fix" it. He did. He used his own Win2k disk and totally reinstalled her system so she wouldn't have to use the stupid restore disk and put all the bundled junk back on it. I have a relative whose son-in-law always sets up their computer, and he does it with copies of his own sets of CDs.
Are these grandparents clueless users? Yes, in many ways, but they also would not be happy with MS labeling their beloved grandchildren as thieves. The truth is that sharing among families and friends is a common and normal human behavior. Whether it is now oh-so-wrong, or not, is a matter of opinion. What MS gains out of all of these so called "thefts" is the fact that many people eventually purchase upgrades of their own (upgrades are generally more affordable), as well as purchase other software for Windows. It's hard to imagine how a company with so many billions of dollars coming in every month can whine so much about "pirates", if everybody is "stealing" how'd that company get so rich? Hmmm? And then to go after the family users, rather than the real criminals who make counterfeit copies and sell them for profit, is just assinine.
But back to grandma...it has been very surprising to me how many of my friends are beginning to mention that they are saving up for their next computer, and that they would rather have a Mac next, or that their grandson (or whoever does the computer magic in their family) has mentioned Linux and is trying to get them to try it. I always encourage them to allow this. If they have someone to set up their system, it works beautifully for them every time. No matter how many of you want the world to believe that Linux is just not ready for grandma's desktop, it is, indeed, very ready and quite surprisingly so to those old folks who expected it to be really hard to get used to.
I believe that the prevailing attitudes about "grandma" are going to cause some surprises in the next few years, because MS in their arrogance is not going to see the growth from this "inconsequential" sector, until it's too late.
When even grannies can spot the FUD, and express their wish for freedom of choice and learn new computer tools, then the tide had definitely shifted. It may be a very small and quiet tide, but it's rising. Believe it or not, grannies don't like their freedoms restricted any more than anyone else. We tend to get fussy and peeved. Nobody wants to use a product from a company that promotes an adversarial relationship with its customers either. The older population does not like to be treated like wayward children (even if we do act like children sometimes:o)
Just my 2 cents worth... You boys be good now, and put that porn down, you don't know where it's been.;)
I am confused (a dangerous thing to admit openly on slashdot, I know). It is said that the WGA is what audits a system to determine authenticity. For now installing WGA is voluntary (or installed by user permission...informed consent, I think it is called)
However, it's later stated that WGA will become mandatory at some point, and possibility that Windows will be disabled (killed, turned off, etc.) eventually, if WGA is NOT installed.
So, if WGA is not installed, what other mechanism is in place within Windows that could allow MS to remotely shut down a computer system?
What am I missing?
"1. Insert CD, click the install in the autorun 2. Download.exe, click on open in the download window"
This sounds very easy when you write those two steps, but from what I've seen of Windows users they don't know how to be selective about what they install from those CDs that typically accompany new hardware. They end up not only installing the driver for the hardware, but also a ton of 3rd party software, much of which is unnecessary to run the hardware efficiently. In fact many of these little "extra" programs are either trials that will require purchase eventually, or programs that add complications or conflicts to the software already installed on their PCs. Sometimes settings get changed by the installations of these "extras", and almost every one of them will set themselves up by default to startup with Windows, and to auto-update or phone home regularly.
So, what MAY sound like a no-brainer installation at first glance, REALLY adds problems that many users don't understand. It's rare for a CD that comes with hardware to specifically explain what parts of the included software is necessary for using the hardware, and what parts aren't needed.
Somewhere down the line, in total frustration, the user calls the repair shop, or the hardware's tech support, trying to figure out why things aren't working right, and eventually people like me (the friend who helps out for free) will help them to uninstall all the crap "extras" and reinstall just the driver and their computing life gets more simple and easy to handle for them.
There's frustration for Windows users by the boatload, it's just that it often comes AFTER that easy "automagic" installation wizard has finished and the system reboots.
I don't shop at Walmart often, but they open early and stay open late around here, some are even 24 hour. I can't see that Wally-World parts could be any cheaper (quality-wise) than some I've seen inside pre-built "brand name" machines. If I am working on someone else's computer, or my own, it's generally late at night or in the early mornings before work. It would be nice sometimes to be able to run over and grab a part. Even if it isn't the best part money can buy, it could still help in a pinch.
As for people who don't really know anything about computers but want to try to build their own, if the parts are cheap, then who cares if they mess it up? That's how I learned. Many electronic parts died at my hands while I figured things out. It was fun though. The last one I built for myself has run pretty steadily for 7 years now, so all those dead parts gave their lives so this one could live. Kinda touching, ain't it?
Considering that China likes to control things (like access to the www), maybe Hu was more interested in exploring the uses of DRM to keep tabs on all those millions of Chinese people getting new computers over the next decade. Vista could fit the bill (so to speak). Plus, if China's government becomes an official member of the BSA ( tho they might insist on calling it the PRoCBSA in China), they'd would be happy to receive their share of the profits from taking businesses to task after doing an "audit" to see if their software is pirated. When it comes to controlling what can and cannot be allowed on the public's computers, Windows Vista w/DRM could be the best tool for the job. Maybe Linux will someday only be the software of Rebels and dissidents. Banned, and prosecuted whenever Linux usage is found.
China's government is about control, Windows Vista w/DRM is about control. It's a match made in Hell.
Slashdot Mirror
We, here on slashdot, are always revolting.
You say that "Microsoft is finding itself being very effectively locked out of a very important market."
But maybe it would be more accurate to say that Microsoft very effectively locks ITSELF out of very important markets. Quite often it seems to me that they are their own worst enemy.
Wait a minute...now I'm confused. You stated that "...for the moment, downloading is still illegal." But is it actually "downloading" that's illegal? Or is it "making available" that's illegal? Or is it illegal to merely provide a way to search for content that may or may not be copyright restricted? Is there really such a thing as Fair Use, ever? Just curious. You seemed so sure of your statement, yet it seems that even many judges and lawyers aren't always in agreement about such things.
Shouldn't the law be established more clearly so that ordinary folks (like me, or my kids) can clearly know what is or isn't illegal, BEFORE allowing Corporations to decide for us?
Or maybe it's best to keep things confused so the definitions of "illegal" and "criminal" can be stretched and twisted to fit whatever and whoever, for the benefit of those who just want to control it all.
Yeah, "Nuthin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven", or so the Pillsbury Doughboy used to say...
Obesity can also be caused by parents who don't understand the importance of good nutrition for their children. Obese children will often end up fighting obesity their whole lives. Those cute little plump-dumpling babies, and toddlers with double chins and fat rolls around their knees and elbows will likely be tomorrow's over-weight adults.
On the other hand, I know people who might be considered over-weight who are also dependable, hard-working, gentle-hearted, happy-spirited humans that contribute to the world in many useful ways. In my eyes they have far more value than a bunch of know-it-all, soulless scientists.
kingkade: "Or I can go a different route and argue that you're not stealing something tangible such as a pattern of bits that is a song, but you are stealing a potential customer from the artist to whom they'd be able to sell their song."
Or ANOTHER way of looking at it might be: by sharing a piece of music with a friend, a person might just cause that artist to GAIN a new customer that might never have heard of them otherwise. So sharing just as likely to create a potential customer. The only way you MIGHT be able to "steal" a customer would be to sell them your own music, but even then the word "steal" is a mighty big stretch.
"...Things that were utterly frivolous luxuries (like air conditioning) not too many generations ago are considered so critical to life today,"
Obviously you live in a much kinder climate than some of us. Try surviving a summer in Arizona's desert if you think AC is non-essential. It's 3AM where I'm at right now and the temperature on my front porch is still almost 90 degrees. 100+ temps day after day. We need AC like you probably need heat to survive blizzards in the wintertime.
Well, I think many of you are out of touch with "grandma", because many grandmothers (and believe me, I know a lot of them as I am one too) have "pirated" Windows because their grandkids, or neighbor's grandkids, or their sons or whoever, share software with grandma.
:o)
;)
I also know of friends (fellow grandparents) who trade software with each other. One friend of mine hated the preloaded system on her HP computer, so she asked her grandson to come "fix" it. He did. He used his own Win2k disk and totally reinstalled her system so she wouldn't have to use the stupid restore disk and put all the bundled junk back on it. I have a relative whose son-in-law always sets up their computer, and he does it with copies of his own sets of CDs.
Are these grandparents clueless users? Yes, in many ways, but they also would not be happy with MS labeling their beloved grandchildren as thieves. The truth is that sharing among families and friends is a common and normal human behavior. Whether it is now oh-so-wrong, or not, is a matter of opinion. What MS gains out of all of these so called "thefts" is the fact that many people eventually purchase upgrades of their own (upgrades are generally more affordable), as well as purchase other software for Windows. It's hard to imagine how a company with so many billions of dollars coming in every month can whine so much about "pirates", if everybody is "stealing" how'd that company get so rich? Hmmm? And then to go after the family users, rather than the real criminals who make counterfeit copies and sell them for profit, is just assinine.
But back to grandma...it has been very surprising to me how many of my friends are beginning to mention that they are saving up for their next computer, and that they would rather have a Mac next, or that their grandson (or whoever does the computer magic in their family) has mentioned Linux and is trying to get them to try it. I always encourage them to allow this. If they have someone to set up their system, it works beautifully for them every time. No matter how many of you want the world to believe that Linux is just not ready for grandma's desktop, it is, indeed, very ready and quite surprisingly so to those old folks who expected it to be really hard to get used to.
I believe that the prevailing attitudes about "grandma" are going to cause some surprises in the next few years, because MS in their arrogance is not going to see the growth from this "inconsequential" sector, until it's too late.
When even grannies can spot the FUD, and express their wish for freedom of choice and learn new computer tools, then the tide had definitely shifted. It may be a very small and quiet tide, but it's rising. Believe it or not, grannies don't like their freedoms restricted any more than anyone else. We tend to get fussy and peeved. Nobody wants to use a product from a company that promotes an adversarial relationship with its customers either. The older population does not like to be treated like wayward children (even if we do act like children sometimes
Just my 2 cents worth...
You boys be good now, and put that porn down, you don't know where it's been.
I am confused (a dangerous thing to admit openly on slashdot, I know). It is said that the WGA is what audits a system to determine authenticity. For now installing WGA is voluntary (or installed by user permission...informed consent, I think it is called) However, it's later stated that WGA will become mandatory at some point, and possibility that Windows will be disabled (killed, turned off, etc.) eventually, if WGA is NOT installed. So, if WGA is not installed, what other mechanism is in place within Windows that could allow MS to remotely shut down a computer system? What am I missing?
No, it's a libertarian librarian born in early October.
"1. Insert CD, click the install in the autorun .exe, click on open in the download window"
2. Download
This sounds very easy when you write those two steps, but from what I've seen of Windows users they don't know how to be selective about what they install from those CDs that typically accompany new hardware. They end up not only installing the driver for the hardware, but also a ton of 3rd party software, much of which is unnecessary to run the hardware efficiently. In fact many of these little "extra" programs are either trials that will require purchase eventually, or programs that add complications or conflicts to the software already installed on their PCs. Sometimes settings get changed by the installations of these "extras", and almost every one of them will set themselves up by default to startup with Windows, and to auto-update or phone home regularly.
So, what MAY sound like a no-brainer installation at first glance, REALLY adds problems that many users don't understand. It's rare for a CD that comes with hardware to specifically explain what parts of the included software is necessary for using the hardware, and what parts aren't needed.
Somewhere down the line, in total frustration, the user calls the repair shop, or the hardware's tech support, trying to figure out why things aren't working right, and eventually people like me (the friend who helps out for free) will help them to uninstall all the crap "extras" and reinstall just the driver and their computing life gets more simple and easy to handle for them.
There's frustration for Windows users by the boatload, it's just that it often comes AFTER that easy "automagic" installation wizard has finished and the system reboots.
I don't shop at Walmart often, but they open early and stay open late around here, some are even 24 hour. I can't see that Wally-World parts could be any cheaper (quality-wise) than some I've seen inside pre-built "brand name" machines. If I am working on someone else's computer, or my own, it's generally late at night or in the early mornings before work. It would be nice sometimes to be able to run over and grab a part. Even if it isn't the best part money can buy, it could still help in a pinch. As for people who don't really know anything about computers but want to try to build their own, if the parts are cheap, then who cares if they mess it up? That's how I learned. Many electronic parts died at my hands while I figured things out. It was fun though. The last one I built for myself has run pretty steadily for 7 years now, so all those dead parts gave their lives so this one could live. Kinda touching, ain't it?
Considering that China likes to control things (like access to the www), maybe Hu was more interested in exploring the uses of DRM to keep tabs on all those millions of Chinese people getting new computers over the next decade. Vista could fit the bill (so to speak). Plus, if China's government becomes an official member of the BSA ( tho they might insist on calling it the PRoCBSA in China), they'd would be happy to receive their share of the profits from taking businesses to task after doing an "audit" to see if their software is pirated. When it comes to controlling what can and cannot be allowed on the public's computers, Windows Vista w/DRM could be the best tool for the job. Maybe Linux will someday only be the software of Rebels and dissidents. Banned, and prosecuted whenever Linux usage is found. China's government is about control, Windows Vista w/DRM is about control. It's a match made in Hell.