Actually, quite often the no-name brands are simply repackaged name brands.. easier to get both sides of the market.. the snobby 'oh I don't buy no-name brands' and the poor 'can't afford the good stuff, but this is alright' .. do you really think supermarkets have factories and such to produce such a varied selection of goods? ..
Nope.. 'Tesco brand' or '[Name your supermarket] brand' are brand name foods.. just rebranded..
If that's what he's really doing... then good on him... maybe people will stop defending the gov't and industry.. uh... I mean THIEVES and TERRORISTS... (cause that's essentially what they are these days)
Not for me.. I really like the look of it.. but it's too underpowered and low-tech.. and then there's that lock-in issue... they had the potential to really do something with this.. I was expecting more... and was considering this as my first personal apple product purchase..
I think I'll go with the one running Windows 7 ... can't remember what it's called.. but it has the functionality and power that is useful to me....
Shame really.. spec and content wise... it's really below par... if they come out with something better before I get the MS one... then I'll reconsider based on the new models merits... otherwise... and as in the past... apple no gets mah moniez!
"The facts you cannot escape from, are the IP address doing the downloading is ALWAYS accurate, a file usually has a UNIQUE identifier against it on P2P networks, generally making the actual filename irrelevant."
Erm no it's not.. there are many many ways to generate a fake IP address.. and it's not just limited to 'tech people', there are a large number of programs out there that are simple to set up and completely obfuscate your real IP with something false.
Personally, MS and Linux *thumbs up*
Mac *thumbs down* (though through numerous bad experiences with them... not the OMG MAC KILL IT WITH FIRE!! MS fanboi type)
As a foreigner in Slovenia, every year I have to declare how long I've been in the country... that's it!
The gov't gets tax records from the employer, and checks it against your bank account.. if it matches.. that's it.. they determine if you get a refund or have to make a payment..
You can lodge deductions for various specific things, but then you need to manually enter a tax form (either on paper, or online)..
I really like this system, but Slovenia only has a population of 2 million or so.. so it's much easier for the gov't to do this..
It is expensive, yes and it's sometimes a real pain in the ass to roll out (we were unable to get XP on the new batch we got in December, thankfully everyone was away over Xmas and New Years... except for IT) .. well the roll out was easy.. nobody was there.. and then came back to shiny Windows 7 machines.. most liked it.. dev's and designers screamed blue murder.. and maybe 50% of the staff were going duuuuuh.. It's been nearly 3 weeks since people have returned and it's been non-stop insanity..
You are right though, it does get boring at times.. especially towards the middle of the year... we can always count on the devs to screw up something on their machines (they are the only ones that have local admin rights on their machines, the rest are plain users) but they seem ok now that they have XP in a VM..
You've never been in an office with standardized machines? We have spares, and components (which we sell off to staff at the end of our 2 year lifecycle, as well as the ones that were in use after scrubbing the HD's). The machines are well within warranty during that period, and we've never had a problem getting the proper replacement parts (keyboards and mice are probably the only exception where we don't bother and just replace with generics).
All the developers have the same systems and monitors, and yes some are basically getting more than they require spec wise, but we don't dumb down their machines, they are all the same. I guess you've never heard of server storage space? THAT is a variable based on users needs (one of our dev's has 500gb, most of the others are chugging along well within 200gb).
Network lockdown also has MAC authentication, the 'average' user doesn't know how to spoof a MAC address, set a static IP or how to connect a non-domain device to the domain.
the USB lockdown I'm not sure on how it works, it's a legacy program running on the domain from my predecessor, it works though *shrugs* and surprisingly wasn't broken by Vista or Windows 7. (which I'm very thankful for)
Bottom line: Your comments were good for a laugh, I guess there's more security out there than you thought..
I'm the IT Admin for a multinational, and the answer would be 'No!' not out of any bias (I personally don't like the iphone, I don't consider it a 'smartphone' either) but because of company policy, standardization and security.
Everyone in the company has the same hardware, generic machines all have the same specs, Developer machines have better specs (but are all the same), Designer machines have their standard specs. Company phones are all the same, exact same model.
There is no hodgepodge of machines and devices, everything is standardized and unified, from the lowest staff members to the CEO (not all staff have smartphones, just those that require them). It gave a consistent image to visitors (and consistent disk images to us!) and keeps everyone happy as there was no "he/she has a better computer than me... waaaah ". Machine upgrades are bi-annually, phone upgrades are annually.
The network is completely locked down, they are unable to connect their devices via wireless (We have an excessively long password string and MAC address safe list) without actually hacking the system (and being terminated immediately if discovered)and we have lockdowns on what USB devices work.
That being said.. if they wanted help with their personal devices, or a home machine fixed.. I have absolutely no problem (nor does the company) with them bringing it in for me to take a look at if I have the time. We even have an isolated port for hooking their machines up to that is independent of our network, should the machines require internet access for updates/patches/drivers etc.
So in short, No iphones for work (they can bring their own for personal use though).
Audio books are considered to be a different format..
In 'book form' to me, speaks of physical copies..
ebooks are digital and require either a ereader or computer in order to be able to use. They require a 3rd party product to be used, what's next? Bookcase makers suing storage manufacturers to prop up the bookcase market?
'oh noes, people aren't buying books... and don't need bookcases anymore.. lets sue storage manufacturers for making ebookshelves'
actually.. that's a bit of a stretch... but funny nonetheless.. funnier if it happens..
At the company I work for (and the previous one as well) anything done on company machines, becomes company property. Email is scanned for key words, as email sent from the company account is considered 'representing the company'. Texts and calls from a company phone, are free for scrutiny, as it is a company number.
Use a free web based email service (ie Gmail), remote your computer at home and send from there if your personal account requires a client (though I can't think of any ISP's these days that don't have web based email), or text/call from your personal phone.. and you can't be touched without a court order.. unless you (stupidly) hand over the details on request..
That's how it works here, I'm the IT Admin.. and you wouldn't believe the stuff I find... even called the cops once for child porn, they tried to claim invasion of privacy, but the images were stored on his issued company machine, and unfortunately in the backups as well (was a pain to clean them out) he didn't have a leg to stand on..
reason to be pulled over? reason to have your bike stolen? (sure you won't be able to ride around on a stolen one, still cool to have in your garage.. probably sell well too)
I am working with a young band as far as marketing, distribution, merchandising and everything else goes, I even contribute to the songwriting.
Music will be getting released under a creative commons license (and yes I will let you know when when they are releasing it so that you can download/listen/share).
As far as money goes, 60% goes to the band fund for better instruments, custom merchandise, accommodation etc (basically invested into band and to cover costs).. the remaining 40% is split 5 ways.. we all get 8% each.. values will change when there is more money.. but all shares will remain equal .. and as it is.. we will have to make a total of 250,000 euro's per year in order to quit our day jobs (we all have an average income of approx 20k euro's currently) .. Obviously this isn't going to happen overnight, but they all love making music.. I love writing and the challenge and their music.. we don't see that happening any time soon.. maybe in a few years though..
The band didn't know how to market themselves, or how to do the merchandising or anything like that. I work with one of them (he's actually sitting at the desk next to mine) and was asked for help putting together their website.. being a regular reader (but irregular commenter) on techdirt ... I put forward some of the ideas that Mike has suggested (as well as a few other ideas) and was asked to manage them.. they have embraced 'free' and know that they are going to have to do a bit more than just 'make music' .. they will have FB and Myspace pages.. their own forum for fan interaction.. twittering.. etc
By not signing with a label, sure they miss out on those resources offered and early money... but they OWN their music.. they can take their music in any direction they feel without oversight.. and aren't locked into a contract to produce x albums in y time.. they'd rather produce quality, rather than quantity.. music that they are proud of, rather than forced to produce something that they aren't happy with.. it's their music.. not the industry's..
Music will be offered free to radio stations (terrestrial and web) and special deals offered to businesses 'hey, you can play our stuff as often as you like, to an unlimited amount of people in your store/school/club for X per year' with a letter of exemption from ASSCRAP and their ilk around the world.. the value would be low, we do want to make some money.. and people (shills) would probably say that we are undervalueing our music.. but who can put a price on free promotion and a little cash on the side?
They don't want to be rich (though they wouldn't complain LOL, they can focus more on music then) they just want to be heard and enjoyed.. isn't that what music is supposed to be about?
On the post: Merriam Webster Dictionary Pulled From Elementary School For Defining Oral Sex; Guess What All The Students Just Found Out About?
On the post: Of Course Most Content Shared On BitTorrent Infringes; But That's Meaningless
Re:
On the post: Retail Giant Tesco Gets Into The Movie Business
Re:
Nope.. 'Tesco brand' or '[Name your supermarket] brand' are brand name foods.. just rebranded..
On the post: Others Claim To Hold The Trademark On iPad. Is There An App For That?
Re:
On the post: What's A Bigger Entitlement Mentality? Demanding Old Business Models Must Remain... Or Liking Free Stuff?
Re: Missing the point
On the post: Wait, Who Wants A Proprietary, Locked Down Device That Limits What You Can Do?
I think I'll go with the one running Windows 7 ... can't remember what it's called.. but it has the functionality and power that is useful to me....
Shame really.. spec and content wise... it's really below par... if they come out with something better before I get the MS one... then I'll reconsider based on the new models merits... otherwise... and as in the past... apple no gets mah moniez!
On the post: EU To Explore Legality Of Virgin Media's Copyright Cop Software
Re: Re: Easy!
On the post: Bev Stayart Sues Yahoo Again For Violating Her Privacy Rights
Re: I again celebrate the demure and chaste Bev Stayart.
On the post: No, The Apple Tablet Won't Save Publishing Nor Will It End 'Free'
Re: Re: Macworld, Kirk McElhearn
Personally, MS and Linux *thumbs up*
Mac *thumbs down* (though through numerous bad experiences with them... not the OMG MAC KILL IT WITH FIRE!! MS fanboi type)
On the post: Intuit Lobbying The Government To Make It More Difficult To File Your Tax Returns
The gov't gets tax records from the employer, and checks it against your bank account.. if it matches.. that's it.. they determine if you get a refund or have to make a payment..
You can lodge deductions for various specific things, but then you need to manually enter a tax form (either on paper, or online)..
I really like this system, but Slovenia only has a population of 2 million or so.. so it's much easier for the gov't to do this..
On the post: In A World Of Bottom Up Technology, Should IT Support Your iPhone?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Standards
You are right though, it does get boring at times.. especially towards the middle of the year... we can always count on the devs to screw up something on their machines (they are the only ones that have local admin rights on their machines, the rest are plain users) but they seem ok now that they have XP in a VM..
On the post: In A World Of Bottom Up Technology, Should IT Support Your iPhone?
Re: Re: Standards
You've never been in an office with standardized machines? We have spares, and components (which we sell off to staff at the end of our 2 year lifecycle, as well as the ones that were in use after scrubbing the HD's). The machines are well within warranty during that period, and we've never had a problem getting the proper replacement parts (keyboards and mice are probably the only exception where we don't bother and just replace with generics).
All the developers have the same systems and monitors, and yes some are basically getting more than they require spec wise, but we don't dumb down their machines, they are all the same. I guess you've never heard of server storage space? THAT is a variable based on users needs (one of our dev's has 500gb, most of the others are chugging along well within 200gb).
Network lockdown also has MAC authentication, the 'average' user doesn't know how to spoof a MAC address, set a static IP or how to connect a non-domain device to the domain.
the USB lockdown I'm not sure on how it works, it's a legacy program running on the domain from my predecessor, it works though *shrugs* and surprisingly wasn't broken by Vista or Windows 7. (which I'm very thankful for)
Bottom line: Your comments were good for a laugh, I guess there's more security out there than you thought..
On the post: In A World Of Bottom Up Technology, Should IT Support Your iPhone?
Standards
Everyone in the company has the same hardware, generic machines all have the same specs, Developer machines have better specs (but are all the same), Designer machines have their standard specs. Company phones are all the same, exact same model.
There is no hodgepodge of machines and devices, everything is standardized and unified, from the lowest staff members to the CEO (not all staff have smartphones, just those that require them). It gave a consistent image to visitors (and consistent disk images to us!) and keeps everyone happy as there was no "he/she has a better computer than me... waaaah ". Machine upgrades are bi-annually, phone upgrades are annually.
The network is completely locked down, they are unable to connect their devices via wireless (We have an excessively long password string and MAC address safe list) without actually hacking the system (and being terminated immediately if discovered)and we have lockdowns on what USB devices work.
That being said.. if they wanted help with their personal devices, or a home machine fixed.. I have absolutely no problem (nor does the company) with them bringing it in for me to take a look at if I have the time. We even have an isolated port for hooking their machines up to that is independent of our network, should the machines require internet access for updates/patches/drivers etc.
So in short, No iphones for work (they can bring their own for personal use though).
On the post: Is An Ebook 'In Book Form'? Question Means Everything For Authors Trying To Get New Ebook Publishers
Re:
In 'book form' to me, speaks of physical copies..
ebooks are digital and require either a ereader or computer in order to be able to use. They require a 3rd party product to be used, what's next? Bookcase makers suing storage manufacturers to prop up the bookcase market?
'oh noes, people aren't buying books... and don't need bookcases anymore.. lets sue storage manufacturers for making ebookshelves'
actually.. that's a bit of a stretch... but funny nonetheless.. funnier if it happens..
On the post: Court Says Personal Email From Work Can Still Be Protected Attorney-Client Communications
emai scanning
Use a free web based email service (ie Gmail), remote your computer at home and send from there if your personal account requires a client (though I can't think of any ISP's these days that don't have web based email), or text/call from your personal phone.. and you can't be touched without a court order.. unless you (stupidly) hand over the details on request..
That's how it works here, I'm the IT Admin.. and you wouldn't believe the stuff I find... even called the cops once for child porn, they tried to claim invasion of privacy, but the images were stored on his issued company machine, and unfortunately in the backups as well (was a pain to clean them out) he didn't have a leg to stand on..
On the post: Judges May Reconsider Handing All Bratz Dolls Over To Mattel
Hmmm...
If it was at Mattel, while at work.. then fair enough..
If it was at home.. during his personal time, off the clock.. then no.. bugger that.. they shouldn't get a penny..
On the post: Reason To Buy? Getting A Real Version Of The Resident Evil Motorcycle?
errr..
It is very cool though.. very cool
On the post: Musician Chases Down Google Street View Car To Promote His Music
heh...
On the post: Getting Past The 'But Artists Should Just Be Artists' Myth
I am a '5th Beatle'
Music will be getting released under a creative commons license (and yes I will let you know when when they are releasing it so that you can download/listen/share).
As far as money goes, 60% goes to the band fund for better instruments, custom merchandise, accommodation etc (basically invested into band and to cover costs).. the remaining 40% is split 5 ways.. we all get 8% each.. values will change when there is more money.. but all shares will remain equal .. and as it is.. we will have to make a total of 250,000 euro's per year in order to quit our day jobs (we all have an average income of approx 20k euro's currently) .. Obviously this isn't going to happen overnight, but they all love making music.. I love writing and the challenge and their music.. we don't see that happening any time soon.. maybe in a few years though..
The band didn't know how to market themselves, or how to do the merchandising or anything like that. I work with one of them (he's actually sitting at the desk next to mine) and was asked for help putting together their website.. being a regular reader (but irregular commenter) on techdirt ... I put forward some of the ideas that Mike has suggested (as well as a few other ideas) and was asked to manage them.. they have embraced 'free' and know that they are going to have to do a bit more than just 'make music' .. they will have FB and Myspace pages.. their own forum for fan interaction.. twittering.. etc
By not signing with a label, sure they miss out on those resources offered and early money... but they OWN their music.. they can take their music in any direction they feel without oversight.. and aren't locked into a contract to produce x albums in y time.. they'd rather produce quality, rather than quantity.. music that they are proud of, rather than forced to produce something that they aren't happy with.. it's their music.. not the industry's..
Music will be offered free to radio stations (terrestrial and web) and special deals offered to businesses 'hey, you can play our stuff as often as you like, to an unlimited amount of people in your store/school/club for X per year' with a letter of exemption from ASSCRAP and their ilk around the world.. the value would be low, we do want to make some money.. and people (shills) would probably say that we are undervalueing our music.. but who can put a price on free promotion and a little cash on the side?
They don't want to be rich (though they wouldn't complain LOL, they can focus more on music then) they just want to be heard and enjoyed.. isn't that what music is supposed to be about?
On the post: Getting The Music Business Over The 'But We Must Sell Music' Hump
errr
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