I emailed an old friend last week. He is probably my closest friend in terms of our knowlege about each other. Guys are not like girls in that respect. That is he dosen't know my inner-most secrets or anything. It's just that we've hung out so much together that we have been able to gather a lot of information about each other. Anyway, I haven't seen him now in about five months so I missed the banter we always shared a little bit. We'll meet for lunch sometime this week. That will be good. Anyway, I remembered a piece I wrote for him a year or so ago and I thought I'd share it. Here goes:
The Prospector
Pick axe over one shoulder, crumpled old map in the other hand, tattered brim pulled low over his sweaty brow, the old prospector shuffled along the rock strewn path toward a promising looking ridge along the horizon. As the sun creeped ever lower over the surrounding countryside, he glanced around quizzically thinking to himself, "now just exactly how in the hell did I get here?" It seemed years ago that he set out with a dream and a promise to himself of a life worth living.
He lowered the axe to the ground, leaned the handle against his side and turned to the seemingly ancient old grey mule behind him. Stopped in the dust of the path, he pulled the hat from his brow and using the sleeve of his well-worn shirt wiped the drips of sweat from his forehead. Turning his head westward, he squinted at the last remaining rays of the sun. Pursing his trail-dried lips together he wondered, "Well, maybe I should head up past the ridge to that rise of rocks. A few hours with the pick just might prove worth while." He reached his bony left hand across his body and rubbed his right shoulder. Seemed that axe got heavier each day.
Old Betsy snorted and pawed lazily at the path. The old man looked down at his dirty boots, then back up at the mule. He quickly took inventory of the packs strapped to the mule's back. "Three days provisions. And I'm two days out." He never in a hundred years would have imagined himself in this time or place. But here he was nonetheless and he'd always made the best of things. He always pushed on. He always had. So he would again.
The low sun glinted rosy red off the bottom of his favorite old gold pan. "But the river's not two far down from that ridge. 'Sides, any gold on the ridge has most likely washed down into the river anyway. Maybe it would be time better spent to pan a little in the cool river water." The cool water. Yes, that sounded pretty good. It'd been days since the word "cool" had even entered his mind. "C'mon Bets. Lets get along now. There's a long drink of cool water at the end of this path. Cool water. Cool, cool water."
Friday, May 02, 2003
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Okay. So HTML works. Now we can have some fun with other stuff. Once again. Stay tuned. Oh, and I do have another web site. Not much there yet but if you're interested go to the Two Legs Productions site.
cYa
Okay. Enough of the incredibly long postings. I don't suppose anybody made it through all of that anyway. Besides, it really was only a way for me to cut and paste a post from someplace else in an effort to determine the capabilities of this free service. BTW I have determined that the free service, although it's cool, dosen't offer much in the way of control. At least from what I've discovered so far. No HTML or site specific codes to dress the thing up. But that's okay. I can upgrade to the Plus account if I really want more functionality. But that won't come very soon. I'd hate to throw some dollars at this and then not use it. So for now, it'll be a plain jane kinda thing.
Oh, I do want to make people aware of another Blog written by high school senior Alesheia Hake. Hakestock. Check out her latest rant regarding persons who aren't satisfied with being second-string but can't take the pressure of a first-string position!
What ho! Wait a second. That web address is an HTML code. Hmmm.... maybe there is some hidden functionality here!?! Lets see. The next sentence should be in bold type face. Okay, is this sentence BOLD?
Oh, and remember,
Oh, I do want to make people aware of another Blog written by high school senior Alesheia Hake. Hakestock. Check out her latest rant regarding persons who aren't satisfied with being second-string but can't take the pressure of a first-string position!
What ho! Wait a second. That web address is an HTML code. Hmmm.... maybe there is some hidden functionality here!?! Lets see. The next sentence should be in bold type face. Okay, is this sentence BOLD?
Is this a new paragraph?
Is this sentence RED?Okay this should be back to normal.
If you see a bunch of junk in a really long sentence above, HTML dosen't work. Otherwise, it does (at least in part). That could make this blog site a lot more fun!
Enough for now. In the ensuing days, I'll start posting links to cool stuff I find on the web.
Stay Tuned!
Oh, and remember,
+------------------------------------------------+
Creativity comes from motion...
...so Don't Sit Still!!!
+------------------------------------------------+
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Hello All,
I'm a technology guy. I work with computers and software all day. But before I went legit, I was a musician. More correctly, I am still a musician, but I like a steady paycheck. So I work with computers. But because I am still a musician, with a personal studio, I am in touch with other musicians every day via the web. The following is about 1/2 of a thread on the Digidesign website users' forum.
It seems that Karel Bata was bemoaning the idea that in order to download and install the MS Windows XP service pack, the user needs to register the original XP installation. Karel contends that the "security hole" the patch fixes was an underhanded marketing plan, included by design to weed out pirated copies of the software.
The banter between the members of the group was very interesting and nobody attacked anyone personally. So I thought the thread might be of interest to others.
Digidesign is a manufacturer of software and hardware for audio and video editing (Pro-Tools and Avid).
- posted April 29, 2003 07:07 AM
Thanks guys.
So it seems that Microsoft have made XP with a huge security hole in it. And all quite innocently, we’re supposed to believe. But they don’t bother mending it, and offer a free replacement - as anyone else would. Instead they release a service pack that will 'fix' it. One small catch: you HAVE to have your XP authorised first.
To me, that really sucks. Are Microsoft that worried about their profits? Don’t they know they already have an image problem?
So why doesn’t the box say “WARNING: you must download Service Pack 1 or this software may severely damage your computer!”
I feel like Michael Moore here…
Actually I really do feel that the less Microsoft knows about me, the better. I certainly don't like the idea of them peeking into my PC.
So has anyone been running 001 with 5.3, but without the XP service pack, and - like me - doesn't go on line with that particular machine.
Regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged
[b]QuikDraw
Member
Member # 10206
- posted April 29, 2003 08:07 AM
Why do so many people think that Microsoft are the "bad guys" just because they want to get paid for every copy of Windows XP that is being used? [Confused]
How about you don't put a lock on the front door of your house, okay? How 'bout you work for 50 hours per week but only get paid for 40, okay? How 'bout the next time your car is stolen you don't report it because that's normal. It wasn't really "stolen," it's just that the person that took it "needed" it, and you could obviously afford it, seeing as you have a new car and all...
Okay, so enough of my anti-piracy rant. You get the point.
To answer the post... PTLE 5.3.1 works just fine on the Digi 001 without SP1. I ran it for several months with no service pack (there was no service pack avialable yet at the time). It is only the MBox and maybe the 002 that "need" the service pack. The 001 is fine without it.[/b]
Mike IP: Logged
Jopry
Member
Member # 9624
- posted April 29, 2003 08:19 AM
Of course they are worried about their profits, they are a buisiness. Profits are what keeps them in business. You can download (or order from M$) the service pack, get it on cd, install it and then call M$ voice to authorize. If you have bought the software, it's relatively painless and you have put no networking components or a nic in your system.
--------------------
Jared O'Pry
Go away or I'll replace you with a very small script.
www.platypusj.com
IP: Logged
[b]Karel Bata
Member
Member # 36984
- posted April 29, 2003 08:36 AM
Mike,
I don't want to get into one of those net arguments with you, but your car theft analogy is way off.
A more accurate analogy would be:
you buy a car [Smile] , and then find the door lock doesn't work! [Mad] The manufacturer [Big Grin] doesn't send out a mechanic, doesn't recall any cars, doesn't change the manufacturing process, but insists that (now you've bought the thing!) you give him some of your personal details, [Frown] and fit a 'security device' [Cool] of his making, the full true nature of which remains a bit of a mystery. [Confused] But then, of course, you simply have to trust him [Razz] ...
regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged[/b]
Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 29, 2003 09:46 AM
Hmmm....
It seems to me that when you take your car to the dealer for the repair of the broken lock, the mechanic will 1. not tell you exactly what may have been wrong with the old lock, 2. require you to leave the car and use some other method of transportation for a day or two, and 3. May just get curious about what you have in the glove box.
If you don't have anything to hide, why worry? If you do, clean out the glovebox before you take the car to the dealer. (And live with your "sleep-at-night" factor.)
I personally find it very convenient to log on to MS's update site and have it figure out what I need to keep my OS current. For free. I don't have to move my computer or wonder who's going to be messing around with my setup (like when you need to take it to a computer tech).
Off topic, I know. Just my 2 cents.
I'm using XP Pro with the latest SP and patches (except Hotfix Q811493, which caused slow downs on some systems). Everything seems pretty happenin' for me.
--------------------
Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
+--------------------------------+
| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
| |
| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
+--------------------------------+
IP: Logged
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Karel Bata
Member
Member # 36984
- posted April 29, 2003 10:23 AM
[Roll Eyes] This HAS to be my last posting on this.
You miss the point.
It's not just that my car has a broken lock, it's that ALL cars made by that manufacturer have a broken lock. And they appear to have no intention of fixing the car at the manufacturing stage, and the only way you can repair it is to take it back to their garage!
But you sound like a happy Microsoft user, so why spoil things for you?
Fact is Microsoft have no reason to worry about losing profits to piracy (let alone to resort to underhand tactics like this!).
Truth is, they have actually profited very well from piracy. Right now, if you can afford it you buy their software. If you can't, you can easily get a pirate copy.
The net effect of this has been to completely wipe out the competition. Can you even remember the names of Word's competitors ten years ago?
And now the competition has gone, Microsoft is seeking to make everyone pay for their overpriced product.
At least piracy (strange as it may sound) offered choice, and was some form of competition that could push the price down...
Regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged
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QuikDraw
Member
Member # 10206
- posted April 29, 2003 11:05 AM
quote:Originally posted by Karel Bata:
you buy a car [Smile]
Yes, but the point is you bought the car. You paid for it. You didn't just walk off the lot with it, and you didn't have a friend make a copy of the car and then expect the legitimate manufacturer to provide service for your illegitimate knockoff.
About 1/3 of the new computers sold, by the way, come with the Corel Word Perfect suite instead of MS Office. There is some, albeit not much, competition in the office software market.
I'm not a big Microsoft fan. I am a capitalist, and I believe in being paid for work rendered or products sold. I do not believe in taking advantage of the rich just because they are rich. It is not a crime to make obscene amounts of money! I hope to make obscene amounts of money someday (never happen), and I don't want the government or anyone else to punish or take advantage of me if I ever do.
Who makes a better OS? Does it work with Pro Tools? Linux is great, but it doesn't work with Pro Tools, and it's hard to learn compared to Windows. Mac is great, but how is Steve Jobs any less evil than Bill Gates?
Mike [Wink] IP: Logged
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Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 29, 2003 11:51 AM
Okay, I’ll belabor the point for one more post.
I am a fairly contented user of XP. It’s the best effort so far out of MS.
RE: The car analogy. There are many documented cases of manufacturers, voluntarily recalling a vehicle (yes, all of them) for a myriad of reasons; as there are for manufacturers of most any type of product. Additionally, I cannot think of even one OS for personal computer systems that didn’t have “bugs” and required updates. (Maybe whatever a Commodore 64 used?) I can think of several examples wherein the improved OS was only obtainable for a fee. For example, if you were around for the first go of the Apple Mac OS, in the original Apple Lisa computer, you will remember that the OS looked and operated much differently than it does today. Improvements came on most every score. But the purchaser of an Apple Lisa computer would not be eligible to own OS-X at no charge simply because he/she purchased the original OS. They would need to buy the newer OS.
My point is that upgrades and improvements are an inevitable reality. It is nice that most modern OS manufacturers release upgrades and patches at no charge. I can’t think of an OS that doesn’t require periodic updates. So I can’t see how Microsoft is now somehow villainous for having a site that will handle these upgrades automatically for it’s users.
Just like a Ford dealer won’t repair a GM recall problem at no charge, I fail to see, again, why Microsoft should be vilified for verifying the OS it is updating.
OTOH there are those posting in this thread that apparently have a dollar amount (in net equity I presume?) in mind that defines a point at which it’s okay to steal something from someone without remorse or recourse. I guess I’d like to know what that amount is. $100,000, $1,000,000, $1,000,001? Per day, month, year, lifetime? At what amount can I reasonably be sure that it’s not only okay to steal something from a manufacturer but additionally to expect that manufacturer to blindly support my stolen goods simply because I think "they've got enough money?"
BTW, I use Linux and Apple OS 9 and 10. I “switched” for a while for my PT rig and when I couldn’t afford it any longer, I switched back. This isn’t a bash on OS-X, I just didn’t have the cash to purchase another two track editor like Sound Forge (which sadly, isn’t available on a Mac platform) and all of my plug-ins. So I sold the G4-450 and used the cash to build a new WinTel box. I’m okay with it because when I listen to music, I simply can’t tell what platform it was produced on (if any).
I also find it interesting that so many Mac users clamored to get their hands on OS-X, which is a 'pretty' Unix with a pretty awesome GUI. But I wonder if Digidesign would have written a Linux or BSD version of PT if those same users would have jumped to that platform. I, for one, would have because it is a great OS that could probably be ported to several different HW platforms. AAMOF, I hope Apple releases a version that will run on an Intel or AMD chip! I'd be at the head of the line with dollars in hand.
End of rant.
Mjv. Out.
--------------------
Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
+--------------------------------+
| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
| |
| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
+--------------------------------+
IP: Logged
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GuitarEasley
Member
Member # 17493
- posted April 29, 2003 11:56 AM
hmmmnnn is it better to be a big fish in a small pond? or vice versa? In marketing, there's no guarantee that a weaker set of competitors will lead to greater success. In fact, the opposite is often true. Coke and Pepsi have both grown in greatness as their hundred-year cola war continues across the globe. The truly great rise to the challenge of greater competition and become even bigger fish when transferred to a big pond.
Did someone mention bootlegging?! [Wink] [Big Grin]
The Grateful Dead, an unusual group not only allowed, but encouraged people to copy their work. They even made special areas available at concerts for people to set up their taping equipment so it would sound good. The group made a lot of money.
Who knows maybe bootlegging will improve music? Musicians will have to actually perform their music live more...
...I could be wrong about that though: I do like coke better than pepsi!
--------------------
One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas... How he got into my pajamas I'll never know.
IP: Logged
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Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 29, 2003 03:01 PM
It's not just that my car has a broken lock, it's that ALL cars made by that manufacturer have a broken lock.
Are you saying that if you purchased a car with a broken lock you would expect the dealer to deliver you a completely brand new car? Nice work, if you can get it. But that isn't reality. How much nicer to have your car download a NEW copy of itself. Which essentially is what the SP is.
And they appear to have no intention of fixing the car at the manufacturing stage, and the only way you can repair it is to take it back to their garage!
It seems to me that the last release of Win98 was Windows 98 SE, not the original unpatched version. Over the course of the next few months, as the current stock of WinXP is replaced, you will see the patched version on store shelves. Yes. The manufacturer is fixing the problem at the factory. I'm just glad I don't have to drive my computer to a MS dealership for the repair.
Fact is Microsoft have no reason to worry about losing profits to piracy (let alone to resort to underhand tactics like this!).
Underhanded? While I might not like the prices of their products, I don't see how a free upgrade could be considered underhanded simply because they want to verify that I'm a registered owner entitled to the upgrade at no charge.
Truth is, they have actually profited very well from piracy. Right now, if you can afford it you buy their software. If you can't, you can easily get a pirate copy.
I can't afford a Lexus right now, so should I go steal it and expect the manufacturer to honor the warranty? Oh, I know, software isn't hard goods, so it's okay. After all it doesn't cost them $110 or whatever to replicate the CD and the box. Right?
The net effect of this has been to completely wipe out the competition. Can you even remember the names of Word's competitors ten years ago?`
Yep. I remember a few, like Word Perfect, Ami-Pro, Write-Pro, Word Star, and a few others. Now we have MS Word, Word Perfect, AbiWord, Star Office, EasyWriter, TextWriter, LexiGraph,AmiPro and others. You don't have to use Word. But apparently a lot of people like it. When I started using word prossesors the program of choice was Word Perfect. WP still has a large user base and it's using the same marketing technique that MS used. Including it as an OEM word processor on new computers. Although, to be fair, MS used the Works processor for that plan.
And now the competition has gone, Microsoft is seeking to make everyone pay for their overpriced product.
The All American Plan. Tell you what. Let's colaberate on a CD release. We'll give the first one away, then everyone will pay extra for our second. But the thing is, that first one had better be good, really good. Okay? That way we can become the only producers of music and we'll corner the market!
At least piracy (strange as it may sound) offered choice, and was some form of competition that could push the price down...
Choice? You mean between stealing it or not stealing it? You seem to be saying that if MS brought the price down low enough that nobody would steal it. Have you paid for your copy of WinZip? I'd submit that many, if not most, of the pirated copies of XP would still be there if the MSP was $10.00. But hey, maybe you're right. I can see how a MS marketing exec would say "Better keep WinXP at about $110, any higher and even more people will steal it."
I'm not sure why I'm carrying on here. I guess because I have been ripped myself and have been given excuses as to why it happened. So you hit a nerve.
To be fair. I get PO'd every time I read a license agreement. So we're not far off from each other in day to day practice I guess. I mean a license that basically says "If you take this shrink wrap off you agree to our statement that we don't warrant the software to do anything, yet we retain all rights, you don't own it, you can only use it as we see fit, if you find it useful okay, if not, we don't care. If you find it useful and it screws something up, it's not our fault because we don't say it's useful at all. If anything bad happens, it's not our fault. Oh, and by the way, you can't modify it and you certainly can't return it for a refund."
Ridiculous isn't it?
Still, if I do find a piece of software useful, I like to support the manufacturer. Besides, my mother always told me that if I don't own it, and I take it without permission, it's stealing. And she was right.
--------------------
Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
+--------------------------------+
| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
| |
| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
+--------------------------------+
IP: Logged
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QuikDraw
Member
Member # 10206
- posted April 29, 2003 11:46 PM P
quote:Originally posted by Martin Vipond:
To be fair. I get PO'd every time I read a license agreement. So we're not far off from each other in day to day practice I guess. I mean a license that basically says "If you take this shrink wrap off you agree to our statement that we don't warrant the software to do anything, yet we retain all rights, you don't own it, you can only use it as we see fit, if you find it useful okay, if not, we don't care. If you find it useful and it screws something up, it's not our fault because we don't say it's useful at all. If anything bad happens, it's not our fault. Oh, and by the way, you can't modify it and you certainly can't return it for a refund."
Ridiculous isn't it?
Still, if I do find a piece of software useful, I like to support the manufacturer. Besides, my mother always told me that if I don't own it, and I take it without permission, it's stealing. And she was right. I agree.
You know, the whole software license thing pisses me off! Here's the kind of crap they get away with....
"We're not selling you any software. We're selling you a license to use the software, and the physical media upon which that software is stored. You cannot return the product once it's been opened because we assume that you are a thief and have made an illegal copy of it once it's been opened. If the software is defective then it's just too bad. We didn't sell you any software. We sold you a license, and the license is not defective."
That's right, you didn't buy software; you bought a license. And no matter how much the software sucks, the license cannot possibly be defective!
But even so, you still shouldn't steal the license!
[Eek!]
Mike IP: Logged
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Karel Bata
Member
Member # 36984
posted April 30, 2003 02:00 AM
Ouch! I've been bitten.
This really HAS to be my last posting on this. Though it's curiously addictive.
I NEVER steal, and I don't keep the company of those that do. Never have.
But software 'theft' is, I feel, a complex moral issue.
Digidesign, as it happens, have got it right. There's a free version of ProTools, so you can try it out. And when you have the money – a real issue among a lot of musicians – you go and buy a pro set-up tailored your needs, which happens to be good value for money.
Why isn't all software like that?
I have no issue with Bill Gates personally. Good luck to the guy.
And I'm not into conspiracies – I don't believe that more than two people can ever keep a secret. (Not for long anyway)
But when Microsoft 'accidentally' leaves a huge security hole in XP (Whoops! Sorry about that…) and uses it as a way to make sure you pay…
Well, I still think it sucks…
Regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged
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Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 30, 2003 05:48 AM
Originally posted by Karel Bata:
"Ouch! I've been bitten.
This really HAS to be my last posting on this. Though it's curiously addictive."
Agreed! And really. We HAVE to stop meeting like this!
"I NEVER steal, and I don't keep the company of those that do. Never have. But software 'theft' is, I feel, a complex moral issue."
Also agreed. Sometimes I wonder who is stealing from whom.
"Digidesign, as it happens, have got it right. There's a free version of ProTools, so you can try it out. And when you have the money – a real issue among a lot of musicians – you go and buy a pro set-up tailored your needs, which happens to be good value for money."
Hmmm... Yes, I agree that the free demo is a very good marketing plan. But... Digidesign uses a very effective dongle on the real stuff. Mine is called a Digi001. I HAVE to buy THEIR dongle, or the software won't work. I can't use it with any other sound card. Nope. And whatever they decide to charge for it is what I have to pay. Plus, If I want the "Real" real stuff so I can take advantage of TDM, I had better have some pretty deep pockets. If you roach your 'dongle' you're screwed.
OTOH, you can easily search for a 32 track, cracked version of PT that will work with some other sound cards on KaZaa.
"Why isn't all software like that? I have no issue with Bill Gates personally. Good luck to the guy. And I'm not into conspiracies – I don't believe that more than two people can ever keep a secret. (Not for long anyway)."
Agreed. Again. Sheese, I wish he was my dad!
"But when Microsoft 'accidentally' leaves a huge security hole in XP (Whoops! Sorry about that…) and uses it as a way to make sure you pay... Well, I still think it sucks…"
Well, I guess I hear your point. If indeed these security holes are intentional. To be honest you do sound a little like a conspiracy theorist here by making the assumtion that this is an intentional, subversive marketing plan. OTOH, the remedy is free, and it would serve to stop piracy. The only point I could gripe about is that if indeed this is the marketing plan, that MS should simply post a message on the product that says that authorization is required. It's all coming to that anyway. Sonic Foundry does it, Pinnacle does it. So do others. Soon that will be the only way to use software for more than the grace period it comes with.
Actually, when the speed of our computers and the Internet is able to support it, the application programs will reside on the manufacturer's computers and we'll only keep the data! Then, not only will authorization be required, but a fast, broadband connection will be required as well.
Karel, Mike and others, I'm signing off on this topic (I think!) [Roll Eyes]
It's been fun. (I still think the collaberation idea would be cool!!! [Big Grin] )
--------------------
Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
+--------------------------------+
| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
| |
| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
+--------------------------------+
I'm a technology guy. I work with computers and software all day. But before I went legit, I was a musician. More correctly, I am still a musician, but I like a steady paycheck. So I work with computers. But because I am still a musician, with a personal studio, I am in touch with other musicians every day via the web. The following is about 1/2 of a thread on the Digidesign website users' forum.
It seems that Karel Bata was bemoaning the idea that in order to download and install the MS Windows XP service pack, the user needs to register the original XP installation. Karel contends that the "security hole" the patch fixes was an underhanded marketing plan, included by design to weed out pirated copies of the software.
The banter between the members of the group was very interesting and nobody attacked anyone personally. So I thought the thread might be of interest to others.
Digidesign is a manufacturer of software and hardware for audio and video editing (Pro-Tools and Avid).
- posted April 29, 2003 07:07 AM
Thanks guys.
So it seems that Microsoft have made XP with a huge security hole in it. And all quite innocently, we’re supposed to believe. But they don’t bother mending it, and offer a free replacement - as anyone else would. Instead they release a service pack that will 'fix' it. One small catch: you HAVE to have your XP authorised first.
To me, that really sucks. Are Microsoft that worried about their profits? Don’t they know they already have an image problem?
So why doesn’t the box say “WARNING: you must download Service Pack 1 or this software may severely damage your computer!”
I feel like Michael Moore here…
Actually I really do feel that the less Microsoft knows about me, the better. I certainly don't like the idea of them peeking into my PC.
So has anyone been running 001 with 5.3, but without the XP service pack, and - like me - doesn't go on line with that particular machine.
Regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged
[b]QuikDraw
Member
Member # 10206
- posted April 29, 2003 08:07 AM
Why do so many people think that Microsoft are the "bad guys" just because they want to get paid for every copy of Windows XP that is being used? [Confused]
How about you don't put a lock on the front door of your house, okay? How 'bout you work for 50 hours per week but only get paid for 40, okay? How 'bout the next time your car is stolen you don't report it because that's normal. It wasn't really "stolen," it's just that the person that took it "needed" it, and you could obviously afford it, seeing as you have a new car and all...
Okay, so enough of my anti-piracy rant. You get the point.
To answer the post... PTLE 5.3.1 works just fine on the Digi 001 without SP1. I ran it for several months with no service pack (there was no service pack avialable yet at the time). It is only the MBox and maybe the 002 that "need" the service pack. The 001 is fine without it.[/b]
Mike IP: Logged
Jopry
Member
Member # 9624
- posted April 29, 2003 08:19 AM
Of course they are worried about their profits, they are a buisiness. Profits are what keeps them in business. You can download (or order from M$) the service pack, get it on cd, install it and then call M$ voice to authorize. If you have bought the software, it's relatively painless and you have put no networking components or a nic in your system.
--------------------
Jared O'Pry
Go away or I'll replace you with a very small script.
www.platypusj.com
IP: Logged
[b]Karel Bata
Member
Member # 36984
- posted April 29, 2003 08:36 AM
Mike,
I don't want to get into one of those net arguments with you, but your car theft analogy is way off.
A more accurate analogy would be:
you buy a car [Smile] , and then find the door lock doesn't work! [Mad] The manufacturer [Big Grin] doesn't send out a mechanic, doesn't recall any cars, doesn't change the manufacturing process, but insists that (now you've bought the thing!) you give him some of your personal details, [Frown] and fit a 'security device' [Cool] of his making, the full true nature of which remains a bit of a mystery. [Confused] But then, of course, you simply have to trust him [Razz] ...
regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged[/b]
Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 29, 2003 09:46 AM
Hmmm....
It seems to me that when you take your car to the dealer for the repair of the broken lock, the mechanic will 1. not tell you exactly what may have been wrong with the old lock, 2. require you to leave the car and use some other method of transportation for a day or two, and 3. May just get curious about what you have in the glove box.
If you don't have anything to hide, why worry? If you do, clean out the glovebox before you take the car to the dealer. (And live with your "sleep-at-night" factor.)
I personally find it very convenient to log on to MS's update site and have it figure out what I need to keep my OS current. For free. I don't have to move my computer or wonder who's going to be messing around with my setup (like when you need to take it to a computer tech).
Off topic, I know. Just my 2 cents.
I'm using XP Pro with the latest SP and patches (except Hotfix Q811493, which caused slow downs on some systems). Everything seems pretty happenin' for me.
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Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
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| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
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| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
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Karel Bata
Member
Member # 36984
- posted April 29, 2003 10:23 AM
[Roll Eyes] This HAS to be my last posting on this.
You miss the point.
It's not just that my car has a broken lock, it's that ALL cars made by that manufacturer have a broken lock. And they appear to have no intention of fixing the car at the manufacturing stage, and the only way you can repair it is to take it back to their garage!
But you sound like a happy Microsoft user, so why spoil things for you?
Fact is Microsoft have no reason to worry about losing profits to piracy (let alone to resort to underhand tactics like this!).
Truth is, they have actually profited very well from piracy. Right now, if you can afford it you buy their software. If you can't, you can easily get a pirate copy.
The net effect of this has been to completely wipe out the competition. Can you even remember the names of Word's competitors ten years ago?
And now the competition has gone, Microsoft is seeking to make everyone pay for their overpriced product.
At least piracy (strange as it may sound) offered choice, and was some form of competition that could push the price down...
Regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged
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QuikDraw
Member
Member # 10206
- posted April 29, 2003 11:05 AM
quote:Originally posted by Karel Bata:
you buy a car [Smile]
Yes, but the point is you bought the car. You paid for it. You didn't just walk off the lot with it, and you didn't have a friend make a copy of the car and then expect the legitimate manufacturer to provide service for your illegitimate knockoff.
About 1/3 of the new computers sold, by the way, come with the Corel Word Perfect suite instead of MS Office. There is some, albeit not much, competition in the office software market.
I'm not a big Microsoft fan. I am a capitalist, and I believe in being paid for work rendered or products sold. I do not believe in taking advantage of the rich just because they are rich. It is not a crime to make obscene amounts of money! I hope to make obscene amounts of money someday (never happen), and I don't want the government or anyone else to punish or take advantage of me if I ever do.
Who makes a better OS? Does it work with Pro Tools? Linux is great, but it doesn't work with Pro Tools, and it's hard to learn compared to Windows. Mac is great, but how is Steve Jobs any less evil than Bill Gates?
Mike [Wink] IP: Logged
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Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 29, 2003 11:51 AM
Okay, I’ll belabor the point for one more post.
I am a fairly contented user of XP. It’s the best effort so far out of MS.
RE: The car analogy. There are many documented cases of manufacturers, voluntarily recalling a vehicle (yes, all of them) for a myriad of reasons; as there are for manufacturers of most any type of product. Additionally, I cannot think of even one OS for personal computer systems that didn’t have “bugs” and required updates. (Maybe whatever a Commodore 64 used?) I can think of several examples wherein the improved OS was only obtainable for a fee. For example, if you were around for the first go of the Apple Mac OS, in the original Apple Lisa computer, you will remember that the OS looked and operated much differently than it does today. Improvements came on most every score. But the purchaser of an Apple Lisa computer would not be eligible to own OS-X at no charge simply because he/she purchased the original OS. They would need to buy the newer OS.
My point is that upgrades and improvements are an inevitable reality. It is nice that most modern OS manufacturers release upgrades and patches at no charge. I can’t think of an OS that doesn’t require periodic updates. So I can’t see how Microsoft is now somehow villainous for having a site that will handle these upgrades automatically for it’s users.
Just like a Ford dealer won’t repair a GM recall problem at no charge, I fail to see, again, why Microsoft should be vilified for verifying the OS it is updating.
OTOH there are those posting in this thread that apparently have a dollar amount (in net equity I presume?) in mind that defines a point at which it’s okay to steal something from someone without remorse or recourse. I guess I’d like to know what that amount is. $100,000, $1,000,000, $1,000,001? Per day, month, year, lifetime? At what amount can I reasonably be sure that it’s not only okay to steal something from a manufacturer but additionally to expect that manufacturer to blindly support my stolen goods simply because I think "they've got enough money?"
BTW, I use Linux and Apple OS 9 and 10. I “switched” for a while for my PT rig and when I couldn’t afford it any longer, I switched back. This isn’t a bash on OS-X, I just didn’t have the cash to purchase another two track editor like Sound Forge (which sadly, isn’t available on a Mac platform) and all of my plug-ins. So I sold the G4-450 and used the cash to build a new WinTel box. I’m okay with it because when I listen to music, I simply can’t tell what platform it was produced on (if any).
I also find it interesting that so many Mac users clamored to get their hands on OS-X, which is a 'pretty' Unix with a pretty awesome GUI. But I wonder if Digidesign would have written a Linux or BSD version of PT if those same users would have jumped to that platform. I, for one, would have because it is a great OS that could probably be ported to several different HW platforms. AAMOF, I hope Apple releases a version that will run on an Intel or AMD chip! I'd be at the head of the line with dollars in hand.
End of rant.
Mjv. Out.
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Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
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| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
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| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
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GuitarEasley
Member
Member # 17493
- posted April 29, 2003 11:56 AM
hmmmnnn is it better to be a big fish in a small pond? or vice versa? In marketing, there's no guarantee that a weaker set of competitors will lead to greater success. In fact, the opposite is often true. Coke and Pepsi have both grown in greatness as their hundred-year cola war continues across the globe. The truly great rise to the challenge of greater competition and become even bigger fish when transferred to a big pond.
Did someone mention bootlegging?! [Wink] [Big Grin]
The Grateful Dead, an unusual group not only allowed, but encouraged people to copy their work. They even made special areas available at concerts for people to set up their taping equipment so it would sound good. The group made a lot of money.
Who knows maybe bootlegging will improve music? Musicians will have to actually perform their music live more...
...I could be wrong about that though: I do like coke better than pepsi!
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One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas... How he got into my pajamas I'll never know.
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Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 29, 2003 03:01 PM
It's not just that my car has a broken lock, it's that ALL cars made by that manufacturer have a broken lock.
Are you saying that if you purchased a car with a broken lock you would expect the dealer to deliver you a completely brand new car? Nice work, if you can get it. But that isn't reality. How much nicer to have your car download a NEW copy of itself. Which essentially is what the SP is.
And they appear to have no intention of fixing the car at the manufacturing stage, and the only way you can repair it is to take it back to their garage!
It seems to me that the last release of Win98 was Windows 98 SE, not the original unpatched version. Over the course of the next few months, as the current stock of WinXP is replaced, you will see the patched version on store shelves. Yes. The manufacturer is fixing the problem at the factory. I'm just glad I don't have to drive my computer to a MS dealership for the repair.
Fact is Microsoft have no reason to worry about losing profits to piracy (let alone to resort to underhand tactics like this!).
Underhanded? While I might not like the prices of their products, I don't see how a free upgrade could be considered underhanded simply because they want to verify that I'm a registered owner entitled to the upgrade at no charge.
Truth is, they have actually profited very well from piracy. Right now, if you can afford it you buy their software. If you can't, you can easily get a pirate copy.
I can't afford a Lexus right now, so should I go steal it and expect the manufacturer to honor the warranty? Oh, I know, software isn't hard goods, so it's okay. After all it doesn't cost them $110 or whatever to replicate the CD and the box. Right?
The net effect of this has been to completely wipe out the competition. Can you even remember the names of Word's competitors ten years ago?`
Yep. I remember a few, like Word Perfect, Ami-Pro, Write-Pro, Word Star, and a few others. Now we have MS Word, Word Perfect, AbiWord, Star Office, EasyWriter, TextWriter, LexiGraph,AmiPro and others. You don't have to use Word. But apparently a lot of people like it. When I started using word prossesors the program of choice was Word Perfect. WP still has a large user base and it's using the same marketing technique that MS used. Including it as an OEM word processor on new computers. Although, to be fair, MS used the Works processor for that plan.
And now the competition has gone, Microsoft is seeking to make everyone pay for their overpriced product.
The All American Plan. Tell you what. Let's colaberate on a CD release. We'll give the first one away, then everyone will pay extra for our second. But the thing is, that first one had better be good, really good. Okay? That way we can become the only producers of music and we'll corner the market!
At least piracy (strange as it may sound) offered choice, and was some form of competition that could push the price down...
Choice? You mean between stealing it or not stealing it? You seem to be saying that if MS brought the price down low enough that nobody would steal it. Have you paid for your copy of WinZip? I'd submit that many, if not most, of the pirated copies of XP would still be there if the MSP was $10.00. But hey, maybe you're right. I can see how a MS marketing exec would say "Better keep WinXP at about $110, any higher and even more people will steal it."
I'm not sure why I'm carrying on here. I guess because I have been ripped myself and have been given excuses as to why it happened. So you hit a nerve.
To be fair. I get PO'd every time I read a license agreement. So we're not far off from each other in day to day practice I guess. I mean a license that basically says "If you take this shrink wrap off you agree to our statement that we don't warrant the software to do anything, yet we retain all rights, you don't own it, you can only use it as we see fit, if you find it useful okay, if not, we don't care. If you find it useful and it screws something up, it's not our fault because we don't say it's useful at all. If anything bad happens, it's not our fault. Oh, and by the way, you can't modify it and you certainly can't return it for a refund."
Ridiculous isn't it?
Still, if I do find a piece of software useful, I like to support the manufacturer. Besides, my mother always told me that if I don't own it, and I take it without permission, it's stealing. And she was right.
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Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
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| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
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| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
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QuikDraw
Member
Member # 10206
- posted April 29, 2003 11:46 PM P
quote:Originally posted by Martin Vipond:
To be fair. I get PO'd every time I read a license agreement. So we're not far off from each other in day to day practice I guess. I mean a license that basically says "If you take this shrink wrap off you agree to our statement that we don't warrant the software to do anything, yet we retain all rights, you don't own it, you can only use it as we see fit, if you find it useful okay, if not, we don't care. If you find it useful and it screws something up, it's not our fault because we don't say it's useful at all. If anything bad happens, it's not our fault. Oh, and by the way, you can't modify it and you certainly can't return it for a refund."
Ridiculous isn't it?
Still, if I do find a piece of software useful, I like to support the manufacturer. Besides, my mother always told me that if I don't own it, and I take it without permission, it's stealing. And she was right. I agree.
You know, the whole software license thing pisses me off! Here's the kind of crap they get away with....
"We're not selling you any software. We're selling you a license to use the software, and the physical media upon which that software is stored. You cannot return the product once it's been opened because we assume that you are a thief and have made an illegal copy of it once it's been opened. If the software is defective then it's just too bad. We didn't sell you any software. We sold you a license, and the license is not defective."
That's right, you didn't buy software; you bought a license. And no matter how much the software sucks, the license cannot possibly be defective!
But even so, you still shouldn't steal the license!
[Eek!]
Mike IP: Logged
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Karel Bata
Member
Member # 36984
posted April 30, 2003 02:00 AM
Ouch! I've been bitten.
This really HAS to be my last posting on this. Though it's curiously addictive.
I NEVER steal, and I don't keep the company of those that do. Never have.
But software 'theft' is, I feel, a complex moral issue.
Digidesign, as it happens, have got it right. There's a free version of ProTools, so you can try it out. And when you have the money – a real issue among a lot of musicians – you go and buy a pro set-up tailored your needs, which happens to be good value for money.
Why isn't all software like that?
I have no issue with Bill Gates personally. Good luck to the guy.
And I'm not into conspiracies – I don't believe that more than two people can ever keep a secret. (Not for long anyway)
But when Microsoft 'accidentally' leaves a huge security hole in XP (Whoops! Sorry about that…) and uses it as a way to make sure you pay…
Well, I still think it sucks…
Regards
Karel [Roll Eyes] IP: Logged
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Martin Vipond
Member
Member # 34016
- posted April 30, 2003 05:48 AM
Originally posted by Karel Bata:
"Ouch! I've been bitten.
This really HAS to be my last posting on this. Though it's curiously addictive."
Agreed! And really. We HAVE to stop meeting like this!
"I NEVER steal, and I don't keep the company of those that do. Never have. But software 'theft' is, I feel, a complex moral issue."
Also agreed. Sometimes I wonder who is stealing from whom.
"Digidesign, as it happens, have got it right. There's a free version of ProTools, so you can try it out. And when you have the money – a real issue among a lot of musicians – you go and buy a pro set-up tailored your needs, which happens to be good value for money."
Hmmm... Yes, I agree that the free demo is a very good marketing plan. But... Digidesign uses a very effective dongle on the real stuff. Mine is called a Digi001. I HAVE to buy THEIR dongle, or the software won't work. I can't use it with any other sound card. Nope. And whatever they decide to charge for it is what I have to pay. Plus, If I want the "Real" real stuff so I can take advantage of TDM, I had better have some pretty deep pockets. If you roach your 'dongle' you're screwed.
OTOH, you can easily search for a 32 track, cracked version of PT that will work with some other sound cards on KaZaa.
"Why isn't all software like that? I have no issue with Bill Gates personally. Good luck to the guy. And I'm not into conspiracies – I don't believe that more than two people can ever keep a secret. (Not for long anyway)."
Agreed. Again. Sheese, I wish he was my dad!
"But when Microsoft 'accidentally' leaves a huge security hole in XP (Whoops! Sorry about that…) and uses it as a way to make sure you pay... Well, I still think it sucks…"
Well, I guess I hear your point. If indeed these security holes are intentional. To be honest you do sound a little like a conspiracy theorist here by making the assumtion that this is an intentional, subversive marketing plan. OTOH, the remedy is free, and it would serve to stop piracy. The only point I could gripe about is that if indeed this is the marketing plan, that MS should simply post a message on the product that says that authorization is required. It's all coming to that anyway. Sonic Foundry does it, Pinnacle does it. So do others. Soon that will be the only way to use software for more than the grace period it comes with.
Actually, when the speed of our computers and the Internet is able to support it, the application programs will reside on the manufacturer's computers and we'll only keep the data! Then, not only will authorization be required, but a fast, broadband connection will be required as well.
Karel, Mike and others, I'm signing off on this topic (I think!) [Roll Eyes]
It's been fun. (I still think the collaberation idea would be cool!!! [Big Grin] )
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Martin Vipond
Two Legs Productions
Lake Odessa, MI
+--------------------------------+
| Creativity Comes from Motion...|
| |
| ... So Don't Sit Still! |
+--------------------------------+
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