* Posts by M Gale

3500 publicly visible posts • joined 22 Apr 2007

Review: Acer Aspire P3 Windows 8 slate

M Gale

Re: Caps lock?

If you want to tear the caps lock key out with a screwdriver, be my guest. I'd rather tear the power button out of the too-many keyboards that have a power button on them. Whose stupid idea was that? Ah yes, the Apple Mac was the first with that little insanity wasn't it?

Some people find caps lock useful, for instance, for typing things like MEMORANDUM or IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ.

Plus if you have your caps lock on while setting your password, it adds an extra layer of confusion for shoulder-surfers.

Given that caps lock is used then, it helps to have an indicator to show whether it's active. That or to have a proper old-skool clicky pushbutton switch that holds the caps lock key down when it's on.

M Gale

"Does ubunutu have an unattended install option?"

Yes, but without just simply answering "yes" to all questions, it's a bit of a bitch to set up. In a nutshell, you create an install script that decides whether to answer yes or no (or what username, other input fields and such) to things as they come up.

Sort of thing you only need to do once before rolling out to N huge number of workstations I guess, but it's a ballache to do that once.

Sneaky new Android Trojan is WORST yet discovered

M Gale

Re: does tend to prove the point

I have to wonder how many of the NT kernel's security flaws would be known if any old Joe could take a look at the code?

There would certainly be a bigger chance of getting them fixed, rather than festering away in some dark corner of a hacker's 0day catalogue.

M Gale

Re: I'm confused

On a more serious note, any recommended AV applications for an Android tablet?

I use the don't-run-rooted method of virus avoidance and it works pretty well. If you're worried about random apps nobbling your SMS messages or somesuch, the usual firms (such as Kaspersky, hoho) will sell you a security suite.

M Gale

Re: Déjà vu

I still want to know how many devices were infected that weren't rooted. I'm guessing the answer would be 0? The only thing I'm surprised at is that there aren't more infected smartphones (of any platform) that are basically allowing random apps to run as root (which was half the problem with Windows up until UAC).

Thing here is, the droid builds for rooted phones tend to let you perform post-install permission denial, either built in or by using an app like Permissions Denied. So, it can obviously be done. The only thing that prevents me from rooting my own devices is because I'd like to install Cyanogenmod or whatever distro, then re-lock the device under my own key.

Add the ability to root, mod, then re-lock, and I bet you'll slash the already small amount of Android virii out there.

Of course, if someone decides to enable downloads from unofficial sources (and let's see that code swapped to allow different 'official' app stores eh?), root the device, leave it open then go on a download binge from cracked-apk-downloads.com, you can't really blame the device or the system for that.

Chinese 'nauts prep for next coupling in Heaven, clear way for new station

M Gale

Re: Wang Yaping?

Does that sound like a euphemism to anyone else?

Not unless yours talks.

NSA Prism: Why I'm boycotting US cloud tech - and you should too

M Gale

Re: Classic!

I think you'll find that the age of comparitive enlightenment we live in around these parts is due to people fighting for, dying for, and eventually winning the ability to raise a middle finger high in the direction of religion and established dogma without it getting chopped off.

Probably upsets you but it happens to be a fact.

Childishly throwing spiteful comments when the only thing that US corporatism will ever understand is the bottom line is simply petulance and, perhaps, ignorance.

M Gale

Re: Hello pot, this is kettle.

Already been thinking on this problem. Basically a TrackMeNot but for as many forms of communication as possible. Problem is how to make it work without everyone filling each others' inboxes and chat windows up with bomb recipes.

Author Iain (M) Banks falls to cancer at 59

M Gale

Some are easier than others. Try to avoid Use Of Weapons unless you want to have to wrap your head around two plotlines travelling parallel but in reverse to each other so that the book ends and begins at the end and beginning.

State Of The Art is quite fun though. Lots of little bite sized storylets, some in the culture universe and some elsewhere.

Study: US iPhone owners tend to be rich, educated, white

M Gale
Trollface

Difference is, you got your phone before it was passé. I got mine before it was cool.

M Gale

I use an iPhone because I have better things to think about than my phone. It does it' s job and I don't need to be sending hours sorting out home screens and widgets thanks.

Swap "iPhone" for any particular brand of phone you like and it still sounds the same.

M Gale

I'll admit the iDevices have a bunch of manufacturers producing slots on the top of their clock radios and boom boxes that are completely useless for anything other than an Apple device. Many of them now require an adapter to work if you have the i5.

Headphones, remote controls and hands free devices in cars though? I'm pretty sure there's this thing called "bluetooth". Works on almost any phone, so I hear, although Apple are still having trouble with the file transfer bit. As for the "creation" side of things, have a look in the Play Store. There's DJ apps and virtual synthesizers all over the place. Same with graphics apps. "Mark-up"? As in the gazillions of text editors? Mix that up with the Bit web server and you've got a LAMP-ish stack on your smartphone that you can play around with as much as you like.

It ain't 2008 any more.

M Gale

Re: iPhone economics

We miss out on massive malware. I think we can survive it.

So do I, because I don't run stuff as root if I can help it.

YES, Xbox One DOES need internet, DOES restrict game trading

M Gale

I'm alright, jack.

Guess little old me on a mobile Internet connection is stuffed then. Good for you.

I'll just have to console (har) myself with the 200mph model aircraft that's sat in the shed begging me to make a new crater with it. Or maybe the palm-size quadcopter. Perhaps I'll try and jump a house with the nitro monster truck again, or attach cameras/sensors/etc to any of the above for more amusement?

All are toys that cost less than an Xbox with no games, and provide vastly more amusement with no risk of spyware. I can sell 'em on when I'm bored with them or running out of space, too. There's a couple of people who have some nice five-foot-wingspan four-channel trainer airframes thanks to me (that'll be the Arising Star and Tutor 40). Built like tanks, tend to hit the floor and bounce, unlike your average games console.

M Gale

Open source games console

Or at least, as open as the games industry is ever likely to get.

M Gale

Re: Long live the 360

"And developers know it inside and out", like XNA that's being rapidly deprecated?

Unfortunately, people won't be developing for the 360 much past the release of the Xbox One, for the same reason nobody makes PS2 games any more.

M Gale

Re: Goodbye XBOX

Or alternatively, buy a games machine that doesn't have a built in camera and microphone and demand you tell Microsoft who you and your contacts are before allowing you to fire it up, or even pass a disk around.

M Gale
M Gale

Pre-owned games? not a problem - again Steam allows you to sell them on..

No it doesn't. Not until the European courts whack Valve over the head a few times and make them enable that functionality. It'll probably only be enabled in Europe too.

Even then, it's a shitty system and I'm having nothing to do with it. I can do without toys that come with built-in ransomware and spyware.

Google slides its soft finger-fondling into any willing Android doodad

M Gale

Re: ESC key

That's what the standard "back" button is for.

Police 'stumped' by car thefts using electronic skeleton key

M Gale

Re: Old

Code hopping is still around. I know this because I've ended up "fixing" someone's alarm because if you pressed the keyfob out of range of the car (or if the fob batteries run out, or if the fob's battery connection breaks and requires resoldering), the code-hop sequence gets all messed up and you have to go through a bunch of timed keypresses and alarm siren activations to reset it.

What isn't still around is the old IR keyfobs, that I've had much fun scaring (and occasionally pranking) car owners with through the use of a learning remote control.

M Gale

Re: Need a combination lock

"Hello car, I am unlocking you with a duress phrase/code/whatever that I recorded when I bought you."

Car says okay, unlocks as normal, and silently broadcasts its position to the security firm that installed the alarm.

Just an idea.

Copyright troll Prenda Law accused of seeding own torrents

M Gale

Re: Blimey

Kidding, right?

I'd walk there in person and ignore the automated deposit machinery just to see the face on the cashier when they examine the cheque. Why yes, yes that is my cheque. Would you like to know how I got the refund? Oh, you don't? Pity, it's such an ecstatically fun story to tell.

MYSTERY Nokia image-mangling mobe spotted in public

M Gale

Re: Why does the OS matter?

Because that's what the apps are released for.

If you've no interest in the OS, then by extension you've no interest in the apps.

Steelie Neelie: Crack down on wicked ISPs so we can Skype

M Gale

Re: helpless and ignorant clowns

Whereas the US is such a shining example to the rest of the world, yes?

iPHONES and 'Pads BANNED in US for violating Samsung patent

M Gale

Re: Waste of Space

To wax philosophical, should the President overturn the ruling it is in fact proof that the rule of law is intact and 'justice' is being served because he is acting completely within the confines of the system of rules previously laid out and agreed upon.

I think someone is confusing law, with justice.

Reports: New Xbox could DOOM second-hand games market

M Gale

Re: @Aoyagi Aichou

@M Gale: I'm old enough to remember that too, but I don't see how that's relevant. Maybe it has something to do with SEGA being among the richest game industry companies today? Oh wait.

That cartridge-swapping and second hand sales happened with Nintendo too. Now, uhm, what's your point?

M Gale

Re: Game resellers as "parasites"

You should learn to understand that you CAN. Your own stuff in case of XBox1 is the DVD/Blueray not the content. Do with the physical media what you want.

No, I buy a copy of the game.

Which I can then give away.

Unless it's on Xbox One or Steam, of course.

But keep cheering on the psychopaths if you like. You'll get everything you deserve. Just a shame the rest of us end up with it too.

M Gale

Re: Game resellers as "parasites"

You should stop looking in the mirror while posting

You should come up with a good reason as to why I can't give away my own stuff.

M Gale

Re: All well and good, except...

Nope. I wanted to point out that your solution is the typical stupid concept of "I restrict myself to hurt the big companies" bla bla coming from the Penguin sector. I go to a fitness studio because I am NOT willing to restrict myself to a pair of dumbbells! So they are NOT the solution. And Linux is similar "You do not need this!" is the PenguBoy mantra when stuff does not work / software does not run. Sorry but I decide what I need/want. If you can not deliver - I buy something else.

Ironically not a console - never owned one.

So not going along with the bullshit is "hurting myself"?

These are toys.

I have toys that do two hundred miles per hour at ridiculously low altitude, strimming the tops from daisies in a screaming blur of yellow, black and high-nitro exhaust smoke. How the fuck is not wanting to go along with DRM bullshit limiting me in any way whatsoever? The idiots want to push people like me away from the "AAA" games industry, that's fine by me.

I decide what I need/want. If you cannot deliver, I buy something else. I want something I can then give away or resell at a later date. I want something that doesn't require bullshit spyware installing. I want a product that is mine, and if Valve cannot provide that, then Valve do not get my money. Weston UK might though. Their toys are the dog's bollocks.

So asides throwing more insults at me, why should I be banned from giving someone my copy of a game?

M Gale

Re: Xbox modding / rechipping, Gamer Profile hacking...

Well I don't (yet), but after four years doing the access and then honours degree course for Computer Games Technology, I think it might be nice to make a few simple 50p things at some point. Work up to bigger things later on.

Don't worry, you'll be able to transfer ownership. As you can see, I'm not a big fan of bullshit restrictions management.

M Gale

Re: Game resellers as "parasites"

That is an ORIGINAL part. No problem with that IF it exists. I was refering to copys from another manufacturer.

You mean like the original game copies that I'm arguing you should be allowed to dispose of as you see fit? Including giving away and reselling?

M Gale

Re: Game resellers as "parasites"

You want to re-sell the bible so that is not an option.

I want to dispose of my property how I see fit, whether that's a copy of the King James Edition, or a copy of Doom.

Now stop being silly. It just looks bad on you.

Asus boasts of Haswell fondleslab threesome to get Acer hot under collar

M Gale

Looks nice.

Can I rip 8 out of it and replace it with 7?

(And how much extra does that cost?)

How Microsoft shattered Gnome's unity with Windows 95

M Gale

Re: Perhaps a little research ?

Microsoft won easily because it understood that blaming the end-user is not a solution.

Windows 8.1.

Microsoft's Windows 8.1 secrets REVEALED ... sort of

M Gale

Re: Win Key -> Modern -> Select

Quite.

M Gale

Re: Win Key -> Modern -> Select

More like Win Key -> Huge list like a badly-designed shopping site from 5 years ago -> scroll -> scroll -> scroll <- scroll <- scroll <- scroll -> scroll -> I know it's somewhere around here -> scroll <-...

Compared to the Windows 7 approach of Win Key -> I use this program often so it's RIGHT THERE automagically -> done.

M Gale

GEMAPPS?

As title.

M Gale

Re: Even more alien UI

Well if you really want to go full ReTard, it can be used in toy mode too, if for some reason you can stomach that sort of thing on a bloody big non-touch monitor.

I don't see Microsoft offering a UI choice through their app store. In fact everything so far seems to be how we're all going to love having a toy UI with bouncy animated shit all over the screen and programs that might or might not be in memory, and might or might not have remembered what you were doing with them.

I guess if you like that sort of thing, who am I to tell you otherwise?

M Gale

Ubuntu's Shuttleworth: Microsoft no longer dominates PC biz

M Gale

Re: A typical Linux response to a bug report - pretend it is something else.

I thought "it's not a bug, it's a feature" was Microsoft's traditional excuse?

Galaxy Tab 3 10.1: Samsung plays Intel against ARM

M Gale

Re: Android and multi-user

Android supports multi-user by partitioning the whole machine up. That 32GB tablet becomes 2x16GB tablets, basically, or 4x8GB. You have to install apps multiple times for each account and the DRM ensures that you can't run a paid app on the wrong account, even if it's on the same device. Not really a good solution.

Windows 8.1 Start button SPOTTED in the wild

M Gale

Re: Bunch of nancies

I even used the troll icon.

Quite so.

Oi, butterfingers! Drop your mobe in a pint? Hope it's not an iPhone

M Gale
Facepalm

Good point.

M Gale

Re: EXPLODING PHONE?

Naw, they contain lithium. The more highly charged, the better condition it's in. You can extract the lithium foil and do various interesting things with it, including dipping it in water to watch it bubble, or watching it react with moisture in the air.

Difference is, it's all wrapped up and sealed inside, which is kind of why the packs swell up like balloons shortly before catching fire if you do something silly to them.

Oh, bear in mind that lithium is a rather nasty poison and will do funky things to your head before it kills you.

M Gale

Half a second? That makes all the difference! Sell me an Android right now! Not.

And if you can't keep your phone out of your beer you are intellectually on par with a potato.

Slow news day on El Reg? This is sad even for the first Fanboy Church of Android.

To quote TFA:

A submerged Galaxy S4 will outlast an iPhone by half a second - 18.8s versus 18.3s - but when dropped from nine feet (2.74m) it's the S4's screen that shatters.

There are some seriously insecure fanboys on this comments section. WHERE IN THE FUCK WAS THIS TURNED INTO AN ANDROID VERSUS IPHONE SLAGFEST?

M Gale

Re: Thought I had seen every Fandroid excuse why not to buy iPhone

Who in the fuck even mentioned an iWotsit vs Droidthing argument about that?

Though if you think iOS isn't chock full of spyware (and very little support for rooted devices that get rid of it), you are quite the naïve little AC, aren't you?

Gigabyte's BRIX fall into place

M Gale

Re: Looking in the right places?@Dave 126

I don't think I've found a motherboard yet that needs any drivers for any operating system whatsoever. It kind of raises the question of how you'd boot the thing up to install them if you did.

While TFA makes no mention as to the graphics chipset, the Brix site does say "Intel integrated graphics", which is completely unsurprising and a good indicator that this device will work in the toy unix without having to touch graphics drivers. Ditto "chipset" (which I guess includes the audio as well as north/southbridge) and other specifications. None of it seems to be too exotic.

If you're unable to get Linux working on this thing, I would be highly surprised.

May threatens ban on 'hate-inciting' radicals, even if they don't promote violence

M Gale

Re: May on the Andrew Marr Show

However when the IRA were busy blowing a fucking big chunk out of Manchester, it was called "a bomb".

Or "a van packed with explosives".

Or "a ton of ANFO".

But hey, now we have newspeak. It's "an IED", which to me sounds more like a female contraception method.