* Posts by Mark 85

12880 publicly visible posts • joined 22 Nov 2012

Doom: The FPS that wowed players, gummed up servers, and enraged admins

Mark 85
Pint

Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake. Oh happy times. Where I worked at the time, blocked playing it during business hours with immediate termination if you were caught (two were and set the example for the rest of us). But after hours, half the engineering department stayed at their desks (including management) for several hours. After playing that, I started learning programming and changed careers to IT.

I think ID did change a lot of things with the first getting non-techies into IT. There were a lot of "engines" out there in that time and many of probably got our start working with the engines and coding.

Have a pint, ID... for the stuff legends are made of.

Did you know that iOS ad clicks cost more than Android? These scammers did

Mark 85

Users will have to manually uninstall the infected apps in order to stop the clickfraud.

Well, that just means the nasty will stay there forever. How many users pay attention to such things like this and then actually act upon it.

College PRIMOS prankster wreaks havoc with sysadmin manuals

Mark 85

I daresay that probably most of those "clever kids" found jobs in security. Exploring, testing, finding work arounds, etc. is the hallmark of a good IT security or pen tester.

Qualcomm axes staff, winds down data center processor efforts ... while China takes the blueprints and runs

Mark 85

Re: Still, they got one over on Apple

Perhaps they have to load them into a crate, put them on a ship and cruise out past the 3 mile limit before returning? Politics and national laws sometimes require bizarre solutions.

Ecuador says 'yes' to Assange 'freedom' deal, but Julian says 'nyet'

Mark 85

Re: Assange is not a "professional secrets dealer"

and the world is at least a more honest place because of their sacrifice.

Up to a point maybe but as far as the targets of whistleblowing, I'd say no. If anything, it mad said targets go darker.

Mark 85

Re: Assange is not a "professional secrets dealer"

He's not working for profit? How does he support himself when not an embassy guest?

Mark 85

Re: Assange is a political prisoner, in the United Kingdom, end of

I think he should reconsider the offer. If they kick him out on the streets anything can and probably will happen.

Then again, there might be a battle between attention whores and the US will haul him off and silence him to let the other attention whore have all the headlines. While I'm attempting a joke about this part, truth is stranger than fiction so...

US Homeland Security installs AI cameras at the White House, Google tries to make translation less sexist

Mark 85

Languages often translate imperfectly, that's a given. I'm not sure what the fuss is about other than some gender activists are raising hell. These "activists" need to get a grip. Translation isn't and never will be an exact science and this back and forth translation is sure mix things up a bit.

The curious tale of ICANN, Verisign, claims of subterfuge, and the $135m .Web dot-word

Mark 85

Follow the money?

So who benefits from all the cash ICAN has? Pay isn't all that high compared to other companies and basically no bonuses nor are there stockholders looking for dividends. So where will the money go?

Identity stolen because of the Marriott breach? Come and claim your new passport

Mark 85

Re: Burden of Proof

What level of proof does one need to shake money out of these slimes.

Which slimes? Marriott or the miscreants?

Tech support discovers users who buy the 'sh*ttest PCs known to Man' struggle with basics

Mark 85

Re: "a mistaken split-second push in the wrong direction"

it's a fuse tester. the test failed.

It's not a fuse protector then? I'm shocked. I thought it was intentional for the circuit board to blow and protect the fuse.

Mark 85

Re: The right attitude

Making a judgment call here... I think "Bill" had an attitude because of his employer, the policies, etc. and took it out on the customers. Yes, customers can be stupid, that's a given. But a toxic environment or being in the wrong place doesn't help. I hope he's found an employer that he's happy with. Customer service, HellDesk, etc. isn't rocket science but it does take a bit of diplomacy and a bit of teacher personality to get by. A few beers after work never hurts either.

BOFH: State of a job, eh? Roll the Endless Requests for Further Information protocol

Mark 85
Boffin

Re: WooHoo BOFH is back

Notes are for amatuer and leaves a paper trail. Either memorize the notes and eat the evidence or just commit to memory. Your memory, not the computer's.

You're legit and you know you are... Thanks to chanting racist footie fans, linking to dodgy stuff isn't necessarily illegal (well, in Europe)

Mark 85

Re: Good English law

It also forbids printing something and than claiming that the source cannot be revealed.

In the US, this would be a serious issue as it would not allow protected whistleblowing or confidential sources. It's a two-edged sword. What protects honest, well-intentioned information releases also protects those of less than honorable acts. Somewhere there's a balance but damned we as a society will be able to find it.

Microsoft says it's time to get serious about facial recognition rules: 'Laws and regulations are indispensable'

Mark 85

The basic problem...

Smith said something similar back in June when he called for "thoughtful government regulation and for the development of norms around acceptable uses."

I think his call for " "thoughtful government regulation" is where the problem lies. Current government (with the exception of one or two CongressCritters) is more about party wars, politics, and featherbedding. The current seated members are about as useless as a screendoor on a submarine as by father would say.

Wow, what a lovely early Christmas present for Australians: A crypto-busting super-snoop law passes just in time

Mark 85

Re: Australia is doing a favor to the world

After the private sector sucks up all those intelligent yet power hungry and greedy folks, what's left for government? The choice for elected officials is pretty bad world wide due to the lack of critical thinking processes on the candidates' part.

Mark 85

Re: Puzzling

I can only guess that the Labor Party leadership was simply terrified that a terrorist attack might happen in Australia over the Christmas holidays.

Let's face it... that's a bullshit argument. Unless they mean the "holidays of 2019 or later". A quick look at the calendar suggests that any attacks for this year are or should be already planned, terrorists in place, and "radio silence" enforced until the planned day all hell breaks loose.

This just purely fear mongering and a power grab.

It's official. Microsoft pushes Google over the Edge, shifts browser to Chromium engine

Mark 85

Re: Time to bow to the inevitable

Could be just a profit decision. MS would rather use something far better than Edge than try to upgrade it and get it to work properly. Maybe there's a secret plan for Windows 11 based on open source such as Linux to cut development costs.

Funnily enough, China fuming, senator cheering after Huawei CFO cuffed by Canadian cops at Uncle Sam's request

Mark 85

Re: /Reaches for the popcorn bowl...

Get the extra large bowl and have some backup available. I have feeling this isn't going to a short affair.

Peak tech! Bacon vending machine signals apex of human invention

Mark 85

Re: True innovation

far better - the hog roast vending machine.

No... just no. Best hog roast requires a pit, lots of wood that's now smoldering charcoal, and a whole pig. Oh.. time. Depending on the master cook (I bow at these who know the craft well) it can take up to 24 hours to make pork heaven.

Mark 85

Re: Which is better?

I agree with Jake, but if homemade isn't available then I'm impartial to US or UK styles as long as it's "thick" and not paper thin charcoal. Bacon in all it's types is wonderful and a gift from the Food Gods.

Capita: We are seeking staff to join our board. Just two please

Mark 85

An employee director will bring diversity of thought and strengthen as well as being our official scapegoat to our decision-making."

I suspect this is more like it.... And since the employee board member must continue to perform their duties, that opens up a whole different can of worms such as board meetings, paperwork, etc. taking time away from "normal duties".

UK spies: You know how we said bulk device hacking would be used sparingly? Well, things have 'evolved'...

Mark 85
Facepalm

Re: Well, Well

Try the facepalm....

Brits' DNA data sent to military base after 'foreign' hack attacks – report

Mark 85

But in the last paragraph, they toss the gauntlet... The group's chief scientist added that it pays an outside company – which it did not identify – to conduct pentests, and so far it hasn't managed to get into its systems. "None of the well-known viral attacks have succeeded in causing any dysfunction in Genomics England," said Chisholm.

Sounds almost like a challenge for someone who might seek notoriety or to make a name for themselves in Pen Testing.

Mark 85

Re: "100,000 Genomes Project is secure, insists chair"...

Are you me?

Nope... I am the walrus.. Goo goo g'joob…

FCC slammed for 'arbitrary and reckless' plan to change how text messages are regulated

Mark 85

Re: For some reason

They're not enemies or competitors by any stretch. They've sliced and diced the country into their own little fiefdoms with no one to actually compete with them. So yes, they are achieve great things... like profits.

Tesla autopilot saves driver after he fell asleep at wheel on the freeway

Mark 85

Re: Easy to Spot

As I recall it was something along the lines of "creating a blockage" but translated as "failure to keep up with traffic". As I said, I don't know if they still do this.

Mark 85

Re: Easy to Spot

At one point, cops wouldn't ticket for driving over the speed limit, but would definitely ticket for driving slower than everyone else. If the speed limit was 60 and everyone was going 80, you'd be ticketed for driving the speed limit. I don't know if the policy has changed as it's been decades since I set foot (or tire) into CA.

Mark 85

Re: Self-driving cars don't need to be perfect to be deployed

I accept that a human driver is imperfect because I don't have the choice.

It stands to follow then that computer controlled cars will never, ever be 100% safe because humans do the programming.

Mark 85

Re: The question to ask is whether self-driving trucks will ever be a thing.

It's closer than you think. From reports, Musk is testing a couple of trucks now that are electric powered and (this may just be rumor) supposedly have the auto-pilot feature so they will follow a "leader" rig.

Google internal revolt grows as search-engine Spartacuses prepare strike over China

Mark 85
Coat

Re: Old but still true.

Let's be fair -- we're all whores. We all sell the use of our bodies and minds for money.

You forgot: "and usually, we don't get kissed afterwards."

Mark 85

and yet, most of Google’s services profit centers are unavailable in China,"

FTFY. Google has been cut out of a large, untapped market. Profit and income are king so.... following the money leads us to China.

Awkward... Revealed Facebook emails show plans for data slurping, selling access to addicts' info, crafty PR spinning

Mark 85

The content of some emails have been published by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee after it seized them from a US exec, Ted Kramer, who was visiting the UK last month.

Did it actually "seize" them or was something afoot that might have been an offer to make a copy knowing that much would go public? This just has the look and feel of a good old-fashioned, no holds barred, street fight. It just seems strange that he was carrying an actual copy of the data rather then having a link to secure storage. Obviously someone knew he was carrying the data to Blighty....

COPPA load of that AOL! $5m fine for targeting kids with ads

Mark 85

Re: No, no, no

Can we please have another fine for blatantly insulting people's intelligence ?

That would be unenforceable in reality. Ad agencies (prime target) do it all the time as well as politicians, churches, lawyers... the list is just too damn long.

Tumblr resorts to AI in attempt to scrub itself clean from filth

Mark 85

Re: Even the supposedly "Progressive" corporations are a bunch of Puritans in the USA

Then they wonder why everybody is making war and not love?

Nope... no wondering at all actually. Follow the money and follow the political/social power. War has both profit and power.

Mark 85

Re: Child porn

Not really. What about the deviance in their own heads?

Define "deviance". What's acceptable in one culture is a death sentence in another.

Mark 85

@imanidiot -- Re: Let the Prisoners go Free!

This is the US we're talking about where puritanism still reigns supreme. Female nipples will turn women gay at the slightest glimpse and even the mere hint of an aureole will turn men into depraved sex fiends who spend their days tugging their bit and performing depraved acts with hookers.

Sounds pretty normal for many places here in the States. You did miss the point about it being the "devils workshop". Also part of the tradition here is: "Those who scream the most about immorality are usually the worst offenders.". Let's see which politician screams first and loudest.

GOPwned: Republicans fall victim to email hack

Mark 85

The NRCC did not respond to a Register request for comment.

If (big if) they do respond it will be the usual "we take security very seriously" response. Just as well they don't as it just wastes readers' time.

He's not cracked RSA-1024 encryption, he's a very naughty Belarusian ransomware middleman

Mark 85

I'm wondering the same thing. Obviously, the miscreants trust him or he wouldn't get the "contracts" to do this. Politics and business make for strange bedfellows. It could be the guy is honest and for a price is happy to help.

Naked women cleaning biz smashes patriarchy by introducing naked bloke gardening service

Mark 85

Re: Let the comments begin...

Meh.. different strokes for different folks. However, I'm not sure any Worker's Health and Safety organization would approve not wearing proper safety equipment.

UK taxman told to chill out 'cos loan charge is whacking tax dodgers and whoopsies alike

Mark 85

So, I'm sure that all of Parliament is upfront and honest about paying all the tax they owe? Looking at the US Congress and government where I am, I suspect more than a few are diving into legal loopholes that they created for themselves. One law (or interpretation) for them and another for everyone else.

No, you haven't gone deaf – the Large Hadron Collider has been wound down for more upgrades

Mark 85

Aksherly, it did, but the torrent of inverse femtobams instantly replaced it with something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

Well, that certainly explains a lot of things like politics, etc. recently.

Three become six as new 'nauts arrive for a visit to the ISS

Mark 85

Re: A lesson to be learned here.

It's the Age of Attention Whores. Too many folks seem like they don't exist and therefore, doing something that will hurt others raises their self-esteem. Or some psycho babble like that.

I'll stick with "they're sick puppies and attention whores" for now.

FYI: NASA has sent a snatch-and-grab spacecraft to an asteroid to seize some rock and send it back to Earth

Mark 85

The asteroid, which has a width of 500 meters (1640 feet), could hit Earth between 2175 to 2196, although there is less than a 1 per cent chance of that happening, based on current data.

Anyone worried about this? I think those of us around now will be long dead and gone by then. That is unless we have a few Immortals hanging around here.

Czech yourself, Russia! Prague says its foreign ministry was hacked for more than a year

Mark 85

Re: "Report claims that from 2016-2017 the FSB was reading agency's emails"

The sorry taxpayers foot the bill for these incompetent clowns. This applies to my every country too.

It's not just your country,.

Giraffe hacks printers worldwide to promote God-awful YouTuber. Did we read that one right?

Mark 85

Re: Newbs

You noticed that also. Seems to happen upon occasion doesn't it. At least this time around it wasn't politics.

Mark 85

Re: Get me a babysitter

I suspect that he's not so much a moron but very shrewd and his screen persona is an act. But still, like other things in entertainment, what's real isn't what's portrayed. Look at some (most) of the rappers. Not dummies, not gangsters but very clever and smart business types who know their market and exploit it. I'm not defending him or them, just observing that the end result is cash in someone's pocket and that "someone" really doesn't care about the morality of what they spew. Much like a few televangelists....

Musk's popstar girlfriend Grimes croons about next-gen AI, plus more machine-learning news

Mark 85
Facepalm

...training lawyers to have technical expertise and working out the best ways AI can be applied ethically and morally.

They used "lawyers' in the same sentence with "ethically" and "morally"..... We need a belly laugh icon.

NHS supplier that holds 40 million UK patient records: AWS is our new cloud-based platform

Mark 85

Re: Bullshit Alert

This also presumes that someone has set the access to said servers and locked them down instead of leaving them in the default settings like we've heard about here on El Reg.