Posts by bombastic bob

Re: Android 9 is unusable

I think you can still purchase simple ARM-based Linux laptops for inexpensive prices. I did that a few years ago to produce a couple of L-boxen that were used to program hardware devices during manufacturing. Set them up with a "click me" icon basically. useful because they were heap and had screens, and techs could just mouse-click the button... and it was WAY cheaper than building a custom piece of hardware to do the same thing.

I'm pretty sure you can still find ones like that, of the 'netbook' variety. Might have to install a different distro, though, but nothing too difficult (the netbooks I got came with a simple console-only Linux distro). Devuan/Mate would be my choice.

yeah, so I wonder what "Extend" is to be offered in lieu of PHP 8...

I fear "P#"... or I guess that would be Micros~1.P#

Micros~1 had IIS back in the day, and it was (in some ways) PHP-like [basically the same concept of server-side dynamic content achieved by marking up the source in a way that both ran code AND served up HTML content directly from that source], but I didn't see a lot of adoption of IIS back in the day when it was actually relevant, whereas PHP had a LOT of web sites using it (so it won the competition). (I know _I_ do, because it's often the fast sensible solution to excessive/unneessary client-side script, for starters).

So based on the subtitle of the article, when does Micros~1 "Extend", and then "Extinguish" PHP?

Looks like "Extinguish" is planned for 2022. Hold onto you programs, the "Extend" is forthcoming, I do not doubt it!

Re: Wont someone think of the routing table?

if you already have an IPv6, maybe to get the IPv4 you set up a PPPoE (or other) kind of solution, then tunnel directly into the correct router via IPv6, Voila! (that way you won't need /30 netblocks just to get one usable IPv4 address, as I've seen happen in the past).

"I always though our bombastic bob is way over the top when it comes to Win10 and MS software. He is not."

Welcome aboard!

Re: Looking for ‘cultural fit' in recruitment process = discrimination-by-design

"The ‘cultural fit’ thing is the codeword for discrimination. This is how it happens."

Right, though many of the other claims could be just made up B.S., this one thing sticks out like something I'd be nauseated to have to deal with. I'm glad I don't work for F.B. as I'd never "fit' in their "culture" at all. (such a touchy-feely nauseating term, "culture-fit" - makes me wanna hurl).

If that term is FOR REAL as part of their overall H.R. philosophy, it sounds like the basis for an entire SERIES of discrimination lawsuits.

all of the houses I've seen in Japan, at least middle and upper-middle class, are very much like what you'd find in California. Sure, the land is expensive, but the house will reflect that and have many rooms. An office room, just like a Californian's house, is not unreasonable. In fact, comparing Japan housing (cost and appearance) to California is probably a pretty close approximation...

though I haven't been to Japan since the 80's, everything I've read seems to confirm it.

Re: The future is behind you ....

here in the USA we have the same broadcast bands for AM and FMthat we've had for DECADES, running at 540khz to 1600Khz for AM, and 87.9Mhz to 108.1Mhz for FM (with the lower FM bands reserved for public broadcasting and college stations, etc. - my favorite is on 88.1Mhz, KSDS, which plays 'straight ahead' jazz, run by the local city college, and has a web page you can listen on if you want). And it's highly unlikely that digital radio will replace these broadcast bands in the USA, for many of the same reasons mentioned in the article.

Incidentally, you can hear broadcast AM at night over thousands of miles, depending on where you are.

It's also worth pointing out that you can build an emergency AM radio out of a needle and a razorblade if you happen to have some crystal headphones. Google it, yeah. Surprise!

So there's one other, perhaps less obvious, advantage to keeping the AM band at least: National Civil Defense

The one thing that a post-apoalyptic world will need is the ability to communicate again, and if (let's say an EMP) damages all of the hi-tech radio gear, and we're stuck with Fleming's technology or even Marconi's, at .least those of us who have working (simple) receivers that for some reason weren't destroyed by EMP would still be able to listen in. So if for no other reason, keeping the AM band for talk, news, and emergencies is a good idea.

Re: Blame...

Well, if batteries were easy to replace in Apple gear, a LOT of this wouldn't be a problem...

Also, in San Diego County we have a functional recycling program. In general it pays for itself. And the amount of recoverable rare metals from ground up electronics can be significant. Even lithium, from batteries, is a semi-rare element. But a bit more convenience would be nice [if I could toss an old phone into the 'blue can' for example]. Still, the last "bring your old electronics here" event at a local high school got several boxes from me. Boneyard cleanout, yeah.

When recycling is done right, it's a) convenient as hell, b) at least breaks even on the sale of recyclable materials. Do those two things, and the problem should solve itself.

Re: "We have robust processes"

With my stupid ideas of salary tied to what the employee brings to the company, I would probably bankrupt every multi-billion international corporation in a month.

This kind of thinking (i.e. salary tied to what the employee brings to the company) seems to work well for smaller companies. They can't afford to become top-heavy bureaucracies with internal power struggles and territorial disputes. So they do what YOU suggest, instead...

Re: Of course there is an alternative

after reading the article, I went ahead and put a footer on the main page for my company web site that basically says I don/'t collect, store, nor sell personal data. Hopefully good enough.

Re: Clearly I've missed something but

"So what's the point of shifting everything around into a place that's still a Control Panelly sort of space?"

It's about the CONTROL, and not the "Panel" we're used to (for windows 7 holdouts, anyway). Micros~1 will FORCE YOU to like "Settings" by MAKING you use it!

(it's kinda like holding your dog's nose in whatever it was he did that you do not like. He probably won't get the message, other than "you are bigger than me and can do this")

Re: Ah yes, the old "Endangering National Security" line

Once people have tasted freedom, taking it away will result in a HUGE backlash.

'Perestroika' backfired for the USSR, but for a slightly different reason. When USSR-ians got a taste of capitalism and freedom, they wanted MORE, IMMEDIATELY. HK already had this to some extent, and now way LESS. Taking what little freedom they had away like that isn't going to have good consequences.

I expect a LOT of China's citizens quietly rebelling, in subtle yet significant ways, so as not to be the nail that sticks out that gets the hammer. And in HK, I expect it to get _EVEN_ _LOUDER_. At some point, you just "press F-it". Something about not being able to govern against the will of the people, and when there's NO HOPE and nothing left that has not already been taken away, many will "press F-it" and do what desperate people do... reminding us of Tiananmen Square.

Re: The next generation will attempt to port the kernel to Javascript...

" it will be a big job to move to another language; although this task might attract developers who aren't interested in being maintainers."

Before creating and jumping onto a new bandwagon, a bit of recent history: Kotlin uptake isn't happening at the rates that Google might want, for Android development, and it is ALSO important to keep your existing staff from quitting over having to spend month(s) re-learning and _ESSENTIALLY_ becoming like N00Bs again for a while...

Yes. I'm CONFIDENT it is true: Experienced coders like the results of being experienced, knowing what the code should look like, avoiding what would otherwise be the drudgery of going over insignificant details and nuances of "new shiny" lingo, and getting FREQUENTLY OUTRAGED at perceived UNNECESSARY errors and warnings. Those tedious 'learn new instead of using experience' things while STILL getting the fixes and new features done on time keep programming from being *fun*... and if it's not *fun*, and you are volunteering, you tend to *QUIT*.

Learning is fun if you're NOT under the gun. Taking a month (or more) off from anything resembling productivity and getting things accomplished... NO THANK YOU!

So if Java coders (for Android) are holding back on a switch to Kotlin, even for NEW projects, maybe not such a good idea to switch from C to Rust.

(being old enough, I have seen a lot of "new shiny" lingo hype, most of which sputtered and flamed out quickly, and the TIOBE index is FULL of them)

Re: Form or function?

[there] "isn't anything more significant that would entice me to upgrade."

stability and reliability would be reasons, but weren't mentioned (or I missed it).

LTS on its own _might_ be a reason.

Otherwise, "upgrades/updates are highly overrated" (too much feature creep).

Not sure why they aren't building the chrome package themselves, or simply using Debian's. In fact, maybe they can just ask Ubunto nicely for a copy of the build environment, tweek out the package manager install, and go from there... ?

when it comes to credit cards, in the USA credit sales can be reversed within 30 days [as I recall]. Debit cards can NOT, however (which is why I use no debit cards online). in the EU and UK I understand that there's more of an "all sales are final" approach, but I'm not that familiar. Still I think it's a function of the banking laws as to whether a 'charge back' or 'reversal' is even possible. An associate of mine worked in the banking industry and explained it to me a few years back, but I'm certainly no expert, IANAL, YMMV, and all that. So yeah check your local banking laws to see what rights you have for getting stiffed on payments without goods delivered...

Re: So what about Chinese non-nationals?

yeah, none of these espionage things have anything to do with race (according to Captain Obvious).

it has everything to do with loyalty, and being willing to protect national interests.

Re: Isn't it obvious......

"In which case I absolutely *DON'T* want to picture it."

Here, have some 'brain bleach'. you're welcome

considering how Micros~1's phone OS has been such an *EPIC* failure, the award for "late to the party" REALLY belongs to Micros~1 !!!

And when you consider that the encrypted DNS providers are probably SNOOPING on everything themselves, it's kinda pointless outside of a public wifi or "behind the filtering firewall" setting. Oh, but you get to CHOOSE who snoops on you! O...K...

Re: The facial recognition report has said outright there were no grounds for arresting anyone.

what was also "sub-optimal" (apparently) was the JUDGE who would have to approve an arrest via an arrest warrant, AND any bail setting in an arraignment that would leave him sitting in jail awaiting trial...

"wrongful arrest" does happen from time to time, which is why we have judges and courts to minimize it. But if the "evidence" of facial recognition is being used to BYPASS normal rules of evidence, and incarcerate people (even if it's awaiting trial), then it's GOT to STOP.

Instead, fingerprints, DNA, and "unexplained income" from the fencing of stolen property, OR the actual stolen property itself - those things would be REAL evidence. Apparently they didn't have any of those.

NOTE: a search warrant may be fine, based on facial recog, but that would just authorize them to LOOK for "the REAL evidence". Not the same as arrest+jail.

Re: Eye in the Sky

"I just hope neither the US Space Force nor Elon takes over the concept."

Why not? (see icon)

Re: Is Java still a thing?

Android uses Java. That's something. Last I checked, Kotlin uptake was still pretty small (TIOBE index)

Re: Good Grief...

someone forgot to finish the 2D FLATTY ADWARE "The Store": version before the update shipped...

(the respons was SUPPOSED to be "it's in The Store" and then, like games, make everyone download the ad-ridden crippled FLUGLY version of what used to be a useful tool...)

But they were caught, and had to quickly put it back while whistling in the air like nothing happened...

Re: An sensible response, indeed

dare them to carry out their threat

make sure the cops are involved

follow the money

eventually they'll get caught. Seeing them spend a decade or two in the iron bar hotel is worth it.

Re: Hot LOX

good observation - I was going to comment on this.

in short, metals are typically embrittled as temperature goes down. So failure at low temps is typically brittle fracture, which tends to be catastrophic. Ductile failure, at higher temperatures, can cause swelling before it finally bursts, but in essence the dynamics of the test change considerably when you drop temperature down to LOX levels.

A fairer test might be liquid nitrogen to avoid explosive reactions with O2

Re: And in the next release ...

6502 systems like Apple and C64 might just get more attention if there's a compiler that supports them. OK emulation, especially emulation with an RPi, might be the way to get these environments to work, but there's enough ancient-computing-hardware fandom out there, it might just work...

maybe simh ? xmame ?

Re: H-1B visas [*] Silicon Valley to fill engineering departments with top intl talent

"willing to work for 35% of market prevailing wages."

I'm not 100% convinced of the 35%, but it is already pretty much well known that people brought in under H-1B (or similar) visas might be willing to accept positions at a lower wage, in exchange for being brought in under such a visa (it's like competition, right?).

Seriously, though, if the USA has an unusually high unemployment rate, for whatever reason, importing more people to do work (potentially at a lower wage) is NOT helping...

Question: which candidates are supported by Siicon Valley mega-corps, the same ones who've allegedly colluded with one another to 'not recruit one another's employees' to keep overall wages low? (I know there was an El Reg article about this a few years ago) What is THEIR standing on H-1B (and other) work visas?

Re: Biden hardly gets a mention here in the UK

I am not at all convinced that Bush 41 would have lost in a traditional 2-way race.

More than likely, he would not have lost. But if Sanders were to play the role of Ross Perot in 2020, he'd siphon away the already pathetic number of votes for Biden, making it even MORE laughable when Trump wins in November. Polls aside, they were 20 points off 4 years ago at this time in the race, and that was NO coincidence [many people believe that these political polls are deliberately used to drive Republican voters away from casting their votes, by depressing them or making them believe their votes won't count, so they stay home... and so the wording of the questions is carefully crafted, or the population samples are deliberately 'not representative'].

Trump is an efficiency-thinking business guy, and goes for the win in an efficient and planned way. So a clear margin in the electoral college is how you win, NOT the popular vote, and THAT will be the strategy. Again. The Trump 2020 campaign really just started 2 days ago. With the lamemainstream media against him in ALL ways possible, often deliberately stretching anything even remotely resembling truth into outright lies and falsehoods, while simultaneously leaving out ANYTHING that even REMOTELY resembles 'good news', it's a wonder that his numbers are as high as they are at the moment, except to simply say that MOST of us aren't fooled by it, not one bit. But there are a few I think that are losing hope, with the latest assault of doom, gloom, and daily pessimism. That should turn around VERY quickly (Trump's best talent, infectious optimism).

Huawei is trying to appear like they're not making any bets. But if I were them, I'd plan on 8 years of Trump, Republicans dominating elections across the USA (again), manufacturing leaving China, and more tariffs. Then again, they COULD become more open about things, particularly when it comes to the security concerns (China government snooping via any networks Huawei owns, for example), go out of their way to respect intellectual property (even for domestic products), and become the friendlier, more honest, more customer-oriented company we'd like them to be.

Re: I clicked on 'Accept All Cookies'.

just flush when you're done...

(If you're using chromium, "rm -rf ~/.cache/chromium/Default/*" erases all history, etc. in Linux; for firefox, you can tell it to erase all history on exit. You're on your own otherwise)

Re: I didn't know of the triangle badges in the prison camps

"Nazis _were_ socialists."

Correct (government takeover of businesses is one of the characteristics that defines socialism).

I expect that if Nazis hate socialists, they hate themselves, but they hate OTHERS MORE (like Daleks) and so "EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"

(there should be a Dalek icon. Cybermen are their 'rival enemies' and so I can't really use the terminator icon, now can I?)

Re: For the last 45ish years ...

tree harvesters re-plant their forests (unless they WANT to go broke!). In some cases I believe it's require by LAW. Canada produces a LOT of lumber (/me sings the lumberjack song), and I'm pretty sure that the leftovers from the saw mills end up in paper mills, along with a lot of recycled paper. It's an efficient business, NOT like a bunch of humanoid termites swarming a forest and turning it into mud.

Seriously, it's a true *RENEWABLE* resource. We don't lose 8 billion trees. In fact, I'm pretty sure we're GAINING trees, because of re-planting and putting out forest fires, etc..