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Comment Re:How Much Would What Cost? (Score 4, Insightful) 383

I mean, every version control system I've used in the past ten years has been free

Cost is not always measured solely in software costs. You typically need servers to support the software and last time I checked they cost money. Also, employee time is not free for setup of the repository, for training and for documentation of the process.

I love SVN for version control, but it is never free. It's just less expensive than other software alternatives.

Comment Re:LibreOffice (Score 1) 297

There are so many integrations built on top of the Microsoft stack. Many users I know have 3-4 additional toolbars in Outlook and Excel that handle all sorts of different tasks. Some in excel will pull data automatically from the accounting system and massage the data to generate the report with a click of the button from a user. In outlook there are integrations with salesforce, CRM, and document management systems.

There are also a myriad of macro enabled spreadsheets that are constantly being updated and have been working just fine for a company for years. They are not going to take the time to try out a new office suite to see if they can save a relatively small sum of money. Most editions of MS Office for a user cost less than what they pay that typical office worker in a single 8 hour day.

I know Libre Office has made strides to be more compatible with the MS file formats, which is great. However, they will not be able to make much market penetration until they can offer 100% compatibility with all features of MS office. At the end of the day, people want things that just work. They have no ideology about free or open source software and most don't have any hatred towards Microsoft.

Comment Re:Lets play 'Pass The Blame!....' (Score 3, Informative) 152

not unless configured by a really clueless person

I think that is what was being implied by the summary. When I read it, I didn't assume that that was how PHPmyadmin came out of the box. They probably should have used better wording like "nd this application was configured to allow database access without a password", to ensure they got the correct point across.

Comment Re:Keyboard is too small (Score 1) 627

Surely if you connect a keyboard to a tablet device you just destroyed the entire point of having a tablet. What you want is a lightweight laptop or netbook instead.

Not entirely. I find it beneficial to take notes on the tablet with a stylus for things that don't type out well (workflow diagrams, server layouts) but I like having the option of typing when I want to describe the diagram I just drew.

Comment Keyboard is too small (Score 1) 627

The thing I don't like about the Zagg keyboards is that they are just a tad too small. I understand that they are trying to fit the form factor of the iPad for creating a nice looking and natural feeling case. So I use the Zagg when I am on the go, but use a standard apple wireless keyboard when I am at my desk. I can't say I have completely switched over to the iPad for productivity apps, though, I prefer a much larger screen for my workspace.

Cellphones

Submission + - Class-Action Suits Against Carrier IQ Filed

adeelarshad82 writes: Not surprisingly, the Carrier IQ controversy has resulted in some legal action. Class-action lawsuits have been filed in California and Missouri that accuse Carrier IQ, as well as Samsung and HTC, of violating federal wiretap laws. The California case was filed on behalf of four smartphone users with HTC and Samsung devices and accuses the companies of violating the Federal Wiretap Act, which prohibits the unauthorized interception or illegal use of electronic communications, and California's Unfair Business Practice Act.
Games

Submission + - The Return of Flight Simulation Games (shacknews.com)

SharkLaser writes: Several years have passed without a single good flight simulator. However, Microsoft is now taking in beta applications to their upcoming Flight game, which will be released in summer 2012. On top of that, X-Plane 10 demo is now available for download from their site. Will this be the grand return of good old flight simulation games?
Android

Submission + - Serious New Android Privacy Leak Demonstrated

An anonymous reader writes: Security researchers have discovered a way to bypass an Android smartphone owner's permissions and access private data stored on their smartphone. A video demonstration illustrates that a black hat hacker can exploit these vulnerabilities to record phone calls, wipe out your phone, call or text premium rate numbers, and read your private messages and emails, all without your permission, of course.

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