Cyclops - Slashdot User

Submission + - Rodriguez slaughters Open XML

Submitted by

Elektroschock

on Saturday August 25, 2007 @02:42PM

Elektroschock writes: "Stephane Rodriguez, a reengineering specialist who became popular for his article on MS-Office 2007 binary data, slaughters Microsoft's new Open XML format. With small case studies he demonstrates the disadvantages for third party developers. His conclusion: It is 'defective by design'. Next week members of the International Standard Organisation are likely to approve the format as a second official ISO standard for office documents. However, most nations submitted comments. Rodriguez claims to be "not affiliated to any pro-MS or anti-MS party/org/ass"."

Submission + - Did Microsoft Buy Netcraft? (linuxjournal.com)

Submitted by

jeevesbond

on Saturday August 25, 2007 @01:57AM

jeevesbond writes: "Linux Journal has a story noting the discrepancies between the Web server surveys from Netcraft and Security Space.

While Netcraft says Apache represents 51% market share and rapidly shrinking, Security Space puts Apache at 74% and growing! Netcraft says Microsoft IIS has 34% market share and is rapidly growing, Security Space pegs Microsoft IIS at 20% market share, as it continues to shrink.
"

Submission + - Two standards - more choice, or less?

Submitted by

pieterh

on Wednesday June 27, 2007 @07:40AM

pieterh writes: "There's a fierce argument raging about whether the world needs a single document standard (ISO26300), or two. On the one hand, advocates of Microsoft's 'Office Open XML' (aka OOXML) format say that two standards means more choice for consumers. On the other hand, groups like the FFII argue that two standards for documents is not really about consumer choice, and more about maintaining Microsoft's office monopoly. There has also been harsh criticism of Microsoft's format, a petition that has raised 10,000 signatures in a week, and the promise of a cash prize in the fight against OOXML."

Submission + - isoHunt back up

Submitted by

RandomLinguist

on Monday January 22, 2007 @03:34AM

RandomLinguist writes: "After an extended downtime and a move to Canada, isoHunt is back online and functional. They were cut off by their ISP on the 17th unexpectedly, likely due to **IA fears."

Submission + - Linus on why the kernel is "special"

Submitted by daria42 on Monday January 22, 2007 @12:07AM

daria42 writes: In this one minute video, Linus explains why the Linux kernel is "special". "I have always felt that the thing that makes the kernel special is it never does anything on its own ... It has no agenda. It is at the mercy of all the "real" programs that actually do something for the user," he says. "I try to see what are the issues that users have with programs and what are things that we in the kernel can help them do better," he said.

Why the iPhone Keynote Was A Mistake 507

Posted by Zonk on Sunday January 21, 2007 @06:44PM from the should-have-worn-a-hat dept.

jcatcw writes "Mike Elgan at Computerworld lists six reasons why it was a mistake to make the iPhone keynote at Macworld. He argues that extremely high expectations can only lead to disappointment for consumers and investors. The focus on the phone during the keynote also took away from the Apple TV announcement, put iPod sales at risk, gave competitors a head start, and (perhaps worst of all) ruined the company's talks with Cisco over the iPhone name. From the article: 'The iPhone, despite its many media-oriented virtues and its sweet design, will do far less than most existing smart phones. The problem Apple now faces because of Jobs' premature detail-oriented announcement is that of dashed expectations. When customers expect more and don't get it, they become dissatisfied.'"

Submission + - UN Univ. Report Confirms Open Source Superior

Submitted by

Edoko

on Sunday January 21, 2007 @02:39PM

Edoko writes: "Open source software is a viable, and economic alternative to Microsoft, according to a report published by United Nations University."

The report is here: http://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/pb/unu_pb_20 06_01.pdf

Among the many recommendations is that "All Member States and other stakeholders should have the right to access public information made available in electronic format by the organizations and no one should be obliged to acquire a particular type of software in order to exercise such a right"

Also: "The Secretary- General should take the necessary measures to establish a data repository of UNESCO Free & Open Source Software Portal"

A summary is reported by the BBC here: http://http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/627065 7.stm"

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