Catch up on stories from the past week (and beyond) at the Slashdot story archive

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror
×
Editorial

Submission + - EA Exec says games "boring and hard" (wsj.com)

GamerJar writes: "The WSJ Online reports:

In his first in-depth comments since taking the job in April, John Riccitiello says he worries that the Redwood City, Calif., company and others in the industry make too many games that lack innovation. He says EA and others need both to push more aggressively beyond traditional audiences to court "casual" consumers and to experiment more with new sales approaches — outside the norm of selling $50 to $60 discs with 40-hour games that he says few players ever finish.

"We're boring people to death and making games that are harder and harder to play," Mr. Riccitiello said in an interview.
"

Software

Submission + - Samba to Go GPLv3 (samba.org)

jon_anderson_ca writes: The verdict is in: Samba will be going with the GPLv3 for versions 3.2 and on:

After internal consideration in the Samba Team we have decided to adopt the GPLv3 and LGPLv3 licences for all future releases of Samba.
...

To allow people to distinguish which Samba version is released with the new GPLv3 license, we are updating our next version release number. The next planned version release was to be 3.0.26, this will now be renumbered so the GPLv3 version release will be 3.2.0.


Since the GPLv3 was crafted to torpedo deals like the one Microsoft struck with Novell, what's going to happen to "working together on interoperability", of which Samba is an important part?

Businesses

Submission + - AMD officially cuts prices, Intel likely to follow

Penguinisto writes: Well, here it comes, as we hear AMD cry "Havok!" and let slip the pricetags of war". From the article: "the price cuts mean that all of the company's dual-core Athlon 64 X2 processors will be priced at less than $200, with the top-end Athlon 64 X2 6000+ now selling for $178. The two low-end models in AMD's dual-core line, the Athlon X2 3600+ and 3800+, have been dropped, making the Athlon X2 4000+ the new entry-level dual-core model at $73." Coupled with impending Intel price slashing, do we sit around and wait for the prices to get real good, or upgrade the older beasties among our collections this summer?
Windows

Submission + - Jeremy Allison: Samba team to adopt GPLv3 (techtarget.com) 1

OSS_ilation writes: A letter from Samba contributor Jeremy Allison confirmed today that the Samba Team has decided to adopt the GPLv3 and LGPLv3 licenses for all future releases of Samba. "To allow people to distinguish which Samba version is released with the new GPLv3 license, we are updating our next version release number," Allison said. Patent covenant deals done after March 28, 2007, are explicitly incompatible with the license if they are "discriminatory" under section 11 of the GPLv3. Samba distributors who have made such patent covenant agreements after that date will not have the right to distribute any version of Samba covered by the GPLv3 (Samba 3.2 or later). The rights of vendors to ship 3.0.25b and previous versions is unchanged and remains as it was under the GPLv2. Consult legal advice if you are in doubt.
Announcements

Submission + - Samba Adopts GPLv3 for Future Releases (samba.org)

Jeremy Allison - Sam writes: "Samba adopts GPLv3 for future releases.


After internal consideration in the Samba Team we have decided to adopt the
GPLv3 and LGPLv3 licences for all future releases of Samba.

The GPLv3 is the updated version of the GPLv2 license under which Samba is
currently distributed. It has been updated to improve compatibility with other
licenses and to make it easier to adopt internationally, and is an improved
version of the license to better suit the needs of Free Software in the 21st
Century.

To allow people to distinguish which Samba version is released with the new
GPLv3 license, we are updating our next version release number. The next planned
version release was to be 3.0.26, this will now be renumbered so the GPLv3
version release will be 3.2.0.

To be clear, all versions of Samba numbered 3.2 and later will be under the
GPLv3, all versions of Samba numbered 3.0.x and before remain under the GPLv2.

The Samba Team would like to thank Richard Stallman, Eben Moglen and the Free
Software Foundation for updating the GPL license, and also all the individuals
and corporations involved in helping to create the GPLv3. We feel this is an
important change to help promote the interests of Samba and other Free Software.

The Samba Team.

http://samba.org/
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html
http://news.samba.org/announcements/samba_gplv3

FAQ:

What about code submissions ? Does anything change ?
-

New code contributions will be accepted in exactly the same way as before. As
Samba has always accepted code with the "or (at your option) any later version"
of the GPL, contributors do not need to change anything about their submissions.

I need to ship 3.0.x for several years as part of a
service contract. What about old versions ?
- -

As with previous major version changes, the Team will continue to provide
security fixes for 3.0.25b releases for as long as this code base is widely
used. All new features will only be developed for the new 3.2.x or later GPLv3
versions however.

Help ! I've read scary things about the anti-DRM,
language in GPLv3 ? What does this mean for my Samba-based
products ?
-

We're not aware of any vendor distributing Samba in such a way that would cause
them to fall foul of the new DRM language in the GPLv3, but as always, consult
legal advice if you have doubts.

I am the author of a GPLv2 licensed program, can I still use the samba
libraries?
-

The Samba Team releases libraries under two licenses: the GPLv3 and the LGPLv3.
If your code is released under a "GPLv2 or later" license, it is compatible with
both the GPLv3 and the LGPLv3 licensed Samba code.

If your code is released under a "GPLv2 only" license, it is not compatible with
the Samba libraries released under the GPLv3 or LGPLv3 as the wording of the
"GPLv2 only" license prevents mixing with other licenses. If you wish to use
libraries released under the LGPLv3 with your "GPLv2 only" code then you will
need to modify the license on your code.

What about patent covenant agreements ? How do they
affect the distribution of Samba ?
- -

Patent covenant deals done after 28 March 2007 are explicitly incompatible with
the license if they are "discriminatory" under section 11 of the GPLv3. Samba
distributors who have made such patent covenant agreements after that date will
not have the right to distribute any version of Samba covered by the GPLv3
(Samba 3.2 or later). The rights of vendors to ship 3.0.25b and previous
versions is unchanged and remains as it was under the GPLv2. Consult legal
advice if you are in doubt."

Networking

Submission + - 802.11 hidden node solution

bpc123 writes: APconnections today announced that the capabilities of its AirEqualizer power-over-Ethernet wireless access point (AP) are expanding. The AirEqualizer now not only effectively controls network congestion and eliminates AP brownouts and lockups, but also serves as a proven 802.11 network hidden node solution. With the advent of this technology, AirEqualizer users worldwide have seen the near instantaneous drop in problems associated with hidden nodes, leading to significant improvements in QoS and customer satisfaction. "As we began to grow our client base, we discovered hidden node collisions were causing customer slowdowns. The more customers we put on, the more complaints we received," said Chris McKay, director of British Columbia's Airspeed Wireless. "Once the AirEqualizer was setup and configured to run optimally on our busiest site, the complaints immediately dropped off. We now have over 20 AirEqualizers in place at all of our WIPOP's and very rarely get calls from upset customers. We give the AirEqualizer three thumbs up. It has saved our business and our sanity!" Through the equalizing technology found in APconnections' NetEqualizer bandwidth shaping products, AirEqualizer allows organizations to control network congestion at the AP. This ensures high-quality connectivity for voice over IP (VoIP) and other priority users, thereby dramatically reducing help desk and service calls, without the need for any manual tuning. "We run a VoIP service over our wireless data network in Gunnison, Colorado and can't afford to have customers with lower powered radio signals get crowded out of the RF spectrum," said Jason Swenson, president of Internet Colorado. "With the unique QoS provided by the AirEqualizer, we have been blessed with the ability to run our network using less expensive 802.11-based equipment while maintaining first rate QoS." In addition to the equalizing technology, AirEqualizer comes with standard commercial AP features, including authentication, billing, re-direction, routing, and firewall protection.
Encryption

Submission + - DRM Guru: New BluRay Won't Be Cracked For 10 Years (avsforum.com)

Mike writes: "Supposedly the latest issue of HMM contains a quote from Richard Doherty, a Media analyst with Envisioneering Group which claims that "BD+, unlike AACS, which suffered a partial hack last year, won't likely be breached for 10 years." Doherty also said, "and if so, the damage would affect one film and one player." Will the BD+ format really be impervious to hackers for a decade? I've got ten bucks that says it won't. Any takers?"
The Almighty Buck

Submission + - How I made $20,000 Wearing A Tattoo on YouTube (blogspot.com)

tencerpr writes: "How I made $20,000 wearing a henna tattoo on YouTube, and how teens were duped into getting real tattoo's. Also the origin of Britney Spears mental breakdown. This is what caused Britney to shave her head. Also Angelina Jolie never gives up a press opportunity, even for a new tattoo."
Input Devices

Submission + - No More Clogged Toilets! High Tech Toilet Seat. 1

1mck writes: I had a good snicker when choosing the Section, and Topic for this! It is an "Input Device" I guess? Whenever I use my "facilities," I'm always armed with the toilet bowl plunger to ensure that everything goes down where it should, and I have a saying, "Don't turn your back on a flushing toilet." This is the way of life for me in my home, but when I saw what this toilet seat does, and the technology that has gone into it, to stop this daily war of mine, I'm frantic to get one! I'm not affiliated with the company or anything, but you have to admit the WOW, and FINALLY factors are there! (No more cold toilet seats, and the never ending wiping sessions will be wiped out;-) http://www.washlet.com/
Businesses

Submission + - Online house sale site boycotted by estate agents

An anonymous reader writes: The old world has always been sceptical about the Internet, and slow to realise its power. In England, estate agents are furious at supermarket Tesco (who are the country's biggest retailer) for launching an online property sale website that lets house sellers sell direct to house hunters rather than use their own (expensive) services. They have ganged up on Tesco's listings partner and made them cancel the listings contract as they are terrified over consumers exercising choice and selling direct to house hunters.
GUI

Submission + - HCI blogger discusses the widspread misuse of mice

An anonymous reader writes: Recently launched blog "The New Interface Advocate," has an entry about how mice are being applied to situations they are intrinsically poorly suited for. It also has an interesting proposal for how to keep most of the current paradigm of GUIs and still take advantage of the other control devices, such as the keyboard.
Communications

Submission + - Open Source Linux Phone Released (openmoko.com) 1

andyfrommk writes: "The worlds first truly open phone has been released. the Neo 1973 has been designed for the open source hacker.
From the website

The Neo 1973 boasts the following hardware specifications

* 2.8" VGA TFT color display
* Touchscreen, usable with stylus or fingers
* 266HZ Samsung System on a Chip (SOC)
* USB 1.1, switchable between Client and Host (unpowered)
* Integrated AGPS
* 2.5G GSM — quad band, voice, CSD, GPRS
* Bluetooth 2.0
* Micro SD slot
* High Quality audio codec
"

Slashdot Top Deals

Reference the NULL within NULL, it is the gateway to all wizardry.

Working...