The quality of the code is a function of its cost, too.

For example, the code written for NASA hardware (i.e.: space shuttles), have more documentation than the size of the hardware itself (so, we're looking at a large pile of documents next to the shuttle). It's tested for years, it only works on tested CPUs (i.e.: 20 years old proven 8086s), and the actual "waterfall" method (which is generally a disaster for any other project) is properly applied.

That total brings the cost of each source code line to average $1000. (Same for medical appliances, etc).

The cost of a commercial off the shelf software is much (much much) less than $100.

But, even under such strict control, we had to debug the Mars rovers due to unforeseen bugs during their initial flight.

Anybody here on Slashdot can do the math, and fill in the gaps to calculate the future price of games (for a reference they are $60/unit now).

Definitely agree on Windows Media Center.

With my multiple HDTV tuners, excellent remote, Netflix, and Hulu plugins, and also Internet TV, it's basically irreplaceable. I'm not even mentioning you can stream to multiple Xbox'es on your house over the network... Oops, I mentioned that :)

The parent is a really insightful comment on Slashdot!

Given advertisement being the main cash income for online service, how could MS be doing nothing at all?

John Carmack specifically told he did not want to be like Epic. They had (relatively) huge success with Quake 3 engine sales, however he had to spend lots of time for technical support of engine licensees, while he could've spend those times on this on games.

Please look at this:
http://kotaku.com/5339057/john-carmack-ok-with-id-not-becoming-an-epic-or-valve

Wow, we have an extreme case here. I persoanlly do not have any interest in Disney, except for Pixar movies. Even if I did, I'd probably make use of libraries/blockbuster/netflix.

It goes on to the first thing I said. If I have money, and want to play this game (i.e.: it's worth my time), I believe the designer should be compensated for it.

If it's too expensive (like $60 games), I can etiher wait a year, where it becomes $20, or rent it for $10, or buy / resell on eBay (which'll cost around $15).

If it's still feels too expensive, we go back to the beginning: it's not worth my time.

Same here. There is absolutely no reason to pirate if you can pay for it.

And if I don't want to pay for something, it's either not worth it - That also means, it's not worth my time either.

Or... It's too expensive for the purpose. Then I try to find an open source / trial alternative, or get it through my university.

This has worked for me for long time now.

Mod this one (parent) up.

Whoever sent the facebook photo, either is doing something *very* wrong, or found a bug. MS does not sell DRM'ed music via Zune Marketplace. And it does not delete your music, unless yo request it. The only DRM is in subscription, which is fine.

Defense does not necessarily need to be incompetent. As long as the accuser can demonstrate that the patent applies, defense has no choice, until the patent used itself is invalidated, which is not easy. (Remember that one-click shopping patent of Amazon).

I've only seen one recent case of Microsoft using patents against competition (FAT vs TomTom). However, every year they have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to unknown companies. Especially the Eolas case was ridiculous, and those money, unfortunately, goes from our wallets, as the MS tax, when we purchase a new Dell system.

The main point is, automated Google translation from Turkish is nowhere is good, and any respectable news source (i.e: slashdot) should not refer to it, unless they want to look funny.

As someone mentioned above: "they set us the bomb". But given the context of the article, probably "all your base are belong to us".

Thanks for you mature comment. I hope by writing this, and listening to music on my computer I don't become a hypocrite.

Well, actually I don't think so :)