The slightly different option is to default to only installing through the App store with an option for users to turn that off, perhaps in the Accounts section of System Preferences. This gives a compromise where people on Slashdot can use whatever method they want and naive users will be much more protected.

Remember that 99% of the users out there know very little about computers. They think a Computer Science degree or Computer Engineering degree means you "know how to fix computers." Kind of like an "electrical engineer" can come and wire your house or a "mechanical engineer" knows how to fix your car.

The question here is: how much do you protect users from their own naivety/stupidity/credulity (depending upon how you want to phrase it)?

I believe that in the long term, like it or not, the trend will be that the operating system will be closer to the walled garden approach for just this reason.

Or heaven forbid an extra bit of blood is drawn for the PSA test. Sure, PSA can be elevated due to other causes, but NO one has a prostatectomy or radiation without DREs, and biopsies to confirm cancer. And if the DRE finds something it is probably at a worse stage (e.g. metastasis) vs first detection due to an elevated PSA.

No one has "radical life altering procedures" without a positive diagnosis. DREs and PSA are safe and easy. Even the biopsies, while uncomfortable, are safe.

The medical establishment should OFFER the PSA and DRE beginning at 35 (40 at the latest). The American Cancer Society and government agencies advocating no PSAs until 50 is practically criminal.

Let each person decide for themselves, it is their life - let the Doctors bring it up.

Essentially they seem to be saying that if the odds are less than 1 in 1000 of finding something, don't do the test. Most things occur at less than 1 in 1000, but it makes a difference to that 1. Insane.

You asked:
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/babes/ :-)

It does not take into account 3rd party callers either. For example, I'm driving along and see a horrible accident right in front of me.

I call in, calmly describe the detached body part in the road, the 5 cars involved, and the blood on the pavement. Then compare it to the guy who lost the blood or the finger or whatever calling in completely hysterical.

Same situation, one person much calmer than the other. It is a common occurrence. Ditto friend vs spouse or parent or child.

Definitely cool technology, but assuming the article is accurate, not a good usage.

(I know the original was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but the power-hungry politicians will find ways to get around it):
The politicians will just try to (a) tax it to death (either the companies or the subscribers), (b) regulate it "in order to make sure it is free and non-discriminatory," or (c) have "voluntary" codes that ensure that access by children (and other protected classes) aren't shown "inappropriate content."

The power to tax is the power to destroy and the power to regulate is the power to control. You don't need to shut down the Internet to have control over it. You just have to be the ONE to define "inappropriate" or the ONE to decide what the "voluntary" codes are or the ONE to set the tax rates. Or give "tax breaks" to companies that comply with the "suggestions" - kind of like the Federal Highway funds used to be tied to speed limits.