I've used AMD hardware for years for the main reason that sockets don't change often. On my old system I upgraded through 4 different CPUs while still using the same motherboard up to the 6 core I run now. About a year ago I replaced everything except the CPU and video card, with the intent of upgrading the CPU when the next gen AMDs come out. I run multiple systems and have upgraded just the CPU or just the motherboard on several over the years. I was seriously considering moving to Intel when I get a new system since AMD is having a hard time of keeping their performance in-line with Intel. I can tell you I definitely won't be doing that now. I spend thousands on computer gear every year and at least for the time being it will continue to go towards CPUs, GPUs, and Chipsets made by AMD.

Any MMO that explores a genre that isn't heavily saturated in the market is a very good thing. Do you really want another fantasy MMO. Eve is great but we really don't need another game like it. It has it's niche and serves that niche very well. Gamers should be rejoicing that there is something new in a genre that hasn't seen a decent online game in years. It may suck it may not, but at least it's not another WoW clone. Is balancing the game around PvP a good thing? There isn't a single person on slashdot that knows for sure if it will be a boon or a bust. I just don't understand why JGE seems to get so maligned. If this was a fantasy MMO that was announcing it was being balanced towards PvP slashdot would probably be rejoicing.

I completely agree. If your a full linux shop and money for server software is an issue than OpenLDAP or something similar may be a good solution. However, with windows clients in the mix you should definitely stick with AD. Just about anything will interface with AD in some manner. Also there is far far greater support for AD then your going to find with any of the other directory services out there right now.

Wow, I never thought that I'd be able to save my porn collection for my descendants.

I've recently been taking a management class that uses Re-Imagine! by Tom Peters as the text book. There are so many things talked about in the book that parallel the problems that companies like Sony are having right now. The large companies and their dominance in some industries is failing. This is in large part due to their lack of ability to adapt to a new global market place and the new technology. The Internet has completely changed the face of how most companies do business. Those who aren't willing or able to throw off the old completely and risk everything for the new will be pushed to the wayside. The movie and music companies are learning this the hard way and it's showing. There complete lack of focus on developing new money streams and new innovative ways to deliver content to their customers is driving customers away in droves. Think of where online entertainment could be right now if they had chosen a different path? What would of happened if they had embraced the Internet early on instead of these RIAA and MPAA chest beating?

Sony's attitude is just a symptom of what is effecting much of big business throughout the world. They are too afraid to take the risk needed to stay the top of their respective industries. Sony should be embracing the Internet and see it as a great opportunity to grow their business and provide an outstanding service and product to its customers. Instead they see it a roadblock. Something they need to control or hamper so they can continue to do business as they see fit instead of in the manner their customers demand. -Seranfall