Ok, maybe you are technically savvy enough to install/configure software yourself...but most users aren't. Good luck to them getting Adobe to understand their environment beyond "format and call us back" when something goes wrong and the thing won't install.

IBM did something similar years ago (circa 2003) when they opened IBM branded stores (they demanded customer lists from authorized resellers, who had to fork them over to keep their authorized status)...IBM sold directly to the public and all the customers of resellers, in effect eliminating the reseller channel. What happened? Resellers boycotted, and IBM did a quick about-face due to a massive drop in sales when they realized that they weren't selling as much new stuff and spare parts (people call their computer guy when stuff goes sideways, and this is a pretty big segment), and had very crappy expertise in the field and when handling the public. Major manufacturers reeeaaallly want the margins on retail sales, but they also reeeeaaally don't want to deal with the public (with exception of Apple). Ever had to deal with a major manufacturer before? I have. It sucks. It's SO depressing knowing that I'm basically on my own. Most do whatever they can to spend $0 on support and disclaim responsibility (even though selling direct gives them the margin to pay for this support. Assholes). There's a reason why we have retail centres...these places are populated with the people that can best handle the (local) population. We need them.

Good luck Adobe, but I predict they will try it, fail, and go back to the "buy it" or "rent it" choice.

No, no, that's the name of the OS.

CentOS 5.0 release: April 2007
CentOS 6.0 release: July 2012
CentOS 5.9 release: January 2013...wait, what?

Did I miss something?

At least they're not cutting off update support for an older version...that's kinda nice to see...I don't think many people were waiting on the edge of their seat for it though...

(I use CentOS exclusively on my hosting servers/as guest OSes and think it's great)

WRONG. GOD DAMN WRONG. YOU are the reason the government has been able to incrementally erode our natural born rights. Let me ask you something. If the government decides you have to report your whereabouts every day, or else you go to jail, I bet you'll do that too, right? No questions asked, "I'ma lay on my back for the greater good because I was told to"...

You are a shill of the -worst type-. Worst motherfuckin type! Read a history book, like, ever? Look up, yes, the Nazi takeover in Germany. The communist takeover in Russia, China, East Europe...that is a motherfuckin terrible way to live...under the boot of one guy who is simply obeyed because...what...he "has the right"? Ok, so let's say the government says that the constitution doesn't apply to you...or certain people anymore...then what?

Oh...they already did that... Give yourself a round of applause...go ahead...thank yourself for it. You deserve the praise. Don't be shy.

And the funny thing is that you won't save your loved ones...or even yourself...it's the motherfuckin "teabaggers"...the libertarians...the guys and girls that stand up for motherfuckin LIBERTY that are fighting for YOUR motherfucking rights, too. Fighting so you have a right to be a douche all day long.

Aren't they mostly mutually inclusive?

The people that are on usenet should be savvy enough to a) have already heard of BitCoin, and b) know how to use it.

I can't believe that 90% of their users are newbz.

Let me guess, all of your cats are fat.

Seriously, this is a revelation? Not to mention the only person "angered" was some douchey MP that likely has investments in social networks and online advertisers. Why else would she promote using real information? She (Goodman) is actually claiming that using false information promotes crime. Gawd.

Anyway, I was intelligent enough to refuse to provide real personal information to BBSes (all local public network for the neophytes out there...never mind the Internet...a global public network) since I started online in the early 1990's...and I was very young (under 13). If someone provides enough information to a social site to permit a theft of identity...they deserve it.

Perpetual naivete is ignorance, and widespread ignorance is social decay (how ironic)...for which I have little sympathy.

Sometimes one simply can't cast a vote with one's wallet. How many dollars did you choose not to spend on Halliburton's supply of rotten food to the troops?

This is the problem with government. It is forcing an agenda upon us. THAT is what lobbying is all about, and what the constitution is supposed to protect us against. When 'we the people' don't get a chance to provide input on a decision in ballot or wallet form.

Holy shit! You had the opportunity to engineer a motor that ran on spiced ham, and you...hold on a second, someone's sayin' something to me...

Ohhh, nevermind.

Clearly you've made up your mind based on something someone told you at a very young age. No amount of discussion is going to budge your pro-vax mentality, but stop for a moment. 30 years ago I would have believed that vaccination was a little bit more about public health than what it is today. You do know that the authorities want to administer Gardasil to boys, right? The flu shot contains mercury (it's good for your baby, "they" say)? They are also recommending lithium be added to drinking water, as well.

Don't be afraid to re-evaluate your beliefs from time to time. Culture, attitudes, environment...life...changes, and so should you.

Why? Everything he/she said is true. Just because you don't believe it or believe that it doesn't happen "to anyone" does not make the OP crazy or an idiot. The OP is informed and is attempting to share knowledge. I don't understand why you (or anyone else) wouldn't appreciate that enough at least to refrain from disrespecting him/her. Obviously you don't have a clue as to how espionage works, or the fact that it even occurs on a daily basis. You'd likely be similarly in disbelieve to hear the monolithic amount of information China has collected on every aspect of North American life.

So who lost on that deal, exactly? That wasn't childish, that was tactical.

+1

People are getting what they deserve...too bad I'm getting what they deserve too.

Where do you think the "suspicious files" come from?

I don't think you have a full appreciation for the situation. If the attacker believes/knows that the victims are armed, it's reasonable to believe that the attacker will choose not to attack due to the fact that the attack could be answered by his/her own death. Most attackers know that most populations are unarmed, therefore an attack can be executed with relative impunity.

I'm willing to bet (just because I don't have any links to proof) that home invasions in the deep south either a) don't happen, or b) result in the invader's death and that the same in 'anti-arms' areas results in the opposite.

There was a mass shooting at a community barbecue in Toronto this passed weekend. 2 people killed, 23+ people shot/injured. If, say, 3 of the 50+ (could have been 100+) people that were present were lawfully armed (it's illegal for non-LEOs to carry in Canada), I believe the death toll and number injured would have been much lower...if the incident would have happened at all.

If the number of armed 'victims' out numbers the attackers, there's little chance of success. No one ever robbed a gun show or a police station.