They didn't do the experiment to find that out. They're only talking about what it's like (you even quoted it).

I understand you're being funny (and it's great you got +5 for it) but it also shows that you don't really know what their accreditation means. As a previous Telstra Dealer, I can tell you it's a little more complicated than that.

Before I left the dealership I was working for, Telstra had instroduced a new system that aimed to correct gaps in knowledge people often found when talking to multiple people and to ensure correct information was given. The result is a website where all staff and dealers need to complete training scenarios to receive accreditation for the course they are undertaking. Whether that be ISDN, Satellite, Next G, home or business phone lines, retail practices, workplace health and safety, how-to's on using certain system software and interfaces (like connecting phone and mobile services, applying for relocations, etc), or legal requirements.

While it's a terrible Java app, it does serve its purpose which is to educate. For example, all dealers needed to complete their Next G accreditation by April of 2008 (to coincide with the CDMA shutdown) to make sure they have the appropriate knowledge of the network and its capabilities, the handsets, and what they need to tell the customer. Aside from the cheesy scenarios and crappy Java app, it was very thorough and provided a good unified platform for most training needs.

It's not a command prompt, it's a search field (directly in the start menu, no less). I'm reasonably sure you can't fuck up a system using a search field like you can with a command prompt...

Packages. Not programs.

You know you can activate Windows on the internet now? All it takes is to click "Activate Windows..."

I've had to call Microsoft once regarding my legit key for XP x64. It took me 3min to use the phone menus, punch in the code that Windows gave me and type in the code that MS gave me. Simple and I would say it's one of the least stressful actions I've had with computers...

Why did you choose to install those program first? Methinks you're installing those just to avoid installing an anti-virus. If it's a clean install of Windows you already know there's no spyware so the scanners are pointless. The first programs I install are Firefox and NOD32. Always. This does not take more than 5min (hell, my anti-virus doesn't even need to restart after installation anymore).

But 42 is 6 x 7...

What counts as a "substantial portion?" 33%? >50%?
I may be able to seed an entire file but I can still get 1:1 ratio by only sending a certain block of data, which could be as little as 10% of the entirety. This is akin to the previously mentioned book analogy. Handing out a single letter (even groups of 3 or 4 letters) doesn't infringe on a full book and can in no way be considered a "substantial portion."

Correct, the original batch was around 30%, but they're impossible to buy now so the figure is out-of-date.

Hosestly, I don't know if anyone has actually bothered looking for the real failure rate rather than jumping on the /. Bash Microsoft Bandwagon. What do you suppose it is? /. would probably have you believe it's anywhere upwards of 30 or 40%. If you went to the retailers they'd tell you it's between 15 and 20%. Which is still bloody high, but 1 in 6? I like those odds. Especially when they now have a 3 fucking year warranty. (see I can emphasize phrases with cuss words too!)

Call me a fanboi if you must, I have yet to see a problem. I've bought two Xbox 360 consoles - one original from 2007, the other from 2008. Neither one has ever RROD, crashed, over-heated, read error, scratched disc, or E74'd.

Certain mods like Auctioneer (which does an AH scan) or Outfitter (which changes entire sets of gear with a single click) are definitely communicating with the server. How else would they function?

I don't know where you're getting this from but it's been said that while the original Xbox may have its roots in Windows 2000, it's now so heavily stripped and altered that it is its own OS. Likewise, the 360 is again a complete custom rebuild of the OS and is also independent.

I realise you were just being facetious, but I really would argue that Lara Croft's breasts don't significantly change her appeal. As a testosterone-fuelled male approaching the Average Gamer Age I enjoy the Lara Croft character for her strength, beauty and personality. This might sound cliché or downright cheesy and I don't pretend that I stand for the rest of the gaming population, but if one person buys Tomb Raider for the interesting locations, intricate puzzles, engaging story, and to waste time in front of a screen for many hours then I would assume I'm not alone.

I also happen to enjoy boobs, so I count it as a bonus.

I agree. Since this is all firmly in the Rumour Camp there's no evidence of what content was actually removed. What's to say the content was not blatantly infringing on copyrighted material? Let's say the user was providing links to torrents or explaining how/where to obtain illegal copies of music/movies. Who's right in that case? Is Google necessarily "evil" for protecting it's own arse and enforcing the studios and artists legal rights?

Certainly proper attrition is required but if they can remove content why not contact the user to either remove the post entirely (the issue of The Mysterious Disappearing Post is resolved) or simply add a byline within the post something to the effect of "** Some content reproduced here is (c) Example Studio and is not affiliated with the user in any way **" (another legally gray area but more clearly defined than no attrition at all)

Did anyone else happen to notice that the organisation's initials is an anagram for PITA?

Coincidence? I think not!