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Comment Re:Not more safe (Score 1) 611

So how often do you download a package from somewhere, unpack it, and go line by line through the source to make sure it's safe before installing it on your box? Probably not very often, because that would be a huge pain and even most Linux users won't be able to understand the code well enough to make a good judgment. On a server box, you'll likely stick to production repositories direct from your vendor, so the risk of malware is low, but I'm sure most people have downloaded packages from third parties for their desktop systems and run them without being absolutely sure they were safe. With Linux, you can get away with this because none of the malware writers care enough about Linux to port their software to it, but they certainly would if it gained significant market share.
Games

Review Scores the "Least Important Factor" When Buying Games 169

A recent report from a games industry analyst suggests that among a number of factors leading to the purchase of a video game — such as price, graphics and word of mouth — the game's aggregated review score is the least important measure. Analyst Doug Creutz said, "We believe that while Metacritic scores may be correlated to game quality and word of mouth, and thus somewhat predictive of title performance, they are unlikely in and of themselves to drive or undermine the success of a game. We note this, in part, because of persistent rumors that some game developers have been jawboning game reviewers into giving their games higher critical review scores. We believe the publishers are better served by spending their time on the development process than by 'grade-grubbing' after the fact."
Education

Computer Games and Traditional CS Courses 173

drroman22 writes "Schools are working to put real-world relevance into computer science education by integrating video game development into traditional CS courses. Quoting: 'Many CS educators recognized and took advantage of younger generations' familiarity and interests for computer video games and integrate related contents into their introductory programming courses. Because these are the first courses students encounter, they build excitement and enthusiasm for our discipline. ... Much of this work reported resounding successes with drastically increased enrollments and student successes. Based on these results, it is well recognized that integrating computer gaming into CS1 and CS2 (CS1/2) courses, the first programming courses students encounter, is a promising strategy for recruiting and retaining potential students." While a focus on games may help stir interest, it seems as though game development studios are as yet unimpressed by most game-related college courses. To those who have taken such courses or considered hiring those who have: what has your experience been?

Comment Re:Where's the... (Score 1) 507

That would be all well and good if the application of law was actually clearly dictated to solve a problem.

However, if you've ever watched a court case involving a victim (or a victim's family), especially one with a jury and ESPECIALLY one involving the media, the closing statement is always hinged on "help the victim feel that justice was done". And inevitably, the jury decision hinges strongly on the victim (and family) on the stand, crying about how they won't ever feel whole until this crazy man is locked up forever.

On the macro and philosophical level the justice system may be about solving a problem, but on the micro psychological level, it's about revenge and retribution.

While I don't necessarily disagree with you, I just want to make sure you understand that when you consider both sides.

Comment Not for me... (Score 4, Informative) 467

It's never been an issue for me, and out of my approximately 15 years in IT, I've spent about 10 of them working for gaming or wagering companies. If anything, gaming or wagering companies seem to prefer people with experience in that industry, so in effect you are probably creating more opportunities for yourself down the track rather than less.

Oh, and if you're getting into a highly regulated area such as slots or table games, you'll find that you'll have no choice but to gain skills in careful attention to detail in areas like version control, configuration management, hardware control, and security. That sort of rigour in those important things will serve you well no matter what your next role.
Input Devices

The Mice That Didn't Make It 202

Harry writes "For every blockbuster of the mouse world (such as Microsoft and Logitech's big sellers) there have been countless mice that flopped, or never made it to market. Mice shaped like pyramids; mice shaped like Mickey; mice that doubled as numeric keypads or phones. Even one that sat on your steering wheel. I've rounded up some evocative patent drawings on twenty notable examples."
Quickies

Submission + - Photo. Experts Say 'Stop Deleting!'

Ant writes: "This ABC News story says that look through any old photo album and you'll find them: wonderfully terrible family photos./photographs — the crying baby, the poorly lighted shot, the out-of-focus family, the off-center portrait. But digital cameras are changing all that, and some say family photography is becoming a lost art... Seen on Blue's News."
Power

Submission + - Which rechargeable batteries?

kramer2718 writes: "I go through a lot of batteries in my digital camera, remote controls, etc. I'd like to go to the rechargeable route for the environment and for my pocketbook, but I don't know which rechargeable batteries are the best. Can the Slashdot readers out there give me some advice about which brand and types of batteries work well?"

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