Jeff Jones 's Techdirt Comments

Latest Comments (43) comment rss

  • On the post: Cuba Uses Linux To Stick It To The US

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 13 Feb, 2009 @ 08:06am

    Re: Re: If we're talking about current OS'

    I cannot express my utter befuddlement with your statement.

    *nix was indeed designed as a secure system.

    While it is true that the creation of exploits/virii/worms has target windows due to its popularity, that is not the entire picture. Windows exploits exist primarily due to the fact that the preferred operating model of the OS is inherently insecure. In a *nix environment you may need to be root to install an app, but except for certain system apps and for the launching of server processes, you need not be root to run them. However, on windows there are more apps than you can shake a stick at that require you to have admin privileges to run them. So what, you might say. Well, the problem lies in that this makes for a greater likelihood that the end user on a windows box is an admin. If that end user executes code, it runs with admin privileges. Due to these facts, there is a plethora of "workbenches" that can lead nearly anybody through a process to build a virus or trojan.

    And don't even get me started on the issues with ActiveX and implied security.

  • On the post: India's $10 Laptop Isn't A Laptop… And Nobody's Sure Exactly What It Is

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 05 Feb, 2009 @ 09:01am

    What it sounds like to me is a content cache device that would allow access of Internet content in locations where Internet access is not an option for one reason or another.

    Problem is that with so much of the internet being data driven, the flexibility is limited to sites whose content is static. Good for research or teaching material, if presented correctly.

  • On the post: Senate Delays Digital TV Transition; Will The Situation Be Any Different In June?

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 27 Jan, 2009 @ 07:28am

    Re:

    This is not Obama's doing. I have discussed this very issue 6 - 12 months ago with colleagues. We knew it would be pushed back, yet again.

  • On the post: Senate Delays Digital TV Transition; Will The Situation Be Any Different In June?

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 27 Jan, 2009 @ 07:01am

    Re: Re:

    Don't put us all in that basket.

  • On the post: Teens Face Child Porn Charges… For Taking Nude Photos Of Themselves

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 20 Jan, 2009 @ 07:48am

    Re: Re: Re:

    Interesting formula. Never heard this one.

    I like it.

    Starts looking at 23 year olds in a new light.

  • On the post: Teens Face Child Porn Charges… For Taking Nude Photos Of Themselves

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 20 Jan, 2009 @ 07:28am

    Re: Re: Re:

    Kids didn't do crap like this back in the 50s...

    That is true. Not because they were all saints though, just because the technology didn't exist. For me, in High School in the 80s, it was Polaroids.

    I abhor the thought of government coming in to "parent" our kids. They cannot even manage their own affairs. And to the chastity belts, I don't even know where to start with that.

  • On the post: Teens Face Child Porn Charges… For Taking Nude Photos Of Themselves

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 20 Jan, 2009 @ 07:19am

    Re: Re: As another thought

    I agree wholeheartedly.

    When I was in school, it was Polaroids rather than cell phone pics, but it still happened.

    As long as the person receiving/possessing the images is within the same immediate age range as the subject of the photos, where's the crime?

    At worst, I see a detention/suspension for inappropriate behavior on campus, but nothing more. Unless the parents choose to do so.

  • On the post: Teens Face Child Porn Charges… For Taking Nude Photos Of Themselves

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 20 Jan, 2009 @ 07:13am

    Re: Re: Re: Re: As another thought

    So, then it is totally acceptable for your employer to search through your cell phone, briefcase, etc. I think most would take exception to that. I know I would, and I work as a contractor to the DoE which has more stringent restrictions than private sector.

    While I agree with some of what has been said, I think that at times it goes too far and becomes detrimental.

  • On the post: Group Wants A National Ban On Yakking While Driving

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 13 Jan, 2009 @ 11:04am

    It is illegal here (WA)

    It doesn't stop it.

    I think a better solution is to make the act of talking on a phone while driving a multiplier to the penalty for the reckless driving that you should be pulled over for.

    If you are able to drive safely while on the phone, so be it. However, if you are not driving safely and are talking on the phone then triple the fine. We have similar penalty multipliers for speeding in a school one or construction zone.

    The problem is the burden of proof. It adds a level of "deniability" for the offender. Conduits need to be established for record checking in a timely manner in the case of a challenge to the charge.

    Unfortunately laws of this nature, "for public safety" have to be written to the lowest common denominator, which is getting lower all the time.

  • On the post: Where's That Line Between True Democracy And Mob Rule?

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 02 Jan, 2009 @ 02:05pm

    Re: Suggestion: Free Market Anarchism

    Change.gov is the correct site for the context of this article.

  • On the post: Breast-Feeding Photo Brouhaha Shows How Impossible It Is To Rate Websites

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 30 Dec, 2008 @ 01:16pm

    Re:

    This has nothing to do with flat-chested/fat broads rather it is with the hold over of a Victorian values era that needed to go by the wayside decades ago.

  • On the post: Digital TV Switchover Looking Like Massive Confusion-Generation Plan

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 23 Dec, 2008 @ 12:44pm

    Re:

    "...my tv's no longer show anything unless there is a cable box attached...

    This tells me that your TV does not have a digital tuner. I know mine does as I can, and have, used it without ther converter. However the old 21" TV I moved here with required the converter.

  • On the post: Latest Facebook App: You've Been Served!

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 16 Dec, 2008 @ 02:56pm

    Re:

    Absolutely.

  • On the post: New Zealand Hairdresser Gets Bill For Playing Music In Her Shop

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 09 Dec, 2008 @ 08:29am

    Re: Re: Buh?

    I agree.

    I think the caveat here is that customers are paying money for goods/services. The owner is profiting. The music is part of the experience and therefor a value add.

    I agree it is stupid. It is unfortunate to say the least.

  • On the post: How Dr. Seuss's Lawyers Ruined Christmas

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 25 Nov, 2008 @ 03:32pm

    Re: Re: Re: But it's perfectly fine to steal domains?

    Did not realize that Kentucky was a city?

    Guess I need to go back and retake Geography 11.0

  • On the post: Facebook Wins Nearly $1 Billion From Spammer Who Will Never Pay Up

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 25 Nov, 2008 @ 11:12am

    Re: Magic Mike Math

    He said "nearly $1 billion".

    When your up in that range, the 127 million is a small amount.

  • On the post: Bill Gates' New Career? Patent Troll For Nathan Myhrvold?

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 10 Nov, 2008 @ 09:30am

    Re: Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha

    That was my first thought.

  • On the post: Security Theater In Action

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 21 Oct, 2008 @ 04:16pm

    Re: Play the TSA Game

    That's the rub.

    It is not the items themselves. It is that other things can be concealed in or made to look like them.

    However, I also believe that the liquids rule is prompted by the airports/port authorities to increase sales of items at a hugely inflated markup.

  • On the post: Security Theater In Action

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 21 Oct, 2008 @ 04:16pm

    Re: Play the TSA Game

    That's the rub.

    It is not the items themselves. It is that other things can be concealed in or made to look like them.

    However, I also believe that the liquids rule is prompted by the airports/port authorities to increase sales of items at a hugely inflated markup.

  • On the post: Security Theater In Action

    Jeff Jones ( profile ), 21 Oct, 2008 @ 07:41am

    It is just a show.

    I personally know people who've madee it through security and on to a plane with, of all things, a box cutter. If I wanted to, I could easily get on board with weapons.

    What I found when preparing to travel recently is that you may not have an aftermarket gel filled insole in your shoe, however, a gel or water bra is just fine.

    Like many of these precautions or restrictions, all it does is inconvenience law abiding citizens.

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