Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
TOPIC: Spyware / Malware Stoppers
I don't care to sell advertising on the Soap Bocks, BUT I may mention a super-fine product from time to time. Since SPAM & spyware have been the theme for the past couple of posts, it's time to tell you about four excellent products that help kill those nasty adware, spyware or any other malware programs left behind by web browsing -- and sometimes SPAM.
First is Spybot Search & Destroy. If you use the Internet (and you do or you wouldn't be here), you need to download, install and correctly configure Spybot Search & Destroy. The current version is v1.3. Find it at Safer Networking.org Go ahead and get it now. I'll wait... ... ... ... Got it? OK, good. Now, when you install Spybot, make sure you allow Spybot to run the update; set up the IEHelper (if you use MS Internet Explorer) AND Immunize your system. These three steps alone will save you hours of anguish in the area of malware. REMINDER: Run Spybot EVERY time you get off the Net. Check for Updates EVERY time you start Spybot.
Second program is Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. In tandem with Spybot, Ad-Aware will help you find and delete most malware on your PC. It will not find all of the trojan horse programs, but it is a great program just the same. The current version is Build 6.x. Get Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.de. Again, I'll wait... ... OK, now make sure that you Check for Updates Now on Ad-Aware EVERY time you run it. You should also do a web search for Ad-Aware in-depth settings (the best thread is on Lockergnome.net). Make the necessary changes and do a deep scan first. Then, do smart scans EVERY time you exit the Internet... that means EVERY time. Got me!?!
Third on the super-fine list of anti-malware programs is Spyware Blaster. JavaCool's app kills ActiveX and Java scripts that install malware on your PC -- without you knowing it. The last time I checked, Spyware Blaster took care of nearly 2,000 "nasties". That is VERY impressive! As with the others, make sure to run the Update Tool EVERY time you use Spyware Blaster!
Lastly, is IESPYAD. IESPYAD is not a program, per se. It is really a batch file that loads HUNDREDS of known malware sites into your MSIE Restricted Zone settings. The computer science guy who wrote it says, "IESPYAD will stop 90% of the drive-by spyware installs you suffer while surfing the Net." If you don't surf porn (and you shouldn't given the moral issues, social problems & other known hindrances to a healthy life if you do), then make sure to use IESPYAD to install a few hundred porn sites into your MSIE Restricted Zone as well.
Putting these four programs together and using them as stated above, I have had less than 25 minor infections in a 10 week period. Prior to using these, the malware installs (including tracking cookies) was in the hundreds PER WEEK. Get 'em! Configure 'em! Update 'em! And, USE THEM. FYI - all four can be used free-of-charge (indefinitely), but you should donate to Spybot, buy Ad-aware Pro & Spyware Blaster. IESPYAD is always free. Enjoy! [Updated 7/29/04]
I don't care to sell advertising on the Soap Bocks, BUT I may mention a super-fine product from time to time. Since SPAM & spyware have been the theme for the past couple of posts, it's time to tell you about four excellent products that help kill those nasty adware, spyware or any other malware programs left behind by web browsing -- and sometimes SPAM.
First is Spybot Search & Destroy. If you use the Internet (and you do or you wouldn't be here), you need to download, install and correctly configure Spybot Search & Destroy. The current version is v1.3. Find it at Safer Networking.org Go ahead and get it now. I'll wait... ... ... ... Got it? OK, good. Now, when you install Spybot, make sure you allow Spybot to run the update; set up the IEHelper (if you use MS Internet Explorer) AND Immunize your system. These three steps alone will save you hours of anguish in the area of malware. REMINDER: Run Spybot EVERY time you get off the Net. Check for Updates EVERY time you start Spybot.
Second program is Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. In tandem with Spybot, Ad-Aware will help you find and delete most malware on your PC. It will not find all of the trojan horse programs, but it is a great program just the same. The current version is Build 6.x. Get Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.de. Again, I'll wait... ... OK, now make sure that you Check for Updates Now on Ad-Aware EVERY time you run it. You should also do a web search for Ad-Aware in-depth settings (the best thread is on Lockergnome.net). Make the necessary changes and do a deep scan first. Then, do smart scans EVERY time you exit the Internet... that means EVERY time. Got me!?!
Third on the super-fine list of anti-malware programs is Spyware Blaster. JavaCool's app kills ActiveX and Java scripts that install malware on your PC -- without you knowing it. The last time I checked, Spyware Blaster took care of nearly 2,000 "nasties". That is VERY impressive! As with the others, make sure to run the Update Tool EVERY time you use Spyware Blaster!
Lastly, is IESPYAD. IESPYAD is not a program, per se. It is really a batch file that loads HUNDREDS of known malware sites into your MSIE Restricted Zone settings. The computer science guy who wrote it says, "IESPYAD will stop 90% of the drive-by spyware installs you suffer while surfing the Net." If you don't surf porn (and you shouldn't given the moral issues, social problems & other known hindrances to a healthy life if you do), then make sure to use IESPYAD to install a few hundred porn sites into your MSIE Restricted Zone as well.
Putting these four programs together and using them as stated above, I have had less than 25 minor infections in a 10 week period. Prior to using these, the malware installs (including tracking cookies) was in the hundreds PER WEEK. Get 'em! Configure 'em! Update 'em! And, USE THEM. FYI - all four can be used free-of-charge (indefinitely), but you should donate to Spybot, buy Ad-aware Pro & Spyware Blaster. IESPYAD is always free. Enjoy! [Updated 7/29/04]
Monday, June 14, 2004
TOPIC: Speaking of SPAM...
What is it with spammers anyway? Do they really think we are going to buy their products when they force these emails upon us? Do they think we will read the email when they use nonsense like "V1a/gr A" the Subject line? And who are the morons paying these illiterate idiots to send us SPAM? It seems to me that the ONLY people making money on SPAM are the senders of this vile stuff. There is NO way any huge corporation is behind SPAM. It would be marketing death IF they were found out. The total nonsense and forced nature of SPAM also lends itself to a failed business model for ANY company buying the spammers wares. So, the ONLY people with a vested interest must be spammers and/or virus writers whose worms are often included within the spam email.
Steve Linford of Spamhaus says, "People selling these fresh proxies [lists of PCs w/ worms that make them zombies] are either the virus writers themselves or someone very close to them. I don't know how ties between spammers and virus writers was first forged but there is clearly a strong link there," he added."
Out of the 8,000 emails I have received over the past two months, 83% was SPAM. Since I have a rather visible Internet presence, I realize my personal stats are higher than most Average Joe's on the street, which is officially 66%. 66% or 83% SPAM -- either way, it's outrageous!
SO, I am fighting back -- by contacting the spammers, whenever I can, to tell them what I think of them; by hassling my ISP to do a better job of blocking SPAM; by purchasing products that kill spam and supporting ANY legal effort to fight spammers; by encouraging my legislators to take SPAM seriously and legislate it into oblivion; and by talking up ALL efforts to fight back in the public forums.
IF you're as fed up with SPAM as I am, YOU should do the same. As long as we lay down and take it, they are going to dish it. Stand up and fight back. The John Hites', Scott Richter's and Alan Ralsky's of the world need to be put back into their slimy holes!
[Read this article on what Microsoft is doing to fight spammers. The country of Singapore is also fighting back!]
What is it with spammers anyway? Do they really think we are going to buy their products when they force these emails upon us? Do they think we will read the email when they use nonsense like "V1a/gr A" the Subject line? And who are the morons paying these illiterate idiots to send us SPAM? It seems to me that the ONLY people making money on SPAM are the senders of this vile stuff. There is NO way any huge corporation is behind SPAM. It would be marketing death IF they were found out. The total nonsense and forced nature of SPAM also lends itself to a failed business model for ANY company buying the spammers wares. So, the ONLY people with a vested interest must be spammers and/or virus writers whose worms are often included within the spam email.
Steve Linford of Spamhaus says, "People selling these fresh proxies [lists of PCs w/ worms that make them zombies] are either the virus writers themselves or someone very close to them. I don't know how ties between spammers and virus writers was first forged but there is clearly a strong link there," he added."
Out of the 8,000 emails I have received over the past two months, 83% was SPAM. Since I have a rather visible Internet presence, I realize my personal stats are higher than most Average Joe's on the street, which is officially 66%. 66% or 83% SPAM -- either way, it's outrageous!
SO, I am fighting back -- by contacting the spammers, whenever I can, to tell them what I think of them; by hassling my ISP to do a better job of blocking SPAM; by purchasing products that kill spam and supporting ANY legal effort to fight spammers; by encouraging my legislators to take SPAM seriously and legislate it into oblivion; and by talking up ALL efforts to fight back in the public forums.
IF you're as fed up with SPAM as I am, YOU should do the same. As long as we lay down and take it, they are going to dish it. Stand up and fight back. The John Hites', Scott Richter's and Alan Ralsky's of the world need to be put back into their slimy holes!
[Read this article on what Microsoft is doing to fight spammers. The country of Singapore is also fighting back!]
TOPIC: Patch YOUR PC!
If you don't think that keeping YOUR own PC patched and updated is worth the time, let me ask you a few questions. Is SPAM a problem for you? How about for your friends & family? Is your Internet connection sometimes slow -- for no apparent reason?
If so, then you need to read this article. Here's a quote from another piece that should give you chills: "Instead of using open mail relays or unscrupulous hosts (so-called 'bullet-proof' hosting - in reality, ISPs in developing countries who pull the plug on spammers when enough complaints are received by their upstream provider), spammers are using compromised machines to get their junk mail out. Viruses such as My-Doom and Bagle surrender the control of infected machines to hackers. This expanding network of infected, zombie PCs can be used for spam distribution..."
IF YOU have not patched your PC with the latest browser, email, Office and virus updates, then YOU are part of the SPAM problem. Get real and get right! Don't be part of the problem by being a zombie -- be part of the solution to stop SPAM.
If you don't think that keeping YOUR own PC patched and updated is worth the time, let me ask you a few questions. Is SPAM a problem for you? How about for your friends & family? Is your Internet connection sometimes slow -- for no apparent reason?
If so, then you need to read this article. Here's a quote from another piece that should give you chills: "Instead of using open mail relays or unscrupulous hosts (so-called 'bullet-proof' hosting - in reality, ISPs in developing countries who pull the plug on spammers when enough complaints are received by their upstream provider), spammers are using compromised machines to get their junk mail out. Viruses such as My-Doom and Bagle surrender the control of infected machines to hackers. This expanding network of infected, zombie PCs can be used for spam distribution..."
IF YOU have not patched your PC with the latest browser, email, Office and virus updates, then YOU are part of the SPAM problem. Get real and get right! Don't be part of the problem by being a zombie -- be part of the solution to stop SPAM.
Friday, May 28, 2004
TOPIC: Legally Protecting Behavior
It seems our neighbors to the North have all but passed legislation that will legitimize a behavioral choice. In addition to legalization of this behavior, the law will protect that behavior by adding the choice to the federal hate crimes list. IOW, if someone verbally disagrees with this choice, it could be seen as an illegal act, punishable by imprisonment. What an absurd idea!
Have you figured out the subject of the legislation yet? It is homosexuality. That's right -- the behavior of homosexuality is being legitimized in Canada through their judicial system. There are several problems with this -- though only a few will be mentioned here.
First, the legalization of a behavioral choice. Homosexuality is a choice of sexual orientation, not an ethnic group or handicap or anything else legitimate. Second, adding protection of homosexuality to the definition of hate crimes is monumentally ignorant. Crime is crime; there really is no such thing as a "hate crime". This is a subclass of crime setup primarily to restrict free speech and opinions regarding behavioral choices. Folks, free speech is thrown out the window because anyone who speaks out or even offers a public opinion regarding this behavior can be considered a criminal. [And homosexuals sell themselves as tolerant?!? NOT!] Thirdly, the legislation will allow the liberal Canadian judicial system to legislate (not merely uphold the law) morality by forcing the public to accept homosexuality as a federally protected status.
The chilling effect is that Canadian citizens will no longer be able to publicly debate the nature of the predatory, promiscuous & pedophiliac behavior of homosexuality. FYI - The same ideas are coming to a US state near you -- sooner than anyone knows. Protect your right to free speech! Refuse the detrimental effects of "hate crimes" legislation! Demand your right to choose your own moral values! Call and/or write your legislator TODAY. Or, we WILL suffer the consequences tomorrow.
For the record, I DO NOT hate people who choose the behavior of homosexuality. I know that their choice is morally wrong and culturally destructive, though. I also know the negative nature of their choice -- on themselves, their families, the marketplace, the economy, healthcare and society as a whole. Whatever your personal convictions, you should realize that protecting a behavior is a ridiculous notion -- and NO government should even consider the idea.
It seems our neighbors to the North have all but passed legislation that will legitimize a behavioral choice. In addition to legalization of this behavior, the law will protect that behavior by adding the choice to the federal hate crimes list. IOW, if someone verbally disagrees with this choice, it could be seen as an illegal act, punishable by imprisonment. What an absurd idea!
Have you figured out the subject of the legislation yet? It is homosexuality. That's right -- the behavior of homosexuality is being legitimized in Canada through their judicial system. There are several problems with this -- though only a few will be mentioned here.
First, the legalization of a behavioral choice. Homosexuality is a choice of sexual orientation, not an ethnic group or handicap or anything else legitimate. Second, adding protection of homosexuality to the definition of hate crimes is monumentally ignorant. Crime is crime; there really is no such thing as a "hate crime". This is a subclass of crime setup primarily to restrict free speech and opinions regarding behavioral choices. Folks, free speech is thrown out the window because anyone who speaks out or even offers a public opinion regarding this behavior can be considered a criminal. [And homosexuals sell themselves as tolerant?!? NOT!] Thirdly, the legislation will allow the liberal Canadian judicial system to legislate (not merely uphold the law) morality by forcing the public to accept homosexuality as a federally protected status.
The chilling effect is that Canadian citizens will no longer be able to publicly debate the nature of the predatory, promiscuous & pedophiliac behavior of homosexuality. FYI - The same ideas are coming to a US state near you -- sooner than anyone knows. Protect your right to free speech! Refuse the detrimental effects of "hate crimes" legislation! Demand your right to choose your own moral values! Call and/or write your legislator TODAY. Or, we WILL suffer the consequences tomorrow.
For the record, I DO NOT hate people who choose the behavior of homosexuality. I know that their choice is morally wrong and culturally destructive, though. I also know the negative nature of their choice -- on themselves, their families, the marketplace, the economy, healthcare and society as a whole. Whatever your personal convictions, you should realize that protecting a behavior is a ridiculous notion -- and NO government should even consider the idea.
Monday, May 24, 2004
TOPIC: Family
I'm not one to quote Disney characters, BUT... As Lilo said of ohana [family], "It's small and it's broken, but it's good." Family, no matter how small or broken is almost always better than not having anyone. Give your family members a hug; look them in the eye and tell them how much you love them.
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.
And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family;
An unwise investment indeed, don't you think?
I'm not one to quote Disney characters, BUT... As Lilo said of ohana [family], "It's small and it's broken, but it's good." Family, no matter how small or broken is almost always better than not having anyone. Give your family members a hug; look them in the eye and tell them how much you love them.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
TOPIC: Computer Forum
Yesterday I found a very good forum for computer geeks and newbies alike. It's called WindowsBBS.com. If you want to learn more about computers, software and the like, join the site. It's free and worth your time. I'm an experienced user -- 13+ years -- but I've already learned quite a bit by hanging out on the forums for a day.
Of course, there are several good forums out there. WindowsBBS.com and LockerGnome are, IMO, two of the best -- very little geek-speak and LOTS of helpful people. Enjoy!
Yesterday I found a very good forum for computer geeks and newbies alike. It's called WindowsBBS.com. If you want to learn more about computers, software and the like, join the site. It's free and worth your time. I'm an experienced user -- 13+ years -- but I've already learned quite a bit by hanging out on the forums for a day.
Of course, there are several good forums out there. WindowsBBS.com and LockerGnome are, IMO, two of the best -- very little geek-speak and LOTS of helpful people. Enjoy!
Monday, May 17, 2004
TOPIC: Black Monday
Today will go down in history as a black day in American history. It's the day that homosexual marriage becomes legal in the United States. Those who have been indoctinrated by liberalism will disagree, but free-thinking people can easily see the huge problems that will result from the legalization of a behavior. Remember the old proverb; "As the family goes, so goes the nation."
Family cannot be successfuly redefined to fit a lifestyle choice or chosen sexual behavior. To the citizens and legislative body of Massachusetts: You have set into motion turmoil like you have never seen before. We will all regret your decision.
Today will go down in history as a black day in American history. It's the day that homosexual marriage becomes legal in the United States. Those who have been indoctinrated by liberalism will disagree, but free-thinking people can easily see the huge problems that will result from the legalization of a behavior. Remember the old proverb; "As the family goes, so goes the nation."
Family cannot be successfuly redefined to fit a lifestyle choice or chosen sexual behavior. To the citizens and legislative body of Massachusetts: You have set into motion turmoil like you have never seen before. We will all regret your decision.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Monday, May 10, 2004
TOPIC: Political Correctness
I could write a thesis length paper on this one, but I won't... Let me just some up my current random thoughts by saying, "I HATE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS." It is SOOO stupid! To wit, I used to work for BB&T bank here in NC. They used to call the folks who hire employees the Personnel Department. Then, the title was changed to Human Resources. Now, it is Human Systems. What the heck is a human system? How dumb can it get?!? "Fat" is now horizontally challenged. "Blind" is sight impaired. "Blacks" are now African-American. Gimme a break! FWIW, I'm chubby and bald -- so call me whatever you like. I'm not "PC" -- nor a subscriber to the language.
Folks, if we spent more time dealing with issues that matter -- and people (the variable that matters most), we wouldn't need to worry about politcal correctness. Instead, we all whine about being offended and victimized and YUCK! Americans need to grow up! "PC" is a blight on the backside of society. It keeps us from offering that human touch sometimes -- especially when we need it the most.
Fight "PC" by refusing to talk the talk or walk the walk. Be an individual and enjoy your right to responsible free speech.
I could write a thesis length paper on this one, but I won't... Let me just some up my current random thoughts by saying, "I HATE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS." It is SOOO stupid! To wit, I used to work for BB&T bank here in NC. They used to call the folks who hire employees the Personnel Department. Then, the title was changed to Human Resources. Now, it is Human Systems. What the heck is a human system? How dumb can it get?!? "Fat" is now horizontally challenged. "Blind" is sight impaired. "Blacks" are now African-American. Gimme a break! FWIW, I'm chubby and bald -- so call me whatever you like. I'm not "PC" -- nor a subscriber to the language.
Folks, if we spent more time dealing with issues that matter -- and people (the variable that matters most), we wouldn't need to worry about politcal correctness. Instead, we all whine about being offended and victimized and YUCK! Americans need to grow up! "PC" is a blight on the backside of society. It keeps us from offering that human touch sometimes -- especially when we need it the most.
Fight "PC" by refusing to talk the talk or walk the walk. Be an individual and enjoy your right to responsible free speech.
Monday, Monday, la, la... la, la, la, la...
Well, it's Monday once again. The weekend was good -- but never long enough. We had a lot of family time over the weekend; shopping for Mom with our children, a modicum of yard work, playing in the pool (meant cleaning out the green slime so we can swim soon) -- and just hanging out together as a family. Enjoyable and rejuvenating!
Mother's Day was quiet and relaxed. The children & I cooked breakfast for "Mama" yesterday morning. You know -- you have no idea what someone does on a day-to-day basis until you step into their shoes. A loving mother who is committed to her family is a thing to treasure. Thinking of my wife and my mother, and the time they've spent taking care of a family, is truthfully the only thing that makes me want to write poetry. Unfortunately, I'm a horrible poet, so I'll leave that to Hallmark, American Greetings and the like. One thing that I can write with much sincerity is -- THANKS Mom! (to both my Mom & my wife as a Mom). You are a gem and I love you both.
Well, it's Monday once again. The weekend was good -- but never long enough. We had a lot of family time over the weekend; shopping for Mom with our children, a modicum of yard work, playing in the pool (meant cleaning out the green slime so we can swim soon) -- and just hanging out together as a family. Enjoyable and rejuvenating!
Mother's Day was quiet and relaxed. The children & I cooked breakfast for "Mama" yesterday morning. You know -- you have no idea what someone does on a day-to-day basis until you step into their shoes. A loving mother who is committed to her family is a thing to treasure. Thinking of my wife and my mother, and the time they've spent taking care of a family, is truthfully the only thing that makes me want to write poetry. Unfortunately, I'm a horrible poet, so I'll leave that to Hallmark, American Greetings and the like. One thing that I can write with much sincerity is -- THANKS Mom! (to both my Mom & my wife as a Mom). You are a gem and I love you both.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Today is the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
If you're a believer, don't forget to spend some time on your knees today. Our government leaders, the military, our schools are just a few of the folks who need our prayers. If you want a word clue or three for your prayers, here are a few: HOPE ... PEACE ... RECONCILIATION ... SALVATION ... JUSTICE ... PERSERVERANCE
If you're a believer, don't forget to spend some time on your knees today. Our government leaders, the military, our schools are just a few of the folks who need our prayers. If you want a word clue or three for your prayers, here are a few: HOPE ... PEACE ... RECONCILIATION ... SALVATION ... JUSTICE ... PERSERVERANCE
I took the Blogging Personality Quiz at About Web logs and I am...
The Writer
"Words captivate me. And, I like to capture words. Blogging enables me to write often. It also provides a place for me to share what I write with a reading public. I can be funny, inspiring, intelligent, cynical, or morbid. It doesn't matter what I write about in my blog. It only matters that I write."
Truthfully, I'm more of the "The Writer / Daily Grinder" than simply "The Writer". Here's The Daily Grinder...
The Daily Grinder
"You love blogging because it's like therapy. You can write about anything and everything that happens to you - from the food you ate to what you were doing when you heard the latest 'breaking news.' Being able to communicate with your friends (online and/or real life) through your blog is important to you."
The Writer
"Words captivate me. And, I like to capture words. Blogging enables me to write often. It also provides a place for me to share what I write with a reading public. I can be funny, inspiring, intelligent, cynical, or morbid. It doesn't matter what I write about in my blog. It only matters that I write."
Truthfully, I'm more of the "The Writer / Daily Grinder" than simply "The Writer". Here's The Daily Grinder...
The Daily Grinder
"You love blogging because it's like therapy. You can write about anything and everything that happens to you - from the food you ate to what you were doing when you heard the latest 'breaking news.' Being able to communicate with your friends (online and/or real life) through your blog is important to you."
TOPIC: Open Source & Stealing
After reading some tech news this morning (and many other mornings), I've come to the conclusion that many Linux fans believe that "open source" equals "free for all". Open source is an idea available to those who participate, not a mandate from all hackers that everything should be free. A word comes to mind... hmmm... STEALING. Yeah, that's it. The self-righteous hackers who think they shouldn't have to pay for anything should be hung up by their gonads. Just because XSoftware company or YoDaddy rapper is making a bazillion dollars selling a product doesn't give anyone the right to steal it from them. Who are hackers to judge what entrepeneurs should make in profits?!? How do they think they can justify why they [hackers] should be allowed to freely take products without paying their share?!? If these goobers have such disdain for capitalism, why the heck are they using the products or listening to the music in the first place?! I'll tell you why -- cuz of irresponsibility, immoralality, greed and lack of self-discipline.
Don't get me wrong. Open source, Linux and freebies all have their place in life. Linux is a good OS born out of a sharing mentality among computer enthuisiasts. At it's root, Linux is a good thing. Open Source is a good thing. BUT, taking what you do not pay for is STEALING, plain and simple. There is no justification for it and no one can successfully rationalize it. Stealing is wrong!
Microsoft nor JayZ owe us a freakin' dime's worth of anything. If these self-righteons would get a job and be RESPONSIBLE they wouldn't feel the need to steal. They could have some respect for themselves, for others and do something productive with their lives. Instead, they choose to carp about the price of things and then go steal them -- which only makes the price go up for the honest working stiffs. I say more power to the record industry for suing individuals who are stealing music. I say more power to software companies who file suits against P2P sites and their members. These cats should be charged because what they're doing is criminal. If the self-righteous hackheads truly want something free, let them legitimately right freeware, open source code (not reverse engineered code they call their own) -- and let 'em sing their own songs.
After reading some tech news this morning (and many other mornings), I've come to the conclusion that many Linux fans believe that "open source" equals "free for all". Open source is an idea available to those who participate, not a mandate from all hackers that everything should be free. A word comes to mind... hmmm... STEALING. Yeah, that's it. The self-righteous hackers who think they shouldn't have to pay for anything should be hung up by their gonads. Just because XSoftware company or YoDaddy rapper is making a bazillion dollars selling a product doesn't give anyone the right to steal it from them. Who are hackers to judge what entrepeneurs should make in profits?!? How do they think they can justify why they [hackers] should be allowed to freely take products without paying their share?!? If these goobers have such disdain for capitalism, why the heck are they using the products or listening to the music in the first place?! I'll tell you why -- cuz of irresponsibility, immoralality, greed and lack of self-discipline.
Don't get me wrong. Open source, Linux and freebies all have their place in life. Linux is a good OS born out of a sharing mentality among computer enthuisiasts. At it's root, Linux is a good thing. Open Source is a good thing. BUT, taking what you do not pay for is STEALING, plain and simple. There is no justification for it and no one can successfully rationalize it. Stealing is wrong!
Microsoft nor JayZ owe us a freakin' dime's worth of anything. If these self-righteons would get a job and be RESPONSIBLE they wouldn't feel the need to steal. They could have some respect for themselves, for others and do something productive with their lives. Instead, they choose to carp about the price of things and then go steal them -- which only makes the price go up for the honest working stiffs. I say more power to the record industry for suing individuals who are stealing music. I say more power to software companies who file suits against P2P sites and their members. These cats should be charged because what they're doing is criminal. If the self-righteous hackheads truly want something free, let them legitimately right freeware, open source code (not reverse engineered code they call their own) -- and let 'em sing their own songs.
TOPIC: Fruitcakes in May
Man, I read a couple of the blogs here on Blogger this morning. Some of these people are flippin' fruitcakes. I hope they write it out instead of act it out -- pure nonsense. If this were the 60s, I'd swear they were doing LSD or something. WEIRD-O's -- but then again I suppose I'm a weirdo to some of them, too. At least sanity, coherence and reality are in my corner. :-)
Man, I read a couple of the blogs here on Blogger this morning. Some of these people are flippin' fruitcakes. I hope they write it out instead of act it out -- pure nonsense. If this were the 60s, I'd swear they were doing LSD or something. WEIRD-O's -- but then again I suppose I'm a weirdo to some of them, too. At least sanity, coherence and reality are in my corner. :-)
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