JerryLeeCooper.com

The extra chip in the Mac OSX Very interesting. You mention that the Mac OSX machine includes an extra chip that handles the security ?
Well Ill have you know that Microsoft Vista includes a BitLocker in the system which takes this a step further. The BitLocker is software based, and so protects the data flow within the computer above and beyond what happens over the serial line.
In addition to this fact, the Microsoft SQLServer wraps the data in a form that can be made accessible on a user by user basis. The Mac OSX chip is hardware, and so cannot distinguish activities at the user level.
This dual existence of both BitLocker and SQLServer is what is termed ‘Double Data Protection’, which I am sure you will admit is a more secure methodology than the single chip that the Mac OSX appears to be using.
This gets very exciting when one imagines what might happen when the operating system and the SQLServer are integrated as one unit. Microsoft will be leading the way in computer security when this very vision is realized with the release of the Win FS as part of Vista II. You mark my words, it will make the Mac OSX obsolete.
But there is more ….
I happen to have extensive experience at the very heights of the corporate enterprise IT, and this includes exclusive contacts deep within the heirachy of a certain company in Redmond.
I can assure you that there are moves a foot to include a very similar chip that is in the Mac OSX in the next version of Vista.
Whilst not being privy to exact details of discussions at the highest level of the corporate IT, I can extrapolate my experience to present a scenario which is entirely realistic :
1 - Microsoft worked along side the Apple to develop the next generation of security measures, using a ‘Triple Data Protection’ scheme involving BitLocker, SQLServer, and an as yet untested security chip.
2 - After providing Apple with its best virus protection algorithms(an algorithm is an advanced computer code), Microsoft discovers that Apple has no equivalent offering to add to the partnership.
3 - The partnership dissolves, but Apple pirates the Microsoft algorithm, which is designed around the Pentium super chip, and then proceeds to convert their machines across to the Intel.
4 - Apple adds this ’security chip’ that you mention, (which more than likely contains the Microsoft anti virus algorithm), giving it a highly secure offering to bring to the market. An unfair advantage in anyone’s eyes you would have to admit.
Well, the simple fact that the Mac OSX already has over 700 malwares,despite the existence of the security chip AND Microsoft’s dearlyguarded anti-virus algorithm, indicates that Apple does not have the expertise to engineer an IT miracle on this scale.
That will all change soon when Microsoft completes the engineering on their next generation of Vista.
Hold onto your seats gentlemen, its going to be a blast !!

The linux cannot reliably be employed on modern hardware Yes, well, I did receive quite a few pointed ‘pointers’ about linux not requiring windows, but I am yet to be convinced on that score.
I did witness first hand just the other day, a demonstration of a machine loading up the linux, and several points piqued my interest for sure.
Firstly, the machine loaded into the Microsoft boot sequence prior to loading the linux. This is the segment of the operating system which counts down the memory, and configures the A:, C: and D: drives priorto loading the Microsoft windows. Although the machine did not display the familiar windows animation, it was obvious that the linux was freeloading off the back of this prior installation/boot sequence. The aforementioned demonstrator, upon further questioning, even admitted that ‘Oh, That part is not the linux’, and then went on to confuse the issue with technical jargon. However, one cannot mask a simple act of piracy with excessive verbosity.  A fool and his lamb are worth 2 inthe bush.
Now - I will admit after some further research, that the linux is not in fact a complete copy of Microsoft Windows. My research indicatesthat it is in fact a copy of Unix. I bet you didnt know that young man? Yes, its a straight copy of Unix, even down to copying verbatim code files straight from the source of Unix. I believe there is a courtcase in progress regarding this latest discovery. The magnitude of the theft is now becoming apparent.
However, this remarkable fact may well uncover the answer to Ed Bott’smystery linux installation failure. You see, the Unix was designed to run within the VHF to UHF spectra (much like a radio), which is all well and good until you consider that modern computers run in the microwave range, at which regular radio reception starts to have serious issues. If one were to use a UHF receiver to tune in to aquad-phased broadcast in the Microwave spectra, one would fail miserably.
I would wager a bet that Ed Bott’s computing apparatus was a more contemporary design utilizing a 3GHz central processor unit (or CPU).Under such frequencies, the linux would literally tear itself apart,its code lacking the internal cohesion to sustain this extreme environment. The Microsoft by comparison, is streamlined and engineered to withstand this Microwave environment, thanks no doubt to the forethought of its designers.
And of this there is ample evidence, which one can easily do an msn-search for and witness first hand. All of this evidence is on the public record, and cannot be denied.

blue ray is impractical for the linux It comes as no surprise that the linux does not yet find itself deployed on the blue ray HD DVD, for a number of reasons.
I think you will find after some investigation that the blue ray HDDVD is a patented invention that requires special decryption codes tobe utilised.
Therefore it would not only be illegal for linux to use the blue ray(not that minor questions of legality have ever stopped the Linux inthe past), but more  so that linux does not yet contain the decrypter codes required for this operation.
And so for now, the linux finds itself constrained to the some what prehistoric CD-ROM format.

Leaderships wins the dayLets us not waste our energies on pointless arguments over exactly how many ways the linux has infringed on other people’s intellectual property.
The facts have already been proven, and numerous people have made declarations in public about the level of corruption that is systemic and prevalent in that  particular ‘development community’.
Prominent and respected businessmen, such as Steve Ballmer CEO. of Microsoft, have already been generous enough to state that the evidence exists, and even  enumerate the magnitude of this vilemisdeed.
But nobody is threatening to sue anyone .. or argue over the who is toblame, there is no childish ‘Witch Hunt’ in progress here.
When one stands on the edge of a smoking crater, the scene of ahorrific passenger aeroplane accident, a Leader will not run about cursing all and sundry for  their part in this tragedy - NAY - ALeader stands up and admits that a dark day has fallen upon us, but is discrete about the details. The bodies of the  fallen are covered, and discussions with next of Kin are kept private. It is enough to know that ‘235 brave souls have lost their lives on this day’, and  that is enough for us to know.
And so it is that Steve Ballmer has shown both Leadership and Discretion of the highest order in this situation. The proven magintude of the crime has been  made public, however the details are kept respectfully at arms length. In so doing, Microsoft is performing a huge service for the linux developers, in not  shining the lamp ofthe accuser too brightly upon their guilty brows … in effect, giving them a second chance to direct some of their energies towards a  more productive future path.
It is an act of the highest nobility that is rarely seen in this day and age.
No, the real issue at hand here is - NOW that it is well known that things have gone wrong, HOW can we restructure relationships in this industry such that  their is a way forward to a productive future ? Wecan also look to Novell it seems as bastion of noble intention and Leadership in this industry.
The Novell-Microsoft pact is a template for all future relationships in the IT industry, with all players in the industry purchasing prepaid IP royalty  credits from Microsoft. This makes the entire question of IP manageable at last, and streamlines all future IT business in a way that truly benefits  everyone.

A foolhardy investmentAn interesting concept perhaps, but one ultimately doomed to failure.
I would hazard to suggest that such a venture would be like fisslinggood seed onto barren ground, when one considers the target market forthis ambitious  venture.
Firstly, let us consider the target market. Those who would purchase aDell computer with the linux installed, typically do so with onefactor predominant in  their mind’s eye. That is - they choose thelinux in order to save money. Any venture that invested resources inproviding training services to this market  is at a disadvantage fromthe first day, since that market has already classified itself as apenny pinching mob, collectively bereft of financial resources.
Secondly, one must consider the technical depth of this target market.The linux lacks the shine and technical sophistication of modernoperating systems,  such as Vista. There is only so much that can betaught to customers about the linux before one has exhausted it’stechnical abilities, let alone the shallow  pockets of it’s users.Selling training for advanced topics such as - Virus Protection, DiskDefragmentation Utilities, Job Scheduling, Windows Scripting,  andWindows Clustering, Sequel Server .. all great topics that make a firmfoundation for a lucrative training program .. but these opportnitiesare solely  lacking in the linux world.
And Thirdly, let us consider the professional development of thistarget market. When one enters an University level course in advancedcomputing with a view  to a productive future in the IT industry, whatexactly do you think they teach students there ? They would hardly beteaching the linux, the unix, or the  mainframe in this day and age.Nay - Its primarily Windows and Vista that form the foundation of aprofessional career these days. One would only be doing a  halfhearted disservice to users if you limited the training program to thelinux.
So whilst I find the idea of offering training to Dell’s linuxcustomers gregarious and even charitable, I think it is a venturedoomed to failure, and  surely one which most investors would beloathe to back with the resources required.

No need for Piracy or IP Theft here !It is saddening to see articles like this that talk about buildingcomputing systems, and leave out the necessary costs involved withproperly licensing the  operating software. There is an unwrittensuggestion within the article that the user could somehow bypass thesecosts ? or worse - choose a system (Ubuntu),  which will lead the userinto the dark and uncharted world of freeware - a world where the truecosts are frighteningly hidden in the details.
I would suggest that in building any computing aparatus, one firstselects the software required, and then builds the rest of systemaround that.
At the center of this choice would be the Windows Vista of course -preferably in the Business edition, at a low price of $299.
That leaves $200 left, and for that money one could purchase a qualitycase for about $50, a Microsoft keyboard and Mouse combo .. another$50, and a  Motherboard for $100.
Now - anyone with experience in the computing IT industry would knowthat prices for CPU’s, RAM memory, and Hard Disk memory always dropsignificantly over  time.
A top of the line processor, RAM memory and Hard Disk memory may cost$1000 at today’s prices - however, in a short time frame, these willcost only $200.  And so, the wise buyer, by strategically delayingtheir purchase order, will save $800.
A good quality 19″ monitor - another $200.
Microsoft Office - add $400
Now lets do the figures :$499 for the purchase of the initial equipment.+ $200 for the upgrades later on.- $800 savings by delaying the CPU / RAM / Disk purchase+ $200 for a monitor+ $400 for Microsoft Officce=$499 total
There you have it - a perfectly ‘decent’ computing machine with alegal and licenced copy of operating software (and $1 in change) vs$500 for a somewhat  hobbled Ubuntu machine that leaves its user withundeclared balance sheet liablity for patent infringements.
Like so many other independent studies have found before .. A properlylicensed Microsoft solution is not only the safer option, but also thelower cost  option as well.

I see that the freeware evangelists are running scared now that theirdays are numbered. In an unbiased comparison, I have independently concluded that a legally licensed Windows machine, with a faster CPUprocessor and RAM memory, a bigger screen and a bigger Hard Diskmemory is cheaper than the ubuntu machine, because of a sound investment strategy based on felicitous risk management and foresight.
You said : “You better go back to school because your math is definitely not sound. You failed to factor in your $299 (your quote)for Vista”
Not so - lets add it up again.$299 for the Vista$50 for the case$50 for the genuine Microsoft keyboard and mouse$100 for the motherboardTotal = $499
What is there not to understand ? The deductivistic summation of such figures adds up to $499.

InterestingIts a very interesting statistic indeed, and one that bears repeatingin many an IT department.
Google is a company with extensive internet experience - probablysecond only to Microsoft itself, and one can bet that Google looks atall platform options  very closely.
I wonder what exactly can be concluded from this statistic though ?Given that Google runs it’s internets using Microsoft IIS at the verycore, they dont  sound too worried about this situation.
Read between the lines of the article though, and the truth isrevealed in the final paragraph - That these compromised servers arerunning PIRATED versions  of Microsoft IIS, many of which are probablyalso running Linux, another malware of dubious legality.
It would be informative to learn how many of these pirated domains arerunning Microsoft IIS under Vista vs how many are running MicrosoftIIS under linux ?  As always, the truth is in the details.

Does the linux have a choice ?If one makes the presumption that the modern IT is all about theinternets, then you have to ask yourself ‘Does the Linux even have achoice in this matter  ?’
A modern computing system is not one that is run from the DOS commandline - it is a system that is tied in with the internet instead. Justhave a look at  Vista with Aero for an example of this done right.
You need the outlook to connect in with the mass of email flowingaround us every day. And then there is document collaboration - thesharing of Wordfiles  and Excels between users across state boundries! Voice over IP, internet enabled ’surface’ computing, and voicecommand interfaces - all tied together with  .NET and the Aerointerface.
The driving force behind this internet is the Microsoft SharepointServer - a central peice of systems software which connects all theseend points together,  in a synergistic kaleidoscope that achieves bothbalance and symmetry.
The smart Vendors know that in order to get ahead in the future IT,that means integrating with the internet.
And so, we will see more and vendors of the Linux remit their legalobligations to Microsoft, and then benefit by getting onboard the .NETrevolution.

Secure erase not so secureWhen writing finite bits to the disk sector, there is a finiteprobability that the resultant string of randomised bits MAY in factgenerate something  incriminating.
For example: (regardless of how unlikely this may seem), any string ofrandom characters may well create a brand new wordfile on the computerby pure chance  .. which contains legible words, which string togetherto form sentences which may in turn connect the previous owner of thehard disk with Al-Qaida, the  Mafia, insider trading, un-patrioticactivites, Linux ‘development’, or any manner of unsavory activities.
The larger the hard disk being randomly ‘wiped’ in this fashion, thegreater the probability that some new and undesirable content would becreated by  chance.
I for one would NOT place my trust in such a tool, risking a lifetimeof torment in Guantanimo Bay in exchange for the ’security’ of havingmy hard disk  cleaned prior to resale.
The solution ? One should purchase a new copy of the Vista for thesaid hard disk, and install this on the disk. This would effectivelywipe clean the disk  of any previous content. The disk could then bedisposed of cleanly, with a note that the new owner must purchaseanother legal copy of the Vista before  installing the disk.
In this situation - everyone wins.