<HTML><FONT  SIZE=3 PTSIZE=10>Subj:	<B> Traveller-digest V1999 #1585</FONT><FONT  SIZE=3 PTSIZE=10></B><BR>
Date:	12/27/99 4:25:01 AM Pacific Standard Time<BR>
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Traveller-digest     Monday, December 27 1999     Volume 1999 : Number 1585<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
(R)1996. Traveller is a registered trademark of FarFuture Enterprises.<BR>
All rights reserved.<BR>
<BR>
The following topics are covered in this digest:<BR>
<BR>
Re: Drawing Program<BR>
RE: Free Trade<BR>
Re: in jokes<BR>
Re: in jokes<BR>
Re: Geographical idiocy (<BR>
Re: in jokes <BR>
Re: in jokes <BR>
The Liner Sylea (long)<BR>
Re: Ethnic confusion<BR>
Re: in jokes<BR>
Re: in jokes<BR>
Re: in jokes <BR>
Re: T4: Marine Officer developement<BR>
Re: Drawing Program<BR>
Re: Drawing Program<BR>
Re: Drawing Program<BR>
<BR>
----------------------------------------------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 21:08:28 -0800<BR>
From: "Jason T. Barnabas" <cybernaut@netzero.net><BR>
Subject: Re: Drawing Program<BR>
<BR>
Leonard Erickson <shadow@krypton.rain.com> wrote:<BR>
> > Err, I am behind on much of my reading.  Just what is the<BR>
> > legal downside of the GIF format?<BR>
><BR>
> The fact that unknown to the folks who wrote the standard, the<BR>
> compression algorithm they used was in the process of being *patented*.<BR>
> When the patent was granted (*years* after GIF became common), the<BR>
> patent owner (Unisys) proceeded to deman royalties for using the<BR>
> algorithm.<BR>
><BR>
> These days, they *mostly* ignore viewer programs, because if they annoy<BR>
> enough authors of *those*, GIF will die thru becoming unviewable in new<BR>
> programs. But programs that *create* GIFs, they'll nail you good.<BR>
<BR>
Hmm, let's see.  Now if I recall correctly, if I use a program<BR>
that uses GIF as an output format, the programmer or<BR>
publisher are responsible for securing those rights yes?<BR>
If they don't, I cannot be held responsible for thier failure<BR>
can I?<BR>
- --<BR>
Jason<BR>
___________________________________________<BR>
    The rules have changed...  Get paid to surf the web.<BR>
http://www.alladvantage.com/home.asp?refid=BMM-972<BR>
Please tell them BMM-972 if they ask who recruited you.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
__________________________________________<BR>
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World<BR>
Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at<BR>
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 13:09:28 -0800<BR>
From: "Antony Farrell" <Skaran@bigpond.com><BR>
Subject: RE: Free Trade<BR>
<BR>
> -----Original Message-----<BR>
> From: owner-traveller@lists.imagiconline.com<BR>
> [mailto:owner-traveller@lists.imagiconline.com]On Behalf Of Steven<BR>
> Hudson<BR>
> Sent: Saturday, 25 December 1999 11:12 AM<BR>
> To: traveller@lists.imagiconline.com<BR>
> Subject: Re: Free Trade<BR>
><BR>
><BR>
> >From: "Antony Farrell" <Skaran@bigpond.com><BR>
> >Subject: Free Trade (Was  America, as seen by a Canadian)<BR>
> ...<BR>
> >Don't get me started on agricultural exports.<BR>
><BR>
>   Allow me to guess that you don't subsidize production anywhere near<BR>
> as much as the EU or the US, right?  :(<BR>
><BR>
>   I don't recall anything from CT that stated a restriction of the listed<BR>
> sorts of tactics amongst worlds (and mega-corps) of the Imperium.<BR>
><BR>
With our population (around 17 million), big subsidies, I don't think so<BR>
<BR>
Regarding Imperial policies on trade, it seems as long as trade is not<BR>
severely disrupted then virtually any tactics can be used. Remeber though<BR>
any tactics your corporation uses can also be used by other corporations<BR>
against you.<BR>
<BR>
Antony<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 00:16:16 -0500<BR>
From: "Chris Seamans" <semo@pil.net><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes<BR>
<BR>
From: Black ICE <wombat@premier.net><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
> The "Monarch" class Imperial battlecruiser _Norton I_ (the Bay Area<BR>
> folks should recognize this one!)<BR>
<BR>
Hah! Never stepped foot West of the Mississippi, and I've always been fond<BR>
of Emperor Norton I. That one's really good though, I may borrow it ;)<BR>
<BR>
> Actually, going back into the historian patron thread, a patron asking<BR>
> for assistance in researching the great Terran Emperor Joshua<BR>
>Norton I would be an amusing diversion....<BR>
<BR>
It would be, but all of my players (few of whom who have been West of the<BR>
Mississippi) already know who he is.<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 00:18:14 -0500<BR>
From: "Chris Seamans" <semo@pil.net><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes<BR>
<BR>
From: <eris@pcola.gulf.net><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
> >General Norman Schwantzkopf, Imperial Army<BR>
><BR>
> What's the English translation of Schwartzkopf?<BR>
<BR>
Literally "black head", although Schwantzkopf would be "snake head", or as<BR>
slang "penis head".<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 21:32:40 -0800<BR>
From: "Jason T. Barnabas" <cybernaut@netzero.net><BR>
Subject: Re: Geographical idiocy (<BR>
<BR>
<eris@pcola.gulf.net> wrote:<BR>
> Or those of us that have spent a good bit of time walking through hills<BR>
> and hollows.  In some parts of the US, knowing where, and how, to ford a<BR>
> branch is still an important skill.  But, heck, I bet most of you have<BR>
> never seen a small stream called a branch!  <g><BR>
<BR>
The closest most have come is probably to know that<BR>
"burbon and branch" means whiskey with water added.<BR>
- --<BR>
Jason<BR>
___________________________________________<BR>
    The rules have changed...  Get paid to surf the web.<BR>
http://www.alladvantage.com/home.asp?refid=BMM-972<BR>
Please tell them BMM-972 if they ask who recruited you.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
__________________________________________<BR>
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World<BR>
Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at<BR>
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 23:34:15 -0700<BR>
From: "Keven R. Pittsinger" <jamstar@ctaz.com><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes <BR>
<BR>
> >General Norman Schwantzkopf, Imperial Army<BR>
> <BR>
> That's not incredibly obscure.<BR>
> <BR>
> The Norton I reference, OTOH, has me stumped. But then I am English.... ;-)<BR>
<BR>
Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.  <grin><BR>
<BR>
A 'nutball' who wandered around San Francisco in the 1800s, and everybody <BR>
around him pretended to take him seriously.  He'd eat at a restaurant and pay <BR>
with a check written on his own (nonexistant) Imperial bank, and they'd *take <BR>
the check*.<BR>
<BR>
Legend has it he walked into the middle of a riot once and called on the <BR>
rioters to stop at once.  And they did.<BR>
<BR>
Strange misunderstood fellow, our Norton...<BR>
<BR>
Keven<BR>
<BR>
- -- <BR>
tc++ tm+ tn+ t4- to ru++ ge+ 3i c+ jt au st- ls pi+ ta+ he+ so- vi zh sy<BR>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR>
                                                     Science-Fiction Adventure<BR>
                                                     In Reavers' Deep<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 03:05:55 -0500<BR>
From: "Chris Seamans" <semo@pil.net><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes <BR>
<BR>
From: Keven R. Pittsinger <jamstar@ctaz.com><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
> Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.<BR>
> <grin><BR>
<BR>
He dropped the "Protector of Mexico" bit after a little while, though. He<BR>
stated that no one could protect such an unsettled territory.<BR>
<BR>
> A 'nutball' who wandered around San Francisco in the 1800s, and<BR>
>everybody  around him pretended to take him seriously.  He'd eat at<BR>
>a restaurant and pay  with a check written on his own (nonexistant)<BR>
>Imperial bank, and they'd *take the check*.<BR>
<BR>
Something along those lines. There is reason to believe that Norton, at<BR>
least during his life, was not treated with the same respect which people<BR>
have given him in death. Mark Twain, who saw Joshua Norton every day (he<BR>
worked next door to the boarding house in which the Emperor lived), was not<BR>
at all happy with the treatment that the Emperor received. After Twain left<BR>
San Francisco, he inserted a Nortonesque character into Huckleberry Finn and<BR>
wrote a "The Prince and the Pauper", which many people claim was inspired by<BR>
Emperor Norton.<BR>
<BR>
He was allowed to eat at the free lunch counter of some saloons, however,<BR>
and he made something of a living by trading currency to tourists. Some<BR>
banks allowed him to draw as much as 25 cents from non-existant bank<BR>
accounts from time to time. He was widely ridiculed in the newspapers of the<BR>
time, but he became something of a hero for the working class (one of the<BR>
San Francisco papers noted that the vast majority of the 10,000 to 20,000<BR>
mourners who showed up were blue collar types).<BR>
<BR>
> Legend has it he walked into the middle of a riot once and called on<BR>
>the rioters to stop at once.  And they did.<BR>
<BR>
The story, which may or may not be true, is far more beautiful. He came<BR>
across a surly group who were becoming far more surly while listening to an<BR>
anti-Chinese rabble rouser. He was disgusted by what he saw. He demanded<BR>
that he be given a chance to speak, and the crowd laughed at him, and the<BR>
speaker stepped away and let him speak, probably thinking that the ersatz<BR>
Emperor would provide some momentary amusement. Norton recited the Lord's<BR>
Prayer, and then asked the crowd to join in... some did. He then made a<BR>
short speech concerning brotherly love. The mood of the crowd changed and<BR>
the rabble rousing speaker slipped away.<BR>
<BR>
One of the problems that arises in the study of Emperor Norton I is that<BR>
most of the exploits and proclamations which were attributed to him appeared<BR>
in the newspapers of the day which were highly sensationalistic and which<BR>
alternately ridiculed him and deified him. Many of his proclamations are<BR>
thought to be the work of reported expressing their own political opinions<BR>
and views through the pen of the Emperor.<BR>
<BR>
Joshua Norton, in the years when he was a rich landowner and businessman,<BR>
was on the first San Francisco Vigilance Committee, and it is interesting to<BR>
note that he felt those who would be hung should be allowed a chance to<BR>
defend themselves.<BR>
<BR>
I'm sorry, I have no ObTrav and I'm starting to feel guilty about my<BR>
off-topic posts.<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 02:26:43 -0600<BR>
From: tim@premier.net<BR>
Subject: The Liner Sylea (long)<BR>
<BR>
Founder ShipWorks after a long delay is proud to announce their <BR>
newest class of ships the  Stellar Traveler, an 18,000std cruise <BR>
Line.  <BR>
Though it cost 3,336,730,000 credits it profitability of $89,430,256 <BR>
	$60,830,256 	$17,930,256 at 100, 80 and 50 perecent full <BR>
means it can recoup its cost in under 5 years.  The star lanes for <BR>
the first time <BR>
open to the masses with this ship<BR>
<BR>
Sir Josphanoer Cailfor<BR>
Lead Negotiator for Founder ShipWorks<BR>
Project Coordinator of ISBA<BR>
<BR>
Name: Cruise Liner Sylea<BR>
Class: Stellar Traveler		<BR>
Designed by Founder ShipWorks				<BR>
				<BR>
Statistics				<BR>
Tons: 18000std ( SL Wedge Fast Subsonic )				<BR>
Passengers High/Med: 340/1100   Cost: 3326.722 MCr<BR>
Mass (L/C): 73545t/61636t			<BR>
Dimensions: 197.5m x 135.6m x 56.4m		<BR>
Crew: 114/466<BR>
Cargo: 500std (0/5 /Hdl:3x2ton0)<BR>
Passengers High/Med: 340/110<BR>
Passengers Low: 5000<BR>
Troops/Science: 0/0	Tech Level: 12<BR>
Maintenance Points: 2508<BR>
Cost: 3326.722 MCr<BR>
<BR>
Electronics<BR>
<BR>
Controls: Dynamic, High automation. 1xFltComp (CM:0.6 CP:1.67). 3xComp <BR>
(CM:1.0 CP:1.0).<BR>
 1xFibComp (CM:1.0 CP:1.0). Terrain following sensors (TF:480, <BR>
NOE:160). Bridge.<BR>
Communications: 10xRadio Rec. (50,000km, 0MW). 5xRadio (50,000km, <BR>
0.02MW). <BR>
    5xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW). <BR>
Sensors: 1xPas. Scanner (13.5 [16mkm], 0.01MW). 1xPEMS (12.5 [1.6mkm], <BR>
0MW). 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 0.25MW). <BR>
1xLIDAR (15 [2mkm], 2MW). <BR>
Survey/Science: 1xDensiometer (7.5 [16km]).<BR>
ECM: Signatures: Vis:0, IR:0.5 (0.5 at 8796MW, 0 at 880MW), Act:0.5, <BR>
Neu:1, Grav:-2<BR>
<BR>
Performance<BR>
<BR>
2	Jump (1800std/pc fuel)<BR>
1.7/2	Maneuver (/HEPlaR:6300MW,13.8 G-hours)<BR>
1.7/2	Contra-grav (2142MW)<BR>
800kph/800kph	Atmosphere (/Crus:600kph/600kph)<BR>
1	Power (/Fus:5500MW,1yr /Fis+:3300MW,400hr )<BR>
4558.9	Fuel (/Purif:150,15MW)<BR>
0/1490/471/5000/0	Accomodations <BR>
6000	Life Sup. (/Ty:EnD,Ex /'St)<BR>
1	G-Comp <BR>
10	Sandcasters ( /AV:3 /Cans:20)<BR>
50	Damper Screen (4MW)<BR>
10 [40]	Armor, 31 Structure<BR>
<BR>
This is M:0 ship using the Akins spread sheet.<BR>
To try and save room I cut out the rest of the USP<BR>
if you want the details just email and I ll send you <BR>
the whole ship. <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Tim Reynolds<BR>
tim@premier.net <BR>
225-334-5063<BR>
- ------------------------------------------------------------<BR>
Getting an education was a bit like a communicable <BR>
sexual disease.  It made you unsuitable for <BR>
a lot of jobs and then you had the urge to pass it on.<BR>
<BR>
Terry Pratchett <BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 10:57:21 +0100 (MET)<BR>
From: Hans Rancke-Madsen <rancke@diku.dk><BR>
Subject: Re: Ethnic confusion<BR>
<BR>
Robert Prior writes:<BR>
<BR>
>>Another possibility is that ALL surviving human races are interfertile<BR>
>>(and thus subspecies of _Homo sapiens_) and that consequently the 'sapiens'<BR>
>>part is usually left out as being redundant. I don't like that much,<BR>
>>because I think that goes to far in the opposite direction.<BR>
> <BR>
>All of which leaves out what, IMHO, is the most likely reason:<BR>
> <BR>
>The original writers were less well-informed about taxonomy and human<BR>
>evolution than some of us right now.<BR>
<BR>
Taxonomy is explained quite well in _Solomani_, so the original writers were<BR>
well enough informed about that. As for human evolution, the prevailing<BR>
theories (and let's not forget that they are, after all, only theories)<BR>
have propably changed in the last 20 years.<BR>
<BR>
I don't really think current theories are wrong, but IMO it is utterly<BR>
irrelevant in this case, because correcting the mistake (if it is a mistake)<BR>
will tear long holes in the Traveller background and reduce its usefulness.<BR>
I LIKE having most of the various human races interfertile. If you accept<BR>
that _Homo sapiens_ hadn't evolved yet 300,000 years ago, then NONE of the<BR>
descendants of _Homo antiquitus_ would be interfertile with the Solomani.<BR>
(Well, I suppose you could invoke the Ancients, but IMO they are getting<BR>
rather overworked already. Besides, we know from canon that different<BR>
Ancients 'ran' different human populations. Why in the world would some of<BR>
them build in a genetic code that would allow Solomani, Darrians, Vilani,<BR>
and other groups to evolve to a form that would be interfertile with the<BR>
rest?).<BR>
<BR>
All the available in-game evidence show that _Homo antiquitus_ was already<BR>
_Homo sapiens_. If the Real World don't like that, I think the Real World<BR>
should take a hike.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
      Hans Rancke<BR>
University of Copenhagen<BR>
     rancke@diku.dk<BR>
- ------------<BR>
        "The referee should determine the nature of subsequent<BR>
         events based on the individual situation."<BR>
                                _76 Patrons_, p. 8<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 03:03:46<BR>
From: "Douglas E. Berry" <gridlore@pop.mindspring.com><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes<BR>
<BR>
At 01:56 PM 12/26/1999 -0600, you wrote:<BR>
<BR>
>The "Monarch" class Imperial battlecruiser _Norton I_ (the Bay Area<BR>
>folks should recognize this one!)<BR>
<BR>
Along with the Willie I, of course!<BR>
<BR>
His Imperial Majesty Willie I, Ruler of all lands West of Emeryville to the<BR>
Farallon Islands, Lord of San Francisco, Protector of Treasure Island,<BR>
Defender of the Bay Bridge.<BR>
<BR>
We actually went out and found Norton's grave last week.. want the pictures?<BR>
- -- <BR>
<BR>
Douglas E. Berry       gridlore@mindspring.com<BR>
http://gridlore.home.mindspring.com/index.html<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 03:07:00<BR>
From: "Douglas E. Berry" <gridlore@pop.mindspring.com><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes<BR>
<BR>
At 07:41 PM 12/26/1999 -0600, you wrote:<BR>
>Black ICE wrote:<BR>
>> <BR>
><<snip>><BR>
><BR>
>I really must apologize for the prior e-mail sent under my name. <BR>
>Obviously the so-called "Emperor Norton" was a mentally ill individual,<BR>
>and knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about Masonic rituals.  And there is NO<BR>
>TRUTH to the rumors that "Emperor Norton" printed his own money that was<BR>
>accepted by local merchants!<BR>
<BR>
No evidence that His Majesty was actually a Mason, but he did print his own<BR>
money (you can see some of it at City Hall), and the local Masons paid for<BR>
his burial.  Close to 10,000 attended his funeral, and Mark Twain wrote a<BR>
euolgy for him.<BR>
><BR>
>Move along, netizens.  Nothing to see here.<BR>
><BR>
>-- <BR>
>AuricTech Shipyards Journeyman Gearhead<BR>
>"Gold-Plated [tm] solutions for copper-plated problems!" (r)<BR>
>http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9776<BR>
><BR>
- -- <BR>
<BR>
Douglas E. Berry       gridlore@mindspring.com<BR>
http://gridlore.home.mindspring.com/index.html<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 03:10:54<BR>
From: "Douglas E. Berry" <gridlore@pop.mindspring.com><BR>
Subject: Re: in jokes <BR>
<BR>
At 11:34 PM 12/26/1999 -0700, you wrote:<BR>
<BR>
>Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.  <grin><BR>
><BR>
>A 'nutball' who wandered around San Francisco in the 1800s, and everybody <BR>
>around him pretended to take him seriously.<BR>
<BR>
*PRETENDED*!?  Have this man flogged!<BR>
<BR>
>He'd eat at a restaurant and >pay with a check written on his own <BR>
>(nonexistant) Imperial bank, and they'd *take the check*.<BR>
<BR>
His Majesty's money was backed with the same thing our money is backed<BR>
with, good intentions and promises.  Norton was an innovator!<BR>
<BR>
>Legend has it he walked into the middle of a riot once and called on the <BR>
>rioters to stop at once.  And they did.<BR>
<BR>
He stopped an anti-Chinese riot by kneeling in front of the mob on<BR>
California St. at Stockton and began praying.  This being Sunday, many of<BR>
the mob were shamed into joining him, and the mob dispersed.<BR>
<BR>
- -- <BR>
<BR>
Douglas E. Berry       gridlore@mindspring.com<BR>
http://gridlore.home.mindspring.com/index.html<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 03:13:47<BR>
From: "Douglas E. Berry" <gridlore@pop.mindspring.com><BR>
Subject: Re: T4: Marine Officer developement<BR>
<BR>
At 09:42 PM 12/26/1999 -0600, you wrote:<BR>
<BR>
>1.  Neither academy leads to a Marine commission (I really don't like<BR>
>this option, and I suspect that you won't either);<BR>
<BR>
In GT: Ground Forces, this is the rule.  All Marines start swabbing decks<BR>
and taking orders.  Potential officers are selected for OCS after they have<BR>
proved themselves as Marines first.<BR>
- -- <BR>
<BR>
Douglas E. Berry       gridlore@mindspring.com<BR>
http://gridlore.home.mindspring.com/index.html<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 00:36:04 +1300<BR>
From: "Frank Pitt" <frankie@mundens.gen.nz><BR>
Subject: Re: Drawing Program<BR>
<BR>
- ----- Original Message -----<BR>
From: Ethan Henry <egh@klg.com><BR>
To: <traveller@lists.imagiconline.com><BR>
Cc: <traveller-digest@lists.imagiconline.com><BR>
Sent: Saturday, December 25, 1999 3:33 AM<BR>
Subject: Re: Drawing Program<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
> eris@pcola.gulf.net wrote:<BR>
> ><BR>
> > CompuServe used some compression codes that were owned by, HP I think.<BR>
> > CompuServe has basically said anyone that wants can use the GIF format,<BR>
> > but HP is less generous, no that's not fair.  Let's just say they don't<BR>
> > want their intellectual property to be public domain.<BR>
><BR>
> Nope. CompuServe used LZW compression which is patented. I don't know who<BR>
> filed the original patent, but it's currently owned by Unisys.<BR>
<BR>
Compuserve defined the GIF format to use a _particular_form_  of the LZW<BR>
compression process which Unisys happens to own a patent on.<BR>
<BR>
> See http://www.unisys.com/unisys/lzw/<BR>
<BR>
That's not an entirely accurate description of the situation, it's actually<BR>
Unisys propaganda<BR>
<BR>
For instance they say :<BR>
<BR>
" More and more people are becoming aware that the reading and/or writing of<BR>
GIF images requires a license to use Unisys patented Lempel Ziv Welch (LZW)<BR>
data compression and decompression technology"<BR>
<BR>
This is patently <grin> untrue, as the patent applies only to the _creation_<BR>
of the GIF format.<BR>
Reading GIF inmages does not require a patent as it does not require the use<BR>
of the patented algorithm.<BR>
(only the _compression_ algorithm_is actua;ly patented. )<BR>
<BR>
They also say :<BR>
<BR>
"Other forms of LZW are, for example, TIFF-LZW, PDF and Postscript-2."<BR>
<BR>
This again is untrue, as Postscript-2 also does not require the use of the<BR>
patented LZW algorithm as it is not a compressed format by default, though<BR>
Postscript does require a license for Adobe.<BR>
<BR>
> > As I understand it, folks that write programs that implement the GIF<BR>
> > format need to get a licence.<BR>
><BR>
> Yes.<BR>
<BR>
Not entirely true, If you write a program that _creates_ GIFs using the<BR>
patented Unisys algorithm  then you theoretically need a license. Of course,<BR>
that assumes that you do it in a country that recognizes the US Patent<BR>
Office, or where Unisys has succesfully patented the algorithm.<BR>
<BR>
While on their web-site they _claim_ to have patented it in the UK, I find<BR>
that very hard to believe, as the UK patent office originally issued a<BR>
statement saying it was not going to recognize algorithmic patents.<BR>
<BR>
> If I write code that implements LZW compression (jn ANY form, not just GIF<BR>
> image compression) than I need a UNISYS license.<BR>
<BR>
Not true.  LZW compression itself is public domain, as it was published by<BR>
the authors ( Liz, Zempel, and WhatsHisName) many years before Unisys took<BR>
out a patent on one particular form of it.<BR>
<BR>
Unfortunately, the form that was used in GIF is the form that is patented by<BR>
Unisys<BR>
(What used to be Sperry-Rand)<BR>
<BR>
For example, one of the PK-Zip formats uses LZW compression without<BR>
requiring a Unisys license.<BR>
<BR>
> Yes, with lots of rabid, tunnel-visioned devotees. GIF is way too popular<BR>
> to either throw out or replace. The patent will run out eventually, just<BR>
be<BR>
> patient. :)<BR>
<BR>
There's no logical reason for GIF to be popular,  it's a crappy  format.<BR>
(Just as there's no logical reason for IBM PC's and Microsoft operating<BR>
systems to be popular.)<BR>
<BR>
I never use it, as jpg is so much better for most pictures.<BR>
<BR>
Those that recommend GIF for line drawings miss the point, any line drawing<BR>
is better rendered using a vector format anyway.<BR>
<BR>
The major reason for avoiding GIF is that Unisys are trying to be such<BR>
pricks about it, and are also trying tio claim rights they do not have. It<BR>
must be the only thing Unisys make any money on these days, Linc and their<BR>
A-series machines are fast becoming museum pieces.<BR>
<BR>
Frankie<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 01:08:35 +1300<BR>
From: "Frank Pitt" <frankie@mundens.gen.nz><BR>
Subject: Re: Drawing Program<BR>
<BR>
Unneccessary perhaps, but I've nothing better to do.<BR>
<BR>
> I'm deliberately starting with command line Linux precisely because<BR>
> *I* want to know what's going on under the hood.<BR>
<BR>
Exactly, which is why you're finding it harder than Windows.<BR>
But you can't do that _at_all_on Windows because the information isn't<BR>
available.<BR>
<BR>
> RH6.0 installs fairly easily, both on a 486 and P100. And it runs a<BR>
> *hell* of a lot faster on the P100 than Winblows 2000 (although to be<BR>
> honest it was an early release candidate).<BR>
<BR>
RH6.0 runs faster on a 486DX266 than W2K on a PIII 450Mhz.<BR>
<BR>
> But its very flexibility and power are still standing in the way.<BR>
> Yes, the install is much better. But it *still* won't meet your<BR>
> average, non-Unix, non-computer literate user's ability level. I've<BR>
> managed to get Samba and DHCP up and running, and hope to tackle PPP<BR>
> and DNS soon, followed by IP masquerading and IP chains. Compare that<BR>
> to checking a single checkbox in W2K.<BR>
<BR>
Pardon ?  You're trrying to imply that the average user will be trying to<BR>
set up Samba and DHCP ?<BR>
<BR>
And it's _not_ just checking a single check-box in W2K<BR>
<BR>
For a start you need to specify the range of IP addresses your DHCP server<BR>
is gong to use<BR>
And to set up a PPP server or a DNS there are whole pile of things you need<BR>
to do in W2K, not the least of which is disable all your other DNS's because<BR>
the W2K one is incompatible with every other DNS out there.<BR>
<BR>
The equivalent is trying to set up an NFS mount  and a secure internet<BR>
server on W2K, something that isn't possible without third-party software<BR>
and a hell of a lot of "undocumented by Microsoft" tweaking.<BR>
<BR>
> Or setting up printers ... that's a task I'm putting off until much<BR>
> later (partly because my printer just died, and partly because I<BR>
> still get queasy just trying to read through the description in<BR>
> "Running Linux")<BR>
<BR>
Why bother ?<BR>
<BR>
I just ran the install proces and selected my printer form the list, just<BR>
like you do in Windows.<BR>
<BR>
> And I won't even get into the Redhat vs SuSe vs<BR>
> Caldera/gcc vs egcs/libc5 vs glibc/Gnome vs KDE/etc./etc. issues.<BR>
<BR>
No reason to do so anyway, that's like arguing  Netscape/IE    or Word/Word<BR>
Perfect , it's a users choice.<BR>
<BR>
> Do  you *really* think your average user is going to be able to sort that<BR>
> out?<BR>
<BR>
They *really* don't need to.  Your average user can't install or set-up<BR>
anything on Windows anyway, they just need to use the system. Windows is not<BR>
easier to _use_, they have the same learning curve.<BR>
<BR>
> All he/she wants to do is plug in a CD, and go.<BR>
<BR>
The average user can't even manage this under Windows anyway.<BR>
<BR>
> Pick "Times New<BR>
> Roman" "10pt" "Italic" instead of typing in<BR>
> "-misc-fixed-bold-r-normal--13-100-100-100-c-70-iso8859-1"<BR>
<BR>
Why would anyone do that in Linux ?<BR>
Just use the font selection dialog like you do in Windows.<BR>
<BR>
>--and for<BR>
> that matter, he wants to use his existing favorite collection of .TTF<BR>
> fonts, .WMF clipart, and all his Microsoft Office documents.<BR>
<BR>
All currently possible in Linux.<BR>
<BR>
> Sorry, "user-friendly" compared to Winblows it isn't. Compared to<BR>
> earlier releases, sure.<BR>
<BR>
I disagree.<BR>
<BR>
There is no difference in _user_ freindliness.<BR>
<BR>
There is a huge difference in system supervisor friendliness, Linux is _far_<BR>
more user-friendly than Windows.<BR>
because they actually provide documentation, so that you can fix a broken<BR>
system<BR>
<BR>
You can't do that with Windows. if something goes wrong you have to throw<BR>
away everything and install again from scratch because Microsoft refuse to<BR>
provide the necessary documentatuion to fix their stuff-ups<BR>
<BR>
> BTW, I personally *prefer* having to get under the hood, as I'd<BR>
> rather know what's going on. Bill's designers have never set things<BR>
> up the way I would have, and probably never will. As I get the time,<BR>
> I will move more and more to Linux. But it's not nearly as easy as<BR>
> the Linux apostles will have you believe, especially for somebody<BR>
> with no prior Unix experience.<BR>
<BR>
What you mean is it's not easy for someone without command line experience<BR>
to configure a Linux system well. No _user_ should need to know this, and no<BR>
user on a Windows system is able to do this either.<BR>
<BR>
Frankie<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 01:25:19 +1300<BR>
From: "Frank Pitt" <frankie@mundens.gen.nz><BR>
Subject: Re: Drawing Program<BR>
<BR>
Leonard Erickson <shadow@krypton.rain.com> wrote in message<BR>
news:991225.150455.8p2.rnr.w165w@krypton.rain.com...<BR>
> In mail you write:<BR>
><BR>
> > Good point Leonard, but by the time I even knew what OS/2 was or could<BR>
> > afford to buy an operating system, it was already dead and buried.<BR>
<BR>
Gee, he must have only just learned what an operating system is then. I<BR>
wonder why he knows about Amiga, seeing as they died long before OS/2....<BR>
<BR>
> Funny, IBM still sells it.<BR>
<BR>
Not to the public.<BR>
They will sell it to existing users that require new licences, but it is not<BR>
commercially available anymore.<BR>
<BR>
> Though you'd have the devil's own time<BR>
> finding out, since they were silly enough to agree to a contract for<BR>
> Win 98 that required them to quite advertising OS/2 (not that their<BR>
> advertising had been all that great).<BR>
<BR>
IBM dropped sales support for Merlin ( V4.0) well before Win 98 was released<BR>
mainly because the lab that developed it was no longer interested in it.<BR>
There was some rumours that IBM Australia's Global Services division was<BR>
gong to pick it up because of a few OS/2 enthusiasts there, but after Lotus<BR>
dropped support for it, even IBM weren't going to be able to use it<BR>
internally anymore,<BR>
<BR>
> I really do enjoy watching Windows apps crash and burn and being able<BR>
> to handle the situation by merely closing the window they were running<BR>
> in.<BR>
<BR>
You can do the same in NT  to OS/2 and Windows apps<BR>
<BR>
> Alas, the last couple of versions of Win32 have been made<BR>
> *deliberately* incompatible with OS/2.<BR>
<BR>
Not actually true, Leonard.<BR>
<BR>
The reason they don't work with OS/2 is the crappy implementation of OS/2s<BR>
support for Windows<BR>
Read Andrew Shulman's articles on the subject in Dr. Dobbs  for details, but<BR>
basically, the OS/2 executive patched the live copy of win.exe on the fly<BR>
(in memory) to get it to work under OS/2<BR>
<BR>
Obviously, this means that even a recompile of  win.exe, let alone an actual<BR>
rewrite could break OS./2 's support for it<BR>
<BR>
Frankie<BR>
<BR>
------------------------------<BR>
<BR>
End of Traveller-digest V1999 #1585<BR>
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