More on ... The VIEWER ... requirements.
As I've written off-list to Michael ...
There are places (governments) that prohibit or limit internet
connectivity. They will not allow Arachne in it's current form because it
has communication built into the code. To do a public project (which is
where I'm headed with this whole idea), the program cannot contain even
hidden or disabled code.
Think back to the old USSR days. The KGB hacker unit could easily figure
out Arachne's communication capability. What I'm hoping for is a VIEWER
that functions as an off-line browser, but has no code for handling
dialing, email, etc. - as if those subjects were never written into the
original code.
Removing the code that relates to the history file would be a welcomed
bonus. Ideally, the viewer would run directly from a CD and never leave a
trace of its activity on the computer. No CD, no history.
The viewer would be useful as an instructional device for a multitude of
purposes. If it looked similar to Arachne, then it would also be a
half-step toward teaching internet connectivity via Arachne (when that
program became available). I don't want to do away with the web, web
freedom, or programs that can be modified by users groups, etc. It's
just a reality in the world that some governments are not very
people-friendly and limit personal freedom. In those places, a viewer
might work. An internet browser has no chance of being acceptable.
I don't want to turn a computer email list into a political forum, but
Arachne was developed in part as an expression of resistance against
oppression (from governments or commercial software companies). To make a
play on words ... Michael opened up *Windows* of opportunity when he
wrote the code. (I hope that gives Billy Boy heartburn).
But, in many places, that window is boarded up solid. I would suggest
that an Arachne-style VIEWER would be a great tool to help pull down
those barriers (the Silicon Curtain ???).
I figured that this group of people is radical enough to make it happen.
<grin>
Am I on the wrong trail?
Bob (aka Radical Robert)
On Sat, 14 Dec 2002 10:12:26 -0700 "G J Feig" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
------snip-------
>
> 1. Getting rid of Arachne's communication capabilities can be
> done rather quick and dirty.
> TENTATIVE SOLUTION:
> Pull the components and pages that deal with
> communication/connection.
> Arachne has one mode "No Connection to the Internet..:(((" (yes, it
> shows a picture of a sad frown).
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