Netscape 6 is based on Mozilla, which is GPL. Although Netscape programmers
have had some input into Mozilla, most of the work was done by ordinary open
source volunteers. Does this mean that open source doesn't work? No, it
doesn't. AOL's programmers are not at fault, either. The ones we should blame
for Netscape 6's less than spectacular performance are the management of
Netscape and AOL. It was they who made the decision to take an obviously
unfinished project and add extra bels and whistles to make into a commercial
product. The programmers themselves are doing, IMHO, a fine job. Mozilla's
speed and stability are far from optimised, and AOL's programmers are forced
to just do what they're told by their bosses.
As to your definitions, I'm not wuite sure if I agree with them. IMHO, a
programmer is merely a type of hacker (albeit the most common type). A
hacker, for example, can simply be someone who likes to get down 'n dirty
with configuration files. They do not need to know programming at all
(although in some circumstances it probably helps). Similarly, script-kiddie
does not equal cracker. A script-kiddie is a type of cracker. As with
anything, there are several different ways to do something. The basic
distinction is that hacking is (or should be) legal and cracking is (or
should be) illegal.
On Tue, 5 Dec 2000 14:23, Mark Weaver wrote:
> Ummm...Netscape 6 sucks because AOL can't program to save their lives, and
> a hacker IS a programmer. If you're refering to the "script kiddies" that
> have way too much time on their hands and no proper motivation to properly
> direct and use their God given talents for something other than to
> jerk around making a mess and headache for others never amounting to
> nothing more than crimanals...well, there ya go...you went and got me
> started.
>
> Let me properly define a few things for you.
>
> Hacker = programmer - someone who writes, developes, or otherwise
> engineers software for computers either for money or just for the plain
> love of creating something from nothing and allowing others to enjoy and
> benifit from his/her efforts.
>
> Cracker = script-kiddie - general, all arouind pain in the ass that should
> have their heads handed to them in a bucket cause it's painfully apparent
> that they have no intention of doing anything constructive or useful with
> their talents in the near future except to get on everyone elses nerves
> and generally cause a lot of fuss and trouble!
>
> Frankly, Netscape 6 is a terrible embarrassment for me as I've been a
> devoted Netscape user since 1995 when I got my first computer. Since AOL
> has taken over that ship it has been steadily sinking and fully expect
> that company to go belly-up before too long. they're ruining the program
> with their garbage and junk that they've been pedaling to the masses in
> their AOL software.
>
> YUCK!
--
Sridhar Dhanapalan.
Your mouse has moved. Windows must be rebooted to acknowledge
this change.
