Is it against present Internet access law to reject requests from open source OS machines?

thunder rising

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Fri May-09-08 09:28 PM
Original message

Is it against present Internet access law to reject requests from open source OS machines?

(ACLU types feel free to join in)
The internet, at this time is request based and is open access unless restricted by some subscription. However, companies like ABC and CNN reject live stream requests from machines that have Open Source operating systems (Linux for one). In the present paradigm the server is really not allowed to make such a rejection, they must return a response and it is up to the browser to determine (on the users machine) the content.

This shit has got to stop.

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billyoc

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Fri May-09-08 09:32 PM
Response to Original message

1. IANAL, but I don't believe that CNN has any responsibility to serve any content at all.

But the responses as to which OS you're using can be easily faked for the sites that don't support certain browsers.

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thunder rising

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Fri May-09-08 09:37 PM
Response to Reply #1

3. However, there is no stream that is not serviceable by Linux/Firefox

Hence, it becomes a monopoly type issue where the corporations restrict service to "Pay for Play" operating systems.

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billyoc

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Fri May-09-08 11:11 PM
Response to Reply #3

12. You're never going to get anywhere with that argument.

Nobody can make me let you connect to my computer, see what I mean?

It's like saying Cablevision has to let you watch TV.

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thunder rising

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Fri May-09-08 09:42 PM
Response to Reply #1

6. Please post a link to a HOWTO that shows me how to get wget to stream to MP. I'm all eyes.

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billyoc

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Fri May-09-08 11:18 PM
Response to Reply #6

13. Give me the stream you're having trouble with, I'll see what I can do.

I'm feeling generous. :)

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DJ13

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Fri May-09-08 09:33 PM
Response to Original message

2. Their live streams require Internet Explorer

Doesnt work for me with Firefox or Sea Monkey (Mozilla), I have to use IE.

This is on a Windows 2000 based system.

I hate being forced to use IE.

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sudopod

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Fri May-09-08 09:40 PM
Response to Reply #2

4. Will it work if you make your browser lie in the user agent identifier? nt

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thunder rising

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Fri May-09-08 09:47 PM
Response to Reply #4

7. That is a GREAT question ... User Agent Switcher 0.6.11 (hmmm I wonder)

I will post this right before every Obama webcast on CNN and ABC if this works. Thanks.

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thunder rising

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Fri May-09-08 09:40 PM
Response to Reply #2

5. And what stream format would they be using that only Windows (and BTW Apple) can display?

This makes my point that the corporations are banding together. If they really were after expanded viewership they would return the stream request and let the local browser determine if the stream could be serviced...just like every other request that hits any server.

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silverojo

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Fri May-09-08 10:04 PM
Response to Reply #2

10. When a site forces you to use IE

Write to the webmaster and tell them off. If they're so incompetent that they can't handle writing code for more than one browser, they should get a job flipping burgers at Mickey-D's.

One cheeseburger plain and a medium fries, please....

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EvolveOrConvolve

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Fri May-09-08 10:27 PM
Response to Reply #2

11. I haven't used IE in years

And I've never had a problem viewing any streams, whether I'm using a Windows box or a Linux box. Are you sure it isn't your ISP that's blocking certain ports and/or content? I've heard rumors (unsubstantiated so far) that some ISP's are beginning to block services that use a lot of bandwidth that costs them more money.

Recently, IE dropped below 50% market share in the browser market, so it would be absolute suicide for companies to restrict content to only IE.

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wuushew

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Fri May-09-08 09:48 PM
Response to Original message

8. What specific sites are you refering to?

Edited on Fri May-09-08 09:51 PM by wuushew

I am also currently using Windows 2000 and Firefox without problem.

(I have a Linux virtual machine I can test though)

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bowens43

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Fri May-09-08 09:57 PM
Response to Original message

9. not sure what you're saying here.

Edited on Fri May-09-08 09:58 PM by bowens43

I use only open source software including Linux as my operating system and I have never had snything blocked/rejected by CNN, ABC or anyone else. I frequently watch live streams. And no, it isn't against the law for anyone to block you for any reason on a privately owned system

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