Re: [Harp-L] BendOMeter, what's up?

[billhines4@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I knew someone was going to say that! Right, most (all) programs that I install come from a "trusted" supplier, such as Norton/Symantec, Microsoft, etc. They can't afford to do too much subversive stuff, and certainly not damaging stuff because they are public companies, etc. I almost never install 'freeware' and those sort of applications from "no name" suppliers. Used to be  you could do that, but no more.  Most are trojan horses for viruses, spyware and so forth.  When I saw the java prompt asking me to give unrestricted access to my computer and the internet, I did what I usually do when my firewall asks this - say "NO".  Once I grant that unrestricted access, even my firewall can't help me if this thing decides to do something malicious. 

If the author has gone on to other things, he should turn off the internet requirement and submit this to the public domain, with source code so that someone can improve it.  Or at least offer it for sale that way. This feature alone might have killed his sales. This goes back to the time when companies like Lotus were making their software so difficult to use with copy protection schemes, people stopped buying them (and there was *always* a way to get around the copy protection!).  Bendometer is good stuff, I hope the author reconsiders his approach. 

Back to the harp subject, has any one used Harping Midi http://www.harpingmidi.com/ It seems to have the same type of harp diagram on it, but I can't tell from his doc whether it responds to the microphone to show how on-pitch your notes are.


> > 1. Does it only run from the internet connection? Anyone who says "Yes" to
> > that prompt about letting it have *unrestricted* access to your computer 
> > and
> > network is insane or asking for trouble.
> 
> Actually, thats no different from any application (.exe) you download from 
> the Internet, they all have 100% access to your computer and they can all 
> access the Intenet unless you are running a firewall to block outgoing 
> messages. It always comes down to you trusting the supplier. Normally, Java 
> programs run from a web page, and therefore have highly limited access to 
> your computer (normal of course). When you give unrestricted access, you are 
> just making Bendometer like all the other programs on your computer. 
> Bendometer needs access to your sound card so it needs to run outside the 
> usual sandbox.
> 
> > 2. The guy who owns it hasn't responded to any messages or requests for 
> > help
> > on his discussion board since August. That's a concern.
> 
> Yeah, he's no longer easy to reach, think he's busy with other things. 
> Probably not making much money with this. Maybe if everyone encourages him 
> he can quit his day job and provide better service.
> 
> Pierre.
>