Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2007 May 18

= May 18 =

Is Wikipedia bug prone ?
I was told by a computer expert that Wikimedia was prone to viruses and bugs. Is this TRUE ? 65.163.112.89 04:01, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * No. -- mattb 04:09, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * The expert said that the EDIT function is where the bugs, viruses are planted. 65.163.112.89 04:32, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

No. Tell him to stop calling himself an expert. -- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 04:38, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Perhaps they meant vandalism. - Akamad 07:22, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Anyone who doesn't know the differences between bugs, viruses, and simple vandalism is far closer to "idiot" than "expert" -- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 11:31, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Can't agree more with you, User:Feba. --Taraborn 02:21, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * There certainly aren't any viruses associated with Wikipedia/WikiMedia per-se - it is (I suppose) just possible to deliver malware in a carefully corrupted media image file such as a JPEG or PNG - there have been some alerts about patching image file loaders to avoid these issues - which might be why your "expert" (who is an idiot by the way) is concerned about WikiMedia in particular. But tens of millions of people use Wikipedia/WikiMedia every day and I've never heard of even a single person suffering from anything like this - so if it happens, it's got to be spectacularly rare. If your image viewer(s) have unpatched vulnerabilities then any web site that stores images could potentially be a delivery vector for viruses.  Don't worry about it - it's simply not an issue.  Your "expert" is talking BS - he/she is not an expert. SteveBaker 11:21, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * There is a possibility that an external link page may contain a virus, but that's nothing that Wikipedia has any control over. Corvus cornix 20:43, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * It's amazing how many people with the smallest amount of IT experience will proclaim themselves experts and pronounce with confidence on things they know nothing about. This is a perfect case in point. Your "expert" has no clue what he or she (actually, I suspect this trait lies somewhere on the Y chromosome) is talking about.--24.147.86.187 02:49, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

"Islamburg" - Al Qaeda
Did you guys know that there are ISLAMIC militia cells, all affiliated with Al Qaeda, all over the US ? Michael Savage, other conservatives have discovered this matter, claimed the liberal "mainstream" media is ignoring the threat. Recruits for this militia are from the US prison system, and they're training to take out the US.

On a related note, once the US hits Iran, the "draft will be initiated. What are the new conscription rules ? 65.163.112.89 05:00, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * 1) There are terrorist cells everywhere. Nobody "discovered" this, it's an obvious fact.
 * 2) There's all sorts of recruits. Misguided people who seek out religion from warmongers, criminals with little left to lose, it takes all sorts.
 * 3) There's little reason to believe that the US will even attack Iran (at this rate, M.A.D. will probably keep the US out)
 * 4) There's little chance that a draft would pass in the US, considering at this point we have enough technology to not need nearly as many troops, and the fact that most people disagree with it.
 * 5) There's no way to know what the requirements would be. Chances are "if you haven't left for Canada yet, you're in." would be the main one.
 * -- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 05:09, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * 6. Take a deep breath.
 * 7. See Critical Thinking, apply "liberally".
 * -- Azi Like a Fox 06:54, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Phoeba, I hope you are right with number 3, but I wouldn't put anything past Dubya and his gang of warmongers. Corvus cornix 20:44, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * I agree that the probability of numbers 3 and 4 occuring is low, though not because of mutual assured destruction as stated. Iran has a long way to go before they will be able to amass enough atomic weapons for that. The OP (and others) may find the Selective Service article of interest regarding the "rules" of conscription should the draft be reinitiated. I would also add a #8- DON'T PANIC. 161.222.160.8 00:36, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Recruits for this militia are from the US prison system ... -- Well, at least we've already got them behind bars. :) --TotoBaggins 00:56, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Michael Savage is an alarmist blowhard who will say just about anything to get attention. There's a good article about him on Salon, if you're interested. But that might force you to actually read part of the "liberal media" rather than just talk about how much you think it is hiding, which I suspect will be a problem for you. --24.147.86.187 02:55, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

In the News
Do we have an artical about this yet? Looks like it's geting lots of press coverage. I also just heard about it on the radio. Really sad. S.dedalus 06:38, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * It is perhaps callous but nevertheless true to say that what appear to some to be judicial or para-judicial disposals such as this, tragic as they may be, are not necessarily notble enough to warrant wikipedia article. The sister website wikinews is the appropriate place for such reports. --Tagishsimon (talk)


 * It will probably be made into an article though. Look at the number of kidnapping/rape/murder victims we have articles on that only made regional headlines.  This made headlines in the U.S. as well as in other countries.  Dismas |(talk) 09:38, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Yes, I know it may be more in the scope of Wikinews. However, many notable news events do seem to warrant an article on Wikipedia. S.dedalus 18:59, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * As a murder involving thousands of people, in a location which is the center of the world's attention at the moment, that seems sufficiently notable for a Wikipedia article, to me. If you wish to start one, please do. StuRat 02:24, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Absolutely newsworthy if you ask me. 81.93.102.185 14:42, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

An article has been started at Du’a Khalil Aswad. StuRat 19:20, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Boarding pass paper
If i were to use online check in for some flights i have coming in june which sort of paper would i need to use to print it off. Would i need a special type?--logger 08:07, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * No, regular white paper is fine. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Whew just want to make sure i have never printed out a boarding pass before. Thanks very much.--logger 08:13, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Maybe it depends on the airline and the airport, but I recently printed out a "boarding pass" at home. After queueing for 20 minutes at airport security I was turned back and told to go to the airline desk where I had to exchange it for a regular boarding card (which was on the desk waiting for me) that would go through their machines, so it didn't save me any time. At another airport they exchanged my boarding pass printout for a regular boarding card when I checked in my luggage. Also remember you will need a separate boarding pass for each leg of your journey if you are chaning flights.--Shantavira 08:58, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * The last time I flew (couple months ago, all flights within the continental U.S.), I printed off the "boarding pass" from the net, went up to check in at the counter of my smallish local airport, they gave me a regular long card-like boarding pass, and I boarded using that. Coming back, this time at a much larger airport, I just had the paperwork with me and checked in through a kiosk at the airport.  The kiosk printed out my regular boarding pass.  So basically, the sheets that you print off are just information with your name, flight number, etc.  They aren't technically your "boarding pass".  Dismas |(talk) 09:06, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * When I flew DFW to Folsom, CA on American Airlines a few weeks ago, I didn't need the ticket or passes I'd printed out at all. The automated check-in machine wanted my flight number and a swipe of my credit card (presumably to verify my identity) and that was that.  As fast as security checks are making life harder at airports, automation is making it easier.  But with different airlines and different airports - your experience may be different.  But plain white paper will certainly be OK. SteveBaker 11:13, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * In general, through my few flying experiences, if you are not checking bags, in the US you can go straight to the security checkpoint with your Internet-printed boarding pass and valid (government-issued?) photo ID. For US domestic flights, you only have to go to the counter or check-in kiosk if you are checking bags, have a special situation, or were not allowed to check-in online.  So yes the sheet you print out from your computer is your boarding pass, but if you are checking luggage, you'll probably have to go the counter or check-in kiosk anyway, and might as well get it there. –Pakman044 18:39, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

Name changing, and other potentially complicated things
Basically, things I might or will do, in order of likelyhood: Should I change my name before I do any of these, or after, will it be more difficult to do it under different circumstances? Also, can anyone who has changed their name tell me how easy it was for them to get used to it, and how much of a pain the legal parts of it were? Thanks, -- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 11:03, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Change my name
 * Go to college
 * Enroll in the JET Programme (Live in Japan)
 * Move to another country (Austrailia, Canada, U.K., Japan, N.Z., and possibly Holland are candidates) [Read: become a citizen]
 * I haven't done it myself, but from what I've heard the process is a big pain. Are you sure the change is worth the hassle? As for the before or after. A name change might slow down immigration, changing the name once you're there is probably harder. I'd do the name change in the country where it is easier. - Mgm|(talk) 12:18, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * I haven't done it myself yet, but I have certainly been seriously considering it for some time. I've investigated the process here in Victoria, got the relevant forms and filled them out, but put them away in my bottom drawer until I am really sure I want to do this.  Obviously it will differ from place to place, but here it is far from the big pain Mgm refers to.  Here, it's quick, easy and cheap (around $60).  But that's just the actual name change bit - however, the ramifications of the change may well be a different story, depending on family circumstances, immigration, inheritances, etc; and the more complex your personal affairs are or may become, the more troublesome a name change may prove.  But equally it may not.  I think it would be best to get local professional legal advice, about all the things that a name change could possibly affect, taking into account all the countries you may move to and become a citizen of, and take it from there.  JackofOz 12:37, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

Obviously it depends where you live. In the UK it is extremely simple to change one's name. Again and again - no problem. But to take just one change - then getting used to it - depends on what and why and when. In my case I had been known as Mike for 20 years, so I adopted it formally as a birthday present. Other countries, however, can be very suspicious of name changes. In France, where I now live, it is extremely difficult to name change. And I have had problems gaining French acceptance of the fully legal change I made under UK law.86.197.45.51 14:53, 18 May 2007 (UTC)petitmichel


 * If the information on your user page is correct with regard to your current country and state of residence, you may find the relevant information on procedure for name change by looking at Title 19, Chapter 12 of the state code, which you can search here. Information about fees can be found in Title 15, Chapter 6 (specifically, 15-6-77). Carom 14:59, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * er, that's my birthplace, but thanks -- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 02:25, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

I gather that applicants for US naturalization are asked during the process whether they wish to change their name. (See Ted Morgan (writer).) The same may be true in your dream country, you could ask. &mdash;Tamfang 05:49, 19 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Haha, I wouldn't say dream country, I kinda wanna just get out of the states, see something different, have an excuse not to visit family I dislike, etc. It's more about being in a different place than it is the US. If I were born in Canada or Australasia, I'd probably be wanting to be where I am now. I think I don't want to wait that long, I'll probably just get it out of the way ASAP and deal with the other stuff later on.-- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 08:00, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Has anyone yet mentioned deed poll? Vespine 06:47, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

I changed my name 30-odd years ago. It was a simple procedure, but I wish that I had considered the implications: AKA in my passport for one. When I have to explain to strangers, there is that sour look "You must have had a reason for changing your name". After moving to a new country I know that some of my old schoolmates looked for me but couldn't find me under the name that they knew. I advise you not to change your name unless you have a compelling reason - use a nickname instead. Ian 11:09, 19 May 2007 (UTC)Ian


 * I changed my name by declaration over 25 years ago.I found it very easy to get used to my new name,it was others who found it hard to remember it.The initial task of informing everyone,banks,employment,government organizations,health care etc. was a bit of a pain but only took one day of letter writing and posting them.I needed however to get a more legal form of name change when I needed to get a passport but that was simply a letter from a solicitor which took 5 minuetes and cost a few pounds.This is in the UK so I can't speak for anywhere else.I changed my name because I hated it,felt uncomfortable using it and have never been happier since I did.hotclaws 08:30, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Also, question about Japanese forms
I've read that Japanese government forms usually have a box to put the name in kanji, and in furigana, what is the standard practice for filling out forms like this with western names? And do their forms use the confusing "last/first name" tags, or the clearer "given/family name"? Also with regards to forms, are most important ones availble in english as well, or do they have translation services? Or are you completely SOL? -- Phoeba WrightOBJECTION! 11:06, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

Postal service shipping time.
I live in the Netherlands and I'm expecting a package from London. Now, it could arrive tomorrow if the sender chose an expensive overnight service, but since the package is already a gift itself, I kind of doubt that to be their first choice. How long should I wait before I can worry about possible glitches in the postal system? - Mgm|(talk) 12:15, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Well, I havent recieved a valentine's card sent first class yet (was sent before valentines day), and that just had to get from glasgow to london... It depends how your package is being sent, if it's royal mail then you can routinely expect anywhere up to 2 weeks for a second class delivery. I think on the royal mail website they ask you to wait 15 working days after the post date before claiming losses... But this might only apply to UK mainland mail. I normally get things I order from the US in 2 weeks, so that's how long I would wait before getting antsy. 213.48.15.234 13:27, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Will do. Thanks. - Mgm|(talk) 13:32, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

How large is the package? So that we can tell if it would go with letter post or parcel post. - X201 14:13, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * I can't find any exact dimensions, but based on the other books (it's a book) I would expect something in the range of 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches, weight: 10-12 ounces. - Mgm|(talk) 16:55, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Taking a quick guess I would say it would be sent with one of Royal Mail's services (private individual, sending a small gift from the UK). Here is a list of prices and times that a package of that size and weight could take, anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, based on this I would say no more than a few days, but as with any postal service, nothing is guaranteed. Xarr &#9742;  19:00, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

Gopher Vs. Groundhog?
recently in a class of mine, (we were talking about gophers) a student asked, "what about groundhog's?" We then had 10 minutes of everyone wondering what the difference between the 2 was. Can anyone help me out with this? My brain hurts >.< -max- Maxx4444177 15:26, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * See Gopher and Groundhog, if you haven't already. For one, gophers are generally much smaller than groundhogs. Dismas |(talk) 15:27, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * ...and only a Gopher can become a US Congressman. StuRat 02:09, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Although I'd bet there are some people who'd vote for a groundhog. V-Man - T/C 03:00, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Well, every groundhog must have his day. StuRat 04:46, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Is it OK to add this cute picture? A.Z. 04:28, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Actually, one weasel was elected from Washington state!-- killing sparrows  (chirp!) 17:52, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Policies and proceedures manual for wholesaing mutual funds.
I just need a template or something I can use as a guide in helping to develope our own policies and proceedures manual that can be utilized by wholesalers in the field. Thanks, Franklin


 * I have no idea what you mean by "wholesale mutual funds"? --Eptypes 23:37, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

Miniumum age to travel internationally
What is the miniumum age to travel internationally by air from the UK to the US? I would think it would be 18, but once you're 16 in the UK, you are an adult and have an adult passport. But this might not be seen as the "of adult age" in the US, so I kindly ask. Thank you. 86.147.69.60 20:36, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * There is no restriction on passports: any British citizen can obtain a UK passport - under 16s get a 5 year child passport. Airlines have policies about how young an unaccompanied child may be - American Airlines says five, for example. US immigration is another matter - clearly a 5 year old isn't competent to fill out an i-94W visa waiver form, so I don't know what the arrangements and restrictions are. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:44, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Ah, AA explains their policy regarding visa/customs forms too, here. You need to have a responsible adult at either end, and the "sending" adult is responsible for the forms. I guess if there's a problem (whether travel wise or at the border) the "receiving" adult will be the one the airline or the DHS will call. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 20:55, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Another note: it will probably be neccessary for you to know someone over the age of eighteen in the US, as you will otherwise be unable to rent a car or a hotel room. Carom 20:51, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Some car rental companies won't rent to anyone under 21 or 22 years old... Can't remember which.  Dismas |(talk) 21:24, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Twnety-Five is actually the norm, I believe; Enterprise is one of the few companies that will rent to younger individuals (I recall renting from them at 19, but that was through a campus branch, and I had to pay an additional fee). Carom 21:30, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * From what I recall, almost all car rental companies will rent to a 21-year-old, but there is a special fee if you are under 25. V-Man - T/C 02:02, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Looking at the websites of various car rental companies suggests that you are absolutely correct in this respect (although it also suggests that this is a recent development). Carom 03:02, 19 May 2007 (UTC)


 * According to the same AA site as Finlay McWalter cited, you can fly unaccompanied with them if you are 15 years old (and you need to be 2 days old to fly at all...) --169.230.94.28 22:11, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * No, that's not what it says. It says you can fly as an unaccompanied minor if you're 5 when there's no connection, and 8 if there is a connection. At 15 you cease to be an unaccompanied minor, and can instead fend for yourself. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 22:19, 18 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Thanks for correcting my moronic formulation. What I meant was that once you are 15 you are considered adult and can travel independently; there no longer needs to be a responsible adult at each end to take care of you. --169.230.94.28 23:03, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

The part about 8 year olds being able to fly unaccompanied when there's a connection is a bit scary. Unaccompanied minors are looked after pretty well on the plane (that's one reason the airlines charge extra for them), but it sounds like they have to make the connection by themselves. In nice airports that's something an 8-year old could do, but in nasty airports that's a tall order. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 22:33, 18 May 2007 (UTC)
 * The airline accepts responsibility to ensure thta the 8-year-old make the connection. An airline employee will accompany the child from the arrival gate tot he departure gate and hand over responsibility to another airline employee. All very routine and straightforward--until a flight is delayied or cancelled. IN this case, an airline employee will continue to be responsible for the child. Thsi can include taking the child to a hotel and then back to the airport the next day.The airlines do all of this routinely and they do it very well in all but a tiny number of cases per year. -Arch dude 21:31, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Why Amsterdam as a nice airport? For a place where you can't get lost and are unlikely to meet anyone you wouln't want to, you aren't likely to find much better than Luqa.

Pressure on ears while scuba diving?
This question has been moved to the appropriate desk i.e. Science which deals with the Human Body. You can find it here: Reference_desk/Science. --Eptypes 23:35, 18 May 2007 (UTC)