The Latest Linux, Open Source, And Tech News
Leftovers Part 6
The Advantages of Using Linux
Every now and then, I receive emails from people who are asking me to explain the benefits or advantages of using Linux. I just answered them with a link or two to articles that could give a good explanation regarding the subject matter. But since I realized that it would be better if my response were based on my own experience, I finally decided to write a simple list that I could use to answer those who want to know the benefits of using Linux. more
128GB Blu-ray Disc format slated for release
The Blu-ray Disc Association this week announced plans to release a new commercial high-definition disc format that will offer up to 128GB of write-once capacity within months. The association also said it plans to release a rewritable disc format for consumers that will support up to 100GB of data, or twice the Blu-ray capacity available today. more
Why GNU/Linux is Unmatched – and Unmatchable
Users of free software are nothing if not passionate. Most of them care deeply about the code they use, and will happily plunge into the flamewars that flare up regularly across the Web. The core focus of those arguments is well established by now: against Mac fans, it's about the virtues of true openness and freedom; against Windows fans (do they still exist?) it's about those, as well as security, speed, stability, etc. But there's another aspect that rarely gets discussed, and yet it represents one of GNU/Linux's greatest strengths: the breadth of hardware platforms supported. more
YouTube Says HTML5 Not Ready for Prime Time
YouTube fired off another shot in the battle for the future of online video this week by underscoring its support of Adobe Flash over HTML5. John Harding, a YouTube software engineer, said that currently Flash offers many useful features not found in HTML5. "There's a lot more to it than just retrieving and displaying a video." HTML5 proponents still have high hopes for the standard, which is still "a work in progress." more
Who Should - or Shouldn't - Use Linux?
Independence Day may come only once a year here in the land of stars and stripes, but the topic of independence is one that's never far from Linux bloggers' minds.
Freedom, in other words, and all the myriad benefits that go along with it. It's an oft-cited reason for using our favorite operating system, and it's also a topic that got examined up close recently by the inquiring minds over at TuxRadar.
"We want to know whether the primary reason you use open source software is for its freedom or for its function," the inquiring minds wrote -- referring, of course, to freedom of the "speech" and not the "beer" kind.
They didn't have to wait long to find out. More than 50 bloggers fairly tripped over themselves in their haste to weigh in with their own perspectives, which included not just numerous variations on "function" and "freedom" but also "the penguin with no pants."
Yes, well, ahem. Moving right along ...
more
Freedom, in other words, and all the myriad benefits that go along with it. It's an oft-cited reason for using our favorite operating system, and it's also a topic that got examined up close recently by the inquiring minds over at TuxRadar.
"We want to know whether the primary reason you use open source software is for its freedom or for its function," the inquiring minds wrote -- referring, of course, to freedom of the "speech" and not the "beer" kind.
They didn't have to wait long to find out. More than 50 bloggers fairly tripped over themselves in their haste to weigh in with their own perspectives, which included not just numerous variations on "function" and "freedom" but also "the penguin with no pants."
Yes, well, ahem. Moving right along ...
more
Saying it out loud: IBM is moving to Firefox as its default browser
I talk a lot about software in this blog but most of the discussion is at the personal level: I tried this, I experimented with that. I hardly ever talk about what I use for doing my IBM business and more rarely still do I talk about IBM’s internal policies about software use. This entry is different, and gives you a bit of a view inside the company.
Like many individuals and members of organizations, IBMers use their browsers a lot for conducting business. Our desktop and laptop software environments have some common applications but also software specific to do our various jobs. And these jobs are varied, as there are about 400,000 IBM employees around the world.
Some of the software we all use shouldn’t surprise you since we make it, such as Lotus Notes, Lotus Sametime, and Lotus Symphony.
We’re officially adding a new piece of software to the list of default common applications we expect employees to use, and that’s the Mozilla Firefox browser. more
Like many individuals and members of organizations, IBMers use their browsers a lot for conducting business. Our desktop and laptop software environments have some common applications but also software specific to do our various jobs. And these jobs are varied, as there are about 400,000 IBM employees around the world.
Some of the software we all use shouldn’t surprise you since we make it, such as Lotus Notes, Lotus Sametime, and Lotus Symphony.
We’re officially adding a new piece of software to the list of default common applications we expect employees to use, and that’s the Mozilla Firefox browser. more
Debian vs. Ubuntu: Contrasting Philosophies
Debian and Ubuntu are distributions that lend themselves naturally to comparison. Not only is Ubuntu a continuing fork of Debian, but many of its developers also work on Debian. more
Five best free Linux games of 2010
Best is subjective. My best may not be your best. Still, I wanted to share with you my perception of the best Linux games you can have installed on your machine, in year 2010, Gregorian Calendar. These games offer an unrivaled mix of storyline, attention to detail and a balance between realism and plain ole fun. These are more than just games you will play for a few minutes and then toss away forever. These are games that you will keep returning to, even if they sit abandoned on the digital shelf for a a few months or even years. They are special. more
Red Hat Still Doesn't Need Desktop Linux
As we reported last week, Red hat has just reported another robust financial quarter--one of many achieved in a row. Earnings came in at 15 cents a share, or $24.1 million, compared to 12 cents a share expected by analysts, on total revenue of $209.1 million. Once again, Red Hat not only maintained its key subscribers but grew subscriptions and renewals. more
10 Games That Will Turn your Linux into a WarMachine
Games, one of my favorite time pass. I’m always out for nifty gaming sessions when I’m bored, posted lots of stuff on it in the past and still going to. Loads of my friends use linux and “some” complain that there aren’t much games for the OS out there.. well they are wrong, I’ve posted about Linux games in the past and going to write / update more on it in this post. Stuff I’ve missed out in the past and games which were released earlier. more
Why Ubuntu Is Harder Than Windows
I use Ubuntu on all my personal computers and I even recommend it to friends. I am starting to think maybe I shouldn't though, because it is obvious:
Ubuntu is harder to use than Windows more
Ubuntu is harder to use than Windows more
Spotlight on Linux: Linux Mint 9
Linux Mint is another distribution that seems designed for new users, although many seasoned users find it as handy as anyone. Linux Mint takes Ubuntu and makes it usable by adding drivers and codecs and adjusting the default application stack for more mainstream appeal. In addition, they customize the appearance for a more universal demographic. Mint isn't just a revamped Ubuntu. Its developers actually write tools and utilities to increase user-friendliness. Best of all, it's one of the few distros that can truly be considered "install and go." All these factors are surely why Mint has soared into the top 3 of Distrowatch's Page Hit Rankings. more
Break your Ubuntu Addiction: Three Strong Distros
No one can make the claim that Ubuntu isn't becoming the de facto Linux distro out there in the world today. It's becoming especially true when looking at those using Linux here in the States. For new and die-hard users alike, Ubuntu has all but captured the community. more
Why isn't Ubuntu good enough for US classrooms?
Have you used Ubuntu 10.04? It’s my desktop and server platform of choice for basically everything I do. As far as I’m concerned, it has only two weaknesses: more
The Reg Guide to Linux, part 3 Media playback and the no.1 thing to remember
Linux has changed almost beyond recognition since version 1.0 in 1994 and Ubuntu is about as polished and professional as it gets. It's approaching the level of polish of Mac OS X, is faster and easier to install than Windows, includes a whole suite of apps and offers tens of thousands more, runs on cheap commodity hardware and costs nothing. more
The Reg guide to Linux, part 2: Preparing to dual-boot
On Monday, we suggested Ubuntu as a good starting point for experimenting with desktop Linux. If you have the option, dedicate a machine to it – by 2010 standards, even a modest-spec PC will run it fine. You'll be very pleasantly surprised by the transformation from a lumbering old XP box burdened with years of cruft to one with a fresh install of an OS that doesn't need multiple layers of security software. more
Does Intel Have a 10-Core Xeon Processor in the Works?
Intel Corp. has apparently tipped its hand, revealing an upcoming processor design in a session entry to a program guide for an upcoming semiconductor conference. Earlier this week, the Hot Chips conference sent out its initial schedule of speakers. The annual event is held every August on the campus of Stanford University, and an Intel entry in the program proved a bit more revealing than perhaps it should have been.
On day two of the Hot Chips program is an entry entitled "Westmere-EX: A 20-Thread Server CPU," attributed to two Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) engineers. For its part, Intel spokespeople said they will not comment on rumor and speculation, even if it is their own entry into a well-respected semiconductor conference. Some deductive reasoning can be applied, however.more
On day two of the Hot Chips program is an entry entitled "Westmere-EX: A 20-Thread Server CPU," attributed to two Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) engineers. For its part, Intel spokespeople said they will not comment on rumor and speculation, even if it is their own entry into a well-respected semiconductor conference. Some deductive reasoning can be applied, however.more
10 File Managers For Linux
The list now has 12 file managers-check it out-
An introduction to Peppermint OS
Earlier this year a pair of developers put out a new distribution called Peppermint OS. The new distro, which has close family ties to Ubuntu, is an experiment in combining the traditional desktop computing model with cloud-based applications. Usually this combination would be enough for me to lose interest (there are only so many cloud-centric and Ubuntu-based projects a person can look at before their eyes glaze over), but the Peppermint OS project has a few things going for it. more
The Reg guide to Linux, part 1: Picking a distro
One of the common complaints about Linux is that there are too many different editions (or “distributions”) to choose from, and only a hardcore nerd can tell them apart. more
Dell in talks with Google over Chrome OS
(Reuters) - Dell Inc (DELL.O) is in talks with Google Inc (GOOG.O) over the use of the Chrome operating system on its laptops, a top company executive said on Monday. more
5 Things New Linux Converts Should Know
If you’ve recently converted to Linux from Windows, or if you’re just giving Linux a shot, there are a few things you need to know right off the bat about how Linux works and where the major differences are when compared to Windows. Some of the fundamental components are different between the two operating systems, and the way things are done can be drastically different; you need to learn these differences to be able to use Linux effectively, and to avoid trying to force Windows metaphors onto a Linux system that doesn’t accept them. read more
Google code hints at Chrome OS Dellbook
It looks like Dell will join Acer and HP in offering netbooks based on Google's Chrome OS sometime this fall. read more
It's Official, Steam Coming to Linux
We recently touched on one way of being a Linux gamer. Recent news that Valve Software will soon be releasing a Linux client promises to provide another option for Linux gamers. The news could not come at a better time as the world will shortly focus on gaming with the upcoming, industry-only E3 conference, the crown jewel of the gaming industry. read more
Microsoft takes on the free world
Microsoft claims that free software like Linux, which runs a big chunk of corporate America, violates 235 of its patents. It wants royalties from distributors and users.read more
OEM Windows XP Dies October 22
Yes, the day is finally drawing closer: the day Windows XP died. October 22, 2010 will be the final and definitive day for the venerable operating system, since OEMs will no longer be able to pre-load it on netbooks after that day. I might not make myself popular around here with this, but thank god, it's about time that pile of junk is taken behind the shed. read more
Stewart Rules: Novell Wins! CASE CLOSED!
Here you go, munchkins. Judge Ted Stewart has ruled for Novell and against SCO. Novell's claim for declaratory judgment is granted; SCO's claims for specific performance and breach of the implied covenant of good fair and fair dealings are denied. Also SCO's motion for judgment as a matter of law or for a new trial: denied. SCO is entitled to waive, at its sole discretion, claims against IBM, Sequent and other SVRX licensees. CASE CLOSED! read more
Memo From Dell: Ubuntu Linux Is Safer Than Windows
Even as Dell ships millions of Windows 7 systems, the PC giant is making a bold statement on its web site. Indeed, if you look hard enough you’ll find Dell stating that “Ubuntu is safer than Microsoft Windows.” read more
Bug gives attackers complete control of Windows PCs
A security researcher has warned of a vulnerability in older versions of the Windows operating system that allows attackers to take full control of a PC by luring its user to a booby-trapped website.read more
Exclusive: BIOS will be dead in three years
It's the one major part of the PC that's still reminiscent of the PC's primordial, text-based beginnings, but the familiarly-clunky BIOS could soon be on its deathbed, according to MSI. The motherboard maker says it's now making a big shift towards point and click UEFI systems, and it's all going to kick off at the end of this year. read more
Linux Mint 9:Solid,Simple,Shiny
It's lean, it's very green, and it's one of the better Linux distros for users who just want a good desktop right out of the box. Linux Mint 9, dubbed Isadora, was released on May 18th with plenty of new features and software. read more
It's lean, it's very green, and it's one of the better Linux distros for users who just want a good desktop right out of the box. Linux Mint 9, dubbed Isadora, was released on May 18th with plenty of new features and software. read more
The Five Best Linux Video Players
Have some downtime and want to watch a movie or two on your Linux laptop? Linux has plenty of options when it comes to video players. In fact, there might be a few too many to chhose from. So here, in no particular order, are the best video players you can find on Linux, and a few resources to help you get started.Read More
Where The Btrfs Performance Is At Today
With MeeGo using Btrfs by default, Canonical making plans for Btrfs in as soon as Ubuntu 10.10, and Novell now pushing Btrfs in openSUSE, among other milestones for this advanced Linux file-system, we decided to see where the Btrfs performance is now at with the Linux 2.6.35 kernel that's currently in development. We compare the Btrfs performance to EXT4 and see how some of the different mount options are affecting the file-system's performance in different benchmarks. read more
Sabayon Linux 5.3 has been released!
The best, refined blend of GNU/Linux, coming with bleeding edge edges is eventually here! Say hello to Sabayon Five-point-Threeh, available in both GNOME and KDE editions!
Dedicated to those who like cutting edge stability, out of the box experience, outstanding Desktop performance, clean and beauty. Sabayon 5.3 will catch you, anything that could have been compiled, has been compiled, anything cool that could have been implemented or updated, it's there: you will find outstanding amount of new applications and features, like XBMC, KDE 4.4, GNOME 2.28, Linux Kernel 2.6.34, and so forth.
So, come on, go catch it, it's half a DVD away from you! read more
Dedicated to those who like cutting edge stability, out of the box experience, outstanding Desktop performance, clean and beauty. Sabayon 5.3 will catch you, anything that could have been compiled, has been compiled, anything cool that could have been implemented or updated, it's there: you will find outstanding amount of new applications and features, like XBMC, KDE 4.4, GNOME 2.28, Linux Kernel 2.6.34, and so forth.
So, come on, go catch it, it's half a DVD away from you! read more
Slackware 13.1: A Linux Distro That Gets Out of the Way
Slackware Linux is still going strong. The Slackware Linux Project released Slackware 13.1 on May 24th.This is just a little by shy of the 17th anniversary of Slackware 1.0 and not quite a year after Slackware 13.0. Delve back into yesteryear with me; you're in for a treat. Read More
Study: Linux runs on 91 percent of supercomputers
Finally, Linux continues its takeover of the high performance computing (HPC) market, especially at the very top of the computing foodchain where the supercomputers dwell. According to ITNews, the Top500 report issued by UC Berkeley at the end of May showed that some 470 of the world's 500 fastest supercomputers run Linux. Some 25 are said to run another version of Unix (mostly AIX), and the remaining five run Windows HPC 2008.
Linux Mint 9 Review
Mint 9, aka Isadora, is the latest update to the desktop-focused, Linux distribution based on Ubuntu (10.04). It is one of the more exciting desktop distributions, with a nice selection of custom-developed graphical management utilities. Read More Here.
Microsoft is not happy with Google
Microsoft just has to set the record straight ,Google said that Windows wasn't secure and they will migrate away from Windows.Google will use Linux or the Mac operating system.Read this unhappy reply to Google.Even Hackers think Microsoft is making a more secure operating system,according to this Blog.
Google Bans Microsoft Windows Company Wide
No more Windows at Google.It is a security effort following the China hacking attacks.Workers can use a Mac or a Linux system.This will amount to more than 20000 Windows licenses that won't be sold or renewed. read more
How To Boot A Grub 2 Partition With Legacy Grub Boot Loader
If you have a multiboot computer which has the older legacy grub boot loader installed and you want to install a new distro on another partition that uses the newer Grub 2 boot loader (like the latest Ubuntu Lucid Lynx or Linux Mint) you can install the new operating systems grub 2 boot loader to the root partition (the partition you installed it on) and use your existing grub legacy bootloader to boot to the new grub 2 menu and then boot the new operating system.For instance,on my system grub legacy bootloader is on the first hard drive,the first partition.Looking at /boot/grub/menu.lst on the first distro-
root (hd0,0)
I added Linux Mint 9 to a second hard drive on the fifth partition /dev/sdb5 and told the installer to put the grub 2 boot loader there also.I then added the following to to /boot/grub/menu.lst on the first operating system on the first drive-
title Linux Mint 9 Isadora
root (hd1,4)
kernel /boot/grub/core.img
savedefault
boot
This will let you leave your old boot loader in place and will take you right to the newly installed Grub 2 bootloader menu if you choose it from the first menu.
root (hd0,0)
I added Linux Mint 9 to a second hard drive on the fifth partition /dev/sdb5 and told the installer to put the grub 2 boot loader there also.I then added the following to to /boot/grub/menu.lst on the first operating system on the first drive-
title Linux Mint 9 Isadora
root (hd1,4)
kernel /boot/grub/core.img
savedefault
boot
This will let you leave your old boot loader in place and will take you right to the newly installed Grub 2 bootloader menu if you choose it from the first menu.
Who Is Richard Stallman?
Many of you are probably asking… who is Richard Stallman? In a nutshell, he is the reason we have free software today. Read More Here
