2004 October

What is GNU/Linux? What is the difference between RPM and Debian based distros? How do community based distros differ from commercial ones? What exactly is source code and how do you install packages using it? These are all interesting questions and I am sure some of you have thought about them already. Well now you [...]

Debian based distros sure have been gaining in popularity. Debian has always been a good choice as it boasts an impressive range of packages, and with the increasing focus on useability so clearly evident, Debian based distros are now a viable alternative for the Linux newcomer.

Where do they come up with these names? On the heels of what has to be considered a very successful release, the mailing lists of Ubuntu are already abuzz with news of the next version. The codename of the next release is actually “Hoary Hedgehog” no joke and it’s due out in April 2005 in [...]

Apparently your choice of distro says a lot about you. My main distro is Mandrake my profile is as follows: “Mandrake users are suave and sophisticated. They prefer to focus on a polished desktop environment rather than just serving others. It’s also said that they enjoy sipping — but only late in the year — [...]

The recent Red Hat email scam highlighted one thing, with the growth in the popularity of Linux these type of threats may become part of everyday life. As this article correctly points out the increasing threats in Linux has more to do with the user base changing i.e. an increasing number of new users, [...]

What would you consider the ultimate Linux desktop? I know you have your opinions on that I certainly have mine. But in general I think this statement describes a typical users’ perspective “they don’t want to become a computer expert to do their work. They do not want to learn a new operating system to [...]

Interested in using Linux to create a recording studio? Then having Linux at your side could be an answer for you. Since the Linux OS has so many great apps that will allow you to make all of your recording dreams a reality, the next step is to look at the hardware side of things.
Whether [...]

You have to wonder. With Linux gaining so much ground lately, one has to ask themselves why hasn’t the X Window System received any real press for its part in Linux’s success?
My answer to this is that the X Window System is sort of behind the scenes a bit. Since it is not really in [...]

We’re getting closer! Firefox version 1.0 is looking to come out here in November if everything goes well. As a Firefox continues to grow in popularity, I have little doubt that this November is going to be a huge month for them.
Built why all of the hype surrounding the Firefox browser? Simple, it works and [...]

Whether we like it or not, Linux is not ready for mass market according to Techworld. The consumer market is simply not ready for Linux it seems. Apparently the biggest problem comes from a lack of support.
I think that Linux is great. However, I also believe that when it comes to Linux on the desktop, [...]

Another point for Open Source! PCWorld reports that Webmail.us has opted for an Open Source solution for their core services. Saying goodbye to those Windows servers will be a big job, but they feel confident that the move is the right one to make.
Don’t worry too much about this interrupting service at all. I am sure [...]

The news of Sharp canceling the Zaurus handheld line in the United States is now in flux, but regardless of whether they continue support or not, you can rest assured you always have current software if you use OpenZaurus.

Here is another use for those really neat USB pens: install a Linux distro on one of them. Why? Hey, because you can. Seriously, think about it - this actually makes the ideal troubleshooting tool or even data recovery tool. There are many versions that offer this as an option but as the author discovered [...]

Linux distributor Suse has warned of one of the most serious security holes to date in version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, which could allow attackers to shut down a system running 2.6-based software.

Empower plans to ship a $200 Linux-based PDA with a color display by December. The PowerPlay 1x is based on a dual-core RISC/DSP Texas Instruments OMAP5910 processor, along with the company’s LEOs (LinuxDA Embedded Operating System) software platform. Empower has previously sold sub-$100 PowerPlay PDAs based on Palm-compatible hardware, direct and through large Canadian retailers.

We have implemented a complete kernel level run-time support for C++ in the Linux kernel. In particular our run-time support enables the full use of C++ exceptions in the Linux kernel, but notably also includes support for global constructors and destructors, and dynamic type checking. Our kernel level support is based on open source commodity [...]

Ahhh! It is becoming difficult to differentiate who is right and who is dead wrong with the great OS debate! Today I found this article describing Linux as the winner in the latest round of this never ending media war between the two operating systems.
Personally, I think that they both have vulnerabilites that need to [...]

Proof’s in the pudding. This seems to ring true more often than not as entire countries begin to embrace the Linux OS. The BBC states that it is all about ‘viability’. Apparently, a recent report indicates that Open Source alternatives are becoming quite choice for many UK dept’s.
Where does this leave closed source software companies? [...]

Hey! Have you heard the news? Apparently Linux just cannot stack up against Windows when it comes to cost and security.
What? How can this be? Well, Mr. Steve Ballmer has suggested that customers will benefit greatly by migrating from Linux to Windows instead.
He seems to believe that Microsoft has a real handle on the security [...]

In response to Tweak Your Login Greetings, Gnomie Ernest N. Wilcox, Jr. writes:
If the system uses KDE, there is a login manager utility in KCC / system.
I use Mandrakelinux, and the KDE login manager utility permits me to select
from any of several GUI styles, color schemes, and even choose between one and three
star echo modes. [...]