Linux

Skype is one of those applications available for Linux that I love to hate. It’s annoying because of its proprietary nature. So when it craps out, too bad. Yet at the same time, it remains the best VoIP app I have ever used.
But it appears that there may be a new day for this telephony [...]

It sounds impossible at first pass. Yet as you read on through this article, you slowly begin to realize something. Drivers made for specific hardware is done largely for the benefit of Microsoft’s OS. Same goes for software. But what about proprietary software, Linux doesn’t allow it? Hogwash - I use proprietary programs on Linux [...]

I remember the first time I used Ubuntu. Already being a Simply Mepis and Linspire user at the time, the jump to Ubuntu was only odd based on the use of the GNOME desktop over that of KDE. A few weeks of use later, I found myself loving GNOME vastly more than my info overload [...]

For many new and even some existing Linux users, finding the kind of support they are looking for is a bit of a challenge. Not that it is unavailable, rather if it is being offered in such a way as meeting the needs for someone that wants support beyond email.
The idea is a common request [...]

With the proper know how or at least a willingness to take a day to learn about a new operating system, yes, Ubuntu is a solid alternative to Windows. But not without taking time to get yourself out of the Windows mindset. I have used Ubuntu and Linux in general, for years. Today I use [...]

Purists must be screaming at their screens when watching Shuttleworth explaining why he thinks that in many ways, desktop Linux holds itself back significantly. Despite highlighting progress made, he is still bent on Ubuntu being more like the Mac.
Better cooperation is certainly a fair statement to consider, but is making things feel more like OS [...]

Investment and reward. It’s a concept that is clearly paying off nicely for Red Hat as their stock price overtook that of Microsoft on one fine day in October. And where Red Hat is playing it smart is by sticking to a proven market that has yielded them a lot of success - enterprise IT.
Microsoft [...]

I remember when Mandriva (then Mandrake), was THE newbie friendly distro to try merely a few years ago here in the States. Today, most new Linux users have no idea what Mandriva even is thanks to other friendly distros such as Ubuntu.
But it should be noted that we live in a wide world. And Mandriva [...]

First off I would say more power to it. I think this is great if this is what it takes for the project to continue. Clearly using Ubuntu as a base is not perfect for all projects, so it makes sense to use the tools that best meet the needs of the developers.
As long as [...]

Oftentimes it is difficult to explain the importance of JACK audio to those who are not doing something specific with audio editing. However, Guitarix is one such app that provides a clear demonstration of just how effective JACK can be when it comes to providing a rock guitar amp with your computer.
Definitely not an application [...]

Say what you will, but the Linux Foundation is nothing if not creative. This latest effort by the Foundation to get new members sounds pretty cool, but I am a bit confused about the companies being promoted.
Dell’s Ubuntu offerings are a joke, both in quality and selection. And HP does fantastic with their all-in-one printer [...]

I have read countless bug reports, forum posts and other rants about how much people hate PulseAudio. And despite only EVER seeing an issue with the now older version of Skype (today’s beta works fine), I cannot help but wonder if the biggest problem PulseAudio faces are the whining trolls that provide no usable info [...]

I have had a love/hate relationship with WINE for a number of years now. I have watched it mature, off-shoot projects such as Crossover Office make things with WINE easier to use. So when I heard that version 1.1.31 was out, I had to pay my respects.
Despite being a die-hard advocate for simply opting to [...]

At first pass, this might seem like a silly question. But if you are considering bridging your business into a specific distro, knowing which one has the most usage might matter to you.
Speaking honestly, I am not sure that this article has all the information to make a clear call on actual usage. That said, [...]

I have been a supporter for open source software for years. And to that note, I recently jumped on board with with a project known as WebcamStudio. Those who remember the original program would do well to give this software a second look - it has been upgraded BIG TIME.
New UI, new features and great [...]

It’s always cracked me up when someone goes out of their way to purchase a brand new notebook, knowing full well it was designed for Vista, then try to install Linux into it. Then when issues regarding the cheap Broadcom Wi-Fi chipset come up, frustration starts.
Look, if you are buying new anyway, let me set [...]

Cannot say enough about the common sense of any stock exchange not using Windows. And as London joins the stock exchange in NYC (USA) with the switch to Linux, I am willing to bet Microsoft is none too happy about the matter.
Besides cost and speed, there is also the matter of security. Seriously, how frightening [...]

Every time we head down this path, I end up with the “dual-booting” is great crowd, often because they fully understand how to deal with the boot record and various partitions involved. For most people, goto to ANY Linux forum and you will see the “success” of that mindset.
Still, there are some safe ways of [...]

Imagine your Ubuntu desktop sensing a Skype call coming in only to diminish the music blasting in the background over Banshee, as to allow you to take the Skype call? Sound too good to be true, not at all.
Enter EarCandy.

Before even getting started, I should point out that I have been using Puppy Linux off and on for what seems like years. This being said, I was driven to using this great distro again on a notebook that previously had been using Ubuntu. For a variety of sloppy video chipset reasons coming down from [...]