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It's Easy to Bitch, Easy to whine, Easy to moan, Easy to cry,
Easy to feel like there ain't nothing in your life,
Harder to work, Harder to strive, Harder to be glad to be alive
But its really worth it if you give it a try...
Fred Leblanc

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If all goes according to plan, X.Org 7.4 will finally be released this month. This release isn't quite as elaborate as X.Org 7.3, which introduced input hot-plugging, EXA enhancements, and RandR 1.2 to just name a few features, but X.Org 7.4 is another update better enhancing this X server. In this article, we are presenting a release overview of the features to be found in X.Org 7.4, what's been delayed, and how this release is panning out.
The Progress Of X.Org 7.4
2008-05-05
gNewSense and I have an interesting history. Taking that into account, allow me to explain that I do understand the purpose of this distribution. I understand the forces that drive "bbrazil" and "ompaul" to take a perfectly functional operating system and gut it. However, understanding does not imply agreement.
gNewSense 2.0
2008-05-05
There are some in this world who believe that Linux is the king of all operating systems. In some ways I agree with them because Linux certainly is a big player in the server world. It may lack in market share in the the desktop sector, but that doesn't mean it's a lesser operating system. The GPL has been instrumental in this as Linux has grown, starting with a simple, barely functional kernel, and slowly, patiently evolving into the giant it is today.
Why the Linux world should embrace the BSD's
2008-05-05
YOPER (Your OPERating system) promises to be a i686 optimized, fast linux distribution. The latest beta 3.1 was released to public testing on 22-April. I decided to try YOPER only because it claims to be faster. "YOPER is a compact, personalized, and optimized operating system with support for apt-rpm and tgz packages. There are 1200 packages available, carefully selected and compiled for speed and stability. It has an automatic hardware detection system which should detect most modern hardware", is the extract given in the About YOPER page.
Yoper 3.1 Beta
2008-05-05
At the recent CeBIT computer fair, Klaus Knopper finally released a new version of his popular Knoppix live-CD/DVD variety of GNU/Linux. The initial version was fine for the CeBIT crowd but had some problems, the most obvious of which was a mixture of languages in menus if you booted with the parameter "lang=" (by the way, it is now "lang=us" rather than "lang=en"; this will take getting used to after many years of using "lang=en".)
Knoppix 5.3.1
2008-05-05
Let’s say that you want to dump Windows, but you don’t want to go to Mac? That leaves LINUX as your only option. But you’re scared about moving to LINUX as you’re not sure that it’s right for you. No problem, there’s a LINUX for you and It’s called Mandriva LINUX One. I tried this out a week ago and it is nothing short of amazing!
Mandriva LINUX - Great For Newibes Who Want To Test LINUX
2008-05-02
Less than a week after the release of Ubuntu 8.04 LTS "Hardy Heron", the Free Software Foundation has gone ahead and released version 2.0 (named DeltaH) of gNewSense. For those not familiar with gNewSense, this is one of the few distributions certified by the Free Software Foundation as being a truly free Linux distribution. gNewSense 2.0 is essentially Ubuntu 8.04 LTS but with a few modifications to make it more free by removing some binary-only components. New in gNewSense 2.0 is also new artwork, switching the default web browser from Mozilla Firefox to Epiphany, Blag's deblob script in the kernel, and non-free GLX being removed from X.Org/Mesa. Here are a few screenshots from this latest release.
gNewSense 2.0
2008-05-02
I believe it is worth a special mention that gNewSense 2.0 has just been released. It is based off Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron which was released just a week ago, so this is a brand new thing for everyone who wishes to run a pure Free Software system. However, there is much more to it than being a system for uncompromising Freedomware enthusiasts.
gNewSense 2.0, a premier Freedomware platform based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, released
2008-05-02
The soap surrounding PsyStar, the company that offers a Mac clone for sale, just keeps on running. After the initial launch, the company was plagued by doubt and mystery surrounding its actual existence, but soon after videos started popping up of the OpenComputer out in the wild, beyond the company itself. Thanks to CNet, the company may now have fully redeemed itself.
Review: PsyStar OpenComputer
2008-05-02
If you like the latest and greatest version of everything and you use an RPM based system you probably want to learn how to create RPMs. You don't have to, you can just download the latest source and compile and install it in /usr/local. This of course leaves your system in a state where your RPM database does not accurately reflect what is installed on your system. Again, this will work, but building RPMs isn't (usually at least) that difficult.
RPMs - The HOWTO Short Story
2008-05-02
After several years of development, SymphonyOS this month released SymphonyOne 2008.1, the first stable version of its distribution. When SymphonyOS first emerged three years ago, it offered a Linux desktop experience unlike any ever seen before by structuring the computer desktop to function more like a real-life desk instead of just another system folder. Featuring the Mezzo desktop environment, Symphony simplifies the desktop concept for users. This release brings a new level of stability to the design, making it a viable alternative to KDE, GNOME, or Fluxbox.
New SymphonyOne distro plays a different tune
2008-05-02
Last time I wrote about the “Black Tower,” I had just installed Vista and Kubuntu 7.10 in a dual-boot setup. When version 8.04 of Kubuntu (”Hardy Heron”) hit the Web last week, I wasted no time upgrading to it. Having been burned numerous times by premature upgrades to half-baked Linux updates, I downloaded the Kubuntu 8.04 Live CD iso and tested it on the Black Tower before launching into an install. All key functions — video, audio, disk access, Internet access, etc — seemed to work as desired, so I proceeded with preparations to build a nest for the Hardy Heron on the Black Tower.
Hardy Heron moves into the Black Tower
2008-05-02
This tutorial shows how you can set up a Kubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) desktop that is a full-fledged replacement for a Windows desktop, i.e. that has all the software that people need to do the things they do on their Windows desktops. The advantages are clear: you get a secure system without DRM restrictions that works even on old hardware, and the best thing is: all software comes free of charge. Kubuntu 8.04 LTS is derived from Ubuntu 8.04 LTS and uses the KDE desktop instead of the GNOME desktop.
The Perfect Desktop - Kubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron)
2008-05-01
Ksplice is an interesting open source project out of MIT that automates the process of applying security patches to the Linux kernel without rebooting, and it’s getting notice by the Linux Foundation. Top kernel developer and Linux Foundation fellow Ted Ts’o said the Ksplice software is much needed by telecommunications providers and anyone who hates downtime. “It allows you to hot patch the Linux kernel with a security update without rebooting the computer. It’s a binary patch capability that is highly automated,” said Ts’o. “Users in the carrier grade linux space have been clamoring for this for a while. If you are a carrier in telephony and don’t want downtime, this stuff is pure gold.” The best part? It doesn’t require any kernel modifications, Ts’o said.
Ksplice automates hot patching Linux kernel with no reboot needed
2008-04-30
With libraries of thousands of fonts to handle, designers need a way to quickly locate fonts and organize them into meaningful categories -- such as by the project that requires them -- and to disable fonts when they are not in use so that they don't clog system memory. Although as recently as two years ago the GNU/Linux desktop lacked a font manager that met all these needs, it now has four that either meet them or are likely to.
Choosing a font manager
2008-04-30
This document describes step by step how to set up a Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) desktop. The result is a fast, secure and extendable system that provides all you need for daily work and entertainment. This howto is a practical guide without any warranty - it doesn't cover the theoretical backgrounds. There are many ways to set up such a system - this is the way I chose.
The Perfect Desktop - Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron)
2008-04-30
When I received my super-cool Android PC from Eric Burke he thoughtfully installed a copy of Ubuntu 7.10 for me, so naturally when the new Ubuntu 8.04 (”Hardy Heron”) was released I wanted to upgrade it to the latest and greatest version. “Installation is a snap,” writes Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. Ubuntu is user-friendly and ready for the mass market, so this should be easy, right?
Hardy Heron is hardly a snap
2008-04-30
In this installment of our co-published Fedora Interviews, Jeremy Katz, David Cantrell, and Chris Lumens talk about the improvements to Anaconda in Fedora 9.
Interview: Anaconda and Fedora 9
2008-04-30
As promised, here I’m going to take a look at the new ‘KDE 4 Remix’ version of Kubuntu. For the uninitiated, let me explain. The latest version of the KDE variant of Ubuntu, has two versions - the standard disc featuring KDE 3.5.9, and this KDE 4 Remix disc, which features the new KDE 4.0 release.
Kubuntu Hardy Heron KDE 4 Remix review
2008-04-30
The state of Plasma can be currently described as ‘chaotic’. The reason for that is that its API is being refactored which in result makes it almost impossible to use for a regular human being. Most applets despite continuous development, still experience issues with adjusting to the new API. This results in instabilities and — in some cases — even problem with displaying properly on desktop. Yesterday however, I managed to catch a dev snapshot of KDE 4.1 which allowed me to test the recent changes, at least on the surface. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to “The Revision 802150″.
KDE 4 rev 802150: Work in progress
2008-04-30
One of the many perks of being a Linux user is that you have plenty of excellent software to choose from. This is especially true if you are in search for an essential application like a media player because there are definitely loads of options. However, this could sometimes be a disadvantage particularly to new-to-Linux users for the reason that they could get overwhelmed with the many choices they have.
12 of the Best Media Players for Linux
2008-04-30
It’s official: Ubuntu 8.04 has gone gold. This is one of the most highly anticipated releases of Ubuntu to date, but does it hold up to the hype? We take a look at what’s new, what’s stable, what’s good and what’s not in our latest review.
Ubuntu 8.04: Hardy Heron Review
2008-04-28
Well, the time is here: the next Long-Term Support (LTS) release of Ubuntu is out. I don't know why this excites me, particularly considering how reluctant a fan I am of this distribution. Maybe I'm just a boring person. But I digress
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS
2008-04-28
Yes, the Hardy Heron is here! This is the new Long Term Support (LTS) release of Ubuntu, and is possibly the most eagerly anticipated distro of all time. Read on for our hands-on look at the new features, with screenshots galore...
Hands on with Ubuntu 8.04
2008-04-28
In early February, Sun Microsystems had released a second preview release of Project Indiana. For those out of the loop, Project Indiana is the codename for the project led by Ian Murdock at Sun that aims to push OpenSolaris on more desktop and notebook computers by addressing the long-standing usability problems of Solaris. We were far from being impressed by Preview 2 as it hadn't possessed any serious advantages over a GNU/Linux desktop that would interest normal users. However, with the release of OpenSolaris 2008.05 "Project Indiana" coming up in May, Sun Microsystems has today released a final test copy of this operating system. Our initial experience with this new OpenSolaris release is vastly better than what we had encountered less than three months ago when last looking at Project Indiana.
OpenSolaris 2008.05 Gives A New Face To Solaris
2008-04-28
The Ubuntu update machine remains locked to its six-monthly cycle, more or less, with the release of Hardy Heron, officially labelled Ubuntu 8.04. With such regular spurts of evolution, there's far more in common with the last version — Gutsy Gibbon (Ubuntu 7.10) — than there is different. 8.04 is a Long Term Support (LTS) release, so parent company Canonical is promising support for three years on desktops and five on servers. The last LTS release was 6.06, nearly two years ago: we are still running that release as a domestic media file server, where it's currently clocked up 150 days of uptime.
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS review
2008-04-28
Ubuntu's deep software catalog, focus on usability and active community combine with long-term support to put desktop Linux's best face forward.
Ubuntu 8.04 Is Ready to Take On Windows
2008-04-28
After the partnership between Gaël Duval and Mandriva was over, he was said to build an OS even more user friendly than Mandriva. The first Alpha release, which was presented really soon after the start of the project, did not surprise anyone as it was plain KDE with a new theme. Now, after two years, there is a successive release of the Ulteo distribution. The purpose of the Beta1 Ulteo Application System is to feature what it can develop into in the nearest future, especially considering the Ulteo Online Desktop.
Ulteo — My digital life made simple
2008-04-28
Edubuntu is a customized version of Ubuntu aimed at children in educational environments. According to the distributions homepage, Edubuntu is "Linux for Young Human Beings." That works out well for me, since I have three of those in my house. I homeschool my children and use Edubuntu on a couple of our computers. My boys love having an operating system that was designed with them in mind, and I appreciate the way its applications encompass the total learning process.
What Edubuntu can teach your kids
2008-04-28
I’ve toyed with Linux since 2002, when I first installed Mandrake. With the latest release of Ubuntu, I was interested to see how far Linux had come since then in terms of being used easily by the mainstream. So, I tricked my grudging girlfriend Erin into sitting down at a brand new Ubuntu 8.04 installation and performing some basic tasks. It’s surprising how many seemingly simple things become complicated and even out of reach for someone without a knowledge of Linux. There are a lot of little things that could be done to make the experience a lot more friendly for non-computer-literate people – some of them easy to implement, others not at all.
The Great Ubuntu-Girlfriend Experiment
2008-04-28
A Linux Ubuntu 8.04 virgin no longer, I popped my own cherry last night, installing Hardy Heron for the first time, with some odd installation experiences I can only hope aren’t the ‘norm’. So, what happened?
Hardy Heron – my odd first experiences
2008-04-28
Ubuntu 8.04 was released a few days back and like the previous releases of Ubuntu,Ubuntu 8.04 does not include a number of essential codecs, applications etc because of number of licensing restrictions and also the limitation of accommodating more and more applications on a single CD. Though undoubtedly Ubuntu 8.04 is one of the most user friendly release of Ubuntu with inclusion of Firefox 3 (though it is beta version but still is way better than the current stable version of Firefox) ,inclusion of bit-torrent client , out of box support for playing youtube videos etc . Still someone trying to make the jump from Windows to Ubuntu might be interested in installing the following applications and codecs too
Things to do on your new Ubuntu 8.04 Hard Heron Installation
2008-04-28
It's day 2 for my Ubuntu 8.04 LTS install on the Gateway Solo 1450. Things have gone more smoothly that I expected. First of all, I got the ISO on Friday -- one day after Ubuntu 8.04's official release -- in under 2 hours. I remember my 7.10 download taking much, much longer. Part of my success this go-round was due to using a good mirror. That speeds things up considerably.
Ubuntu 8.04 -- the first 48 hours
2008-04-28
One issue that has been discussed a lot in the past few months is the need for better release notes or feature lists for distributions. With the recently released Hardy Heron (8.04), Ubuntu has taken a giant step in the right direction.
Ubuntu 8.04: Now With A Better Feature List
2008-04-28
Ubuntu is becoming more and more complete and easy to configure. However, like any operating system there’s work to be done after the installation. Here’s a list of 10 tips that you can use after installing or upgrading Ubuntu.
10 Tips for After You Install or Upgrade Ubuntu
2008-04-28
Ubuntu’s latest and greatest distro is out and the early reviews are in. Some are glowing, some are luke warm and a few are hostile. Since this is an LTS release Canonical has much riding on Hardy. With that in mind, I am trying to make sense of what there is to dislike in Hardy.
Trying to Make Sense of Disappointment in Hardy Heron
2008-04-28
I decided to install Arch, another distribution aimed at power users who want total control over their system, but do not want to spend copious amounts of time maintianing their system. Arch is like Gentoo in many ways, that is to say that Arch doesn’t dumb anything down for you. The install is very very minimal, and after you get through with the ncurses based installation, you are left pretty much with a working kernel and a barebones OS.
Arch, an Awesome Distro for Power Users
2008-04-24
Mauricio broke the news today in his blog about what can only be described as a massive deployment of free software. I'd heard about this project recently, but reading more of the details in Mauricio's blog really cemented in my mind how groundbreaking this is.
Deploying KDE to 52 million young people
2008-04-24
A new release of Ubuntu Server, version 8.04, is scheduled to be available for free download Thursday with more enterprise qualities than previous releases. The move puts Canonical's Ubuntu, heretofore a consumer-oriented, desktop version of Linux, on more of a collision course with Red Hat Enterprise and Novell (NSDQ: NOVL) Suse Linux Enterprise.
Ubuntu Linux Takes Aim At Larger Role For Itself In Enterprise
2008-04-24
A step-by-step tutorial on setting up Mandriva One 2008 Spring (Mandriva 2008.1) desktop (GNOME) has been published on HowtoForge.com. Written by Oliver Meyer, the six-page tutorial, called "The Perfect Desktop," covers basic configuration, and then steps through installations for over a dozen Linux applications.
Tutorial explains Mandriva 2008 configuration
2008-04-24
Maybe I am wrong, but I have seen only raving reviews about the new Mandriva Spring 2008. Positive reviews. Since I always like to draw my own conclusions and Mandriva is one the releases this spring, I decided to give it a spin. I installed it in a virtual machine on my desktop and on a separate partition on my Acer 3681 WXMi laptop.
Mandriva Spring 2008
2008-04-24
Damn Small Linux has traditionally been my favorite of the ultra-light distributions. Its contemporaries (Puppy, etc.) are very capable, but for some reason I've always had a special place for DSL.
Damn Small 4.3
2008-04-23
Good systems administrators know that implementing a robust backup procedure is one of their most important duties. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most complex and least fun. When the phone rings and there's a panic-stricken user on the other end who has just lost a crucial document, you need to be confident that you can promptly recover his missing files. Failure to do so can bring about a speedy end to a promising career in systems administration. So what's a budding sysadmin to do? Download the latest release of Bacula and watch those backup woes disappear into the dark of night.
Bacula: backups that don't suck
2008-04-23
Red Hat has published a "preview release" of Fedora 9, the next version of its freely available Linux distribution, which will be the last public release before the final edition next month.
Red Hat publishes Fedora 9 preview
2008-04-23
On Thursday, the Ubuntu 8.04 magic happens. The operating system - called Hardy Heron at playgrounds around Silicon Valley - goes up for download in its various forms, most notably Server and Desktop.
Ubuntu man Shuttleworth dissects Hardy Heron's arrival
2008-04-23
Today's Web development tools offer capabilities that go beyond basic HTML editing. I compared three Web editors for Linux -- Screem 0.16.1, Bluefish 1.0.7, and Quanta Plus 3.5.7 -- to determine how well they handle today's Web editing needs.
Three Linux HTML editors reviewed
2008-04-23
This document describes how to install a PureFTPd server that uses virtual users from a MySQL database instead of real system users. This is much more performant and allows to have thousands of ftp users on a single machine. In addition to that I will show the use of quota and upload/download bandwidth limits with this setup. Passwords will be stored encrypted as MD5 strings in the database.
Virtual Hosting With PureFTPd And MySQL (Incl. Quota And Bandwidth Management) On Mandriva 2008 Spring
2008-04-23
This gotta be the one stop destination for all you guys looking forward to switch to Linux. I think Suse will still be second no matter how close it might look to Windows. Its almost an year that I had my first date with PCLinuxOS. I was pretty comfortable with it from day 1. It came well bundled with a host of applications, both Geeky and non-Geeky. But what steals the show is Synaptic, the package manager.
PCLinuxOS
2008-04-22
Electricity bills got higher again? Does your computer waste too many power cycles? Or perpahs you just don’t feel green enough? In any case, this article is for you! You’ll learn how to save energy and CPU cycles with your Linux box, no matter how old it is.
Green PCs: CPU frequency scaling in Linux
2008-04-22
I track Ubuntu development reasonably closely, which is why I was surprised to see a release this AM titled," Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop Edition Released." After all, according to the publicly available info I had on Friday, the release was set for an April 24th release.
Ubuntu's Misleading Hardy Heron (8.04) Release
2008-04-22
Learn the steps involved in migrating your environment to that of a Linux® client, including organizational planning and user segmentation. Based on customer experiences, this article offers a comprehensive guide to planning and executing your migration while minimizing disruption to your users.
Organizational planning and user segmentation for desktop migration
2008-04-22
Linus Torvalds has released the latest version of the "stable" Linux kernel, version 2.6.25, which includes changes to Wi-Fi support, virtualization, real-time scheduling and file systems.
Torvalds releases Linux 2.6.25
2008-04-22
I recently came across a YouTube video created by Blogeee.net which shows both the Windows Eee PC and the Linux Eee PC (I assume each with the same specifications) starting up, launching Firefox, and shutting down. It is very apparent in the video that the Linux version is much faster, but, since only the startup is done at the same time for both machines, it is hard to tell just how much faster. I timed each part (starting up, launching Firefox, and shutting down) to see what the time difference really was. Here is what I found
Linux Eee PC Far Faster Than Windows Version
2008-04-22
In response to my last entry on bug reports in Debian, and the distro's propensity to offer workarounds in the messages that follow bug reports without coming right out and saying whether or not the bug is going to be "fixed" (if it's not a bug, it must be a "feature," no?), a discussion started on LXer about whether you should run Stable (currently Etch) or Testing (Lenny).
For me, Debian Testing is more stable than Stable
2008-04-22
Kubuntu left a lot to be desired on my machine so I looked around for another good KDE distro and found Mandriva!
mandriva installation on acer 5050 laptop
2008-04-21
Recently, I came across a blog post about how to install a LiveCD version of Red Hat's upcoming Fedora 9 release onto a USB stick, leaving space on the stick for data to persist between reboots. Impressed by the persistent USB LiveCD fun and partition encrypting installer improvements, I chose to throw caution to the wind and load up Fedora 9 Beta on my main notebook, replacing the beta Hardy Heron install I'd been running--quite stably--for several weeks.
Two Weeks with Fedora 9
2008-04-21
I see counters on websites. Only four more days to the official release. Only three more days. And then what? The wait will be over. The counter will increase to six months until Intrepid Ibex. And what exactly will happen on the 24th anyway? If the past is any example, there will be a rush to download the latest release of Ubuntu Linux and its many siblings, Kubuntu, Xubuntu and the rest of them. It will be slow going if past releases are any indicator. The bandwidth of the mirrors will be stretched to capacity. I have a better plan.
While Everyone Else Is Awaiting the Release of Hardy Heron, I Am Not
2008-04-21
A while back, I started a series on the KDE Desktop for New Linux Users. Parts one and two dealt with various components of the desktop and we concentrated on the heart of that desktop; the panel and system tray. Now, for most KDE Users, that would be a wrap for the article. Well, helios believes if you have a good thing, expand that good thing and make it a better good thing.
Doin' It For The Noob - Takin' It From The Top
2008-04-21
In recent announcements both Red Hat and Novell made it pretty clear that their foray onto the desktop would be delayed quite a bit longer. What they do not know is that they just left the door wide open for Ubuntu to conquer the desktop and the server space.
The Biggest Blunder: Or why Red Hat and Novell just left the door wide open to Ubuntu
2008-04-21
Draco GNU/Linux is an interesting system. Once based on Slackware, it could be described as a Linux system using NetBSD package management. Version 0.3.0 was released last week and I realized I'd never tested it before, so I figured it was about time. Draco is offered in two install images: the 232 MB minimal system and a 596 MB desktop system. I chose the desktop edition.
First look at Draco GNU/Linux 0.3
2008-04-21
Mandriva (when it was called Mandrake) was one of my first exposures to Linux. It was solid, it was pretty, and it made Linux feel welcoming and fun. If one thing can be said throughout the releases since Mandrake 8, it's that whatever the company name might have been the distribution has remained consistently pleasant to look at.
Mandriva 2008.1 Spring
2008-04-21
So, being a “Windows” guy as I’ve been called I have been trying to expand my knowledge base into Linux and Macintosh. I completed some online training courses in Introduction to Linux and SUSE Linux 10.3 from www.vtc.com. But I’ve never formally dissected a Linux distribution out side of the classroom.
Software Review - PCLinuxOS 2007, a end users point of view
2008-04-21
I’VE spent a few of days in the company of Fedora 9 Preview and my first impressions are very favourable. Installed into an 8GB Virtualbox virtual machine, it’s a snappy release with a high degree of consistency and stability throughout. A lot of the hard work has been done on background stuff – those items mentioned in my ‘Big Stuff’ list below. But that’s not to ignore the importance of visual appeal, where Fedora 9 scores very highly too. Anyway, here’s my early impressions and a few screenshots to whet your appetites.
First Look at Fedora 9 Preview
2008-04-21
Yesterday the Fedora Project released a "Preview" of Fedora 9. Today Ubuntu released a "Release Candidate" for 8.04 "Hardy Heron" and the openSUSE team released openSUSE 11.0 Beta 1. Since my preferred Linux distribution for the desktop is Fedora, I've been keeping up with all of the test releases. What follows is some commentary about my experiences with the Fedora 9 Preview including an image gallery. I'd like to encourage MontanaLinux users of other distros to write up their experiences with their preferred distributions.
Fedora 9 Preview Review
2008-04-21
Now with the release of the latest version of Ubuntu only 5 days away what better time then now to make predictions about the future of the Ubuntu Operating System. So lets get down to it, shall we?
Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) Predictions
2008-04-20
Using Gentoo Linux, you have to get used to things just breaking, especially in the last couple of years. Portage is probably one of the best package management systems in the open source community. I have been quite impressed with Portage 2 the last couple months. Things seem to be improving.
Gentoo Frustrations - Back to PC-BSD
2008-04-20
Long story short, even though OpenBSD 4.3 isn't scheduled to be released until May, it is available in the mirrors under snapshots. Since version 4.3 is supposed to have ACPI enabled by default, I figured I'd burn a CD and try it on the $0 Laptop, on which I'd love to control my noisy CPU fan. I've written recently on how FreeBSD seems to do a fine job in this regard, but only for a day before reverting to the previous noisiness. Now, I've never actually seen any concrete tips on exactly how to control a CPU fan in OpenBSD, but just maybe ... maybe it would work automatically.
I try OpenBSD 4.3 on the $0 Laptop
2008-04-19
I'm always using a mix of machines and OSes for my work, but until this week, my main "home" machine -- The $0 Laptop (Gateway Solo 1450) -- has been mostly used at home for a bit of Web browsing, testing Linux distributions, and my daughter's favorite educational games (gCompris, Childsplay, TuxPaint, Potato Guy). But this week I've needed to use the laptop a lot more, while I'm in the office.
I've been using Debian Lenny a lot -- and it works.
2008-04-19
This tutorial shows how you can set up a Mandriva One 2008 Spring (Mandriva 2008.1) desktop (with the KDE desktop environment) that is a full-fledged replacement for a Windows desktop, i.e. that has all the software that people need to do the things they do on their Windows desktops. The advantages are clear: you get a secure system without DRM restrictions that works even on old hardware, and the best thing is: all software comes free of charge.
The Perfect Desktop - Mandriva One 2008 Spring (Mandriva 2008.1) With KDE
2008-04-18
Long before Sun's Project Indiana came about, BeleniX has been one of our favorite GNU/Solaris distributions. BeleniX has been a LiveCD based upon OpenSolaris, but with yesterday's release of BeleniX 0.7 it is now a source-level derivative of the Project Indiana blend of OpenSolaris. Today we're taking a quick look at this new release.
BeleniX 0.7 OpenSolaris Desktop
2008-04-17
Several months ago, I had a chance to try running the live cd version of Mandriva One (version 2008) on my old laptop. At that time I was very impressed, it was beautiful, very user-friendly and everything just worked flawlessly. I really like it so much that I decided to install it permanently replacing Ubuntu Gutsy.
Mandriva One 2008.1 and old laptop: alas ....
2008-04-17
We are leaving for a short vacation week, I’ve been begged not to leave my laptops at home. Here are the reasons why:
My kids Top 6 Linux games
2008-04-17
Dell plans to continue the push to sell Linux-based laptops and desktop PCs, revealing promising sales as it approaches the one-year anniversary of its open-source strategy.
Dell to expand Linux laptop & PC push
2008-04-17
Switching to Linux can be very daunting, most seasoned Linux users experienced that first hand. After all, at some point they were also “noobs”. However, the Linux community has excelled in making the switch for beginners as easy as possible by providing guides, howtos, tweaks, and general advocacy articles. When I first made the switch 3 years ago, I found the community welcoming me with open hands on forums, IRC channels, and E-mail, I was surprised how helpful these penguins were!
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Linux Users
2008-04-17
Linux XP is a strange beast. From what I gather it tries very hard to emulate the look and feel of Microsoft Windows in order to make the transition to Linux easier to the Microsoft-familiar. That is an admirable goal shared by some rather successful commercial entities like Xandros. Apparently with this release, Linux XP is more like "Linux Vista," however. I question the logic of emulating an OS that has received such a chilly reception among end users.
Linux XP 2008
2008-04-17
Just when you thought it was safe to come out from behind that rock I'm back with a long awaited review. It's true to say the pace here has slowed in the last month or two but I'm getting back at it now and I'm even contemplating another distro tour, this time on my Dell m1330 laptop. Today's victim... sorry guest is the Brazilian distribution Dream Linux 3.0, a Debian-based distro I'd heard quite a bit about but never actually used. After a while out of the game would I still remember how to do this? Well, I'll leave that up to you to judge but here's how I got on...
Dream Linux 3.0 - Is It Really A Dream?
2008-04-17
My first good impression of Slax was documented on my Slax, the Shrunken Slackware post. It was with Slax 6.0 RC7, a development release version which I tested under VMWare Server. So recently, I decided to take a closer look at Slax, by getting the latest “Distribution Release” which is version 6.0.3. This time, I’m using our ancient Prestigio 109 laptop to fully check the features and capabilities of this tiny distro.
Slax 6.0 on an Ancient Prestigio 109 Laptop
2008-04-17
UNLIKE the Scottish weather, I’ve warmed a lot toward Mandriva in recent months. The thaw in relations began when I reviewed Mandriva’s excellent 2008 Flash distribution (read it here) and has continued with their just-released desktop offering, Mandriva 2008 Spring. There are three editions of Mandriva 2008 Spring: One, Powerpack and Free. ‘One’ comes on an installable live CD which contains non-free drivers, firmware and browser plugins. ‘Powerpack’ is the commercial DVD edition, complete with traditional installer. It contains some commercial software the other editions don't have, but no free/open source software you can't get in the other editions. ‘Free’ is the version aimed primarily at FOSS diehards.
Mandriva 2008 Spring
2008-04-15
The countdown for Ubuntu 8.04 finally begins today as now there are only 9 days to go for the official launch of Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron. But before Ubuntu lovers get their hands on Hardy, their biggest anticipation is about the new features and applications coming in Ubuntu 8.04. Compiled below is a list of the top 10 new features to expect in Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron. Some of these features have already been introduced in Hardy beta while some are still to be introduced in Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron stable
Top 10 Features to Expect in Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron
2008-04-15
I’ve been using Linux on and off for about 7 years. I am not a programmer or a hacking enthusiast, and the only reason for which I tried Linux was the extraordinary enthusiasm and loyalty of Linux hardcore users. I’ve never seen a product that can convert every user into an advocate except Linux, and I kept telling myself that it must be so good to deserve such a treatment.
Why Linux?
2008-04-15
If there is a single complaint that is laid at the feet of Linux time and time again, it's that the operating system is too complicated and arcane for casual computer users to tolerate. You can't ask newbies to install device drivers or recompile the kernel, naysayers argue. Of course, many of those criticisms date back to the bad old days, but Ubuntu, the user-friendly distribution sponsored by Mark Shuttleworth's Canonical Ltd., has made a mission out of dispelling such complaints entirely.
Linux examined: Ubuntu Hardy Heron
2008-04-15
Xfce isn't for everyone, but for servers or minimal desktop systems, it's just what the doctor ordered. Rather lightweight in Window Manager terms--weighing in at around 63MB--Xfce arrives with a full complement of applications from Abiword, gnumeric, and pidgin to CD/DVD burning software (Brasero), Thunar File Manager, and a host of administrative applications. For this article, I am reviewing the Xfce Fedora Spin based on Fedora 8 and Xfce4.
A New Spin on the Xfce Window Manager
2008-04-15
It is time to wake up and smell the elephant in the room. Vista is struggling to achieve escape velocity. Microsoft finds itself the butt an international joke, but does not seem able to get a grip. The issue of choice of platform is once more up for grabs. Of course there is an alternative; a popular computing platform whose design attracts universal admiration. But although we all look forward to literally punching in the numbers, the Wii does not yet quite hack it (use of a dread phrase coming up) 'in the enterprise'. So, for the time being, I'm afraid we are all back on re-evaluation-of-Linux duty. Never mind. I've already done the spadework. Let me lead you through a few simple steps to a full-on Open Source experience.
The missing five-minute Linux manual for morons
2008-04-15
Jeremiah Gray wants to provide an interesting way to learn about Linux, so he's created a new comic strip, called Hackett and Bankwell, about the open source operating system. The strip will be published as a series of comic books that Gray hopes will appeal to new Linux users, but he says it is "more than just a comic book version of a Linux training guide."
Comic strip aims for a fun way to educate new Linux users
2008-04-15
The Fedora Project attracts a lot of interest from the Linux faithful. While there are perhaps more newbie-friendly, corporate-friendly, or special-interest-focused distributions, Fedora continues to wear the innovation hat. Fedora announced Fedora 9 Beta late last month, and Test Center reviewers replaced the current Fedora 8 install to see what the new version has to offer. Since Fedora 9 is still in beta, occasional bugs and some rough edges were inevitable. But there is a solid indication of the new things to come that makes the stable release, expected May 1, worth watching.
Hat Trick For Fedora 9 Beta
2008-04-14
A few weeks ago, we setup a new production LAMP server to host a few of our client’s sites, medium size eCommerce websites. I wanted to share our experience as we came across the three big (and free) Linux distributions while we evaluated and setup the machines. We have previously setup Ubuntu Server 7.04 for our development and staging environment while researching the related family of North American Linux distributions: RedHat, Fedora and CentOS
About Linux Distros: Ubuntu and CentOS
2008-04-14
I have been using Kubuntu 8.04 KDE4 for a week now it runs better than Kubuntu 7.10. Kubuntu 7.10 was so horribly slow and full of bugs. I fail to understand how anyone could have used it. But the newest version of Kubuntu is actually nice. For the most part it runs well, but sometimes the KDE 4 programs just sort of “stick”, I guess that would be the best way to put it. I open say, Dragon Player, click on something in it and it just freezes for a few moments. But the KDE 3.5 programs do not do this, they run a little slow but they do not just freeze on me at least. And for some reason the Konsole/KDE4 does not work and KsCD will not play a CD. I also see no standby option for Kubuntu for some reason.
A few more thoughts on Kubuntu 8.04 KDE 4 Beta
2008-04-14
Everything you need to get Ubuntu 8.04 running on your Dell Inspiron 1501.
Overview of Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron on the Dell 1501
2008-04-14
The GIMP team announced today the first release from the 2.5 development series. It is true that this version is unstable, but a little bird told me to give it a try and see what's it capable of. First of all, let me tell you that its interface is quite redesigned and I think that some users will have problems adjusting with it, but that's just my two cents. On the other hand, version 2.5.0 of The GIMP includes some hot new features, like the integration of GEGL (Generic Graphics Library) which will finally get support for higher color depths, more colorspaces and eventually non-destructive editing.
First Look: The GIMP 2.5.0
2008-04-14
You will all no doubt be aware that a few months back I reviewed the original gOS, and I was enthusiastic about it. In my opinion, the original gOS was a great Linux distribution for the average computer user - someone who used it to write up a few documents, send a few emails, and surf the Internet a bit. With its emphasis on web apps, it was not only an ideal operating system for casual users, but was an indication of where desktop computing appears to be headed, with the real work being done "in the cloud", with the desktop just the front end for that.
My review of gOS Space
2008-04-14
Mandriva started life in July 1998 (formally known as Linux-Mandrake) as a KDE distro based on Red Hat. That was nearly 10 years ago and they've just released Mandriva 2008.1 Spring Edition so let's have a look at this release.
Mandriva 2008.1
2008-04-14
Please, allow me to explain. This week's FTLS was not at all what I intended it to be. For weeks now, I've been toying with idea of dual-booting a Debian based distro with a RPM based distro. Ubuntu Hardy (now reasonably mature enough for day to day use with minimal bork ups) was the obvious choice for a Debian flavor, as it already existed on my hard drive.
Flipping the Linux switch: openSUSE, geeko of many colors
2008-04-14
Mandriva Linux is a predominantly KDE-centric Linux distribution originating from France. This desktop-oriented Linux distribution which began its production in 1998 owes its popularity to its ease of installation and graphical productive draktools. I decided to review Mandriva 2008 Spring (aka Mandriva Linux 2008.1) when I got to know that, this new Spring edition has a full support for the Asus Eee PC and also improved support for mobile device synchronization
Mandriva Linux 2008.1 - The Blooming Spring
2008-04-14
If you're looking for a GNOME desktop for the popular PCLinuxOS (PCLOS), then newly released PCLinuxOS Gnome might be for you. PCLinuxOS Gnome is a community-developed Linux distribution built on the official PCLinuxOS MiniMe 2008 distribution, which is a minimized system containing the bare-bones necessities for a running system, a skeletal window manager, and a remastering tool. PCLinuxOS itself, known for its ease of use, beauty, and functionality, is loosely based on Mandriva Linux. It retains the RPM package format, ports the Mandriva Control Center and live installer, and focuses primarily upon KDE. It also contains components from Gentoo, openSUSE, Fedora, Debian, and Ubuntu. The distro's developers tend to adapt the best elements of some of the best distros available for their own distribution. They tweak, customize, and rebuild each package for PCLOS, creating a fast and stable environment.
PCLinuxOS Gnome links two worlds
2008-04-11
Power management on computers has three parts: selecting devices that are more power-efficient, tuning your systems to run more efficiently, and configuring systems to use less power during periods of inactivity. Servers, desktop machines, and laptops usually need different power management schemes; there isn't a one-size-fits-all. The first step is finding the power hogs on your systems, so today we'll learn how to measure hardware power usage. We'll also expose and rein in power-hog processes, and next week we'll learn some ways to get the most bang per watt on our Linux systems.
Power Management on Linux, Part 1
2008-04-11
This is a detailed description about how to set up a Mandriva 2008 Spring Free (Mandriva 2008.1) server that offers all services needed by ISPs and hosters: Apache web server (SSL-capable), Postfix mail server with SMTP-AUTH and TLS, BIND DNS server, Proftpd FTP server, MySQL server, Dovecot POP3/IMAP, Quota, Firewall, etc. This tutorial is written for the 32-bit version of Mandriva 2008.1, but should apply to the 64-bit version with very little modifications as well.
The Perfect Server - Mandriva 2008 Spring Free (Mandriva 2008.1)
2008-04-11
The GIMP team announced today the first release from the 2.5 development series. It is true that this version is unstable, but a little bird told me to give it a try and see what's it capable of. First of all, let me tell you that its interface is quite redesigned and I think that some users will have problems adjusting with it, but that's just my two cents. On the other hand, version 2.5.0 of The GIMP includes some hot new features, like the integration of GEGL (Generic Graphics Library) which will finally get support for higher color depths, more colorspaces and eventually non-destructive editing.
First Look: The GIMP 2.5.0
2008-04-11
I've decided to fill the large gap in my blogging with descriptions of my experiences with KDE4. I've been building KDE 4 from svn for a while, testing from time to time to see if it could be used. The answer was negative until recently. Most of what I want has stabilized enough to become my working desktop. I use Arch Linux as a distibution, and have built PKGBUILD's for all the major modules. The build scripts are here.
KDE 4 in Actual Usage
2008-04-11
PC-BSD, a strong contender for the top desktop distribution out there, has once again grown, going from version 1.3 to 1.5 in just under a year. In that time it's grown, prospered, and had it's fair share of growing pains as well. But version 1.5 is only one subversion up from the previous version 1.4 that we reviewed. So what makes version 1.5 better than its predecessors and worth a look from us? Well, let's have a look.
PC-BSD 1.5
2008-04-10
Here is a short screenshot tour of the latest from Mandriva Linux. Just released Mandriva One 2008.1 Spring GNOME and KDE Editions. Today we will show only the GNOME release Check out our short flash video too.
Mandriva One 2008.1 Spring GNOME ScreenShots
2008-04-10
The Asus Eee PC ultraportable comes bundled with a version of Xandros as its operating system. If you would like to try a different Linux distro on your Eee, there are plenty of options to choose from, including eeeXubuntu, EeeDora, ZenEee, EeePCLinuxOS, and Puppeee. The latter is based on Puppy Linux, a tiny Linux distribution that sports a few unique features that make it a perfect candidate for use on machines like the Eee PC.
Puppeee: Puppy for your Eee PC
2008-04-10
A lot of people have been reporting issues with Ralink (rt61, especially) chipsets and the Gutsy upgrade. Some users are struggling so much that they have gone ahead and reverted to using NDISWrapper and the Windows driver for their Ralink chipsets. Guess what - I'm typing this article in Open Office, on Gutsy using an Edimax wireless card powered by the default driver for RT61PCI with network-manager. That's right, no compiling, nothing. So why am I not having the same issues? Because I actually have a better grasp of the problem.
Ralink Wireless Woes Explored in Linux
2008-04-10
The same thing has happened to me more than once. I install a FreeBSD-derived operating system on the $0 Laptop (the Gateway Solo 1450) and I marvel at the way it manages the noisy CPU fan right out of the box.
Not so happy with FreeBSD and PC-BSD
2008-04-10
This is the first update to GNOME 2.22. Come and see all the bug fixing, all the new translations and all the updated documentation brought to you by the wonderful team of GNOME contributors! A lot of work has been done in the stable branch to make it even more solid than it was.
GNOME 2.22.1 released!
2008-04-10
I had an epiphany the other day. It happened this way. I was using Ubuntu, my Linux operating system of choice, when I found myself looking at my screen, mindlessly twirling the Compiz Fusion cube and painting fire on the screen. I was restless. And then it struck me. After using computers for over twenty five years, I was suddenly struck by the thought that I do not know what to do with a fully functioning, uncrashable, secure and attractive operating system.
Can Linux Be This Good?
2008-04-10
As Mandriva Spring has been made available to the early seeders, it means all the Cooker packages as of today are already Mandriva 2008 Spring, right? So the updated Mandriva system I am running is actually Mandriva 2008 Spring, right? I have some bad news in this case...
Maybe it's not Mandriva, maybe it's not Fedora, maybe it's GNOME 2.22 (screwed)
2008-04-09
We are trying to gauge the level of interest consumers like you have in buying a new computer that features a Linux-based operating system. Help us to stay in touch with the needs of consumers by taking a quick moment to answer the following questions.
Share Your Thoughts on Linux-Based Systems!
2008-04-09
This interview is the first of a series we’ll be co-publishing with Fedora Interviews. In this one, Jeremy Katz talks about improvements to Fedora Live CDs.
Interview: Jeremy Katz on Fedora Live CDs
2008-04-09
Lots of people argue why I should use Linux (any distro, I prefer Ubuntu) when I am currently using Windows or Mac. The thing I realized is given a chance of selecting your own operating system (OS), people will prefer to use Linux than any other thing. The other thing which prevents users using Linux is the hardware support which is not that good currently for Linux. But that is because we have been living in a world where Windows is being forced to everyone when they buy PC. That’s why hardware manufacturers are also forced to support Windows first than any other thing. But this support has increased tremendously over last couple of years. At the same time Linux community has developed itself in making Linux (Ubuntu in particular) more user friendly.
25 Reasons to use Ubuntu Linux instead of Windows
2008-04-08
When I first discovered that I going to receive a Beta testing review notebook from Zonbu, I was a bit skeptical. Despite being excited to try out one of their latest contraptions, I could not get my head around the challenges of a Linux notebook that was simple enough for the most casual PC user.
Zonbu Notebook Review: Part I
2008-04-08
KDE 4 is a radical overhaul of the popular desktop. It offers broad improvements like the Oxygen desktop theme, SVG graphics, and enhanced speeds thanks to the latest version of the Qt 4 toolkit. It also offers specific improvements such as the font manager and the Dolphin file manager. In short, there's a lot to like. But, as might be expected, not all the changes are equally successful. Nor is the situation helped by the fact that KDE 4 was a preliminary release, and the project intends the upcoming 4.1 as the production-ready version -- as you might expect, most distros have rushed to include the early minor releases as soon as possible.
Nine Improvements Needed in KDE
2008-04-08
I've been wondering if and when OpenOffice 2.3 would give way to version 2.4 in the Ubuntu 8.04 LTS beta. It finally happened with one of my recent updates of the system.
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS gets OpenOffice 2.4 -- and I finally get Flash working in the Firefox 3 Beta
2008-04-08
Beginning from next term, all computers at schools in the Swiss canton of Geneva will be switched to Ubuntu Linux only. Geneva newspaper Tribune de Geneve reports today that from September 2008 all computers at schools that currently are dual-boot MS Windows and Linux will have MS Windows removed and become FOSS (Free Open Source Software) only.
Linux: 9000 PCs in Swiss schools will switch to Ubuntu only
2008-04-08
While KDE users get to boss KIO slaves for easier access to system and network resources, humble GNOME users can perform similar feats with its virtual file system, called GnomeVFS, which is an extension of the physical filesystem on a disk. Using GnomeVFS, users can work with non-local data that can come from unusual places, such as within compressed gzip archives.
CLI Magic: Using GNOMEvfs to manipulate files
2008-04-08
Foresight is my first venture outside of the traditional “Major” distros - but I’m impressed. I’ve never done a “review” before but I’m so impressed, I’m gonna give it a shot - here goes! I first heard about Foresight because of and article talking about the new Shuttle KPC which as I understand it was initially was supposed to come pre-loaded with Ubuntu but Shuttle decided to switch to Foresight - that initially told me this must be something special and I needed to check it out.
Foresight Linux (Because your desktop should be cool!)
2008-04-08
In my regular search for Linux distributions that can be used easily by new users, I've found a number that stand up to the test, and a lot of others that don't. Well, shortly after hearing about Dream Linux, I was intrigued by it, if for no other reason than it's name. Dream Linux hails out of the wonderful and balmy country of Brazil. Now some might say, "Brazil? There's no programmers down there! That's all jungle!" If you thought that, you'd be wrong. But let's skip the symantics and the stereotypes, and dig into this interesting little Linux distro to see what it's all about. Will we find a dream, or a scary nightmare? Read on to find out.
Dream Linux 3.0
2008-04-08
Can you give Linux away? By that, I mean will we see a point where a significant number of PCs are sold not with a costly version of Windows or Mac OS installed on them, but with Linux instead?
Linux...Why is it So Hard to Give It Away?
2008-04-07
Do we Gentoo users write so little about why we love this distro? I didn’t think so,
Why Gentoo?
2008-04-07
I’ve been slowly tweaking the way my family uses their computer to make it easier to migrate everyone to Linux. First, I completely removed Internet Explorer and got everyone used to Firefox. Then, I moved my wife off of her thick email client and onto Gmail. Next, I replaced Office with OpenOffice. Each of those moves was relatively painless. Spreading them out over time helped.
Everex should have gone with straight Ubuntu
2008-04-07
QGRUBEditor is a graphical frontend for managing the GRUB bootloader. By using QGRUBEditor, you do not have to mess around with the GRUB configuration in /boot/grub/menu.lst anymore. This article shows how to install and use QGRUBEditor on Ubuntu 7.10.
Managing The GRUB Bootloader With QGRUBEditor On Ubuntu 7.10
2008-04-07
You may be wondering why I'm reviewing a book on Ubuntu 7.10 ("Gutsy Gibbon") on the advent of the release of Ubuntu 8.04 ("Hardy Heron"). If I've waited all this time to review the Hudson and Hudson book (released last January), why not wait until 8.04 is released, and the 4th edition of this book is written and published (as I write this, there are 18 days to go until the 8.04 release date)? Good question. Originally, I had given serious thought to just that course of action. Then something changed.
Ubuntu 7.10 Linux Unleashed, 3rd Edition
2008-04-07
Dreamlinux developers released version 3.0 of their Debian-based Linux distribution last weekend. I've looked at several versions of this distro over the years and I recall how beautiful I thought it was in the beginning. The wallpaper has been changed and the theme has been updated, but it still basically looks the same.
First look at Dreamlinux 3.0
2008-04-07
From Linux Mint's About page: "Linux Mint's purpose is to produce an elegant, up to date and comfortable GNU/Linux desktop distribution." To reach this goal, lead developer and founder Clement Lefebvre used (surprisingly) Ubuntu as the base, and added multimedia codecs to the distribution, by default. Later on, Mint deviated more from Ubuntu by adding its own artwork, web-based package front-end, and configuration tools (MintTools) to the mix. I installed the latest stable release, Daryna (4.0), released on 15 October of last year, to see what's what.
Mini-Review: Linux Mint 4.0 'Daryna'
2008-04-07
Granular Linux is a desktop-oriented distribution based on PCLinuxOS. Its primary goals are to be easy to use and user-friendly. With the new preview release of version 1.0, Granular has come a long way toward achieving these goals, and becoming a unique distribution with its own benefits and problems.
Granular distro preview is worth a look
2008-04-07
Zenwalk Linux is a Slackware-based distribution that has set a personal goal for itself to be one of the slimmest and fastest distributions out there. Their focus in this distribution is towards a strong graphical desktop and multimedia implementation. But how does Zenwalk perform? Is it ready for the new user, or is this a distribution for an eyecandy starved Linux hacker with time on their hands? Let's look and find out.
Zenwalk Linux 5.0
2008-04-07
Back in January I wrote a review of Vector Linux 5.8 Standard. The fact that as I write this, over five months later, that review is still in the O’Reillynet Blogs Hot 25 says a lot about justBack in January I wrote a review of Vector Linux 5.8 Standard. The fact that as I write this, over five months later, that review is still in the O’Reillynet Blogs Hot 25 says a lot about just how much interest there is in this up and coming Canadian distribution, a user friendly derivative of Slackware. Back when I wrote that review I talked about the three different flavors of Vector Linux. Standard, with a default Xfce desktop, can be compared to Xubuntu in some ways while SOHO, it’s big brother with a default KDE desktop, is more directly comparable to Kubuntu. The implication is that the same code base is used in both. That was true for all versions prior to 5.8. This time, however, there was a really long gap, as in almost five full months, between the two releases and a lot of bugfixes and upgrades were put in. The new SOHO even sports a newer kernel under the hood: 2.6.20.3. Vector Linux SOHO resembles a next release rather than a different build of the same release. It probably should have been numbered 5.9 rather than 5.8 and it does deserve a separate review.
KDE Built For Speed — Vector Linux 5.8 SOHO
2008-04-04
I have been wanting to try out Fedora 9 ever since I read in an interview with the project leaders about 2 months ago that it was going with a KDE4 default desktop (as far as I can tell, no other distribution has taken the plunge). Now Fedora is an interesting beast… it gets little press these days yet it has been consistently in the top ten at distrowatch for years, and high in the top ten too. So who is using Fedora these days ? Back in the 90’s all us linux’ers pretty much used redhat… who uses Fedora today except a few die-hards and Eric Raymond ? Actually I would say Fedora has become the Haute Couture of GNU/Linux.
Fedora 9 Beta - my review
2008-04-04
The third bugfix release of the KDE 4.0 series is available. KDE 4.0 is mainly targeted at users who live on the bleeding edge. As a dot-oh release it might have its rough edges. The KDE Community releases a service update for this series once a month to make those bleeding edge users' lives easier. The changelog for KDE 4.0.3 is, although not complete, quite impressive. Especially KHTML and with it the Konqueror webbrowser have seen great improvements in both, stability and performance.
KDE 4.0.3 Released With Extragear Applications
2008-04-04
A short screenshot tour of the latest version of DreamLinux. DreamLinux 3.0 was released just a few days ago so I thought I would take a quick look at it.
DreamLinux 3.0 in action
2008-04-04
In an interview with Reuters, Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth confirmed what The VAR Guy already knew: Sun Microsystems is increasing its bets on Ubuntu Linux. Here’s the scoop. Two weeks ago, The VAR Guy reported that Ubuntu would be one of the certified options for Sun’s latestsmall and midsize business servers. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, also is quietly working with IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Dell to try to ensure Ubuntu is certified with their servers, The VAR Guy has learned.
Update: Sun Getting Cozier With Ubuntu
2008-04-04
Has anyone else noticed an increasing number of Linux newbies who seem to think that Ubuntu is Linux and Linux is Ubuntu?
Is Ubuntu becoming the generic Linux distro?
2008-04-04
Ok, as you probably know by now I'm a Gentoo geek and immediately setup my new ZaReason UltraLapSR with Gentoo. Since my UltraLapSR has a discreet video card, it's only fitting that I should bling it out to show off the power of my laptop and Compiz-Fusion to people
Blinging out my UltraLapSR
2008-04-04
Ever since I wrote "It's Time to Get Over Microsoft," people have demanded in blogs and emails how I could ignore the obvious threat that Microsoft represents to free software. Usually, I ask them to read the article more carefully, and note that it suggests that free software has grown strong enough to take care of itself. The fact that so many free software supporters persist in a negative identity -- that is, one defined by not being a Microsoft user -- frankly puzzles me when the community has so much to be proud of in its own right.
GNU/Linux: Too Much about Hate, Not Enough about Pride
2008-04-04
Recently I looked in on the project Web site for a small application I use, only to find the wiki completely filled with spam. The project itself was clearly in disrepair, and the code abandoned for six months or more. I wondered: how many other apps that I use have halted development without my realizing it? I decided to look back at the projects I've written about over the past year to see which ones are no longer with us.
In memoriam: free software projects of 2007
2008-04-04
I generally don't run beta releases, let alone review them, but I'm having a hard time waiting to find out what Ubuntu 8.04 LTS -- nicknamed Hardy Heron and set for an April 24 release -- is all about. Why am I so excited about Ubuntu 8.04? First of all, I'm very much in favor of the LTS -- Ubuntu's long-term support release -- which will receive updates for three years on the desktop and five years on the server. And since the Ubuntu team is intent of packing this new LTS with as many bleeding-edge packages as possible -- the Firefox 3 beta for instance -- 8.04 LTS should remain comfortable for a lot longer than other distribution releases that offer long-term support.
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS beta
2008-04-04
Since I last wrote about Ubuntu 8.04 after installing the beta, it has been generally stable but definitely beta quality. Here’s the bugs that have been bothering me, fixed and unfixed:
What’s Been Bugging you in Ubuntu 8.04?
2008-04-03
Mark Shuttleworth, Ubuntu's founder came through Boston the other day in between trips to the West Coast and his home office in London. He was on what I'd call a pregame warmup for the 8.04 release of his open source, Linux application. The urbane, wide ranging Shuttleworth still retains his South African accent and is as comfortable talking about his experience as a Russian astronaut, the wisdom of still learning Latin and his schoolboy rugby career as delving into the intricacies of open source development. He is a good role model for arguing the value of open systems in the enterprise. Anyways, I was anxious to see what Mark had been up to following a trip to the West Coast that included an appearance at an open source conference that included representatives from, yes, Microsoft.
Mark Shuttleworth and Ubuntu 8.04
2008-04-03
When they're released in final form on April 24, the new server and desktop variants of Ubuntu Linux Version 8.04 will include features aimed at making the open-source operating system easier to deploy and use.
Ubuntu Linux 8.04 final release set for April 24
2008-04-03
For the past two weeks I have been using Ubuntu 7.10 on my desktop PC. I used to install Linux distributions frequently to see which distros were better. But that was a few years ago. When I bought a new PC I decided to jump into the world of Linux once again and see what all the buzz is regarding Ubuntu. I downloaded the 64 bit version of Ubuntu so that I could benefit from my new AMD 64 bit hardware and got it burned to a CD and was ready to go. I rebooted the system and was greeted by the Ubuntu logo as expected.
Is Ubuntu ready for the mainstream?
2008-04-03
I have now made a switch - I am a full time Ubuntu user and I love every minute of it. Ubuntu is one of the best Linux releases in my opinion, although I’ve only tried 3-4 other Linux distros. I know that hardcore Linux people may argue, but Ubuntu is the only OS that enabled my sound card and my wireless internet connection without as much as a sweat.
Switching to Linux: Linux Alternatives to Windows Apps [Part I]
2008-04-03
I’m a Debian user and—like many—I use apt and its associated tools. If you haven’t yet discovered apt here’s a brief summary of some of it and some of its tools which can make your package management even more powerful.
Beyond Synaptic - using apt for better package management
2008-04-03
The free Linux operating system handles big tasks like running supercomputers and ATMs. Now Linux has a chance to finally crack Microsoft Corp.'s hold on computing's most visible domain — mainstream PCs — because of the rise of innovative, inexpensive machines. Of course, prognosticators perennially say Linux is on the verge. It gets high marks for security and stability and is widely used behind the scenes in corporate servers, making it a natural candidate to steal desktop thunder from Microsoft's dominant Windows. And yet Linux PCs still represent less than 2 percent of the market.
Time is right for Linux PCs to emerge
2008-04-03
Back in early February we announced that we were in the process of formalizing and releasing our internal test tools as a platform for facilitating easy to use, accurate, and reproducible Linux benchmarks based upon the testing work that we have been doing at Phoronix for the past four years. The goals with this are really to make it easier for Linux end-users to run reliable (both qualitative and quantitative) benchmarks for their own personal use, push more open-source projects to making their software more testable, and pushing hardware and software vendors for greater Linux testing based upon a standardized set of tests. Today we are very pleased to announce the first public release of the Phoronix Test Suite software, which is licensed under the GNU GPLv3, and the creation of a public database for freely sharing your test results and other information in a collaborative manner.
Phoronix Test Suite Released
2008-04-03
I’ve been getting a lot of links back to an offhand post I made about three months ago about SliTaz, but I realize now I never really “reviewed” that distro, if you can call these random notes “reviews.” Since I have the ugly laptop on hand for Hardy testing, I thought I’d give it break from suffering under Gnome and allow it to run an ultralight system.
SliTaz 1.0 on 450Mhz K6-2, 256Mb
2008-04-03
I've already written most of my Ubuntu 8.04 beta review, which I'm holding onto for the time being. I don't usually run -- or review -- beta releases, but this time I'm making an exception because a) most Ubuntu releases are hotly anticipated and b) Ubuntu's second-ever long-term-support release is a huge deal for me as a big fan of releases that have lives longer than the standard six months to a year.
Ubuntu 8.04 Beta -- performing a networking exorcism
2008-04-01
Microblogging service Twitter is ever popular, and is a great way for keeping in contact with your friends in real time and seeing what they are up to. What makes Twitter what it is though, is the ability to update your status and receive messages on all sorts of devices, as well as the web interface.
Twitux - a GNOME Twitter client
2008-04-01
The latest release of the GNOME desktop environment includes a number of significant architectural enhancements and new applications that offer increased power and usability. Released after six months of intensive development, GNOME 2.22 will be included in Ubuntu 8.04 and Fedora 9, which are scheduled for release in April.
One step forward: a review of GNOME 2.22
2008-03-31
Love it or hate it, anyone who runs Ubuntu has at least heard of Automatix. This program made it possible for any Ubuntu user to easily add a host of new programs and media codices to a desktop. Now, however, Automatix's developers are being pulled away to other projects, so they have announced that they will no longer be working on their popular software installation program.
Automatix development comes to an end
2008-03-31
Another week and another bag-full of Linux releases. Over the past week Damn Small Linux has edged closer to a 4.3 release with a release candidate, Astaro is showing off its security appliance distro, Knoppix makes big changes in 5.3.1 and Fedora issues a beta release of the forthcoming Fedora 9 release.
Fedora 9 beta, Knoppix improvements
2008-03-31
This is another revision of the development version of KDE 4 environment. Lots of you have asked why it took me so long to publish this article. Well, I was just waiting for rev 790000, that’s all. I hope that your curiosity will be satisfied since there’s been a lot of changes to describe this time. I did my best.
KDE 4 rev 790000: Better stability and performance
2008-03-31
I have to admit that every time I receive an email entitled "New Distro Submission", I tend to let out a little sigh. Is this really something new and innovative that we haven't seen before? Or is it just another remastered Ubuntu or Slax that will die in a few short months? So when Christophe Lincoln sent me a notice about a distribution called SliTaz GNU/Linux, I reacted with the usual scepticism. It wasn't until I noticed the download size of the just-released version 1.0 which prompted me to take a closer look. A full-featured desktop distro in 25 MB? Now, that's certainly something we haven't seen here before!
First look at SliTaz GNU/Linux 1.0, the smallest desktop distro on earth
2008-03-31
Neat, nice, small, almost revolutionary (I liked the package manager!) and well-documented, but maybe you should know some French, at least for the installer ;-)