More IT Information

A very thorough comparison of Windows Media Center and Linux Media Center reveals some amazing differences. After watching it I wonder if you can really call it a comparison at all. The features of the Linux Media Center are just phenomenal and leave no comparison to any other product on the market. It isn't just for controlling your TV, but for your entire house, including every device from lights, alarm systems, cameras, mobile phones, stationary phones, other computers, etc. If you're prepared to forget everything you ever thought about media centers this is a video you should watch.

Labels: asterisk, linux, media center, microsoft, os, windows

In response to the overwhelming response Dell received from customers interested in having Linux pre-installed computers, they have developed a survey asking for more specific information from users. Dell's exact words were that they "can’t offer everything (all systems, all distributions, all support options), so we’ve crafted a survey (www.dell.com/linuxsurvey) to let you help us prioritize what we should deliver for you".
It seems that this survey is receiving overwhelming response as well and their server is overloaded as well. This is being worked on currently. The survey will be available until 23 March.

Labels: computer, Dell, linux, os

Recently an article was written by Rob Enderle discussing in his opinion the shortcomings of Linux.
As a someone who has worked in IT for over 10 years evaluating solutions, I encourage such discussions as a way for people to find out more information and make better choices, but as a Linux user there are some areas that I have to disagree with and others that I agree completely with.
The first is his idea that Linux is not one thing but many different things distributions that are all different. There is only one Linux kernel released by Linus Torvalds. That is Linux, the distributions are based on the software and customizations that are on top of that kernel. To say that the distributions make the Linux a different breed is like saying a Windows computer running the MS Office Suite is not the same Windows as a Windows computer running the MS Works Suite. There is no difference in the kernel and core of those two Windows machines and there is no difference in the core and kernel between any of the Linux distributions. Linux as one unit then can be compared to Windows as one unit. Distributions come in when you look at which software you want on the machines.
I will agree that Linux is not for everything or everyone. The distributions succeed in making it more 'universal' by customizing it for specific purposes.
From a security point of view, Linux's security model is from Unix making it very secure As to the point made about no identity checks on Open Source developers and the possibility of someone with not so admirable intentions being able to work within the group and write bugs intentionally into the software, I completely agree with the possibility. Looking at it though, while it is possible one has to remember that software should also be tested before being deployed both by hand executing the code and by actually running it. With hundreds or thousands of people working on popular projects the ability for such a malicious bug to make it through testing is very small, albeit possible. Using the fact that this hasn't happened so far in Open Source software, I would put this risk as negligible.
Again I also agree that no operating system should be considered so secure to ignore good security practices. All operating systems are crackable, I just wouldn't want to be the one trying to crack a hardened Linux or Unix box. All networks need some sort of auditing practice to lead network admins to possible attempts at cracking the network to stop the perpetrator(s) before they get in.
I also agree completely that some people in the community of Linux users tend to be rather cult-ish putting the OS as a type of god and can be very standoffish when someone says anything negative about it. I think every 'normal' person using the OS would agree that these are the types of people who keep others away from Linux (Mac has similar people too causing the same problem). These fundamental users hinder the normal discussion process which is exactly what Linux (Mac OS) needs to become more popular and more widely accepted.
I will make no statements in regard to Groklaw as it is not Linux but an open advocacy group that was formed in some way of protecting Linux. It is very young and probably immature yet. In five or ten years time it will be interesting to see how it developed.

I think the thing that bothers me the most about Linux is IT advocacy. IT shouldn’t be an advocate of any product, because it needs to make determinations between them. Whether it is Microsoft, Apple, or Linux, once IT takes a side it is no longer capable of properly assessing a solution based on the needs of the business. And that is the job.

This is perfectly said. The role of any analyst is to be open to all options not only Microsoft or Apple or Open Source. When giving opinions preferences do not apply, what is the best option for the situation is the only thing that applies. Recently I was asked my opinion of Mac computers from someone who had been shown one in an shop. The person was impressed with what they had seen and I added to it what I liked about them. Along with this, I gave the disadvantage of cost. This point we both agreed on. I told him the options in local shops of Windows, Mac OS and Linux all of which can be found pre-installed on computers. He had already seen Mac OS and had already used Windows so I gave him a Live CD of a popular Linux distribution and told him to play around with it before making a decision. I didn't tell him one option was better or worse, just gave him the tools to make the decision himself.

Labels: linux, os, OSS

Alcatel-Lucent has won their patent case against Microsoft regarding the unlicensed use of the MP3 format with Microsoft being ordered to pay 1.52 million USD. Alcatel-Lucent has stated that is will ask for a larger judgment against MS by asking that the 2006 sales values of computers be factored into the calculation. The $1.52 million was derived by taking 0.5 % of all computers sold with Windows from mid 2003 to 2005.
Alcatel-Lucent has also brought patent lawsuits against MS relating to their use of color graphics, computer interface technologies and video-file. Alcatel-Lucent has stated that anyone who implements the standard could also be sued. This includes companies like Apple, Creative Technology and Real Networks.
It sounds remotely similar to Steve Balmer's attacks against Linux to sue them for unknown patent infringements. It seems that Alcatel-Lucent attacked first using Bell Labs technology as the attack against MS. Bell Labs also being the creator of Unix, it seems plausible that Alcatel-Lucent felt some connection to Linux since it is part of the same family and came to the support by exposing and suing MS for infringements that had MS not threatened Linux would have been forgiven.

Labels: computer, linux, microsoft, mp3, os

Dell has recently launched the IdeaStorm Web site where users can give input into their decision-making process. Since Friday's launch 66000 users have suggested that Dell should offer Fedora, OpenSuse and Ubuntu as free pre-install options. Along with this about 40000 users said OpenOffice should also be a pre-install option along with MS Works and Office. Most of the suggestions were that Windows should not be the default option and that Linux and free software should be supplied.
Visit the site to see the results for yourself or contribute your own opinions.

Labels: computer, linux, microsoft, novell, office, openoffice, os, suse, vista, windows

A Russian principal is currently on trial and could face 5 years in prison for purchasing computers which turned out to have a pirated version of Windows. The result of this has been Mikhail Gorbachev personally writing a letter to Microsoft asking them to drop charges. This was refused by Microsoft who said it that they "were sure the Russian courts would make a fair decision."
The fair decision that has been made was to arrest the software purchase who more than likely had no certified version of Windows as an option to purchase and was fully confident that he was purchasing a legal version.
In a small ray of hope, Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked that investigators search for the distributors rather than users of pirated software.
In order to escape from the threat of being arrested for piracy many schools in the region and throughout Russia are now considering Linux. Microsoft's decision to stay out of the issue has resulted in the possible loss of an entire country's school computers. It has as well caused waves to further dirty the reputation of Microsoft to give people an impression that Microsoft cares nothing about people and helping (something the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was setup to do), but only about making a profit with their software. When purchasing your next system you may want to consider this and remember that there are other choices.
John Pallatto has also responded to this incident with his opinion.

Labels: linux, microsoft, os, windows

There's a video on YouTube demonstrating the Mac OS X desktop using the commentary from a Vista presentation on the innovativeness of Vista.
I would not put this as an argument for switching for a Mac or Windows, but it does prove a point with the amount of comments going around about the innovations of Vista and the implications that it cannot be done with another OS.
The 'glass' feature of Vista is the first feature to be displayed in the video with a standard OS X desktop. I will not that this is also supported by the KDE desktop in Linux.
The live preview in Vista is also in OS X including videos currently being played when the mouse is brought over the task bar. The alt+tab idea in Vista of being able to see all the applications as they are running is also shown in OS X. The applications separate so that no application is on top of any other and users can choose the application from there.
The Vista sidebar is also displayed in OS X, but rather than being only a space along the right of the screen, the small applications can be put anywhere the user chooses on the desktop. The prototype that is said to be built by Fox sports displaying sports scores and information is exactly shown on OS X. Linux as well has this feature in KDE and GNOME with the user being able to write their own as well. In Linux it functions exactly as it is shown in the video.
In OS X there is a button near the top of the screen that allows you to type the name of the application you are looking for and it will list all of the applications that match. Vista is described to have this functionality within the Start menu. KDE in Linux has it in the K Menu. In KDE this feature eliminates all of the 'folders' in the menu that do not contain data on your search so you will be able to find the program even easier the next time you want to use it. Searching through documents for specific data in files is also shown in OS X from a content search exactly as is described in the speech. The same feature in Linux is in Beagle or Konqueror.
The description of parental controls in Vista is similar with a built in parental controls that can limit Internet access as well as any other application.
iPhoto within OS X functions like the photo gallery in Vista showing all of the images as thumbnails and allowing the user to change the size of the thumbnails. Searching is possible by date, keyword, and tags. The edit functions are also a part of iPhoto. Many options are possible but only cropping an image is displayed in the video. The feature to later restore the original (at any time after doing the action) is also demonstrated with OS X. The slide show feature is also demonstrated. Throughout the process no moving video is demonstrated although themes are shown. This exact same functionality is available in Linux with the F-Spot picture viewer.
The only innovation in Vista is that it has never been seen before in the Windows OS, but OS X has had these features for at least 3 years and KDE has had all of them since at least KDE 3.4 with some beginning in version 3.1.

Labels: linux, Mac, microsoft, os, OS X, vista, windows

The BBC has published reviews from 4 computer users, two using Vista, one on Linux and one Mac OS X.
The first of the Vista reviewers had been using the OS for about 6 months and notes the 'visually stunning' display. Also considered a favorite of this reviewer is Flip 3D which provides a 3D view of all minimized tasks when alt+tab is pressed. He consideres Vista more stable than previous versions of Windows and is impressed by ReadyBoost which allows a USB flash drive to provide cache memory to increase performance.
The second of the reviewers was a software developer who had been using Vista for about a year. He focuses on the system from a software design point of view and considers Windows Presentation Foundation the biggest change between the systems. This allows for the creation of 'stunning' user interfaces and relies on DirectX to provide the features like 3D and animation. He also notes that his hardware all just worked, but acknowledged that it hasn't been everyone's experience. He did mention the cost of upgrading users' current systems as a drawback that may have many users waiting for when they upgrade their computer. Also the added expense of RAM and a graphics card that supports DirectX9. He does recommend 1 GB of RAM instead of the minimum 512 MB and recommends Windows XP users to upgrade as he considers Vista to be a large improvement over XP.
The Linux review lists an advantage of Linux as flexibility and ease of use even for novice users. While it is easy for novice users, it also mentions that experienced users have 'radical powers over their computer' that cannot be found in other OS's. Mentioned is the huge variety of software available that can be easily installed using package managers. The rare occurrence of viruses (and no successful spread of Linux viruses) adds to the lack of security worries in the system according to the review. Some of the desktops provide visual effects that he considers better than Vista and OS X. He does point of a drawback being that some hardware and mainstream games lack official support and as a result can be difficult to install, but points out that many people are willing to help with the issues. The main point listed that sets Linux apart from other systems is the issue of a free software license that encourages people to share the software with friends and encourages programmers to be better allowing others to view and improve their work.
The Mac OS X reviewer had switched to OS X six years ago from Windows and points out the the desktop is cleaner with no reminders and popups or other interruptions. He points out that the hardware and software work very well together and the system requires very little maintenance. His computer is used about 11 hours a day and is restarted every weekend and he cannot remember when any application crashed and has never had the OS crash. Also mentioned is the high security because of the base of the system being Unix and the lack of viruses. Also pointed out is that all of the functions just seem to work and work with Windows users too. He also mentions that he feels that he is in control of his computer rather than the computer controlling him.
I myself would agree with most of the points brought up by the person reviewing Linux but would point out that the lack of viruses does not necessarily equate to higher security. It can if you are referring to Trojans and other malware, but security also has to do with how easy the system is to break into. Provided that someone hasn't opened their system to create a security issue, Linux does tend to be very secure in that sense too though and even systems with unpatched vulnerabilities in the software running on the system can usually avoid problems.

Labels: linux, Mac, microsoft, os, vista, windows

Desktop Linux's writer Steven Vaughan-Nichols has written about his experience installing both Vista and Linux on one computer.
Apparently dual booting Vista and Linux is not so easy. Vista has a new bootloader ,BCD (Boot Configuration Data), which is independent of the firmware. Also the editor for the boot option, BCDEdit.exe is more hostile for the user than friendly not only for dual booting, but also just for standard editing of the boot options.
A side warning coming from him warns that unless you have a lot of time and don't mind some issues with incompatibility and know exactly what you are doing, upgrading to Vista from a previous version of Windows is not the best option.
After installing Vista on one partition and Linux on the other partition of the hard drive, one problem arises, The system will only boot to Linux as a result of Vista's BCD. The solution, is to add some lines to the bootloader settings (/boot/grub/menu.lst) in Linux.
Adding:
title Vista
rootnoverify (hd0,1) -or whereever the partition that holds Vista is
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader +1
The format of the "hd0,1" section above is that the first hard drive is hd0, the second hd1 and so on. In relation to partitions, which is the number after the comma, the first partition is 0 while the second is 1.
After restarting the system, you should see an option screen to boot to either Linux or Vista.

Labels: linux, microsoft, os, vista, windows

Along with Novell's Vista and Linux comparison, earlier this week Linus Torvalds made statements at the opening of linux.conf.au in Australia about Vista being 'over-hyped'.
Linus doesn't see Vista as something completely new and although Vista's interface may look completely different, the fundamentals of the Windows OS haven't changed much. He also sees Vista as a possible advantage for Linux. As a result of the high system requirements for Vista, he thinks users will use Linux as an option on machines that would not run Vista as Linux will run very well on most modern computers.
This being said he still doesn't expect a large growth this year in the number of Linux users. The number of people used to using other operating systems are very large and they are not really interested in learning another OS. He does believe Linux has many opportunities in the embedded market though.
While Novell's site pushes the advantages of Linux (especially SLED) over Vista, Linus talks about the areas where the Linux community needs to focus to get more users and in many ways provides a strategy for the year for the OSS and Linux software communities.

Labels: Linus, linux, microsoft, novell, os, sled, Torvalds, vista, windows

Novell has just launched a site comparing Vista and Linux and not surprisingly lists SLED (Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop) as a better option for business users.
Even with the expected bias from the Novell side, SLED would still win. At a cost of only $50 with a complete office suite comparable to MS Office (OpenOffice.org) included along with other software, it easily beats Windows Vista on price. For the same functionality using the business upgrade of Vista, the user would have to pay $179 for the upgrade or $299 for the full installation of Vista and yet another $499 for the full version of MS Office Professional or $329 for the upgrade. This issue is ignoring any additional costs to upgrade your hardware to meet Vista's high requirements.
Also pointed out is the security differences between Linux and Vista. Linux has the years of UNIX use to back up it's security, while Vista has the previous versions of Windows which have been always been a security problem. Also pointed out are the statements from professionals about the security features of Vista stating that some of the features are too intrusive and many users will be tempted to turn them off. AppArmor, Novell's idea of extra security solutions, isolates unusual behavior and stops possible vulnerabilities in different applications from becoming a problem.
Two reasons Windows is insecure are given. The first, Windows contains a huge amount of code (over 50 million lines). This amount of code is very difficult to maintain and debug. The other reasons is that Internet Explorer and other applications are very closely integrated with the OS and are given administrator rights. This allows attackers to use those applications to gain access to the system.
Other problems with Vista's security were also found. The features tend to be user unfriendly making people not want to use them. Some of the biggest vulnerabilities from previous versions of Windows were still a problem in Vista as of May 2006.
Also listed are greater usability and flexibility with Linux over Windows.
Because of Linux being open-source the flexibility cannot be argued. Greater usability can be argued, although even if you argue that SLED is not more usable than Vista, it is definitely not less. The desktop environment was designed after researching how users use their desktop. With the ability to preview the applications you are switching to as well as the applications running on that desktop, the alt+tab functionality greatly increases usability. Similar features when switching desktops using ctrl+tab provide the same increase in usability and productivity. Much of the same functionality is provided in both SLED and Vista in other senses. Both provide a 3-D interface - SLED with less hardware requirements. Multimedia capabilities are included in both with SLED having more options. Applications for collaborative work are provided in SLED and Vista has Outlook express for such tasks.

Labels: linux, microsoft, os, sled, vista, windows

Have you ever received the email with an embedded file that you wanted to save but just couldn't with a right click?
Evolution users have an option to do so quite easily. When the email is selected a ctrl + u will bring up a window showing the encoding of the email. In this window will be a Base64 form of all embedded files and attachments within the email. Any other email client that allows users to view base64 encoding of the files will work for this too. If you copy that code into a file, you can then use perl to decode it into the binary original again. I would recommend using vi - you need the text with no additional characters (i.e. carriage returns).
From a Linux command line you can then type:
perl -MMIME::Base64 -ne 'print decode_base64($_)' < inputfile > outputfile
You've now got the original image or other file.

Labels: base64, email, linux, perl

Surfing through the Internet, I came across something that was almost impossible to believe. It seems one person calling themself Shelly the republican was so bold as to call Linux a threat to America and a terrorist tool. She goes so far as to say that American engineering is the highest quality in the world and that free solutions like Linux are insecure and will destroy the economy of the US along with make the country more vulnerable to hacking and crashes. Windows is considered a very stable, quality OS that isn't vulnerable to hacking or crashing. She later goes on to state how big of a security risk it would be if Linux controlled government computers.
This post is so outrageous it seems difficult to believe that anyone could possibly believe it, but judging by the comments, there are those who do.I wonder if they also consider GNU and GPL terrorist organizations? Do they know that they are America-based?
I won't spend too much effort countering such a post, but I am curious if this person has considered UNIX which as I recall is the system that runs the government computers. It's free, Linux is based on it ... oh no ... the terrorists must have succeeded. As for the idea of being easy to hack, most of the internet runs Apache and when setup properly it is considerably more secure than a Windows box running IIS. And crashes, why is it Linux boxes generally have a longer uptime than Windows based computers.

Labels: GNU, GPL, linux, os, OSS

Probably the most innovative and interesting thing about the One Laptop Per Child project is the desktop, nicknamed Sugar, that has been designed for the systems. The system was designed to be the best option for the collaborative environment that they will operate in.
The display is built as a zoom with four frames. Each frame is for one purpose. The frames include a home, friends, neighborhood and activity frame.
The first frame is the home frame and is the starting point where all activities begin. From here the user can focus on friends then the neighborhood or begin a specific activity. This display centers on a stick figure which represents the user. This is surrounded by a ring which show the activities the user is currently working on. The amount of the ring that each task takes shows the amount of memory that is being used. This makes it easy to see when the person is running out of memory. Users can start, end and switch activities from this view.
The next frame is the friends frames. This frame consists of colored stick figures that each represent a person that the user has included as a friend in sort of buddy list. These figures can be moved and arranged to form groups any way the user likes. This view also shows which activities the friends are doing and allows the user to join their friend's non-private activities. For an educational environment or even a business one, this is a very good idea and makes collaboration very efficient and fast.
The third frame is the neighborhood. From here the user can see everyone that can be seen from the wireless link. Again stick figures are used, but this time they are clustered around the current activity they are using. Again it is easy for users to collaborate on activities in the same way as from the friends view.
Lastly there is the activity frame. This is where the user can work on whatever task they like. This display avoids multitasking which is so common in modern operating systems and devotes the full view to one activity at a time. While I wouldn't say it is a good idea in most environments, for children devoting their time to learning, this can be very good in avoiding distractions. The small screen size of the laptops also leave little room to view more than one activity at a time.
Each of the frames is built the view in the center with the sides devoted to different parts. The bottom represents possible actions while objects, places and people are devoted to the sides and top.
In the people section is a list of all the people that the user is currently working with. This still uses the standard colored stick figure and allows the person to see details such as name, age, interests, and a small photo of the person.
Places includes the features of changing the zoom level as well as listing a bulletin-board. This is the navigation feature between frames on the laptop
Objects is a clipboard which users can put files or text into and copy them to other locations such as the bulletin board or a friend in order to send the file. This allows for the standard keyboard shortcuts or a drag and drop interface for dealing with clipboard items.
Activities acts as an activity launcher, but also includes invitations and notifications. Colored activities and invitations match the color of the person who sent the invitation or is running the application. Local applications are grey.
The bulletin board is exactly the same as it is in reality. It offers a place for pictures or work to be place to share with others around.
After looking at the layout and structure of this desktop, I would recommend a slightly modified version of the desktop for most people and businesses as it is very effective and efficient. The only think lacking is the multiuser features that is needed and common in current desktops. People with children should consider this setup as it provides a very straightforward interface for children that would require very little from parents to help the child use the interface. It would be even more fun for children and children can have even more fun while learning, especially if this desktop were used in a school setting on a normal system. This is not just something for developing countries' schools, but can be a great educational aid for all schools.

Labels: desktop, linux

Microsoft has announced the development of the ability to use multiple mice concurrently on one machine to control Office and other applications. They say this will benefit schools in developing nations where there are more students than schools can afford computers. This allows for all the students to be able to benefit from using the program.
There is just one problem I see, what good can come when 2 people are trying to control the same application. The most appropriate development would be allowing virtual systems to run off of one computer on multiple displays. This would allow all the children to use a computer and still keep the costs considerably lower than having multiple computers. This has already been done with Novell Enterprise SUSE, which has the ability to use one computer to create up to 10 workstations consisting of just keyboards, mice and monitors. This provides for a better learning environment than having 2 mice controlling one application.

Labels: education, linux, microsoft, novell, suse

Ecommerce Times asks an interesting question. "Is now the time to move to Linux?"
The answer to this very may be yes. Linux is not the technical geek OS that it used to be (or at least not all distributions are) For people still learning computers Linux or Windows both would involve the same amount of learning. For more experienced users looking for a more stable environment with less viruses and other worries, it's definitely an option. For new or experienced computer user looking for complete freedom on their computers, it's definitely the only option.
I first got interested in Linux in the late 90's but never made a complete switch until June of 2006. I didn't switch because of hating Windows or any similar reason, I switched because of the power Linux gave me. I could work a lot more efficiently than I could in Windows. The multiple desktops allowed me to organize my work a lot better. Some Open Source applications helped my organize my life better than I could manage in Windows. Being able to modify and create command line commands, made it faster to get and sort all of the information I need and want with even less work. Also the applications that come standard in Linux helped to secure my network and communications as well as monitor my network status.
Of course those who are happy to live inside a box and do things a standard way without having options to other methods and shortcuts, Linux will never be the choice. More than anything Linux and the Open Source community are about the freedom to use your computer the way you want.

Labels: linux, os, windows

Using a scanner with Linux can be a complicated affair, at least the setup part. For those looking for help on the issue linux.com offers a complete howto section on just that issue.
Since most scanners today are USB, I'll focus on that. The key file needed for this is libusb, which comes standard with most distributions. It may as well be required to mount usbdevfs or usbfs.
Also it is possible that you will need to create the device if it isn't created dynamically if devfsd is not running. Mknod can be used to create usb scanners if libusb is not configured correctly. To make the device you need to know what the device is named in /dev/usb. It could be scanner0, scanner1 or it could be usbscanner0. To make the device for the scanner from the root account you need to type for example:
mknod /dev/usbscanner0 c 180 48
Next you need to have SANE, which should automatically detect the scanner and appropriate front-end at this point.
Testing your scanner is as simple as making sure it's on and plugged into the computer the typing sane-find-scanner or scanimage --list-devices. This will give you information about the type and location of the scanner.
To scan an image from the command line type scanimage -d :/dev/ --format > outputfile.pnm (or .tiff)
This is a very basic summary to get you started. For a better description of the steps to follow please read the guide. If you have libusb, it will be a lot easier and just plugging the scanner in should get you to the step of testing the scanner. If you don't find the scanner then you may want to look at the other options. The command line can sometimes be the easiest way of doing things in Linux and very efficient, especially in this case.

Labels: linux, os, scanner, setup

# posted by N_Lien @ 22:40 0 comments

Sooner or later we all encounter a crashed or bad hard drive, for those who have had a Compaq, especially during the early 90's, it may have been sooner than later. The problem in such situations is how to get the data off of the drive. The trick of freezing the drive has been mentioned several times as a way to make the drive readable in order to get data off of it, but the problem is how do you get the information off?
For Linux users, dd_rescue is an option. It will read the drive and when it encounters an error will skip to the next sector hopefully bypassing the error and getting more data. Later it is possible to read those failed sectors backwards to try to get more data from them and to use smaller block sizes, which will isolate the problem in an even smaller area. There may still be some missing data after all of this, but you will have most of it in one large file. This file can later be mounted and read onto another drive to get at least most of the data back and on another drive.
There is a very nice article describing how to use the utility as well as giving options on where to find it.

Labels: harddrive, linux, recover

Looking for something to buy that technophile in your life for Christmas? How about the gift of open source.
Make magazine has a list of open source gifts that many technical people would love along with those children who like taking things apart to learn how they work. They can put them together and make them work instead of being destructive.
One of the items in the list is a set of circuit boards and electronic parts to make different items to work with your computer.
Of course the Qtopia Greenphone is included. What can be better than a mobile phone that you can mod and add software to?
Ubuntu is included in the list too, which is expected with the amount of press that it has been receiving. I still have the opinion that it is for beginners in the Unix/Linux community and for anyone else it isn't so adequate, but I know there are those who disagree with me there. I would put any version of Linux in the list. It is a lot easier to use nowadays and it is an OS that anyone can use if they have any understanding or interest in computers.
For the person who's not so interested in computers, but likes to do work in their garage, there is the multimachine open source machining tool. For about $100 a person can build an all-in-one machine to cover all of their metal-working needs.
For those who want to link their computer and entertainment system there is the NEUROS OSD which will allow users to record video on their computer or view computer generated shows on their televisions and play MP3s on their home stereo system.
An open source wireless router and MP3 player are also included in the list.
The strangest item is a digital board for viewing brainwave activity through an EEG at home. It does come with many warnings about the possible dangers and almost takes the fun out of trying such a thing, almost.
There is also the open source home automation software for those who want to control their house from their computer. Admit it, it has crossed your mind on several occasions.
Another strange item is a fuel injection system for your car. I'm one to feel quite happy with the system that came with the car, but then again maybe with some tweaks to the system you can get even more fuel efficiency from your car, which no one would pass up with the rising costs of fuel.
And of course we can't forget the open source eye tracking hardware. Not only does it follow your eyes, but it also points a camera at where your eyes are looking. This might be more interesting for your significant other than you may realize - control those eyes.
There are many other open source items listed, but you'll have to read those for yourself. The geek in you will be very impressed.

Labels: christmas, linux, os, OSS

There are statements being made that the next version of the GNU Public license will include a clause that any company joining in a pact to not sue will carry over to everything within the GPL license.
The problem here is that Linux is leaning toward staying with the GPL version 2 license which doesn't have this protection. While Ballmer's idea that Linux is using MS code is complete rubbish and I'm certain that after some time a court would prove this, it would be nicer to eliminate the whole matter and more importantly shut Ballmer up.
I'm not a fan of the anti-DRM phrase, even though I am completely against DRMs. Open source is about freedom and preventing someone from adding a DRM is limiting their freedom, but then again the DRM is limiting the user's freedom. It's a double edged sword.
But for Linux and the whole open source community, it would be a good idea to talk it over and compromise on GPL version 3 and apply all of the software including Linux to it. It will keep Linux competitive and prevent companies like Microsoft from throwing their weight to try to destroy it.
And as for Microsoft, their current behaviour is an all time low even for them. When the competition becomes tough, rather than competing with the competition, threaten the users with false claims and bully the customers back to your company. This doesn't promote customer loyalty, but it may push more pictures of Bill Gates dressed as a NAZI to be created (which I'm of course not encouraging anyone to do).

Labels: GPL, linux, microsoft