24 March 2007
Linux Media Center - In A World Of Its Own
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
14 March 2007
Next Step For Dell Towards Pre-Installed Linux
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.
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
10 March 2007
Daring Article About Linux Shortcomings
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.
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.
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.
05 March 2007
Vista Activation Problems
A warning to all people using or considering Vista.
There appears to be some problems with Windows Genuine Advantage that causes Vista to have to be reactivated after installing or running some applications. In the case of this person it was the game 9Dragons.
After a few minutes of playing the game a window popped up stating that they system had been changed and needed to be reactivated. During the process the system was completely deactivated and if it wasn't reactivated would have stopped working within 3 days. The person now cannot play this game in the future for fear of the same thing happening.
The hope is that this did not use one of the free activations that Windows offers for Vista, but in reality it probably has. Such things like this can cost people a lot of money if Microsoft decides to not allow people to gain more reactivations after using all of their options in such situations. Extorting money from users comes to mind in this case. It could also lead people who had previously bought a legitimate copy of Vista to crack their software to avoid paying more because of faults in WGA. These people could later face further problems if MS decided to go on a piracy 'witchhunt'.
There appears to be some problems with Windows Genuine Advantage that causes Vista to have to be reactivated after installing or running some applications. In the case of this person it was the game 9Dragons.
After a few minutes of playing the game a window popped up stating that they system had been changed and needed to be reactivated. During the process the system was completely deactivated and if it wasn't reactivated would have stopped working within 3 days. The person now cannot play this game in the future for fear of the same thing happening.
The hope is that this did not use one of the free activations that Windows offers for Vista, but in reality it probably has. Such things like this can cost people a lot of money if Microsoft decides to not allow people to gain more reactivations after using all of their options in such situations. Extorting money from users comes to mind in this case. It could also lead people who had previously bought a legitimate copy of Vista to crack their software to avoid paying more because of faults in WGA. These people could later face further problems if MS decided to go on a piracy 'witchhunt'.
Labels: activation, microsoft, os, vista, wga, windows
Windows Vista Cracked
The group Paradox has found a way to crack Vista so that pirated copies are now usable.
This morning the torrents were filled with people downloading both Windows Vista and the crack. Vista alone on one torrent had over 750 connections with about 100 seeders and over 650 leachers.
For complete information on how the crack works information can be found here
Of course this is only to share knowledge and I do not encourage anyone to actually pirate software. Knowing how it was done is interesting for everyone though.
This morning the torrents were filled with people downloading both Windows Vista and the crack. Vista alone on one torrent had over 750 connections with about 100 seeders and over 650 leachers.
For complete information on how the crack works information can be found here
Of course this is only to share knowledge and I do not encourage anyone to actually pirate software. Knowing how it was done is interesting for everyone though.
Labels: crack, microsoft, os, vista, windows
02 March 2007
Changes Require Planning
Sam Varghese from ITWire writes an interesting article about people who claim their switch to Linux wasn't successful through some fault of the OS and not their own.
He stresses how users need to evaluate their needs before switching and that the OS is not for everyone. I have to agree completely on this and add that there is no OS for everyone, which is why there is a choice of Windows, Mac OS, Linux/Unix. Linux does a good job of being as universal as possible with distributions for custom needs, but the point stands that if you're using Windows and it is working fine for you and in the case of business is bringing in a profit, there is no reason to change. If a business is to change it is because of a possibility of making a larger profit or because it offers something that can't be done with the current system.
This same technique should apply to individuals. Evaluate the option before just switching. The option being a different/new operating system or a new computer or anything. There are always reasons for switching and reasons for staying with what you have. No decision should be made without analysis.
He stresses how users need to evaluate their needs before switching and that the OS is not for everyone. I have to agree completely on this and add that there is no OS for everyone, which is why there is a choice of Windows, Mac OS, Linux/Unix. Linux does a good job of being as universal as possible with distributions for custom needs, but the point stands that if you're using Windows and it is working fine for you and in the case of business is bringing in a profit, there is no reason to change. If a business is to change it is because of a possibility of making a larger profit or because it offers something that can't be done with the current system.
This same technique should apply to individuals. Evaluate the option before just switching. The option being a different/new operating system or a new computer or anything. There are always reasons for switching and reasons for staying with what you have. No decision should be made without analysis.
Labels: os
23 February 2007
Microsoft's Patent Infringements
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.
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
22 February 2007
Users Want Linux and OS Software From Dell
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.
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
12 February 2007
Gamers Facing Problems in Vista
It seems that gamers are having trouble with Vista being compatible with some popular games. One gamer lists Need 4 Speed Carbon, Hitman Blood Money, Splinter Cell Double Agent, Worms Mayhem and Company of Heroes as games that don't work on their Vista box. The problems include errors on startup and corrupt shadows and graphics. Another person says that it's just machines with Nvidia video cards while ATI video cards don't have the problem. He goes on to state that the problem is the instability of Nvidia drivers and that he's sure that they will release a stable driver soon.
Another discussion looks at a more positive side focusing on the games that are compatable and what has to be changed to make them compatable. The list includes Deus Ex, CS:S, FEAR and WoW among others. What is troubling is that this discussion mentions that some of the games don't work without running them as an administrator.
Administrator accounts should be only used for administering the system and not used for normal access to the system and gaming. It leaves the system open for security issues. It also leaves the possibility that some unaware or otherwise cretinous user may leave their computer constantly logged into an admin account. I'm sure most of us know of one such cretin who will not use a normal login no matter how much they are told of the dangers related to it. They usually are the ones who insist they don't need a firewall for their Internet connections as well.
There is also a lot of comments that the problems are exaggerated, which I agree with, but for those with NVidia cards there may be problems until they finish working on their driver for Vista which is currently only a beta release and not certified to work perfectly. One important reason to wait for all of the software and hardware to become compatible with Vista. For gamers there are currently no games written for DirectX10 anyway so they have no real need to upgrade to Vista just yet.
Another discussion looks at a more positive side focusing on the games that are compatable and what has to be changed to make them compatable. The list includes Deus Ex, CS:S, FEAR and WoW among others. What is troubling is that this discussion mentions that some of the games don't work without running them as an administrator.
Administrator accounts should be only used for administering the system and not used for normal access to the system and gaming. It leaves the system open for security issues. It also leaves the possibility that some unaware or otherwise cretinous user may leave their computer constantly logged into an admin account. I'm sure most of us know of one such cretin who will not use a normal login no matter how much they are told of the dangers related to it. They usually are the ones who insist they don't need a firewall for their Internet connections as well.
There is also a lot of comments that the problems are exaggerated, which I agree with, but for those with NVidia cards there may be problems until they finish working on their driver for Vista which is currently only a beta release and not certified to work perfectly. One important reason to wait for all of the software and hardware to become compatible with Vista. For gamers there are currently no games written for DirectX10 anyway so they have no real need to upgrade to Vista just yet.
Labels: ati, game, microsoft, nvidia, os, vista
09 February 2007
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.
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
03 February 2007
Vista's First Post-Release Flaw
There's a lot of new around of the 'first' flaw in Vista since its official release. The speech recognition feature makes it possible for a website to include audio that features Vista commands to delete files or run programs or any other unprivileged commands such as copy, delete, and shutdown to name a few.
To be accomplished users have to have already configured the speech recognition and have it activated as well as have a live microphone and speakers. For those who are using speech recognition, this seems to be a very probable situation as most people using the feature would want to continue to use it while on the web and so would not have their microphone turned off, but listening for the next command.
From a security point of view, it could cause a security risk if the command is able to run an installer without user intervention or if it is able to email files to someone. Without this ability, it just becomes a major annoyance and risk that can cause people to lose files, have files moved, their system restarted and at a basic level controlled from an outsider. The outsider under a normal situation would have no view of the system and this would all be visible to the user, who may or may not have time to react to the situation.
To be accomplished users have to have already configured the speech recognition and have it activated as well as have a live microphone and speakers. For those who are using speech recognition, this seems to be a very probable situation as most people using the feature would want to continue to use it while on the web and so would not have their microphone turned off, but listening for the next command.
From a security point of view, it could cause a security risk if the command is able to run an installer without user intervention or if it is able to email files to someone. Without this ability, it just becomes a major annoyance and risk that can cause people to lose files, have files moved, their system restarted and at a basic level controlled from an outsider. The outsider under a normal situation would have no view of the system and this would all be visible to the user, who may or may not have time to react to the situation.
Labels: internet, microsoft, os, security, vista, vulnerability, windows
31 January 2007
Vista Pricing Unfair (Continued)
Now that Vista is on sale, the prices for Britain and France are posted again on Amazon.
Remember the US price for Vista Ultimate was 379.99 USD (sale price) - 399.00 USD (full price). The full list of prices that were previously listed can be found here for comparison between the countries Amazon.com offers the software.
UK £353.99 (sale price) - £369.99 (full price) - 694.953168 USD (sale price) - 726.364368 USD (full price)
France 606.54 Euro - 786.136494 USD
All of the versions are the English language version and the difference between Germany's price and France's price raises even more concern. Both are in the same currency, the same language, but the price in France is considerably more than the German prices and is actually the most expensive location to buy Vista. With the French government's push toward open source software, it leaves one wondering if it is not a retaliation for their interest in OSS.
Remember the US price for Vista Ultimate was 379.99 USD (sale price) - 399.00 USD (full price). The full list of prices that were previously listed can be found here for comparison between the countries Amazon.com offers the software.
UK £353.99 (sale price) - £369.99 (full price) - 694.953168 USD (sale price) - 726.364368 USD (full price)
France 606.54 Euro - 786.136494 USD
All of the versions are the English language version and the difference between Germany's price and France's price raises even more concern. Both are in the same currency, the same language, but the price in France is considerably more than the German prices and is actually the most expensive location to buy Vista. With the French government's push toward open source software, it leaves one wondering if it is not a retaliation for their interest in OSS.
Labels: microsoft, os, vista, windows
Vista Innovations Displayed in OS X
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.
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
BBC Posts OS Reviews
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.
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
28 January 2007
EC Again Looking at Microsoft Anti-Competitive Practices
Microsoft is yet again in trouble with the European Commission. This time IBM, Oracle, Red Hat, Nokia, Sun Microsystems, Adobe, Corel, RealNetworks, Linspire and Opera are the ones making the complaint that Vista will continue practices that have been considered illegal in the EU for almost 3 years.
The chairman of the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS) agrees that Microsoft has ignored the principles set in the EC's decision from March 2004. The ECIS states that Vista is a step to dominate the Internet and feels that the XAML markup language was "positioned to replace HTML". XAML is completely dependent on Windows and discriminates against other systems like Linux. OOXML as well works only in Microsoft Office and was not made to 'play' well with other office suites.
The ECIS believes that the result of Microsoft's actions will prevent any real choice for consumers.
On the bright side, earlier issues raised by Symantec and other anti-virus and security software creators have been solved and Symantec and a few other companies have been able to release updates in time for the release of Vista.
Like most companies, Microsoft tries to keep a strong market position, the problem comes that unlike other companies who try to release products that actually are innovative and compete with competitors, Microsoft has a strategy of releasing a not so unique Windows. If Windows were considered stable and secure that may be enough to easily hold their market position ignoring the overpriced issue with Vista. Most people use some version of Windows and it provides them with most of what they want. What it usually fails to provide is security and stability - try leaving a standard Windows system up for 2 months of standard use. Vista adds another feature that people will not like, limitations. With the security features created for Vista, users are more restricted and put in a box that allows them to use their computer how Microsoft thinks they want to use it. There is no thinking outside of the box in Vista. This is not something that will help Microsoft keep users. We are already seeing in the news people and companies saying that Vista will not work for them and they are forced to choose from Linux and Mac.
The chairman of the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS) agrees that Microsoft has ignored the principles set in the EC's decision from March 2004. The ECIS states that Vista is a step to dominate the Internet and feels that the XAML markup language was "positioned to replace HTML". XAML is completely dependent on Windows and discriminates against other systems like Linux. OOXML as well works only in Microsoft Office and was not made to 'play' well with other office suites.
The ECIS believes that the result of Microsoft's actions will prevent any real choice for consumers.
On the bright side, earlier issues raised by Symantec and other anti-virus and security software creators have been solved and Symantec and a few other companies have been able to release updates in time for the release of Vista.
Like most companies, Microsoft tries to keep a strong market position, the problem comes that unlike other companies who try to release products that actually are innovative and compete with competitors, Microsoft has a strategy of releasing a not so unique Windows. If Windows were considered stable and secure that may be enough to easily hold their market position ignoring the overpriced issue with Vista. Most people use some version of Windows and it provides them with most of what they want. What it usually fails to provide is security and stability - try leaving a standard Windows system up for 2 months of standard use. Vista adds another feature that people will not like, limitations. With the security features created for Vista, users are more restricted and put in a box that allows them to use their computer how Microsoft thinks they want to use it. There is no thinking outside of the box in Vista. This is not something that will help Microsoft keep users. We are already seeing in the news people and companies saying that Vista will not work for them and they are forced to choose from Linux and Mac.
Labels: EC, microsoft, office, os, vista, windows
27 January 2007
Vista and Linux Dual Boot
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.
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
20 January 2007
Vista is Over-Hyped
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.
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
19 January 2007
Novell Compares SLED 10 to Vista
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.
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
02 January 2007
Vista and XP Equal in Performance
Microsoft has had Vista and Windows XP performance tested by Principled Technologies. The results from this test indicate that XP and Vista are about equal in terms of performance. Vista performs noticeable better after a reboot than XP, but generally they are equally responsive. Some tasks were completed faster by Vista, while others were faster in XP, but by no more than half a second. Microsoft's Performance Team is happy with the finds and points out that Vista offers more capabilities out of the box.
Yes Vista offers more features, but when taken into account that you first have to purchase higher-end hardware to use Vista and do not really gain the advantage of better performance over XP, I see very little reason why businesses would be willing to spend the money to upgrade. The system is too expensive and the ROI is almost nothing.
Yes Vista offers more features, but when taken into account that you first have to purchase higher-end hardware to use Vista and do not really gain the advantage of better performance over XP, I see very little reason why businesses would be willing to spend the money to upgrade. The system is too expensive and the ROI is almost nothing.
Labels: microsoft, os, performance, vista, windows, xp
Outrageous Views of Linux and Open Source
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.
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
