Linux

According to reports, "Leading names of Linux, the world's biggest grassroots software phenomenon, are spending three days debating whether an increasingly commercial open source community should fight or ignore the world's largest software maker." ... Below the surface, it appears the Linux group must now deal with internal divisions that could cause massive fractures in its future growth. (Source: neowin.net ) Microsoft, a recent threat to Linux, contrasts open source in many ways. Linux's software is freely used by the public, whereas Microsoft charges for software. As well, Linux suppliers ... (view more)

Dell officially launched three consumer PCs that run the Ubuntu 7.04 Linux Operating System (OS): two desktops and one laptop. The new PCs give consumers a third choice when purchasing a computer -- namely, a machine with Windows installed, a ... machine with no OS so they can install whatever they want, and one with Ubuntu Linux installed. The PCs will be available from Dell's web site . The E1505n laptop starts at $599. The E520n desktop starts at $599 and the XPS 410n starts at $849. As a comparison, the XPS 410 that comes with Windows Vista Premium preloaded costs $899. More information about ... (view more)

Amid all the rumors and hype over Microsoft's Vista, it seems there are a fairly large number of instances where Microsoft is being shown the door. Here in the U.S., we have read that the Department of Transportation ( for certain states ), the ... Federal Aviation Administration , and others are dumping Microsoft for Linux. It's strange, however, to note that the action taken by those organizations seems to have triggered reactions in the European Union! It has been reported that the French Government has decided to install Linux on the PCs used by the 577 deputies and their assistants, ... (view more)

Last November I wrote about an article concerning the Microsoft/Novell Pact , where Inter-operability was supposedly the aim of both companies. I also said that only the future would disclose the truth of the matter. Well, the truth is out and it ... ain't pretty! Over the past few months, Mr. Steve Ballmer (CEO of Microsoft) made a series of claims to the effect that Linux was infringing on Microsoft's Intellectual Property and that certain monies were owed to compensate Microsoft for that infringement. The Linux community has responded to those charges with an Open Letter To Steven Ballmer that ... (view more)

While the world shakes its head in disbelief at gamers stabbing and shooting their way to Sony's Playstation 3, Microsoft is relaxed and awaiting the release of its own highly anticipated product, Windows Vista. Although the Redmond-based company ... went through some similar insanity over the release of its Xbox 360 console a year ago, Gates and the gang are squarely focused on a smooth launch for Windows Vista. When asked what his favorite feature in the new Vista OS was, Gates replied, "that's hard to pick", but did eventually settle upon "desktop search". DS is part of Vista's quick and ... (view more)

Familiar with Linux? It's the hardcore techie's answer to the more restrictive (albeit user-friendly) operating systems from Microsoft and Apple. Those who know what they're doing with Linux can achieve unparalleled goals via software applications ... and open source technology. It's also a great way to hack an Xbox. Changes are possible upon the horizon, however, with the recent announcement that Microsoft has partnered with Linux owner Novell. The result is a relationship that will continue until at least 2012, and include some major cash transactions. The primary goal of the agreement is to ... (view more)

We all know that Windows has a convenient tool called Windows / Microsoft Update that allows you to maintain your operating system and MS Office Suite with the latest code available. But what about downloading updates for all your non-Microsoft ... software -- such as: Adobe applications, your ZIP compressor, Spyware and adware cleaner, CD or DVD burning program, non-Microsoft web browsers and email clients, etc? In Windows, you need to update your non-Microsoft programs separately, and that takes a lot of time! Linux, on the other hand, has a better idea. Why not update everything that needs it ... (view more)

Linux and "Open Source" software are "free." This means their license is a "free license," and the most common is the GPL (General Public License, otherwise known as the CopyLeft License). This license states that anyone is allowed to copy the ... software, review the source code, modify it, and redistribute it as long as it remains licensed with the GPL. Also, being free doesn't just mean free of charge, but also free as in Free Range (chickens?) and Land Of The Free! ;-) So why would you care about freedom when it comes to your operating system? Imagine that Microsoft disappears tomorrow (not ... (view more)

Did you pay for Windows? Are you absolutely sure? If your computer came with a copy of MS Windows, then you most likely paid for it (even if the store didn't tell you). In fact, the price for a Windows license these days amounts to an average of one ... fourth of each new computer's price. So unless you obtained Windows illegally, it's a safe bet you probably paid for it. ;-) And unfortunately, a license of Windows doesn't imply that you own the software; it's like the road system and your driver's license: you bought and paid for your license, but you don't own the highway. In a nutshell, you ... (view more)

Have you ever lost your work because Windows crashed? How long has it been since you rebooted Windows because of a system error of one sort or another? When was the last time you received the infamous "Blue Screen Of Death" or other error messages ... demanding that your omputer needs to shut down and reboot for obscure reasons? Certainly, the latest versions of Windows, especially the XP and 2000 "Professional" flavors are considerably more stable than their predecessors. Nevertheless, the need for a spontaneous reboot happens often enough. Of course, no operating system is perfect, and people ... (view more)