Showing headlines posted by dcparris

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A Child's Experience With the OLPC XO

  • Blue GNU; By D.C. Parris (Posted by dcparris on Feb 14, 2008 6:49 PM EDT)
  • Story Type: Editorial; Groups: OLPC
I finally managed to get a child in front of the XO PC from the One Laptop Per Child project. I thought I would share my observations from watching her interact with this interesting tool.

Examining the XO's Learning Activities

  • Blue GNU; By D.C. Parris (Posted by dcparris on Feb 1, 2008 9:24 AM EDT)
  • Story Type: Reviews; Groups: OLPC
I have previously discussed the XO's hardware, as well as its multimedia and web activities. The XO has several tutorial activities that can be used in a fairly productive (read 'useful') way.

Examining the XO Activities and Durability

Having thrown around a few initial impressions about the OLPC XOs, I thought I would take a more in-depth look at the user interface and some of the activities kids can engage in. And I have a couple of comments about their durability and adjustable screens.

Examining the One Laptop Per Child XOs

I have been asked to review the XO computers from the One Laptop Per Child project. This is the first in a series of blog posts about my experiences, as well as those of some children with whom I will be working. I could easily gush over it or complain about how small the keyboard is in a single article, but I think the XO requires a more in-depth review than that. So I hope you'll join me as I explore these interesting tools aimed at children.

Will Software Businesses Really Move Toward the Middle in '08?

Anne Zelenka recently predicted that software businesses will move from the extreme 'closed' and 'open' licensing models toward the center, what she refers to as 'clopen', or hybrid closed and open licensing models. I think she's missing something.

Dealing With Contentious Kernel Blobs

The issue of binary kernel blobs cropped up on the gNewSense Mailing list recently. The discussion I saw was friendly enough, but the real benefit for me was that I got to see just why kernel blobs are so, well... contentious.

Linux Networking Cookbook Serves Up Juicy, Practical Recipes

Whether you're a hobbyist or seasoned professional, you'll want to grab a copy of Carla Schroder's newest book, the Linux Networking Cookbook.

In Search of the Elusive Average Computer User

Either there really is no "average" computer user, or "Mrs. D" is just not your "average" average user.

The Importance of the 'Completely Libre' Distributions

The appearance in the past year of so-called "completely libre" distributions such as gNewSense and Gobuntu, especially against the backdrop of existing distributions, like BLAG, Dyne:bolic, Ututo and others, might seem to point to an increased interest in software freedom. Should we be looking for the "rise of the completely libre distros", or is there something more subtle that we should notice?

Using KonsoleKalendar to Interact With KOrganizer

  • Blue GNU; By D.C. Parris (Posted by dcparris on Nov 30, 2007 12:08 AM EDT)
  • Story Type: Tutorial; Groups: KDE
KonsoleKalendar lets you interact with the calendar application in KDE's Kontact from the command-line. Aside from possibly using this handy utility via SSH to remotely add an event to your calendar, you could probably also use it in a Bash, Python, or other script.

Asus Eee PC GPL Problem Appears Solved

Against the backdrop of cries from the GNU/Linux community, Asus has taken steps to correct the availability of the source code for its Eee PC.

FSF Accepting Donations For GNU PDF Project

  • Blue GNU; By D.C. Parris (Posted by dcparris on Nov 20, 2007 10:50 PM EDT)
  • Story Type: News Story; Groups: GNU
The Free Software Foundation is working to develop a set of libraries and programs that implement the PDF file format. Even non-developers can contribute to the cause.

Blue GNU Wrong About Xming - Xming No Longer GPL

Recently, Blue GNU reported that the Xming software is released under the terms of the GNU GPLv2, and that the developer might be violating its terms. Harrison now states his program is no longer under the GPL. So here's an update.

FSF Confirms Xming Restrictions Not Allowed

The Free Software Foundation has confirmed that Xming developer, Colin Harrison, has overreached his limits by attempting to impose additional restrictions beyond the requirements of the GNU GPL and LGPL.

Is Xming Another Example of Misunderstanding Libre Licenses?

Xming appears to be a useful program for accessing and running your GNU/Linux applications remotely from a Windows computer. It is licensed under the GPLv2. But just how free is it, really?

Vala's Jürg Billeter on GNOME's Newest Development Platform

  • Blue GNU; By D.C. Parris (Posted by dcparris on Nov 12, 2007 10:27 PM EDT)
  • Story Type: Interview; Groups: GNOME
The GNOME project has a new tool coming into its own that enables developers to produce GObject libraries using the high-level Vala, as if they had used C. Blue GNU got Jürg Billeter to discuss the up and coming Vala platform.

BGMT Sees Steady First Quarter Growth, Positive Community Impact

Blue Gnu Media & Technology announced today that its flagship service, Blue GNU, has seen strong, steady growth in readership for the first quarter, a positive impact on various Free Software projects, as well as new clients for its advertising and marketing services.

Windows Is The Wrong System For the Security-Unconscious

It's one thing to make a computer easy to use, but if you're going to do so, you must also make it secure. If you're not going to develop a secure OS, then at least give more thought to your emphasis on "Ease of Use".

Tracker: Desktop Search & Metadata Store

Beagle has had its 15 minutes of fame. Now Tracker offers Beagle's capabilities and more. And it's faster, too.

LINFO Project Is Vital Starting Point For GNU/Linux Newcomers

If you are new to the GNU/Linux world, and need to know where to begin, you might find the LINFO project very useful.

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