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Mandrake has launched a survey for feedback to be used in improving Mandrakelinux's user interface, Requesting feedback on the ergonomics of the desktop, Mandrakesoft is soliciting user opinions on usability. [Thanks to DesktopLinux.com for the link.]

Managers of volunteers are often unrecognized authors. They develop policy manuals, job descriptions, newsletters, and training session handouts. Many never think about the ownership of the material they create. When asked, most managers willingly share existing materials with others, which is nice, but not always the most professional practice. Despite clear copyright notices, content is frequently misappropriated. Once something is published, it's hard to keep it under control.

PHP isn't exclusively for Web pages. You can use it like Perl for cron jobs and other tasks.

With more IT users switching on additional Linux servers — and evaluating the use of Linux on the desktop as well — VARs must start planning for a future in which the open-source operating system is a fixture.

UserLinux, an open source push for a freely available enterprise Linux, returns users to the roots of Linux. Project goals include making an enterprise-level version of Linux freely available to businesses. At a recent press conference at LinuxWorld, project leader and open source advocate Bruce Perens updated the status of the project, remarking that UserLinux would ensure that "Linux would be free again."

Local authorities will be the first beneficiaries of a revolutionary partnership between Microsoft and Newham. The council is working with the software company to develop a number of applications that could benefit other councils in the UK – although the creation of an open source model might stun some of Microsoft’s critics.

"I'd like you to help me find out about video screen captures," said one of my editors a while back. "Sure, let me see what's available," I replied. He pointed me to a couple of Web sites to get me started, and here I am a few weeks later ready to share my findings. I'll discuss ways that you can make video clips in Linux, talk about their applications and shortcomings. I'll also cover suitable ways to view your masterpieces once they're recorded.

I had bitter feelings about RealNetworks products and practices years ago, but over the last couple of years I find that RealPlayer8 is one of the first apps I open on my linux machines. I confess I am a BBC Radio addict living in the USA and streaming audio is my only way to listen.

While I'm not one to engage in schadenfreude, the recent announcements from CERT and the United States Department of Homeland Security telling users to avoid the use of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser came as a happy surprise. Not because I take any joy in watching Microsoft suffer, but because CERT and the DHS are coming clean on the dangers a software monoculture can bring.

Motorola Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. on Monday said they agreed to an expanded deal to help mobile telephone service providers use Linux-based computers to run their core network systems.

HP, the seller of tin and fag-free utopian ideals is flogging commodity, standards-based hardware and software, including Carrier Grade Linux, to telephone company Motorola.

It's probably safe to say that the recently released California Performance Review report, by a panel searching for ways to reform the state's government, won't be added to the reports on Microsoft's Get the Facts on Windows and Linux site. Here are some of the highlights from the information technology-related recommendations

The London Borough of Newham, has chosen Microsoft to become the Councils software platform of choice to support the Borough's ambitious, long-term social and organisational transformation plans. So much for Newham going for open-source alternatives then.

Of interest to large-scale installations: Hewlett-Packard finally offers 24x7 support for Debian GNU/Linux with HP Extensions. In an article Chris DiBona highlighted the services offered by GNU/Linux vendors and pointed out that their repositories are miles ahead of competing proprietary commercial offerings.