LXer Features

Are You Replacing Windows with GNU/Linux?
By DC Parris - Jan 01, 2006

  LXer Encore Feature: 1-1-2006

LXer editor Don Parris takes a straw poll that he believes points to the fact that Windows is becoming more and more irrelevant. Read and weigh in!


Preventing DVD Playback on Linux Like Prohibition in the 1920's
By Tom Adelstein - Jan 01, 2006
LXer Day Desk: 11-27-2005

Prohibition of alcohol (1920-33) in the US failed. People thought it would reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and ghettos, improve health and hygiene. It was a miserable failure on all counts. It affirms the economic theory, which predicts that prevention of mutually beneficial exchanges fails.


An Interview with Lawrence Rosen Open Source Lawyer - Part II
By Herschel Cohen - Jan 01, 2006
Lawrence Rosen publicly backed Microsoft's Open Office XML as sufficiently open to all parties to warrant its use as an open data format. It was because of this stance, I thought LXer readers would be interested to learn upon what basis he came to this decision and to learn if he has any doubts. This is the second part of the interview where he is pursued by a gang of three. It was an interesting battle, see the aftermath and let us know who won. Our hope it will be freedom for all.
LXer Feature: An Interview with Lawrence Rosen, Open Source Lawyer
By Herschel Cohen - Jan 01, 2006
Lawrence Rosen publicly backed Microsoft's Open Office XML as sufficiently open to all parties to warrant its use as an open data format. It was because of this stance, I thought LXer readers would be interested to learn upon what basis he came to this decision and to learn if he has any doubts. To say more would be unfair to the interviewee, hence, please read his responses. While the interview is short there is much to consider.
LXer Feature: Early results of the (Dutch) Windows refund survey
By Hans Kwint - Jan 01, 2006
 LXer feature

Sometimes as a Linux user, you wish you could buy any computer with Linux preinstalled, or if that's not possible, just without an operating system, but that's not the reality. If that isn't possible, is it possible to buy any computer with Windows pre-installed, and then, return the unused Windows, and ask a refund for it? That's a question many non-Windows users ask themselves. The answer however, isn't clear to consumers. There's only one way to find out: ask your hardware manufacturer. Or do they neither know the answer? Time to find out.


LXer Feature: Interview with Marten Mickos CEO of MySQL AB
By TxtEdMacs - Jan 01, 2006
In this interesting interview with Marten Mickos, CEO of MySQL AB, TxtEdMacs finds the kind of information many people want to have but simply don't know how to ask.

For example, Marten says: "We are not competing with Oracle, because they are the kings of existing database applications. But when it comes to new development and new paradigms, that's where MySQL fits in".
Comic Book Hero? Busy Executive by Day and Linux Developer by Night
By H. Kwint - Dec 31, 2005
  LXer feature

Fabio Marzocca represents a new class of innovators in the twenty-first century. He's living proof that talented people can make a contribution to global technology even when the corporate maw would eat them up and spit them out. In what other era of human endeavor would such an individual be allowed to make a difference?

Fabio: Ubuntu developer, but also member of the Italian Ubuntu LoCoTeam, father of two children, and for his employment, dealing with company management and reorganizations.

LXer interviewed him, and asked him questions about his personal life, his view on Linux and Ubuntu in particular, and about two applications of which he is the developer and maintainer: the BUM graphical Boot-Up Manager, and the Baobab graphical disk-space viewer.

We invite you into his life to see what the future may bring.
LXer Feature: Welcoming Newcomers to Linux and FOSS, or, the Least You Can Do is Not Chase Noobs Away
By Carla Schroder - Dec 31, 2005
What is the future of Linux and Free Software? A rigid little cult that accept only the Right People? Or a community that truly practices "Free as in Freedom"?


Installing BibleTime on SUSE 10.0
By DC Parris - Dec 31, 2005
  LXer Tutorial

People of faith need a way to study the scriptures. BibleTime is a KDE-based application that is both mature and popular. Don Parris shepherds users through installing Sword and BibleTime from RPMs and source on SUSE Linux 10.0. If you think compiling a program from source code is akin to walking on water, just start walking and you'll see Don calm the geeky waters.
How Microsoft distorted the facts in the Vienna conclusions
By H. Kwint - Dec 31, 2005
  LXer Day Desk: 12-07-2005

Lately, many signs exist showing how Microsoft's monopoly power extends to government and media. We can add a new example to this list: The “Vienna conclusions”. It seems, their power even extends to distorting findings in official UN documents. The story contains all usual elements: Sponsorship, not willing to participate in public discussions, a conflict of interest of one of the members of the committee, and a Microsoft PR worker making a ridiculous statement. After that, of course, Microsoft denied most of it and ignored the rest.
LXer Feature: Christmas Linux-Style: Giving the Gift of Time
By Carla Schroder - Dec 31, 2005


Penguin values can turn the Christmas season into something worthwhile, instead of a stressful greed-fest that leaves you broke and exhausted.
Is MS Windows ready for the desktop?
By H. Kwint - Dec 29, 2005

  The last few years, there's been a lot of talk about this new Windows XP thing (to quote Bono at a 1984 concert: very, very too much talk!). What's all the buzz about, and how can you turn Windows XP to your advantage, if this is possible at all? Is MS Windows really that hard to install and manage, or is that story just the usual Red-Hat FUD? Your editor, though new to the whole Windows-movement, will try to figure this out for you today!


The RIAA - Hollywood - DRM - Linux Suicide Pact
By Carla Schroder - Dec 29, 2005
The entertainment industry has put itself on the fast-track to destruction, using well-proven tactics as explained in Preventing DVD Playback on Linux Like Prohibition in the 1920's. Are their heavy-handed tactics to lock up and control everything we touch signs of plain old human stubborness? Stupidity? Insanity? A bit of each? How else do you explain their inexplicable actions?
The iAudio U3 and GNU/Linux
By DC Parris - Dec 29, 2005
  LXer Review: 29-Dec-05

LXer editor, Don Parris, reviews the iAudio U3 he got for Christmas. If you've never heard of iAudio, it's about time you did.


Diggable
Buying a New Computer? Buyer be Aware.
By helios - Dec 29, 2005
All that glitters is not gold. Those way cheap prices you see on new computers are cheap for a reason. If you are considering a new computer in the near future, you might want to take a look at this.
Linux System Administration: The Next Step for Power Users
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 28, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-28-2005

Personal growth occurs in many ways. Pushing yourself into a new endeavor is one of the most constructive ways to achieve such growth. So, why don't we see more of it? It's often easier to stay with what's comfortable. When you step out on the skinny branches, you put yourself at-risk and that's uncomfortable. Those who can handle the discomfort will find the experience rewarding.
Is Microsoft's XML Format About Openness or Control?
By DC Parris - Dec 28, 2005
  LXer Feature: 28-Dec-05

Is Microsoft's fight over XML document formats really about Microsoft becoming more "open"? Or is Microsoft really trying to control users? How will you respond?


Is Linux an Alternative or Does It Stand Alone?
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 27, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-26-2005

Linux represents a computer technology designed from the bottom up rather than a copy cat. As long as people compare it to Windows, they cannot grasp its power and uniqueness. Simply put, Linux isn't Windows.
The Open Standards Monopoly Challenging Innovation in Redmond
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 22, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-22-2005

In trying to portray the dirty tricks in which Microsoft seems engaged with regard to the Open Document Standard, I encountered difficulties articulating the problem. Each draft I wrote seemed like ranting. Even Gary Edwards of OASIS confessed that he had trouble writing about it because he felt he needed to lampoon Microsoft to get the point across. So, this article takes the point of view of a Redmond fanatic and praises Mr. Gates and his techniques for fighting in an open environment. The major points seem to emerge when you consider RFCs and IEEE standards the monopoly. I hope you enjoy it.
Microsoft Needs to Get The Facts Straight on OpenDocument
By DC Parris - Dec 19, 2005
  LXer Feature: encore January 1, 2006

LXer editor Don Parris says it's one thing for Microsoft to promote their own format in favor of OpenDocument, yet quite another to misrepresent the facts regarding OpenDocument's development.




Running Linux - Fifth Edition
By Tom Adelstein - Dec 17, 2005
O'Reilly & Associates greatly expanded the fifth edition of Running Linux. It reflects the maturity of the operating system and the wealth of software available for it. The book now covers consumer topics such as audio and video playback applications, groupware functionality, and spam filtering, along with the basics in configuration and management that always made this perhaps the most popular book for Linux.
Congress: Clear the Air and Stop Preloads
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 17, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-16-2005

American consumers do not like living in the dark when it comes to products we buy. In that respect, we don't believe citizens of other countries do either. So, with consideration to the people who drive the US economy, we would like some straight answers to questions which should shine some light on an area of darkness with which we lived far too long.



1. Does the US Administration lobby on behalf of Microsoft and if so should it cease and desist from such activity?

2. We ask Congress to evaluate the administration's role with regard to Microsoft's monopoly.

3. We ask Congress and the President to prohibit Microsoft preloading agreements.

4. We ask for Congress to perform a comprehensive review of Microsoft's political activities including and starting with the House Ethics committee's failure to investigate the links between Tom DeLay, Jack Abramoff, Preston Gates &Ellis and the BSA.

5. We request Congress to enact laws requiring Original Equipment Manufacturers to disclose their policies with regard to selling Microsoft products.

6. We ask for schedules of payments to and from Microsoft and OEMs be disclosed immediately to the public so we can ascertain the influence exerted on consumers buying computers and computer related products.

Comment of the Day - December 15, 2005 - Response to Possible Industry Regulation
By pendraco - Dec 15, 2005
pendraco writes: Read the article more closely -- for that matter, try staying abreast of what the media as a whole continues to say about Microsoft and their good buddies, the [U.S. Federal] government.

Related to:
Linux Technology not Stopping Microsoft

Digg Story
Superior Linux Technology not Stopping Microsoft - Time to Call Uncle Sam
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 14, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-14-2005

Back when the Communists ran the Soviet Union, truth never reached the outside world. Within the big computer manufacturers, media relations people have gestapo like power. Want to keep your job? Never let them find you quoted in the newspaper, especially about Microsoft.

But today, the time has come for you to find out what lurks behind the corporate veil, particularly when it comes to the subject of Microsoft and Linux. President Bush open this gate! Mr. Bush, tear down this wall!

Related Article:
Congress: Clear the Air about Microsoft, Apple and Linux
How Tech Education Can Help Your Congregation
By DC Parris - Dec 14, 2005
  LXer TechMinistry: 13-Dec-05

LXer editor Don Parris considers how ministries of all faiths can help computer users and others through the use of technology.



Digg Story
Linux News says Netscape's Browser Regaining Market Share
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 10, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-09-2005

So, everyone one forgot that Mozilla got its code from Netscape. A Press Release back in January 1998 said, "The company plans to post the source code beginning with the first Netscape Communicator 5.0 developer release, expected by the end of the first quarter of 1998. This aggressive move will enable Netscape to harness the creative power of thousands of programmers on the Internet by incorporating their best enhancements into future versions of Netscape's software".

So, maybe those folks who say the code endures while companies come and go - have a point. Whatever, Netscape's browser is back.
Add LXer to new Gmail RSS feed
By Bjorn Stadil - Dec 09, 2005
Gmail just added a nifty RSS feed directly into your Gmail account. It is easy to do but LXer is not yet one of the default tech sites so you need to do it manually.

Go to Settings in your Gmail account and click on the new Web Clips tab. Then take this URL http://lxer.com/module/newswire/headlines.rss

and paste it into the search box. Google will acknowledge this as a valid feed and the add button will appear. Hit it and presto your are done

You probably need to edit the initial feeds. I had all kind of gunk suggested by Google.

Digg

Comment of the Day - December 8, 2005 - Why I choose Ubuntu
By gardion - Dec 08, 2005
gardion writes: Well here is why I choose ubuntu. Some of these things Mepis may have but it is the combination of these things that really impressed me with Ubuntu.

Related to:
Debian Stabilizing the Linux Landscape
Snakes and Rubies in Chicago
By Sean Lynch - Dec 05, 2005

On Saturday, December 3rd 2005 the Chicago Area Ruby Group and the Chicago Python Users Group presented Snakes and Rubies, talks by Adrian Holovaty, one of the creators of the Django framework for Python, and David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails framework. The talks were given at DePaul University. These web development frameworks are shining examples of web 2.0 technology brought to life. The DePaul Linux Users Group and the Depaul Computer Science Society (ACM) were also instrumental in sponsoring this event.

Paper Machines and Phantom Computers - Has Microsoft Gone Too Far Against Linux?
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Dec 05, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 12-05-2005

Has Microsoft repeated history in its fight against Linux? We wonder if the Redmond company has confused the proposed implementation of the Open Document Format as part of the fight against Linux. One only has to look back at anti-trust litigation from 1968 to shed light on the question. Have the people who are supposed to represent the interests of we, the people, failed? You must answer that question for yourself and so should the government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Ergonomics Exposed
By Keith Winston - Dec 03, 2005
As you are reading this, how far away are your eyes from the screen? Is your mouse at a 90 degree angle with your elbows. Are your feet flat on the floor or on a carefully positioned foot rest? If you are like me, the chances are probably not.

Working long hours on a computer can create many physical ailments. These include eye strain and a host of musculoskeletal disorders. I should know, I have suffered many of them and need to consciously work at preventing new problems.

Diggable
Comment of the Day - December 1, 2005 - Legal DVD Players for Linux
By bmac - Dec 01, 2005
Bmac writes that legal DVD players exist for Linux. Can you switch the licensed components in these distributions to your own?

Related to:
The RIAA - Hollywood - DRM - Linux Suicide Pact
Saving Windows from Obsolescence in a Free-Market Economy
By DC Parris - Dec 01, 2005
  LXer Feature: 12-01-2005

Bill Gates said he wanted to be able to make the next paradigm shift. Libre software has created a free-market economy in the technology realm. Don Parris offers Microsoft some free consulting to help them make that paradigm shift. What do you think of the two approaches he suggests?

Diggable

Using Libre Software to Web-Empower the Church
By DC Parris - Dec 01, 2005
  LXer News: 12-01-2005

The Web Empowered Church aims to web empower 10,000 churches by 2010. Using Typo3 and other libre software, this ministry could change the way churches view and use the Internet.

Diggable
Review of some useful sysadmin-utilities
By Hans Kwint - Nov 29, 2005
 LXer feature

Every sysadmin has his own "can't live without" tools. Today, I'll review some tools I can't live without, and some others which just make life easier. The covered tools include command line tools, GUI tools, and even a webpage.

Diggable

[Ed: Hans wrote this very useful article. He says that plenty of other tools exist for admins out there besides the ones he uses regularly. Maybe some of them are on your list. Let us know about your most valuable utilities in the comments section. -tadelste]

Comment of the Day #2, November 29, 2005
By Dinotrac - Nov 29, 2005
[Dinotrac did some independent research and analysis, instead of accepting the article's premise like a good little consumer. -tuxchick]

Here's the part that's really getting their goat:

Year to Year growth in ULW share:

Windows: 5.0%
Linux: 23.7%

And then, when you consider the great unreported "market", Linux uptake is huge and growing faster by far than Windows servers.

The bottom line: A Microsoft monopoly in the server room is a pipe dream.

See the article, thread, and complete comment here.

Comment of the Day - November 29, 2005 - Maybe Mac Isn't Such a Good Alternative
By WolfRune - Nov 28, 2005
WolfRune writes: PCs, by their very nature, are closer to Open Source than Macs. IBM developed the original specs, and then opened things up to the market. While this obviously was a mistake for them, it's been a boon for the general populace. Without this, there would BE no "clone" machines, only the kind of monopoly that Apple now maintains.

Related to:
Linux Desktops will get killed by Microsoft this Christmas
Comment of the Day - November 28, 2005 - What brings you to LXer
By Chris - Nov 28, 2005
Chris writes: I don't think anyone has heard of the "lxer effect" on a website yet, and that's a good thing. It's hard to be a community when you don't ever recognize anyone due to sheer size.

Related to: Thread: What Brings you to LXer
LXer Readers: You Made a Difference. Thank You!
By Tom Adelstein, Editor-in-Chief - Nov 26, 2005
This morning I received an email from Andy Oram at 6:59 AM telling me about the Story of Peter Quinn coming under investigation for traveling to open source conferences. Andy is my editor at O'Reilly and the best person I know. He immediately wrote an article called Another desperate attempt to discredit Massachusetts OpenDocument adoption. I immediately submitted to Slashdot and Digg.com. I just saw the article on the front page of Digg.com and Slashdot .

more...
Comment of the Day - November 25, 2005 - Places to buy Linux Computers
By cyber_rigger - Nov 25, 2005
cyber_rigger writes: "Here is my collection of links for Linux and no-OS."

Related to:
Linux Desktops will get killed by Microsoft this Christmas

Diggable
Linux Desktops will get killed by Microsoft this Christmas
By Tom Adelstein, Editor in Chief - Nov 25, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 11-25-2005

If you want a desktop or laptop and you want to move to Linux then you're cooked. You have very few options and retailers have used low-cost Linux systems to bait and switch users. So, why don't the major Intel vendors offer Linux? Short answer: Microsoft. The old monopolist still commands and makes demands on its OEM vendors.

What's worse? Unsuspecting PC buyers will be faced with the need to upgrade to Vista in the near future. So, that bargain PC from Dell will probably keep on costing you money. Do alternatives exist? We like to think so.


OpenWrt RC4 White Russian is out...
By wjl aka Wolfgang Lonien - Nov 23, 2005
Today is a good day. The maybe best, maybe most free, and pretty sure most modular Linux distribution for our favourite routers was just upgraded.
Linux News Responds to Washington Technology on OpenDocument
By DC Parris - Nov 23, 2005
  LXer Feature

LXer editor, Don Parris, responds to a confusing and misleading Washington Technology article focused on OpenDocument.

Diggable
Comment of the Day - November 23, 2005 - The Sky is not Falling
By jayrfink - Nov 23, 2005
jayrfink writes: Things are not as bad as you might think.

Related to:
Linux News: Does Microsoft's Monopoly Power Extend to Government and Media?"
Linux News Asks is Microsoft's Open Office XML Strategy in Restraint of Trade?
By Tom Adelstein - Nov 22, 2005
Under an older theory of monopolistic practices Microsoft may be in restraint of trade. In its obsession with Linux, could this be the third strike? You should ask your attorney.

Diggable

Comment of the Day - November 22, 2005 - Writing Editors About Microsoft
By Tuxchick - Nov 22, 2005
Tuxchick writes:"Since reporters on the tech beats tend to be so unquestioning of the Microsoft party line, pitch it as a political story to higher-up editors".

Related to: other media contacts for 'Microsoft's Monopoly Power
LXer Feature:Survival Guide For Women In FOSS: Drumming Up Customers
By Carla Schroder - Nov 22, 2005
Striking out on your own means entering a whole new exciting, fulfilling world. You'll meet and handle new challenges, and develop self-confidence and poise worthy of a UN diplomat. You'll directly reap the rewards of your creativity and labor. Today we'll talk about how to develop a solid clientele, and finding customers that you enjoy working with.

Related articles:

Survival Guide For Women In FOSS: Striking Out On Your Own
Survival Tactics For Women In FOSS, part 2
Survival Tactics For Women In FOSS, part 1

Diggable

Linux News: Does Microsoft's Monopoly Power Extend to Government and Media?
By Lxer Day Desk - Nov 22, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 11-22-2005

Does Microsoft's Monopoly Power Extend to Government and Media? That seems like a rhetorical question given their little power play in Massachusetts. Is now the time to share our experience with the rest of the world?

Diggable

Thankful for Freedom
By DC Parris - Nov 21, 2005
  LXer Thanksgiving Day Feature

Linux News pauses to give thanks for libre software, the libre community, and most of all for freedoms that cannot be easily rescinded.
Report on Banks Choosing Windows Over Linux Twists the Facts
By Lxer Day Desk - Nov 21, 2005
LXer Day Desk: 11-21-2005

A report in ComputerWorld about Banks choosing Windows over Linux is a copy editor's dream. Too bad, it may never have seen a copy editor. Or if it did, perhaps it was a copy editor in the advertising department.

Diggable

« Previous ( 1 ... 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 ... 44 ) Next »

  862 entries found:

Search LXer Features:

LXer

  Latest Features
Scott Ruecker (San Diego, U.S.): Linux That's Small
Oct 14, 2024

penguinist: Encryption, Trust, and the Hidden Dangers of Vendor-Controlled Data
Aug 27, 2024

Scott Ruecker (San Diego, U.S.): My Linux Mint Tribute
Aug 23, 2024

Scott Ruecker (San Diego, U.S.): How I Turned My Chromebook Into A "Mintbook"
Jul 08, 2024

Scott Ruecker (San Diego, U.S.): Adventures With My New Chromebook
Jun 10, 2024

Scott Ruecker: My Linux Laptop
May 08, 2022

Scott Ruecker: Laptop Dual Boot Project: Part 2
Nov 30, 2021

Scott Ruecker: Laptop Dual Boot Project
Nov 30, 2020

Scott Ruecker: Lenovo Laptop Love..Not!
Nov 01, 2019

James Dixon: Attempting to install Linux on a new laptop, a follow-up
Sep 21, 2019


View all

  Search Features

Search LXer Features:

[ Copyright © LXer | All times are recorded in Central Daylight Time (CDT) ]

[ Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | About us | rss | Mobile ]

Login