The speech recognition function in Vista seems to be exactly the same as every other speech recognition product I’ve encountered: absolutely worthless.
[googlevideo]-1123221217782777472[/googlevideo]
edit: whoops! fixed the video
Tux doesn’t need to be a copy-cat, and got his own style.
One thing that I agree is that the KDE, GNOME, XFCE, Enlightenment, and others should work together to make this easier on end-user side and maybe even share “global settings”, no matter which DE is being used. I need choices to be there, period.
“The problem is that, even now, it doesn’t have enough support. I’m looking forward to the day when all Linux and open-source applications can read and write to ODF.“ Not having “enough” support – from where? The world is 90% MS owned! Already quite a lot of Linux applications can handle ODF and the list is growing day by day.
“A major reason why Microsoft stays on top is that they’ve continued to pay hundreds of millions every year on marketing and advertising.“ Is there anything new about that. All know very well that MS is one of the best marketting companies to exist on this planet and surely Linux (not a commercial entity) cannot pose such threat to MS using millions of dollars. But then Novell, Redhat, Canonical and some other, including governments, are trying their best. Nothing to learn here from MS … period.
“Why do you think Linux sites, like this one, Linux Today, and many others have Microsoft ads running on them? Because, Microsoft buys the ad space, and the Linux companies almost never do. It’s that simple.“ On this I will be personal – Do I need MS adds, or rather, will I have MS adds on sites that I host and are dedicated to Open Source and Linux … think NEVER. But I will host adds (even for free) for Bill’s charity foundation … getting my point.
“Why? Because while the total number of Linux users is still growing, it’s no longer growing explosively. Linux is no longer the newest, most exciting kid on the block.“ Who is then – Windows (again!) or OS X or perhaps BeOS and AmigaOS?
“Once the HPs and Dells see that there’s money to be made from the Linux desktop, they’ll come on board, and then, and only then, can we start talking seriously about any so-called year of the Linux desktop.“ Some have already, and stats already show that thanks to Linux HP was able to sell more notebooks in India. You already are getting notebooks in market which are Linux certified and I am getting one next time.
Of course Linux vendors have to pull strings to get their distribution to be pre-installed. Doesn’t AMD has to pull strings$$$)
“Linux may never have the universal hardware support that Windows gets, but its supporters have to try with all their might and influence to get as much open-source driver support as possible.” I am cool with closed source drivers as long as they have good support for Linux and work on par with that of drivers for other platforms. Open sourcing drivers is really good, and what should be the ideal solution, but companies have commercial secrets which I understand (relates to drivers only).
So, as you see I had little some-some to say about his thesis. I understand that not all will agree with my points, but still.
Don’t get stuck with one solution – use what suits you the most.
Linux is an operating system that was initially created as a hobby by a young student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Linus had an interest in Minix, a small UNIX system, and decided to develop a system that exceeded the Minix standards. He began his work in 1991 when he released version 0.02 and worked steadily until 1994 when version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released. The kernel, at the heart of all Linux systems, is developed and released under the GNU General Public License and its source code is freely available to everyone. It is this kernel that forms the base around which a Linux operating system is developed. There are now literally hundreds of companies and organisations and an equal number of individuals that have released their own versions of operating systems based on the Linux kernel.
Apart from the fact that it’s freely distributed, Linux’s functionality, adaptability and robustness, has made it the main alternative for proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems. IBM, Hewlett-Packard and other giants of the computing world have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development. More than a decade after its initial release, Linux is being adopted worldwide as a server platform primarily. Its use as a home and office desktop operating system is also on the rise. The operating system can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called “embedding” and is increasingly being used this way in appliances and devices.
Throughout most of the 1990′s, tech pundits, largely unaware of Linux’s potential, dismissed it as a computer hobbyist project, unsuitable for the general public’s computing needs. Through the efforts of developers of desktop management systems such as KDE and GNOME, office suite project OpenOffice and the Mozilla web browser project, to name only a few, there are now a wide range of applications that run on Linux and it can be used by anyone regardless of his/her knowledge of computers. Those curious to see the capabilities of Linux can download a live CD version of Knoppix, SUSE or Ubuntu and venture out. It comes with everything you might need to carry out day-to-day tasks on the computer and it needs no installation. It will run from a CD in a computer capable of booting from the CD drive. Those choosing to continue using Linux can find a variety of versions or “distributions” of Linux that are easy to install, configure and use.
Distribution
Although Linux is originally the kernel created by Linus, it does not function as an OS generally available with only the kernel. To function as an OS, various software applications must be combined with the kernel. Thus, the combination of the kernel and some application software supporting it for use as an OS is called a “distribution”.
Types of distribution
A number of application software programs as well as the kernel is needed to run as an OS, but software applications necessary depend on the specific purpose of use or policy. This is the difference of distributions, so there are many distributions. Popular mainstream distributions are mentioned below, both Unix based and Linux based, but do note that not all of them are free to download and use.
Some of the most famous and accepted distributions are:
Debian GNU/Linux is a free distribution of the Linux based operating system. It is maintained and updated through the work of many users who volunteer their time and effort. Along with its large selection of pre-packaged software is contains advanced package management tools that allow for easy installation and maintenance on individual systems and workstation clusters. Extensive pre-release testing is done to ensure the highest degree of reliability possible, and a publicly accessible bug tracking system provides an easy way to monitor customer feedback. Debian supports Intel compatible, PPC, Alpha, Sparc, Other, Mainframe, m68k, 64bit processors. However you can download just over a hundred megabytes from the internet burn it on a CD and install all the software you need from the Debian ftp servers.
Full-featured Linux distribution that boots from a CD/DVD. Includes the latest version of KDE and OpenOffice.org. Can be used to work from Linux on PCs without actually installing it, so it is ideal for demonstrations of Linux. Knoppix is based on Debian and supports Intel compatible processor based computers. Perhaps this is the best LiveCD/DVD out there.
Gentoo Linux is designed for the developer, power user and enthusiast. It incorporates the latest sources and technologies. Developed by Gentoo Technologies, Inc the OS supports platforms built on Intel compatible, PPC, Alpha, Sparc, 64 bit processors.
Mandriva Linux is a powerful operating system that is available for many platforms: 32 bit processors such as Intel Pentium, AMD Athlon, PowerPC; and 64 bit processors such as Intel Pentium D, Itanium and AMD Opteron. Mandriva Linux includes many graphical administration assistants & wizards that make it intuitive and fun to use while providing all the power and robustness of other Linux systems. Hundreds of included applications make it an ideal solution for both professional and home users.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a high-end Linux distribution geared toward businesses with mission-critical needs. it supports most of the processors available in the market today but the OS is not free. The Fedora Project is a Red-Hat-sponsored and community-supported open source project. It is also a proving ground for new technology that may eventually make its way into Red Hat products. It is not a supported product of Red Hat, Inc.
Slackware Linux by Patrick Volkerding is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use and stability as top priorities. Including the latest popular software while retaining a sense of tradition, providing simplicity and ease of use alongside flexibility and power. Slackware Linux provides new and experienced users alike with a fully-featured system, equipped to serve in any capacity from desktop workstation to machine-room server.
Both SuSE and Novell supports platforms based on the Intel compatible, PPC, Alpha, Sparc, Itanium, and other mainframe processors including 64 bit processors. SuSE, now a subsidiary of Novell, produces one of the most popular mainstream Linux distributions. And this one is my favourite distribution.
Linspire is a full-featured computer operating system designed for desktop and laptop computers. Based on Debian Linux, Linspire provides a powerful, stable, almost virus-free computing experience, yet is incredibly easy-to-use. Bundled software includes a Microsoft Office file-compatible office suite, a powerful Internet and email suite, complete music and photo programs, media players for viewing animation and videos, and much more.
Ubuntu is a complete Linux-based operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. It is developed by a large community. The Ubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Ubuntu Philosophy: that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customise and alter their software in whatever way they see fit. There are also other versiions known as Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Edubuntu, which sport KDE and XFCE desktop environments, instead of GNOME, and the last one being targetted towards educational sector.
Conclusion
As shown above, there is a great variety of distributions. Since their software can be installed and deleted individually after installation, it is possible to make similar environments whichever you select.
Google has yet again offered for free what others decide to outrageously charge for. Welcome to Google Spreadsheets, an online spreadsheet application that can work with both .csv and .xls files. Once again, this is all about the true meaning of Web 2.0 – making the internet more valuable. With the addition of Writely, this is signaling the beginning of a web-based Office-type application.
Microsoft Office is currently in a rebuild, and estimates were that sales would be expected to reach $20 billion by 2011. With the inevitable addition of document management to GMail, these numbers will be seriously jeopardized. After all, why spend the estimated $679 on Office 2007 Ultimate Edition when 99% of what you do is simple document creation? This is nothing but bad news for Microsoft, count on either severe price reductions or serious sales problems. In the meantime, Microsoft shares don’t seem to be responding well to the latest news from Mountain View, CA, and are down a half-percent in the last 30 minutes, to $22.38. Google, however, has gained 5% in the two hours since the announcement of its tap into the $20 billion Office cashflow.
Add this latest development to Google Earth, an application that negates Microsoft’s Terraserver, and Google’s recent jostle to the 3D modeling space with its acquisition and free offering of SketchUp.
One could easily see the conversion of this 3D design software to 2D to compete with Adobe’s vector-based design application, Illustrator. Add this development to the addition of PDF translation in Google’s search portal; Adobe is being pressured on multiple fronts.
2006 is shaping up to be the year that Google goes after all of the heavy hitters in the industry, simultaneously.
My predictions for 2006-2007
Google Adds document management to GMail by adding online storage and a ‘My Documents’ sidebar.
Google launches G Office to bring together the office apps Writely and Spreadsheets.
Google adapts SketchUp to be a basic 2D, vector-based design application to compete with Illustrator.
Goobuntu is confirmed as being in development/available for beta, with the help of Sun Microsystems. It will be offered as an installed OS by Dell. Microsoft Vista prices drop from their estimated $450 to XP Home’s $200. It won’t be enough.
A network appliance will be launched to locally host your own G Office web application, with limited success.
Further development into municipal WiFi will result in a slew of Google app ports for mobile devices, such as GMaps and GLocal.
Development in Mobile apps will result in concentration on local, location-relevant searches for Froogle, GMaps and GLocal.
GMaps will integrate public transportation as optional routes to the user.
Google Groups will be refined and integrated into the Gmail app, which is now more like Google Portal than a mail app. Corporate users will be able to have private groups for online collaboration. Around this time, IBM will start gearing up, as they’ve owned this sector for years.
Oh,
11. Google hires me to manage the think-up-ideas-and-make-them-into-prototype-apps department in R&D. I realize I forgot all of my possessions as the plane lifts off an hour later. 
Bryce writes:
“Many technicians in the computer industry install copies of WindowXP Home onto systems multiple times a week and everytime you do, you are agreeing to the Windows XP EULA (End User License Agreement). Most people just click the “I Agree” and accept it as the usual legal mumbo-jumbo. Since you are agreeing to be bound by it (even if you don’t read it you are still bound by it) you might as well know what you are being bound to.”
Thanks Bryce! I prefer the one done by LinuxAdvocate myself. First off, let me say – friends don’t let friends use XP Home. However, since this is the XP Home EULA, here are my favorite parts of the XP Home EULA translation:
Anyone else know of any legalese-to-engish translations out there, maybe not just for EULA’s?
Over a few nights last week, I spent some time working on someones PC that had crashed and would not boot into XP Home. The error was one of the usual "Blue Screen Of Death" greetings cards that Windows likes to send you on occasion:
What a beautiful day, 11th of May … at last, couldn’t wait any longer.
The “Final” version of SUSE Linux 10.1 has been released by Novell.
Whether you’re new to Linux or you use it daily, SUSE Linux 10.1 delivers the features you need most for home computing and networking. SUSE Linux includes all of the latest desktop productivity tools to help you with your most common home computing tasks. Whether it’s instant messaging and communicating with friends, creating and designing graphics, or organizing digital picture and music files, you’ll find what you need on our easy-to-use desktop. From established solutions like Firefox and OpenOffice.org to “first looks” at emerging technologies like Beagle and Xen, these applications are a real value. You simply open the box, run the installation program and start using Linux for everything you do. Choose the default set of applications to get a great desktop or customize your entire computing environment. It’s truly that easy.
There are 2 ways you can get 10.1:
SUSE Linux 10.1 Box/Retail = tech-support + closed source software + printed manuals. The retail box will contain 1 DVD9 (double layered) for x86 and x86_64, 5 CDs for i386 containing only OSS packages, plus one CD containing closed source add-on packages. As before, the DVD9 version contains more packages than the CD version. Downloadable DVDs have a reduced package selection compared to the retail DVD, because the retail DVD is double-layer and can hold more data.Other than that, there are no other differences, as far as I know.
All non-OSS media and packages will are hosted on novell.com or suse.com, not openSUSE.org. Remember that the distribution is now called “SUSE Linux”. The “OSS” string in the download version is no longer used.
Some of the new features and appps that SUSE Linux 10.1 contains are:
Thunderbird 1.5If you are new to SUSE Linux, I will recommend check the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for your hardware, though this is not necessary. I have to say that SUSE, as well as the kernel supplied with it, are quite good when it comes to supporting and detecting hardware, especially the x86 platform. PPC platform is also supported.
So, what are you waiting for and wasting your precious time reading this post … go and grab a copy or even better buy a retail version and support the community. If downloading, better use BitTorrent or mirror sites, so not to overload the main servers. I am personally going to buy this time and will be installing x86_64 version.
Word to openSUSE and Novell Team: SUSE Linux 10 was a wonderful implemenation of Linux, an an evolutionary move from SuSE Linux Professional 9.3. Thank you for all the great work. Time to enjoy 10.1 now.
By now, you've heard that Apple has decided to let anyone dual-boot an Intel mac with OSX and WinXP! Now I can finally get my hands on that mac hardware, and still be able to play the Win32 games I want. That means I could use a mac for multimedia creation, WinXP for games, and Ubuntu for everything else… Here's an idea for a SWEET triple-boot (as opposed to dual-boot) rig! (and yes, someone has already tried, and it looks do-able!) [link courtesy Atariboy]
I love the minimalist look. There's nothing better than a glass-tabled desk with a nice flat screen on it, and the proper cable management so it looks ultra-clean. This is a special project though, and deserves some extra attention.
I already have the desk.
Let's go for a good monitor. This is going to be an all-purpose rig with multimedia and gaming, so I need proper color rendering and a fast panel. I turn to my friends at Tom's Hardware for their as-usual scientific approach to hardware reviews, and they've got a spring 2006 post up for LCD's! I love these guys – they take 45 pages to review 11 screens, and it's exactly the way I'd do it, if I had the test equipment. Any less, and you're just parroting the company's marketing department. Looks like I'll be going with a 19" 2ms ViewSonic VX922. Happy to see ViewSonic doing so well, I've always loved the performance of ViewSonic. And yes! it's VESA wall-mount (100mm) compliant, so I can get a sweet wall-mounted arm to get the monitor off the desk completely. Atariboy has a review of a great one (the Ergotron LX) with some terrific cable management – now that is one clean setup!
Now, for the final touch, and I have to admit, this is a thing of beauty. The Mac will be a Dual Core Intel Mac Mini. Except it will be mounted to the back of the monitor. All the cabling will be fixed to the back of the monitor, and allowing for proper airflow. Also probably want to make sure the CD drive doesn't point up, otherwise dust will get in there. Sideways would be best to protect the back for the same reason. I might need to do a bit of ducting so the monitor with its built-in transformer doesn't cook th machine, but that's a simple small sheet aluminum as a heat shield.
The end result?
A wall-mount arm that keeps everything off of the desk, and no cables in sight, except for a gaming mouse and keyboard cabled to the wall-side of the arm. It doesn't even have to be an arm, either, just a fixed monitor mount offset enough for the mac mini and my duct-work.
Now I just need around $1200 for the monitor, mount, Mac and gaming mouse.
I missed this video when it was on digg.com, being able to triple boot Windows, Linux and Mac OSX gives you the best of all three worlds.
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I’ve been spying on the Songbird Nest with my Binos for a while now.
Not only do they have an improved proof-of-concept release (0.1.1b), but the chaps over there have been hiring and are getting pretty close to a 0.2 release.
This one is going to not only be a windows release but they have got Mac and Linux verison’s bundled in as well, and hopefully CD ripping and burning too along with all these other things:
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