07.01.08

Links 01/07/2008: More GNU/Linux Wins, Open Source Software Funding Leaps

Posted in News Roundup at 4:18 pm by Roy Schestowitz

GNU/Linux

• Whitfield School Picks Linux and ThinkPad Laptops for Computing Program
  

  The program enriches the education of students by equipping each student with a computer. The program has given Whitfield’s students and faculty new avenues for interaction and learning by using Lenovo ThinkPads (powered by Linux) in the classrooms.

• Making desktop Linux work for business
  

  Today’s IT managers face tough choices. PCs that run fine today have an uncertain upgrade path, now that Microsoft has chosen to discontinue Windows XP. Upgrade costs associated with Vista, coupled with the ever-escalating cost of application licenses, make switching to desktop Linux an increasingly attractive option.

  For many businesses, however, it’s difficult to know where to begin. The Linux market is broad and thriving, with myriad options to choose from. Most organizations will want to phase in Linux gradually, which in many cases will mean supporting a heterogeneous computing environment for the first time. As a result, it can be hard to predict where software incompatibilities might affect critical business processes.

• Everex to launch 10.2-in. ultraportable in November
  

  Both laptops can run either Microsoft Windows XP or a Linux operating system. Their LCD screens are similar to the 10.2-in. model, with 1,024-by-600 resolution. They come with either 4-cell or 6-cell lithium-ion batteries. The 6-cell batteries can run for seven to eight hours before needing a recharge.

• [Ted Tso:] Ext4 is now the primary filesystem on my laptop
  

  Over the weekend, I converted my laptop to use the ext4 filesystem. So far so good! So far I’ve found one bug as a result of my using ext4 in production (if delayed allocation is enabled, i_blocks doesn’t get updated until the block allocation takes place, so files can appear to have 0k blocksize right after they are created, which is confusing/unfortunate), but nothing super serious yet. I will be doing backups a bit more frequently until I’m absolutely sure things are rock solid, though!

• 10 Best Hacking and Security Software Tools for Linux
  

  Linux is a hacker’s dream computer operating system. It supports tons of tools and utilities for cracking passwords, scanning network vulnerabilities, and detecting possible intrusions. I have here a collection of 10 of the best hacking and security software tools for Linux. Please always keep in mind that these tools are not meant to harm, but to protect.

• Windows Hater (in response to Linux Hater)
  

  Picture this, you just bought built a brand new computer and want to install the brand spankin’ new Windows Vista Ultimate, you plop down $300, and away you go! What does $300 get you? A bare minimum operating system with nothing but MS Paint and Media Player.

• Mandriva Linux - Wonderful and Maddening
  

  Overall, my first impression of Mandriva Linux is very positive. It looks good, installs easily, and seems to work quite well. I will continue testing it, and eventually I will try installing it on my main laptop (Lifebook S6510) to see how it comes up there.

• Panasas and Penguin Computing Partner to Improve Manageability of Linux-Based Cluster Solutions

Free Software/Open Source

• Is Open source a synonym for Free software ?
• VC funding for open source rises again in Q2
  

  VC funding levels rose again in the second quarter compared to last year, up just under 14% to $115.5m, compared to $101.5m in 2Q07. Given the overwhelming level of investment in open source vendors seen in the first quarter, it was always unlikely that level of momentum would continue into Q2.

Talk about timing. MSFT shares sank today, some say due to Gates’ early departure and a certain eXPiry.

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