ALL ABOUT LINUX

How-To Guide: 3 Ways To Boot Ubuntu Linux From a USB Flash Drive

2011-10-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Option 1: Boot Ubuntu as a Live CD from a USB Flash Drive

Use this option to install Ubuntu as a Live Install, which allows you to boot from the USB flash drive in Ubuntu, experience the Linux environment but will not retain any changes or settings after you shut down. This is a great way to get a feel for the OS, test some of it's capabilities as well as typical hardware compatibility.

Programs you may need to download:

Ubuntu 10.04 Live CD ISO available at ubuntu.com

Universal USB Installer available at pendrivelinux.com

What you will need:

Running Windows XP/Vista/7

Fat32 Formatted USB 2.0 Flash Drive, at least 1GB

PC with a Bios that can boot from USB

Now with all of the necessary components in place, we can begin to setup our Ubuntu Live USB Drive.

1. Run the Universal USB Installer by Pendrivelinux.com that you downloaded earlier.

2. Choose Ubuntu 9.10/10.04.1 Desktop i386

3. Select the Ubuntu Live CD that you downloaded earlier

4. Choose your Flash Drive

5. In this instance, we are going leave the persistence option unchecked.

This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the speed of your system. At one point the progress bar will freeze until it is done, and this is the lengthiest wait of the process.

Once complete, you can reboot your computer with the USB flash drive in the USB port, press F12 for the Boot Menu and choose the removable media to boot from and you are in.

As this is a Live USB, any changes you make to the Ubuntu environment will not persist through a reboot. This is because running in this mode, Ubuntu uses available RAM in place of Swap and Hard Disk space. This option also contains the install files needed to install Ubuntu directly to your desktop if you should so desire.

Option 2: Boot Ubuntu as a Live CD with Persistence from a USB Flash Drive

This option will install Ubuntu Linux onto your flash drive with an area for persistent storage. You will be able to restart the computer, boot back into the Linux environment and all settings or changes made previously will persist.

NOTE: This option is particularly hard on Flash Memory, as there can be quite a bit of reading and writing to the Flash Memory.

What you will need:

Running Windows XP/Vista/7

Fat32 Formatted USB 2.0 Flash Drive, at least 2GB

PC with a Bios that can boot from USB

Now with all of the necessary components in place, we can begin to setup our Ubuntu Live USB Drive.

1. Run the Universal USB Installer by Pendrivelinux.com that you downloaded earlier.

2. Choose Ubuntu 9.10/10.04.1 Desktop i386

3. Select the Ubuntu Live CD that you downloaded earlier

4. Choose your Flash Drive

5. Select the Persistence Option of 1GB Casper-RW

This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the speed of your system. At one point the progress bar will freeze until it is done, and this is the lengthiest wait of the process.

Once complete, you can reboot your computer with the USB flash drive in the USB port, press F12 for the Boot Menu and choose the removable media to boot from and you are in.

As this is a Live USB with Persistence, any changes you make to the Ubuntu environment will keep through a reboot. This option also contains the install files needed to install Ubuntu directly to your desktop if you should so desire.

Option 3: Install Ubuntu directly to a USB flash Drive

This option works through installing Ubuntu to the flash drive as a complete installation. It does not retain the installation files to install on another system. This will allow you to use Ubuntu exactly as if it were installed alone on the hard disk. You can boot from it with any computer that can boot from a USB flash drive.

Note: This method requires that you disable your hard drive in BIOS to prevent overwriting your current operating system and force the install onto the USB drive.

What you will need:

USB 2.0 Flash Drive, at least 4GB

PC with a BIOS that can boot from USB

Blank CD

A Computer with the ability to Burn CD/DVD

Now with all of the necessary components in place, we can begin the process.

1. First, you will need to burn your Ubuntu ISO to CD using a program like ImgBurn available at ImgBurn.com

Boot your computer and press F2 to enter the system BIOS. Within here you will want to disable your Hard Drive. If this is not an option in your BIOS, I would suggest shutting down your computer and unplugging the power and data cables from your hard drive before proceeding. NOTE: If you choose not to disable your hard drive, you run the risk of installing Ubuntu on top of your current OS and can lose valuable information.

3. After you have disabled your hard drive, place the Ubuntu Live CD into your computer and boot from this.

4. At the initial boot screen, choose to try Ubuntu, not install.

5. Once Ubuntu loads, plug in the desired flash drive into the computer.

6. Now, double click on the Install Ubuntu icon that appears on the desktop.

7. The first 3 screens are language, time zone, and keyboard layout.

8. Now Ubuntu will notify you that there is a disk mounted, and asks to unmount it. This is your flash drive. Give it permission to unmount.

9. This is the prepare disk space screen. I chose to leave mine at default and let the installer handle the partitions needed by Linux.

10. Now you will see the login and user information screen.

11. Now you are ready to install, click install.

12. At one point during the installation, you may notice a skip button appear on the bottom left. This is to skip the auto update, and finally the language packs. I chose to skip language packs update.

13. This may take a while, mine took atbout 35 minutes to complete. When it is done, eject the disk and shut down the computer. Plug your hard drive back in if necessary, or boot your computer into bios and re-enable it. Reboot your computer and press F12 to enter the boot menu, choose the flash drive and boot into Ubuntu.

Management Database Client in Ubuntu For Tora

2011-09-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

For those working in the IT field, especially those that serve as a database engineer should not hesitate to use the Linux OS to perform their daily work. Because existing applications that are reliable enough to perform the database management of linux, that is "Tora"

Tora application is available for free on linux, maybe you could say as a replacement for TOAD application which runs on Windows OS. Tora application supports multi-OS platform which can be installed on Linux, Windows, and MacOS. Tora is also supported databases MySQL, Postgresql, and Oracle.

To download this application please visit his website: http://torasql.com/Download

For ubuntu users, just install it from synaptic. Or if you want the console, follow these steps:

$ Sudo apt-get build-dep tora

and install the library files to connect to an existing mysql database is:

$ Sudo apt-get install libqt4-sql-mysql

Incidentally I am here just to connect to the mysql database on localhost only. Assuming that to connect to the database, you must have already installed the database and already have a database with tables a try.

The name of the database that I use here is TestDB the table:

In the column order you just use the commands to existing databases and perform database manipulation according to your wishes.

rahmad

site: http://wagshghgt.com

blog: d,;kfl.blogspot.com

email: hggyty[at] gmail.com

Registered linux user: ID 098765

blog advertising in your business

2011-09-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

if you follow a blog advertising then you will feel comfortable in doing business in cyberspace.

The 5 Best Ways to Install Linux on Your Computer

2011-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Listed below are the five most common ways to install Linux on your system. If you are a total newbie running a Windows system, you might want to consider option V!

I. Slick and go: You can install it on your hard disk and completely erase the current disk, which will wipe out your Windows install. This isn't recommended unless you are installing Linux on an older computer that isn't critical to your business. Or if you are really ready for a change and are into new and exciting things...

II. Dual-Boot: Another way is to install Linux alongside your current Windows install and then decide which one you want to use at bootup. This is a popular route because you can always go back to Windows if you need something. This is recommended because there will be growing pains when you start to use Linux. Linux can do anything that Windows can do, but it is not Windows. Once you get used to Linux, you'll never go back, but sometimes getting to that point is difficult. Dual-booting can ease the transition and give the new Linux user a safety net.

III. Boot from USB flash drive: You can alternatively install Linux on a USB stick and eliminate the risk of hurting your current Windows setup. This is a nice option because it has all of the advantages to the Dual-Boot option, and you can carry your Linux distro with you whereever you go. Then any computer at work or home or your friend's house is your Linux box.

IV. New HD: Another "safe" way to get into Linux is to either buy a new harddrive, or grab a used one out of your spare computer parts drawer and install Linux on the new HD. (You do have a spare computer parts drawer, right?) Take the old drive out, carefully store it somewhere safe, put the "new" drive in and install Linux. If at any point you want to go back to your Windows system, then just swap out drives. This is a nice way to go because it is safe, and it is easy.

V. Super Easy: The final way to install Linux is the super easy method. Simply use the Wubi installer. Wubi is a Windows program that makes installing Linux very easy. Just download Wubi and it will install Linux on your Windows computer with a few easy clicks. For more about Wubi, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wubi_ (Ubuntu_installer).

The great thing about Wubi is that a Windows user can try out Linux without doing a complex install involving partitioning or formatting. Wubi is an easy way to get Linux going but there are a few limitations. Hibernation is not supported. If Windows crashes and the hard drive is unmounted uncleanly, there can be issues. The system may be a little slower compared to normal install methods. But for someone who wants to give Linux a test drive, this is a great way to go.

Department of Defense launches new Linux for telecommuters Read more

2011-09-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Why should the Department of Defense stay behind when the rest of the world is busy developing on the open source Linux platform? Well good news is on the horizon for all telecommuters and Linux enthusiasts. The U.S. Department of Defense launched three brand new high end, secure, Linux based distributions in a bid to help telecommuters with better protected Remote Control Software technology.

The new high end distributions are called Lightweight Portable Security (LPS). The DoD is targeting telecommuters who need to access corporate and government networks. Most telecommuters presently use less secure remote locations and risk a unauthorized access to a lot of data. This is where the LPS Remote Desktop Software comes in as an add-on to the technology. True to its name, the LPS software creates a secure end node from any Intel based PC or Mac computers.

The LPS was created under the Software Protection Initiative and jointly produced by the Air Force Research Laboratory along with the DoD. The software can work by booting a thin Linux OS from a CD or pen drive without any need for local or external hard drives. There are no installations or admin rights needed to make it work. This greatly increases convenience, as all that is necessary is to have a functioning a computer which can boot from a CD, DVD or a USB flash drive.

Currently the three versions available are the LPS-Public, the LPS-Public Deluxe and the LPS-Remote access. The public version is a solution for web apps while the deluxe provides OpenOffice and Adobe reader software add-ons. The third version LPS-RA is a competition to popular Remote Access. However LPS-RA is only available on request and meant for corporate and private networks.

The LPS Public versions comes with a smart card enabled Firefox browser which supports Common Access Card (CAC) & Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards, PDF and text views, Java and Encryption wizard. The LPS add-ons can essentially transform a unsecure network such as Home or Hotel networks into a trusted network client, without having to make any changes to the network properties themselves.

Designed to run as read only, without storage, the LPS cannot be patched and is updated regularly. Malware can only run a single session and rebooting makes that avoidable. DoD recommends rebooting on sensitive connections such as when connecting to bank networks. LPS is considered a friend for remote workers, especially those who rely on PC based software which runs on the Linux OS. As security is often a concern when using remote access tools, LPS is designed to alleviate security concerns. However, it is no substitute for common sense and as such users would still need to take precautions such as using secure passwords and not responding to requests for passwords or private information from unknown sources.

All You Should Know About Linux & Linux Web Hosting

2011-08-02T20:22:00.001-07:00

As a business owner, you should have your website so that you can get customers through internet and earn revenues. When you are all set to publish your website, you should look for a suitable hosting provider who can provide accessible services at reasonable prices. There are several types of web hosting service providers, so you need to be bit careful. Before you buy services of some web hosting service provider ask which operating system they use for hosting. In today's world where every now and then there is a new technology being introduced it is important to have the best service provider to meet the future requirements. It is better to choose Linux hosting or Linux reseller hosting on web servers as operating system like Microsoft Windows does not support many latest software and programs.

Most of the people know about Microsoft Windows as it's mainly used at home, work or at school. It's very simple to use Windows for beginners and as you don't need any knowledge of the various commands. You can just open the required file or folder or application by just locating the cursor on it and then clicking it with mouse. Linux is a system with an open-source code which means that it's free and source codes are appropriately documented and simply extended.

Linux can work on normal x86 computers and Linux hosting can be done on high-power servers. Linux is provided in the big variety of objects though most of the hosting-companies prefer Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux which are proficient to sustain hundreds of sites with millions hits per day.

If you don't use any operation modules or unusual programming systems, you won't definitely notice any dissimilarity between Linux and Windows servers. Both Linux hosting server and Windows hosting server can sustain with no difficulty to well visit sites and a variety of additions like web statistics, chat-rooms and email. Being an open source code, Linux is a free source so most of the hosting providers prefer Linux hosting and Linux reseller hosting on their web servers than Windows based hosting.

The most important difference is in the costing and software compatibility. It's required to renew Windows license regularly. Windows hosting packages are generally more expensive than Linux hosting packages. And also that's what affects the reseller hosting market. The Windows reseller hosting is more expensive than the Linux reseller hosting.

If your site applies active server pages, it will host more reliably on Windows-server. Surely, it will also work on a Linux-server too, but it may be some small breakdowns which at the outset are not evident. If you are using Microsoft SQL databases, they will be supported as part of Windows hosting packages.

Remember that before you order any web hosting; be absolutely sure that all mechanisms of your site including designing, databases, programming, and all rest will toil on it. If have any doubts, take advice from department of sales or technical support department of the hosting company before taking any decision.

Ubuntu 11.04 review

2011-06-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

* PRODUCT DESCRIPTION * Ubuntu is a community developed operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. Whether you use it at home, at school or at work Ubuntu contains all the applications you'll ever need, from word processing and email applications, to web server software and programming tools.

* BROWSE THE WEB * Ubuntu includes Mozilla Firefox – for fast, safe web browsing. You can also choose alternative open-source browsers from the Ubuntu Software Centre.

* CREATE PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS * OpenOffice.org is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and has everything you need to create professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations. OpenOffice.org is easy to use, packed with the features you need and completely free.

* GET FREE SOFTWARE *The Ubuntu Software Centre gives you instant access to thousands of open-source and carefully selected free applications. And now you can buy apps too. Browse software in categories including: education, games, sound and video, graphics, programming and office. All the applications are easy to find, easy to install and easy to buy.

* EMAIL AND CHAT * Get chatting with Empathy. Quickly integrate your chat accounts from Yahoo, Gmail, MSN, Jabber, AOL, QQ and many more. Evolution Mail provides easy, intuitive email.

* SOCIAL FROM THE START * Ubuntu's new Me Menu lets you access your Facebook and Twitter accounts straight from the desktop. You can connect to all your favourite chat channels and make updates through a single window. Being connected for work or fun has never been so easy.

* MUSIC STREAMING TO YOUR PHONE * Ubuntu's music player includes an integrated store, so you can buy and download new tracks with just a few clicks. And thanks to Ubuntu One's file-syncing magic you can stream your music uninterrupted to your Android device or iPhone.

* PHOTO MAGIC * Ubuntu is chock full of apps to help you manage, fix and share your photos with the world, whatever gadget you use to take them. Support for cameras and phones is legendary and all without drivers. And Shotwell allows you to manage and share your pictures easily - on all the most popular photo and social network sites. And did we mention the apps are free?

* DISCOVER UBUNTU ONE * Ubuntu One is the personal cloud service that simplifies your digital life. Imagine buying music and getting it delivered to the computers of your choice. Or synchronising your files and notes and accessing them from anywhere. Or consolidating your computer and mobile phone contacts and safely sharing documents and pictures with them. Ubuntu One does all this and more.

* MAKE, PLAY AND EDIT VIDEO * Watch all your favourite content from YouTube, iPlayer, and MSN Player. Play your own videos with Movie Player or use Pitivi to edit your videos.

* START FAST WITH UBUNTU * Ubuntu loads quickly on any computer, but it's super-fast on newer machines. After loading, opening a browser takes seconds, unlike other operating systems that leave you staring at the screen, waiting to get online.

* CHOOSE FROM HUNDREDS OF GAMES * The Ubuntu Software Centre offers hundreds of games, including puzzles, adventures, tactical challenges and more. All free to choose and free to use.

* ACCESSIBILITY IN UBUNTU * At the heart of Ubuntu's philosophy is the belief that computing is for everyone, whatever your circumstances. Ubuntu is one of the most accessible operating systems and is fully translated into 25 languages with more being added all the time.

Ubuntu Vs Kubuntu - Comparative Analysis of Kubuntu & Ubuntu

2011-06-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

Kubuntu is the latest desktop environment for Linux based Operating Systems. A beta version 9.10 has been rolled out along with the KDE 4.3.2 update off-late, which runs well on Ubuntu and you should learn about their combination.

Origin

In Bemba, Kubuntu actually means "towards humanity", while in Kirundi (language spoken in Burundi) it means beer. Therefore, there's a small dispute amongst the folks regarding its actual meaning. In few other languages, it also has few more meanings, but the above-mentioned two are the most recognized ones.

Kubuntu versus Ubuntu 9.10

The title of this post can be rather misleading for Linux geeks as Kubuntu runs on Ubuntu and there's no way to make such a comparison. However, this article is targeted to create a better understanding amongst the amateurs.

Continuing with our discussion, the award winning Ubuntuoperating system doesn't promise 18 months of free security updates, and a biannual release cycle, but Kubuntu does it after all! This K-Desktop Environment based application is even available in form of freely distributed CDs for PC.

Not too many users are familiar with this new platform yet, and some of the folks even have a misconception that it is a fork of Ubuntu.

However, in reality, it is an official part of Ubuntu OS, and an absolutely stable and secure computing environment. People prefer Ubuntu as the choice of operating system despite the presence of powerful ones like Suse, due to the sheer fact that it is lighter, boots faster and works much better and quicker than other Linux flavors.

Instead of going with Kubuntu, you can do everything with KDE, but KDE on Ubuntu is flaky. It may not work well on many occasions and give you problems in auto-update, and several other functionalities. On the contrary, the most recent stable KDE release comes pre-installed in Kubuntu, and there's nothing more that you need to do to make it work well on Ubuntu.

Furthermore, it uses Adept for updates; so there are no complications and the process is effortless.

I Love Ubuntu - And Here Are the Reasons Why

2011-06-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

Now, this is from a guy who has run too many OSes to count. I've used every single version of Windows, from 3.11 to Windows 7. I've dabbled in Mac OS, fro the mid-90's to today. I've tried them all, and I just find Ubuntu spectacular.

Why? Am I just a rebel? Some guy who just likes to feel superior? Nope. Ubuntu just works for me. The sound works, when I plug in my USB headset. The browser works perfectly. My wife logs in, and used my Ubuntu laptop without incident, the first time.

That, my friends, is why I love Ubuntu. On the rare occasion that a program freezes, all I have to do is open the console, check the process number, and kill it. It ends instantly. It doesn't ask if I want to help improve Ubuntu by reporting the crash. It doesn't try to fix the problem, while tying up my system ram and processor for an eternity. It just does what I tell it to do.

Ubuntu does what you tell it to do. Need an application? Tell it to download. Want to mess with your configuration files? Ubuntu figures you are an adult, and can deal with the consequences of your actions. It doesn't ask me whether I am sure 1000 times. It just does what you tell it to do.

I appreciate the fact that the machine is cognisant that it is a machine, and should be inclined to obey the owner. I love the choices that Ubuntu offers, as well. If I want a different window manager, all I have to do is download a new one. If I think that a feature is unnecessary, I can delete it.

Ubuntu (and Linux in general) offers you the freedom to make mistakes, and choose a different path. MAC and Windows don't allow me that option.

Now, there are a few things that people seem to really hate about Linux, but to be fair, many of them are the same things that people dislike about MACs:

1. Generally, Linux is not considered a gaming system. This is gradually changing, as independent developers continue to produce content, and broaden their purchasing base. Penny Arcade has released their latest game, at launch for the Linux OS. Like anything in the free market, the greater the purchasing base, the greater the chance that the game gets made.

2. Linux Driver Support: People consistently complain about Linux driver support, or a lack of support for their peripherals. With the latest release of Ubuntu, this practically became a non-issue. The only thing that I have to manually configure has been my built-in laptop webcam. I haven't done it, simply because I don't use it that often. That may be a deal-breaker for some. Other than that, driver support continues to improve, and in many cases, exceed Window's quality of support, with each release.

3. Sound - Hey, Linux has buggy sound. Ummm..not so much anymore. While the Pulse Audio server has created a few issues, the bugs continue to decrease with every passing day. Now, I have, in the past, found it annoying when Pulse didn't integrate properly with my apps, and I had to uninstall and add ALSA base, back in. That, too me, would be a dealbreaker if I was the average Windows user. As things stand, I'm willing to wait it out.

Is the future bright for Ubuntu? I think it is. In fact, I think Linux adoption rates will rise in the near future, thanks to the iPad. Why? Because Steve Jobs has demanded that HTML5 video support be made available for the iPad. Linux users are big on standards, and as more and more web apps are developed in HTML5, it really won't matter what OS you run.

Currently, Adobe has improved application usage for Ubuntu, via the AIR platform, and flash in general. AIR runs flawlessly on Ubuntu. Flash is buggy on Linux, and often suffers from frame rate issues, and general video bugginess. HTML5 will not have that problem.

Eventually, all of the problems people have with Linux will be solved via the delivery of

applications via the web, or a cross-platform software API that is more robust than AIR. Games will be delivered simultaneously to all platforms at once.

This is when Ubuntu adoption will go through the stratosphere, as it becomes apparent that linux doesn't demand as many resources, as MAC and Windows do. Applications will be fast and secure, and we will see people move to open source software in droves.

In the meantime, I will continue to love and support the development of Linux and Ubuntu, even if it doesn't get the respect that I feel it does.

How to Run Spider Solitaire on Ubuntu?

2011-06-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest complaints about Ubuntu is that there doesn't seem to be a spider solitaire. Of any Windows based default game, this is the one that is asked about the most from users. I know of users who actually didn't move to Ubuntu simply because of this issue. It is many people's favorite including mine. There are a couple of options to get your spider solitaire fix while running Ubuntu.

The first is to realize that there is a version of spider solitaire as well as about fifty other card based games that come on Ubuntu systems. The reason most can't find it is because it seems to be hidden. So it is actually there if you know where to look for it! Here is where to go find it:

Go to Applications then Games and select the program AisleRiot Solitaire. At first this looks like a normal version of Solitaire but it does have the spider version inside. Click on Game then Select Game to bring up a list of card games. One of these will be the spider version that many have grown to love. Problem solved for most of us.

If you want to use the exact Windows version, you will need the executable. By default this does not run in Ubuntu because it's only runs in Windows format, but you can make it work. There is a free program called WineHQ that will run these types of files while using Linux. This can be found in the Synaptic Package Manager. After installation run the executable under "Wine" to get it to work. This solution works quite well for most people who want the native Windows option but a bit more work is required.

A third option is to go into the repositories and download other solitaire games that are free, open source software if you would like a different version or look from the one that comes with Ubuntu. There are thousands of games to choose from some of which will have things like spider solitaire packaged with it. Of course this involves the most work but also gives you the most functionality.

Generally speaking, if there is a simple application or game that you need, there is an open source alternative to what was offered on your Windows machine. This is because people who make open source software like making applications and programs that people enjoy using.

The New Cut-Down Ubuntu 8.04 Linux (Netbook Remix)

2011-06-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

There are now two main versions of Linux being used on sub-notebooks, which are SuSE Linux and Linux Xandros. For anyone wanting to install them, there are already recipes on the Internet which will aid you with the installation of alternative versions of Linux on sub-notebooks. The real challenge for many users is how to cope with the change from Windows XP or Vista to Linux. You'll find there is a learning curve, and Ubuntu may have come up with the first answer to that learning curve.

Ubuntu is already one of the best Linux operating systems for windows users to start to convert to Linux. To be clear this netbook remix is designed to be supplied to computer manufacturers to install on their new Linux sub-notebooks. It is not a new operating system. It is called a netbook remix, to make the best use of the smaller netbook screen and also to introduce new users to the differences between Windows and Linux. The Ubuntu operating system has the reputation that when you use it, "Programs just work."

What will the average computer user see that is different?
They will notice different programs. Firefox is the main web browser. Firefox 3 has already been seen as being far faster and more secure than Internet Explorer. OpenOffice is the standard office package but it does not include a mail server. The mail server on Ubuntu is Evolution. More familiar may be the Skype program that allows text messages as well as telephone calls over the Internet to PC's as well as home telephones. There is a new Internet Messenger called Pigeon. Image editing is carried out using Gimp and Photos are managed using F-spot. Instead of having to hunt for all of these in Ubuntu netbook remix, they are presented on the initial screen when you log on.

When you go to shut the computer down or log off there is a button on the screen towards the bottom right of the screen. You will find this is different to the standard Ubuntu log-off that is in the top right next to the date and time. This may put off some people who already Ubuntu on their ordinary machine.

Various pieces of information can be seen across the top of the page including the date and time, the status of any network connection and if Skype is connected. It is different and it will take a little while to work around the options on the screen before you know what everything means.

All in all this should be welcome to introduce new users to the world of Ubuntu Linux.

Guide to Installing and Finding Ubuntu Applications

2011-06-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

The best thing and the worst thing about moving to a brand new operating system is all ofthe new applications that are immediately available to you. With Ubuntu, an open-source GNU/Linux based operating system, this is compounded even more by the astounding number of options along with the close-to automated package management system and strong community support.

Therefore, it's helpful to have a basic guide to guide new and returning users through the varied software options by highlighted specific popular packages and providing installation directions, along with information about where users can look for more options and support. By showing the new Ubuntu user the best of the software repository from the start, we can ensure retention and thereby further undercut the market share of the 8,000 pound gorillas in the OS market.

Seeing all of the software available for Ubuntu through the official repositories is an easy and enjoyable experience. In fact, you don't even need to open an internet browser. You can see the repositories (or repo's) in two different ways:

1. Click on the Add/Remove Programs option in the Applications menu. This will most of the more popular items, along with each package's estimated popularity. The option to install is provided right through the dialog screen.

2. Use the Synaptic Package Manager, which is available through selecting System-->Administration-->Synaptic Package Manager. A search function is included, making this process even easier. Also, you can choose to update all of your current packages through the click of the button. More often than not, no restart or reboot is required.

Without further ado, here are some common applications for Ubuntu, and directions on how to install them.

BitTorrent

qBitTorrent is an application used to connect to the BitTorrent file sharing network, which acts as an uncentralized way to distribute and download large files without much hassle. Many sites on the internet provide these torrent files, and it is the responsibility of the user to make sure they are not violating the copyright laws of their respective nation by using them.

qBitTorrent is not available in the official repositories, so you'll have to use the Terminal to install it. You can access the Terminal through Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal. As soon as it opens, enter the following commands (a root password may be required).

Installing New Themes in Ubuntu - Change the Default Look

2011-06-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ubuntu by default is installed with the Gnome interface with a handful of theme options that you can choose from. Many do not like the default settings and would prefer something different. What is nice about using Gnome is the fact that there are thousands of customization options and themes that someone can you. You can make your interface look like almost anything you want.

If you want a new theme, you will have to first go and download a new one. Go to a search engine and look for Gnome themes or look for the site Gnome Looks which has thousands of theme options. Download the theme package which should be a tar.gz file and save it to your hard drive.

Click on System » Preference » Appearance. This will open a box which is already on the right window. Click the Install button near the bottom to add your new theme. Go through the file system until you select the one you just downloaded. Assuming that it's a legitimate theme it will show up in the window you are already looking at. You can select and customize this theme with your choice of icons, colors, window borders, or whatever you like. Generally speaking a theme you download already has all these pieces with it to give it a unified look.

If you get a look that you like, you can save it as a customized option so that you don't have to go back and reset all the settings. This allows you to quickly switch back and forth between different looks if you choose to do so.

Tips New Ubuntu Users Should Do After a Fresh Install

2011-06-14T01:56:00.001-07:00

When you have just installed Ubuntu, at first it can be a little intimidating. Most experienced users will go through these set of step immediately but new users have no clue of what set up and configuration is needed. Follow these tips to get an idea of what things you should do next to get your system running better.

Click on System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager. This is one of the best places for you to install software. If you use certain programs on Windows or Mac, type a search here to see if you can find them. If you can't, look for alternatives to those programs to install. Synaptic will open up the usefulness of Ubuntu as it makes installing software extremely easy. This should keep you busy for awhile exploring the thousands of applications that are there.

You may need to install Microsoft fonts. Quite a few of your documents and web pages you look at are going to have some of the Microsoft fonts you are used to seeing. In Synaptic search for "msttcorefonts" and install that package. This will take care of the font issues so that everything looks better in your programs.

Ubuntu can't give you the video and audio codecs you will need to run your media by default. Open up Totem player under Applications > Sound & Video > Totem. Open up one of your media files a box will pop up letting you know that you need to install something. Follow the prompts and let Totem download the media codecs so your system will be able to play your video and music.

Under System > Preferences, you should find most of the system settings for your various devices. Most are labeled appropriately. Mouse for example changes any Mouse settings you may like differently. This should let you adjust the system so that it's more comfortable to your tastes.

Why Google's Linux Chromebook compete against Windows

2011-06-13T02:54:00.000-07:00

Can Google do what the Mac was never able to do? What the various desktop Linuxes, even the most popular ones like Ubuntu have never even come close to pulling off? I think it can. Here's why.

1. Attractive business packaging and pricing

ZDNet Editor-in-Chief, Larry DIgnan, hit the nail on the head when he entitled his Chromebook overview: Google Chromebooks: Aimed directly at Microsoft's PC upgrade cycle for $28 a month. Exactly so. For $28 a month you get a constantly updated operating system and, this is the killer part, Google will also automatically, with no extra charge update your Chromebook or ChromePC every three years.

Would you spend $28 a month for a PC that will never go out of date? I think I would.

What's more important, I think a lot of businesses would as well. Indeed, many already are. Neil Levine, formerly Canonical's VP of corporate services and founder of the new cloud analytics companySoba Labs, tells me that "Many Fortune 500 companies are already trying rent-a-laptop scenarios. It's cheaper to throw away and replace than fix for many function." With the Google Chrome OS model though you don't even have to throw them away and if something goes wrong, Google will replace the dead unit.

2. Ease of use

Linux has a reputation for being hard to use. It's non-deserved. We're long, long way from the days when you needed to be a shell wizard to use Linux. That said, desktop Linux, whether you use KDE or GNOME, requires you to learn a new way of doing things no matter whether you come from Windows or Mac OS X. Even the new, easier-to-use Ubuntu Unity interface is quite a change from any other desktop.

With Chrome OS, though, well let me ask you a question: Can you use a Web browser? If the answer is yes-and if it's not how are you reading this story!?–you can use Chrome OS. The interface is the Chrome Web browser and that's it. There's no need to learn anything new. If you know how to use a computer at all, you can use a Chromebook.

3. Lots of Applications

People have always been cranky about the perceived lack of applications for Linux. I think this is nonsense myself since there are lots of excellent open-source applications such as LibreOffice for office work,Evolution for Outlook users, Pidgin for instant-messaging and on and on. What people usually mean when they say there are no apps. for Linux is that Dell inspiron 1300 battery they can't run their favorite Windows game or business application on Linux.

Again, that's not an issue on Chrome OS. Google has partnered withCitrix and VMWare to provide Windows business apps for Chromebooks. Both partners have been delivering Windows applications on virtual platforms and in thin-clients for years, or decades in Citrix's case. Mind you I wouldn't trying running Adobe Photoshop on a Chromebook unless I had an incredibly fast Internet connection, but anything else shouldn't be a problem.

Besides, as Google is happy to point out, many of you are already running applications on the cloud already such as Google Docs orSalesforce. No, applications are not a problem for the Chromebooks.

4. Security

Yes, malware can strike anywhere, even on Macs. That said, for every attack that works on a Mac, a Linux PC, or a Chrome browser, there are tens-of-thousands that work on Windows. That's no surprise. Windows started out insecure by design. Linux and the Chrome browser were both designed to operate in a hostile networked world rather than on a standalone PC.

5. Google Brand Recognition

Linux users know about Red Hat, openSUSE, and Ubuntu, ask anyone else what any of those three names are and you'll get a blank one. Everyone on the planet though knows who Google is. While Google has made its share of mistakes, Google is still a trusted brand. According toMillward Brown's recent brand survey, Google is the second most valuable brand in the world.

A company that would shy away from using "Linux" desktops from Canonical, Ubuntu's parent company, or anyone else, might very well buy one from Google and its hardware Dell inspiron 1525 battery partners, Acer and Samsung. From where the customer sits, they're not buying something strange or new from an unknown party, they're buying a PC that's already using a system they know from a company that they already trust.

Put it all together, and I think Microsoft's Steve Ballmer did far more than blow a few billion on Skype, I think he wasted his time on a side-issue while Google came straight at Microsoft's strongest stranglehold on the industry: the business desktop.

Should Microsoft worry? Yeah, I think so. They've got Apple making in-roads on the business desktop front with tablets and smartphones, may other companies, like HP, are also going after the business desktop with tablets, and now Google has finally thrown down the gauntlet on the business desktop

The Top Ten Reasons for Learning Linux, Number 4 Enhanced Virus Resistance

2011-06-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

Let's start by mentioning a few facts that can be very disconcerting to die-hard

Linux and Unix fans. Serious computer viruses appeared first in Unix systems. And arguably the worst computer virus attack in history occurred on Unix systems about twenty years ago. The good news is that the lessons learned from this attack were integrated into the constantly evolving Unix and Linux systems. Of course, to some extent they have been integrated into protecting Windows systems, and that's also good news.

One reason that Linux surpasses Windows for virus resistance is that Linux is open source. When an attack occurs hundreds or perhaps thousands of techies start working on solutions and post them to the Internet. You won't have to wait for an anti-virus company to come up with something.

What other factors make Linux systems more virus resistant? For a virus to take effect it must be part of a running program. Simply opening an attachment in the Microsoft Windows environment does the trick. The last time (pun intended) I opened an electronic greeting card on my Windows computer I was rewarded with a nasty virus. It took quite some time to remove it even with the aid of technical support. Linux systems won't launch the virus unless the user reads the email, saves the attachment, modifies the appropriate permission assigning execution permission to the attachment, and then explicitly executes the attachment. Unless all these steps happen the virus remains in quarantine. While an educated Linux user could carry out all these steps unleashing the virus this unhappy state of events doesn't occur often in properly organized systems.

Another limits virus impact in the Linux world. Ordinary Linux users don't have permission to do a lot. Even if they unleashed a virus it usually wouldn't go very far. Getting beyond the individual computer requires administrative power - the kind held by Root Users in Linux and Administrators in Windows. Regular users of Linux are usually not accorded root permission. In contrast, a newly installed Windowssystem automatically creates the first user as an Administrator. In our mind this is asking for trouble.

Just think - a regular Windows user has permission to install files that can run amok and destroy lots of good things. It seems that in Windows the operating system, the applications, and the data are inextricably intertwined. As if they were asking for trouble.

I have read that bananas are in danger. It looks like biodiversity is a thing of the past in banana-land or at least in the commercial banana world. So there is some chance that one powerful banana virus will make banana splits a thing of the past. The very diversity of Linux systems offers some protection. And it's a LAMP onto the world as discussed in the next two articles.

Install Linux To PS3 Without A CD

2011-06-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Linux to PS3 Installer - Forget About The CD's

The PS3 is a fantastic piece of technology. With its awesome selection of games and superior graphics and gameplay, itdoesnt seem like it could get any better. What more could we want, right?

Well if you are reading this, then you already know that there is something else that can give the PS3 even more entertainment value, and that something is the installation of the Linux PS3 system. In order to make the PS3 a completed internet ready gaming system, its a must that we install Linux. But most of us are looking to do this easily, and quickly. That means that we would obviously rather install the Linux to the PS3 without a CD.If you have tried to find out a way to do this before now, then you have probably found this to be next to impossible.

Install Linux to PS3 Without a CD

Well, thankfully, its not. But you have to know how its done. And you definitely dont want to have to do something that will jeopardize your console or the warranty that it comes with.The good news is, if you use the software described in this guide, you will neither void the warranty, nor will you risk your PS3 in any way.

The Linux For PS3 Installer

The Linux For PS3 Installer is a great product that was developed for those that wish to make the Linux installation easy and safe. Its a simple download that will make the whole installation process a breeze. And with the emulation feature , your PS3 will be able to do alot more than you ever thought possible.

Using the Linux For PS3 installer will give you many more options that the average Linux Installation CD will ever do.

The whole process takes little time at all. When you are done your PS3 will be able to play every file , application, game and media type that exists. Its the only solution for those that wish to avoid the whole Linux CD hassle. And its way cheaper.

Why Use The Linux For PS3 Installer?

Installing Linux onto your PS3 is a tricky business and shouldn`t be done without the know-how. Using LinuxforPS3installer you will be able to install Linux safely and easily, without voiding your PS3`s warranty. Simply download the LinuxforPS3installer product , then follow the easy instructions that are provided.

You can choose exactly which version of Linux you want to install along with all their great features. Another great feature about LinuxforPS3installer is the emulator feature. With this you can use Linux to install the Windows operating system.

The possibilites with this are endless as you will be able to play PC games, run Windows applications and so much more.

Turn your PS3 into a multifunctional computer by installing Linux safely.

Run the emulator and install the Windows operating system and more
Play 50% more file formats
Never have an un-playable file again!
Use advanced movie players to play your downloaded movies
Receive lifetime upgrades for free with the best features possible
Play PC games and run PC applications with no hassle
Install Yellow Dog Linux and Ubuntu Linux!

Looks great , right? And its not too good to be true. When you download the Installation product you will have all the technical support you need in case you need it. Most likely you wont, but we can never tell when it comes to technology

The Official Ubuntu Book, 5th Edition. . . .

2011-06-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Installing Ubuntu on a netbook is different from installing it on a typical laptop or a desktop. This chapter outlines how to create a bootable USB flash drive to help us get the Ubuntu Netbook Edition installed.

Installing on a Netbook
Using the Launcher
Window Listing
Maximized Windows
Switching Back to the Regular Ubuntu Desktop
Applications to Make Your Netbook Better
Other Changes from the Desktop Edition
Summary

Netbooks are small computers, designed for portability and long battery life, that have recently become quite popular. As this has happened, it is logical that many people want to run Ubuntu on them. There are already netbooks on the market that ship with Ubuntu preinstalled, like the Dell Mini 9 and the HP Mini 1000. Most come with other variants of Linux or with Windows. Due to their small screen, netbooks require a custom interface, like the netbook launcher that Canonical has been working on for over two years. Along with some custom software, installing Ubuntu on a netbook is different from installing it on a typical laptop or a desktop. For one thing, most netbooks don't come with internal CD or DVD readers. We outline how to create a bootable USB flash drive to help us get the Ubuntu Netbook Edition (formerly Ubuntu Netbook Remix) installed.

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Installing on a NetbookAs with any other flavor of Ubuntu, you need to download the specific image for the Ubuntu Netbook Edition. However, because many netbooks lack a CD drive, you will need to take the downloaded .iso image and copy it to a USB key. Thankfully, there is a special tool in Ubuntu for that. We outline how to begin the process using another computer that is running Ubuntu, but the task can also be done from a computer running a recent version of Windows, Mac OS X, or other modern operating systems.
The Netbook Edition is now officially supported, so it can be downloaded from the same location as the other editions of Ubuntu at http://releases.ubuntu.com. After you have downloaded the ISO, you need to copy it to a USB flash drive. The Create Startup Disk utility in System > Administration is designed to copy an Ubuntu ISO to a USB key.

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NOTE
Prior versions of the Netbook Edition were called the Netbook Remix and were distributed as .img files rather than .iso files as they are now.

WARNING
This process will delete anything on the USB flash drive, so make certain you copy any files you need to keep to a safe location before starting this process.

At the top of the screen is the box showing the source CD or ISO. Click the Other button and select the Netbook .iso file. After it has been added, make certain you select the .iso file you have just added.

The bottom box shows the list of USB keys currently connected to your computer. To prevent accidental data loss, make certain you disconnect any other USB drives from your computer.

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Finally, at the bottom is a slider for persistent storage on the USB key. Unless you need the space on the USB key for something else, simply choose the maximum amount by sliding the slider all the way to the right.

After you create the USB key, you need to restart your computer and instruct it to boot from the USB flash drive. This requires either (1) changing a setting in your BIOS to change the boot order to prefer booting from USB before all other methods or (2) holding down a key at startup to choose the device to boot from. Consult your computer's manual to learn how to do this.

Much like a live CD, netbook will work in the same manner as a typical laptop or desktop computer. However, because USB flash drives may be written to as well as read, you can install new packages and download files, and they won't be lost when rebooting.

Once you are ready to install Ubuntu on your netbook, either choose the Install Ubuntu menu option that appears when first booting or launch the installer, called Ubiquity, by pressing Alt+F2, typing ubiquity, and pressing enter. When the installation is complete, you can reboot (removing the USB flash drive while the computer is powered off), and you should find your netbook now runs the Ubuntu Netbook Edition. Congratulations!

11 Crucial Things an Ubuntu Newbie Should Know

2011-06-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

As I was sitting here, preparing to write this article, my mind wandered back to the day I accidentally wiped out a Windows installation with a Gutsy Gibbon CD. I thought I was in trouble. I had just knocked out my work documents, including various templates I made, along with scanner support, and my Adobe 8.0 suite.

It was at that moment I decided to make a go of it with Linux as my sole operating system. After nearly 2 years of tweaking, making mistakes, fixing those mistakes, and then making even more mistakes, I finally feel qualified to give you advice.

In light of this experience, I now present "11 Crucial Things An Ubuntu Newbie Should Know".

Commands

1. ps -A: One of the reasons I hated Windows so much was the task manager. When a program would hang, you'd have to open task manager, tell it to kill the program, and wait 5 minutes for the system to kill the application, All the while, it would bog down the processor, hog memory, and be an overall nuisance. 50% of the time, you would have to restart the computer to get the process to clear.

Not so in Ubuntu/Linux. All you have to kill a program is open the terminal, and type "ps -A". This will pull up a list of all the processes currently running, with the name of the program, along with a 4-5 digit number next to it. Then, type "kill -9 PN" (PN should be substituted with the actual Process Number), and hit enter. This will kill the app, no questions asked. It will not ask you any questions, or give you any excuses. That program is now dead, until the time you decide to resurrect it. This will not work with things like Apache, or other process daemons. If you're not sure, just try to kill it. If it doesn't die, then it is probably a daemon. You will have to find the actual documentation to stop the daemon.

Bonus tip: In Ubuntu (Gutsy and later), the command to stop Apache is: sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 stop To restart: sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 start

2. gksudo nautilus: Nautilus is the GUI-based file browser for Gnome, which is the default window manager for Ubuntu. If you are not used to the command line, this command will save you hours when it comes to file operations. Well, it will only save you hours for things that have to be done as root. Things like special system configuration, and other things where you need upgraded privileges will be much faster when you use this command.

Just open the terminal, type "gksudo nautilus", enter your password, and magically you can do anything you want. For faster access, right click the Desktop, select "create launcher", enter "gksudo nautilus" as the command. You can now click the shortcut on your Desktop , rather than opening the terminal and entering a command each time you need access to Nautilus.

3. dmesg: If you have managed to really mess something up, or are having trouble getting things to work, you may need someone with greater experience to take a look. Typing "dmesg" in your terminal window will call up all the messages from your system kernel. Copy and paste this into a text document, attach it to an email, and let a true expert get a look at what is going on with your hardware.

Upgrades:

4. Ubuntu's package manager, Synaptic, is a GUI front-end for Aptitude. What you don't know is that Synaptic is set to run in what could be called "safe-mode". It will not go get the latest and greatest versions of the software you are running. It will get the last (often 6 months older) version of the software you want to run. You can upgrades faster by enabling optional software repositories.

To do this, open Synaptic (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager), then select Settings > Repositories. Once you are in the repositories window, select the "Updates" tab. The Ubuntu "security" and "recommended updates" repository have already been selected. To get the newer stuff, you need to check "backports" and "proposed" software. Apply, and reload. This should get most of your software up to date, along with the kernel.

5. The kernel: While having the latest and greatest stable kernel can improve system performance, it can also break little fixes you have made along the way. An example: I had gone through the painstaking process of editing some configuration files to get my webcam to work. The last kernel update overwrote the changes I had made, and in the process, disabled my webcam. This can get irritating, but eventually a kernel release might fix an issue on its own, so I guess it is an ok, if not completely lossless tradeoff.

6. Upgrading to the newest version of Ubuntu: Don't do it right away. Always give a new version at least two months in regular use before you decide to upgrade. I have tried to upgrade for 3 releases now, in the first two weeks of availability for the upgrade. Each time, there has been a major failure, mostly in the area of graphics and sound. If your release is stable, there is no reason to upgrade right away, other than a few minor changes in speed and stability. You forfeit these if you upgrade on the first day of a new release. You have been warned.

Got Help?:

7. You can Google it: If you haven't googled it, do not trounce into a forum and ask the question. People are nice, but they really can't stand laziness. If you have searched, and can't find it, it may be a more advanced question that really needs more expert analysis.

Here's the search formula that reaps the best rewards for me: [manufacturer] [model] [problem] [ubuntu distribution]...(e.g. sony vaio webcam installation hardy). You can vary this formula a little bit, as sometimes it takes a few searches to get the hang of it. The one thing that you should not change is having your version of the distribution in the search. The reason is that fixes, and places where applications install can be different depending on the version you are using. This will ensure that you receive the best solution possible.

8. The Forums: Most of the time, Googling the problem will send you to the Ubuntu forums. Get a user name, log in, and be respectful. Be sure you try everything they tell you to before griping that it won't work. The help and advice is free, and usually very helpful in nature.

9. Launchpad: This is a bug reporting service that Ubuntu users use to get bugs and various other problems fixed. You can reach the project at https://launchpad.net/ubuntu . Once you get there, click on report a bug, and follow the instructions. Be sure the problem has not been reported already, as they will ask. Provide as much information about the incident as possible. They will keep you posted on the progress as far as the problem being resolved, and assign a priority rating based on the severity of the problem. I've had to use it 2 or 3 times. Even the minor problems have been resolved in 2-3 weeks.

10. Don't Be Afraid To Break It

This is the most important rule. This ain't your Granny's china. Stuff will break, you will be the one to break it. You will also be the one fixing it, along with your friend Google. Be patient, be persistent, and walk away for a bit if the solution just won't come. Vindication will come, and when the fix is done properly, or you changed a variable that caused performance to increase, there will a mountaintop rush. Chances are, your significant other won't care, but that won't matter. Feel free to prance around in your boxers, and act like you just won the Nobel Prize.

11. Everything in Windows can be replaced with Open Source software: Really, it can. It takes a little time to find it, but when you do, a whole new world will open up. You'll start to see how things work better than you expected. Things will play that would not on Windows, you'll be able to open every attachment you ever wanted to. Productivity will increase, thereby giving you more time to make your system work faster, and work on your own open source program.

I can't include everything I've learned over the past two years here. There are some other articles that I have written on software packages, and the pros and cons of each. Just google my name and iSnare to get a full list of what I have written on the subject. In conclusion, have fun with Ubuntu, share your knowledge with others, and fear God. Seriously.

Ubuntu - Why You Should Use It

2011-06-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

1. Price
The price for any Ubuntu distribution will always be free. This has been made possible by the thousands of people who give up their free time to develop this operating system. You may ask yourself even though the operating system is made by a big public community it doesn't mean to say that the software that it has been distributed with the OS, has also been made by public communities of their own. An answer to this will be that yes they have, all the software Ubuntu uses like itself have all been developed from developers within a community giving up their free time. All software within Ubuntu contains an open source licence this allows the software to be redistributed, and for the source code that it is programmed from to be changed. This is how the Ubuntu community selects its software that is going to be released in the upcoming version of the Ubuntu operating system.

2. Viruses
This is one of the biggest worries for Windows users as most viruses can be deadly and apocalyptic to your computer system if not quarantined or removed. The reason why Ubuntu users do not need to worry about viruses is that most creators of viruses see no point in writing viruses for Linux rather that Windows, because Linux is only the third most popular operating system behind Mac and Windows. By joining the millions of users today who are using Ubuntu you are doing good deeds for your computer, this is because you are preventing it from being damaged by spyware and other viruses.

3. Software
Ubuntu is the right choice for you as many of the software that you use that have Mac and Windows releases will most likely have a Ubuntu release, this may also be known as a Linux Release. The other advantage of Ubuntu is its very quick and handy software centre allows the quick and easy download of thousands of applications that are all free. There are many different packages categorised into different groups such as games, Developer tools, Office software, internet and many more.

4. Compatibility
Windows software can be made compatible by installing software such as VMware or Virtual Box and creating virtual Windows machines and putting all your windows only programs on without harming your Ubuntu Operating System. But if you're using a net book or small hard drive it would be ideal for you to install a software package called wine this would be the ideal less storage space equivalent to Virtual box this allows exe and msi files to run on ubuntu. But if you are using a desktop computer I would suggest using Virtual Box as it would be much more efficient.

5. Community Support
Ubuntu has two types of support for the user these are the community support and the professional support. This professional support is only aimed at users who request this and other businesses who are interested in incorporating Ubuntu into their businesses. These services are provided Canonical Ltd, Owned by Mark Shuttleworth the leading developer of Ubuntu. The difference with Ubuntu and Windows is that in Ubuntu because the operating system has been developed by the community, if you have a problem you can very quickly and easily talk to the person who developed that part of the system via IM Chat and ask them if they can think of a solution. I don't see normal people who use windows often ending up talking to Bill Gates about their problems.

I suggest that for anyone looking at this and using Windows that you should change your operating system to Ubuntu. If you cannot change I will suggest using the feature of Ubuntu which allows you to install the operating system inside windows. I have done this many times and recommend it to anyone using windows who does not wish to uninstall windows.

Windows 7 or Ubuntu 9.10 : Which OS will you prefer?

2011-06-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Since its launch five years back, Ubuntu has turned into one of the most popular Linux operating system. After the launch of Windows 7, a major update of Vista, Ubuntu 9.10 or "Karmic Koala" has launched on October 29th. At present, Linux operating system has about 1% market share for desktops as compared to 92% of Windows, whereas it is popular for servers or embedded systems. Ubuntu, based on the Linux’s Debian flavor has focused to bring Linux OS to the common people.

Here, the article compares some of the features of Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10:

Installation and upgrades

Users can easily upgrade their PCs with the new version of Ubuntu and it can also installed on your vintage PCs. Further, like Windows 7 and Mac OS X, Ubuntu 9.10 automatically keeps users’ operating system up-to-date. While, Windows 7 will update only the Microsoft software and the OS, Ubuntu updates itself with any other software installed on users’ system.

Multimedia

Due to their own terms and conditions, Ubuntu does not ship with the ability to play commercial DVDs. However, you can download the commercial DVD support via Ubuntu Restricted Extras in the Software Centre. It has Rhythmbox player for music and the Movie Player for video.

Microsoft’s Windows 7 come preinstalled with Windows Media Player and Media Centre, which take care of your personal files. Further, if your hardware permits, you can also watch live TV on the PC.

Software and applications

According to developers, Ubuntu is like Apple’s iPhone and supports vast softwares and applications. Users can have instant access to thousands of free and open-source applications. It comes with free OpenOffice.org 3.1 installed by default as its office productivity suite through which you can create professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The suite is compatible with all office apps including MS Office.

Windows 7 users have to buy Microsoft Office, or they can download OpenOffice and GIMP. While Windows users will have Outlook for their email, Ubuntu comes with Evolution, its emailing and calendaring software.

Windows 7 comes with Internet Explorer 8 and MSN Windows Live messenger, Ubuntu 9.10 ships with Firefox 3.5 and Empathy multiple protocol IM client.

Cloud Service

The new Linux version offers cloud storage to the masses with its Ubuntu One service, where users can store upto 2GB of data for free, but will have to pay for more storage. Ubuntu 9.10 can also take advantage of Amazon's EC2 cloud computing service.

Microsoft also provides a cloud storage application called Live Mesh that offers 25GB of storage for free, but the service is not integrated with the OS as in Ubuntu.

Speed and hardware

In terms of speed, the latest OS of Microsoft is definitely lighter on hardware than its predecessor, Vista and it will run well on older hardware. However, Ubuntu 9.10 also works well on a wide range of hardware.

Security

According to various analysts, Linux OSs are more secure than Windows and are not easily infected by bugs and viruses. In Windows 7, Windows Security Center has been renamed to Windows Action Center, which covers both security and maintenance of the computer.

Senior Uses Ubuntu System 14 Months Trouble Free

2011-06-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

Computers started making their way into homes, en masse, 15 years ago. After 15 years, computer users should not be afraid of using their computer.

This case study tells the story about a customer of mine, Wanda, who happens to be in her 70s. Like most computer users she used a Windows based computer. In her case, it was a system put together by her grandson in 2002 or 2003 and has a 1.8ghz processor, 256mb of RAM and the XP Home version of Windows.

When I first met Wanda a few years ago, she had typical Windows user problems; slow computer, slow Internet, couldn't open some attachments, virus and spyware problems. She used dialup Juno for Internet and Norton Antivirus on her system. I couldn't talk her into getting a DSL or cable connection, but I did change her security from Norton to AVG and optimized the startup and running of the system. However, with dialup and Juno, she continued to have problems that cropped up every 3-4 months.

In April of 2008, I talked with her in detail about computer usage. She stated that she really only needed to do three or four things with her computer:

Email
Word Processing
Solitaire
Very light Internet browsing

We talked about the cost of a new computer and a high speed connection. And then we talked about taking Windows off her system, installing a different system (Ubuntu and Linux didn't mean anything to her) that would be virtually trouble free and no cost to acquire besides my install and configuration time. She liked the sound of that, but I informed her that I could not install Ubuntu unless she was agreeable to getting a DSL connection for the Internet. She agreed.

I installed Ubuntu for her and configured her desktop with shortcuts to her email, the web, solitaire, and her word processor. Again, that was April of 2008. Prior to that I received at least one call from her every month, and visited her for cleanup and troubleshooting appointments at least 3-5 times per year.

Today, Wanda called me for the first time since I installed Ubuntu on her system 14 months ago. She asked two questions:

Why can't I get email from my daughter?
My printer stopped printing, do I need a new one?

Knowing that it would be a quick visit, I stopped by her house in between two other appointments. To my delight, the computer desktop looked exactly the same as I left it the prior year except for a few saved PowerPoint slideshows she saved from email to it.
Since she was using Hotmail, I could almost guarantee that she had blocked her daughter's email address (Microsoft places the spam / junk mail button dangerously close to the delete button). Sure enough, a trip to the blocked senders settings revealed what I suspected. Her daughter's email address and a dear friend were blocked. I rectified that in a few clicks.
Next, her printer problem turned out to be a paper jam. After clearing it, the computer was happily printing again. I left her home in under 15 minutes after correcting the problems that had nothing to do with Ubuntu, and she was beaming like a kid in a candy shop.
MORAL OF THE STORY
Properly setup and customized for an individual's computing needs, Ubuntu Linux can be used successfully and easily by anyone of any age and computing ability. AND, the problems associated with computing under the Windows environment disappear.
My only regret is that I did not start looking into and learning about Linux prior to 2006.

The Free Ubuntu Operating System

2011-05-30T01:13:00.000-07:00

My Compaq Presario XP recently got infected with a particularly malicious virus. This is the second time that this PC had been infected. The first time I used the system restore disks and completely restored the PC to its original day one configuration. What a pain that was.

When I hooked the restored PC up to the Internet it seemed to take the best part of a week downloading and configuring updates. After the second infection I was unable to find the system restore disks which was almost a relief. I disconnected the computer and was even considering throwing it away.

I had heard about the free open source Linux operating system: Ubuntu, and so using another computer I Googled Ubuntu and went to their site.

I read the download and installation instructions on the page. It all seemed pretty straightforward so I went ahead and downloaded the latest version: Ubuntu 9.10 and then transferred the downloaded program to a CD-R as per the instructions.

My infected Compaq Presario would boot up to the desktop but none of the icons would load. I could access some of the programs using the control alt delete command but it gave stripped down versions of the programs with limited functionality.

I put the Ubuntu CD-R into my infected Compaq Presario's CD drive and booted it as per the instructions on the Ubuntu website. The on-screen instructions asked if I wanted to have both operating systems on my machine or just Ubuntu. I decided to completely erase XP which of course was infected and replace it with Ubuntu. I clicked 100% Ubuntu. It warmed me one last time that windows XP would be completely erased from my computer. I click okay and the installation began.

The installation was pretty straightforward and it took just a few minutes before I had the fully functional Ubuntu operating system on my PC and within a very short space of time I had my PC up and running.

Ubuntu is different than Windows but has many of the same features and is pretty intuitive.

Ubuntu comes with a whole bundle of great preinstalled programs. The Open Office suite, which rivals Microsoft office. A web browser: Mozilla Firefox, which has most of the same controls as Explorer but in different places. It has a preinstalled games package with several popular card games: Blackjack, Solitaire etc. Ubuntu has it's own media player for MP3s and videos etc which works very well.

Ubuntu also has a built-in software link where you can access approximately 2700 free Ubuntu programs.
My first impression of Ubuntu is that I like it, a lot. It seems very stable seems to be very user-friendly and easy-to-use.

The installation process for software and applications is slightly different from Windows, but not very difficult. I downloaded and easily installed Skype for Linux and made a few International phone calls. It worked just fine.
Ubuntu has a several advantages over Windows. One of the major advantages of Ubuntu is that it is almost immune from viruses. Ubuntu is free of charge. Ubuntu seems to take up far less room on the hard drive and because it is almost immune from viruses it does not require an antivirus program gobbling up resources. My PC now seems to run four times faster with Ubuntu than it did with Microsoft XP but admittedly when I installed Ubuntu it got rid of a lot of junk: old unused software, probably a few orphaned files and a lot of old e-mails.
Most popular Windows program seem to have an Ubuntu/Linux version or counterpart. Windows programs will not run on Ubuntu unless you install a program called wine to run them. I haven't had the need to do this as of yet.
I have another Desktop PC running Vista. I bought a switch which allows me to use two computers with just one mouse, one keyboard and one monitor. This has worked out very well for me because now I don't have Ubuntu instead of but as well as Microsoft Windows.
If you have just upgraded and have an old PC or laptop lying around then I strongly recommend before you get rid of your old machine that you install Ubuntu and give it a try. I think you will be very pleased and very impressed. I know I was.

Operating Systems - Linux or Windows? Long Live UBUNTU!

2011-05-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

As I'm writing these words, a major computer wholesaler has decided to ship some of its new models with Linux Operating System.

They have selected UBUNTU's 7.04 "Feisty Fawn" distribution of Linux. (Windows have OS releases or versions like XP or Vista; Linux has "distributions" like Fedora, Redhat, Ubuntu and many others.)

Go Linux!

A perfect choice because I've been using UBUNTU on one of my machines for over a year now and I have nothing but qualified praise for it.

Qualified? Yes. Because I cannot run any of my Windows application (like Photoshop, Illustrator, FrameMaker, GoLive) on Ubuntu.

GIMP comes close to doing what Photoshop can do (at least at my level of graphic competence) but other Windows applications do not have their Linux-counterparts yet. There is nothing over the horizon, for example, to match the reliability and power of FrameMaker in a Linux environment.

So why do I still like my Ubuntu? Let me count the ways:

1) It's FREE.
2) OpenOffice that comes with it is also FREE and it can match MS Office in every category, except in mail management. (NOTE: You can download and use OpenOffice on Windows and Mac machines as well.)
3) No viruses. Period. I have not used any anti-virus programs or firewalls with my Ubuntu system yet. Knock on wood.
4) No system crashes. And when I crash my system (a rare event) while trying to open 10 different applications or files at the same time, Ubuntu recovers beautifully, restoring each crashed file one by one when you restart the system.
5) Auto updates... when you click this great little "you have updates" button on top of the screen, UBUNTU automatically downloads (after your approval of each item) whatever updates are developed by hard-working Linux volunteers around the globe.
6) An ever-growing collection of free, new and interesting software available for instant downloads through Synaptic Package Manager. (For example, it's free CHESS program - one of the hundreds of Linux games available online for free - is one of the best I've ever played against.)
I do all my writing, for example, on my Linux machine. Since OpenOffice also has a free PDF conversion utility built right into its word processor, I'm writing my new book ("Copyright-Free Content for Your Newsletters") also on my Linux machine. (YES - you don't need to buy Adobe Acrobat Pro to generate PDFs!)

One shortcoming of "Feisty Fawn" distribution - its energy-saving screen- and machine-sleep modes are not perfect and don't work well. When the machine goes to sleep after a certain configurable duration of time, it shuts itself off as it tries to revive itself. If you get Ubuntu 7.04, do not use that energy-saving option. I hope they'll fix that pesky problem as well in a future release.

Ubuntu Operating System

2011-05-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system, designed specifically for personal computers, it is seen as a viable alternative to Microsoft Windows.

It is derived from Debian, another well-known Linux distribution. The name comes from an African ideology which means "humanity to others". Used the slogan "Linux for humans" embodies one of the stated aims of the project is to make Linux a popular operating system and easy to use.

Ubuntu is freely distributed software part of the family of "free and open source. " Canonical LTD. system developer who is committed to improving launch every six months under the GNU General Public License.

History

The first version appeared as a copy of Debian on October 20, 2004, and used the GNOME environment, compared to other Debian derivatives. Canonical has made the code Debian system plus a lot of free programs offered through the Update Manager user. Ubuntu is currently funded by Mark Shuttleworth with his company, Canonical. On July 8, 2005 Canonical Ubuntu Fundata established, of which he donated a capital of 10 million dollars. This role is generally fundantie to continue with the development of operating system and create software packages compatible with Ubuntu.

Features

Installation
Ubuntu can be downloaded free on the official website of the system in ISO format. It can copy to a cd / dvd and then install in a few very simple steps. A big advantage of Ubuntu is that it can be used without even the hdd install via Live Session.

Interface
Ubuntu uses the GNOME interface, which is more popular than other alternatives such as KDE Linux world. Ubuntu is very easy to use, friendly and like the version of Microsoft making the transition from one system to another very easy.

System Requirements
In order to run Ubuntu requires a small number of resources and a certain minimum 300MHz processor, 256MB RAM, HDD space and a minimum of 4 MB video card @ 640 x 480 VGA.

Security
In general, family systems are highly reliable Linux Ubuntu in addition to being a Debian derivative could say it is one of the safest systems in the world. There were reports that went years without a computer operating system to be reinstalled. If the version of Microsoft can say that there are millions of worms for Ubuntu the number is around 1000 which makes it a suitable system for web servers.

Conclusions

Ubuntu is a good alternative operating systems licensed and can be a good solution for companies that want to cut costs. If you want to try a Linux operating system family and do not want to waste your days with complicated systems like Debian or Fedora, Ubuntu is probably the best choice that offers the easiest alternative to everything you want to do.

2011-05-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

The Philosophy Behind Ubuntu's Free Software

2011-05-26T01:57:00.000-07:00

"A traveller through our country would stop at a village, and he didn't have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu but Ubuntu has various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?" Nelson Mandela.

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means I am what I am because of who we all are. It is the essence of being human. Ubuntu emphasises that human beings cannot exist in isolation. We are interconnected. We are not just individuals, separate from one another, we are connected and what we do affects the whole world. Ubuntu is achieved when the good that we do spreads out and the whole of humanity is enriched. A quality of Ubuntu is generosity.

This truly is collective power in action. A worldwide community of highly skilled experts that build, share and improve the very latest software and then make it available to everyone at absolutely no cost. It's an almost unbelievable concept, but it's for real, and so powerful. So powerful that threats to the security structure are of the lowest in the industry. The power of the global community is too daunting to be threatened by virus authors.

Ubuntu software has and will always be free, this is an undertaking from Canonical. This give people freedom to use it as they want and share it with whomever they choose. The benefits of this liberation are enormous. This Ubuntu community is able to grow and share its collective experience and expertise. This results in continual improvement and it ensures access to essential software for those who couldn't otherwise afford it. What a fantastic advantage to individuals and organisations world-wide.

Ubuntu believes that every computer user should have:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
The freedom to study how the program works and adapt it to your needs.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.
The freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees.
The ability to use their software in the language of their choice.
The ability to use all software regardless of disability.

Install Ubuntu and you can rest assured that all the software meets these ideals. Plus, Ubuntu engineers are continually working to ensure that every piece of software you could possibly need is available under a licence that gives you those freedoms.
Community, unselfishly sharing knowledge and resources, being unselfishly helpful, and fostering care, trust and respect are the core values of Ubuntu.

This African tradition of Ubuntu is a way of life and a universal truth. This wise ancient concept truly underpins the concept of an open forward thinking society.

We at TSD International, with our African roots, will help anyone we can to experience this Ubuntu community. Visit our website at http://www.tsdintl.com read our blog and check out our offers. Fill out the contact form and we will contact you at your convenience.

To learn more about how you can do the same visit http://www.tsdintl.com or contact Martin directly at Martin@tsdintl.com
When you visit the web site you'll also discover...
-ERP options that deliver business answers.
-Current Offers from the company thinking of you as an opportunity to receive value add.
-Links to Partners we feel add value.
-A Blog that is something of content and value.

VIA Technologies, Inc. Joins Linux Foundation Looking News Here :)

2011-05-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

VIA ups its investment in Linux as market demand moves towards affordable, low power mobile devices

SAN FRANCISCO, September 8, 2009 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced that VIA Technologies, Inc. has become its newest member.

VIA offers highly integrated low power x86 processor platforms that are being adopted in a wide range of netbooks, notebooks, desktops, servers, and embedded devices from leading brand names such as Dell, HP and Lenovo.

VIA is among a growing number of processor platform vendors that recognize the importance of working with the Linux community. By collaborating at the technical and business levels, VIA can ensure its hardware and the technology of its partners are supported in the Linux kernel releases. The company opened its specifications and code and began to adhere to a quarterly release schedule more than a year ago. This move allows open source developers to easily support VIA’s components.

“VIA shares the Linux Foundation’s goal of fostering the growth of the
Linux ecosystem,” said Richard Brown, vice president of marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “We are seeing new momentum for Linux, particularly in the mobile space, and are excited about the potential of Linux in this segment and are investing considerable resources in supporting developments in this area.”

VIA continues to work closely with the Linux community to ensure compatibility with its processor platforms by providing drivers, key documentation and source code. For access this information.

“VIA is among an important group of companies that are working with the Linux community to help create a whole new class of computing devices,” said Amanda McPherson, vice president of marketing and developer programs. “VIA’s membership represents an acknowledgement that we’re seeing industry-wide: Linux is fueling the future of the PC industry. We’re excited to work with them on that future.”

VIA Technologies Inc. will attend the first ever LinuxCon, organized by the Linux Foundation and sponsored by Dell, HP, IBM, Intel, Novell and Qualcomm. LinuxCon is taking place September 21-23, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

As a new member, VIA Technologies, Inc. will also attend the invitation-only Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit in April 2010.

About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc is the foremost fabless supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms that are driving system innovation in the PC, client, ultra mobile and embedded markets. Combining energy-saving processors with digital media chipsets and advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon enables a broad spectrum of computing and communication platforms, including its widely acclaimed ultra compact mainboards. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA’s global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world’s top OEMs and system integrators.

About the Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. Founded in 2007, the Linux Foundation sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and is supported by leading Linux and open source companies and developers from around the world. The Linux Foundation promotes, protects and standardizes Linux by hosting important workgroups, events and online resources such as Linux.com.

Tips For Linux Virtual Machines - System Admin

2011-05-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

As grasp in the Java Developers community, Java is a platform independent object oriented language which runs on each platform. That is why it's very said for Java that "Compile once, run anywhere" language.

The Linux su command gets its name from the word superuser. The su command is run in a Linux terminal emulation window to log during and work because the root user, following logging in to a Linux desktop because a "regular" (non-root) user. Never log during to a Linux desktop as the root user.

LUGs give training and technical support and is going to help fresh users with operating system installations. They are also also pivotal in establishing the internet communities that incorporate widespread chatrooms and newsgroup usage. In addition there are also a number of specialist the internet and traditional print publications devoted entirely to Linux secrets, allowing users to keep up to date with every one the newes developments.

Two recent Linux news items are price noting. First, the mobile phone industry is strongly embracing Linux. When we determine Motorola, NEC, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, NTT DoCoMo and Vodafone band together to standardize Linux for handies, we know the Linux pathogen has reached a crossroads from where it is able to infect the population at wide. Since the cell telephone business is highly keen, with margins thinner than Kate Moss, such a cable is interesting -- because is any time competitors band along.

These commands is going to clear your screen. Really helpful if you've done numerous index lists and are also confused by the output on your screen. Simply kind transparent and regarding-execute your index listing command.

The philosophy behind Linux suggests that advocates promote the operating system and is going to as well warmly embrace any applications that is able to be used in conjunction with it. Anyone who gives a reliable fast messaging service throughout the Linux platform is able to be convinced that the news will quickly spread and be widely adopted.

The Top Ten Reasons for Learning Linux, Number 4 Enhanced Virus Resistance

2011-05-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Let's start by mentioning a few facts that can be very disconcerting to die-hard Linux and Unix fans. Serious computer viruses appeared first in Unix systems. And arguably the worst computer virus attack in history occurred on Unix systems about twenty years ago. The good news is that the lessons learned from this attack were integrated into the constantly evolving Unix and Linux systems. Of course, to some extent they have been integrated into protecting Windows systems, and that's also good news.

One reason that Linux surpasses Windows for virus resistance is that Linux is open source. When an attack occurs hundreds or perhaps thousands of techies start working on solutions and post them to the Internet. You won't have to wait for an anti-virus company to come up with something.

What other factors make Linux systems more virus resistant? For a virus to take effect it must be part of a running program. Simply opening an attachment in the Microsoft Windows environment does the trick. The last time (pun intended) I opened an electronic greeting card on my Windows computer I was rewarded with a nasty virus. It took quite some time to remove it even with the aid of technical support. Linux systems won't launch the virus unless the user reads the email, saves the attachment, modifies the appropriate permission assigning execution permission to the attachment, and then explicitly executes the attachment. Unless all these steps happen the virus remains in quarantine. While an educated Linux user could carry out all these steps unleashing the virus this unhappy state of events doesn't occur often in properly organized systems.

Another limits virus impact in the Linux world. Ordinary Linux users don't have permission to do a lot. Even if they unleashed a virus it usually wouldn't go very far. Getting beyond the individual computer requires administrative power - the kind held by Root Users in Linux and Administrators in Windows. Regular users of Linux are usually not accorded root permission. In contrast, a newly installed Windows system automatically creates the first user as an Administrator. In our mind this is asking for trouble.

Just think - a regular Windows user has permission to install files that can run amok and destroy lots of good things. It seems that in Windows the operating system, the applications, and the data are inextricably intertwined. As if they were asking for trouble.

I have read that bananas are in danger. It looks like biodiversity is a thing of the past in banana-land or at least in the commercial banana world. So there is some chance that one powerful banana virus will make banana splits a thing of the past. The very diversity of Linux systems offers some protection. And it's a LAMP onto the world as discussed in the next two articles.

The Motorola A910 is Endowed With a Number of New Technologies. This Sophisticated Mobile Gadget Can Serve Up As your Main Source of Communication, In

2011-05-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Motorola A910 is endowed with a number of new technologies. This sophisticated mobile gadget can serve up as your main source of communication, information and entertainment and provides everything you need and want in your handset. The Motorola A910 is a clam-shell phone with user-friendly key pad to navigate all the features. The new technologies include Wi-Fi connectivity and flexible Linux platform software for good technology performance. Apart from that, you can enjoy camera features plus MP3 player, office tools, Bluetooth and lots more.

You can get the new Motorola A910 contract phone for all that you need in a handset. Under the Motorola A910 deals, there are different tariff plans that you need to choose. All you need to do is to choose the handset and the deals. There are different network service providers in the UK who provide Motorola A910 mobile phones as per the deal.

The Motorola A910 offers a brilliant 1.3 megapixel digital camera with 3x digital zoom. Capture the moments that are all time special for you. You can save all those moments in your handset and also share it with your friends and family using advanced Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).

The Motorola A910 handset comes with a new generation Linux-Java operating system, Bluetooth wireless technology, J2ME performance, and superior text prophecy features for a simplified yet influential mobile experience.

Experience the ever growing technology that you call Bluetooth. It allows your Motorola A910 handset to communicate with other compatible devices without wires. Connect your PC, handsets, printers, etc., without using a wire.

Enjoy the new technology Motorola A910 with interactive and innovative games. Download latest java games from the Internet or from the network service providers and play games to refresh you mind anytime-anywhere.

Get connected with the Internet and connect the world. Get your Motorola A910 contract phones and enjoy the next generation features and technologies

Linux - Free of Charge and Free of Malware

2011-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

There is currently alot of interest and curiosity with the Linux / Unix operating systems becoming more widely used, well-known, and available. They have been around since the mid 90's, and used mostly as a server platform until recently - mostly due to the increased user-friendliness of recent releases - along with the integration of,
and compatability with, the Mozilla Firefox browser, Google's Chrome browser, the Openoffice.org program suite (ODF - Open Document Format compatible with the Microsoft Office Products), the GIMP graphics editor and many others - all of which are free and open source as well.

Linux is the fastest growing OS worldwide - as it is not only freely available in many different versions - (or distros), but compatible with much of the software and programs we are already using and familiar with. In addition, Linux systems are immune to the malware and security threats that most other operating systems continue to remain vulnerable to. You don't have to invest in or concern yourself with antivirus programs or
security suites at all. For your outgoing web applications, it features an MAC (Mandatory Access Control) activated by default for built-in protection. To me - this stuff sells itself - even though it's not for sale.....

This article will benefit those who are new to Linux and are interested in understanding what the current trend is all about. Linux is based on the free open source software (FOSS), which means that the source code is free to view, free to use, modify, apply and share in any way you see fit. It is released and protected under the GNU General Public License. The GNU License prohibits any 'for profit' development or releases of independent
versions or variations thereof. This means that it is free to use, free to modify, and free to share without the usual restrictions that come with proprietary and 'for profit' software - not to mention free of malware or the need for antivirus or security software. GNU and supporters of open source create superior alternatives to the restrictions and confines of the more popular and expensive proprietary software and OS, as well as their
developers and corporations. It has gained significant momentum as resourceful and innovative developers are consistantly improving upon an already very flexible and reliable product profile.

There is growing intrigue toward Linux as it is (aside from being free of charge and free of malware) becoming more popular among average PC users who are finding it easy to install and use. A more favorable and flexible user interface, combined with optimal speed and overall system performance, is now widely distributed by manyLinux developers, and in many different forms. It has a reputation for being extremely dependable as there is no
mysterious behavior such as the unexpected interuptions, freezes, shutdowns, restarts, death screens.....you know the ones....

Many Windows users are finding the transition surprisingly easy, and the results gratifying. I personally haven't heard of anyone making the switch to Linux, and then going back due to dissatisfaction with the installation, functionality, or interface. Actually, quite the opposite. I've seen several YouTube videos sharing their favorable experiences in switching to a Linux distro. Check 'em out. Though they all seem to agree that there is a learning curve, depending on your level of experience with the Unix / Linux basic protocol and functionality. It is different - as different programs designed to do the same thing vary in their interface or performance. Any learning required will be well worth it and there are numerous resources and tutorials available as you go. There are even Linux groups and forums online and off - that readily offer support and share knowledge and experience as needed. A Linux 12 step?

One of the first things people get confused over is the various names and terms associated with the various distributions available. These mostly distinguish the various features or preferences. There is an extensive selection depending on what appeals to you - such as interface, bundled software, level of experience, functionality, the look and feel, and others. Other terms refer to the interface, file systems, email client, browsers, etc....

If you are wondering what exactly you're getting yourself into and would like to try it out first, there are several Linux versions available as downloadable live CD or DVDs - bootable from your CD-ROM. Currently, Knoppix is available as a live CD download and includes most features and programs you would most likely use. It boots from the CD or DVD and you don't have to install anything - probably a good way to start without committing to virtual machines, partitioning or formatting your hard drive.

There are hundreds of versions or distributions of the Linux OS. Some are well known and widely used which you may be familiar with. Ubuntu is probably the most widely used and well known. Linux Mint is also widely used and both are said to be very easy to install and configure. Kubuntu is right behind it and is similar to Ubuntu and features the KDE interface. Gnome is another popular user interface and considered very stable. Konqueror is the default KHTML web browser / file mgr. Evolution and Kmail are available email client
programs.

In conclusion, any decision to use Linux will be a rewarding and educational experience. It is reliable, economical, capable, flexible and fast. There is literally an endless supply of this stuff and it really depends on personal preference and a bit of research. Experience will likely be your best teacher as to its functionality and your personal preference in the end.

I've provided a link to a comprehensive guide to the world of Linux and Open Source.
Every owner will benefit from the beginner to the advanced user content and resources.

Yet Another Reason to Learn Linux - Linux Certifications

2011-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

There are four programs which offer certification for Linux Systems Administrators. These programs are offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association, the Linux Professional Institute, the Novell Corporation, and Red Hat, Inc. The first two are professional industry associations whose certification programs do not depend on any specific Linux distribution. Novell and Red Hat Linux certifications are closely associated with their popular Linux distributions. If you want to prepare for these two certifications you will definitely need access to their Linux version.

What do you have to do for Linux Certification? You must pass one or more extensive tests that demonstrate your prowess in dealing with the typical and some atypical problems faced by Linux systems administrators. We'll take a closer look at the CompTIA Linux+" Certification, the one often recommended as the first certification for people new to Linux. This certification does not apply to any specific Linux version. The test is designed to validate the knowledge of individuals with a minimum of six to twelve months of practical Linux experience. According to the Computing Technology Industry Association, professionals achieving the CompTIA Linux+ certification can explain fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions, software configurations, and management of Linux-based clients, server systems, and security. Many of these functions are available on Damn Small Linux.

The Linux+ certification is a basic, entry-level certification for Linux system administrators. It is intended for people with six-months experience installing, operating and maintaining Linux operating systems. To achieve Linux+ certification, candidates must pass the 98 question Linux+ exam which covers seven areas: Planning and Implementation; Installation; Configuration; Administration; System Maintenance; Troubleshooting; and Identify, Install and Maintain System Hardware. This multiple-choice exam costs about $232. It is a good starting point for people who want to continue with other Linux certifications including those from Novell and Red Hat.

Why would people start preparing Linux certification on a limited version of Linux? The answer is simple - certification is not to be taken lightly. Don't make a major financial and time investment unless you know that you really want to be certified and that you possess the required skill set. You can easily find schools that promise you success in Linux certification and in any of their course offerings. But Linux certification may not be for you. Don't make a major certification investment only to find that it wasn't what you had in mind. Work your way through my tutorials including the suggestions for going further. Get your hands on several Linux books. I would start with books designed for learning Linux and for running Linux systems before working with Linux certification books.

Don't be satisfied with running computer exercises in your mind, and nodding your head at the appropriate times. To succeed you must do the exercises on a computer running Linux. Since installation is a component of all Linux Certification exams don't stint on installing several versions of Linux on your computer. An external USB hard drive is quite inexpensive. Try to make friends with someone who knows better than you how to do things. Ask a lot of questions. And good luck!

And while you're working on your certifications take a look at some of Damn Small Linux's other advantages in our final article in this series.

Java Developers’ guide for application development with Linux

2011-05-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

As know in the Java Developers community, Java is a platform independent object oriented language which runs on every platform. That is why it is said for Java that “Compile once, run anywhere” language.

But when the term “anywhere” had been used, they must have some specific platforms described. If we are running Java Application on Linux then something arise in mind that which context and environment I’m into?

A Java developer new to Linux plat form may wonder about whether or not and if yes then how Java can find the environment on Linux platform? In particular four things to get on Linux platform:

Command-line parameters
Current shell’s environment variables
Location of data files
Current working directory

The answer to all these factors varies on different cases like of which kind your Java application would be and how portable you want Java application to be.

The basic external information is supplied by program invocation. It may be simple parameters or arguments. This information can direct a program to flexibility and execution.

Command-Line Arguments

When a program is run from the command line, more than just the program name can be supplied. Here are some examples:

$ javac example.java

$ mv Acct.java core/Account.java

$ ls –l

In the ?rst example, we invoked a program called Javac and gave it the parameter example.java, the name of the ?le containing the Java program that we want Javac to compile to Java byte code The mv got two commandline arguments, Acct.java and core/Account.java, which look a lot like pathnames. The ls command has one argument, -l, which in Linux usually indicates, by its leading minus sign, that it is an option for altering the behavior of the command.

Sybase ASE 15 For Linux - Free?

2011-05-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

This might be the best kept secret ever. I can't believe that this is not more known to the public. That's why I want to share this with you. Sybase released Sybase ASE 15 Express. Free to use on Linux. The restrictions to use it for free are well in the limits of most MySQL databases running millions of websites.

PHP has a very nice integration into Sybase ASE. Combine the popularity of Linux and Apache with the free Sybase ASE, you get a powerful combination. How many times did you hear the MySQL problems when the database all a sudden grows beyond what MySQL can handle. These are costly migration projects or you're force to buy SUN's support package.

When using the free Sybase ASE 15 for Linux there is nothing more to do than to buy an inexpensive small business license if you grow beyond the free license restrictions and you will never miss a beat.

So, dump your MySQL for a way more powerful Sybase ASE 15.

On another note, I am following a discussion on a LinkedIn group called Sybase DBA Network. There's a lot of talk about how Sybase should increase their market shares. I am following this discussion for a while now and I read a lot about how little resources are available on the internet. I must agree that the results for a Sybase search term are not as plentiful as when searching for Oracle or SQL server. But to be fair, most Oracle results on a search term are redundant entries on a many websites. The only way to change this is for Sybase DBA experts to be more outgoing and share their knowledge on blogs and forums.

Actually in this economy, being more visible to the public and demonstrating your skills could make the difference when searching for your next job.

This is a call for action to all Sybase DBA to contribute the global tribal knowledge of Sybase on the internet. If you don't know where to post your knowledge, contact me.

- Peter

Peter Dobler, founder and owner of Dobler Consulting Inc, who has over 20 years of database management and data migration experience. He and his company are committed to provide turnkey data migration project management and data migration execution to delight its customers. Read more about Peter Dobler a

Linux System Admin Training - Free Linux Training (via Free Documentation) Vs Linux Training Videos

2011-05-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

There is free Linux documentation available on the Internet at lots of web sites and in free ebooks - but what's your time worth?

Linux Commands Training Tips: The Linux System Administration concepts, commands and tasks covered here apply to ALL distributions (versions), including: Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Slackware, Debian, SUSE and openSUSE.

By Learning How to Use Linux with Free Documentation - You Get Free Frustration!

You can go to lots of Linux web sites and get free bits and pieces of information on concepts and commands - and then try and put these pieces together to learn Linux. However, this info is often poorly written, highly complex, quite dated and sometimes wrong!

Free Linux documentation is usually written by well-meaning individuals that have no experience in communicating to people who are completely new.

These free training materials are usually written by someone who is already "there" and understands Linux, and so this free info is written from that perspective.

Even though it may say otherwise, most free information has been written from the perspective of someone who already understands how to use Linux. Someone who, along the way to get "there" - has forgotten "how" to get "there" - and can't explain the steps that are missing.

As a result, vital basic concepts are totally overlooked in these Linux training materials. This type of "free" info often starts at an intermediate level - and gets more complex from there!

Linux Training Tips: Free training materials are sadly lacking in the simple concepts that are required for understanding how to use Linux. And there is no foundation of concepts on which to build.
What you need to do is learn Linux the easy way, with training videos that create a strong foundation of concepts and commands - and then build on this foundation to provide a clear path to understanding Linux from an intro level through to advanced levels.
You need Linux training materials that have been written by an experienced trainer that can take the "geek-speak" and translate it into plain English!

And now I would like to offer you free access to my Linux Commands Training Mini-Course, a 7 Lesson, Daily Mini-Course, including the free Linux Commands ebook and Linux audio podcasts - showing you how to get started learning how to use Linux commands

Why Ubuntu Linux Is a Good Business Choice

2011-05-05T01:47:00.001-07:00

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One of those choices is Ubuntu Linux, a greatly enhanced Debian-based Linux distribution that installs easily, has the familiar Windows look and feel, and operates well on older hardware (expensive upgrade not required). Linux fans tout the positive attributes, often at high decibel levels, of Ubuntu Linux, which is perhaps the world's most popular Linux distribution. But, is it business worthy?

Let's first consider Ubuntu as a replacement for your Windows desktop or laptop operating system(sony battery). Computer owners generally use an Internet browser, a word processing program, the occasional spreadsheet, an email application and almost nothing else. These computer owners may not realize that they're paying $150 to $300 for the OS and another $300 or more for the office suite--most of which they'll never use. Why add hundreds of dollars to a computer system that has a life expectancy of three to four years? Software costs often exceed hardware costs by two or three times. Small businesses resort to piracy or doing without needed software to compensate for those costs. Neither is a good choice.

The alternative puts you at odds with the accepted philosophy that Windows is your only choice for desktop computers and servers. The Linux concept requires that you step outside the standard box that Microsoft has placed you in, and realize that you have a choice that makes sense for you, your bank account, and your business.

Your Windows computers need an anti-virus program that hinders performance, anti-spyware software that you have to run manually to scan for all the nasties that invade your computing habitat, and a personal firewall to ward off those over-the-network attackers.

Alternatively, Ubuntu is free. You can download any version of it and use it for any purpose. Upgrades are also free. There's no need for any anti-virus software or anti-spyware applications on Linux, which comes with a personal firewall, if you want to use it.

Linux also comes to you with a free office suite, OpenOffice.org that includes Microsoft-compatible applications. They look and behave so much like Microsoft's office suite that you may never realize any difference between the two.

Ubuntu comes standard with thousands of free applications on the installation CD and in the Ubuntu software repository. Unless there's some compelling application that you're required to purchase, you'll never spend a penny on software for your business systems. That's correct, you can use Ubuntu and all the available software without paying anyone for it. Further, the software is open source, which means that you can look at and change the code for any purpose-even to resell it as your own. That goes for the Linux code and most software programs that you install on a system. Individual software applications have their own licensing and restrictions.

For business owners who fear the word "free" for business-critical applications and continuity, Ubuntu Linux has commercial support available from the company that sponsors it: Canonical. Canonical and Ubuntu are the entrepreneurial ventures of Mark Shuttleworth, the South African businessperson who also founded Thawte, an Internet security company, and started the Ubuntu project to help everyone in the world have access to free computing software. He founded Canonical to support Ubuntu Linux for those who wish to purchase support for Ubuntu. Like most commercially supported Linux distributions, Ubuntu's support is subscription-based. Canonical also offers training courses and consulting services to their corporate clients.

Ubuntu has a version that's right for all aspects of your business. There are Ubuntu versions for netbooks, desktop computers, servers and cloud computing needs. The cloud computing Ubuntu, known as Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud (UEC), ties in closely with Amazon.com's Elastic Compute Cloud platform (EC2).

Canonical releases major versions of Ubuntu every six months in April and in October of each year. Every two years, Canonical releases a Long Term Support (LTS) version. Canonical supports the LTS versions for five full years with updates, security fixes and upgrades-all free of charge.

If you're tired of vendor lock-in, major hardware upgrades with each new version's arrival, high support costs, and runaway software prices, Ubuntu makes sense for you and your business. Ubuntu, Canonical and your business make the perfect team and create the perfect environment to protect you and your customers(SONY VAIO VGN-P70H/W battery)

What to Do If You Can't Stand an Ubuntu Application

2011-05-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

When trying Ubuntu especially if it's your first experience with Linux, there might be times that you just can't stand a certain application or program. You might not like how it works or how it looks. Maybe it feels too different from what you are used to on your Windows machine or your Mac. There is a simple solution to this if can't stand on the applications.

One of the big advantages of using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu is that there are thousands of applications to choose from. The only thing that makes Ubuntu what it is would be the selection of applications for that specific distribution. If you don't like something, whether it's a program or interface, you can change it.

In Ubuntu there is something called the Synaptic Package Manager. This program will let you search for other open source software. If you hate the text editor, browser, paint program, or anything else, search for an alternative. For most common desktop applications there will be a wide variety of alternatives to download, test out, and use for free.

If you don't like the way Ubuntu looks, download and try Kubuntu or Xubuntu as these run different programs to have a completely different interface. These also come with a different set of applications to do basic computer tasks. Kubuntu for example comes with KDE and runs a wide variety of "K" applications that will be different than the ones in other versions of Ubuntu.

Before making up your mind about Ubuntu or any other distribution of Linux, realize that the system is extremely flexible and does allow for changes to be made on almost any level.

Besides writing informative technology and computer articles Lance also writes on jewelry and fashion like the Brass Knuckles Necklace and Brass Knuckles Pendant accessories.

2011-05-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

ubuntu |oǒ'boǒntoō|

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.

Where did it all begin?

Linux was already established as an enterprise server platform in 2004. But free software was still not a part of everyday life for most computer users. That's why Mark Shuttleworth gathered a small team of developers from one of the most established Linux projects – Debian - and set out to create an easy-to-use Linux desktop, Ubuntu.

The vision for Ubuntu is part social and part economic: free software, available free of charge to everybody on the same terms, and funded through a portfolio of services provided by Canonical.

Ubuntu releases

The Ubuntu team broke new ground in committing to a programme of scheduled releases on a predictable six-month basis. It was decided that every fourth release, issued on a two-year basis, would receive long-term support (LTS). LTS releases are typically used for large-scale deployments.

Ubuntu is different from the commercial Linux offerings that preceded it because it doesn't divide its efforts between a high-quality commercial version and a free, 'community' version. The commercial and community teams collaborate to produce a single, high-quality release, which receives ongoing maintenance for a defined period. Both the release and ongoing updates are freely available to all users.

Governance

Version 4.10, codenamed the 'Warty Warthog', the first official Ubuntu release, was launched in October 2004. Global interest in Ubuntu was dramatic from the outset. The year following the Warty Warthog release saw huge growth in the Ubuntu community as thousands of free software enthusiasts and experts joined.

The governance of Ubuntu is somewhat independent of Canonical, with volunteer leaders from around the world taking responsibility for many of the critical elements of the project. It remains a key tenet of the Ubuntu Project that Ubuntu is a shared work between Canonical, other companies, and the thousands of volunteers who bring their expertise to bear on making it a world-class platform for the whole world to use.

Ubuntu today

The first version of Ubuntu was based on the GNOME desktop. We have since added a KDE edition, Kubuntu, and a server edition. All of the editions of Ubuntu share common infrastructure and software, making Ubuntu a unique platform that scales from consumer electronics to the desktop, and into the cloud for enterprise computing. Developers can work on their desktop of choice, and smoothly deliver code to cloud servers running the stripped-down Ubuntu Server Edition.

In recent years, special emphasis has been placed on netbooks for lightweight, connected, mobile computing, and on the cloud as a new architecture for data centres. Ubuntu is a pioneer in both fields, with Ubuntu Netbook Edition and Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud setting the standard for easy deployment and management. Ubuntu is hugely popular on Amazon's EC2 and Rackspace's Cloud, and is pre-installed on computers from Dell, Lenovo and other global vendors.

Ubuntu still is and always will be free to use, share and develop. We hope it will bring a touch of light to your computing – and we hope that you'll join us in helping to build the next version too.

How To Install Linux Ubuntu On Virtualbox

2011-05-02T01:27:00.000-07:00

VirtualBox is a free program that allows you to install another operating system on top of your base operating system. It is a convenient option for those who, for example, want to use programs that require other operating systems but have only one computer. In this article I will show you how to install a free operating system called Ubuntu.

First go to virtualbox.org to download an appropriate version for your computer. Install following onscreen instructions. Next, download Ubuntu. Don't do anything with the downloaded.iso file yet, just save it to someplace you can remember.

Now we're going to set up a new virtual machine. Open VirtualBox if it isn't already open and select the "New" button. This will open an installation wizard. Use the "Next" button to proceed. Name your virtual machine Ubuntu or anything you like, but it's advisable that it's something sensible. Then choose what type of operating system you'll be installing (choose Linux). Hit "Next". Choose the amount of memory that will be used by Ubuntu virtual machine. VirtualBox should recommend an appropriate amount (you can choose the amount you want but it may be best to stick to what is recommended). Hit "Next".

Now, you're going to make a virtual hard disk. Follow the instructions to another wizard that will help you do this. When you get there you can choose to have a "Fixed-Size Storage" or "Dynamically Expanding Storage". It all depends on what you want. If you make it a fixed size, you can only create or download files on Ubuntu up to that fixed limit. Expanding storage means that you start out with the file size of Ubuntu itself and it grows until your physical hard drive is full. Hit "Next" to accept what you've done. Then click finish to create the virtual hard disk. Then hit finish again to confirm and create your virtual machine.

Now we're going to set up the virtual machine to boot from the Ubuntu.iso file. Choose your virtual machine you created and click "Settings". Hit "CD/DVD-ROM". Tick the check-box for "Mount CD/DVD-ROM". Select "ISO Image". Then you should see a folder that opens the Virtual Media Manger, click it. Click "Add". Browse for the Ubuntu.iso where you saved it. Hit "Open". Hit "Select" and then "OK".

Now select the virtual machine you created and hit "Start". There will be mention of "Auto capture keyboard"... read the message and click "OK". There may be mention of a screen mode... read and click "OK". After this follow the onscreen instructions to install Ubuntu. Remember that the "disk" mentioned in the installation refers to the VirtualBox virtual hard disk that you created for Ubuntu. So when the installer talks about using the whole hard drive, it's referring to the virtual hard disk.

If you've followed all the instructions properly, you should have Ubuntu running on top of your native operating system in no time. Now you can do all sorts of great things with this setup. You can run Linux applications on your, let's say, Mac. Or you can do even cooler stuff like get a US IP address for your PS3 to access movies and TV shows (see resources below).

If you need any further tips about the Ubuntu installation process, see the resources below.

Win XP and Ubuntu Linux Dual Boot (Ubuntu First)

2011-04-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

     This article is about dual-booting for Linux Ubuntu-8.04 (Herdy Heron) and Microsoft Windows XP; where Ubuntu has already been installed in the system.

     To manage dual-boot we need a boot manager. In Windows we know it as bootloader and in Ubuntu it is called GRUB.

     When we will install XP after Herdy Heron, it will completely overwrite the GRUB with its own boot manager. Unfortunately, till today, Windows are not well enough to deal with this kind of situations or they simply don't want their users to experience other Operating Systems.

     So after installing XP you will see only XP on the start-up screen, there will be no Linux. Now, we have to reinstall the grub to see them together. To do so, you will need the Ubuntu OS installation CD. Insert it to your CD ROM and restart the computer. Select your desired language. Select Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer. It will lead you to boot up with live session.

Now go to Applications --> Accessories --> Terminal. Then, type in "sudo grub" and press Enter.
">grub" this is what you would see and will keep seeing until you finish the grub session.
Now just type "find /boot/grub/stage1" after ">grub" and it will show the GRUB.
You will find something like "(hdX,Y)" where X and Y will be two numbers. If you are a newbie, you need not know right now about what it means.
For example, it is "(hd0,1)" It should be ">grub (hd0,1)" to look like.
Now type "root (hd0,1)" It should be ">grub root (hd0,1)" to look like.
Now type "setup (hd0)" It should be ">grub setup (hd0)" to look like.

If everything goes right you will see some lines with success.
Now you can type "quit".

Gnome Shell Vs Ubuntu Unity

2011-04-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

When it comes to choose the next generation desktop environment, there is sheer war among the computer users, whether to pick GNOME Shell or Ubuntu Unity? Both of these operating systems are looming on the horizon and there are huge expectations from desktop environments. In this article we are going to discuss more about GNOME Shell and Ubuntu Unity. For operating system support, you can consult a PC repair company. There are plenty of them available in the market.

Let's start the discussion with GNOME Shell. Being the next generation of the GNOME Desktop Environment, GNOME Shell is a component of GNOME 3.0. It has been scheduled for release in April 2011. It replaces GNOME Panel and is integrated with Mutter which is a compositing window manager for X11.

On the other hand, Ubuntu Unity is a shell interface for the GNOME desktop environment. It has been developed by Canonical Ltd for the Ubuntu operating system and debuted in the netbook edition of Ubuntu 10.10. At first glance, Ubuntu Unity is going to be much more accessible to new users. This is because a new user might not be aware about the fact that to open up the launcher menu they need to hover their mouse in the upper left corner or click the Activities button. In Ubuntu Unity, the launchers are positioned right on the desktop.

You will find no run dialog in Ubuntu Unity. Most of the computer users used to use this dialog for launching applications for a very long time. Omission of this run dialog will definitely create a problem for them. On the contrary, on GNOME Shell you can have your run dialog!

Configuring the desktop is also very easy in the GNOME Shell. The users only need to right-click the desktop, the traditional way. But in order to configure Ubuntu Unity desktop, the user must click Applications, then System, and then Appearance. Even many will also find difficulties to find applications as they need to get to Systems from within Applications.

With both of these desktop environments you can't change your window manager. Whether you prefer Emerald over the standard window manager, either GNOME Shell or Ubuntu Unity, none allows you to perform the task. The Linux desktop are widely popular due to its flexibility. But those who are planning to use either GNOME Shell or Ubuntu Unity you will not be able to enjoy this flexibility.

So, from the discussion, it is clear that both of these desktop environments have some good and bad. Now, it's up to the users which one they will prefer.

Ubuntu Games - My Favorite 5 Games for Ubuntu Article Source

2011-04-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Playing games on Ubuntu is very exciting. I will outline five of my favorite games.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten (aka Cube 2) is a first person shooter (FPS). There are two main types of gameplay including the following: multiplayer and singleplayer. Multiplayer is a network game over the internet or your LAN. There is a master serve list if you would like to browse all public Sauerbraten servers. Singleplayer has a campaign mode and bot matches. One neat feature of Sauerbraten is coop edit in game editing. Multiple people can edit a map while playing on it. There are many game modes including the following: Efficiency CTF, Efficiency Hold, Efficiency Protect, Hold, InstaHold, Free-For-All, InstaGib, Capture, Capture the Flag, Teamplay, Tactics, and Protect.

AssualtCube

AssaultCube is also an FPS. AssaultCube is also known as Cube, becoming before Sauerbraten. AssaultCube has multiplayer and singleplayer, but with many less playing modes. AssaultCube runs very well on old computers with bad graphics cards.

Torcs

Torcs is a very realistic racing simulator. Essentially it is a racing game, but it tries to give a very real feel in terms of traction and speed. There are many cars that are available to drive. This includes NASCAR, F1, racing trucks, and off-road vehicles. There are also many tracks to drive on. You can play against the computer or a friend in split screen play. Pit stops are available.

SuperTux

SuperTux is a platform game, aka Mario. Instead of Mario is the Linux penguin. He has nine enemies to fight in 26 levels. SuperTux has support for a joystick too for some old school gaming.

Frets On Fire X

Frets in Fire X is a Guitar Hero look a like. It allows up to four players to play the guitar, bass and drums or sing. MIDI instruments can be used as a controller in addition to Xbox, Wii, and PS3 Guitar Hero instruments. There is also a world high score chart so you can post your high score for the world to see.

I hope you can enjoy one of these great games on Ubuntu

How to Run Spider Solitaire on Ubuntu?

2011-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

The first is to realize that there is a version of spider solitaire as well as about fifty other card based games that come on Ubuntu systems. The reason most can't find it is because it seems to be hidden. So it is actually there if you know where to look for it! Here is where to go find it:

Go to Applications then Games and select the program AisleRiot Solitaire. At first this looks like a normal version of Solitaire but it does have the spider version inside. Click on Game then Select Game to bring up a list of card games. One of these will be the spider version that many have grown to love. Problem solved for most of us.

If you want to use the exact Windows version, you will need the executable. By default this does not run in Ubuntu because it's only runs in Windows format, but you can make it work. There is a free program called WineHQ that will run these types of files while using Linux. This can be found in the Synaptic Package Manager. After installation run the executable under "Wine" to get it to work. This solution works quite well for most people who want the native Windows option but a bit more work is required.

A third option is to go into the repositories and download other solitaire games that are free, open source software if you would like a different version or look from the one that comes with Ubuntu. There are thousands of games to choose from some of which will have things like spider solitaire packaged with it. Of course this involves the most work but also gives you the most functionality.

Generally speaking, if there is a simple application or game that you need, there is an open source alternative to what was offered on your Windows machine. This is because people who make open source software like making applications and programs that people enjoy using.

About Ubuntu

2011-04-26T23:53:00.001-07:00

Ubuntu is an entirely open source operating system built around the Linux kernel. The Ubuntu community is built around the ideals 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 customize and alter their software in whatever way they see fit. For those reasons:

Ubuntu will always be free of charge, and there is no extra fee for the "enterprise edition," we make our very best work available to everyone on the same Free terms.
Ubuntu includes the very best in translations and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer, to make Ubuntu usable for as many people as possible.
Ubuntu is released regularly and predictably; a new release is made every six months. You can use the current stable release or the current development release. Each release is supported for at least 18 months.
Ubuntu is entirely committed to the principles of open source software development; we encourage people to use open source software, improve it and pass it on.

The Ubuntu community is comprised of developers, programmers, testers, techwriters, documentation testers, translators, and most importantly, the people who use Ubuntu every day. We invite you to join this community and help make Ubuntu the operating system you, your family, your friends, and your colleagues will love to use. Help us translate Ubuntu into your language, try it on new and unusual hardware, improve the experience of other users with hints, tips, and FAQs, or help to shape the direction Ubuntu is headed by providing feedback about the software you love most.
Find out more at the Ubuntu website.

About the Name

Ubuntu is a South African ethical ideology focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other. The word comes from the Zulu and Xhosa languages. Ubuntu (pronounced "oo-BOON-too") is seen as a traditional African concept, is regarded as one of the founding principles of the new republic of South Africa and is connected to the idea of an African Renaissance.
A rough translation of the principle of Ubuntu is "humanity towards others". Another translation could be: "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity".

	"A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed."
	--Archbishop Desmond Tutu

As a platform based on GNU/Linux, the Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of ubuntu to the software world.

Free Software

The Ubuntu project is entirely committed to the principles of open source software development; people are encouraged to use open source software, improve it, and pass it on. This means that Ubuntu is and will always be free of charge.
However, this means more than just being available at zero cost. The philosophy of free software is that people should be free to use software in all the ways that are "socially useful". "Free software" doesn't just mean that you shouldn't have to pay for it, it also means that you should be able to use the software in any way you wish: the code that makes up free software is available for anyone to download, change, fix, and use in any way. So apart from the fact that free software is often available without charge, this freedom also has technical advantages: when programs are developed, the hard work of others can be used and built upon. With non-free software, this cannot happen and when programs are developed, they have to start from scratch. For this reason the development of free software is fast, efficient and exciting!
You can find out more about the philosophy of free software here.

The Difference

There are many different operating systems based on GNU/Linux: Debian, SuSE, Gentoo, RedHat, and Mandriva are examples. Ubuntu is yet another contender in what is already a highly competitive world. So what makes Ubuntu different?
Based on Debian, one of the most widely acclaimed, technologically advanced, and well-supported distributions, Ubuntu aims to create a distribution that provides an up-to-date and coherent Linux system for desktop and server computing. Ubuntu includes a number of carefully selected packages from the Debian distribution and retains its powerful package management system which allows easy installation and clean removal of programs. Unlike most distributions that ship with a large amount of software that may or may not be of use, Ubuntu's list of packages is reduced to a number of important applications of high quality.
By focusing on quality, Ubuntu produces a robust and feature-rich computing environment that is suitable for use in both home and commercial environments. The project takes the time required to focus on finer details and is able to release a version featuring the latest and greatest of today's software once every 6 months. Ubuntu is available in flavours for the i386 (386/486/Pentium(II/III/IV) and Athlon/Duron/Sempron processors), AMD64 (Athlon64, Opteron, and new 64-bit Intel processors), and PowerPC (iBook/Powerbook, G4 and G5) architectures.

Long-Term Support

Every Ubuntu release is supported for at least 18 months with security and other updates. Ubuntu 6.06.1 LTS is a special enterprise-ready release, and is supported for 3 years on the desktop, and 5 years on the server. The development process of Ubuntu 6.06.1 LTS was slightly longer than usual to concentrate on a number of areas:

Quality Assurance
Localisation
Certification

As a result, it will be possible to rely on Ubuntu 6.06.1 LTS for a longer period than usual. Therefore this release of Ubuntu is referred to as "LTS" or "Long-Term Support".

The Desktop

The default desktop environment for Ubuntu is GNOME, a leading UNIX and Linux desktop suite and development platform.
Another leading UNIX and Linux desktop is KDE. The Kubuntu project offers Ubuntu users an alternative choice to the default GNOME desktop environment. Thanks to the efforts of the Kubuntu team, Ubuntu users are now able to install and use the KDE desktop easily on their system. To get a working install of Kubuntu on an Ubuntu install, install the kubuntu-desktop package. Once kubuntu-desktop is installed, one can choose to use either a Gnome or KDE desktop environment.

Version and Release Numbers

The Ubuntu version numbering scheme is based on the date we release a version of the distribution. The version number comes from the year and month of the release rather than reflecting the actual version of the software. Our first release (Warty Warthog) was in October 2004 so its version was 4.10. This version (Dapper Drake) was released in June 2006 so its version number is 6.06.1 LTS.

Backing and Support

Ubuntu is maintained by a quickly growing community. The project is sponsored by Canonical Ltd., a holding company founded by Mark Shuttleworth. Canonical employs the core Ubuntu developers and offers support and consulting services for Ubuntu.
Canonical Ltd also sponsors a number of other Open Source software projects, about which more information can be found on the Canonical website.

What is Linux?

The Linux kernel, pronounced 'lee-nucks' is the heart of the Ubuntu operating system. A kernel is an important part of any operating system, providing the communication bridge between hardware and software.
Linux was brought to life in 1991 by a Finnish student named Linus Torvalds. At the time, it would run only on i386 systems, and was essentially an independently created clone of the UNIX kernel, intended to take advantage of the then-new i386 architecture.
Nowadays, thanks to a substantial amount of development effort by people all around the world, Linux runs on virtually every modern architecture.
The Linux kernel has gained an ideological importance as well as a technical one. There is an entire community of people who believe in the ideals of free software and spend their time helping to make open source technology as good as it can be.
People in this community gave rise to initiatives such as Ubuntu, standards committees that shape the development of the Internet, organizations like the Mozilla Foundation, responsible for creating Mozilla Firefox, and countless other software projects from which you've certainly benefited in the past.
The spirit of open source, commonly attributed to Linux, is influencing software developers and users everywhere to drive communities with common goals.

What is GNU?

The GNU Project, pronounced “guh-noo”, was launched in 1984 to develop a complete UNIX style operating system which is comprised of free software: the GNU system. Variants of the GNU operating system, which use the Linux kernel, are now widely used; though these systems are often referred to as “Linux,” they are more accurately called GNU/Linux systems.
The GNU project is closely linked to the philosophy of free software, which is central to the projects that derive from it, such as Ubuntu.

The Ubuntu story

2011-04-26T05:44:00.003-07:00

ubuntu |oǒ'boǒntoō|

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.

Where did it all begin?

The vision for Ubuntu is part social and part economic: free software, available free of charge to everybody on the same terms, and funded through a portfolio of services provided by Canonical.

Ubuntu releases

Governance

Ubuntu today

5 Major Drawbacks of Linux Hosting

2011-04-21T06:19:00.001-07:00

Many organizations use Linux hosting for creating and publishing their websites because Linux is open source and can be easily modified and improved. Also, Linux hosting is cheap as compared to Windows hosting and is popular for its stability and security owing to the regular modifications and improvements made by developers to deal with programming and security issues.

Linux is also being used by large organizations such as HP and IBM and cell phone manufacturers such as Nokia and Motorola to create phone applications. However, Linux hosting is not free of drawbacks. Some of the major drawbacks of Linux hosting are given below.

1. Complicated for new users

When compared to Windows, Linux is a little more complicated for new users. Although, it provides its users with more control, but, they have to spend some time in getting used to Linux in order to use it for the right purpose. Thus, if you have little or no experience in managing a website, it is better to choose Windows hosting.

2. Some features work better on Windows

Although Linux web hosting is very useful, however, some hosting features and tools are designed to function better with Windows hosting rather than Linux hosting. For example, in case you plan to offer online chat services, you should choose a Windows hosting plan. Windows hosting also allows better access to databases and customers can easily view and browse through your products and services. Therefore, if your website has been specifically designed for Windows based applications, you need to get a Windows hosting plan rather than a cheap option in the form of Linux hosting.

3. Lack Of Support For Windows-based Technologies

Linux hosting also does not support many Windows-based applications. For example, ASP programming language along with its extensions, do not function on Linux operating system even though many improvements and modifications have been made. Similarly, Linux does not support Microsoft Exchange Server which is a commonly used exchange server solution. Clients already accustomed to Microsoft Exchange Server might need to get a Windows hosting plan. However, some clients may use virtualization software such as VMware which allows them to load Windows within Linux hosting thereby making it easy to use Microsoft based software on Linux hosting.

4. Less Hardware Options

Another consideration for Linux hosting is that Linux hosting does not support a lot of hardware. Most vendors write drivers which work for Windows operating system rather than Linux because of the common use of Windows operating system. Due to this reason, Linux hosting offers limited hardware options.

5. Difficult Installation

As compared to Linux, it is very simple and easy to install Windows from scratch because different distributors have different installation programs for Linux and these programs may also vary from version to version.

Although considered to be very reliable and secure, these above mentioned Linux hosting drawbacks should be kept in mind before jumping on the bandwagon of Linux hosting. As mentioned earlier, if you are a beginner and are not familiar with Linux, avoid using Linux hosting as it will increase your time and effort. However, Linux hosting is the best ideal for expert users.

The Origin of Linux Distribution

2011-04-14T00:52:00.001-07:00

"Linux Distribution" or call briefly that is "Linux Distro" which born from the requirement Distribute Linux Operating System go to the favor extensively. The "Distribution" word is the extensively meaning there is appear in every the society, there is person group want to announce the idea of oneself goes out to others.
For linux distro that is person group they want to announce linux operating system to others turn to take an interest and lead the linux operating system to be usable more and more extensively there. The power adds that make up the linux distro that have as follows.

First, because of in the age at linux start the internet system still have a few speed extremely then not convenient to download linux kernel and all linux components come to set up because more will fully completed download it get time long ago. So, CD-ROM saller group for sets up a linux program then important duty first of linux distribution.

The second points, is in the age at this first also at all program at the components of linux operating system still during of development goes to according to one's ability of program developer from the worldwide, thus leading linux to usable have rather a little moderately, So mostly software that distribute then is in "source code" which the lead will go to usable must use the technical step that calls "Program Compilation" then make not convenient or almost impossible to build the favor happen in group of newcomer users quickly follows the aim of linux distribution. So the linux distro group must prepare operating system software of oneself are in fully use actually then get achieve.

The third points, that is the hard step for linux operating system installation must touch redesign for easyly most don't differ from order calling setup command in windows installation, including setting all the usability and refining the system for just boot with Linux CD-ROM and click next go to continually already you will have linux operating system that want, simple that is linux distro must making usability linux get into simple for general person.
So, linux distribution then group of person are the organization there is the objective to announce the operating system that uses linux for kernel to general person to extensively usability by operate beneath the regulation of the OpenSource community and FREE Software which in now have linux distribution increase greatly.
This is the basic about the origin of linux operating system and linux distro distributing to other linux users. Linux learning is easiest in now vendor of each linux distro they has created it for easy to use and easy fast install, So you can learn on same the windows os.

10 fundamental differences between Linux and Windows

2011-04-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

#1: Full access vs. no access

Having access to the source code is probably the single most significant difference between Linux and Windows. The fact that Linux belongs to the GNU Public License ensures that users (of all sorts) can access (and alter) the code to the very kernel that serves as the foundation of the Linux operating system. You want to peer at the Windows code? Good luck. Unless you are a member of a very select (and elite, to many) group, you will never lay eyes on code making up the Windows operating system.

You can look at this from both sides of the fence. Some say giving the public access to the code opens the operating system (and the software that runs on top of it) to malicious developers who will take advantage of any weakness they find. Others say that having full access to the code helps bring about faster improvements and bug fixes to keep those malicious developers from being able to bring the system down. I have, on occasion, dipped into the code of one Linux application or another, and when all was said and done, was happy with the results. Could I have done that with a closed-source Windows application? No.

#2: Licensing freedom vs. licensing restrictions

Along with access comes the difference between the licenses. I'm sure that every IT professional could go on and on about licensing of PC software. But let's just look at the key aspect of the licenses (without getting into legalese). With a Linux GPL-licensed operating system, you are free to modify that software and use and even republish or sell it (so long as you make the code available). Also, with the GPL, you can download a single copy of a Linux distribution (or application) and install it on as many machines as you like. With the Microsoft license, you can do none of the above. You are bound to the number of licenses you purchase, so if you purchase 10 licenses, you can legally install that operating system (or application) on only 10 machines.

#3: Online peer support vs. paid help-desk support

This is one issue where most companies turn their backs on Linux. But it's really not necessary. With Linux, you have the support of a huge community via forums, online search, and plenty of dedicated Web sites. And of course, if you feel the need, you can purchase support contracts from some of the bigger Linux companies (Red Hat and Novell for instance).

However, when you use the peer support inherent in Linux, you do fall prey to time. You could have an issue with something, send out e-mail to a mailing list or post on a forum, and within 10 minutes be flooded with suggestions. Or these suggestions could take hours of days to come in. It seems all up to chance sometimes. Still, generally speaking, most problems with Linux have been encountered and documented. So chances are good you'll find your solution fairly quickly.

On the other side of the coin is support for Windows. Yes, you can go the same route with Microsoft and depend upon your peers for solutions. There are just as many help sites/lists/forums for Windows as there are for Linux. And you can purchase support from Microsoft itself. Most corporate higher-ups easily fall victim to the safety net that having a support contract brings. But most higher-ups haven't had to depend up on said support contract. Of the various people I know who have used either a Linux paid support contract or a Microsoft paid support contract, I can't say one was more pleased than the other. This of course begs the question "Why do so many say that Microsoft support is superior to Linux paid support?"

#4: Full vs. partial hardware support

One issue that is slowly becoming nonexistent is hardware support. Years ago, if you wanted to install Linux on a machine you had to make sure you hand-picked each piece of hardware or your installation would not work 100 percent. I can remember, back in 1997-ish, trying to figure out why I couldn't get Caldera Linux or Red Hat Linux to see my modem. After much looking around, I found I was the proud owner of a Winmodem. So I had to go out and purchase a US Robotics external modem because that was the one modem I knew would work. This is not so much the case now. You can grab a PC (or laptop) and most likely get one or more Linux distributions to install and work nearly 100 percent. But there are still some exceptions. For instance, hibernate/suspend remains a problem with many laptops, although it has come a long way.

With Windows, you know that most every piece of hardware will work with the operating system. Of course, there are times (and I have experienced this over and over) when you will wind up spending much of the day searching for the correct drivers for that piece of hardware you no longer have the install disk for. But you can go out and buy that 10-cent Ethernet card and know it'll work on your machine (so long as you have, or can find, the drivers). You also can rest assured that when you purchase that insanely powerful graphics card, you will probably be able to take full advantage of its power.

#5: Command line vs. no command line

No matter how far the Linux operating system has come and how amazing the desktop environment becomes, the command line will always be an invaluable tool for administration purposes. Nothing will ever replace my favorite text-based editor, ssh, and any given command-line tool. I can't imagine administering a Linux machine without the command line. But for the end user — not so much. You could use a Linux machine for years and never touch the command line. Same with Windows. You can still use the command line with Windows, but not nearly to the extent as with Linux. And Microsoft tends to obfuscate the command prompt from users. Without going to Run and entering cmd (or command, or whichever it is these days), the user won't even know the command-line tool exists. And if a user does get the Windows command line up and running, how useful is it really?

#6: Centralized vs. noncentralized application installation

The heading for this point might have thrown you for a loop. But let's think about this for a second. With Linux you have (with nearly every distribution) a centralized location where you can search for, add, or remove software. I'm talking about package management systems, such as Synaptic. With Synaptic, you can open up one tool, search for an application (or group of applications), and install that application without having to do any Web searching (or purchasing).

Windows has nothing like this. With Windows, you must know where to find the software you want to install, download the software (or put the CD into your machine), and run setup.exe or install.exe with a simple double-click. For many years, it was thought that installing applications on Windows was far easier than on Linux. And for many years, that thought was right on target. Not so much now. Installation under Linux is simple, painless, and centralized.

#7: Flexibility vs. rigidity

I always compare Linux (especially the desktop) and Windows to a room where the floor and ceiling are either movable or not. With Linux, you have a room where the floor and ceiling can be raised or lowered, at will, as high or low as you want to make them. With Windows, that floor and ceiling are immovable. You can't go further than Microsoft has deemed it necessary to go.

Take, for instance, the desktop. Unless you are willing to pay for and install a third-party application that can alter the desktop appearance, with Windows you are stuck with what Microsoft has declared is the ideal desktop for you. With Linux, you can pretty much make your desktop look and feel exactly how you want/need. You can have as much or as little on your desktop as you want. From simple flat Fluxbox to a full-blown 3D Compiz experience, the Linux desktop is as flexible an environment as there is on a computer.

#8: Fanboys vs. corporate types

I wanted to add this because even though Linux has reached well beyond its school-project roots, Linux users tend to be soapbox-dwelling fanatics who are quick to spout off about why you should be choosing Linux over Windows. I am guilty of this on a daily basis (I try hard to recruit new fanboys/girls), and it's a badge I wear proudly. Of course, this is seen as less than professional by some. After all, why would something worthy of a corporate environment have or need cheerleaders? Shouldn't the software sell itself? Because of the open source nature of Linux, it has to make do without the help of the marketing budgets and deep pockets of Microsoft. With that comes the need for fans to help spread the word. And word of mouth is the best friend of Linux.

Some see the fanaticism as the same college-level hoorah that keeps Linux in the basements for LUG meetings and science projects. But I beg to differ. Another company, thanks to the phenomenon of a simple music player and phone, has fallen into the same fanboy fanaticism, and yet that company's image has not been besmirched because of that fanaticism. Windows does not have these same fans. Instead, Windows has a league of paper-certified administrators who believe the hype when they hear the misrepresented market share numbers reassuring them they will be employable until the end of time.

#9: Automated vs. nonautomated removable media

I remember the days of old when you had to mount your floppy to use it and unmount it to remove it. Well, those times are drawing to a close — but not completely. One issue that plagues new Linux users is how removable media is used. The idea of having to manually "mount" a CD drive to access the contents of a CD is completely foreign to new users. There is a reason this is the way it is. Because Linux has always been a multiuser platform, it was thought that forcing a user to mount a media to use it would keep the user's files from being overwritten by another user. Think about it: On a multiuser system, if everyone had instant access to a disk that had been inserted, what would stop them from deleting or overwriting a file you had just added to the media? Things have now evolved to the point where Linux subsystems are set up so that you can use a removable device in the same way you use them in Windows. But it's not the norm. And besides, who doesn't want to manually edit the /etc/fstab fle?

#10: Multilayered run levels vs. a single-layered run level

I couldn't figure out how best to title this point, so I went with a description. What I'm talking about is Linux' inherent ability to stop at different run levels. With this, you can work from either the command line (run level 3) or the GUI (run level 5). This can really save your socks when X Windows is fubared and you need to figure out the problem. You can do this by booting into run level 3, logging in as root, and finding/fixing the problem.

With Windows, you're lucky to get to a command line via safe mode — and then you may or may not have the tools you need to fix the problem. In Linux, even in run level 3, you can still get and install a tool to help you out (hello apt-get install APPLICATION via the command line). Having different run levels is helpful in another way. Say the machine in question is a Web or mail server. You want to give it all the memory you have, so you don't want the machine to boot into run level 5. However, there are times when you do want the GUI for administrative purposes (even though you can fully administer a Linux server from the command line). Because you can run the startx command from the command line at run level 3, you can still start up X Windows and have your GUI as well. With Windows, you are stuck at the Graphical run level unless you hit a serious problem.

Linux 101: A Newcomer’S Guide

2011-04-06T03:20:00.001-07:00

Are you wishing to try the new Linux 101 version at your desktop or for your organization? Well, it could be a tough task if you do not know what exactly to do. Especially if you have no knowledge of the Linux operating system and are planning to covert from Windows, it could be mind-boggling. However, if you are one of such people then here is a guide for you. Keep in mind that you will have to spend a good amount of money and effort to understand how Linux 101 works. Here is a step-by-step information guide that you will need to decide if this is the operating system for you, to choose a Linux distribution, to install and configure and to get the software applications for it.
The first thing you need to know is what an operating system is. Then, find out the difference between UNIX and Windows. Until and unless you know what UNIX is all about, you will not be able to use Linux in the best possible way. Linux belongs to the UNIX family only and that is why it is important to know about it.
Once you start reading about all this information, you will get to know that Linux is the ultimate UNIX. UNIX does not refer to any single operating system but it contains a number of flavors. Linux was written with the UNIX architecture by Linus Torvalds in 1943. Since that very day, it has created a revolution for UNIX. Some people consider it a better operating system; better even than the Microsoft Windows. It makes use of open source and free software that is really relished by its users.
After you have gathered enough information about Linux, you will have to choose a Linux distribution. Again there are hundreds of choices. If you think you are not educated enough to choose the right distribution for yourself then it is better to take consult. You can consult your friends or colleagues who are already using Linux to know about the Linux 101. Once you get hold of the operating system, you will have to pick some useful software applications. They are needed for both – business and fun. You can easily find the various options available on the Internet.
You can find out all the above mentioned information through the Internet but you will need personal attention from an expert to learn how to use Linux 101. Therefore, the best way to follow these steps is to start with finding a Linux guru. Find an expert who has thorough knowledge of Linux and make him/her to teach and help operate Linux 101. However, keep in mind that having a certification to understand Linux is not a necessity.
Summary: To understand and start using the Linux 101 operating system, one needs to start from the scratch. From understanding the concept of an operating system, Linux, Windows to the special features of Linux – only an expert can help. Nevertheless, getting informed about certain things through the Internet can help one achieve the target soon!

Simple Instruction to Uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition From PC

2011-03-26T02:38:00.000-07:00

AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition enjoys lots of user all over the world. Some users

may want to uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition when they choose other

similar software. If you want to uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition, it is the

right article for you. There is something important you should know when removing AVG 8.5 Anti-

Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition.

Tips for uninstalling AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition by windows add/remove

program

1. In order to avoid incorrect uninstallation, make sure you exit AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for

Linux/FreeBSD Edition at first

2. You should restart your computer immediately after the uninstallation is complete or AVG 8.5

Anti-Virus for

Linux/FreeBSD Edition may not have been uninstalled correctly.

3. Add/Remove Programs can not remove all the related information of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for

Linux/FreeBSD Edition

completely especially registry entries, therefore the remaining part would slow down your

computer gradually and

even cause computer errors such as runtime error, install failure or dll error.

4. If you uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition by the windows add/remove

program, it is

recommended to clean up windows registry with a registry cleaner.

With some basic knowledge of uninstalling AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition, are you

wondering how

you can remove AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition completely from your computer?

How to uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition completely?

If you want to uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition completely and avoid any

mistake, you should

download a third party uninstaller, like Perfect Uninstaller. Perfect Uninstaller is one of the most

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one on the market. You can uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition within 4 steps.

1. Run Perfect Uninstaller.

2. Highlight AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition on the list of programs.

3. Click Uninstall button and follow the removal instruction.

4. Restart your computer to complete the removal of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD

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Uninstall AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD Edition with Perfect Uninstaller now and whenever

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Getting Started with Ubuntu Linux

2011-03-24T21:42:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered what using an operating system other than Windows would be like? Well, there are options! Most people don't realize they can install a completely different operating system on their computer. They trudge along in misery using Windows XP, while they could be using a newer, faster operating system that does everything Windows does and more.

So what is this other option and how much does it cost?

Linux. And it's free.

Free? Well, you say, if it's free it probably isn't that great. You'd be surprised just how polished and fast it runs, even on old hardware.

So where can I get Linux? You can download it from a number of places. Here is a link to the Ubuntu Linux OS downloads page. Ubuntu is one of the better Linux "flavors". Yes, there are a bunch of different Linux "distros" to choose from. Some are made for specialized applications, like audio production, or for use on older hardware. Others, like Ubuntu, are for end users looking for a nice desktop OS.

Once downloaded, you'll need to install it onto your computer. This is where things get tricky and most people will hit snags here. First thing to remember is don't do any harm to your current Windows setup. The best bet is to install Linux onto a separate hard disk, or onto a flash drive for testing purposes. If you aren't too technically savvy, then your best bet is to hook into a local Linux user group, a group of Linux fanatics in your area, who'd probably love to assist you. Do a search for a linux user group in your area here.

Once installed, where do I go for support? Again, this is where Linux shines. Rather than calling Microsoft support and getting some person sitting in a call center in another country reading off of a script, you can tap into the community of Linux users for help. They are usually a very friendly bunch, willing to help you make the jump to Linux. In the past, Linux had a reputation for users who were a little rude towards new users, but lately things are changing and the Ubuntu user forums are especially friendly to new users.

The most important thing is don't give up when you hit a snag. Once you "get it", Linux is a wonderful, powerful alternative to Windows.

Configure Firewall In Ubuntu

2011-03-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

Ubuntu or any linux distribution is well known for its security, but we have to enable and configure it accordingly. There are two ways to configure ufw (Ubuntu Firewall): The command line way and the graphical way. Today, we are going to learn how to configure the Ubuntu firewall: 1. The Graphical Way: This is the easiest way to configure ufw. First of all, install the firewall system from synaptic or from the command line by typing:
sudo apt-get install ufw gufw
After Installation, open it from System -> Administration -> gufw.
Add the rule "Allow From 192.168.0.0/16" by pressing the add button and check the enabled option. Be sure to DENY all incoming connections. That's it, your system is almost secure from the outer world.
2. The Terminal Way: Perform the following steps to configure ufw from the command line:

Open the terminal by pressing ALT+F2 and type gnome-terminal in the run application window.
Now, type sudo ufw default DENY in the terminal and press enter.
Issue the appropriate root password and press enter again, ufw will show you the confirmation.
Now add the rule by typing sudo ufw ALLOW FROM 192.168.0.0/16 and press enter followed by ufw's confirmation.
Ufw configured.

There are many other options for ufw which can be viewed by typing:
man ufw
So, you have seen that Ubuntu is a beautiful linux derivative with lots of features. Regarding the security matter, Ubuntu covers the hard-core security options, if configured properly. It comes both for Client and Server based platforms.

How to Install Ubuntu Themes

2011-03-22T22:11:00.001-07:00

Many of you may not be aware of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is basically a great looking, secure, super-fast intuitive operating system. It is an absolutely free operating system, which powers the laptops, servers, netbooks and desktops.

Originally, Ubuntu comes in a default, Human theme. You can change this default theme by any other available theme as Ubuntu using the Gnome desktop environment. Ubuntu offers many themes and varieties of Gnome themes are available on different websites which you can download for absolutely free. However, there are few websites which need payment for their offered Gnome themes.

Changing a theme on your Ubuntu involve few steps. First you have to download good looking and elegant themes which enhance your desktop with different colors, corners, buttons and scroll bar styles, on your computer. Later, you have to install the chosen theme on your computer by following the given method:

Go to: System à Preferences à Appearance or Theme

Once the "Theme Preferences" window is open, you need to drag the downloaded theme files onto the preferences box so as to make them appear in the list.

Ubuntu themes usually include:

-   Controls: These are also known as GTK Themes
-   Icons
-   Window Borders: These are also called Metacity Themes.

You can find all these in a single theme or some themes include two or only one of them. F you want to check any theme for the presence of these elements, simply go to "Customize" or "Theme Details" button. This feature of Ubuntu allows match and mix elements from different themes.

Following are given some of the popular Ubuntu themes:

-   Aqua Gnome Theme: It is an SVG icon theme fro Gnome.
-   Aero Theme: It is a good icon theme that gives a good look to your desktop. It is a large file of 60Mb.
-   Panther Window Borders: Another theme which is a conjunction to all the above mention icons.
-   Windows Vista Aero Icons: It gives your Gnome a Vista look with variable icons.
-   Vista Basic: It is a coolest window border theme.
-   Glass Icons: This theme is used to achieve a semi-transparent looks.
-   Alphacube Metacity: Another cool window border theme.
-   Vista Rounded Black Borders: This theme gives your system good-looking Black Vista feel.
-   Vista Rounded Focus Borders: Gives Vista look with comparatively smaller borders.
-   Clearlooks with a Cherry on Top: A popular window border theme.
-   Linsta Orange Black Plastic: If you want to have a Vista theme without having Vista problems, then it is a good choice.
-   Linsta Midnight Blue Plastic: It is just different in color from Orange Black, the rest is same to get Vista look.
-   Black Cherry: If you want to have a great looking black border, then go for this theme.
-   Aqwod: A good-looking icon theme.
-   Ubuntu Studio: This theme will give you that Ubuntu Studio look. Go to the Theme Preferences box and click the customize button, there select Ubuntu Studio in window border, Icons and Controls.

Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron Lts Release

2011-03-22T07:20:00.001-07:00

After continued success with Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon, the new Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron Linux desktop is sure to make big waves in the Linux distribution pool. As shown in the Ubuntu 8.04 alpha and beta releases, the new Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron release offers many features and enhancements for your desktop including the following and more.

Gnome 2.22 on Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron has a full array of improvements including the new GVFS Back-end Nautilus.

Pulse Audio offers cutting edge sound server technology on Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron.

Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron offers Firefox 3.0 which offers a good collection of new, tested, productive features but is still in beta at the time of this writing.

The Wubi installer allows you to easily install Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron on Windows using an .exe just like any other Windows application.

Along with the new Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron graphic scheme the World Clock Applet is an all around positive for the desktop offering temperature display, location profiles and more.

X.org 7.3 gives Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron users auto-configuration enhancements with the focus placed a minimal configuration file.

Developed by Google during the Summer of Code project and included in the upcoming Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron release, Prefetch will speed up boot-time and common application launching by profiling which files are read in which order and will automatically optimize the order of the data on the hard disk.

A new addition to the Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron application selection is Inkscape, a drawing program that has similar features to popular drawing applications like Illustrator, Freehand, and Corel Draw. Inkscape on Hardy Heron will help complete the graphic design application options on Ubuntu Linux.

Ubuntu 8.04 includes Vinagre which is a useful VNC Client designed for the new GNOME 2.22 desktop.

The Gnome BitTorrent downloader has been replaced by the GTK version of Transmission, a multi-platform BitTorrent client that is light weight and full of features.

Brasero will replace the Serpentine burner on the new Ubuntu desktop. Brasero provides simplicity and a decent set of features

Ubuntu 8.04 includes PolicyKit which is now integrated in the administrative user interface. PolicyKit provides the finest control over permissions while enhancing usability and increasing security.

About Linux Installation

2011-03-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

ped 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 organizations and an equal number of individuals that have released their own versions of operating systems based on the Linux kernel

You may want to start with our FAQ  (Frequently Asked Questions) to see answers to some of the most common queries  we get about Linux. If you're thinking about switching to Linux, you may want to read   How to Become aSuccessful Linux User . Also,  the page: So You Want to Use Linux? provides some more  information about Linux migration.

 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 develo

. More information on the kernel can be found at our sister site, LinuxHQ and at the official Linux Kernel Archives. The current full-featured version is 2.6 (released December 2003) and development continues.

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. Well into its second decade of existence, Linux has been adopted worldwide primarily as a server platform. 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.org 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 called Knoppix . 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. Information on these products is available in our distribution section and can be found by selecting the mainstream/general public category.  

In this month (November 2007), exactly 18 November 2007, 7:10 ubuntu that has a code name "Gutsy Gibbon" was released. Berbagai fitur baru hadir dalam distro terbaru turunan Debian ini, diantaranya compiz fusion yang sudah preinstalled,  dukungan terhadap dual monitor, dukungan hardware yang lebih banyak  (termasuk wireless), penggunaan kernel terbaru (kernel 2.6.22-14),  penggunaan dektop manager terbaru (gnome 2.20), fitur pencarian yang  lebih baik, kumpulan software yang lebih banyak, OpenOffice 2.3, firefox  2.0.0.8, dll. Various new features present in the latest distro Debian derivative of this, including compiz fusion is already preinstalled,  support for dual monitors, support for more hardware (including  wireless), using the latest kernel (kernel 2.6.22-14), the use of the  latest desktop manager ( gnome 2.20), better search features, more a  collection of software, OpenOffice 2.3, Firefox 2.0.0.8, etc.. Ubuntu 7.04 dapat di download disini , atau anda juga bisa memesan cdnya melalui shipit . Ubuntu 7.04 can be downloaded here , or you can also order the CD through ShipIt .

Step  by step installing ubuntu 7:10 memaakan not long enough, only about 15  minutes (depending on computer specifications), steps :
       
     1.After you get the iso file ubuntu 7.10, burn it into cd
       for  ubuntu 7.10 can boot the computer.  
     2.Setinglah koputer you to boot via cd
     3.Run your ubuntu live cd
     4.If the live cd is running, double-clickthe install icon 
       on the Desktop 
     5.Then a window will appear
 

      Windowsaboveaskingyoutochoosewhat languageto useubuntupa.Nowisubuntualreadysupportsthe Indonesian language.
      
    6. press forward after you choose a language to be used. The next window that will appear is the site selection window

    
    7.Once you select where you press forward and the keyboard layout selection window will appear.

choose your keyboard layout (the default option adalahUS-Home), press forward to continue the installation process.

      8. The next window that appears is the disk partition : There are three options that appear on this window:

        1.If you'd like to maintain your current operating
          system choose the option: "Guided - resize the  
          partition and use the Freed space"  
        2.If you want to delete your operating system which
          have now, choose the option: "Guided - use entire 
          disk" 
        3.The third option is to manually (I recommend not
          to use this option if you still do not understand 
          the partition in linux). 

       
    9.After you press the button forwar, you are required to fill in the field provided. fields that you need to fill is the name, the name for the login, and password. After all the fields filled press the forward button.

   10.If you have made ​​it to the stages above it will appear the following window
                  

  press the install button to begin the installation.

   11.A window will appear during the installation processis 

   1n process is 

   12.After you finish installing ubuntu in kompute, you will be prompted to restart your computer or continue to use the live cd

you will be prompted to restart your

computer or continue to use the live cd

GOOD LUCK !!!!