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Goodbye, Microsoft! Are you tired of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for your computer's software? Tired of having to buy upgrades, and new hardware to run the upgrades? Tired of crashes, security flaws, cyber-attacks, and worrying if your computer is safe to use? Had enough of license agreements, lock-downs, and restrictions on what you can do with your computer? Worried about your business being sued for making a careless copy?
It doesn't have to be that way. You can live your life free of Microsoft, and free of their thousand and one petty annoyances. And you can save money in the process.
This website is devoted to helping you say Goodbye to Microsoft, and to "Take Back the PC."
[ Read the rest... ]
It doesn't have to be that way. You can live your life free of Microsoft, and free of their thousand and one petty annoyances. And you can save money in the process.
This website is devoted to helping you say Goodbye to Microsoft, and to "Take Back the PC."
[ Read the rest... ]
— Saturday 05 May 2007 - 11:14:26 
The View From Under the Bus One cannot follow the current U.S. presidential campaign without hearing the phrase "thrown under the bus" at least once a week. According to the Urban Dictionary, it means "to sacrifice some other person, usually one who is undeserving or at least vulnerable, to make personal gain."
That pretty much describes how I'm feeling, now that the Ubuntu team has decided that they only want to support the latest and fattest hardware.
Mind you, I'm not talking about using a 100 MHz Pentium with 40 MB of RAM here. I'm talking about the Windows XP generation of computers, such as my second desktop, a 733 MHz Pentium III with 256 MB of RAM. Or my still-shiny 1.5 GHz Athlon laptop with 256 MB of RAM. I'm frankly annoyed at the notion that I should have to replace my laptop computer just so I can stay supported by a Linux distributor. (Support for Ubuntu 6.06 LTS, and 7.10, will both terminate next year.) Being on a software-upgrade treadmill is bad enough -- I'm still coping with the change from the 2.4 to 2.6 Linux kernel -- but being put on a hardware-upgrade treadmill is behavior I would expect from Microsoft.
I can live without Compiz Fusion. I appreciate that glitzy graphics are necessary to position Linux against Microsoft Vista, and I thank the open-source developers who made this possible (and with half the resources Vista requires). But could those who package distributions spare a thought for those of us who don't want to buy a new computer so we can spin our desktops in 3-d on our screens? Can you give us a "low RAM" install option?
Probably not. I represent a minority of Linux users, too small to be of concern to the Ubuntu bulldozer. Fortunately, this is Linux, and there are plenty of "junior" distributions angling for market share...or just reflecting the eccentricities of their developers. So it may be time for me to re-evaluate Mepis Linux. Or try the PCLinuxOS that has been getting so much buzz. Or Zenwalk. Or whatever.
But anything that requires more than 256 MB is off the list, banished for extreme corpulence.
That pretty much describes how I'm feeling, now that the Ubuntu team has decided that they only want to support the latest and fattest hardware.
Mind you, I'm not talking about using a 100 MHz Pentium with 40 MB of RAM here. I'm talking about the Windows XP generation of computers, such as my second desktop, a 733 MHz Pentium III with 256 MB of RAM. Or my still-shiny 1.5 GHz Athlon laptop with 256 MB of RAM. I'm frankly annoyed at the notion that I should have to replace my laptop computer just so I can stay supported by a Linux distributor. (Support for Ubuntu 6.06 LTS, and 7.10, will both terminate next year.) Being on a software-upgrade treadmill is bad enough -- I'm still coping with the change from the 2.4 to 2.6 Linux kernel -- but being put on a hardware-upgrade treadmill is behavior I would expect from Microsoft.
I can live without Compiz Fusion. I appreciate that glitzy graphics are necessary to position Linux against Microsoft Vista, and I thank the open-source developers who made this possible (and with half the resources Vista requires). But could those who package distributions spare a thought for those of us who don't want to buy a new computer so we can spin our desktops in 3-d on our screens? Can you give us a "low RAM" install option?
Probably not. I represent a minority of Linux users, too small to be of concern to the Ubuntu bulldozer. Fortunately, this is Linux, and there are plenty of "junior" distributions angling for market share...or just reflecting the eccentricities of their developers. So it may be time for me to re-evaluate Mepis Linux. Or try the PCLinuxOS that has been getting so much buzz. Or Zenwalk. Or whatever.
But anything that requires more than 256 MB is off the list, banished for extreme corpulence.
— Sunday 11 May 2008 - 07:11:28
OpenSolaris 2008.5 Released The latest "open" version of Solaris (a Unix derivative) has been released:
There's also a new web site, opensolaris.com. And you might find this review at ZDNet interesting. It sounds like OpenSolaris is not yet ready for a first-time user, but a moderately-experienced Unix or Linux user should be able to get this going.
OpenSolaris 2008.05 is a Live CD, allowing users to experience OpenSolaris immediately, without the need to install it to their systems. When ready, installation is a single click away with a new improved easy-to-use installer. This release also introduces IPS, a new network based package management system, allowing users to install additional software from the network. ZFS is also the default root file-system, allowing unique snapshot and rollback features, especially useful during system upgrade. OpenSolaris 2008.05 has a significantly improved user environment, in particular for those familiar with other Linux distributions.
There's also a new web site, opensolaris.com. And you might find this review at ZDNet interesting. It sounds like OpenSolaris is not yet ready for a first-time user, but a moderately-experienced Unix or Linux user should be able to get this going.
— Saturday 10 May 2008 - 06:56:20
"Linux Shootout: 7 Desktop Distros Compared" If you're in the process of choosing a new desktop distro -- as I am -- then you might find this article of interest. Information Week evaluates openSUSE, Ubuntu 8.04, PCLinuxOS, Mandriva Linux One, Fedora, SimplyMEPIS, and CentOS 5.1. (Hat tip to our friends the Millers.)
I suppose it's a sign of the times that all five of their test machines had at least 1 GB of RAM. I'll have to do my own testing for 256 MB machines.
I suppose it's a sign of the times that all five of their test machines had at least 1 GB of RAM. I'll have to do my own testing for 256 MB machines.
— Friday 09 May 2008 - 07:50:42
9000 PCs in Swiss Schools Go Linux-Only Another example of How To Do It. Having installed Ubuntu Linux as a dual-boot with Windows on 9000 PCs, for a transition period, the Department of Public Instruction in Geneva, Switzerland is now removing Windows.
Comment: our local schools require students to use Windows apps at home, so I'm particularly sympathetic to this latter point.
Another advantage is not inconsiderable: Students can work at home by using free programs at the same school, which "strengthens equality of opportunity," says Manuel Grandjean. And then he says with a touch of irony, "it avoids providing captive customers for large companies ..."
Comment: our local schools require students to use Windows apps at home, so I'm particularly sympathetic to this latter point.
— Thursday 08 May 2008 - 06:34:03
Microsoft WILL take your music away I can't add anything to this:
Always remember: Microsoft is not interested in empowering users. They're interested in controlling users.
(Hat tip to Groklaw NewsPicks)
Remember a few years back when Microsoft launched a new type of DRM under the name "PlaysForSure"? The idea was to create a standard DRM that a bunch of different online music download stores could use, and which makers of digital music devices could build for. Except... like any DRM, it had its problems. And, like any DRM, its real purpose was to take away features, not add them, making all of the content hindered by it less valuable. Yet, because Microsoft was behind it, many people assumed that at least Microsoft would keep supporting it. Well, you've now learned your lesson. Playsforsure was so bad that Microsoft didn't even use it for its own Zune digital media device. Along with that, Microsoft shut down its failed online music store, and now for the kicker, it's telling anyone who was suckered into buying that DRM'd content that it's about to nuke the DRM approval servers that let you transfer the music to new machines. That means you need to authorize any songs you have on whatever machine you want -- and that's the only place they'll be able to reside forever. And, of course, any upgrade to your operating system (say from XP to Vista) and you lose access to your music as well.
Always remember: Microsoft is not interested in empowering users. They're interested in controlling users.
(Hat tip to Groklaw NewsPicks)
— Wednesday 07 May 2008 - 10:39:35
Microsoft can take your documents away Well, not literally. What they can do is make it impossible for you to create new documents or edit existing documents -- and I'd guess they can stop you from viewing and printing them, as well -- if you opt to "subscribe" to their software:
You regain access by renewing your subscription or purchasing a new Office license. "Albany" is aimed at the consumer market, who can't afford the full price tag of Office, and "is expected to ship at the end of the year." Do not under any circumstances subscribe to this. Download a free office suite, like OpenOffice, instead.
Office applications in Microsoft's recently announced Albany software subscription bundle will collapse into limited functionality if users let their subscriptions expire, Microsoft said Monday.
Albany's Office software will be installed locally, but if users let their subscriptions expire, they will not be able to create or edit documents. In addition, users will not receive updates to the OneCare security software.
...Microsoft is using its antipiracy software to control the feature set of the Office applications in Albany, much like the "kill switch" technology it had in Vista but eventually pulled due to complaints from customers who said it was crippling legitimate copies of the operating system.
Albany's Office software will be installed locally, but if users let their subscriptions expire, they will not be able to create or edit documents. In addition, users will not receive updates to the OneCare security software.
...Microsoft is using its antipiracy software to control the feature set of the Office applications in Albany, much like the "kill switch" technology it had in Vista but eventually pulled due to complaints from customers who said it was crippling legitimate copies of the operating system.
You regain access by renewing your subscription or purchasing a new Office license. "Albany" is aimed at the consumer market, who can't afford the full price tag of Office, and "is expected to ship at the end of the year." Do not under any circumstances subscribe to this. Download a free office suite, like OpenOffice, instead.
— Tuesday 06 May 2008 - 06:25:32
Microsoft is taking your Outlook Express Hotmail away More from the Microsoft-is-not-your-friend department. According to Ars Technica,
(Hat tip to Groklaw NewsPicks)
Microsoft has decided that it will kill Outlook Express support for Windows Live Hotmail on June 30, 2008. Microsoft is of course recommending that users go ahead and download Windows Live Mail, which supports Windows Live Hotmail just fine. The reason for this change is that the protocol Outlook Express uses to access Windows Live Hotmail, Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol (DAV), is being replaced. I would guess that the change is for security purposes, but it is in fact due to efficiency with large inboxes.
...The worst part is that Windows Live Mail requires the Windows XP SP2 operating system, or newer. That means that Microsoft has effectively screwed Outlook Express users on Windows 2000 and earlier.
...The worst part is that Windows Live Mail requires the Windows XP SP2 operating system, or newer. That means that Microsoft has effectively screwed Outlook Express users on Windows 2000 and earlier.
(Hat tip to Groklaw NewsPicks)
— Monday 05 May 2008 - 08:53:01
Linux on a Compaq C712, part 3 I return to the problem of how to install Ubuntu on a Compaq C712. And at this point we leave the realm of hard fact, and enter theory -- because I don't have a Compaq C712 to try this on. Instead, I'll walk through an installation of Ubuntu 7.10 on my Compaq Deskpro EN. This computer has a 733 MHz Pentium III, 256 MB of RAM, and a 10 GB hard drive, which is adequate for almost any Linux (but not Ubuntu 8.04). Because it's in a tight space, it has only a 1024x768 monitor.
1. Install Ubuntu 7.10 CD-ROM and reboot computer.
2. Press Enter to select "Start or install Ubuntu" (this is the default option, and will start automatically after 30 seconds).
3. The CD-ROM will run for a while, and if all goes well, you should see the Ubuntu desktop after a few minutes.
4. If -- as in my case -- Ubuntu chooses the wrong video resolution, you can press Ctrl-Alt-Del to bring up the logout screen, and then (after a few moments) Alt-R to reboot. Reinsert the CD-ROM, press Enter, then select "Start Ubuntu in safe graphics mode" when the option is presented.
5. If -- as in my case -- that doesn't work either, press Ctrl-Alt-Del, then Alt-R, reinsert CD-ROM, press Enter, and when the option appears, press F1 for Help. Then press F6 to read about "special machines", ESC, then press F6 and type "vga=771" and hit Enter.
6. If -- as in my case -- you get the message "You passed an undefined mode number", give up and try another distro. Or spend 15 minutes with Google researching the problem (others have reported it). Then download the "alternate install" CD-ROM and try that.
Starting over...
[ Read the rest... ]
1. Install Ubuntu 7.10 CD-ROM and reboot computer.
2. Press Enter to select "Start or install Ubuntu" (this is the default option, and will start automatically after 30 seconds).
3. The CD-ROM will run for a while, and if all goes well, you should see the Ubuntu desktop after a few minutes.
4. If -- as in my case -- Ubuntu chooses the wrong video resolution, you can press Ctrl-Alt-Del to bring up the logout screen, and then (after a few moments) Alt-R to reboot. Reinsert the CD-ROM, press Enter, then select "Start Ubuntu in safe graphics mode" when the option is presented.
5. If -- as in my case -- that doesn't work either, press Ctrl-Alt-Del, then Alt-R, reinsert CD-ROM, press Enter, and when the option appears, press F1 for Help. Then press F6 to read about "special machines", ESC, then press F6 and type "vga=771" and hit Enter.
6. If -- as in my case -- you get the message "You passed an undefined mode number", give up and try another distro. Or spend 15 minutes with Google researching the problem (others have reported it). Then download the "alternate install" CD-ROM and try that.
Starting over...
[ Read the rest... ]
— Sunday 04 May 2008 - 06:32:53
"Fat, fatter, fattest: Microsoft's kings of bloat" InfoWorld's Randall Kennedy finds that, even with faster CPU and more RAM, the latest Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office are slower than the previous generation:
Citing a previous article, Kennedy suggests that "most IT organizations will find they can safely skip a generation and avoid Vista altogether." (Especially since Windows 7 may be out in "a year or two.") A better response would be to avoid Vista and its successor altogether, and switch your desktops to Linux.
(Hat tip to Groklaw NewsPicks)
The average combined working set for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 when running the OfficeBench test script is 109MB. By contrast, Office 2000 consumed a paltry 9MB, which translates into a 12-fold increase in memory consumption...
Combined with an average boot-time image of more than 500MB for even the minimal Windows Vista code base [versus 132MB of RAM for Windows 2000], it seems clear that any system configuration that specifies less than 1GB of RAM is a nonstarter with this version...
The net result is that, surprise, Vista and Office 2007 on today's state-of-the-art hardware delivers throughput that's still only 22 percent slower than Windows XP and Office 2003 on the previous generation of state-of-the-art hardware.
Combined with an average boot-time image of more than 500MB for even the minimal Windows Vista code base [versus 132MB of RAM for Windows 2000], it seems clear that any system configuration that specifies less than 1GB of RAM is a nonstarter with this version...
The net result is that, surprise, Vista and Office 2007 on today's state-of-the-art hardware delivers throughput that's still only 22 percent slower than Windows XP and Office 2003 on the previous generation of state-of-the-art hardware.
Citing a previous article, Kennedy suggests that "most IT organizations will find they can safely skip a generation and avoid Vista altogether." (Especially since Windows 7 may be out in "a year or two.") A better response would be to avoid Vista and its successor altogether, and switch your desktops to Linux.
(Hat tip to Groklaw NewsPicks)
— Friday 02 May 2008 - 08:38:39
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