June 18, 2013

Nokia Looking to get Back in the Spotlight

July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
MeeGo Handset Launcher from MeeGo 1.1 “Day 1”

Image via Wikipedia

Nokia is looking to luxuriate in the public’s eye with the world’s first ever MeeGo device; the new Nokia N9. The world’s first Maemo device was the N900 and Nokia has made an announcementthat this is the last MeeGo device Nokia will use. That‘s confusing because it means the N9 phone will be obsolete before we get it. 

MeeGo is a Linux-based open source OS developed by Intel and Nokia. Introduced in February of 2010 at the Mobile World Congress, this sleek new OS is being put into thinner phones. 

Take a Look at the Nokia N9’s Specs:
  • Video recording with true 16:9 720p capabilities
  • quad-band GSM & penta-band WCDMA at just 14.4 Mbps
  • Bluetooth 2.1
  • NFC chip & A-GPS
  • 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8 megapixel Carl Zeiss camera with wide-angle shooting, dual LED flash and a front facing camera for video calls and F2.2 aperture
  • 3.9-inch AMOLED touchscreen (854 x 480 screen resolution)
  • PowerVR SGX530 GPU
  • 16GB or 64GB onboard memory
  • MeeGo 1.2 Harmattan operating system
  • 1 GHz Arm Cortex A8 OMAP3630 processor
  • 1450 mAh battery
The size of the phone is 116.454mm by 61.2mm by 7.6mm and it only weighs 135 grams. The new Nokia N9’s thinness and latest technology make the phone the newest must-have on the market. A formidable opponent in the high tech device competition, the N9 is predicted to be the new smart phone for those in the know. 

It’s too bad that this is the last MeeGo technology they’re going to use, and they didn’t say why this decision was made. It sure would be interesting to know; maybe they’ll change their minds.
Filed Under: Linux, Open Source Programs Tagged With: , ,

3 Great Linux Applications for Kids

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Child & Computer 

Image via Wikipedia

Technology and computers are now essential to the learning processes of the youngest generations. Students must be proficient with computers at younger ages than ever and, while you may want to give your child a technological edge, purchasing expensive educational software for them can be a challenge. If your budget won’t allow for the purchase of kid’s computer software, consider a Linux-based program. Here are three top Linux-based software choices popular among today’s youth.

KDE Education Project

The KDE Education Project includes a great collection of educational software. These applications are directed towards mid-aged youths and provide assistance with everything from fractions to geography. The applications are available in multiple languages to meet varying cultural needs.

Tux Paint

Tux Paint helps your child develop their creativity with a variety of interactive paint and drawing tools. The application is designed to help children learn while also having a little fun.

TuxTyping

Learning the way around a keyboard is now essential to childhood development. If you want your child to advance quickly in the classroom, you must encourage the development of their typing skills. TuxTyping is a free typing program designed to assist with advancing this skill set.

While you may want the best for your child when it comes to their educational development, your budget may place certain restrictions on your aspirations. Since the cost of a new computer can already be high, consider using free Linux-based software rather than costly alternative versions. These free applications are expertly designed and provide the tools your children need to excel with computers and technology.

 

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3 Great Linux Design Software Programs

June 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Venturing into the world of design can be exciting. As a new designer, you have an entire career to develop your skills and accumulate clients. However, in the beginning days when your client list is still building, funding for your design business may be limited. Rather than creating debt by purchasing expensive design and photo manipulating software programs, purchase Linux-based design programs. The following three Linux-based applications are free and are great software options for new designers.

GIMP

The GIMP application is free and is designed for image composition, authoring and photo manipulation. A few books have even been published on GIMP to assist users when they’re first learning how to use the application. Whether you want to recolor an image or retouch a photographic element, GIMP has the tools you need.

Inkscape

If you’re a vector artist, consider downloading Inkscape. This open source software has functions similar to high end programs such as Illustrator and CorelDraw and can be a great tool to utilize in developing your vector illustrating skills.

Avidemux

Video production and editing is one of the most expensive design fields. The prices of cameras, software and other video editing gadgets can quickly become unmanageable for new editors. However, Avidemux is designed to relieve the expense-load by offering free applications for cutting, filtering and encoding, among other tasks.

Finding free design based software can be immensely helpful during your beginning years as a designer. These programs can assist you in creating wonderful designs while helping you maintain a reasonable budget.

 

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3 Fantastic Open Source Games

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Whether your days are consumed with child-rearing or managing employees, sometimes, you just need a break. On those occasions when your brain is fried and you need a temporary mental check-out, consider playing an online game. This quick break from reality can be just the timeout you needed to return to your duties with a fresh outlook. Here are 3 entertaining yet challenging open source games worth playing during your next mental check-out session.

The AssaultCube logo 

Image via Wikipedia

AssaultCube

If you prefer an assault style of gaming, test your skills at AssaultCube. This game is high action and requires sharp shooting skills to overcome your opponents. If you’ll be playing at work, consider wearing headphones to avoid alarm among your coworkers at the sounds of shooting and explosions.

The Battle for Wesnoth

The logo for The Battle for Wesnoth 

Image via Wikipedia

The Battle for Wesnoth is aimed at fantasy gamers and is more strategic in nature than other open source games. To win the battle, you must build a powerful army, overtake villages and defeat your enemies in either a single player or multi-payer setting.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a free arcade-styled game. Stuck within a warp tunnel, you’re a pod that must navigate through treachery at every angle. The game includes 4 modes, each with a different objective.

You’re never too old for gaming. Games can inspire creativity and provide a much needed break from reality. The next time you need a break from the daily stresses that plague you, play a few open source games. These games provide entertainment, mental challenges and, best of all, are free.

 

 

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Connecting to the Internet using Linux

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
LinuxQuestions.org 

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Having problems connecting to the Internet using Linux? You’re not alone. Those who are new to Linux find that Linux is a different language altogether from the typical operating system they’re used to. With so much connecting and booting, and altogether assembling of the computer, it is easy to miss something.

Some suggestions on getting you through the turmoil:

  • Talk to an expert that you know. This could be a friend or family member or someone from you work who is a geek at this sort of thing. Don’t be afraid to ask around until you get an answer you think will help. If the person can come to your come, even better.
  • Join a Linux Forum. Forums are organized to get answers to you quickly from folks that understand the intricacies of Linux.
  • Try a newsworthy Linux blog. Blogs like this one are written by folks who love the tech stuff, and are usually prepared to spell it out in language a newbie geek can understand. Watch a Linux video tutorial or a quick Linux tutorial for answer to your questions.
  • Websites are also good sources of information. Though not updated as frequently, they yet provide solutions to those hairy Internet problems as well as others you may encounter in the future. Search the directory to find an answer to your question, watch a video on the subject, or get involved within the web community. Find the latest how-to information at this website, for example.

Getting the computer help you need is really not difficult, but it does take some time and a bit of thought as you work your brain through the process.

 

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Geeky Gadgets for Linux

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Servers designed for Linux 

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What are some fun and noteworthy gadgets for Linux that are still going strong this year?

Google gadgets for Linux include digital clocks, weather gadgets, arcade gadgets, WiFi meters, and more. Any or all of these fun gadgets can’t help but get your heart pumping.

You might want to try these geeky gadgets for Linux as well:

  • How about a USB thumb drive that supports Linux? This military drive from IronKey sports a potted metal case that can easily be restored to a new IronKey if the key is lost.
  • The powered sub notebook, RazorBook 400, runs on 512 MB of RAM. Built in WiFi. Just a bit larger than your hand, the RazorBook can be toted to class or the grocery store.
  • Watch for the CherryPal Cloud PC. Can you believe it uses just two watts of power? Get 4GB of NAND flash memory instead of a hard drive and 256MB of RAM. See it here.
  • Assemble some modular Linux gadgets such as engineering, control and industrial automation gadgets.
  • Try some Screenlets. Check out the information guide, downloads and FAQ page here, to learn more.
  • Kernel Linux, Data Recovery Software 4.02 does what it says. Recover your damaged, deleted, formatted, or corrupted partitions when operating systems such as Mandrake Linux, Turbo Linex, and other systems have been used.

Geeky gadgets, might, well, appear geeky, at least upon first inspection, but you know what happens when you’re willing to open your eyes and give something new a try. You just might like it.

Filed Under: Linux Tagged With: , ,

Best Benefits of Linux

May 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tux, the Linux penguin 

Image via Wikipedia

You’ve chosen Linux as your operating system, and you find that it serves you well in many arenas. You like that the system is open software with no hidden secrets. Though Linux is difficult for many new users, it isn’t for you, and you’re glad that the low cost for software, the portability of the unit, and the ease in window manager use specifically keeps you traveling happily forward.

Are these the best benefits of the program you love?

Here are a few others you might want to consider or remember:

  • Free desk-top applications. Get your spreadsheet, audio player or CD writer free of charge.
  • Specialized applications and commercial programs are all the rage. How does advanced graphics, modeling and visualization sound to you?
  • Try what you like in Linux distros CDs and narrow the choices down to a favorite like Gentoo.
  • Build the computer yourself, and supply it with whatever your heart desires.
  • No more viruses. No more invasions of privacy or forced upgrades you really don’t want.
  • Try some exciting school applications. No more closed or locked software here, just hands on opportunities with charts, graphs, models, scientific formulas, diagrams, dictionaries, history apps, even a study guide.
  • Free tools and applets that work together to perform a more detailed task.

You know you’ve made the right choice with a Linux operating system if you’ve tried one of the above benefits and have found the benefit to be more than useful. Multiple benefits of Linux, tried and true, just confirms what you’ve known all along.

 

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Ubuntu Releases Netbook Edition 10.10

March 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ubuntu has released a version of its Linux operating system for use with netbook laptops. The Netbook Edition was developed to take into account the limited resolution and smaller screen size associated with netbooks.

Ubuntu is a popular operating system for people who are looking for options other than Windows or Macintosh. The desktop edition is free and is easy to access, install, and operate. There are other versions like 32 and 64bit versions that use the KDE desktop interface instead of the GNOME. But the Ubuntu Netbook Edition is the most different of them all.

The KDE and GNOME versions base their look and feel on Windows and Mac operating systems respectively but the Netbook Edition is taking a risk. The task bar is no longer across the bottom or the top of the screen; it has the dock-like app launcher on the left side of the screen which is different than what typical users may be used to.

In this left-side launch application, the main programs include Firefox, Evolution Mail, Empathy Instant Messenger, Cheese Webcam, Ubuntu Software Center, Rhythmbox music player, Applications folder, Files & Folders, and Trash. This set-up utilizes the available screen area without wasted space.

The Unity Interface that is the base of Ubuntu Netbook Edition is soon to become the basis for all Ubuntu operating systems in the future. The Ubuntu Desktop will be discontinued and all future Ubuntu developments will be based on Unity.  Interestingly enough, Fedora and openSUSE have just dropped their plans to integrate the Unity interface into their operating systems.

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Linux Tools May be Able to Save Your Computer

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the most stressful times in a computer user’s life is a computer shutdown. Sometimes the computer won’t load up, the operating system won’t boot, or files get corrupted or lost. In some instances, there may be a rescue disk that may be able to save the day – and often this disk runs a version of Linux.

As Linux is an open source system, it is often used as a platform for rescue tools for both Linux and Windows systems.  The anti-virus companies use Linux because it is open source and because it is free. The Linux kernel is modular and can support a large number of hardware. Linux is also not susceptible to Windows-based viruses.

A technology that also enables that use of Linux as a repair and rescue tool is the ability to have a live distribution.  A live distribution can be run from a memory stick and takes up little disk space or RAM. One version of this – called Klaus Knopper’s Knoppix – allows the user to inspect the hard drive and run a test drive of programs without writing to the hard drive. There are other live distributions like Puppy or Damn Small Linux; all of these distributions can be used to inspect the hard drive and restore if needed.

Other Linux distributions are specifically created for rescue operations so that the user can look for and save data while using very little memory. Most live distributions of Linux can perform these tasks; however, the typical distribution may be too unwieldy and large to easily perform the search and search operations.

These Linux rescue and repair programs can also be used to recover other operating systems like Apple and NTFS.

Filed Under: Linux Tagged With: , ,

Horde Groupware: Browser-Based Collaboration Suite

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Horde is another groupware program that is free and enterprise ready. Horde is browser-based and can be installed on a variety of platforms such as Linux, Windows, Mac and Solaris. It contains the basic groupware options but allows the organization to add modules to increase functionality.

The Horde server is available in two editions – one with no access to email and one with webmail. Users can share calendars, task, notes and contacts; additional modules that can be added include Kronolith which is a calendar application, Turba which is a Horde address book and contact manager, Mnemo, a note manager. Each of these applications allow for significant functionality for scheduling and organization. Other modules that you can add are a file manager, a wiki, bookmark manager, and a photo gallery.  With the separate email application, users can create distribution lists and contains a WYSIWYG editor and spellchecker.

Other features of Horde groupware allow for further customization of the application among users. There are unlimited resources for each user, multiple interface themes, a customizable portal screen interface, and support for over 40 languages. Horde users can sync with Evolution, Outlook, Thunderbird and other mobile platforms.  You can also import groupware data from other applications and the user can establish his or her own user preferences. The Horde groupware also provides support for databases like MySQL or Oracle.

Horde Groupware Webmail edition may be a bit more difficult to install than the other version of the groupware. Both systems have strong online support services with an active frequently asked question section on the Horde website, bug tracker and mailing lists. There is also documentation for the server program as well.

You can download the groupware software from the Horde project website; patches are also available at the website for the current release.

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