OSnews - Exploring the Future of Computing

Mac OS X 10.2.6 Update Released

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 macOS 15 Comments

The new Mac OS X 10.2.6 update addresses an issue for Mac OS X 10.2.5 in which a kernel panic message may appear if certain USB hubs or devices are connected. Improves printing compatibility for PostScript OpenType fonts. Improves compatibility for Maya Auto Paint and Paint Effects features.

Mandrake Linux 9.1 Packs Have Arrived

Submitted by TweakHound 2003-05-06 Mandriva, Mandrake, Lycoris 26 Comments

Mandrake Linux 9.1 packs are currently available for purchase at MandrakeStore. MandrakeStore offers a new tracking system which allows customers to monitor their orders each step of the way. The full press release is here.

Longhorn, New PCs on Tap for WinHEC

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 Microsoft 50 Comments

Microsoft will disclose more details about the next "big" version of Windows and show off prototypes of smart. Also, Gates cites Microsoft breakthroughs at eWeek. Check out pictures of the Athens PC.

WinHEC 2003: First Look at Longhorn Graphics

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 Windows 39 Comments

In a pre-show demonstration of the Longhorn graphics subsystem at the WinHEC trade show in New Orleans Monday night, I saw for the first time some of the advanced video effects that Microsoft will enable in the next Windows version. Longhorn, due in late 2004 or early 2005, includes a completely new desktop composition system that replaces the model used in previous Windows versions with one that is more technically advanced, visually appealing, and scalable. The early test versions Microsoft is showing at WinHEC include amazing animation effects, smooth window scaling, and advanced window translucency". Read the article at WinInformant.

Apple Unveils New eMac Family

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 Apple 107 Comments

From the press release: "Boosting performance while lowering the price of its popular desktop for home and school, Apple today announced an entirely new eMac line offering up to a 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, a faster 4x SuperDrive(TM), high performance ATI Radeon 7500 graphics, up to 80GB hard drives and internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking. Featuring a 17-inch flat CRT and a remarkably compact all-in-one design that is even less deep than the original iMac, the most affordable PowerPC G4 system now starts at just $799." Update: New keyboard for eMacs. Read on.

Libranet 2.8 – Debian That Just Works

Guest post by ladislav 2003-05-06 Debian 32 Comments

Canada's leading distro, Libranet is not yet one of the "big guns" in the Linux world, but it has all the potential to compete with the best.

Microsoft Plans Windows API Cleanup

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 Windows 30 Comments

Microsoft plans a major cleanup of the Win32 API set and XML application markup language (XAML) to make its next version of Windows, code-named Longhorn, as friendly for developers as it is for users.

Novell Bets on Net Services

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 Novell and Ximian 3 Comments

Novell Inc. is wagering that it can hang onto its much-diminished installed base while attracting new users by offering enterprises a set of network services that's broad and well-integrated and keeps customer options open by embracing open-source components. Read the article at eWeek.

Programming Languages: The Early Years

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-06 General Development 16 Comments

Only after learning what is under the hood can your programming skills blossom; so, look at how computers first worked and how they have evolved through the years. Read the article at InformIT.

Introduction to ISOS

Guest post by Wilhem Meignan 2003-05-06 OS News 5 Comments

I am writing to let you know that I have created a derivative work from JaysOS, the 'Toy OS' for Gameboy advance of which you have talked here. It is called ISOS and runs on ARM's Evaluator-7T evaluation boards which feature the same processor has the Gameboy Advance.

eComStation 1.1 Entry: Minimal Evolution Over Previous Version

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-05 OS/2 91 Comments

eComStation 1.1 is finally available for purchase one and a half years after the release of eCS 1.0. What's new in this release and is it really worth $200? Read on to find out.

Mac OS X and PowerPC 970 Benchmarks

Submitted by anonymous teller 2003-05-05 Apple 117 Comments

Macbidouille.com offers some benchmarks of the PPC 970 platform running MacOSX in 32bit mode, against a P4 at 3 GHz and a dual G4 1.42 GHz. Keep in mind that OSNews can't confirm the validity of the benchmarks as there is no official word from Apple or IBM (the article also doesn't give information about the exact hardware configuration used for both platforms).

Michael Robertson of Lindows Responds at Slashdot

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-05 Linspire 26 Comments

At the Slashdot Q&A, Michael Robertson of Lindows.com responds to a variety of questions regarding Linux and Lindows.

2.6 Kernel to Push the Envelope

Submitted by tvrg 2003-05-05 Linux 38 Comments

The Linux 2.6 production kernel promises to be the most advanced open-source platform developed to date, according to computer scientists who have been putting the 2.5 development kernel through its paces. Read the article at eWeek.

Chips Could Crunch at Light Speed

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-05 Hardware 10 Comments

Researchers at IBM have used carbon molecules to emit light, a breakthrough that could replace silicon as the foundation of chips and lead to faster computers and telecommunication equipment. The focus of the research team was ultratiny, tube-shaped carbon molecules, or nanotubes, that are more than 50,000 times thinner than an average human hair, according to a statement from IBM this week.

SuSE: SCO Poses No Legal Threat

Eugenia Loli 2003-05-05 SuSE, openSUSE 31 Comments

An agreement with SCO Group protects Linux seller SuSE from legal action stemming from SCO's accusation that Unix software was copied into Linux, SuSE said. "We have a joint development agreement with them, which includes appropriate cross-licensing arrangements," said SuSE spokesman Joe Eckert on Friday. "Our lawyers feel that covers us from any actions that SCO may take."

Fleecy Clears Up Amiga OS4 Ownership Rumours

Mike Bouma 2003-05-04 Amiga & AROS 78 Comments

Within last week's Q&A session Amiga's CTO already cleared up the strategic reasoning behind transferring the AmigaOS4 ownership to Hyperion. Within this week's Q&A Fleecy clear's up some more misconceptions regarding Amiga's influence on the AmigaOS4 development. Other questions relate to the AmigaDE, future hardware and software development for AmigaOS4.

Linux’s Perfect Storm: Is Wall Street ready for Linux?

Guest post by Mike Bouma 2003-05-04 Linux 28 Comments

Robert McMillan has written a feature article regarding Linux storming into the financial computing industry. Robert expects that 2003 will be Linux' make or break year regarding financial applications.

Review of the Pegasos System at GFX-BASE

Submitted by narr 2003-05-04 Morphos 12 Comments

At GFX-BASE a short review by Stefan Blixth of the Pegasos (BetaTester-II) and MorphOS has been released. He also provided GFX-BASE with some exclusive photos taken by Anders Ericsson at the AmiGBG-show that was held in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Breadbox Obtains Worldwide Exclusive Geos Rights

Submitted by Frank S. Fischer 2003-05-04 OS News 24 Comments

From the press release: Under the terms of an amended licensing agreement with Geoworks of Emeryville, California, effective April 1, 2003, Breadbox Computer Company, LLC of Port Richey, Florida, has obtained the worldwide exclusive and perpetual rights to the patented Geos operating system for all hardware platforms.