Apple today released version 0.2-beta of its X11 for MacOSX, which allows X11-based apps to run side-by-side with native OSX applications while it makes it easier to port X11 apps to the Mac. The new beta adds several enhancements and bug fixes (fixes the Fink library problem among other things). On other Mac-related news, MSN for OSX is nearing release while Internet Explorer 6 is on hold by Microsoft, ThinkSecret reports. Additionally, Apple seeded a new Java 1.4.1 preview to devs.

My CTX AMD K6-300/128 MB RAM/3 GB drive laptop is obviously at the end of its life. I was in the "shopping" process for a laptop for 2 months now, and I considered a number of PC laptops, including the Compaq Presario 1525US. At the end, I decided to get the new 12" Powerbook, came in last week, and I am since then using it as my primary machine. Here is what I think about it.

The fourth installment of our series of Mandrake 9.1 reviews is now available for your consumption. This time, Andrew D. Balsa focuses his attention on the recently released third beta, coming on three CDs. He notes the improvements in the installation routine, marvels at the new desktop features, tries out a few of his "geek hardware" and is pleasantly surprised by their compatibility with the new Mandrake.

Continuing their barrage of system upgrades, Apple just released an upgraded XServe in addition to the long awaited Xraid. The Xserve now comes in two configurations: single or dual 1.33 GHz G4 CPU(s), 256MB or 512MB DDR, Firewire 800 and option Fibre Channel support (200mbs). The Xraid features support for up to 2.5 Terabytes of storage (fourteen drive modules) with built-in Fibre Channel support and support fr upt 512mb of cache memory. Prices start at $2799 for the Xserve and $5999 for the Xraid. Also, Sun updated their servers and lowered the prices, while AMD released the Barton 3000+ chip, which according to various benchmarks on the web falls short of its competitor 3 GHz P4.

"For several years now I have thought longingly about Linux, the power-to-the-people operating system that is said to be as stable as a rock, open and free and the embodiment of everything good in the world - in short, the exact opposite of Microsoft's Windows, both technically and politically." Read the review at Herald Tribune.

Lycoris has made available Build 67 of Desktop/LX.

The XDarwin project announces that a hardware-accelerated version 4.3 is on the horizon which contains significant font integration functionality with Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar.

From the cool department or from the scare-your-little-brother one: "A University of Tokyo professor claims he and his research team have developed a system that can make you 'invisible.' Engineering Professor Susumu Tachi is in the early stages of technology that he says will eventually enable camouflaged objects to be virtually transparent by wearing an optical device."

This late December 2002 article compares PalmOS and the PocketPC operating systems and their applications, in the ease of use department. Adding Qtopia-under-Linux to the mix, which PDA have you found to be the easiest to use?

SuSE Linux 8.0 earned positive marks from us last summer for its strong feature set and low occurrence of bugs; will SuSE Linux 8.1 be able to keep up with its older sibling and win the Penguin Shootout? Find out all of that and more at OfB.biz.

According to Brian Stevens, Red Hat's director of engineering, version 2.4 is limited to 2 terabytes of storage, but the 2.6 Linux kernel will push the envelope much farther. Read the article at NewsFactor.

A short review of the newly released Vector Linux 3.2 was posted at MadPenguin.

"Redhat released version 8.1 Beta 2 on January 20, 2003 and I have been running it since January 25th. In fact, the SpeedyLinux web site has been running on it for over a week. Based on this beta, I believe that Redhat 8.1 will be an excellent distribution due to its easy installation, comprehensive hardware detection, anticipated stability, high level of maturity, comprehensive documentation, and support options." SpeedyLinux previews Red Hat 8.1b2. The author previewed Yoper a few days ago too.

This article describes the efforts at "FreeBSD From Scratch": a fully automated installation of a customized FreeBSD system compiled from source, including compilation of all your favorite ports and configured to match your idea of the perfect system. If you think make world is a wonderful concept, "FreeBSD From Scratch" extends it to make universe. This article, describes the visions in BSD security features and how to build a secure OS.