OSnews - Exploring the Future of Computing

Why MS Should Build Its Next Version of Windows on Top of Linux

Submitted by anonymous 2003-01-17 Editorial 91 Comments

"Even today, you can still get to a C: prompt under Windows XP, which means a disk operating system is hiding there no matter what Microsoft wants us to believe . Windows XP is not an operating system. It is a windowing system that sits atop an operating system much as KDE or Gnome sit atop Linux. . " Read the (funny?) editorial at I, Cringely.

XFCE 4, E17, Evolution Updates

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-17 Desktop environments 15 Comments

Jasper Huijsmans has been working on a possible replacement for xfbd and xfdeskmenu, both parts of the XFCE desktop environment. Screenshot here. In the meantime, the Enlightenment project posted an update a few days ago. And here are some shots of the Evolution email client running on GTK+ 2.x.

Syllable Readies New UI

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-17 Syllable, AtheOS 46 Comments

Rick Caudill uploaded two screenshots (one, two) and he is seeking feedback on the new Syllable UI that is presented in them. Here is a glimpse of the older UI.

Where Old Software Goes to Die

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-17 General Development 24 Comments

"When old programmers like me (I'm 41) get together we talk about the applications from the old days. What happens to these beauties?" Read the editorial at ZDNews.

Earnings Alert: Sun Loses $2.3 Billion

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 In the News 13 Comments

Read the latest in earnings reports and financial news from some Sun and other technology's leading players. This page over at News.com is updated as new reports are filed. Keep checking back for the latest. In other financial news, Microsoft sets its first-ever annual stock dividend and says it will split its stock as earnings surpass expectations.

A Meeting Between a Guru and a Newbie using Redhat 8.0

Submitted by Bjørn Jørgensen 2003-01-16 Red Hat 54 Comments

Mojavelinux writes: 'Like most linux advocates, I too have that "interested" friend who wants to finally ditch windows (windows xp) and take the Linux "plunge" (as seen by that individual). After debating with myself over which installation to start him out with, I decided to go with RedHat 8.0 simply because it has been classified as one of the most "newbie" oriented distros thanks to the "integrated" look and the superb documentation, and because it has a free download. Was my choice the right one and how did he react to it? Read on to learn exactly how a person who has never seen linux reacts when a long time user attempts to show that person "the ropes."'

Presentation on the Power of X

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 macOS 35 Comments

This is a Quicktime movie named "The Power of X" and a presentation on the state of Mac OS X. See Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Philip Schiller present Mac OS X v10.2 “Jaguar”. Especially watch the impressive QuartzExtreme demo among the interesting topics discussed. An interesting watch for people who are curious about OSX and want to learn more.

DesktopLinux Drops Support for Lindows Desktop Linux Summit

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 Linux 17 Comments

DesktopLinux.com, the driving force behind the upcoming Desktop Linux Summit, scheduled for February, is withdrawing its support, after changes Lindows.com did without asking the Advisory Board which was formed a few months ago.

Apple’s Looks, Functions Convert this PC Devotee

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 Apple 113 Comments

"I'm a switcher. My main personal computer system is now an Apple Macintosh. It began innocently enough. Over a period of several months after Apple's new OS X Jaguar operating system was released last year, I tested a variety of iBooks, iMacs and G4s. I was playing with fire." Read the confession of a Detroit Free Press columnist who switches to the Mac.

What Apple Did Next

Submitted by jp 2003-01-16 Apple 30 Comments

"They started queueing at 2.30am. By 8.30am the line continued for hundreds of yards, snaking down an escalator, under a road, up another escalator and along the other side of the street. The first MacWorld Expo of the year had arrived at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. And chief executive Steve Jobs' keynote speech was the hottest ticket in town." Read Guardian's and Ars' report from MacWorld.

Serenity Systems Readies eComStation 1.1

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 OS/2 20 Comments

eCS 1.1-RC1 was released as an ISO to all who have pre-ordered version 1.1 of OS/2 eComStation. The company behind eCS, Serenity Systems, are now focusing on pushing it to GA status.

Desktop Dreams in the Wake of MandrakeSoft’s Bankruptcy

Submitted by Timothy R. Butler 2003-01-16 Mandriva, Mandrake, Lycoris 80 Comments

"Linux's dreams for the desktop died today with Mandrake's bankruptcy filling. Yes, it was a worthy cause, and we fought hard, but now it is time to admit it -- it is over. No more. Finished. Done. Kaput. GNU/Linux's true place is on the server, and its time for everyone to recognize that. Is everyone with me? Yeah, right. Just to be clear, I don't agree with a single word I just said..." Read the full commentary at OfB.

Using FontLab 4.5.1 to Create High Quality Fonts

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 Graphics 22 Comments

One of the most important visual parts of any operating system is of course, the fonts. Many times users on the net have argued about bad quality fonts used (installed by default) on alternative OSes. For the companies or individuals who would like to resolve such issues and create original and high quality fonts for their OSes (and not just for OSes), I would like to introduce them to FontLab 4.5.1.

Microsoft Told to Ship Java in 120 Days

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-16 Legal 49 Comments

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Microsoft to begin shipping Sun Microsystems' Java with the Windows operating system within 120 days, after the companies fought over implementing a ruling he made last month.

Microsoft “Media2Go” Preview

Submitted by sunlit mechanism 2003-01-16 Windows 7 Comments

Microsoft "Media2Go" is a platform for portable media players that will begin shipping from OEMs such as Viewsonic in late 2003. The Media2Go software platform is based on the next version of Windows CE .NET, code-named Macallan. Read the story at WinSuperSite.

Goldman Sachs: Fear the Penguin

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-15 Linux 15 Comments

Linux will emerge as the dominant operating system in corporate data centers, according to a new study by Goldman Sachs. According to the study, IT buyers will use Linux to take advantage of lower-cost, higher-performance Intel-based servers -- and to avoid "premium-priced proprietary systems." Eventually, systems running Linux will displace systems based on Unix and RISC processors.

Mac and PC, All in One; The Monster Machine

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-15 Hardware 34 Comments

"I love my Mac and I love my PC, but what I don't love is having two monitors, two keyboards, and two mouses. Switching back and forth has become a royal pain. And since Jobs and Gates probably won't be releasing a Mac/PC combo box any time soon, I decided to take matters into my own hands." Read the story at TechTV.

Just a Thought: Could Multi-CPU Machines do Business for Apple?

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-15 Apple 73 Comments

I was reading this morning an editorial at BusinessWeek regarding Apple being "too cool" but not delivering new PowerMacs. I have heard that the G4 CPUs are already close to their limit regarding the speeds they can deliver. In the past I wrote an editorial regarding Apple creating "Macs based on x86/Opteron" but seeing Apple staying faithful to the Motorola CPUs, could the development of multi-CPU Macs could be a (temporary) answer to the G4 speed limit (especially when the G5 is nowhere to be seen)?

Sun Readying J2EE 1.4

Eugenia Loli 2003-01-15 Java 2 Comments

Sun Microsystems officials on Wednesday presented a laundry list of technology and promotional efforts planned for the Java language, including the February release of Version 1.4 of J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition), featuring integrated Web services support.

MandrakeSoft Files for Chapter 11 – it’s Official

Submitted by FD Cami 2003-01-15 Mandriva, Mandrake, Lycoris 35 Comments

The liabilities accumulated by MandrakeSoft through a series of quarterly losses have prompted the company to file for "declaration de cessation des paiements". The filing, similar to the U.S. Chapter 11-Reorganization, took place on January 13, 2003. The company is now focused on Version 9.1 which will be announced as scheduled in April.