Regular changes to the Apache 2 API has developers questioning its usability.Also, extremely low uptake of Apache 2 has caused its producers to advocate freez-ing development of the open-source Web server until makers of add-in software catch up. Almost six months after the launch of Apache 2, less than one percent of sites use it, due to a lack of suitable third-party modules.

The OpenDarwin cvs has been updated with the latest xnu sources. The Tag for the branch corresponding to OpenDarwin is OD_APPLE_10_2. Information on getting the sources is available here while you can report bugs here.

Code Completion is now back, in the new version of SharpDevelop.The forms designer received a major working over and now can handle invisible controls and autogenerates C# and VB.NET code for the forms. Stability overall also has improved. In similar news, Borland Software Corp will increase its support for .NET with development tools the company believes will win corporate backing despite reduced IT spending, Gavin Clarke writes.

Sony is dropping some hints about the product's likely lack of shape--it's looking into installing an OS that could run game programs in various home appliances.

Be Inc, the well known OS company that produced the multimedia-oriented OS BeOS, was acquired by Palm Inc. a year ago. The further development of BeOS was stopped, since Palm doesn't seem to care about it. Will the BeOS spirit survive with the BeOS clones currently flourishing?

"Well, I've been reading a little about MicroBSD. So I decided to quickly give it a try. This article talks about installing MicroBSD, what features make it special, troubles and successes I encountered, and the beauty of the BSD license. So I retrieved the MicroBSD 0.5 mini ISO image and burned a CD." Read it at BSDNewsLetter.

A bug fixed version of the popular Unix windowing system XFree86, version 4.2.1, was just released.

"I want to believe. Those words set up my review of Mac OS X 10.1 almost a year ago. Mac OS X began life as the last, best hope for Apple's decade-spanning quest for a modern operating system. At first, it was enough for it to simply exist as a stable, feasible product strategy. But while developer releases revealed some very interesting technology, they also raised some red flags. The public beta was a warning shot across the bow of an anxious community of early adopters. The initial release reinforced the old Apple saying: "real artists ship." Mac OS X 10.0 had arrived, but there were problems." Read the review at ArsTechnica. Also, 19" iMacs are on the way.

Bill Gates unveils Windows Media 9, after nearly four years of development at a cost of about $500 million. It challenges RealNetworks for digital dominance.

Mention the name "Woz," and most Mac users will know exactly who you're talking about. After all, they've been enjoying the fruits of Steve Wozniak's labors for years. Wozniak spends spends most of his time these days focusing on Wheels of Zeus, a company he helped form to develop wireless consumer electronic products, but he still pays attention to that other company he helped establish with Steve Jobs 26 years ago. "I love OS X from a feeling point of view. But from capability and readiness, I still don't rate it ready for me, I'm sorry to say." Woz says.

Robert Szeleney have applied a new GUI engine on SkyOS, and it now supports themes. Screenshot available (albeit the way the 4 shots were not resized correctly so it doesn't look right). Additionally, MenuetOS 0.71pre1 was released recently.

There's an interesting editorial at Mikhailtech regarding FPS, refresh rates and what the brain really distinguishes. Although he has no scientific background experience he has assembled some interesting facts. You can get more information on how the brain interprets visual data here.

Jusitn Gasper writes: "I have just posted some information about a GNU/Linux distribution, FlameThrower, that I am working on. I am planning it to be a contender in the media box market. I have not released any files yet, that should be coming in a few weeks, but I have put up some screenshots, and would like some input back as to how I could maybe make my software easier to use or theme."

"With all the publicity that Windows and Linux get, you may be forgiven for not being aware of a number of other operating systems. Yet there are many other choices that I find interesting and as useful alternatives. Five Desktop Alternatives..." Read the article at Byte.