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Linux Archive

Knoppix — a Bootable, one-CD Linux

Shellie writes: "If you've ever needed a functional Linux setup that is portable and runs the same way on any hardware, then take a look at this article at IBM's developerWorks Linux Zone. Knoppix packages a specialized and highly useful Linux distribution on a single, bootable CDROM. Whether you're packaging up demo programs or need a consistent hardware test environment that fits in your pocket, Knoppix is a small distribution that solves big problems."

Linux Beyond the Desktop

In this DesktopLinux.com guest column, Gregory S. Hopper takes Linux beyond the desktop. Declaring the 'PC is the Model T' of today, Hopper makes a convincing argument that disruptive technologies and changing business models will dictate the PC market of tomorrow. By adopting a one-size fits all approach, the market has not yet fully realized the opportunity that open source, Linux, and the GPL offer to a dynamic user base.

Vector Linux 3.2 Released

Vector Linux announced the release of version 3.2. The disto is now fully Slackware compatible and LSB compliant. It is based on the linux kernel 2.4.20 and Glibc-2.2.5. Several new additions to the software mix have been added such as CDRW support to burn cd's, faster web browsing via Dillo and the latest Opera , autopkg to keep things up to date, checkinstall for easy source installation, and additional security updates. Antialias font support is in both the available window managers. New in version 3.2 are new and enhanced configuration tools to make installation and hardware detection even easier.

Industry Leaders Launch Desktop Linux Consortium

Responding to the overwhelming interest in Desktop Linux, representatives from key firms and organizations today announced the formation of the Desktop Linux Consortium, or DLC. The vendor-neutral association will promote interests and raise awareness of the emerging role and benefits offered by GNU/Linux on the desktop. Consortium members comprise both commercial companies and open source organizations that are developing and shaping the technology that will speed the adoption rate of Linux to the desktop.

The Rise of the $99 ‘Consumer’ Linux Distribution

"$99, give or take $20, seems to be the new price point for full-featured, consumer-level Linux distributions. This is a great deal for non-technical users, since most of the new-wave consumer Linux products give users a much prettier and easier experience than traditional, all-GPL distributions tailored for a geeky user base. Whether or not the current explosion of Linux use by ordinary people is "good" is still open to question, but I suspect the answer depends more on who is doing the answering than any other factor." Read the editorial at NewsForge.

RoxOS Discusses the Possibility of a New Linux-based OS

No, this is not a traditional "Linux distro". The RoxOS guys are feeling like innovating today, even by breaking legacy and some compatibility at places with other Linux distros or Unix. RoxOS is a desktop OS which is evolving by using existing tools (Linux kernel, X11, ROX Filer, gnu etc), but somewhat modified (e.g. new filesystem hieriarchy and dependancy on filesystem's metadata). Most apps will probably need repackaging or altering in some way in order to run on RoxOS. Join the discussion or the project. This project was made known to us after the long discussion we had the other day about innovation and on creating a new OS, but by re-using existing tools and extensively modifying them, in order to cut production time and to easily get hardware support (via X11 & Linux or FreeBSD's kernel).

Embedded OSes: Is Linux Free?

Independent consultant Thomas E. Besemer writes for Embedded.com: "Is embedded Linux viable? You bet. Is it free? No way. If time-to-market matters, you get a lot from companies like Wind River with stable environments, or perhaps the current embedded Linux vendors." The December's article is accompanied by a number of insightful comments, and an additional response by the author.

Cool GUI Tools for Configuring your GNU/Linux System

Linux distributions have come a long way in easing the tasks of system administrators. From software installation to hardware configuration, Linux is moving away from making you manually edit text configuration files by providing you with elegant GUI tools to make system administration easier. In this article, LinuxOrbit takes a look at some of the latest GUI tools you can use to help configure and administrate your GNU/Linux system.

Largefile Support Problems

"The Unix98 standard requires largefile support, and many of the latest operating systems provide it. However, some systems still chose not to make it the default, resulting in two models: Some parts of the system use the traditional 32bit off_t, while others are compiled with a largefile 64bit off_t. Mixing libraries and plugins is not a good idea." Read the article at Freshmeat. On another interesting technical reading, you will find "Understanding the Linux Virtual Memory Manager" and "Code Commentary on the Linux Virtual Memory Manager".

Ark Linux Review

AddABoy features a review of ArkLinux, the new desktop distro from ex-Red Hat employee, Bero. Update: Five new screenshots from the brand new version 1.0.0-alpha6 are available. Its control panel is essentially the same as in Lycoris. Fonts and their rendering look below par though. Update2: The conversation on our commenting section seems to have get around usability and UI again, so here are my two suggestions, including a mockup for the Control Panel used by Ark and Lycoris: suggestion here, mockup here.

Could Linux Dethrone the Software King?

"The Linux computer operating system is coming of age. Nurtured since the early 1990s by software hobbyists and adopted more recently by giant computer companies led by International Business Machines, it is on the verge of becoming a mainstream technology in the corporate world. Its maturation has potentially far-reaching implications for the software industry." Read the article at FT.com. AustralianIT has a similar article too.

Linux World Opens In New York

A ZDNet article covering the opening of the Linux World trade show also has a thorough "state of Linux business" overview. Some highlights: Big firms like HP, IBM, and Microsoft(!) will have a big presence; it seems like Linux willl continue its rapid rise in adoption, though it will still be difficult for firms to make the huge profits that companies like Microsoft have made because Linux resists lock-in; enterprise software vendors like BEA will continue to support Linux; and hardware vendors are embracing it more.

ALT Linux and The Many Flavors of Linux: The Beginners Guide

"Linux distributions have a wide variety of features that can make choosing the right one for your needs a daunting task. The larger distribution companies try to be the "one size fits all" solution while the less known distribution projects and companies tend to focus on their advantage over the big guys. In this article, we hope to give you a road map for your Linux distribution decisions by showing you some common and unique traits among Linux distributions." On other Linux news, Tux Reports has published an At-A-Glance look at the ALT Linux Master 2.2 beta (note: TuxReport's Birdie is 11 years old and has used Linux for 3 years. She has installed dozens of Linux distributions!).