Oracle and SUN Archive

Sun Microsystems posted some new screenshots of its Java-based Project Looking Glass.

Guest columnist Tom Adelstein takes a look at the latest version of Sun's Java Desktop System. Adelstein, the author of a forthcoming book on Sun's JDS, offers a well-schooled view of how this version of the Linux desktop is a serious challenger to Microsoft.

"Today, Xandros has released their latest operating system, the Xandros Desktop OS – Business Edition. Though this release doesn't really differ much from their previous Deluxe 2.0 product, I felt that the features introduced by this version were significant enough to warrant a few words on this new product." Read the review at MadPenguin.

Xandros is preparing to release the business edition of their popular Linux desktop distribution. Here's what we found out so far about this new product.

Here are a few tips I've gathered for working with Sun's Ultra 5, and indeed other Sun hardware in general. While many are familiar with the intimate details of the x86 BIOS system, and how to go about configuring a BIOS, dealing with a Sun system is very different.

Xandros teams with LinuxCertified to provide pre-installed Linux laptops with full-spectrum connectivity and universal file sharing. The LC2210 Mobile Laptop with 14" XGA TFT LCD and LC2410 Linux Laptop with a 15" XGA TFT LCD are both being offered at the introductory price of $1399 in North America.

"XandrosOS is a good-looking, Debian-based Linux distro designed to lure Windows XP users. It's exceptionally easy to install and use, has good hardware and peripheral detection and good multimedia support, offers Windows networking compatibility, saves one money -- and the desktop, a tweaked version of KDE, even looks like XP to boot." Read the review at TheRegister.

Sun may have been the last major server maker to embrace Linux, but Chief Executive Scott McNealy argues that the company will benefit more than its competitors from the open-source software. Update: A day after Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy said open-source software is his company's friend, a prominent advocate of the collaborative programming philosophy, Eric S. Raymond, has called upon the server maker to open the code of Java.

Sun Microsystems' quarterly online conference is this week, February 10th and 11th. It's a series of live videocasts and live chats to discuss Sun's latest technology initiatives. If you "attend," you'll get a Sun Java Desktop System evaluation CD, downloadable Sun BluePrints book and articles, and free Ringtones for your phone. The topic this quarter is 20 new innovations designed to cut cost and complexity. Sign up here.

The intention of the Xandros team is to provide users a distribution that bridges the gap between Windows and Linux. Read the review at CahTech.

I know this has been a long time coming but I've had coursework/exams/an interview to deal with and the actual writing got put on the back burner. However, I have been using Xandros a fair bit and it must be said that I really like it. If you're not a Slackware junkie (like me) I would reccomend Xandros as the best distro to use - it's good for experienced users and completed newbies alike.

DesktopOS hosts a short review of Xandros 2.0 Standard. Expect ours on Wednesday.

Before I add 'my' two cents worth upon the current heap of Xandros reviews, let me introduce myself... rather my Linux self. I am a noobie. Perhaps not such a newbie as a newbie could be since I have been playing with and learning Linux since 'Corel Linux' (1999-2000?). Before Corel I'd purchased a copy of a 1998 Turbo Linux in a discount store and was beyond elated to find something to mess with.

Sun Microsystems Inc. plans to release midyear the second version of its Java Desktop System, featuring new tools for centralized management of client systems -- and a higher price tag. Sun released last year the debut version of the Java Desktop System (JDS), its attempt to win a share in the desktop operating system (OS) and applications market away from Microsoft Corp. The software is currently selling at a promotional price of $50 per user, per year, but the cost will rise to the product's planned selling price of $100 per user with JDS' second release, according to Peder Ulander, Sun's desktop products marketing director. MadPenguin posted a review with screenshots of JDS.