Archive for the 'Technology' Category
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
TurboPrint releases version 2 with new GIMP printing plugin
Despite using Linux to organize my pictures, I’ve always had to boot into Windows to print them properly. I have a Canon i960 photo printer which Canon has stoutly objected to supporting on Linux. Where there’s a gap, there’s an opportunity and TurboPrint has stepped up to fill a void due to printer vendors’ lack of support.
I’ve tried just about ever trick in the book to get my Canon just to print. Last year I gave up and finally just paid for TurboPrint. It’s a decent program and while it’s not cheap, it is cheaper than buying a new printer. Today they announced a new version 2 with updated features. Take a look if you’re interested. You can download the trial version first and check it out before paying.
I’m not sure what color management and color profiling services do exactly, but they may help with printing pictures. I haven’t seen a great solution for managing color, but perhaps they’ve “fixed the glitch”. The other real challenge I’ve had is doing borderless printing…
New Features:
- color management
- status monitor with panel applet
- duplex printing
- print preview
- ink management & ink saving mode
- color profiling service
Monday, November 17th, 2008
Adobe (finally) releases a 64-bit flash version for Linux
I can’t tell you how long ago I switched to running 64-bit Ubuntu and have been frustrated by the workarounds to get a 32-bit flash player working. While Ubuntu tries to make it painless, it creates havoc when you make changes to the “standard way”.
Well today it looks like my pain may be resolved. Adobe has let loose a 64-bit “alpha” version of Flash Player 10. I will be installing this promptly and report back, but in the meantime, you can get it yourself over here. You can read more about what’s new, etc at Adobe’s announcement page here.
Furthering Adobe’s commitment to the Linux community and as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the cross-platform compatibility of Flash Player, an alpha version of 64-bit Adobe Flash Player 10 for Linux operating systems was released on 11/17/2008 and is available for download. This offers easier, native installation on 64-bit Linux distributions and removes the need for 32-bit emulation. Learn more by reading the 64-bit Flash Player 10 FAQ.
Release versions of Flash Player 10 for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux are now available from the Flash Player Download Center.
Friday, November 14th, 2008
Will we finally see a broader implementation of open, mobile platform?
I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony in the topics this Register article touches on, but a couple points struck me as particularly important.
Adobe, yes Adobe, is now proposing an open platform (built on a mobile version of Air) that would run applications from any carrier’s platform (albeit all those, closed). Now I’m intrigued. Will we finally see a shift from closed, single carrier channels to open if carriers adopt this strategy? And will Adobe of all companies actually lead the way?
Note, this does not mean the applications themselves or the governance of the channels by the carriers would be open, but at least the platform they run applications on could be. This would be a major change in an industry thus far plagued by closed, private and a thousand “one-off” generation implementations. Heck, even Linux mobile adoptions have been “one offs”.
I suspect the challenge here will come in testing these applications across an amazing number of devices and revisions, but if Adobe can replicate its strong Flash success on mobile platforms, perhaps we won’t be stuck in a Silverlight world ;-)
Meanwhile, Adobe is set to follow rival Apple into the mobile apps game, but is seeking to provide a common platform that will be supported across stores from many operators and vendors, rather than creating its own portal. The Flash maker, whose dominance of mobile video streaming is dented by Apple’s refusal to support the technology on the iPhone, will launch a mobile version of its Air product next year.
This will allow the same application to run across many cellphones, unlike its current mobile product, Flash Lite, which varies in implementation between different platforms. Kevin Lynch, Adobe’s CTO, said at Web 2.0: “Of all the technologies on mobile phones, none of them has more than a 50 per cent reach. As a developer, you have to implement your content about 400 times right now. That is a complete mess.”
Another point of interest is Adobe’s royalty free proposal. Adobe … will incent implementers to redistribute their implementations back? Adobe has seriously evolved its attitude… for the better.
For companies that agree to keep their implementations of Air open, so apps can be used from any online site, not just designated store, Adobe will eliminate royalties.
Monday, October 27th, 2008
Seen on campus: 2 Ubuntu Laptop Success Stories
I have two younger sisters who are currently in college – both at the same school. It’s a private college and has what I would consider your average IT setup for a campus.
Within the first two weeks, both had their laptops infected by viruses separately – different viruses, different times. One was running XP, the other Vista on you basic Dell laptops. Of course, who did they call? Answer: me.
Well, I took in both laptops and tried to fix them. I found that viruses today are far more advanced – one modified the MBR and the other completely wiped out the Dell recovery partition – savvy indeed. I did my best to try re-installing their respective Windows OSs, but I found that Microsoft’s licensing practices prevented me from succeeding. First, I only had Pro CDs of XP and Vista so the Home license keys on the underside of each laptop were of no use. I’d install the OS, then Microsoft Genuine Advantage would block me… thanks Microsoft.
So I had them try calling Dell – of course, no luck. They wouldn’t send a replacement media for Windows. If I had the time and energy, I’d file a lawsuit against them tomorrow.
So I turned to my laptop OS of choice: Ubuntu. No chance for a license key or media obtainment problem.
My sisters had both seen me using Ubuntu before so they had seen “what it looked like” but they never knew it wasn’t Windows. When I loaded it on their laptops, they actually didn’t know it wasn’t Windows. In fact, the first thing they both did was try downloading/installing iTunes from Apple.com. No luck – Apple, where’s an Ubuntu client?
So I set them up with all the software they needed for iPods. They actually installed their own printers without even calling me (HP printers – great compatibility). They use OpenOffice for their papers/spreadsheets/presentations, Firefox was not new to them, and Evolution is just as easy as Outlook.
They’re now both about to close out their first semester – both made it on Ubuntu alone. And the best news – not a single virus.
More amazingly, the overall number of “support requests” have gone down. Even when they had Windows there were other reasons for calls, but now… only an occassional “how do I?” type question here or there. It’s been great. They easily download from the digital cameras, they manage their music collections (no corrupted iTunes libraries), and they use all the latest social media networks. Now they would both prefer to get a Mac, but that’s the really interesting part – they have no need for Windows.
We’re making progress. Ubuntu is leading the way.
Saturday, October 25th, 2008
Battling Bot Registration Spam
I setup Register Plus with re-Captcha today – we’ll see if that reduces the number of fake registrations I’ve been seeing.
I’ve been behind on blogging recently with an enormous amount of work but I have a few things coming.
Oh, and the next release of Ubuntu is coming out soon – test the RC now.
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Stephen O’Grady covers the Linux Foundation End User Summit
O’Grady’s comments, views and reaction to the Linux Foundation Summit here. Regrettably I couldn’t be there…
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Adobe releases Linux Flash player with launch of v10
My how far we’ve come when Adobe releases a Linux version of its Flash player concurrently with other platform releases. Great news! Now if only Apple would let them release an iPhone/Safari player..
http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/10/15/200226
Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
Did hell freeze over? Broadcom releases an open source, Linux wireless driver
I had to read this article twice to ensure I was actually reading it correctly. Then I visited the Broadcom website and downloaded it just to be certain this wasn’t a hoax. Yes, Broadcom, the most open only about not supporting Linux has released an open source Linux wireless driver. And it’s really under an open source license. The source files I opened were clearly GPLv2.
So Dell and Canonical forced them into it – but they did it. I’m honestly shocked.
Linux has hit a critical mass. It may not be taking over the desktop world, but it has at least reached “Mac” support status.
http://blogs.computerworld.com/new_linux_broadcom_wi_fi_drivers_arrive
Sunday, October 5th, 2008
Linux turns 17… world domination next?
I first installed Linux around this time in 1997… it doesn’t seem like it, but Linux has been around forever. Doc Searls notes it’s been 17 years since Linus first post. If you read to the end, Doc seems to also think the mobile explosion could lead to the ultimate end goal of world domination.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/linux-turns-17
Monday, September 29th, 2008
Jack Welch on the economy, bailout plan – must see
There’s a great interview with Jack Welch over at MSNBC.com that I’d recommend watching. As usual, Jack “get’s it” (IMO).
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
NY Times: “Is Sun Solaris on its deathbed?”
Interesting article on the last ditch efforts of Sun to keep Solaris from dying. Personally, I think Solaris will die a similar death as IBM’s OS/2 did – slowly, with stalwarts hanging on as long as they can.
http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_852573C400693880002574CE00371FE1.html
I’m not sure UNIX in general is dead as AIX and I think even HP-UX have seen fairly strong growth recently, but Linux is certainly tearing up the industry like the good disruptor it is. I think another angle that was missed is the outstanding growth of Linux on Power and mainframe platforms – heck, even Sun has tried to put Solaris on an IBM mainframe.
Another point that is often overlooked is that a lot of Solaris migrations also go to Windows. It’s the drive to high volume platforms that triggers the shift.
However, aside from those minor conflicts in views, Jim Zemlin is right on. I think this quote says it all. It amazes me that any company would try to compete with that level of momentum head on and not try to join in on the growth opportunity. Just look at Red Hat’s earnings yesterday if you’re still skeptical.
By contrast, Linux is the overwhelming choice for new deployments on x86 systems, Zemlin says. Sun has had its strength in applications such as ERP systems with a seven- to 20-year life cycle, he adds. “What’s starting to happen is those life cycles are starting to be completed,” and those customers are moving to Linux.
That move to Linux is accelerated by Linux’s strength in Web applications, where developers today are focused, Zemlin adds. “You can’t really talk to any Web-based application company these days that’s not using Linux,” he says.
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Red Hat beats estimates and Ohio Linux Fest is Almost Here
I can’t make sense of the “all eggs in a Solaris basket” strategy Sun is on especially when I see Red Hat just launched economic concerns back into the faces of Wall St. analysts by posting 24% growth over last year. Jim Whitehurst seems to be doing just fine in the new role – the Qumranet buy was also brilliant. I have high hopes for what we might see come from the acquisition.
And in other news, Oracle launched its own branded storage hardware product (made by HP) that is based on Linux. All around it’s been a positive day for accelerating growth of Linux.
And for those who haven’t registered, Ohio Linux Fest is coming up soon. I’m proud to say that IBM is once again the primary platinum sponsor (thanks for the funding Alena!). You can sign up here. I can’t say for sure yet, but it looks like Brian Warner from IBM’s Linux Strategy team will be joining me in person. If you’ll be present, send me an email and let’s meet up. There’s a great list of speakers for the event. I’ve never met Joe Brockmeier but I’m hoping to introduce myself at some point.
Monday, September 22nd, 2008
Get involved in the Linux Foundation – now accepting individual memberships
The LF is branching out to include individual members interesting in participating and collaborating on Linux topics. For just $50/year you too can become a member.
http://www.linux-watch.com/news/NS2023858186.html
After announcing its first event for “end users,” the Linux Foundation has begun to promote “individual memberships.” Available now for $50 a year, memberships include a T-shirt, quarterly newsletter, and the “ability to run for and vote for a Linux Foundation board seat,” says the organization.
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Repost: 2008 NYC Software Freedom Day Reception
From James Vasile at the SFLC for NYLUG (and I suspect other) interested parties.
———————————–
The Software Freedom Law Center cordially invites you to the 2008 NYC Software Freedom Day Reception! Industry leaders, lawyers, advocates
and hackers alike will be gathering to commemorate and celebrate the state of the movement; from the inception of the GNU Project 25 years
ago to the present day, the lives of millions of people all around the world have been forever changed by software freedom.
More information about Software Freedom Day can be found at http://softwarefreedomday.org/about
When: Saturday, Sept. 20th from 6pm to 9pm.
Where: Limewire is hosting us in their rooftop garden at 377 Broadway, between White St. and Franklin St. It’s just a few blocks south of
Canal. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=377+broadway+10013
Activities will include guest speakers from around the movement, as well as music and a raffle, with a focus on mixing, meeting, and
greeting. The reception is a rooftop affair, providing ample time and space to celebrate, meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
RSVP required to: rsvp@softwarefreedom.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
Your Friends of Freedom,
The Software Freedom Law Center
softwarefreedom.org
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Shameless Plug: IBM offers developers, customers access to its Chiphopper tools
The Chiphipper program is an interesting program where IBM gives its ISV partners access to a toolset that allowed them to validate their x86 Linux applications for Linux on POWER and z mainframe platforms. It may seem trivial, but ask any developer and the challenge of moving from one architecture to another without tools can be a pain.
With Chiphopper, the process becomes fairly automated in discovering what needs changed before starting a port and makes it fairly easy to offer an application on multiple platforms. Developers use these tools on their x86 code so you don’t even need access to Power or mainframe hardware to use them. You can even use the tools with open source applications.
Now IBM is offering these tools to any developer or customer that wants to port their x86/Linux application to Linux on Power or System z (mainframes). The IBM team has been collaborating with the Linux Foundation and I think some of the tools overlap with the LF’s LSB application testing tools. If fact, these tools can be used as a step toward LSB certification of your application.
The first set of tools used in the Chiphopper offering comes from the Linux Standard Base (LSB), a project of the Linux Foundation. When using standard interfaces, the developer can have confidence that these interfaces will be stable over time. Developers can focus on adding new functionality to enhance the application instead of having to rewrite over and over for changing interfaces. Developers can use the LSB Application Testkit Manager, located on the Linux Foundation Web site, to check whether the interfaces used by an application are part of an LSB standard.
Monday, September 8th, 2008
London Stock Exchange servers go down; halts trading
I can’t believe that in this day we have an exchange actually going down during the day… this would never happen on a mainframe platform.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/08/lse_down/
But at 9am trading was suspended as big banks lost their connection to the exchange. Some traders blamed an overloaded system following the US government decision.
I wonder if the issue has to do with their choice of Windows Server over Linux? Of course you never really do see the implications of that choice on Microsoft’s “Get the Facts” or “Compare” websites now do you… :-)
The London Stock Exchange needed a scalable, reliable, high-performance stock exchange ticker plant to win more trading business and new customers and replace its earlier system. Roughly 40 per cent of the Exchange’s revenues are generated by the sale of real-time information about stock prices.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
What the… ! Ashlee Vance is writing serious articles for the NY Times!?!
What’s going on? I just pulled up a NY Times article on Red Hat’s Qumranet buy and noticed the author is none other than my favorite El Reg author, Ashlee Vance! How, what, when, why? I need answers…
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/red-hat-buys-a-seat-at-the-virtualization-table
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
Using Java with Google Chrome
I need to use Scottrade’s streaming quotes application which runs in Java and is launched from a browser window. In order to use it with Chrome, I needed to find a way to get Chrome working with Java support. This was actually easier than I anticipated. There are just two steps:
1) Install the latest (Release Candidate) JRE from Sun
2) Restart Chrome
Now Scottrade works just fine. For a Windows system, I can now switch to Chrome. The one last MAJOR problem is that Google still has not even published a build for Linux (at least not that I could find). I need a Linux version to switch. Now in reality, “switch” just means which browser will I use more often. I will always have Firefox on hand especially with all the great plugins for web development, etc that come in handy. I will use Chrome on Windows just for a lightweight, fast browser.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
Red Hat Acquires Qumranet For $107M
Red Hat announced today that it will acquire Qumranet, the company behind KVM. Now Qumranet does not make its money on KVM, instead it uses KVM as part of its desktop virtualization solutions. Qumranet is also behind the very efficient SPICE protocol. I think this is a great move on both sides and I’m excited to hear a former IBM colleague’s bold move into a startup has paid off. I knew it would only be a matter of time before Qumranet was acquired, but it’s great to see it finally went through. Great ideas and technology leadership deserve to be rewarded.
I think you can expect to see an increase in KVM usage in RHEL going forward ;-)
I saw the press release here:
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
Notice to all my mail.ru registered users
Many people have registered for my site whereby they receive emails when new posts are published.
If you are a real person and registered on my site with a mail.ru email address, please email me and let me know you are a real user. I’ve had well over 300 users register with mail.ru addresses in the last week for less than admirable spam purposes. I deleted all user accounts with mail.ru email addresses and if I deleted your legitimate account, I apologize and will recreate one for you.
Subscribe to RSS/Atom Feed
