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Just Another Tech Blog

Anything and everything having to do with technology, computers, science, and most of all... Linux! The documentation of my Linux endeavor.



AMD Athlon 64 FX-74 & Quad FX Platform Review

Thursday, November 30, 2006

"AMD's much hyped "4X4" system today brings dual socket Athlon 64 FX processors to the desktop allowing two dual-core AMD processors to be used. This in effect gives us a quad-core system and paves the way for a true octo-core desktop platform next year."

Read more @ [H] Enthusiast. Looks like AMD is striking back... but is it enough to beat the Core 2 Duo or its quad-core counterpart?
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 30, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Linux Kernel 2.6.19 Released!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Here it is! The Linux Kernel 2.6.19! Here's a brief overview of whats new/ updated (via KernelNewbies/ LinuxChanges)
Linux 2.6.19 includes the clustering GFS2 filesystem ; Ecryptfs; the first experimental version of EXT4 (aimed at developers), support for the Atmel AVR32 architecture, sleepable RCU, improvements for NUMA-based systems, a "-o flush" mount option aimed at FAT-based hotpluggable media devices (mp3), physical CPU hotplug and memory hot-add in x86-64, support for compiling x86 kernels with the GCC stack protection, vectored async I/O, Netlabel subsystem, allow to disable compilation of the block layer, IDE Parallel-ATA drivers based in libata, Granular IPSec associations for use in MLS environments, add the Netlabel subsystem, Mobile IPv6 (RFC 3775), some new drivers, improved support for many already existing drivers, and many other things.
w00t. Well, read the full Release Annoucement by Linux Torvalds himself @ LKML (Linux Kernel Mailing List) or check up on the full list of changes @ LinuxChanges.

Quote from the Release Annoucement:
So go get it. It's one of those rare "perfect" kernels. So if it doesn't
happen to compile with your config (or it does compile, but then does
unspeakable acts of perversion with your pet dachshund), you can rest easy
knowing that it's all your own d*mn fault, and you should just fix your
evil ways.
That's AWESOME.
posted by linnerd40, Wednesday, November 29, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


250gig... Nice

Well, I FINALLY got my new hard drive! It feels good to have a little breathing room again. As for my old 40gig... that will house a new Linux distro (Ubuntu?). But as for distro choices... I am thinking about actually installing Gentoo Linux on my new hard drive and perhaps Ubuntu on the 40gig. Not sure. I have already tried twice to install Gentoo... both times went rather poorly (I just didn't know enough). But now, I feel confidant. I've just heard too much good stuff about Gentoo... and if I can get it installed.... w00t! Another rung up in the ladder of 1337-ness! So yeah, I can't wait to get started. Right now I am still running SUSE of the 40gig... but this weekend looks like a good time to install Gentoo (give it plenty of time to compile). I also got another 512MB stick of RAM. They were having a sale down at TigerDirect... 512MB for $10! It was awesome... but only one per customer. Oh well. Here are my new system stats:
  • AMD Athlon 3700+ Socket 939 "SanDiego" core @ 2.2Ghz (thinking of overclocking)
  • 1.5GIGs Ultra PC3200 DDR 400MHZ RAM
  • ASRock DUAL-SATA2 Motherboard
  • 250gig Seagate Barracuda Hard Drive 7200 RPM
  • 40gig Hard Drive 5400RPM
  • PNY Verto GeForce 6200 Graphics Card 128MB AGP 8x = (
  • CD Burner + Seperate DVD Drive
What needs to change:
  • Graphics Card: To be replaced with an XFX GeForce 7600GT PCI-express (Christmas... i hope)
  • Optical Drives: I NEED A DVD BURNER!!! Getting one within the next couple of weeks... Thinking about getting this one.
Yeah... so there you have it! OH! I also got a 2GIG Flash Drive from my dad (YAY! Thanks Dad!), gave my other one to my sister. Thinking of installing Linux on it... maybe slax? Or perhaps a security-based distro... BackTrack? I'll see what I can get to work. Linux is awesome... you can put it on ANYTHING!!!
posted by linnerd40, Wednesday, November 29, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Linux in crisis?

Monday, November 27, 2006

"Between Oracle's support offering and Microsoft's patent pledge, recent events could prove significant for the Linux operating system market... but has all this just put Linux into a crisis?"

That is the question: Is Linux in a crisis? I feel that in many ways, Linux is in a crisis... but I think a better way of seeing it is as a crossroads. With all the FUD being spread about the Novell/ Microsoft deal and Oracle's recent announcement to start offering full Red Hat Linux support... this is a true turning point in the history of Linux. Where will it go from here? Will it finally make the final leap into the realm of full scale of enterprise? And where will its roots be then? Still in the community?
For a while now, I have remained rather silent about the Novell/ Microsoft deal. At first glance, it looked as if it could really help Linux. But now, I am growing increasingly uneasy about the whole affair. I have used SUSE Linux for almost my entire time with Linux. It has always just worked, and when I want to do something... I can. Nothing is holding me back. I don't want to abandon SUSE, but I definitely think that Novell, in a way, has betrayed its community and the whole idea of open source/ free software/ and ultimately Linux. But, on the other hand, this could be a great opportunity for Linux to finally get know in the wide scale enterprise market. Yet does that justify an abortion of what Linux has always stood for?
In any case, hang on Tux... it looks like a rough ride to come.
Perhaps I have come a bit off topic from the article. So, take a read, let me know what you think. I love comments.

Read the full article @ Computer Business Review Online.
And let the rest of the world know too! Digg this story.
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 27, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Microsoft, Novell, and now Ubuntu join to boost Apple and Debian

You've read more than enough already about how Novell and Microsoft signed an agreement that's supposed to help Novell sell Linux to Microsoft customers and help Microsoft customers integrate Linux -- as long as it's Novell Linux -- into their IT environments without fear of patent lawsuits. Part of the yammer was an open letter from Novell's CEO claiming that deal didn't really mean what you thought it did, followed by a statement from Microsoft that said Novell's CEO didn't really mean to say what he said or was wrong about some of it. Or something. Then Mark Shuttleworth jumped into the mess by offering a new, Microsoft-free home for openSUSE developers who didn't want to truck with Novell any longer because of its Microsoft deal. I don't know about you, but suddenly I'm starting to think Debian ought to be my GNU/Linux distribution of choice, and that I should turn to Mac OS for those few tasks I cannot currently accomplish with Linux and Free Software.
Interesting read. Sure brings up important issues and some very valid points. I rather agree with the author... some Linux distros definitely have some problems when it comes Free Software Purity. But in then end... what is best for Linux? What is best for the user? The normal user... not the hard core UNIX geek who compiles a new kernel every week... but the Windows users looking to migrate. Really worth a look. Read more @ NewsForge. Digg this story.
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 27, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


First look at $100 laptop Linux interface

Here is a new video of the “Sugar” user interface. OLPC is working with Red Hat on a Linux kernel for the machine, but are opening up the design; it is inevitable that there will be several variants of Linux to choose from.



Digg this!
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 27, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Sabayon Linux 3.2 Reviews @ Techgage

Sunday, November 26, 2006

We took a look at Sabayon 3.0 a few months ago and were greatly impressed. The developers haven't taken a break since that time, and now 3.2 is upon us. We are diving in heads first to see what's new and what's been updated.
I think the word "stunning" best describes this distro. I can only say that I now have a justified cause to buy a DVD burner. You have to got check it out. Read the review @ Techgage.com or take my word for it, skip the verbage, and head straight to the Sabayon Linux download site [note, version 3.2 will OFFICIALLY be released on the 27th (tomorrow)].
UPDATE:
Get the DVD NOW! Navigate to LinuxTracker, grab the torrent, and start downloading! Spread the word! Give this story a digg!


posted by linnerd40, Sunday, November 26, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Kernel Comparison for Linux (2.6.18) vs. Windows (2003 R2)

"This aims to be the most comprehensive kernel comparison of the latest most popular Unix style kernel verses the latest most popular current kernel. A kind of kernel comparison FAQ."

This is actually a very interesting comparison. It is set up in a kind of check-list form where features are listed, and then checked with a Y (Yes) or N (No) or specific stats for support/ performance under the Linux or Windows kernel. My favorite part:

average bug error rate per line
0.02%1.2% (0.21%-2.5%)

The green, of course is the Linux kernel, and the red is the Windows kernel. Nice. Other features covered:
Architecture, Source Code, Hardware Architectures, Process Management, Filesystem, Networking, and more!

Check it out @ Widefox.
posted by linnerd40, Sunday, November 26, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


openSUSE 10.2 RC1 Released

Friday, November 24, 2006

The development team handled a large number of bugs, updated a few packages - most notably D-Bus to version 1.0 (nearly no changes besides the version number) and Evolution to 2.8.2 - and included further translations. The areas that we had to work hardest on were the bootloader configuration and our software management stack.
Highlights:
  • Linux Kernel 2.6.18.1
  • glibc 2.5
  • Firefox 2.0
  • GNOME 2.16.1
  • KDE 3.5.5
  • X11 R7.2 RC
  • both KDE and GNOME feature improved start menus compared to upstream
  • improved desktop effects (compiz 0.2)
  • OpenOffice.org 2.0.4
Check out the Release Announcement (includes links to downloads) or see the Factory/News section @ opensuse.org for details.
posted by linnerd40, Friday, November 24, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Running Windows on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud with Qemu and Linux

This tutorial explains how to set up and run Windows on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud Beta with the help of Qemu and Linux. This HOWTO can be adapted to install any guest operating system supported by QEMU. We have chosen Windows Server 2003 because they offer a free evaluation copy, but QEMU can be used for emulating other operating systems - including, Solaris, *BSD, Unix, etc.
Another great HOWTO by the people @ HowtoForge. Check this one out if you are into virtualization! Read more @ HowtoForge. Digg this story!

Note from the Nerd: QEMU looks like great emulation tool. As of yet, I haven't gotten a chance to try it out, but I am thinking I may give it a go... just need to get some more info about it. Also, I was hardly aware that Amazon.com (yes, the place where you buy stuff from!) had this Elastic Compute Cloud, by the looks of it, it looks like a great project! Just to know what the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud is... here is a breif description from its homepage:
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) is a web service that provides resizable compute capacity in the cloud. It is designed to make web-scale computing easier for developers. Just as Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) enables storage in the cloud, Amazon EC2 enables "compute" in the cloud.

+
posted by linnerd40, Friday, November 24, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Switching jobs within a terminal

Thursday, November 23, 2006

This is a great tip from the "Linux By Examples" blog. Here is the meat of it:
To stop the current job and return to shell prompt, press Ctrl+z.
To switch back to the text editor, again, I press Ctrl+z to stop the current job, and use fg - to resume.
A bit confusing, but read the whole thing @ Linux By Examples, and try it out yourself! That's the BEST way to learn anything!
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 23, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Wardriving Using A Ubuntu Notebook With Garmin Etrex, Kismet, And GPSDrive

This tutorial is about wardriving using GPS. It explains how to install Garmin Etrex on Ubuntu and how to configure it. It also shows how to use Garmin with GPSDrive and how to convert the data to an xml file which can be imported by Google Earth.
Geek fun.... wardriving = 1337. Add a GPS... and you've soon got the whole city hacked! Check it out @ HowtoForge! Like what you see? Spread the word! Digg this story!
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 23, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


AMD's R600 board is a monster!

Monday, November 20, 2006

ATI'S R600 GPU features a number of innovations and improvements that are interesting, to say the least.
First of all, you need to know that this PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the most expensive one that the graphics chip firm has ever ordered.
It's a complex 12-layer monster with certain manufacturing novelties used in order to support the requirements of the R600 chip, most notably the 512-bit memory controller and the distribution of power to the components.
BEAST!!! This thing is going to blow the 8800GTX out of the water! But you'll need quite a large case to house it... and a very powerful PSU (who ever said performance didn't come without a price?). Read more @ The Inquirer. Spread the word, DIGG this story.
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 20, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


How To Compile A Kernel - The SuSE Way

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Each distribution has some specific tools to build a custom kernel from the sources. This article is about compiling a kernel on SuSE systems. It describes how to build a custom kernel using the latest unmodified kernel sources from www.kernel.org (vanilla kernel) so that you are independent from the kernels supplied by your distribution. It also shows how to patch the kernel sources if you need features that are not in there.
Read more @ HowoForge.
posted by linnerd40, Sunday, November 19, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days

Learn the basics of C++ in 21 days! Great guide for beginners. Remember, this is just an overview, fully mastering any program languages takes many years, and lots of effort. But this is the guide to get you started! Here's what's covered:
  • The Parts of a C++ Program
  • Variables and Constants
  • Expressions and Statements
  • Functions
  • Basic Classes
  • Program Flow
  • Pointers
  • References
  • Advanced Functions
  • Arrays
  • Inheritance
  • Polymorphism
  • Special Classes and Functions
  • Advanced Inheritance
  • Streams
  • Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
  • Templates
  • Exceptions and Error Handling
Take a look! | Digg this story!
posted by linnerd40, Sunday, November 19, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Plasma Computer

Friday, November 17, 2006

Jefferson Y. Han from the New York University designed a multi point touch screen... Which means you can touch-screen with multiple cursors, use all your fingers to control you computer. A big step towards a completely interactive environment for compiter users. Awesome. Check it out:




Digg story.
posted by linnerd40, Friday, November 17, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


PS3 Linux OtherOS installer out! Full Fedora Core 5 install instructions!

Yes, the void has been filled! You will be able to install Fedora Core 5 on your PS3s right now if you have all the components ready! The void we're talking about here is the OtherOS Installer which has just been released by Sony on their Open Platform for PLAYSTATION site. So let us be the first ones to tell you how it's done. We're getting our own PS3 in a few hours and we'll make sure that you have the whole install process with pictures later on.
Downloads:
Read more @ ps3.qj.net!

Note from the Nerd: Now I really want a PS3. The potential for the PS3 to become a great Linux-based media PC has already been thought about by other bloggers (see skarulis.com), and really, I see nothing holding it back. First off, I think it is awesome that the PS3 can run Linux... that just increases the "nerd appeal" by like a million. Also, the PS3 is powerful, to say the least. Think about it. Linux on an already incredibly powerful platform equals (=) pwnage. I am anxious to see how Linux runs and handles on the PS3; will it be able to take full advantage of the incredible cell processor? If so, the possibilities are endless. The ultimate home media system running on Linux... all in b-e-a-utiful extreme hi-def. Wow. I hope some benchmarks this puppy with Linux. I'll have to keep my eyes open for developments in this area.
posted by linnerd40, Friday, November 17, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Supernova Remnant Acts as a Particle Accelerator

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Instead of investing in particle accelerators here on Earth, physicists might consider just blowing up a few stars. New images taken by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory show how supernova remnant Cassiopeia A acts as a natural particle accelerator, firing out cosmic rays. As particles move around the remnant, they’re accelerated by the tremendous magnetic fields, eventually nearing the speed of light. The images from Chandra show that the particles are being accelerated to the maximum rate predicted by theories.
Read more @ Universe Today.

Note from the Nerd: This is interesting, but I don't really see how scientists plan to harness this power of supernovas, Or are they even going to? Nevertheless, a very interesting observation about, shall we say, the 'nature' or supernovas.

posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 16, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


AMD Fusion - CPU & GPU Integration

AMD has given us some more information about Fusion, albeit still a little vague on specifics as to exactly how a stream processing on the GPU would be leveraged. But if you thought CPU and GPU integration onto one die was just about low end computers, AMD is painting a different picture. CPUs with high powered stream processors onboard that utilize GPU power is the future that AMD sees.

Read more @ [H]ard|OCP."

Note from the Nerd: Well, this is certainly an interesting development in the design of "PUs" (processing units). The idea has probably been around for a while of integrating the CPU and the GPU, but of course, AMD always leads inovation. I can't wait to see these new Fusion Processors, Intel... watch out.
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 16, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


How to keep a detailed audit trail of what’s being done on your Linux systems

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Intrusions can take place from both authorized (insiders) and unauthorized (outsiders) users. My personal experience shows that unhappy user can damage the system, especially when they have a shell access. Some users are little smart and removes history file (such as ~/.bash_history) but you can monitor all user executed commands.
Very useful in all types of environments. Check it out! Read more @ NixCraft.
posted by linnerd40, Wednesday, November 15, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Hackers: What we are/ Are Not

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

The term “hacker” has a dual usage in the computer industry today, it is best defined as:

HACKER noun 1. A person who enjoys learning the details of computer systems and how to stretch their capabilities—as opposed to most users of computers, who prefer to learn only the minimum amount necessary. 2. One who programs enthusiastically or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming.
Nowhere in that definition does it say anything about cracking into somebody's computer with malacious intent. Nowhere. Yet when people hear the word "hacker" they thing "bad." Of course, there are hackers who use their skills for malacious purposes, and these are know as the blackhat hackers. But really the VAST majority of hackers are just those who fit the definition above. So people, stop making rash assumptions... NOT ALL HACKERS ARE BAD! I myself, fall into the first definition of a hacker, and soon to fall into the second. Without hackers, the computer industry and the security that surrounds it would be nowhere near where we are today... so if anything, thank hackers!

That said,
Read more about the practice of ETHICAL HACKING in the IBM Systems Journal.
posted by linnerd40, Tuesday, November 14, 2006 | link | 1 comments |


Linus Torvalds Officially a Hero!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Linus Torvalds was just 21 when he changed the world. Working out of his family's apartment in Helsinki in 1991, he wrote the kernel of a new computer operating system called Linux that he posted for free on the Internet — and invited anyone interested to help improve it.
Go Linus! Finally a true hero of the information age. Linux is just "da bomb" (don't ask what provoked me to say that, and rest assured, I probably won't ever say it again). But really, what would the world be without Linux? I mean something has to keep the dark side from prevailing, and well, Linux happens to be that "something."

Read more @ TIME Europe.
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 13, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Cool Honda Commercial

No, its not the "gear" one for the Accord. Its actually for Honda Diesel - Hate something Change something! With the voice of Garrison Keillor (Of "A Prairie Home Companion"), this Honda commercial for diesel is sure something different! Check it out!



Digg this!
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 13, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Samba Team Asks Novell to Reconsider

The Samba Team strongy dissaproves of the actions taken by Novell on November 2nd in their dealings with Microsoft, and have posted their thoughts on the matter:

The Samba Team disapproves strongly of the actions taken by Novell on November 2nd.

One of the fundamental differences between the proprietary software world and the free software world is that the proprietary software world divides users by forcing them to agree to coercive licensing agreements which restrict their rights to share with each other, whereas the free software world encourages users to unite and share the benefits of the software.

The patent agreement struck between Novell and Microsoft is a divisive agreement. It deals with users and creators of free software differently depending on their "commercial" versus "non-commercial" status, and deals with them differently depending on whether they obtained their free software directly from Novell or from someone else.

The goals of the Free Software community and the GNU GPL allow for no such distinctions.

Furthermore, the GPL makes it clear that all distributors of GPL'd software must stand together in the fight against software patents. Only by standing together do we stand a chance of defending against the peril represented by software patents. With this agreement Novell is attempting to destroy that unified defense, exchanging the long term interests of the entire Free Software community for a short term advantage for Novell over their competitors.

For Novell to make this deal shows a profound disregard for the relationship that they have with the Free Software community. We are, in essence, their suppliers, and Novell should know that they have no right to make self serving deals on behalf of others which run contrary to the goals and ideals of the Free Software community.

Using patents as competitive tools in the free software world is not acceptable. Novell, as a participant in numerous debates, discussions and conferences on the topic knew this to be the case. We call upon Novell to work with the Software Freedom Law Center to undo the patent agreement and acknowledge its obligations as a beneficiary of the Free Software community.


Well, the Samba team definitely makes a good point. I guess Novell really has betrayed the Open Source Software community. Upon first glance, I was quite optimistic about the Novell - Microsoft deal, but now... I don't know. "For Novell to make this deal shows a profound disregard for the relationship that they have with the Free Software community." This statement hits particularly hard, I wonder how Novell will react. If you have ever read my blog before, you will know that I am a huge fan and supporter of SUSE (openSUSE) Linux. It is my favorite distro by far as of this point, I really hope Novell can clear up some of this stuff. Last thing that I want on my computer is a Linux distro closely related to Microsoft. Plain Windows... well that is a different story, but I think Microsoft has no right to anything Linux related. I've read about how most things Microsoft partners with eventually fail... I don't want that to happen to SUSE... well, post your opinions on the matter, and lets see how this develops.
posted by linnerd40, Monday, November 13, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


openSUSE 10.2 Beta 2 Report

Sunday, November 12, 2006

The countdown continues on the road to 10.2 with the latest release of beta 2 on the 10th. This release didn't bring too many surprises, but things seem to be shaping up nicely. In light of all the negative publicity of Novell's recent announcement, I imagine the pressure is bearing down on the openSUSE infantry to release a banner system. I wish them luck and I think they are on the right path.

Read more @ Tuxmachines.org! Digg this story.

Note from the Nerd: Can't wait to get this myself, I really need a DVD burner though... hoping to maybe pick one up on Black Friday. Just to let you know, the final version of openSUSE 10.2 is set to be released to the public on December 7! w00t! Let the count down begin... 25 days left!
posted by linnerd40, Sunday, November 12, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


openSUSE 10.2 Beta2 is available!

Saturday, November 11, 2006

w00t! openSUSE 10.1 Beta2 is here! Check it out, here is what the release announcement has to say:

I'm glad to announce the second beta of openSUSE 10.2 codename Basilisk Lizard. It contains a large number of enhancements and updates done by the open source community and Novell's development
teams.

See http://en.opensuse.org/Factory/News - and the ChangeLog file on the first media of each set for a detailed overview of changes.

We have fixed most of the annoying bugs of Beta1. I'm gratefull for a localized product and like to thanks especially the many volunteers that did the translations. Some of them came in too late to add them to Beta2.

Awesome. Read the full release announcement here.
posted by linnerd40, Saturday, November 11, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Using Linux at Work: From Windows to Linux and never back

From the article:
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and this ties in greatly with productivity. Windows has always done everything I've needed it to do, and moving OS offered little or no benefit to my productivity. It was just a lot of hassle and a steep learning curve.

However, around 18 months ago, I built a file server for my LAN, using a VIA Epia 800MHz motherboard and a couple of 200GB hard drives. With Windows installed, it was so slow that I had 10 or 20 second delays when trying to access the share across the network. The overhead of Windows was just too great for it to work effectively – odd for such a minor task. Finally I had the necessity and I decided to give Fedora Core 4 a go. Fedora is the free version of Red Hat, and is actually used on many web servers (including this one). It's use on web servers was a key reason to choosing this, as I wanted an environment that was similar to the Red Hat box I was used to, while also learning skills that could be transposed directly over to web server administration. Interestingly, a Fedora is the type of hat shown in the Red Hat logo (something a girlfriend of mine had to point out to me), so it is in fact a little play on words.

Installing Core 4 was painless and before I knew it, I had set up a fully secure file server that was almost instant to access. It was amazing how much difference in performance there was. When mapped as a network drive, it felt like it was a drive in my computer.

Great read about the advantages and ease of use of Linux at work. Check it out @ TrustedReviews.com. Digg this story!
posted by linnerd40, Saturday, November 11, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Beryl 3D Window Plugin: AWESOME

Friday, November 10, 2006

Beryl 3D Window Layering Plugin. Insanely fun to play with, video doesn't do it justice.
This plugin is the start of something great in beryl. Window distance was set a little high for demo purposes, but this plugin has great potential beyond eyecandy. No performance hit is seen, allowing a 1080p trailer to play in the background while running the capture. Read more here. Digg this story!



Note from the nerd: WOW, I want this! I really need to get Beryl installed. Really, if this is just the start of what Beryl can do... how can a nerd NOT want it?
posted by linnerd40, Friday, November 10, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Dream Machine: Kentsfield + 8800GTX SLI + 680i SLI

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Legit Reviews tests out a super-beast system: Intel Kentsfield quad core processor, 2 XFX 8800GTXs in SLI, all on an EVGA 680i motherboard. Need I say more? This thing is BEAST!!! It's what nerds dream about at night :D ! Read more @ Legit Reviews.

Anyone want to donate $4000?


posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 09, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Quantum Encryption

That's right, encrytption based on quantum physics! Scientists have created an unbreakable cypher through the use of quantum physics. "Uncertainty is the principle we exploit," says MagiQ's VP for engineering. "It's impossible to find the key, because the photon can be measured once and only once. An eavesdropper can't measure it, and so can't get the key." Read more @ BusinessWeek.com.

Note from the Nerd: Now if this isn't cool, I don't know what is. My two favorite topix combined into one! Quantum physics and computing! Great read.
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 09, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Beryl debuts a dazzling community-built 3-D desktop

From the article:
As we reported in September, a group of developers forked SUSE's Compiz compositing window manager to create a community-based project called Beryl. The new project has quickly become a popular choice for supporting the 3-D desktop effects that make the Linux desktop sizzle these days. I installed Beryl on Ubuntu Edgy and have been running it for the past week. I find Beryl impressive, but, predictably, unstable.

Read more @ Linux.com!

Note from the Nerd: Wow, Beryl looks nice. I am really liking my current setup with Xgl and compiz, but it isn't all that great for gaming and such, as Xgl likes to mess some things up. But really, I don't game much. Sadly the compiz session manager I had installed a while back (see post: New Compiz Manager is SUPER 1337!!!!) is messing up for some odd reason. Whenever I switch to a different window manager such as kwin, and then go back to compiz, problems appear. The cube doesn't rotate well, and whenever maximizing or minimizing a window, the screen turns black for a second.... odd... oh well, I'll see what I can do about it. But really, Beryl looks nice! Go Linux and Open Source!!!
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 09, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


How To Compile A Kernel - The Ubuntu Way

Sunday, November 05, 2006

"Each distribution has some specific tools to build a custom kernel from the sources. This article is about compiling a kernel on Ubuntu systems. It describes how to build a custom kernel using the latest unmodified kernel sources from www.kernel.org (vanilla kernel) so that you are independent from the kernels supplied by your distribution. It also shows how to patch the kernel sources if you need features that are not in there." Read more @ HowtoForge.

Note from the Nerd: Looks like fun :D .
posted by linnerd40, Sunday, November 05, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Ballmer's new weapon against Linux is...Linux

Friday, November 03, 2006

aka... what you are not being told about the Novell/ Microsoft partnership.
I figured the Red Sea had parted to allow Ron Hovsepian and Steve Ballmer to pass, holding hands and singing kumbayah.

Nope.

What I learned, once I got to my computer, was that Novell and Microsoft have agreed to do what the market has already been forcing them to do: interoperate and not sue each other. Am I missing something? Oh, yes. "Sales support." I'm not yet sure what that means, but I guarantee it doesn't mean doing anything to promote Linux, as Ballmer said:

"If you want something, I'm still going to tell you [to buy] Windows, Windows, Windows."

He has a fiduciary duty to sell Windows, Windows, Windows, and to partner with whatever companies he thinks will help him sell more...Windows and with those that help him kill...Linux. Which camp does Novell fit into? Not sure, but I don't think it's in Novell's shareholder interest to help Microsoft with either goal. This isn't about helping Linux (SUSE Linux or otherwise), but rather about killing the only real threat to Microsoft's dominance in the operating system market.

Read more @ InfoWorld.

Note from the Nerd: Sigh... I knew it was too good to be true. Well, I'll remain optimistic on the issue, maybe something great can still come of this.
posted by linnerd40, Friday, November 03, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


Microsoft and Novell Announce Broad Collaboration on Windows and Linux Interoperability and Support

Thursday, November 02, 2006

"WALTHAM, Mass.—02 Nov 2006—Microsoft Corp. and Novell Inc. today announced a set of broad business and technical collaboration agreements to build, market and support a series of new solutions to make Novell and Microsoft® products work better together. The two companies also announced an agreement to provide each other’s customers with patent coverage for their respective products. These agreements will be in place until at least 2012. Under this new model, customers will realize unprecedented choice and flexibility through improved interoperability and manageability between Windows® and Linux."
Novell and Microsoft will work together on these main technical areas:
  • Virtualization

  • Web services for managing physical and virtual servers

  • Document format compatibility

READ MORE!!!! READ MORE HERE TOO!!!

Note from the Nerd: WOW!!!! Where the heck did this come from??? This is great! Microsoft and Linux working together! I NEVER thought that this would happen... but think of the possibilities! I think this could really turn out well, I mean for Linux and for Microsoft. I'll be sure to post any new developments!!!
posted by linnerd40, Thursday, November 02, 2006 | link | 0 comments |


3dfm: 3-D Goodness

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Yesterday, I posted about a nice article on Linux.com about 3D file system browsers (see "Picture your disk space with 3-D filesystem browsers"). Well, I got around to actually installing one of those 3D file system browsers; 3dfm (3-D File Manager). Although about 3 years old, 3DFM is definitely a NICE 3-D file browser. It lets you very quickly browser through your files, all in a great 3D fashion. The layout is quite logical too. Folders are layed out in a circular manner through a central directory (the current folder). The directory above the current is always a displayed as a red folder, taking much of the guess work out of finding the directory. Looking at the root directory is quite interesting. You see how the whole file system is laid out, and the bunches of folders in lower directories. Really cool. There is also a very nice "Go To" feature, letting you jump quickly to any directory or folder.
The only complaint I have is that 3D graphics performance is quite dismal. This is probably due to the program not recognizing OpenGL on my system, or I have something configured wrong. It is not as if there is a ton of lag, but sometimes things can get a bit jumpy or slow.
Other than that, 3DFM is awesome in both terms of fun and practicality. So if you are in need or want of a 3D file manager, 3DFM is probably the best way to go! Check out the 3DFM at SourceForge.net.
Of course, what would a review of something 3D be without screen shots?

A view of my home folder with the "Go To" dialogue box:


Prefrences menu:


My root folder:

posted by linnerd40, Wednesday, November 01, 2006 | link | 1 comments |