Linux + GNU = Humans Enabled

Being the adventurous type, I've finally made it out to system76.com and purchased a Starling Netbook preloaded with Ubuntu GNU / Linux as a gift for a friend. When all was said and done, the price for this little computer was about $394 (shipped). This may be about 50 bucks more than some other netbooks, but I've heard very good things about system76.com, and I know that System76 supports GNU / Linux by offering a wide selection of computers with the Ubuntu GNU/Linux operating system sold preinstalled. This sweet Starling Netbook came preloaded with Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix. Upon receipt however, I quickly upgraded this system to the newer Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Netbook Remix GNU/Linux . I have to tell you that after using this little bundle of joy for a few days, I'm starting to have second thoughts about giving it up to our longtime friend who is coming to visit us for Thanksgiving. I hope I can do it! Something to purchase along with this type of computer is a 2GB ...

I use GNU/Linux at home and at work everyday. While at home, I typically use Google(tm)'s gmail via the web and sometimes with Thunderbird. Google(tm) makes using your email client of choice very easy because they let you access your gmail with IMAP and/or POP access for free. It would be nice if more companies and server products would take the "open and inter-operable to everyone" approach(hint, hint). This is the way things are going anyways as far as I can tell. The only other provider that I know of that allows free POP access is inbox.com. As for work, I currently have no choice but to connect to Microsoft's Exchange Server 2007(r) product (hopefully this will change sooner or later to something like openXchange or Google(tm)). And Despite the lack of openness of the Microsoft's Exchange Server 2007(r), I am able to use Novell's F/OSS Evolution email client(from Ubuntu 9.10 GNU/Linux) with IMAP to get email but I have to use the built-in Evolution calend...

Looking for a low cost solution to run your favorite 3d FOSS games (and several popular 3d titles in Wine)? Look no further than the bargains at ascendtech.us and the power of the PNY NVIDIA GeForce 9400GT graphics from tigerdirect.com . Here's the specs for the machine I purchased from ascendtech.us for only $267 (shipped). Note: prices may vary as they change their specials. Here's a link to a system that is similar to the one I purchased. Intel Dual Core E2180 2.0ghz 800FSB MSI LGA775 Quad Core Ready Motherboard Standard Cooling Fan & Heatsink Combo 2GB DDR2 PC2 6400 800mhz RAM (2x1GB Chips) 160GB SATA 7200rpm Internal Hard Drive Onboard Nvidia Geforce7100 Video Card Adapter CDRW Drive Onboard 7. 1 Audio Onboard 10/100/1000mbps Gigabit Ethernet Beige ATX Midtower Case W/ Power Supply Then pop in a PNY Verto NVIDIA 9400GT PCIE video adapter from tigerdirect.com for just $51.98 (checking back at the site - there's a a $20 rebate available as of 09-09-09). Here's...

Evolution of Technology is truly amazing. In my previous open letter to computer video game makers entitled " Investigate the niche of GNU/Linux compatibility ", I wrote about how game makers should investigate the GNU/Linux niche market for computer-based video games. In the letter, I made a prediction that GNU/Linux would become the predominant platform of choice for computers everywhere within the next couple of years. For this reason, I suggested that computer video game makers port their games to GNU/Linux, or at least take steps to define the demand for games on GNU/Linux and ensure they were prepared to embrace the opportunity of GNU/Linux as the Universal Operating System. While I still fully stand behind the idea of porting software and games directly over to GNU/Linux, I now realize things are happening faster than I originally predicted. A few examples are: the movement of Linux into netbooks( no this has not failed, despite all the marketing from from the te...

Doing my part to bring out the truth about Linux on the Netbook. There's been a lot of buzz lately about netbooks, and many sources out there have not done their due diligence to debunk the myth of "Linux is Dead on the Netbook". C'mon people, don't just jump on the bandwagon and repeat the marketing spew, do some research and tell the truth! The real problem is that the vendors who are selling Linux on Netbooks are being mum about it, and so there's not much spoken proof of the true figures of Linux Netbook sells. Well here's what I say: " Linux IS NOT DEAD on the Netbook! ". Why do I believe this? Well, simply have a look at the screen-shots I captured TODAY(07-11-2009) at Dell, HP, and Target websites. Yep, every one of them provides a Linux netbook option. Now why would these prominnet computer sellers (and Target) be offering a "Dead" netbook? Doesn't make much sense does it. Here's a hint, because it sells! O...

Dear Logitech, As an IT Professional, electronics consumer, and GNU/Linux user, I am continuously looking for Peripherals providers that support the "Universal Operating System" (GNU/Linux). I'm the guy that you'll find in the nearby BestBuy store, or Walmart, or even Office Depot, hunkered down in the electronics aisle, flipping over boxes looking at "System Requirements" to see if there's any indication of vendors doing the right thing and printing "Works with GNU/Linux"(or perhaps even affixing the Tux Penguin emblem) on their packaging. And although a great number of peripherals and hardware work with GNU/Linux, sometimes it's still a bit difficult to be absolutely positive. With your help, I aim to change that. Yes, GNU/Linux is perhaps one of the greatest achievements of technologically advanced human beings since electricity itself was implemented in a useful fashion. The truth is, supporting GNU/Linux is not only a great humanitaria...

Ever cheered for the opponent you wanted to win, yelled in encouragement until you're hoarse, and then in a glorious moment.. see your team win? Have you ever seen the underdog team come out of the shadows and strip the victory from the season's statistically best team? I have. And I'm about to see it happen again, right in front of the watchful eyes of the world. It's happened all through history, David vs. Goliath, the Normans vs. the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, the Spanish vs. the French on Cinco de Mayo, the colonial U.S. vs. the British Empire for the Revolutionary War, and other scenarios - time and time again, all throughout history. In each of these instances the comparatively smaller, less anticipated warrior(s) valiantly battled the oppressive giant and miraculously won with an unexpected victory. Such is proof, it's not the immense number, massive size, or even the high popularity of an entity that wins the battle, rather it's the passion ...