Practical Technology

Who, like me, once used OS/2? What, you don’t know OS/2? On April 2, 1987, IBM and Microsoft announced a then revolutionary, 32-bit server and desktop operating system that was going to change the world: OS/2.  Well that’s what they said anyway. In reality, Bill Gates quickly decided that he’d do better by going it [...]

[Read more →]

Yes. It’s true. For one day, March 18th, 2012, Chrome, and not Internet Explorer (IE), was the most popular Web browser in the world. It won’t be the last day. While the start of the work week put IE comfortably back on top. When users aren’t chained to their desks, they’re choosing to use Google’s [...]

[Read more →]

Some people think I dislike Windows in the same way some people dislike sports teams-I’m just prejudiced against the New York Yankees, Manchester United, Duke Blue Devils, whoever. Nope. I just dislike operating systems and programs that don’t run well. Over the years, though, Windows has improved. These days, in addition to my Mint Linux [...]

[Read more →]

The Open Invention Network (OIN) has significantly expanded and updated the Linux System technologies covered by its protective network of royalty-free cross-licenses. Over 700 new software packages–including popular packages such as Kernel Virtual Machine (KVM), Git, OpenJDK, and WebKit–will now receive coverage. In addition, coverage for over 1,000 existing software packages has been updated. Soon, [...]

[Read more →]

Sometimes, Microsoft can make great programs, Windows 2008 R2 and Windows 7 SP1. And, sometimes they can blow it, Vista and, from what I’ve seen so far, Windows 8. But every now and again Microsoft fouls up in such a spectacular fashion that I’m left to wonder how anyone can use them for mission-critical work. [...]

[Read more →]