Practical Technology

for practical people.

August 22, 2008
by sjvn01
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Novell and Microsoft: Stop with the FUD already

Unlike a lot of open-source supporters, I don’t turn red with anger at the very thought of Novell working with Microsoft. Like it or not, getting Linux and Windows to work better together makes good, hard business sense. What I do find annoying is that Novell is continuing to feed Microsoft’s FUD machine about Linux.

In an e-mail interview with Ian Bruce, Novell’s public relations director, Bruce wrote me that customers wanted the Novell/Microsoft package, in part, because it “provides IP (intellectual property) peace of mind for organizations operating in mixed source environments.”

It does? Since when?

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August 21, 2008
by sjvn01
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Mini-notebooks are here to stay

Some critics seem to think that UMPC (ultra mobile PCs) are just a fad. Wrong. They’re here to stay.

In Ultraportable laptops: Their rise and possible fall, David Haskin reports that “While pundits and technology journalists have lavished attention on these products, skeptics have raised questions. For instance, is there anything really special about these devices, or do they just represent old technology in new packaging? Are users as enthusiastic about these tiny laptops as the pundits are? Will they fade away like so many other ‘next big things?'”

Haskin goes on to report that Avi Greengart, mobile device research director at Current Analysis, for one, said that “It’s way too early to talk about this being a viable product category.”

Sorry, that’s not the case.

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August 20, 2008
by sjvn01
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Users want Microsoft/Novell packages

While many Linux users hated the idea of the Microsoft/Novell partnership from the start, Ian Bruce, director of Novell public relations, says that “Customers drove” the latest expansion of the Novell/Microsoft deal.

In the latest chapter, Microsoft and Novell announced on August 20th that Microsoft had committed to purchase up to $100 million in SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server) support certificates Essentially, once more Microsoft will be selling Novell Linux to its customers again. .

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August 20, 2008
by sjvn01
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Windows 7 will be warmed over Vista

Vista has been, to be kind, a flop. For several months now, Microsoft has been hinting that the next version of Windows, Windows 7, will be the answer. I’m beginning to wonder, though, if Windows 7 will be little more than Vista rehashed.

Microsoft is no longer being coy about the fact that they’re working on a replacement for the wretched Vista. It used to be that the Ballmer would just say things like “Vista is a work in progress.” Now, Microsoft has admitted to having over 2,000 people working on Windows 7. Sounds to me like they’re serious about it.

In addition, Microsoft has launched its Windows 7 blog and has started telling people about what’s what with Seven. What’s even more interesting is that WSUS (Windows Software Update Services) users found a Windows 7 Client option on their patching servers on August 20.

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August 19, 2008
by sjvn01
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First Ubuntu Netbook Remix Laptop Appears

Digital Gadgets, the manufacturer and distributor of SYLVANIA brand computers, announced on August 19th that its shipping the SYLVANIA g netbook MESO with Ubuntu 8.04 Netbook Remix inside.

Ubuntu 8.04 Netbook Remix is based on standard Ubuntu. In addition it include a ‘Launcher’ that allows users to get on-line more quickly and have faster access to their favorite PC-based and online applications.

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August 19, 2008
by sjvn01
2 Comments

The Dell Ubuntu-powered Mini-Notebook is on its way

Gizmodo is reporting that they’ve laid their hands on the specifications sheets for Dell’s forthcoming Inspiron 910. While I haven’t seen these documents myself, what Gizmodo reports is pretty much what my sources at Dell have been telling to expect from their UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC).

In short, the approximately two-pound Insprion 910 will run both Ubuntu Linux 8.04 and Windows XP Home SP2. It’s worth noting that Ubuntu Linux is actually friendlier with Windows-based business networks than XP Home, which is limited to peer-to-peer networking. So, if you’re thinking about using the Inspiron 910 for office use, you’ll actually want to use Ubuntu.

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