I am running out of ideas in Linux

This is the penultimate stage of my blog activity and I would now concentrate on marketing aspect and perhaps academic aspect later.

I must write few lines about OSDisc.com.

It does some things which I would have liked to do myself in the Third World and in my country.

It sells live disc and live USBs of all the Linux distributions.
You do not have to do what I do.
Download and test and write something here.
You go to that web site and order what you want after having read some of my comments.
All the items are low priced.
One only needs a credit card.
It also does something very good part of the sale is contributed to Open Software development.
So every time you buy something you are indirectly contributing to the developers.
Mind you in this credit crunch and debt crisis which is global we must not stop innovation things.
Credit crisis should open for new innovation and not for grumbling.
This is where Linux is way ahead of the pack.
Web site is very simple and nicely organized and has ranking of sales which is good thing before purchasing.
It has book section also and if you wont one investment for all go and my choice is given below.
Mind you I have several copies of this book.
I have paste the product description below.
Product Description
The most up-to-date guide on the latest version of Linux Linux is an excellent, low-cost alternative to more expensive operating systems and its popularity continues to remain on the rise. This comprehensive resource offers more than 100 pages of the most sought-after Linux commands, provides new tutorial chapters aimed specifically at Windows desktop users and Windows administrators, and includes a new chapter on using Linux on gadgets. You’ll get up to speed with Linux so that you can install secure, fully functioning Linux server systems.

* Shows you what Linux is capable of, how to install it, how to make the most of its features, and ways to make use of its commands
* Provides step-by-step instructions for transitioning to Linux and explains how to choose which distribution is right for you, find and use the applications you need, set up the desktop to be the way you like it, and more
* Walks you through transferring your stuff (music, documents, and images) from Windows to Linux

Whether you’re making the transition from Windows or Macintosh and need to choose which distribution is right for you or you are already savvy with Linux and need a thoroughly up-to-date guide on its newest features, Linux Bible 2011 Edition is a must have!
Try out 18 different Linux distributions to see which is right for you
Inside many stock exchanges, mobile phones, and Internet servers is an operating system that many people haven’t even heard of—it’s called Linux. Today, you can run this open-source software on your personal desktop, on an Internet server, or as a programming workstation. In this complete guide from Linux expert Christopher Negus are all the instructions and software you need to install, set up, and use Linux.

* Install, set up, and use the latest Linux systems for desktops and servers
* Configure the perfect Linux desktop system for you
* Launch all your music, video, images, and documents in Linux
* Set up your own print, file, e-mail, and Web servers
* Get a stable and secure system using Linux security tools
* Create your own cool apps with useful programming tools

A total of 18 different Linux distributions are included on the DVD!

* To try out Linux, boot directly Ubuntu, openSUSE, KNOPPIX, Fedora, PCLinuxOS, Gentoo, BackTrack, and other live Linux distributions
* To keep Linux permanently, install those and other distributions to your hard disk

What’s on the DVD?

* Ubuntu Linux (live/install)
* Fedora Linux (install)
* openSUSE (live/install)
* KNOPPIX (live/install)
* Gentoo Linux (live/install)
* Slackware® Linux (install)
* PCLinuxOS (live/install)
* BackTrack (live)
* AntiX (live/install)
* INSERT (live)
* Puppy Linux (live/install)
* Debian GNU/Linux (live/install)
* Damn Small Linux (live/install)
* SLAX (live)
* System Rescue CD (live)
* Coyote Linux (floppy firewall)
* TinyCore (live)
* CentOS Linux (live/install)

System Requirements:

* All software built for x86 computers
* See chapters on each distribution for system requirements

Turn your PC into a Linux desktop system
Learn to use Linux as a system administrator
Find and install loads of free software apps

Tabloid, News Reader, E-reader and the new Education Tool

Tabloid is going to make print media obsolete in the not so distant future. 

1. Ink print might disappear giving way to digital news.

2. Unlike the print paper, it can read you the news while you drive your car.

3. Local Paper edition might come in smart cards.

4. Advertisement supplements in the digital format make one to order with the touch of your finger tips

5. sports can be live like in the TV but unlike TV you can replay the match or game you like.

6. It has audio and video capabilities

7. Even amazon is going to phase out E-Reader and go for Tabloid.

8. All these are due to Linux and Android entering the market. It is a reality and not futuristic.

9. Tabloid is your News Reader, E-Reader, the smart phone, the web browser and the travel companion.

10. This is why I support Unity and very soon Google’s Android with Linux operating system will overtake the Apple’s iPod, since they are going to market it at affordable prices.

11. Not only that, smart news papers magnets will dish out OEM version of Tabloid at cut price with their subscription attached to the deal.

In the next 10 years we going to see amazing changes in the West. 

I do not see these changes will come true in this part of the world where professors in IT industry has to go behind politicians in begging for his or her salary increase. 

The promise of giving computers to university on loan will be a wasteful exercise and students drawn into debt no sooner they enter higher education.

If you are a smart student one should not go into debt buying a laptop before Tabloids hit the market.

If you do so, you might have to be in debt for two items instead of one.

LinuxExtras-CloudOS-JoliOS-09

Cloud computing and Cloud OS had been one of my interests for some time.

To begin with I started with Dropbox which is a nice way to share ones data with friends especially those who are away and abroad.

I use it to deposit Linux images in the shared folder.

Similarly friends from abroad can have their folders shared with me.
Idea was to promote Linux.

But cloud computing is of a different order altogether.
When one is on travel and does not have a netbook or laptop (which is an added burden when on the move) Cloud Os come to your service.

One has to carry the OS in a CD or Pendrive (I have not tried this with a Pendrive yet).

The Cloud OS (Joli OS and Jolly Cloud are its other names) let you do this.

I downloaded version 1.0 and for one reason or the other I could not run it even though I registered with their web site.

Then I downloaded Joli Os version 1.1 (Live CD) and booted it up but I could not get the link with the Cloud Service, even though I tried to register with them.
Disappointed I gave up.
Today I downloaded version 1.2 from Linux tracker. It was a quick download with many seeders all over the world.
Booted it up and (I could not boot up with my previous email) I registered with another email address after some considerable delay I was up an running and was in link with world wide web.
There were lot of applications but I could not find the Dropbox.
So after some fiddling (It lets you add other cloud applications) I added dropbox and could sign up with Dropbox and open my folders.

These two applications One a Live OS on a CD, the other Dropbox registration make you travel light and even if you forget your laptop instantly get in touch with the outside world (with your current data in the cloud) if the friend you stay with lets you boot your Joli OS 1.2.
Joli OS lets you boot with  guest logging by request of its previous users.
I have no hesitiation of using these two for my work and recommend anybody to try it.
The learning curve is the only limitation.

It can be installed in an isolated OS in computer and the procedure is bit complicated and you are advised to visit the home page and follow instruction. One needs a Flash drive for that.

Lost Opportunity for Indians-Cricket World Cup

I am made to believe that India is the home for computer experts and it has a home base of IT literate who can dish and dash Linux at the drop of a hat.

I have to reserve that judgment now.

I have been looking at who is grabbing the opportunity that Linux has opened up.

It is not India.

It is not Pakistan.

It is not Sri-Lanka.

It is not Bangladesh.

To my surprise who is leading the field.

It is America.

Obama is quietly but effectively spreading the message of wisdom.

Education, Education in IT.

I won’t tell you how I gather the information.

That is top secret.

Even though, it is not at all significant statistically and in numbers who are the people who visit my blogsite with Linux information.

It is again Americans who top the list.

I have been very vocal and forthright with American diplomats and their way of dealing with international affairs.

 

If one is an American he or she would be very annoyed with what I usually write about Americans but I am glad I have to complement the Americans who would search, gather information and reach for anything that is useful academically.

Then who are the people who disseminate this information to others.

It is again Americans.

It is not these big Universities like Harvard that spread the message.

It is the up and mobile ordinary Americans.

Thanks guys, even though some of your diplomats and politicians are bringing bad name to America you guys are spreading the message of goodwill, especially related to Linux.

Why I say Indians lost a trick.

This is the time all the guys from the West come here to watch cricket and enjoy the warm holiday.

All of them love to carry a netbook or a laptop with them.

Indians could have sold large number of netbooks and laptops to these guys for a very cheap price, if they mastered the Linux Operating System and Utilities.

 

The idea that the operating system is free could have galvanized them and the amount of saving on each buy / or purchase would have made them to buy not one but three for the price of one they pay in their countries.

Once they got the idea of the price and the use of Linux they would be coming back to Asia for bargains for the next 10 to 20 years to come.

 

All they have to do is to entice the buyer with wireless dongle and a Flashy Linux Distribution installed in the laptop or the netbook. If they provided a flashy media player to watch the matches (recording and playback) and the value added would have been infections.

This could have been easily accomplished in India, Bangladesh and Sri-Lanka.

But nobody wanted to explore and promote Linux in this part of the world.

In Sri-Lanka the reasons are many and I do not want to waste my time discussing that.

Why Indians lost this trick is my amazement.

There is no incentive to learn Linux in Asia because of pirating of software.

There has been an explosion of Linux utilities from last December to now, to Music, to Guitar, to Video to Graphic Rendering like Maya.

 

If the can at least sell some netbooks with GutaristX installed, that will get the ball rolling, even now.

 

It is not too late, even now but one should sell the hardware for OEM price and show that you are a good an honest businessman.

We are lacking that type of gentleman businessmen too due to pirating.

For the visitors who come to enjoy cricket and holidays I have a warning,

Please do not buy laptops and netbooks with pirated copies installed.

You cannot take them back to your country. You will be charged at your airport of entry. Same for videos and music and films. Watch them, listen to them while you are here but drop them to a dustbin before you leave.

 

But if you get a computer with Linux installed, buy that without any fear or get somebody to install Linux for you here. We have few guys in the University (undergraduates) who can do that for you and most of our Sri-Lankan vendors are clueless as regard to Linux.

But please make sure to install KDE desktops like PCLinux, Suse, Mepis in additions to Ubuntu which is Gnome and perhaps Pinguy for glamor.

 

For information as regard to Linux visit my blogspot at Google (parafox) or WordPress (asokaplus).

 

In the 6 weeks you are here if you can learn Linux (it can be achieved in 4 weeks) that is something that you can take home without any fear.

Good Lick with Cricket and Linux.

Linux-100-Kororaa-03

After nearly few years Kororaa has hit the market with three distributions including 64 bits.

Enjoy the graphic feature and it was on of the most downloaded distribution few years ago.

Thank a lot for the new release guys and girls!

The Kororaa project has released a live CD demonstrating the new Xgl technology for 3D window manipulation and other unusual effects: “Today I am happy to release a Kororaa live CD showcasing Xgl technology. If you would like to find out what it’s all about, then download the CD and boot up your PC! The Live CD comes with X.Org 7.0, GNOME 2.12.2, 3D support and of course Xgl. Supported drivers are ‘nvidia’ (NVIDIA) and ‘fglrx’ (ATI). Minimum recommended configuration is Pentium 3 with NVIDIA GeForce video card.”

 

After a period of hiatus, Kororaa Linux, famous for being one of the first live distributions with out-of-the-box support for the Xgl technology and 3D window manipulation, has been reborn as a Fedora-based live DVD for Linux beginners. Chris Smart announced the new release on the project’s home page: “I know that you’ll be looking for something Linux related to do over your Christmas holidays and New Year, so I’ve just released the first installable live DVD beta for testing. The final release will be Kororaa 14 (derived from Fedora 14), code-named ‘Nemo’. As with the original Kororaa, it’s based on KDE. Essentially, Kororaa has been reborn as a Fedora remix, inspired by Rahul Sundaram’s Omega GNOME remix. It aims to provide all general computing uses out of the box and it aims to include software packages that most users will want

Linux Activator and Linux-100

My approach to Linux 100 was purely academic but I never thought that lot of guys. especially the guys developing Linux would care to listen to my comments with any enthusiasm and would take them with good spirit and add utilities that I tend to like the most. 

One of the utilities was PHP / MySQL Admin. since in my age and time I am tired of working on a terminal with poor eyesight and trying to work only on command line.

It is imperative that to encourage newbies that come from Microsoft background to get a hang of (good example is myself- having worked with SPSS and Access especially for my research work and trying to do some work only on terminal was anathema by itself) Linux before delving into commend line and scripts.

This is especially so when admirable utilities with graphic front has or being developed are available for wider use.

When these are incorporated in a distribution that make life easy for lot of users who are not full time administrators but have to get involved in administrative functions, especially database management ( for example in Medical Practice).

I thought only a few Linux guys especially the

newbies would be interested in my comments as a way of grumbling and wining especially coming from the windows background like a spoiled brat. 

Judging by the Linux outputs recently my reservation was ill founded.

There are lot of guys /girls with a global picture with lot of dynamism.

Another reservation is for us in the countries where download speed is hopelessly inadequate downloading a DVD is a nightmare and lot of little CDs are much better than a FAT DVD distribution with lot of utilities rarely used.

This where PCLinux was a trend setter on its own right.

It is nice to see even Fedora 14 has taken a leaf out of PCLinux history and following its foot paths.

Sabayon is doing it (of course they have been doing it independently).

Salix is introducing Live KDE.

I never thought this will happen in my life time.

There is lot of convergence in spite of the diversity.

That is the beauty of Linux.

I hope I never made a comment to hurt any guy / girl doing hard work for Linux with shear dedication.

All my comments were in good spirit since I am a Linux fanatic by choice and not by descent.

If I had made any comments sharp, they were to tone the commercial trends and subtle insinuation by rival distributions to undermine the advance of Linux.

This is happening everyday.

Beware!

I believe in small is beautiful and small (bet on the strength of the hand but not what others have-re-rival companies) is powerful when chips are down and the stock market is tumbling.

It is nice to see UK stock market is following the footsteps of US stock market even 3 years later (US probably anticipated the crisis 2 years before the event, I guess!)

Linux100-ArtistX-106

Version 1 has come. It is fantastic and I have it in my K-torrent archives. I will seed it for at least 4 weeks.

Enjoy the fun while it is there.It is 3.7 GiB.

I have temporarily suspended testing Live CDs and thought of downloading a few heavy weight DVDs, just to satisfy some of the Linux fans who go for heavy weight fights without having fun with light weight guys.

After three days of downloading 2.4 GiB of Gravity and Weight and tested this Ubuntu derivative that come from Italy.

It has fantastic collections of artistic utilities including Blender, Adobe Flash and Wine.

The collection was fantastic but there are a few proprietary packages that might have problem in the West.

I must tell you I enjoyed watching CNN News with Adobe.
Once I was trying to download Adobe for Suse and their was a hitch and gave it up.
This is about the third time I had problem with Flash.
Genu should develop gFlash as soon as it is feasible lest I miss CNN News Flashes.

This is a good one for everybody.

There is something for everybody.

Thanks guys from Italy if you are inclined to read this in English.

Linux100-Paldo-41

Pure adaptable Linux distribution, Paldo is one for the savvy.
It takes over 900 points in my scale of points.

It has gparted, root and administrative functions that are basic needs of a Linux distribution, if one wants to delve into inner workings of Linux.

It has taken an innovative approach.

ScentLinux a derivative of Paldo is not a live CD but installable.

Try both and enjoy Linux.

I am looking for it’s next innovation.

Linux100-ChameleonOS-37

Mandriva, then Unity and now the next derivative lives up to its name chameleon changes its skin colour faster than it promises in its announcement.

What it has done with 500 MiB is an excellent achievement,

This is an eye candy distribution even an apple convert might enjoy.

Like PCLinux-2007 it should develop its own repository and its own community to support.

No wonder it will give a healthy competition to PCLinux and a headache or two.

It should have at least 4 versions and like Netrunner2 (Mixture of KDE and Genome but heavy) take few of the Gnome packages into its armory but should not get loaded like the Netrunner2 (do not bloat it).

Make it slim and beautiful that’s where LXDE is a good candidate for a different flavour.

Well done guys and girls and develop your home site accordingly to attract new fans.

I am going to be one of your fans.

 

Linux100-NetRunner.2-35

Net-Runner-2 is an excellent distribution for a newbie (to Linux).

Even though it is in the middle weight category (MiBs) it has everything one needs if one is connected to the internet.

It is a mix of KDE 4 and Gnome without the groggy grossness (Graphic intensity) of SuSe and Mandriva on the graphic (face) front.
They have done a good job of integrating and mixing (it is neither tea nor coffee) the two.

K3b is a value added introduction.

Software management is good and in the tradition of Redhat have placed the packages in categories to select.

Only missing package for me was Skype to download. I hope they will add it next time around.

Another value added contribution is Gambase (for newbies to do visual basic like programming).

RetRunner is something one should have in one’s wallet.

Change over rather the mixture (cocktail) may have teething problem but surely nothing the Linux developers cannot address.

Well done boys and girls.