tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2009-11-09:/Blog Page about the Linux and Open Source Software for Desktop Users in the UKMokoFeed2009-11-09T05:39:48+01:00tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2006-01-03:/2006/01/03/final_blog_here~436422/OSS-Fan2006-01-03T14:18:40+01:002006-01-03T14:18:40+01:00 <p>This is my final blog on this site. Blog.co.uk is a fantastic site and I highly recommend using it to anyone wanting thier own blog page, however my requirements have changed and I've migrated to my own web-page which is a front-end to a blog site and a forum site. Later in the year I hope to integrate both the blog and forum sites into the web-page as one complete website. However "you have to walk before you run", not to mention the I will require some sort of affiliate advert income in place to off-set the the host's database charges. <br><br> ANYWAY PLEASE VISIT <a href="http://www.blackcreek.co.uk">BLACKCREEK.CO.UK</a> !<br><br> It's not complete yet, but it is running!!!<br><br> Cheers,<br><br> blackcreek.co.uk<br><br> P.S. blog.co.uk will be informed of this page's closure at the end of January 2006. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2006/01/03/final_blog_here~436422/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-11-30:/2005/11/30/30_11_05_a_little_late~349320/OSS-Fan2005-11-30T14:27:19+01:002005-11-30T14:27:19+01:00 <p>Well the index page to my new website is almost complete, I've got temporary blog and forum sites that use open source software. These are linked on my index page. A Christmas launch looks GOOD. I need sites that use open source both from principle and so that in the near future I can set-up both an identical blog and forum site within my webspace on my homepage server. This will give me complete control over the site. This also means that I will be crossing from this blog site to another before Christmas, but this one will be linked for sometime after that. The forum site has adverts similar to this site, but the blog site is sponsored so that no adverts appear. I just need to dig through the set-up manuals and set these sites up properly so that they appear nearly as pages on the same site.<br><br> On another topic, I found an interesting sourceforge site called <a href="http://osswin.sourceforge.net/">OSSWin</a>. It contains a variety of links to open source software for windows machines. I'll need to leave it here for today.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/11/30/30_11_05_a_little_late~349320/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-11-21:/2005/11/21/21_11~325464/OSS-Fan2005-11-21T14:28:36+01:002005-11-21T14:29:46+01:00 <p>Well, I haven't had much time to do anything with Linux or Open Source this week. I've changed ISPs from Wanadoo to Toucan and have been sorting that out. Toucan is cheaper, and gives you low-cost phone calls with no term contract. If thier service stays like this, they'll be the biggest ISP in the UK shortly. Wanadoo, however was less than efficient, as normal. But enough of that.<br> In the news, Mozilla has released Firefox1.5 rc3, but don't be fooled into downloading it as the stable (as in not Release Candidate) version will be out in a couple of weeks. I think it's best to wait, and set-up the final version with all the plugins and extensions.<br> Also Kubuntu, the KDE version of Ubuntu (as opposed to the Gnome version) is test-released under version 6.04. Now 5.10 was so recent that I haven't installed it yet, but remember this is a test release and its Kubuntu, 5.10 was stable and Ubuntu. However, the Ubuntu boys are working hard and staying on schedule. This means also that they will stay on top at DistroWatch.com.<br> Other things I have been doing is shopping for a free forum for my still upcoming website. I think I've found a couple of good ones to investigate further. Also, to always stay ahead of myself, I've been looking into a future project of a Linux cluster system. I was thinking of 4 old PCs networked together and using a specialised version of Knoppix called Parallel Knoppix to make them work as a single multi-processor machine. It's something to play with and the way Knoppix works it can easily be reverted back to a small network for just network experiments.<br> However that's probably next summer, and there's a lot to do before then. Until next week... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/11/21/21_11~325464/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-11-14:/2005/11/14/14_11~306869/OSS-Fan2005-11-14T14:42:32+01:002005-11-14T14:42:32+01:00 <p>Anyone reading this may have noticed a change to the title. I'm very slowly in the process of putting together my website which includes a blog page - this one. In order to get everything looking similar, I've changed titles. Later I will include links to the other website. I figure two sites are better than one. There's a lot more I need to figure out about this site too.<br><br> I haven't done much this week (besides a bit of work on the site) but I have been reading the news. The Massachusetts(sp) thing is still going on, although I've read the comments on the state gorernment site from both companies and individuals and they are overwhelmingly positive, bar a couple of companies and individuals who appear tied to MS in some way. I've also noticed <a href="http://www.newsforge.com/">Newsforge.com</a> has released OpenOffice.org training videos to help that State and anyone else cross-over from MSO to OOo, free of charge. Now that cuts down on the TCO.<br><br> Other things... There's a new release candidate for the Linux kernel, it's now up to 2.6.15rc1. Also several companies including IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony have got together to form the Open Invention Network. They plan to buy up the patents to any technologies they already don't own and that would benefit the Linux community. Then they will give the technology (royalty-free) to anyone who agrees not to claim that Linux is infringing their own patent rights. Until next Monday.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/11/14/14_11~306869/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-11-08:/2005/11/08/a_day_late_but_posted~291540/OSS-Fan2005-11-08T14:32:20+01:002005-11-08T14:32:20+01:00 <p>Recently, I treated myself at a bookshop and bought a copy of Linux Magazine. At £5.99 a copy it's not cheap, even considering the free DVD. The DVD is a copy of Knoppix 4.0, a live distro which I tend to like because I/you can plug it into any machine. I've used Knoppix 3.8.? before and was impressed, but this appears better. Some of the apps are a revision behind, but that's always going to happen. All the standard apps are there and work, but I usually find the games interesting. Klaus Knopper(owner) is the Linux Live God!<br><br> I also spotted a flyer in the magazine that gave you the next 3 editions of Linux Magazine for £6. So after reading the fine print several times, I signed up to the offer online. Sure enough, yesterday December's magazine came with a Mandriva 2006 CD. Mandriva 2006, like Knoppix 4.0 offers a live or install option (forgot to mention that). This is quite handy because you can see if the distro works on you system befor installing it. I haven't had time to try it at the moment, but I have had a chance to look through the magazines (Nov & Dec). At first I thought there would be much I didn't already know news-wise as I keep pretty up-to-date with that, but I was pleasantly surprised to read about happenings I wasn't aware of. I'm supposed to contact the magazine after my second cut-price issue to cancel, but I'm considering signing up for a year, and seeing how it goes.<br><br> On another subject - my website. I've changed my format, Linux distributions are becoming too much of a commodity to sell profitably. I'm dropping that idea in favour of a Linux/Open Source Advocacy website. Income (half of which will be donated to FOSS projects) hopefully will be achieved by affiliates and advertisers. Therefore the half-completed website is almost back to square-one, but I plan for it to still be posted by Jan 1, 2006. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/11/08/a_day_late_but_posted~291540/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-10-31:/2005/10/31/major_apologies~273248/OSS-Fan2005-10-31T14:33:47+01:002005-10-31T14:33:47+01:00 <p>To any returning reader, I greatly apologise for my lack of blogs over the past month or so. Unfortunately, real life takes over now and then and what I want to do becomes a lower priority. However, those events (work-related) are over now, and I think I've organised a better position to manitain this blog. In this way this will be a weekly blog only now, but it will maintain focus on Open Source and Linux software. I haven't decided yet but Mondays seem to be a good writing day as if I have managed to do anything on the weekend, I can write about it.<br><br> Now, for the the purpose of this blog. As probably mentioned before, I'm considering setting up my Linux machine and my XP machine on a KVM switch. I now have the KVM, thanks to a good buy on eBay. I also plan to peer-to-peer network the two machines and I now know that I need Samba and either LinNeighbourhood or Samba's own version of it. Ubuntu probably has this capability, but I know Mandriva has it. Therefore I now have copies of Mandriva/MandrakeLinux 10.1 and I was in that frame of mind I also have Fedora Core 4 and Knoppix 4.0 (Live). That's as far as I ahve got on my project.<br><br> As for news, well OpenOffice.org 2.0 is released. It's on both my work and home machines. More US governmental and educational institutions are seeing Lilnux as a good thing. Case in point, Bryant University in Rhode Island <a href="http://business.newsforge.com/business/05/10/14/1656231.shtml?tid=37"><br> Look Here</a>. Without going much further, as this blog is big enough now, things are starting to move on FOSS and Linux, so keep an eye out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/10/31/major_apologies~273248/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-09-27:/2005/09/27/random~203937/OSS-Fan2005-09-27T14:49:58+02:002005-09-27T14:49:58+02:00 <p>I'm afraid that most of my posts will occur at random times for a while. I have too much going on to keep my input regular. I hope to do something with this blog and my website for the new year. The easiest thing would be a link back and forth, the more complicated thing would be a proper blog page on my website. Easy first, think about complicated after easy is working.<br><br> On a more Open Source note, I tried out the new Ubuntu beta 5.10, I forget the name of the rodent. I found load errors on all three attempts, but it is a beta and 5.04 loaded back on with absolutely no hassle. Overall I'm happy with the stable release, and while I'm waiting for a stable 5.10, I'll look for other single CD distros. I don't think I'll have much luck and may have to go up to a 3 CD set.<br><br> News-wise the Mass-state versus Microsoft bun-fight still rages on but I'm losing interest on that. It should get more interesting when other states declare thier new IT policies. I also read that in the latest released list, 4 of the world's top 5 supercomputers run Linux (a derative). In fact the top 3 all run it and probably many more down the list. You can't beat that for advertising.<br><br> Beyond that, I haven't had a lot of time lately... TAFN </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/09/27/random~203937/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-09-19:/2005/09/19/apology~190006/OSS-Fan2005-09-19T14:26:26+02:002005-09-19T14:26:26+02:00 <p>Well, sorry about no postings last week. I try to leave my personal life out of this but but we have the builders in so...<br><br> (1) Although I have downloaded the latest Ubuntu release, named after some adjective relating to a rodent, the builders blocked access to my workshop where my Linux machine currently resides. Therefore -no install and no review.<br><br> (2) When access did come about, it seems our building inspector, who had already approved all plans months earlier, decided to change his mind, but not to anything in particular. Therefore a few phone calls, worry, waiting, and stress. Fortunately, although he still isn't sure what he wants the builders to do, he's confident the build will go ahead. So now back to normal (hopefully).<br><br> Anyway, what I did do on the weekend was to start writing a website. I've decided that eBay doesn't work for FOSS, so I'll eventually distribute on the web directly. Secondly, I want more freedom in my promotion of Open Source, and a website should allow it. I'm planning to go live right at the new year, and so far I'm well ahead of schedule. However, I plan for a few things to slow me down such as the e-commerce part. I also plan to include a forum and/or blog, but I don't expect those to be up for the new year. This is a 'learn as you go' project and although I'm fairly proficient at programming, I'm not very familiar with HTML, etc.<br><br> TAFN... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/09/19/apology~190006/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-09-09:/2005/09/09/news_for_week_ending_09_09~171881/OSS-Fan2005-09-09T20:48:53+02:002005-09-09T20:48:53+02:00 <p>Linux has gained some ground this week, but not according to MS. A recent ZDNet article found <a href="http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39216736,00.htm">here</a> says that the Austrailian government, at least an official, has backed Linux. Then in another ZDNet <a href="http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39216743,00.htm">article</a> the Korean Postal Service hopes to save several million pounds by switching to Linux. But in a TechNewsWorld <a href="http://www.technewsworld.com/story/45936.html">article</a> Microsoft themselves report that Microsoft has gained ground against Linux in China. Ya, like we are supposed to believe that. I guess we should then believe it's better to line a billionaires pocket for an inferior product than donate a few pounds for costs to volunteers making a better one.<br><br> On a lesser note, the GPL (General Public Licence) is begining the process of being updated. Knowning a little about the people involved, I'm sure the new version will be easily accepted by all in the FOSS community. The other thing is that Sun is dropping the SISSL in favour of the LGPL. This affects most of us not in the slightest, but now developers of OpenOffice also keep a copyright to the code. A major improvement as before they had to sign it over to Sun. Congrats to Sun, also the Major contributor to OOo. TAFN... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/09/09/news_for_week_ending_09_09~171881/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-09-05:/2005/09/05/new_format~163505/OSS-Fan2005-09-05T14:24:44+02:002005-09-05T14:24:44+02:00 <p>For anyone that reads this blog, due to time constraints I've had to come up with a new format. After today, I'll be posting twice a week to this blog site; Mondays & Fridays. Mondays will mostly be about what I've done on the weekend (FOSS/Linux related) and Fridays will mostly be about what I've read in the (FOSS)news during the week. Oh, and I've gone back to using FOSS for OSS. Although I hate the word 'Free' in the context of software, FOSS remains a popular acronym. I'm not going to use FLOSS because 'Libre' is only important to the french (no offense).<br><br> In the news, Massachusetts(sp) has decided to specify that any new software for the state government must support OpenDocument formats. Pity, as no MS product does this and OpenOffice does. Mass. isn't shooting down MS though, all they have to do is support OpenDocument, which they refuse to do (probably a matter of pride). OOo is trying to jump on this and turn it into a 'snowball effect' among the states, but being moralistic and bright, they are only endorsing OpenDocument format and not just pushing thier software. It's been suggested that it time MSOffice may go the way of Wordperfect and Lotus123. I guess all we can do is wait and see... While waiting why not learn how to use OpenOffice or other FOSS office software. That's all for now and the next blog is Friday.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/09/05/new_format~163505/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-09-01:/2005/09/01/another_light_day~155843/OSS-Fan2005-09-01T14:24:25+02:002005-09-01T14:24:25+02:00 <p>It goes without saying that if I have a heavy day of work and home 'stuff', I'll have a light day on the blog, as you may notice.<br><br> It seems that all has calmed down over at OpenOffice Marketing, some points were made. I don't think anyone lost face. As a very calm rational person, I find it quite interesting to observe emotional people. It did make me realise though that OSS groups can work with 'corporates'. It requires open-minds and a lot of trust both ways. It can even come out win/win. After watching this exchange, I'm actually happier now with Sun's involvement with OOo and I realise I nedd a better understanding of Open Source licences namely LGPL and SISSL.<br> Anyway Firefox 1.5 beta is due out in a week. I'm not overly excited because I've been using Deer Park Alpha 2 since it came out at work. However I'll back-track to FF 1.5 because there are a few extensions for FF that are not available for DP, namely what appears to be a web-based bookmark extension that syncs your bookmarks for multiple locations. That will sort me out for home & work.<br> TAFN(Thats All For Now).... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/09/01/another_light_day~155843/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-31:/2005/08/31/just_a_few_lines~153764/OSS-Fan2005-08-31T14:35:52+02:002005-08-31T14:35:52+02:00 <p> I didn't do much or read much last night so there isn't much to write, however...<br><br> Following the OpenOffice.org marketing emails, there seems to be a bit of an issue going on. Although I've never been happy about OOo's tie-in with Sun, it seems not to have caused any major problems, so I've ignored it, as have most. But one individual is suggesting a move to a foundation format and full GPL compliance. Not a bad thing, except I suggest do it slowly and gently and bring everyone with you. Rather than attempting a 'coup' or threatening to fork the code.<br><br> On a brighter note, OSDL has apparently told Microsoft where to go with thier suggestion of collaborating on Linux (sleeping with the enemy). Good for them, it will certainly ensure Linux maintains it's credibility.<br><br> Finally, having installed a Linux distro without hassle, I'm curious - Are all distros this easy to install? So, in time I'm going to try out a few more. I will stick to non-commercial very low CD count(less than 4) distros though. That's all... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/31/just_a_few_lines~153764/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-30:/2005/08/30/ubuntu_loaded~151434/OSS-Fan2005-08-30T14:30:38+02:002005-08-30T14:30:38+02:00 <p>Although my wife and I went away for the (Briritsh) holiday weekend (a rare opportunity to get away from the kids - thanks to the grandparents), we did get back in time Monday for me to pop-in the CD drive and stick <a href="http://www.ubuntulinux.org/">Ubuntu</a> on that old PC.<br> I have to say I'm quite impressed, as mentioned before, it's a single CD and contains, OpenOffice.org, Firefox, Thunderbird, Gaim, Gimp, and more. I honestly can't remember how long it took to install, I think about half an hour. The interaction was simple; enter name, language, etc, then just watch it work. There were two restarts to complete it and done. It also seems much quicker than Windows on a 500 MHz machine, but that might just be my enthusiasm. Anyway I'd highly recommend it. You can order a CD from them completely free of charge or download it if you don't want to wait 3-4 weeks. The only down-side I've seen so far is, as with any volume distribution, application revisions. Obviously being pressed in volume means some applications are out-of-date, but thats a minor point as all applications work. Thats all for now, I'll continue playing with it. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/30/ubuntu_loaded~151434/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-25:/2005/08/25/lugs~142601/OSS-Fan2005-08-25T22:37:56+02:002005-08-25T22:37:56+02:00 <p>For those of you who may read this that have an interest in Linux, either beginner or advanced, and would like some support around, there are LUGs available. Linux User Groups (LUGs) are world-wide and offer friendly help for beginners or simply members with similar interests for those with Linux experience. How do you find a LUG? well there are several ways. One is <a href="http://www.linux.org/groups/united_kingdom/">Linux.org's</a> groups pages. The previous link takes you to the UK area. Yahoo also has a directory of sorts found <a href="http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Software/Operating_Systems/UNIX/Linux/User_Groups/">Here</a>. Thirdly, there is the <a href="http://lugww.counter.li.org/groups.cms">LUG Worldwide</a> Counter Project. One of these sites is bound to show a nearby group. I found a Northampton LUG this way, and plan to contact them tomorrow. Certainly do not be intimidated by these groups, I have been involved with various 'specialist' groups over the years and it's always a much nicer experience than you imagine.<br><br> On another note, but a good read is this <a href="http://software.newsforge.com/software/05/08/17/2041231.shtml?tid=152&tid=130&tid=15">article</a>. It happens to mentiion some of my favorite applications. <i>It's good to know my humble opinions agree with the pros.</i> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/25/lugs~142601/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-24:/2005/08/24/ooo_writer_wins/OSS-Fan2005-08-24T14:18:19+02:002005-08-24T14:18:19+02:00 <p>Firstly, if anyone does read this - sorry that I missed yesterday. I was busy rewriting my eBay sales template as I found out eBay's font sizes are not compatible with Nvu's. In the end it was worth it as I figured out a little more about HTML. BTW, Nvu is a very good OSS HTML editor found <a href="http://www.nvu.com">here</a>.<br><br> Today will be short too as the change in my listing template necessitates a similar change in me About Me page for conformity.<br><br> However, as the title points out, Bruce Byfield wrote an interesting article found <a href="http://software.newsforge.com/software/05/08/16/2038242.shtml?tid=93&tid=150"> here</a> that compares the latest revisions of the three most popular OSS word processors. Although OOo 2.0 got a few 'Cons', it clearly beat Abiword and Kword. That's not to say however, things won't change with the next revisions. TAFN (that's all for now) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/24/ooo_writer_wins/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-22:/2005/08/22/what_s_next_1/OSS-Fan2005-08-22T14:26:44+02:002005-08-22T14:26:44+02:00 <p>Well I picked up that PC on Sunday for using Linux. The next question is what distribution of Linux to use? Well, I'm a fan of the lighter distros. Too many come on 3 CDs or more, and are filled with everything ever written for a Linux OS. I know what apps I want to use and I can easily download them. I'm thinking of trying <a href="http://www.ubuntulinux.org/">UBUNTU</a> as it is a single CD distro, it's very popular, and I like thier 'manifesto'. There are other very good distros out there, some incredibly small. A good place to look is on <a href="http://distrowatch.com/">DistroWatch</a> about halfway down on the right side is the 'Page Hit Ranking'. This is excellent to look up all the popular Linux distributions. I'll write on this blog how the install goes, etc. It could be handy for anyone else with an interest in Linux.<br><br> On another subject, I've been setting up to sell OSS CDs on eBay for sometime now, but 'real-life' has kept getting in the way. Well I'm aiming for a Sept 1 start now, but it won't be anything big, just 5 or 10 off of 1 CD to start. I'm donating 50% of net profits back to OSS developers. I'm pricing things competitively, so it will probably take quite a few CDs for either of us to see any £££s. I'll post more info when I've listed the CD. That's all for today.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/22/what_s_next_1/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-18:/2005/08/18/news_27/OSS-Fan2005-08-18T14:29:17+02:002005-08-18T14:29:17+02:00 <p>As an OSS expert-wannabe, I try to keep up with community news. I have bookmarked (notice the reference to <a href="http://www.mozilla.org">Firefox</a> and not MS) several OSS news websites which I try to read daily. I must have the community well covered as most news-items link back to thier original source which is almost always another website I have bookmarked. <br>As I report the headlines with my comments, I'll usually link to the full story so readers will be able to collect the sources themselves. Hopefully they'll keep reading my blogs for the news summaries with my comments along with all my other OSS-related stuff.<br><br> BTW - I'm one step closer to having a Linux system set-up. I have to pick up an old 500MHz box this weekend that I bought off eBay quite cheap. I'm a big eBay fan and probably buy as much as I sell on it. I've never had a problem with eBay, just a couple of users. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/18/news_27/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-17:/2005/08/17/linux_live_cds/OSS-Fan2005-08-17T14:35:48+02:002005-08-17T14:39:08+02:00 <p>Just a very short one today. As mentioned I use a <a href="http://www.knoppix.org/">Knoppix</a> Live CD, but there are many other good Live CDs out there. I suggest going to <a href="http://www.linux.org/dist/index.html">Linux.org</a> with that link and you'll be in the distribution section. In the category drop-down menu find "Live CD" and set the other options to your preferences. You'll find quite a good list of vendors. More tomorrow... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/17/linux_live_cds/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-16:/2005/08/16/moving_on_2/OSS-Fan2005-08-16T14:41:26+02:002005-08-17T14:40:47+02:00 <p>With the rather awkward begining over, now I can move on to the more interesting stuff. Obviously I use OSS at home and, with a rather laid-back IT policy, I use most of it at work too. I should clarify that I'm an electronics engineer and am allowed to play a little. I use <a href="http://www.openoffice.org">OpenOffice.org </a>2.0 (pre-release) for wordpro, spreadsheets, presentations, etc and <a href="http://www.mozilla.org">Mozilla</a> Firefox 1.0.6 for web browsing at work & home. (To be honest I'm playing with Mozilla Deer Park Alpha 2 at work) For image editing I use <a href="http://www.gimp.org">GIMP </a>2.2 at both locations too. I use <a href="http://gaim.sourceforge.net/">Gaim</a> 1.4.0 at work for instant messaging on my lunch, but for some reason that I haven't really looked into yet it doesn't work at home so I have to use M$N Messenger, it could be a XP Pro versus XP Home thing. Yes, I'm still using a Micro$oft OS. I'm not allowed to change that at work and the kids have plenty of Windows games at home. I do jump into Linux from time to time but I use a Live CD (Knoppix). I'm planning on setting up a second PC, either a cheap old laptop or a box & KVM on Linux alone and then experiment with CrossOver Office (Wine) to see what I can convert. However, like most, time is lacking at the moment, and with that in mind, I need to close for now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/16/moving_on_2/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-15:/2005/08/15/why_a_blog_spot_for_oss/OSS-Fan2005-08-15T21:01:05+02:002005-08-15T21:01:05+02:00 <p>Two reasons,<br><br> One - High Quality<br><br> Even Microsoft stated in an internal memo some time ago that "... that commercial quality can be achieved / exceeded by OSS projects." <a href="http://www.opensource.org/halloween/">Click Here</a> for more Microsoft quotes on OSS. Unfortunately, OSS programs are still the underdog, probaly due to wrongly assumed quality issues. However, with some decent marketing, OSS is now gaining ground in a big way as people are realizing OSS is better than the commercial stuff!!.<br><br> Two - News<br><br> There are over 100,000 OSS projects in various states of development around the planet at the moment and the number is increasing. As OSS is becoming more popular, there are more and more news and stories happening around the world. This site is also a perfect place to blog about OSS projects and news. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/15/why_a_blog_spot_for_oss/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-15:/2005/08/15/what_is_open_source_software/OSS-Fan2005-08-15T20:10:46+02:002005-08-15T21:04:27+02:00 <p>Here's a definition:<br> Open source is a generic name for any program whose source code is made available to the general public for use and/or modification. These programs are usually developed by groups of volunteer programmers who may be located anywhere in the world but use the internet to collaborate on the project. Donations from grateful users are the main source of funding for these groups, so if you use OSS please donate! <br> I didn't say it was the best one, and there's a lot more to it than that, but it covers the main idea.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/15/what_is_open_source_software/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:opensource.blog.co.uk,2005-08-15:/2005/08/15/introduction_51/OSS-Fan2005-08-15T14:35:56+02:002005-08-15T21:06:03+02:00 <p>This blog spot is dedicated to Open Source and "Free as in Freedom" Software and is aimed at UK users/readers.<br> I prefer to call both variants of software "Open Source" as "Free" generates the wrong connotations like "Free as in Beer".<br> You will also see me refer to Open Source Software as OSS or FOSS. The F being for "Free". </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://opensource.blog.co.uk/2005/08/15/introduction_51/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>