Posts by khess

Ok, it's supposed to be "penny-pinching" not penny "penching" -- I'm writing this week's blogs from my vacation location in beautiful Port Aransas, Texas on my Netbook so I'm allowing myself a mistake or two. ;-)
Thanks to my buddy John P for noticing it.
Want to see where I am? Check out www.casaonthebeach.com.

I received a newsletter from rPath concerning Lean IT and it occurred to me that Linux is the keystone in each one of the elements listed in it: Virtualization, Cloud Computing and Cost reduction mandates. As more businesses work toward saving money, they'll look for ways to save on IT infrastructure (Hardware), labor and external services.

All of those cost-cutting changes point suspiciously to Linux.

Virtualization - With the exception of Microsoft's Hyper-V, all virtualization solutions are Linux or Unix-based: KVM, Xen, VMware, Solaris Zones, OpenVZ and QEMU. It's obvious from this list that Linux is the preferred technology for virtualization and saving money. Microsoft's attempt at serving its penny-penching customers is a "too little, too late" scenario, which is one reason they're giving it away with Windows Server 2008 and offering some free licensing along with it. True wallet watchers will deploy Linux-based technologies for real savings over the long haul.

Cloud-Computing - Again, most (>90%) Cloud vendors use Xen as their solution of choice for providing inexpensive, reliable and superb performance for their customers. Amazon's EC2 is one example. Other vendors are making a go of it with KVM--see Elastichosts for a good example of this technology in action.

Cost Reduction - Linux is the clear winner in cost-reduction. A company need not rely on Red Hat or Novell to …

Perhaps it's my role as the family computer guy that's leading me in this direction today but it seems to me that there should be Linux distributions that are age-oriented and age appropriate. Seldom do I see my parents-in-law playing a heated game of Quake or doing any kernel tinkering, nor do I see them downloading, untarring, compiling and installing some piece of software for their system.

No, Windows isn't the answer. I can't tell you how many times I've installed, reinstalled, reconfigured, de-virused, de-spywared and rebooted their computers over the past 10 years. I don't even answer the phone when I see their number because I know the next words I'll hear are, "Oh, Ken, my computer..." and I just can't do it any more. The subsequent long and detailed voicemails are causing me drink alcoholic concotions based upon every fruit, berry, leaf and bean known to mankind.

There has to be an answer.

We've struggled with Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP and now of all things, Vista.

My answer is GeezerOS: A simple to use, Linux-based, plug-n-play, large icon, large font, single-click computer that has email, an Internet browser, a word processor and maybe little else.

Older folks aren't the only ones who need their own operating system directed towards them. I think we also need the following operating systems oriented toward these age and gender-specific groups:

TotOS - Linux for preschool kids.

KidOS - Linux for kids with …

Thanks to you both. I've checked out all of them and will probably mention Pandora tonight on the Frigal Friday Edition of the Frugal Tech Show.

I'm in search of Linux--which sounds odd since it seems that I should be able to find all the Linux I'd ever want but I want to know about your favorite Linux gadget, project, invention, software, innovation or appliance. I want to know which ones are most important to you--which ones you're passionate about and which ones deserve some attention in this blog. Here's your chance to bring a little-known Linux-oriented business or project into the light.

Let's see what you can do.

I was so taken aback by the lack of Linux-oriented solutions at the recent InterOp Las Vegas show--so much so that I am actively soliciting your feedback on the topic.
If your first technology show you'd ever attended was InterOp and you were new to technology and the whole IT shtick, you'd likely think that Linux didn't exist at all or was something that no one openly spoke about.

I know about things like the Chumby, the TomTom and the Kickfire appliance but I want you to inundate me with Linux stuff that I don't know about. Is it possible? Are you up to the task of surprising me--an old Linux salt?

Post your entries, including links, in the Comments section below and let's get this Linux party started.

Jason Perlow and I had the pleasure of interviewing Kickfire CEO Bruce Armstrong for the May 22nd episode of Frugal Friday to discuss the Kickfire appliance. The Kickfire appliance is a Linux-based, rack-mountable, database appliance tuned for Data Warehousing.

Here's the real scoop: Starting at a mere $32,000 US, you get the horsepower performance of a system (actually a set of systems) costing in the $400,000 range. And it consumes very little power while saving you a bundle of cash while performing like big iron.

How do they do it?

Linux, MySQL Enterprise DB and a SQL chip. Read all about it here.

So, now you're asking (like we did), "What about your future as an Oracle competitor now that Oracle owns MySQL?"

Armstrong stated that they (Kickfire) have discussed this change among themselves and with Monty Widenius, creator of MySQL, about his new project the Open Database Alliance (fka MariaDB). As Armstrong sees it, Kickfire has options--lots of options and all of them smell like success. To get all the information about Kickfire's options, listen to the live podcast.

The Kickfire appliance is an amazing machine that deserves a look if you're into data warehousing or need super speed for your queries of any kind. Remember this: 10% of the price, 10% of the power consumption, 100% of the performance of any other data warehousing …

InterOp 2009 is a success by anyone's measure but it's been a mixed bag for me so far. Internet access on the show floor is almost non-existent. For a major tech show like this, it's absolutely ridiculous. You'd think that Internet access would be a standard feature of any technical show--especially for perhaps the largest one of the year in North America.

The show floor is packed with exhibitors showing their wares (hardware appliances, security software and virtualization solutions) and eager-to-learn and buy show attendees. Most attendees report that they will increase IT spending this year.

Good news for the tech sector and good news for Interop's exhibitors.

While being interviewed yesterday on InterOp TV, I was asked what I was most impressed with at the show. My answer was a simple one: Avocent's MergePoint Infrastructure Explorer (MPIE).

The reason?

This product goes in the absolute opposite direction of any current application on the market: It requires less rather than more.

That's right, less.

The MPIE's hardware requirements are a Pentium 4 with 2GB RAM running Windows Server 2003.

Yes, that's all. It doesn't need a 32 GB RAM $20K server with an Oracle database on the back end. Training won't kill your budget either and only takes about half a day if you can't figure out its already very simple interface.

I know it isn't Linux-based but you have to admit that it's pretty cool.

For Linux-based …

This week I'll be at InterOp Las Vegas looking for the latest and coolest Linux-based technologies that InterOp exhibitors have to offer. My favorites are certainly the "new innovators." New innovators are small companies who've developed their own products and are trying to get noticed in the high-tech space. These are the best and most enjoyable people to talk to at such shows.

You'll benefit from the trip indirectly through this blog since I'll be reporting on who and what I find there.

What I'm looking for specifically are companies whose founders are:

1. - Dedicated to the Open Source Model.

2. - Using Linux in creative ways.

3. - Actively developing products that make your life easier and using Open Source software to do it.

Sounds pretty simple, right?

While there, I'll be walking around doing one-on-one interviews with these people at the show. If you have questions, look at the list of exhibitors, us the comments section below and I'll ask your questions and post the answers here. Please also look at the speaker list to see if there are any interviews you'd be interested in while I'm there.

As a side note, since I am an official member of the media, I'll be interviewed live on techweb for a "meet the press" show.

My main thrust is to gather info for blogging here, live reporting and to meet with the …

Well, well, well...Larry Ellison, Oracle CEO added Virtual Iron to his collection today. Congratulations, Larry. When is Oracle going bankrupt? Every time that I've seen a company acquire too many other companies in a short time period, they always end up in the dustbin.

Oracle just acquired Sun just one short month ago. I'm not sure what Larry's thinking on this one--Virtual Iron is Xen which is an open source, Linux-based virtualization product that Oracle could have produced themselves.

I'm also not sure exactly what they're buying--Virtual Iron's vast client base? That's a laugh. Virtual Iron sparks such little interest for me, a Linux technology writer who also writes about virtualization, that I have actually never written about it except for this post. I don't hate Virtual Iron--I just don't see any reason to write about it since it is Xen and Citrix does a much better job with their version of it.

I think perhaps Larry needs a vacation.

Hey, Larry, why didn't you buy Citrix instead? Citrix is worth something. They have a huge client base. They own XenServer. And, they own some of the best remote application technology ever made. It would have made more sense (cents?) to buy Citrix instead of Virtual Iron. Just think of the power of combining Citrix, Oracle, Xen and Sun all into one awesome product.

I'd call it The Oracle Cloud Machine. …

Sean,

I didn't know about the insurance thing. It seems he had some grant or something. It was a long time ago so my memory of it has faded. I'm glad you got retrained and are successful--congrats. My anger wasn't really directed at him so much as it was the certification thing. People are free to change careers but it just seemed unfair to me at the time that I couldn't afford certification and had experience and he had the opposite problem.

The topic of certification surfaces every so often in technical circles--especially when job seekers face tough job competition. The value of such certifications comes into question versus that of years of experience. For experienced technicians and engineers, the opinion is that experience is the most important for landing a job. In the minds of newbies and wannabes, certifications rule. Certifying authorities and vendors, of course, want you to spend the money obtaining the certifications and are ready to cite instances where certification is required for employment.

I, myself, was caught up in the certification frenzy back in the early 90s with Novell's now defunct NetWare product. I took the classes, amounting to about $1,500, for the first certification (Certified NetWare Administrator (CNA)) and passed the exam. While in one of the next series of classes (Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE)), I connected with another student who was a recently laid-off aircraft worker who made $70K/year at that job. He was now taking classes to become a CNE all on the government dollar. I paid for my own classes.

He also informed me that the government was paying for the 3 systems he was leasing to use for study at a whopping $900/month.

Angry? Me? Oh, yes indeed.

I halted my studies at once. Why? Because this guy had absolutely no experience with computers or NetWare yet he would eventually become a CNE and get a job making yet again more than I still …

I wonder if the Linux Foundation is prepared to go to task for us, the Linux users, the Linux supporters, the Linux developers and the Linux Foundation members? I wonder if they are our National Rifle Association (NRA)? I wonder if the Linux Foundation is prepared to meet the challenges of the future for Linux as it transforms and conforms into something totally new (GNU?).

I wonder if any of us are up to the task?

The NRA gives its members a membership card (Ever hear of a card-carrying member of the NRA?), a newsletter and insurance. Insurance against accidents caused by the very thing they support: Guns.
Does the Linux Foundation protect us from the very thing that we support?

"And why would we need protection from Linux?," you ask.

It isn't protection from Linux but from those who perceive Linux as such a threat to them that they'll try anything to remove it from store shelves, data centers and even your hard drive. Paranoia, you say? Is it really?

And, no, this isn't another anti-Microsoft rant from some Linux nut. Microsoft isn't the only adversary of which you should be wary. Remember SCO? Remember Microsoft's suit against TomTom? Here's one take on that lawsuit.

What we need is a formidable force in front of and behind the Linux Community like gun owners have with the NRA. Business …

I agree that Windows 7 isn't impressive. I just expect more from my buds at Canonical, I guess. As I said, not disappointed, just unshocked. I expected more.

I downloaded and installed Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) and am happy to say it's an overall success. Of course, I would say that because I love Ubuntu; it's my favorite Desktop Linux distribution and I've seen a lot of them. Being Debian-based, it is rock-solid, stable, easily updatable and a pleasure to use. Canonical, Ubuntu's commercial benefactor, is a top-notch development company and a cool bunch of folks.

However, (and this is a big however) I don't really see that big of an improvement over previous versions. I use Ubuntu 8.04 and am perfectly satisfied with it. 9.04 has OpenOffice.org 3.x but so what? I can install that myself.

I don't really see any major improvements. It looks the same. It feels the same. Same applications. Same everything.

Sometimes I feel that whomever is responsible for putting out new distributions feels they must just because it's time to do so. Ubuntu updates every six months whether it needs to or not. No, I'm not disappointed or disenchanted but am a little curious as to why it's such a big deal.

Should you upgrade to 9.04? Sure, why not. If you already have Ubuntu, you'll certainly recognize everything and won't see much difference but it won't hurt either. If you're looking for a Linux Desktop distribution to use, this is a fine one. You'll love its sleek design, easy-to-use interface (GNOME) and plentiful applications.
It has everything you need in …

The cheap Netbooks you see advertised at discount stores might not turn out to be so cheap after all. If you see a Netbook advertised at $100 or less, beware--it will end up costing you many times the regular price of $275-$400 USD. As I predicted in my post, "Branded Netbooks," vendors (Phone companies and ISPs) are selling subsidized Netbooks with service subscriptions.

Don't allow yourself to fall into these traps.

Netbooks advertised for $100 are associated with some costly fine print. For example, I saw one in my local Sunday paper advertisement section for $100*. Do you see that asterisk after the price? That asterisk puts the 'risk' in the price.

Reading the asterisked fine print gave me the true price of this Netbook and a little surprise after some investigation.

To purchase the Netbook at the promotional price of $100, you must also sign a 2-year contract with the company for Internet service to the tune of $60+USD per month. I'll do the math for you.
That's $1,440 USD for the service plus the $100 Netbook "purchase" for a grand total of $1,540 USD for a $300-ish Netbook.

Ok, so you need Internet service to go with that Netbook? Buy a Netbook and shop around for service. $60 per month (minimum) is pretty pricey if you ask me for service that you can get for less than half that. If you need random connectivity, go to a place where they …

Last evening, my friend Jason Perlow, IM'd me and told me to go to this link and download a program called Presto. He had just returned from some "green" IT show in New York City and apparently had seen, or heard about, this Presto thing--a new Linux operating system that works on almost anything--even old laptops.

"It boots in seconds," he exclaimed with almost childlike excitement.

"What is it?" (My snappy retort)

Here's the description given on CNET.com:

You are seconds away from productivity with Presto. Start up your computer in seconds. You will be able to instantly start to e-mail, chat, Skype, instant message, listen to music, surf the internet or download apps before Windows XP or Vista even boots. You will automatically be connected to the best available network. Browse the web securely using Firefox. Chat using instant messaging (IM). Make free Skype calls. Listen to music and watch videos.

CNET Editor's Note: This is a very large (463MB) file and may take several hours to download via slow Internet connection.

Now, I trust Jason implicitly but I'm always cautious about downloading random files and installing them without investigation. When he told me that he had to reboot, I became even more suspicious.

From our IM chat, he told me that Presto is a type of Linux desktop that installs via Windows to your system. What he didn't tell me is that it creates a …

If you recall, on April 11, I wrote "Linux Store Open for Business: A Fantastic Voyage," where I told you that I wanted a Netbook for my anniversary. I also described my fantasy computer store where you select your computer, OS, other options and walk out happy. I had a great anniversary (My 9th) and I got my Netbook. I've got the Netbook bug now. I'm hooked.

It's the Acer Aspire One with 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, built-in web cam, wired and wireless LAN and even a small USB mouse. It weighs a mere 2.44 lbs and comes with Windows XP Home Edition preinstalled.

I've spent the past few hours customizing the desktop, installing my frequently used applications and preparing it for its journey to InterOp Las Vegas for live show broadcasts from the conference exhibitor floor.

I promptly told my good friend (via Google Talk), Jason Perlow, about my new Netbook to which he promptly replied, "Put Ubuntu on it."

I paused for a while--thinking about that process. I considered my response for several minutes before giving it (knowing the wrath I was about to receive a la Jason). My response was swift and decisive. I typed the words, "I'll reimage it with Ubuntu after InterOp."

I've never seen anyone type so fast or with such zeal. His attempt to sway me was convincing but I stood firm.

Undaunted …

@scru
The reason is because there's no public link to the survey. I did the survey on LinkedIn inside a group discussion.

@NoCaDrummer

It's from a poll I did of Mac users on another site. Right now, 51 responses. Not a gaggle but certainly a quorum.

@Bruce
Yes, you can use putty to ssh on Windows. http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html
No installation, just download it and run it. Lots of cool options.

Apple users are the most dedicated and fervent operating system fans with undying loyalty to their operating system, hardware and peripherals. And they're just as loyal now to the new Unix-based OS X as they were to the old proprietary Mac OS. However, when given the option of a Linux-based computer or a Windows-based one, 100% say they would rather use Linux.

Mac users cite stability, ease of use, reliability, lack of viruses and sleek design as their main reasons that they love their Macs.

I've personally never owned a modern Mac or an iAnything so I can only report what I've been told in a recent survey of Mac users. I do understand, however, their reasons for loving the Mac. I've never been able to afford a Mac product but, if what they say is true then the Mac may pay for itself many times over with uptime and fewer problems.

I do find it funny (strange not haha) that Mac users gave the same reasons given by Microsoft, and its fans, as why someone should love Windows. And those same Windows ads and fans say just the opposite about Linux.

How can it be both ways?

Mac users would rather use Linux because it's more like the Mac OS but Windows users say that Linux is too hard. Something there doesn't make sense to me.

I'm not taking sides on this one but rather only reporting what I've …

As you probably have heard, Oracle bought Sun for $7.4 billion today. I'm no Larry Ellison fan, because frankly, I think he's a few cards short of a full deck but I think in the long run, this is good for Sun. Not all of Sun but a lot of it.

And Linux will get a boost out of it as the operating system of choice.

My Sun Predictions/Hopes:

1. MySQL and InnoDB Reunite - Ah, it's good to have these two back together again. Oracle bought InnoDB in 2005--much to my surprise and disappointment--but now with Oracle's purchase of Sun--they're home again. A good pair--trust me.

2. Java - Oracle can do a lot with Java. With JDBC, a Java application server like tomcat and Java Server Pages (jsp); Java is an excellent choice for enterprise-level applications with an Oracle or MySQL backend.

3. Solaris - Sorry Solaris, unless someone takes you off of Oracle's hands, you're dead meat.

4. Sparc Hardware Architecture - Again, sorry. Fossil. History. Gone.

5. Customers - OK, this is where it gets sticky. A lot of big companies use Sun's Solaris operating system and Sparc computers in their infrastructure. I believe Oracle will migrate these customers to their Unbreakable Linux distribution on commodity hardware.

6. Staff - There are some great people at Sun and they would fit nicely into Oracle. I hope Oracle is smart enough to keep them but unfortunately, I see the …

Really? Maybe it's our school system. We have to buy our own computers in Oklahoma. Our PTA raises money every year to buy more computers for the school. They are all Dell with Windows XP--so far anyway. I'm trying to get the high school folks to try NComputing hardware (I gave them a set) and attempting to get them to look at open source too.

As I've written before (here and here), the Linux desktop in danger of extinction. If operating systems could be placed on the Endangered Species list, I'd lobby for it. Perhaps this is a legitmate task for the Linux Foundation: Preserve the Linux desktop.

I'm not quite ready to give up on Linux as a Desktop operating system--though I feel that I'm in the minority on this topic that grows mootier by the day. I think there's still a glimmer of hope in the unlikeliest of places: Schools.

I know it might sound crazy but it's true. Schools are notoriously cash poor. They are also the perfect places to innovate and stretch one's imagination to its limits. Children are very creative and excited about anything that will help save money, preserve the planet and help their schools. Believe it.

What's more creativity inspiring than the concept of open source software?

Explain open source to a child, any child, and watch their eyes light up in delight. Alternatively, explain the concept of proprietary, closed source and expensive software to them and watch their eyes glaze over. You should also expect a "That's stupid," remark or two while explaining that concept.

Don't get me wrong. There's nothing at all wrong with making a profit but should our children suffer without working computers because they're too expensive? The cost of hardware is only part of the picture--software often triples the original …

@windowsrefund

Let me give you a bit of information regarding open source and free software. They are not synonymous. Free software can be open or closed source. Microsoft Virtual PC is free but it's not open source. Linux is free and open source. Hyperic's Enterprise monitoring software is open source but not free. Shareware might be open or closed source and is often paid for on a voluntary basis--making it neither free nor 100% commercial.
And I'm not sure that using open source software pours money into the free software movement but I'll let you have your opinion on that. Anyway, thanks for your comments--I did ask for them and I'm glad that my post is causing you to analyze open source and free software (not the same, remember).
If you really want to get riled-up, read my recent Linux Magazine post at http://www.linux-mag.com/cache/7296/1.html.
It's "GNOME vs. KDE: The Final Smackdown" and you'll love it. And by love, I mean hate.

@windowsrefund

I think you took it wrong. I feel very strongly toward open source and Linux--I live my life by it but I'm not particularly concerned with gadgetry. I'm not asking anyone to be apathetic--my post is basically in response to the array of recent posts all over the place about Android, cell phone OS stuff, etc. I'm just not that into it. I am awake though...barely. ;-)

@happygeek

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Google's Android operating system for cell phones, GPS devices and a host of other gadgets yet to be is the topic of much controversy and discussion. Why? Windows CE, Embedded Linux, Android...who cares?
When you shop for a phone, or any modern gadget, do you ask which operating system it's running? I don't for two reasons. First, the people working at the store look at me, and each other, like I've just stepped off a ship from Mars. Second, I don't care.
I know that sounds odd since I am the Linux and open source staff writer here on DaniWeb and a technical writer who writes on a variety of Linux and open source topics in various places. But, seriously, do I really care which operating system my cell phone runs?

No, I have to admit; I really don't.

I don't have the time these days to hack a phone or other gadget and further--I really have no desire to do so. I don't feel good about taking apart a device that costs $200 to $500+ just to tweak or break it--if successful, I could recoup my costs by selling an article about it but it would be a total loss if something goes wrong.

I couldn't care less which operating system lies beneath the LCD screen on my electronic stuff. I don't care which operating system will power my toaster, refrigerator, stove, microwave or alarm clock.

Perhaps …

I saw a netbook at a discount chain store the other day that I want. It's an Acer Aspire One. It has 1GB RAM and a 160GB Hard Drive for $296. Awesome deal. The problem, at least for me, is that it comes standard with some whittled down version of Windows XP. This wouldn't ordinarily be a problem but I prefer Linux on my potential new netbook.

Why don't you just buy one with Linux then?

This store only carries the Windows version and I can't get the Linux one at the same price. Such a dilemma!

My option is to live with the Windows XP preinstalled version or to take the time and effort to wipe the drive and install Ubuntu or Linpus although--I'd probably install Ubuntu 8.04 first to see how it works for me before trying Linpus.

So what's my beef with this whole scenario? It all sounds pretty simple really.

I wish there were a store--a chain, or even something locally owned where I could walk in, select a computer (desktop, laptop, netbook, server) at a decent price, select my operating system and walk out happy.

How would this work, you ask?

If I had the money, I'd do it myself but saving that fantasy, here's my vision:

The store has a selection of two or three each of low end, middle, and high end computers in each of the four categories …

@bbc1971 - Thanks.

@admoore - The cloud, for a clear definition--free of marketing fluff--read here: The Cloud is computer services, based on virtualization and commodity hardware, to provide unbreakable service (Uptime 99.999%), inexpensively, so that businesses can startup and operate anywhere with enterprise-level efficiency. Uses for the Cloud include: Web-based applications, email, desktops, file storage, backups, software testing, etc.
In very plain English, the Cloud is a datacenter (or multiple datacenters) filled with computers running virtual machines ready to do work for less money than you could do it for yourself. The Cloud makes it far less expensive to start a new business because it removes the tremendous outlay for computer hardware that breaks, ages, depreciates and requires a expertise to run and maintain. Also, it allows your business to be mobile. You can connect to your services from anywhere at any time.

A lot of companies are attempting to hitch their wagons to a star these days with a long layover in the Clouds. Big companies like Sun, IBM, HP, Cisco, Amazon, Google, VMware and Citrix are making major financial investments in Cloud culture. Are they chasing rainbows or will they find gold in the silver lining?

I think there's a good possibility that they will find gold--now the question is, how much will they find.

Amazon proved that it's possible to develop, maintain, promote and make a successful cloud-oriented business. Are they making billions from their new enterprise? No. Will they? Probably not. They are running a successful cloud business and making decent money but we'll know more at this time next year when they've had a chance to grow and cultivate the business a bit more.

Is there room for all the other players in the Cloud? Yes.
Will they all make the billions that they now predict? No.
Why not, you ask?
The answer lies with the way these companies have chosen to do business.
Over the past few years, these big companies have turned the IT business into a commodity and transformed custom, personal support into a "beat to fit, paint to match" commoditized version of its former self.

This globalized and commoditized version of computing is following the design of these big companies …

Social networks annoy me. I think a lot of people spend WAY too much time on them. I don't really care what someone has for lunch unless they have lunch with someone famous. Some people have a lot of time on their hands for this stuff. I can't tell you how angry it makes me for my wife to spend hours on Facebook.

I read a news story by Paul Krill about how Linux OS Server shipments have and will continue to slip by double-digit margins in 2009. Windows Server shipments are hit hard as well but almost 5% less so than those of Linux. The original report came from IDC.

The IDC is self-described as follows:

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide.

I have no doubt that "official" Linux operating system shipments are slowing due to the economic downturn and I also have no doubt that Windows Server shipments are experiencing the same slowdown. However, I think these so-called analysts are spouting a popular belief and their "analyses" aren't really based on fact.

When times are good, everyone predicts big growth and there are those "analysts" who predict that oil will hit $200 per barrel--though it never happened. None of them predicted this downturn--so how much stock do you want to put in what these people say?

If business is to survive and thrive, then we have to stop listening to these people and decide that we are going to go forward with business as usual. We …

Well they are the "soul" owners apparently.

IBM CEO, Samuel Palmisano, announced at 12:01 am EDT that IBM has completed the purchase of Linux kernel creator Linus Torvalds for $4.6 Billion in cash and stock. This unprecedented human purchase by a corporation is being met with shock and surprise within the Linux and IT communities. Palmisano said that IBM was the "highest bidder" in a bitter battle for Torvalds.

Ron Hovespian, Novell CEO, stopped bidding on behalf of Novell, Inc. at $2.6 Billion. "We just couldn't justify a higher price during these already stressful and uncertain times--even for someone as important as Linus Torvalds." Novell and Hovespian made an unsuccessful bid for Richard Stallman earlier this year.

Several closed door negotiations have been held over the past several months with Torvalds, his attorneys and representatives from IBM including Palmisano. Torvalds' attorney, Benjamin Drek of Drek, Kvetcher & Putz, said of the purchase, "We are pleased that an agreement was reached that was beneficial for all parties."

Palmisano said that Torvalds won't be employed by IBM but as his owner, he will be required to appear in IBM commercials and promotional materials. "He will be allowed to continue work on the Linux kernel, which incidentally, was part of IBM's purchase as well", said Palmisano.

Linus Torvalds, his assets and all intellectual property were purchased "in perpetuity" which means that IBM owns Torvalds, everything he creates (or will create) and his remains after his death. Palmisano said that "It's way too …

@wolfen69

As I said, there have been some improvements but not enough. Ext4 is too new and unstable for production--fair warning. The faster boot time may be perceived only by hiding the actual boot process in the background...clever but not monumental.

I can't say that I've been waiting patiently or otherwise for the upcoming April 2009 (9.04) Ubuntu release and my indifference is justified. There are some updates and OpenOffice.org 3.x is included in this release--blah blah blah. Frankly, this release is a yawn. I'm not disappointed by it--it happens.

Should you upgrade to it? My personal opinion is no. Wait for the October release as there should be more marked improvements in that one. The October releases seem to be better for me--at least from past experience.

Maybe the answer is to go to an annual release pattern instead of the twice yearly one. The releases would be far more anticipated and improvements more advanced. We can get minor updates like the ones 9.04 offers with apt-get or synaptic and they aren't really worthy of a whole new update.

So for all you Ubuntu fans, including me, this release should be called something like Kicked-Back Koala, Kafka-esque Kangaroo or something equally uninspired for the Emotion Cute Animal naming convention for these releases.

Ubuntu 9.04 is a snooze--sorry guys, wake me up in October.

What do you think of the latest beta versions of 9.04? Let me know if you're inspired or impressed--it could be that I'm just a Jaded Jackalope.

This morning I heard a news blip about a Netbook offering later this year from Verizon. Verizon? The phone company? Yep. I had to do a double-take on it too. There's talk that the Netbooks will be subsidized and cost about $100. I'm sure that price is a result of main-in rebates or vouchers for Verizon services. Are branded Netbooks the next big thing? Is this how companies will promote their services in the near future?

Will virtual desktop cloud vendors also offer Netbooks to their customers if they sign a 3-year contract for their services? Could be.

Will consumers go for this? Maybe.

On the surface, it sounds pretty interesting but is it as cool as their marketing team will make it sound? I doubt it.

Internet Service Providers did this a few years ago with eMachines computers and had moderate success. Unfortunately, the computers rarely lasted for the life of the contract and the customers were left with a useless computer and the balance of the 3-year contract to pay off.

Netbooks might last three years and then again they might not. But who could resist a free or very cheap Netbook with a virtual desktop service with all the perks?

Me, for one.

I'd rather pay full price for a Netbook and use some free online resources. Netbooks that come pre-installed with Linux are responsive enough to remove the desire for an online desktop right away.

It's …

You can have AD on Linux.
Read my post about it: http://www.daniweb.com/blogs/entry3528.html

Actually, Red Hat is doing pretty well in spite of the CEO: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090325/ap_on_bi_ge/earns_red_hat;_ylt=AkaeW05_59E21OhNT5t7b16or7oF

I don't think it's due to anything he's done but more of an economic thrust toward something less costly than Windows.

Almost a year has passed since I wrote, Novell CEO Disses Embrace of Desktop Linux where I told you how Ron Hovsepian, Novell CEO, totally slammed Linux as a desktop operating system and now another major CEO comes out publicly against Linux on the desktop. Red Hat's CEO, Jim Whitehurst, actually said "First of all, I don't know how to make money on it."

Wow, Jim, really? Perhaps you shouldn't be CEO of a Linux company.

How does Microsoft make money off of Windows? They sell it. I know it sounds crazy, Jim, but that's how it works. You create something that people want and they'll buy it. Isn't that cool?

I'm not sure which stone Whitehurst is living under but someone should leave it unturned and get a more innovative thinker in the driver's seat at Red Hat. I know someone who'd take the job and be great at it.

Desktop Linux can be a reality but not if we roll over and let it die. Whitehurst did make an interesting analogy using a Hockey game and comparing to Desktop Operating Systems by saying that he "doesn't want to be where the puck is but where it will be."
Hey, Jim, have you ever been to a Hockey game? The puck travels fast and sometimes unpredictably and goes in different directions based on which team is in control.

Jim, you're misguided and should be replaced. Unfortunately, it's guys like you who …

Here's the scoop on what makes me say that Windows 7 will be the last Windows product, in case you didn't get it from the post. Microsoft changes the name of its products to meet what they think is the market trend so, in turn, they'll rename Windows to Microsoft Desktop. They won't abandon the OS, they will abandon the name Windows for the name Desktop. It's new, it's hip, it tells the story.
And the Windows Server product line will be Microsoft Server Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, etc. The name Windows is old and needs a good makeover.

@mogafett
BTW, I don't wear sandals...don't even own a pair--ick, that's for hippies. I don't have a Van Dyke beard, a ponytail, body art, piercings nor do I live in my parent's basement.

@scru
I do have a great sense of humor (humour). See? Funny stuff, that.

@mogafett

I'm not British. Cheque is for those who speak the Queen's English. American English is Check. Oh, I do have a secret love for Microsoft...oops...cat's out of the bag! <wink>

@windowsrefund

A lifetime supply of MS products would give me all the fodder I would ever need for thousands of articles.

I know those number but when you rename a product and redo it, that's more than a minor revision change: 5.0 to 5.1. They are grasping at trying to keep their OS fresh and I think calling it simply, Windows Desktop will do it.

As much as Microsoft loves to grinch about Linux, they've made significant changes over the years to compete with it--and will abandon it altogether to maintain their competitive edge. Windows 7 will be the last Windows product.

What changes has Microsoft made to compete with Linux? They've prettied it up a bit, revamped some of Windows hardware pain points, and fixed some of the infinite rebooting that must occur any time you install software or patches.
They've also done quite a few name changes over the years beginning with the Windows NT to 2000 name change. Then Windows XP. What the heck does XP stand for anyway? Now Vista, which for me is the high-end Windows Me (Mistake Edition), and in the near future--Windows 7, which should be Windows NT 8 if you're keeping up.

So what will Microsoft do after Windows 7 to remain competitive? I think they've realized that bloated operating systems aren't going to do the trick with the introduction of Netbooks and smaller devices. They've also realized that their bullying and scare tactics don't work with today's more tech savvy customers.

Ok, no more waiting. I'll tell you (and Microsoft) what their next move will be to maintain Desktop dominance.

Microsoft Desktop.

That's it, Microsoft Desktop.

They might follow it with a year just so you know which one you have when you call for tech support. For example, when they abandon Windows 7, the product will be Microsoft …

Ah, good points. ZFS is very good, however AIX has had a journaling fs for a good many years now but I do look for them to port some things over. It would be foolish not to. Perhaps even Zones.

Everyone from techie bloggers to technical journalists to stay-at-home moms are talking about today's big news: IBM is trying to buy Sun Microsystems. Big deal. What's in it for Linux?

As a matter of fact, it is a big deal. And an even bigger deal for Linux.

Sun owns MySQL, Java, Glassfish, VirtualBox and the Solaris Operating System. It also has its own proprietary hardware known as Sparc but is it a good buy for IBM?

On the 'no' side of things, Sun is sinking in the West with no foreseeable chance of rising again in the East. Solaris and Sparc platform sales are suffering and those technologies are on the wane in the datacenter space. Sun gives Solaris away for free these days and has discounted their hardware to a suprising point. Sparc systems used to be the Apple of the datacenter--robust, yes but very expensive--but at least the Sun mice had three buttons instead of just one. The Solaris OS and the Sparc platform are burdens that IBM will have to kill off once the purchase is complete since they offer no real revenue potential.

On the 'yes' side, IBM is buying great opportunity by acquiring Java--a technology that is embedded into its WebSphere line. Purchasing Sun also gains IBM a hopeful replacement for its own languishing DB2 product. VirtualBox is a nice addition to IBM's virtualization efforts. Right now, it's little more than a Desktop-level product but …

I know. My point exactly.