Pre-release Insanity!

Writing by admin on Wednesday, 27 of June , 2007 at 10:33 pm

Anyone who follows the DistroWatch news feed closely will have noticed that the last month or so has been absolutely packed with alpha news, beta news, release-candidate news. I have been looking to review distros that are closing in on official release, yet remain in the pre-release stage (not that any are behind schedule necessarily). These distributions include:

• Sabayon (currently beta 3)
• Slackware (currently RC2 = very close!)
• Pardus (currently RC2 = very close!)
• Dreamlinux (currently RC3 = very very close!)

After looking at a few other releases I feel I can comfortably review Debian Etch, Mandriva, Gentoo and Zenwalk in the coming weeks before the surge of full-releases.

Anyways, I am very excited for so many upcoming releases and I feel my July and August will be full of many more reviews!

Until next time,

Cole

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Category: Linux, Tech news

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Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 Tribe 1 - A Review?

Writing by admin on Friday, 8 of June , 2007 at 6:48 pm

Back to some Linux and open-source news! A couple of days ago, the first alpha (Tribe 1) of Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 (successor to Feisty Fawn 7.04) was released. Please be aware that this is by no means even close to what the final product will be as there are 3 more alphas to be launched before the first beta release. In spirit of my Linux passion, I figured I would download the Gutsy and see how it performed on my laptop. I realize that in my review of Linux Mint 3.0 I said that I would be hesitant to format…well…I did!

With Gutsy still being in the early alpha stage I figured a review would not be fair anyway whatsoever, thus this is more of a brief discussion of Tribe 1. First, if you decide to download the Tribe 1 image, do not install and expect to have a stable machine.

As far as the installation is concerned, the LiveCD booted as usual and installation performed just as in Feisty, however, it did take about 40 minutes versus the usual 20. Upon boot I was promoted to install some updates, most notably a new window manager, Compiz (Beryl was a branch of Compiz, but the two are joining back together). I was unable to install the restricted drivers for my Nvidia 4200 Go video card, which I never had a problem with before, but it was not a big deal since Gutsy was going to be on my machine for only a few hours. I did not experience any ill-effects while using Gutsy, but I was only browsing the web using Firefox. One more note on Tribe 1, Pidgin has replaced GAIM as the instant messenger (as expected) and the OpenOffice Draw application was added.

Well, there you have it, nothing exciting thus far, but really, do not expect much before the beta release in September. I will probably give the remaining 3 alphas a try when they are released and post about what appears to have changed (please note that I am not looking “under-the-hood” with these releases). The official release of Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 is scheduled for October, 2007.

For the official release notes on Tribe 1, please checkout this website.

Cole

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Category: Linux, Ubuntu, Tech news, Review

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Apple Releases *NEW* MacBook Pros!

Writing by admin on Tuesday, 5 of June , 2007 at 8:35 am

It’s true! This morning, Apple Store websites around the world were temporarily taken down while the update was being made. Both the 15″ and 17″ MacBook Pros were given a very welcomed upgrade without any increase in price. All MacBook Pro flavours were given LED-backlit displays that are much more energy conscious as well as the new Intel Santa Rose platform in addition to to an upgrade to the Nvidia 8600M GT series of video cards. Also, the base model of the 15″ MacBook Pro now comes standard with 2GB of RAM and a new option for 1920×1200 resolution is available for the 17″ model!

Even more news, the Apple Eduction discount is now offering a FREE iPod Nano with the purchase of any Apple computer before September 16, 2007. That means that for me, in Canada, I can get the 15″ MacBook Pro + an iPod Nano for $1999 (ignoring taxes) with my educational discount! If anyone wishes to fund or put money into an “Apple for Cole” fund do not hesitate to contact me! Oh, and do not worry, as soon as I get one I will install Linux to dual boot with OS X.

For more details check out Gizmodo, Engadget, and the Apple.com.

Shockingly excited,

Cole

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Gmail Increases Attachment Size to 20MB

Writing by admin on Thursday, 24 of May , 2007 at 7:53 am

Once again, RSS brings me good things in the morning! Todays feed included an article mentioning that Google’s Gmail has increased allowable attachment size from 10MB to 20MB. On the Gmail help site it is officially stated as:

With Gmail, you can send and receive messages up to 20 megabytes (MB) in size. However, the precise amount allowable will depend on the attachment.

Many readers have probably noticed the “the precise amount allowable will depend on the attachment” and are not quite sure what that means. For this reason I quickly jumped into Google Groups in search of an answer. This is the one I found and it makes a lot of sense:

When you add an attachment, the size of a file may increase because
transport encodings are automatically added. (Transport encodings are
the information that allows your message to be safely sent and read.)

The 10MB increase is very welcomed, but I will take th greedy route and say I wished it was increased to around 50MB. I have been treating Gmail as a safe storage place for many of my documents just in case of disaster (that is to my computer, my backup DVDs and my portable hard drive all at once). Hopefully Google is noticing this trend with users and will eventually offer a Google Storage allowing users a simple interface to upload any sized file with a maximum storage capacity of that remaining with the Google account (I would gladly pay monthly for 10GB in Google Storage). Think about it Google!

Embracing the Google,

Cole

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Category: Tech news, Google

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Zonbu

Writing by admin on Wednesday, 23 of May , 2007 at 5:49 pm

 

Earlier today my Google Reader fed me some news about Zonbu, the new “$99 Linux PC”. The first thing I should point out about Zonbu is that in order to buy one for $99 you must sign a 2-year contract ($249 without). But what would a contract be without monthly payments? Well, Zonbu has 3 different plans (25GB, 50GB and 100GB models for $12.95, $14.95 and $19.95 respectively). Assuming the middle-of-the-road 50GB plan this amounts to $457.80 (US dollars without taxes) over the 2-year period. What exactly does the subscription get you? According to their website subscription costs provide:

Zonbu offers three different storage plans, all of them with automatic backup, applications and OS maintenance, free upgrade to the latest version of all the applications, three-year free box replacement guarantee, and unlimited Internet support.

Time to get into some of the Zonbu technology. On the Zonbu website the hardware is summarized as follows:

• Intel-like ultra-low power CPU
• 256 MB RAM + 2GB flash-based local storage
• Graphics up to 1400 x 1050 (16 million colors).
  Hardware graphics and MPEG2 acceleration
• PC-compatible ports for keyboard and mouse
• 6 USB ports to plug-and-play all standard USB accessories
• Broadband ready: 10/100MB Ethernet built-in.

While many of components appear lower-end we must realize that this is not a gaming PC or media-editing powerhouse. It is built to be quiet and functional for the average user. Also, the operating system is a custom version of Gentoo that has been tweaked for the specific hardware in Zonbu.

The different capacities mentioned with the three subscriptions revolve around allocated storage space on Amazons S3 servers. This means that all user data is stored on remote servers and uses the flash storage in Zonbu as a cache for the data. I think that this is a brilliant idea, particularly for ensuring protection against data loss. Problems with this concept may include speed of uploading/downloading but I feel that most Zonbu users should not have a problem with these factors. Lets take a look at Amazons S3 pricing. Assuming 50GB of storage and 25GB of uploading/downloading of data throughout the month the total is $12.50 per month. This makes Zonbu’s monthly pricing look even better as it includes all of the other services mentioned previously.

When reading the Zonbu “hands-on” article on Gizmodo I was initially skeptical about the inability to install software, but further reading provided me with a better feeling. First, the subscription services includes OS updates such as new software (and apparently the people behind Zonbu are committed to high-quality open-source software. Also, while I require control over the software on my computer, I do not feel that the target market for Zonbu needs this control. The software list includes most of the open-source software I use right down to using Nvu as a development environment for websites. My readings on both news sites and the Zonbu site I have the feeling that if increased function is required (via software) it will be implemented.

In the hopes of avoiding a comments flame-war I want to say that I do not believe Zonbu will change the way computing is done overnight, but instead, provide an option to the average home user that wants to create documents, browse the internet and interact with media. I think that the use of Amazons S3 servers is a fantastic idea. As network speeds increase I believe that computing in the Zonbu way will take off, but until then slow speeds (even 10Mbit connections) will hinder this adoption.

For a much more complete article (with images and a video) about Zonbu please check out the Gizmodo article here.

Ciao,

Cole

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Category: Linux, Open-source, Tech news, Hardware

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09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0

Writing by admin on Friday, 4 of May , 2007 at 6:56 pm

Posting this set of hexadecimal numbers may very well get Shift+Backspace in trouble. For those of you who do not know what this number represents it is a key that can be used to break the DRM (digital rights management) on HD-DVD’s. On May 1st 2007 bloggers began posting this number everywhere they possibly could including the creation of songs and videos posted on sites such as YouTube.

Now, the MPAA and has been sending out cease and desist orders and launching lawsuits to thousands of websites that have published this number. Do you recall when DVD was cracked? HD-DVD creators always thought their DRM was 100% uncrackable. Wow, how pompous can you get? When are these massive companies going to realize that DRM is not the solution to piracy? A few weeks ago Apple announced that the iTunes music store was going to be offering DRM-free songs for download. The amount of positive press this garnered was insane and I am sure that Apple is still selling more songs than ever before.

Leaving DRM behind, something in todays business world really bothers me. It seems as though so many companies are trying to fight against piracy and open-sourcedness. Of course piracy is affecting media sales but as long as we see musicians and actors with everything they could ever imaging it will continue (not to mention these new TV shows about record/television/movie executives children who have nothing else better to do). It is time that these media-giants realize that world is changing, there is still billions of dollars to be made but adjustments are necessary.

Okay, this turned into an unorganized rant really quickly. I will write more on these topics in the future. I am not spreading this code because I have used it (or will ever use it) but because I feel that this is a step in finally convincing the corporate world that for every intelligent person they employ there are a thousand who are smarter.

Be sure to read more on the HD-DVD crack, if you search for that string of numbers you will find endless articles regarding it and the massive MPAA takedown-attempts.

Ranted out,

Cole

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Category: Tech news, DRM

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Dell + Ubuntu

Writing by admin on Tuesday, 1 of May , 2007 at 1:46 pm

It’s official! Dell has picked Ubuntu 7.04 as their Linux distribution of choice for offering an alternative to Windows with select computers. It appears as though Ubuntu will be offered and supported by Dell on a few offerings including both desktops and laptops. A Dell spokesman told CRNtech:

“We are finalizing some final details and will provide an update in the coming weeks as to which products will be available. We will offer Ubuntu 7.04 on select Dell consumer products with a range of configuration options.”

You can read the full article here. DesktopLinux.com also posted an article with speculation regarding the specific models that will initially have the Ubuntu option. DesktopLinux followed this with another article about Dell’s move to offering Ubuntu means to the Linux community.

“Dell also is saying something else that’s equally important about the desktop world. It’s saying, for the first time in more than a decade, that standard x86 PC users have a choice. For the first time since OS/2 mattered, users have a choice again. No more are users stuck with Windows. No more are they forced to pay the Microsoft tax.

Even users who never intend on using Linux should be glad to see Microsoft’s iron hand finally lifted, albeit just an inch. Just as the arrival of Firefox forced Microsoft to improve Internet Explorer, the arrival of Linux on a mainstream desktop will force Microsoft to make significant, rather than cosmetic, improvements to its own operating systems.

This isn’t just a big day for desktop Linux users. This is a red-letter day for all PC users.”

-Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols of DesktopLinux.com

It makes me happy to see that Linux advocates are not trying to push Linux operating systems on users but are pointing out the benefits competition has on existing (specifically Microsoft) products. As the Linux and open-source software market share grows, classical software companies will need to adapt to, embrace and flat-out accept the demands of the consumer.

The revolution has begun!!

Cole

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Category: Linux, Open-source, Ubuntu, Tech news

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Net Neutrality

Writing by admin on Monday, 30 of April , 2007 at 10:46 pm

Many of you have likely heard this term on the news or read about it somewhere online. There are many websites discussing Net Neutrality and what it means to internet users. Generally, Net Neutrality pushes for an “open” network with no discrimination. The leading advocate is savetheinternet.com and I urge you to visit this site and read their frequently asked questions section to find out more.

Now, this website advocates Net Neutrality in the United States, but Shift+Backspace is based in Canada. Well, the leading Canadian advocate, neutrality.ca, was recently shut down. I had visited this site many times and it provided many Canadian-focused details on Net Neutrality and how to fight for it. It is a tremendous shame that neutrality.ca has been shut down, but other Canadian technology sites have taken notice and are trying to get the word out. First and foremost, Amber MacArthur, a well-known Canadian-born technology expert, has posted a fantastic article on her website about the shutdown of neutrality.ca. Read the article and response from neutrality.ca’s creator here.

Dr. Michael Geist, a Canadian expert on technology and the law, recently wrote an article titled “The Canadian Net Neutrality Debate“. If you live in Canada and have an internet connection with a large service provider you should read Dr. Geist’s article.

Dr. Geist mentions large Canadian telcos such as Telus, Rogers, VideoTron and Bell Canada and their involvement in Net Neutrality and belief that because they deliver the content they should be the gatekeepers of the content. It is unfortunate to say that I have been a co-op student for Bell Canada twice and worked solely with the Sympatico ISP. I had always enjoyed my time with Sympatico and had hoped to return in the future but as long as Bell is involved in censoring and prioritizing internet traffic I will refuse to work there. I recall the time when Rogers began regulating bit torrent traffic and how many users were switching to Bell because they wanted network access with no discrimination. It looks like members of Bell and the Sympatico team did not notice this trend and have decided to follow suit.

If you are interested in reading more please visit these sites:

Wikipedia - Network Neutrality

Telcos force neutrality.ca to shut-down

Save the Internet

Google’s take on Net Neutrality (some great stuff here)

neutrality.ca (please come back!!)

Dr. Michael Geist on Net Neutrality in Canada

If anyone has anything to say regarding Net Neutrality please comment below or email me at cole@shiftbackspace.com.

Thanks for reading,

Cole

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Category: Tech news, Net Neutrality, ISP

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Apple Keynote @ NAB07

Writing by admin on Sunday, 15 of April , 2007 at 12:36 pm

The Apple keynote at the National Association of Broadcasters is starting at 2pm EST. Apple recently launched their 8-core MacPro’s as well as announcing that the updated operated system, Leopard, will be delayed until the fall, everyone seems to be unsure what they will be announcing today. Speculation has it that it will be an updated version of the Apple Final Cut Studio. Of course, I am hoping for 12″ MacBook Pro’s.

After the keynote I will post an update of what has been announced. For now, visit the Engadget live-coverage. How am I suppose to watch the Wings game, Jays game and stay updated on Apple!!

UPDATE:

All of the updates today really only affect studio production professionals, however, the software and hardware announced sound sweet. First off is Final Cut Server. This software is designed to help manage assets and aid work-flow in organizations where there are many people working concurrently on the same projects. Also, updated versions of Apple’s video and audio editing software are being released. Next up is a piece of hardware called IO-HD, which allows users to edit HD content on their MacBook Pro’s. It’s a pretty sweet looking box but sells for $3495 US (once again, this is all professional equipment and the prices are actually extremely good compared to alternatives).

Even though I will probably never use any of this software, it is all really cool to read about. One thing that came up in the news I was reading is that the new video editing software will allow users to edit video filmed in full 4K and 2540p from the RED ONE camera. I have been following the news on RED ONE since the announcement of it quite a while ago. It comes from the RED Digital Cinema company which was founded by Jim Jannard (founder of Oakley). I urge you to check out this camera here.

2ND UPDATE:

Well, the Apple Store website just came back online. I have been reading the page on Final Cut Studio 2 and even though I do not know what I would use it for I want it! Check it out here.

Cole