Open source software. Many, mainly those who create and sell proprietary commercial software, would have you believe that you just don’t get as high quality an offering in software or operating systems when you use open source stuff. Hmm, let’s examine this for a moment. FOSS (free open source software) is a decidedly non-profit venture….
One of the most gratifying movements I’ve seen arise since we all started going online is open source software. Once quite rare, there are thousands of programs out there that are free for the taking, including the source code. That means that if you’re inclined to program, you can take a functional package and customize…
Okay, let’s review: You have to run Windows because you need Office. Ubuntu comes preinstalled with Open Office, other distros can easily have it added. You have to run Windows because you want to easily share files and printers. NOBODY shares files and printers easier than Linux! Okay, here’s the coup de grace: You have…
Ok, so 85% of you out there (I’m taking the figure from those who visit my I remember JFK blog) are still running Windows. Fair enough. After all, Windows 2000 was a quantum leap for the manufacturer of operating systems, and XP was even better. Those two versions comprise 73% of what you run. Only…
I’m a big fan of open-source technologies. One reason is simplicity. The intranet I manage at work needs to run fast and reliably. I discovered that Microsoft’s IIS 6 web server did neither. When there would be a problem with generating web pages, it wouldn’t tell you why. Any error would throw up the same…
Okay, you Linux resisters, today’s FamilyFirst pick is for YOU! If you have state-of-the-art hardware, and I mean the hottest hardware out thgere, you can enjoy the effects of Vista’s highly touted Aero interface. This is the big enchilada, Microsoft’s ultimate desktop. It features things like 3-dimensional stacking windows, translucent windows, and some other niceties…
You know, the more I see Microsoft adding more and more garbage lkike DRM and WGA to their products, the more I seek out fantastic products that are FREE. Sure, everybody needs to make a buck. But instead of supporting the Redmond Monster and their billions of dollars in profits, why check out wonderful sites…
How often do you go all day long using only ONE computer? Perhaps that’s the norm for you. But it’s a growing trend that people use multiple computers on a daily basis. Perhaps you have learned to store your internet bookmarks on a flash drive. Good on you! It’s a simple way to blast into…
First off all, my apologies for no columns the last two days. My DSL modem went up in smoke (after five lousy years! They don’t make them like they used to! ;-). But I’m back, with a vengeance. As you’re painfully aware, I advocate open-source software. I’ve been a 100% Ubuntu user for over six…
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a computer software that allows you to talk rather than type. There are several computer software programs out there that allow you to speak into a microphone rather than type the words. These types of computer software are useful for those who do not type fast. In fact, you can have…