Former Mac hater reflects on his switch to Mac

“…While I am not a card carrying Mac fanboy (it does have issues like any piece of technology), I wanted to try and summarize why I like the Mac so much now that I’ve been using it heavily for the last two months.

I have been a Windows user and software developer since 1992, and a DOS user and developer since 1984. I used to hate Macs and as recently as 9 months ago my avatar on one of my forums was John Hodgman (the PC guy from the Mac ads).

Now I really enjoy using my Mac and am drifting away from Windows as a platform. Here’s why:

Read the full story on David Alison’s Blog found via SwitchingToMac.Com

Business Open Source Use Up 26% in One Year

CBR is reporting that open source use in the workplace is continuing to grow at an astonishing rate. Up 26% since last year, businesses are using 94 different open source tools to get the job done.

“[OpenLogic's] breakdown of licenses for the top 25 packages found that Apache, not the GPL, is the most common license. 62% of the packages use Apache, 27% use some variant of GPL and 4% each use BSD, CPL, Eclipse, MPL and Perl licenses (since packages may be released under two or more licenses, percentages total to more than 100%).”  Read the full story on CBROnline.Com found via SlashDot.Org

Microsoft ousted, 23,000 Linux PCs For Filipino Schools

“Providing high school students with PCs is seen as a first step to preparing them for a technology-literate future, but in the Philippines many schools cannot afford to provide computing facilities so after a successful deployment of 13,000 Fedora Linux systems from a government grant, plans are underway to roll out another 10,000 based on Ubuntu.”

“We wanted to use Fedora 5 and it went all the way to office of [the Filipino] President and they kept passing it around saying ‘why would they offer something for free, and how would they support and teach it’,” Gonzalez said. “The project dragged on for four to five months to a point where Microsoft matched the price by offering Windows XP for $US20 a copy and throwing in Office for $US30, but we still came out cheaper. Microsoft was also providing free training to high school teachers.” Read the full article on ComputerWorld.Com found via SlashDot

Hi, I’m a Programmer. I’m In love with my new Mac because…

“…I’m just like you, seriously! I’ve been using Microsoft stuff since 1992! That’s right, I’ve been a windows user most of my life. I remember 3.1, NT, 95, 98, 2000, ME (fucking stupid, 2000 in a different box, right?), and then on to (OOooOOoo) Windows XP. Luckily for me, the buck stopped here.

It’s about here that I meet Jay Phillips. Jay, a fellow hacker, is the creator of a very successful Telephony application called Adhearsion. He will be the first to tell you owes some of his coder success to his MacBook. Honestly, Jay even looks like the Mac guy on the commercial (see right). Anyway I was in the mood to debunk this obviously misguided coder (because coders need TECH machines, not pretty toys, right?) and I can honestly say from the deepest techie place in my heart: I got PWWWWWWND. This is why: Read the full post on SiKaNrOnG.com (found via SwitchingToMac.Com)

Soviet Microsoft: How Resistance to Free Markets and Open Ideas Will the Unravel the Software Superpower.

“…Somewhat ironically, one of the most financially successful capitalist companies of the 90s has positioned itself as a modern counterpart to the old communist Soviet Union. Microsoft’s ideological contempt for and resistance to free markets and the open expression and propagation of fresh ideas and technologies is not only a close parallel of the old USSR, but also a clear reflection of why Microsoft is currently failing and why its troubles have only just begun. Here’s a comprehensive look at why this is the case.” Read the full article on RoughlyDrafted.Com

Adventures in public printing (Windows security)

A little side note today about an experience of mine from yesterday. I found myself needing to print a few PDFs from my Gmail account while I was out and about. Hmm where to go for printing that’s along my journey? My first stop was the internet cafe in the local London Drugs 

After paying for a 15 min slot of time I sat down at the XP computer, logged into my Gmail, found the e-mail, and clicked the attachment. But much to my surprise 

Wal-Mart’s $199 Linux PC back in stock.

Wal-Mart introduced the gPC earlier this month but it quickly sold out online. It’s “been one of the top performing desktop computers on Walmart.com,” a spokesman for the company told InformationWeek last week.

C|Net: Open-source software rated: Ten alternatives you need

“Open source products comprise the work of many collaborators — sometimes thousands of them, and often separated by oceans. Each person works on small portions of a project, and anyone is welcome to contribute. The finished product will be available freely for anyone to download and, in most cases, modify.

All very touchy-feely, carey-sharey, but why should you care about open source? You should care because

Asus’ Window Alternative Notebook sells out, Makes #1 on Amazon’s Best seller list

Asus’ Eee PC has been in the news a lot lately. It’s a tiny $400 USD laptop that’s sold preloaded with a Linux OS instead of Microsoft Windows and loaded with free software that accomplishes virtually everything your average notebook buyer would want to do. 

IT Pros: If Not Vista, Maybe Macs

Vista can’t seem to get a break. Yet another survey points to large numbers of businesses with no adoption plans. Oh yeah, Vista malaise may benefit Mac OS X.  44 percent of the IT professionals said that they had considered deploying a non-Windows operating system. Ninety percent of all respondents had concerns or reservations about Vista migration. Among those IT professionals considering alternatives, 9 percent had already started non-Windows deployments, with another 25 percent planning to do so within a year. Read the full article on Microsoft-Watch.Com

Hacker puts Mac’s OS X on Asus’ Windows Alternative PC.

This isn’t legal but apparantly that didn’t stop one hobbyist from loading Apple’s Mac OS on to the sub $500 Asus Eee PC.

Meant as a Windows Vista alternative for Best Buy shoppers it’s been converted into an inexpensive way to run OS X without the Apple hardware.  “…So, ever since I got the eeePC I’ve loved how easy it is to tinker with. Since I’m not a Linux guy, I dumped the Xandros preload and opted for Windows XP so I could [use] my EVDO USB datacard and blogging software easier, but I wondered could I install OSX on it? And, after trial and error - you can!” Read the full story on UneasySilence.Com (found via Gizmodo.Com)

Asus Eee PC a win for Intel and Linux, at Microsoft’s expense.

Thanks to its combination of Intel hardware and a non-bloated Linux install, reviewers found that Asus’s little laptop performs just as well as much larger and more expensive Windows notebooks. And the company spent enough time tweaking the unit’s default Linux distro that Windows users will supposedly feel right at home. The device does support Windows XP, but Linux seems to be the OS of choice for all of the reviewers for performance and ease-of-use reasons.

In this respect, Microsoft has well and truly blown it, because this device is poised to introduce a few million Best Buy shoppers to a pleasantly usable, non-embedded Linux distro. Even more ominous from Redmond’s perspective is the fact that the Eee PC is just one of a breaking wave of Linux-powered portable devices that will reach consumers in the coming year, and that it’s the hardware makers that are driving the Linux push. Read the full article at ArsTechnica.Com

Wal-Mart now carrying Linux PCs for $198.00

The Everex Green gPC TC2502 includes popular applications from Google, Mozilla, Skype and OpenOffice.org. It runs gOS Initial G, which in turn is based on Ubuntu Linux 7.10 The gOS operating system features a simple and intuitive Linux Enlightenment E17 desktop interface with a Google-centric theme. The system comes with a lifetime of free updates and revisions.

At the heart of the gPC TC2502 is an energy-efficient 1.5GHz, VIA C7-D processor. This CPU draws less than 2W on average (with a maximum of 20W). Operating at a mere 28dB, the gPC also ranks as the quietest Everex desktop computer ever produced. It also includes 512MB of system memory, 80GB hard disk drive and DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive. The system also comes with six USB 2.0 ports; an RJ45 Ethernet port; an RJ11 port; and a serial and parallel port. Read the full article on DesktopLinux.Com

UK Schools warned off Microsoft deal.

The UK computer agency Becta is advising schools not to sign licensing agreements with Microsoft because of alleged anti-competitive practices.

…a spokesman for Becta said the problem was that Microsoft required schools to have licences for every PC in a school that might use its software, whether they were actually doing so or running something else. Read the full article on BBC News (via Slashdot)

John Dvorak: “Google OS: The Scenario”

Microsoft’s getting into the advertising business instead of fixing its operating system issues, so why shouldn’t Google put its billions to use developing a free, better OS? Microsoft has been in the news a lot lately, and there are two distinct themes to the coverage. The first is the generally negative press about Vista—that people are complaining about it, and that many are reverting to XP. In this kind of situation, you’d think a corporate effort would be made to fix any and all flaws.

But instead, we hear a lot of denial while Microsoft pushes its new agenda: advertising. And I’m not talking about buying advertising, like any normal company in the software business does, but about selling ads—as Google does. Read the full article at PCMag.Com

New York Times: The Next Leap for Linux

Dell is testing the waters with a Linux-equipped notebook computer, in a challenge to Microsoft and Apple. Dell’s Linux PCs are cheaper than computers with Microsoft’s Vista operating system because Dell does not need to pay a licensing fee. Read the full article on NYTtimes.Com

All schools in Russia to use Linux-like OS by 2009

Russian OS is to be installed on every school computer in Russia by 2009. Furthermore, every pupil will get the opportunity to operate the applied software produced in Russia, Leonid Reiman, acting Minister of Communication stated at a press conference. Experts and market participants consider the terms within which software is to be developed quite reasonable. According to Mr. Reiman, that might significantly reduce Russian dependence on foreign software. Read the full article on CNews.Ru

C|Net News: Windows XP good, Vista bad

“…It saddens me to think of all the ill advised people buying new computers running Windows Vista, when they could have chosen XP. As Mr. T was fond of saying back in the 1980s, I pity the fool. Let me be clear, my point is only about the choice between XP and Vista and has nothing to do with Macs or Linux, many of whose devotees feel this way about all Windows users. I’m also not here to defend Windows XP, whose faults are many. My point is simply that if you are buying a new computer to run Windows applications, XP is the right choice; Vista is the wrong choice.” Read the full article on C|Net News.

OpenOSX Office 2.0 adds finance software

Want a low cost, yet powerful alternative to Micrsoft Office for your new Mac? OpenOSX has released v2.0 of OpenOSX Office, a Mac OS X equivalent of the GNOME Office suite for Linux systems. All of GNOME Office’s applications are bundled together, among them AbiWord, the Gnumeric spreadsheet, and the Gimp image processor. The second edition is native to both Intel and PowerPC (new and old) Macs, but most importantly introduces Gnucash, a financial program that tracks accouns, stocks, incomes and expenses. More info. [via MacNN]

Internet statistics reveal Vista’s lack of acceptance.

So how is Vista’s real world usage doing? According to W3Counter - An internet traffic monitoring site, the operating system has only picked up 3% of the market and lags far behind XP. See the chart.

Entire city of Vista users can’t access the internet

People in the city of Lund in Sweden that use the Microsoft Vista OS can’t connect to the Internet. According to this local newspaper, the reason is because Lund is a Linux city which has a a Linux server that doesn’t like Vista. Lundis Energi blamed Microsoft because Vista has got a bug and it isn’t going to change the configuration of the server just to cope with the flaw. A local Microsoft rep said it could probably fix the problem if Lundis Energi got in touch with it. [via The Inquirer]

Yelvington: I hate Windows Vista

…She managed to find Google, run a search for Firefox, and click on all the right link to make the download happen. But Vista won’t let her install it, popping up an alert that it’s not digitally signed by Microsoft.

Signed by Microsoft?

As has been noted, that’s not security. It’s business terrorism — frightening the user in order to protect Microsoft’s business interests. Read more.

PC Mag Editor Throws in the Towel on Vista

Maybe it was something in the water? I’ve been a big proponent of the new OS over the past few months, even going so far as loading it onto most of my computers and spending hours tweaking and optimizing it. So why, nine months after launch, am I so frustrated? The litany of what doesn’t work and what still frustrates me stretches on endlessly.

I could go on and on about the lack of drivers, the bizarre wake-up rituals, the strange and nonreproducible system quirks, and more. But I won’t bore you with the details. The upshot is that even after nine months, Vista just ain’t cutting it. I definitely gave Microsoft too much of a free pass on this operating system: I expected it to get the kinks worked out more quickly. Boy, was I fooled! If Microsoft can’t get Vista working, I might just do the unthinkable: I might move to Linux.

read more | digg story

If Not Vista Enterprise, Then What?

I had wondered if the steep cost of Software Assurance would drive some businesses to adopt Linux or even Mac OS X as alternatives. Vista Enterprise includes crucial networking and security features not available in Vista Home, Premium or Business versions. Additionally, essential Vista deployments are now only available through Software Assurance.  Read more.

Apple Beats Microsoft at its Own Open XML Game

Apple Inc.’s release of iWork ‘08 this week is “embarrassing,” an analyst said Friday, not for its maker, but for Apple’s rival, Microsoft Corp. Tuesday, Apple rolled out a refreshed iWork that added a spreadsheet, dubbed Numbers, to the earlier mix of a word processor/page layout Pages and presentation maker Keynote. But it was iWork’s ability to handle the Open XML file format — the new native format for Microsoft’s own Office 2007 application suite — that Michael Gartenberg of JupiterResearch talked about. Read more.

Microsoft: These are our Competitors…

Microsoft succinctly and clearly identifies many of its major competitors. Why should anyone outside of Microsoft or among shareholders care about this information? Partners can identify areas of Microsoft strength or weakness that could impact their businesses. For IT organizations, Microsoft loosely identifies alternatives to its own products through its list of competitors. Read more.

Dilbert [comic]

87% of businesses refuse to migrate to Vista

Fewer businesses are now planning to move to Windows Vista than seven months ago, according to a survey by patch management vendor PatchLink Corp., while more said they will either stick with the Windows they have, or turn to Linux or Mac OS X. In a just-released poll of more than 250 of its clients, PatchLink noted that only 2% said they are already running Vista, while another 9% said they planned to roll out Vista in the next three months. A landslide majority, 87%, said they would stay with their existing version(s) of Windows. Read more.

Acer hates Windows Vista

Acer, the world’s fourth-largest computer manufacturer, has accused Microsoft of making serious mistakes with its new operating system. “The entire industry is disappointed with Windows Vista,” Acer’s president Gianfranco Lanci has told Financial Times Deutschland. Read more.

Windows Guy Tries Ubuntu 7.04: Part 2 - Two Weeks Later

In the end I’ve been very impressed with Ubuntu. After two weeks of banging under the hood and using it as often as I can, it has shown itself to be stable, fast and customizable. Hardware support is solid and application support is good. It is a tweakers paradise. I can work at work and and home. If I had to I could use it as my day-to-day system and not have many regrets. I’m still not as comfortable with it as I am in Windows, but I’m getting there. I may not be a convert yet, but I am a fan. Read more.

Wal-mart to offer low-cost Linux PC as Vista alternative?

Wal-Mart will sell a sub-$300 “back-to-school” PC this fall pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows Vista and OpenOffice.org productivity software. The Everex GC3502 PC is based on a 1.7GHz Via C7-D processor, and will be available later this year preloaded with Ubuntu Linux.

read more | digg story

16,000 Linux computers delivered - For free

James Burgett is a great guy. He is collecting old computers from companies and individuals, checks and in some cases repairs them, and then gives them away to those who cannot afford to buy. He’s done it for 12 years, and each system is delivered with a free OS. Read more.

iPhone a True Threat to Windows Mobile