Thursday, 12. November 2009
Turning a small business into a Windows Free environment.
With many of our customers looking at yet another Microsoft upgrade, and all the costs associated with it, we are encouraging our customers to evaluate “other” solutions. In the current economic downturn, it is no surprise that we are seeing positive responses to this idea.
One company has expressed interest in evaluating a new solution. Over the upcoming weeks and months, I’ll be reporting on the progress of this project. This is the first post in this series.
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Friday, 30. October 2009
Ubuntu 9.10. A first look…
Officially released on the 29th, Karmic Koala is burning up Internet bandwidth, as every Linux user rushes to download the new OS. I’ve only had a few hours to play with it, but all and all I like what I see. The developers have really put a lot into meeting the goals they set for themselves.
If you are a current Ubuntu user, you will notice some very slight changes in the user experience. Most of what went into this release is under the hood. Things like reducing bootup time and improving hardware configuration interfaces really take center stage.
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Monday, 26. October 2009
Upgrading to Windows 7
Windows 7 is out! And as usual, Microsoft is pushing the idea that: “Windows 7 is the greatest operating system ever created”. Well, I would argue that point, but if you are a hardcore windows user, you most likely will be drinking from the Microsoft Cool-Aid fountain, and will purchase the Windows 7 upgrade.
The first thing you’ll notice is that if you aren’t running Vista, you will be installing Windows 7 as a fresh install. Even if you are running Vista, most experts recommend that you install from scratch regardless. So what does that mean to Windows users? You will be starting fresh! A fresh start! A new tomorrow!
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Monday, 19. October 2009
What is GNUPG?
GNUPG is the open source alternative to PGP. It allows you to sign and / or encrypt digital information that you are sending to others. They then can verify / decrypt the data. It uses the asymmetric cryptography model for signing data and can use both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography for data encryption.
Why use GNUPG
GNUPG creates an additional layer of security and authenticity of data that you transmit or receive. This helps verify and protect your identity on the web. Using GNUPG for encryption also protects sensitive information during transmission to others, as well as protecting data on storage media.
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Tuesday, 8. September 2009
Microsoft training, where the fear begins.
A recent blog story from Daily Finance tells of leaked slides from Microsoft’s Expert Zone training class used to train Best Buy employees, contains out and out lies regarding security and compatibility comparisons between Windows 7 and Linux. For many Linux advocates, this is equivalent to a smoking gun in regards to Microsoft’s unethical methods of promoting it’s products. They point to the fact that Microsoft uses it’s technical training and certification programs to spread false information. WELL DUH!
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Tuesday, 1. September 2009
Open Source Good, Microsoft Bad…
This seems to be the cry of the hard core Linux and open source community in regards to the next release of Windows. Currently, most of the Linux camps are gearing up for all out war. Being a Linux and Open Source geek, I understand why we all seem to be bracing ourselves for a battle, but I think we might be going over the edge a bit on this one.
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Friday, 28. August 2009
This can’t be right. It’s going to cost $1000.00 just for software?
I must admit, this is quite a surprise, even for me. While pricing a PC for a client, I was shocked when I calculated the total cost of the software that they are required to use for their business.
The cost of software is one of those things that most business owners understand, but very few employees grasp. While there are open source alternatives available for these software packages, chances are that the client will elect to purchase this software, but as always, I’ll sure give him the option to try something different.
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Thursday, 20. August 2009
Who’s really behind the idea.
First off, let me be clear that this was not my idea. I was told about this whole concept by Mike Rubel @ Cal Tech. He’s the rocket scientist behind this whole idea. Now that we have our “Credit Where Credit is Due” portion out of the way, let’s get into the whole rsync backup concept.
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Wednesday, 19. August 2009
I hate tech support…
I have to admit, I’m a bit jaded regarding software and computer support. It drives me crazy when the person I’m dealing with is reading from a script. This is one of the reasons I rarely call or contact support when I have a problem. The web usually does a great job as an information resource. But, sometimes the web doesn’t have the answer, and sometimes you need to look deeper for help.
The Best Support I have ever gotten.
Most folks in the open source community are used to “leaning” on each other to solve problems. That’s what we do. But all those poor people out there that run commercial software can get close to the same level of help and support from their local user groups and clubs in their community!
Try self support and go to a user’s meeting. Learn how we do it in the Open Source Community, and never sit on hold with a help desk again!
– Stu
Saturday, 15. August 2009
Linux Firewall Presentation Notes…
Here are the notes regarding what I covered in my presentation to the Simi Conejo Linux User Group. The actual presentation covered these subjects in more detail then I was able to fit in here, but you should get the general idea of the concepts covered by reading this all the way through. If you would like me to present this presentation for your organization or group, please contact me via email.
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