This tutorial shows how you can set up a PCLinuxOS 2007 desktop that is a full-fledged replacement for a Windows desktop, i.e. that has all the software that people need to do the things they do on their Windows desktops. The advantages are clear: you get a secure system without DRM restrictions that works even on old hardware, and the best thing is: all software comes free of charge. I found that PCLinuxOS is really easy to install and use, and it is a real alternative.

(Writers choice folks but it is good read, Baldy)

Source: The Perfect Desktop – PCLinuxOS 2007

The story had a certain flair. In early March, the chief information officer of the Federal Aviation Administration, David Bowen, was reportedly considering forsaking Microsoft Windows and Office in favor of the Linux operating system and the Web-based Google Apps Premium office suite. Could this be true? Might an office suite upstart topple the giant of giants? Does a Web-based suite of applications have enough punch to do the job?

Source: Can Google and Linux Topple Microsoft?

How would you like an easy way to set up a point-and-click Linux image backup that always makes perfect copies if the physical system is OK? That will point and click to a mirror drive or a multiple DVD backup set as you wish? New LinuxPlanet contributor A. Lizard details how to get this done.

Source: Tutorial: Point-and-Click Linux LVM Filesystem Workstation Backup, Part 1

Following weeks of anticipation, open source software fans can now buy three Dell computers preloaded with Linux. The machines — the XPS 410n and Dimension E520n desktops, and the Inspiron E1505n notebook — have factory-installed Ubuntu 7.04 Linux operating systems. Although the move is expected to lure some Linux enthusiasts into the company’s fold, it has likely alienated a big segment of the open source community who might feel jilted by Dell.

Source: Dell’s Linux PC Shop Opens for Business

LXer: A comprehensive list of retailers that sell computers with pre-installed linux, in several countries. There’s even a few Canadian ones!!

Thanks to Sharkscott for the link to this site!

~LC

If you haven’t heard yet, Dell now has their Ubuntu machines available for sale….but only on the US site. I popped on to Live Chat with a Dell Sales rep and asked when the Canadian site would have them? The first reply was “Shortly”. OK, that tells me a lot! I asked if “shortly” meant days, weeks or months? They replied, “In a couple weeks”

So I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…

~LC

Blender gets the lion’s share of press among free 3-D modeling applications, but it is not the only player in the field. Art of Illusion (AOI) is a mature, GPL-licensed 3-D modeler with robust editing, animation, and rendering features, and it’s a lot easier to use than Blender. If you haven’t tried it, it’s time you took a look at this recent SourceForge.net Product of the Month.

Source: Unveiling the Art of Illusion

Two of the most popular open source instant messaging clients, Pidgin (formerly Gaim) and Kopete, can work with multiple protocols, but neither is a great option when it comes to sharing files with friends. For that, try Qnext, a multi-protocol IM client with which you can share files with not only IM buddies but also contacts in your address book.

Source: Share files with friends while chatting using Qnext

It’s finally here. Later today, Dell will offer U.S customers three different systems with Ubuntu 7.04 installed: the XPS 410n and Dimension E520n desktops and the Inspiron E1505n notebook. These systems will be available at www.dell.com/open by 4pm CST today. Starting price for the E520n desktop and the E1505n notebook is $599; the XPS 410n starts at $899.

 

Technorati tags: Linux, Hardware

Source: Dell Offers Three Consumer Systems With Ubuntu 7.04

Absolute, a lean and completely open Linux distribution.

Latest news [Friday, 05/18/2007]
- Beta3 of Absolute 11.1 series has been released. This release is both stable and reasonably complete. Any testers, please report back any bugs, suggestions or code contributions to the forum ASAP, as we work toward an RC release very soon.

While scanning over DistroWatch this morning, Absolute caught my eye. Probably because it’s Slack based That and the fact it was released on my birthday. After reading through the site, it’s peaked my curiosity. Now I just have to find a few spare minutes to try it out.

Below are a few quotes from the Absolute site

Absolute is a customized Slackware distribution:

Assembled to make installation and maintenance of Slackware easier.
Built for speed, stability, security, ease of use and development (if you are so inclined.)

I am as confident in it’s stability as a stock Slackware box — and that is saying something.

Absolute is NOT a Windows-wanna-be.

It does not try to do everything for you. All software updating/adding must be done as root user (administrator to Windows fans) as well as any configuration changes. Login is text-based, as is the installer. There are not handfulls of daemons running nor are the bloat of KDE or Gnome present.

To me it is Linux at its best — completely configurable for those with the knowledge and inclination, but useable and productive “out of the box” for anyone, thanks to small, single-purpose applications and utilities to help get things done.

The system is built to do what I want it to do. Nothing less but nothing more.

Absolute Linux

Download

~LC