The final version of OpenOffice.org 3, the open source competitor to Microsoft Office, came out two weeks ago and looks better than ever. I’ve been using its predecessors for years and, broadly speaking, OO3 is the most useful, widely compatible software ever. You can run it on anything: Macs, PCs, Linux, Unix workstations. It includes six full-blown applications: the Writer word processor, Calc spreadsheet, Impress presentations program, Base database program, Math equation editor, and Draw graphics program. And it doesn’t cost a penny.

OpenOffice 3: Useful, Compatible – and Pretty

A remote-code exploit that could spread rapidly like the 2003 MSBlaster worm is putting all versions of Windows at risk.

I recommend that you immediately install a patch that Microsoft has just issued to protect your system from a vulnerability in the Server service.

MS08-067 (958644)
Rare out-of-cycle patch emphasizes the risk
With little warning, Microsoft released yesterday an unscheduled or “out-of-cycle” patch for a highly critical vulnerability that affects all versions of Windows. Security bulletin MS08-067 (patch 958644) was posted to warn of a remote-code attack that could spread wildly across the Internet.

Okay folks this is not a joke they threat is out there and if it is nasty enough for Microsoft to issue a patch then it is bad make sure that you download and install it. I know I had a couple of customers that got hit by it yesterday.
Baldy

A fascinating — and horrifying — new article in The New York Times offers the lowdown on “zombie computers,” the half-a-million-or-so machines that are converted, assembled into systems called “botnets” and forced to do a shadowy figure’s bidding, namely in the form of automated programs that send the majority of e-mail spam, illegally seek financial information and install malicious software on still more PCs.

Read the Rest of the Article

Today, the Linux Foundation is releasing a report that shows just how valuable FOSS can be. The authors find that recreating Fedora 9.1 (the free distribution upon which Red Hat’s current Linux release is based) using traditional proprietary methods would cost $10.8 billion. They also find that the cost of creating the Linux kernel alone would be $1.4 billion.

And that is just some of the cost advantages that Linux has to offer, get the hint business, Baldy

Avoided Costs and Competitive Benefits: Estimating the Value of Linux

Okay it is not a new swear word, it happens to be a podcast that as the author says is a “occasiodaily” item. Have you wanted a good podcast to keep up with a honest approach to the world of Linux? Well the author of this podcast is Marcel Gagné, a writer with a number of books under his belt, and still finds the time to do a light but informative podcast. What he prodces is a fun easy to understand view of the often confusing world of Linux, intended for both the new user and the old jaded ones. Stop over and download a copy or watch him online he has been kind enough to offer multiple options for the vistors.

Here is the Podcast Site

And here is his main site

Take a look you might enjoy it, Baldy

Only ten days after the release of Linux 2.6.27, the SimplyMEPIS project has decided to work the new kernel into its next release. The project today used the kernel in both 32- and 64-bit versions of the third beta release of SimplyMEPIS 8.

And this after all the “experts” said that Mepis was dead. Like I said then just wait the release is going to blow your socks off, Baldy

MEPIS jumps on 2.6.27

The final version of OpenOffice 3 is out today, and if you’re looking to save yourself plenty of money, download it instead of buying Microsoft Office — you could save yourself hundreds of dollars, and not lose out on many features. I put the Windows version through its paces, and am about to download the Linux version as well. The suite has six full-blown applications: the Writer word processor, Calc spreadsheet, Impress presentations program, Base database program, Math equation editor, and Draw graphics program.

Yeah I know 2 in a row about Open Office but hey this version is a huge improvement and it works and looks great, Baldy

Review of final OpenOffice 3: Why buy Microsoft Office?

The third full OpenOffice suite is out in the wild and attracting plenty of attention. OpenOffice.org 3.0 was released Monday — and already, demand has been high enough to overwhelm the download servers and cause them to crash. The software suite, designed as an open source alternative to Microsoft Office, offers everything from word processing and spreadsheet creation to presentation and databasing tools. Added in the 3.0 release is a host of extensions to allow a more customized user experience.

I’ve never heard of this over a Windoze Office update but hey it might happen LOL Baldy

OpenOffice 3 Debuts to Server-Crashing Demand

No I am not bombed it is Thanksgiving for our northern neighbors. Columbus Day for us but hey They are trying to get the Holidays correct. LOL Have a good day and don’t eat to darn much folks.

The extremely simple guide to installing Ubuntu using Wubi. Many people are put off using Ubuntu because of installation issues. Not that installation is difficult, of course, but for the true non-technical user, it’s equivalent to scaling Mount Everest. This guide is for them. It’s a step-by-step guide to installing Ubuntu for complete and utter beginners. If you have a relative, or friend, who would like to try Ubuntu, but who is frankly scared of the prospect, then send them a link to this posting! It assumes zero prior knowledge.

Okay here is a great idea that allows even the most nervous new user to install Ubuntu as a dual boot with XP, great for those that want to sit down and start to learn Linux as opposed to running a live cd, Baldy

The extremely simple guide to installing Ubuntu using Wubi