Most of the people I know think Linux is very difficult for a layman to understand. They fear that after installing Linux they will not be able to do the normal tasks they do with Windows and thus they prefer paying money to Microsoft instead of even trying Linux.

I have been asking this question for years now, Baldy

Why are you Scared of Linux?

It seems fair to say that the relationship between programmer and platform is in many ways like a romantic one, characterized by mutual respect and a balanced exchange of give and take on both sides. Just as so many of us love and respect Linux, for instance, so it surely loves us back with all its many virtues — no strings or price tags attached! So happy are many in the Linux community with their favorite OS, in fact, that it was difficult not to feel mortally wounded by a recent accusation that Linux does less for programmers than Microsoft does.

Humm this is getting to be a regular subject these days, Baldy

Does Linux Do Enough for Programmers?

The last time I looked at SimplyMEPIS was the 8.0 release. In this review I’ll be taking a look at the latest version, SimplyMEPIS Linux 8.5.

A review worth checking out, but then I am a tad jaded towards Mepis to start, Baldy LOL

SimplyMEPIS 8.5 Review

I have used a few converter programs on Linux in the past like, Avidemux, OggConvert, and Pitivi. However, a few months ago I stumbled on a media converter for Linux that I had not heard of before and discovered they had a deb file already created for Ubuntu Linux, so I figured it was worth the few clicks to check it out. I was surprised to discover a simplistically elegant interface although importantly it also worked perfectly each time I threw a “family video” at it.

Darn it really worked and without a ton of hassles and I have a old odd ball camera that up until now has been a “major project” to convert this is one I have to say thanks for the point in the right direction, Baldy

Easy Media Converter for Linux? You bet! Miksoft nails it.

It’s doubtful that anyone really likes having to upgrade, but at some point it has to be done. For those particularly adverse to the upgrade — like enterprise users, with good reason — there are extra-long windows, but eventually even those windows close. Last week, Red Hat announced that the oldest of its supported platforms has officially entered the homestretch.

Believe it or not there is a guy in my lug that still swears by this version oh well all good things must come to a end. Baldy

The End Is In Sight For RHEL 3

Learn how to install, upgrade, and manage packages on your Linux® system. This article focuses on the Advanced Packaging Tool, or APT, which is the package management system used by Debian and distributions derived from Debian, such as Ubuntu. You can use the material in this article to study for the LPI 101 exam for Linux system administrator certification, or just to explore the best ways to add new software and keep your system current.

A good read for those new to Debian and it’s off shoots like Mepis or Ubuntu, Baldy

Learn Linux, 101: Debian package management

Turn on an Android OS phone, and that little yellow robot pops up all over the touchscreen like R2D2 on bionic steroids. A mini-chorus line of them shows up first, then just one robot decides to play hide and seek with you; there he is peeking out from the left side of the screen. Now he’s upside down, waving at you with a tiny cyber-arm. The impression is that this Android sure gets around, and it must have seemed that way to consumers doing their smartphone shopping from January through March of this year, if NPD Group’s data is any indication.

Oh good some one else not happy with Mr Jobs, I’m not sure but there has to be a reason he seems to be the only one that can make everyone mad at once and for different reasons, Baldy

Strategy Wars: Android’s Wide-Open Assault vs. Apple’s Tight Grip

Speed, power and user control are Mozilla’s top three goals for Firefox 4, according to early product plans released Monday. Specifically, the browser will be fast — “super-duper fast,” according to Firefox director Mike Beltzner — while also enabling new open-standard Web technologies such as HTML5 and putting users in full control of their browser and Web experience. For developers, Firefox 4 will likely offer bidirectionally connected apps, an HTML5 parser, a full-screen API, CSS3 compatibility, and faster 2-D drawing.

Things are getting interesting folks, Baldy

Firefox 4 Steps Out of the Shadows

Much as I hate to admit it, Microsoft does some things better, much better, than Linux. Number one with a bullet is how Microsoft helps programmers and ISVs (independent software vendors). MSDN (Microsoft Software Developer Network) is a wonderful online developer resource. Linux has had nothing to compare. True, there is the Linux Developer Network, which, when it began, looked like it would be the Linux equivalent of MSDN, but it hasn’t lived up to its promise. And, I can’t overlook the Linux Foundation’s Linux training classes. But, if I’m an ISV and I want to write software for Linux, I’m still going to need to piece together a lot of it by myself.

I could not have said it better myself, Baldy

Linux needs to do more for programmers

I have been humbled over the last two weeks by the over whelming out pouring of offers of help in ways that have left me shocked and totally humbled. From friends that I had not heard from in years came out of the woodwork in ways I can not put into words.And from the everyday friends even more has been offered and for all of you there is no way I will ever be able to repay you or even come close to doing so. I have always said I am picky over those to whom I call friend and each and everyone of you will always have a special place in my life, as it seemed that you are all the best choices for the title of friend I could ever have chosen and I have no idea how I got this lucky in life to be able to call you all my friend. I only wish that everyone had a list of friends that I seem to have collected through out the years, for you are all the heros a person needs at time and you all have come through with flying colors.

As you all know I am on the list and have been moved up so it is a sit and wait for now and yes you all will be notified of any changes that happen, and of that I promise. Until then once again I have to say thank you all and if you every need anything trust me I will be there for you all.

In Humbled and Heartfelt thanks.

Baldy aka John