Posts

Posted on

GNUbuntu ? Ubuntu plans a completely free variant of its distro

The Ubuntu project is planning to release a new variant of its distribution which would appeal ‘Free Software’ purist which want no more than a 100% completely free operating system that works out from the box.

This intention has be made known by Mark Shuttleworth himself in the Ubuntu mailing list few days ago (12 April 2007).

However the unnamed release is not intended to be a ‘variant’ of the main Ubuntu release, putting it inline with the Kubuntu, Edubuntu and Xubuntu project.

The new variant of the distro will only feature software which only come with source code and that have full rights of modification and redistribution. Mark Shuttleworth also notes that works on the new variant will involve the folks from gNewsense team, an unofficial distro based on Ubuntu, which puts a possibility that the gNewsense distro will be completely integrated into the Official Ubuntu project.

The variant is estimated to be ready on the next cycle of Ubuntu release (Gutsy Gibbon) due on
October 2007. It unclear if the new Ubuntu variant will support playing mp3 or mpeg4 files as codecs for both for format are licensed under a GNU GPL compatible free software license despite their patented status.

p/s: If this plan works, I think you might be seeing FSF (or even Stallman) himself use Ubuntu on their computers anytime soon.

[tags]ubuntu,gnewsense,debian,linux,gutsy gibbon,gutsy,linux,opensource,open source[/tags]

Posted on

Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 (Etch) was officially released

The much anticipated Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 (Etch) was finally released on 8th April 2007.

The release was unofficially available since November last year but some technicalities prevented the project from making an official release announcement until all architectures it supported is of release quality.

Among softwares included in Debian Etch are :

  • GNOME 2.14
  • OpenOffice.org 2.0.4
  • GIMP 2.2.13
  • Iceweasel (Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3)
  • Icedove (Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5)
  • PostgreSQL 8.1.8
  • MySQL 5.0.32
  • GCC 4.1.1
  • Linux kernel 2.6.18
  • Apache 2.2.3
  • Samba 3.0.24
  • Python 2.4.4 and 2.5

Debian is one of the oldest GNU/Linux distribution project which is still active until today. Many of the newer Linux distribution (eg Ubuntu, mepis,knoppix) based their project on Debian codebase.

Debian has the largest collection of softwares and the widest machine architecture support compared to other distro.

Please visit the official Debian GNU/Linux project website to get more information about it.

[tags]debian,linux,distro,opensource, open source[/tags]

Posted on

The Mystery Behind Ubuntu Release Name

Ubuntu users are no doubt familiar with the unique and funky name for its releases (Feisty Fawn, Breezy Badger, Hoary Hedgehog) in which it is more popular than the release number (7.04, 6.10, 6.06). Most people tends to remember the codename when refering to a particular Ubuntu release (such as Ubuntu Dapper as opposed to Ubuntu 6.06)

The main reason codename is used because it is easier for humans to memorize names compared to release number (hence the motto Linux for human beings). he same codename is also used as development name during initial buildup stage. Using the same codename has the advantage of reducing potential confusion that might arise from the different development/release name pairs.

Though the Ubuntu Wiki Page explains how codenames are formed, it doesn’t reveal the technique of naming the release is known as Alliteration.

The use of Alliteration
Alliteration is a form of mnemonics that uses the same alphabet (consonant) in two consecutive words, like Peter Parker and Lex Luthor. Phrases that use alliteration is easier to remember than those that do not.

Alliteration isn’t solely used by Ubuntu alone, other brand names or products that use alliteration includes :

  • Playboy Playmates
  • Spongebob Squarepants
  • Coca-cola
  • French Fries
  • Kit Kat
  • Pontiac Pursuit
  • Super Sonic
  • Take Two
  • Peter Pan
  • King Kong
  • Mickey Mouse
  • Paypal
  • Plater of Paris
  • Tic-tac
  • Ding Dang
  • Marilyn Manson
  • Kuda Kepang

Alliteration can make a phrase more memorable which explains why Ubuntu release name is more widely known than its release number (ie. How many people remembers Ubuntu Hoary release number?).

p/s: Now I know why I have no trouble recalling Paypal as a credit card processor service or French Fries when ordering chips at any fast food restaurant and Coca Cola as my favorite soft drink (yeah, carbonated drinks are not good, but at least they are not as pretentious as Ribena)

[tags]breezy badger,ubuntu,feisty,feisty fawn,linux,distro[/tags]

Posted on

My Modem gone up in smoke !

I’ve a sad news to share with everybody here, my D-Link G604T ADSL modem had gone up in smoke today. I don’t know what caused it, but I suspected long duration of use (24/7) might contribute to its demise.

Now I’m stuck with the spare Kasda ADSL modem, hard to dial out, a bit unreliable but it does its job of keeping me connected to the internet.

I think i need to save some money to buy myself a new modem after this, preferably one that can operate non-stop 24/7. I heard linksys and 3com modem are good but the latter is much harder to find at my place.

Any tips on buying a new ADSL router (preferably wifi capable) ?

[tags]router,modem,adsl,streamyx,broadband[/tags]

Posted on

FFMpeg based FLV to 3gp batch converter scripts

A friend from #fakap asks me to create a dead simple FLV to 3gp batch converter for him to port youtube clips to mobile phone.

As a result I complied, and created flvto3gp bash script for the job.

Usage
Using it is simple, just run this script inside a directory full of FLV (or any video files supported by ffmpeg) and execute it using this command :

sh flvto3gp.sh *

The script will convert all video files to 3gp file format one by one. The script requires
ffmpeg in order to run.

Ubuntu users might have to refer to this post before using this utility : Enable mp3 and amr support in ffmpeg ( Ubuntu )

[tags]ubuntu,flv,linux,ffmpeg,open source[/tags]

Posted on

Gaim Instant Messenger project renamed to Pidgin !

Gaim the popular multiprotocol instant messenger client has changed its name to Pidgin recently. Their main reason for changing the project name because it has been plague by legal threats from AOL concerning the name of the project.

The project has also moved to a new website to pidgin.im with the old gaim website served as a pointer to the new project site.

Apart from that, the project will migrate its current version control to monotone from CVS (hosted by Sourceforge). The newly rebranded Pidgin team hasn’t disclosed the reason behind the migration of revision control system or why they chosen to use monotone instead of the more popular SVN.

Here’s the latest screenshot of Pidgin IM (formerly known as Gaim) :
pidgin_tn.jpg

About Pidgin (formerly known as gaim)
For those who don’t know, Pidgin/Gaim is a multiprotocol instant messenger which support popular Instant messenger network including Yahoo, MSN Messenger, Jabber, Google talk, AIM, ICQ and IRC.

More information about Gaim rebranding can be found here : Pidgin.im and Gaim Sourceforge website

p/s: Hopefully after this we can have the latest Pidgin 2.0 release as soon as possible since the project won’t be dragged down with the legal issues anymore.

[tags]gaim,pidgin,open source, instant messenger, yahoo messenger,linux ,opensource,ym[/tags]