Machina improba

Operating Systems

Kubuntu 8.04 ('Hardy Heron')

Posted Tue, 07/29/2008 - 5:45pm by rernst

Followers of my blog may have wondered -- around the end of April -- why I never made any comments about 8.04 / 'Hardy Heron'. There are two reasons for that. The first was: It was really really bad. I'm not enough of a zealot to gloss over that and ignore it: I'll speak my mind even on things I've traditionally endorsed, and it was a load of crap. Why? KDE4. That brings me to the second reason I did not post about it: upgrading my main workstation was such a disaster, I didn't have the time to blog about it.

Microsoft's Biggest 'Threat'

Posted Fri, 05/30/2008 - 2:15pm by rernst

Microsoft periodically shuffles around what it thinks to be its biggest 'threat'. Right now, it's apparently open source. Yesterday, it was Google.

I disagree. Microsoft's biggest threat is itself. Particularly the higher-ups (here's looking at you, Steve...) for their refusal to embrace the open source community, rather than spouting FUD and lies.

Reduced Functionality Indeed

Posted Tue, 09/11/2007 - 2:52pm by rernst

Today, apparently, Microsoft activated Windows Vista's 'Reduced Functionality Mode' for Vista pirates.

Back in my day, we referred to software that let other people remotely control your computer against your will a 'Trojan Horse'. If Microsoft will build in this kind of functionality into their software, what else will they do with it? What's next? Perhaps: Upgrade, or Else.

Update: And indeed, Microsoft has shown its willingness to change files without your consent.

More goodies from Microsoft

Posted Sat, 07/14/2007 - 7:52am by rernst

Two new interesting things from microsoft on slashdot today:

Microsoft's patent application for an 'advertising services platform' (possibly an API?) built-in to the OS.. According to the article, it can even scan the contents of your documents and your personal information to in order to better shove more ads down your throat. How nice.

and:

Isn’t it better to be in the open?

Posted Sat, 04/21/2007 - 5:44am by rernst

Developer Derek Buranen has an excellent blog posting for the tech-interested who are considering adopting Linux:

When the Vista shows darkness and despair, the light is in the Open!

Very smooth writing, I must say.

Ubuntu Fiesty Fawn (and) T-bird 2.0

Posted Thu, 04/19/2007 - 9:50am by rernst

Ubuntu 7.04, aka "Fiesty Fawn" was released today, on schedule. I have high hopes for this version: it contains Xen support, and the *new*, GPL'd Java. I've been running the development code for several weeks now, and visually it's amazing.

Also released today is Mozilla Thunderbird 2.0. I commented on a beta release of this not so long ago. I have yet to try today's release, but I do have high hopes for it. Of course, lately I've been using web-based email more and more due to my skipping between multiple computers. Maybe if there were some way to maintain a thunderbird configuration between multiple machines...

iTunes is the worst application in the world

Posted Sun, 02/25/2007 - 12:13pm by rernst

It really is. If this is what apple is shoving down people's throats, I don't want to use OSX.

Want to drag-and-drop that folder of music into a playlist, or onto the ipod? Nope... it's not that intuitive. Instead, you have to:

  1. File -> Add Folder ->
  2. Scroll through painfully simple and unexpressive list of folders (without even a way to type the path to the destination)
  3. Add the folder
  4. Wait while iTunes churns for a bit
  5. Wait while iTunes converts any non-mp3 music in the list

Microsoft’s Big Celebration

Posted Wed, 01/31/2007 - 7:37am by rernst

Today, Windows Vista will be available for sale to the public. So will Office 2007.

Windows-powered cars on the road

Posted Sat, 12/30/2006 - 10:29am by rernst

More on slashdot.

Why don't I feel safe with windows-powered cars on the road?

Maybe it's:

  • The instability
    (critical failure in file transmission.sys.
    Windows Auto has been shut down to protect your computer.
    Core memory dump in 5...4....3.....    )
  • The constant need for patches ('Updates are available for your car. Please click here to continue'. And later, your car will need to be rebooted mid-trip)
  • The insecurity (high-tech thieves are stealing cars using laptops)
  • What about spyware? (Suddenly your dash display turns into a dozen pop-up ads)
  • Viruses (Will Norton release 'Norton Antivirus *Car Edition* 2008?)

Maybe it'll be available in a 'Starter' version, which limits your car to travelling at 40km/h and prevents you from carrying more than 2 passengers.

I can also see MS making a mint of money from forced upgrades ('Sorry, your new timing belt isn't compatible with your current version of Car Windowstm -- you'll have to upgrade to Car Windows® 2008 tm to complete this maintenance').

Oh well, it's not as if I would have bought a Ford car anyway...

Upgrading to Edgy

Posted Thu, 12/21/2006 - 8:30pm by rernst

When (K)ubuntu 6.10 ('Edgy Eft') came out, there were a number of problems reported with the upgrade process. Being fairly busy at the time, I decided to wait.

So, a few days ago I decided to give it a try. Everything went smoothly, except that my monitor ended up misconfigured. I don't blame the upgrade process, however -- instead I blame my crappy attempt at earlier attempting configuration of X for multiple monitors.