As Linux is already the leading server operating system, I am really only giving you 10 reasons to use Linux on the desktop (and mobile devices). Continue reading
Software
List of Django IDEs
I have a more detailed review of Python IDEs that is probably a lot more useful.
As requests for IDE recommendations on the django-users mailing list/Google Group, and as I assume that anyone developing with Django knows they should search for answers on the net before asking, here is a summary of the most often recommended options. Continue reading
The build a platform and squeeze business model
A business model that excludes competition, reduces consumer choice, and creates monopolies is the anti-thesis for free markets, but this is exactly what threatens both software and the distribution of media (ebooks, video, and music) over the internet, and much more. Continue reading
So I bought a tablet PC
I finally bought myself a cheap Android tablet. My experience so far has pretty much confirmed my expectations: it is a great device (and class of device) for consuming media on, but not for working or creating. It is also locked down and inflexible. While its inflexibility is supposed to be part of its appealing simplicity, I find it actually undermines it, especially when things go wrong. Continue reading
Governments should promote OSS
One would imagine that economists would have learned by now that they need to check their theoretical models against the real world. A recent article arguing that governments need to promote a “balance” between open source and proprietary software, rather than promoting open source, rests on no fewer than five incorrect assumptions, and is easily rebutted by what happens in the real world. Continue reading
Mint XFCE: worst Linux ever
The XFCE version of Linux Mint is pretty, fast, uses the huge Debian/Ubuntu software repositories, and comes with a good selection of software installed by default, as well as Linux Mint’s nice utilities. Its also the worst Linux distribution I have tried. Continue reading
Bye, Mandriva. Unity, PCLOS, Mint or Debian?
With Mandriva Linux looking to have a few rough months, its a good time for me to look at alternatives. I am a bit of a distro-hopper (jumping from one LInux distribution to another), but I keep coming back to Mandriva Continue reading
How to get someone (innocent) jailed
The fact that people can be convicted using evidence that only exists in electronic form makes it stunningly easy to frame someone, if you can get brief physical access to their computer, or you can fool them into inserting a malicious CD or USB drive into their computer. Here are some methods of doing it. Continue reading
Why do geeks pick such bad names?
I assume that someone who puts a lot of trouble into writing a piece of software, wants people to actually use it: so why pick names like The GIMP and Gigolo? Both are good pieces of software, but the names convey embarrassment rather than cool. Continue reading
What’s wrong with software patents
A quick summary of things that came up in a discussion that I was surprised was not evident to most people: Continue reading