“If you’ve been following GNOME development, you’ll also be aware that the latest version features a new instant messaging framework by the name of Empathy. However, the Ubuntu developers have opted to retain the old client, Pidgin, until Empathy has time to mature.
“There are a few other things missing on the software front, perhaps the most surprising is the new OpenOffice 3.0, which did not make Ubuntu’s cutoff date. On the plus side, you do get the latest version of GIMP, which is probably a more important update.
“There’s a very nice new utility that makes creating a bootable USB version of Ubuntu a snap. All you need to do is select an ISO file and click “Make Startup Disk.” Also possibly useful is the new “Cruft Remover,” which takes a stab at removing unused packages from your system. Unfortunately packages coming from outside a repository seemed to confuse it. We accidentally deleted VirtualBox and Adobe’s AIR platform. While many might consider the latter to indeed be “cruft,” heed our warning and exercise some caution with the Cruft Remover.
“In the end you should have a system that works reliably, and if you like you can install the free webhosting control panel ISPConfig (i.e., ISPConfig runs on it out of the box).”
“2. The Biggest Security Risks are Internal – As any good security expert will tell you, most security issues arise from inside a corporate network not from the outside. Most port scans, virus attacks, hacks, password stealing, and stolen data occurs from within your own ranks. Linux Administrators have the advantage of using a Unix Operating System that is inherently secure by virtue of the limited ability of users to damage the system. Local users still pose the biggest security threats to a system through the download and use of rootkits, port scanners, and password crack programs.”
“This is my prototype “power distribution board”. Currently it consists of 2 12V/2A regulators, some resistors and a 1000uF/30V smoothing capacitor. It provides 12v to the Alix board, and 12v to the motor controller. If both motors stall, they can use up to 6A, so whilst this is fine for testing the controller board, I’m going to have to replace one of the regulators with a transformer system to provide the necessary power to the motors.”
“Anyone want to tell me what Blu-ray really offers beyond what DVD already gives us? OK, slightly better picture, but I must admit that when I compare Blu-ray to my cheap DVD upscaler, I really can’t see the difference. Also, disc prices are too high compared to DVD.”
