Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Microsoft Is Accused of Idea Thefts

The idea that Microsoft would steal an idea is really funny. I mean do we really believe they come up with this stuff on their own. They have been sued for theft of ideas many times and there have been plenty of them they lost. I came across this article it the Tech Republic and found it quite amusing. I happen to agree with the author Jack Wallen  that Microsoft is indeed plagurizing from the open source community. But don't take my word for it, read it here yourself.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

History Is Made By Rejecting Windows

Graeme Cobbett was finally paid $115 from Dell for rejecting Windows Vista and the free upgrade to Windows 7. He purchased a Dell Studio 1555 from Dell and when he started the computer for the first time was greetd by Microsoft's EULA agreement or End User License Agreement. In the agreement is a paragraph that allows for the refund of the cost of Windows if the user doesn't agree with the EULA. Here is the now famous clause:

"By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies."

Most of use never read the EULA. I have read one or two way back when but I must admit I really don't read them. I do use a utility called EULA Analyzer. This tool will look for possible misleading or unusual wording.


It turns out that Graeme had to be a bit persistent and kept after his refund for two months before Dell finally came through. Instead of Windows he installed Linux Mint. Chalk one up on the Linux scoreboard. Head over to the Linux Mint Blog to read Graeme's story.

The mint leaf I created shows the $112 dollars he was refunded. Graeme then turned the money over to the Linux Mint Project. That is the coolest part of the whole story. Something I plan on doing if and when I buy a new computer.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Blog of helios: Linux - Fostering Hope

The good folks at the Helios Project are in need of equipment. They will soon run out after their work for the foundation Our Texas Grandchildren. If you have any equipment you can spare please seee the list and contact information at the Blog of Helios.

Blog of helios: Linux - Fostering Hope

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Blog of helios: Unique Prizes Highlights HeliOS Project Drawing

Do you like supporting a good cause? I know everyone likes to win cool stuff. Well here is a chance to possibly win something as cool as a computer and help a good cause. I will be entering myself before the November 7th deadline. The drawing is the 8th of November and is for a worthy cause. I know times are tough all over but if you are able this is a great project to help support. This Toshiba Tecra is just one of the prizes. Entries are $10.00 each and if you are able a little bit more never hurts.

Blog of helios: Unique Prizes Highlights HeliOS Project Drawing

Edit: I made my pledge today. Why don't you make your today too?
Jraz

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Debian vs Windows XP USB Support



Here is a prime example of how Debian Lenny out shines Windows XP in one small area. (Note there are probably more) I have a wireless Logitech laser mouse. There is a small USB dongle for the receiver. The mouse has been giving double clicks when single clicks are supposed to have been sent. This is very annoying so I often remove the dongle and use the touch pad. Here is where I notice the difference, when I plug the dongle back in Windows will not recognize it unless it is in the same USB port. Debian on the other-hand will recognize it and make it available immediately. Debian is much better at seeing the hardware no matter which USB port it gets plugged into. If this had been Vista, good luck getting it to work on a different port other than where installed the first time. Chalk one up to Linux.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Blog of helios: The Twisting Path To Linux

If there ever comes a time when someone says to you, they can't learn Linux it is just too hard, then guide them to this post on the Blog of Helios. It will definitely change their mind. If they still don't switch, read it out loud to them so it sinks in a bit deeper, sound waves have resonance and can penetrate even the thickest of skulls right through those openings called ears.

Blog of helios: The Twisting Path To Linux

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Preview: Ubuntu Karmic Koala v9.10 Beta

This Beta release of Karmic Koala looks much more polished than when I installed Alpha 4. I really like the inclusion of the App Store. Better descriptions of the programs will come in hady for those of us still somewhat new to Linux or Ubuntu. I ended up removing the Alpha version when an update went south. I have since installed Debian Lenny and I like it a lot. Debian is so versatile it is no wonder so many distributions are baased on it. Ubuntu and all the variations of it are all Debian based OS's. I would still recommend Ubuntu as a good alternative to Windows XP. Ubuntu has a small learning curve but not super challenging. There are many avenues for support including the forums at Canonical's website. Visit Lifehacker for a more in depth review of Karmic Koala. If you are interested, here is the full release schedule from Canonical for Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala. I do not think it was pure luck that Microsoft chose October 22 as the release date for Windows 7. One look at this release schedule will tell you why.