Inline Upgrade To 9.10 Painfully Slow

Yesterday evening I started the upgrade process from Update Manager. What a mistake. It took over seven hours to finish. I let it go not knowing if anything would break if I canceled it. It was the downloading that took so long to complete. I think the servers are still getting hit hard and they must have set limits on each connection. Today I downloaded the ISO as a Torrent and it was done in less than ten minutes. So far so good for the upgrade except for the video. I have an ATI 320 IGP Radeon and the screen refreshing is a bit slow. Today I installed the Xorg fglrx driver and it seems to help. I have not tried to run video yet but normal screen redraws are better so I expect some improvement in video too. This has always been somewhat of a drawback for this laptop anyway. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them. I am going to create a USB flash drive with the USB Startup tool and see if the video has better performance. I wonder if the in-place upgrade has anything to do with the poor performance n video. I didn't have these issues in version 9.04.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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