Open Source

Debian, the popular Linux distribution has just been shown to have made an all-time stupid security goof-up. They managed to change OpenSSL in their distribution so that it had no security to speak of. Good job guys!

I've just put the beta of OpenOffice 3 through its paces, and found that the office suite can do just about anything that Microsoft Office can do, supports a wide variety of formats...and, of course, is free. Given all that, who needs Microsoft Office? Check out my blog for details and screenshots.

Can you hear IT Blogwatch now? In which Verizon says it loves Linux and signs up as a member of the LiMo Foundation. Not to mention what is possibly the most fun coffee table ever...

Matt Hamblen reports:

10 openSUSE open source development projects will be included in Google Inc.'s annual summer software development program for college students.

When I recently explained one of the many reasons why I prefer desktop Linux to Windows, even over my favorite desktop Windows, XP SP3, I got a lot of people telling me I was full of hooey because I barely even mentioned Mac OS X.

Good enough, here's my take on Apple's Mac OS X.

It's IT Blogwatch: in which we take a headgear-flavored gander at Fedora 9. Not to mention why we hate smug, self-satisfied Apple Macintosh users...

Todd R. Weiss reports:

For all kinds of news that doesn't fit elsewhere at Computerworld.com, be sure to check here at least TWeiss Weekly...

Dear me. Just because I recently talked about Windows XP SP3's virtues and vices, some people seem to think I've turned away from my beloved Linux systems. Nope, I'm still a rock-solid Linux desktop user.

Worried about the explosive growth of Linux on inexpensive, ultra-portable PCs like the Asus Eee PC, Microsoft has launched a campaign to offer Windows XP at steep discounts to makers of low-cost portables. Insider documents reveal that Microsoft is also trying to make sure those portables don't become so powerful that they cannibalize sales from higher-end Windows PCs.

Sometimes, no matter how much you try to protect your computer, you need to get down and dirty with the hardware. Sometimes it's the obvious. I never cease to be amazed at how many PC problems turn out to be loose cables or -- the shame of it all! -- an unplugged electrical cord. But, other times, ...

Oooh, it's IT Blogwatch: in which OpenOffice.org 3.0 breaks cover, to delight and frustrate in equal measure. Not to mention two new entries for the Uxbridge English Dictionary...

Peter Cohen reports:

First, it was Microsoft Corp. failing to close a year-old loophole that allows Windows Vista upgraders to install the $140-cheaper upgrade version even if they don't own a full (not OEM) copy of Windows XP.

We interrupt the regularly-scheduled Microhoo update to bring you the story of an obscure software vendor that seems to be proving that open-source and Windows are not like oil and water after all.

It's IT Blogwatch: in which Sun finally releases OpenSolaris, but with a surprising, cloud-computing twist, courtesy of Amazon EC2. Not to mention a joke for Photoshop users...

Heather Harreld Havenstein has, err, this: [Good grief -Ed.]

It's IT Blogwatch: in which Novell's countersuit against SCO has started, with bloggers highlighting hilarious, contradictory statements from SCO execs -- enjoy schadenfreude much? Not to mention the hidden Apple parody in Grand Theft Auto IV...