GeekTimeLinux

(Via Linux Today.)

Off the Wall: “Long ago, I lost any queasiness about the command line. I’m not one of those who think it’s the only way to interact with their computers, but it’s a rare day that I don’t use it three or four times on my GNU/Linux system…”

(Via Root Prompt.)

In this thirteenth installment of “Speaking UNIX” discover more shortcuts and power at the UNIX command line. From benefits of Shell or making better usage of your time, this article will teach you the secrets of the UNIX command-line wizards. Check out all of the previous “Speaking UNIX” resources.

Dear Dave,
sreenath here.Thanks for replying for my query,but my lady luck is not with me,cause I am still facing the same problem of not able to play songs of MP3 formats and also not getting the audio output of my mpeg and vcd movies on the (kaffeine media player) of (kubuntu 6.06 LTS) linux operating system which is a (KDE) operating system.

PS:kubuntu6.06 LTS is a (KDE) based operating system.

Also i am very sad to say that I dont possess an internet connection at my home,so i have to go to the internet cafe and download softwares which I take home on my pen-drive.Also I am a fresher to linux os.I tried to install Easy Ubuntu but the console gave me an error that it is a Debian application and it cannot be inatalled.But the same Easy Ubuntu.deb got installed on my friend’s Ubuntu 6.06 LTS which is based on (GENOME).

By this time I hope that you might have got an entire picture of what am I and what is my problem.I am very much attracted to this linux,and somehow or the other i want to use it.So Dave my friend PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE suggest a suitable solution for this problem of mine.
I would personally like to give you 3or4 options that you should take into consideration.

1)The most important.I am entirely new to linux,like a toddler of 9or10 years even though my age is 22.
2)I am not having an internet
connection at home.So I have to go to an internetcafe and download the software or codecs.
3)I am keenly intrested in this distribution of linux(Kubuntu 6.06 LTS)which is a (KDE) based linux os.

So friend Dave PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE suggest a suitable solution for this problem of mine.

Waiting eagerly for your reply.
Thanking you!!!
God bless you and your family!!!

Your’s Friendly ,
Sreenath Nair

Respected,
Advance linux users.My name is Sreenath Nair.My problem is that i had recently installed kubuntu 6.06 LTS.I was very happy about the user friendly appearance and the looks of the O/S.Butn to my horror I realised that i am not able to play my favourite series of (MP3) songs on my (Kaffeine media player)because the player is generating an error that the respected codec for playing MP3 format is not available inside the (Kaffeine media player)& also I am very much embarassed when while playing the mpeg and VCD formats the (kaffeine media player) is not giving the output of any audio sounds of the movie.Only thing that I am receiving is a (Mute movie) without any audio.The only benefit with this usless Media player is that I can play only audio files of a (.ogg) extension.
PS:I have tried out every possible configuration given inside the media player option,but it was of no use.

So the motive of writing this blog is that if there is any kind advance users of linux who is reading this,please give me a helping hand by giving or suggesting a simple or technical solution to this problem.
you can recommend any website from where i can download some othermedia player for free,or you give any configuration that is to be made or you can recommend any website from where i can download codecs for MP3,mpeg and vcd support.
you can mail me at (nair.sreenath@gmail.com).
looking forward hopefully for your HELP!.

Thanking You!!!
God bless You.

Sreenath Nair.
nair.sreenath@gmail.com

I’ve now got a laptop (Compaq/HP nx9010) with Fedora Core 6 installed. One of the updates killed it every time I tried to apply the update. The update was GNOME-Python2-Package. anyhoo, I unchecked it, and the rest of the 158 updates completed successfully. Well, here I go….

Drivel is a GNOME client for working with online journals, also known as weblogs or simply blogs. It retains a simple and elegant design while providing many powerful features.

Read Full article here

How am I supposed to manage my full time job, watching my two small children at night (whil my wife works) and pay the bills, AND find time for learning Linux? Linux is something I find to be very exciting.
Since my last entry I may have remoted into my Linux system just handfull of times.

Writing about XANDROS is somewhat like writing about an old friend. I have used various distributions of XANDROS for the past few years including their Server Edition.

When XANDROS Desktop was released as the “Platform for Your Digital Life” I felt that they had finally brought the Linux Desktop to the mainstream. Now, I find that they have made it even easier for Novice and experienced Linux users with their all new, just released XANDROS DESKTOP PROFESSIONAL VER 4.

For those that have never done a XANDROS install, it couldn’t be easier. Boot from CD, and answer simple questions like; install?…share disk with a windows installation?…time…password…and suddenly the installer is whirring away with first boot of the new system within 15-20 minutes depending on the speed of your processor.

Based on Debian, XANDROS has joined a group of distributions that are attempting compatibility with Windows. In my opinion (for whatever its worth) they may be the closest. Desktop Professional provides businesses with full network integration, advanced 3D, Blue tooth wireless, desktop search and ISV support.

XANDROS Desktop Professional Ver. 4 seamlessly integrates into existing Windows-centric networks with automatic access to shared Windows folders and printers. It also has the ability to write to NTFS partitions. Add automatic Samba authentication, a Network Connections Manager for wired, wireless, mobile and VPN network communications and security profiles.

For the home user, XANDROS incorporates free SKYPE calling worldwide, the full featured OpenOffice suite compatible with Microsoft Office and the latest version of CrossOver Office to run Microsoft Office 2003 and other critical Windows programs.

With all this computing power, XANDROS has not forgotten the casual user with Drag and Drop DVD burning, IM and a host of games.

OK, enough of the specs and technical stuff. My install was on a 950Mhz Pent III. After dropping the CD in and re-booting the total install took 22 minutes (not including the applications disk). I then tried an install on an old Windows machine that has Win 2K Pro using NTFS. XANDROS ask if I would like it to make room on the Windows partition…I responded yes and 25 minutes later, I was again looking at a full install and yes, Windows was still working!

Since the original machine has both an E-net and Wireless card, I decided that I should try the Wireless. Going to Launch>Applications>Connection Wizard, selecting Wireless Lan and entering my information, I was running wireless.

I mentioned the applications disk earlier. XANDROS comes with an applications disk that includes several programs not included on the install…GIMP. ADOBE READER, etc. After inserting the CD, I selected the programs I wanted included and the installer went to work. Again, without problems.

The XANDROS NETWORK MANAGER has long been known for its ease of install and keeping the system updated and this version is no exception.

Next, I went to Lunch>Applications>CrossOver and installed a windows program. The system worked flawlessly. While there are a few restrictions on which windows programs can be installed, most are a snap.

I have now worked with XANDROS PROFESSIONAL DESKTOP Ver. 4 for about 4 days. I have added programs, removed programs, used the word processing capabilities, installed Windows programs, connected with our server and have in general pushed the system looking for the bugs. At this point I have found nothing.

XANDROS deserves credit for creating a distribution that is easy for a Windows user to transition too, while providing most, if not all, of the tools needed for both home and office. While I don’t like the numbers rating system, XANDROS PROFESSIONAL DESKTOP Ver. 4

While I haven’t got the rull review written, I am finding a lot of conversation about the broken Wi-Fi in Ubuntu Edgy.

I had been using a D-link DWL 520 card with Dapper and all was good. I upgraded to Edgy and the card suddenly wouldn’t connect. I installed Edgy on another machine with a D-Link WDA-2320 and still no luck.

Next step was to install ndiswrapper and drivers for the 520. Guess what? No luck. I would set the ATHO to enable and the card would appear to be activated and it would revert to the ETH0 card I also had installed.

Totally frustrated, I went to the Network set-up and changed the ESSID to “any” and suddenly the card was recognized by the network. I did this with both computers and both are doing well. Still not entirely sure that I had a working solution, I did an install on my laptop and all is fine.

I realize this is a simple thing and I only hope that it works for you the way it has with three computers here.

This is very good tutorials for bandwidth monitoring,network monitoring and servers monitoring tools with clear step by step installation guides this includes Nagios,MRTG,RTG,Netmrg,Darkstat,monit,munin,mon,oreon,Saidar ,Cacti,Bigsister,ibmonitor,zabbix.This resouce is Very useful for Users and Administrators to monitor their networks,bandwidth and servers.

Read Full article here

HERNDON, Va. – June 27th, 2006 – Parallels Compressor, released today, is a powerful, easy-to-use, universally compatible management tool that helps companies using almost any server and workstation virtualization platform conserve valuable hard disk resources and optimize the performance of their virtual workstations and servers by reducing the size of virtual hard disks by 50 percent or more,

Compressor works by automatically deleting temporary and unnecessary files within Windows, and then compressing the actual virtual hard disk image file.

As part of its goal to bring virtualization to everyone, Parallels is making Compressor available to any individual or enterprise using Parallels, VMWare and Microsoft solutions running Windows 2000, 2003 and XP. The company plans to expand its portfolio of tools over the coming months, and pledges to make those tools compatible with all of the industry’s major virtualization solutions, including the open-source Xen hypervisor, and a broader variety of operating systems.

“Virtualization is all about maximizing utilization and increasing productivity,” said Ben Rudolph, Parallels’ Marketing Manager. “Our growing suite of powerful, broadly compatible tools - like Compressor - takes the benefits of working in any virtual environment one step further by allowing Parallels, VMWare and Microsoft customers to streamline the use of their computer’s resources and fine-tune their virtual machines to achieve the highest performance.”

Compressor is available in two versions. Compressor Workstation, which retails for $49, is specifically optimized for virtual workstations. It is compatible with any Parallels, VMware and Microsoft virtual workstation running Windows 2000 or XP. Compressor Server, available for $179, is a professional-grade tool that optimizes any virtual server built using Parallels Server (due late 2006), VMware GSX Server, VMware Server, Microsoft Virtual PC, or Microsoft Virtual Server, or any virtual workstation built with Parallels Workstation 2.1 for Windows or Linux, Parallels Desktop for Mac, or VMware Workstation. Compressor Server is compatible with Windows 2000, 2000 Server, XP, and Server 2003.

Parallels, Microsoft and VMware users can purchase either version at http://www.parallels.com/en/buyonline. Free 15-day trial versions of both versions are available at http://www.parallels.com/en/download/compressor.

Just 2 weeks ago, Parallels introduced Parallels Desktop for Mac, the world’s first virtualization solution that allows Mac users to run Windows and OS X side-by-side without rebooting. To compliment Desktop and its Windows and Linux Desktop virtualization solutions, Parallels is a suite of server virtualization products for Windows, Linux and Mac. Parallels Server is targeted at small- and medium-size businesses looking to maximize hardware resources and curb IT costs, while Parallels Enterprise Server is a high-end server virtualization solution designed to help large enterprises effectively virtualize and manage their server resources. Both products are due to reach beta testing in 2006.

About Parallels
Parallels is a server and workstation virtualization solutions company committed to building powerful, user-friendly, cost-effective products that can be used by any Windows, Linux or Mac user to improve efficiency, lower hardware costs, and reduce operating expenses. The company’s products all feature hypervisor technology for strong, stable virtual machines, and an intuitive web-like interface that facilitates quick set-up and usage. Additionally, every Parallels solution fully supports Intel Virtualization Technology, which is optimized to provide superior virtual machine performance. The company is rapidly growing and employs a global team of experienced technical and business professionals. For more information, please visit www.parallels.com.

Media/Analyst Contact
Benjamin H. Rudolph
Marketing Manager, Parallels
703.234.5549 (direct)
202.437.6701 (mobile)
ben.rudolph@parallels.com

Today is a red letter day for me. I have used Linux for several years always wired, never wireless (except for my Zaurus). Today dawns a new beginning.

After downloading SimplyMepis 6.0 beta 5, I made the decision to get the distro running with a wireless connection. It turned out to be one of the more simple things I have done with Linux.

Before installing the distro, I installed a D-Link, DWL-G520 card. The version I have is a little older with the AirPlus Extreme G. I did not install drivers, I simply installed the card and began the install of SimplyMepis 6.0 beta 5.

After the install had completed, I began checking to see what I needed to do to configure the device.

First, I went to the Mepis old os center and selected network interfaces.
Next, I clicked on ath0 and set it to start on boot.
Then on to the WIFI section. Here, I had several selections to make.

1.ESSID was set to any

2.Encryption key was set as Hex

3.Selected frequency…2.4

At this point the options are set, it’s time to see if the configuration is good. I selected the Status option and clicked on “start ath0.” After what seemed like an eternity (possibly 3-4 seconds) I received a message saying “ath0 connection established.”

I have used the configuration for some time today and have watched closely. I am still banging away and the connection remains.

THANK YOU Warren. I think this is gonna be GREAT.

In September, 2004, we wrote our first piece on a Linux distribution with a strange name, UBUNTU. Version 4.10 was code named “Warty Warthog” and aside from the chuckles associated with the name, UBUNTU was suddenly racing to the top of the chart on Distrowatch. Once it hit the top, it has remained and with the release of version 6.06 LTS (for Long Term Support) its popularity is sure to continue to grow.

Why UBUNTU became so popular so quickly could be attributed to many things. First, Debian had been promising, but not delivering a new version. UBUNTU used the Debian core and added many new features. These features attracted Debian users. UBUNTU was not afraid of going cutting edge with their programming and the programmers coded a near flawless distro. Another reason that UBUNTU might have become so popular was their promise of a new distro every six months. They were true to that distribution schedule until 6.06 and they knew they were going to provide support and, after notifying the UBUNTU and Linux communities that they needed a bit more time to insure a stable distro, they moved their release date out six weeks. Still another reason that UBUNTU is so popular is that they will provide you with a free CD. I have had the occasion to receive some of the CDs and have been able to pass them on to new users that have become UBUNTU converts.

While the entire base distribution is contained on one CD, there are thousands of additional pieces of software just a few clicks away.

Installation is easy, however lacks the beauty of a GUI! Rather, you will be prompted to answer such questions as; language, keyboard, time zone and of course, how to partition your drive for installation. I almost always select the entire drive and have never had a problem with UBUNTU building a partition system that is custom to the distro.

While you will be ask for a User Name and Password, many will find it unusual that you are not prompted for a ROOT Password. UBUNTU does not afford that opportunity. If you really are convinced that you need a ROOT Password, once the install is complete, open a console, enter: sudo passwd root (hit return and you will be prompted to enter your new UNIX password.) Problem solved!

The entire installation process, depending on the speed of your processor should take around 30 minutes.

UBUNTU uses GNOME 2.14.1 and includes OpenOffice 2.0.2, Firefox 1.5.0.4, Evolution and Thunderbird and the list continues to grow.

While Synaptic is probably the preferred method of adding programs, I discovered, while using UBUNTU 5.10 (Breezy Badger) a wonderful script written by a user that he had posted in the Ubuntu Forum The application AUTOMATIX handles many of the small features not covered by synaptic. Example would be the install of Java JRE. It also covers some non-free software. By the way, that is the method I used to install Java and Real Player for Linux. Both work perfectly.

Another source, although directly linked to synaptic, is the ADD/REMOVE feature. Here you can break down the vast program list in categories and find the program that is just right for you.

The appearance of UBUNTU is quite clean, however I must admit I am not a big fan of “Burnt Orange and Black” reminds me too much of my old school colors!!!

Dapper Drake, as version 6.06 is code named appears to be a little faster than previous releases. Hardware detection is excellent. When I checked my printer (an old HP) it took seconds to configure as the auto detection had found the printer and was just awaiting the command to set it up. An old sound card was properly configured and the list goes on.

While there is no perfect distribution for everyone, UBUNTU certainly comes close and with new releases every six months, users are assured of the latest in software.

UBUNTU jumped ahead of SUSE, RED HAT (now Fedora Core) and a host of other old time distributions (per the requests at Distrowatch) almost from its first release. While devotees worried about the slight delay with this version, the distributions reputation continues to grow. The development team promises that the software will always be free and that there will be a new distro every six months.

Simple to use and stable would describe UBUNTU in short phrases. Why not give it a try.

Everyone is aware of my love for SUSE. First Linux distro, etc., etc., etc. SUSE 10.0 has been a solid, hardworking distribution since its release and truthfully, I hated to destroy something that had worked so flawlessly. After some thought, I decided to clean up an old machine…AMD 950 with about 500MB of RAM and see how this new release performed. I wasn’t disappointed!

For those choosing to install SUSE for the first time, something to note. First, the distro needs 64MB of RAM as a bare minimum with 128MB needed for a graphical install, 500MB is even better. Secondly, you should have about 1Ghz of Hard-drive space as a minimum and much more if you intend to make this your daily work horse.

Installing SUSE 10.1 is like riding a bicycle to old SUSE users. Insert the disk, answer a couple of questions and grab a cup of coffee. To a “NOOB” with shaky hands, the install is a piece of cake, especially if you download and burn your install on a DVD. While I have done many installs from CD, the convenience of a DVD is unbelievable.

No matter what your choice of media, the install starts with selecting a language, and a couple of additional questions and away you go. In my case, I was not putting SUSE along side another operating system, so installation meant using the entire hard drive.

For those installing for the first time with CDs, fear not when the first CD ends and the system reboots. It is a part of the process that does not occur with the DVD!

Prior to partitioning you are ask to select a desktop. GNOME 2.12 is a beautiful desktop as is KDE 3.5.1. My preference is KDE.

As your installation reaches its final stages, you will see the configuration set by SUSE. These can be changed by clicking on the title bar and following the prompts. An example is my video card comes up with 1280 x 1040. Now I am an old man and that is a little smaller than I prefer so I reset to 1024X768 and the SAX2 program lets me see what I have selected. If I am happy, I tell it to proceed and the changes are made. Once you are satisfied with your LAN operation, screen resolution and sound card selection, you are ready to log in for the first time.

SUSE 10.1 contains much cutting edge software. GIMP and OPEN OFFICE 2.0,carry a NOVELL branding on the splash screen which is a nice custom touch. Other software includes; Firefox 1.07, SUSE’s great search program…BEAGEL.

Are you an audio junkie? If so, you will love Banshee, the mono-based music player that has the ability to rip, organize and burn music and will work with many iPods. While not quite equal to iTunes, it works great.

Using KDE, I found that Konqueror now has ad-blocking capabilities and with the integration of SuperKaramba it offers webcam support for MSN/Yahoo.

SUSE 10.1 comes with AppArmor, which was originally one of Novells closed-source projects. Now it provides a security and intrusion detection framework letting you specify programs and monitor activity in a manner similar to SELinux. Setup is simple via the Yast module.

I could ramble for pages about the many features of SUSE 10.1, but the best way to become familiar with it is try it!

You might notice that some of your favorite programs are missing; Thunderbird, GAIM, Mplayer, etc. While this might seem shocking, it is not without a fix. One of my favorite reads, with fixes is “THE JEM REPORT.” Jem Matzen has done an excellent job of describing how to make SUSE 10.1 one of the best Linux desktops yet.

I have now spent a lot of time with the distro, have done installs with both CDs and DVD and have played with both slow and fast machines and I find SUSE 10.1 to be a distro that will be in my lab for many months.

New to Linux? Intermediate user? Need good information that is not buried in the middle of a 1200 page text? No matter how I say this it is going to sound like a sales pitch and it really isn’t, but it is a bit of advice. Try TUX MAGAZINE.

TUX is an on-line magazine that is designed for the Linux NOOB. The magazine, now in its 13th Issue has a lot of information that removes the mystery of many programs and in many occasions, provides tips to get more out of your computing experience.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention the best part…IT’S FREE! Visit their site and begin enjoying TUX MAGAZINE on-line.