Week 14, Blog 10
A software repository is simply a place software is stored for safekeeping, where it may be retrieved and reinstalled on a computer. A Linux software repository is one the stores Linux programs. Most Linux software companies have many widely scattered depositories, which may be fee based or free. They may be devoted to particular programs, or for operating systems, the intent is to safeguard the software.
There are 2 main types of Linux software repositories; management systems or development systems. The management systems are used to store and integrate already developed code for public use. The development systems are used more for experimental code that is still under development, and not ready for public use.
These repositories make it easy to re-install corrupted programs, or to install new programs, for users worldwide, over the internet. They also provide high security for everyone using and developing the programs.
Ubuntu software repositories are divided into 4 main types, based on the level of support offered. They are:
(Quoted from https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu )
1. Main - Officially supported software.
2. Restricted - Supported software that is not available under a completely free license.
3. Universe - Community maintained software, i.e. not officially supported software.
4. Multiverse - Software that is not free.
SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_repository
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu
http://fedora-commons.org/
http://www.eprints.org/software/
http://rubric.edu.au/repositories/choosing_a_repository.htm
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Kinect driver, Blog 9, Week 13, Curtis Klein, CIT173
Kinect, or more specifically Kinect for the Xbox 360, is a controller free gaming system originally designed by Microsoft. It utilizes a webcam to utilize facial recognition, motion sensor, and voice recognition software to interact with the user (think HAL from 2001 a space odyssey). It is currently capable of tracking up to 6 people, but Microsoft claims this limit is only due to the limitations of the camera used. Microsoft released Kinect at the end of 2010, and it immediately sold incredible amounts. Far more amazing to me, is that the major controversy surrounding Kinect is not its revolutionary advancements and potential, but its profit potential.
In 2010 Adafruit Industries offered a reward to whoever developed an open source version of Kinect, which eventually reached $3,000.
In November 2010, Hector Martin was announced the winner, and received the award. It was revealed later that Johnny Lee, part of Microsoft’s Kinect development team, actually financed the award.
Due to the technicality that Microsoft utilized an open USB connection in their design, their patents may not be enforceable, but I foresee a long court battle before this is decided. I can not imagine Microsoft what appears to be a fairly clear case of reverse engineering, patent, and copyright infringement, without a battle.
SOURCES:
http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/11249/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect
http://www.technollama.co.uk/kinect-licensing-implications-of-open-hardware-projects?wpmp_switcher=mobile
http://openkinect.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2010/11/10/we-have-a-winner-open-kinect-drivers-released-winner-will-use-3k-for-more-hacking-plus-an-additional-2k-goes-to-the-eff/
In 2010 Adafruit Industries offered a reward to whoever developed an open source version of Kinect, which eventually reached $3,000.
In November 2010, Hector Martin was announced the winner, and received the award. It was revealed later that Johnny Lee, part of Microsoft’s Kinect development team, actually financed the award.
Due to the technicality that Microsoft utilized an open USB connection in their design, their patents may not be enforceable, but I foresee a long court battle before this is decided. I can not imagine Microsoft what appears to be a fairly clear case of reverse engineering, patent, and copyright infringement, without a battle.
SOURCES:
http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/11249/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect
http://www.technollama.co.uk/kinect-licensing-implications-of-open-hardware-projects?wpmp_switcher=mobile
http://openkinect.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2010/11/10/we-have-a-winner-open-kinect-drivers-released-winner-will-use-3k-for-more-hacking-plus-an-additional-2k-goes-to-the-eff/
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Net Neutrality, Week 1, Blog 6, CIT 173
Let me state right out front that I am in favor of the principles of Net Neutrality, and I do not see any way to enforce it other than government action. It is important to realize that in almost all parts of the world (including the U.S.) ISP providers have a virtual monopoly, and due to the technology of the internet, it is impossible to enforce competition through antitrust laws. When there are at most 2 or 3, and often only 1 ISP provider available, competition simply can not regulate the marketplace. If ISP providers have the ability to deny or degrade service for any company, and those companies have no recourse, than the principle of an open marketplace and open internet is destroyed. ISP companies have more in common with public utilities than with competitive private companies. ISP companies already make a very good profit of what they charge us all for internet access, to make additional profits by denying us access unless the organization we are looking for pays what amounts to blackmail, is simply unfair.
Having said this, I must admit to being very uncomfortable with the FCC using its power to regulate the airwaves to get around the courts and laws. Television and other broadcast information sources are already not covered by the freedom of the press clause, as they are licensed by the FCC, and these licenses can be revoked at any time. For the FCC to make link licenses for the airwaves to ISP providers willingness to obey whatever rules the government wants to impose (as below) is a frightening precedent.
2008 the FCC auctioned a portion of the publicly owned airwaves to Google under the terms that Google would:
• Open applications: Consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they desire;
• Open devices: Consumers should be able to utilize a handheld communications device with whatever wireless network they prefer;
• Open services: Third parties (resellers) should be able to acquire wireless services from a 700 MHz licensee on a wholesale basis, based on reasonably nondiscriminatory commercial terms;
• Open networks: Third parties, such as Internet service providers, should be able to interconnect at any technically feasible point in a 700 MHz licensee's wireless network.
Quoted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
The following is a dirct quote from ^ "Policy statement". Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
In 2005, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Broadband Policy Statement (also known as the Internet Policy Statement), which lists four principles of open Internet,[16] "To encourage broadband deployment and preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the public Internet, consumers are entitled to:"
• access the lawful Internet content of their choice.
• run applications and use services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement.
• connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network.
• competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers.
The whole Net Neutrality issue arose when the company Level 3, owner of Netflicks, sued Comcast for raising their rates. Level 3 said this was an unfair business practice, and Comcast claimed that level 3 itself was using unfair practices, and should be charged more for the extra bandwidth the required. Comcast won the law suite, however later the FCC ruled against Comcast, and required them to stop this practice.
In April, 2011 a Federal court ruled that The FCC does not have the authority to make this ruling. Now it is in the hands of Congress to change the law, and give The FCC the right to regulate ISP providers. Where this will go is anyone’s guess.
SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374638,00.asp
http://gigaom.com/2010/11/29/forget-net-neutrality-comcast-might-break-the-web/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/technology/07net.html
http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/court-rules-039net-neutrality039-comcast-atampt-win-google-amazon-lose
Having said this, I must admit to being very uncomfortable with the FCC using its power to regulate the airwaves to get around the courts and laws. Television and other broadcast information sources are already not covered by the freedom of the press clause, as they are licensed by the FCC, and these licenses can be revoked at any time. For the FCC to make link licenses for the airwaves to ISP providers willingness to obey whatever rules the government wants to impose (as below) is a frightening precedent.
2008 the FCC auctioned a portion of the publicly owned airwaves to Google under the terms that Google would:
• Open applications: Consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they desire;
• Open devices: Consumers should be able to utilize a handheld communications device with whatever wireless network they prefer;
• Open services: Third parties (resellers) should be able to acquire wireless services from a 700 MHz licensee on a wholesale basis, based on reasonably nondiscriminatory commercial terms;
• Open networks: Third parties, such as Internet service providers, should be able to interconnect at any technically feasible point in a 700 MHz licensee's wireless network.
Quoted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
The following is a dirct quote from ^ "Policy statement". Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
In 2005, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Broadband Policy Statement (also known as the Internet Policy Statement), which lists four principles of open Internet,[16] "To encourage broadband deployment and preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the public Internet, consumers are entitled to:"
• access the lawful Internet content of their choice.
• run applications and use services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement.
• connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network.
• competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers.
The whole Net Neutrality issue arose when the company Level 3, owner of Netflicks, sued Comcast for raising their rates. Level 3 said this was an unfair business practice, and Comcast claimed that level 3 itself was using unfair practices, and should be charged more for the extra bandwidth the required. Comcast won the law suite, however later the FCC ruled against Comcast, and required them to stop this practice.
In April, 2011 a Federal court ruled that The FCC does not have the authority to make this ruling. Now it is in the hands of Congress to change the law, and give The FCC the right to regulate ISP providers. Where this will go is anyone’s guess.
SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374638,00.asp
http://gigaom.com/2010/11/29/forget-net-neutrality-comcast-might-break-the-web/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/technology/07net.html
http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/court-rules-039net-neutrality039-comcast-atampt-win-google-amazon-lose
Friday, April 8, 2011
Week 11, Blog 7, Jobs in the Linux field, Curtis Klein
Week 11, Blog 7, Jobs in the Linux field, Curtis Klein.
I searched a large number of different sites to get these results, and they are not reassuring for new graduates with an associate’s degree. Almost all of the initial jobs require at least Bachelors degree and a number of years experience. These job ads are quoted in section 1 of the job descriptions below.
To find something more appropriate I narrowed the search to entry level Linux jobs. Once again there were very few advertised positions that did not require at least a few years working experience; however the educational requirements were a lot less stringent. One of the jobs that initially looked most promising turned out to be located in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India. If you have ever worked in India (as I have), you know how desperate one would have to be to take this job. These job ads are quoted in section 2 of the job descriptions below.
Finally, I looked for entry level positions in Hawaii, simply because Hawaii would be a very nice place to live (no snow), and the economy is supposed to be very good. I did find a very few jobs, but they all require higher degrees and job experience. However there were a very large number of positions that are being offered by the National Security Agency (in the Hawaii section below). None of the ads go into details of what security requirements are required.
The job market today is difficult for everyone, and the toughest part is always to not get discouraged. The advantage modern job seeking is that is possible to send out hundreds of resumes every week, without exhausting yourself. Unlike most other industries, the high tech field interviewers expect initial inquiries to be via e mail. This gives us a great advantage when job hunting.
The pay was usually not shown, however Dakine Software was offering $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
The Linux Foundation has organized a Web site specifically for people looking for positions in the Linux field. It is the Linux Jobs Board. http://jobs.linux.com/ .
Due to the fact that there following are copies of employment ads, they are quoted directly from the websites.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS:
Section 1.
Linux Media Engineer Posted Feb 23
Intel Corporation , Hillsboro, OR
You must possess a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field with 7+ years of applicable experience in a combination of the following:
Red Hat Linux Systems Administrator Posted Mar 23
Quotient, Inc. , Suitland, MD
The Linux system administrator will perform all administration and
maintenance tasks for approximately 200 Red Hat Linux servers
7 years experience performing system administration
responsibilities for Red Hat Linux Servers.
Linux Systems Engineer Posted Mar 11
Susquehanna International Group , Bala Cynwyd, PA (Philadelphia Metro Area)
Required / Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related Science degree required
Minimum of two (2) years of Linux infrastructure management and operational experience in a medium to large environment required
Section 2.
Linux Administrator
Install, configure and support Red Hat Linux enterprise-class server configurations
Required Skills:
Install, configure and support Red Hat Linux enterprise-class server configurations.
Linux *Pro Validation Engineer
Are a Linux networking Guru who is looking for a 6-12 month contract with one of Oregon's premier employers? If so, Kelly IT Resources wants to talk with you!
Required Education: Not Specified
Entry Level System Administrator - Linux
Location
New York, NY
Job Description
FXDD seeks a Junior System Administrator to join the team responsible for supporting and maintaining the FXDD Trading Systems. This is a hands-on role and will require supporting a 24x5 high availability Production Environment.
Job Requirements
Common Linux server administration skills
Shell/perl scripting, OS tuning, TCP/IP services configuration (apache, dns, etc)
Sound decision making and critical thinking skills
Organization and prioritization skills
Team/results oriented, flexible, proactive, self-starter able to work in a cross-functional team environment
Good written and verbal communication skills
Undergraduate degree in Computer Science/Math/Engineering preferred
Entry Level System Administrator - Linux
FXDD is a fast growing leader in online forex trading dedicated to providing superior customer service and powerful technology. Competitive compensation and benefits package is available for qualified employees including medical, dental and 401k.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
FXDD seeks a Junior System Administrator to join the team responsible for supporting and maintaining the FXDD Trading Systems.
India.
Entry Level Linux System Administrator - view or apply
Gloscon Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Ahmadabad, Gujarat
We are looking for 2 entry level Jr. Linux System Administrators who will manage our web servers. Knowledge of Linux Admin and LAMP stack configuration, tuning, DNS, Server Hardening would be critical. Desired Candidate Profile Good command over Linux Administration Passion for Linux Good English and Entrepreneurial Traits Local to Ahmedabad only Experience Required : 0 - 2 Years Education Required : UG - Any Graduate - Any Specialization,Graduation Not Required PG - Any PG Course - Any Speciali
From spanjobs.com - 30+ days ago
Hawaii.
http://www.intelligencecareers.com/jobs_nl/jobview.cfm?jobid=3368327&jsc=d012345&refsrc=juju
NSA - National Security Agency
Operational Computer Systems Analyst
Daily management of site computer systems such as user administration, backup and user account management.
ualifications: Entry is with a High School diploma with ten (10) years experience, an Associate's degree with seven (7) years experience, or a Bachelor's degree with five (5) years experience. Qualifying degree, if any, must be in Computer Science or Information Systems.
Dakine Software
1481 S. King Steet
Suite 225
Honolulu, HI 96814 (map it!Map it! )
Base Pay:
$30,000 - $60,000 /Year
Other Pay:
Performance bonus
Employee Type:
Full-Time
Industry:
Computer Software
Computer Hardware
Consulting
Manages Others:
No
Job Type:
Information Technology
Professional Services
Education:
4 Year Degree
Experience:
At least 1 year(s)
Verison
Network Control - Entry LevelDegree LevelHigh SchoolClearanceTop Secret/SSBICityMililaniStateHawaiiCountryUnited StatesJob Responsibilities / QualificationsTechnician works in a 24x7 (including weekends and holidays) environment performing monitoring and surveillance for customer data backbone and edge network infrastructure.
Additional Qualifications: Associates degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or other scientific or technical discipline directly related to the labor category + two (2) years experience in the information technology field is required.
SOURCES:
http://www.careerrookie.com/jobs/keyword/Linux/
http://jobs.linux.com/
http://blogs.computerworld.com/15407/linux_foundation_helps_linux_job_hunters
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Entry_Level_System_Administrator_Linux/Job-Listings
http://www.fxdd.com/en/about-fxdd/jobs/entry-level-system-administrator-linux.html?
http://www.intelligencecareers.com/jobs_nl/jobview.cfm?jobid=3368327&jsc=d012345&refsrc=juju
http://www.job-search-engine.com/keyword/entry-level-linux-administrator/
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker
http://www.careerjet.com/entry-level-technician-jobs/hawaii-376.html
I searched a large number of different sites to get these results, and they are not reassuring for new graduates with an associate’s degree. Almost all of the initial jobs require at least Bachelors degree and a number of years experience. These job ads are quoted in section 1 of the job descriptions below.
To find something more appropriate I narrowed the search to entry level Linux jobs. Once again there were very few advertised positions that did not require at least a few years working experience; however the educational requirements were a lot less stringent. One of the jobs that initially looked most promising turned out to be located in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India. If you have ever worked in India (as I have), you know how desperate one would have to be to take this job. These job ads are quoted in section 2 of the job descriptions below.
Finally, I looked for entry level positions in Hawaii, simply because Hawaii would be a very nice place to live (no snow), and the economy is supposed to be very good. I did find a very few jobs, but they all require higher degrees and job experience. However there were a very large number of positions that are being offered by the National Security Agency (in the Hawaii section below). None of the ads go into details of what security requirements are required.
The job market today is difficult for everyone, and the toughest part is always to not get discouraged. The advantage modern job seeking is that is possible to send out hundreds of resumes every week, without exhausting yourself. Unlike most other industries, the high tech field interviewers expect initial inquiries to be via e mail. This gives us a great advantage when job hunting.
The pay was usually not shown, however Dakine Software was offering $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
The Linux Foundation has organized a Web site specifically for people looking for positions in the Linux field. It is the Linux Jobs Board. http://jobs.linux.com/ .
Due to the fact that there following are copies of employment ads, they are quoted directly from the websites.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS:
Section 1.
Linux Media Engineer Posted Feb 23
Intel Corporation , Hillsboro, OR
You must possess a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field with 7+ years of applicable experience in a combination of the following:
Red Hat Linux Systems Administrator Posted Mar 23
Quotient, Inc. , Suitland, MD
The Linux system administrator will perform all administration and
maintenance tasks for approximately 200 Red Hat Linux servers
7 years experience performing system administration
responsibilities for Red Hat Linux Servers.
Linux Systems Engineer Posted Mar 11
Susquehanna International Group , Bala Cynwyd, PA (Philadelphia Metro Area)
Required / Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related Science degree required
Minimum of two (2) years of Linux infrastructure management and operational experience in a medium to large environment required
Section 2.
Linux Administrator
Install, configure and support Red Hat Linux enterprise-class server configurations
Required Skills:
Install, configure and support Red Hat Linux enterprise-class server configurations.
Linux *Pro Validation Engineer
Are a Linux networking Guru who is looking for a 6-12 month contract with one of Oregon's premier employers? If so, Kelly IT Resources wants to talk with you!
Required Education: Not Specified
Entry Level System Administrator - Linux
Location
New York, NY
Job Description
FXDD seeks a Junior System Administrator to join the team responsible for supporting and maintaining the FXDD Trading Systems. This is a hands-on role and will require supporting a 24x5 high availability Production Environment.
Job Requirements
Common Linux server administration skills
Shell/perl scripting, OS tuning, TCP/IP services configuration (apache, dns, etc)
Sound decision making and critical thinking skills
Organization and prioritization skills
Team/results oriented, flexible, proactive, self-starter able to work in a cross-functional team environment
Good written and verbal communication skills
Undergraduate degree in Computer Science/Math/Engineering preferred
Entry Level System Administrator - Linux
FXDD is a fast growing leader in online forex trading dedicated to providing superior customer service and powerful technology. Competitive compensation and benefits package is available for qualified employees including medical, dental and 401k.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
FXDD seeks a Junior System Administrator to join the team responsible for supporting and maintaining the FXDD Trading Systems.
India.
Entry Level Linux System Administrator - view or apply
Gloscon Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Ahmadabad, Gujarat
We are looking for 2 entry level Jr. Linux System Administrators who will manage our web servers. Knowledge of Linux Admin and LAMP stack configuration, tuning, DNS, Server Hardening would be critical. Desired Candidate Profile Good command over Linux Administration Passion for Linux Good English and Entrepreneurial Traits Local to Ahmedabad only Experience Required : 0 - 2 Years Education Required : UG - Any Graduate - Any Specialization,Graduation Not Required PG - Any PG Course - Any Speciali
From spanjobs.com - 30+ days ago
Hawaii.
http://www.intelligencecareers.com/jobs_nl/jobview.cfm?jobid=3368327&jsc=d012345&refsrc=juju
NSA - National Security Agency
Operational Computer Systems Analyst
Daily management of site computer systems such as user administration, backup and user account management.
ualifications: Entry is with a High School diploma with ten (10) years experience, an Associate's degree with seven (7) years experience, or a Bachelor's degree with five (5) years experience. Qualifying degree, if any, must be in Computer Science or Information Systems.
Dakine Software
1481 S. King Steet
Suite 225
Honolulu, HI 96814 (map it!Map it! )
Base Pay:
$30,000 - $60,000 /Year
Other Pay:
Performance bonus
Employee Type:
Full-Time
Industry:
Computer Software
Computer Hardware
Consulting
Manages Others:
No
Job Type:
Information Technology
Professional Services
Education:
4 Year Degree
Experience:
At least 1 year(s)
Verison
Network Control - Entry LevelDegree LevelHigh SchoolClearanceTop Secret/SSBICityMililaniStateHawaiiCountryUnited StatesJob Responsibilities / QualificationsTechnician works in a 24x7 (including weekends and holidays) environment performing monitoring and surveillance for customer data backbone and edge network infrastructure.
Additional Qualifications: Associates degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or other scientific or technical discipline directly related to the labor category + two (2) years experience in the information technology field is required.
SOURCES:
http://www.careerrookie.com/jobs/keyword/Linux/
http://jobs.linux.com/
http://blogs.computerworld.com/15407/linux_foundation_helps_linux_job_hunters
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Entry_Level_System_Administrator_Linux/Job-Listings
http://www.fxdd.com/en/about-fxdd/jobs/entry-level-system-administrator-linux.html?
http://www.intelligencecareers.com/jobs_nl/jobview.cfm?jobid=3368327&jsc=d012345&refsrc=juju
http://www.job-search-engine.com/keyword/entry-level-linux-administrator/
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker
http://www.careerjet.com/entry-level-technician-jobs/hawaii-376.html
Saturday, April 2, 2011
SCO v. Novell, Blog 6, CIT 173
SCO v. Novell was a Federal (U.S.) lawsuit concerning the ownership of the Unix O.S. The battle was between the companies SCO and Novell. It originated with SCO suing IBM for royalties after IBM used a copywritten Unix version obtained from SCO to develop their software. Novell then got into the act, claiming that SCO’s Unix actually belonged to Novell, and all the proceeds that SCO had made rightfully belonged to Novell.
Does this seem convoluted? Wait, it gets worse.
After a few years of litigation in state (Utah) and federal courts, and even the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration in Paris, France getting involved, Novell won their suite in U.S. court, and was awarded $2,547,817. Personally, I doubt that they will be able to collect much, after SCO declares bankruptcy. This is, however, a large victory for the open source community, for SCO was stopped from charging royalties for open source software that they did not actually own, and paid a severe penalty for trying. Novell has publicly stated that they will not sue anyone over the use of Unix.
SOURCES:
http://blogs.computerworld.com/16304/ding_dong_scos_trial_is_dead_linux_is_free
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCO_v._Novell
www.novell.com/prblogs/?p=2153
www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20100309181439569
Does this seem convoluted? Wait, it gets worse.
After a few years of litigation in state (Utah) and federal courts, and even the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration in Paris, France getting involved, Novell won their suite in U.S. court, and was awarded $2,547,817. Personally, I doubt that they will be able to collect much, after SCO declares bankruptcy. This is, however, a large victory for the open source community, for SCO was stopped from charging royalties for open source software that they did not actually own, and paid a severe penalty for trying. Novell has publicly stated that they will not sue anyone over the use of Unix.
SOURCES:
http://blogs.computerworld.com/16304/ding_dong_scos_trial_is_dead_linux_is_free
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCO_v._Novell
www.novell.com/prblogs/?p=2153
www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20100309181439569
Friday, March 11, 2011
CIT 173, week 7, Bog 5, FredNet
Team FredNet, the open source project to win the 20 million dollar Google X Prize, is a wonderful idea. If colonization of space is ever to get off the ground as anything other than a government or corporate experiment, private individuals must become involved in exploration. Team FredNet is making space exploration literally open to the masses. Anyone can now actually participate in the design of spacecraft, instead of just watching on the TV. Although this project will probably turn out to be somewhat pricey, with 6 to 10 million dollars just for the lift to Earth orbit, it is something finally within reach of a private, non-profit organization.
Team FredNet also clearly shows that the open source community can compete with major corporations on major physical projects, and not just information systems (as major as the Linux project is). This will open space travel to all kinds of unimaginable private pursuits, and provide competition to the military and industrial development of space. I can easily imagine a time in the not too distant future when the idea of Team FredNet has inspired the imagination of millions, and open source space exploration becomes the first public sector, open exploration project on the scale of the Apollo program.
Team FredNet is an inspiration for anyone who believes that space colonization is the destiny of a free humanity.
Team FredNet also clearly shows that the open source community can compete with major corporations on major physical projects, and not just information systems (as major as the Linux project is). This will open space travel to all kinds of unimaginable private pursuits, and provide competition to the military and industrial development of space. I can easily imagine a time in the not too distant future when the idea of Team FredNet has inspired the imagination of millions, and open source space exploration becomes the first public sector, open exploration project on the scale of the Apollo program.
Team FredNet is an inspiration for anyone who believes that space colonization is the destiny of a free humanity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Blog 4, Linux kernal numbering
The Linux kernel is constantly in a state of development. Because of this there are many different versions of the Linux kernel in use today. If you are going to be working with Linux, or even discussing Linux with someone, it is very important to know which version of the Linux kernel you are working with. Additionally, knowing which version you are currently using allows you to determine if it is necessary to upgrade your kernel to a newer version.
There are 2 basic types of Linux kernels available: a production version, that is ready for general use, and an experimental version, which is still under development. If you are upgrading your personal Linux kernel, you would want the production version. For versions released prior to 2004, which version you are downloading could be determined by the second number in the kernels 4 number numbering scheme. If the second number (the number of the revision: the first number is the version) is even it is a production version. If it is odd it is an experimental version. For current versions of the Linux kernel 9version 2.6.0 or later) the letters "rc" are added after he numbers to indicate a version under development.
You can easily determine which kernel version is on your computer by using the uname command.
This numbering scheme does not seem to have any real disadvantages, as long as you are very careful not to mistakenly download a developing version of a kernel.
SOURCES:
http://www.linfo.org/kernel_version_numbering.html The Linux Information Project
http://www.lanana.org/docs/device-list/devices.txt
http://tldp.org/LDP/lame/LAME/linux-admin-made-easy/linux-kernel-upgrades.html Linux Administration Made Easy
http://www.lockergnome.com/linux/2002/04/09/kernel-numbering/ Linux Fanatics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
There are 2 basic types of Linux kernels available: a production version, that is ready for general use, and an experimental version, which is still under development. If you are upgrading your personal Linux kernel, you would want the production version. For versions released prior to 2004, which version you are downloading could be determined by the second number in the kernels 4 number numbering scheme. If the second number (the number of the revision: the first number is the version) is even it is a production version. If it is odd it is an experimental version. For current versions of the Linux kernel 9version 2.6.0 or later) the letters "rc" are added after he numbers to indicate a version under development.
You can easily determine which kernel version is on your computer by using the uname command.
This numbering scheme does not seem to have any real disadvantages, as long as you are very careful not to mistakenly download a developing version of a kernel.
SOURCES:
http://www.linfo.org/kernel_version_numbering.html The Linux Information Project
http://www.lanana.org/docs/device-list/devices.txt
http://tldp.org/LDP/lame/LAME/linux-admin-made-easy/linux-kernel-upgrades.html Linux Administration Made Easy
http://www.lockergnome.com/linux/2002/04/09/kernel-numbering/ Linux Fanatics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
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