ZDNet UK Desktop platforms Toolkit

Ubuntu 9.10: The Koala has landed

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Staff) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:10:01 +0000

Canonical has released the 'Karmic Koala' update to its version of Linux, which takes the open-source operating system closer to the cloud

Dell UltraSharp U2410

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Eric Franklin) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:24:01 +0000

The Dell UltraSharp U2410 is a feature-rich 24in. monitor that performs superbly.

Chrome, Android likely to merge

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Tom Krazit) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:06:01 +0000

Google co-founder Sergey Brin says that the company's two operating-system projects, which could compete with each other in netbooks, may become one OS over time

A Tempest in a Nostalgic Teapot

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:35:50 +0000

Apparently a decision was made last week, at least according to omg!ubuntu!, to remove the GIMP image editing software from the next Ubuntu release (10.04, Lucid Lynx). This has produced...

Ballmer touts speed of Windows 7 sales

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Ina Fried) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:51:01 +0000

At Microsoft's shareholder meeting, the CEO said the OS has sold twice as fast in its early days as any prior version of Windows

Google shows Chrome OS, promises 2010 launch

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Rupert Goodwins) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:18:02 +0000

Google's long-awaited Chrome OS aims at security, speed and simplicity in netbook cloud computing

Default Boot Specification with GRUB 2 (Ubuntu 9.10)

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:21:17 +0000

I got some good news in a comment over on Linux.com a few days ago. The problem I was looking at was setting the default boot selection on Ubuntu 9.10, or more generally with GRUB 2. The...

Microsoft confirms Windows 7 tool used GPL code

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Ina Fried) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:10:01 +0000

The software maker has said that a tool intended to allow netbooks to more easily move to the operating system was based in part, and unintentionally, on open-source code

Karmic Koala Krashes

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:35:27 +0000

I've been fairly busy the last few weeks and some of it was because Ubuntu 9.1 served up a unexpected & nasty surprise. It will not load properly on a DELL Dimension 2400 desktop. This particular...

Ten reasons Ubuntu 9.10 will be an enterprise hit

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Jack Wallen) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:12:01 +0000

The Ubuntu 9.10 operating system, also known as Karmic Koala, has many features businesses will like, says Jack Wallen

Microsoft investigates Windows 7 vulnerability

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Elinor Mills) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:17:02 +0000

The software giant is looking into claims of a possible exploit in its new operating system that could allow a denial-of-service attack

Microsoft halts Windows 7 tool after GPL code claims

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Ina Fried) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:17:01 +0000

A tool aimed at making it easier to put Windows 7 on netbooks has been pulled after questions were raised about whether the software improperly uses open-source code

The time it takes

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:10:58 +0000

I've written a MegaListOne of all the things I needed to do when creating a new install of Ubuntu GNU Linux for my workshop laptops that I'm setting up. I was actually quite amazed at how long it...

HTML Validator not working in Karmic Koala

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:02:27 +0000

HTML Validator is one of my most favourite Firefox web browser add-ons. You can probably guess from the name that it validates HTML. Useful. However, it doesn't work in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala. ...

Tweaking my Karmic Koala

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:35:43 +0000

I'm now on my third attempt at installing Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala on 8 old Dell Latitude laptops which will form my Magnificent Mobile Menagerie. Third attempt because I keep messing up the system...

Using Windows Is Like...

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:34:34 +0000

A long time ago at a Usenix conference (I think it was the one in Salt Lake City), there was a "quiz" passed around. I'm going to update one of the questions I remember from that, because it is...

Parallels supports Windows 7, Snow Leopard

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Matthew Broersma) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:01 +0000

Parallels Desktop Mac virtualisation software is faster than the previous version and gives users more customisation flexibility when working with Windows

'Polished' Moblin adds 3G support, plug-ins

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (David Meyer) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:06:02 +0000

The latest version of Moblin, the Intel-sponsored Linux distribution for Atom-based netbooks and nettops, includes a new web browser and allows Bluetooth pairing

Email archiving - who needs it?

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:17:37 +0000

Is email archiving a big problem for SMEs? I spoke recently to Softek, a UK-based disti billing itself as 'highly technical value add distributor of IT security, email archiving and storage...

Ubuntu 9.10 (karmic Koala) on Netbooks - Part 2 (Netbook Rem...

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:17:02 +0000

In Part 1 I discussed some generalities about the new Ubuntu 9.10 distribution, and some issues related to using it on netbook computers. Now it is time to move on to the Ubuntu Netbook Remix, a...

You mean Ubuntu isn't perfect?!?

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:27:59 +0000

I'm afraid to break the news to all the Ubuntu linux fanbois+grrls out there that Ubuntu is not perfect. I've had some display errors with Gnome DO and the notification icon. So sorry to let...

Ubuntu 9.10 (karmic Koala) on Netbooks - Part 1 (Overview)

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:07:48 +0000

I have promised several people that I would take a look at Ubuntu 9.10 and several of its derivatives on netbook hardware. My intention is to consider the following: - Ubuntu (plain vanilla,...

Gyration Air Mouse

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:16 +0000

Mice fascinate me. I dont mean the little furry mammals, though actually they do fascinate me. In this context I mean computer mice. Ive a bit of a thing about trying different types of mouse,...

First Windows 7 service pack 'due early 2010'

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:01:02 +0000

A beta version of the first service pack for Windows 7 could appear in the first quarter of 2010, according to Russian website Wzor.net, which leaked information about the operating system's...

Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) - Mixed Impressions

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:09:39 +0000

Ok, Ubuntu Karmic has been out for a few days now, and I have to say that both for me personally, and I get the impression for a good part of the Ubuntu user community, the feelings are slightly...

Freescale aims Android at embedded kit

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Matthew Broersma) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:10:02 +0000

A new Power Architecture port has taken Google's Linux-based operating system into the world of embedded devices

Ubuntu 9.10 brings karma to the market

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Leader) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:52:02 +0000

Ubuntu is a great operating system that almost nobody uses. That tells us much about the balance between technology and marketing

Preparing for Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala)

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:38:51 +0000

Is there anyone around who doesn't know that the next release of Ubuntu Linux, 9.10 (Karmic Koala) is due out tomorrow? I doubt it, and even if there were they wouldn't be reading this, so I'll...

Screenshots: Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Chris Duckett) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:06:02 +0000

Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala is released on 29 October. New additions include the Ubuntu One service, a new boot sequence, and the Ext4 filesystem by default.

Carry On Crashing: Windows 7 starts messing about

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:20:46 +0000

Last night, just 48 hours after I'd installed it, I had my very first Windows 7 Blue Screen Of Death. It may not have been the complete BSOD package, but the machine was thoroughly dead and the...

Xerox prints computer smarts on fabric, plastic

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Stephen Shankland) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:47:01 +0000

The company says its new silver-based ink can be used to print electronic circuitry on everything from flexible e-book screens to pill bottles

Windows 7 upgrade poses problem for students

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Ina Fried) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:24:02 +0000

Some students have found they cannot install their downloadable copy of the operating system, offered to students at a significantly lower price

Amazon to release free Kindle PC app

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:29:18 +0000

Amazon is making its Kindle electronic book service more accessible by launching a new free app for Windows PCs. The new app will let users download and read ebooks on their computer, and, like the...

Windows 7 v Ubuntu 9.10: an illustrated guide

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Alan Stevens) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:34:02 +0000

Is Windows 7 good enough to halt the move to desktop Linux in its tracks? We compare and contrast Microsoft's new OS with the latest version of Ubuntu.

Universal phone charger given green light

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Natalie Weinstein) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:42:02 +0000

A branch of the UN has approved a standard for a one-size-fits-all phone charger that will work on any future handset

CentOS 5.4 Released

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:56:55 +0000

I'm still keeping my dual-Atom CPU Multi-Boot Mini-Server up to date, so I was pleased to see the release of CentOS 5.4 a week or so ago. This is known as the Community Enterprise Operating...

Debunking Some Linux Myths

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:24:31 +0100

With new releases of several major Linux distributions coming up in the next few weeks, I would like to take a few minutes to debunk some of the more blatant inaccuracies which are circulated about...

Ubuntu Karmic Koala gets release candidate

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (David Meyer) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:55:02 +0100

Version 9.10 of the popular Linux distribution, which has cloud functionality built in for enterprises and consumers, is almost ready for its final release next Thursday

Microsoft smooths netbook jump to Windows 7

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Ina Fried) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:10:02 +0100

The software maker is providing a tool that will let people who buy its new Windows 7 to use a USB to boot it on a netbook

A Reminder from Windows

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:22:03 +0100

Today, on the day Windows 7 was released, my Vista installation decided to do me a favor, and remind me why I hate Windows and Microsoft so much. I had booted Vista on my HP Pavillion dv2-1010ez...

Nokia vs Apple: no easy answers in GSM wars

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:01:26 +0100

The news that Nokia is suing Apple over ten wireless patents marks the start of what may be a fascinating and prolonged canter through the worlds of mobile phone standards and intellectual...

Good Things on the Way

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:13:08 +0100

There are going to be a lot of good things coming our way over the next few weeks: - Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala: The Release Candidate should be out today, and the final release is due out next...

Windows, OS X, Ubuntu: Maturity or stagnation?

editorial@zdnet.co.uk (Leader) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:01:01 +0100

Windows 7 is nothing new, but it is not alone all desktop operating systems are looking in the wrong direction

Apple refreshes line of iMacs

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:55:35 +0100

Apple has refreshed its iMac line of all-in-one desktops and MacBooks. The new and improved LED-backlit iMacs come with a choice of graphics and hard-drive options, as well as a long-awaited...

Windows 7 delivered early to UK customers

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:32:12 +0100

CNET UK has reported that a number of people have already received their copies of Windows 7, despite its official release date of 22 October. The report stated that some UK customers had...

Windows Operating Systems = Bloatware

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:35:06 +0100

There has been a lot going on. I've been trying out CTP 2011 Quebec from Microsoft, its basically Windows 7 Embedded. Now I know how various OEMs have been able to demo Windows 7 on all the...

Getting A Refund for Unwanted Microsoft Windows

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:35:01 +0100

Here is another excellent article describing the steps to take in order to get a refund (from Dell in this case) when you are forced to buy Windows in order to get the computer you want. I...

Lexmark laser gets touchscreen

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:33:28 +0100

Its become customary for every new printer to be just a little bit faster than its predecessor or, maybe, a little bit cheaper to buy or run. Radical new features are few and far between nowadays,...

Microsoft aims to match Apple's retail prowess

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:31:05 +0100

After Microsoft announced plans to enter the retail market earlier this year, it has been keeping quiet on what to expect from its stores. But sources tell ZDNet UK's sister site, CNET News, to...

BAA prepares for Windows 7 roll out

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:41:41 +0100

Airport operator BAA is set to roll out Windows 7 across the company as part of a £60m investment into IT systems. The operator has been testing the system, and now hopes the rollout will simplify...

CIOs explain why they are saying no to Macs

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:23:21 +0100

So far, the Mac hasn't had the same success in the corporate world that it has had with consumers. Few companies have chosen Apple over classic Windows-Intel machines, even though there are signs...

Windows 7 to come in 'Steve Ballmer' edition

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:39:37 +0100

For Steve Ballmer fans, Microsoft plans to release a special edition of Windows 7 Ultimate that comes in a package with the chief executive's signature on the front. The software maker did the...

Real World OS Compatability Problems

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:22:43 +0100

Had an interesting day today. Call it either an example of planned obsolescence or an instance of deliberate system design but I ran into one of the biggest issues of proprietary operating system...

New faces, old hands on ZDNet UK

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:14:08 +0100

I'm very pleased to welcome the latest addition to the ZDNet UK stable of bloggers, Simon Bisson and Mary Branscombe. A well-established partnership in IT journalism who have been writing news...

Installing fonts as Guest on Windows

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:57:52 +0100

I was working at the local youth centre again last night, hopefully enabling young folk by teaching them graphics using Free Software. We're working, in a haphazard, whoever-turns-up...

Debt to Wikipedia Society

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:49:05 +0100

Last Thursday I gave a presentation on an introduction to digital media for the web, to a creative media agency, getting some practise in whilst setting up a new training business. Writing...

Moblin 2.0 Released

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:46:10 +0100

As has been mentioned in the comments to one of my earlier blog entries, the final release of Moblin 2.0 is now available. I have installed it on my ASUS N10J, and I am still surprised and baffled...

Plantronics Savi Office WO100

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:41:47 +0100

Unified communications the integration of IP telephony, conferencing, messaging, presence and IM is becoming increasingly prevalent in businesses, and obviously has a strong voice component. To...

Microsoft: Vista Stunk, but we PROMISE not to do it again wi...

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:24:33 +0100

That is my "executive summary" of this article from Tech World. I find it ever so reassuring that they promise Windows 7 will be better than Vista. Duh. Could it be worse? Could it be just as...

BBC HD Freeview encryption confusion

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:49 +0100

The BBC has said that it wants to be able to protect its TV listings and other service information for the HD channels it is due to start broadcasting on terrestrial Freeview later this year. Under...

Voda avoiding Linux netbooks due to user confusion

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:23:53 +0100

Vodafone has dismissed the preinstallation of Linux onto its netbooks, citing consumers' perception that netbooks are equivalent to laptops in their functionality. David Pollington, the...

Windows 7 Needs Liposuction

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:29:56 +0100

I've tested Win7 in Beta and what turned out to be the RTM. On a dual core with 4 GB of RAM its a fine OS. Faster and much more reliable than Visaster. It did a number of things I was impressed...

Windows 7 upgrades can take almost a day

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:55:01 +0100

Upgrading a PC from Windows Vista to Windows 7 can take between half an hour and close to a day, tests conducted by Microsoft have shown. The time benchmarks for the installation of Microsoft's...

Zenwalk Linux 6.2 Released

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:41:39 +0100

I saw the Zenwalk 6.2 Release Announcement a couple of days ago. As I have been quite pleased with the Slackware 13.0 installation on my Multiboot Mini Server for the past week, and Zenwalk is...

Good News for Logitech Audio Hub Owners

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:18:57 +0100

I have come across some very good news to those who, like me, own a Logitech Audio Hub USB speaker system. Until now it did not work properly on Linux systems, there was always a constant clicking...

Fedora 12 Alpha and The Moblin User Experience

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:12:17 +0100

Over the past week, I have installed Fedora 12 (Constantine) Alpha on several of my computers, with generally good success. In the order in which I did the installations: - MMS (Multi-Boot...

Convincing the World, One Computer and One User at a Time

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:45:57 +0100

It's not flashy, and it's often more work than fun, but sometimes the best you can do is just keep going, bringing one person at a time out of the darkness of the Microsoft world, and into the...

Review of the Mac OSX Snow Leopard Review

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:01:10 +0100

Hmmm. The heavily featured "review" of Snow Leopard by Jason Parker from CNET on this site is a sort of cursory glance at some features which Apple have implemented. But, like Nokia's answer to the...

Mandriva One 2010.0 Beta LiveCD Images Available

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:21:18 +0100

For those who have been waiting with bated breath, the LiveCD iso images for Mandriva One 2010.0 Beta are now available. The Mandriva Free DVD images have been out for almost a week, of course....

There is Hope

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:20:31 +0100

Sometimes something unexpected happens that reminds me that there is hope for the future... We spent the day visiting friends today. Just before we left, I wanted to copy the pictures I had...

UK to get Windows 7 at half US price

editorial@zdnet.co.uk — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:49:44 +0100

After some digging around, CNET UK has found out that the full version of Windows 7 Home Premium will be sold at half the amount it would cost you to buy the same edition in the US. Note that...