Monday, 14. December 2009
Change is hard.
After a few unexpected road blocks, we are moving forward. The client has been working with the Ubuntu install we provided, and has come back to us with a list of questions.
- How do I print to PDF?
- I need to use MSN Instant Messaging, how do I do that?
- I need a 3270 emulator, the windows one we bought won’t work.
- I need a password manager.
- I can’t seem to make Go To My PC work with Linux.
- I really need a quick tutorial on basic navigation, I’m finding things like creating shortcuts and attaching to network shares challenging.
So, after a quick install of CUPS PDF, Pidgin, x3270, KeePass, and VNC-Server, as well as a 30 minute tutorial on desktop operation, we were back on track.
The next step.
Once the client is comfortable with the desktop, we will be moving to the next stage of testing. This will be a full operational test of Linux on his desk full time. I had hoped to be at this point already, but many things go into testing, and we need to get this right the first time if we have any hope of total conversion.
Check back soon, I’ll have more in a few weeks.
— Stu
Thursday, 12. November 2009
Turning a small business into a Windows Free environment.
With many of our customers looking at yet another Microsoft upgrade, and all the costs associated with it, we are encouraging our customers to evaluate “other” solutions. In the current economic downturn, it is no surprise that we are seeing positive responses to this idea.
One company has expressed interest in evaluating a new solution. Over the upcoming weeks and months, I’ll be reporting on the progress of this project. This is the first post in this series.
Read more »
Friday, 30. October 2009
Ubuntu 9.10. A first look…
Officially released on the 29th, Karmic Koala is burning up Internet bandwidth, as every Linux user rushes to download the new OS. I’ve only had a few hours to play with it, but all and all I like what I see. The developers have really put a lot into meeting the goals they set for themselves.
If you are a current Ubuntu user, you will notice some very slight changes in the user experience. Most of what went into this release is under the hood. Things like reducing bootup time and improving hardware configuration interfaces really take center stage.
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Monday, 26. October 2009
Upgrading to Windows 7
Windows 7 is out! And as usual, Microsoft is pushing the idea that: “Windows 7 is the greatest operating system ever created”. Well, I would argue that point, but if you are a hardcore windows user, you most likely will be drinking from the Microsoft Cool-Aid fountain, and will purchase the Windows 7 upgrade.
The first thing you’ll notice is that if you aren’t running Vista, you will be installing Windows 7 as a fresh install. Even if you are running Vista, most experts recommend that you install from scratch regardless. So what does that mean to Windows users? You will be starting fresh! A fresh start! A new tomorrow!
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Monday, 19. October 2009
What is GNUPG?
GNUPG is the open source alternative to PGP. It allows you to sign and / or encrypt digital information that you are sending to others. They then can verify / decrypt the data. It uses the asymmetric cryptography model for signing data and can use both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography for data encryption.
Why use GNUPG
GNUPG creates an additional layer of security and authenticity of data that you transmit or receive. This helps verify and protect your identity on the web. Using GNUPG for encryption also protects sensitive information during transmission to others, as well as protecting data on storage media.
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Tuesday, 1. September 2009
Open Source Good, Microsoft Bad…
This seems to be the cry of the hard core Linux and open source community in regards to the next release of Windows. Currently, most of the Linux camps are gearing up for all out war. Being a Linux and Open Source geek, I understand why we all seem to be bracing ourselves for a battle, but I think we might be going over the edge a bit on this one.
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Friday, 28. August 2009
This can’t be right. It’s going to cost $1000.00 just for software?
I must admit, this is quite a surprise, even for me. While pricing a PC for a client, I was shocked when I calculated the total cost of the software that they are required to use for their business.
The cost of software is one of those things that most business owners understand, but very few employees grasp. While there are open source alternatives available for these software packages, chances are that the client will elect to purchase this software, but as always, I’ll sure give him the option to try something different.
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Thursday, 20. August 2009
Who’s really behind the idea.
First off, let me be clear that this was not my idea. I was told about this whole concept by Mike Rubel @ Cal Tech. He’s the rocket scientist behind this whole idea. Now that we have our “Credit Where Credit is Due” portion out of the way, let’s get into the whole rsync backup concept.
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Wednesday, 19. August 2009
I hate tech support…
I have to admit, I’m a bit jaded regarding software and computer support. It drives me crazy when the person I’m dealing with is reading from a script. This is one of the reasons I rarely call or contact support when I have a problem. The web usually does a great job as an information resource. But, sometimes the web doesn’t have the answer, and sometimes you need to look deeper for help.
The Best Support I have ever gotten.
Most folks in the open source community are used to “leaning” on each other to solve problems. That’s what we do. But all those poor people out there that run commercial software can get close to the same level of help and support from their local user groups and clubs in their community!
Try self support and go to a user’s meeting. Learn how we do it in the Open Source Community, and never sit on hold with a help desk again!
— Stu
Tuesday, 11. August 2009
Why it’s important to pay for every copy of software you use.
Recently, I was chatting with some ‘Non Geek’ friends about the software they run on their home PCs. I was not surprised to hear that most of them ran a Microsoft OS and almost all Microsoft software. What was a surprise, was how many of them did not purchase the software for their PCs, or did not pay the license fees for every PC that was running the software on.
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