Building The Net

Microsoft submits thousands of lines of code for inclusion in the Linux Kernel.

Yep, you’re not seeing things. On July 20, 2009 at OSCON, Microsoft announced their submission of three drivers to the Linux kernel. These drivers are licensed under the GPL2, and according to the group that handles such submissions, they have met all criteria for the drivers to be excepted in to the main line kernel.

At first glance, it would appear that all that screaming and jumping around that Ballmer is famous for managed to cause him to burst a blood vessel in his brain, but after reading the stories surrounding the submission, it turns out that this is no act of charity by Microsoft.

Why would Microsoft want to help Linux?

The short answer here is that they aren’t helping Linux, they are submitting code that’s sole goal is to make Linux run better under the Microsoft Virtualization platform. The drivers submitted are to allow Linux to work with Microsoft’s hypervisor. This will give Microsoft an advantage over competing virtualization platforms such as VMWare.

So, if this will give Microsoft an advantage, why would Linux except the code?

Most of the people I know, are asking why the kernel project would even consider accepting the code? Well, because Microsoft played by the open source rules, that’s why. Unlike Microsoft, the open source community sets guidelines to protect from discrimination. Unlike corporate models that favor certain groups over others when it comes to code or driver submission, most open source projects have a more down to earth approach. Check out what the rules are for submitting drivers to the Linux kernel, and you’ll understand why.

So, even though Microsoft’s intentions are not what I would consider angelic, as long as they meet the requirements for inclusion, they get to play on our field as well.

— Stu

Notes From My KVM (Kernel Virtual Machine) Talk.

First of all, thanks to all who attended the SCLug meeting on Saturday. I had fun talking with everyone there.

I wanted to follow up with some written examples of the KVM command lines I demonstrated at the meeting. I know I seemed to go over this stuff kind of fast, so I wanted to elaborate a bit in text.

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Firefox 3.5.1 released!

After announcing a critical but in their new javascript engine on the 16th, Mozilla turned around a fixed release in hours!

This is an important release, and Mozilla as well as the rest of the security experts are recommending you upgrade immediately.

I have to say, even I am shocked at how fast this fix came out! Hat’s off to Mozilla for getting it done!

This corrects the error in their code I posted on last night.

— Stu

Mozilla announced today that it’s new browser, Firefox 3.5 is vulnerable to a new JavaScript exploit that was introduced in the new TraceMonkey JavaScript Engine that was added to the new release.

This exploit could allow someone to hijack a users machine. THIS IS BAD!

The exploit went public today, July 16th, 2009 and there is currently no patch available. If you are running the new Firefox browser, it is recommended that you turn off the “just-in-time” component of the TraceMonkey engine.  To do this, you should enter “about:config” in your browser’s address bar, type “jit” in the filter box, then double-click the “javascript.options.jit.content” entry to set the value to “false.”

— Stu

Is the Linux desktop ready for prime time?

Well , that depends what you are looking for. My idea of a desktop might be a bit different from yours, and your idea might not mesh with your friends, or family. But if you are an average user, here are some things for you to think about.

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Well, it’s that time of year again. We are heading toward the Black Hat conference the end of July, and the net is a buzz with exploits and rumors of exploits.

One such rumor has to do with a package that is the backbone of network and server management on the web. OpenSSH or “Secure SHell” is used by every *nix administrator in the world to manage servers. The thought of an exploit against this package sends shivers down every administrator’s spine.

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eGroupware 1.6.001

eGroupware has all the features you would expect in a full featured enterprise groupware. This is why I have been using it for my company for the last two years.

It rates as one of the easiest LAMP applications I’ve ever installed, and has more features and applications then most commercial and open source groupwares. Actually, a few too many applications in my opinion.

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I spent the last half of my day checking out the status of client software available for my groupware of choice, Egroupware. It seems that we (the open source community) could do a better job with this. I mean seriously! So, I’ve decided to look into some of the other solutions. I’ll be reviewing:

• eGroupware
• Horde
• MoreGroupware

I’ll share my results right here.

— Stu

I’m always asked, “How can you make money from free softare?”. The answer is simple. You learn the best way to use the software, then help others leverage that software. This is what I do. This blog is to share some of the better stories of making open source sing. I hope you enjoy them…

— Stu