Every now and then, someone on the Ubuntu Forums complains that it’s difficult to get the latest versions of software and that the software in the Ubuntu repositories is several months old. I don’t get this. That’s the whole point. That’s a benefit. It’s one of the great things about Ubuntu (and lots of other… Continue reading Got-to-have-it-now software installers
Category: Ubuntu
How to use Konqueror or Kate as sudo in Kubuntu KDE 4 Remix
As I hope I’ve made apparent in these two links below, the proper way to launch a file browser as root in KDE is kdesu konqueror: www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/permissions www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/graphicalsudo Unfortunately, in the KDE 4 version of Kubuntu 8.04, if you try to launch Konqueror (the file browser) or Kate (the text editor) with root (or administrative)… Continue reading How to use Konqueror or Kate as sudo in Kubuntu KDE 4 Remix
Teach kids computer skills, not computer programs
Frequently, in online discussions of the putting of Linux and/or open source in schools, the idea of preparing children for the Windows-dominated workplace comes up. The idea is that most workplaces use Windows and Microsoft Office and will sometimes even require proficiency in certain Windows applications, so how would putting Linux and open source software… Continue reading Teach kids computer skills, not computer programs
I ordered two things at Art’s Cafe!
Art’s Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Granted, it’s open only 7 AM-3 PM, has limited seating, and has the tiniest bathroom I’ve ever seen. But the food is good, the strawberry lemonade is amazing, the atmosphere home-y, and the staff (husband-and-wife team) friendly and extremely efficient. Don’t order two things,… Continue reading I ordered two things at Art’s Cafe!
Is security through obscurity better than nothing?
Before I started using Linux and getting into frequent online discussions with other Linux users about security issues, I had no idea about computer security. I thought having a login and password was enough to keep the “bad guys” out, should my computer ever be stolen. Most people I know think the same. My dad… Continue reading Is security through obscurity better than nothing?
How does open source make money?
Introduction This question comes up quite often on online forums. I even had someone ask this in person recently. It’s kind of an odd question, actually, since there is a lot of proprietary software that is offered for cost-free, and no one seems to care how that software does or doesn’t make money. Well, let’s… Continue reading How does open source make money?
What do I do with my crappy, broken iAudio 7?
So after my saga with Cowon regarding my broken iAudio 7, they mailed it back to me. At first I had great plans to install Ubuntu on it and use that to occasionally boot up instead of Xandros on my Eee PC. But that didn’t really work. And I still find even eeeXubuntu to require… Continue reading What do I do with my crappy, broken iAudio 7?
Why is Firefox in Windows better than Firefox in Linux?
I like Firefox. I use it at work. I use it at home. I get annoyed when I have to use other people’s computers and they don’t have Firefox installed. I have to say, though, as a three-year Linux user, that Firefox on Linux sucks, and that there’s absolutely no good reason for this suckage.… Continue reading Why is Firefox in Windows better than Firefox in Linux?
Wizards are for power users
I’ve never met Joe Sixpack, but I keep hearing about him in “Linux isn’t ready for the desktop” rants. Apparently, Joe Sixpack never has to ask for help with Windows. He can do everything he wants without asking for help, because Windows has GUI (graphical user interface) for all the common tasks. Poor desktop Linux.… Continue reading Wizards are for power users
Wake-up call: Apple won’t port iTunes to Linux
Introduction I want to bring iTunes-loving Linux users back to reality. As you can see from the following Ubuntu Forums threads, some Ubuntu-ites are deluded about the idea of Apple porting iTunes to Linux: Why Apple doesn’t want to release iTunes for Linux Petition – iTunes for Ubuntu Should Apple port iTunes to Linux? The… Continue reading Wake-up call: Apple won’t port iTunes to Linux