Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu is by far the most popular consumer Linux distribution. Its hardware requirements are quite modest, but nonetheless they do exist, and there's hardware that can't handle Ubuntu.

A minimum of 64MB of RAM is required. A machine from the latter half of the 1990's can typically reach that value; it's not a worry. 512MB is the recommended value; this is still very attainable, and even a very old machine will generally have over 512MB. If it doesn't, purchasing that little memory aftermarket is quite reasonable- indeed, at this point it's difficult if not impossible to purchase less due to increased memory densities. However, in many cases an older machine will use a specification which is now obsolete; if an upgrade path exists, you'll be buying the memory used, and it'll run you a pretty penny.

In terms of CPU power, a clock speed of no less than 1GHz is advised. Like with the memory situation, this is modest enough; an early Pentium 4 from 2001 is more than sufficient. However, if your CPU can't manage this, you'll typically have to completely replace the PC; the motherboard will not be compatible with a newer CPU. Even if it is compatible with something that can hit the target specifications, buying older CPUs is more expensive than you'd think due to the need for them in maintaining old business and governmental equipment.

Finally, 1GB of hard drive space is required. This is very small, and is manageable even with older machine; furthermore, it's usually possible to install new hard drives in even completely ancient hardware. You should be careful, though; in general, consumer-level machines which are old enough to need a new hard drive used IDE to interface with their drive as opposed to the current SATA standard. It's still easy enough to obtain an IDE drive in the area of 80 to 160 gigabytes of size without any chance of breaking the bank, though.

In general, any machine made in the last decade is more than adequate to run Ubuntu. In the event that a machine is inadequate, however, it may be more trouble than it's worth to upgrade it as opposed to replacing it.

What's your favorite Linux Distro?

Linux and the Power of Open Source

Linux Distros Comparison....Top 3...Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora

 

Linux is a Unix based computer operating system software assembled and developed under the open source system of software distribution and development. At the heart of this operating system is the Linux kernel upon which Linux distributions are based upon.

Ubuntu is one of the most prominent of the Ubuntu distros. Based on the Debian distribution, it has been one of the most downloaded operating systems mainly because it is easy to use, and the latest versions has a very beautifully designed and intuitive user interfaces, making it easy for inexperienced beginners to quickly get adapted to it. The Canonical User Interface Team of Ubuntu has shifted away from preexisting desktop interfaces that were associated with difficult navigation on Linux, to a simple interface that favors quick deployment of desktop applications and searching of existing applications, files and folders.

Ubuntu is also known for excellent hardware compatibility and ease of installation. This is due to the fact that Ubuntu has a very dedicated team of developers who quickly resolve issues associated with different hardware environments. Ubuntu's team of developers also seek to support new beginners by offering tips on easy installation. Another advantage of the Ubuntu operating system is the availability of a massive and fully centralized repository of very useful software for specialized needs. This software is neatly installed automatically as it downloads thus relieving the hassle that comes with software installation in major Linux systems.

Fedora is also an open source distro that is Debian Linux based offering quick, slick user interface. Like Ubuntu, Fedora operating system has a very good hardware support for many of the different types and variations of computer hardware. This is because Fedora, just like Ubuntu, has a great number of developer fans who fully endorse and tweak the free operating system to the needs of specific user or hardware configurations.

The developers at Fedora did not consider the use of their own user interface so Fedora 15 is bundled with a shell known as the gnome shell. The Gnome Shell is relatively harder to navigate than the Ubuntu's Unity Shell. The non overlapping windows might be hard to get used to especially if you are not an experienced Linux User. For a user leaving Windows, the Gnome Shell is utterly confusing but once a user is use to it, you will appreciate the slickness and the swiftness of finding software in the Gnome Shell. Transitioning from one window to another is usually animated but they suffer from stability especially in low graphics computers. This is also a problem that is experienced in Ubuntu operating system.


A draw back in Fedora is proprietary software is not fully supported. MP3 codecs, audio or video codecs, flash support software, network card drivers are mostly not supported. Fedora however has tried to get support for important and most commonly used audio and video codecs.

Despite draw backs, Fedora is a very good distro for experts and software developers. It allows the easy set up of a slick fast and efficient integrated development environments. Fedora unlike Ubuntu can be tweaked to the core so that you have an operating system that is unique and suits your tastes accordingly.

While the Fedora and Ubuntu Linux have continued to incorporate new user interfaces and completely reinvented how their user interfaces looks, Linux Mint has continued with the old but improved way of the Gnome environment. Linux Mint continues to be the number 1 most downloaded distro. This is because Linux mint continues to keep a familiar user interface and thus a loyal user base. Linux Mint like Ubuntu has a very large repository of its own software, with excellent hardware support. The support of proprietary software is also good with hardware drivers nicely catered for.
Linux mint is also great for beginners due to the fact that it uses a navigation that is much similar to Microsoft Windows Operating System. Thus former Windows users may find it easy to navigate. Another advantage for the beginner user is the ease of installation when it comes Linux Mint

There you have it...the Top 3 Desktop Linux Distro currently. My favorite of the three is by far Linux Mint!

To visit the distros websites for more information visit:

Ubuntu  

Fedora 

Linux Mint

NFC... Near Field Communication

Communication between two or more electronic devices are done by using a set of rules which govern the communication to allow the correct transmission of data. The set of rules that govern a particular type of communication are called protocols. NFC (Near Field Communication) is one example of a protocol. NFC works with smart phones and some electronic devices. It allows communication of devices by bringing them close to each other or in contact with each other.

Customer paying with cellphone using NFC

Communication through the NFC protocol also allows communication between an NFC device and an unpowered NFC chip. NFC uses radio waves for communication between devices.
Some application of the near field communication protocol includes: Making Commercial transactions, simplifying Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, Social Networking, and the carrying of identification documents.

In commerce, NFC is normally used as a way of providing contactless payments. This is done by your device containing your credit card information. When your device is brought in close contact to a device which can read this information, NFC allows you to do your transactions.
In the simplifying of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connecting setups, NFC allows exchange of setup information between devices thereby allowing the complex setup processes to be avoided. This is because the devices automatically do the whole setup process without asking for user input.
NFC can also be used for social networking since it allows for communication of devices in close proximity. Users of these devices can therefore communicate between each other without paying extra charges.

In some countries, citizens carry their identification information on their NFC devices. This can be quickly read by other NFC enabled devices which are used to read the identification information. Since NFC has a short range of transmission and the communication channel is encrypted, NFC provides a secure channel of exchanging sensitive information.

Nowadays many mobile manufacturers ensure that their devices are NFC enabled. Also many developers are creating NFC enabled applications. The Android Operating system fully supports the NFC standard.

Linux and 5 everyday usages! You will be shocked

Be amazed and you should because Linux is not some back corner geeky software for advance users. Linux has evolved... I stand corrected by saying "Linux continuously evolves into an elegant, friendly and advance software for the masses". It's no denying Linux shares some negative endorsements from end users and businesses but those days are dwindling fast. As technology continues to bridge our world from continent to continent, one software who continues to provide a major bridge is Linux.

Linux is intertwined in our daily activities. Below are 5 Linux functions you may or may not have been aware of.

1. Supercomputers- Linux powers most of the world's supercomputers
2. The New York Stock Exchange (yep can't live without..maybe)
3. Android Phones and tablets
4. Air Traffic Control
5. Last but not least the platform you are now reading this blog is powered by Google which uses...yep... Linux

There are many many more important Linux functions within our societies.

While some may state Linux flaws, there's more to come from the Open Source Community we have yet to see!

Learn more about Linux: www.linux.com/

Keep Learning

Randall

Linux Hater's Blog: At least we don't have any viruses

Linux Hater's Blog: At least we don't have any viruses

Wow this blog is special.

Linux? What is that...Never heard of it!

What do the following have in common:

• Android
• Wordpress
• Mozilla Firefox
• Filezilla
• Audaciity
• VLC
• and the list goes on and on

It's simple.....Open Source Software! Most users aren't aware these program are powered by OSS(Open Source Software). Open Source Software is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner. One of favorite Open Source Software is Linux. Many years ago when I was first introduced to Linux it was so foreign to me that I thought it was gimmick( was I wrong). At the time, I was looking for something different besides Windows. What I found was a world full of enlightenment, a journey, and now a career.

Android Market on mobile phones is popular platform that has endless Open Source Software for use. Along with Android many everyday devices are powered by some form of OSS.

So in your spare time, take a moment and journey into the world of Open Source Software.

Randall aka Da Brain