Linux Powered Real Star Trek Tricorder

If using a Star Trek Tricorder in real life is in your all time wish list, then probably its time to put a check mark in front of it. Peter Janson, a PhD student of cognitive science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario has created his own Tricorder device which much or less works same as the Star Trek Tricorder. It is an open source project, so you can also make your own Tricorder!

 Peter started the tricorder project in 2007 and he has developed several models till now under TAPR non-commercial hardware license. First model named Tricorder Mark 1 was the preliminary experiment whose domain was limited to take atmospheric, electromagnetic and spatial measurements. The next model i.e. Tricorder Mark 2 was more sophisticated as it was powered by Debian Linux which runs on ARM920T based Atmel micro controller. It also featured OLED resistive touchscreen panel and a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. Reportedly plan for Mark 3 was dropped due to some reasons and currently Peter is working on Tricorder Mark 4. On the official website of “the Tricorder Project”, Peter wrote, “I think for me, it’s really about curiosity.  And helping to find ways to see and intuitively visualize the world around us, to help share that curiosity, and get folks excited about science.”

Full story:http://www.crazyengineers.com/linux-powered-real-star-trek-tricorder-it-is-so-real-2011/

Second Edition Linux Book Released

TSTC Publishing announces the release of the second edition of the Guide to the Secure Configuration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5, which provides security recommendations for the RHEL 5 operating system for system administrators. Readers may also want to buy the book bundled with Introduction to Linux: A Hands-On Guide. 

Guide to the Secure Configuration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 made its second edition debut on March 21. The book provides security recommendations for the Red Hat Enterprises Linux (RHEL) 5 operating system for system administrators. The guidance provided is applicable to all variants of the system including desktops, servers and advanced platform. The book includes chapters on system-wide configuration and services. Screen shots are included with the majority of directions to help the reader to better understand.
The book also can be bundled with Introduction to Linux: A Hands-On Guide (also available separately), which offers an inside look at computing for those who are acquainted with the basic system administration skills for Unix-like systems, as well as those with some familiarity with documentation and administration conventions for the RHEL 5 operating system.
Introduction to Linux: A Hands-On Guide begins with a history of Linux and includes chapters on file systems, processes, networking, and sound and video. At the end of every chapter are exercises and chapter questions to assist in clarifying the material.
Features of the books include numerous screenshots, detailed instructions of everyday tasks and information written by a Linux audience for a Linux audience.

More on:http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9347448.htm

 

Android:Google nexus tablet with asus

A Google Nexus tablet is all set to go, an Android enthusiast site claims. And it's even cheaper than the Kindle Fire, so the story goes.

The latest scuttlebutt about the rumored Google tablet makes the case with a lot more certitude. In fact, an Android enthusiast site goes so far as to say it's a "done deal," citing sources. The Asus MeMo 370T which appears to be the template for the Google tablet--has been "scrapped after Google contracted with Asus to produce their 'Nexus tablet,'" the report begins.
"Earlier reports said the device would retail for $199-$249, but we are now told the target price is $149-$199." That of course lands it right in Amazon's wheelhouse: the Kindle Fire has been a hit due, in no small part, to its $199 price.

Credits:http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-57399239-64/google-nexus-tablet-a-done-deal-claims-report/

Trackpad Patent Hints Google May Bring Android to Desktop

Android on your desktop? That's what some are taking away from Google's latest patent application.
Google's already got a web-based desktop OS but is the search giant considering taking Android to the desktop too? A patent filed by Google recently indicates that this could be the case.
First spotted by Patently Apple, the patent filing details that, though certain applications or OSes have been designed around a touchscreen UI, it may be beneficial to allow such applications and operating systems to be implemented on more traditional devices, including a desktop, netbook, or laptop computer.
"Certain applications and operating systems (e.g., the Android.RTM. operating system) have been designed around a touchscreen user interface, but it may be beneficial to allow such applications and operating systems to be implemented on more traditional devices (e.g., desktop/netbook/laptop devices) that include physical keyboards and/or pointing devices, such as trackpad devices," Google said in the patent description.

"Trackpad operations may be directly mapped to touchscreen events, which may be processed by applications that may be configured to process such events. In such fashion, a computing device may be capable of processing touchscreen-based events ... regardless of whether the computing device includes or is coupled to a touchscreen."
Though this patent seems to suggest Google is taking Android closer to the desktop/laptop area, judging by the patent, we'd say it's more likely Google's focus with this patent is on laptop-dock type devices that would see an Android phone dock to a companion notebook with the phone itself as a trackpad or input device.
It's thought that Android 5.0, also known as Jelly Bean, will be unveiled at Google I/O this summer, so perhaps we'll hear more about Google's plans for Android and the desktop/laptop then.

Credits: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Google-Patent-Desktop-Laptop-Multitouch-Trackpad,14785.html

Anonymous Releases Its Own Linux-based Operating System

Anonymous has released an operating system based on Ubuntu 11.10 called Anonymous-OS.

We "expect" Anonymous to launch coordinated DDoS attacks on sites that fall within their wrath. We "expect" Anonymous to be vocal about beliefs on political corruption and the rights of everyday people. But what we didn't expect to see was an actual operating system from the hactivist group, yet it seemingly makes perfect sense given their view of governments and corporations worldwide.
Called Anonymous-OS Live, the 32-bit platform is built on top of the open-source Linux-based Ubuntu 11.10 operating system. It uses the Mate desktop and comes packed with pre-installed software including the Tor browser, Hash Identifier, XChat IRC, SQL Poison, Find Host IP, ParolaPass Password Generator, Anonymous HOIC and more.
According to the Anonymous-OS website, the platform was created for "educational purposes" while also designed for checking the security of web pages. Users can boot with the new OS by creating a LiveUSB using Unetbootin which is located here. But given that the OS wasn't developed by any Genuine Source, curious downloaders should use the software with extreme caution, as it could be back-doored by any law enforcement company or hacker.

Credits:http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Anonymous-Ubuntu-Hactivist-operating-system-Tor-browser,15024.html

What's the Best Linux Server for You?

When it comes to clothes, I'm a normal guy. I just want to walk into a store, grab something that fits, buy it (What, try it on? Are you kidding!?), and head home. Well, that's what I want to do. I've learned over the years that just because something should fit doesn't mean that it will fit. It's the same with Linux servers. Sure, they're all built on the same code base and can run the same applications, but one may fit you perfectly while another may make you look like a clown.

So, how can you tell which is which? Well, let's start with that basic question you should bring to any computing decision: "What is it that you really want to do?"

Corporate Business Use

• RedHat

• Debian

Small Business Use

• ubuntu

   Credits:http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/251893/whats_the_best_linux_server_for_you.html

 

How Linux is changing lives in Zambia:Helping a small village to connect and communicate

Elton Munguya is the 28-year-old unit director of a moderately large residential and business ISP and network service provider.

His organisation counts many important institutions among its customers: the local bank, a hospital, several primary and secondary schools, the offices of the water administration board, a college and a bunch of cyber cafes.

The network has around 100 major nodes and access points (the exact number varies) and covers a geographical area of approximately 20km2.

Elton's role includes managing the roll-out of similar installations at other sites around the country. Like many young IT professionals, Munguya is laid-back, likeable and helpful to a fault. He's just bought his first car and he plans to get married early this year.

credits and full story:http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/how-linux-is-changing-lives-in-zambia-1067863