LinuxLoader

Support for??

I have a question for everybody. The survey hasn't changed in a long time. It's evident that most folks want a Samba build to be our next server build. That is actually done. It's just being verified and tested. In the past we used to support an RPM based install.(back in the days of Mandrake) I was thinking of doing that again along with our Debian support. I won't be shy, I'd rather build any server with Debian than any other Distro just because its so darn easy. But it may not be for everybody, sooooo..... What distribution should we support for RPM installing? I think our best bet would be something like CentOS as that is actually a server distro and servers are what we tend to build the most of around here. Anyway, you guys pick and I'll do up a the How-To's like we do in Debian. We will also continue to tweak our Debian desktop builds.

As a side note Endeavour is up and you can get a chance watch the spectacular nighttime liftoff HERE.

Why even use Linux?? Part 2

Last time I discussed some of the more popular reasons why folks run Linux. We covered most of the reasons that are very common among Linux sites. In this second part I'll cover some of the reasons I like running Linux.

Why even use Linux??

Why do I use Linux? I get that question quite a bit. Depending on who I'm talking to my response varies. Some of the more technical reasons leave many users with a blank stare. If you're reading this I assume you are either already running Linux or are about too. Well...... why are you doing it? Lets take a look at some of the reasons.

I have returned!!

After many months away from the site.....Its time to get to work and get some of the things I had planed for last year done and implement some more new ideas this year. Last year was incredible. Things were really popin around here and they have just started to settle some.

Right now we are running on VMware while I'm reloading the server. You may have noticed a few hiccups this evening during the move to VMware. Its time to finally put the Mandriva 2005 to bed and move up to our new load. I Have to admit, the server has run great on the secured Mandriva load I did about 3 years ago. I have no complaints but its time to freshen things up a bit. We'll get into that further in the next week or so as the new server comes on line.

I do hope that everyone had a safe and happy holiday. As we begin the new year we'll get in to some pretty cool stuff I've been working on and also take a look at some very interesting configurations I've had to work on. As always, I'll get into as much detail as I can and of course bring the screen shots along for the ride.

PDR60

Amarok fix for Debian testing/sid

Time just clicks on bye!!!! I haven't even had any time to listen to some music with my new updated desktop in Debian since I installed it in June. Well tonight I was doing some admin stuff here in the lab and decided to fire up Amarok and listen to some tunes. And....... the new version installed with 3.5.7 didn't work. The message Amarok was giving was that the Xine engine reports some files wouldn't play. Hmmmmmmm A quick look at the logs and a hit on Google revealed that the package libxine1-plugins was now needed to support the MP3 format. So I fired up Adept and Installed that package with its dependencies. I relaunched Amarok and am now jamming out. Anyways, if you're having some Amarok issues just install the above package and you'll be all set. The Samba server is being screen shot and should be ready for posting sooooon!!

PDR60

Freshen your KDE for Lenny.

If you are running Debian Lenny with a KDE desktop you'll be happy to know that we have a major upgrade to KDE ready for download. The developers at Debian skipped an entire version of 3.5.6 and went directly to 3.5.7. The benefit??? Well there were quite a few bug fixes and of course some more speed enhancements. Since we are skipping 3.5.6, its quite an improvement. So if your running our old Friend, fire up Adept or Synaptic and let'er rip!!! Stay tuned major things are going on behind the scenes......

PDR60

Mission Complete!!!

We're huge fans of the Shuttle and the space program here at the site. Another picture perfect(her 28th) landing for Atlantis. This was the heaviest payload to date and also the longest length of time for a woman in space at 194 days. Pictures can say it better than anything written. Here you go!!!

PDR60

Mission accomplished!!!

I know what some of you are thinking.... "Isn't this a Linux site??" Well it is, but I also love to see our technology being implemented. This is a shining example..... The joint space program utilizes our field more than most industries. Without us, Space flight would be non existent. Besides, what computer geek isn't mesmerized by space flight and all its associated fields.

On that note, this shuttle mission has been an outstanding success. As can be seen by the photos below, The ISS is now looking very impressive. The new truss can be seen as well as the second set of solar panels. These photos were taken from the Shuttles Docking camera during the separation of Atlantis and the station.

The mission was a huge success even though the Russian computers presented some hurdles. The Mission will end when Atlantis is scheduled to land at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday at 1:55 p.m. EDT.

PDR60

SST-117 in Progress

In case you didn't know, the Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on the first mission of 2007. Its been a while since our last shuttle mission and this one is full of some really cool mission objectives. The Astronauts are going to deploy the S3/S4 truss and deploy the new Solar Array. This will effectively take the power output to 2000 kWh. That is enough electrical output to power 4-2800 sq ft homes!! Very cool!! If you're interested in watching the mission live you can tune in to Nasa TV with Real player. To install RealPlayer just open Adept and choose the RealPlayer package. Fire up Konqueror and browse to the link above, and you can watch the Astronauts work in space.

PDR60

Kubuntu 7.04 How-to is starting!!!

The last Kubuntu How-to was for 6.06. It was a Huge success as it has over 100,000 views. I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words. With that being said, its time to move on to brighter horizons. Kubuntu 7.04 is really a smooth linux to run. Its easy to install and very easy to configure. With over 20,000 packages in the software repository, there's something for everyone.

With that I present the next version of the Kubuntu How-To. This is the first time I've ever seen anyone illustrate a Dual boot install. I start this one with the download of the Disk image and even go through how to burn the disk in Nero. More and more users are moving over to Linux and if I can walk them through their first install, the rest will be easy for them. That's the striking thing about Linux. Once you start running it and using it you soon realize just how limited you were running XP.

We start with the basics and just like last time I'll add content as I finish it. The other thing is I always test these How-to's with students. They have never seen Linux before but they are certainly converts by the time we finish those two classes. So if you're brand new to Linux sit back read this How-to and then give it a whirl..... You won't be disappointed. For those that are returning, Welcome back!!! HERE is the first part of the How-to. You'll get a dual boot install that's up-to-date.

PDR60