Linux Community Magazine

Canonical's Ubuntu may frequently dominate the headlines in the Linux world, but the fact remains that it's just one of many popular desktop distributions of the free and open source operating system.

mandriva

Not long ago I wrote about Linux Mint--which is currently the second most popular contender, according to DistroWatch--but another important player is Mandriva, which now holds the No. 10 spot on DistroWatch's list, just behind Puppy Linux.

Following the release of its second and final beta version back in April, a major new release of Mandriva just debuted on Sunday. Dubbed "Hydrogen," Mandriva 2011 is now available for download from the project's website.

If you're looking for an alternative to the restrictive Mac vs. Windows world, here are five reasons this latest free Mandriva release is worth checking out.

1. The KDE Plasma Desktop

Whereas Mandriva used to include multiple desktop environments and window managers--including GNOME and Xfce--the project has now decided to focus fully on the KDE Plasma Desktop as its sole officially supported desktop environment.

"This concentration of our efforts allowed us to make Mandriva Desktop the best KDE-based distro in the free software industry," the software's developers explain.

As I've noted before, KDE is a very popular and attractive desktop option, and many people prefer it over any other. Those who really want to use Mandriva with something else, however, will still be able to do so via unofficial packages or distributions prepared by community members.

2. A New Graphics Theme

Mandriva's old "Galaxy" theme has now been replaced with ROSA, an attractive alternative in which blue figures prominently. Included in ROSA are themes for each component of the distro as well as an original icon pack and some new wallpapers.

libreoffice

3. Flexible and Friendly

Mandriva 2011's new "SimpleWelcome" kickoff screen is designed to be simpler and more welcoming for newcomers to the software while its TimeFrame utility lets you find files by date, without having to remember where you saved them.

The StackFolder applet offers quick access to frequently used folders, while the RocketBar brings new flexibility to the standard KDE panel. MandrivaSync, meanwhile, is Mandriva's cloud service, much like Ubuntu One; users get 2GB of storage for free.

4. An Awesome Arsenal

Packed into Mandriva 2011 is much of the software you're likely to need. Besides the KDE display manager, KDM, there's the Dolphin file manager, the business-ready LibreOffice 3.4.2 productivity suite, the Choqok microblogging client, and Mozilla's Firefox 5.0.1 browser and Thunderbird 5.0 email software.

Shotwell has replaced the DigiKam photo manager, and there's PiTiVi for video editing and Clementine for music. The brand-new Mandriva Package Manager destined for eventual inclusion, meanwhile, is now available from the repository for testing purposes.

Under the hood, Mandriva 2011 comes with Linux kernel 2.6.38, Systemd, RPM5 and X.Org 7.6 with X.Org X Server 1.10.3. New drivers for Intel, Nvidia and AMD/ATI graphic chipsets promise to improve performance and stability.

Linux penguin

5. Free and Easy

Starting with Mandriva 2011, a new installer lets you install the free operating system on your computer directly from live mode. The installation process has also been completely revised and simplified while still being able to accommodate different variants and system configurations, the project's developers say.

Mandriva Desktop 2011 will be supported for 1.5 years. Based on this release, a Long Term Support (LTS) version offering three full years of support will debut by year's end.

Particularly given all the controversy surrounding Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal" and its Unity desktop--not to mention the equally controversial GNOME 3--Mandriva 2011 could provide a nice alternative. I really like the look of its KDE desktop, too. Best of all, of course, is that this is Linux: free and easy to test out, highly secure, and yours to customize to your heart's content.

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Many new Linux users are confused by the terms bantered around - Free, Freely Available, Commercial Distributions and Shareware. The confusion comes primarily from the description and terms "Freely Available "and "Free' and their distinctions.

Linux is open source software which means any software developer can add on to change the product's basic source code. This is diametrically opposed to a strict proprietary concept such as Microsoft's approach which is to own and have control the software and its code lock stock and barrel. There are some advantages to the proprietary approach particularly if you are dealing with a major mainstream product with millions and millions of users many of who are foolish novices; Life has enough problems without throwing in a monkey wrench to complicate efforts. Remember that if only 1/10 of 1 % of users think that if the computer throws out an error message commonly " You have committed an illegal actions " and run to lock their doors as the police are coming then that small percentage is a lot of people.

The confusion arises in that the source code and any changes made to it must be made "freely available "... Whiskey may be "freely available "at your local saloon but that does not make it free of cost to you as a customer. However in actuality much of the software available in the Linux world is given away at no charge or cost except with the proviso that changes and work done to source code must be made available to others without restriction.

Linux applications differ widely in cost and appearance. Many new Linux users are confused by the apparently contradictory terms used in Linux software product descriptions. These are "Freely Available Software ", "Shareware "and "Commercial Linux Applications".

Freely available software is available for free use by the end user. Although software may be freely available, it is often not the same thing as "Public Domain "software. Public Domain Software is software that is freely given on the open market either by the permission of the software developer or by being older than copyright constraints, that you as a user can do anything you wish to in terms of use, redistribution or changes. However "Freely Available Software "is different in that it is often owned and copywriter by the owner, author (or authors) who then allow people to use and / or make modifications to it. The term "Freely Available Software " can be further divided into software that you can either "Freely Copy" or " Freely Distribute". Some people make their software "Freely Available "only if you copy or download it from a particular site or from a non commercial distribution. Other people will let you copy their software from anywhere. Copying restrictions us ually apply to people making a commercial distribution, not to the end user of the distribution. The distribution maker has the responsibility to be in compliance with the package's copying restrictions which are usually outlined in the program's source code or about or Help sections.

A lot of freely available software can be obtained by downloads on the internet. Some can be bought in physical form from commercial retail outlets either online or at a physical location.

Many freely available applications have been converted from UNIX to OS/2, Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and XP. And other operating systems... If you use an application that has been ported to many operating systems you will be able to carry your skills and data to alternate platforms if you wish to or have to change for one reason or another.

"NonFree Applications "consist of commercial applications and shareware applications. Commercial applications are sold outright. Shareware programs may be tried out and evaluated then either not used, uninstalled or a license key purchased. Sometimes shareware programs may be used for free in a home environment but purchased if used within a business setting.

Hopefully now the distinctions between these terms bantered around in the Linux software distribution distro and downloads sites will be clearer to you now.

There is currently alot of interest and curiosity with the Linux / Unix operating systems becoming more widely used, well-known, and available. They have been around since the mid 90's, and used mostly as a server platform until recently - mostly due to the increased user-friendliness of recent releases - along with the integration of, and compatibility with, the Mozilla Firefox browser, Google's Chrome browser, the Openoffice.org program suite (ODF - Open Document Format compatible with the Microsoft Office Products), the GIMP graphics editor and many others - all of which are free and open source as well.

Linux is the fastest growing OS worldwide - as it is not only freely available in many different versions - (or distros), but compatible with much of the software and programs we are already using and familiar with. In addition, Linux systems are immune to the malware and security threats that most other operating systems continue to remain vulnerable to. You don't have to invest in or concern yourself with antivirus programs or security suites at all. For your outgoing web applications, it features an MAC (Mandatory Access Control) activated by default for built-in protection. To me - this stuff sells itself - even though it's not for sale.....This article will benefit those who are new to Linux and are interested in understanding what the current trend is all about. Linux is based on the free open source software (FOSS), which means that the source code is free to view, free to use, modify, apply and share in any way you see fit. It is released and protected under the GN U General Public License. The GNU License prohibits any 'for profit' development or releases of independent versions or variations thereof. This means that it is free to use, free to modify, and free to share without the usual restrictions that come with proprietary and 'for profit' software - not to mention free of malware or the need for antivirus or security software. GNU and supporters of open source create superior alternatives to the restrictions and confines of the more popular and expensive proprietary software and OS, as well as their developers and corporations. It has gained significant momentum as resourceful and innovative developers are consistantly improving upon an already very flexible and reliable product profile.

There is growing intrigue toward Linux as it is (aside from being free of charge and free of malware) becoming more popular among average PC users who are finding it easy to install and use. A more favorable and flexible user interface, combined with optimal speed and overall system performance, is now widely distributed by many Linux developers, and in many different forms. It has a reputation for being extremely dependable as there is no mysterious behavior such as the unexpected interruptions, freezes, shutdowns, restarts, death screens.....you know the ones....

Many Windows users are finding the transition surprisingly easy, and the results gratifying. I personally haven't heard of anyone making the switch to Linux, and then going back due to dissatisfaction with the installation, functionality, or interface. Actually, quite the opposite. I've seen several YouTube videos sharing their favorable experiences in switching to a Linux distro. Check 'em out. Though they all seem to agree that there is a learning curve, depending on your level of experience with the Unix / Linux basic protocol and functionality. It is different - as different programs designed to do the same thing vary in their interface or performance. Any learning required will be well worth it and there are numerous resources and tutorials available as you go. There are even Linux groups and forums online and off - that readily offer support and share knowledge and experience as needed. A Linux 12 step?

One of the first things people get confused over is the various names and terms associated with the various distributions available. These mostly distinguish the various features or preferences. There is an extensive selection depending on what appeals to you - such as interface, bundled software, level of experience, functionality, the look and feel, and others. Other terms refer to the interface, file systems, email client, browsers, etc....

If you are wondering what exactly you're getting yourself into and would like to try it out first, there are several Linux versions available as downloadable live CD or DVDs - bootable from your CD-ROM. Currently, Knoppix is available as a live CD download and includes most features and programs you would most likely use. It boots from the CD or DVD and you don't have to install anything - probably a good way to start without committing to virtual machines, partitioning or formatting your hard drive.

There are hundreds of versions or distributions of the Linux OS. Some are well known and widely used which you may be familiar with. Ubuntu is probably the most widely used and well known. Linux Mint is also widely used and both are said to be very easy to install and configure. Kubuntu is right behind it and is similar to Ubuntu and features the KDE interface. Gnome is another popular user interface and considered very stable. Konqueror is the default KHTML web browser / file mgr. Evolution and Kmail are available email client programs.

In conclusion, any decision to use Linux will be a rewarding and educational experience. It is reliable, economical, capable, flexible and fast. There is literally an endless supply of this stuff and it really depends on personal preference and a bit of research. Experience will likely be your best teacher as to its functionality and your personal preference in the end.

Unix Directory

This article describes how to utilize the microsoft active directory in a linux environment active directory is a microsoft windows server technology that provides a variety. Linux ldap tutorial: deploying openldap - ldap directory installation hi friends, in our production system under unix, the usr/sap/ has become full, under which we have below directories, :adm 72> usr/sap/. Unix directory unix directory structure at login, you are in your home directory this is your current working directory all files and directories below your home. Directory (file systems) - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia despite that, i was surprised to see that the word "linux" appears on 24 of pages in the sparc product directory that's more than i thought but probably 4x less often than in. Linux online - directory organization in the real base directory acronym definition usr: u s robotics: usr: upper saddle river (new jersey) usr: urban search and rescue: usr: unix system resources: usr: uni t status report: usr: universities.

Active directory in linux linux mail server setup and howto guide the linux directory structure how is the linux file system organized where are all the files in linux what do all the weird directories contain a tour through the linux file. Unix directory structure - encyclopedia article - citizendium 4 linux directory hierarchy: oriented to the software parts by now, all discussion are os independent on linux, the four software parts theory is expressed in his directory. Directories - linux introduction we are creating the world's most trusted encyclopedia and knowledge base once you join us and log in, you'll be able to edit this page instantly. Linux directory hierarchy: oriented to the software parts important to solving many problems in linux is understanding where files are located in the directory structure there is, however, no absolute or perfect directory.

Unix directory structure search results. Unix directory structure - what does usr stand for acronyms and ldap configuration on ubuntu linux, redhat linux or fedora core tutorial includes ldif examples and configuration file examples to set-up an ldap server quickly yolinux.com. Unix directory tree linus link directory: suse linux, red hat linux, ubuntu linux and more convert pcs to linux thin clients with 2x thinclientserver links to the best linux sites all over the. Linux's directory structure unix directory- unix help visit dev shed to discuss unix directory discuss unix directory in the unix help forum on dev shed unix directory unix help forum discussing the. Linux directory trees linux journal list of linux howto documents and other sources of help 9 directory organization in the real base directory why should there be any special organization in the real base.

Linux in the yahoo directory in modern times in unix-like systems, especially linux, directory structure is defined by the filesystem hierarchy standard in many operating systems, programs have an associated. Linux publications list on storagesearch.com find sites with linux news, downloads, documentation, guides, analysis, forums, articles, and more for the open source operating system. Filesystem hierarchy standard - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia unix directory tree like any computer, unix arranges files/directories in an inverted tree topology the root directory, shown at the top, is written. Live search: unix directory unix realm - portal of unix related information mainly for system administrators unix days are over -. Google directory - computers > software > operating systems > unix linuxwaves.com - your linux portal site with free linux email, chat, books, for beginners and experts.

How to Play Poker Online On Linux Using A Windows Poker Client?Have you ever thought about playing poker on your Linux machine? This is quite easy as you simply need to install proper packages like kpoker or sillypoker from your Linux distribution'sstore and you are done. However, if want to play poker online for real money, then this may not be as easy as it sounds.There are many MS Windows poker clients available on the internet but the problem is that none of them is a native poker client for a Linux operating system. A few of them just need a Java plugin installed in your browser but there are many online poker clients which you need to install on your Linux machine before playing. In this article, you will learn how to play poker online on Linux using Windows Poker Clients. To play poker online on linux using a windows poker client, you need to install a wine application. Wine is a software program through which you can run and install windows based poker clients on y our linux machine and play poker online easily. Here is what you need to do to test this method: Install wine application Install Windows based poker online client using wine Run Windows based poker online client using wineHow to Install Wine on Your Linux Computer? In case you are using Linux operating with a debian package management ( DEB ) like Debian or Ubuntu, you need to install wine using an apt-get command

# apt-get install wine

NOTE: apt-get will need root privileges! If you are using RedHat with redhat package management ( RPM ) and its follows up Fedora or CentOS, you need to install wine using an yum install command:# yum install wineNOTE: yum will need root privileges!

How to Install Windows Based Poker Client On Linux?

After installing and running the wine application, you need to download a windows based poker poker client like Poker Stars and install it using wine.NOTE: Do not run a following command as a root user. PokerStars application will be installed locally into your home directory as specified by a bash's $HOME environment variable.$ wine PokerStarsSetup.exeIf you are running wine for a first time, then it may ask you some questions. Otherwise, just install Poker Stars application normally as you would on Windows Operating System. Before running a Windows based poker client, you may need to run the wineboot utility to simulate a Windows reboot:$ winebootHow to Install Windows Based Poker Client On Linux?Now you can start a Windows based Poker client from your linux desktop menu. In case you dont see a shortcut to a Wine->PokerStars in your linux desktop menu, you can run this application using the following command:$ cd ~/.wine/drive_c/Program Filesthen find a PokerStars instal lation directory and executable file and run it using the following wine command:$ wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/PokerStars/PokerStars.exe

Important Note: Running a Windows based Poker Online Client successfully using wine is not guaranteed! There are many factors concerning the successful run of native MS Windows applications on the Linux operating system. If you fail to start your preferred online poker client on your Linux machine, then you must install the latest version of wine or a CrossOver Software which is a commercial version of wine.