Help me get 100 jabber contacts.

I set myself a goal 2 years ago to convert 100 people to Open Source Instant Messaging, commonly referred to as Jabber. I felt since I had converted approximately 100 people to Hotmail, I would atone for my Intellectual error by setting up an equal amount on Jabber. In 2 to 3 years, more people will understand why Jabber is such an important communication format. Joyce became my 97th Jabber contact and I need 3 more to make it out of purgatory (100 JID's). 2008 should be a great year because open communications is knocking proprietary systems like msn and yahoo out of circulation. If you are a friend and want to convert to Jabber, please email me, or if you are already a Jabber user and want to be my friend... please meet me at Tim Horton's, usually at 9:00 a.m.

My chance to give.

Giving the give of freedom is getting easier and easier. The Open Source community is producing such great software most people gain functionality by using only open source rather than losing it.

EEE PC first pre-installed Linux Desktop - THANKYOU! Asus!

With Windows Vista turning fewer heads than a ground hog getting up to see his shadow at 30 below, and Apple's Leopard exhibiting spotty security, companies and individuals would do well to ask themselves whether Christmas 2007 'tis the season of desktop Linux. The EEE PC works great. I recommend it to anyone wanting to try out Linux but don't have the time for the install. If $400 is too much for you get a $200 desktop. There is lots of benefits to using Open Source.

Jabber: Finally, an open protocol

After reading the instant_messengers article by Andrew Min I am amazed at how little we have advanced in VOIP/Instant Messaging and how much greed stops people from helping each other out. Pidgin Homepage which is a desktop jabber client which has come a long way in making communication easier is getting quite popular. As of January 2007 there was 50 mil Jabber users 57 mil. AIM/ICQ users 27 mil msn users 22 mil yahoo and 9 million skype. By now Jabber must be the most used protocol. Personally I have 83 jabber contacts, but only 61 are invited to chat with me. I must not email them enough. Having to ask permission to phone someone must be a weird experience for a newbie. Especially if they don't get many spam emails or telemarketers.

Join fon - make someone happy

Ubuntu Tutorials

Help with Ubuntu

Gutsy Countdown

Computers should be sold with out any OS

I looked for Linux laptops in Calgary, found non. Then I read this article.

"Computers in the European Union should be sold without a bundled operating system, according to this submission to the European Commission. It says that the bundling of Microsoft Windows with computers is not in the public interest, and prevents meaningful competition in the operating system market.

Operating systems, it says, are not a natural monopoly, requiring just one supplier. Instead, in a competitive market, there would be a broad compatibility between different supplier’s products. “Competition would encourage open standards and interoperability as vendors would, for competitive reasons, want their products to interact with other vendors’ products,” the submission says.

What is going on in Canada do we need the US to post software on every computer we buy?

Help people take back the web -- Use Firefox

I want to thank all of you who took my advise and made the switch to Firefox. Thanks to your help we are now on a very steep adoption rate. Ok, it might just be because Vista is so bad. At any rate now when people design websites they don't have to worry about supporting IE6, they can use the w3 standard. Use PHP and CSS they are great. Only 68 % use windows IE now.

Switching to Linux

So you're switching from Windows to Linux? Great. Like other users and organisations who've taken the plunge, it's likely you're making the move to take advantage of Linux's stability and reliance on open standards. It is so nice to be able to exchange information without Microsoft changing the format every few years. Moving your data to Linux usually requires someone like me to help you get started. Then anyone familiar with computers can carry on with less headache then they had before with one company controlling their data. Thanks Linux and Open Source!

3 Reasons to use Linux

1. It is easier for new people to use. Thanks to http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/
2. It costs less to manage. Keeping track of software licenses talks up lots of time.
3. It is fun. X Moto and other programs are made by people who enjoy you enjoying their programing.

More Reasons

Is Microsoft too insecure?

During the first 90 days after Vista's release, Microsoft made five vulnerability disclosures but fixed only one of the five flaws. I am sure glad I made the switch to Linux. I had a great time at the conference.
Lots of neat Linux users and programmers.

Thanks for Sharing Lorna

Not What I have Done

How rich are you?

In our world, software is just as important as steel was 100 years ago. Who owns the software is the key to your riches just like smeltering plants were many years ago. With Linux costing nothing, how can people not feel rich. Linux people don't have to worry about paying next years fees, just to access their data. Linux programmers don't want money. They, like me, are passionate about freedom. Freedom to use your data year after year. No need to ask permission from some company. To make money they form communities. Ebay is the biggest and Grant's site is probably the smallest. I am part of the Ubuntu community. It does not cause my gross income to increase but my expenses are less due to less software expenses. Thanks Ubuntu, I can now do what the big boys do with out the software costs.

Information Freedom / Choice

A lot of my friends and family's patience have been wearing thin over my preaching about Linux. I want the thank those of you who have help me and others get Linux to a place to take on Microsoft. Yes at the end of this month Linux will take on Microsoft -- it can be preinstalled on your choice of Dell computer. http://www.desktoplinux.com There no longer has to be a Micro$oft tax every time you buy a computer. Join with me and buy only Linux compatible hardware! You will be glad you did. Computers in 1982 when IBM release the x86 architecture were fun but then Microsoft took over and dispatched the Information Police to watch over every move we make, which somehow made it all sort of dreary and totalitarian. Now computers are fun again. The age of enlightenment has arrived. Thanks Richard Stalman and Linus Trovolds

Winter is finally over YiPee!!

YIPEE!

Best Information Desktop

The movie PiratesOfSiliconValley takes you back 30 years when software was a bought and sold commodity. It is still getting sold today, but not so much, most people I know either hack a window's program or use Linux. It is quite amazing to see how far free software as come these last few years. In fact, I think Ubuntu 7.4 represents a turning point. From now on Linux will always be easier to use and better than Windows. This is quite amazing seeing that Bill Gates spent $50,000 for DOS and he is not one to easily part with his money.
Today, 30 years later there are lots of things Windows users can't do and Linux users can, and a lot of it stems from not being willing to share your talents with your fellow man. Linux, it is just a better way. Things I can do in Linux that I can't do on Windows. This link shows that IBM was right if something cost nothing to redistribute then it is worth only what the user gets out of it. I don't lose anything by sharing Linux with everyone. I might even gain something if there is another nice sharing person out there. Enjoy Linux, I do.

Feisty Fawn -- www.ubuntu.org

Well today marks another change in my life. Yes another version of Linux has been released. Hey if the guy who sells the most computers in the world uses it it can't be that bad. http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/biographies/en/msd_computers?c=us&l=en&s=corp Yes, Michael Dell uses it. I am quite impressed with it. It is a lot better than Vista and hey it is even free, in both senses of the word. Free to use and Free to change it. I am so happy I could sing and play guitar.

First Vista switch to Linux

As you can read by the title, I converted my first Vista computer over to Linux. I had to do the resizing of the hard drive via Micro$ofts control panel because Vista has built in Digital Rights Management. This DRM is going to be the downfall of Micro$oft. Apple already can see this. I am surprised you still cann't buy Linux pre installed at any of the box stores here. It is amazing how much Microsoft can manipulate the market.

The main reason why Linux only has the same number as Mac users.

What Linux needs is more users willing to get off their rears and not only introduce new users to it but also act as their support for a while. Too many Linux users are either outright lazy or apathetic about other users.
Honestly, it won't change until the typical Linux user quits being self centered and start helping others. and Yes they outnumber those of us that want to help 10 to 1. It wont matter if Dell or HP ships with Ubuntu or some other newbie friendly Linux install, when these people go online or to a LUG to find help they will run up against the "cloud of smug" and get turned off instantly.

I teach a Linux for new users at the local community cafe for free once a week. A lot of "businesses" still call Linux a fad and say that no real companies use it. They are partly right, but I bet by the end of the year HP will sell Desktop Linux systems.

What is needed is not some company selling Linux boxes, but Linux users to get off their rears and help 1-2 new people through getting up and running in Linux. You never EVER can say RTFM! but have to hold their hands. You also need to be out there debunking the lies that kids that work for Future Shop and other "leaders" are spewing out of their mouths, but have to do it in a way that is tactful as you are just some guy instead of a professor with 31 masters degrees and smells his own farts.
http://ubuntuforums.org

In hopes of getting a free Laptop from Microsoft, as others have done, I am going to review Microsoft's latest Operating System (OS) and how it compares to Linux. Hopefully the quality and quantity of my listeners will convince Microsoft that the Laptop bribe will help more people buy Vista before they go bankrupt. LOL

It has been 5 years since Microsoft Windows has upgraded their Operating System (Window XP to Vista). During that time many people saw the need for something better and started making alternative software. Some tried to add value to Microsoft by reporting bugs and by making programs that only ran if you had paid for Microsoft's Operating System. A few Companies tried to make their own Operating System but they couldn't get enough users for them to make other people's programs work on their OS and were eventually sued into oblivion. Then along came Linus Torvalds, he programed Linux just for fun and gave everyone who improved that program the option of giving their work away also. Over the last 3 years I have watched Linux become an Operating System that outperforms Windows, enabling people to get their work done easier and more comfortably. Everyone wants to be the equity owner and now you can own software. Microsoft EULA still makes you "rent" and being a landlord for the last 14 years I can understand the value in owning something. This article will tell you about the Operating System called Linux and how you also can enjoy its benefits.

Better Security
One of the main problems with Windows is that it is insecure. You put it on the Internet and you can bet by the end of the day you will have spyware or a virus installed. It is so bad that it has become a full time job for most IT guys like me. Sure, companies will take your money and sell you anti-spyware or anti-virus software; but why not just get rid of the holes in the program so hackers can't abuse the OS. With Linux I have yet to find a hacked computer. When there is a hole in a program (so someone could exploit the OS) it usually gets fixed within a few weeks. Why has Open Source software (Linux) become better than what one company (Microsoft) can produce? The basic concept is that if there are more people who are looking at something, if there are bugs to be found, then there are more people fixing them and finding better ways to do things.

It has the Best Software
This might be a little over the top because I have used some great Window's programs, but it all depends what you want to do. For me, the main program I use is Firefox (an Internet browser). Mozilla (the foundation that produces Firefox) makes it run in both Linux and Windows XP so there really is no difference here. For me the best program, which you can only get in Linux, is Clock, made by George Lebl and Gediminas Paulauskas. One click and it shows you which day of the month you are dealing with. Slick! My life revolves around the month.
A lot of people who use computer software want to use the "best" software or at least software they are use to using. Why? Time is important! People would be happy just to tell their robot to do it for them, but no, most information exchange requires humans for it to be important to humans. :) Other great programs: Open Office (Word Processor), Gimp (Draw & Photo Editing), GnuCash (Accounting) plus a lot of great games -- all these programs are free, only for the downloading.

It's Quicker

Linux has been running 64 bit programs for over 3 years now. Most people are used to Windows XP which is 32 bits, and only now Window's Vista will run at at 64 bits. Time is money.

Conclusion

Because I am a great believer in this Operating System, I would like to see others enjoy this wealth as well. If you are interested in learning more or interesting in converting your computer to this Operating System just Instant Message me - amendt@gmail.com and I will send you my online calendar so you can book your own appointment. Arthur Amendt

Information Exchange via Computers

It has been 5 years since Microsoft Windows has upgraded their Operating System (Window XP to Vista). During that time a lot of people saw the need for something better and started making software for Linux. Over the last 3 years I have watched Linux become an Operating System that outperforms Windows enabling people to get their work better. This article will tell you about the Operating System system called Linux and why you also can enjoy the following benefits.

Better Security
One of the main problems with Windows is that it is insecure. You put it on the Internet and you can bet by the end of the day you will have spyware or a virus installed. It is so bad that it has become a full time job for most IT guys like me. Sure companies will take your money and sell you anti-spyware or anti-virus software, but why not just get rid of the holes in the program so hackers can't abuse the OS. With Linux I have yet to find a hacked computer. When there is a hole in a program (so someone could exploit the OS) it usually gets fixed within a few weeks. Why has open source software (Linux) become better than what one company (Microsoft) can produce. The basic concept is that the more people who are looking at something, if there are bugs to be found, then there are more people fixing them and finding better ways to do things.

It has the Best Software
This might be a little over the top because I have used some great Window's programs, but it all depends what you want to do. For me, the main program I use is Firefox (an Internet browser). Mozilla makes it run in both Linux and Windows XP so there really is no difference here. For me the best program, which you can only get in Linux, is Clock, made by George Lebl and Gediminas Paulauskas. One click and it shows you which day of the month you are dealing with. Slick! A lot of people who use computer software want to use the "best" software or at least software they are use to using. Why? Time is important! People would be happy just to tell their robot to d it for them, but no, most information exchange requires humans for it to be important to humans. :) Other great programs: Open Office (Word Processor), Gimp (Draw & Photo Editing), GnuCash (Accounting) plus a lot of great games -- all these programs are free, only for the downloading.

It's Quicker

Linux has been running 64 bit programs for over 3 years now. Window Vista is just getting into the groove.

Conclusion

Because I am a great believer in this Operating System, I would like to see others enjoy this wealth as well. If you are interested in learning more or interesting in converting your computer to this Operating System just Instant Message me - amendt which is at gmail.com and I will send you my online calendar so you can book your own appointment. Arthur Amendt

Am I too Pragmatic?

After recommending yesterday that this business should upgrade their computers to Window's Vista, I starting to question whether I should have installed Linux instead and hold their hand for a month or two, until they could run on their own. I do believe in Open Source software and the superiority of the General Public License over Proprietory Software. However, Linux cannot run some programs that were design for Windows 2000, so if someone is use to doing x and now there is a better way to do it with y, then someone has to hold their hand until they are comfortable with y. Hence, I have a job.
I am starting to specialize in Open Source program helps, but most peoples problems boil down to a bad Window XP Operating System. So, it is hard to help a lot of people specializing in just Open Source program help when there aren't a lot of problems to be found with Open Source programing. We all know bugs are in Windows and Linux, the difference I find is how open each Operating Systems is about the problem. Once you know the problem solutions are usually easy to find.