kaka Software

In a varied experience with computers, two (Krasi & World) often face preposterous requirements allegations, accusations, etc. Interfere with respect to ordinary computer users in the style you are stupid, but do not worry - we’ll enjoy it. We see how, without their consent or knowledge, one requires the use of the software, operating system, service or something. Most often that “someone” is a distinct personality that has its own advantage of that (that receive money).
We see how they violate free consumer rights, we see how different companies and institutions benefit from neinformiranostta mass of users retrieved from her own benefit.
Most often we are almost powerless to counter such attitudes, and almost always very light this topic.
Therefore we decided to create this blog - to comment on those things that I think are incorrect or violate in any way our rights.

Besides these things, the blog will share the positive experience again in the same area.
So stick around …

It was recently … In the TV broadcast the final shots of super boring VIP Brother 2. Right at that time had by Sashi and Didka to go to bed to do it and the baby gym to prepare for bathing. I thought that as a customer of BTC ADSL have a free viewing of the live broadcast of a house. And because Didka after delivery, you yell, you can do that convenience and to place a laptop to watch while we are away from the TV. I load the page and what to see - I met a bucket labeled:

“To watch live what is happening in the house of VIP Brother 2 is necessary to have the operating system Windows. “

I checked the second, third boot - the same error message. Now a little explanation. On the laptop I have absolutely legal Windows XP … you never use. As a user with the right of free choice I have chosen completely free operating system Ubuntu 7.04 (http://www.ubuntu.com/). This is modern in every respect competitive MA … with the difference that is free, secure and functional in times of anything Microsoft can offer. Personally firm opinion. Period. Now, I know from experience that the last thing which may have problems Ubuntu, or any other modern GNU / Linux OS is running streaming video. I tested many sites with all formats stream video and I have no problem. So this swingeing error message surprised me uncomfortable and then me mad. Having educated user of the site administrator asked what exactly impose such a restriction … but so far no response. This is frankly silly soft requirement. So right from the site may provide and paid access to the live broadcast. What if you pay a subscription and then have that to look cool to be still shell 150lv up and to have compulsory Windows computer? Or will have to go izpiratstvyam - and without it in our practice is that … the lack of response and total disinterest I answer myself why this label was there. There is … well, simply because Microsoft is ordered and paid to be there. However, the site is visited, which makes it a good place for some advertising. To the already BTC and a “promotion” which ostensibly provide inexpensive computer to guess what opertsionna system? Right takaaa with Windows. But BTC soon in another post …

User am Linux.
In the opening page to be watching live house, I reported that there was a mistake and need to have a Windows. I want to take the service to watch live, but I do not want to buy another OS (minimum $ 150) just to take advantage of the service which cost 10lv … It is not logical to have such iziskvanie since the format under which the flow is your (wmv9) can be reproduced into Linux without any problems.
Once you artificial and totally unnecessary I require another operating system that I do not want and will not buy, NOT, repeat NOT to take your paid service.
I don ‘t know who has the advantage to lose potential customers, but that definitely put artificial requirement that the site is wrong.

Do not expect me to answer. I do not expect the topic to stay longer. Surprise me!

I promised not to miss so beloved of us all BTC. Fulfill its promise.

Recently pipe from another official tour Energo-boxes in Vidin saw a large panel of BTC, which in large letters was written pretty rollback 1 and 2 megabits ADSL connection. Because I am a subscriber to 1 megabit ADSL rejoiced that instead so far as to give a 30 for 1, we can not give or only 27.90 against 34.20 to get skorosta and enjoy 2. Yes, I did! After reviewing site of the BTC, which is explained in detail “promotion” has proved that it is valid only for new users. One type that is past - the past. I’m not very up to date with the law on consumer protection and vratkite it. But something tells me that it probably violates the BTC with this promotion. Because at least I can not explain how you can have two different prices for the same service offered by the same company users in the same country. There is no logic to be divisions according to whether a new or old customer. Moreover, in my opinion old customers should be given due respect at least, because they have chosen the service first, whether my money and have regular liable. If wrong, izvinetet my ignorance. If I am right - turning my thoughts to some such on-line subscription, which in a civilized way to provide the BTC, then see if they will show respect for our clients …

Briefly …

My name is Svetoslav Stefanov and am profesiya system administrator. Currently striving to the post in CEZ Bulgaria in Vidin. Because of the nature of work and because I gained my curiosity (at least in my humble opinion) experience sufficient to allow myself to express opinions on software, hardware, operating systems and related topics.

Although my work e attributed to various versions of Windows, in individuals over the years was gradually drawn and subsequently enthusiastic with the possibilities that gives the choice of operating system in the face of GNU / Linux and open source software. I saw repeatedly and is convinced that, how effective is this combination and how much respect one of our most important rights - the right of our choice. Not least the choice of this model gives me easy to afford a very human quality - the desire to share something good with relatives and friends. These things changed my view of the manner in which we all as consumers should be treated by manufacturers of hardware, software, data services et cetera. The adoption of these ideas became more sensitive to nezachitaneto and suddenly realized that in fact all around us we can see examples of total disregard of the consumer and dezinformiraneto him that ideally he even knows that there are alternatives.

So with lokster created this spot on the Internet - to try to give you tips, hints and impressions relating to the use of free software in everyday life.

If something in writing you intrigued - leave feedback. It is valuable to me!

Now it’s my turn to give information about yourself.
In three words - brother of the world.
Now with a little more …
My name is Krassimir Stefanov. By coincidence, we can say that the occupation is a developer - a firm “EDA Ltd., Gabrovo. Or more accurately web-developer (sounds good …). As well as my older brother, and my passion are computers - is constantly busy with something related, and often faced with many different software and hardware problems (and not just problems). For 8-year in actively involved in computers produced enough experience with both major operating systems (Linux and Windows) to be able to make general and objective (which is more important) comparisons between them. Therefore this blog will be linked at them now.
Furthermore, the Holy permanently, as it is written, become witnesses of continuous suppression of users of nezachitaneto of their own choosing which product and how to use it.
Become witnesses how personal and corporate financial interests united to artificially impose this or that of consumers. This can not continue. Or at least, we are unable to remain silent when witnesses of these things.
Our votes may seem like voices in the wilderness, but it does not. There are others like us, just desert is great. There is a need to call up. And if you call enough, who knows who else can hear us …

My writing on this topic is a little late because this story appears at the beginning of March. But then this blog was gone I just skladirah reaction later. Read the news page of the Ministry of Public Administration and Administrative Reform, how would once again not to pay “homage” to Bulgarian politicians and in particular Mr. Nikolay Vassilev for the next step, which affirmed the positions of Microsoft’s strictly national land. Nezapoznatite there for a little sample:

“Within the annex to the open license agreement between Microsoft Bulgaria, state and MSAAR 60 000 employees of the state administration can free yourself from installing licensed software on their home computers.”

And this time, in which the EU is seen increasing interest and adoption of open source software … and other irritating to me. The last thing you identify with the word Maykrosft word is free. Come on, who mislead? So right rough on the accounts specifically for home users combination of Windows XP or Vista in version pooryazaniya plus crippled version of MS Office 2007 comes to 800lv. VAT. For unbelievers - open arbitrary prices of some of our leading computer companies and check. Surprise is guaranteed. So how is it possible to be free. Yes, for specific 60 000 people will be free maybe … but we would pay it myself, you and other Buddha through taxes and other completely legal means. I BG in reality this is the least that can happen, but I can not stay indifferent. Vasilev why you could just take state money 60 000 blank disc to record any new GNU / Linux distribution and gave them to employees. Then hem would be educated, hem targets 60 000 people would have a step closer to the European concept of value and free software. Poor is poor practice in Bulgaria is somehow transmitted by inheritance. So now expect the successor of Vassilev like to give “free” software not 60 000 well on 120 000. I hope I am wrong …

From conversations with family and miner from the network caught my eye some common myths about GNU / Linux. Here they are:

Myth 1: GNU / Linux is so different from Windows, that a user never used could be a landmark. False. Surely there are differences between the OS and pretty. In many respects their approaches to things are completely different. However, their differences remain rather internal, invisible to a normal home user. Thus, for example. Windows have in My Documents, in GNU / Linux have Nome folder. In Windows have Control Panel, in GNU / Linux - System Administration, etc. etc. I do not think he represents a real problem calling those names. Interface is generally quite flexible and fully mimics that of Windows.

Myth 2: GNU / Linux is so difficult to install that no normal user to be fine. False. In the past, of GNU / Linux may have been such moments, but now things are quite different. After countless plants in the past my hands on different versions of Windows, I can safely assure you that the installation of GNU / Linux at least one level more easily. Yes, I understand correctly - more easily. For example so loved by me OS Ubuntu installer has to be like and many inexperienced users to install. At least since before installing this OS can download a “live” directly from the disk and it poraztsakate, to play music, video, Internet and office programs you like, as long as you tick, convenient installer will through no more than 5-6 steps. Then for about 25-40 minutes while you read your novinki enough, it will be announced that your new OS already installed on the hard disk and you will be prompted to restart your computer to start using i. This if not perfectly I do not know what …

Myth 3: GNU / Linux has problems with playback of audio / video files. False. Each of the current distributions of the OS (Ubuntu, Suse, Fedora and others.) Can play almost any multimedia format existing under heaven. To watch video such as ultimate option is to install software such as MPlayer, VLC and Helix and just forget about codecs, versions, etc. crap. With audio files problem is even lower, ie it is hard to find. To be honest, until recently only problem format for the replay I was still slightly exotic AAS , which is my favorite radio broadcast di.fm. Last time suggests that it is not a recent problem, that is to say that for me this myth is unfounded.

Myth 4: GNU / Linux is not for business. False. Due to its flexible nature of this OS is the opposite true. GNU / Linux is quite appropriate for business. My reasons for going are many: there are powerful programs for word processing and spreadsheet power (in the face of Open Office), which are compatible with MS their analogues, there are many good solutions for electronic correspondence (Evolution, Thunderbird); likelihood of inexperience or because employee to inadvertently cause damage to the OS is almost zero, etc. etc. Perhaps this myth could be faithful to certain types of business, but it would be some special needs dependent eaten by the software platform of MS.

Myth 5: The management software is complex and difficult. False. The key thing in dealing with GNU / Linux-based OS is that the user has the choice of everything. Software can be installed in a complex way for the novice, but can be installed by Novak and convenient means limited to its few tsakvaniya drop. For nezapoznatite will give you an example. In Ubuntu and others quite GNU / Linux distributions primary tool to install and uninstall programs is Synaptic. Right in the interface of the program will be presented perfectly ordered by category over 20 000 ready-to-install programs. And as stated “This is not everything.” Except that installs the program also automatically check issued no later each of these 20 00 programs, and if you kindly invites you to install it. You are only required to tsaknete an icon and then the procedure is absolutely automatic. Who was izpravyal dosadata front of goal just installed Windows and is passed through the pleasure of suspected mad drivers download different software from different sites, different installation procedures, etc., will assess the elegance with which to solve these problems under GNU / Linux.

Myth 6: GNU / Linux is not for games. Somewhat true. This claim is true only if under latest games know only commercial and Songs games, ie if the initial burning geymari. Actually still a large part of the new titles do not support any other OS than Windows. On the other hand, including some of the biggest hits recently Doom3, Quake 4, Prey, Unreal Tournament 2003/2004/2007 and others. have the full support of GNU / Linux. What is the case of small daily igritsi - killer of boredom, dare to assert that even if times are more easily accessible for GNU / Linux. Judge for yourself a load of Synaptic shows that one tsakvane are available, there will at least 300-500 or more titles. Who will agree is more than sufficient number to ensure diversity.

So far in theme for the camp late, is tired, and the list of myths about me was at least a representative sample. While you acknowledge my comments only modest implication. But for those who want more readable and has serious analysis, which chichko Google can easily take you …

As we wave linux, said to share my last “experience” with Windows XP.
A little background: my computer was until recently with a modest 384MB RAM. It was divided into two modules - one 128MB DDR333, and the other 256MB DDR400. I decided to add another module - 256MB DDR400.
It was no designer - and the other 256. Only this is 128MB of Spectec. So, I bought it and put the last remaining free DIMM slot. I put my PC-to. YES! Launched first time … ups, mistake. At present, which would make login screen XP, I rejoice with a blue screen with error message “PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA”. “Well - you yell, I am not sure it set right. But unfortunately after place, the result was the same again. Unsettle the three modules in different slots - zip. Each sample separately - work without error. Sample each in combination with any of the other two - yet their work. Only when the three together had a blue screen. There is no mention that the majority of blue screens that make Windows, receive and errors in MFT any of the units most often BOOT drive, and after any such error had to walk into Recovery console of XP to handle them alone calculate … How long does it take the whole experiment. But this is not important.
Anyway - is that the truce will get 128-itsata so at least I have working 512MB.
But before you pull out, I decided to see how Linux will react to it. I am a fan of minimalizma, Slax Linux use in live-install version (on that later). Sistemata launched into Slax, and a miracle! Welcomed me Console login (and should). root, ******, and hop inside us. startx and runner - I started dekstopa (Xfce). Tsak, tsak, I started and 3D environment (Beryl). Everything worked. poraztsakah little - file manager, etc. … Several times bipkaniya heard from PC-speaker-a, meaning that there was still kernel errors (in dmesg | tail came that there). But the system worked. Even put a game under Wine - quite starichkata Shadowman (because no other handy at the moment). Left. I thought that’s enough, and left to leave the X session. Only then hang the system and had to restart.

Or briefly:
Windows a conflict between memory modules:
blue screen at startup fucking a file system boot partition

Linux a conflict between memory modules:
work their places are 3D environment, games and occasionally bipka error, and thrust down leaving the system

Appendix: Memory healthy. All three modules. Test them with memtest86 , and under normal frequencies and taymingi (ie without ovarklokl) no one module gave no errors.

The findings leave you.

Since its everyday use that operating system, I decided to give an overview of what it offers the user interface like.

First start after you install Ubuntu met with this kind:

In the upper left corner is the main menu of Ubuntu, which consists of three sections: Programs, local and systemic. Each one has submenus used for rapid navigation and will be shown below. Their nearest analogue functionality is as START menu in Windows. Until this menu are 3 icons for quick launch of the web browser client for e-mail and support for Ubuntu. In the upper right corner is the systematic notification area, clock, indicator for the network, an indicator of sound icon out of the system. Their nearest analogue in Windows e system tray. In the bottom of the screen is an item that makes the appearance and functionality in different and in my opinion, easier than in Windows. This is the taskbar. And primary purpose is to show the list of currently open programs. In this sense, in analogue and Windows task bar-a. In addition to the right and left edge has icons for quick access to Desktop (Desktop) and to clear the trash (Recycle bin in Windows). There is also a icon to switch between so-called. Virtual working panels - which is relatively unknown in the Windows world idea and essentially represents the addition to standard desktop even further such a number (2-16). This allows each to have open programs, thereby avoiding overcharge open applications in the taskbar. Namely the combinations of these elements create a different and unusual species, which would astonished a hardened Windows user. In practice known startovo our bar menu with a list of windows system and the notification area of Windows in Ubuntu is divided into two independent parts. Very little time is needed to become accustomed to this arrangement and to assess lesnotata that it provides. Incidentally, this user is not restricted from changing visual styles without any particular problems may change the type that is most close to that of Windows. Sample this view can be seen below:

But to get back to a detailed examination of the main menu of Ubuntu. Below you can see the contents of the first part - Programs:

As shown in the menu programs are divided into categories of scope. This method of distribution is very easy and clear to the consumer because it allows the practice only 2 mouse clicks to get started and desired by his administration.

The second component of systematic Ubuntu menu is the menu places:

It collected the main places for navigation computer - home folder, desktop, network, etc., and a list of recently viewed files. Here again is unclear easy navigation to each section, which saves minimize unnecessary clicks with the mouse.

And thirdly in the main menu, Ubuntu is a menu SYSTEM:

In this menu were collected all the settings of the operating system. It is an analogue, though not completely accurate known by the Windows Control Panel. However, its structure is more special, again designed for ease of the user. It has two submenus. One is named Settings and it contains all the settings of Ubuntu that are considered safe, ie confusion may lead to the collapse of the system. These are settings such as: visual themes, choice of mouse, keyboard setup sounds, wallpapers, screen resolution, etc. The second submenu called administration of the system. It gathered those critical of UBUNTU settings, which configure incorrectly may result in failure or loss of data. Running prilozheniyata of this menu is going after an administrator password. Here are collected settings such as: network Add / Remove software, file systems, language support, etc. Besides this division of the settings you have in GNU / Linux world for years. Only now his clone like you see in Windows Vista, although there is not so clear distinction.

In the most general terms I think it shows the initial appearance of newly installed Ubuntu that each new user should be expected. Insist however that its capacity for change are much greater than those we used in Windows. In this sense displayed screens do not give Ubuntu in full glory. To demonstrate the above, below, I put screen on your desktop:

With that I can finish this mini-review of the working environment of Ubuntu. Soon expect new emphasis on the use of some of the applications available in Ubuntu, and possibly show a killer 3D interface of Vista - Beryl. But this - another time.

Already in the first start of the new OS installed Ubuntu, is a full set of programs related to the use of the Internet. Below presents the most important of them.

Internet surfing: Browser default in Ubuntu is Mozilla Firefox. At present he is in his last version 2.0.0.3. I guess most of you at least have heard if you do not use this browser. He has a version for Windows, which visually and functionally not differ from that in Ubuntu. The choice of this browser as the principal is the right reason many reasons: it is generally more secure and protected from others, especially Internet Explorer; offers ednoprozorechen interface, which open new pages in the so-called tabs (podprozortsi) has a large volume expanded the functionality it in the form of small and others. For the man decided to replace the current use of the Buggy and insecure Internet Explorer, Firefox is a more logical choice.

Although the right, Firefox is not the only choice available to users of Ubuntu. Many can easily be installed and other alternatives: Galeon, Epiphany, or even Opera. The choice remains in the hands of the user.

Instant communication: Pre-installed means to “chat” is GAIM. As software he is using multiprotokolen can simultaneously adjust user profiles to the following services:

AIM, Gadu-Gadu, Group-Wise, ICQ, IRC, Jabber, MSN, QQ, Simple, Yahoo.

As evidenced list of supported services is superfluous as a start. Once set, and put all services will be displayed in a window that facilitates the rapid finding of a particular contact, no matter what services it uses:

GAIM provides support file transfer and audio chat (not all protocols). What we now propose is not a video link and characteristic for each service “company” extras - various mini games and more. alike. Overall we can say that if your goal is primarily text chat and type of file transfer, GAIM will be fully sufficient for the case. But if you’re used to certain customers such as ICQ. May be that you offer here features are not sufficient. However, some services have good alternatives - eg. the code for MSN has aMSN, which offers video link.

Internet telephony: Administration coming default in Ubuntu for this purpose is called Ekiga. This program is fully compatible with H.323 and SIP protocols and videokonferenta connection and VOIP / IP-telephony and with Microsoft NetMeeting.

Regarding the functionality it hardly has a lot more to be desired. But here comes the big “NO”. Most people in the role of Internet phone have adopted to use Skype and hardly could get all your contacts to change it to something unknown to them, no matter how good. The good news is that Skype has a version of GNU / Linux and including for Ubuntu. The last to date version can be downloaded http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-deb There is a way to Setup / uninstall / update of the software in Ubuntu - Synaptic - to add a so-called. repository of Skype. This would allow future be fully updated automatically and avoid unnecessary search through the Internet. More information can be found at http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/repositories.html

Version of Skype for GNU / Linux differs from that of Windows for several things: currently not supported many plugins, which became available to Skype version 3.0 for Windows; not videopoddrazhka and some other things.

Of the missing things, perhaps most important is the lack of video conferencing. Although developers of Skype promised that soon will appear. Excluding these items, Skype your work quite properly presented and no unpleasant surprises. Finally I can say that if you comply fully open to ideas set out in Ubuntu, consumers should avoid closed software like Skype. The lack of free access for developers to code their show in slowing developers to put video support example.

Peer2Peer programs: Where we are today if we do not have at least one torrent client … Ubuntu you installed by default torrent client who has a minimum interface:

Despite minimalizma your program works well and can work. Where this is not enough you can always through Synaptic to select another 3 Other client. If you are a fan of utorrent, the good news is that you can install the Windows version of its use of special purpose software that provides installation and use of Windows applications in GNU / Linux - Wine. But implementation of Wine will be subject to review in detail in a separate topic.

There has DC client installation so that, in general, software suggestions on this topic are sufficient.

Email: For e-mail Ubuntu is fitted really well. Application that you meet is Evolution. As stability, ease of use and not least security, Evolution could easily surpass many commercial proposals for comparison with Outlook Express and uncouth word can not happen.

As the program offers options: integrated contacts; possibility of keeping notes; management tasks embedded calendar, active filter to prevent junk e-mail (spam); possibility of signing with encryption and digital signature and many of the letters. others that the consumer would undoubtedly appreciate the process work. Although listed if you want another river to a more simple and functional at the same time customer you can install and replace Evolution wonderful alternative to Thunderbird. In his party will easily find the simplicity of Outlook Express and security of Evolution.

With these few categories think he postarah to prepare a new Ubuntu user for his choice of Internet applications. I’ll be happy any remarks, comments and criticism on the subject.