Linux on Your Phone

Linux on Your Phone

Sure you have heard of the Linux operating system before but did you know that Linux is much more common than you think? You can find it in many embedded systems like copy machines, but even on a consumer level some new washers and dryers with fancy displays and buttons may run some variant of Linux. But the place where you will find it hidden the most is in your phone. Yep, if you have a new Smartphone, odds are good it’s an iPhone or Android phone you are essentially running Linux. Linux is important as it an Open Source operating system which again, everyone uses.

If you are running an Android phone you are running Linux. Sure it not the desktop version that you may have seen with all its options and bells and whistles, but the operating system is based off Linux. Now just because the operating system is based on Linux it doesn’t mean you can run native Linux applications. No Google has done enough tweaking that it simply isn’t possible. As the Android operating system advances more and more, its stems further and further from the Linux development fork that it was created from.

Google isn’t the only company that created a phone with a core based on Linux and while the connection may be small, Apples iOS that runs on their iPhone, contains a trace amount of Linux. Because the Apple’s iPhone operating system, is based on Mac OS X, which is based on the NeXTs operating system called “OpenStep”, which has part of FreeBSD and NetBSD built into its core. So you can see while the there isn’t a very strong connection, it’s enough for most to consider it a valid claim.

Filed Under: Linux, Operating System Tagged With: , ,

System Features of the Linux Operating System

System Features of the Linux Operating System

There are a number of primary features that are associated with the Linux operating system. For example, Linux is known for its preemptive multitasking which means that more than a single task or more than a single application can run at the same time. Preemptive means that the operating system will control the tasks rather than the application, and will allot clock cycles accordingly.

The next main feature is the multiuser support which means that more than a single user is going to be capable of being logged on to the operating system at the same time and the multiple users will not affect one another.

A third benefit is the fact that the Linux operating system has some rudimentary security that is built in, including file ownership, login and password, permissions and so on.

The next benefit is the fact that the Linux operating system was designed specifically for connectivity, and so you can connect many different workstations and many different computers together.

Next, the Linux operating system makes use of 32-bit access to the data in a protected mode.

Virtually every single utility program that is available for the standard mainframe implementations for the Unix operating system have also been ported over to the Linux operating system, and there are a number of great improvements in place. This means that engineers and programmers can use Linux instead of Unix, and they have access to a free operating system that has all of the same functionality as Unix without the costs involved in purchasing and using it.

Filed Under: Linux, Operating System Tagged With: , ,

Using a Linux Router

There are a variety of reasons you might be interested in a Linux router. Perhaps you have had problems with more traditional routers, or maybe you would like finer control of your routers operating system? It could simply be a cost issue, if you have the hardware, building a Linux router costs next to nothing. Linux routers don’t depend on a lot of memory or CPU usage, so finding an old computer built in even the last 10 years should work wonders. Also don’t forget that there are several Linux distributions to choose from, some are dependent on floppy disks for installation or as a way to save configuration data, and others will use a USB flash drive.

Most distributions come in the form of a downloadable ISO that is burned to a CD or DVD (depending on the file size). Another thing you will find is that many of the distributions that are burned to disk are Live CDs meaning, that the entire operating system boots off the CD and isn’t dependant on installation. Generally this has its advantages, you can try the operating system without having to install it, giving you a chance to play around and get a feel for what it would be like to run. Generally speaking there will be options to install the operating system from within the booted operating system itself. As confusing as that sounds it typically means it copies over the files it needs while in a booted environment and then restarts finishing the installation.

Generally speaking most Linux router distributions are going to require more than one network interface. This simply means more than one network card in it. If you have an onboard, usually you will only need to add one. Some Linux routers may support more than one. This can be beneficial if you have a third interface that you would like to use, like a wireless adapter. This will allow you to use the Linux router as your wireless access point for your laptop, Smartphone or anything else that may require it.

Filed Under: Linux, Operating System Tagged With: ,

Using a Linux Router

Using a Linux Router

There are a variety of reasons you might be interested in a Linux router. Perhaps you have had problems with more traditional routers, or maybe you would like finer control of your routers operating system? It could simply be a cost issue, if you have the hardware, building a Linux router costs next to nothing. Linux routers don’t depend on a lot of memory or CPU usage, so finding an old computer built in even the last 10 years should work wonders. Also don’t forget that there are several Linux distributions to choose from, some are dependent on floppy disks for installation or as a way to save configuration data, and others will use a USB flash drive.

Most distributions come in the form of a downloadable ISO that is burned to a CD or DVD (depending on the file size). Another thing you will find is that many of the distributions that are burned to disk are Live CDs meaning, that the entire operating system boots off the CD and isn’t dependant on installation. Generally this has its advantages, you can try the operating system without having to install it, giving you a chance to play around and get a feel for what it would be like to run. Generally speaking there will be options to install the operating system from within the booted operating system itself. As confusing as that sounds it typically means it copies over the files it needs while in a booted environment and then restarts finishing the installation.

Generally speaking most Linux router distributions are going to require more than one network interface. This simply means more than one network card in it. If you have an onboard, usually you will only need to add one. Some Linux routers may support more than one. This can be beneficial if you have a third interface that you would like to use, like a wireless adapter. This will allow you to use the Linux router as your wireless access point for your laptop, Smartphone or anything else that may require it.

Filed Under: Linux, Operating System Tagged With: ,

Will my software run on Linux?

Will my software run on Linux?

One of the biggest questions to answer when pondering switching your operating system is whether the software you use will work on the new one. And the answer for Linux depends on several factors: Did the company make a Linux compatible version of the software, is there a Linux compatible piece of software available that does the same thing as that software, and is it compatible with one of the programs out there that can run programs made for other operating systems on Linux.

First off, you are going to want to check to see if your software does have a developer supported Linux version, most of the major web browsers have versions for most of the operating systems available. If it is a piece of commercial software you may need to pay for a Linux version. This is probably the best result you can hope for, as this means that the developer is supporting the Linux version directly.

Next option is to see if you can find comparable software that is Linux compatible. There is a wide selection of software out there for Linux operating systems that can do what many commercial software programs do. Open Office provides a wide suite of office programs including word processing, spreadsheets, calculations, and presentation creation. The GIMP is a feature rich image editing program.

Finally, there are the programs out there that are going to be able to run some applications that are native to other operating systems in Linux. The most well known program for running Windows programs under Linux would be Wine. This program will run a large number of Windows applications, including many games, but it is not a perfect solution, not all programs will run under it properly. If you are thinking of switching and this seems like a good solution for you, check their database to see how well your applications run under Wine.

Filed Under: Linux, Software Tagged With: ,

What is Open Source?

What is Open Source?

Open Source is a term that refers to software where the programmers have left the source code openly available, although there may be some licensing agreements that need to be adhered to if someone wants to use it for their own project. Source code is the language that is written by the programmer before it is run through a compiler that translates it into a form that the computer will recognize.

According to the Open Source Initiative to be considered open source the software must meet some requirements. Some of the major requirements are:

- The source code needs to be included

- No restrictions on who can modify the code

- Modified versions of the code are allowed to be distributed

- The program must be freely distributed (However, this does not prevent programs from being sold commercially)

- The license cannot require other programs to be excluded or interfere with how other software operates.

- The license cannot require any specific technology or interface type

Often, large open source projects are handled by groups of programmers who volunteer their time to work on the projects they feel are worth their time. This can have benefits and drawbacks. A popular program will often have many people working on it at any given time, this allows fast reaction to user feedback, this will often quash bugs and security holes much faster than commercial software may be able to. On the other hand, a smaller more niche product may not get much attention so that issues may not be resolved for a long time.

Some of the largest examples of Open Source Software would be all the various distributions of Linux, and the very popular Firefox web browser. While Linux is still a small share of the market in operating systems, Firefox is actually the most widely used browser out there, first surpassing Internet Explorer’s share in the beginning of 2009.

Filed Under: Operating System, Software Tagged With: ,

Use Software to Build a Better Resume

If you’ve been in the same job for a number of years and suddenly find yourself unemployed you’re going to need a resume. If you haven’t updated your resume in a while, things have changed and you need the competitive advantage of a professional, yet contemporary resume to highlight your career experience.

There are now resume maker software applications that help you wade through the process of putting together what today’s hiring executives are looking for. One of the great things about today’s resume software is they typically show professional examples of what looks good as it pertains to the field you are in. Typically, it’s a good idea to see how things have changed before you start putting things down on paper.

Resume software acts almost like a wizard that sets things up for a new e-mail account, meaning the software takes you through the steps, one by one, that help you ensure a quality and thorough resume. Not sure what font to use or what size font to use, the wizard will guide you through your various options.

Not sure what to write? The examples section within a good software will come with pre-written phrases for just about every career. It’s always a good idea to personalize your resume with your own wording, but if you haven’t put one together in a while, having a few phrases at your fingertips will be a good starter.

Most hiring executives don’t want to see gaps in your employment history. Having a good resume software at your fingertips will help mask these gaps and answer questions about length, education and special skills sections.

With tough economic times out there today, your resume is more important than ever as executives get hundreds of applications for every job opening. Give yourself a competitive advantage with the purchase of resume software.

Filed Under: Software Tagged With: ,

Let Computer Software Help do Your Taxes

It’s almost tax season and many people across the country are going to be avoiding their tax situation like the plague because doing their taxes is just way too complicated.

There are numerous tax preparation software programs that take the headache out of tax preparation and put you in the driver’s seat towards getting the most money back from your hard working year.

For many, using Turbo Tax software has simplified their tax preparation, all without the use of an expensive specialist to do the work for them.

Why should you use Turbo Tax?

Turbo Tax is simple and poses questions to you in a manner that doesn’t take an English degree to decipher. Sometimes directions are hard to follow, but Turbo Tax offers real solutions and step-by-step direction on what you need to do to get your maximum refund.

Not everyone works one job, owns a home or does business from their home. When you have an income tax return that requires extra care and patience, it’s wise to have a program like Turbo Tax that meets your needs.

The Home & Business, Premier and Deluxe editions of Turbo Tax asks you questions that helps decipher what’s changed since the last time you filed taxes. Upon deciphering the new information, this software fills in the blanks for you, and avoids those never-ending questions that always come up during tax season.

One of the great advantages of tax software is the ability to get your W-2 information directly from the company you work for. Many companies now allow your software to log into their system, get the W-2 and get you on the way to tax preparation.

Don’t let tax season drive you crazy with questions and unanswerable dilemmas. Computer software like Turbo Tax is a great way to expedite your return and get back the most money possible.

Filed Under: Software Tagged With: ,

Software for Your Computers Health

Before you give up on that aged computer you’ve been nursing along for the past few years, it is definitely worth looking into the purchase of software to alleviate the problems that you may be having.

A great purchase for your personal computer health is that of PC system utilities. The cost will be significantly less than that of a new computer and ultimately could extend the life of your computer for five to ten years.

So how does it work?  PC system utilities is a computer software that helps you maintain the health of your computer. It will scan your computer for viruses and make sure you aren’t running spyware that you aren’t aware of. PC system utilities helps you make the most of your computer’s memory and clears your hard drive form many of the junk files that are probably slowing you down. Lost files? PC system utilities can help you recover what you thought was lost.

Have a system that’s acting sluggishly, there are a number of things you can do. The worst thing you can do is run out and buy a new computer before looking at the relatively cheap options that you have at your fingertips. Having PC system utilities in your back pocket will likely isolate the problem, find what you need to do to fix it, and have your computer back to normal in a matter of minutes.

With heavy internet use on all of our computers, spyware has a way of creeping into the system to slow you down. PC system utilities finds it and helps you get rid of the problem before it becomes a real problem. Staying away from internet sites that are of pornographic nature is a great way to keep your computer running smoothly.

The next time you’re browsing the internet, take a few moment and look around for the software that will keep your computer running up to speed.

Filed Under: Software Tagged With: ,

Computer Software has Taken Over the Cell-Phone

Long gone are the days when your phone was simply used for making phone calls. For most people, especially young people, their cell phone has multiple software applications that are running the show.

How often do you look over at someone playing a game on their phone? Pretty often these days as mobile downloads of Super Mario Brothers and Angry Birds are pretty common. The amount of games that are available to download to your phone are mind-boggling. Go to any internet software application site and you are going to be inundated with hundreds of choices of games for your phone.

It’s not just games that have changed the landscape of the everyday phone. Mobile software applications like Bing have revolutionized the way phone users have access to date today. Bing is essentially a search engine for your phone.

Some software applications for phones deal specifically with airport search and hotel accommodations, a great thing for the busy traveler who needs to check reservations while on the run.

For the busy traveler, the music applications and the new book applications are a great way to pass the time during that layover of multiple hours in a new city.

Traveling through Montana and not sure if you’ve taken the correct road, there are software applications that act as GPS units to guide you back onto the path and safely to your final destination.

The cell phone has become so much of our everyday lives. Many people have gone away from having that old-fashioned land line and instead have opted for cell phone service for the entire family. And why wouldn’t they, the cell phone does so much more than the land line, providing music and entertainment to those who have downloaded the proper software applications.

Have an old outdated phone and jealous of everyone having so much fun, it’s time to look into a new phone.

Filed Under: Software Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »