Operating Systems | Stability Systems

How Linux Came To Be

Linux is a very popular operating system. Many computer users take advantage of it because it is very user friendly and cost effective. It is most popular with programmers and its development is ongoing and interactive.

The Linux operating system initially began development in 1991 when Linus Torvalds wanted to create a new computer system. He devised it as a way for himself to use it with UNIX, the servers used at the University of Helsinki where he was studying computer science. Linux is what is known as a kernel, which is a central component of an operating system. The name Linus is a combination of Linus and UNIX. The program originally had the name Freax, which was a combination of free and UNIX.

After its creation, Linus made the program available for free download via the newsgroup Usenet. Linus has been quoted as saying that if other free programs were available at the time then he probably would not have created his own. He is referring to the GNU project in particular which was another free software system in development and was not released until 1992. Ironically, in order to be completed in 1992, the GNU system required a kernel which was subsequently supplied by Linux.

These days Linux is maintained by a community of freeware users, namely programmers, who help the continued development of Linux by providing feedback and suggestions. Linus Torvalds currently resides in the United States with his wife and three daughters. He is currently involved in the Linux Foundation, which is a merger of Open Source Development Labs and the Free Standards Group

Filed Under: Applications, Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: GNU, Linux, UNIX

Customizing Your Desktop in Windows 7

Windows and Mac OSX both offer the option of downloading and installing widgets (Windows calls them gadgets), which are like smart phone apps for your computer’s desktop. Windows XP and Vista kept them sectioned off in the Sidebar, but in Windows 7, gadgets are free to wander about your desktop.

Turn It On, Baby

Installing gadgets onto your desktop is simple. All you need to do is find an open spot on your desktop, then right click with your mouse. Select Gadgets from the menu. A little window with nine default gadgets will open up. If you want to activate it, drag and drop it onto your desktop. Simply double click on it to turn it on. To deactivate it, click on the little X in the upper right hand corner of the application window.

Oh Yeah, That’s the Widget

There are more gadgets available online. Go back to the window that has the default gadgets. On the lower right is a button you can click to Get More Gadgets Online. It takes you to the Microsoft website. From this page you can browse all the different categories, including the lists of the top downloaded and top rated gadgets.

Gadget categories include:

Fun and Games
Mail and IM
Multimedia
Music, Movies, TV
News and Feeds
Safety and Security
Search tools
Techy, Geeky, Cool
Tools and Utilities
Miscellaneous

Let Me Show You How I Like It

When Windows took their gadgets out of the Sidebar (and actually eliminated the sidebar completely), they opened up a lot of options for customizing your desktop. You are no longer limited to keeping them on the right side of your screen. You can arrange your gadgets in any order you want. The gadgets themselves are customizable, and you can drag the corners out to increase or decrease their size.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: Microsoft, Microsoft Windows, Windows XP

Widgets for Your Linux System

Widgets make it easier for computer users to get the information that they need without spending a lot of time or CPU power opening independent internet browsers. Finding a widget engine that works well for you, therefore, can help you save time and energy, allowing you to work more efficiently. Plus, some widgets are just plain cool.

Widgets for Opera

There are several useful widgets for Opera. Internet security freaks will like the Stay Secure widget. It allows you to learn about the security strength of popular internet browsers such as IE and Firefox. If you are more interested in entertainment than security, then consider installing the Seesu widget. This small program allows you to search for music and listen directly from your desktop. You can also download small games to keep you occupied when you aren’t busy working on a project.

Google Widgets

Google has developed a plethora of widgets for Linux operating systems. You can download them in bundles or one at a time. Some popular Google widgets include the weather toolbar, calendar and clock. Of course, Google also includes widgets for its own web-based software. You can use them to keep an eye on your Gmail and Google Docs without opening a browser.

Jackfield Widgets

Some times you just can’t find the widget that you want for Linux, but you can find it for other operating systems. That’s where Jackfield comes in. Jackfield emulates other systems so that you can run widgets on your computer. Instead of feeling left out, you get to use all of the latest widgets designed for commercial use. Just download the Jackfield software and you can start running thousands of widgets that were designed for Windows and Apple operating systems. That way you get to use the best widgets designed for every operating system.

Filed Under: Applications, Operating Systems Tagged With: Jackfield, Linux, Operating system

Replacing Time Management Software with Desktop Widgets

Using desktop widgets is certainly not for everyone. However, it can be a nice and refreshing change for the right user. Is replacing time management software with desktop widgets for you? Let’s find out.

If you currently have time management software and are perfectly happy with it, change may not be good. This is especially true if you need the complexities within the software; for instance, if you need complex reminder alarms and reoccurring tasks (although there are some widgets that can handle this). If you have a long list of tasks and a calendar stuffed with meetings and appointments, stick with what you have.

There is also the type of user who needs the basics of time management software. Some events and a few tasks here and there characterize this type of user, where accessibility overrides complex functionality. Simply put, if you use time management applications no more than you check your e-mail, you should think about switching.

This type of switch utilizes desktop widgets, which can cover a wide variety of types. For instance, you could easily dock your calendar, tasks, and notes right on your desktop. Lacking a great deal of complexity, these widgets have an impressive range of functionality. They certainly live up to the expectations of what they do best, which is simplifying things.

If you think these types of widgets could eliminate the need for different programs, give them a try. Some users find the minimalist setup of widgets much more productive than having to open separate programs. It can be a change towards an easier to use setup on your computer, yet it is unquestionably not for every type of user. Do some research to see what widgets would be good for you on your computer; you may find the next best thing to improve your productivity and organization.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: Time management, User (computing), Widget engine

Widgets for the Web and Desktop

When the Internet was new, web pages were pretty basic. They consisted of text, maybe a picture or two, and some links. Now, web pages are interactive and allow visitors to see and do many different things. Many of these activities are done through the use of widgets.

Widgets are little applications that can be installed and executed while the user is on the web page. The first widgets were very basic and included things such as visitor counters, clocks, and certain link share advertising banners. Now widgets can do many different things on a web page. The most common types of widgets today are flash and javascript based.

Widgets are very popular today, in much the same way that apps (applications) are on smart phones. They allow the user to tailor their browsing experience to fit their needs. The social networking sites and blogs have really embraced the concept of widgets. For example, if you are a blog owner, you may add widgets to your blog that update anyone who reads of the sports scores of your favorite team or the weather in your town. The ability to offer personalized content such as this is very appealing to many website and blog owners.

Another type of widget that is available is a desktop widget. These are similar to those you use on the internet, but instead they are small programs that are downloaded and stay on your desktop for easy use. Many of these are organizational in nature and may include things such as a to-do list, timer, address utility, and other similar products. These products are downloaded and used directly from the computer so they do not affect what any other web user sees on their end. Apple has a proprietary format of desktop widgets that are only able to be accessed by Macintosh computers

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: Apple, Web page, Widget engine

Choosing Hardware for Linux

Linux is the hottest operating system out there. True, it may not be as wide spread as Windows, but Linux holds the major advantage of being free.

Before you jump into getting a computer and running Linux to your heart’s content, you may want to consider some important tips. Linux is fairly flexible on most computers. There are some hardware aspects to be aware of, though.

It’s best to get a MicroATX and have at least 250 watts when it comes to Case/Power supply. You also want the best processor you can afford. The recommended minimum would be a Pentium II which has 400 Mhz. Remember though, you don’t need so much processing power if you are using the computer for other purposes, such as a server rather than your primary computer source.

The motherboard is one of the most essential items to consider since it’s going to have great influence on your operating system. First of all, get one that has newer and better chipsets. It won’t do you any good to be running old, outdated chipsets. It is recommended that you check with the community and Kernel support for best feedback regarding Motherboards. Another resource is also manufacturers of hardware, although they may not have as much information regarding Linux. When it comes to RAM, the minimum needed is 128 Mb, but it is better to have a higher RAM, such as one with 192 Mb. Memory is an important component to the system, especially if you are going to use your computer as a server. Linux is not preferential in what type of RAM you use, but for a top performance consider RDRAM when using Intel for best results.

If you take some of these tips into consideration, you can build a great computer from the start that can run Linux to its optimum capacity. Don’t be afraid to try Linux on your existing computer, though. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much you like it.

Filed Under: Hardware, Operating Systems Tagged With: Linux, Motherboard, Operating system

The Functioning of an Operating System

An operating system is the software section of a computer system responsible for the coordination and management of activities and the sharing of resources within a computer. The operating system, also known as OS, serves as a host for a variety of application programs which run on the computer. One of the purposes of the operating system, as it serves as a host, is to manage the details of the hardware operations. This process relieves the application programs from having to handle these details and this makes application writing easier. Most computers include supercomputers, desktop computers, modern video game consoles and hand-held computers. All of these use some type of operating system

The operating system offers a variety of services to users and application programs. Application programming interfaces, also known as application programming interfaces or system calls, allow applications access to these services. When these interfaces are invoked, a request can be made by an application from pass parameters, operating systems and where results of the operation are received. By using graphical user interface, also known as GUI or by typing in commands, users are able to network with the operating system. The GUI is typically employed for large multi-user systems as application programs that run on the outside of the OS.

Modern types of OS supply the capabilities of programs of multiple applications simultaneously, which is known as multiprogramming. Within the OS, every program that runs is characterized by a process. An executive environment is provided within this system for each process by use of hardware resource sharing to ensure that each application has no need to be made aware of other processes executions. The central processing unit, known as the CPU, provides sections of the computer to be utilized by one program at a time. The CPU can be shared by the operating system among processes by something called slicing.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With: Android, Operating system, Programming

Windows Alternative is Better Than Ever

People who have had it with computers crashing and having to reboot before completing simple tasks finally have a true alternative to Windows. The Microsoft operating system, which has been forced on most PC users, is being replaced by a growing number of people with Linux.

One of the best reasons to take the leap to Linux is that it is an open source software, which means that the codes are shared with software developers all over the world. This has helped refine the program to the point where it truly represents the latest technology in the industry. Linux is used by Google and is the operating system in the world’s ten most powerful super computers.

While Linux has been around for years, the most recent upgrades have come in running desktop systems. For years, Linux was thought of primarily as a way to control computer servers but has now branched out to include PC’s, tablets, mobile phones and satellite receivers. Developers gravitate to Linux because computers operating on it seldom crash, eliminating the need to reboot.

Another reason that Linux is a great alternative to Windows is that the system is less susceptible to computer viruses. Writing a program that could do harm to a PC is very difficult with Linux because the user will end up damaging their own system. Linux also is more safe because all of the primary distributors of Linux based software offer free security updates online to address any threats as soon as they are detected.

If you are afraid to switch because you fear you will not be able to link up with PC’s running Windows, that concern has been addressed. There are software programs like Samba which make the interface very simple and programs to do the same if your network includes computers running Apple or Novell.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: Linux, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows

Kinect Hackers Hit the Mark

Score one for Microsoft, kids; except, really, Microsoft did nothing, nor should they receive any specific credit besides the initial creation of what is called the “Kinect,” the latest sensation for the Xbox 360. Who knew they created such a flexible piece of equipment? I don’t think they even knew.

Flexible, you ask? In a basic kilobyte-filled digital nutshell, hackers have discovered a way to reconfigure the Kinect to work with other operating systems—such as Linux and Mac OS X. The hardware no longer fits solely with Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Now gamers can use the Kinect with these other systems—and with ease, too.

DIY electronics kit maker Adafruit had announced the winner of the “Open Kinect Bounty.” The word “open” suggests its usability through other operating systems. The winner was a hacker based out of Spain named Hector Martin Cantero, known online as “marcan.” The best part was his process for making it work: “easy” was the word. It had only taken him a few hours to reconfigure the Kinect after its European release into the gaming public. Posting a YouTube video on how he did it with his Linux-based laptop stirred the whole gaming world into a frenzy, most notably Microsoft, and Adafruit awarded “marcan” $3,000 for winning the Open Kinect Bounty. Pretty sweet nibbles there.

Since then, other hackers have tried their tests on reconfiguration, using “marcan’s” theoretical and instructional process. The Mac OS X was the second operating system to work with the Kinect. And you know what’s funny? Very soon there will be a corporation that will also launch its own motion sensor technology hardware for PCs! The gaming field is getting gritty out there.

The question on everyone’s mind now, however, is simply this: how is Microsoft taking this new development? Are they ticked off? Or are they riding with it? We’ll wait to get to level 2 on this game; just stay sharp, and watch for those Halo bullets.

Filed Under: Applications, Operating Systems Tagged With: Kinect, Mac OS, Microsoft