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Fedora 9 “Sulphur” Out May 20, 2008

Posted by Burhan in : Linux, Software , add a comment

This is probably old news for those that are keeping up with Linux distribution releases but Fedora 9 “Sulphur” was recently released. I am actually a big fan of Ubuntu but Fedora always seems to be a step ahead when integrating the latest versions of popular opensource programs; and so last night I downloaded the 3.3 GB DVD installer image and replace Ubuntu on my dual boot system with Fedora.

It used to be that installation was the biggest hurdle with Linux — not so anymore. Installation couldn’t be simpler; you answer a few questions, click next, choose the disk partitions and anaconda (the Fedora installer) takes care of the rest; including setting up the bootloader to correctly boot into Vista.  There is even a screen by screen presentation that shows you the exact steps you need to take to get it installed.

Fedora 9 Includes:

To be fair, most of the above is also part of Ubuntu 8.04 “Hardy Heron” but the reason I switched to Fedora is because their new NetworkManager application has added experimental support for GSM modems.  Previously you had to use third party workarounds that were vendor specific (ie, only works with Huwaei devices) or provides little or no support. I can also confirm that it works with the USB modems that are being distributed by both Zain and Wataniya.

Thawte Is Ready for Mars April 23, 2008

Posted by Burhan in : Miscellaneous, Software , 1 comment so far

Thawte is a company that provides security and identity solutions (things like SSL certificates); and one of their products is a free email certificate; which allows you to sign and encrypt emails for added assurance.

Never satisfied with their Earthly customers, its apparent that Thawte is looking beyond the final frontier in attracting customers; and to verify their identities — notaries are also accepted from beyond this world.

Digsby - Go. Get. It. April 6, 2008

Posted by Burhan in : Software , add a comment

If you have accounts on more than one IM service — you fall into two categories. Either you run three or four different IM programs, or you suffer with one of those programs that tries to connect to all of them at once.  If you fall into the second camp, then you owe it to your IM-buddies to get yourself Digsby.

Not only does it connect with everything under the sun, it also hooks into Facebook (who doesn’t have a Facebook account) and various other social networks. You can also set it up to check all your email boxes. My personal favorite feature is that the default theme is smooth operator, one of my all time favorites from Adium.

Mozilla Updates? April 6, 2008

Posted by Burhan in : Software , add a comment

So, seems these updates are getting bigger by the day :)

PS. The above is a bug. Lightning is not really a 4 GB download. Click the image for a full size version.