Caution On Open Source Download Pages in Search Results

Posted on April 28th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Caution On Open Source Download Pages in Search Results
© dullhunk

Google Instant has a handy keyboard shortcut that lets you quickly open the first result in searches by simply hitting the Enter key, but since Google highlights sponsored results at the top of their search results list, those who are overly trigger-happy can end up being burned with a bum open source download instead of a legitimate result.

This has happened to some people who were searching for software in this way and ended up with crapware-laden versions of legitimate open source software. While careful users may notice that they've been dumped to an unofficial distributor, many others are too trusting of Google's first result. The first sponsored result is often an ad that points to the same page as the real first result, as is the case for Chrome and many other open source software. However, it pays to keep your eyes open and make sure you are in fact heading to an official download page when clicking on a result from search.

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New Open Source Download

Posted on April 9th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

New Open Source Download
© viZZZual.com

The famous Linux penguin is getting some competition from a new open source download called Puppy Linux. Version 5.2.5 of the flagship Lucid Puppy Linux distribution, aka "Lupu", improves on earlier releases with a raft of updates and new features. For example, a version 4.1.0 of the Bash shell is included, replacing the previous version's Bash 3. Version 4.03 of the Syslinux bootloader replaces Syslinux 3, while the window manager JWM 500 has replaced JWM 493. Also included is the Gnumeric spreadsheet software, updated to version 1.10.13.

More programs are also available through the Puppy Package manager, and notable improvements include upgrades to the new release's sound capabilities. Lucid Puppy is primarily based on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, but it also includes version 1.41.14 of the e2fsprogs filesystem utilities, which are the latest from Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal."

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Android Continues Being Open Source, Symbian Maybe Not

Posted on April 9th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Android Continues Being Open Source, Symbian Maybe Not
© osde8info

Certain rumors had recently evolved that Google Android is no longer an open source because of the delay in release of the new source code for developers. Rumors had it that the new version of Android (Honeycomb) won't be an open source but a paid version instead.

A clarification comes from Google's vice president Andy Rubin that the Android will remain a free open source, they will release the source code as soon as it gets ready and they are enduringly committed to provide Android as an open source platform.

On the other hand, a perplexing blog post by Nokia claims that Symbian Platform is no longer an open source and source codes are only available for their collaborators. This has enraged the Symbian fans, who are crying foul play.

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