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You can carry a small digital video recorder in a pen that actually writes as well! It is the greatest little gadget, whether for fun, or for actually wanting to capture video and audio onto the 2GB of memory. This little beauty of a Mini Spy Pen is compatible with Windows 98/98SE/2000/XP/VISTA OS/ Linux, and it can also auto identify the operating system and install related drivers, no need to manually install (except for Windows 98). The sleek, slick, stylish design will look good in your pocket, and no one will ever know that you are carrying a mini spy pen!

You can leave it on your desk as you wander away from the office to find out what co-workers are up to. You can be in a restaurant, and leave the table, then later return a find out what was said in your absence…once you connect it to your computer via USB. The built in lithium battery can be recharged and will last 2 to 3 hours. The highly sensitive microphone of this Mini Spy Pen camera will pick up audio up to fifteen feet away, clearly and accurately.

This is a color camera with 300,000 pixels and with resolution of 352 X 288 and the camera lens is cleverly located one quarter inch down from the top, so even if the pen is clipped in a shirt pocket, the lens is above the top of the pocket and facing outward, to record everything in front of you. You will love this mini spy pen whether it is just for fun or if you really need to capture someone’s behavior and words on a digital recording device. These also make fabulous gifts for anybody that you want to “wow!” with an awesome gift item! Whether a friend, loved one, or business colleague worthy of such an incredible gift, you will always be remembered for the magnificent gesture!

You don’t have to go shopping all over town to find this little beauty, either! Then have to also have a commissioned salesman try to sell you three other spy like gadgets as well! You can order this fantastic Mini Spy Pen Camera online, by clicking that link and visiting an awesome website of nanny cams, hidden cameras, complete home surveillance systems, and much more! We live in a time when you really need to “Be safe, Not sorry!”

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Even if you are not involved in espionage you might have a need for a mini spy camera, or perhaps you just want one for the fun of it! For under a hundred bucks you can have lots of fun with this small Stick DVR Hidden Camera, which really isn’t “hidden” although you can have it attached to your belt or clothing and no one will have to know that it is an audio recording, video recording device that can even take still shots.

You would later connect your Mini Spy Camera to your computer’s USB port to upload and view the videos or photos on Windows 98/ME/2000/2003/ XP/VISTA OS and Linux. This is one of the coolest gadgets you will have seen in a long time, and you will find a multitude of uses for this little beauty. You can leave it behind on your desk when you go to lunch to find out what colleagues are up to in your absence.

The Mini Spy Camera can be left in the car with a friend or family member, while you run into a store or the bank. You can hear what your spouse or teenager might be saying to their friend on a cell phone. Hidden Cameras and Surveillance Systems are everywhere these days, so we don’t even really have any privacy anymore! So, why not also have the ability, with your own Mini Spy Camera, to find out what others are doing when you are briefly away?

This mini spy camera has a built in lithium battery that will last up to two hours and gets recharged when plugged into the computer’s USB port. There is a date and time stamp, and the gadget is really convenient, and it’s tiny; it will fit inside an empty package of gum…the five sticks package!

So, whether it will be for a purpose of importance, or just for fun and giggles, you need to get your own Mini Spy Camera Now! You can click there, order one online, and have it shipped to your door via UPS! What could be easier than that? And this Mini Spy Camera makes a fabulous gift for the person on your gift list that enjoys technology, gadgets, and fun electronic items! Plus, when it comes to your safety and protection…it’s better to “Be safe, Not sorry!”

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The latest inclination in gadgets, points toward compact and mini devices. So in the case of laptops, they are now converted to mini laptops. This younger sibling to notebooks is successfully gripping its stand in the markets. These laptops are not only compact and portable, but also the prices are exceptionally nominal. Let’s throw some light on some innovative mini laptops, which you can opt for your computing purposes. Here’s a list of 5 netbooks available in India to pick from:Dell Latitude 2100: U.S based company, Dell has been designed a compact machine keeping in mind the needs of students and professionals. Dell Latitude 2100 is powered with the Intel Atom N270 processor and Intel 945 GS Express with an optional DVD+/-RW. User can opt the machine either in a three-cell and a six-cell lithium ion battery.

Eye catching feature of the laptop is its stylish looks and compact design. Its hard drive is replaceable with a solid-state drive. With support for Windows XP Home, Windows Vista Home Basic and Linux Ubuntu version 8.10, it includes three-in-one memory card reader and VGA port for connectivity. The Latitude 2100 is available at the starting price of Rs. 23,000.Lenovo S10: Lenovo is not a new name in laptop arena.  Lenovo S10 is a good option for the customers looking for an affordable, yet good looking machine. The laptop features Intel Atom processor N270 (1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 512 KB L2 cache), 160GB Hard Disk, 1GB DDR2 667MHz, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB Ports and 3 in 1 Media Reader. The machine runs on Windows Vista Home Basic. It lets users pick between 80GB and 160GB hard drive. The machine is worth just Rs. 14,000.Samsung N120: World’s largest conglomerate introduced a highly portable 1.27 Kgs Samsung N120 with 10.1-inch Widescreen SuperBright WSVGA LED display. Astounding features of the laptop includes 1.6 GHz Intel Atom ULV Processor N270 that is specifically designed for low-power devices; graphics are maintained by Intel GMA 950 Graphics chipset. The laptop features WiFi 802.11b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth +EDR connections, 160-GB 2.5-inch internal hard drive along with integrated 1.3 MP webcam, three USB ports, VGA resolution webcam, 3-in-1 Media Card Reader supporting SD, SDHC and Multimedia Card (MMC), 10/100 Mbit Ethernet LAN connection, 56kbps Modem/Fax connection and 2.1 channel speaker system with 1.5W subwoofers. The N120 runs on Microsoft Windows XP Home. 7.4 volts battery offers up to 8 hours of battery life. The price is fixed as Rs. 24,177.Acer Aspire One: Next in the list is a very economic mini laptop by Acer, a Taiwan-based multinational electronics manufacturer. The machine embraces features like Intel Atom processor, 8.9-inch LCD screen, built-in webcam, 1 GB RAM, up to 160 GB of HDD, easy-to-use Mail software application suite and battery life up to 3 hours. The laptop is a good combination of looks and functionality and available in Sapphire Blue, Brown, Black, Pink and White colors. Acer Aspire One laptop is available in India for an estimated price of Rs. 21,999 (Windows XP) and Rs. 19,999 with Linux base. Toshiba NB200: Recently, Toshiba has introduced range of compact notebooks. The NB200 is a good machine for every category of users.  The 10.1-inch screen is coated in a glossy finish. The NB200 is built around an Atom N280 processor and 1GB of RAM along with three USB ports.

An astounding feature of the laptop is that has used a shock-proof hard drive that adds an extra level of protection for your data. It comes with a Full-size QWERTY keyboard, Touchpad, 3D Motion Sensor, LED Backlit Display and Integrated Web Camera. The netbook is available in two colors namely; Satin Brown Color with Pleats & Cosmic Black with Fusion Stripe. The new Toshiba NB200B-A1712 Netbook is available in India at price of Rs.25, 500.So, what’s your pick?

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There are many methods that are used to hack and mod iPods and in this article we will examine three popular methods: iPod Linux, Rockbox and iPod wizard. Each one requires some technical understanding to insure proper usage and installation. The reason for this is because during the installation process, serious problems may occur if it is not done with care. The iPod may be ruined, the data can be lost, and it might be difficult to recover the iPod.
Mods and hacks for iPods expand the usability of the device and give added customization. The MP3 playlist is not that complete, or if one is not satisfied with the way artists or the titles of the songs are organized. Sometimes the volume is too low or you wish to install a different icon or font. These are just a few of the potential complaints a person can list toward their iPod.
iPod Linux and Rockbox are operating systems which can work as another firmware for the iPod and are more powerful compared to other hacks which simply represent a modified version of the basic ones. This will mean that users will be given the ability to give their iPod a totally different look, thanks to a wider range of customization options, or by adding a new theme to the device. But this also allows for additional changes since possibilities arise for new text document creation, new games, new playlist organization, video playback, and so on.
Also these additional operating systems are constantly updated allowing for the latest version to be installed. However, using a new operating system to hack the iPod like iPod Linux for example means you must first be aware of the challenge it offers not so much in terms of its usage, but mainly for its installation since it replaces your iPod’s original firmware.
Using Rockbox as an operating system is not that dissimilar from the Linux one. Aiming at providing even more high quality updates and experiences, Rockbox may be considered one of the best operating systems which focus on improving audio performance by expanding audio format compatibility.
The increased audio format compatibility includes: FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, AC3, WMA, MP3/2/1, WavPack, Speex, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, ACC, Musepack, and more. Other unique feature includes speaking menus support which allows one to navigate the iPod blindly, plug-in support and advance audio tuning. Rockbox does not remove the original firmware on your iPod instead it is loaded via a boot loader. This makes the risk of installation much lower compared to iPod Linux.
The iPod Wizard is more like a modification utility than a totally different firmware. Itss basically used to work on the quality of the images, changing text, adding icons and its installation is not that challenging. Since this support is only about images and text, others mods exist which only deal with audio, and their focus for example is shifted to increasing the maximum volume perceived in the headphones.
There are many other hacks and mods which can give you added features you never thought possible on an iPod. From transforming your iPod into a remote control to playing the classic 3D first person shooter DOOM, to even just modifying the way your iPod looks on the exterior. If you’re interested, explore the internet and discover the new abilities your iPod.

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Smart phones are specially developed for corporate users. These are data centric and have large screens. They function as mobile phones as well as PDAs and allow you to email, access data, and browse the Web. The major types of smart phones operating systems include Blackberry, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and iPhone among others.
Smart phones are developed overtly for executives and corporate users. These clever devices can perform as diligent as executives do. Smart phones perform prompt execution of corporate data access, Internet browsing, and e-mail. The IT group defined smart phone as a gadget that IT techies program and set up as requested by their senior managers and techies are concerned that the handset together with the essential information it contains may vanish in the cab.
Smart phones are data-focused convenient gadgets having large monitors. They’re built to provide comprehensive mobile phone functions and work as a PDA or personal digital assistant all at the same time. Intense data applications also make these gadgets a stand out. Feature phones may offer you access to the Web but smart phones can go well with your computer. Furthermore, these devices are programmable, have open operating systems, and are capable of adding and deleting applications.
Below are the major kinds of smart phones operating systems:
BlackBerry
It is a leading wireless gadget solution. This technology can certainly merge into any size of industry networks. Blackberry mobile phones feature secure and intelligent software in addition to spontaneous keypads. A number of RIM Blackberry selections are presented by the world’s major mobile suppliers. Software selections are fitted with data services and e-mail to enable effortless sync of the mobile phone with computers as well as corporate servers. Models of Blackberry Pearl adopt SureType systems that facilitate fast typing with numerous letters designated to every key. On the other hand, BlackBerrys 8700 models offer large QWERTY keyboards to make possible speedy thumb keying.
iPhone
This is an innovatory platform designed by Apple, Inc. It offers GPS mapping and high speed wireless technology. This phone combines iPod, Internet browser, and e-mail into one gadget. iPhone also backs venture features such as App Store and Microsoft Exchange.
Linux
Originally invented by Linus Torvalds, a student from Finland, hundreds of people and corporations today have circulated their own OS adaptations rooted on Linux. Even if Linux has not completely forayed into the corporate smart phones, this platform is enjoying market dominance in Japan and China under DoCoMo and Motorola respectively. Several ingenuities are in process in order to produce Linux phones as multitalented and pungent as the BlackBerry.
Palm
Palm Treo is a simple yet completely equipped smart phone that integrates Internet access, email, organizer, and messaging. This operating system also presents Bluetooth technology to effectively facilitate wireless connection to many other Bluetooth-powered gadgets including digital cams, MP3 players, automobile kits, and headsets. With all these, Palm Treo remains to be one of the popular choices for business mobile phones.
Symbian
This technology is the top open operating system used for sophisticated data centric smart phones. Crafted for the explicit needs of cutting edge 3G phones, Symbian is also the main platform adopted on Nokia manufactured phones. Symbian series holds together the strength of a merged applications setting with mobile technology, thus delivering superior data benefits to the users. This OS enjoys the biggest part of the cake in the majority of international market. However, the influential North American clients favor the adoption of Windows Mobile or Blackberry over Symbian.
Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile is establishing its repute among corporate clients at a significantly fast pace. Windows Mobile phones like the Motorola Q are specifically developed to provide a Windows based manifestation for corporate users. It also bears straightforward data syncing by means of Microsoft Outlook. Comparable with BlackBerry, this software presents diverse network link preferences that let a small organization holding several mobile phones to expand into a large corporation having hundreds of units without needing to dispose all the phones eventually.

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My favorite gadget.I have had many gadget in my life. I’ve owned an ipod and never really saw the appeal. I never really got into video games so I didn’t bother with a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. My favorite gadgets are often overlooked by most people or taken for granted. I have a love of radio sets. I’m really missing my Eton unit that is currently in use by a friend (I’m picking it up tomorrow though, sorry Ezra) and get really excited by little things like the Trevor Baylis wind up MP3 player. Even though a media player doesn’t use a great deal of electricity the, idea of owning one that doesn’t use any is really appealing.My best used gadget is without a doubt my little Asus EEE 901. For such a small unit, it delivers the punch of much bigger and expensive notebooks in this sector. It lacks an optical drive and hard drive space is limited but coupled with a USB modem it is a true mobile laptop. This kind of unit is what pushes the one laptop per child initiative forward. The UN sponsored scheme is aimed at giving children on every continent access to computers and the Internet. It is the modern day version of Mr Baylis’s wind up radio from the mid 90′s and needs the backing of big companies to get work. With small mostly Linux based units selling for under £150 retail, the goal of giving every man woman and child a laptop is within reach. It takes companies like Asus to get behind the idea for it to have any chance of success.As for my favorite gadget at the moment. I would have to say my mobile phone is getting close. Unlike the vast majority of the market I kept it simple when I brought my last phone and am so pleased I did.My Nokia 2630 is without a doubt the best phone I have ever owned. Its small, has a good battery life and being a Nokia really easy to operate (far easier than my short lived Samsung period) It has all the features I need. I use the radio everyday and the sound is great. I can take pictures and video the transfer them to my laptop to upload to social networking sites, even if the quality cannot rival more expensive phones for what I need they are fine.It has a few games that help pass the time, and sending an email is just like sending a text. Internet is limited to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) but in good signal areas a mobile web page loads with little difficulty. The design is classic chocolate bar. No slide means fewer moving parts to go wrong and Nokia’s 2 button locking system stops you accidentally dialing anybody. The only downside to the layout is the proprietary data cable you need to sync the phone with a computer but these can be picked up for 4 or 5 pounds online. I recently brought a USB charger cable for a couple of quid that saves space when traveling (it takes a bit longer to charge off a USB socket but is fine if left overnight)As for battery life, as I use the radio a lot I usually need to charge the phone every couple of days but it has yet to die mid call. Batteries for these phones are cheap further adding to life expectancy for the handset. You can also (as with most Nokia’s) buy new cases really cheap so if it gets a bit tatty there is no need to buy a new phone.The phone itself is basically a redesigned 2600 classic. The only real difference is the color and the inclusion of a metal battery cover. This makes it a lot easier to get to the battery and SIM, but you do lose the option to use a click on fascia’s. This would make the unit more attractive as these cases are pennies on eBay and afford a bit more personalization. Having said that the black and silver cover supplied is understated and quite attractive. You can get ice white from some networks if black is not your thing.The operating system is a stripped down version of S60 found on later phones. Benefits include being able to change the order of the menu. I have set mine up so messaging is in the middle of the screen so I am only 4 clicks of the center key from being in a new message. As for the message set up this is like most Nokia’s. You 1st input who the message is for either by manually typing the number or using contacts. It also keeps a list of ‘recently used’ numbers so if you text 1 or 2 people a lot their numbers are easier to find. MMS is dealt with in similar fashion as are emails. As for browsing the Internet, this tends to depend more on your network than the phone. Being a Virgin mobile user my browser is a bit confusing but you can download mini Java versions of Opera and Yahoo. Data charges apply as most networks only let you browse from inside their own applications.Games are a bit limited (the phone not having the same memory or processing power of the Nokia 6300 for instance, this is to be expected) but there is still enough to keep you busy on the bus or train. The FM radio is brilliant. Even with Nokia’s supplied headset (witch is as good for music as it is calls) the sound is well defined and loud enough to block out even the noisiest commute. A loud speaker lets you share your music. If I have one issue and only one with the radio is the lack of magnetic shielding that means using near a laptop or other pulse emitting device can result in some loss of reception.Another feature is the alarm that is much louder than an equivalent Samsung or LG, and even gives Sony Erickson a run for its money. Calculator and schedule applications make the phone organizer features well rounded if basic. Again if you need a phone that syncs with outlook this is not it. If your after basic media features then the 2630 is perfect.The single best feature of the phone? The price. I got mine for £29.99 SIM free. I couldn’t buy the component parts for that price (radio, camera, organizer) let alone expect anywhere near the ease of use and reliability that I get from this phone.I am even tempted to buy a spare so as not to be without one when this one dies. I am waiting for the 2600 to nose dive in price and I will be ordering one from Virgin. As stated earlier they are pretty much the same phone. I would also have a spare charger and headset with no need to buy a new data cable when I do start using it further down the line. You lose a bit of memory (12mb on the vs 2630 7mb on the 2600) but memory is not a massive concern when your talking a VGA camera. You store contacts to SIM by default (and if you don’t you should) and with the data cable backing up is easy.The closets I can get in explaining the phones appeal is the 3300 of yesteryear. Both have great build quality and battery lives. Both have a wealth of easily available spare parts and like the 300 the 2630 is cheap compared to models currently coming out of south east Asia.One final feature that I love even though I only used it once was the box. It is literally half the size of anything else I have ever seen, and I am told made from fully recyclable material. Buying a phone is not a statement about your Eco credential’s but when you consider the amount of landfill caused by old mobiles it is nice to know this models start as it means to go on. I am confident mine will not end up in a landfill and even the box is being used somewhere in an environmentally aware fashion.The 2630 is for myself and I’m sure many others the perfect phone. You get all you will ever need for the less than £30. What more can you ask for? Jim Smithlavidaloca2009@rocketmail.com

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Even lower prices available for you if you’re ordering in larger wholesale quantities. Get your samples first then contact us for your personal discount quotes!

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I can’t believe it has been two weeks already that I’ve used Ubuntu Linux exclusively. If I had to sum up the experience in one word, that word would be “satisfying.” And my regular readers/listeners know that I can’t sum anything up in one word, so I will use this format to provide a complete synopsis of my Ubuntu thoughts.
Minimum Requirements

Ubuntu and its derivatives can run on extremely modest computers. Ubuntu works best on a system with at least a 500mhz processor and 192 mb of RAM…specs that even the six year old Windows XP would choke on and Vista needs triple those specifications to even get close to running at any appreciable speed. Xubuntu is a very basic operating system capable of doing all the major computer functions, but only requires a 166mhz processor and 48mb of RAM! That’s a computer that was sold in the early 90′s!!

These modest system requirements are what first drew me to Ubuntu. Compared with the monster hardware required to run Vista, Ubuntu gives new life to computers previously thought ready for the scrap pile. The fact that Ubuntu is FREE on top of all this is just a bonus.
Available Applications

A fresh install of Ubuntu (typically less than 30 minutes) gives any computer user the ability to:

* Browse the Internet

* Send and receive email

* Download digital photos from a camera

* Edit digital photos

* Create word processing documents

* Create spreadsheets

* Create slide presentations

* Play games like Sudoku, solitaire, blackjack, Mahjongg and more

All of the above are full version programs…not time limited or crippled versions and they are all free.
Who can use Ubuntu?

Literally anyone that can click a mouse or type on a keyboard can you use Ubuntu. The real question is; Who is right for Ubuntu? Here are my thoughts:

* Any aged computer user who only needs a computer for Internet, email, and occasional word processing. This is probably my idea of the number one demographic for Ubuntu.

* Any aged computer user who wants to do the activities I listed above plus download and do light editing of photos and play basic games.

* Families who want a solid, inexpensive, worry free computer system that the kids can do homework on and play Internet games on as well.

About the only group of people who I think should not use Ubuntu are those who require specialized industry software or software only available for Windows.
Ubuntu Support

Dell started selling Ubuntu desktops earlier this year and if you buy a computer with Ubuntu pre-installed at Dell or other vendors you might find, you will have the option for phone support. However, the power of Ubuntu is its community. The Ubuntu forums are second to none in being able to find answers to many existing questions and the ability to ask questions that come up as you use the system. I have found the forums to be extremely well organized and frequented by cordial, knowledgeable individuals. Also, many states offer Ubuntu users groups called LoCo groups for even more localized support.
Ubuntu Weaknesses

As much enthusiasm as I have for Ubuntu, I am not so blinded by love that I don’t see the chinks in the armor. And like ANY software or operating system, Ubuntu has a few chinks. The most glaring, in my opinion, are:

Hardware support. The Ubuntu community continues to work hard at providing drivers and programs that will work with every printer on the market and off the market as well as scanners, digital cameras (use a card reader for no problems at all), web cams and other devices. However, the number of hardware devices that have been available over the past ten years is staggering and Ubuntu has a lot of catching up to to do.

Wireless Internet. Once I figured out wireless on this laptop, I have had few problems, but getting wireless up and running requires some patience, technical know-how, and willingness to research the web for answers. It is getting better, but not as easy as wireless with Windows…yet.

Database. I love working with desktop databases. My skills are unfortunately pretty weak with databases, but I recognize their power and possibility so I constantly dabble in them. I was sorely disappointed with OpenOffice’s database program. It was slow, couldn’t handle much data and hard to customize. This all surprised me since their word processing, spreadsheet and presentation manager program all work so well.
Summary

At the beginning of this article I summarized my Ubuntu two week trek as being satisfying. I was satisfied that Ubuntu handled almost everything I threw at it. I was satisfied that I think the interface is such that any computer user of any age or ability could quickly get up to speed with Ubuntu. I was satisfied to have found a robust operating system that doesn’t break the bank in terms of computer needs and actual costs. As a tech guy who helps other fix their computers, I was extremely satisfied to use an operating system that requires virtually no worries about computer Internet security.

Will I continue to use Ubuntu? Absolutely, as my primary laptop? Will I give up my Windows PC? Not until all the support that I give lies only in Linux, which unfortunately won’t be any time soon.

Author: Rick Castellini
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker

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Buying the latest gadgets and gizmos is one of those major highs for the techno savvy that has few parallels. In particular if they are high tech gadgets or computer gadgets. The mere announcement of the tablet display, sized at 7”, by Apple has all computer aficionados in a whirl. The screen of this new device is practically the size of the gizmo itself. All in all as far as high tech gadgets go, this one promises to be a delectable blend of design and ingenuity.

Those hooked on acquiring the latest gadgets and gizmos, and who feel that Nook, Kindle and the like are old hat, now can revel in the world’s first dual screen device — the enTourage eDGe. It combines a notepad, netbook, e-reader, and video/audio recorder and player in one Linux with Google® Android® OS device. What does it do? Much of what you might want to at any given time — web surf, read an e-book, get email, watch movies or listen to music from anywhere.

Essentially this is a student-friendly device aimed at freeing them from carrying books and notebooks. Since it is first and foremost an e-reader, the glare-free screen, zooming features, and the ability for a person to read in sunlight make it a particularly desirable gizmo. There is a journal page that can be opened and used by hand or with the help of a virtual keyboard — very useful for taking notes. This feature is enabled by e-ink technology, which further allows people to make notes on the book they are reading.

If latest computer gadgets are what you are hooked on, there are quite a few in the market just now. The Lenovo Multimedia Remote with 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboard comes in a compact style. Once connected, this multimedia remote can be used for using multimedia controls on the PC like with Windows Media Center. There is also the BearExtender n3 which Rokland Technologies has recently rolled out. It is a long-range 802.11n high-powered wireless adapter for Macs that offers up to four times the range of standard Apple-branded AirPort wireless cards. The Wi-Fi adaptor combines 802.11n compatibility with a powerful 700mW Wi-Fi radio that enables the device to pick up 802.11g and 802.11b signals from long distances.

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The Motorola A910 is endowed with a number of new technologies. This sophisticated mobile gadget can serve up as your main source of communication, information and entertainment and provides everything you need and want in your handset. The Motorola A910 is a clam-shell phone with user-friendly key pad to navigate all the features. The new technologies include Wi-Fi connectivity and flexible Linux platform software for good technology performance. Apart from that, you can enjoy camera features plus MP3 player, office tools, Bluetooth and lots more.
You can get the new Motorola A910 contract phone for all that you need in a handset. Under the Motorola A910 deals, there are different tariff plans that you need to choose. All you need to do is to choose the handset and the deals. There are different network service providers in the UK who provide Motorola A910 mobile phones as per the deal.
The Motorola A910 offers a brilliant 1.3 megapixel digital camera with 3x digital zoom. Capture the moments that are all time special for you. You can save all those moments in your handset and also share it with your friends and family using advanced Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).
The Motorola A910 handset comes with a new generation Linux-Java operating system, Bluetooth wireless technology, J2ME performance, and superior text prophecy features for a simplified yet influential mobile experience.
Experience the ever growing technology that you call Bluetooth. It allows your Motorola A910 handset to communicate with other compatible devices without wires. Connect your PC, handsets, printers, etc., without using a wire.
Enjoy the new technology Motorola A910 with interactive and innovative games. Download latest java games from the Internet or from the network service providers and play games to refresh you mind anytime-anywhere.
Get connected with the Internet and connect the world. Get your Motorola A910 contract phones and enjoy the next generation features and technologies

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Tips For Converting Windows User to Linux

A survey reveals that many businesses, governmental agencies, educational institutions and other big organizations are switching over to Linux. What could be the cause of converting Windows user to Linux? These organizations are also switching over to free software for their application programs from the traditional commercial software. Here are some of the plausible reasons for this conversion at such a fast pace.

The foremost reason could be that Linux is available under a free software license and that it is available free of cost. One can easily download it from the Internet and that too for free. Moreover, one can also buy at minimal cost in the form of a disk or box. Another good thing about this operating system is that you can use one copy on as many computers, without any limitation. On other hand Microsoft Windows comes at a good sum of money.

Secondly, Linux is built from open source and free software, which gives its user the freedom to modify it. Even the source can be modified in any way. This again is in contrast with Microsoft Windows that does not permit for the modification of the software. Many organizations prefer Linux because of the freedom given to modify the source code without revealing it to any outsider.

Thirdly, you can easily find high quality support for this operating system on the Internet – for free! Many newsgroups and other forums provide this help. And for commercial needs, you can purchase Linux support at reasonable rates. With this operating system you do not need patches to cope with security threats or to fix bugs

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Hey Guys! Dont raise your eyebrows or fear by hearing the word Linux. It is as user friendly as windows. Just take a look at the articles below and all myths about Linux in your mind will disappear.

Introduction to Linux:

Its a free operating system available to download but you have to pay a tiny bit to mail order it or buy it from a company. Linux came into being about 11 years ago- it was developed by Linux Tornados of Finland along with a group of programmers from the open source software movement.

Linux is growing steadily year after year. With a passionate community backing it, with big companies Like IBM and HP pledging their support for it, its no wonder Linux- the wonder operating system for servers of the past, has also made it to the desktops of today.

Linux is based on the commercial OS, UNIX. All the operating systems try to pack in command line management of systems. System administrators of companies use command lines all the times as their lifeline, but its not really meant for regulars users.

Tips for Home Users:

• If you want to get comfortable with Linux, you dont have to let go of windows. Get Linux installed on a separate partition and you can switch between Windows and Linux. For new users who dont have any computer background learning windows or Linux both takes same time and sitting.
• It is suggested that new PC buyers should get both operating systems installed and should use them equally. If youre getting Linux for more than 2-3 PCs, you can also get training and support at a small free, if you choose to have it. Else its the Linux community on the Net to your rescue.
• You dont have to be a great computer user to work with Linux. There are Desktop environments that let you work in Linux as you work in Windows. As you work with windows, same is the case with Linux.

Linux hands in decreasing PC prices.

PC prices are already on their way down. And you get more choice with operating systems and applications. From being an OS only computer professionals had heard about, Linux, in a short time, has made a transition into the lucrative and high profile home PC segment.

The PCs bundle the operating system. Linux being a free open source operating system means that the code that runs is open for everyone to see, work with, modify and develop their own innovative applications for it. But this is nothing compared to the money people spend on Operating Systems like windows. And a company bundles Linux and applications based on it with a computer, quite a bit of the PC cost comes down. Presently some branded PCs coming with Linux are available for Rs: 25000/- onwards.

Linux is better than other OS

Linux users wont even bat an eyelid before they say an emphasis comes from a deep dislike of Microsofts practice of changing the earth for software. But a lot of it comes from the fact they are ready to swear upon-that Linux is more stable. According to a latest survey Web Hosts are using Linux Based Servers for hosting purposes.

One note here though: the free in Linux stands for freedom of choice, to redistribute, to install a feature, freedom to modify the source code. Thats the spirit of Linux being free.

Security:

Linux has a better security support for multi-users, lets you set up a stable server, internet gateways etc, and still lets it-self to be used as a desktop workstation. There are no blue screens and no viruses to speak of. It is rarely attacked by any viruses and there are very less number of viruses written for Linux. It can be given 10+ points on a 10 point scale for security.

Myths about Linux

Installation:

Linux is hard to install, isnt it? Not really. Most people havent ever installed Windows on their computers either-since it comes preloaded. Linux is as easy-some say easier-to install compared to Windows. You can install it through a graphical user interface like Windows. These days Linux Versions are easier to install than Windows. But what really stumps most people in installing Linux on a second partition on their hard disk, when they want to be able to use both operating systems.

A partition is a way of organizing space on your hard disk by creating virtual sections that are separate from each other. Most computers that are running Windows or MS DOS have one large chunk of space holding the OS. This space is the C drive. If you have a large hard disk, its likely that it has been divided up into smaller bits called partitions to help you organize your data better. These partitions are usually called D:, E: etc. you could have Linux on any of these.

Windows 98 creates a file system called FAT32 on the entire hard disk, DOS and Win95 use FAT16. Linux has many file systems-on the most popular is ext3. But you could have Linux installed on Fat32 partitions also.

Linux is very difficult and based on text command

Linux has come a long way from being the system of brilliant computer users. It has extremely advanced X Windows systems that have a complete graphical user interface-you know, like Windows. It also has a large number of window manager that let you work with different levels of customization of your desktop.

Linux has a robust character-cell interface where commands need to be typed in. x Windows is a free program that runs with Linux to provide a GUI where the mouse and keyboard can be used extensively. But the X system itself is quite primitive and needs a window manager, or a desktop environment- like GNOME or KDE- to be really usable. Window managers are programs that let you interact with the underlying X system and Linux OS by relaying commands. The popular window managers are Sawfish, Enlightenment, Black box, after step and Window maker.

As for desktop managers, they have their own window manager and other tools that make you feel that you are working in Window! GNOME and KDE are the most popular of these. GNOME stands for GNU Network Model Environment and KDE for K desktop Environment. They have tools that allow drag and drop, have panels and taskbar- almost like clones of windows.

Hardware compatibility problem and few applications that run on Linux

Well, most new distributions will detect and configure your hardware in a jiffy, unless you have some really old or exotic piece of hardware. All hardware are properly detected and their drivers installed. Only Win modems (internal modems driven by Window drivers) face problems.

As for software, theres plenty. And most of it comes free-free for you to use, modify and configure according to your needs. Almost all excellent software for Linux is free and you dont lose anything by giving it a try. You get free support on the Net quickly on any query you may have. And you dont even have to wipe out your Windows. Just get Linux on a different hard disk partition and free to switch between them as you please.

Other packages are commercial and you have to buy the software-but this is mostly for the software and training you need, and not for the software itself. Sometimes, if you have the Windows version (as a doom) you can download a small program that will allow you to play the game in Linux. The games in Linux are of very high quality and features. Youll enjoy them. Here whats available?

Office suites: Star Office, Open Office, Applixware, Corel WordPerfect

Graphics: GIMP, Corel Photo paint

Music: XMMS, Free amp, Real Player

Video: MTV, Xine

Games: FreeCiv, Tux racer, Doom, Quake, Heretic, Unreal And the list is growing.

Linux varieties for Home Users:

If there are so many people working on it. Theres likely to be many Linux versions too. Many companies working on Linux have come up with what are called Linux distributions. There are Linux versions that are compiled and packaged and released with additional software.

RedHat: Probably the most popular and in many ways the leading version. Its currently in version 9. The installation and configuration is easy. A blue curve file manager and the default GNOME desktop make it look simply stunning. It comes with a host of tools that allow usage as a server and as a workstation. The Red Hat Package Manger(RPM) format developed by Red Hat has almost become the defector for software distribution in Linux world. Installing new software is a breeze. It also has an advanced and easy font management system that makes fonts in X Windows look cool.

Mandrake: Mandrake Linux is now in its 10 version. It can be installed on a native Windows Partition using the Lin4Win tool, but this may slow the machine down. It also lets you do a traditional Linux install into its own dedicated partition. Mandrakes configuration and software installation is painless. It follows a slightly modified RPM architecture called mdk.rpm but most Red Hat software can also be used for Mandrake. The outstanding feature in this version is the collection of window managers-eye-candy freaks will have a great time.

SUSE: From Germany comes the Chameleon, SUSE. Now in its 8.x avatar, it has one of the most extensive software packages compiled, and getting them installed is easy with yast (Yet another Software Tool) which gives a centralized interface from where you can pick and choose the software to be installed. Among other things, SUSE comes with some stunning 3D games that showcase Linux gamming prowess

Corel/Xandross: Corel entered the Linux market with Corel Linux a few years ago. Now it has merged into Xandross OS, which is based on Corel Linux. This is a Debian-type version, and can be installed without much fuss after resizing the Windows partition. Xandross contains Crossover office, which is a refined retail version of WINE that lets you install and run many Microsoft apps.

Windows applications in Linux

Some applications have been ported over to Linux, other run with a program called WINE (Wine is Not an Emulator). Crossover, commercially available software also lets you use your Windows programs on Linux. VMWare is another program that lets you run Windows under Linux. Now many software companies have started developing high end software for Linux.

Bottom Line:

The cool thing about Linux is that most software is free, and you can legitimately use them without worrying about piracy. If youre worried that Linux wont look as pretty as windows can, all you have to do is check out some of the cool Linux interfaces and Window managers. But you dont find a lot of multimedia titles for Linux. And if youre into a lot of these, Windows is in the way to go. So if you have a PC that runs both, you can easily switch between the two, and get the best of both worlds.

Author: Pawan Bangar
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin Guest Blogger

The Wikipedia Encyclopedia describes open source as practices in production and development that promote access to the end product’s sources. Before the label open source was coined, developers and producers used a variety of phrases to describe the concept. In fact, earlier researchers used a process which is similar to open standards to develop telecommunication network protocols. Characterized by contemporary open source work, this collaborative process led to the birth of the Internet in 1969. Its application to software gained popularity with the emergence of the Internet. It is said that the open source label came out of a strategy session held at Palo Alto, California, in reaction to Netscapes announcement that it planned to release the source code for its browser Navigator.

The politically correct version is that to clarify a potential confusion caused by the ambiguity of the word free, so that the perception of free software is not anti-commercial, the label open source (contributed by Chris Peterson) stuck. The official version is that it was to shed the confrontational attitude that had been associated with free software in the past and sell the idea on pragmatic, business case grounds to the commercial world. Whatever it may be, Netscape listened and released their code as open source under the name of Mozilla. That was the beginning of the contemporary open source movement, whose main champion today allegedly is the Open Source Initiative (OSI) which makes and continues to make a case for the open source software to the commercial world. Consequently, we have seen the application of the open source philosophy in other fields inlcuding biotechnology. Linus Torvalds, a finnish software engineer who initiated the development of the Linux kernel went as far as saying “the future is open source everything”.

According to the OSI, the case for open source software is simple free access to read, redistribute and modify the source code of a piece of software results in a rapid evolutionary process that produces better software. Advocates of open source argue that when programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, people fix bugs. And this can happen at a speed that, if one is used to the slow pace of conventional software development, seems astonishing.

However, evangelists of free software have been at pains to clarify that open source software is not synonymous with free software. The philosophy of the open source movement is based on practicality and not ethical considerations while free software is based on freedom, not price. Borrowing from Richard M. Stallman, free software and open source describe the same category of software, more or less, but say different things about the software, and about values. While the two are not synonymous, both have a common enemy proprietary software.

Critics of open source say that open source fosters an ambiguity of a different kind, in that it confuses the mere availability of the source code with the freedom to use, modify, and redistribute it. But open source doesn’t just mean access to the source code; the use of open-source software must comply with a number of criteria including as to re-distribution, depending on the license under which it is distributed. Different licenses require different criteria. For instance, under the GNU General Public License (GPL) published by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) for licensing free software, any work based on the program or any other derivative work must be licensed as a whole at no charge at all to all third parties under the terms of the GNU GPL, whereas an Apache License does not require derivative works to be open source. You can add your own copyright statement to modifications of a source code under Apache License and provide additional or different license terms and conditions for use, reproduction, or distribution of your modifications, or for any derivative works as a whole, provided your use, reproduction, and distribution of the work otherwise complies with conditions of the Apache License. Similarly, there is no requirement that any derivative work created under an Academic Free License (AFL) or a Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) License, should be distributed at all, or for free if distributed. Further, any derivative work need not be free and one can charge for it as you would for proprietary software.

The subtle licensing criteria between open source generally and free software is further highlighted when you consider that some licenses are not compatible. For instance, programs/source code distributed under PHP License is not compatible with GNU GPL since GNU GPL is a copyleft license. Which raises a couple of licensing issues:

(1) Why are there different criteria under different licenses for open source software? Presently, there are about 54 licenses certified by OSI as open source a tribute to OSIs philosophy which many now see as an unnecessary proliferation of licenses, an issue that forced OSI to admit that -

OSI’s approach on the development and distribution problems involved building as many different bridges as possible between developers and the corporate world. In doing this, we accepted a proliferation of new licenses. This is a problem in that although physical bridges between communities don’t interfere with each other, licenses do. Interference between different open-source licenses is now perceived as a sufficiently serious problem that OSI has become as a victim of its own earlier success.

To address the issue of proliferation, OSI plans to take all existing OSI approved licenses and group them into three tiers: (i) preferred, (ii) recommended but not preferred, and (iii) not recommended. This is likely to create more confusion. One would then ask why an OSI certified license would be OSI not recommended license. Would a not recommended tag not be deemed as de-approval (though OSI says its not). It would be preferable not to have certified such license as OSI approved in the first place.

(2) Why are some licenses not compatible with others? We may well appreciate that compatibility goes beyond the issue of license proliferation. For example, the FSF considers all versions of the Apache License incompatible with Version 2 of the GNU GPL. About version 2.0 of the Apache License, they say:

“The Apache Software License is incompatible with the GPL because it has a specific requirement that is not in the GPL: it has certain patent termination cases that the GPL does not require. (We don’t think those patent termination cases are inherently a bad idea, but nonetheless they are incompatible with the GNU GPL.)”

Apache Software Foundation (ASF), which publishes the Apache License, has adequately replied to FSFs statement, stating that ASF does not share the same goals as FSF. For the time being, the controversy rages on. Compatibility is really a relationship issue; free software movement and the open source movement can be likened to two political camps within the free software community. While it can be argued that GNU GPL is not compatible with a number of licenses because the philosophy behind GNU GPL is freedom which proponents of free software have cried themselves hoarse from the rooftops for decades now GNU GPL itself publishes a list of free/open source software licenses that are GPL incompatible, distinguishing between non-copyleft and not strong copyleft. Even, copyleft licenses like xinetd have also not been spared and was held incompatible because it places extra restrictions on redistribution of modified versions that contradict the redistribution requirements in the GPL. Dont they share the same goals? Yet the free software movement has complained that to be lumped together with open source software is restrictive for free software since open source software allegedly has a much weaker criterion than free software. Then one may ask, what is the criteria for determining compatibility with GNU GPL even for copyleft free software licenses? At least FSF is not intending to classify licenses in the same manner as OSI for now.

(3) Dont some of these licenses support a one way street attitude described by John Udell in the Open Source Citizenship where developers are encouraged to take and not give back to the community. Or it could be akin to the situation described by Stallman where commercial developers invited to the Open Source Developers Day meeting in August 1998 said they intend to make only a part of their work free software (or open source) since the focus of their business is on developing proprietary add-ons (software or manuals) to sell to the users of the free software. According to Stallman, those developers requested that this should be regarded as legitimate, as part of the community, because some of the money is donated to free software development. Whichever way you look at it, it is a dangerous trend for the future of open source software.

The ideals and philosophy of open source is threatened by the marriage of convenience of open source with the commercial world, which makes a strong case for the traditional free software movement. It is, perhaps, taking the adage making a case to the commercial world too far. Eventually, there may such a blend of both the open source movement and the commercial world that we are not able to distinguish between the two. The enemy would have sneaked in unawares and made sport of all ideals and philosophies of the open source movement.

These are all valid concerns that the open source community needs to address. In closing I have a word of advise for the open source movement from my grandmother which I find appropriate If you dont know where youre going, remember where youre coming from.

Sources

1. Wikipedia Encyclopedia

2. Open Source Initiative

3. The Free Software Foundation

4. The Apache Software Foundation

5. Richard M. Stallman in Open Sources: Voices from the Open Source Revolution

6. John Udell Open Source Citizenship.

Author: Alfred Adebare
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger