The Other Linux...

I am an avid Linux fan.  And whenever I speak with someone about Linux, one word always seems to pop up during the first part of the conversation.  That word is: Ubuntu.  Ubuntu is a wonderful Linux distribution; especially for those looking to get their first taste of Linux.  Why?  Simple, Ubuntu pretty much works out of the box with most common hardware.  If there is a need for a restricted driver, it will usually prompt you about it and make it fairly easy to fix.

Software is easy to come by and install via the Ubuntu Software Center.  And it has managed to keep a lot of the on-screen clutter away by default.  Nothing looks quite as snazzy as a fresh Ubuntu install.  However, with the introduction of Unity within the latest official release of Ubuntu 11.04 'Naty Narwhal' seemed to rub a lot of long time fans the wrong way.

I have been using Ubuntu for several years.  I usually give the newest releases a test spin and see how they work.  I must admit, I'm not much of a fan of Unity.  I know there are those out there that absolutely love Unity.  Personally, it doesn't quite do it for me.  That's just my taste.  I feel that Unity would be better aptly suited for a tablet or touch optimized implementation.  On the desktop, it gives me a cluttered feel.

So with Unity making it's debut (I know 11.04 came out several months ago, so I'm a little behind); I wanted to call attention to several other Linux Distributions that are more than competent distributions, just without Unity.

Linux Mint - http://5e08b5c6.tinylinks.co

Linux Mint 11 'Katya' is the most current release of Mint (as of this writing).  Linux Mint is based on the Ubuntu distribution so you get a familiar backbone for the system, but without Unity.  

What does Linux Mint do that makes it so special?  Easy, it's goal is to provide media codecs, DVD playback, and browser plugins out of the box.  Whereas with other Distributions you have to manually install these yourself.

The only drawback for me when it comes to Linux Mint, is the amount of the color green they tend to color everything with.  However, functionality wise; Mint is an outstanding distribution of choice.  And currently ranks 2nd in the list on Distrowatch's chart of Linux Distributions (second only to Ubuntu which is presently in first place).

Zorin OS - http://a5e406e5.tinylinks.co

If you're looking for another Ubuntu-based distribution, than Zorin OS may be the way to go.  Where Zorin OS excels is being a smooth transition maker from Windows to the Linux world.  Plus they feature some nice add-ons from their 'Look Changer' to the Splash Screen Manager to make your OS look unique to you.  I personally I haven't had much hands on with Zorin OS, but it comes highly recommended from the gentleman who got me into Linux several years ago.  

OpenSUSE 11.4 - http://b6f885b7.tinylinks.co

OpenSUSE 11.4 is an RPM based Linux distribution in the vein of the old RedHat operating system.  You'll notice it seems to be aimed more at business use; however, it is a tight operating system even for the home user.  It is currently a community effort sponsored by Novell.  It also comes in GNOME and KDE versions.

If you're looking for a rock solid Linux OS, than please at least consider this one.

Debian - http://cc51dfb2.tinylinks.co

When in doubt, why not go all the way back to where great distributions got started and jump into Debian (not to mention Ubuntu).  Debian has been the basis of so many different Linux distributions throughout the years, it is a great operating system.  With a lot of customization able to be accomplished, you get the familiarity of systems like Ubuntu, but grants a little more tinkering if you like to play with configuration files.

And with modest system requirements, Debian will run on even older hardware that you need to resurrect for other purposes.

I know there are plenty of other Linux Distributions floating around out there.  And some may even be more popular than the few I've listed here.  But if this article doesn't do anything other than remind you that there are other versions of Linux out there other than Ubuntu, than I have succeeded.  So if you're looking to jump into Linux for the first time, or even just looking for something fresh to play around with.  Swing by Distrowatch.com for a rather large list, and a great reference for Linux Distros.

Happy Surfing!

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Make Money Selling Your Diablo 3 loot?

Well, word of the digital street is that Diablo III will feature a sort of auction house.  Not that big of a deal right? Hold on tight, what if those auction houses provided a means for your to sell your items (crafted or looted) for real world money?  In other words, hock your high level loot for cash.

Isn't this the type of thing Blizzard has been fighting for years within WoW?  People selling items/gold and in some cases the game accounts for real world cash via eBay and forum meetups?  So why are they embracing the activity now?  Well, it looks as though Blizzard will charge a fee for cash transactions and will process via a third party to handle to transactions.

Among other Diablo III knews, Blizzard has confirmed that players will have to run an active internet connection while playing the game (when it's finally released).  This is a form of DRM; which as we know, DRM actually hurts the people who spend their hard earned cash and usually doesn't even affect pirates who can find ways to bypass it in the end anyways.  So as hot as Diablo III is, Blizzard better be careful not to ward off any long time fans.

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Acer Iconia a500 Update Rolled Out Tonight...

Just an update for my fellow Acer Iconia a500 users.  Check your Tablet's Update menu for a rather small update that was rolled out tonight.  My tablet downloaded it and installed it in about 5 minutes.  Not quite sure what was updated yet, but will do some hunting on it tomorrow.  Good night!

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Should I Buy a Laptop or a Tablet?

I get asked this question at least once a week.  So I figured I'd take a moment and elaborate on my answer for those online who may be wondering the same thing.  I personally own an Android based tablet (Acer Iconia a500), have access to an iPad (first generation), and of course my desktop pc, and my wife's laptop.  So coming from the standpoint that I have access to each of the major methods of common, everyday computing; here is my advice.

The argument for a PC (personal computer) is a completely valid argument.  Let's be real, in this day an time you have two types of computers: the Windows based PC, and a Mac.  What you're looking at from the PC standpoint is probably a Windows 7 based PC.  If you want to spend more, get pretty good customer service, but be somewhat limited to the software you can run; go Mac.  Nothing against Apple or their Mac's; I just happen to bump into about a dozen Windows-based PC's and laptops for every 1 Mac I see in the wild.  Those who have Mac's absolutely adore them; so no Mac hate here.  lol

With a PC (or equivalent) you're looking at running a wide selection of software applications, the common web surfing and everyday computer usage.  Maybe some Facebook or Farmville, and you have the ability to either buy software from a brick and mortar store, or downloading from an e-store online.  You'll have the ability to hook up to a local or network based printer, and have the option to go either Wireless or Wired networking.  Most PC's are upgradable so adding things like memory and large hard drives later (or the need to add a new graphics card for gaming) becomes a better solution than replacing the unit at a later time.  Some upgrade options aren't available when using a laptop (such as a videocard upgrade); however, adding more RAM or a larger hard drive later is a more viable solution.

The argument for a tablet (or equivalent) is also a very valid point.  Tablet's are designed for one thing: mobility.  Yes, many of them do look pretty sexy and sleek too.  However, they are meant for the mobility and convenience of a laptop or netbook, but without the bloat.  There are some Windows based tablet floating around out there, that use a current version of the Windows Operating System but optimized for the touch input.  However, most tablets you see with either be running a version of Android or will be an iPad running iOS from Apple.

What can you do with a tablet?  Pretty much any of your basic, every day computing can be thrown at any of the modern tablets on the market right now.  It all comes down to which side you want to lay down your rifle for.  With Apple's iPad you're looking at paying for the device and for most of your apps you can download that are iPad optimized.  From my experience looking around Apple's App Store, some of their iPad version apps are more expensive than the iPhone versions.  However, with the iPad and iOS, it just works.  Right out of the box.  There is very little room for error (as long as you don't jailbreak it).  That opens a whole new door that can be awesome, or cause headaches depending on your goal.  But from a stock standpoint, the iPad is a very competent tablet style device.  It has great accessories available and plenty of apps to keep you busy.

The other side of the tablet world right now revolves around Android based devices.  Most of the $400-$600 range Android tablets now are dual-core processor based tablets.  They are more than competent for web surfing, gaming, and media consumption.  They aren't quite as smooth as the slide, tap, and use method that the iPad employees; meaning it feels like a computer more than a big iPod.  The same can be argued about Android apps.  There are plenty of apps in the Google Android Market to appease your appetite.  However, the actual "Tablet Optimized" category is pretty low.  With that being said, many of the other apps in the market will work on a tablet without any trouble.  Many times the Android tablets are comparable if not cheaper than the iPad.  Available accessories are out there, but it depends on which tablet you use as to the level of what is available for it.

Personally, I find a tablet to be a great complement to my daily computer usage.  I use a desktop PC for most of my work and gaming based tasks.  Then when I need to casually surf, check me email, or compute on the go; I roll out with my tablet.  If you are looking to replace your PC with a tablet, I'd hold off for the time being.  I just don't think tablet's are designed with that intention just yet.  If you are new to the computing world, and only have needs to surf the web or read a book; by all means, a tablet may be best for you.

It all comes down to your personal needs.   My wife uses her laptop a couple times a week for Facebook access and web surfing.  For her, a tablet would be ideal.  Simply because, she doesn't need to level of usage that would warrant a full sized PC or Laptop.  But would give her the similar features.  But for me, I have to still use a desktop at least until I give up some of the PC only games I play.  :)

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Android Malware Can Record Your Calls

Heads up fellow Android Users.  There is a malware app floating around out there that has the ability to record your phone conversations.  Currently this malware doesn't have a name; however the following permissions have to be granted to the app at time of donwload:

-Prevent phone from sleeping.
-Read the phone's state.
-And record audio.

The malware doesn't have the ability to infect the device automatically or by visiting a website or domain that is infected.  Instead it does require user intervention to install.  Meaning you have to actually download and install it to get it.  This is a much better situation than one that can spread without any user intervention or knowledge.  The trick is to know the source of the App you are downloading.  If you HAVE to download from an unconfirmed source, make sure it is from a trusted site or server.  Otherwise, just be extremely careful of your download activity while using the Android Marketplace.

For the specifics and more information on this security threat please visit the forums at CA.com.
http://1bd7b9ae.tinylinks.co

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The Dark Knight Rises Teaser

No doubt if you have seen the new Harry Potter flick, than this isn't news to you.  However, for those who aren't fans enough of Mr. Potter to go see his last movie; here you go.




This is the first teaser trailer for the new Batman film by Christopher Nolan.  Mr. Nolan has done a spectacular job with the Dark Knight franchise.  This is the last film from this generation's reboot of the legendary Batman character.  And "The Dark Knight Rises" looks to be just as promising.  In this clip we get a glimpse of Tom Hardy as Bane and a shot of Gary Oldman reprising his role as Comissioner Gordon as he lay in a hospital bed speaking of Batman's return to Gotham.

I'm as eager as ever for this film to be released.  Bane isn't quite what I thought he would look like; however, he does look gritty enough to fall right into place in Nolan's re-imagining of Gotham and it's denizens.

With this title, Nolan brings several actors from "Inception" fame to the cast:
-Joseph Gordon-Levitt .....as John Blake
-Tom Hardy......................as Bane
-Marion Cotillard...............as Miranda Tate


Other cast includes:
-Anne Hathaway ............as Selina Kyle/Catwoman
-Juno Temple .................as Holly Robinson
-Josh Pence....................as a young Ra's Al ghul

 Returning cast include:
-Christian Bale.....................as Bruce Wayne/Batman
-Michael Caine.....................as Alfred
-Morgan Freeman................as Lucius Fox

To name a few.

*Trailer from VisoTrailer's YouTube Channel: trailers.

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Battleship...The Movie Has A Trailer

If you grew up during the '80's or early '90's you'll be familiar with the game "Battleship" by Hasbro.  Did you know there is a movie based "loosely" on the game heading to a theater near you?  Well it is.  It has Liam Neeson starring as a naval captain and aliens.  Yep, you read that right, aliens.  So here is the trailer, and tell me "alien craft" doesn't resemble something straight out of a Metal Gear game?  lol

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