Arthro Theoreio (The BOX) v.1.0.158

The dragon loves the penguin

Taiwan mandates Linux-ready PCs
By Aaron Tan, ZDNet Asia
Monday   , June      26 2006 03:34 PM

update Taiwan has mandated that all PCs purchased for government use must now be compatible with the Linux operating system.

According to media reports, the new requirement came into effect last month, marking the start of efforts to boost adoption of open-source software in Taiwan. About 120,000 new desktop PCs acquired by the Taiwan government will have to comply with the new mandate, the reports stated.

The Central Trust of China, Taiwan's government procurement agency, has commissioned the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) to ensure that bids from PC vendors include equipment that are compatible with Linux. So far, about 33 desktop PC models from Acer, Asustek, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard, have been certified Linux-compatible by the TCA, reported Taiwan's Chinese language newspaper, Economic Times.

It is not known, however, if the certification process involves any specific Linux distributions such as Red Hat and Novell.

Goh Seow Hiong, director of software policy at Business Software Alliance (BSA) in Asia, noted: "There are many different distributions of Linux, and the intention may not be to ensure that every variant of Linux would be supported."

"Perhaps the certification may be [awarded based on] more specific criterion such as the Linux Standards Base (LSB), which is easier to verify for compliance," he told ZDNet Asia. "Otherwise, very few computers will be able to meet the requirement." The LSB is a set of common standards established by the Free Standards Group to enhance interoperability across Linux distributions and applications. 

Fewer choice, increased cost
While the Taiwan government is not mandating, for now, that its PCs must run on Linux, Goh said the new hardware requirement might reduce choice and increase cost for the government.

He noted that it might potentially be more expensive to acquire hardware that are compliant, and exclude PCs that can be used in non-Linux environments.

"If the policy is intended to cut costs in IT expenditure, the government should stay technology and brand neutral," Goh said. "It should avoid targeting specific areas or brands, as policies would always lag behind industry trends."

Such policies, he added, would intervene in an otherwise free and competitive market.

But Harish Pillay, manager of partner development at Red Hat Asia Pacific, disagrees. He noted that the new requirement is a “great move” that would foster a more competitive PC market in Taiwan.

"Right now, it's not a level-playing field because of the lack of device drivers for Linux," he said, adding that the mandate would compel hardware vendors to ensure their products work well with Linux. This will also expand the options available to those who do not want to be locked in to a single vendor.

Late last year, Taipei Times reported that Taiwanese legislators passed a resolution that called for a 25 percent cut, across all government agencies, in the procurement budget set aside specifically for Microsoft products--which they claimed were too expensive.

But Goh noted that the cost of IT includes both hardware and software. "If there is a need to cut cost, why target only software? Hardware costs are equally significant, and neither would be of any use without the other," he said.

A Microsoft spokesperson told ZDNet Asia in an e-mail interview, that the software giant respects the Taiwanese government's decisions, but called for neutral procurement policies that promote fair competition in a free market.

(taken from ZDnet Asia: http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/software/0,39044164,39370618,00.htm)

---Now I was supposed to wirte an article about this about a few weeks before today, this si actually the second time that I read this news about Linux and China. Sadly while I was writting my post about this Firefox Broke down. Anyways, I think this is a very good move for the Chinese Gov't and that the reasons for them to move away from Microsoft A.K.A "profit-orriented-Software-maker" are superb.

This is also a very big chance for the penguin and his opensource buddies to shine and be more popular. Poor Ozzie, he's going to need to battle this one on his own. Well anyways, I think Microsoft products are uyser friendly and all that but then again China wants something that is less costly than Windows and MS Office for their offices. Again I think it all boils down to the budget.

I do hope more and more countries,will also look into the possibilities that Linux and Other opensource Progarms can do for them. after all what's there to loose?

 

The time when 98 is just too old...

A few days ago, i came across an announcement from Microsoft that they are dropping support for Windows 98/SE and ME. Why is this so important? well (ehem...) I am using Windows 98 SE for my PC, and it's not because I have a very old rig. The only reason why I haven't taken the XP plunge is because of the bad rep that XP has had ever since it was relased. Issues like numerous buffer overflow flaws and exploits have been scaring the hell out of me. But now that Microsoft has dropped my current OS, then I think this might just be the perfect time for me to take the XP plunge.

XP has many features which were not present in Windows 2000 pro ( one that I can easily install in my PC since I have an original CD here, courtesy of my Uncle), I also chose Win XP becuase i have tried installing games under Windows 2000 pro but they do not seem to jive with each other even some softwares don't like Win 2000 pro.

I do hope that the transition form Win 98 SE to Win XP may not be a living nightmare for me. And (ehem...) I am still very skeptic about Win XPs reliability. But it may be a fun-filled experience for me becuase I haven't really tried to install a new OS like Win XP. So, my fingers are still crossed and I am Wishing for the best.

I'll post my initial experiece about Win XP within the first week of July (hopely!)

Anyways, until then this you me signing off.... (repeat 3x then fade...)

Bill Gates bids goodbye to Microsoft.

Microsoft Announces Plans for July 2008 Transition for Bill Gates

Working full time at Microsoft through June 2008, Gates then will continue as chairman and advisor while increasing Foundation efforts; Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie to assume expanded roles.

REDMOND, Wash. — June 15, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that effective July 2008 Bill Gates, chairman, will transition out of a day-to-day role in the company to spend more time on his global health and education work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The company announced a two-year transition process to ensure that there is a smooth and orderly transfer of Gates’ daily responsibilities, and said that after July 2008 Gates would continue to serve as the company’s chairman and an advisor on key development projects.

The company announced that Chief Technical Officer Ray Ozzie will immediately assume the title of chief software architect and begin working side by side with Gates on all technical architecture and product oversight responsibilities, to ensure a smooth transition. Similarly, Chief Technical Officer Craig Mundie will immediately take the new title of chief research and strategy officer and will work closely with Gates to assume his responsibility for the company’s research and incubation efforts; Mundie also will partner with general counsel Brad Smith to guide Microsoft’s intellectual property and technology policy efforts.

“Our business and technical leadership has never been stronger, and Microsoft is well-positioned for success in the years ahead. I feel very fortunate to have such great technical leaders like Ray and Craig at the company,” Gates said. “I remain fully committed and full time at Microsoft through June 2008 and will be working side by side with Ray and Craig to ensure that a smooth transition occurs.”

This was a hard decision for me,” Gates added. “I’m very lucky to have two passions that I feel are so important and so challenging. As I prepare for this change, I firmly believe the road ahead for Microsoft is as bright as ever.”

In September 2005 Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer organized the company into three divisions under presidents Jim Allchin, Kevin Johnson, Robbie Bach and Jeff Raikes, who were given much greater responsibility for product development and strategy decisions within their respective businesses. In August 2005 the company appointed Kevin Turner as chief operating officer.

“Bill and I are confident we’ve got a great team that can step up to fill his shoes and drive Microsoft innovation forward without missing a beat,” Ballmer said. “We will continue to hire the world’s best technical talent and give them the tools to do their best work, and we will continue to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities for our customers by investing for the long term.”

Ballmer and Gates noted that Microsoft has been steadily expanding its senior leadership in recent years, and that today’s announcement continues a transition process that has been underway for several years. In January 2000, Gates assumed the role of chief software architect and Ballmer assumed the role of CEO, responsible for all day-to-day operations and company business strategy.

“This is a very sensible and thorough approach. A two-year transition will ensure that the company has a smooth transfer of strategy and knowledge from Bill to the next generation of leaders,” said James I. Cash, Ph.D., member of the Microsoft board of directors and former James E. Robison Professor, Harvard Business School. “Steve and his management team are very impressive, and I’m confident the company will not miss a step.”

Ozzie, 50, worked on the first electronic spreadsheet, VisiCalc, in the early 1980s, then joined Lotus Development Corp. in 1983 to develop Lotus Symphony, an MS-DOS^®-based integrated software management product that combined word processing, spreadsheet, business graphics, data management and communications capabilities. In 1984, Ozzie formed Iris Associates Inc. to develop Lotus Notes. In 1997 Ozzie founded Groove Networks, where he developed Groove Virtual Office. Microsoft acquired Groove Networks in April 2005 and named Ozzie chief technical officer.

Mundie, 56, joined Microsoft in 1992 to create and run the Consumer Platforms Division, which was responsible for developing non-PC platform and service offerings including the Microsoft^® Windows^® CE operating system; software for handheld PCs, Pocket PCs and Auto PCs; and early telephony products. Mundie also started Microsoft’s digital TV efforts and acquired and managed the WebTV Networks Inc. subsidiary. Mundie is also the original champion of the Trustworthy Computing Initiative at Microsoft, which has influenced Microsoft’s software development strategy. His current responsibilities also include global technology policy and a variety of technical and business incubation activities.

Ozzie and Mundie will continue to report to Gates. At an appropriate time during the two-year transition period, they will shift to reporting to Ballmer.

Gates, 50, started Microsoft in 1975 with childhood friend Paul Allen. He took Microsoft public in 1986 and was the company’s chairman and CEO until 2000, when Ballmer took over as CEO. For the past six years Gates has focused on Microsoft’s software development as the company’s chairman and chief software architect. In 2000, with his wife, he formed the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, whose assets now are $29.1 billion.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft has pioneered many of the software innovations that paved the way for the digital information revolution and launched the PC industry. Beginning with MS-DOS, Microsoft’s first operating system, and continuing with products such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows and Xbox^®, the company has developed a broad range of software, services and solutions that have transformed the way people work, communicate and play. Microsoft has 63,000 employees in more than 100 countries and generates annual sales of more than

$40 billion (U.S.). With products for desktop PCs, servers and mobile devices, Microsoft continues to be the worldwide leader in helping people and businesses realize their full potential.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/jun06/06-15CorpNewsPR.mspx

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In my opinion this is a good thing, Bill has delivered some real innovations since he held this position in Microsoft, But lately Microsoft has been lacking innovation or foresight. I guess this move should inject a much needed boost of vision of what the future of computing should be.

And Bill will not really go out of the picture but he will take the backsit now and only give opinions on his company's direction under a new leadership. This may be a start of better innovation in Microsoft's products.

Nice move Bill! that's the only thing that I can say for now.

Bill + Japanese tool makers VS. Steve's I-POD Let the battle begin!

Microsoft Denies iPod Rival Rumors

By Bary Alyssa Johnson

Microsoft reps have denied recent rumors alleging that it has partnered with a number of Japanese consumer electronics companies to develop a device to compete in Japan with Apple's iPod.

Several reports are currently making the rounds, reporting that Microsoft has collaborated with eight other companies to create a new product to compete with Apple. "The announcement that came out of Japan this week was simply about the Japanese launch of Windows Media Player 11," said a Microsoft representative who asked not to be named. "Due to translation issues the announcement was misconstrued to sound like Microsoft was developing a rival to the iPod; that's just not the case." According to Microsoft, the press release (which is in Japanese) actually states that Microsoft announced availability for its new WMP 11 in the Japanese market. The companies listed in the release are companies that Microsoft has partnered with in Japan to ensure a good user experience. These companies have all agreed to support Windows Digital Rights Management 10 for portable devices. "The companies listed in the Japanese release are device partners," the representative said. "For example, in the U.S. one of our device partners is iRiver. We've partnered closely with them to ensure that their Clix [media player] device runs WMP 11 technology." The release lists both device partners and service partners. Device partners include iRiver Japan, NTT DoCoMo, CreativeMedia, Toshiba, and Victor JVC. Service partners include The Language Channel, a subscription-based e-learning service; OCN Music Store, which is used for Portable Media Center (PMC)-optimized video downloads; and Napster Japan. Napster Japan service is slated to become available in the fall of 2006. "The announcement was written about the WMP 11 launch in Japan," said Microsoft representative Sally Julien. "The companies listed are partners who will use the technology in their products, just as they have done with WMP 10." Both sources at Microsoft refused to comment when asked whether the company has plans to launch its own MP3 player. In addition, Microsoft refused to confirm recent rumors regarding a portable gaming device dubbed "xplayer." "We don't comment on speculation," Julien said. "There are a ton of rumors out there right now but we have nothing to announce at this time." Microsoft has already unveiled its WMP 11 technology in the states. The player comes integrated with MTV's URGE digital music service. Similar to existing music download services, URGE also offers music blogs, feeds, editorial content, radio, and MTV/VH1/CMT channel hubs. URGE incorporates MusicNet's 2 million-track music library. Microsoft reps say U.S. consumers can expect to see verified MEDIA devices rolling out to retail stores in the coming months. These devices will be interoperable with WMP 11 and URGE.

Source: PCmag website:http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1971200,00.asp

---End Of article

I've been waiting for a very long time for this moment that Bill's Microsoft will also try to get into the MP3 Player Business (Although Just a Rumor). In my earlier post I have been wondering this pass few days on what the heck Bill is going to do next... well my questions are answered Bill is ploting to conquer the MP3 world that is currently dominated by Steve's I-POD series. Again Bill has surprised me with his actions, and now  it all makes good sense to me. Microsoft released WMP 11 with the Audiofile buying feature to make way for the New Anti-POD player that Bill is going to introduce to the marker in the near future. I guess the release date for such anti-POD product will be after WIN Vista goes mainstream. It's all quite logical, when the Anti-POD player comes out anyone ho wants to buy one should also buy a Vista OS for his/her PC so that it would be compatible with the new ANTI-POD player. Hmmm.... in return more people will buy the new OS so that they'd get into the Anti-POD craze.... Genius! I must say.

Windows Vista+MAC OS= OS Utopia (let's think through)

While searching the net for any interesting articles about tech, I stumbled upon an article written by Brett Thomas (a writer for bit-tech.net) entitled "When Titans Collide" (Published: 31st May 2006).
In his article Brett suggested that both Bill's Microsoft and Steve's MAC should merge their Operating System (OS). Brett sighted that both MAC OS X and Windows Vista has something that the other wants to copy, including both OSs weaknesses and MACs Hardware Upgradability issue.

                               
                               (Blue paragraphs Quoted from Brett Thomas' Article)

"...Windows is designed to handle anything that you throw at it, and many of those things (viaUSB) are thrown at it while the OS is already booted and running. This means having generic drivers galore, along with multiple background programs that are unnecessary 95% of the time. But they must be there, so that during that other 5% when someone plugs in that device, it's up and running with no effort on the user's part. Each of these drivers adds one more layer of instability, but one more layer of ease-of-adaptation."

"...Most Windows fanboys won't have ever thought this through, but the visible representation of file structure in Windows is archaic. The visual organization of data involves copious moving of files between folders, directory trees, etc. This was fine back in the days of fully text-based navigation (a la DOS), but is clunky with a GUI. For instance, if you want to find a particular program and create a quick access, you have to hunt through layers of directories, then drag and drop a shortcut onto your desktop. If you move the file or directory, the shortcut becomes invalid. In fact, if the program puts some type of key in the registry for any purpose,the whole program may no longer work, requiring reinstallation."

"Mac-OS, however, is based on Unix. "Directory" structures in any 'nix are unnecessary, as the OS organizes data in the form of a relational database, "mounting" huge chunks of data and querying it. Think of one table that contains all the characteristics to every file on your drive, and then think of being able to create infinite queries, permanent or temporary, to organize that data any way you need. No moving, no drag and drop for organization. It's all there, you simply make a new "path", provide the terms of what files should be accessed through it..."

Brett's Arguments are quite logical... but then again, although both Bill and Steve are businessmen and they want to earn more money. And this kind of setup just might work, let us not forget that they are rivals and that it will be hard for their ego to merge. Sure, it would have been a very good sutup for us users, but I don't think the two guys will do it anytime soon. But i'm not discounting the fact that statistically there's always a 1/x (where x>1) probobility that such thing can be made possible. But if this do materialize then it will be the start of a smooth-sailing computing experience.

I wonder what they will call the new MAC-WIN OS?
and what would it feel when the Win-MAc rivalry is gone?

 

MACROs are back? (what is this 1990's)

Just this morning while I was checking out Dvorak's Blog I saw a post about an Open office virus,
and the article goes like this (taken from Cnet news ):

Stardust virus lands on OpenOffice

By Joris Evers                                

Staff Writer, CNET News.com
                               

 

Published: May 31, 2006, 10:30 AM PDT

Researchers at Kaspersky Lab have spotted what they believe is the first virus for OpenOffice, the open-source rival to Microsoft's Office productivity suite.

The virus, dubbed Stardust, is capable of infecting OpenOffice and StarOffice, which is sold by Sun Microsystems, a Kaspersky Lab researcher wrote on the Russian company's Viruslist Web site on Tuesday.

"Stardust is a macro virus written for StarOffice, the first one I've seen," the researcher wrote. "Macro viruses usually infect MS Office applications."

The pest is written in Star Basic. It downloads an image file with adult content from the Internet and opens that file in a new document, according to Kaspersky's posting.

So far, Stardust is a proof-of-concept virus, which means that it was created to demonstrate that an OpenOffice virus is possible. The virus has not been sent out in the wild and is not actually attacking people's systems.

The story is different for Microsoft Office applications: A yet-to-be-patched security hole in Word has been exploited in at least one recent cyberattack.

A new "macro virus" is like a blast from the past. Viruses have evolved significantly. Boot sector pests were around between 1986 to 1995, followed by macro viruses that exploited early Microsoft Windows operating systems, according to security company F-Secure. The advent of e-mail subsequently propelled e-mail viruses such as the "I Love You" and the Anna Kournikova virus.

--END--

Well, what do i have to say? I'd say Opensource Programs like Open-office and Firefox are not really more secure than Microsoft's programs are, the truth is that Open-source programs maybe as vulnerable as Bill's merchandise are, the only diff is that Bill's products are more in demand than it's open-source counterparts.

Now, about the virus. I while i was reading the whole article I felt like I was reading an article that was written in the early 1990's, Man! macro viruses are way out of circulation now. I can write a Macro virus in minutes even a pre-school can make one ( okay, maybe some geeky elementary student...)

But I do have a theory that one of Bill's fan did that virus.