Software

In software development, the term “open source” points to software (including projects that are still being developed) that no developer has exclusive rights to develop and distribute. In addition, the specific criteria an application must meet in order to be classified as open source are defined by the Open Source Initiative (OSI). Generally, users may copy and modify its programming code and other components, and then redistribute the product. Open source software (OSS) come in different types: web servers (Apache), operating systems (Linux), web browsers (Firefox), and many other applications and tools.

Benefits of using an open source software management tool

The key advantages of using open source software management tools are flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Due to the ease and speed of innovation, OSS enables users to have software that are at par in performance with patented market leaders at a much lower price. In addition, the collaboration of several independent developers in testing and improving OSS makes eradicating bugs and errors more feasible.

Popular brands of open source software management tools

Examples of the most popular OSS for project management include Codendi, RedMine, ProjectPier, Trac, Project HQ, Collabtive, eGroupWare, KForge, OpenGoo, and ClockingIT. Concurrent Versions System, Tinderbox, and Bugzilla are also known to be good OSS for program revision and monitoring.

It doesn’t matter if you’re running a corporation or a small-scale business. Businesses will get the most benefit from using open source software management tools. Due to the versatility OSS provides, developing programs for business processes and management is now possible and inexpensive.

P2P file sharing comes with some controversy. Several online entities have even closed down or shifted business schemes because of this. Thus, it is important to know the issues you are getting involved in when P2P file sharing.

Breaking copyright laws

Artists and their production companies have tried to crack down on P2P file sharing companies because they say these companies are breaking copyright laws. However, some say that files are ultimately the property of the people who bought the music or file, so they can just can share them if they want to. Up until now, there's still an ongoing debate regarding this issue.

Exposing your PC to unwanted software

There are also innate dangers in using P2P file sharing services. In order to upload or download files, you open up certain ports in your computers. This then makes these ports vulnerable to attacks during the time of upload or download. At the same time, you may inadvertently download and install malicious software, along with your intended download.

Identity theft

Also, since your port is opened up when using P2P file sharing services, you also expose yourself to hackers. If your system gets hacked, malicious entities can get hold of your information, such as account numbers, usernames and passwords.

If you're really an artist, you should be open-minded enough for criticisms. Mainly because criticisms help you grow and improve your talent as well. It's only through criticisms that artists learn their mistakes and better their creations. In the name of web designing, you must know how to be perfect. Because if you commit a single mistake, it would be hard to determine what it is and you might start all over again.

Open source software, CSS Validator, helps you determine the problems in your CSS style sheets. It is like an artist's critique that points out where you have gone astray from the necessary standard coding. It is readily available online as a free service. CSS Validator only works with HTML coding. If you want to have this open source software, download it now for free. It's from the long list of different W3c open source softwares.

Friendster is such a popular social networking nowadays. You actually meet people from the different corners of the world. And, the site just added this feature where you can design your profile page. You can put a rainy background effect or a glittering one. It's easy to do even though you're not a professional web designer because Friendster uses CSS coding. Check your Friendster now and enjoy working with CSS.

Microsoft software company is already changing its views towards open software. Executives from the firm already recognized the advantages of the alternative software and that they are now trying to apply the technology to their products. I think this is a great and at the same time a weird change for the software industry. As we all know, Microsoft is loathing the alternative software and they'd even tried to sue users of the OpenOffice.Org.

Speaking of the issue on the OpenOffice.Org and Microsoft, reports said that the firm was threatened by the growing consumer support that the OpenOffice.Org was receiving. Personally, I think that the alternative operating system or office application is better than Microsoft Office. Well, the Writer is much easier to use than Word and Impress is more Impressive than PowerPoint. Microsoft admitted that open software developers do not violate intellectual property rights.

Microsoft already teamed up with popular alternative developers like SugarCRM, XenSource, and JBoss. The company admitted that it is trying to open some of its license and protocol formats, like the Windows Office. People from the company also claimed that Microsoft's roots are also open software. Would this mean they are claiming that they are the real benchmark of open products? Well, that can possibly happen now that the firm is turning its back to its proprietary ways.

Linux is becoming the biggest and the most popular open source software in the digital world. Actually, the software produced by Red Hat has influenced other companies either computer-based or not. Linux is widely used not only in office applications, but also as an operating system in other industries like movies and gaming. I think you already know that the software was used to create Lightning McQueen for Cars and the evil Gollum for the Lord of The Rings.

Another company has jumped into the bandwagon of the alternative software. Texas Instruments (TI) joined the mobile edition of Linux along with two foreign companies. The Linux mobile is aiming to create personal digital assistants, and smartphones that are based on the open software. If I'm not mistaken, Samsung and Motorola will also be a part of this project. Would these phones be equipped with Bluetooth or wireless technology? Well, I think they should, you know!

I think people from Linux must start looking for a carrier. I just hope its Verizon. With Linux on mobile phones, I think these phone units will be the most user-friendly. I think PalmSource will also be a part of the said project. Is PalmSource the same company that gave us PalmOne? I'm not really sure about this, really. I'm not sure because I don't have a PalmOne or due to my pitiful lack of research, whichever you prefer.

Open source software products are best known as programs wherein the source codes aren't owned by a single company or a single person. These codes are available to every computer user and software developer. Even a semi-illiterate computer user can modify the software because it's easy-to-understand and modification is for free. This type of software is the complete alternative to privately-owned products like those of Microsoft and McAfee.

McAfee, a software developer company, recently announced that hackers are employing the tricks of open software geniuses in developing malware and adware that are becoming criminal in nature. The company said that hackers and spyware authors are improving their malicious source codes through an open software like those of Linux and Red Hat. Hackers are employing the alternative applications to make the malware and adware easier to manipulate and upgrade.

The researchers from McAfee said that they will be publishing the study on a technology magazine named Sage to keep users informed about the techniques that computer abusers employ. They denied the issue circulating in the digital world that the research is a step to discrediting the alternative software and make users stick to McAfee products. The company said they love open software and they're only disclosing the tricks of hackers for the users' own protection.

There's no doubt the country's predicament in the clutches of the open software mania. Two huge corporate-focused computer firms joined together to provide a more marketable and usable open source suite. Jitterbit Inc recently tied-up with Salesforce.com to help commercialize the former's open software suite. This project will let Jitterbit users and software developers to transfer a wide collection of files and data through Salesforce. Plus, they will be able to have the service for free.

Like other non-proprietary software, Jitterbit promises a quick and affordable data-transfer service. The community of the Jitterbit suite is among the open office applications designed by Salesforce that targets small and medium businesses. Proprietary software like Microsoft also provides the same kind of service. However, a user needs to have computer expertise to enjoy the service. The said integrated software is available for download at the Salesforce website.

Personally, I don't think users need another open software suite in the market. I'm highly-satisfied with my Linux operating system and OpenOffice programs. On the other hand, having companies such as Salesforce and Jitterbit help users learn more about the alternative software. The new development in the open software world means people are starting to consider the other software for their computers.

I thought open software are only for office applications like word processors, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. But I recently came across with a new software, alternative to those produced by the software giant company. OpenSTA is an open source product that allows users to test the performance of their web applications. The product, just like other open software, has its limitations. OpenSTA doesn't possess desirable interface for testing some applications, and the options for its reports are kind of weak.

Firstly, configuring the test scenario is time-wasting. A user needs to follow several steps to achieve the deep-level testing. This is the only open product that is not user-friendly. Another gripe is that it runs only in Microsoft Windows Systems instead of running in Linux operating system. As we all know, Linux is the leading operating system to run in open software.

Like other web application testers, OpenSTA provides a recorder that users can launch a browser to make a test script. I must admit that I don't like this product that much because I find it lousy unlike other alternative softwares. The only interesting thing about it is that it's for free. For companies that use applications in their businesses, I think it wouldn't hurt to drop by the OpenSTA website to know more about it.

I thought Microsoft will never meddle with things that are out of their borders. But I was astounded when I came across the news stating that the software giant will be creating a project dealing with open source software. The OpenDocument Format thing that MS has been planning to make for years was mentioned by the new MS president.

As usual, it is natural in the digital industry that when news like this arises, technology writers will sensationalize the issue until all computer users vomit due to perplexity. Personally, I think the company's decision to come up with ODF projects will benefit more computer users from the business and personal sector.

Consider this: Microsoft is a credible and reputable company that has dominated the digital world for a very long time. We users can't help but love MS products despite the flaws and patches that they made and the growth of open software. Now, the fact that MS is engaging to the alternative software, which everyone's been raving about, fans the fuel of having more efficient and user-friendly programs and applications from the company. I also heard that the company will be putting some changes in the 2007 version of MS Office. So would this mean that the new Office will sport the ODF programs?

Red Hat wants to become more powerful than it is now. After long years of silence, the company is back with a vengeance; now acquiring more companies, technologies, and consumers. The company is like Lord Voldemort, the evil villain (which is exactly the same thing!) in the Harry Potter series wherein he returned after 14 years of inactivity to finish his wicked plans. I'm not saying that the open-source company is wicked nor it remained inactive for 14 years. As you can see, I'd rather write about Harry Potter, which is more sensible stuff than crappy software.

Anyway, the New York-based company is a popular distributor of the Linux software. But the popularity did not stop the company from expanding their business enterprise and acquiring more firms like JBoss. JBoss, by the way, is an application server base in Java. The acquisition of the middleware cost almost $500 million. According to computer rumors, the company will be paying JBoss another $70-80 million depending on its future performance. Oracle, another computer company was rumored to give a higher price to buy the middleware. Jboss is now a component of the Linux-provider that will serve customers a worldwide production assistance to all Linux users from the business and personal area.

I was in a computer shop last Sunday when I heard two business enthusiasts talking about the latest events in the digital world. I can't help myself but eavesdrop, so I followed them wherever they went and chronicled their conversation in today's entry. Computer user A asked computer user B if Microsoft really hates Linux because it's cheaper, easier to manipulate, and it attracts more users than MS products. B said that he doesn't think so, because Microsoft is still rich enough so they won't worry about losing customers. And besides, their new products like Microsoft Windows Vista and Xbox 360 gaming consoles are still selling like buttered hotcakes in the market.

A asked again if the software giant is not threatened with the report stating that Bell Microproducts Inc. made a project with Red Hat to produce programs and software based on the extremely popular Linux, making Bell Micro the latest service distributor of open source products. B said that he thinks MS does not care because Linux is for those users who can't afford to buy a genuine and branded closed software products like theirs. But he also thinks that there's really no collision between Linux and MS since they have different target markets and they have varied functionality as far as their features are concerned.

Hewlett-Packard is among the most developed companies when it comes to providing modern gadgets and computer peripherals. The issue that they are switching to Linux is as confusing as president Bill Gates' departure from Microsoft. According to the latest technology reports that I've read awhile ago, HP will have Linux as one of their leading OS for their desktops, laptops, and even personal digital assistants or Pocket PCs. So would this mean that we'll soon be having the cute little penguin in our iPaqs?

Definitely, but HP still did not divulge what particular products Linux will be part of. But personally, as a computer user and an audience of this topsy-turvy circus of the digital world, I think HP should not miss the opportunity to integrate Linux in their ultra portable laptops. For sure, with Linux and HP combined, users will be able to enjoy the convenience of having a super easy-to-use interface on their mobile gadgets. I just hope that since Linux will be a part of HP in some of its products, the price Linux-based laptops and PDAs are much affordable than those that run in Windows mobile, XP, or Media Center OS.

Linux is definitely gearing towards helping movie spinners create top-quality films that will surely become blockbuster hits. More than that, there's no doubt Linux is becoming the first choice of movie makers when it comes to operating systems for developing and creating characters that need the aid of computers. After its successful performance in the backstage of the Peter Jackson movie, I was surprised when I learned that this open source software was also used for making the zooming cute characters of the recent animated movie of Disney/Pixar's.

Linux made it into the runway of helping Pixar's make race cars and other automobiles in the hit kiddie flick Cars as shiny and as realistic as possible. You know, Lightning McQueen, Sally, Doc Hudson, and Mater... yeah, they are all sassy because of the software. If you'll remember in my previous blogs, I've mentioned that Gollum, the ugly hobbit-turned-monster with a crazy split personality of the Lord of the Rings was designed by incorporating software applications running through Linux. With this constant development with Linux, I hope there'll be more movies that will be created with the aid of the software. Well, it's cheaper and easier to use than proprietary software so I guess movie execs might want to save cash while doing big-budgeted flicks.

Mobile and personal digital gadgets are getting more alluring and more confusing as more developments and technologies are presented. Before, we only chose between having a smart or a camera phone, but now I think we'll also be choosy about having Microsoft Windows Mobile or Linux in our cellphones. Yeah, I'm serious kids, Linux is already invading the mobile industry.

Hmm, seems like the competition between Microsoft and Linux as the ultimate operating system for computers have reached the thresholds of the mobile phone world. If I am not mistaken, I've mentioned this before in my previous entries. So as an added information, Motorola, yeah, Hello Moto, will be joining the group of large companies who are switching to Linux.

Now, the question here is what do these firms see in Linux that is not existing in Microsoft? Jeez, this is a real tough question that only open source software developers of Linux can answer. And since we don't have an available Red Hat spokesperson to answer that, let's pretend that maybe they find the penguin logo cute and fascinating. Anyway, this means the business for the mobile phone industry might be getting older, yet wiser with the OS that they'll be presenting with the public.

Open source application appeals not only to home users, but as well as to business computer users. Surprisingly, even some device makers dumped their Windows operating systems and switched on to Linux. Like what I said in my past entries, the upcoming portable notebooks and personal digital assistants won't have the four-color window logo anymore. Instead, it'll sport the cute, cuddly, penguin on its screen.

Magnolia 2.0, which is developed by Obinary AG, is the latest open application that can run in any format like Linux and Microsoft operating systems. Based on Java server technology, codes in this new application is far more accessible than any of its contemporaries. This also means that it is compatible with almost any application server. It offers a lot of features including very interactive toolbars and browsers.

Google, Lenovo, and Sharp are among the billion dollar companies that switched from Microsoft to open source products. Even the people behind the Oscar-winner flick, The Lord of the Rings, employed non-proprietary products in the creation of the film. The application has a humongous pile of professional software developers as well as supporters. That's why its impact to the masses is strong. Aside from that, the fact that it's always free and it's easy to use made it more appealing.