Open Source Projects

MySQL is a database software developed by Sun Microsystems. Since its release, it’s become one of the most popular database software in use. This is because of its proven reliability.

Features of MySQL as an open source management database

Many choose MySQL because of its features. This includes flexibility and scalability. You can run the software from practically anything, even deeply embedded programs. You can also easily create humongous databases, without compromising your database software. Likewise, MySQL promises high performance. It is able to load utilities fast, create distinct memory caches, create full-text indexes, and create table and index partitioning. At the same time, MySQL offers robust transactional support. This includes the ACID transaction support, with distributed transaction capability.

Disadvantages of using MySQL as an open source tool

Of course, the software MySQL has its disadvantages. Some say that despite its claim otherwise, it is actually inefficient in supporting very large databases and transactions. Problems have been seen to arise in these cases. At the same time, MySQL has unsupported procedures, such as Stored, Commit and Role in lower versions. Upgrading can compromise amassed data.

In any case, with the advantages and disadvantages, the popularity of MySQL speaks for itself. It is still a reliable database software that you can try out.

Netdisco is an open-source application that’s designed as a web-based network management tool. With this tool, you can manage several remote network devices. This is set through SNMP. With the features of Netdisco, you can fing the end-user system’s switch port via their MAC or IP addresses. Since data is stores in SQL databases, the application is fast and very scalable. Netdisco is open-source so there is consistent work being done to upgrade it. The application was first developed in the University of California, Santa Cruz. To this day, people join in to improve the application.

Pros of using Netdisco as an open source tool

One of the best things about Netdisco is that it is easy to administer. There are web interface and command line interface options. You can also quicly expand the application to include other network devices.

Cons of using Netdisco as an open source tool

One of the cons with using Netdisco is that, with its continued development, there might be some version conflicts. You will continually need to track latest releases and patches. And, since it’s open source, there might be malicious entities set in sabotaging your Netdisco installation.

In any case, many attest to the reliability of Netdisco as an application. It is worth trying.

Things might have come a long way for our personal computers, but change no matter how drastic it is would remain to be impermanent. Flipping through the glossy pages of a techy mag, I stop abruptly on an article discussing the new Linux-based operating system (OS) yet to conquer our computer machines. I wonder why on earth do these people create such when they know that there's an ongoing heated argument between Microsoft software company and the open-source community.

I don't know how you'll take this guys, but I think such introduction of a new OS to rival the closed and proprietary products of MS will for sure cause more confusion and delusion amongst developers and users. In a matter-of-fact tone, I can say that many of us are confused about the difference and similarities of both office suites. I actually am confused as well with the last sentence that I wrote, I don't know if it made sense to you or not. Anyway, moving to more sensible things (hopefully!), new products from the open-source division can either make or break the fate of MS as the leading operating system provider in the global market. But, uhm, I guess they're still the leader as long as they won't meddle with the open-source business. Recently, I heard an information stating that MS have employed open source security in the new Windows Vista system to alter locations of the system so it'll be difficult for spyware, malware and hackers to attack it. On the other hand, OpenSUSE 10.1 by Novell, (which is the new OS I was talking about earlier) offers a very substantial and easy installation of its applications in the computer. If I'm not mistaken we got several versions of this OS already which came out in the market over the past years, but this is the only one that made an impact to me as a consumer. Firstly because the war between MS and the alternative is getting stronger and lastly, I'm just reading the article about it.

Surprisingly, despite my knowledge that Microsoft Office products are still the leading software available on earth, its counterpart, which are the unappropriated office suits in the market today are gaining huge support from numerous users. This statement which raised the brows of Microsoft scions including president Bill Gates, is revealed in the latest study conducted by Gartner which is a survey analyst firm. Although open source has the smallest revenue source, the concoction of myriad management system vendors which include Ingres and MySQL serve as the best point why computer addicts resort to the open system. And as time goes by and as technology continually develops, the unclosed database are incessantly evolving and improving as usability and functionality aspects are concerned. And with the support coming from consumers and volunteer software developers, the era of open source as a primer office system might come sooner than we think.

Although MS will still be considered as the pioneer application for most computer users, I believe it wouldn't hurt if we give way for an alternative, right. Besides, based on the survey, MS office still manage to grasp on its position despite the many office suites that came out this year. I just wish that the evolution of more suites for business and personal use will continue for the benefit of both the company and us, users.

The area of federation and SSO (single sign-on) now has a single open source project to offer a plug-and-play identity management system. In the SSO department, Yale University has developed a set of Java servlets called CAS (Central Authorization Service) which is provided under Yale's own licence and which many US universities currently use. Another toolkit which is similarly under a custom license is the JOSSO (Java Open Single Sign-On) Project which offers hooks for ASP, PHP, and Java applications.

Shibboleth would perhaps be the most ambitious open source federated identity effort which is a project of Internet2's Middleware Architecture Committee for Education. It is primarily designed for use by educational institutions on the Internet2 network and is a complete authentication and access control system for Web-based resources, built around SAML and released under a custom license. Its software is pure Java, and a number of organizations - including universities, libraries, and the Napster digital music service - currently have it in production

These open source identity offerings require some development expertise and a thorough understanding of the local network environment in order to be implemented effectively. If you're looking for a complete identity management solution you would be well-advised to seek out the various commercial vendors. As interest in identity management continues to grow, however, it's likely that some of these projects, particularly the Shibboleth, will gain greater prominence.

We may not know who will rule office suites in the future but one thing I think is for sure, the battle between Microsoft (MS) and open source (OS) is just starting. MS have been dominating the computer software scene for almost two decades already, on the other hand, OS, I think is starting its baby steps on the computer race. Although the latter have features that exist in MS office, it still does not have some of the cutting edge capabilities found in MS, and that makes it several years behind as far as development is concerned.

MS have been a household name for office suites and we've been using it ages ago that some newbie computer users think that it is the only computer operating system that exists in the face of this digital planet. However, there are also reasons why we should be interested with an operating that has an open file format and more transparent than MS. An OS model is more sensitive to consumer needs and this something which MS structure restricts. OS tends to be more proactive or be able to respond immediately to what a user wants than gigantic companies like MS. Aside from that, there's a huge support coming from various software communities that helps drive OS projects to promote an impact on the existing office suites.

I think that there is still a great pressure to OS developers whenever they think that they can beat MS. And that pressure is coming from innovation where MS is widely known. I hope I don't put too much exaggeration on this, but I think MS is the benchmark of all office suites available today. Maybe, it's not yet time for us to decide who will be winner on this long protracted war, perhaps this would take a long road for all of us users until the two software suites cease from developing.

The open source community is really growing in a fast and vast process that even the so-called software giant Microsoft Corporation cannot stop despite its deliberate attempt to put out the growing fiery war between it and open source developers. I don't know what's wrong with Microsoft and their reaction to the technology as if they are so threatened by it that they want to abolish the cheaper and more accessible technology for most users. With regards to commercial software production, I think MS is the leading and there's no arguing with that fact, but s for open source, there were many companies that are battling for the leadership title.

Recently, a company called Spikesource tied up with a bunch of computer developers whose expertise is solely focused on open source to examine software patches for usual apps used in business and offices. The said company already produced seven versions of open source products that they are going to check and certify the compatibility issues. Amongst the developers who will work with Spikesource are LogicalWare and Xensource.

I think this is a new trend in the digital world today when it comes specifically to open source applications. If I'm not mistaken, I think this is relevant to the one done by OpenLogic wherein they establish a community of open source developers worldwide. Anyway, I think this is a brilliant idea so that open source will proliferate and I hope Microsoft will just support these small companies in their tiny endeavors.

One of the most known open source Internet and web technology provider is Apple's "Mac OS X". It is not just for scripting and server components, it also has Apple's Bonjour and Web Kit Technologies as well.

Mac OS X's Bonjour, which is only available under Apple PSL, works as a networking means that ables you to have a quick and easy non-configured network of devices or computers. Registration on networks is possible since Mac allows such on services and the capabilities of devices, while at the same time, instant tracking of these services by other devices is also permitted on the network.

Meanwhile, Mac's Webkit is known as the basis of Apple's web browser which is available only as two frameworks-The Webcore and JavaScriptCore. Works as a framework for Mac OS X, Webcore uses the cross-platform KHTML library and requires the JavaScriptCore framework to function. The JavaCriptCore, however, makes use of the cross-platform KJS library that will work with the technologies Mac OS X's utilizes. Both Webcore and JavaScriptCore are serviceable under Lesser GNU Public Licence, while Webkit is accessible to BSD-style license.

Word processing has never been that easy ever since numerous word applications bombarded our computers. With the new tools on the block, you can write notes, letters, memorandums, reports, and journals with just a few strike of your fingers. Microsoft Word is still the leading processor up tp now. I must admit that I'm still a fanatic of the Microsoft Word because of its easy to use and the features are enough for the personal computer user.

Are typewriters still being used today? Yeah, by computer illiterates. As the world gets older, the computer wizards never stop conceptualizing modern applications that will aid office slaves in finishing their assignments at the earliest possible time. With the new word processors, you'll be able to submit your documents on time and enjoy a litter-free work environment.

Speaking of new applications, Yeah Write is one of the new word processing tools available. I believe it's far better than MS Word because of its automatic saving feature. It will save any document you are writing as soon as you stop typing or close the window. Cool! It also has labeled folders so you won't have a difficult time sorting out your files. You can also attach other folders that would suit your office needs.

Whether you're a graphic designer, interior designer, web site designer, or a simple art enthusiast, you still use the computer for drawing. That is, when using your pencil, watercolor, paint, and brush means boredom. The computer has tools not only for writing and calculating, it also offers help for those who want to draw. The computer is indeed the world's greatest invention ever.

Microsoft Paint has features like the paintbrush and airbrush which makes you feel that you're really painting something. Paintings made with the use of the program look genuine even without the putrid smell of the thinner. You can also incorporate pictures and WordArt in it and then modify the pictures with the unique blend of colors.

But if you're the type who wants more artistic graphic design and need a better program, you can try using Draw by the Open office. You can quickly format and give your drawing its distinctive style. With the 3d and lighting effect features, you can easily make your drawing look like those stunning graphics in Xbox and PC games. It also has a gallery where you can import ordinary clip arts and other pictures you need for your masterpiece. Actually, both Paint and Draw are useful, but you can have your way, use whatever you want to use.

Being in the topmost ladder of the evolutionary ladder, us, humans love devices and gadgets that will help decrease our labor problems. Since the birth of the computers, business and personal users celebrated their liberty from unending accounting tasks using handheld their sickening calculators. Computer wizards introduced them to spreadsheet softwares. Now, the tool became a daily necessity for every business enterprise.

A spreadsheet, either electronic or computerized is simply a tool that systematizes data transactions used in a business. In rows and columns, it shows for instance the business' gross and net income, assets, and liabilities. It was considered as best friends of accountants and various businessmen that helps them figure out their financial statement and lessen the burden in their accounting job.

Bob Frankston and Daniel Bricklin are the people whom we owe our gratitude for they are behind the pioneer spreadsheet program called Visicalc (short for visible calculator) introduced in 1978. After Visicalc is Lotus 123 by the Lotus Development Corporation. The spreadsheet from Lotus is considered as among the world's best selling software packages. Following the worldwide fame of the two software came Microsoft Excel, the first to have drag down menus plus an explicit interface and is still widely used by most accountants until now. Sooner than we think, other computer companies might as well launch their own version of spreadsheets with the most highly defined features.

I believe that the blog mania will become a real asset to the human race. Blog is short for web log. It is a web-based publication that focuses on a certain topic such as health and food, fashion, technology and entertainment. A blogger is the one who writes entries for the blog. And his writing duty is called blogging. Hope you're not confused with that.

Everybody is absorbed to blogging nowadays. Some companies aside from their business websites already have their own blogs too. There are also those who hire creative and technical writers to work as personal blog writers. Your blog doesn't only serve as a personal online journal to write your thoughts and ideas. It evolved into a business and employment opportunity. This is why computer companies came up with bright ideas to support bloggers from around the globe.

New softwares were introduced to make blogging as easy as opening as installing a reliable firewall software. For example, Java's Roller Weblogger is a server-based blogging software & a web application that is created to help multiple simultaneous blog users and visitors. It supports all of the newest features like group blogging, RSS and Atom news feeds, rich-text editing, customizable page templates, comments, trackbacks, referrers, and blogroll management. With this new tool, bloggers either for personal or business blogs will have more fun creating enticing and worthwhile blogs.

I know Apple Computer users and open source fanatics out there are eagerly waiting for another dose of tidbits from Apple's source. You might have heard about this already, but I will mention it just the same here. I am sure you are familiar with the working web browser of Apple, the Safari? Well, for those of you who are not aware, WebKit is the open source essence of Safari.

WebKit is the framework that you can utilize for applications in your Mac operating system. WebKit is made up of two minor frameworks, the JavaScriptCore and the WebCore. JavaScriptCore functions as the KJS library, a cross-platform that is an area of the KDE project. Together with the PCRE regular library, JavaScript is an important factor in making Mac technologies work.

On the other hand, Webcore functions as the KHTML library, another cross-platform that is similarly covered by the KDE project. WebCore is put together with KWQ, an adapter library to make the Mac technologies work. In addition, WebCore also needs the JavaScriptCore framework to function. In short, these two sub-frameworks must exist with each other to fully apply WebKit.

The evolution of computer softwares has really reached a massive impact in business and personal transactions, and the entertainment as well. Open source projects have been striving to provide education and equal opportunities for software developers and program writers to show their knowledge and learn from other programmers. Open source projects help in spreading the message that programmers have someone to turn to in case they find the process too difficult or complicated to handle.

Since you are already familiar with Open Source Initiative, then let me introduce you to Freshmeat. Freshmeat is known for developing operation systems for handheld phones. It has a long list of members – programmers – that work together to improve softwares.

This team effort results in not only producing new line of programs that allows the technology to work faster and become more reliable, but a more intelligent and logical approach to the current trend of software development. Freshmeat works by collecting the applications in its database and continuously, at the same time meticulously, compares and links them to other applications. This allows them to have a twenty-four monitoring of the latest developments of softwares.

Okay, so there is Microsoft, Macintosh, Linux, and all other software and computer companies. So what is the big deal? They compete with each other. I mean, we got business here. The best company that attracts the most number of clients survives the battle and defeats other competitors. But, what happens if all these big names collaborate and unite for a cause? Well, it is good to hear that these giants allowed themselves to combine their technologies and create what we call open source projects. Ever heard of Project Mono?

To begin with, this project, currently, collaborates with Microsoft Company in a mission to develop a new platform. You may want to know just what exactly the plan is. It is kind of hard to understand, but let us just put it this way.

Software giants, like the Microsoft, are busy with developing new programs and innovations that promise faster internet access or more reliable programs that provide computer virus protection, wider scope of connection, and the like. But, let us face it; you can not possibly find everything under one roof. That is why, projects, like Mono, give and urge companies to build camaraderie betwixt them and create an infrastructure that will benefit all. The project resembles a school where companies will have the privilege to study and teach. As for Mono, its interest is in providing the programmers the necessary tools in developing Free Operating Systems.

No one can deny the importance of open source softwares in today's technological world. This is a tool that allows the distribution of free softwares among the public. As such, a lot of people can gain access to it because they do not have to pay for the software just to be able to download it.

Due to the fact that it is important, there are a number of websites on the internet that support various open source projects. One of these is LOKI, which supports OpenAL. This free software for your computer at home is like a 3D audio API that is appropriate to use with a bunch of gaming applications as well as other audio applications.

Its media library has a huge collection of voice sources that move in a three-dimensional area. The audio effects can be heard by person who is listening. Aside from the listener, the OpenAL project should also have a buffer and even a source. These buffers are the technologies that usually have the audio data. Each of these is attached to the sources, represented by dots in the 3D space. This is the source of the sounds emitted by the program.

More or less, we are already familiar with how networking works. I once had a call from a client years before, and I was dumbfounded when I first heard the term. Networking, as other people describe it, is when two or more computers are made to speak or communicate with one another. This is usually done through cables, which is apparent in fixed networking, or through modems, for temporary connections.

One open source project that Apple Computers have is the Bonjour project. Now, how does Bonjour relate to networking? For those who are interested in knowing more about networking, Bonjour is actually one of today's breakthrough technologies that let computers and other machines connect with one another without the hassle of complicated configurations. This means that these computers undergo seamless networking due to the fact that each of the machines are instantly registered and recognized in the networking system. Hence, the services and capabilities of these computers can be readily accessed and discovered by other machines belonging in the same network over the ever-present protocol of IP networking. Isn't that amazing or what? Bonjour's recent release was last January 2006.

If you are one of those people raring to explore the open source of Apple Computer's server, then you might want to check out the streaming server of Apple, the Darwin Streaming. Do not be confused with the different name because this server is still connected with Apple's efforts, although the technical concerns and support are not supported by Apple itself.

Darwin Streaming Server is primarily run by the open source community. It is the open source counterpart of the company's Quicktime Server, which is the commercial server version of Apple. Darwin Streaming is derived from the same code used in Quicktime and basically has the same function with Quicktime in that it is a tool that enables media sharing with clients and utilizes standard protocols. Probably, the only stark difference between Quicktime and Darwin is the target users. As mentioned, Quicktime Streaming is for commercial or public use, while the Darwin Streaming is aimed at developers who need streaming of MPEG and Quicktime on other platforms like Solaris or Linux. Darwin Streaming is also for developers who are seeking to include code changes in the existing server to suit their needs.

"No man is an island." This is the saying that we have heard a countless of times, but is actually very helpful and applicable in our daily lives. For instance, in the office, if we are engaged in a meeting that aims to solve a problem, it is best to have our ideas out in the open, shared. If the idea is any good, it is better to let everybody take in on the opportunity to build on it or work on it, so that there is actually an evolution of ideas that would result to a desirable end product or solution.

The same principle could be said of an open source project called Open Source Initiative. This project is actually founded by software and computer programmers in an effort to develop a better program by working on a single or a set of initial ideas. The initiative is a venue wherein the people could share their knowledge on the current software, swap codes, and thus, improve the program. This is beneficial because it allows the people to see the strengths and weaknesses of their programs, and thus, make a way to build a better model next time. The whole community becomes involved in the task, and everybody learns how to develop the software and repair the bugs.

If you wish to participate in the WebKit Mac OS Open source project, you need to get the WebKit source code, build the WebKit using these codes, and contribute your own. To get the code you are required the Subversion tool and do several steps such as: opening the terminal application and typing the following: svn checkout svn://anonsvn.opensource.apple.com/svn/webkit/trunk WebKit. The source code will then appear in your system and you can start building the code.

The code for WebKit building goes as follows: WebKitTools/Scripts/build-webkit. Since WebKit runs on Safari browser, Dashboard and Mail.app (along with other Mac OS X applications), you can run Safari using the following script: WebKitTools/Scripts/run-safari. You can start downloading or submitting a WebKit patch via the Open Darwin Organization's site at http://webkit.opendarwin.org/.

Let's say you've created the source code and built one in your system. It's time for you to contribute your codes in the WebKit project. To do so, you need only to submit a patch file of your version and the WebKit's own. When you have done so, WebKit reviewers will check out your file and you will be informed whether your patch is approved or not.

Useful software and computer networks are not monopolized by big corporations. The public has the right to create their own applications most suited to their needs. The battle cry of Linux systems is to minimize, if not totally eliminate, software dependency of the public to the expensive software being offered by big corporations.

The concept of open source project is thus developed. Open source projects allow the public to modify, further develop and share free software. Some corporations like Apple and Microsoft are now following Linux example.

My search for an open source database has led me to a site that displayed a matrix where I can compare four leading open source databases as of today: Apache Derby 10.1, MySQL 5.0, PostgreSQL 8.1, and One$DB 4.0. As you can see, these are the open source projects that have reached a sophisticated level of development, thanks to our ingenious programmers. The fact that I can compare them via several factors has been a tremendous help. Here's what to look out for:

The General Factors, Database Features, Procedural Languages and Specifications. There are many subcategories for each factor depending on your search. Generally, there are few major differences since these 4 OSDBs are leaders in software development industry.

Most open source games are readily downloadable from the internet because they are often freeware. Often they are also created by anonymous programmers so there seems to be no harm in trying to tweak them too. At the Underdogs Open Source Game Resource you'll find a list of freeware open source games which have been created since the last decade until today. You'll also get a rating for each game (top rating is 10).

You can get news of the latest open source games as well as FAQs. Browse games according to company or theme, but you can also pick them randomly. So what's the best open source game I've picked so far? It's hard to tell, since the rating is purely individual decision. In the end, the game is really upon the player's judgment.