Open Source Software

Maybe up to now, you still have not heard of Acclaim. Well, read on and be convinced that this open source game is a good way to spend your time on. Gigaom has this as a backgrounder for all of you.


Community Inputs in Relation to Open Source Project Developments

When Acclaim Games publicly unveiled its Rockfree project, a free-to-play, web-based riff on the rhythm genre, last November, it did something unusual. It invited gamers to play an early version of the game so they could weigh in on the project as it was being developed.

That may not seem like a drastic move to the beta-shrouded web world, but for game makers it is another sign that the long-standing barrier between the game maker and game player that was set up to protect the profitability of projects is crumbling. One unintentional slip — or one public demo gone wrong — had always been enough to ruin a game’s prospects. As the video game marketplace grows ever more crowded, however, community engagement is increasingly being viewed as an invaluable tool. Just as the industry’s behemoths waited for startups selling virtual items to succeed before adopting such a business model, the old guard is slowly moving to engage directly with its communities.

The secret is to make community input matter. Greg Chudecke is building an online community around his startup Caffienated Games to so he can gauge community reaction to his ideas and ensure he’s building a game they’ll want to play. Virtual world and social networking mash-up Gaia Online built its own MMO, zOMG!, because the community asked for it. Even Electronic Arts relied on a community of creators to populate the Spore universe with creatures — to overwhelming success. And the Sony-published LittleBigPlanet is hoping players will create a limitless well of content for the game with its level-generating tools.

The clamor of the public however, if fickle, just like so many things in life. A very popular game today will not necessarily be a success two months from now. That is why the developers have to continue improving their products.

Contribution of Gamers

But Acclaim has taken community involvement beyond user-generated content and beta-testing; it’s involving them in everything from game concept creation to localization. Not only does Acclaim gain the expertise of the crowds, but it’s building a better connection with its fans.

When localizing the fantasy role-playing game 2Moons from Korean to English in late 2007, Acclaim opened the voice casting to its community. It provided character sketches; gamers supplied voice files. The project drummed up so much excitement for the game among that community that Acclaim is building a formal peer review system for use in future projects.

I have a question here however, when they say "formal peer review", as opposed to what? What is an informal peer review?

Earlier that year, Acclaim launched a game experiment dubbed Project Top Secret. The goal: Crowd-source the design of a massively multiplayer game. The idea the 60,000 community members created — a cross between World of Warcraft and Ben Hur, where players race, ride, rear, breed and fight with mounts — “was so radical it wasn’t something the Chinese team [contracted to develop the game] could make,” says Perry, who also directed Top Secret. “The thing that is interesting with crowd design is you end up with ideas no one has done before in the industry.”

I've checked out this particular game and it is well, a very entertaining one. I must have spent hours and hours on it in a matter of days. If this kind of game is not an entertainment for you, what about Origami? Go to this site and check the origami designs.

In this era of game-obsessed generation, it is not enough for game developers to rely merely on their genius, customer feedbacks are an important source of ideas.

The Battle for Wesnoth is an open source game designed and created by David White. Released in June of 2003, this is actually a turn-based strategy game. The concept behind this addictive open source game is based on Master of Monsters and Warsong, two Sega Genesis games. White's aim behind the creation of The Battle for Wesnoth is to come up with an open source game based on strategy that has easy-to-understand rules but offers an excellent artificial intelligence and exciting and challenging levels.

What The Battle for Wesnoth is all about

Set in a fantasy environment, The Battle for Wesnoth gives the players the task to create armies consisting of elves, humans, trolls, orcs, and other races. In the stable version, the game offers a variety of campaigns with three challenging levels. But since this is an open-source game, campaigns created by the actual users and players are available. Some of the campaigns available are The Eastern Invasion, The Hammer of Thursagan, Heir to the Throne, The South Guard, Liberty, An Orcish Incursion, and Delfador's Memoirs.

What gamers like about The Battle for Wesnoth

The most interesting feature of this game is its open source features that allow practically any user to create his or her own campaign, and even customize races. Another cool feature of The Battle for Wesnoth is its easy-to-use built-in map editor. Creating your own campaign is also easy, since you can just use a text editor when managing the Wesnoth Markup Language or WML.

If you want a fantasy game that offers more control over other characters and campaigns, The Battle for Wesnoth is perfect for you. Aside from honing your tactical skills, this turn-based strategy game can also help you hone your game planning skills as you create a new and exciting campaign.

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.

If you have been writing programs for some time, you know just how important it is to keep an organized system for recording, storing, and managing all the codes and information. Having to update data, ensure that there are no duplicate records, and retrieve data within a certain criteria is taxing and cumbersome without a good database management system (DBMS). Although there are many mainstream database management systems around, such as Oracle and MS Access, it’s good to know that you can get the same features and performance using an open source database. Here is a brief discussion on its advantages.

Benefits of using an open source database

As with other open-source applications, an open source database costs much less than its copyrighted counterparts. Aside from that, the freedom granted to users and developers to tweak and improve its source code and other components significantly helps an open source DBMS become more reliable and consistent. It provides the same quality of service that its more expensive proprietary equivalents can give.

Well-known brands of open source database

The most popular server database MySQL is an open source DBMS. Apart from MySQL, PostgreSQL, the Java-embeddable Apache Derby, Firebird, GNU SQL Server, SAP MaxDB, ScimoreDB, DXstore database system, HSQLDB, and CloudDB are among the leading brands of open source database management systems today. Drizzle and MariaDB are among the fork versions of MySQL.

Whether it is for personal or commercial use, an open source database can prove to be a reliable database management system. The best thing about using them (instead of proprietary databases) is that they are not as pricey, which is very important when you’re working on business management programs that are supposed to cut costs.

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.

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.

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.

These days, it’s common to use file sharing hosts when you want to share or acquire huge files. These file sharing hosts make ample space available at usually no cost to you. However, there is innate danger in using these hosts, which you should be aware of.

Choose your file sharing host wisely.

It is important that you find a reputable host when you want to use file sharing services. File sharing opens up certain ports in your computer system. This makes your system vulnerable to backdoor attacks.

Check the file sharing instructions and privacy agreement first.

When you want to share files, you are prompted by terms and agreements for using the file sharing services first. Read through these thoroughly as you are basically signing off on the legitimacy of your uploads.

Be wary of any risk to your computer when sharing files in P2P networks.

File sharing uses certain ports in your computer systems. When these ports are opened up, it makes your computer vulnerable to malicious attacks. There is no way to secure your computer from this except to be sure about what you share and who you share your files with.

A great website for your online business is a necessity. This is your way of attracting loyal customers. Here are some tips to help you accomplish this:

Web design tip 1: Add a logo or label for business identification.

Make sure to have a unique logo or label for your site. Never do the “lazy” thing, that is, to just write your business name using a fancy font type. This is not the way to gain recognition online. Your logo is your online identifier. Through it, your customer can recognize your business and your products right away.

Web design tip 2: Go easy on the colors and make sure that site is still professional-looking.

For a business website, it is necessary to keep the color mix to a minimum. A two- or three-color scheme usually is enough. This keeps everything simple and easy on the eyes. Plus, these colors also become business identifiers. So, make sure your colors are professional and veer away from gaudy color schemes.

Web design tip 3: Have a good balance between image and text.

Images are essential in a website as these offer “breaks” for the eyes and make the site more attractive. Text is also necessary as it is how you convey information. However, it is important not to go overboard with either one. Too much text can turn off the reader. Too many images, on the other hand, makes the whole site seem irrelevant.

Once upon a time I opened my portable Mac computer to browse on the Internet. I chanced upon a website that was so attractive. It was really the best website for its unique graphics and clean lay out. I even thought I wanted to nominate it for the best website award. However, I found myself in the middle of nowhere when I went through its folders. It was confusing and I thought was that part of the design -- contents that are mind-boggling because they are really unorganized?

Organizing web contents is an essential matter for all web site developers. Contents are the most significant part of the web layout, aside from the graphic displays that are just for attraction anyway. Your contents, may it be words, images, or what ever, MUST always be put in a clean and correct folder. Organize your thoughts and organize your folders to have a better website.

Some ways to organize your web content include the following: Divide web contents in a logical manner. Always put the most important first on the list. Structure each folder's contents in a logical and chronological way. Check your website's design, including lay out and contents, if it is satisfactory or above expectation. You're doing good if it's the former, but you still need to develop it. Try visiting your site and check your contents. If you don't experience confusion, then you have everything right.

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.

Sometimes, we can't help ourselves to be an OC or Obsessive Compulsive. We do peculiar routines, or call that rituals if you want, that if not done we feel a certain incompleteness in our day. It's like we always HAVE TO DO something before eating, before sitting, before sleeping, or even before brushing our teeth. We always feel a sense of need to organize, manage, arrange, and be meticulously neat. For instance, spread a number of colorful casino chips on the table and you will see an OC person arranging them according to color.

Vignette is a pioneer in content manager softwares. It helps you manage your Web content. It also eases the creating and publishing processes of web content. It gives you control on organizing web sites as well as web portals. Vignette CMS is a cost-effective software that helps you increase customers, employers, suppliers, and partner interactions. With this easy-to-use software, you will be able to increase your business productivity as well. So if you're an OC, this is the perfect CMS for you.

This program has several features that will give you strong benefits. Its command center helps you manage your web content and web portal through a single interface. Next is its Pre-built workflows that help you to quickly start on a project's implementation. Content Type Modeler sets an application for modifying your content objects to easily manage any crucial information. Virtual Repository provides a virtual format for our data. Other features include library services, content creation, centralized management access, and its secure deployment.

Among the open source games, Search and Rescue is a classic game that really provides fun, thrill, and excitement. Even though it does not display a highly innovative simulation, it is still the best classic game in the name of computers. It's a game that many people often associate with the US Coast Guard in real life. But, the game developers refute this assumption. It's a simulation of a rescue situation in the real world that displays 3D graphics of helicopters and other rescue equipments, and humans.

If you are going to choose between Linux or Windows, I suggest you choose Windows (that is if you want to play this game) because this open source game is only available for Windows users. But, don't you worry Linux user, there are also games that are available for Linux. Surely, our technology does not stop developing more games for people's craving for entertainment. If you are interested to know, Search and Rescue is a game for your entire family.

The game primarily features a rescue situation that simulates the real world. What makes this game exciting is the cause of the victims' death. Rescuers save people who are helpless against the call of death amidst the deep ocean or the raging fire. However, in the real world the funny thing is that people themselves cause their deaths. How much blood is shed in the Mideast war today? These people care about nothing but revenge. Where are all the rescuers? There! Also butting in the war. So much for rescuing, huh?

Many web templates are available for free downloads on the Internet. I'm sure you're currently using a downloaded template in your website. There's really nothing wrong with that. But, isn't it better to use your self-designed template and isn't it gratifying if people ask for your original template rather than you asking from other designers? Just bear in mind that web designing needs color for it to become an art.

First, create an artistic layout through Adobe Photoshop. Create a colorful bubble design or an electrifying dark layout. Play with your hands and experiment on different layouts. You can also alter a simple image like a flower or even your old picture. Rock it! Put color in every nook and cranny of your template for it to be more attractive and pleasing to the eyes. Go with dark colors but mix it with lighter colors. For example, a dark blue with a lighter blue, dark green with a lighter green color. Do this to attract more visitors.

You can also add some personal touches to make your design more original. Make your design your identity. It will then become a unique template because it is an expression of your personality. No one will ever ignore a website that has a great and unique design. Who knows? Advertisers might be asking you for a space on your website and pay you for it. You'd enjoy designing especially when there's money involved, won't you?

PDF files suck! This is my reaction everytime I encounter PDF files on the internet. And it is not only me who hate downloading PDF files. Even my officemates become pissed off, too. One of them describes it as "pain in the ass." I agree with him because downloading these kinds of files is annoying and irritating. It is very slow to load and I have to wait for three to five minutes before I can read the article. Worst, I cannot take a section and paste it to Word. I prefer files in HTML format so that I can easily copy the information that I need.

Use of PDF in websites is a big crime. Readers have to wait for the a special reader to start before they can see its content. Downloading also takes a longer time because PDF files tend to be stuffed with more fluff than plain web pages. Most readers find it hard to return to the website once they have opened a file in PDF format. PDF files, unlike websites, do not have standard navigation bars to operate. Also, these files' texts fit the printed page and not the computer screen. The layout is often optimized for a sheet of paper; unfortunately it rarely matches the size of the user's browser window. Therefore, goodbye smooth scrolling and hello to tiny fonts.

PDF is a great approach to present your files for printing. However, its usefulness only applies to that particular situation. It is a big no-no when it comes to websites. Or else, your website usability will have an estimate of 300% worse relative to HTML pages. This is just a rough estimate but regardless of statistics, one thing is for sure: PDF will not help your site. Therefore, do not ever use this format in your website.