10.14.13

Techrights Was Right About Skype All Along

Posted in Microsoft at 9:45 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: Realisations about Skype, which is now under investigation by Luxembourg’s data protection commissioner

YEARS ago we warned that Skype had become a surveillance tool like never before. A year and a half ago we explained how Skype had become a tool for NSA eavesdropping on calls all around the world, not just calls within the United States (or routed through US allies like the UK), potentially engaging in espionage against nations outside the EU and Russia (Sweden has been used as an outpost for such eavesdropping).

In a way, Techrights was right about Skype falling into the NSA’s hands 2 years ago. Given the NSA’s very strong relationship with Microsoft, the acquisition may as well be taxpayers-funded. Now there is a formal investigation into it in Europe, where politicians got bugged by the NSA:

A EUROPEAN DATA PROTECTION WATCHDOG is investigating Microsoft’s voice over IP (VoIP) and chat service Skype about its suspected links to the US National Security Agency (NSA).

According to a report in the Guardian newspaper Skype is being investigated by Luxembourg’s data protection commissioner. Since the firm is based in Europe it might find itself under strict inspection and facing criminal proceedings and possible sanctions.

Here is more. We wrote about it years ago, but back then people considered that “paranoid”, despite evidence existing (not evidence as hard as what Snowden later leaked). █

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Tim Berners-Lee is Wrong, DRM in HTML is a Very Big Deal

Posted in DRM at 9:29 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Time to fork HTML?

Source: Original from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, modified by Techrights

Summary: The Web’s founder, Tim Berners-Lee, now actively defends the copyright cartel, only to find loud opposition even from his biggest and more prominent fans

Tim Berners-Lee is quickly losing credibility and he has nobody else to blame. He actively echoes Hollywood talking points or at least Hollywood’s apologists, to whom a copyright monopoly or cartel is perfectly acceptable if not essential.

“It’s that time of the year again,” writes iopkh.” Time to remind the media that there are no such things as Nobel prizes in astrology, professional wrestling or economics.” Here is Cory Doctorow speaking out his mind again, urging Mozilla to tackle DRM like it already tackles Flash, namely:

Mozilla’s Shumway project, an attempt to create a replacement Flash plug-in that uses HTML5, might ever so slightly placate those barracking for the latter. Previously Shumway has only been available as a separate extension, but it recently made its way into Firefox’s nightly builds, hinting at the prospect of mainline inclusion somewhere down the line.

Glyn Moody, a vocal fan of Tim Berners-Lee, has become quite a notable opposer of his stance of DRM in HTML5. He raises some very good points:

Tim Berners-Lee on Why HTML5 “Needs” DRM

[...]

That’s an extremely odd comment, since it divides up the online world up into active creators and passive consumers. That’s precisely the framing that the copyright industry adopts in an attempt to minimise the rights of Internet users, and to belittle their role.

[...]

Putting users first is great, but this sets up a false dichotomy between those who “like to watch big-budget movies at home” and those who want an open Web, as if the former must lose if the latter win. But it’s ridiculous to suggest that companies like Netflix will stop streaming video over the Internet if the Web does not include DRM. It may do it with proprietary Web plugins, or it might even insist that people use standalone code, but that’s not a problem – it is exactly how it’s been done in the past.

Moreover, the open Web will exist and thrive even if some people choose to use proprietary code, just as open source thrives despite the existence of some closed-source applications. The only people who might conceivably lose out if DRM isn’t included in HTML is the W3C, who won’t be able to control exactly how those non-Web parts operate. But that’s true now, anyway, and I can’t believe that the W3C is so power crazed that it wants to sacrifice the open Web solely to extend its empire a little further.

The longer this goes on for, the worse Tim Berners-Lee’s reputation will get. He hopefully understands this by now. The NSA already threatens forking of the Web. Tim Berners-Lee might do the same with his stance. If not a fork, then an alternative might be put forth. There were several Web-like prototypes preceding Tim Berners-Lee’s. Although some were better, they never quite caught on. Tim Berners-Lee and the W3C may feel like they have no competition, so they think that they can get away with DRM. █

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10.13.13

IRC Proceedings: September 29th-October 5th, 2013

Posted in IRC Logs at 5:56 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

IRC Proceedings: September 29th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 30th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: October 1st, 2013

IRC Proceedings: October 2nd, 2013

IRC Proceedings: October 3rd, 2013

IRC Proceedings: October 4th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: October 5th, 2013

Enter the IRC channels now

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IRC Proceedings: September 22nd-September 28th, 2013

Posted in IRC Logs at 4:37 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

IRC Proceedings: September 22nd, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 23rd, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 24th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 25th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 26th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 27th, 2013

IRC Proceedings: September 28th, 2013

Enter the IRC channels now

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10.08.13

Linux Devices and Embedded Linux a Most Powerful Force

Posted in GNU/Linux at 6:01 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: An overview of recent articles about Linux (and sometimes GNU) in the more miniature realm of computing

This month, October of 2013, the issue of Linux Journal is titled “Embedded” [1] and now that embedded devices or ARM chips get powerful enough to run “full linux” (desktop) [2] we should note that the so-called “year of Linux desktop” matters a lot less. Linux Gizmos, a site dedicated to Linux devices and embedded Linux, shows many new devices that run Linux [3-11], including cars [12,13]. Raspberry Pi is big in the headlines [14-18] and Linux Journal has a special article about it [19]. Without a doubt, Linux is the most dominant platform when it comes to devices and it often comes with GNU too (not always but often). █

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. October 2013 Issue of Linux Journal: Embedded

2. “Most powerful” Arduino ever has ARM Cortex-A8 chip, runs “full Linux”

   3D printers, sensor networks, and advanced automation enabled by Arduino TRE.

3. Rugged fanless box-PC suits wireless mobile apps

   MEN Mikro announced a rugged, Linux-ready box-PC for use on trains, buses, airplanes, and construction and agricultural vehicles. The BL50W comes with single- or dual-core AMD G-Series APUs, provides dual full-HD DisplayPort outputs, expands via SD, mSATA, and Mini PCIe slots, offers gig-E, WiFi, GPS, and cellular connectivity, and supports wide temperature fanless operation.

4. Compact OTT set-top-box runs Linux

   Antik Technology announced a smaller, lower-powered sibling to its Juice Extreme 2 multicast/OTT IP set-top-box. The Juice Nano runs Linux on a 550MHz ST STiH207 processor, delivers video at up to 1080p at 60fps, provides HDMI, TOSLINK digital audio, and USB ports, and offers both Ethernet and WiFi connectivity.

5. Set-top box SoCs move up to Cortex-A9, UltraHD, HEVC

   STMicroelectronics (ST), ViXS, and Sigma Designs have each announced new Linux-friendly system-on-chips for IPTV set-top boxes (STBs) incorporating dual Cortex-A9 cores. Some of ST’s STLinux-based “Cannes” and “Monaco” SoCs, as well as ViXS’s XCode 6400 SoC, support UltraHD video and streaming HEVC HD content, while Sigma’s SMP8734 supports Linux or Android on hybrid STBs and media players.

6. SODIMM-style COM runs Linux on Freescale Vybrid SoC

7. Linux-capable Arduino TRE debuts at Maker Faire Rome

8. Embedded firms increase Linux kernel contributions

   A Linux Foundation report found that among the growing list of companies participating in Linux kernel development, embedded-oriented firms like Linaro, Samsung, and Texas Instruments, have increased their contributions at the fastest rate. Other findings include increases in the number of kernel developers, code changes, and changes per hour since the LF’s previous report in April 2012.

9. Linux device offers web, video, audio conferencing

   RHUB Communications is shipping a videoconferencing and web collaboration appliance that runs embedded Linux on an AMD G-Series processor. The TurboMeeting 210 (TM210) appliance is equipped with multiparty web, video, and audio conferencing functionality, as well as remote support, remote access, and webinar applications.

10. RCA Internet Music System runs Android

    RCA is previewing a $200 Android-based music system on its RCA Tablets website. The RCS13101E Internet Music System features built-in WiFi and a removable tablet-style display, and is billed as a modern alternative to the traditional modular stereo system, for use in bedrooms, dorm rooms, and family rooms.

11. Home automation device runs Linux on BeagleBone

    Starting in early October, Ninja Blocks will ship another 1,000 units of its redesigned open source Linux based home automation device kit. The $199 Ninja Block Kit incorporates a BeagleBone SBC and an Arduino-compatible microcontroller, and offers remote access via smartphone apps and a cloud service for access to sensor inputs including motion detectors, contact closures, temperature and humidity sensors, and pushbuttons.

12. Linux-based IVI platform adds multimedia tech

    Mentor Graphics is integrating Jungo Connectivity’s multimedia player middleware into its Linux-based in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) software platform. Mentor’s Automotive Technology Platform IVI stack meets Yocto Project 1.3 and GENIVI 3.0 IVI requirements, and Jungo’s MediaCore middleware provides UX and other support for multimedia management and playback, smartphone connectivity, and cloud-based applications.

13. Android-based IVI system ships in 15 Renault cars

14. Father Builds First Raspberry Pi-Powered Tooth Fairy Tooth Transport

    Developers have proved that the Raspberry Pi can be used for a lot of interesting projects, but very few had the kind of appeal of the Tooth Fairy project.

    Giving money for teeth has become quite a tradition, but a parent took it a little bit further and with the help of a Raspberry Pi, he managed to connect the Tooth Fairy to his house.

15. New openSUSE images for Raspberry Pi

    Good news for Raspberry Pi users, there are brand new images of openSUSE for this revolutionary device.

16. Turn your Raspberry Pi into a web server

    Raspberry Pi is one of the most popular devices around. Educators, enthusiats, students and even Googlers love it. Google has been involved with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to promote the device in the UK. Google gave a grant to the foundation via Google Giving to provide 15,000 Raspberry Pi Model Bs for schoolkids around the UK.

17. Raspberry Pi’s Eben Upton Demos Wayland Support on the Pi

18. Raspberry Pi Doorlock Uses USB Keys

19. Temper Pi

    It was inevitable. Back when the Raspberry Pi was announced, I knew I eventually would use one to power a beer fridge. If you have been following my column through the years, you know that three years ago (see my Hack and / column titled “Temper Temper” in the August 2010 issue), I set up a temperature controller for my beer fermenting fridge with an X10 serial controller to control the power to the fridge and a heating pad, an inexpensive TEMPer USB thermometer to take the fridge temperature, and a simple Perl script.

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Pardus Linux is Still Alive and Spreading Further in the Form of Pisi

Posted in Europe, GNU/Linux at 5:33 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: The desktop-oriented set of distributions which rose in popularity around 2008 and 2009 are still around and still spreading further

SEVERAL years ago we wrote a long post about Pardus, which had been gaining a lot of momentum in Turkey until Microsoft stepped in. According to DistroWatch, Pardus Linux is alive and well, but in prior years there were not many releases of it (compared to years prior to Microsoft’s intervention).

Based on [1,2], Pisi 1.0, which is based on Pardus, is quickly approaching final release. The updates are in Spanish, but this blogger, who mostly covers Mandriva and Mageia [3,4] (Mageia 4 is coming [5]), has the translation. It is a blog which is mostly dedicated to Mandriva and derivatives like PCLinuxOS or Mageia [6]. Pardus too is related to Mandriva, which is now managed in Russia and has some branches like ROSA.

Pardus Linux represents a great force with true potential outside the ‘Western’ conglomerate of distros. It is important to shelter Pardus Linux because it aids a certain balance of power. The Turkish military is seeking to escape Windows and now that we know more about the NSA, it is very clear why. █

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. Coming Soon: Pisi 1.0 RC!

2. Pisi 1.0 goes RC!

   This entry (in Spanish) confirms that the RC of Pisi Linux 1.0 (Izmir) is here. Pisi RC comes as a 64 bit distro only.

3. Sneak Peek: Mandriva Pulse2 1.6

   The Pulse Cluster is busy working on the next major version of Pulse2, the 1.6. Scheduled to be released this Fall, we are all excited about it. Why? Quite simply, this upcoming version is meant to bring Pulse2 to the next level. What this means -without disclosing too much- is that this release will focus among other features on two major components: a renewed interface and the ability to prepare and plan the migration of your desktops to Windows 7.

4. Games! Steam in Mageia 3

   Although I’m not a gamer, I decided to check Steam on Mageia 3. I installed the Steam client and open an account when the distro was released, but the software would crash whenever I attempted to see the description of a game. As it was a beta client, I never thought about using it until today.

5. Mageia 4 Alpha 3 is out!

   This alpha brings KDE 4.11.1, Gnome 3.10.0 and now Mate is found inside the repositories.

6. Update Day

   I updated my PCLinuxOS and my Mageia laptop installs today. The process finished without any problem and everything is working as expected.

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Debian GNU/Linux Popular in Education

Posted in Debian, GNU/Linux at 5:11 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: A roundup of news about Debian GNU/Linux, the biggest distribution in terms of number of developers and perhaps users too

A new introduction to Debian 7 (code-named “Wheezy”) [1], a distribution which offers plenty of choice when it comes to desktop environments [2], is aiming to capture new users. I am myself a Debian user and I have installed half a dozen desktop environments on it. Some of the latest Debian news [3,4] says that students are being recruited to work on Debian, which is also popular among students as users. Kwheezy (KDE and Wheezy) [5,6] and SolydX 201309 reviews [7,8] show that there is a thriving developers community around Debian (Ubuntu too is Debian-derived) and examples from education [9] including Skolelinux [10,11] and Knoppix [12] (its founder is now teaching at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences) help demonstrate the academic side of the distribution, which is widely favoured among teachers and schools. It was the distribution of choice for Brazil’s schools.

When it comes to contributions to GNU/Linux, the only group which can compete with Fedora (Red Hat) is Debian. Ubuntu (Canonical) is mostly marketing. █

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. Newbies Guide to Debian 7 – Part Three

   So here you are with your new Debian system. Now you might be wondering, “Which programs do I use?”

2. Debian LXDE with LXLE Added Features

   LXDE is a desktop environment, which aims the low-performance hardware and old computers. However, you can use it on with modern computers and accessories too, making them flashing fast.

3. Debian Project News – September 16th, 2013

4. Debian Project News – September 30th, 2013

   The Google Summer of Code has now come to an end, and the 15 students working the whole summer on improving Debian have sent in their final reports. They’ve worked on various subjects such as ZFS on Linux integration, a rewrite of the package tracking system, improvements to Debian search, scan-building the Debian archive, a MIPS N32/N64 port, and a redesign of metapackage creation for Debian Blends. The full list of Debian GSoC students and their projects can be found on the Debian blog. The Debian project thanks the GSoC students for their amazing work and the Debian mentors who followed them during these four months.

5. Kwheezy 1.2 Review

   I have always been a categorically against the KDE desktop experience. I’ve never understood it, and never really tried. Part of that might be because I started with GNOME, I don’t know. What I do know for certain is that I have always shied away from KDE desktops and therefore I have avoided many distributions. Something about Kwheezy however, has intrigue me enough to make me want to take a look. I have many presuppositions that will have to be overturned in order to be unbiased, but I am willing to give it a very good try. Whether you are a fan or foe of KDE, put some of your biases aside and join me for this review.

6. Kwheezy 1.2

   Debian has not always had a good reputation when it comes to being welcoming to new Linux users. Kwheezy is a Debian-based distribution that aims to change that by making Debian easier to install, and by offering the slick KDE desktop environment. Kwheezy is a blend of Debian 7.1 (Wheezy) and KDE 4.8.4.

7. SolydK 201309 Review: Rock-solid Debian spin offering KDE 4.11.1

   Linux Mint has some serious competition it seems! SolydXK is gradually growing on me and like me, on many other devoted Linux users. This distro right now comes in KDE and XFCE versions and is a spin off from the Linux Mint Debian. LM Debian as of now has two desktop environments, Cinnamon and Mate, and no longer supports XFCE or KDE. That is where SolydXK contributes; more specifically providing users a simple and ready to use spin of Debian with all the qualities of Linux Mint. It is targeted towards small and medium enterprises and non-government organizations in addition to the home users.

8. SolydX 201309 Review: Simple, effective and efficient, as good as Linux Mint!

   All those users fretting over the demise of Mint Debian XFCE spin can now rejoice with SolydX. It aims to provide users a simple, stable and secured operating system and targeted to small businesses, non-profit organizations in addition to the home users. SolydX is based on Debian testing branch and hence, gets updated applications more quicker than Debian stable. I tested the earlier releases and was very happy with it. However, I didn’t get time to pen down a review. So, here I am finally with a review of one of my favorite distros, SolydX, more specifically the 201309 release of the same.

9. Debian GNU/Linux Works In Education

   I was never happier than when I discovered that a working lab could be converted to GNU/Linux or updated in an hour simply by making machines boot PXE, installing Debian GNU/Linux as a LTSP server. If you need thick clients, it’s simple to install on one and re-image the rest in parallel with Clonezilla and multicasting. Clonezilla is being tested for inclusion in the Debian GNU/Linux distribution for the next release.

10. Debian Edu / Skolelinux Wheezy — a complete Linux solution for your school

    Debian Edu is a complete operating system for schools. Through its various installation profiles you can install servers, workstations and laptops which will work together on the school network. With Debian Edu, the teachers themselves or their technical support can roll out a complete multi-user multi-machine study environment within hours or a few days. Debian Edu comes with hundreds of applications pre-installed, but you can always add more packages from Debian.

11. Skolelinux 7.1 Beta 2 Available for Download, Last Development Version Before Release

    Skolelinux, a Linux distribution based on the Debian Edu project that provides an out-of-the box environment of a completely configured school network, is now at version 7.1 Beta 2.

12. The Klaus Knopper Interview

    A couple of weeks ago I approached Klaus Knopper (Founder of Knoppix) via email asking whether he would be interesting in answering a few questions about the Knoppix project.

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Mozilla and Firefox Are Becoming Linux-oriented, Need to Compete With Tizen, Jolla and Sailfish

Posted in GNU/Linux at 4:41 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Image from the Mozilla Foundation

Summary: Linux-powered mobile contenders that can challenge Android are still numerous and Firefox remains just one of many

MOZILLA and Firefox have good brand recognition, even if some people aren’t quite paying attention [1]. It’s possible that more people know Firefox, compared to GNU and Linux for instance. It makes Firefox easier to ‘sell’ to the public; it’s just like putting the “Google” brand on stuff. Firefox 25 is coming quite soon [2] and Mozilla is now focusing on mobile [3], where there is focus on Linux-based operating systems like Android and Mozilla’s own FirefoxOS. Firefox already integrates well with GNU/Linux [4], but at what stage will Mozilla focus mostly on GNU/Linux rather than the platform which makes it involuntarily spy on users (Windows [1, 2])?

Mozilla is holding some events [5,6] which can shed light on its future plans, but Mozilla still has some strong competition from Android and from Sailfish, which already enjoys Android compatibility, unlike FirefoxOS [7,8]. Either way, Linux gains massively [9] because all the aforementioned operating systems have Linux in them [10]. Android, which is Linux-powered, has gotten huge. █

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. No One Knows What the Firefox Logo is, and Last Night’s Jeopardy! Proved It

   Okay, let’s play a game: What’s the animal featured in the Firefox logo?

2. New Firefox 25 Beta Launched on All Available Platforms

   Mozilla has just released the third Beta release in the Firefox 25.x branch, and it’s now available for download and testing, on all available platform.

3. Mozilla working on a second-screen solution for Firefox

   Just like Google, Mozilla too wants a piece of the second screen market. The company is reportedly testing the new technology that would allow users to beam content from their mobile browser to the TV.

4. Improve The Look of Firefox In GNOME With These 2 Add-Ons

   Ubuntu GNOME ships with Firefox as its default browser – and for good reason: it’s a robust, featured and dependable choice.

5. Getting Ready for Summit 2013; Fun Already!

   In just a week Mozillians will gather for the Mozilla Summit 2013. I’ve been working with a number of the facilitators and the “track leads” and I have to say, it is really rewarding.

6. The Firefox Flicks Global Film Competition Winners are In!

   After more than 400 entries, we are thrilled to announce the 2013 Firefox Flicks Competition Grand Prize, Regional, and People’s Choice Award Winners at the Toronto International Film Festival. The chosen films are a mix of early entry winners and awesome new arrivals that truly capture the essence of “get mobilized” in humorous, creative and meaningful ways. The films show how the power of the Web on mobile phones to discover, manage, enjoy and share content that can change people’s lives.

7. Sailfish gains two-way Android compatibility

   Jolla announced that its Sailfish OS is now fully compatible with Android, letting the Linux-based mobile OS run Android apps, as well as operate on hardware configured for Android. Jolla also announced that a second batch of pre-orders for its Sailfish-based Jolla phones will open later this week, after having sold out its first shipment in August.

8. Jolla Phone specs and android compatibilty officially annnouced

   Finland based Jolla Mobile has officially announced android app compatibility and technical specifications for their first smartphone.

9. Linux gets a boost from mobile

   Although not originally designed for telephones or tablets, the Linux kernel is now getting more contributions than ever from mobile and portable device vendors, whose input is driving a heretofore unseen rate of development for the open source project.

10. Samsung Tizen and LG Firefox OS phones coming soon?

    Following the appearance of leaked photos showing Tizen 3.0 running on Samsung’s Galaxy S 4 phone, new rumors say the upcoming Galaxy S 5 smartphone will be available in both Android and Tizen versions. Meanwhile, an LG D300g phone uncovered in the FCC database suggest the first LG Firefox OS phone is nearing release.

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