Archive for the 'Linux' Category

Do You Know What The File Extensions Mean?

Did you know that at one point, Microsoft restricted the file extension to just three characters? What that means is, files like .torrent stood no chance of running on a MS OS like Windows. This has changed since, and thanks to sites like www.file-extension.com, we can now track the progress and purpose of even the lesser know file extensions.

A precise outline of the nature and function of file extensions is not as simple as one would image, with over 40 years of developments and competing influences of Mac, Windows/Dos, and Unix-like operating systems, file systems and metadata formats are now harder to recognize and in some instances trust.

Three of the most popular type of files downloaded frequently online are probably the file extension MP3, GZ files and Zip. My personal favorite is the versatile MP3s, which are commonly used to encode audio with an intentionally simple algorithm specifically designed to maximize compression whilst still reproducing an audio track that sounds faithful to the original. Not only are these files versatile, they can be played with most all audio players.

Back to the File Extension site, I found that neither UNIX nor Mac operating systems used file extensions when they started rolling out. Instead each had their own file systems, with different conventions for storing metadata, which thankfully has changed over time. If you think you have see it all, check the site and you will realize that there are thousands of extensions you have used and many we will never. And when you do run into questions, you can count on file-extension.com to help you out.

Sun acquires MySQL AB

mysql logosun microsystem logoThe billion dollar acquisition makes it the largest open source software deal ever and makes Sun the owner of a critical part of the popular LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL Perl/Python/PHP) open source software stack!

This announcement reaffirms Sun’s position as the leading provider of platforms for the Web economy and its role as the largest commercial open source contributor (even Solaris OS is available free and open source). This opens up MySQL to a whole new and exciting arena and is expected to gain new distribution through Sun’s channels including its OEM relationships with Intel, IBM and Dell.

Carry your WordPress Wherever You Go!

xampp iconOne way to work on WordPress without having to be on a live server and connected to the net is by carrying a functional (local) copy of your server software (Apache, PHP, MySQL) on your laptop. WLTC has a 2 part instructions to help you do just that. It might also be of interest to know that there is an even more flexible and possibly more efficient way to accomplish this, to have a copy right in your USB stick, Ralph.fm has the “Know How”, check it out!

Google’s Android the next big thing for Mobile Technology?

The simple answer is no, however, Linux the open-source OS might get a huge push and even end up becoming the platform of choice rooting out competition like Windows and Palm. Although handset manufactures like LG, HTC, Motorola and Samsung, chip firms such as Qualcomm and mobile networks like T-Mobile and China Mobile have all showed interest in partnering with Google, none have made any specific commitment towards moving in that direction yet.

google android

Google believes that Android powered phones will make the internet experience on a mobile “better than on a PC”, it acquired Android in 2005 specifically to tap the youth appeal for all things “wireless”, but one expert thinks the hype is just that, a poor PR move and nothing more. Don’t expect a phone powered by Android until mid-2008, so only time and patience can tell if it will take off, in the mean time, enjoy your iPhone.

Can you launch a successful startup with $2000? Yes, dig Digg!

Common knowledge says a new business venture requires angel investors of some kind or at least the biggest obstacle is the financial part.

Would you believe if you were told Digg was launched at a cost of $2000 ONLY using the open source LAMP stack (Software progams bundled for running dynamic websites or servers: Linux,Apache, MySQL and PHP) , with a monthly hosting cost of $99, without advertising cost of a single dollar?

Let’s have a look at Digg’s statistics first:
No. of users: 500,000
No. of links: More than a million
Traffic rank: 78
Staff: 15 people
Monthly traffic: 10 million pages per day

Of course, Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, an important name in Web 2.0 amongst the most popular internet celebrities today, had experience working with dotcom startups before he found Digg, yet I think there is reason for being optimistic that if you have an idea that sells, a major chunk of your job is done!