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Tom Henderson is a long-time observer of the IT scene, complete with scowl and grey goatee. And cynicism. Tom is a world-class cynic, no doubt about it. Why? Cover enterprise IT security and other computing topics long enough for big-time industry publications like ITWorld and its IDG brethren, and you too may start to think that no matter what you do, your systems will always have (virtual) welcome mats in front of them, inviting crackers to come in and have a high old time with your data.

Note: Alert readers have probably noticed that we talked with Tom about cloud security back in March. Another good interview, worth seeing (or reading).

CWmike writes "It's starting to look like the BlackBerry store will be well stocked with apps when Research In Motion launches BlackBerry 10 (see YouTube preview) at the end of this month. The company held an event over the weekend where it offered app developers incentives to port their programs to the BlackBerry 10 platform and managed to attract 15,000 app submissions. 'Well there you have it. 37.5 hours in, we hit 15,000 apps for this portathon. Feel like I've run a marathon. Thanks to all the devs!' wrote Alec Saunders, vice president of developer relations at RIM, in a Twitter message. The 'port-a-thon' event was held in two parts: One aimed at Android developers and the other at apps written in other platforms, including Appcelerator, Maramalade, Sencha, jQuery, PhoneGap and Qt. RIM was offering $100 for each app ported and subsequently approved for sale in the BlackBerry 10 app store, up to certain limits. Developers could also win BlackBerry 10 development handsets and a trip to RIM's BlackBerry Jam Europe developer event." It's hard to believe that many current iOS or Android users are leaping toward Blackberry, though. If you're in one of those camps, is that so crazy?

joabj writes "Following up on experiments of running Internet Protocol(IP)-based networks with carrier pigeons or bongos, UofC grad student R. Stuart Geiger has demonstrated that it is possible to transmit simple ping requests across two computers using people playing xylophones. Throughput is roughly 1 baud, when the participants don't make any mistakes, or get bored and wander off. The OSI encapsulated model of networking makes this project doable, allowing humans to be inserted at Layer 1, the physical layer. Vint Cerf wasn't kidding when he used to say, 'IP on Everything.'"

Zendar writes "idg has an article about how students at the 151-year-old Tufts University were paid as little as $20/month to relay spam from computers in their dorms. Interestingly enough, the students approached the spammers about this scheme and not vice-versa."

a_little_bird informed that XFree86 will be getting the LinuxWorldExpo Community prize this coming February. That little coup will add another $25,000 to their coffers. Congrats, and we're waiting patiently for v4. *grin*

So, little_bird sent in some information about the upcoming LinuxWorldExpo in February, talking about the program but also a "Linux Showdown". It's a feature panel consisting of "leading commercial Linux providers" with questions being field from a panel of experts, the audience and one another about Linux. My question - what would you want to ask these folks? What's on your mind?

BTW, I've also been told that if you register for any conference package by December 4, you're in a drawing to win one of twenty-five autographed copies of the upcoming Jon Katz book, GEEK. How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho. But the book is dedicated to Rob and I, so I dunno... *grin*.

I've been corresponding with a gentleman recently about the various US-Linux conferences -(thebazaar, LinuxWorld, Atlanta Linux Showcase, and LinuxExpo)-what goes on? What do people want to do there? I'd like to open the discussion floor up to this-click below for more details. So, we've been talking about what types of booths there are, what sessions there are, and what Birds-of-a-Feather sessions there are, and how often the show doesn't do what you want. That begs the question of what people are looking for? What do you want from a show?

And in the way of plugs, ALS is currently seeking sponsers for a huge LUG party down there, as well as for the speakers. So, if you are willing to contribute, or your company is, please step forward and help out. LinuxWorld has also exhibit-only badges can be registered for from their web site, for the Feb. NYC show. Update: 09/14 12:01 by H : Natalie Vercauteren from LinuxWorld asks to e-mail her with BOF proposals, if you want anything in particular at LinuxWorld NYC.

tgeller writes "The Free Software Foundation (FSF) just won a $25,000 IDG/Linus Torvalds Community Award "for its continued support of the Linux community". This one's from publisher/expo organizer International Data Group. See the press release. What, Stallman's $100K Macarthur Fellowship wasn't enough? :) " Silliness aside, some big congrats are in order here.

A little birdie told me that IDG has moved the dates of the January LinuxWorldExpo to February 1-4. The location, formerly Washington DC, will now be Javits Center in New York City. The new dates are February 1-4. The dates August 9-12, and location, San Jose, for the August Conference are still on. Check out LinuxworldExpo for more information - and they are offering free exhibit only badges.

It seems as if I only returned from the last LWCE, but it appears the new one is already underway. This time, we're moving out of our 10 x 10 hole, and will be housed in giant levitating portals, while Rob does his Ming impressions. Click below to get the real information. THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL LINUX SHOW COMING TO SAN JOSE IN AUGUST

-- IDG World Expo Provides Interactive Forum for Linux Community to
Share, Explore and Expand Ideas

Framingham, Mass. May 12, 1999 IDG World Expo, a business unit of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading IT media and information services company, today announced that it will produce the second LinuxWorld Conference & Expo from August 9 - 12, 1999, when it returns to the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, Calif. Building on the success of its first LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in March and focusing its efforts on capturing the growth of a revolutionary operating system and its technology, IDG World Expo continues to offer the Linux premier forum for exploring and collaborating on the development of Linux applications. Shattering event attendance records for this community by drawing more than 12,000 attendees, the first LinuxWorld Conference & Expo featured Linus Torvalds' keynote address, which attracted a crowd of over 6,000 attendees, a conference program that included over 50 sessions and tutorials, and an expo floor that hosted over 100 exhibitors. community thepremier forum for exploring and collaborating on the development of Linux applications. Shattering event attendance records for this community by drawing more than 12,000 attendees, the first LinuxWorld Conference & Expo featured Linus Torvalds' keynote address, which attracted a crowd of over 6,000 attendees, a conference program that included over 50 sessions and tutorials, and an expo floor that hosted over 100 exhibitors.

"The significant acceptance and success of the March show catapulted LinuxWorld Conference & Expo to become the largest Linux-only event. This demonstrated the community's strong desire to have a forum where people can exchangeinformation and discuss the impact and future role of Linux," said Charlie Greco, president & CEO of IDG World Expo. "IDG World Expo is proud to be a part of this community's exciting endeavor and honored to be given the opportunity to play a role in bringing the Linux community together."

For LinuxWorld Conference Expo August, IDG World Expo has doubled the exhibit floor size and has secured a roster of industry keynotes including Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux; Sean Maloney, senior vice president of Intel; Michael Prince, CIO of Burlington Coat Factory and such industry luminaries as Jon "Maddog" Hall, executive director of Linux International; and Larry Augustin, president and CEO of VA Linux Systems to moderate feature presentations.

In addition to keynote speeches and feature presentations, the conference is offering more than 35 sessions and 18 tutorials to teach professionals, users and developers what they need to know in order to run an organization with Linux technology. The five conference tracks will focus on business issues, Linux kernel internals, desktop environments, software development and system administration. Additionally, the exhibit pavilion will provide attendees with the opportunity to view demonstrations and ask questions about the latest Linux innovations.

Popular Attractions Return in August

Many popular aspects of the March show will return again in August, in particular LinuxWorld Expo Greenhouse, a designated area where small-startup companies can introduce products and services. Two industry-recognized awards presented in March toa large enthusiastic audience once again will be awarded. These are the People's Choice Award, where attendees and industry notables will vote on their show favorites, and the IDG/Linus Torvalds Community Award, which bestows $25,000 on a high school or college student who develops a program that improves the ease of use of Linux. A new addition to the August show that is sure to be a favorite is the Dot.Org Pavilion, where attendees can congregate to access the Internet, play video games and network with non-profit organizations. For More Information For more information or to register, visit the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Web site at www.linuxworldexpo.com, or call 800-657-1474. For exhibiting opportunities, please contact Jim Donovan at 508-424-4814 or jim_donovan@idg.com

About IDG World Expo

IDG World Expo, a business unit of IDG, is the World^Òs leading IT media, research and exposition company. IDG publishes more than 290 computer magazines and newspapers and 700 book titles, and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net, which comprises more than 240 targeted Web sites in 55 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related expositions worldwide, and provides IT market analysis through 49 offices in 41 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit IDG^Òs Web site at www.idg.com.

Kristin DeAngelis sent me some interesting mail covering some of the hoop-la surronding LinuxWorldExpo. One of the big things to note is that pre-reg time has been extended to Feb. 1-head over to LinuxWorldExpo for more information. And if you're coming head over to booth 1143 to see our smiling mugs, and we'd like to thank Kit Cosper of Linux-HW for sending Rob and I out there-buy stuff and make him happy.

• Due to the overwhelming demand, we have extended the pre-registration date to February 1, 1999! Register for any conference package by February 1 and you will receive the Official LinuxWorld Conference & Expo T-shirt for FREE.
• The August dates are: Conference: August 23 - 26, 1999
  Expo: August 24 - 26, 1999
  San Jose Convention Center
  San Jose, CA
  

• LinuxCare and IDG World Expo are proud to present: The LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Attendee Party!

  The LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Attendee Party will start right after Linus Torvald's Keynote Presentation, on Tuesday, March 2nd, at 7:30PM. No need to drive anywhere- the Party will be held at the San Jose Convention Center. A great opportunity for networking in a fun, relaxed atmosphere!

  The Party is being planned to feature:
  

  • A Mingling Session with Linux Leaders
  • Interactive Gaming
  • "Linux Users Tell All", a short film
  • A "very special guest" from Redmond
  • A hip, happening band
  • Door Prizes, great food, imported beer on tap and more!

  We hope that you can join us at this awesome event. Don't forget your badge as that is your invitation!

• Natalie Vercauteren is working on the call for papers for the August '99 show. She will be ready to accept those shortly. I'll send you more info on this as well.

The folks over at LinuxWorldExpo sent this over: "LinuxWorld Conference and Expo is now accepting your suggestions for Birds of a Feather sessions to be held at the show in March. If you have a BOF that you are interested in running, please contact Natalie Vercauteren ." Additionally, they also want everyone to know that students who present their IDs at the door are eligible for a 25% discount for the conference program.

Kristin DeAngelis wrote in to let us know that LinuxWorldExpo has posted a PDF copy of their brochure to the Web. It has all the latest information, and they are ready for more registrations.