Exodus is fairly simple to setup and administer. Zimbra provides much more than just Instant Messaging; we use it mainly for Zimlets and Collaboration; but the IM feature of Zimbra with auto-logging is very useful and sophisticated as well.
the idea's to have control over what scripts run and flash is shown, rather than just blanket-disabling everything.
There are situations where blanket-disable is better. Think of a corporate web-application environment. Rather than dozens plug-ins to disable unwanted features which are also potential security hazards, it would be much better to simply remove the functionality from the browser itself. I'd like to know how to do this on a practical basis with Firefox and OOo.
I feel OOo is slow both on Linux as well as Windows. Most likely this is due to the bloat and mindless copying of MS Office features. I have a question: Is it possible to weed out the redundant or useless features in OOo and make it sleek and quick? Since this is completely open source, theoretically this should be possible.
In similar vein, I'm also looking for pluck-outs from Firefox which is also bloated. Rather than running extensions called NoScript, AdBlock, FlashBlock etc.; why not remove these products from the installed version itself to make it lean, mean and less resource hungry?
Enterprise is not a buzzword. People in management like a single sign-on system and a well-knit integrated system that works, not a bunch of assorted code each in a silo that needs a separate login. At my place we have these open source apps:
1. Linux servers - 7 of them, mostly file servers 2. JBoss servers - 1, we are trying to replace a Websphere-based Insurance app with JBoss 3. One Or Zero Helpdesk software, which has been customised for multiple support functions such as ICT, HR, Accounts, Payroll, Purchase, Inventory etc. 4. DotProject - To manage 'scheduled' medium and long term tasks (not breakdowns or ticket-based tasks) 5. Zimbra - Experimenting with Zimlets, we still use Exchange; Zimbra is servicing couple domains with about 220 users 6. Open NMS / Nagios for Network Monitoring and alerts - works in sync with One Or Zero 7. B2Evolution Blog software - seems to be the best fit for our needs, better than WordPress according to our programmers. 8. PACS-One - open source PACS system for a hospital in the same group 9. Exodus chat tool. 10. We also use Joomla, vTiger CRM, Subversion and Tortoise SVN and other bits and pieces of FOSS code as starting points for some projects.
All of the tools from 3 to 9 have been customised to use a single sign on system and centralised user management. Reply below this post with your email id if you like more details to be emailed to you.
1. Linux servers - 7 of them, mostly file servers 2. JBoss servers - 1, we are trying to replace a Websphere-based Insurance app with JBoss 3. One Or Zero Helpdesk software, which has been customised for multiple support functions such as ICT, HR, Accounts, Payroll, Purchase, Inventory etc. 4. DotProject - To manage 'scheduled' medium and long term tasks (not breakdowns or ticket-based tasks) 5. Zimbra - Experimenting with Zimlets, we still use Exchange; Zimbra is servicing couple domains with about 220 users 6. Open NMS / Nagios for Network Monitoring and alerts - works in sync with One Or Zero 7. B2Evolution Blog software - seems to be the best fit for our needs 8. PACS-One - open source PACS system for a hospital in the same group 9. We also use Joomla, vTiger CRM and other bits and pieces of FOSS code as starting points for some projects.
All of the tools from 3 to 9 have been customised to use a single sign on system and centralised user management. Reply below this post with your email id if you like more details to be emailed to you.
Programmability is an important aspect of free software. The javascript trap effectively converts web applications into proprietary client-server type applications, Google's apps included. Which reduces the scope for innovation, standards and progress. Hence Stallman's warning.
Because one of the first clauses in any OSS license states that the software comes with NO WARRANTY, meaning that if it fucks your shit up, no one can be held accountable. There is also the fact that there is no contractual obligation to continue support for the software.
Have you read the license agreements with proprietary software? It's worse than useless:
This is from the Windows XP EULA:
15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND REMEDIES. Notwithstanding any damages that you might incur for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, all damages referenced above and all direct or general damages), the entire liability of Microsoft and any of its suppliers under any provision of this EULA and your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing (except for any remedy of repair or replacement elected by Microsoft with respect to any breach of the Limited Warranty) shall be limited to the greater of the amount actually paid by you for the Product or U.S.$5.00. The foregoing limitations, exclusions and disclaimers (including Sections 11, 12 and 13 above) shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, even if any remedy fails its essential purpose.
Say goodbye to the MS business plan. That's what we're really talking about, the slow death of Windows in the data center.
Nonsense. Even Ballmer agrees that Linux has always been the undisputed leader in the data center. The downturn will only increase the dominance of Linux.
"Forty percent of servers run Windows, 60 percent run Linux," he said. "How are we doing? Forty is less than 60, so I don't like it.... We have some work to do."
There is nothing funny about it... people seem to think throwing money at proprietary software will magically solve their problems, and that they will go away for ever. But business models of proprietary software companies mandate frequent and expensive upgrades in the never ending treadmill. Oracle and SQL Server typically involve a 23% annual outlay to stay in sync.
People in so-called 3rd World countries have long ago learnt the value of Open Source software and adapted and adopted it in large numbers.
Tomorrow, in an Indian city where I live... IBM, HP and Dell are showcasing their Open Source operations in an event sponsored by PC Quest magazine. There is a hige glut in Open Source adoption (mainly in the servers and storage segment) in recent times in India. I guess the picture is the same elsewhere as well.
We've been using this tool for more than 6 years now. Excellent code, easily customisabele... it's written in PHP. We've modified the default software to include SMS, email alerts, SLAs etc. Initially we used it for Helpdesk, but now we've extended it to Accounts, Leave Management, Purchase Requests, General Administration, HR dept. and even for Bug Tracking in s/w development.
Reply under this post and I will email more details.
An excellent PACS viewer solution; unfortunately runs only on Macs; but is amazing. Developed by a set of dcotors who got fed up with Direct X and the quicksand that is WDDM and DRM nonsense.
Sounds more like someone whining they can't get XP.
Wrong. Anyone can get XP today if they buy a Netbook. It is the very same operating system that runs on regular desktops and laptops as well. And yet on laptops and desktops; people are being charged for the Vista PLUS the so-called Downgrade rights to get XP; which is still available to people who buy Netbooks.
Is it legal for Microsoft to restrict which OS is supplied on which class of computer?
On top of that, XP is the previous generation and was released six years ago (IIRC). Plus, it'll be two generations old in a year or so when Win7 comes out. Why should MS continue to offer a product that was replaced more than a year ago and will soon will be phased out?
You are wrong. MS is actually offering the same XP without any of the Vista downgrade bullshit on the netbook range. It is illegal NOT TO offer the same XP just because the customer chooses to buy a different range of computer where the same XP can run as well.
It's Adobe Creative Suite... which includes stuff like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. You won't find free replacements for those.
I've been using MS Office for more than 10 years now... and apart from a little bit of Word; a little more of Excel; I never used Access or PowerPoint or any of the other goodies that gets bundled.
Most people wrongly think they need to buy commercial software to create, email and print PDF documents... and buy the entire Adobe bundle.
But I'm curious -- did you actually get that multi-national company to use any open standards, or are they still doing Exchange and Word?
I tried, but failed badly. I was with them from 1996 to 2002; and in late 2000, the MNC entered into an alliance with Microsoft globally, to use Windows and other Microsoft products. Initially I joined them to set up an SGI-based development network on IRIX and OGL; this was disbanded in 2002 and I quit.
My impression is that in many Western economies, the pricing for Microsoft products isn't that big a deal; so people tend to think of it as a problem that will disappear if they can throw some money at it. But on Server products, things got very expensive and complicated with Craptive Directory and Exchange 5.5; so many Directory Service Replication errors, and a nightmare for the sysadmins. It's like a treadmill... we need to keep running (upgrading) but seldom move forward.
You are better off suggesting Open Office and Free PDF software; rather than fighting piracy.
I used to work at a multi-national company; and I used to be amazed at the amount of self-imposed lock-ins created by IT staff in Western branches (I am based in India). Routine inter office correspondence happens using 'advanced' features in Exchange and Word which work only on the Windows platform. I always felt plain text and HTML suffices for any and all communication requirements.
So you don't know why it stops working with Vista; but you are sure it is nothing to do with DRM. You claim companies like GE ands E-Merge do not know how to write proper code. And yet it is video software like PACS and Medical Records that I am talking about.
You are clueless, yet you talk like an authority. Very good.
Given the Protected Path is not even active unless you're using DRM-encumbered media, I think you need some evidence to back that up.
Why else would video software that worked with XP suddenly stops working with Vista? Is PACS video DRM encumbered? Why should software vendors be compelled to keep rewriting their code everytime Microsoft releases a new driver model, concept or Operating System?
" Yes, the PVP was introduced with Vista, but it's up to your app provider to update their app to work with newer versions of the OS. Same as it ever was."
What gives Microsoft the right to change the way the Windows platform handles media content? Healthcare providers have no necessity to watch Hollywood movies on their screens... just patient's medical records. Why should software providers keep rewriting their code just because of Microsoft's whims and fancies? The cost of software deployment keeps going up without any increase in value... the value proposition for Windows gets diminished as a result.
I am now trying to get a Linux version of the viewer to replace all Windows PCs and get rid of the problem forever.
MS Vista Users: eFilm Workstation 3.0 is currently undergoing testing for operation within the MS Vista operating system environment, and will be validated for use in Vista systems soon.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Professional (SP4 or higher) Windows XP Professional (SP2)
The Protected Video Path has introduced several problems with pre-existing software that deals with video and works perfectly with XP but fails in Vista. I operate in the healthcare segment, and GE's medical records software still does not possess Vista support. PACS viewers from major companies like VEPRO and E-Film still do not support Vista.
Given that three are no architectural changes in Windows 7; these problems will remain with Windows 7 and corporates looking to use pre-existing application software will stick with XP as long as they can.
Slashdot Mirror
Exodus is fairly simple to setup and administer. Zimbra provides much more than just Instant Messaging; we use it mainly for Zimlets and Collaboration; but the IM feature of Zimbra with auto-logging is very useful and sophisticated as well.
Are you asking for a browser that won't do javascript, flash, and weeds out ads? You could use lynx
But what if I still wanted Firefox for simnple HTML rendering, with the GUI and mouse support instead of command-line-based lynx?
the idea's to have control over what scripts run and flash is shown, rather than just blanket-disabling everything.
There are situations where blanket-disable is better. Think of a corporate web-application environment. Rather than dozens plug-ins to disable unwanted features which are also potential security hazards, it would be much better to simply remove the functionality from the browser itself. I'd like to know how to do this on a practical basis with Firefox and OOo.
I feel OOo is slow both on Linux as well as Windows. Most likely this is due to the bloat and mindless copying of MS Office features. I have a question: Is it possible to weed out the redundant or useless features in OOo and make it sleek and quick? Since this is completely open source, theoretically this should be possible.
In similar vein, I'm also looking for pluck-outs from Firefox which is also bloated. Rather than running extensions called NoScript, AdBlock, FlashBlock etc.; why not remove these products from the installed version itself to make it lean, mean and less resource hungry?
Enterprise is not a buzzword. People in management like a single sign-on system and a well-knit integrated system that works, not a bunch of assorted code each in a silo that needs a separate login. At my place we have these open source apps:
1. Linux servers - 7 of them, mostly file servers
2. JBoss servers - 1, we are trying to replace a Websphere-based Insurance app with JBoss
3. One Or Zero Helpdesk software, which has been customised for multiple support functions such as ICT, HR, Accounts, Payroll, Purchase, Inventory etc.
4. DotProject - To manage 'scheduled' medium and long term tasks (not breakdowns or ticket-based tasks)
5. Zimbra - Experimenting with Zimlets, we still use Exchange; Zimbra is servicing couple domains with about 220 users
6. Open NMS / Nagios for Network Monitoring and alerts - works in sync with One Or Zero
7. B2Evolution Blog software - seems to be the best fit for our needs, better than WordPress according to our programmers.
8. PACS-One - open source PACS system for a hospital in the same group
9. Exodus chat tool.
10. We also use Joomla, vTiger CRM, Subversion and Tortoise SVN and other bits and pieces of FOSS code as starting points for some projects.
All of the tools from 3 to 9 have been customised to use a single sign on system and centralised user management. Reply below this post with your email id if you like more details to be emailed to you.
1. Linux servers - 7 of them, mostly file servers
2. JBoss servers - 1, we are trying to replace a Websphere-based Insurance app with JBoss
3. One Or Zero Helpdesk software, which has been customised for multiple support functions such as ICT, HR, Accounts, Payroll, Purchase, Inventory etc.
4. DotProject - To manage 'scheduled' medium and long term tasks (not breakdowns or ticket-based tasks)
5. Zimbra - Experimenting with Zimlets, we still use Exchange; Zimbra is servicing couple domains with about 220 users
6. Open NMS / Nagios for Network Monitoring and alerts - works in sync with One Or Zero
7. B2Evolution Blog software - seems to be the best fit for our needs
8. PACS-One - open source PACS system for a hospital in the same group
9. We also use Joomla, vTiger CRM and other bits and pieces of FOSS code as starting points for some projects.
All of the tools from 3 to 9 have been customised to use a single sign on system and centralised user management. Reply below this post with your email id if you like more details to be emailed to you.
Programmability is an important aspect of free software. The javascript trap effectively converts web applications into proprietary client-server type applications, Google's apps included. Which reduces the scope for innovation, standards and progress. Hence Stallman's warning.
Because one of the first clauses in any OSS license states that the software comes with NO WARRANTY, meaning that if it fucks your shit up, no one can be held accountable. There is also the fact that there is no contractual obligation to continue support for the software.
Have you read the license agreements with proprietary software? It's worse than useless:
This is from the Windows XP EULA:
15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND REMEDIES. Notwithstanding any damages that you might incur for any
reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, all damages referenced above and all direct or general
damages), the entire liability of Microsoft and any of its suppliers under any provision of this EULA and your
exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing (except for any remedy of repair or replacement elected by Microsoft
with respect to any breach of the Limited Warranty) shall be limited to the greater of the amount actually paid
by you for the Product or U.S.$5.00. The foregoing limitations, exclusions and disclaimers (including Sections
11, 12 and 13 above) shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, even if any remedy fails
its essential purpose.
PostgreSQL can handle Petabytes without any problems. And it is much faster than MS-SQL and much simpler to set up and administer, besides.
Say goodbye to the MS business plan. That's what we're really talking about, the slow death of Windows in the data center.
Nonsense. Even Ballmer agrees that Linux has always been the undisputed leader in the data center. The downturn will only increase the dominance of Linux.
"Forty percent of servers run Windows, 60 percent run Linux," he said. "How are we doing? Forty is less than 60, so I don't like it. ... We have some work to do."
from here:
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151568/ballmer_still_searching_for_an_answer_to_google.html
There is nothing funny about it... people seem to think throwing money at proprietary software will magically solve their problems, and that they will go away for ever. But business models of proprietary software companies mandate frequent and expensive upgrades in the never ending treadmill. Oracle and SQL Server typically involve a 23% annual outlay to stay in sync.
People in so-called 3rd World countries have long ago learnt the value of Open Source software and adapted and adopted it in large numbers.
Tomorrow, in an Indian city where I live... IBM, HP and Dell are showcasing their Open Source operations in an event sponsored by PC Quest magazine. There is a hige glut in Open Source adoption (mainly in the servers and storage segment) in recent times in India. I guess the picture is the same elsewhere as well.
http://www.oneorzero.com/
We've been using this tool for more than 6 years now. Excellent code, easily customisabele... it's written in PHP. We've modified the default software to include SMS, email alerts, SLAs etc. Initially we used it for Helpdesk, but now we've extended it to Accounts, Leave Management, Purchase Requests, General Administration, HR dept. and even for Bug Tracking in s/w development.
Reply under this post and I will email more details.
An excellent PACS viewer solution; unfortunately runs only on Macs; but is amazing. Developed by a set of dcotors who got fed up with Direct X and the quicksand that is WDDM and DRM nonsense.
Fully Open Source.
http://www.osirix-viewer.com/
I know, let's sue them for not selling Windows 98 on new laptops, after all, they can run it, right? >/i>
Wrong. Microsoft is not offering Windows 98 on Netbooks or any other computers. But they are yet offering XP on Netbooks.
Sounds more like someone whining they can't get XP.
Wrong. Anyone can get XP today if they buy a Netbook. It is the very same operating system that runs on regular desktops and laptops as well. And yet on laptops and desktops; people are being charged for the Vista PLUS the so-called Downgrade rights to get XP; which is still available to people who buy Netbooks.
Is it legal for Microsoft to restrict which OS is supplied on which class of computer?
On top of that, XP is the previous generation and was released six years ago (IIRC). Plus, it'll be two generations old in a year or so when Win7 comes out. Why should MS continue to offer a product that was replaced more than a year ago and will soon will be phased out?
You are wrong. MS is actually offering the same XP without any of the Vista downgrade bullshit on the netbook range. It is illegal NOT TO offer the same XP just because the customer chooses to buy a different range of computer where the same XP can run as well.
It's Adobe Creative Suite ... which includes stuff like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. You won't find free replacements for those.
I've been using MS Office for more than 10 years now... and apart from a little bit of Word; a little more of Excel; I never used Access or PowerPoint or any of the other goodies that gets bundled.
Most people wrongly think they need to buy commercial software to create, email and print PDF documents... and buy the entire Adobe bundle.
But I'm curious -- did you actually get that multi-national company to use any open standards, or are they still doing Exchange and Word?
I tried, but failed badly. I was with them from 1996 to 2002; and in late 2000, the MNC entered into an alliance with Microsoft globally, to use Windows and other Microsoft products. Initially I joined them to set up an SGI-based development network on IRIX and OGL; this was disbanded in 2002 and I quit.
My impression is that in many Western economies, the pricing for Microsoft products isn't that big a deal; so people tend to think of it as a problem that will disappear if they can throw some money at it. But on Server products, things got very expensive and complicated with Craptive Directory and Exchange 5.5; so many Directory Service Replication errors, and a nightmare for the sysadmins. It's like a treadmill... we need to keep running (upgrading) but seldom move forward.
You are better off suggesting Open Office and Free PDF software; rather than fighting piracy.
I used to work at a multi-national company; and I used to be amazed at the amount of self-imposed lock-ins created by IT staff in Western branches (I am based in India). Routine inter office correspondence happens using 'advanced' features in Exchange and Word which work only on the Windows platform. I always felt plain text and HTML suffices for any and all communication requirements.
So you don't know why it stops working with Vista; but you are sure it is nothing to do with DRM. You claim companies like GE ands E-Merge do not know how to write proper code. And yet it is video software like PACS and Medical Records that I am talking about.
You are clueless, yet you talk like an authority. Very good.
Given the Protected Path is not even active unless you're using DRM-encumbered media, I think you need some evidence to back that up.
Why else would video software that worked with XP suddenly stops working with Vista? Is PACS video DRM encumbered? Why should software vendors be compelled to keep rewriting their code everytime Microsoft releases a new driver model, concept or Operating System?
" Yes, the PVP was introduced with Vista, but it's up to your app provider to update their app to work with newer versions of the OS. Same as it ever was."
What gives Microsoft the right to change the way the Windows platform handles media content? Healthcare providers have no necessity to watch Hollywood movies on their screens... just patient's medical records. Why should software providers keep rewriting their code just because of Microsoft's whims and fancies? The cost of software deployment keeps going up without any increase in value... the value proposition for Windows gets diminished as a result.
I am now trying to get a Linux version of the viewer to replace all Windows PCs and get rid of the problem forever.
Here is a more relevant link... this page has remained so for the past 1 year and more...
https://www.merge.com/NA/estore/content.aspx?pname=eFilm%20Workstation%E2%84%A2&returnUrl=&productID=215&contentTypeID=4
MS Vista Users:
eFilm Workstation 3.0 is currently undergoing testing for operation within the MS Vista operating system environment, and will be validated for use in Vista systems soon.
Supported Operating Systems:
Windows 2000 Professional (SP4 or higher)
Windows XP Professional (SP2)
The Protected Video Path has introduced several problems with pre-existing software that deals with video and works perfectly with XP but fails in Vista. I operate in the healthcare segment, and GE's medical records software still does not possess Vista support. PACS viewers from major companies like VEPRO and E-Film still do not support Vista.
Given that three are no architectural changes in Windows 7; these problems will remain with Windows 7 and corporates looking to use pre-existing application software will stick with XP as long as they can.
http://www.merge.com/na/efilmlanding.htm