"Linux Gazette...making Linux just a little more fun!"

Contents: News in General Software Announcements

April 1999 Linux Journal

The April issue of Linux Journal will be hitting the newsstands March 12. This issue focuses on Network Computing with a review of Corel's Netwinder and articles on FlowNET a high-performance network solution, Network administration using AWK tools, and an interview with John Ousterhout, creator of Tcl/TK. Linux Journal now has articles that appear "Strictly On-Line". Check out the Table of Contents at http://www.linuxjournal.com/issue60/index.html for articles in this issue as well as links to the on-line articles. To subscribe to Linux Journal, go to http://www.linuxjournal.com/ljsubsorder.html.

Debian Logo Contest

Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 20:38:26 -0500
Debian Project, http://www.debian.org/

The Debian project is in the process of looking for a new logo. Currently Debian has a semi-official logo, which can be seen at http://www.debian.org/logos/debianlogo-2.jpg. As a majority of Debian developers are not happy with the current logo, we are searching for a new logo to replace the current one using a GIMP logo contest. Submission information and other details are available at http://contest.gimp.org/.

Debian would like to have two logos: one logo with a very liberal license that everyone is free to use (for example on webpages, shirts, etc.), and a more official logo with a restricted license which can only be used on official Debian items (like CD's produced from the official ISO-images). Please note both license are not finished yet.

The winning logo will be decided on by the Debian developers. Since there are a lot of active developers it may take as long as 3-4 weeks after the end of the contest to decide who the winner is.

For more information:

Invitation to Join Freedom of Choice Project

Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 05:20:52 -0500
The Freedom of Choice Project is a co-operative effort between IACT and James Capone, an IACT member as well as devoted user of Linux, who created the entire project at his own Linux website. In the project's first week, over 5000 people had participated in the Freedom of Choice consumer poll. With help from IACT, James Capone now is expanding the poll to reach users of _all_ platforms.

As you know, all computer users certainly are affected by an ongoing problem in the computer market: Microsoft still maintains an exclusive distributorship with PC makers such as Compaq, Dell, Gateway etc.. Those companies pre-install or "bundle" MSFT software on the majority of new PCs we buy. Once the MSFT software is pre-installed, we may decide to delete it and then fight to get a refund, but that approach still won't get to the root of the problem.

The Freedom of Choice project is our grass-roots, long-term solution. By using the Internet as it was designed-- to bring together small groups like ours into a larger, stronger and unique network-- we're going to defend the fundamental right of consumers everywhere to choose any and all software that is installed on the new computers they buy.

We want to give users of all platforms the chance to _send a direct message_ to the PC makers, to demand that the companies fully respect every consumer's right to choose.

For more information:
James Capone,
The Freedom of Choice Poll, http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/Linux/company.html
Diane Gartner
IACT's Freedom of Choice page: http://pages.cthome.net/iact/iact-tell.html

LinuxArchives.com

Date: Fri, 05 Feb 1999 17:12:14 -0800
LinuxArchives.com has been launched at www.linuxarchives.com. It is a software archive dedicated strictly to Linux software. The site is organized into specific categories, and also features a search engine that makes finding programs fast and easy. Most of the software is submitted directly by the manufacturers and it updated frequently. The site should be a valuable resource for Linux users, and Aceweb Internet will be working to ensure that it grows at a pace that is in step with the ever changing needs of the Linux community.

For more information:
Tony Ferrara,

Debian based CUTE 2000 Server exhibited

Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 10:08:29 -0500
CUTE 2000, an all-in-one Linux based server was exhibited at the NET & COM '99 show. It is based on Debian GNU/Linux, and includes software for functions such as DNS, WWW, SMTP, FTP, SAMBA, NETATALK, DHCP and others.

For more information:
http://www.NikkeiBP.AsiaBizTech.com/Database/1999_Feb/08/Mor.02.gwif.html
Debian, http.//www.debian.org/ GLUE: Groups of Linux Users Everywhere

GLUE has added a number of new benefits in recent months to attract new groups, and is working hard to give our current member groups an excellent level of service. New benefits include: special subscription rate to the TPJ and LJ for registered GLUE LUG members, a set of the LJ archive CD-ROMs, Red Hat Linux, and TCL Blast. GLUE also continues to very graciously sponsored by Caldera Systems, with their Open Linux distribution, and Enhanced Software Technologies, with their BRU Backup and Restore Utilities. I'm working with Linux user groups to find out what other ways GLUE can contribute, from web resources, to inviting other vendors to particpate. The [email protected] mailing list is available for discussion among LUGs.

Linux Users can find a user group with our Group Locator pages, or post to find or form one of their own. These listings pages are updated and confirmed frequently, and are very comprehensive. Listing are free to all groups, not just those registered for GLUE membership.

GLUE is a project of SSC Inc, publishers of Linux Journal. GLUE was implemented to provide a world-wide member group for Linux User Groups. GLUE member groups receive a subscription, materials for promoting and developing their group, a way of advertising their group in a global setting, list-serv and Linux Group location services, and discounts and samples from SSC and Linux Journal. Other vendors also offer special benefits or discounts to GLUE's member groups. Any LUG can have a free listing in the Linux Group location section, and Linux users can post to the site to find and form new groups in their area.

For more information:
http://www.ssc.com/glue/ Clarica Grove,

Linux Hardware Solutions to support Debian Project

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999 12:51:21 -0500
Linux Hardware Solutions, Inc. a premier supplier of Linux systems and service announce support for the Debian Project of Software in the Public Interest, Inc.

The support comes in the form of a Linux Hardware Solution PS350RR-100 RAID rackmount server with 256 MB RAM attached to a dedicated colocation connection at Mindspring Enterprises' data center in Atlanta, Georgia to act as the new ftp.debian.org server.

For more information:
Linux Hardware Solutions, Inc., http://www.linux-hw.com/
Debian GNU/Linux, http://www.debian.org/

Subject: Dan Quayle or Linus Torvalds for President

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 14:52:40 -0700
Even If you sat out the 60s, missed the March On Washington, or the Windows Refund Protest, you can still voice your vote for freedom--specifically, the freedom to use the Open Source computer operating system, Linux. As noted in this morning's Wall Street Journal, a young company called Linuxcare is holding a just-for-fun election for the new Leader of the Free World! Who would you choose: Bill Bradley, George Bush, Jr., Bill Gates, Al Gore, Dan Quayle, or Linus Torvalds? You can cast your vote at http://www.linuxcare.com, until "Super Tuesday," March 2, which also happens to be the opening day of LinuxWorld--the world's largest gathering of Linux users (http://www.linuxworldexpo.com/).

The results will be published in the Wall Street Journal on March 2, the day Linuxcare goes live.

Let the people decide -- in the democratic spirit that permeates Open Source --Get Out The Vote (GOTV) for the leader of the FREE WORLD.

Linuxcare announced on March 2 that Linus had won with 73% of the vote. No other candidate received more than 9%.

Linux Links

Open Source MS Windoze 9x Petition: http://www.linuxresources.com/linuxreview/petition.html

Brain Power, Jobs for Smart People: http://www.bpower.com/

LinuxODBC: http://www.codebydesign.com/LinuxODBC

UNIX newbie site: http://www.dicamp.univ.trieste.it/du96/unix/TOC.html

New Linux logos: http://www-mddsp.enel.ucalgary.ca/People/adilger/logo/

Compaq web page: http://www.unix.digital.com/linux/

The Linux Merchandsising FAQ for Germany:

Microsoft & new lawsuits: http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/filters/bursts/0,3422,2213093,00.html

Vedova Linux, a new Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux: http://www.vedovanet.bbk.org/linux/vedova

CRN spot survey: http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?CRN19990118S0023 http://www.linuxresources.com/linuxreview/petition.html

Ramblings on Apple and Linux: http://www.osopinion.com/Opinions/EdMcKenna/EdMcKenna2.html

IBM and Redhat: Red Hat Press Release

Xpresso Ltd Needs Programmers

Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 10:28:00 -0500
I have a small company named Xpresso Ltd. This will hopefully produce a new simple software system aimed at users of Windows. The idea is to sell the Linux OS with the installation and set-up completely automatic. It will use one or more choices of graphical user shells (KDE as first default choice). The latest Linux Kernel 2.0.xx will be used (and built specifically for each installation - with maths module if processor is without etc). The System will analyse the hardware and construct or select the correct X Windows drivers and install correct files ( /fstab etc). by examining the existing DOS/Windows OS files or running MSD.EXE or similar. I have very little finance and am hoping to find programmers who will help me on a percentage basis. I shall be selling the product world-wide and hope millions of units will be sold. Can you possibly help me with details of any sources of programmers for this work please? The main aims are simple, safe (stable) and visually attractive graphics. The user will do nothing except click GO. Star Office and other quality free programs (only the best) will be included. But only the best. To enable all Windows users to switch to Xpresso LINUX. A safe dual boot on start up will enable the migration from Windows to Linux to proceed slowly, at each person's pace. Can you help please? I can e-mail a four page outline of my further plans for Linux if you are interested.

For more information:
Stephen Jackson, Xpresso Ltd,

Vedova Linux

Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 20:19:29 +0100
New Linux Distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux

http://www.vedovanet.bbk.org/linux/vedova/

For more information:
Emanuele Vedova,
Vedova Computing, Como, Italy

Linux for Coldfire

Friday, 28th February 1999
Greg Ungerer from Moreton Bay today announced the porting of the popular Linux operating system to the Motorola Coldfire family of processors. Source code for this Linux/Coldfire project is now available freely on the net at:
http://www.moretonbay.com/coldfire/linux-coldfire.html

The Linux/Coldfire project is a port of a recent Linux kernel and, as with all ports of Linux, this is free software under the GNU Public License. The code is based on the recent stable linux kernel version 2.0.33 and it includes the uC-linux patches applied. The libc, libm and user applications also come from the uC-linux work.

What's a ColdFire?
ColdFire is the newest family of microprocessors from Motorola. First released in 1994, ColdFire embodies a revolutionary variable-length RISC architecture that is designed to meet the requirements of the embedded consumer market.
http://www.mot.com/SPS/HPESD/prod/coldfire/cf_roadmap.html

For more information:
Moreton Bay, http://www.moretonbay.com/

SFS SOFTWARE RELEASES DOCFATHER PROFESSIONAL 2.2

Schmalkalden Germany. February 1, 1999
SFS SOFTWARE announces the release of DocFather Professional 2.2, their fast, easy to navigate online and offline search engine for any web site or web-based documentation. DocFather provides webmasters, publishers and developers alike with an excellent utility to make their Web Sites, HTML documentation or internet/intranet contents searchable.

DocFather is top-rated and able to run on any Java-supported operating system like Linux. The nextcoming DocFather Office Edition is capable to index Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word and Excel, HTML and all text-based files.

Availability and Pricing

There are several DocFather licenses available. The product can be ordered on-line at the SFS SOFTWARE web site, or through its US-based partner Proactive International:

Internet License: $ 349.00
Intranet License: $ 990.00
CD-ROM Publishing License for 10,000 CD-ROM: $ 1,990.00

A fully-functional demo version of DocFather is available for free download at http://www.sfs-software.com/

For more information:
SFS Software,
Proactive International, LLC, http://www.proactive-intl.com,

Product Release of the MIMER DBMS for Linux

Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 13:11:58 +0100
Sysdeco Mimer AB in Uppsala, Sweden, has now released its DBMS MIMER for Linux. A complete developer version of MIMER 8 for Linux is now available for free download from the company's Web site at http://www.mimer.com. Full support agreements are available for MIMER 8 on Linux.

The release of MIMER for Linux is identical to that implemented across a wide range of platforms, including many other UNIX platforms (e.g. IBM, HP and Sun), Windows NT, Windows 95/98 and OpenVMS. In addition to offering MIMER 8 run-time licences for Linux on very competitive terms, Sysdeo Mimer also offers Linux customers the opportunity to sign a support agreement, which provides telephone support and free software updates.

For more information:
Sysdeco Mimer AB,

PartitionMagic 4.0

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 22:14:27 GMT+2
Recently released in the United States, PartitionMagic 4.0 - touted as the easiest way to create, resize and move harddisk partitions on the fly without destroying data - is now available in South Africa through accredited PowerQuest software distributor, OS/2 Express SA.

PartitionMagic 4.0 offers complete support for FAT16, FAT32, FAT32X, NTFS, HPFS and Linux ext2 partitions. PartitionMagic continues to convert from FAT16 to FAT32 and vice versa, and from FAT to NTFS and HPFS.

PartitionMagic 4.0 is available from OS/2 Express SA for R459. An upgrade from earlier versions is available for R289 including VAT.

Additionally graphics / boxshots may be found at : ftp://ftp.powerquest.com/pub/Intl/graphics/PartitionMagic/PM4.x/

For more information:

http://www.os2.co.za/software/

LyX-1.0.0 released

Date: Tue, 02 Feb 1999 21:58:22 +0200
LyX is an advanced open source document processor running on many Unix platforms. It is called a "document processor", because unlike standard word processors, LyX encourages an approach to writing based on the structure of your documents, not their appearance. LyX lets you concentrate on writing, leaving details of visual layout to the software. LyX automates formatting according to predefined rule sets, yielding consistency throughout even the most complex documents. LyX produces high quality, professional output -- using LaTeX, an open source, industrial strength typesetting engine, in the background.

LyX has undergone a quantum leap in functionality over the past 18 months. This release offers extensive control over fonts, margins, headers/footers, spacing/indents, justification, bullet types in multilevel lists, a sophisticated table editor, a version control interface for collaborative projects -- the list goes on and on. LyX 1.0 includes many standard formats and templates such as for letters, articles, books, overheads, even Hollywood scripts. Work continues on a growing library of "plug-in" formats and templates, in the best open-source tradition.

LyX runs on standard Unix platforms, including Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Solaris, IRIX, HP-UX, AIX, ... even OS/2 and Cygnus/Win32 (somewhat experimentally), and provides native support for PostScript(tm) fonts and figures.

The main LyX site is ftp://ftp.lyx.org/pub/lyx/

For more information:
LyX Home Page: http://www.lyx.org/

Raima's Velocis 2.1 Now Available on Linux

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 14:33:59 -0800
Raima Corporation has just released Velocis Database Server version 2.1 for the Linux platform. Velocis is an embedded client/server database engine which now provides robust new interfaces for several popular development environments. These include an interface to Rogue Wave Software's DBTools.h++, a JDBC driver, Delphi Data Aware Components and support for the Perl DBI standard. Velocis 2.1 extends its SQL support with scrollable cursors and customized comparison functions and introduces a powerful new database utility, dbrepair.

Please see the following announcement to learn more about Velocis 2.1.

A free trial download is available from http://www.raima.com/download/product_list.cfm

Raima Corporation, http://www.raima.com

SFS Software SITEFORUM Database Exchange

Schmalkalden Germany. February 8, 1999
SITEFORUM Database Exchange is a "100% pure Java" solution, which is capable to import and export your existing data, stored in any JDBC/ODBC-compatible database into another JDBC-/ODBC- compatible database. (i.e. Sybase to Oracle). The software allows you to create, delete and modify tables and columns . In addition to that you are able to modify the content, field types and attributes. The integrated SQL interface enables you to make queries to the database using SQL commands The results will be displayed in a fine-designed grid component. SITEFORUM Database Exchange lets you import and export databases from any location on the internet, the built-in proxy support enables you to work even behind a proxy or firewall. The new product of SFS SOFTWARE offers an attractive, intuitive and easy-to-use interface. SITEFORUM Database Exchange runs on about 30 java-supporting operating systems like Linux.

Availability and Pricing:
A fully-functional evaluation version SITEFORUM Database Exchange can be downloaded from the SFS SOFTWARE web site at http://www.sfs-software.com/. The product is can be ordered using our secure online shop at http://www.sfs-software.com/shop/.

SITEFORUM Database Exchange - Single User License - US$ 495.00
SITEFORUM Database Exchange - 5 User License - US$ 1,990.00

For more information:
SFS Software, http://www.sfs-software.com/,
Proactive International, http://www.proactive-intl.com/,

Linuxcare Supports Business 24x7

Date: 22 Feb 99 18:15:11 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO, February 22, 1999=97Linuxcare, Inc. (www. linuxcare.com), the first company to offer a complete solution for Linux technical support, consulting, education, and product certification to Fortune 1000 companies, announced today the launch of 24x7 enterprise- class support programs, including a state-of-the-art call center and business-oriented service level agreements.

Linuxcare's state-of-the-art call center will feature advanced computer- telephony integration (CTI), so that all requests are received centrally and tracked, thus delivering speedier and more accurate customer responses. In addition, all Linuxcare technical support engineers can instantly access and update the largest shared database of worldwide Linux resources and expertise. The database includes all open and solved customer issues, all Linux documentation, articles, mailing lists and news group archives, Howtos, FAQs and more.

Linuxcare supports all major distributions of Linux on all major platforms, allowing its customers the flexibility to choose options that best fit their needs.

For more information:
Linuxcare, Inc., http://www.linuxcare.com/

NetReality reads, understands, organizes, and presents the Web in virtual reality

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--February 23, 1999-- Bittco Solutions today released the first downloadable exemplar of its powerful neural-net foundation technology. NetReality reads, understands, organizes, and presents Web content in VR. NetReality harnesses the vast amounts of information available on the World Wide Web. Unlike current technologies, which seem to increase the problem of information overload, NetReality automatically acquires, reads and organizes information, presenting web sites, documents, searches and bookmark files in an intuitive, personalized VR landscape. This unique and powerful form of presentation enables users to quickly locate, correlate, and apply information on the Web to tasks at hand.

UNIQUE BUSINESS PROPOSITION - Bittco licenses its neuralVR technology to third parties for inclusion in products like web servers, browsers, search engines, document management solutions, news readers, and email. We have blown away all the traditional barriers to acquiring our technology, emphasizes Managing Partner, Terry Harrison, Our business approach supports low-cost/low risk acquisition vs. development. Interested software producers can embed this technology on a sizzling time-to-market schedule by licensing the Bittco advanced engineering, core and customization.

PRE-RELEASE VERSIONS of NetReality (TM) for all common operating systems will be available for download from Bittco's Web site at http://www.bittco.com/ in the next few weeks beginning today with a version for all Linux users.

For more information:
Bittco Solutions Ltd., Dean Bittner,

Linuxcare and DELL Systems

SAN FRANCISCO, February 26, 1999-Linuxcare, Inc - the first company to provide a complete solution for Linux technical support to Fortune 1000 companies - announced today that it will provide comprehensive global support for selected Dell Precision(tm) WorkStations, PowerEdge=AE servers and OptiPlex business desktop PCs running any variant of the Linux operating system.

Dell will include a free Linuxcare Silver Support Incident Coupon with every PowerEdge server that ships with Linux, starting March 1, 1999. Each coupon can be redeemed for Web or email-based technical support from Linuxcare. The Linuxcare Silver Service Level provides for resolution to, or a report on the customer's problem, within one business day. Linuxcare defines a technical support incident as a single identified customer issue or problem.

Linuxcare, Inc., http://www.linuxcare.com/
Dell Computer Corporation, http://www.dell.com/

Spectra Logic

SAN JOSE, Calif., Mar. 1, 1999 - Spectra Logic Corp. today announced that the company's Alexandria Backup and Archival Librarian(tm) software is the first major backup software to support "hot" backup of Oracle8 and Oracle Applications on the Linux operating system (OS). Alexandria 4.50 provides Linux users with extensive backup and recovery tools that until now have only been available in large corporate data centers.

Alexandria 4.50 supports backup of Oracle databases without taking the database offline via its Comprehensive Online Backup and Restore Agent (COBRA), the industry's fastest and most reliable Oracle backup/restore engine. In Oracle production environments, COBRA automatically discovers Oracle databases, including new tablespaces and datafiles, and puts the tablespaces into backup mode. Once the tablespaces are in backup mode and the datafiles are backed up, the tablespaces are taken out of backup mode.

Availability
Alexandria 4.50 with support for Oracle on Linux is available today for Red Hat Linux, Version 5.2. Additional Oracle on Linux support is planned for Caldera, SuSE and Turbo Linux OSes. A single-user version of Alexandria is available free for 45 days and can be downloaded from http://www.spectralogic.com/. At the end of the 45-day trial period, the hot Oracle backup module can be purchased directly from Spectra Logic.

For more information:
Spectra Logic,

This page written and maintained by the Editor of Linux Gazette,
Copyright © 1999 Specialized Systems Consultants, Inc.