mr-Z's blog

windows 7 and friends will increase linux popularity

Posted January 29th, 2009 by mr-Z

Microsoft is really going for it, they are trying to mimic the success of Linux and other operating systems which are popular on servers. They are trying to shape new windows based operating systems build for the purpose of running on embedded devices. They are trying to build windows for low end hardware and in the process they are destroying there own business model.

It's obvious what is happening here:

Linux GUI diff utilities a visual tour

Posted February 27th, 2009 by mr-Z

showing differences in files

If you edit a lot of configuration files, and are confronted a lot with the configuration files edited by others, you probably spend a lot of time looking at the changes made to the file since the last time it was edited or installed. The standard command line utility diff does a reasonable job when it comes to finding small differences. It shows that it wasn't developed to create the best possible human readable output when you try reading long listings.

diff output looks something like this:

2c2
<
---
> text in file 1
12,14d11

Linux installation frustration!

Posted February 6th, 2009 by mr-Z

Linux installation frustration!

Sometimes I get frustrated with Linux, this happens mainly while installing. Installing is often one of the most frustrating experiences with Linux. I remember a time where this kept me from using Linux at all. Today I had such a day again after a long time, I was installing Ubuntu on a laptop which had a harddisk replaced and for the second time in a row the installation hanged suddenly. This kind of things always happen when I'm in a hurry. And you know why? Such a thing most of the time is related to hurrying!

Integrity check

linux vs windows: Why Linux is superior to windows for non-techies

Posted February 6th, 2009 by mr-Z

Linux is better suited for non technical people than windows is for several reasons.
complexity

I believe the complexity perceived by lots of people as keeping non technical people from using Linux is based on a misconception.

Most non technical people I meet have very small needs with computers, they only use them to browse the Internet, write a letter, send an email, update their social website, the usual stuff.

ubuntu Linux for windows users part 1

Posted February 1st, 2009 by mr-Z

This is a guide for windows users who want to know how to use linux ubuntu, I'm going to describe everything you need to know to do the usual things many people do with their computer in this series.

In the end of the series I will describe some of the more complicated stuff and I'll try to mix in some easy things that will help you impress your friends.