Is open source communist?
Is open source Communism in software form? (I had Karl Marx join us to set the mood.
Linux and Open Source
The latest news and views on all things Linux and open source by seasoned Unix and Linux user Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols.
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, aka sjvn, has been writing about technology and the business of technology since CP/M-80 was the cutting edge PC operating system. SJVN covers networking, Linux, open source, and operating systems.
Paula Rooney
Paula Rooney is a Boston-based writer who has followed the tech industry for more than two decades.
Latest Posts
When will open source security grow up?
There are great open source products for nearly every purpose. But I have yet to find many in the security field.
Will a new GPL cause project forks?
ZDNet UK has a piece about concerns over the next version of the GNU General Public License. The article points to a thread on the Debian Legal mailing list, discussing the fact that the Linux kernel is distributed exclusively under the GPL version 2.
Microsoft's negotiable source initiative
In his interview last week with our ownDavid Berlind Microsoft open source strategist Jason Matusow (right) articulated a new open source concept I call negotiable source.Negotiable source means you can negotiate for some open source rights and the responsibility that comes with them.
The bandwagon effect of Windows
Mass market endorsements can have a powerful 'bandwagon' effect. (The illustration and headline come from The Band Wagon starring Fred Astaire.
The Sony PlayStation Portable - How long until it runs Linux?
Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) goes on sale tomorrow. Though I have a PS2 and a shelf full of games, I don't really consider myself much of a gamer, so I won't be queueing up at midnight tonight or rushing to the store first thing tomorrow to snag a PSP, but I'll probably pick one up if I can find it at Costco.
Novell's latest Linux desktop gets minimal coverage
Here is a story that hasn't gotten much media love this week.Novell will combine several products into a suite it says can replace Windows for a small business.
Skepticism called for on all vendor studies
Whenever I see a study I look at who sponsored it. Take this for example.
A GPL (legal) win?
It's a pity that so much (virtual) ink about open source has to be about legalities rather than technical issues. While I find the law interesting, I don't think it's as much fun or as fascinating as the technology.
JBoss shows how to profit in open source
As open source tools become more professional service revenue can replace license revenue naturally. JBoss, based near my home in Atlanta, is Exhibit A.