Webupd8 ~ Fedora 15

Posted by saakeman

Fedora 15 has just been released and as you probably know, it comes with GNOME 3 (with GNOME Shell) by default. But don't worry, if your favourite application hasn't been upgraded to GTK3, you can still use it in Fedora 15.

For those not familiar with Gnome 3, check out this older (but great) video created for the GNOME 3 launch:

If you hardware doesn't support it, the classic GNOME 3 session will load instead of Gnome Shell:

As always, Fedora is first to introduce some of the features that will later on be available in most other Linux distributions. Like GNOME3 or "systemd":

systemd is a system and service manager, replacement for SysVinit and Upstart. After a six months shift, during which it has been more granularly tested, Fedora 15 brings in, by default, a new system daemon whose code is designed from scratch, with the objective to take the maximum advantage offered by modern Linux kernels. With systemd, Fedora 15 boots-up faster, particularly on SSD;

systemd is a system and service manager, replacement for SysVinit and Upstart. After a six months shift, during which it has been more granularly tested, Fedora 15 brings in, by default, a new system daemon whose code is designed from scratch, with the objective to take the maximum advantage offered by modern Linux kernels. With systemd, Fedora 15 boots-up faster, particularly on SSD;

Default packages in Fedora 15 include: Firefox 4 (4.0.1), Nautilus 3.0.1.1, Empathy 3.0.1, Rhythmbox 2.90.1, Evolution 3.0.1, Shotwell 0.9.2, Deja Dup 18.1.1, Transmission 2.22, Totem 3.0.1, Linux Kernel 2.6.38.6, GCC 4.6, Python 3.2.

Fedora 15 also comes with BTRFS by default. BTRFS is a new "copy on write file system for Linux aimed at implementing advanced features while focusing on fault tolerance, repair and easy administration". I don't know about Fedora, but in Ubuntu there are still some issues with BTRFS - if you're using BTRFS in Fedora, let us know how it's working for you in the comments below!

Another interesting new feature is a default "dynamic firewall". This may not be interesting for regular users, but it should definitely make system admins happy as the dynamic firewall makes it possible to change settings without restarting the firewall.

What runes my day...

Posted by saakeman

What stupid crap?! Please people, stop uploading nonsense to YouTube!
I see this stupid video everywhere. Stop wasting time and do something better.

Why iOS is secure and Android NOT!

Posted by saakeman

Android has viruses. No need to try to argue.
It's said, where there is private information there will be thefts trying to get it!
Android have third party applications in the Android market place, and some isn't very nice applications!

Researchers from Germany’s University of Ulm have identifiedprocesses which could potentially allow attackers to hijack tokens used to access calendars, contacts and a number of other services available within Google’s Android operating system, affecting as many as 99% of mobile phones running the software.
Access to these services revolves around a weakness in how Google’s ClientLogin authentication protocol is implemented, sending authentication tokens in cleartext once a user enters a valid username and password to access a particular service. The implementation, which is unpatched in Android versions 2.3.3 and lower, allows unfettered access for up to 14 days to that same service, potentially providing attackers with a route into a persons account.
The team, comprising of Bastian Könings, Jens Nickels, and Florian Schaub, explains what could be accessed as a result:
For instance, the adversary can gain full access to the calendar, contacts information, or private web albums of the respective Google user. This means that the adversary can view, modify or delete any contacts, calendar events, or private pictures. This is not limited to items currently being synced but affects all items of that user.
The attack utilises a similar process to that of the Firesheep desktop plugin, which allows attackers to steal session cookies (Sidejacking), which helped users of the application to steal login credentials used to authenticate sessions on popular social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter.
For attackers to be able to gain access to Google services, the user would first need to authenticate their device on an unencrypted wireless network, something that is generally frowned upon for these very reasons. For this reason alone, the vulnerability will never be exploited to the maximum capacity.
The good news is that Google are already aware of the vulnerability and have moved to patch the bug in its latest Android 2.3.4 firmware update, although some of its services, including Picasa, are still transmitting sensitive data via unencrypted channels, according to the researchers. Google has confirmed the claim and said that it is working on a fix.
To reduce the impact of the vulnerability, developers that use ClientLogin are encouraged to immediately switch to https connections to secure data and begin utilising OAuth for authentication, which would mitigate the authToken capture issue immediately.
Android handset owners should upgrade to Android 2.3.4 as soon as it is possible to do so, although this is normally an operator issue and customers are asked to wait. However, the researchers can also switch off automatic synchronisation in the settings menu when connecting with open WiFi networks, reducing the chances of an attacker capturing credentials. TNW http://goo.gl/vTbeC

The reason why Android will never be secure is:
Users!
What is a user:
A Users doesn't install security applications! A user download crap. A users don't know about these threats. A users are kid's who doesn't care! users are inexperienced people!
are you a user? I hope NOT!

Let me ask you a question. Do you have security on your computer/laptop/netbook ? Do you?
If yes, you are still not secure (see why)
If no, get help Fast dear reader! Help is here!

Do you have security on your phone?
User: What?! A phone doesn't have viruses!
ME: Oh, yes it does!!
Thinking you are save by default is an illusion....

iOS is very safe (great job apple) Because:
They check all the applications
They have a secure platform

Android is NOT safe Because:
No security in place
User mucked about, getting there self infected.
And as stated above!

Unity upgrades in 11.10

Posted by saakeman

As we all know Unity! Sucks!
I Quote from my Update

Update : Unity
Unity is now officially launched!
After testing it, I am sad to say it sucks bad! But that doesn't mean it isn't GOOD...
the reason it "sucks" in my opinion, it isn't stable! if you want to upgrade to Unity, don't!
Upgrade to Ubuntu 11.04, but choose "classic" gnome, before log in. The reason you must upgrade is, because of the new kernel, new features etc. 11.04 is also faster on my system (speed might differ form your's)

The reason it's "good", is because for noob/ new users, it's a better way to manage open windows and applications, also makes launching stuff easier from the "dash" and the unity "bar" (on the left off your screen). Also way better screen usage, it uses the WHOLE screen to it's max (when maximizing an folder or application, the close maximize and minimize buttons, sit's inside the top "bar") It also includes a Global menu, like MAC....

So user's that used Ubuntu long before unity, I would recommend you guys stick with Gnome 2/Classic gnome, you will be heavy disappointed with unity. New user's can use unity for now.

Give unity a go, don't just kick it! Yes, there is bug's, but remember, It needs to grow. Think of a tree, a new/small tree won't give you the shade you wan't, but when it's fully grown you will have the best shade you dreamed for.

See the red?
Well the tree is growing with these "upgrades" Ubuntu is pushing out.
Still Ubuntu unity sucks! I use it, many others... well :(

User: Will it "grow" like you say?
Absolutely...

Default applications
So what can we expect to see? Based on discussion at UDS: -
Gwibber already has Quicklist support in Unity but will benefit from an unread tweet/message count in Ubuntu 11.10.

Update-Manager will receive an update count, progress bar and quicklists containing items such as ‘check for updates’, etc.

Banshee won’t gain player controls in its’ quicklist but ‘media sources’ – as currently found in the Banshee sidebar – will be entered. A progress bar for music and podcast download will also be looked into.

Dynamic quicklists – as seen in AWN and Docky – have been suggested for use with Nautilus, with its quicklist containing user shortcuts and favourites. Progress bars to relay something transfer/copy status are also being mooted.

Other integration changes planned include control items in Transmission’s Quicklistand progress bars for Brasero – and the Ubuntu Software Centre.
Simple quicklists are also proposed for Gedit, the Terminal, new default backup ‘Deja Dup’ and movie player Totem.
Quicklists for other apps
Filling in the gaps for non-default applications has been the community at large, diligently adding Unity-launcher support to their favourite applications.

Ubuntu are keen to get help creators of 3rd party quicklists for their application get the changes into the relevant Ubuntu packages/upstream so that everyone can benefit from them.

Heads up Ubuntu users! LightDM login

Posted by saakeman

Ubuntu users know how old and rusty the login screen is.
Creators of Ubuntu haven't given much time to customize it. Ubuntu 11.10 will use lightDM.

Confused user: What is LightDM???!?!
LightDM is a login screen like windows, with themes and options!

User: how does it look?
Beautiful

User: how does it work?
Easy! Easy! Easy!

LightDM is promoted as fast, small, well documented, is easily themable and has ‘great accessibility’. A 3D-based interface will greet those with capable hardware, with a 2D version being used fallback where not supported.

why Ubuntu won't get 200 million users in 4 years

Posted by saakeman

Why won't Ubuntu get 200 million users in 4 years?

Ubuntu has a great community, no doubt about it! But is lacks big things a windows user will NEVER wan't to get used to!

On the top of my list, is the fact that the terminal is still widely used for doing really simple things like adding a PPA.

windows User: Come on!! In windows I just click and click and click and then it say's installed or added

Linux geek: I paste, enter, paste, enter, type username, change directory, compile, and close.

Account control is firkin irritating!

As a full time Linux (Ubuntu) user, I have to agree. When doing simple stuff like installing a program form a administrator account, it asks you for the password. I know this help protecting the computer from hackers etc. But really?! Even windows handles it better

windows User: I open file UAC gives me pop-up

Linux geek: I do simple stuff like install an application on a administrator account, type my password 3 times and open the application

Windows User: I like the effects of Linux!

The effects of Linux, better known as compiz, isn't easy to use. To say the control panel, doesn't even come installed with the system! for a windows user this won't work!

Windows User: Look at my Glass effect on windows 7

Linux Geek: I have the awesome effect's that doesn't even take that much recourses, i only install this... That... oh, and this... and configure this... that.. oh and I have to disable that...

Updates is messy. Windows updates is easy to handle and understand. Linux updates is.... well :(

windows User: Updates ready... Ha, I want this and that Thanks

Linux Geek: Updates ready... Wait! I don't want UNIX kernal 3.23.265, I don't want binary for pulse audio

libre office kernel patch 2.56.55, security patch for local IP

I feel OLD. the login screen for Ubuntu is OLD... Windows users are reminded of windows 98.

Windows 7 uses a great login screen.

windows User: Click, type pass-code, enter.

Linux Geek: see ugly screen. Click, type pass-code, enter.

Natty sound menu adds microphone slider for Skype calls

Posted by saakeman

Bid a fond farewell to faint false-starts in your Skype calls: Ubuntu 11.04 has added a microphone level slider to the Ubuntu Sound Menu.

The handy feature, the work of the Ubuntu Desktop Experience Team's Conor Curran, makes adjusting the volume level of your input device an easily accessible affair; no more will you need to manically launch Sound Preferences at the first alert of an incoming call.

Less time tweaking, more time chatting.

The extra slider sits below the standard volume slider in the Sound Menu and, conveniently, only appears when a VoIP call is active.

Mono icon fan(atic)s should note that the icons used in the screenshot above are not final.

The feature currently works with popular internet chat applications Skype and Mumble.

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/03/natty-sound-menu-adds-microphone-slider-for-skype-calls/

Quick tip: Enable full screen Dash in Ubuntu 11.04 desktop

Posted by saakeman

This tip is solely for Ubuntu 11.04 users, but it’s a dozy worth sharing.

The Unity Dash in Ubuntu 11.04 is an intelligent beast. When running on a screen with a resolution greater than 1280 width and 800 height you get the wonderful ‘half screen dash’ which can be toggled full screen.

When used on a device with a resolution ducking below 1280×800 you get full screen dash by default:

Whilst this is an intentional design decision – and one I totally ‘get’ – if having to manually hit the ‘full screen switch’ each time you run it on a big-ass monitor annoys you there is a “hack” to enable it all the time.