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What happen when enemies meet together? Enemy should not forever enemy. The miracle happen when Microsoft contributes open source code to Samba, a Linux file server system!

Samba, is a Windows interoperability programs that simulate Windows domain and file server feature in Linux File Server. It provide secure, stable and fast file service for windows client. In fact, it even faster than Windows server when I transfer large file to Samba!

This is not first time Microsoft support Open Source Software. It has supported some open source projects such as CodePlex, Phython, PHP languages and Drupal CMS.

I’m happy to see enemies become friend. Yes, make more friends than enemy.

Image by maxsailor

We can’t deny China has A LOT of talented copy cats. They can copy huge Website, and now Windows XP Operating System!

You’re right. This is 100% look-alike clone Windows XP build on Ubuntu Linux 9.10. It is a free, fast, stable, safe, customizable yet user-friendly OS. Suitable for Windows user who want to give a try on Linux. (more…)

Do you want to try out Linux OS but worry on the risk? Yes, me too. That’s why we come out these 3 easy ways to test drive your machine on Linux.

1. Live CD/ DVD/USB Stick

This is the safest way to test drive Linux. You download image file (.iso) of the Linux, burn into CD or DVD. Then reboot your computer and boot from optical drive (CD or DVD).  If it is not set yet, press setup key (F2/ F8/DEL) once Power On. Look for Boot Device Priority, set the first device to your CD/DVD drive.

Don’t want to burn CD? Ok, you can “burn” into USB thumb drive too. Use UnetBootIn to create bootable Live USB drive. Of course your motherboard must be able to support boot from USB drive.

2. Virtual Machine

Virtual machine is an Emulator. It creates virtual computer environment inside your computer. Means you can have two, three or more computers in a physical computer. VirtualBox is a FREE yet good emulator.

Setup virtual machine and install Linux from the image. To run smoother, I recommend at least 1GB memory. You can delete it anytime if you don’t want anymore, without changes on current OS. (more…)

I’ve step the whole morning to setup firewall and proxy server with my colleague.

Well, due to budget constrain and experience, a linux box can easily fulfill our needs.

Remember my requested free original Ubuntu Linux? We configure Ubuntu as our free firewall and proxy server!!

The latest version 8.10 doesn’t seem too much different with my old version 7.04.

Setup Free Firewall

My colleague downloaded the latest Ubuntu and install on a normal computer. The Ubuntu was updated with all necessary patches and firewall tool — Firestarter. No hassle on firestarter installation, just select from Synoptic packager and wait until finish.

Firestarter is easier than iptables. Its GUI let you setup policy with few clicks away. Just open up standard port that need to use by your applications. Add authorized IP into Outbound policy. (more…)

Until today, still got friends ask me what is the differences between Linux and Windows? This is an interesting question. Some of you may already know the answer. But could you list them out?

I’m not Linux expert. I won’t give Linux course here. Just share some good points that I found on Internet. Might be more than 8 points here. I think I just list out the important ones.

• Open source vs Close Source – The most significant difference is Linux is open source and Windows don’t. This mean you know what the program run, while Windows not allow that even if it store in “malicious” software to spy you.

• GPL License vs Ms Licensing – In fact, Linux belongs to the GNU Public License that allow user to access or alter the kernel as long using back the name “Linux”.Also, you can download a ginsle copy and install as many machines as you like. For Windows, no such thing as “Free”. You pay for server license, client license, client access license, terminal server client license and many more. (more…)