All posts tagged PC

Choose The Right Linux Distribution For Smart Computing

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Linux is one of the most popular operating systems out there after the Windows family. What sets Linux distinctly apart from others is the fact that you can download it for free. Unlike Windows operating systems which come with a hefty price tag, Linux does not cost absolutely anything and Linux setup is quite easy. Even you dont need to use any virus remover as there is very little or no chance of virus infection.

For beginners, it can be quite daunting to decide which distribution would be best for them. This is because there is a plethora of Linux distributions out there from which you can choose from – Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, Mandriva, Opensuse, and so on. Each distribution, or distro, has its own strengths and features unique to it.

The first and foremost concern that you should consider is your hardware. All Linux distros are not built the same. Although most Linux distros try to be as hardware friendly as possible, you might discover that some work better with your hardware than others. So the best way to decide which distro would be right for you is to try out a handful of the most popular distros and see for yourself as to which of them work the best on your hardware. You will discover that some distros will detect all your hardware and work flawlessly, while others may not even boot on your PC or laptop.

The next thing you should consider is codec availability. Some popular distros like Ubuntu and Fedora do not ship with any kind of codecs to play common files like your mp3s or high-definition videos. There are distros based on these very distros that are more usable and ship with support for all of your audio and video files. Linux Mint, based on Ubuntu, is one such distro.

Ubuntu is probably the most popular and widely used Linux operating system that there is. It is based on Debian, another huge distribution with a very loyal fan following. Ubuntu also has one of the largest communities out there and you are more likely to find help on anything related to Ubuntu than any other distro. This is one of the great advantages of using Ubuntu or anything based on it, such as Linux mint. You will find it easy to look for help online should you get stuck with anything.

Fedora, sponsored by the Linux giant red hat, is also quite popular among Linux users. Like Ubuntu, it cannot come with any codecs pre-installed due to patent issues. Not all software companies allow Linux distributions to pre-install their proprietary software. For example, Microsoft license does not allow Linux distributions to contain programs like internet explorer or windows media player codecs. Similarly, popular Linux distros like Fedora, Opensuse and Ubuntu cannot ship flash, java, and other such proprietary software. If this is a concern for you, then download distros like Linux mint or PcLinuxOS, which come with all these necessary programs pre-installed.

So if you have really decided to move on to Linux, just take the plunge and set up Linux on your PC. You will not regret the freedom and liberty that Linux comes with.

Linux An Introduction

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Linux is a free, UNIX work-alike designed for Intel processors on PC architecture machines. Linux is not UNIX, as UNIX is a copyrighted piece of Aware that demands license fees when any part of its source code is used. Linux was written from scratch to avoid license fees entirely, although the operation of the Linux operating system is based entirely on UNIX. It shares UNIX’s command set and look-and-feel, so if you know either UNIX or Linux, you know the other, too.

Linux supports a wide range of software, from TeX (a text formatting language) to X (a graphical user interface) to the GNU C/C++ compilers to TCP/IP networking. Linux is also compliant with the POSIX.1 standard, so porting applications between Linux and UNIX systems is a snap.

New users of UNIX and Linux may be a bit intimidated by the size and apparent complexity of the system before them. There are many good books on using UNIX out there, for all levels of expertise ranging from novice to expert.

However, few (if any) of these books cover, specifically, the topic of using Linux. Although 95 percent of using Linux is exactly like using other UNIX systems, the most straightforward way to get going on your new system is with a book tailored for Linux.

Types of Linux:

Following are the main types of Linux which are available:

The various distribution types in Linux.

The types of disk sets for each distribution.

Which distribution sets are important for you

How to look for files on the CD-ROM.

How to get Linux from FTP sites.

How to get Linux from BBS sites.

How to find FTP sites where you can get Linux updates

Linux Distribution:

Several versions of Linux are available, depending on which CD-ROM or FTP site you visit. You can change kernel versions by obtaining the source code for a new release, compiling it, and replacing your existing kernel. You may find several CD-ROM distributions available at your local reseller. Info Magic’s Slack ware release, for example, comes on Your CD-ROMs and bears the name Linux Developer’s Resource. In addition to the complete Linux system, it includes source code, FTP archives, full documentation, several extension products, and demonstration software of commercial applications (including WordPerfect)

Starting Linux:

Starting the Linux system can be as simple as turning on the power switch of your PC. If Linux is configured to auto load, Linux will be up and running after a few seconds. Few systems are set up to run only Linux, though, and even fewer have it boot automatically when the power is turned on. Although automatic startup is convenient, many Linux users prefer to be able to choose which operating system to boot into (if other operating systems are loaded on the system) or to change the . level of access to Linux. You can start a Linux system by using a boot floppy disk or using LILO in one of several configurations.

Linux And The X10 Home Automation System

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Home automation systems are becoming more popular every year. Even your own home computer can be installed with software and hardware devices to control your home efficiently. It may seem like science fiction, but it is now possible for you to automate your home and control all of your electronic devices through your computer.

With a PC that has Linux installed and a home automation system you can hook up all of your electronice devices to it. X10 home automation systems are one of the first devices that are made compatible with the Linux software. It also doesn’t hurt that the X10 home automation system is one of the most popular home automation systems.

Understanding exactly what the X10 is will help you understand better how it can work with Linux. The X10 system is made up of devices that replace or plug in to the standard electrical outlet allowing you to plug in the various devices you wish to control. There are also X10 modules that can be integrated into light switches to allow you to remotely control your lights in various rooms. Some are even installed in climate control devices for automated operation.

On cool piece of tech developed by X10 is called the firecracker. It plugs into the serial port of your PC and gives you control of all of your X10 devices from the computer. Through a program on Linux called Bottlerocket and GtkX10 you can control your devices which are plugged in to the firecracker.

Another great thing about this Linux add-on is that it’s cheap. All you need is a few dollars and you can get the Firecracker, receiver, lamp module and a remote giving you control over all of your installed X10 devices.

Today, other home automation modules are now developing devices that can be attached to the PC and let you control every electronic device in your own home through the Linux program. There are many versions of Linux so some companies are creating devices that are compatible with any of them.

With Linux, you can control your home automation systems with a single click of the mouse. You also have the ability to install remote control programs on Linux. This gives you the ability to connect and control your house remotely from anywhere if you have access to the Internet.

In Linux you also have the ability to schedule your home automation. You can set the time your lights turn on and off and could even schedule the time for your sprinklers to water the garden. If you come home from work late in the evening you can walk in the door with all the lights turned on, the coffee brewing and the oven preheated ready for cooking. Of course, having your lights turn on at the moment of your arrival also provides extra security.

You can even pre-program your stereo and your climate control device to turn on at a specific time. You then walk through the door to a comfortable temperature and your favorite tunes playing. No longer will you have to fumble around and turn on everything that you need in order to relax. All you need to do is sit back and relax.

For cheap home automation you can’t go past Linux and the various compatible components available for it. Linux software is also required to let you gain access to various electronic equipment in your home.

You can have a more comfortable life with a home automation system using Linux and home automation software. This will change the way you live your life and many people even said that it made them live in a much more comfortable and convenient home.

How Do I Decide On Linux Or Windows.

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One of the first things you often have to consider is what operating system should you choose to host your website. There are a number of different choices out there but the main two are Linux web hosting and Windows web hosting. Depending on which operating system to go with depends on your needs.

This article is going to offer information for those trying to decide which hosting platform to go with. It would help you understand your need and choose the right hosting platform to best suit your needs.

Linux is one of the more popular operating systems on the Web, mostly because it is easy to install and get running. Windows is another popular operating system for Web hosting providers because it has a lot of support. Linux and Windows are the two most common and readily available operating systems, and there are many good reasons for using both.

The majority of web features run fine on both platforms including PHP, mySQL, POP3 etc. Both Windows and Linux servers will serve HTML pages and JavaScript. Consider the tools and scripting languages you plan to use to make your website. If you use PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux is the way forward. If you need to support Microsoft products such as ASP, ASP.NET, MS Access, or VBScript, then Windows hosting would be better. Furthermore, if you are comfortable with IIS and do not have the time to understand how UNIX works, Windows hosting would again be a better choice. Also if you’re going to run a dynamically driven Web site, then you’ll want a database. The two most popular are MySQL and Access. MySQL runs on both Linux and Windows, but is more often found on Linux servers. SQL Server (MS SQL) or Access database is only available for Windows.

There are some things to remember. First of all, just because you use Windows at home on your desktop PC does not mean you should use Windows web hosting. The two are completely different, and having a Windows system at home will not affect your ability to communicate with a Linux server. Secondly, Linux is much more common with web hosts due to its superior stability. Linux hosting is usually cheaper than Windows. Just because it is cheaper does not mean it’s not as good – Linux is an excellent product too.

The reliability and stability is very important to your Web host and have been the topic argued on. The main reason that Windows is seen as being insecure is that it is the most widely used operating system for home PC’s. People spend more time looking for flaws in the most common system. With Linux being the most common server type, it has a surprising number of successful hack attempts made on it. In the end the security of both platforms is more important at the hosting services administration level than it is at the operating system level. If you have good administrators, your server will be more secure – regardless of operating system. If you are security minded then you’ll do better to make sure that the hosting company is reputable and highly skilled than to worry about the server they use.

Both the types of hosting offer the same level of proficiency. So when choosing a hosting server you find one that has the options/features you want for running of your website, rather than worrying about what operating system they are running on the back end.

An Absolute Solution To The Dilemma Of Linux And Windows Managed Dedicated Servers In Mumbai India

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The business world today is changing in leaps and bounds and with the internet being its backbone every hosting aspect needs to be fluid and at par with current demands. Other than access to the basic web management tools, you need to enjoy uncompromised bandwidth pipe – 1Gbps is standard at YRHost, processing power and speed. More so, your server environment should be customizable to your dedicated needs in that you can control all aspects of the server rather than shared allocations. For both the informed and apprentice web administrators, there could be plenty of tempting offers for Dedicated Servers although rarely as comprehensive as what YRHost has to offer.

In order to truly capitalize on the entirety of server resources for your web applications, you need a fully manageable dedicated windows or linux server. What YRHost offers you is a fully customizable branded server with WebsitePanel and cPanel Dedicated Servers for your exclusive purposes. Furthermore, the in-house team commits to monitoring and troubleshooting all the dedicated servers to guarantee 100% network uptime.

For anyone who truly comprehends the web ecosystem, a premium hosting experience is based on the experience of the provider. That being said and the fact that YRHost has been in the industry since 2001, emphasizes its commitment to customer satisfaction and is a clear indication that the company is here to stay. More so, the use of supermicro and dell branded hardware and cloud technologies to run dedicated servers defines the company’s excellent product provision. This is topped off by a wide range of windows and Linux Dedicated Servers with variable plans to give customers options that match their budget and specific requirements.

These dedicated servers from desktop PC to multi processor enterprise class configurations as well as the options of Linux or Windows dedicated servers, users have the privilege of enhancing their web businesses without performance uncertainties. The definitive features that YRHost brings to the table include;

1.A fully fledged control panel that allows for ultimate remote management of the server environment. The panel generates relevant statistical data and information regarding your Windows or Linux Dedicated Servers in Mumbai while also giving you administrator privileges to modify the framework settings.

2.Uncompromised performance etched on the power of a dedicated server system that uses exclusive resources to run web applications at optimum levels. The hardware and software system is furthermore checked periodically by the professional team to keep it free of glitches.

3.24 hour support that commits to problem solving and streamlining the use of the dedicated server environment as well as assuring you of sustained uptime. This goes hand in hand with unlimited bandwidth and speed plans for Mumbai and India clients.

Besides the fact that YRHost provides top of the line dedicated servers and has a committed and quick-responding support team to address all arising issues, the companys reputation has also been built on affordable provisions. Boasting an almost flawless hosting reputation and guaranteeing clients peace of mind both in terms of budget and dedicated server resource, YRHost has surely established itself as the definitive provider. If therefore you are in the market for Linux or Windows dedicated servers , then you have your answer in this company.