The new version 11 of Opera, the veteran of Web browsers for Linux, took the next step in its evolution by adding extension functionality. Developers can author, upload and share these browser add-ons, which utilize Opera's APIs, as well as Web standards like HTML5 and JavaScript. These standards allow extensions made for other browsers to be tweaked and shared with 50 million Opera desktop users. Previously, extensions were limited to Opera Widgets and Opera Unite applications. Opera checks all extensions before they are made public to ensure that the catalog of extensions is free from defects and malicious software. Opera 11 runs on Linux, Mac OS and Windows.
The miserly and miniature Linutop PC just got a brain implant in the form of the new Linutop OS 4.0, a small and secure Ubuntu-based operating system. The OS also works on other x86 PCs. Version 4's key new addition is the kiosk configuration, which allows for quick-and-simple customized configuration—for example, in secured public Internet access, digital signage, network monitoring, thin-client use, mini-servers and low-cost desktops in virtualized environments. Other benefits include a small, 700MB footprint, low power requirements and the ability to back up the entire OS on a USB drive.
Farming out services is something nearly all of us have engaged in at some level. If you think you've got the stuff to break out beyond frantic calls from grandma, you may want to pick up Maureen Broderick's The Art of Managing Professional Services: Insights from Leaders of the World's Top Firms. The book is a guide to building and managing a professional service firm. According to Broderick, aspects like infrastructure, governance, talent acquisition and retention, compensation and financial management vary significantly from traditional corporate environments. Furthermore, conventional management advice doesn't offer all the answers, and mainstream business gurus rarely address the unique challenges facing professional service firm leaders. Insights are offered based on 130 in-depth interviews with leaders of the world's top firms.
If embedded Linux is an arrow you want to add to your quiver, take your aim at the new 2nd edition of Christopher Hallinan's popular book Embedded Linux Primer: A Practical Real-World Approach. The publisher Prentice Hall bills the title as “the definitive real-world guide to building efficient, high-value, embedded systems with Linux”. This new edition has been updated to include the newest Linux kernels, capabilities, tools and hardware support, including advanced multicore processors. Topics covered include kernel configuration and initialization, bootloaders, device drivers, filesystems, BusyBox utilities, real-time configuration and system analysis. This edition adds new content on UDEV, USB and open-source build systems.
By releasing its new Smart Technology Platform, a cloud hosting solution for Linux and Windows, Joyent has Amazon's EC2 focused squarely in the crosshairs. Joyent differentiates its product from other cloud platforms by offering “an environment optimized for Web application development” that delivers higher performance in key areas, such as disk and memory I/O, CPU speed and network latency, as well as being “pound-for-pound the most affordable solution on the market for the performance delivered”. The Joyent platform also comes bundled with a full set of integrated solutions.
The data protection solution provider SoleraTec has expanded the functionality of its flagship OnSSI video management system with the new Phoenix RSM Module. This new module extracts and replicates video feeds at high speed while maintaining the original video quality and resolution. By replicating video into the Phoenix RSM forensic storage solution, organizations can greatly expand their retention abilities and provide stronger, comprehensive management of all recorded video. Users quickly can search and play back video footage, regardless of when the video was recorded or where it is stored. Organizations can capture and store huge amounts of video surveillance footage that easily can be searched and retrieved for playback. The optional H.264 lossless format reduces storage requirements up to 70% while preserving original image quality, allowing for greatly increased content on the same storage space.
Inside sources at eGauge Systems tipped us off to the fact that their new eGauge2 Web-based electric energy and power meter is powered by Linux. eGauge2, now 40% smaller than its predecessor, is used to measure and record whole-house consumption, renewable (such as solar and wind) energy generation, and individual loads, such as appliances or geothermal system pumps and backup heaters. It can measure up to 12 circuits on up to 3-phases (120V–480V, 50–60Hz). The data can be viewed on any Web-enabled device through the built-in Web-server, and the device records the most recent 30 years of data in its built-in solid-state memory. The measurements also can be accessed through BACnet and/or the recorded data can be shared with Google PowerMeter.
Given how good we Linux geeks have been this year, Santa Claus (via his agents at Graebert GmbH) is treating us to a new CAD application, namely ARES Commander Edition Version 1.0 2D/3D CAD. Graebert says that ARES Commander Edition is a powerful and affordable 3D CAD solution that is fully capable of supporting both AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) and MCAD (Mechanical CAD) and the ability to exchange files across all three supported OS platforms, Linux, Mac OS and Windows seamlessly. Users also have a choice of experiencing a fully Linux-specific UI or a more tailored UI that matches the Windows version, both of which are fully command-compatible with AutoCAD. A free 30-day trial is available for download from Graebert's Web site.