Before switching from MS to Linux, I transferred my files to a usb stick to  later transfer to Linux.   When  I tried to open the exe file with WINE, I got  an error message telling me to please insert the device and open the file as a priveleged user. Fine, but the device was already inserted. For some reason, unknown to me, it wasn't recognized.    Further research showed that this meant that  either WINE couldn''t open this (it doesn't work with all files), or that there was some kind of bug that prevents this. I wonder if it was from  MS, and it "spread"  to the usb stick?? If so, is there any other way of opening  the file?  WINE is a great applicatiion.. it allows you to open files from another OS,  without having to restart and go back and forth between OS's. You can also download some applications which are normally for MS, but not all. I suppose that is probably the problem. My usb device is  only for MS. But as a usb device shouldn't it be independent of the OS? It doesn't have a driver. However, when checking usb sticks on a e shop website... I find that some are only for MS, while others are for all OS's.   You just have to make sure that the one you buy is for Linux. You might have to pay  more. Otherwise... you'll end  up like me... with files that  I can't open. That is unless there is another way to open exe files.

Report Spam Comment (0)

One problem that comes up when changing OS, is whether things like webcams, printers etc. are compatable. If you're lucky, you can find drivers in  Linux or if you feel adventurous - try some tricks to get it to work. This involves such things as terminals, and commands, searching in files, etc. Not to mention some knowledge of computer programming. The thing is, that it may not  work. Even the same thing from the same manufacturer, has different chip sets. In that case, sometimes it is better  to buy something new that is supported by Linux. Most manufacturers have lists on thier web sites. Which is what  I ended up doing for my webcam.  Prices have gone down a lot, so it's not like you'll spend a fortune, and you will have something that will work for sure.

This however, creates another problem. What to do with the old hardware,etc. that you can't use? Some things can be reused by someone else. Others can be recycled... if there are facilities in your area. In mine there aren't.  I have given some away  to people  who can't afford to  buy new parts... but a lot is left in boxes in a cupboard.  I call it the Museum of Old Technology.  It isn''t so much that the parts don't work, they do... just not with Linux.

Report Spam Comment (1) Read More...

 Well,  here I am. It is 5 pm. It is already dark in my room and I am using my  usb lamp instead of the light.

I  just finished reading about saving energy with Linux. Everything from Powertop to screen savers. There is this really good application called Bootup Manager, which makes sure that everything is running  efficiently  from  the time you boot up to the time you shut  down. That includes updates as well.  You can find it in Synaptic. What I'm  not too clear about as to whether screen savers are needed or not. I'm  sure that some really use alot of energy. But they are really works of art, aren't they?  If you have your  computer shut down automatically  after a  few minutes,   why do you need them. I rarely leave it on. Even if  I have to leave suddenly to  answer  the phone,etc.it shuts off by itself (except for the monitor).  I see the green light on, then remember to turn it off. It saves me from having to  worry about shutting it off.  

Report Spam Comment (0) Read More...

Actually, Linux is used more than we realize. A lot of non-profit organizations probably use it as their operating system, since they can't afford to pay a lot of money for MS. They also need something easy to use, since many of the users are from third world countries, where most aren't experts on IT.

I first heard of Ubuntu from Nabuur. A non profit organization that uses the internet to  connect  volunteers with those who needed help. One of the tasks was to test Ubuntu. There is a great need  for affordable open source material. Something that is easy to use as well. Ubuntu is just that. 

Report Spam Comment (0) Read More...

I just finished printing a letter in German. It took me a few minutes to set up the keyboard for German  letters and  I had to save the letter as a web page to print it, but it's OK. It's strange that Open Office printed  great on MS. I also printed some photos from  F-spot. They turned out great. But if there are some who would like something  better... Picassa  has a Linux version available. It is a really great photo manager. It lets you play around more and make some changes before printing. I just love digital photography, don't you?

Report Spam Comment (0)

I think that this is turning into a  habit.

Whenever,  I don''t  have anything to do,  I fool around with  the  OS.  I never really paid that much attention to   it.   After  all, it's  just  something  that keeps  the   computer   running. But  this is different.There is so much that  I can do. I can find all   sorts of applications,  without searching for  hours on the  Internet. Used Skype with  webcam, all ok. Played  hangman. I'm not a game fanatic, but if  you ever get bored... 

Report Spam Comment (1) Read More...