– by Tina Gasperson –

If relational databasing for Linux is your thing, here’s a Pal for you. Pal Domokos, that is. He’s put together the most “un-egotistical” collection of Linux resources for relational databases like SQL, Adabas, and Informix, just to name a few.Why “un-egotistical?” There’s no hint of “check us out” here — it’s just quiet signposts to all the best information. Not a single “about us” link to be found. Domokos’ own description of the site tells it all: “This site is a compilation of the best free online readings about relational databases on Linux. If you’re a Linux RDBMS/database administrator, a database designer/developer, or simply a Linux user with database ambitions, you’ll find links to valuable resources here: articles, papers, and books on various aspects of relational database management. Needless to say, much of this material is more or less applicable to other (UNIX) environments, too.”

The site is quick-loading, graphics-free, and perfectly organized for easy navigation. He’s done an excellent job of collecting fresh information for research and self-study — and not just for database information, either. The secret about Pal’s site is that, even if you’re not into RDBMS, you’re going to find some good stuff here.

There are three top-level sections for links: RDBMS Independent Topics, RDBMSs, and Linux for Database Professionals.

RDBMS Independent Topics breaks down into sub-topics such as Fundamentals, Data Warehousing, Benchmarks, and Java (to name a few); these are further broken down to individual pages of closely related annotated links. The second main category, RDBMS, has information about the actual databases; and the third, Linux for Database Professionals, has all that great general information on the kernel, meaning of Open Source, security, administration, newbie stuff, and online magazines/discussion sites — again, neatly categorized and sub-divided.

Domokos is no slacker when it comes to keeping the site current, either. The News section holds his reports on weekly updates to linkage. Things are so fresh, you get the feeling he’s there at the same time you are, dusting off the shelves, polishing the chrome, arranging the merchandise just so. Much care has gone into this resource, and it shows. You’ll enjoy discovering new resources at Pal’s Linux RDBMS Library, so go check it out.

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From OSOpinion: “A while back, I lighted on the now standard debate on the merits of Linux and related Operating Systems versus those of Microsoft Windows NT. One thing eventually got me thinking. In every posting that claimed success with using NT, the factor that was claimed as the guarantee of success was never NT’s ‘superior’ technology, which has been Microsoft’s line all along, but instead the time spent in doing things right.” –Kelly McNeill

Computer World reports that the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has proposed guidelines for dealing with software piracy on on-line auction sites.

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Upside Today looks at the state of software today as the art of software design matures.

“An attacker with read access to the victim user’s home directory, and therefore to the configuration file in which the encrypted password is stored, could potentially gain access to the victim user’s private mail messages. If an administrator’s account is exploited in this way, system passwords or other sensitive information could be disclosed, supporting further breaches of the host’s security.” Full details at SecurityFocus.

From Linux Journal: “Today, PocketLinux is taking on the ambitious task of putting a full Java environment, XML and a web server onto a PDA. Oh, and user interface themes, the silly
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From LinuxWorld: “Virginia Beach, Va., was forced to pay Microsoft $129,000 for software licenses, even though the city had probably
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defense.”

“Apparently, no part of the software food chain goes untouched by open source. Well, that’s not really true. There’s still the BIOS. But don’t despair . there’s a movement to make an open source BIOS.” Full story at Linux.com.

“kio_gphoto is an IO slave and a KControl panel module which allow you to access folders and images within any digital camera supported by the upcoming gPhoto2 libraries. If you have a supported camera, you can start using it with most KDE applications in two easy steps.” Details and download at theKompany.