This week’s 4cast:
1. Replace Your Old Windows with Linux?
Linux (pronounced LIN-ux) is an open-source operating system often associated with chilly server rooms and command line-spoutin’ uber-techies. However, in recent years great strides have been made in the development of Linux-based desktop applications and a friendlier user interface. Linux enthusiasts are hoping that 2007 is the year that ordinary computer users (and businesses) leave Windows behind.
- Comparison of Windows and Linux (Wikipedia)
- Linux wins over new fans (Sydney Morning Herald)
- Learn how to ‘Make The Move’ to Linux (Lifehacker)
- CIO study finds Linux ready for prime-time (Techworld)
2. Windows Vista: The Vista is Still Hazy
Some early reports on Microsoft’s new Windows Vista operating system haven’t been glowing. Microsoft is defending itself against the criticism as it prepares to roll out what could be its most disruptive upgrade in years.
- Microsoft Admits Vista Has “High Impact Issues” (Slashdot)
- Vista copy protection is defended (BBC)
- Microsoft offering free Vista “test drive” (Ars Technica)
- Vista: Worthy, Largely Unexciting (Wall Street Journal)
3. So Long, OPAC… Hello, SOPAC
John Blyberg has integrated a number of nifty social software features into the Ann Arbor District Library‘s online catalog, like reviews, comments, and tags.
- AADL.org Goes Social (blyberg.net)
- Ann Arbor District Library adds patron tagging, rating of items (Superpatron)
- John Blyberg Creates the SOPAC for aadl.org (Tame the Web: Libraries and Technology)
- social OPAC roundup (walking paper)
4. H0w’5 Y3r P@55w0rd?
The important information you keep at home and at work is often only as secure as the password that protects it. And according to security experts, most passwords are not very secure.
- Passwords (Lifehacker)
- How Do They Crack Your Password? (Yahoo! Tech)
- HOWTO choose a good password (Boing Boing)
- Generating the Perfect Password (Neomeme)
