The Latest Edition – Ubuntu Version 9.04
Linux desktop, Ubuntu was immediately recognized for its ease-of-use and stability. It was regarded as a successor of Windows XP with just minor enhancements. Mark Shuttleworth, the founder-developer of Ubuntu saw its potential readily and projected that there would be a new version come October last year.
The changes include the improvement of its traditional brown color scheme appearance.
Mr. Shuttleworth’s projection was realized with the release of Ubuntu 9.04. Carrying the code-name “Jaunty Jackalope”, this version is typically a maintenance edition; however, it really has an enhanced appeal. There are also a number of updates brought together.
Most applications are not unchanged although they are all newer versions. There are two biggest changes however. The first is the integration of OpenOffice.org 3.0. This software combines MS Office 2007 import filters, ODF 1.2 support, enhanced pdf export, enhanced note capabilities in Writer, charting improvements, a start center, multi-monitor support and new icons. The released of this beta pacify the disappointed users of the new Ubuntu.
The second significant add-on to Ubuntu is the desktop notification mechanism. Application messages whether audio or IM alerts appear as black pop-up boxes on the upper right portion of the computer’s screen. The purpose is to make the messages unobtrusive by preventing interruptions like modal dialog boxes.
Minor changes in version 9.04 include new background images for desktop, new screens for boot and log-in, and some UI improvements which are free when you upgrade it to Gnome 2.26. Generally, there are no grand changes that can surprise the users of the old Ubuntu. But these newer features enhanced the compatibility of Ubuntu applications with MS 2007.
The above changes in the new Ubuntu version are coupled with snags. One of which is that its hardware support still appears to be a mixed bag. The default video driver’s open source cannot recognize an attached TV as its second monitor. Add Printer wizard can easily be spotted but wouldn’t easily find the right driver. There are installation drivers offered by Linux but the packages are not compatible with Ubuntu’s 64-bit version.
Application messages are not configurable. A preference panel that can change its behavior and switch back to old system is not available; thus, you are stuck with it. This is a common problem of Ubuntu. Ease-of-use is prioritized, thus sacrificing the configurability of some applications.
Ubuntu’s 9.04 version gives minor enhancements to desktop distribution. Ubuntu maintains its name for quality by giving updates to various software packages. But this latest version does not prove to be a long term solution to the many hardware problems faced by Linux Ubuntu. It just brings minor cosmetic to the not so useful applications. With this reality at hand, it’s not surprising that for the next few months, there will be another Ubuntu version claiming that it has newer applications to patch some of their “old” problems.
EtherCAT Master Provides Real-Time Automation
Many industries have demanded for hardware dependent programming to be done in real time. This is especially true for those who are in the transition from legacy field bus protocols into flexible real time solutions making use of Ethernet. Kithara Software is one of the first to respond to the issue by engineering and developing the EtherCAT Master.
Under Berlin-based Kithara Software’s RealTime Suite collection is the EtherCAT Master, the best tool for solving diverse automation issues under the Windows program. It can supply all the needed mechanisms to allow adaptable control applications of EtherCAT. These are all made possible at very reasonable prices.
EtherCAT is most suited for factory automation through realizable cycle times. Hardware for automation comes in the form of I/O clamps, safety solutions and servo controllers needed in the manufacturing industry. One can now change easily from PLC-based to Blackbox orientation system.
The EtherCAT software can remarkably provide users with great functions like extremely accurate timers and the required real-time network driver. It also allows mechanisms like hardware access to USB devices, PCI cards and serial interfaces. It provides multitasking possible and real-time Ethernet access at 100 Mbit/s that is required for PC-based automation to take place.
PC-based control applications for industries hugely simplify the automation technology. However, Windows operating systems are unable to implement true real-time offhand, hence, Kithara’s EtherCAT. With this software, the user can control his real-time application in the typical and popular development setting in C/C++ or Delphi.
Kithara EtherCAT Master has the following characteristics: accurate real-time timer for greater than 1 KHz frequencies; automatically recognizes EtherCAT topology having XML files, and; short cycle time of 50 micro seconds or less.
The EtherCAT Master can provide mechanisms such as mailbox communication, Process Data Communication (PDC), Service Data Communication (SDO), CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE), Ethernet over EtherCAT (EoE), File over EtherCAT (FoE), and Distributed Clock. The Master Monitor completes the package by allowing a graphical application to configure and inspect the connected EtherCAT slaves.
The EtherCAT Master can also pre-empt real-time multi-tasking upto 255 levels, UDP and TCP communication in real-time, ability to set up Windows interfaces for device communication like ReadFile, DeviceIOControl and WriteFile, setting up of personal device names
With the EtherCAT Master, programmers are no longer required to manage and send out data telegrams themselves. The software can do this in perfectly real-time, reducing time wastage and making work more cost-effective.
Microsoft is Ready to Roll With Latest Vista
On Tuesday, Microsoft concluded its work on the second update of the service pack on Windows Vista. A blog posting by the company stated that the latest Windows update should be made available to the market towards the end of this quarter.
What does this latest technology provide that wasn’t there in the first version? It is good to note that this time, Microsoft has added support for Bluetooth 2.1, a search technology found in the latest Windows package. It can also record data on Blu-ray discs in a native way.
The recent package can play Sony’s Blu-ray high-definition movie technology to the Windows OS.
What’s more is that it has now removed a blocker tool in the system that disallowed computers from downloading the Service Pack 1 of Vista. This means that users who have been using this will now be able to download Vista SP1 through Windows Update. The improved reliability and performance of the driver has eliminated issues on compatibility. Hot fixes have been integrated into the service pack to minimize deployment and complexity for all its users. It can support other types of hardware for better compatibility.
This updated version has been comprehensively tested since the last quarter of the previous year and an almost-final version was issued last February. Microsoft likewise announced that the second service pack update to Office 2007 will also be released. Office 2007 and Windows Vista were launched in the mainstream on the same day last January 2007.
This latest Windows updated version of Vista is easier to use since it can automatically download and install updates, especially the recommended ones. There are flexible options available like being able to update anytime you want so that whatever computer work you’re doing is not disrupted. The software automatically saves the data of the application, close it, update the file and restart the application.
One will also noticed that Outlook is more stable, Exel has more improved charting functions, and SmartArt graphics has a better-looking personality. SP2 has Office 2007 supporting Open XML, PDF, ODF, as well as many other file formats.
Microsoft never fails to stay on top of the line. The Vista wrap up once again allows the millions of users to have an easy and pleasurable Vista experience. The continuing effort to improve has kept Microsoft the leader in the operating system industry. It just gets better and better for all computer users.