HP shifting focus to Linux in order to get over Vista Unpopularity!

Well, I am not a big fan of Vista, maybe XP at the least, but here’s another great news that HP might be using Linux to increase sales while not having to deal with Vista’s unpopularity.

If you have noticed, many computer manufacturers including HP, Dell, and others who have been putting the sign, “This company recommends Vista”.

Now, that’s what I don’t get.  How could companies expect to increase computer sales while recommending Vista, an operating system touted to be more incompatible than their previous sibling, Windows XP.

With all that out there, HP is finally shifting its focus to provide fully-installed Linux systems which will save the consumers about $100-200 over Vista.  (That’s right, you no longer have to pay for what you don’t use)

Since Linux OS is free, consumers can pretty much get the Linux version and simply install Windows XP to get going instead of having to deal with Vista’s horrible uninstallation process.

Already, Google has proved the value of Linux operating system through its Android developement.

Mind you, Linux operating system has been developed nicely by the open source crowd for the last 10 years to one day beat out Windows out of the market. Yey!

According to Businesweek, HP has been quietly working on two projects aimed at bypassing unpopular features in Vista and possibly competing with Apple down the line. The first involves developing software that modifies Vista to make it easier to use. That much has been confirmed. However, rumor has it that a second “Skunk Works” operation has been going on behind closed doors that has a much loftier goal—building a customized replacement OS based on the Linux platform.

via gizmodo

Beijing Apple’s Outdoor Display was confirmed running off a Windows XP computer.  Now, this is ironic that Apple wouldn’t power their own displays with their computers.

Perhaps, the Windows XP probably saved some operating costs than using a Mac for the purposes of the outdoor display.

Consumers will be confused to whether Apple is promoting Windows XP.  I know I would.  (Maybe Steve Jobs hired some really bad technicians)

via gizmodo

Here’s a cool news that you can run Windows XP remotely on an iPhone.  Which doesn’t surprise me since that’d be a good way to check up on your home computer while traveling.  The funny thing is it uses “unix” app to do that, meaning there’s Unix underlying the whole thing so if Windows gives you a blue death screen, you will still be okay.

Windows XP, seen below running on the iPhone, was loaded using Citrix’s thin client desktop software XenDesktop. Using the Citrix ICA client — a UNIX application that allows devices to access Windows sessions on a Citrix server — the presenter was able to run Windows on the iPhone via Wi-Fi.

via zdnet

For those of you with a Windows Start Button on your keyboard, here’s a great way to get rid of the actual Start Button on your screen.

Continue reading ‘Hack - How to Remove the Start Button from your Windows XP!’

Need security for your USB drive? Here comes the fingerprint technology embedded in a USB drive. We should expect a face-recognition USB drive by end of 2010.

Specs:

Description:

via geekalerts

Here’s a great USB DIY Sound Card that NEEDS NO XP drivers. It’s plug-N-play. For a DIY project, very impressive and everyone should make their USB DIY “driver-less”.

Make a sound card is no more a complex issue. If you use great IC PCM2702 from BURR BROWN / Texas Instruments you can create a fully functional USB sound card. This sound card can be powered from USB port and has one stereo output. You don�t need to install any driver for Windows XP and Vista, because they are already inside. This is really plug and play.

Few months ago I have seen USB sound card called Alien DAC. The construction on the project web page inspired me to build this thing also.

via make

Well, here’s how to make your Window XP genuine if you’ve recently re-installed your Windows XP and can’t find your original Product ID (and installed an illegal version).  Windows has no online solution but this method works good if you are having trouble validating your Windows XP.  (and you’ve paid for it!!!)

Step 1: Download the license.reg file.

Step 2: Double click the file, choose yes when prompted.

Step 3: Go to Genuine Microsoft Software and click on “Validate Windows” over on the right to check whether it worked.

via Zhenyi

*Note: This is for people who have purchased a legal copy of Windows but have to resort to installing a cracked copy because either they lost their original disc or product ID.  We don’t condone any illegal copying.

We’ve decided to do some round-up links for the day for the hell-of-it.

1. Check out How to fake a Web 2.0 logo for some hints on your next website’s new logo.
2. Here’s Delicious bookmarking howto for anyone new to Web2.0 bookmarking.
3. Check out HOWTO fight Companies Online. Their number advice is to start a blog. nice…
4. In a response to ridiculously long mattress names: “They confuse us with silly product names (the Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewel Fletcher Ultra Plush Pillowtop or the Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewel Brookmere Plush?). They flummox us with bogus science (”pocketed coils”? “Microtek foundations”? “Fiberlux”?). And they weigh us down with useless features (silk damask ticking?). It’s like buying a used car, and almost as expensive—I’ve seen mattresses going for $7,000. What’s a consumer to do?”
   Yes, this is true, let’s just buy some memory foam and forget the rest.
5. Interesting take on running a business without managers.
6. HOWTO make RAM disk on Windows XP
7. Chopstick Manners?!? ridiculous…
8. HOWTO make Apple iMartini
9. My favorite Linux editor, vim HOWTO. (or vi)
10. Cool Photoshop lighting HOWTO