open source

Why I Prefer Free, Open-Source Software

November 25, 2009

The terms free software and open-source software are hovering at the fringe of most computer users’ consciousness. But whether you know it or not, you already use a lot of free, open-source software every day. You could be saving considerable money by using it in your law practice, too.
Free, open-source software is secure, reliable, and—best [...]

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Microsoft bowing to the inevitable, will offer ODF support with Office SP2

April 15, 2009

There are currently two international open document formats: Microsoft’s OOXML, and the truly open Open Document Format (ODF).
Microsoft bought and paid for its ISO certification last year. (OOXML is not open; Microsoft merely promises not to sue anyone for using its format.) As an extra layer of protection, perhaps, Microsoft’s published OOXML specification is a [...]

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WordPress overhauls its user interface

October 31, 2008

Think open source is unsophisticated? Think again. Take a look at the lengths the WordPress team went to in order to redesign the user interface.
To make sure users get a better interface, WordPress engaged the Ball State University’s Center for Media Design, Insight and Research (CMD, blessedly, for short).
CMD conducted eye-tracking studies, usability surveys, and [...]

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Will T-Mobile release the first Android phone on October 1?

July 10, 2008

The rumor mill thinks so. I am getting ready to throw over my Blackberry Pearl when the new handsets show up. Screw the iPhone, I’m going to go make sure my tent is patched up for camping in front of the T-Mobile kiosk at the mall.
(Disclaimer: I am probably not going to camp out for [...]

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Why you should try free software

June 6, 2008

“Free” has two meanings: (1) gratis, and (2) libertas. When I say free software, I mean libertas, although much free software is gratis, as well.
Choice
There are two parts to choice: (1) different software that does the same thing, and (2) the ability to modify software to do what you want.
Don’t like the way Word handles [...]

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One year with Linux in a Windows world

June 4, 2008

Mike Kavis switched to Linux to prove that people can be productive at work without using Microsoft products. One year later, he has proved the point.
I have been Microsoft free* for a couple of months now, as well, using Ubuntu GNU/Linux as my primary operating system, with OpenOffice.org as my office suite. I have not [...]

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Android is looking good

May 29, 2008

Linux is pretty.

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Minnesota study supports open document formats

May 29, 2008

New York and Minnesota just completed studies into the merits of using open formats.
In the Minnesota report, the Office of Enterprise Technology came out in favor of open document formats, but stated that the marketplace is in flux, and it may be too early to recommend one format over another. (In related news, Microsoft just [...]

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Brits shying away from Microsoft Office

May 14, 2008

According to InformationWeek, the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency is advocating for removing Microsoft Office from the classroom in favor of open-standards compliant office suites like OpenOffice.org.
It is good to see this kind of pressure on Microsoft. If they would either open up their OOXML standard or else support the Open Document Format like [...]

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