Btrfs merged for 2.6.29.
It appears that the questions regarding merging the Btrfs filesystem for 2.6.29 have been resolved: Linus just merged Btrfs into the mainline repository. Congratulations to Chris Mason and company; now all they have to do is to make it stable enough for us to trust our data to it. more... and Appeal for BtrFS Inclusion in Kernel and Kernel 2.6.29: Corbet Says Btrfs Next Generation Filesystem.

AbiWord project gets funding for ODF improvements.
The AbiWord project has announced that NLnet is providing funding to facilitate the development of improved OpenDocument (ODF) filters in AbiWord. This will increase the program's compatibility with the format and boost its interoperability with OpenOffice.org (OOo). more...

New Freescale processors target Linux netbooks.
Freescale Semiconductor (formerly the chipmaking division of Motorola) hopes to get in on the action, launching a new, low-cost processor they call the i.MX515. According to Freescale the chip is designed to power "low-power, gigahertz performance netbooks at sub-$200 price points". more... and Freescale Eyes Cheap Linux Netbooks With New Chip Design.

CES 2009 – Followup.
One of the biggest things I noticed this year in regards to Linux was that Linux was not king among the big players. In fact, it was like an evil step child. So this year, Linux was king among many of the smaller vendors, and really, that made it all that much more special. more...

FreeBSD 7.1 Gets a Little Help from Sun.
FreeBSD 7.1 includes numerous improvements over its predecessor FreeBSD 7.0, including Sun Microsystem-developed Dtrace technology as well as new boot options and scalability improvements. more...

Why Linux makes Windows 7 obsolete.
Okay it is no secret that Vista has not been able to crack the desktop, either at the home or at the workplace. Not to ignored either is that Linux won some desktops last year (a little over 3%), but let’s not rejoice just yet, Windows still owns over 88% of all the desktops according to leading research. But that may change very quickly. more...

Misc.
Open source firmware for Broadcom wireless adapters.
OpenOffice.org vs. Go-OO: Cutting through the Gordian Knot.
SimplyMEPIS 8.0 – Review.
Palm Pre the Belle of the Ball, with Linux on Her Arm.
iTunes DRM-Free Files Contain Personal Info.
Sony DSC-G3 Camera Has Wi-Fi and Linux.
OLPC Just Got Gutted, 50% Staff Gone!
The 'misunderestimated' president?

How To Tips.

How To Tools to delete files securely in ubuntu Linux.
How To No-nonsense Guide to Configuring Conky.
How To Turn Thunderbird into a Full-Blown PIM with Lightning.
How To Run Linux from a USB drive.

See you next Thursday 7 P.M. at Dooley's Pub, 442 Water Street, Eau Claire, WI.

EC_LUG