Shastanator.com

By Shasta

I converted to Linux in the past couple of years. It was an interesting switch. I still maintain a copy of Windows dual booted on my system for the few software apps that I already owned, but I do most of my work in Linux now.

I had my first experience with Linux quite a while back. I bought a copy of Madrake at Circuit City for 14 dollars. I was not too aware of what it was or how to use it at the time so I never really got into it. I eventually lost the cd and no longer use it.

I hit a rough patch for a while and when my computer went down I could not afford a new one. Somebody gave me a copy of Ubuntu and some parts to rebuild my system. Once rebuilt I installed Ubuntu and started playing with it. I fell in love with the setup almost immediately. The use of a fully functional command line to go along with the GUI was a early plus I found. The newer Windows operating systems do not generally have a usefull command line.

The biggest draw I had to Ubuntu at the time was the price. It is absolutely free. It did not cost me a penny to get a copy, install it, update it, or get new software for it. Some people may argue that the software available for Linux systems are nowhere near the quality of proprietary software. I have not found this to be the case. Most of the popular software apps for Ubuntu seem to me to be as good or better than their proprietary counterparts.

Switching over can be scary. Most people with minimal computer knowledge may be overwhelmed by the process. The difference is that Ubuntu and many other Linux distributions have amazing support forums where you can find help for nearly any problem that you may come across.

If at any point you decide that you are tired of Windows or just looking for a cheap solution to your computer needs, and you decide to give Linux a try, make sure that you are committed to switching.

By Shasta

I remember my first computer and first video game console. I grew up in the 80s and hit the tech boom from the beginnings. My first computer was a Tandy that plugged into the TV. It had no hard drive and you had to program everything you wanted to do first in basic. My first console was an Atari. Soon after I got an AT&T desktop, with 4 color CGA graphics and my first PC game. I was soon addicted.

I have been through them all. From Atari to Playstation consoles. They all have their own quirks and their own set of games. Some have been better than others. I have also had some of the rarer systems. Turbo Graphix 16 was one of the better 16 bit systems in my opinion. I also loved the Dreamcast more than the PS2 or Xbox.

Nintendo has always been a mainstay of the industry. The biggest problem with them lately is that most of thier systems have been geared towards the younger crowd. As a semi serious gamer, I never really wanted a Nintendo system since the 64. The only reason I liked the 64 was the 007 game. Seemed at the time that everybody had it and It was the “it” game of its time, and It was extremely fun.

Fast forward to 2008. Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 are the serious platforms of the day. Most of the biggest games are generally found on either of these platforms. You can find some of the guitar games on every system, but I am not a big fan. I had never played the Wii before this past weekend, I just didnt think it was worth the time.

I found myself in a room full of friends swinging wildly playing Wii Sports. The animation looks like Lego men playing the games. Not what I would consider top end graphics. I don’t remember the sound, It may not have been all that good. But the thing I took away from the experience is that the Wii might possibly be the most fun I have ever had playing a video game. Sure I have spent countless hours playing Madden or some of the great games in my memory, such as Metal Gear Solid. None of those games have ever been as fun an experience in my memory. It was not high end graphics or complicated movie style story line, just plain simple fun.

I don’t currently keep up with the industries newest systems. I have been waiting for prices to drop before I buy into the latest generation of systems. Since most games these days can be played on the PC as well, I really don’t see the need yet. However, I know have an even tougher decision to make when I do decide to jump up to the current generation. I had not even considered the Wii before. Playstation 3 was at the top of my list due to the blueray, and the fact that they seem to last longer than the Xbox systems. Now I think the Wii may also be atop the list.

ANNISTON, AL–(Marketwire - December 16, 2008) - Envizions Computer Entertainment Corp. announced today that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with ReelTime Rentals, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: RLTR) to distribute their popular video on demand DVD quality movie services on both the EVO Smart Console and Envizions video sharing site www.NVETV.TV. Envizions customers will have access to thousands of ReelTime’s VOD titles, either by individual title pay per view or unlimited access to thousands of movie titles, sports, educational and television entertainment through a low cost monthly subscription and Pay per view. Other benefits include free new movie trailers and additional free content that can be seen via the EVO system or viewed on NVETV.TV.

The EVO smart console is an economical PC replacement that seamlessly merges a PC with a state of the art gaming console, and VoIP phone. EVO’s Linux based operating system, Mirrors Evolution, is a multimedia managing hub completely integrated with all mainstream multimedia functions. It comes complete with CD, DVD, HD DVR, internet TV, content distribution, and content for download, digital game distribution, social network, and streaming content functions. The EVO Smart Console set top box is better, faster, more stable and much cheaper than buying a PC, game console, ATA VoIP, DVR player and other hardware separate but cost effective to purchase all-in-one device that’s simple to use.

It’s also the first mainstream system to feature biometric safety precautions. Users can protect system, documents, and passwords with fingerprint recognition software.

“Envizions is very excited to be working with ReelTime.com and we see a huge benefit for Linux consumers and web based users that are looking for a product that encompass several products into one box at a very nice price point,” states Derrick Samuels, CEO. “Finally, a Linux and Windows movie platform that will provide quality and reliable content at a great price.” Each Linux or Windows EVO unit will ship with ReelTime IRDS software embedded into the device and does not require anything to use and EVO can support certified television remotes.

“ReelTime is committed to offer consumers more than just quality entertainment in a convenient way. We are working to inspire the world’s market place to look to ReelTime for the bulk of their video entertainment,” said Barry Henthorn, CEO, ReelTime Rentals, Inc. “The launch of ReelTime’s content through the Envizions Smart Console December 27, 2008 is one more energizing step toward driving more audiences to our ReelTime theater.”

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Envizions-930679.html

Big bang in the GPUniverse

By Rik Myslewski in San Francisco • Get more from this author

Posted in Developer, 31st December 2008 01:42 GMT

AMD has released “the fundamental Linux code” needed to develop open-source 3D-acceleration drivers for its R600 and R700 ATI graphic-processors series.

This is good news not only for those wishing to create drivers for those potent GPU series - known to non-AMD watchers by their marketing names of ATI Radeon HD 2×00, HD 3×00 (both R600), and Radeon HD 4×00 (R700) - but also for the legions of non-coding Linux-lovers who are lusting for access to the R600/700’s 3D powers.

According to a Phoronix, the bulk of the credit goes to AMD engineers John Bridgman and Alex Deucher, who “sanitized” the code of all proprietary non-essentials, then shepherded its approval through the AMD honcho-gauntlet so that it could be released “without any NDAs or other string [sic] attached.”

Coupled with AMD’s announcement that it would support the recently released open-source OpenCL 1.0 spec, which enables GPUs to be used for general-purpose computing (GPGPU), it appears that the GPUniverse is moving slowly but steadily towards an Open Source Software (OSS) model - although Nvidia, from all reports, is dragging its feet when it comes to open-sourcing its drivers.

The OSS future looks bright for GPUs: Intel is open with its drivers and AMD is catching - has caught? - up. Apple introduced OpenCL, and Intel, Nvidia, and AMD/ATI have announced their support. OSS development should proceed apace, both in 3D acceleration and GPGPU.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/12/31/amd_open_source_3d_code/