Novell Americas Linux Newsletter Archive http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com Just another WordPress.com weblog Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:38:36 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ en hourly 1 http://www.gravatar.com/blavatar/3bfef3b4366ac378903a7ea2fd738c84?s=96&d=http://s.wordpress.com/i/buttonw-com.png Novell Americas Linux Newsletter Archive http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com Newsletter – January 14, 2008 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/newsletter-january-14-2008/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/newsletter-january-14-2008/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:38:36 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/newsletter-january-14-2008/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the first update newsletter of 2008. This time around, you’ll find out what articles have been generating thousands of visitors to our blog as of late, some predictions for 2008, some email advice and a ton of other goodies await you in this edition of the newsletter.  There’s also some upcoming events and training you might want to check out…

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Enjoy!

Regards,
–Novell’s Americas Open Platform Solutions Team
http://opsamericas.com

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==============================
Articles
==============================
+++++
One Laptop Per Geek – A Review in Many Parts
+++++
So I [Ross] decided to try an experiment, and participated in the G1G1 (Give 1, Get 1) program from the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) project.  My 4 year-old is the original target market for the purchase, and I know from experience as the computer geek in the family, (and most of the extended family – sigh), that I would be the primary fount of knowledge for the users of our OLPC. One of the sections of this review will be about how to find out more about the laptop and interface.

For Ross’s Review…


+++++
2008: The Year that MS Loses the Notebook Wars?
+++++
Face it, now that the dam has broken with the OLPC, the EEE PC and now the prospect of Everex’s Cloudbook coming out in January at CES, Microsoft is really feeling the heat from Linux in this market. It also doesn’t help that people have reacted to Microsoft’s UMPC hardware offering with either loathing, disbelief ($1100 for THAT?!) or just plain ignored it.

For the prediction and details…

+++++
Dump MS Office, Choose OpenOffice – Yet Another Reason!!
+++++
For those looking towards ANOTHER reason why you should consider switching from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice (our vote would be for OpenOffice.org – Novell Edition that runs on Windows and Linux)…  How about this?  You may not be able to open old MS Office file formats with the latest patch – due to security.  Check out the file formats that are affected…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7557/0/

+++++
Preview of BrainShare 2008 Linux Sessions
+++++
If you’re going to BrainShare 2008 in March, you’re in for a treat — and I’m not talking about the Collective Soul concert. There are some great session topics planned and voted on by attendees. The opportunity for training is clearly fantastic! While the final list is still being worked on, here’s a preview of just some of the sessions you might be interested in signing up for…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7558/0/

+++++
10 Technologies to Watch in 2008 – SLE Resolves 3
+++++
VAR Business has published its list of 10 Technologies to Watch in 2008. I was reviewing the list, when it occurred to me that IMHO at least 3 of these technologies can be easily provided by Novell software offerings. Let me explain…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7559/0/

+++++
Clustering GroupWise Servers on SLES 10 and XEN
+++++
Our Connections Magazine has a great article this month on clustering Groupwise (it works for a lot of other services too) on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP1. The article steps you through the reasons why SLES10 makes an excellent location for Groupwise, and then helps you get started with the process.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7560/0/

+++++
Converting your Email to Linux or Cross-Platform Clients
+++++
I recently had someone ask me about converting from Outlook Express (I nearly fainted, it’s been so long since someone admitted to using OE in front of me) to something more open source (great way to keep from getting a bunch of spam and viruses), and in my research I found a great couple of articles about converting to Open Source mail packages.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7561/0/

+++++
Watts Water Technologies lowers TCO with SLED and ZENworks
+++++
Watts Water Technologies needed to replace 1000 old shop-floor terminals with more flexible desktops. They ended up choosing SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop on Neoware thin client hardwares along with ZENworks to help manage the environment.

More info here

+++++
A correction in facts… Novell’s Innovations
+++++
Here’s a clarification on a few facts mentioned in an article of “Small Business Computing”. The article is called “The Year in Linux-on-the-Desktop” and is meant to provide a brief review of the developments of Linux on the desktop over the past year. I wouldn’t normally comment too much, and I’m sure there was no ill-intention, but I wanted to make some corrections in statements made in the article…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7563/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Broadband Card Setup on SLED 10 SP1
+++++
Many customers have asked about this set of steps, and it’s finally possible to use Broadband cards from all three major vendors on SLED 10 SP1 due to some awesome driver work and the efforts of Greg KH and others.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7564/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Download SLE Source Code
+++++
If you’re interested in getting your hands on the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server/Desktop source code – you can do so quite easily.  Here’s how…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7565/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Simple-Easy Imaging of Systems with DD
+++++
While in the process of creating SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop or Server systems for customers I often have a need to create an image of a system so that when I mess up, I can at least get back to a working state. Here are the steps to creating an image and then deploying that same image using dd.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7566/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================
+++++
PLAYMOBIL
+++++
PLAYMOBIL runs its homepage on Demandware eCommerce software, running on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and hosted by T-Systems. The solution provides instant and practically unlimited scalability, enabling PLAYMOBIL to serve visitors effectively during times of peak demand, with a pay-per-use model that keeps costs low during periods of lower demand.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/3089072/55177502/7567/0/


==============================
Upcoming Training/Events
==============================
Dump Unix. Move Up to Linux. – with Total Tec, Transitive, and HP
Attend this FREE seminar to learn about SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Unix to Linux migration tools, partner services, and experience several interactive demos.
January 30, 9am – 1:30pm — Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Aquarium
Register here

Virtualization and Data Center Optimization.
Join Novell and Think Tank to discover the data center solution that virtually manages itself. Literally.
January 29, 9am – 1:30pm — Merrillville, IN

January 31, 9am – 1:30pm — Rolling Meadows, IL

ATT: Optimizing and Troubleshooting SLES 10
ATT Online: Linux High Availability Clustering
ATT Online: Xen Virtualization on SLES 10
ATT: Migrating from UNIX to SLES 10
More Info

BrainShare 2008
March 16-21 in Salt Lake City, UT

Details and More Events


==============================
Just For Fun
==============================
How the Internet Works – The Tennis Ball Version

==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================
Book Review: Word Press for Dummies

Real Life ROI

Gear: Asus’s Tiny Linux Laptop

IBM Developerworks: Anatomy of the Linux File System

OpenOffice.org: Making Business Cards

Sun Report Builder: Better Reporting in OpenOffice.org

+++++
General Novell Reference Links
+++++
Connection Magazine
Novell Success Stories
Novell Americas Blog
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/newsletter-january-14-2008/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – December 18, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/newsletter-december-18-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/newsletter-december-18-2007/#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:13:50 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/newsletter-december-18-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the final update newsletter of 2007. December is upon us and we thought we’d get some upgrades done before the new year.

First things first — we have a new URL/domain:  http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7124/0/  Hopefully this will resolve any problem you may have experienced with wordpress’s site being blocked or filtered. Secondly, while this used to be a newsletter and blog focused around just a portion of the US, we’re now expanding it to cover the entire “Americas”.  Welcome to all of our new friends, new bloggers and all of you!

Without further adieu, here’s the new newsletter!

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Regards,
–Novell’s Americas Open Platform Solutions Team
http://opsamericas.com

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==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Novell CEO Ron Hovsepian:  There Has to Be a Better Way
+++++
A recent LinuxInsider.com post was authored by Novell CEO Ron Hovsepian – where he shares his thoughts on how we enable the next generation data center, and make sure it’s built on Linux.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7125/0/

+++++
New Version – SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time
+++++
Novell has released the new version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time, Novell’s open source real-time operating system for high performance applications. As the marketing says, “When milliseconds matter, enterprises choose SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time.”

If you thought Unix was the only place to get a high-performance real-time OS, you are mistaken! The open source community has been working on it as well – and the SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 family welcomes its newest member, Real Time, to the table. In fact, it’s the only “open source, enterprise-class real-time operating system available in the market today.”

What does a real-time Linux OS do? We’ll give you a brief primer and links to more info:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7126/0/

An additional article of interest is here:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7127/0/

+++++
Novell BrainShare 2008 Registration is Open!
+++++
Registration for BrainShare 2008 is officially open! Register now to reserve your spot at BrainShare 2008, and start reaping the benefits of being an “early bird” (ie, conference discounts). Not quite ready to take the plunge? Take some time to look around the BrainShare site and become familiar with why BrainShare is the place to be in 2008.  Ask your colleagues who’ve gone to one of the previous 20+ BrainShares and find out why this is a do-not-miss event.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/93/0/


+++++
1 Year Later, Just the Facts
+++++
It’s been a whole year since the ground-breaking Novell-Microsoft Collaboration Agreement was signed and announced. The one-stop shop for official info is here: http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/3445/0/

So far, despite the noise in the press, MANY customers have decided to take advantage of the many benefits that the agreement brings to the table. Here’s a list of all 46 of the customers who are allowing us to mention them publicly…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7128/0/

+++++
Novell, Dell Announce SUSE Linux Pre-Loads in China
+++++
Novell and Dell recently announced an expansion of Linux offerings with the addition of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 installed on Dell OptiPlex 330 and 755 commercial desktop PCs in China.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7129/0/

+++++
Shuttle Joins the SUSE Pre-Load Family
+++++
You can add another to the list of computer manufacturers who are pre-loading SUSE Linux… Shuttle. (Thanks to TrustedReview’s article for the heads-up). Actually, these new small form factor PCs are now available in the UK and Austria; and can be configured with your choice of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop or openSUSE.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7130/0/

+++++
Is Package ____ or Product ____ Supported on SUSE Linux Enterprise?
+++++
So you’re working with SLES or SLED, and someone asks you if a particular package or product is supported. What do you do? Of all the options available, I refer constantly to the following pages and references to make sure I give accurate and helpful information to the querying person.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7131/0/

+++++
openSUSE Build Service + “Enterprise IT”
+++++
SUSE Linux Enterprise is designed for the enterprise. Part of what it means to be “Enterprise-ready” is to have “rock solid” components in the distribution which have been fully tested and can be supported. Unstable and unsupportable components/packages just won’t do. BUT… Every now and then, it’s necessary to run “the latest” version of a component of the distribution. Perhaps you have a new application which requires the latest java, or a new development library, etc. So you don’t want to have to wait until that “latest version” of the package gets fully tested and “officially supported”. You’ve got to have that new version now!

The openSUSE Build Service may be able to help…
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7132/0/

+++++
HOWTO: XGL and Xen Can Mix on a T61p!
+++++
Historically it’s been extremely challenging to make XGL and Xen work together at the same time. If you happen to have a Lenovo T61p laptop, you’re in luck!  New OPSAmericas blogger Nate shows us how it’s done…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7133/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Getting the ThinkPad scroll button to work in Linux
+++++
Lenovo/IBM ThinkPads have 3 mouse buttons. You can configure the middle button so that when you hold it down and move the trackpoint (aka: the nub) the screen scrolls up and down.  Here’s how:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7134/0/


+++++
HOWTO: Automate SSH Sessions Without Passwords
+++++
From ACube – I get tired of typing in the password every time I ssh, scp, sftp anything from my laptop to some of the Linux systems I manage regularly. A simple way to address this by generating a key and copying it to the remote system. For the steps…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7135/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================
+++++
Office Depot
+++++
One of the world’s largest office supplies retailers can now be officially counted amongst the Linux nation.  Like nearly ALL large organizations, Office Depot has a mixed IT environment including Solaris, Windows, Linux, z/OS and i5/OS… however, they recognized the advantages of a global Linux strategy and chose SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on which to standardize as much as possible.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7136/0/


==============================
Just For Fun
==============================
Time Keeps on Slippin…  Actually, time is a constant and it’s our perception that seems to slip, but I just wanted to use that title.  I just read a fascinating article from Wired.com that deals with the Atomic clocks, NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and how such accurate time is kept and distributed to many millions of hosts.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2705297/55177502/7137/0/


==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================
Big Blue’s eco-friendly data center

Link Farm for Dec 9

SSH: Do Not Pass Go, Straight to Jail

Will Embedded Hypervisors Replace OS’s?

Collection of Quick Reference Cards

Eye Candy for SUSE Desktops

Scripting: Which Systems Have Samba Shares?

Less than 2% of UK Desktops are Vista

Just in the Nick of Realtime


==============================
General Novell Reference Links
==============================
Connection Magazine
Novell Success Stories
Novell Americas OPS Blog
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/newsletter-december-18-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – October 31, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/newsletter-october-31-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/newsletter-october-31-2007/#comments Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:06:29 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/newsletter-october-31-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the 2007 Halloween edition of our newsletter.  As this is the season for trick-or-treat, we’re giving you our version of a “treat”.  Since candy doesn’t email very well, the latest news and NO LESS THAN 5 HOW-TO articles will have to do!  Of course, the usual ton of other goodies await you as well — all in this edition of the newsletter.

Feel our LOW FREQUENCY newsletter is too long?  Here’s the alternative way to get your fix… Simply register our blog in your favorite RSS feed reader (even if it’s just the Firefox web browser).  It’ll give you more timely updates and you’ll get a small dose of us just about every day.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Happy Halloween!

Regards,
–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://opseast.wordpress.com

==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Novell Boosts Linux Virtualization with VMware Support
+++++
Novell recently announced significant enhancements in the performance of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server when the Linux operating system is running as a virtual machine guest in a VMware environment. To deliver this improved performance, Novell modified the SUSE Linux Enterprise kernel to support the VMware Virtual Machine Interface (VMI), a communication mechanism between the guest operating system and hypervisor that simplifies the task of virtualization and makes Linux a more efficient guest operating system when running in VMware environments.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6290/0/

+++++
Virtual Iron – now with more SLES than ever!!
+++++
Did you read the news that virtualization vendor, Virtual Iron, has released the newest version of their product (v4) which is built on top of “Commercially supported and certified Novell distribution” — that being SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.  What’s not to love?

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6291/0/

+++++
OpenOffice on Windows, the quick and easy way
+++++
You probably heard about the display bug in Excel 2007… well that bug was apparently enough to cause some customers to want to consider alternatives, like OpenOffice.  One of our guys was asked to help a customer figure out an easy way to deploy OOo on Windows unattended… Here’s how to do it.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6292/0/

+++++
Mass-Migrate Documents to OpenOffice.org
+++++
Someone I have linked to before, (Serdar Yegulalp) has another very useful posting for those who are thinking of mass-migration of documents over to OpenOffice.org.  Highly recommended.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6293/0/

+++++
How Do You Manage 100’s of Linux Machines??
+++++
Ross has been answering this question alot lately, and he’s putting his response on the blog.  He reviews the “styles of managing systems” and then the “methods”.  Suffice to say, there are many ways (both open source and proprietary)… but be aware of the pro’s and con’s.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6294/0/

+++++
What Applications/Services Run on SLES?
+++++
Is this a question that runs through your mind?  We’ve got some links that will help answer your question…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6295/0/

+++++
Mono Apps You’ll Love to Use
+++++
Jono Bacon, he of Lugradio fame and GNOME developer legend has a nice treatise on why Mono is great for applications on Linux at his blog.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6296/0/


+++++
Novell to build OFFICIALLY backed support for Silverlight on Linux
+++++
Novell and Microsoft are teaming up to deliver support for Microsoft’s “Silverlight” technology on Linux Desktops! Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plugin for delivering rich user experiences on the web. The name of the Linux version will be called “Moonlight” and is based on a project already underway.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6297/0/

+++++
Red vs Green:  Penguins, Geckos and Duct Tape
+++++
So you’re interested in Linux… Do you still have questions about which Novell product sets are for you? Here’s an explanation to help you think about whether Novell’s Workgroup solutions or Novell’s Open Platform solutions are the better fit. Chime in on the comments if you have questions or suggestions.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6298/0/

+++++
How to Use Less Power, and Prove It
+++++
There’s a great new site called LessWatts.org, whose goal is to help Linux users use less power through a variety of means. One of the great tools from the site, PowerTop, will help you monitor your power consumption on a process-by-process basis.  Check it out…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6299/0/


+++++
The Lean, Green Data Center: A Roundup
+++++
We’ve put together several interesting links in this article related to helping you move towards a more “green” data center. Did we mean green as in SUSE-Linux-green, or did we mean green as in more-environmentally-friendly-green?  You’ll have to click to find out…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6300/0/

+++++
Visit the Novell Booth at the AMD Virtual Experience
+++++
AMD’s Virtual Experience is a pretty cool marketing/virtual tradeshow where you can view videos and short presentations on a variety of technologies related to AMD — such as SUSE Linux Enterprise in the Novell booth.  Check it out and you’ll learn how SUSE Linux Enterprise takes advantage of the technologies in the latest generation of AMD Quad-core Opteron processors…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6301/0/

+++++
A Case for Subscriptions versus Licenses
+++++
Do you really understand the shift in models that has occurred with the introduction of Enterprise versions of Open Source products? Let’s take a look at Subscription and License models and why one might make more sense for your needs than the other.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6302/0/

+++++
OP-ED:  Microsoft Linux?  HAHAHA, er, wait a second…
+++++
While most would agree that given their pedigree, Microsoft is not likely to come out with a Microsoft Linux… It does make interesting food for thought…  Your thoughts?

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6303/0/

+++++
HOWTO:  Configuring ndiswrapper in SLED
+++++
While Intel and Atheros are doing a great job writing wireless drivers for linux, there are still other wireless cards, specifically Broadcom, who do not have linux drivers or who do not have good linux drivers. The purpose of this article is to explain how to configure ndiswrapper in SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 SP1.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6304/0/

+++++
HOWTO:  Using Find to Locate and Report on Large Files
+++++
Looking for a way to find large files (maybe ISO images) on your server?  RossB put together a nice little script which does exactly that, and he breaks it down line-by-line to show us how it works.

Doing something cool with Find yourself?  Leave us a comment…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6305/0/

+++++
HOWTO:  Synchronize your root passwords using ZLM
+++++
ZLM is Novell’s ZENworks Linux Management product — an add-on to SLES or SLED which gives you a central console from which to easily manage tens, hundreds, even thousands of SUSE or Red Hat servers/desktops.  Novell’s own Mike Friesenegger wrote a nice Cool Solutions article which was just published to help with this customer posed question…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6306/0/


+++++
HOWTO: Getting the Thinkpad Scroll Button to Work in Linux
+++++
Lenovo/IBM ThinkPads have 3 mouse buttons. You can configure the middle button so that when you hold it down and move the trackpoint (aka: the nub) the screen scrolls up and down. Skip shows us how…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6307/0/

+++++
HOWTO: 3 Ways to Take a Screenshot in Linux
+++++
There are plenty of instances when it would be handy to take a quick screenshot… maybe you’re working on some technical documentation, or maybe you’re trying to troubleshoot a problem, or maybe you just want to prove to your buddies you got the “high score”…  Whatever the reason, here are some quick tips on how to create a screenshot in Linux…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6308/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================
+++++
IWOOT
+++++
According to ITPro – UK-based online retailer I Want One of Those (IWOOT) has been implementing a open-source strategy and has chosen SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Desktop for its “ERP system, desktop productivity apps [including Novell GroupWise] and website servers” to take advantage of the Novell/Microsoft interoperability agreement signed last year.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6309/0/


==============================
Upcoming Events
==============================

Details and More


==============================
Just For Fun
==============================
Creating Business Cards with OpenOffice.org — a recent Linux Journal article gives us some tips and advice on how you can use OpenOffice.org to make your own business cards.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2255357/55177502/6310/0/


==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================
Can Your Machine Be Hacked?

What Wine Goes with Photoshop?

Whoa, Mainframe, Linux and Windows on a Single Box?

Adobe Flex Builder for Linux – alpha

A Dog Barks, The Wind Blows, A Server Reboots…

Managing Multiple Gmail Accounts in Firefox

Microsoft Virtual Server Support for SLES 10

“Most Disaster Recovery Plans Will Fail,” Expert Says


==============================
General Novell Reference Links
==============================
Connection Magazine
Novell Success Stories
Novell East Blog
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/newsletter-october-31-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – October 17, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/newsletter-october-17-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/newsletter-october-17-2007/#comments Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:08:06 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/newsletter-october-17-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our latest update newsletter. Lots of good news to share… New products:  Open Enterprise Server 2; NOWS Small Business Edition; openSUSE 10.3 — are all now available. Our new Vendor Spotlight makes its debut, where we learn about the fine folks at ThinFusion. We’ve got some help for those looking to move from Windows to Linux, the significance of being “up 243%”, and a list of some additional public names using SUSE Linux Enterprise.  There are upcoming Linux events in Rochester NY and Atlanta GA.  Plus, we learn how to setup a TFTP server for PXE, and how to use SLES as a music server.

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Regards,
–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://opseast.wordpress.com

==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Linux for Small Biz, made easier…
+++++
Small businesses have been using Linux in the past, but with the Novell Open Workgroup Suite Small Business Edition (that’s a mouthful) and an integrated install, it’s never been easier (or more cost effective)! Save $$$ on software and spend it on implementation services or giving yourself a raise!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6016/0/

+++++
NetWare virtualized in Xen?
+++++
Yes!  NetWare can be virtualized using Xen on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP1.  It’s part of the feature set of Open Enterprise Server 2 — more info at the blog:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6017/0/

+++++
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT:  ThinFusion Inc.
+++++
Starting off our new series called Vendor Spotlight is a company that I think is doing some very cool things, ThinFusion Inc. The interview was conducted by phone and included Brandon and Rick Vancleeve.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6018/0/

+++++
openSUSE 10.3 – new features, now available
+++++
openSUSE 10.3, the latest release of the “free-but-unsupported” version of the SUSE Linux distribution, is now available.  Here’s a run down of all the new goodies!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6019/0/

+++++
openSUSE Installation Guide for Beginners
+++++
Reader Submitted Article: Matt Blattner, an Identity Management Technical Specialist at Novell, wrote in suggesting we post this article from HowtoForge.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6020/0/

+++++
Moving from Windows to Linux?  We Thought So.
+++++
[Ross] I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, based on my own style of determining trends, the number of people who want to dump Windows and go Linux, (”any brand, just get me something that works day to day”, of course I recommend SUSE) is increasing by a noticeable percentage.  Here’s an article to help…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6021/0/

+++++
Novell + MS Agreement = Continuing Growth
+++++
A ComputerWorld article discusses the incredible growth of Novell’s Linux business since entering into the agreement with Microsoft in Nov 2006…  a mere 243%!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6022/0/

+++++
Who else is using SLES 10?
+++++
According to an SGI press release and article on CNN.com, they’ve had several recent customer wins. Here’s a list of the organizations they specifically mentioned who are using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 on their recently purchased SGI servers…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6023/0/

+++++
YaST – Thumbs up or Thumbs down?
+++++
Let us know what you think about YaST by taking this short survey so we can improve it!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6024/0/

+++++
Better ATI drivers for Linux…
+++++
I know many of you out there have been complaining about the quality of the proprietary ATI video driver. ATI recently officially announced that it will officially be getting its act together.  We can all hope for the best and contribute!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6025/0/

+++++
In 30 seconds or less, explain how SLES can help with Business Continuity…
+++++
Sure, there are many ways to explain it.  There are lots of additional technical details to cover, too.  But 30-seconds isn’t very long.  Here’s what I came up with.  What do you think?

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6026/0/

+++++
HOWTO:  Configuring a TFTP/PXE Server
+++++
Pre-eXecution Environment (PXE) is a method of booting computers off of a network card independent of local storage devices such as a hard drive or a DVD. PXE is very useful in thin client environments or as a quick way to deploy a new operating system to any computer. Setting up a TFTP server will allow you to easily deploy operating systems to machines without having to boot them from a CD or a DVD. Since most, if not all, laptops have an auto-sensing NICs these days, it is very convenient to setup a TFTP server on your machine. All of the components required for setting up a TFTP server are included in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES). Here’s how to do it…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6027/0/

+++++
HOWTO:  Setting up a Music Server using NFS
+++++
Looking for a “central way to store and access your music”?  You could save room on the laptop hard drive for “business” items and utilize the larger disk on a server to store higher bit-rate songs.  Fortunately Skip had the same need and documented his success in the blog.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6028/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================

+++++
INFONAVIT
+++++
The Instituto del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda (INFONAVIT), Mexico’s largest mortgage lender, has deployed SUSE Linux Enterprise as the basis for its new payment collection system. INFONAVIT estimates it has saved approximately $3 million in hardware costs and $1.5 million in software licensing, and the stability and reliability of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server will also help keep the long-term cost of ownership low.

Those savings are nothing to sneeze at!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6029/0/

==============================
Upcoming Events
==============================

Linux Day in Rochester NY (Oct 23)
If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for the Linux Day in Rochester, NY.  Learn about SUSE Linux Enterprise virtualization, security, server and desktop — among many other tidbits.
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2189640/55177502/6030/0/

Technical Briefing – Looking to move from Sun platforms to Linux based HP systems
Hear from industry experts: HP, Novell, Transitive and Total Tec Systems
October 30 @ Atlanta, GA
visit the main events page (link below) for details and to register…

Details and More Events

==============================
Did You Know…
==============================

SLED 10 DVD Playback

==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================

Credit Suisse to Virtualize 10,000 Systems

How Safe Is Your Virtualized Environment?

Another Virtualization Mushroom Pops Up

Virtualization Was Made for Mainframes

OpenOffice.org Conference 2007 in Barcelona

Sun Buys CFS/Lustre

Untangle Your Network


==============================
General Novell Reference Links
==============================

Connection Magazine
Novell Success Stories
Novell East Blog
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/newsletter-october-17-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – September 5, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/09/06/newsletter-september-5-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/09/06/newsletter-september-5-2007/#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:45:22 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/09/06/newsletter-september-5-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our latest update newsletter. Since our last newsletter, Linux World 2007 in San Francisco took place, and that can only mean one thing… TONS of NEWS! In this issue:  Uh-oh SCO, the significance of “31,880″, virtualization-a-plenty, Happy Birthday to openSUSE, Casio+Xen, some nice HOWTO’s, upcoming training opportunities, LAST CALL for our 1st Newsletter CONTEST, and a ton of other goodies await you in this edition of the newsletter.

Feel our LOW FREQUENCY newsletter is too long?  Here’s the alternative way to get your fix… Simply register our blog in your favorite RSS feed reader (even if it’s just the Firefox web browser).  It’ll give you more timely updates and you’ll get a small dose of us just about every day.

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Regards,
–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://opseast.wordpress.com


==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Uh-Oh SCO.  You Lose.
+++++
It’s official, SCO doesn’t own the copyrights to UnixWare and UNIX, Novell does.  Judge Dale Kimball states, “[T]he court concludes that Novell is the owner of the UNIX and UnixWare Copyrights.”

There’s still more work to be done, but this is a major development in the open source world.  Huge thanks are owed to Novell’s legal team!!

Read the ruling yourself or see what Groklaw had to say:


+++++
Top 5 Reasons to Move from RHEL to SLE
+++++
RossB checks in with another attention grabber.  Want the details?  You’ll have to visit the blog via the link below.

In another of my many “people are always asking me ______” moments, I thought I’d jot down the top reasons why we find customers wanting to switch from Red Hat Enterprise Linux to a SUSE Linux Enterprise environment. These points are gathered from countless discussions, presentations, questions and even osmosis. I hope that these points are useful for our customers who are SLES-curious, our partners who are representing SLE to customers and I welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5321/0/


+++++
Add 31,880 more to the Scoreboard for SUSE Linux Enterprise!
+++++
Another major win for SUSE Linux Enterprise – this time from India!  “The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) in India is rolling out SUSE Linux Enterprise across 30,000 desktops and 1,880 servers in Tamil Nadu’s schools, after ELCOT itself has migrated its entire IT infrastructure from Microsoft Windows to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop from Novell.”

They are so excited about the benefits they’ve seen from their adoption of open source, they even created their own success story video and are sharing it on YouTube.

Check out the video and press release…


+++++
Physical or Virtual Servers? Survey says…
+++++
When does it make sense to use a Virtual Server as opposed to a Physical Server? That’s a question that a lot of people are currently discussing amongst themselves and with us on the technology side.  Ross gives us a good review of a few data points he recently uncovered.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5323/0/


+++++
How and Why to Secure Your Virtual Servers
+++++
We know that over 50% of IT organizations currently use or are doing pilot programs using Virtualization, thanks to Forrester Research’s recent surveys, what we should know know more about is both the security benefits of virtualization and the best practices of how to secure those virtual servers.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5324/0/


+++++
Virtual Servers: Tools for Capacity Planning
+++++
Our good friends over at TechTarget have posted an interesting article about capacity planning for virtualization, including a discussion of the various major products and some specialty products that allow you to do “what-if” scenarios for capacity planning.

Of course we at Novell have our own solution for this, the Zenworks DCA Orchestrator, which does so much more than just cap-planning, it’s a complete datacenter management overlay that has just been released into general availability.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5325/0/


+++++
How to Expand Linux – Novell CEO’s Linux World Expo Keynote
+++++
TechTarget’s Jack Loftus gives an impassioned report of Ron Hovsepian’s Linux World Expo keynote and the slightly-less-than-controversy surrounding the press reaction to it.  A good read, and some great points.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5326/0/


+++++
Novell at Linux World 2007 – VIDEOS too!
+++++
A collection of “Novell at Linux World” links including a link to a video of Novell CEO Ron Hovsepian’s entire keynote, Novell CMO John Dragoon’s video blogs, and even some fun videos…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5327/0/


+++++
How Many ___’s Does SLES Support?
+++++
There is a series of questions I answer over and over again, particularly when current or potential customers are just getting into the planning or investigative stages of using our SUSE Linux Enterprise line of products.

There are a set of authoritative tables that we all refer to in these instances, where for example someone who wants to run a system that has 2 CPU Sockets, 2 Cores in each socket and 16GB or RAM would typically ask me if that’s supported in the SLES product, and what the limits are.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5328/0/

+++++
Law Firm Goes SUSE Linux: Deposition at 11
+++++
A Vancouver B.C. law firm has overruled Microsoft Windows’ objection to being replaced with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) 10. The firm’s IT manager, Richard Giroux says that level of downtime he’s seen in other firms is, “Simply unacceptable.”

After testing a number of competitive desktop Linux distributions, Giroux chose SLED 10, citing it’s speed and included applications as a deciding factor in SUSE’s favor.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5329/0/


+++++
ZENworks Orchestrator now available for your Virtualization pleasure…
+++++
Novell announced the availability of ZENworks Orchestrator 1.1 in this press release at Linux World.  ZENworks Orchestrator is an exciting new data center management solution that can help manage both physical and virtual resources.

The virtual machine management capabilities offer “full lifecycle management” for SUSE Linux Enterprise running Xen virtualization.  Orchestrator is by design, heterogeneous, so it can manage not only Xen virtualization environments, but also VMware virtualization, and eventually Microsoft virtualization. Think of it as an added layer of intelligence to help you manage the growing number of virtual servers you have running… and if you already have something like VMware Virtual Center already, it will help add additional intelligence and automation to your VMware environment.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5330/0/


+++++
Manage and Protect Your Open Source Reputation
+++++
One’s reputation in the community is a valuable item. When everything you code or produce is freely available for the world to see and especially your peers to review and (ahem, constructively) criticize, the stakes are pretty high.

An engine (not just) for the management of your reputation as a developer is Ohloh.net. As a collector and processor of what’s being written, committed and credit being given for in the Open Source development world, what they do is catalogue code, do statistics on and report on the individual contributors to Open Source Projects. This is a fascinating use of technology to attempt to give credit where credit is due for Open Source coding.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5331/0/


+++++
Can you use SLED for an HPC node?
+++++
To my knowledge, there is no EULA limitation that says you can not use SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) for an High Performance Computing (HPC) compute node. However, depending on the specific application and libraries required, SLED may not satisfy your needs in a supported way. For more follow the link…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5332/0/


+++++
WebSphere Application Server CE to be included in SLES
+++++
At the recent Linux World conference in SF, it was announced by IBM and Novell that WAS CE will be included in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES).  WAS CE is the WebSphere Application Server Community Edition and v2.0 will have standards-based Java EE 5 certification.  As part of this bundling, Novell will provide support for this application server for customers.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5333/0/


+++++
Run Windows Apps on Linux with Codeweavers
+++++
As you know, there are plenty of options for using Windows-only apps on Linux (you knew that, right?)… Well, here’s an interview with Codeweavers – one option…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5334/0/


+++++
Peugot to Start SLED Desktop Use
+++++
Automaker Peugot is nearly ready to begin deploying the SLED (SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop) to 20,000 of it’s 72,000 users, including salesforce and manufacturing workers.  Peugot has an Active Directory and MS Office environment, which SLED and it’s Novell-supported version of OpenOffice.org will be integrated into.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5335/0/


+++++
Happy Birthday, openSUSE!!
+++++
openSUSE is celebrating its 2 year birthday — yea!!  (insert singing etc. here).  Here’s a related press release from Linux World.  If you haven’t been to the openSUSE website lately, it’s been given a new look (love it!) and some new features as well… including the Build Service.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5336/0/


+++++
Lenovo to pre-load SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
+++++
Lenovo announced they will be pre-loading SLED on ThinkPad notebooks.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/4977/0/


+++++
Dell to pre-load SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
+++++
Well, at least in China… (Contact your Dell team and ask them to offer it in the US too!  ;-)

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5337/0/


+++++
Wyse Thin Clients to Support SUSE Linux
+++++
This is a very exciting development… While we have been working with Wyse and have done some nice work in getting SUSE Linux Enterprise to run on several thin client platforms (including those from Wyse), an announcement was made at Linux World which formally announces support for this configuration.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/4978/0/


+++++
HOWTO: Setting Up AutoYaST
+++++
AutoYaST is a capability built into SUSE Linux Enterprise that allows you to do scripted installation of servers or desktops.  Here are a couple of my favorite overview articles on AutoYaST.  Got others?  Please share.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5338/0/


+++++
HOWTO: Lock down SLED (and more SLED Management tips)
+++++
Sander van Vugt wrote a nice article on TechTarget about how to configure and manage SLED desktops using just GNOME’s management features.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5339/0/


==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================
+++++
Casio Using Xen to Cut Costs
+++++
14 Aug 2007—  Novell today announced that global electronics giant Casio Computer (Casio) is using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell with integrated Xen virtualization software to reduce the cost of consolidating servers while improving flexibility compared with alternative, proprietary virtualization software.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5340/0/


==============================
Upcoming Events
==============================
ATT Online – Shell Scripting with BASH
9/20 – online

ATT Online – Linux High Availability Storage and Clustering
9/21 – online

ATT – Migrating from UNIX to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
9/25 – 9/28 @ Atlanta GA

ATT – Optimizing and Troubleshooting SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
10/9 – 10/12 @ New York, NY

Details and More


==============================
Just For Fun
==============================
The fine folks at TechTargetTV put together a just-for-fun video of all the great “Schwag” they were able to collect at the Linux World 2007 event in San Francisco.  If you weren’t able to go yourself, you can at least see all the goodies you missed out on. (at the bottom of the blog entry)
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2060208/55177502/5327/0/

Download the Internet


==============================
Did You Know…
==============================
Did you know that you can use SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) for NOT only an alternative to Windows desktops, but also as the OS for thin client devices (Wyse, HP, etc.)? When we say SLE is for desktop-to-data center, we mean it!


==============================
Contest
==============================
+++++
Most Innovative Management Method (Last Chance)
+++++
Soooo…  You’re a crack sysadmin.  All your machines are running great, the boss thinks you’re a wizard, the users just got you a PS3 for Sysadmin Appreciation Day, and your latest source compile just returned a zero, could it get any better?  Oh yeah.  Life isn’t complete without impressing all the readers of our newsletter and blog with your prowess.  Announcing the first of many contests to come, this one is for the Most Innovative Management Method.  In other words, now that you have all those servers in production, how do you manage them without going nuts?  Tell us what you do, how you found out about the tools, do you use scripting, GUI apps, the shell, IP over Carrier Pigeon, whatever it is and we’ll pore over the entries.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners (drawn by our entirely subjective method of reading them and placing them into piles) we’ll announce the winners and award the prizes, all of which are guaranteed not to cause you to have do declare additional income on your taxes, and to sport conspicuous SUSE/Novell logos.

Submissions must be postmarked, er, dated no later than September 28th and we’ll announce the winners and prizes in the following newsletter.  Send all submissions to rbrunson (at) novell dot com


==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================
Audio podcast on the Citrix aquisition of XenSource
Anatomy of the Linux Networking Stack
Google to Distribute Sun’s Star Office for Free
The Sky is Falling…
MS Vista Does WHAT??
Pimp Your Firefox
Virtual Desktop Instances
Protocols for Business, Not Just Networking
Red Hat Desktop Delayed

+++++
General Novell Reference Links
+++++
Connection Magazine
Novell Success Stories
Novell East Blog
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/09/06/newsletter-september-5-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – August 7, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/newsletter-august-7-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/newsletter-august-7-2007/#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:10:12 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/newsletter-august-7-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our latest update newsletter. As we make our way through the hot summer you’d expect the Linux news and announcements to stop, or at least slow down.  In fact, we’ve found quite a bit still going on in the Linux world, and perhaps even accelerating!  We’ve got more events coming soon, and we’re even holding our first newsletter CONTEST !!

ENJOY!

Regards,
–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4247/0/

==============================
Contest
==============================

+++++
  CONTEST:  Most Innovative Management Method
+++++
Soooo…  You’re a crack sysadmin.  All your machines are running great, the boss thinks you’re a wizard, the users just got you a PS3 for Sysadmin Appreciation Day, and your latest source compile just returned a zero, could it get any better?  Oh yeah.  Life isn’t complete without impressing all the readers of our newsletter and blog with your prowess.  Announcing the first of many contests to come, this one is for the Most Innovative Management Method.  In other words, now that you have all those servers in production, how do you manage them without going nuts?  Tell us what you do, how you found out about the tools, do you use scripting, GUI apps, the shell, IP over Carrier Pigeon, whatever it is and we’ll pore over the entries.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners (drawn by our entirely subjective method of reading them and placing them into piles) we’ll announce the winners and award the prizes, all of which are guaranteed not to cause you to have do declare additional income on your taxes, and to sport conspicuous SUSE/Novell logos.

Submissions must be postmarked, er, dated no later than August 31st and we’ll announce the winners and prizes in the following newsletter.  Send all submissions to rbrunson[AT]novell[DOT]com

Let the games begin!

RossB

==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Lenovo to Pre-Load SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
+++++
Lenovo and Novell announced at Linux World an agreement to provide preloaded Linux on Lenovo ThinkPad notebook PCs and to provide support from Lenovo for the operating system.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4977/0/

+++++
Wyse thin clients and SUSE Linux get together
+++++
This is a very exciting developmentâ€| Thin clients are an exciting part of the IT landscape, and interest in Linux on thin-clients has been accelerating. While we have been working with Wyse and have worked to deploy SUSE Linux Enterprise to run on several thin client platforms (including those from Wyse), an announcement was made at Linux World which formally announces Wyse and Novell are collaborating to build the “next generation of Linux-based thin clients.”

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4978/0/

+++++
Will the Online Desktop Concept Work?
+++++
Ross asks us the question… “Is the concept of an Online Desktop the real goal, or would you rather have seamless data synchronization across all platforms and all flavors of operating systems? Then would it really matter what you used?” It’s an interesting question, and one that the Linux platform and community seems eager to address!  Check out the blog entry for more info and weigh in on your opinion in the Comments section.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4979/0/

+++++
Getting Linux Introduced at Work
+++++
Linux is cleared by organizations of every size and varying levels of experience. When getting started, you don’t need to focus on replacing established servers with Linux; start with “new workloads” instead. If needed, get some training/self-study, and consider these low-risk ways to give Linux a try…  (Also, be sure to submit your ideas and suggestions in the Comments section.)

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4980/0/

+++++
Interview with Novell’s President of Asia Pacific
+++++
Here’s an interesting interview with Novell’s own Maarten Koster, as he was interviewed by ExpressComputerOnline. He talks about where Novell is positioned in the market, the trends he sees developing, and some insight on how popular the themes of “server consolidation” and “virtualization” are these days.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4981/0/

+++++
NASA’s Powerful new Linux “Server”
+++++
With 1024 dual-core Intel Itanium 2 processors, and 4 TB of memory, this SGI Altix system is no slouch… and the folks at NASA have some grand plans for this, the “largest Linux single system image (SSI) in the world.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4982/0/

+++++
OpenOffice.org in Education – A Roundup
+++++
Ross — “Wow, sometimes you think you’re really tied into a product and who’s using it and where, but even I was surprised at the amount of people and institutions deploying, using and enhancing OpenOffice.org. The vast majority are kind enough to take the time to document their experiences so others can take advantage of those findings.”  Be sure to check out the comments section for some interesting discussion and ideas, then post your own.  It’s good to share!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4983/0/

+++++
A Thoughtful Look at Virtualization Today
+++++
Jim Klein provides some interesting observations and conclusions in his thought-provoking piece, “Is XEN Ready for the Data Center? Is That the Right Question?â€

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4984/0/

+++++
Novell Hack Week – Innovation and Experimentation
+++++
Novell recently held an internal event in which developers were encouraged to work on projects of interest and passion, rather than the ones they are normally working on. This great article from ARS Technica interviewed some of the developers involved and gives a glimpse of some of the projects they have been working on. My favorite?  Joe Shaw’s web interface for Banshee music player.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4985/0/

+++++
Lessons Learned – Converting from MS Office to OpenOffice.org
+++++
From SearchEnterpriseLinux.com, here’s a nice collection of three stories — a city government, a school, and a corporation — each has made the transition from MS Office to OpenOffice.org, and they have some interesting thoughts and advice around what they might have done differently.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4986/0/

+++++
Windows Losing Ground to Linux? Yes.
+++++
Lately Evans Data did a survey that found Microsoft’s Windows platform is losing market and mind share to the Linux platform. In a survey that encompassed over 400 IT people, including managers and developers, almost 13% of developers had fled to Linux and Open Source as their preferred platform for development, down from 74% in 2006 to just over 64% this year.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4987/0/

+++++
Deep Freeze for Linux, only on SLED
+++++
Are you using Faronics Deep Freeze product to prevent users from adding to your IT helpdesk calls?  The product “freezes” the OS such that any changes (good or bad) being made to that computer (from say curious users or viruses) can easily be wiped out, and a clean OS state can be easily restored.  Used in places such as classrooms, labs, kiosks, or any other location with “at risk” devices. Formerly only available on Windows, the company announced that its Deep Freeze Linux prodterprise Desktop.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4988/0/

+++++
HOWTO: 3 Methods of Updating to SLED or SLES SP1
+++++
There are many great new features in the SP1 release SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop and Server. The purpose of this article is to outline the methods available to upgrade from the FCS release of SUSE Linux Enterprise to SP1.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4989/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Configuring a YUP Update Server
+++++
When you register SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server you automatically set nu.novell.com as an update source. Many enterprise customers prefer to setup their own local update servers which mirror nu.novell.com. The utility available to do this is called YUP, Yum Update Proxy.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4990/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================

+++++
Faster Biometric Processing
+++++
Faster Biometric Processing is possible, thanks to InteliTrac, Unisys and Novell SUSE. It could result in more “bad guys” being caught, faster.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4991/0/

==============================
Upcoming Events
==============================

+++++
Linux Day – Washington DC
+++++
Your chance to get more technical details on SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 continues it’s tour of the Southeast.  Register today as space is limited!

AUG 29 — Washington DC/Vienna VA

For details and registration:
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4257/0/

==============================
Just For Fun
==============================

Dilbert, meet open source.
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4992/0/

Virtualization and RISK
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4993/0/

==============================
Did You Know…
==============================

…There’s more open source at Novell than just SUSE Linux?

You certainly are aware that Novell participates in the open source Linux distro, SUSE Linux – but did you know that there are MANY other contributions to the open source community that Novell makes??  While even this CNet blog entry doesn’t cover all of them, it does hit on several of the points that frequently get over-looked. Well worth reading!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4994/0/

==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================

Who else pre-loads SLED?
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4995/0/

Red Hat Desktop delayed
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4996/0/

Virtualization: Big Boost for Linux Adoption
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4997/0/

Linux video drivers – proprietary or open source?
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4998/0/

Open Addict Blocks IE Users
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4999/0/

Walmart Goes All OpenOffice on Us…
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/5000/0/

Linux to the people – Maybe?
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/5001/0/

Verizon serves dial-up to Linux
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/5002/0/

==============================
General Novell Reference Links
==============================

Connection Magazine  -  http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/969/0/
Novell Success Stories  -  http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/1228/0/
Novell East Blog  -  http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/4247/0/
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home  -  http://novellevents.novell.com/t/2000458/55194816/1173/0/

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/newsletter-august-7-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – July 12, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/07/12/newsletter-july-12-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/07/12/newsletter-july-12-2007/#comments Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:40:13 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/07/12/newsletter-july-12-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Happy July and welcome to our latest update newsletter. Two things happen in July… Independence Day and vacations! Unfortunately that adds up to a delay in publishing our newsletter and a corresponding back-log of articles to let you know about. Suffice it to say, you are definitely getting your money’s worth with this issue, we’re bulging at the seams with great content.

If you’re in Nashville, Charlotte or Orlando – be sure you catch our Linux Day events coming this month! Check out the upcoming events section for dates and details.

We hope you enjoy this issue and please feel free to leave suggestions or comments.

Regards,

–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://opseast.wordpress.com

==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Novell Ships SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 Service Pack 1
+++++
Novell recently announced that the first service pack (SP1) for SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 is now available to customers worldwide. SP1 features significant enhancements in virtualization, high-performance computing, security, interoperability and system management. SP1 is available to customers with active subscriptions for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Desktop.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4851/0/

and

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4852/0/

+++++
Announcing the SUSE Linux Enterprise Virtual Machine Driver Pack
+++++
Interested in running Windows virtual machines on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with Xen and getting near-native performance?

Novell recently announced the commercial availability of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Virtual Machine Driver Pack, a bundle of paravirtualized network, bus and block device drivers that enable unmodified Windows and Linux guest operating systems to run with near native performance in virtual environments created with the Xen hypervisor technology integrated in SUSE Linux Enterprise and Intel Virtualization Technology and AMD Virtualization hardware.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4851/0/

+++++
XEN Will Surpass VMWare by 2008. Or Will It?
+++++
A couple of interesting “perspectives” on the very active Virtualization marketplace. Regardless of who said what, the main point is that while VMWare is the clear leader now, Xen virtualization is catching up, and while it may not surpass VMWare, it will become a very viable option for enterprise virtualization needs.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4853/0/

+++++
Ignore Linux on the Desktop, Face Shareholder Wrath…
+++++
Our own Nat Friedman spoke with Jack Loftus of the Enterprise Linux Log the other day and had some very interesting cautionary words for those who are considering upgrading to Microsoft’s Vista:

“If you don’t evaluate Linux desktops, you may be liable to your shareholders because you’re spending an enormous amount of money to upgrade to Vista without a demonstrable ROI.”

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4854/0/

+++++
Replacing Windows Apps with Linux Alternatives
+++++
Ok, so you’re taking a look at Linux-based alternatives to Windows applications. Surely there must be someone out there who’s already got a suggestion… You’re right! Check out this post to get a head start down that road:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4855/0/

+++++
Going Green – New category of articles
+++++
Interested in learning how Novell and Linux (and IT practices in general) can help you be a little more environmentally friendly (ie, “Green”)? We’ve started to notice a growing number of articles on the topic, so we created a new category on the blog for it. Below is the link for the articles. Including this one…

University of Buffalo: How To Run Green

UB has a helpful guide to Green (Energy-conservation) Computing that covers the gamut of the topic, from an introduction that puts UB’s initiative in perspective (they have over 17,000 computers on campus) to specific steps that can help rein in power waste.

Category: Going Green
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4856/0/

UB Article:
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4857/0/

+++++
What File Systems Are Available for Linux?
+++++
It’s a common question we get asked by those who are new to Linux, but it’s a question that everyone should think about. What file system do I use for which workload? The first step in figuring that out is to understand the options. Ross brings us some insight into a couple of the common ones – Ext2/3 and Reiserfs. There are also some great links to learn about other choices…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4858/0/

+++++
File Managers: Alternatives to Nautilus and Konqueror
+++++
Talk about a controversial topic, file managers can get people fighting and arguing almost as much as discussing why VIM is so much better than EMACS. The default file managers that ship with GNOME (Nautilus) and KDE (Konqueror) are very usable, helpful and configurable, I use them both all the time, but it’s never enough to just use the defaults, or you wouldn’t be reading this post… Also, if you like your Norton Commander-style layout or pine for the days of Xtree Gold, then the last half of this article is just for you.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4859/0/

+++++
List of Apps Included in SLED 10 SP1
+++++
As many of you already know, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 includes an office suite, web browser, email client, Citrix/TS clients, and much more! What exactly do we mean by “much more”, (and if we could explain it in plain-English that would help)? I’ve created a document which lists many of those additional applications.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4860/0/

+++++
New Course – SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 Administration
+++++
Want to get some training on how to administer and manage SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 for your enterprise? Then this course, designated as Course 3086, is for you. You can get details on the course here.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4861/0/

+++++
Apache Trounces IIS – Less Downtime and Faster Sites
+++++
A research house that goes by the name of WatchMouse has posted numbers that show the combination of Apache and Linux is faster and more available than IIS and Windows. WatchMouse aggregated monitoring information from over 1500 websites covering many and varied business sectors in Europe, most based on Linux or Windows.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4862/0/

+++++
Compiz + Beryl = Compiz-Fusion
+++++
A while ago the Compiz compositing manager project was forked to form the Beryl project, but the two are back together again, with amazing new features and capabilities the main result. You can find more about what’s included and see what’s on the horizon by following the link.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4863/0/

+++++
Novell Unveils Linux-based Workgroup Suite for Small Businesses
+++++
Small business customers and VARs who service those customers might be interested to learn that Novell has a new, linux-based, small biz offering on the horizon. It is expected to be generally available in September 2007. The Novell Open Workgroup Suite Small Business Edition is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4864/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Linux System Optimization
+++++
Once you get a good set of skills in system administration, or managing your application services, it’s a good idea to dive deeper into Linux’s many facets, particularly how you can tune and tweak performance of your systems. One of Ross’s favorite guides for this is an IBM RedPaper, “Linux Performance and Tuning Guidelines“.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4865/0/

+++++
HOWTO: SLED/GNOME Desktop Lockdown
+++++
Novell has done a lot of work to expand the the use cases for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. Today SLED can be deployed in a number of ways from a fully locked down kiosk to a full blown laptop for general knowledge workers. Locked down environments are particularly useful in thinclient computing models.

One of the most compelling reasons to deploy SLED over a proprietary desktop is the ability to lock it down at a very granular level. This means that you have the ability to lock down desktops so that EVERYTHING is locked down, or just a few things. There are a number of tools included in SLED to lockdown the desktop. In this article we’ll discuss how to manually lockdown the desktop.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4866/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Cool stuff you might not know that AutoYast can do – Part 1
+++++
So if you haven’t been deploying your SLES/SLED systems through AutoYast, you’re missing some pretty cool stuff. AutoYast is Novell’s XML based scripted install for its Linux systems and because of its underlying XML format, it allows you to do some very cool stuff. Jason has been working on a couple of small articles to highlight some of the more powerful features of AutoYast. Here’s the first.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4867/0/

+++++
HOWTO: Loading Base SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 Packages into ZLM Bundle
+++++
A short and sweet Cool Solutions article related to loading the base OS packages into a ZENworks Linux Management (ZLM) bundle.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4868/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================

+++++
12,000 more SUSE Linux Enterprise desktops
+++++
First National Bank of South Africa to standardise the bank’s +12,000 desktops in its 680 retail branches on Novell’s point-of-service offering. The most significant Linux and open source implementation in South Africa, the project resulted from FNB’s need to drive an improved customer experience while achieving branch effectiveness and efficiency.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4869/0/

==============================
Upcoming Events
==============================

+++++
Linux Days – Nashville, Orlando, Charlotte
+++++
Your chance to get more technical details on SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 continues it’s tour of the Southeast. Register today as space is limited! (We’ve already had to expand the venues once so far…)

JUL 17 — Nashville, TN
JUL 26 — Orlando, FL
JUL 31 — Charlotte, NC

For details and registration:
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4257/0/

==============================
Just For Fun
==============================

The Ultimate Microsoft Fanboy
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4870/0/

==============================
Did You Know…
==============================

According to an article by Stephen Vaughn-Nichols, “Linux servers posted their second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth and now represent 12.7 percent of the overall server market, or $1.6 billion for the first quarter of 2007.”

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1941162/55200502/4871/0/

==============================
Also Of Interest…
==============================

Who Are the Desktop Linux Users?

The Rise of the Stacks

Case Study: Stock Firm Reaps Linux Benefits

Extending Power Efficiency of Linux

Stretching the Education Dollar with Linux

Is that a USB Key or a Linux PC? Yes.

Review: Fourteen Word Processors Compared

Free YAST eBook Available

Fast Guide to Understanding Data Center Virtualization

Online File Sharing Options

==============================
General Novell Reference Links
==============================
Connection Magazine
Novell Success Stories
Novell East Blog
SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/07/12/newsletter-july-12-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – June 12, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/06/12/newsletter-june-12-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/06/12/newsletter-june-12-2007/#comments Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:55:04 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/06/12/newsletter-june-12-2007/ ]]>

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our latest update newsletter.  More bragging rights for Novell, New partnerships, a chance to win an IT Rock Star, 3 excellent HOW-TO articles, and 430,000 new users of SUSE Linux Enterprise!

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Enjoy!

Regards,

–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4247/0/

==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
Novell Linux support better than Red Hat, Oracle
+++++
Novell technical support has recently been recognized by both customers and leading industry groups for its quality, scope, and timeliness. The Association of Support Professionals has just named Novell as a “Best Web Support” winner for 2007, while the Help Desk Institute has honored Novell with its “Team Excellence Award for External Support.” In addition, an independent customer study indicates that Novell support for Linux bests Red Hat and Oracle in overall quality, timeliness, and addressing the needs of mixed-source IT environments. As a result, Novell customers know they can deploy Novell solutions with the confidence they are backed by one of the leading support organizations in the industry.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4460/0/

+++++
  Capgemini and Novell Enter a Broad Mixed-Source Partnership
+++++
Novell and Capgemini announced a newly formed partnership which will deliver solutions to enterprise customers using a combo of open source and proprietary software. Capgemini will enhance its open source practice with Novell capabilities along with mixed source applications and tools. The solutions include SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop and ZENworks Orchestrator for virtual machine management.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4461/0/

+++++
  ZENworks Linux Management wins Best of Interop Award
+++++
ZENworks Linux Management (ZLM) has been awarded the “Best of Interop” Award for the Management, Network Software and Services category at Interop Las Vegas 2007.  ZLM is the recommended tool to manage your SUSE Linux environment or your mixed SUSE Linux / Red Hat environment – both servers and desktops.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4462/0/

+++++
  Novell Teams with EFF to Reform Software Patents
+++++
Novell and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) [recently] announced they are teaming up to work on reforms to software patents worldwide.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4463/0/

+++++
  San Diego Unified School District selects SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
+++++
With more than 130,000 students, San Diego Unified School District has selected SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop from Novell as the standard platform for its Always-On Learning Initiative, a one-to-one mobile computing initiative designed to give students access to laptop computers with software tools and resources to help them achieve academic success and prepare them to learn, live and work in the 21st century.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4464/0/

+++++
  Win an IT Rock Star For a Day!
+++++
Ever wanted to get a true IT guru to come and spend the day with you to get some guidance and advice?  Here’s your chance… Just let Novell know your story and you could win one of the 4 grand prizes. You must enter by June 22, 2007 however, so get moving if you want a chance to win.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4465/0/

+++++
  Hard Disk Encryption Support for SLED
+++++
Get links to more info on what SLED can do natively and what commercial offering WinMagic brings to the table with SecureDoc for Linux.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4466/0/

+++++
  Configuring SLED 10 for Single Sign-On to AD (and eDir)
+++++
If you’ve ever used SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) you know that you must authenticate to the workstation before you can be presented with a desktop environment.  Many customers want to only get prompted to login to the workstation once and then not have to do another authentication to get access to the network – (just like their experience on Windows).  Here’s some helpful advice on how to get it configured

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4467/0/

+++++
  HOWTO – Creating PDF’s with Free, Open Source and Commercial Apps
+++++
PDF is a ubiquitous file format for documents.  Just about every computer has a PDF reader of one kind or another.  That’s why creating a PDF and sending the PDF doc instead of the native document format (like a .doc file) is one of the best ways to ensure the recipient sees things exactly like you do.  Of course, OpenOffice.org includes the capability to hit a button and create a PDF, but what the other options?

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4468/0/

+++++
  HOWTO – Tools for Comparing File Differences
+++++
Often I find myself poring over data files, usually logs or large output from programs or data sets, trying to find any differrences, if they exist. Years ago the method of finding differences in similar files was to get a text editor and scroll them on the screen simultaneously if possible. Not a very accurate method and seriously hard on the eyes. Here are some alternatives to consider…

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4469/0/

+++++
  HOWTO – Autoyast: How and why you may need to update your SLE installation environment & source
+++++
Bill offers us a look at (1)how to update a file/s in your SLE10 or SLES 9 installation environment, and (2) how to update your existing SLE10 installation source with new/updated RPMs.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4470/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================

+++++
BMW
+++++
It was announced in a recent press release that BMW is using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Xen virtualization in it’s data center – reducing hardware costs and simplifying deployment.  Read the press announcement for more details.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4471/0/

==============================
 Upcoming Events
==============================

+++++
Linux Days for DC and ATL
+++++
Linux Days are finally starting to make their way South of the Mason-Dixon line. Attend these seminars to learn more about SUSE Linux Enterprise and how it can help you build a more open enterprise. Register today as space is limited!

Details for Atlanta GA – June 26

Details for Washington DC – June 29

==============================
  Just For Fun
==============================

HOWTO – Use a Bluetooth Phone as a SLED Proximity Badge

Palm Foleo – runs Linux inside

==============================
  Did You Know…
==============================

The open source market is projected to grow 26% annually for the next 4 years!!

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1898124/55177502/4476/0/

==============================
  Also Of Interest…
==============================

300,000 More Corporate Users of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server…

OpenOffice.org vs. MS Office vs. GoogleDocs

Two New Market Start Partners – Liferay and Zenoss

Report: Windows Vista, XP Equally Perilous

Xen beats VMware in the race to native 64-bit support

==============================
  General Novell Reference Links
==============================

Upcoming Events

Novell East Blog

Newsletter Archives

SUSE Linux Enterprise Home

Connection Magazine

Novell Success Stories

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/06/12/newsletter-june-12-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – May 22, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/05/22/east-area-linux-newsletter-may-22-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/05/22/east-area-linux-newsletter-may-22-2007/#comments Tue, 22 May 2007 08:00:23 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/06/01/east-area-linux-newsletter-may-22-2007/ ]]>

Novell East Open Platform Solutions Update

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our latest update newsletter. Plenty of info on the less expensive, MS Office-compatible productivity suite – OpenOffice.org; Dell joins the MS and Novell collaboration; great news for SAP customers; and some very useful HOW-TO’s all await you in this edition of the newsletter. If there are topics you’d love to hear about or cities we need to visit, let us know.

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us. Enjoy!

Regards,
–Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4247/0/

==============================
Articles
==============================

+++++
OpenOffice.org in Education: A Roundup
+++++
Wow, sometimes you think you’re really tied into a product and who’s using it and where, but even I was surprised at the amount of people and institutions deploying, using and enhancing OpenOffice.org. The vast majority are kind enough to take the time to document their experiences so others can take advantage of those findings.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4248/0/

+++++
Dell Joins Microsoft and Novell Collaboration
+++++
Microsoft Corp. and Novell Inc. have announced that Dell Inc. is the first major systems provider to join the business collaboration that was formed by Microsoft and Novell in response to customer demand for greater interoperability and intellectual property (IP) assurance. As part of the agreement, Dell will purchase SUSE Linux Enterprise Server certificates from Microsoft and establish a services and marketing program to migrate existing Linux users who are not Dell Linux customers to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4249/0/

+++++
Run SAP on SLES with integrated enterprise support
+++++
“SAP AG and Novell announced that they have extended their relationship to offer a new joint support solution for customers who run their SAP applications on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) from Novell. … Further, SAP recommends SUSE Linux Enterprise Server as a preferred platform for customers who want to deploy SAP applications on Linux.”

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4250/0/

+++++
Interview with Michael Meeks of Novell’s OpenOffice.org Team
+++++
Fascinating interview with one of our most distinguished engineers.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4251/0/

+++++
Podcast on SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time
+++++
Expert Moiz Kohari discusses SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time in this edition of the Novell Open Audio podcast. Check it out.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4252/0/

+++++
What OpenOffice.org-Novell Edition offers…
+++++
Many of you probably already know this, but there is a Novell Edition of OpenOffice.org that Novell provides as part of our solutions: SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) and the Novell Open Workgroup Suite (NOWS). We also offer support for it on both the Windows and Linux platforms. A customer recently asked me what the OpenOffice.org-Novell Edition offers that the version I can download for free from “OpenOffice.org” does not. Here is the meat of my reply:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4253/0/

+++++
HOW-TO: Monitoring Linux System Performance – Part 1
+++++
Over the years I have used a wide range of methods to get system information, including extremely complex and expensive tools from the higher end vendors. However, like most of the rest of Open Source, no one tool seems to be the be-all-end-all, it takes a toolbox to really get what you want, so here is the set of tools that I think will be of help to you.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4254/0/

+++++
HOW-TO: Tools for Comparing File Differences
+++++
Often I find myself poring over data files, usually logs or large output from programs or data sets, trying to find any differrences, if they exist. Years ago the method of finding differences in similar files was to get a text editor and scroll them on the screen simultaneously if possible. Not a very accurate method and seriously hard on the eyes. Ross covers the expected and lesser-known options.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4255/0/

==============================
Success Story Spotlight
==============================

+++++
What do these 12 have in common??
+++++
1blu, Arsys, Fujitsu Services Oy, Gordon Food Service, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., hi5 Networks Inc., Host Europe, Nationwide, PRISACOM SA, Reed Elsevier, Save Mart Supermarkets, and state of California, Department of Fish and Game. Follow the link to find out:

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4256/0/

==============================
Upcoming Events
==============================

Advanced Technical Training for…
– Xen Virtualization & High Availability Clustering for SLES 10
– Optimizing and Troubleshooting SLES 10

Links to the above and additional events are listed at…
http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4257/0/

==============================
Just For Fun
==============================

Interested in a Cross Platform Desktop Publishing Tool?


==============================
Did You Know
==============================
Because Linux has the benefits of scalability, low cost and ability to scale, 90% of the systems being used in movie production are Linux-based. Sometimes these numbers seem to be the most closely-kept secret in that industry. With the tremendous number of individual systems and the processing power needed to produce and render today’s top films, the price/performance ratio makes Linux the obvious winner over Macintosh and Windows platforms.

http://novellevents.novell.com/t/1869260/55177502/4259/0/

==============================
Also Of Interest
==============================

Free Intro-to-Linux Course

Open Books about Open Source

Will ReiserFS v4 Ever See Production?

Why choose a virtual environment?

Who uses SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on System z?


General Novell Reference Links
—————————
- Connection Magazine
- Novell Success Stories
- Novell East Blog
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Home
- Email Us

]]> http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/05/22/east-area-linux-newsletter-may-22-2007/feed/ 0 kchin Newsletter – May 8, 2007 http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/newsletter-may-8-2007/ http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/newsletter-may-8-2007/#comments Tue, 08 May 2007 08:00:11 +0000 kchin http://opseastnewsletterarchive.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/newsletter-may-8-2007/ ]]>

Novell East Open Platform Solutions Update

Welcome to our latest update newsletter. “Smile-generating” Novell commercials, more awards for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, and a ton of other goodies await you in this edition of the newsletter.

We’ve also got several upcoming events you may be interested in, and we’re planning a bunch more — so keep your eyes open! If there are topics you’d love to hear about or cities we need to visit, let us know.
We’re just about done with all the changes we’ve been working on… Our transition to the new list server is practically complete. Other changes you’ll notice… We have a new email address (east-linux-newsletter@novell.com). The newsletter formatting has changed, and the blog got some new “clothes”. We also added an Education page and an Upcoming Events page to the blog—to provide you with additional Linux training links and a list of events coming your way. Let us know what you think of all the changes—good and bad, please.

As always, if you’d rather not receive these emails, simply click the link at the bottom of the newsletter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Enjoy!

Regards,
Novell’s East Open Platform Solutions Team
Linux Specialists
http://opseast.wordpress.com

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Articles
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Wall Street Warming to MS and Novell Partnership
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Heterogeneous environments are a given in the financial services industry. The interoperability that this partnership will deliver is just what customers have been asking for. Here’s a survey result with some data behind it.
Read More +

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Have You Met Linux? – Novell’s commercials
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If you were at BrainShare (or perhaps a frequent visitor to YouTube), you may have seen these “Novell” versions of the ubiquitous Mac commercials. Great for laugh and to share with other buddies in IT!
Read More +

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Novell’s SUSE Linux Enteprise Desktop 10 Wins Again!
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CRN’s latest Linux Desktop Bakeoff pits SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, Xandros 4, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop 5.0 and Linspire Five-O, with SLED 10 coming out the overall winner and higher than the others in many categories.
Read More +

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SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop wins a CODiE award
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Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 took home top honors for Best Open Source Solution at the 2007 CODiE awards, the annual program led by the Software Industry and Information Association (SIIA) to recognize innovation in the software industry.
Read More +

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Novell Joins the Green Grid
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Energy savings is not just an environmentally responsible thing to do, but it’s also a wise business decision—especially when it comes to managing the data center. Novell has joined a consortium of companies (called The Green Grid) committed to working to reduce data center energy usage globally.
Read More +

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Novell Improves on SLE 10 with Service Pack 1
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Service Pack 1 is nearly here! I’ve been running SP1 on my laptop since BrainShare, and so far I love it! Here’s a quick run down of what’s new and exciting.
Read More +

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Is AppArmor suitable as an alternative to SELinux?
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Simply stated… AppArmor is perfectly suitable as an alternative to SELinux,” says security expert James Tumbull.

We have to agree, but we also think AppArmor is FAR easier to use. If you’d like to learn more about AppArmor visit the link. Novell also has a direct comparison of AppArmor vs SELinux you can view. Did I mention, that AppArmor and its easy-to-use tools are included in SUSE Linux Enterprise!?
Read More +


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Finding Open Application Alternatives
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What’s the most often-asked question we as a team get? Sooo, I have this app that we bought to do ______, is there a Linux version of it? Ross has posted a nice blog entry or two that discuss this exact topic and give you some pointers of where to look. A LOT of options are out there if you’re looking…
Read More +


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Why “Purchase” Linux?
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Most organizations are using some amount of Linux in their environments, and many of them are running “free” or “community” versions of Linux. So a question frequently comes up… Why should I “pay” for Linux?
Read More +

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Plans to improve AFP support on Linux
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Improving the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) support on Linux was a big request made at BrainShare 2007, and your voices were heard loud and clear. A project has been approved to work on exactly this… If you have specific features of functionality you want to see included, give us some feedback.
Read More +

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Finding a Printer Driver to work with the Linux Desktop
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Have an obscure printer you want to try and get working with a Linux desktop? Try the suggestions in this blog posting…
Read More +

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How-to: Create a SLE Mini CD
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Many customers utilize AutoYaST to deploy SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop and Server machines. Most customers set up an http, ftp, nfs, etc. server which contains the AutoYaST XML file and the installation source (the SLED or SLES DVD). While the easiest way to initially boot the machine and kick off the AutoYaST scripted install is to utilize PXE/TFTP, many customers do not have PXE enabled in their production infrastructure.

The next best thing is to build a mini cd with the appropriate boot parameters for AutoYast and installation source pre-populated.
Read More +

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How-to: Playing with High Availability Storage Infrastructure (HASI)
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Just wanted to let you know that there is a free, great document available from Novell’s website which describes how to set up a lab environment with four exciting (and included, supported) features within SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10:

- iSCSI
- Oracle Clustered File System (OCFS) v2
- Heartbeat v2 – cluster service
- Enterprise Volume Management Service (EVMS)

These features are collectively known as the High Availability Storage Infrastructure (HASI) and provides an out-of-the-box capability to implement a fully clustered storage system. You don’t have to pay for clustering as a premium services with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 10.
Read More +


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Success Story Spotlight
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Sumitomo Electric Industries
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Novell recently announced that Sumitomo Electric Industries is using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) with integrated Xen virtualization software to extend the useful life of its platforms, minimize additional hardware investment through more efficient use of resources, and operate an effective disaster recovery site. By running SLES and Xen on hardware containing Intel Virtualization Technology, Sumitomo Electric Industries is extending the life of valued applications on virtual servers, thus optimizing data center resources and running a more efficient business.

“This virtualization-based environment lets us keep systems in use for the long term, regardless of the external hardware configuration.”
Read More +


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Upcoming Events
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Linux Day
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Stamford, CT
May 10, 2007
8:30am-12:00pm ET
Register Today +

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Discover and Manage SLED with ZLM
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New York City, NY
May 15, 2007
8:30am-4:00pm ET
Register Today +

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Using Linux to Cut TCO in Your Retail IT Environment
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Webinar
May 17, 2007
12:00pm ET
Register Today +

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Just For Fun
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Linux Distro Timeline – where did your favorite come from?
Read More +

Some OpenOffice.org goodness I stumbled across…
Read More +

Novell’s take on the famous Mac TV Commercials
Read More +

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Did You Know
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You can run Windows 2003 on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (without VMware)
Read More +


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Also Of Interest
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A Live Linux CD for Just About Any Purpose
Read More +

Online Version of OpenOffice.org Coming Soon
Read More +

The America’s Cup Yacht that Linux Built
Read More +

Burning Media (CD/DVD) with GNOME
Read More +

Virtualization 101 – CNet’s FAQ
Read More +

General Novell Reference Links
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- Connection Magazine
- Novell Success Stories
- Novell East Blog
- Email Us

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