Thom Holwerda Archive

IronPython is the codename for an alpha release of the Python programming language for the .NET platform. It supports an interactive interpreter with fully dynamic compilation. It is well integrated with the rest of the framework and makes all .NET libraries easily available to Python programmers.

It seems that PC-BSD has set a trend. "DesktopBSD aims at being a stable and powerful operating system for desktop users. DesktopBSD combines the stability of FreeBSD, the usability and functionality of KDE and the simplicity of specially developed software to provide a system that's easy to use and install." How this new BSD distribution stacks up against PC-BSD remains to be seen.

Slashdot reports: "Several people have discovered that the new Intel kernel Apple has included with the Developer Kit DVD uses TCPA/TPM DRM. More specifically, it includes "a TCPA/Palladium implementation that uses a Infineon 1.1 chip which will prevent certain parts of the OS from working unless authorized."

The release of the IBM PC proved revolutionary for the then tiny microcomputer industry, and for IBM itself. Read about the birth of the IBM PC 5150 at Braeburn.

"The Kubuntu distribution is a partner project of Ubuntu Linux. Designed for those who prefer KDE over GNOME, Kubuntu maintains the usual high development standards of its parent project, while providing users with the latest KDE packages throughout the distribution's release cycle. We caught up with Jonathan Riddell, the initiator and lead developer of Kubuntu."

Two BeOS tutorials have been released. The first one explains which settings to use with WonderBrush when working on icons. It is available in English, Dutch and German. The second one is a complete set of instructions on how to get the unique im_kit working. This one is available in English and Dutch.

The focus of this white paper is to describe the basic workings of a new capability, the Microsoft Phishing Filter, that will be included in the upcoming release of Internet Explorer 7. The Microsoft Phishing Filter will help provide consumers with a dynamic system of warning and protection against potential phishing attacks.

Want to assess security vulnerabilities on your Linux system without lengthy installation and configuration efforts? We introduce four packages -- Auditor, Whoppix, Knoppix-STD, and PHLAK -- that bring you that ability through the magic of LiveCD.

It looks as if Cisco's cease and desist letters to Web sites hosting Michael Lynn's banned Blackhat presentation detailing a critical flaw in the company's IOS operating system are not having the effect the company desires. An increasing number of other Web sites are now making available Lynn's presentation to whomever cares to read or download it.

There seems to be a new important security patch out for Linux every month, lots of "do not use this program" warnings, too many articles and books with too little useful information, high-priced consultants, and plenty of talk about compromised systems. It is almost enough to send someone back to Windows. Can the average Linux user or system administrator keep his or her system secure and still have time to do other things? Bob Toxen is happy to say yes and here is how to do it.

After part I, there is now a part II of "Installing and Configuring PC-BSD". In part II, the author explains how to install more fonts and how to configure printing and scanning.

Industry watchers have noticed a "halo" surrounding Apple's iPod: The popular music player is helping to bring new users to the company's Macintosh line of computers. However, could the uncertainty surrounding the Mac's upcoming switch from PowerPC to Intel processors take the shine off that halo?

Big Blue has realised that a product that long disappeared from its catalogue is a rave from the grave that still has life in it yet. You would probably be surprised to learn just how many AS/400s are still about, and how many COBOL programmers for that matter.

Apple Computer this week began asking its developers to test and report back to the company on the first external pre-release build of Mac OS X 10.4.3, a forthcoming maintenance release to the Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system.