Showing posts with label Linux. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Linux. Show all posts

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Linux Is 20 Years Old Today! Thanks Linus!!

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

It all started with this simple and humble message. Now imagine the same message from Steve Jobs or Bill gates :)

From: torvalds@klaava.Helsinki.FI (Linus Benedict Torvalds)

Newsgroups: comp.os.minix

Subject: What would you like to see most in minix?

Summary: small poll for my new operating system

Message-ID: <1991Aug25.205708.9541@klaava.Helsinki.FI>

Date: 25 Aug 91 20:57:08 GMT

Organization: University of Helsinki

Hello everybody out there using minix -

I’m doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won’t be big and

professional like gnu) for 386(486) AT clones. This has been brewing

since april, and is starting to get ready. I’d like any feedback on

things people like/dislike in minix, as my OS resembles it somewhat

(same physical layout of the file-system (due to practical reasons)

among other things).

I’ve currently ported bash(1.08) and gcc(1.40), and things seem to work.

This implies that I’ll get something practical within a few months, and

I’d like to know what features most people would want. Any suggestions

are welcome, but I won’t promise I’ll implement them :-)

Linus (torvalds@kruuna.helsinki.fi)

PS. Yes – it’s free of any minix code, and it has a multi-threaded fs.

It is NOT protable (uses 386 task switching etc), and it probably never

will support anything other than AT-harddisks, as that’s all I have :-(.

Linux.org @ Archive.org



Thursday, August 4, 2011

Patents Nightmares, Sometimes There Are Good Dreams!

Today I was reading about M$, Apple and others attempt to thwart Android, not with innovation but by acquiring patents and suing the manufactures of Android phones, as much as $15 per device.
Then I read about the Novel Patent portfolio saga (old news actually), how the CPTN, (M$ + Oracle +Apple + EMC) which was a cover company for those big boys who was hell bent on getting to patents and sharing among the four of them, changed agreements to address the concerns of DOJ. If the patents were to be shared by these four companies, Linux had no where to go but underground. Thanks DOJ;

In order to address competition concerns of the department, CPTN and its owners have revised their agreements to provide that:

· Microsoft will sell back to Attachmate all of the Novell patents that Microsoft would have otherwise acquired, but will continue to receive a license for the use of those patents, the patents acquired by the other three participants and any patents retained by Novell;

· EMC will not acquire 33 Novell patents and patent applications that have been identified as related to virtualization software;

· All of the Novell patents will be acquired subject to the GNU General Public License, Version 2, a widely adopted open-source license, and the Open Invention Network (OIN) License, a significant license for the Linux System;

· CPTN does not have the right to limit which of the patents, if any, are available under the OIN license; and

· Neither CPTN nor its owners will make any statement or take any action with the purpose of influencing or encouraging either Novell or Attachmate to modify which of the patents are available under the OIN license.


Department of Justice :

Official Google Blog: When patents attack Android

Monday, August 1, 2011

Eclipse (Most Open), Android (Most Closed) Open Projects, Vision Mobile!

Eclipse (Most Open), Android (Most Closed) Open Projects, Vision Mobile! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Looks like the project I am spending most time with these days (Android) and the tool I am using to work on the projects (Eclipse) have ended up in opposite ends of openness scale, according to a EU funded project. Finding this news just after learning about Mozilla org's B3G, Boot to Gecko project, confuses me greatly. Yet I think Android is much better than those 100% closed projects such as iOS and Windows phone 7.
The recently published Open Governance Index, by Vision Mobile, a study which was partly funded by webinos, an EU-funded project working on a platform for web applications across mobile, PC, home media (TV) and in-car devices.
The report is available for download free of charge and examines;
  • Open source cultural roots and working upstream vs downstream
  • Open source licenses vs governance models
  • Analysis and classification of governance models
  • In-depth reviews of Android, Qt, Symbian, MeeGo, Mozilla, WebKit, Linux and Eclipse
  • Best practices in creating an open source project

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Creative Zii Egg Plaszma, Android In iPod Clothing.

Creative Zii Egg Plaszma
According to YT comment, Plaszma is an open standard development platform designed to let you create customized applications and devices.This platform is the product of substantial investment: US$1 billion and some 10,000 man hours of R&D. Plaszma comprises Plaszma OS, SDK and the full suite of hardware.
Gizmodo reports that
the Zii Egg Plaszma is an Android-friendly "handheld computer" that's like an iPod touch.
The device is "something I want to see" for me and most probably will search for more information to see if it warrants me to cough up $399. So far from the press release;

Zii EGG Features and Specifications

  • Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display
  • 3.5" 320x480 true-colour display
  • X-Fi audio processing
  • Up to 32GB Internal Flash Storage
  • 32MB NOR Flash (Linux Kernel Boot ROM)
  • 256MB Mobile DDR RAM
  • Supports 720p and 1080p HDTVs via HD cable
  • Composite video out
  • Dual cameras for high definition photos and movie capture
    • - Forward facing VGA camera
    • - Rear Facing HD camera
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
  • Hardware GPS receiver
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light sensor
  • SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card)
  • USB 2.0 Mini-B (MTP and Charging)
  • Universal Docking connector (USB, Audio)
  • Headphone socket, built-in speaker and microphone
  • Supports Plaszma™ OS and Zii Optimised Android™
  • Light weight: 108g

Plaszma OS

The Plaszma OS is a robust, fully featured multi-tasking Operating System built upon a Linux 2.6 kernel that enables the creation of native and web based applications that are significantly enhanced by the 3D, advanced media and communication capabilities of the ZMS processor and Zii Plaszma Platform.

The Plaszma OS supports a rich set of industry standard APIs that have been optimized by ZiiLABS, with a wide range of multimedia CODECs, powerful video, image and audio playback and recording capabilities and advanced audio processing including a text-to-speech engine. The Plaszma OS also supports a desktop grade Opera® 9.7 browser with Web 2.0 capabilities, 2D graphics, and OpenGL ES 3D graphics, plus a powerful intuitive gesture-based user interface.

Plaszma SDK

The Plaszma SDK is a software development kit that provides all the developer tools, libraries, documentation and sample CODECs needed to create the next-generation of media-rich networked applications.

Plaszma SDK Features and Specifications

  • Native C/C++ Development
  • Wide range of supported video, image and audio formats
  • Cell Framework of industry standard API's and Libraries
  • Advanced 2D and vector graphics, compositing and blending
  • OpenGL ES 3D graphics
  • HD media playback and record framework
  • State-of-the-art multi-touch, gesture based user interface
  • Opera® 9.7 Web browser supporting CSS, XHTML, JavaScript and Ajax
  • Adobe® Flash Lite™ 3.1 (available later)
  • Internationalization and localization of applications
  • Integrated Database
  • Network Services and Event management
  • Sensor handling, (accelerometer, GPS, ambient light)

A range of market-ready applications such as a music and video player, photo browser, and web browser will be included with the handheld Zii EGG StemCell Computer. Future upgrades to the application suite that will take advantage of the built-in hardware will be made available.

Zii Optimized Android

Zii Optimized Android gives developers the chance to use the familiar Android OS, but with a difference. Harnessing StemCell Computing Technology found on the ZMS-05 Media Rich Processor, Android is now super-charged with seamless 3D graphics and High Definition video playback performance.

Pricing and Availability

A Plaszma SDK Starter Kit is available for immediate purchase at US$399 on www.zii.com. This Starter Kit comes bundled comes with Plaszma OS, Plaszma SDK and the Zii Optimised Android OS.

As an introductory offer, ZiiLABS is offering a 32GB Zii EGG for FREE with the purchase of the Plaszma SDK Starter Kit, limited to one per customer while stocks last.

ZiiLabs via Gizmodo


Monday, July 27, 2009

Free (SIP) Calls With Google Voice And Gizmo5

Google Voice Free Calls Via Gizmo5

It is pretty easy to make free calls by combining Gizmo5 and Google Voice account. Once the easy setup is completed, one could accomplish US calling without paying a monthly fee or per minute fee. The calls are currently limited to 30 minutes per call.

First of all you will need a Google Voice Account (or an invitation from Google Voice), Gizmo5 Account and a US Phone number. (You need a US phone number that you could receive calls and answer as you need enter a verification code for Google.)

So if you do not have any of those above, fear not, you can still make free calls via Google Voice, Gizmo5.

In either case you need to create a Gizmo6 account and best way to do so is to download and install the Gizmo5 software on your computer or sign up at Gizmo5 website. (It is also possible to use your mobile phone, smartphone for the purpose. So select what fits you best once you visit Gizmo5 site) .

Once you have registered and received a Gizmo5 user name, visit my.gizmo5.com and login with the credentials that you used at account creation.

Once you login, your MY page will show your 747 number. This is shown as your SIP Number and you need this to complete the process.

Now we need to Google Voice and Sign up. Google Voice is invite only at the moment and you could make a request for an invite. Once this is done, you will have to wait for about 8-11 days to get an invitation. If you are in a hurry, you can borrow one from somebody who has an invite or surf the web and you might find one.

Once you receive the invitation, you will be visiting Google Voice to sign up and during this process, you will need that afore mentioned US phone number. So keep that phone handy near you as Google Voice will call you on that number for verification. This number could be any US number either land line or mobile. You can familiarize yourself with Google Voice here.

Do not despair if you do not have a US phone number. There are many ways you could get one. But since we are talking about Gizmo5, I will tell you how to get a US Number from Gizmo5. You can purchase a Call-in number from your Gizmo5 page that displayed your 747 number. It will cost you $12 for three months. Unless you want to keep the US number longer (as long as you want) select the 3 month only option. The US number is required only during sign up process at Google Voice.

If you are verifying through Gizmo5 for your Google Voice Account, open another browser window and travel to www.GizmoCall.com (a service which lets you make/receive calls using just a web browser). Login with your Gizmo5 account information. Now you can receive calls to your browser (computer).

At this point you are ready to verify the Google Voice account and you can request for the verification call. If you are using a regular phone, use it to answer and enter the code or if you are using Gizmo5 Call in number, you can answer in your browser and enter in the proper code using the on screen dialpad.

Now you have a Google Voice Account which you could use to make calls, receive calls, listen to your voice mail etc. But we are here to learn how to make free calls with Google Voice and Gizmo5.

For this you need to add your Gizmo5 information to your Google Voice. You can do this by selecting Settings(Top right hand corner of you Google Voice Page) and then the Phone tab. Click on the Add Another Phone. Here you enter the complete 747 number that you got from Gizmo5,( remember it is not the Gizmo5 Call In number, it is already there if you registered with it). Enter all the 10 digits. Google Voice always verifies your phone numbers and this Gizmo account also need to be verified and like previously, Google Voice makes a call and asks you to verify. Again you do this at www.GizmoCall.com and if you not already logged in, login with your Gizmo5 credentials and then request Google Voice to verify the number which you can answer in your browser and enter in the proper code using the on screen dialpad.


Now we go to you MY Gizmo5 account and add Google Voice user name and password in the Google Voice on Gizmo5 and save it.

You are now ready to receive and make US calls for free. Gizmo5 desktop software or Gizmocall web site could be used to place or answer your calls.

But do not stop there, you can use multiple devices or software for PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iphone, supported by Gizmo5 to make your calls. Basically any SIP device or software.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Open Source Policy For VoIP IP Telephony.

The Metrics of Open Source Policy for IP Telephony
BeelineBill from Digium, that Asterisk guy who flies straight has brought about a nice conversation, "Open Source Policy For VoIP IP Telephony."
I am all a open source guy, from my desktop OS, My telephony Solutions, my development tools, my office application and my open source evangelism in the enterprise and the academia. (You will be surprised how many Universities and colleges using commercial software spending millions, where they could cut huge pieces of budgets off, using open source alternatives.
But before getting into my Open source ventures and adventures, let us look at what Bill is talking about.
He has three topics that he wants cover and us to join on;
  1. Introduction to Open Source Policy for IP Telephony in the Enterprise: “Open Source Policy for IP Telephony: Are You Behind or Ahead of the Curve?”
  2. Business Analysis of Open Source vs. Traditional Telephony: “The Metrics of Open Source Policy for IP Telephony “
  3. Best Practices as applied to implementation of an Open Source IP Telephony solution: “Open Source Policy Meets ROI”
I think it is very interesting and I am sorry I did not read it early enough. Without copying his entire article, which you should really read, I can just say that it is really worth reading. Even if you did not know about Open Source, Asterisk, MySQL, Linux, and Apache web services, just one link he is directing us to has extra added value, an article by Stormy Peters, Executive Director of the GNOME Foundation. She writes about "open source best practices and policy"
So educate or enahance your educated self by visiting and reading the article and find out if you are behind or ahead of the curve, as Bill put it.
Digium Blog Article.
beelinebill


Friday, April 10, 2009

A2Billing 1.4 Beta, A Billing And Management Solution For Asterisk Released.

Billing For Asterisk
A2billing is a LAMP (Linux Apache Mysql(Postgresql) PHP) application that interfaces with Asterisk using both the AMI and AGI interfaces. A2Billing has released the version 1.4 beta for testing. The solution combined with Asterisk is a telecoms platform and/or softswitch providing converged services, with self contained billing (pre or post-paid), reporting and statistics management. Download and get more information from A2Billing site.
A complete guide to installation of A2Billing 1.4 is available as well giving instructions how to install the product on either Centos or Debian based platcorm.

A2Billing for Asterisk provides Telecom companies and VoIP Solution providers a billing and customer care platform tied to Asterisk that go beyond traditional TDM and VoIP Soft-Switches and billing solutions. But the best feature of all is that the solution is free! meaning it is licensed under GPL.

A2Billing also provides consutancy and support and you can email sales@asterisk2billing.org giving us details of your project for a quote, or if you need further information.

A2Billing is capable of providing:

  • Traditional Calling Card services – A2Billing can be configured to provide standard calling card services via traditional “dial through”, with PIN or CID authentication.
  • Callback services, A2Billing supports a number of call-back methods including ANI, DID and web based call-backs.
  • VoIP residential services – Customers can be issued with a softphone or hard phone and be billed for calls made via Voice over IP.
  • VoIP wholesale termination - A2Billing and Asterisk can be used as a softswitch to terminate and bill large numbers of VoIP minutes from a number of sources such as resellers and distributors of your services.
  • VoIP termination for Asterisk and FreePBX systems. – With the growth of IP based PBX systems, as well as the asterisk based systems, A2Billing can be used to provide services and billing to IP PBX resellers and Asterisk system integrators.
  • DID termination and redirection. DID can be redirected to any SIP, IAX or PSTN destination with monthly charges and duration based charges.
Source Venture VoIP