welcome at owiknowi on computing, penguins and everything
it's about life with and beyond a computer (yes, things do happen without computers)
but also about choices, like: consider using open source & free software,
open & free information and, of course, get independent information
not much news, still more, and expensive
that would probably be an accurate overview of most computing 'news'
using computers and software in a sensible way, will reduce costs
ask yourself what you really need before buying the 'latest & fastest'
most computers, with a free operating system, will actual fit your needs
some open source and/or free software to help you on your way
. openoffice, koffice, libreoffice: complete and reliable office suites
. bluefish: create your own -w3c compatible- web site
. inkscape: create graphics the right way
. gimp: everything for photo & image editing (use quality .png to save images)
. blender: 3d modeling and animations
. audacity: edit or convert your music (excellent open formats are .ogg and .flac)
. k3b: create the cd or dvd you want
. firefox, midori, epiphany, konqueror: just better web browsers
. evolution: the complete mail and agenda solution
. thunderbird: cross platform e-mail and news client
. pidgin, gajim, kopete: the right way to chat with e.g. jabber/xmmp
. qgis. grass, postgis: take a look at professional data processing to create information
. parted magic: partition, wipe or clone your hard drive (and more)
some of these applications also work well with closed source operating systems
search for open source software or free software and you'll find what you need
enjoy your freedom of choice!
the strange world of computing or: software & information oddities
some personal views on matters, they are however absolutely almost true...
> most closed source software comes at a price;
using it non-commercial is therefore not making sense...
> most commercial software is closed source;
you become more or less dependent on its manufacturer...
> most closed source software can only be used after registration;
first you pay for it. and still you can't use it like you want...
> most closed source software is shipped with a binding license;
not seldom they're just a catch 22...
> most illegal use of software is known to its manufacturer;
another sensible reason to use open source and free software...
> most governments and public services use commercial software;
tax money spent to make some companies very rich...
> most governments do not use true open formats;
sometimes it's difficult to use this sort of public information...
> most government information is generated using tax money;
this information is often not free accessible to the public...
> most of what you create is important enough for you to do so;
you should therefore care who has access to it...
> most e-mail messages are not only read by the addressee;
web e-mail services even use the information thus provided...
> most personal information can be abused;
be careful with organizations asking for your personal information...
> most of your visits to the internet are being traced;
respect for ones privacy seems a whole new idea...
it's probably best to switch off your computer;
like now...
