Saturday, June 18, 2011
Scientific Linux 5.6 RC2
Troy Dawson has announced the availability of the second (and likely last) release candidate for Scientific Linux 5.6: "Scientific Linux 5.6 RC2 is now available. We have pushed out the latest update to Scientific Linux 5.6. There are both network install images as well as CD and DVD images. If there are no problems, this will be the final release, there will be no further changes. Changed since RC1: GDM Login screen background was changed to have the 'Atom Shine' blue background. After four years the 'EaseOfBlue' GDM theme is now blue; release notes and READMEs were updated; on the distribution servers everything is copied over to the 56 directory, there should be no links pointing to 5rolling. If there are no problems we expect to release Scientific Linux 5.6 on Tuesday 21 June 2011." The release announcement. Download: SL.56.061711.DVD.i386.disc1.iso (4,167MB, MD5), SL.56.061711.DVD.x86_64.disc1.iso (4,172MB, MD5).
Friday, June 17, 2011
Greenie Linux 9N
Stanislav Hoferek has announced the release of Greenie Linux 9N, a beginner-friendly Ubuntu-based distribution with enhanced support for Slovak and Czech languages and extra software applications: "Greenie Linux 9N is finaly here! Based on Ubuntu 11.04, Greenie uses the classic and solid GNOME 2.32.1 instead of GNOME 3 or Unity. Several new applications (FBReader, gToDo, Adobe Reader, Audacity), new versions of Firefox and all other software, and new, much darker artwork, are now in Greenie. Also we made it possible to run popular websites (Facebook, Twitter, Pastebin, YouTube, etc.) using the Run dialog. This version will come in both 32-bit and 64-bit flavours, and the 64-bit edition will be announced very soon." Read the release announcement (in Slovak, except for a brief English note at the bottom) for a detailed list of changes and new features. Download: greenie-9n-x86.iso (1,123MB, MD5).
DoudouLinux 1.0
DoudouLinux is a Debian-based distribution targeting young children, with a goal to make computer use as simple and pleasant as possible. The project's version 1.0, code name "Gondwana", is now released: "The version 1.0 of the project is finally ready, after a year of happy work! To mark this event, we named this version Gondwana, for the super-continent which included most of the landmasses in today's southern hemisphere, before the breakup into several continents due to plate tectonics. DoudouLinux provides tens of applications that suit children from 2 to 12 years old and gives them an environment as easy to use as a gaming console. Kids can learn, discover and have fun without dad and mum always watching!" Read the release announcement and check out the feature list for more information. Download (SHA1): doudoulinux-gondwana-1.0-en.iso (695MB). Several other language editions are available from the download page.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Analyst: Swap into AMD shares and out of Intel
A prominent financial analyst is advising investors to swap into AMD shares and out of Intel.
According to Craig Berger of FBR Capital, AMD “should gain both desktop and notebook processor market share” with the help of Hewlett-Packard and Acer.
Although Berger emphasized he wasn’t "negative"” about Intel, the analyst pointed out that Fusion APU pricing is approximately 10%-15% below Intel’s competing Sandy Bridge line - which doesn’t even support DX11.
"We are not negative on Intel near $22, we just want to limit exposure to PC chip stocks, while recognizing the potential for more earnings growth with AMD in the second half of 2011.”
To be sure, Berger estimates AMD can boost its CPU market share by 3-5 percentage points, "possibly adding $900 million to $1.5 billion of annual revenues and 40-60 cents a share in profits."
However, the analyst was careful to note Intel has "major scale, manufacturing and costs advantages" over AMD, and was undoubtedly capable of "squashing" Fusion with more aggressive pricing.
Thus, the AMD call remains "largely tactical in nature and less of a long-term investment."