OSWALD Newsletter Archives (by issue #, click to view)
The Open Source Law Weekly Digest or OSWALD first launched late in 2002. Since then it has been regularly providing updates on all things open source related. The focus of this newsletter is on business, rather than technical developments in open source. Another strong component of the newsletter is IP news, as it is of interest to me and has an effect on open source.
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Welcome to the Open Source Law Weekly Open Source Digest (OSWALD)
RMS has an essay in Wired about why surveillance is bad. HTML5 is being infected by DRM and OpenStack is on everyone's lips.
*From my blog: http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/it-pricing-report-available/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/should-governments-specify-licence-conditions/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/ip-issues-paper-42-costs/
Verbatim distribution with attribution ok.
Other distribution - email me.
Regards
Brendan
***** Off Topic
Stallman: How Much Surveillance Can Democracy Withstand? http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/10/a-necessary-evil-what-it-takes-for-democracy-to-survive-surveillance/
Unless we believe that our free countries previously suffered from a grave surveillance deficit, and ought to be surveilled more than the Soviet Union and East Germany were, we must reverse this increase. That requires stopping the accumulation of big data about people.
Cyber-Attacks: Where Are They Coming From? And Where Are They Going? http://www.eweek.com/security/slideshows/cyber-attacks-where-are-they-coming-from-and-where-are-they-going.html
According to Akamai's second-quarter 2013 "State of the Internet" report, Indonesia is now the top origination source for attack traffic, based on IP address. Indonesia is responsible for 38 percent of attack traffic, followed in second place by China, which accounts for 33 percent of attack traffic.
***** Government/Policy
Tim Berners-Lee on Why HTML5 Needs DRM http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2013/10/tim-berners-lee-on-why-html5-needs-drm/index.htm
The W3C community is currently exploring Web technology that will strike a balance between the rights of creators and the rights of consumers. In this space in particular, W3C seeks to lower the overall proprietary footprint and increase overall interoperability, currently lacking in this area. That's an extremely odd comment, since it divides up the online world up into active creators and passive consumers.
The disruptive business model for higher education is open source http://opensource.com/education/13/10/open-business-model-free-education
At America’s top universities, MOOCs are fueling a heated debate between faculty and administrators. Many professors fear that intimate classroom settings will be replaced by online courses where superstar professors teach on the web and everyone else becomes a glorified teaching assistant. Administrators, in contrast, see MOOCs as a way to reduce costs, gain efficiencies in non-core offerings and 'export' courses that reflect their university’s strengths.
Oracle says open source has no place in military apps http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/10/15/oracle_says_open_source_has_no_place_in_military_apps/
Oracle has popped out a white paper that may well turn some heads, because it contains robust criticism of open source software.
How the end of XP support helped France's gendarmes embrace Ubuntu http://www.zdnet.com/it-was-a-huge-risk-how-the-end-of-xp-support-helped-frances-gendarmes-embrace-ubuntu-fast-7000022030/
Higher costs indeed — the organisation estimates that the TCO of the desktops will fall by 40 percent between 2008 and 2014 when the deployment is complete. Part of the TCO reduction comes in upfront costs: savings on licences and cost of licence access, and, when it comes to hardware purchasing, the force can buy desktops without an OS already installed, saving €100 or so per PC.
Should Truecrypt be audited? http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2013/10/15/should-truecrypt-be-audited/
The ‘problem’ with Truecrypt is the same problem we have with any popular security software in the post-September-5 era: we don’t know what we can trust anymore. We now have hard evidence that the NSA is tampering with encryption software and hardware, and common sense tells us that NSA is probably not alone. Truecrypt, as popular and widely trusted as it is, is a fantastic target for subversion.
The Navy's newest warship is powered by Linux http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/10/the-navys-newest-warship-is-powered-by-linux/
The $3.5 billon ship is designed for stealth, survivability, and firepower, and it's packed with advanced technology. And at the heart of its operations is a virtual data center powered by off-the-shelf server hardware, various flavors of Linux, and over 6 million lines of software code.
Why DRM in HTML5 is wrong http://www.examiner.com/article/why-drm-html5-is-wrong
A list of the best responses countering the most common reasons advocates of Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) give for why DRM should be included in the HTML5 specification.
***** Applications/Gadgets
Total War: Rome II Will Be Ported To Linux http://www.pcgamesn.com/totalwar/creative-assembly-confident-total-war-rome-ii-steamos-port-possible
http://blog.smartbear.com/gaming/linux-pros-predict-the-future-of-steamos-and-the-steam-machine/
Whatever the eventual details, Creative Assembly are “thrilled” by the prospect of a SteamOS.
Gameduino 2 brings boosted hardware and software to Kickstarter http://gigaom.com/2013/10/08/gameduino-2-brings-boosted-hardware-and-software-to-kickstarter/
Now, for $60, an Arduino can become a full-blown gaming development console, complete with a handheld screen and accelerometer.
OS4 OpenLinux - Lightweight Linux based operating system for the Commodore Amiga enthusiast http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2013/10/os4-openlinux-lightweight-linux-based.html
Sony SmartWatch 2 ticks as Google watch rumors tock http://linuxgizmos.com/sony-smartwatch-2-ticks-as-google-smartwatch-rumors-tock/
Sony shipped its Android-based SmartWatch 2 in the U.S. market, featuring higher-resolution, NFC sync, and water resistance, while also launching its Xperia Z Ultra phablet and Xperia Z1 phone.
Freescale unveils first ARM-based QorIQ SoCs http://linuxgizmos.com/freescale-unveils-first-arm-based-qoriq-socs/
Freescale Semiconductor announced a new line of Linux-ready, embedded-focused QorIQ system-on-chips based on a new ARM-compatible, core-agnostic Layerscape architecture.
***** Reports
Arduino creator explains why open source matters in hardware, too http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/10/arduino-creator-explains-why-open-source-matters-in-hardware-too/
Less well-known is the concept behind open source hardware, such as Arduino. Massimo Banzi, co-creator of Arduino, spoke with Ars this month about the importance of open hardware and a variety of other topics related to Arduino.
OpenStack Demand Is High as Havana Debut Nears: Report http://www.eweek.com/cloud/openstack-demand-is-high-as-havana-debut-nears-report.html
http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/datacenter/openstack-havana-updates-cloud-networking.html
http://www.eweek.com/cloud/vmware-doubles-down-on-openstack-havana-cloud.html
http://www.eweek.com/cloud/openstack-havana-heats-up-the-cloud.html
http://www.zdnet.com/openstack-havana-open-source-cloud-for-the-enterprise-7000022086/
http://www.eweek.com/cloud/mirantis-fuels-new-openstack-cloud-distribution.html
In terms of OpenStack technologies, 84 percent of the study's respondents indicated that OpenStack is a key part of their cloud deployment plans. Sixty percent of respondents are already in early-stage OpenStack deployments.
Just one killer exclusive could make Linux gaming take off, says Battlefield 4 boss http://www.pcworld.com/article/2054473/just-one-killer-exclusive-could-make-linux-gaming-take-off-says-battlefield-4-boss.html
The latest person to go ga-ga for Linux gaming is Lars Gustavsson, creative director for EA Digital Illusions CE (DICE)—the Electronic Arts studio behind the beloved Battlefield series. With Battlefield 4's release right around the corner on Tuesday, October 29, Gustavsson recently told Polygon that DICE “strongly” wants to get into Linux.
Nginx Raises $10 Million in New Funding for Server Development http://www.eweek.com/servers/nginx-raises-10-million-in-new-funding-for-server-development.html
Nginx, the lead commercial sponsor behind the open-source Nginx Web server, aims to grow its business, with a boost from a fresh capital injection of $10 million.
Android signs up for official default setting for texting http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57607620-93/android-signs-up-for-official-default-setting-for-texting/
As the screenshot above indicates, soon you'll be able to choose a default SMS (Short Message Service) app through the Android operating system itself. Currently, the SMS app developer must make it an option in the app's settings.
Telepresence bots offer remote tours of robotics show http://linuxgizmos.com/telepresence-bots-offer-remote-tours-of-robotics-show/
The Ubuntu- and ROS-based Beam will be available to the first 50 applicants, letting them explore the show at up to 1.5 meters/sec and interact with others via video conferencing.
It's No Longer True That Android App Developers Are Starving For Revenue http://www.businessinsider.com/android-has-solved-its-revenue-problem-2013-10
When taking into account commerce, advertising, developer fees and app revenue, Android has nearly closed the monetization gap with Apple’s iOS operating system. Android developers worldwide earn 90 cents for every 1$ earned by iOS developers, according to the latest data.
Open-Xchange wants you to dump closed source – and embrace security http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/18/open-xchange-closed-source-security
Users should not trust closed-source services like Apple's iCloud with their personal data, said the chief executive of Open-Xchange, a cloud software firm which provides app suites to some of Britain's biggest service providers. "Really paranoid" users should consider switching to phones running the Firefox OS, he added.
Can IBM expect the same ROI from next round of investment in Linux? https://opensource.com/business/13/10/ibm-roi-investment-linux
The Power System hardware has traditionally been running either AIX, AS/400 or Linux. The popularity of the Unix offering has been decreasing while the Linux one has been increasing, with the Linux share being as large as the Unix one today. This shift in popularity fuels the motivation for further investing in better support for Linux.
Linux adds flexibility to Smart Grid control nodes http://linuxgizmos.com/linux-adds-flexibility-to-smart-grid-control-nodes/
Echelon Corp. unveiled a distributed control node designed for electrical grid optimization. The DCN 3000 communicates with grid devices via OSGP power-line networking, reports back to the utility head-end via Ethernet or 3G, and enables downloading of Linux-based smart grid apps.
***** Snippets
RedHat vs Debian : Administrative Point of View http://www.tecmint.com/redhat-vs-debian-administrative-point-of-view/
The other half of WordPress http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/features/the-other-half-of-wordpress
The closed source enterprise is becoming a thing of the past http://opensource.com/business/13/10/interview-andrew-hunt
Android logo, from bathroom signs to open source – how it's made http://www.androidauthority.com/android-logo-bathroom-signs-open-source-283080/
Linux Gets Extended Hardware Error Log Driver http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTQ4MzU
Migrating to MariaDB from MySQL http://www.linux.com/news/enterprise/systems-management/742835-migrating-to-mariadb-from-mysql
Ubuntu syncs up with OpenStack http://www.zdnet.com/ubuntu-syncs-up-with-openstack-7000021878/
Watching the Penguin's Back at All Things Open http://fossforce.com/2013/10/watching-penguins-back-all-things-open/
Linux 3.12 rc5 http://article.gmane.org/gmane.linux.kernel/1578296
Hadoop 2.0 Spins New Big Data YARN http://hortonworks.com/
Which Distro Is Best for Beginners? http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/Which-Distro-Is-Best-for-Beginners-79177.html
Ubuntu 13.10: It just works http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/linux-and-open-source/ubuntu-1310-it-just-works/
GNOME Software 3.10.1 Fixes Bugs and Adds New Features http://news.softpedia.com/news/GNOME-Software-3-10-1-Fixes-Bugs-and-Adds-New-Features-391284.shtml
Top Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 13.10 - Saucy Salamander http://www.unixmen.com/top-things-installing-ubuntu-13-10/
Inside the Ubuntu 13.10 Linux 'Saucy Salamander' Linux Desktop - http://www.eweek.com/enterprise-apps/slideshows/inside-the-ubuntu-13.10-linux-saucy-salamander-linux-desktop.html/
Android 4.4 KitKat: What we expect about the announcement, specs, and release date http://reviews.cnet.com/operating-systems/google-android-4-4/4505-3671_7-35829191.html
Samba 4.1 brings Linux desktop and Mac files from Windows 8, Server 2012 http://www.zdnet.com/samba-4-1-brings-linux-desktop-and-mac-files-from-windows-8-server-2012-7000021945/
SolusOS: A Linux Distro Stands Its Ground... http://fossforce.com/2013/10/solusos-linux-distro-stands-ground/
Why WordPress Updates Matter http://www.eweek.com/blogs/security-watch/why-wordpress-updates-matter.html
Ubuntu 13.10 review: The Linux OS of the future remains a year away http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/10/ubuntu-13-10-review-the-linux-os-of-the-future-remains-a-year-away/
VirtualBox 4.3 comes with New Multi-Touch Support, virtual cam and more http://www.unixmen.com/virtualbox-4-3-released/
Introducing Savannah: The Free Software Repository http://www.examiner.com/article/introducing-savannah-the-free-software-repository?cid=db_articles
Is Facebook The World's Largest Open Source Company? http://readwrite.com/2013/10/17/is-facebook-the-worlds-largest-open-source-company#awesm=~okCZxGgCF1b81n
Top 5 things Angie Bryon loves about Drupal http://opensource.com/life/13/10/interview-angie-byron-drupal
AbiWord: The little word processor that could http://www.examiner.com/article/abiword-the-little-word-processor-that-could?cid=db_articles
All Things Open conference preview https://opensource.com/business/13/10/all-things-open-conference-preview
Canonical's Ubuntu Linux 13.10 Brings Few Desktop Changes http://thevarguy.com/ubuntu/canonicals-ubuntu-linux-1310-brings-few-changes-desktop
Oracle Plugs 51 Java Vulnerabilities http://www.eweek.com/security/oracle-plugs-51-java-vulnerabilities.html
Ubuntu 13.10 Finally Released, Big Yawner? http://ostatic.com/blog/ubuntu-13-10-finally-released-big-yawner
Nestle may be hinting at Android 4.4 KitKat launch on October 28th http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/16/nestle-may-be-hinting-at-android-4-4-kitkat-launch-on-october-28/
Open Source PHP 5.5.5 Updates for 20 Bugs, Supports GNU Hurd
A new interface for Mandriva Pulse2 http://blog.mandriva.com/en/2013/10/17/interface-pulse/
Canonical Mobilizes Ubuntu 13.10 Linux http://www.eweek.com/enterprise-apps/canonical-mobilizes-ubuntu-13.10-linux.html
Red Hat Ramps Up Enterprise OpenStack Efforts http://www.datamation.com/cloud-computing/openstack-havana-cloud-gets-enterprise-ready.html
Ubuntu 13.10 Improves Linux Server Deployment http://www.serverwatch.com/server-news/ubuntu-13-10-improves-linux-server-deployment.html
Android Co-Founder Rich Miner on How He Is Spending Google's Money http://allthingsd.com/20131018/android-co-founder-rich-miner-on-how-he-is-spending-googles-money/
VirtualBox 4.3 Lets You Run Many Cutting-Edge Platforms at Once http://ostatic.com/blog/virtualbox-4-3-lets-you-run-many-cutting-edge-platforms-at-once
Create custom Linux-based systems regardless of the hardware https://opensource.com/business/13/10/interview-jeff-osier-mixon
What's coming in Ubuntu 14.04: Trusty Tahr http://www.zdnet.com/whats-coming-in-ubuntu-14-04-trusty-tahr-7000022132/
SecureDrop's Free Install, Oracle Spreads FUD & More... http://fossforce.com/2013/10/securedrops-free-install-oracle-spreads-fud/
Say What? Top Five IT Quotes of the Week http://www.eweek.com/cloud/openstack-havana-heats-up-the-cloud-2.html
Red Hat Mobilizes JBoss Portal
Q&A: Clement Lefebvre: The man behind Linux Mint http://www.networkworld.com/news/2013/102113-lefebvre-linux-mint-274911.html
Open Virtualization Alliance joins the Linux Foundation http://www.itworld.com/open-source/379355/open-virtualization-alliance-joins-linux-foundation
Mark Shuttleworth labels Mir opponents 'the Open Source Tea Party' http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/10/21/mark_shuttleworth_labels_mir_opponents_the_open_source_tea_party/
Google's iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/10/googles-iron-grip-on-android-controlling-open-source-by-any-means-necessary/
How Opensource.com Project Manager Jason Hibbets takes open source beyond technology http://opensource.com/life/13/10/interview-jason-hibbets-red-hat
GNOME Settings Daemon 3.10.1 Fixes Memory Leaks http://news.softpedia.com/news/GNOME-Settings-Daemon-3-10-1-Fixes-Memory-Leaks-393135.shtml
Review: Ubuntu Touch on a Nexus 7 is almost awesome http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/review-ubuntu-touch-nexus-7-almost-awesome
Ubuntu Touch: The next hot smartphone operating system http://www.zdnet.com/ubuntu-touch-the-next-hot-smartphone-operating-system-7000022156/
GLib 2.38.1 Fixes Support for GNU Hurd http://news.softpedia.com/news/GLib-2-38-1-Fixes-Support-for-GNU-Hurd-392975.shtml
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