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DistributionsNews and Editorials Checking in on Componentized LinuxIt's been a while since the spotlight was on Progeny's Componentized Linux (CL), "a platform for building specialized Linux distributions," but now seems like a good time to check in on CL.Progeny is working towards a release of Componentized Linux 3. Last week, Progeny's Ian Murdock provided a roadmap for the future of CL 3 and announcement that CL was becoming a fully supported Progeny product. Previously, CL was mostly an internal technology for Progeny use, which the company also shared with the community at large as a "skunkworks" project. Murdock was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his vacation to discuss Progeny's plans for CL, the Linux Core Consortium, the Sarge delay, Ubuntu and other topics. The company is focusing on the Linux Standard Base 3.0 specification for CL 3 (the CL version number tracks the LSB standard it is based on). A preview of LSB 3 is out now (LSB 3.0preview2), and the final release should be out by the end of Q2, if all goes according to schedule. Progeny is adopting an 18-month release cycle for CL, to track the LSB schedule. There are a few other changes with CL 3 as well. According to the roadmap, CL 3 adopts a "hierarchical component model," which allows a component to contain packages or other components. This allows developers to build a component from a collection of other components. The new feature will be used "to subdivide the relatively coarse-grained LSB component into a number of finer-grained components" to make the CL 3 release a "better platform for building small-footprint distros for resource-constrained or embedded environments than CL 2. In addition to technical changes, the company is also looking at a "shift away from services, more towards a product" with CL 3 that would allow customers to create their own custom distributions. Using Progeny's "component compiler," Murdock said it should be possible for a developer to do their own custom distribution "within 20 minutes, 30 minutes." This sounds like a great tool for companies that need a customized distribution, but what about Progeny? If Progeny shifts to the product model, as opposed to direct services, how do they plan to continue to make money? By putting the development tools directly in the hands of their customers, what will they need Progeny for? Murdock said that Progeny would still deliver something of value to its customers. Murdock said that the company is looking at delivering components "in a form of a service...delivered across some type of authenticated API," which customers would pay for over time -- a sort of subscription service. He noted that the details of this have not been worked out yet, and that Progeny wants to "compete on adding value, not on putting up arbitrary restrictions. We want people to pay us because they're getting value." He also added that if another company could deliver better service than Progeny, "we deserve what we got." Since Componentized Linux is based on Debian Sarge, which is still unreleased, we asked if the delay had caused any problems for Progeny. Murdock said that the delay "is causing problems for all organizations that depend on Debian, [but] it doesn't affect us more than the others."
It is frustrating, we're trying to build a product that's compatible with Sarge, and we've found that people out in the world want Debian, not some derivative of Debian. In the commercial space, you have to have a predictable release cycle. It doesn't matter so much what it is, just that it's predictable.
After our conversation, Murdock noted on his weblog that Debian "needs to get Sarge out the door as soon as possible, and once Sarge is released, Debian should adopt a time-based release cycle as well. If the GNOME project can do it, there's no reason that Debian can't too." The company is prepared, no matter what happens with the Sarge release. If Sarge has not been released by June, but the release is "imminent," the CL release may be delayed to wait for the final release. If not, Progeny will base CL Core 3.0 on "a late June snapshot of sarge and incorporate the final Sarge release into a later point release." We were also curious about the status of the Linux Core Consortium (LCC) project, which has been oddly quiet since its inception. The project was scheduled to release the "common core" during the first quarter of this year, a target that it won't be making, according to Murdock. Part of the problem, of course, stems from the merger of LCC members Mandrake and Conectiva, which has no doubt taken some of the focus off LCC while the companies finish their integration. Murdock said that the LCC is still working towards a release, and that "it actually works out for the better anyway, because we can jump right in to LSB 3.0 without an interim 2.0 release." He also said that the LSB 18-month release cycle "is exactly what we wanted for LCC as well." According to the roadmap, CL Core 3.0 would include the RPM platform as well as the Debian platform if the LCC development team makes its schedule. Murdock has also recently made a few comments about the compatibility of Ubuntu packages with Debian Sarge. Murdock says that "A package built on Progeny should work on Linspire; a package built on Linspire should work on Ubuntu; a package built on Ubuntu should work on Progeny." However, Ubuntu packages do not always "just work" on Debian Sarge, which can be a problem given that Ubuntu is gaining in popularity rather quickly. His suggestion is that Ubuntu, and others presumably, use a compatibility layer to allow packages to work on multiple Debian-based distribution. He notes that he's "a big believer" in what Ubuntu is trying to do, and also said that he's been in talks with Mark Shuttleworth of Canonical about Ubuntu about "Debian-derived distros and compatibility," and also hinted that there may be an "LCC-like" effort for Debian distributions in the next few months. Developers should be able to get their hands on the first CL 3 preview on or around April 22, according to the roadmap. The preview release will be "essentially the same as CL RC2" but with its packages updated to the current Sarge packages, and with subsequent releases tracking Sarge as it continues towards a final release.
New Releases Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 updated (r5)The fifth update of Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 (woody) is now available. This revision mainly adds security updates to the stable release, along with a few corrections to serious problems. Those who frequently update from security.debian.org won't have to update many packages and most updates from security.debian.org are included in this update.
Novell Ships SUSE Linux Professional 9.3Novell, Inc. has announced the availability of SUSE LINUX Professional 9.3. "SUSE LINUX Professional 9.3 includes a leading edge Linux operating system, over 3,000 open source packages, including a complete set of desktop applications, convenient installation media, and comprehensive documentation and installation support."
SUSE Linux Live CDSuSE Linux has released a Live CD version of SUSE LINUX Professional 9.3. From the README file: "For rich, reliable and secure home computing, there's no better choice than SUSE LINUX Professional 9.3. It provides everything today's Linux user needs for home computing and computing-on-the-go. This live DVD will boot directly from the DVD without modifying the hard disk. It enables users to learn about and test the functions and applications of this new system without installing it on the hard disk and consequently offers an easy and convenient way to review the operating system. In addition to English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, and Dutch, the LiveDVD supports a variety of other languages."
openMosix 2.6 update and AMD_Opteron PortThe openMosix Project has announced (click below) the release of openMosix version 2.6. "openMosix 2.6 moves much of the patchs code from the kernel to user space. This brings a very significant improvement which provides improved performance, makes user land tools easier to implement, and most significantly, simplifies porting to new kernel versions including AMD Opteron, Intel EM64T, and PowerPPC." openMosix extensions are used by distributions such as ClusterKnoppix, Sentinix, PlumpOS and CHAOS.
Breezy suite now open for businessUbuntu has the first bleeding edge version of the Breezy Badger ready for testing.
Trustix Secure Linux 3.0 betaTrustix Secure Linux 3.0 beta is out. "Our rapidly expanding new customer base has meant we only had to concentrate on one area of improvement - making installation really, really simple. "Viper" our new installer should meet everyone's needs....customers old and new, and many new features are ideal for our growing enterprise community."
Red Hat launches Hindi Linux in MPThe Hindu notes the release of a Hindi version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux v.4 in Madhya Pradesh. "While crossing over language barriers, local language desktops will ensure that benefits are available to millions of Indians who otherwise have no access to expensive proprietary desktop systems that have interfaces in English, Red Hat India Enterprise sales head, Sachin Dabir told reporters here."
Distribution News A Componentized Linux roadmapIan Murdock has posted a lengthy roadmap for Componentized Linux on his weblog. "Beginning with 3.0, the LSB is adopting an 18-month release cycle, with periodic point releases as necessary that don't break compatibility and/or certifications. We will closely track the LSB with CL Core (a.k.a. the LSB component), adopting a synchronized 18-month release cycle and version numbering scheme to match the LSB specification CL implements. Thus, we will release and LSB-certify CL Core 3.0 in July 2005."
Mandriva (ex Mandrake) Linux LE2005 now on mirrorsMandrivalinux Limited Edition 2005 is available for download on about one hundred FTP mirrors worldwide.
Ubuntu Hardened volunteers recruitmentThe Ubuntu Hardened project is seeking volunteers. "If you think you have something to contribute with or you just want to know the experience of working with people with common goals, ideas and wishes of learning and contributing to Ubuntu Linux (and also Debian in the long term), don't hesitate and drop us a line."
New Distributions ArchieArchie is a complete live Arch linux system (originally based on v0.7) to be run from a CD/USB, built with the KISS philosophy in mind. This is a full Arch Linux system, while striving for the fastest performance with no extensive bloating. Archie uses its own hardware detection tool (lshwd) and supports a wide range of hardware with low detection time. Archie also provides extended features like multi-lingual, nesting capabilities and hd-install. Here's the announcement for Archie v0.4.1.
Distribution Newsletters Debian Weekly NewsThe Debian Weekly News for April 19, 2005 looks at old bug reports, Debian based Desktops in Munich, an interview with Branden Robinson, the Woody update, Debian Kernel Team meetings on IRC, and much more.
Gentoo Weekly NewsletterThe Gentoo Weekly Newsletter for the week of April 18, 2005 is out. This week's edition looks at documentation project updates including a USB Guide, a paper on configuring Fluxbox, and Sparc documentation, and the Gentoo Releng Team meeting looking at the 2005.0 release, new official Gentoo IRC channels, and several other topics.
DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 96The DistroWatch Weekly for April 18, 2005 is out. This week's topics include Viva VIA, Brazil - Domino Theory Revisited, Ian Murdock on Ubuntu and more.
Minor distribution updates BLAG30000 ReleasedBLAG Linux and GNU has released BLAG30000. This 100% Free Software distribution is based on Fedora Core 3 plus updates, and extra applications from Dag, Freshrpms, NewRPMS and custom packages.
Libranet 3.0 releasedLibranet has announced the release of Libranet 3.0. "At last the long awaited Libranet 3.0 is released. Libranet 3.0 represents a considerable investment on the part of the Libranet developers. We hope you will be able to show your support for Libranet and purchase this most excellent distribution."
Package updates Fedora Core 3 updatesThis update covers upgrades, bug fixes and some license changes to fifteen packages: dbh-1.0.22-3.fc3, libxfce4util-4.2.1-3.fc3, libxfcegui4-4.2.1-4.fc3, libxfce4mcs-4.2.1-3.fc3, xfce-mcs-manager-4.2.1-3.fc3, xfce4-panel-4.2.1.1-4.fc3, xfce4-iconbox-4.2.1-3.fc3, xfce4-systray-4.2.1-4.fc3, xfce-utils-4.2.1-3.fc3, xffm-4.2.1-5.fc3, xfwm4-4.2.1-5.fc3, xfce-mcs-plugins-4.2.1-4.fc3, xfwm4-themes-4.2.1-3.fc3, xfdesktop-4.2.1-3.fc3, xfprint-4.2.1-3.fc3.More updates: at-3.1.8-70_FC3 (fixes a call to pam_setcred), aspell-bg-0.50-8.fc3 (removes false words), urw-fonts-2.3-0.FC3.1 (update to 1.0.7pre40), alsa-lib-1.0.6-8.FC3 (fix for ICH6 family), foomatic-3.0.2-13.4 (minor bug fixes).
Mandriva update to kdelibsMandriva updates kdelibs, fixing various bugs for Mandrivalinux 10.1.
Newsletters and articles of interest Linux Distribution Tames Chaos (Wired)Wired News takes a look at Chaos. "In early 2004, Chaos emerged as a Linux distribution that could be booted from either a CD-ROM or a network. It turned an ordinary Pentium computer into a working openMosix node. OpenMosix is software that is added to the Linux kernel that allows computers running Linux to work together in a cluster. With a cluster of nodes (or PCs) linked together, the master node can serve processes to them, drastically reducing the time needed to complete a specific task -- and without touching the computer's hard drive."
Bastille Linux update: Hardening the OS with help from Uncle Sam (NewsForge)NewsForge has an interview with Bastille Linux project leader Jay Beale. "NF: You mentioned recently that Bastille Linux has been under major development -- please talk a little bit about what is happening. Beale: Until today, Bastille could only harden or "lock down" systems. It did this by deactivating unnecessary operating system components and better configuring the ones that remained. It took proactive steps to make a system harder to compromise, reducing the probability that the next item in the attacker's toolkit will be successful against your system. We've just finished adding reporting functionality to Bastille, so that it can tell you what parts of the system aren't locked down."
Mandriva's Limited Edition 2005 Brings The Ultimate To Linux Enthusiasts (LinuxElectrons)LinuxElectrons takes a quick look at Mandrivalinux Limited Edition 2005. "Linux power users will welcome the advanced Web experience, enhanced hardware compatibility and expanded development options brought by Limited Edition 2005, along with significant performance gains. Firefox 1.0.2 offers the most advanced Web browsing experience, with multi-tabbed navigation, pop-up blocking, increased speed, and unmatched security. Limited Edition also offers the RSS reader Akregator. RSS is a format used to simplify the aggregation and syndication of Web content. RSS feeds contain news and updates from websites and blogs, providing personalized access to information."
Distribution reviews Linux in Government: Linux Desktop Reviews, Part 6 - Ubuntu (Linux Journal)Linux Journal looks at the suitability of Ubuntu for an Enterprise Desktop. "I anticipate that Ubuntu will become the mainstream Linux distribution globally. As the saying goes, though, only time will tell. However, if you do your due diligence on the company, the sponsor, the spirit of innovation and success of the Ubuntu people, you probably will come to the same conclusion. All the elements have gone into play for rapid success. As they say in my part of the country, this dog can hunt. In addition, it can point and win a show or two if need be."
411 on 2005 (Tuxmachines.org)Tuxmachines reviews Mandrivalinux 2005 Limited Edition. "The list of included applications and desktop environments is as always unsurpassed. This release of Mandriva is definitely a step in the right direction for Mandrivalinux. I was impressed by the speed of operations and the stability of the system. I haven't felt this good about a Mandrake/Mandriva release in a long time. One might miss the bleeding edge applications until they work within this new stable release, then one can appreciate the effort Mandriva is making eliminate bugs and provide a reliable system."
Linux Made Easy: Linspire 5.0 (ExtremeTech)ExtremeTech reviews Linspire Five-0. "This release of Linspire comes with a brand new look and feel. We found it to be slick and easy on the eyes. The Linspire desktop is well organized and has everything you need to get started using the operating system, including the usual My Computer, browser, email, and printer icons."
CentOS 4 Offers Strong RHEL Alternative (LinuxPlanet)LinuxPlanet reviews CentOS 4. "Likely many CentOS users will fall into the category of Fedora users that need better stability but don't want to pay any more than they are paying for Fedora, i.e. Free. While I'm a huge fan of Fedora, it can be a difficult distribution to put in place and maintain for servers (in my case app and file servers) that you really don't want to have to fully upgrade up to three times a year. I suspect that for many technically adept small enterprise users, CentOS 4 will fit the bill as a stable and reliable enterprise Linux offering."
Page editor: Rebecca Sobol |
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