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Development
A Look at the Apache 2.1 Web Server
The Apache web server is one of the largest and most important open-source projects in use today. It is the most commonly used web server on the internet, and has been around since 1995. The project history document provides some useful background information. Apache is such a large project that it requires a glossary to keep track of the terminology used by the project.Advertisement
![[Apache]](/images/ns/asf_logo.png){kind=logo}
Version 2 of Apache was created several years ago as an effort to
improve and restructure the popular web server, which had become
somewhat overloaded with features and modifications.
The current stable release of Apache is
version 2.0.55.
Work on the next stable release, version 2.2, is ongoing,
with the unstable 2.1 series.
Development version 2.1.9-beta of Apache was announced on November 6, 2005. The main Apache web site summarizes the release: "This version of Apache is a Beta release of the unstable development branch. New features include Smart Filtering, Improved Caching, AJP Proxy, Proxy Load Balancing, Graceful Shutdown support, Large File Support, the Event MPM, and refactored Authentication/Authorization."
The new features in Apache 2.2 document lists the changes in detail, here's a quick rundown of what's new:
- Refactoring of the authentication and authorization modules.
- Improvements to the caching system.
- A simplified and improved configuration system with easy to use configuration snippets.
- Improvements to the shutdown process for httpd.
- A new_mod_proxy balancer module for load balancing.
- Inclusion of version 5 of the Perl Compatible Regular Expression Library.
- Improvements to the output filtering system via mod_filter.
- Support for files and request bodies larger than 2GB.
- An experimental Event MPM for improving atomic operations.
- Support for SQL databases via mod_dbd.
- Improvements to the mod_authnz_ldap, mod_info, and mod_ssl modules.
- An httpd -M command line option that lists all loaded modules.
- Modules now use version 1.0 of the Apache Portable Runtime API.
The Upgrading to 2.1 from 2.0 document is worth a quick read before upgrading. All current versions of Apache are available for download here.
System Applications
Database Software
PostgreSQL 8.1 Released
PostgreSQL 8.1 is out. This release includes database roles, two-phase commit support, and an impressive set of performance improvements; click below for the full announcement.
Mogwai ERDesigner 0.9.5 released (SourceForge)
Version 0.9.5 of Mogwai ERDesigner is available. "ERDesigner is a free entity releationship modelling tool supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle. There are also several plugins available for model documentation, source code generation for JPOX and Hibernate for your models. Also the tools supports database schema versioning. The 0.9.5 release includes some bug - fixes and also enhancements to the reverse engineering plugin and code generation module."
PostgreSQL Weekly News
The November 6, 2005 edition of the PostgreSQL Weekly News is online with the latest PostgreSQL database information.
SchemaSpy 2.0.0 released (SourceForge)
Version 2.0.0 of SchemaSpy is out with a number of new capabilities. "SchemaSpy analyzes schema metadata, letting you click through the hierarchy of your tables' parent/child relationships either graphically or through HTML tables. It works with just about any RDBMS given an appropriate JDBC driver. SchemaSpy also identifies several common schema anomalies."
Embedded Systems
Busybox 1.1.0-pre1 released
Version 1.1.0-pre1 of Busybox, a condensed collection of command line tools for embedded systems, is out. "This prerelease includes a lot of new functionality: new applets, new features, and extensive rewrites of several existing applets. This prerelease should be noticeably more standards compliant than earlier versions of busybox, although we're still working out the bugs."
Networking Tools
iptables 1.3.4 released
Version 1.3.4 of the iptables network filtering software has been released. "The 1.3.4 version contains accumulated bugfixes to the last 1.3.3 version. It also fixes some compilation problems with the latest (2.6.14) kernel release."
Package Management
Red Hat RPM Guide released
Red Hat has released a new, extensive guide to the RPM package manager under the Open Publication License. It probably belongs in the bookmarks of anybody who manages an RPM-based system.
Security
TrueCrypt 4.0 Released (SourceForge)
Version 4.0 of TrueCrypt, a cross-platform disk encryption system, is available. "Among the new features is the ability to mount TrueCrypt volumes on Linux (TrueCrypt has been ported to Linux), ability to write to outer volume without risking that a hidden volume within it will get damaged, support for x86-64 (64-bit) and big-endian hardware platforms, support for Windows XP x64 Edition (64-bit) and Windows Server 2003 x64, full support for keyfiles, language packs, network drives, auto-dismount, hot keys, and many more."
Web Site Development
MKSearch beta 1, done with GCJ
The first beta release of MKSearch has been announced. "MKSearch is a metadata search engine that indexes structured metadata in Web documents, not free text in the document body."
mnoGoSearch 3.2.35 released
Version 3.2.35 of mnoGoSearch, a web site search engine, is available. See the change history document for details.
Wicket 1.1 released (SourceForge)
Version 1.1 of Wicket, a Java component oriented web application framework, has been announced. A large collection of new features has been added.
Xaraya 1.0 is here! (SourceForge)
Version 1.0 of Xaraya, a PHP-based web application framework, has been announced. "This release marks the end of the road to 1.0 and presents a secure and stable platform on which to build into the future. Many smaller fixes to the code are included and some template inconsistencies have been removed."
Google Sitemaps (O'Reilly)
Uche Ogbuji explores Google Sitemaps on O'Reilly. "I wrote the Python-XML column for three years, discussing the combination of an agile programming language with an agile data format. It's time to pull the lens back a bit to take in other such technologies. This new column, "Agile Web," will cover the intersection of dynamic programming languages and web technologies, particularly the sorts of dynamic developments on the web for which some use the moniker, "Web 2.0.""
Miscellaneous
Eddie 0.35 has been released
Version 0.35 of the EDDIE Tool, a Pyhon-based tool for system monitoring, security and performance analysis, is available. "This version has been a long time coming but check out all the added features, including support for two new platforms."
Desktop Applications
Audio Applications
LDAS 0.1.0 Released
The initial release (version 0.1.0) of LDAS, the Low Delay Audio Streamer, is available. "At this point, the basic functionality is present -- LDAS is capable of transmitting full duplex two-channel audio between two computers. This has been tested using the ldas_mate binary running on two computers equipped with SoundBlaster Live sound cards."
Rivendell v0.9.57 announced
Version 0.9.57 of the Rivendell radio automation system has been announced. Changes include SuSE desktop integration, new icons, and bug fixes.
Business Applications
Sequoia ERP v0.8.2 RC1 released (SourceForge)
Version 0.8.2 RC1 of Sequoia ERP, a business Enterprise Resource and Planning application, has been announced. "The first candidate for Sequoia ERP v 0.8.2 has been released. This release candidate incorporates some incremental enhancements and bug fixes since the 0.8.1-stable release."
Tina POS 0.0.12 released (SourceForge)
Version 0.0.12 of Tina POS has been released with several new features and bug fixes. "Tina POS is a point of sales application designed for touch screens. Supports ESC/POS ticket printers, customer displays and barcode scanners. Its multiuser and has a great backoffice with a product entry form, reports and charts."
Calendar Software
WebCalendar 1.1 development update (SourceForge)
A development version of WebCalendar 1.1 is available with an important security fix. "WebCalendar is a PHP-based calendar application that can be configured as a single-user calendar, a multi-user calendar for groups of users, or as an event calendar viewable by visitors. MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, DB2, Interbase, MS SQL Server, or ODBC is required."
Desktop Environments
GNOME Foundation board size referendum passes
The GNOME Foundation vote on the reduction of its board of directors from eleven to seven members was covered in LWN two weeks ago. The results are now in, and the issue has passed; there were 117 "yes" votes to 70 "no" votes.
GNOME Software Announcements
The following new GNOME software has been announced this week:- audioconvert 0.3.0 (new features)
- Bonfire 0.1 (early development release)
- duty-roaster-0.0.90 (new features and bug fixes)
- Gtk2Hs 0.9.10 (new features, bug fixes, and documentation work)
- Guikachu 1.5.6 (new features)
- OnTV 1.8.0 (new features, bug fixes, and translation work)
- ooo-build-src680.137.0 (new features and bug fixes)
- Sabayon 2.12.1 (new features, bug fixes, and translation work)
- Screem 0.16.0 (new features and bug fixes)
- slgtk 0.5.15 (compatibility maintenance release)
- Spam Trainer 0.1.4 (new features)
- Totem 1.0.5 (bug fixes)
KDE Software Announcements
The following new KDE software has been announced this week:- amaroK 1.3.6 (bug fixes)
- gambas 1.0.12 (new features and bug fixes)
- KCheckGmail 0.5.5 (bug fixes)
- KMyMoney 0.8.1 (bug fixes, documentation and translation work)
- Krusader 1.70.0-beta2 (new features and bug fixes)
- LinCVS XXL 1.7.3 (no info available)
- ooo-build-src680.137.0 (new features and bug fixes)
- SpeedCrunch 0.6-beta2 (new features)
Electronics
Electric 8.03 released
Version 8.03 of Electric has been announced. "The Electric VLSI Design System is a framework for all computer-aided design and engineering work. The system understands MOS, Bipolar, schematics, printed circuitry, artwork, and many others. In addition, Electric contains design-rule checkers, simulators, generators (PLA, etc.), routers, a VHDL compiler, a compactor, network comparison, and other tools. Interpretive languages can be built-in (currently LISP and TCL are available). Current versions of Electric have been rewritten from C to Java." See the project page for download information.
wcalc 0.9 has been released
Version 0.9 of wcalc, a tool for the analysis and synthesis of transmission line structures, is available. "After 8 years in development and use among a fairly small group of people, I am pleased to announce that the first public release of wcalc is finally available. While wcalc is believed to be stable at this time, it has not received much field testing. Therefore I decided on calling this version 0.9. My intention is to collect feedback from users over the next few months and then make a 1.0 release after wcalc has seen some more widespread use."
Interoperability
Wine Weekly News
The November 4, 2005 edition of the Wine Weekly News is available. Topics include: Another Beta Article, WineProbe - Part II, Multimonitor Support, Multiple App Support, Killing Wine Processes, Wine Eject, Linking Windows Libraries.
Mail Clients
Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 Release Candidate 1 Available (MozillaZine)
Release candidate 1 for version 1.5 of the Mozilla Thunderbird email client is out. "Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 Release Candidate 1 is intended to allow testers to ensure that there are no last-minute problems with the Thunderbird 1.5 code. There will be at least one more release candidate before the final launch of 1.5. In addition to fixing several bugs that came out of the Beta 2 testing cycle, 1.5 RC1 also includes support for saved search folders that can search across multiple accounts and support for message threads for single folder saved search folders."
Medical Applications
FreeMED 0.8.1 Released (LinuxMedNews)
Version 0.8.1 of the FreeMED medical practice management system has been announced. "New features include: Integrated PEAR and phpwebtools for ease of installation, New Quest Diagnostics HL7 lab interface for integrated results, Support for FQHC sliding scale system, Secure data warehousing architecture added, Initial French internationalization/translation added, Improved query maker support, Support for labs and results, New pluggable authentication system, and Improved messaging system."
Music Applications
gmorgan 0.25 released
Version 0.25 of gmorgan, a rhythm station and organ synthesizer, is out with bug fixes, new features, and availability as a Debian package.
Musical MIDI Accompaniment 0.18 now available
Beta release 0.18 of MMA, the Musical MIDI Accompaniment generator, is out. "Included in this release: Enhancements to lyrics, macros, command line macro define, various bug fixes, and minor syntax changes."
Video Applications
xjadeo 0.1.1 announced
Version 0.1.1 of Xjadeo is out with build improvements, better documentation, and some new command line options. "Xjadeo is intented as a tool for composing soundtracks to video clips and is designed to use little system resources, even at the expense of video playing quality."
Web Browsers
MPlayerplug-in 3.15 released
Version 3.14 of MPlayerplug-in, A Mozilla compatible plugin that plays online video, is out. Changes include the ability to seek by clicking on the progress bar, improvements to the Apple HD Trailer playback, and additional JavaScript Events.
Miscellaneous
Comix 1.5 released (SourceForge)
Version 1.5 of Comix, a GTK+ comic book viewer, is available. "With version 1.5 Comix takes a few more steps towards it's goal of being user-friendly and simple but still powerful and without taking the control away from the user."
Languages and Tools
Caml
Caml Weekly News
The November 8, 2005 edition of the Caml Weekly News is online with the latest Caml language articles.
Java
GNU Classpath 0.19 released
Version 0.19 of GNU Classpath, a set of essential Java libraries, is out. Here are the release highlights: "Much more efficient painting for large Free Swing GUIs. Improved accessibility support. HttpURLConnection rewrite. Official CORBA VMCID assigned. Start of RMI over IIOP support. Qt4 support for OS-X. Much improved Free Swing Metal theme. Free Swing Demo includes theme switcher example (Metal, Ocean, GNU). JBoss now starts up and Jonas testsuite passes for 95%. Support for the javax.sound.midi framework and experimental DSSI and ALSA service providers. Early version of the popular StAX API. Now has 96% coverage of 1.4 API."
The Unofficial "Harmony, Licensing, the Universe and everything" FAQ
Leo Simons presents a new document: "The Unofficial "Harmony, Licensing, the Universe and everything" FAQ". Take a look for answers to all of your licensing questions about Harmony, an open-source Java implementation.
JSP
What Is Struts
Chuck Cavaness introduces Struts on O'Reilly. "Apache Struts is an open source Java framework used for building web applications based on the servlet and JavaServer Pages (JSP) technologies. It was created in 2000 by Craig R. McClanahan and has become the de facto standard framework for web applications in Java."
Python
Dr. Dobb's Python-URL!
The November 6, 2005 edition of Dr. Dobb's Python-URL! is online. Take a look for new Python language articles.
Dr. Dobb's Python-URL!
The November 9, 2005 edition of Dr. Dobb's Python-URL! is online with the latest Python articles and resources.
Ruby
Ruby Weekly News
The November 6th, 2005 edition of the Ruby Weekly News looks at the latest discussions from the ruby-talk mailing list.
Tcl/Tk
Dr. Dobb's Tcl-URL!
The November 2, 2005 edition of Dr. Dobb's Tcl-URL! is online with new Tcl/Tk articles and resources.
Dr. Dobb's Tcl-URL!
The November 7, 2005 edition of Dr. Dobb's Tcl-URL! is online with the latest Tcl/Tk news and resources.
IDEs
eric3 3.8.0 released
Version 3.8.0 of eric3, an IDE for Python and Ruby, has been announced. Changes include usability enhancements and bug fixes.
Miscellaneous
Scriptorium code library 1.6 released (SourceForge)
Version 1.6 of Scriptorium has been announced. "Scriptorium is a web-based code library that helps you reuse code you've already written by organizing it in one place, regardless of language. New in version 1.6 are localization support (French and Dutch language translations so far), the ability to attach comments to your snippets, and a new syntax highlighting engine. Plus the usual smattering of interface improvements and bug fixes."
XPlanner 0.7 beta 2 released (SourceForge)
Version 0.7 beta 2 of XPlanner is available. "XPlanner is a web-based project planning and tracking tool for eXtreme Programming (XP) teams. XPlanner is implemented using Java, JSP, and Struts, and MySQL (user contributed support for other databases). XPlanner 0.7 provide many improvements."
Page editor: Forrest Cook
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