| From: |
| John Crawford <johnc4510-AT-ubuntu.com> |
| To: |
| ubuntu-news-AT-lists.ubuntu.com |
| Subject: |
| Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter #153 |
| Date: |
| Sun, 02 Aug 2009 14:32:30 -0700 |
| Message-ID: |
| <4A7605EE.3070809@ubuntu.com> |
Welcome to the Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter, Issue #153 for the week July
26th - August 1st, 2009. In this issue we cover: Canonical to Offer
Ubuntu Desktop Support & Services, Free Books for Approved LoCo teams,
DC LoCo Bug Jam, Atlanta Linux Fest & Mini Ubucon, Ubuntu Pennsylvania &
FreeGeekPenn, Sharing translations between different releases, Open Mind
& Launchpad, More power to the release manager, Writing code for
Launchpad, Exporting translations to a Bazaar branch, New layout for
kubuntu-de.org, Ubuntu Podcast Quickie #10, Ubuntu Teams Meeting Summary
for July, and much, much more!
== UWN Translations ==
* Note to translators and our readers: We are trying a new way of
linking to our translations pages. Please follow the link below for the
information you need.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/Translations
== In This Issue ==
* Canonical to Offer Ubuntu Desktop Support & Services
* Ubuntu Stats
* Free Books for Approved LoCo teams
* DC LoCo Bug Jam
* Atlanta Linux Fest & Mini Ubucon
* Ubuntu Pennsylvania & FreeGeekPenn
* Sharing translations between different releases
* OpenMind & Launchpad
* More power to the release manager
* Writing code for Launchpad
* New layout for kubuntu-de.org
* In the Press & Blogosphere
* Ubuntu Podcast Quickie #10
* Ubuntu Team Meeting Summary for July
* Upcoming Meetings & Events
* Updates & Security
== General Community News ==
=== Canonical to Offer Ubuntu Desktop Support and Services ===
Canonical, the founder of the Ubuntu project, announced that it has
launched new support services for individuals using Ubuntu desktop - and
small businesses looking for cost effective alternatives to Microsoft
Windows and Apple Mac.
"Canonical's Desktop Support Services (http://www.ubuntu.com/services)
provides an easy, inexpensive way to get Ubuntu up and running in the
home, home office and small business - reaching the vast majority of
computer users," said Steve George, director of Canonical's Corporate
Services division. "With our team supporting them, Ubuntu is ideal for
people who just want their computer to work, where the goal is to get up
and running with no fuss, focusing on the things they want to accomplish."
Canonical's Desktop Support Services includes three offerings: Starter,
Advanced and Professional:
* The Starter Desktop Service provides support for installation,
set-up and basic functionality - such as Internet, creating documents
and playing music and videos.
* The Advanced Desktop Service is for more experienced users who need
help migrating files and settings from a previously used operating
system or assistance with desktop publishing and personal accounting.
* The Professional Desktop Service is for the business user who uses
Ubuntu as their main environment. Installation support ensures the
Ubuntu machine is set up on the corporate network and integrated into
existing IT services. The Professional Desktop Service also helps set up
desktop virtualization and ongoing support provides professional users
with quicker access to support personnel.
Canonical's individual and small business Desktop Services are available
now and can be purchased from the Ubuntu shop at
https://shop.canonical.com/.
For details, prices and what to expect from these services visit
http://www.ubuntu.com/services
http://www.ubuntu.com/news/canonical-ubuntu-desktop-suppo...
== Ubuntu Stats ==
=== Bug Stats ===
* Open (59388) +120 over last week
* Critical (30) +1 over last week
* Unconfirmed (27536) +98 over last week
* Unassigned (51141) +59 over last week
* All bugs ever reported (299560) +1854 over last week
As always, the Bug Squad needs more help. If you want to get started,
please see https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BugSquad
=== Translation Stats Jaunty ===
* Spanish (12726) -69 over last week
* French (39723) -6 over last week
* Brazilian Portuguese (48891) -76 over last week
* Swedish (53831) -393 over last week
* English (United Kingdom) (55729) +/-0 over last week
Remaining strings to translate in Ubuntu 9.04 "Jaunty Jackalope," see
more at: https://translations.launchpad.net/ubuntu/jaunty/
=== Translation Stats Karmic ===
* Spanish (23991) +1421 over last week
* French (55984) +533 over last week
* Swedish (66063) -1298 over last week
* Brazilian Portuguese (75674) +5920 over last week
* English (Uk) (78933) +561 over last week
1. Language (#) +/- # over last week
Remaining strings to translate in Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala", see more
at: https://translations.launchpad.net/ubuntu/karmic/
=== Ubuntu Brainstorm Top 5 this week ===
* All VPN buttons are greyed out -
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20820/
* Can't control enough monitors - http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20870/
* Excluding files from Tracker search in Tracker results window -
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20881/
* Reduce heat and power usage - http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20847/
* Touchpad has to be switched on manually every time when there is no
mouse - http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20885/
Ubuntu Brainstorm is a community site geared toward letting you add your
ideas for Ubuntu. You can submit your own idea, or vote for or against
another idea. http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/
== LoCo News ==
=== Free Books For Approved LoCo Teams ===
Recently nhandler has been talking to Prentice Hall, the rather
spanky-awesome publishers of The Official Ubuntu Book by Mako, Matthew
Helmke and Corey Burger, and the brand new Official Ubuntu Server Book
by our friend and yours, Kyle Rankin and Mako. These books were
commissioned by Debra Williams-Cauley who has been awesome getting them
on the shelves, and her sidekick is one Heather Fox who I have been
chatting with recently to see if we can score some free copies for our
rather fantastic Ubuntu LoCo Teams. Fortunately, Heather has been able
to make the magic happen.
Prentice Hall are happy to send each and every approved LoCo team one
free copy of The Official Ubuntu Book and one free copy of The Official
Ubuntu Server book. To be entirely clear: this is one copy of each book
per team. This will be a great addition to each team's library of Ubuntu
books!
To keep this as simple as possible, you can request your books by
following these steps:
1. The team contact shown on our LoCo Team List (and only the team
contact) should send Heather Fox an email at heather DOT fox AT pearson
DOT com and include the following details:
* Your full name.
* Which team you are from.
* Your full address (including zip/postal code, region and country).
* Your phone number, including country and area code.
2. Heather will process your application and let you know if it is approved.
3. If approved, she will get your books in the post.
A few notes:
* Only approved teams are eligible for the free copies of the books.
* Only the team contact for each team (shown on this page) can make
the request for the book.
* There is a limit of one copy of each book per approved team.
* Prentice Hall will cover postage, but not any import tax or other
shipping fees.
* When you have the books, it is up to you what you do with them. We
recommend you share them between members of the team. LoCo Leaders:
please don't hog them for yourselves!
* The deadline for getting your requests in Wed 12th August 2009.
If you have any questions or queries, don't contact nhandler or
Canonical, contact Heather Fox at heather DOT fox AT pearson DOT com.
Also, for those teams who are not approved or yet to approved, you can
still score a rather nice 35% discount on the books by registering your
LoCo with the Prentice Hall User Groups Program
http://fridge.ubuntu.com/node/1886
=== DC LoCo Bug Jam: August 22nd, 2009 3-9PM ===
It's official! On Saturday August 22nd, 2009 starting at 3PM and going
no later than 9PM I will attempt to do my best at hosting a Bug Jam.
Brian Curtis has scheduled a room at George Mason University in Fairfax,
VA. Anyone interested in going to the event please send Brian an e-mail
at briancurtis.wx@gmail.com and he can give you the details.
http://ubuntutrap.blogspot.com/2009/08/dc-loco-bug-jam-au...
=== Atlanta Linux Fest and Mini Ubucon ===
The Atlanta Linux Fest(http://atlantalinuxfest.org/) will be held on
Saturday, September 19, 2009 in Atlanta GA. There in no charge for the
event. However, if you are wanting lunch there is a $5.00 per person charge.
Organizations can request a table/booth to help spread the word about
their respective projects. Booths are $100 for commercial projects, free
for registered 501(c)3 groups.
If you are wondering about the topics and the speakers please visit this
link to see the exciting line up. http://atlantalinuxfest.org/presentations
For more information on the Atlanta Linux Fest visit:
http://atlantalinuxfest.org/ Also, if you have not registered please
visit: http://atlantalinuxfest.org/registration and do so.
Mini Ubuntu Conference
Also, another added feature to the Atlanta Linux fest is that there will
be a mini- Ubucon (ubuntu conference) talking place during the fest. So
Ubuntu LoCo teams, ubuntu users and enthusiasts this is for you. We are
planning on having some great sessions surrounding all things ubuntu. If
you would like to see specific topics for the Ubucon please add to the
BoF sessions or shoot me an email: akgraner [at] ubuntu [dot] com
Go Ubuntu LoCo Teams!!!
Hotel information is available at the link below.
http://amber.redvoodoo.org/2009/07/atlanta-linux-fest-and...
=== Ubuntu Pennsylvania + FreeGeekPenn ===
Recently Liz Krumbach and a few members of the Pennsylvania team met at
Free Geek Penn to discuss how they could help. FREE GEEK PENN is a
non-profit organization that recycles used technology and provides
computers, education and access to the internet to those in need in
exchange for community service.
The Penn team came bearing Ubuntu gifts and they were welcomed very
warmly by the staff. They immediately were able to speak with one of the
organization founders, Stephen Bailey, who was helpful and gracious,
eventually giving us a full tour of the facility. He was joined by their
resident "Linux Guy" Adam Markley.
Obviously the team was there to lend support on the Linux side of
things, the discussion revolved around a few major topics, and avenues
that the PA team could help with:
* Intro to Ubuntu Classes
* PCs being sent to Africa programs (possibly deploy Ubuntu rather
than shipping them OS-less)
* Desktop deployment (perhaps a bit premature, they outlined issues
encountered the last time they tried this)
Liz has put together a wiki page detailing our possible collaboration
options and notes about their past Linux deployment experience:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PennsylvaniaTeam/CommunityOutreac...
http://princessleia.com/journal/?p=1788
== Launchpad News ==
=== Sharing translations between different releases ===
Over the past few months Launchpad has been slowly introducing a grand
new feature in Launchpad Translations, and with 2.2.7, and they are
finally ready to announce it to the wide world:
Introducing message sharing
Message sharing between different releases of a product or distribution
in Launchpad means that translations done in one release (eg. trunk)
would immediately apply to translations in another release (eg. stable).
This should benefit everyone using Launchpad for translations, one way
or another.
* Translators will not have to worry about back-porting translation
fixes to older releases anymore, and they can simply translate the
latest release: translations will automatically propagate to older
releases. Also, this works both ways, so if you are translating a
current stable release, newer development release will get those updates
too!
* Project maintainers hosting their translations in Launchpad, when
they upload a template to a new release series and it gets imported,
will instantly get all existing translations from previous releases
shared with the new series and translators won't have to re-do their
work. They won't have to worry about uploading correct versions of
translated PO files, and can just care about POT files instead.
* For Ubuntu, there's another benefit: opening a new release for
translations will take minutes instead of days. Message sharing also
improves the scalability of the system, and we should soon start seeing
more performance improvements as the result of migrating to this new way
of managing translations.
Learn how you can benefit from message sharing by visiting the link below.
http://blog.launchpad.net/translations/sharing-translations
=== Open Mind and Launchpad ===
Open Mind is an open source effort to create a database of common sense
concepts. I asked Catherine Havasi, Rob Speer and Ken Arnold about the
project and their use of Launchpad. http://openmind.media.mit.edu/
Matthew Revell talks with Catherine Havasi, Rob Speer, and Ken Arnold
about Open Mind in this Launchpad interview.
http://blog.launchpad.net/projects/open-mind-and-launchpad
=== More power to the release manager ===
Last month Launchpad made a small change to the series page as a
commitment to making a distinction between the driver for a project and
the driver of a series. The drivers of a project have the power to make
the decision of what features go into a release. But the driver of a
series is special. Often a select number of individuals are delegated
the awesome responsibility to define the intent of a series, manage all
the milestones necessary to meet the goals, and to create the release.
Series drivers are release managers.
When developers talk about the trusted persons who are making the
release happen, they use the term release manager. While Launchpad
recognised the role, it required the person also be a project owner,
which is not always suitable for large projects. Release managers do not
need the power to edit the project information, they need the power to
edit the series information, create milestones, and release them. That
is the power they now have.
A project owner can set a user, or a team as the series release manager
from the series page. Project drivers also have the power to create a
series; they have the power to start planning to be make themselves the
release manger of the series they create.
http://blog.launchpad.net/general/more-power-to-the-relea...
=== Writing code for Launchpad ===
William Grant was the first person outside Canonical to submit a patch
to the newly open sourced Launchpad. Matthew Revell asked him a few
questions to see how he got on. Discussed in this interview:
* What did your patch change
* Why did you take the time to contribute to the Launchpad codebase
* How was it finding your way around the source tree
* How easy/hard was it to make you changes
* What about the review process
* What advice do you have for other people considering writing a patch
http://blog.launchpad.net/general/writing-code-for-launchpad
=== Exporting translations to a Bazaar branch ===
There used to be only one way of exporting translations from
Launchpad-by requesting your files in the Launchpad UI and waiting for
an email with the download URL. It works, but it's not very convenient
if you're trying to automate things. It's not that easy to make the
request automatically, and then right in the middle of your script you
also have to wait for the email, catch it, and parse it to get the file.
Now there's another option: automatic exports to a Bazaar branch. If
you set up this option, Launchpad will regularly produce a snapshot of
your translations and commit it to a Launchpad-hosted branch of your
choice. Now you can always find a reasonably fresh export of your
translations in the same place, and download it automatically, without
any asynchronous requests.
It also means that large numbers of developers or translators can get
regular, fresh updates of the translation files.
Follow the link below to find out:
* How to use it
* How it works
* Advanced: going two-way
* How often do the export happen
* Why do I need to own the branch
* What happens if I leave the project
http://blog.launchpad.net/general/exporting-translations-...
== The Planet ==
=== Christian Mangold: New layout for kubuntu-de.org ===
Kubuntu-de.org (http://www.kubuntu-de.org/) has a new layout. It is very
similar to kubuntu.org, but for several reason not the same. They had to
create own templates for forum and wiki, because they don't exist on
kubuntu.org. Further they have another main navigation bar, because
there were some complaints about it in the past. They are looking
forward to feedback and bug reports in the forum.
http://forum.kubuntu-de.org/index.php?topic=12487 Thanks to everyone who
helped making "Kubuntu Corporate" reality.
http://neversfelde.de/?p=264
== In The Press ==
=== Canonical Announces Inexpensive Phone Support ===
The Linux Loop tells us that Canonical has announced consumer-oriented
phone and email support for Ubuntu Desktop Edition. Ubuntu offered phone
support before, however it was priced for enterprises managing large
install bases. The new support plans are targeted at consumers and start
at about $50 per year. There are three tiers of this new support plan:
starter, advanced, and professional. All three tiers offer support for
installation and basic tasks, such as e-mail, web browsing, and
OpenOffice. The advanced tier, which costs $115 per year ($65 more than
starter) additionally offers support for Windows migration and a broader
set of applications. Finally, the professional tier, which costs over
$200 per year, adds support for topics such as virtualization and remote
desktop. This new support offering potentially offers a familiar bridge
for new users. The Linux Loop's only complaint is that the minimum
support length is a year. Many people may only need a few months of
support, so a cheaper and shorter option would be ideal.
http://www.linuxloop.com/2009/07/31/canonical-announces-i...
=== Dell's Inspiron 15n With Ubuntu: My Thoughts ===
Jeremy LaCroix of IT News Today tells us that his current laptop was
falling apart, and he found himself in the market for a new one sooner
than he'd planned. He decided to get a Dell and ended up with an
Inspiron 15n. LaCroix ordered the system on Wednesday July 15th, and he
received it Saturday July 25th. Packed in with the laptop Inside the box
was an Ubuntu DVD, a CD for reinstalling the media playback software,
and the usual instruction booklet and warranty/safety inserts. What we
have here is a VERY good laptop with excellent features, that only
suffers from a completely braindead default Ubuntu install. That's
probably going to be no big deal to most of you reading this as you'll
probably either install Ubuntu 9.04 or another distribution and
customize it yourself anyway. Jeremy says he would definitely recommend
this to everyone looking for a great machine, but there may be some post
purchase work to do once you get it. http://www.itnewstoday.com/?p=690
=== Intel Linux Graphics On Ubuntu Still Flaky ===
Phoronix's Michael Larabel recalls that back in May he shared that the
Ubuntu Intel graphics performance was still in bad shape after testing
out very early Ubuntu 9.10 packages. The netbook experience was killed
in Ubuntu 9.04 after a buggy Intel Linux graphics stack led to slow
performance, stability issues, screen corruption, and other problems.
Months have passed since he last exhaustively looked at the Intel Linux
graphics stack, and he has just carried out some new tests using Ubuntu
9.10 Alpha 3. This new development release of Ubuntu carries the latest
kernel, Mesa, and Intel driver packages as we see how the graphics
performance is with an Intel 945 and G43 chipsets. In two of the eight
tests, the newer release of Ubuntu 9.10 Alpha 3 did better than Ubuntu
9.04. However, in the other six tests, Ubuntu 9.10 Alpha 3 was running
slower than Ubuntu 9.04, which was already a release ridden with Intel
graphics problems. Clearly, even with the xf86-video-intel 2.8.0 DDX and
Linux 2.6.31 kernel, there are still problems at hand to be addressed.
Hopefully these Intel 2D/3D performance problems will be fixed within
the next three months for Ubuntu 9.10.
http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=in...
=== Ubuntu Plans New System for Installing Applications ===
The Linux Loops reports that Launchpad spec targeting Karmic Koala (the
next release of Ubuntu) describes specifications for a unified
application for installing software on Ubuntu. To be clear, everything
will still be based on Apt, so this isn't a significant backend change,
but rather a focus on a better user layer. In the short term, this new
application, currently called AppCenter, will basically be a cleaner
Add/Remove Programs with an update manager built in. Synaptic and the
other software installation tools will still be available in Karmic. If
AppCenter becomes a marketplace for all applications, it will
revolutionize application installation on computers. Yes, the idea may
be inspired by the iPhone app store, but an app store on a tightly
locked-down phone and an app store on computers are very different
things.
http://www.linuxloop.com/2009/07/25/ubuntu-plans-new-syst...
=== What Canonical's Launchpad Move to Open Source Means to Developers ===
Linux.com's Todd R. Weiss says now that the code for Canonical Ltd.'s
Launchpad open source development hosting community was released as open
source last week, the company hopes that developers who may have stayed
away from Launchpad in the past will take a new look. Canonical's new
mission is to try to change attitudes so developers who may have been
skeptical before will join Launchpad now, said Karl Fogel, Canonical's
Launchpad Ombudsman. "We knew that there were projects that would not
host on Launchpad because it was not open source, so we just decided to
just remove that barrier and remove that problem," Fogel said. There has
been a "spike" of new projects opened on Launchpad since its move last
week to open source, but Fogel didn't have any estimates on how many
came over due to the change. "I don't know if they are new projects or
if they are coming from somewhere else, but they had to be somewhere
else because there's no way someone could start up a new project and
have all their code together in such a short time."
http://www.linux.com/news/software/developer/30701-what-c...
== In The Blogosphere ==
=== Canonical Launching "Switch to Ubuntu" Desktop Migration Services ===
Joe Panettieri of Works With U takes a look at the Ubuntu Desktop
Migration Services, gives some descriptions and asks some questions.
For example, Canonical is proposing:
* The Starter Desktop Service supports installation, set-up and basic
functionality - such as Internet, creating documents and playing music
and videos.
* The Advanced Desktop Service is for more experienced users who need
help migrating files and settings from a previously used operating
system or assistance with desktop publishing and personnel accounting.
* The Professional Desktop Service is for the business user who use
Ubuntu as their main environment. Installation support ensures the
Ubuntu machine is set up on the corporate network and integrated into
existing IT services. The Professional Desktop Service also helps set up
desktop virtualization and ongoing support provides professional users
with quicker access to support personnel.
Joe wonders if the Starter Desktop service means on-site installation
service, and where Canonical will get the people to supply it. Other
questions are also raised. See the report at:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/30/canonical-launching-...
=== Canonical's Ubuntu Partner Program: Moves Worth Watching ===
The VAR Guy, writing for Works With U, looks at the Ubuntu Partner
Program and where it's going now. After outlining the partner channels
that exist, he goes on to suggest other areas that he feels should be
addressed, like more strongly promoting system builder partners. He
also feels that the Partnership Program should more directly address how
the partners and Ubuntu are profiting from the program. Read more at:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/27/canonicals-ubuntu-pa...
=== Dell: New Ubuntu Desktop PC Within Days ===
Once again the possibility of new Dell Desktop PCs running Ubuntu
surfaces, and the VAR Guy, reporting for Works With U, takes on the
mission of projecting when it will happen. He quotes a Dell spokeswoman
as saying, "I actually went on the record a few weeks ago to say we are
in the middle of transitioning from an old desktop model to one of our
newer desktops and expect [a desktop] Ubuntu offering to be available in
a few weeks. I really expect it to be back on dell.com by next week."
His take is that it will occur in the week of August 2. Get the whole
report at:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/29/dell-new-ubuntu-desk...
=== Canonical-IBM: Virtual Ubuntu Desktops vs. Windows 7 ===
The VAR Guy, reporting for Works With U, throws a lot of skepticism in
the path of Linux or Ubuntu doing serious damage to the upcoming release
of Windows 7. However, Peter Woodward, Canonical's manager for the IBM
global alliance, does expect the IBM-Canonical-Virtual Bridges
relationship to start generating revenue within a few months. The Pros
and Cons are addressed in the report:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/30/canonical-ibm-virtua...
=== Review of the System76 Starling Netbook ===
Jane Hadley gives a very extensive review of the System76 Starling
Netbook, and many of her observations are well documented. Despite the
list of Pros and Cons at the bottom of her report, she recommends the
Starling. Both the Pros and Cons are explained in the body of her
report, where she gives her reasons for her opinions. Read the whole
thing at: http://janehadley.net/Starling_Review/starling_review.html
=== Ubuntu 9.10 Preview: GRUB 2 ===
Christopher Tozzi of Works With U looks at the new GRUB 2 bootloader.
This is the version that will be shipped with Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala,
and is a complete re-write of the bootloader code. New advances
include, scripting, a rescue mode, and the ability to have a graphical
boot menu and the ability to boot from ISOs mounted on the harddrive
instead of having to burn them to disk. His report is at:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/29/ubuntu-910-preview-g...
=== Ubuntu Netbooks: Strong Demand at System76 ===
Joe Panettieri, writing for Works With U, reports on the success of
System76's Starling NetBook and Meerkat NetTops. Both of them spent
about 2 weeks out of stock due to demand. Exactly how much in demand
these systems are is uncertain since the company is privately held, but
But earlier this year, Carl Richell said his 1Q 2009 revenues rose 61
percent compared to 1Q 2008. Joe's report can be found at:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/27/ubuntu-netbooks-stro...
=== Ubuntu Server Edition and Alfresco: A Sign of Things to Come ===
Joe Panettieri of Works With U gives a glowing report on the connection
of Alfresco with the Ubuntu Server Edition. For example, in a quote
from Martin Musierowicz, VP of alliances at Alfresco Software: "Ubuntu
Server Edition is the most popular Linux distribution amongst the
Alfresco user community. We see many open source community members
looking to use a combination of Alfresco as their content management
solution and Ubuntu as their chosen operating system." Joe feels that
Ubuntu needs more endorsements like this from the ISVs. His report is
at:
http://www.workswithu.com/2009/07/28/ubuntu-server-editio...
=== Canonical to Offer Ubuntu Desktop Support ===
Computerworld's resident Cyber Synic, Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, asks,
"Do you want to save desktop support money? Do you have Windows and
Mac-using friends or co-workers who want to try desktop Linux? Well, in
either case, you're going to want to check out Canonical, Ubuntu Linux's
parent company, latest desktop support offerings: Starter, Advanced and
Professional." Canonical announced these new support services for the
Ubuntu desktop for individuals and small businesses on July 31st in
London. These services are particularly designed for small business
owners who are looking for cost effective alternatives to Windows and
Apple Mac. If you've been thinking about saving money by switching to
desktop Linux, but the lack of an individual or SMB support plan was
stopping you, you can take your foot off the brake now. Canonical is
ready to get your Ubuntu desktop Linux rolling.
http://www.linux.com/news/software/applications/31444-can...
== In Other News ==
=== Ubuntu Podcast Quickie #10 ===
Featured in Ubuntu Podcast Quickie #10:
* Ubuntu Tour in Honduras
* Ubuntu Zimbabwe admitted as an Honorary Institutional Member of the
Computer Society
* Ubuntu Pennsylvania LoCo working with FreeGreekPenn
* Free Ubuntu books for approved LoCos
* Ubuntu Karmic Koala Artwork
* Ubuntu UK Podcast screencasts
* Ubuntu Karmic Alpha 3
* Kubuntu Karmic Alpha 3
* On-Disk Quick Ship Free Disc Service for Xubuntu
* Kubuntu gets Ayatana
* Launchpad open sourced
* Ubuntu Server Community Survey
* PlayDeb.net
* OpenJDK 6 is certified on 9.04
* Alfresco Community Edition now runs on Ubuntu Server
* SourceForge Community Choice Awards 2009
http://ubuntupodcast.net/2009/07/30/ubuntu-podcast-quicki...
== Meeting Summaries: July 2009 ==
==== Forum Council July 2009 ====
* To help integrate the Ubuntu Forums and Launchpad you may now log
into the Ubuntu Forums with your Launchpad OpenID.
* Forums otherwise remain active (and fun).
==== July Meeting ====
* We unfortunately did not have a quorum ans so no action could be taken.
* We did, however, listen to some of the issues brought up by the
community.
* We will discuss revising the Report Button on the forums. Thank you
to everyone for the suggestions. See
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1208698 for details.
* Thank you to DougieRichardson (and others) to help improve
discouraged posts / threads that end up in T&E. T&E is probably the best
location for this activity as it prevents trolling.
* The specifics of the plan are here:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Forum/Spec/TestimonialTeam. We do not think a
specific team needs to be started for this activity on the forums,
although perhaps contact the BeginnersTeam to see if a Focus group can
be formed.
* The staff will discuss the potential use of Launchpad to track
staff members.
* The FC will make efforts to keep Team Reporting up to date.
* BodhiZazen will ask Hellow and Panickedthumb to head up the UA team
with additional actions to be discussed next month.
* Logs of the meeting can be found here:
http://irclogs.ubuntu.com/2009/07/30/%23ubuntu-meeting.txt (Meeting logs
Start at 23:18)
==== MOTU Council ====
* MC Meeting 2009-07-10:
* Andrea Veri rejoined the MOTU team. He plans to get back to all of
his packages and help out with the MOTU-P2P team and mentoring new
users. Launchpad: https://launchpad.net/~bluekuja Wiki:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Bluekuja
* Chris Coulson joined the MOTU team. He has been working with the
Ubuntu desktop team for some time now, and he plans to carry on with
packaging work, bug-fixes and helping out with debugging issues.
Launchpad: https://launchpad.net/~chrisccoulson Wiki:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ChrisCoulson
==== Technical Board ====
* Technical Board meeting, 2009-07-14
* The Board agreed on the text for the Developer Application Board
proposal and has passed it to the Community Council and MOTU Council for
review. The outcome of this will be discussed at the next board meeting.
* Colin Watson has proposed sets of packages based on the current
seeds and intersections between distributions, Matt Zimmerman has an
action to review this.
* Based on this, Colin Watson will begin setting up interviews with
developers whose upload permissions may change as a result of the seed
changes.
* The board has completed its review of the proposed patent policy
text, and has asked Jono Bacon to provide a new draft by Tuesday next
week to allow sufficient time for review before the next board meeting.
Mark Shuttleworth has yet to review this text.
* Matt Zimmerman presented his Release Manifest
<https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KarmicKoala/ReleaseManifest> for comments.
* It was agreed that the hostname for distributing images for Ubuntu
Enterprise Cloud would be cloud-image.ubuntu.com
* The Technical Board agreed to increase its membership, and undergo
a nomination period. This will follow in a separate mail.
* Colin Watson will chair the next board meeting.
* Technical Board meeting, 2009-07-28
* Review of outstanding actions
* Action: Colin to set up interviews with developers regarding
upload privilege reorganization (for ArchiveReorganization)
* Technical Board nominations
* Action: Matt to contact TB nominees to confirm they wish to stand
* Developer Membership Board
* The proposal has been well received by the Technical Board,
Community Council and MOTU Council
* Action: Scott to implement Developer Membership Board proposal
(LP, mailing list, documentation, etc.)
* Action: Jono to see that documentation is updated to reflect the
Developer Membership Board
* Patent policy
* Voted to accept the draft patent policy as official
* Action: Matt to communicate the new patent policy
* Governance review
* Reviewed Jono's recommendations from the most recent governance
review (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/TechnicalBoard/JauntyAssessment)
* Action: Colin to update
http://www.ubuntu.com/community/processes/techboard
* Action: Jono to draft text to communicate the TB's willingness to
review key topics submitted by the community
* Action: Colin to discuss with Bdale (Debian technical committee
chair) about having a Debian representative on the Ubuntu TB
* Select a chair for the next meeting
* Action: Colin to chair next TB meeting
==== Xubuntu Team ====
===== Packaging, Development, & Testing =====
* Cody investigated the new gdm and feasibility of adapting it for
Xubuntu.
* Cody patched gdm so that it no longer pulls in all of gnome (just
quite a bit of it).
* SiDi implemented and Mr_pouilt packaged xfce4-volumed for the
NotifyOsd spec
* SiDi began patching Exaile for possible inclusion in Karmic
* Cody seeded xfce4-power-manager in place of gnome-power-manager and
sent out a call for testing.
* Cody performed memory profiling on xfce4-power-manager and
identified ways to reduce it's memory footprint.
====== Marketing, Artwork ======
* Brainstorming.
* QuickShip Xubuntu CDs
====== Community ======
* End-user support done.
* SiDi created specification templates and app comparison templates
* SiDi wrote specifications for the default music player and NotifyOsd
* Ochosi wrote specifications for the default image viewer (with
SiDi's help) and for the default mail client
==== Ubuntu LoCo Teams ====
===== Asturian Team =====
* Day 24: Publication of the video: Edubuntu Experience in Asturian
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqOZ16kCuqw). The Asturian LoCo team,
testing Edubuntu with students and teachers.
===== Cameroonian Team =====
* Integration of Maelys within Jaunty
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CameroonianTeam/Projects/Maelys)
* Release of Ubuntu Apt pack 9.04
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CameroonianTeam/Projects/AddOnCD)
* Details in tnjulius's website: http://tnjulius.c-webhosting.org/uap/
* List of providers
http://tnjulius.c-webhosting.org/index.php?a2nb888=328099
* Introduction of Camerlog
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CameroonianTeam/IRC/camerlog), a custom bot, in
#ubuntu-cm channel on Freenode.
===== Catalan Team =====
* Thursday, June 11th, at 20:00 on Tarambana Bar (Cardedeu), Ubuntu
9.04 presentation and chats about the new Operating System.
* Saturday, June 13th, from 10.30 to 13.30 on Vil·la Paquita
(Cardedeu), Ubuntu installation day, FLOSS installation day and
applications for getting the software localised in Catalan
(http://www.carde10.cat)
* Saturday, June 20th, from 9.30 to 13.30 on Tarambana Bar (Cardedeu),
Ubuntu presentation and installation day.
* 2 Kubuntu installations at school CEIP Progrés, Badalona.
* 125 Ubuntu installations at High School Torre Vicens, Lleida.
* Fortnightly meetings: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CatalanTeam/Reunions
===== Czech Team =====
* Live meeting in Prague (25th July)
* Plans for local live meeting in Pardubice in August
===== Chilean Team =====
* IRC Meeting:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ChileanTeam/Reuniones/2009-07-26 (July 27st
01:30 UTC, #ubuntu-cl).
* New Ubuntu-cl Webpage: http://www.ubuntu-cl.org. It looks really
pretty! (thanks to FernandaMorales and AlvaroBarahona).
===== Colombian Team =====
* 3 new [[ColombianTeam/Eventos/Hacklabs|Hacklabs]] were held -
(GNU/Linux & Ubuntu, History and Philosophy, Let's learn to install
GNU/Linux and Ubuntu & Shell Commands)
* Introducing the new [[https://edge.launchpad.net/~ubuntu-co-concilio
| Council of Ubuntu Colombian Team]]
===== Danish Team =====
People are taking summer holidays, so not much new is happening.
* Working on the website, getting closer.
* Small preparations for Karmic Release Party.
* Ordered free Ubuntu books.
===== Japanese Team =====
* We have attended "Open Source Conference 2009 Kansai@Kyoto" as
exhibitor and speaker:
* http://www.ospn.jp/osc2009-kansai/
* https://wiki.ubuntulinux.jp/OSC2009Kansai
* Seminar was titled "The past, present, and future of Netbook
support in Ubuntu." led by ikuya.
* Docs for the seminar:
https://wiki.ubuntulinux.jp/OSC2009Kansai?action=AttachFi...
(ODF)
* Movie for the seminar:
http://video.ubuntulinux.jp/videos/OSC_Kyoto_2009.ogv (OGV)
http://video.ubuntulinux.jp/videos/OSC_Kyoto_2009.mp4 (MP4)
http://video.ubuntulinux.jp/videos/OSC_Kyoto_2009.mpeg (MPEG)
* Team members have talked about Ubuntu as a theme on ASCII.jp which
is online Japanese magazine.
* "Ittoke! Ubuntu DoJo!"("Let's go to Ubuntu-DoJo") :
Interview-style articles, deal with "How/What/Why use Ubuntu".
* http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/435/435813/
* We are planning to organize event "Offline Meeting Tokyo 9.08"
* Date: 1st Aug 2009
* Time: 12:00 - 18:00
* Place: Akihabara Hirose Building in Tokyo, Japan
* Plan: Ubuntu 9.04 install party and some seminars
* https://wiki.ubuntulinux.jp/Offline200908
====== Saratov Team ======
* July, 31 - SysAdmin Day 2009 openair meeting
===== United States Teams =====
====== US Teams Project ======
* Launched newly designed http://planet.ubuntu-us.org/
====== FloridaTeam ======
* DanTrevino and reya276 still improving the Ubuntu Florida website
(http://ubuntu-fl.org/).
* Meeting July 7th
* LoCo Ideas Page
* Public Advocacy
* LoCo Mentoring
a. BugJam
a. Florida Linux Show
* FloridaTeam members attended the Tampa Linux Meetup
(http://www.meetup.com/Tampa-Linux) on July 11th.
* FloridaTeam Bug Jam
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/FloridaTeam/Projects/BugJam) on July 12th in
Orlando.
* pak33m became an Ubuntu Member on July 15th.
* itnet7 attended the Community Leadership Summit
(http://www.communityleadershipsummit.com/) on July 18th and 19th.
* Meeting July 21st
* At-Risk Youth Build Day:
http://www.meetup.com/Tampa-Linux/calendar/10712135
* Ubuntu Global Jam
* Mootbot
* July Team Report Submissions
* Upcoming events for August and October
====== Ohio Team ======
* Booth registration for OLF complete! Well on track for a great show
in September.
* In the process of ordering CDs and conference materials.
* Initial discussion of a Cleveland subteam, more to come next month.
====== Pennsylvania Team ======
* July 18: Confirmed with PACS (http://pacsnet.org) that we will be
presenting for Software Freedom Day
* Planning:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PennsylvaniaTeam/EventsTeam/Phill...
* July 25: FreeGeekPenn (http://freegeekpenn.org) visit
* Starting to plan for collaboration:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PennsylvaniaTeam/CommunityOutreac...
==== Ubuntu Beginners Team ====
* Ubuntu Beginners Team Meeting 2009-07-14:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BeginnersTeam/Meetings/20090714
* Agree that the council should discuss ways to open up the -council
IRC channel and get rid of the +mz channel modes
* Announcement about new project to help create a "pipeline" from the
Beginners Team to the wider Ubuntu community
* Due to ajmorris disappearing, Silver_Fox_ stepped up to help
co-lead the IRC Focus Group
* Announce the Young New Users Focus Group Conduct Wiki Page
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BeginnersTeam/FocusGroups/YNU/Con...)
* Agree that having some users accidentally coming to the main team
channel instead of the support channel is fine, and that there is no
need to rename/move the main channel
* Dallas Wiebelhaus joined the Ubuntu Beginners Team. He has been a
great participant in team activities, and definitely deserving of
membership.
* leoquant joined the Ubuntu Beginners Team. He is already a very
knowledgeable Ubuntu member, and will make a great addition to the team.
* Ubuntu Beginners Team Meeting 2009-07-28:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BeginnersTeam/Meetings/20090728
* Point out Folding@Home (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/FoldingAtHome) and
the #ubuntu-folding channel
* Agree to move mailing lists from lists.launchpad.net to
lists.ubuntu.com
* Discuss future of the Unanswered Posts Team
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UnansweredPostsTeam) and whether it should
remain a separate team or be merged into the Beginners Team. The team
was neutral in regards to merging the two teams.
* The Wiki Focus Group's Summer of Documentation has seen some nice
progress. There is still room for new users to help out if they wish.
* The IRC Focus Group has seen a lot more activity over the past few days
* The Ubuntu Community Learning Project
(https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Learning) is slowly forming, and is a separate
team than the Education Focus Group
* The Council will work with the Development Focus Group in order to
help accommodate their desire to allow non-Beginners Team members to
join the Focus Group.
* starcraft.man joined the Ubuntu Beginners Team. He has been helping
beginners for a long time, and has recently joined the Wiki Focus Group.
We are glad to welcome him to the team.
==== Ubuntu NGO Team ====
* CiviCRM packaging in full swing. Lots of problems resolved,
packaging necessary PHP modules.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/NGO/ApplicationPackaging
* Offline Content - Have been investigating offline OpenStreetMap CD
http://blog.technomancy.org/tags/offlineosm
== Upcoming Meetings and Events ==
=== Sunday, August 2, 2009 ===
==== Ubuntu IRC Council meeting ====
* Start: 07:00 UTC
* End: 08:00 UTC
* Location: Not listed as of publication
* Agenda: Not listed as of publication
==== Ubuntu Doc Team Meeting ====
* Start: 08:00 UTC
* End: 09:00 UTC
* Location: Not listed as of publication
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DocumentationTeam/MeetingAgenda
=== Monday, August 3, 2009 ===
==== Karmic Developer (Distro) Sprint ====
=== Tuesday, August 4, 2009 ===
==== Karmic Developer (Distro) Sprint ====
==== Server Team Meeting ====
* Start: 15:00 UTC
* End: 16:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ServerTeam/Meeting
==== Desktop Team Meeting ====
* Start: 16:30 UTC
* End: 17:30 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-desktop
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DesktopTeam/Meeting
==== Kernel Team Meeting ====
* Start: 17:00 UTC
* End: 18:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: Not listed as of publication
==== LoCo Teams Meeting ====
* Start: 17:00 UTC
* End: 18:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-locoteams
* Agenda: Not listed as of publication
==== EMEA Membership Meeting ====
* Start: 20:00 UTC
* End: 21:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Membership/RegionalBoards/EMEA
==== Community Council Meeting ====
* Start: 21:00 UTC
* End: 23:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CommunityCouncilAgenda
=== Wednesday, August 5, 2009 ===
==== Karmic Developer (Distro) Sprint ====
==== Ubuntu-us-pa LoCo Team Meeting ====
* Start: 12:30 UTC
* End: 13:30 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-us-pa
* Agenda: None as of publication
==== Cameroonian LoCoTeam monthly IRC meeting ====
* Start: 14:00 UTC
* End: 16:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-cm
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/CameroonianTeam/NextMeeting
==== Foundation Team Meeting ====
* Start: 16:00 UTC
* End: 17:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: None listed as of publication
==== QA Team Meeting ====
* Start: 17:00 UTC
* End: 18:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/QATeam/Meetings/
=== Thursday, August 6, 2009 ===
==== Karmic Developer (Distro) Sprint ====
==== Ubuntu Java Meeting ====
* Start: 14:00 UTC
* End: 15:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: None listed as of publication
==== MC Meeting ====
* Start: 17:00 UTC
* End: 18:00 UTC
* Location: IRC Channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/Council/Meeting
==== Ubuntu Mobile Team Meeting ====
* Start: 21:00 UTC
* End: 22:00 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: None listed as of publication
=== Friday, August 7, 2009 ===
==== Karmic Developer (Distro) Sprint ====
==== Karmic Weekly Release Meeting ====
* Start: 15:00 UTC
* End: 16:30 UTC
* Location: IRC channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: http://wiki.ubuntu.com/ReleaseTeam/Meeting/2009-08-07
==== Launchpad LoCo Tools Discussion ====
* Start: 22:00 UTC
* End: 23:00 UTC
* Location: IRC Channel #ubuntu-meeting
* Agenda: None listed as of publication
=== Saturday, August 8, 2009 ===
* None listed as of publication
== Updates and Security for 6.06, 8.04, 8.10 and 9.04 ==
=== Security Updates ===
* USN-807-1: Linux kernel vulnerabilities -
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-807-1
* USN-808-1: Bind vulnerability - http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-808-1
=== Ubuntu 6.06 Updates ===
* None Reported
=== Ubuntu 8.04 Updates ===
* sudo 1.6.9p10-1ubuntu3.5 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/hardy-changes/2009-July...
* devscripts 2.10.11ubuntu5.8.04.3 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/hardy-changes/2009-July...
* adobe-flashplugin 10.0.32.18-1hardy1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/hardy-changes/2009-July...
* skype-mid 3.0.0.93-3 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/hardy-changes/2009-July...
=== Ubuntu 8.10 Updates ===
* linux 2.6.27-14.38 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/intrepid-changes/2009-J...
* adobe-flashplugin 10.0.32.18-1intrepid1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/intrepid-changes/2009-J...
* skype-mid 3.0.0.93-3intrepid1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/intrepid-changes/2009-J...
=== Ubuntu 9.04 Updates ===
* xfce4-terminal 0.2.10-1ubuntu2.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* linux 2.6.28-15.48 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* linux-backports-modules-2.6.28 2.6.28-15.17 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* linux-restricted-modules 2.6.28-15.20 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* app-install-data-partner 11.9.04.3 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* kdenetwork 4:4.2.2-0ubuntu2.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* adobe-flashplugin 10.0.32.18-1jaunty1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* linux-meta 2.6.28.15.20 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* app-install-data-partner 11.9.04.4 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* kde-l10n-eu 4:4.2.2-0ubuntu3.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* clamav 0.95.2+dfsg-4ubuntu1.1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
* skype-mid 3.0.0.93-3jaunty1 -
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-Jul...
== Archives and RSS Feed ==
You can always find older Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter issues at:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter
You can subscribe to the Ubuntu Weekly News via RSS at:
http://fridge.ubuntu.com/uwn/feed
== Additional Ubuntu News ==
As always you can find more news and announcements at:
http://www.ubuntu.com/news
and
http://fridge.ubuntu.com/
== Conclusion ==
Thank you for reading the Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter.
See you next week!
== Credits ==
The Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter is brought to you by:
* John Crawford
* Craig A. Eddy
* Dave Bush
* Sayak Banerjee
* Liraz Siri
* Nathan Handler
* And many others
== Glossary of Terms ==
1. IRC - Internet Relay Chat.
1. ISO - International Organization for Standardization. Also, the
suffix given to disk images that comply with the conventional Standards
format.
1. MC - MOTU Council - https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/Council
1. MOTU - Master Of The Universe - Developers responsible for the
Universe and Multiverse repositories. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU
1. UTC - Coordinated Universal Time: UTC replaced GMT as the basis for
the main reference time scale or civil time in various regions on
January 1, 1972.
Other acronyms can be found at
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/glossary
== Ubuntu - Get Involved ==
The Ubuntu community consists of individuals and teams, working on
different aspects of the distribution, giving advice and technical
support, and helping to promote Ubuntu to a wider audience. No
contribution is too small, and anyone can help. It's your chance to get
in on all the community fun associated with developing and promoting
Ubuntu. http://www.ubuntu.com/community/participate
== Feedback ==
This document is maintained by the Ubuntu Weekly News Team. If you have
a story idea or suggestions for the Weekly Newsletter, join the Ubuntu
News Team mailing list at
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/Ubuntu-news-team and submit
it. Ideas can also be added to the wiki at
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/Ideas. If you'd like to
contribute to a future issue of the Ubuntu Weekly Newsletter, please
feel free to edit the appropriate wiki page. If you have any technical
support questions, please send them to ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com.
Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License BY SA
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
--
ubuntu-news mailing list
ubuntu-news@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-news
